[Lead poisoning. Apropos of a case of acute encephalopathy in an adult]. Although acute lead encephalopathy is rare in adults, the authors had the opportunity to observe a case in a patient who had been exposed to lead occupationally for 25 years. This patient was also seen to be suffering from anemia and polyneuropathy. The blood lead level was 591 micrograms/100 ml (28,52 mumol/l). A review of the literature concerning the principal sources of lead poisoning, routes of absorption, metabolism and consequences of poisoning is conducted. Treatment by chelating agents is discussed. CaNa2-EDTA was administered by i.v. infusion over 24 hours and a favorable evolution was rapidly observable in the encephalopathy and anemia. On the other hand, the polyneuropathy was intensified, a fact which may have been caused by redistribution of lead in the soft tissues.


[Kala-azar; clinical and physiopathological study a propos of a new case studied in Switzerland]. Kala-azar, a parasitic disease caused by Leishmania donovani, is usually found in tropical areas but may occasionally occur in other regions such as the Mediterranean. A case of kala-azar in a women who had been on a holiday in Greece is reported. The parasite was demonstrated in lymph node biopsies and bone marrow smears and treatment with stibogluconate was begun. High levels of circulating immune complexes were demonstrable before and during the demonstration of parasites; the immune complexes were partially characterized. The diminution of complexes in serum paralleled the regression of clinical symptoms, suggesting a relationship between the clinical course and levels of circulating immune complexes. The disease may be a serum sickness-like syndrome induced by the parasite.


Genetic mapping of the ecotropic murine leukemia virus-inducing locus of BALB/c mouse to chromosome 5. By means of an approach that combined the techniques of somatic cell genetics and Mendelian breeding studies, the inducibility locus, designated Cv, for ecotropic murine leukemia virus in BALB/c mice, was mapped to chromosome 5, 23 units from the locus for phosphoglucomutase-1, with gene order Cv-Pgm-1-Gus. This low-efficiency inducibility locus is therefore not allelic with the chromosome 7 loci previously described for two other mouse strains with high virus inducibility. These studies provide further evidence that endogenous ecotropic viruses represent viral genomes inserted at different chromosomal sites in the various mouse strains.


Genetic linkage of C3H/HeJ and BALB/c endogenous ecotropic C-type viruses to phosphoglucomutase-1 on chromosome 5. The genetic linkage of the endogenous C3H/HeJ C-type ecotropic virus to phosphoglucomutase-1 (0.28, recombinant fraction) on chromosome 5 was established by means of serological assays of backcrossed mice. With a combination of serological techniques and DNA-DNA hybridization the BALB/c endogenous ecotropic virus was shown to be either closely linked or allelic with the C3H/HeJ locus.


A source of nonshivering thermogenesis in fur seal skeletal muscle. The mitochondria from the subscapular muscle of naturally cold-stressed 10- to 15-year-old northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) were loosely coupled upon isolation, whereas the mitochondria from the same muscle of warm-acclimated pups of the same age were tightly coupled. Thus, loose-coupled muscle mitochondria might provide an important vehicle for nonshivering thermogenesis in this species.


Ingested mineral fibers: elimination in human urine. Sediment in human urine examined by transmission electron microscopy contains amphibole fibers which originate from the ingestion of drinking water contaminated with these mineral fibers. The ingestion of filtered water results in the eventual disappearance of amphibole fibers from urine. These observations provide the first direct evidence for the passage of mineral fibers through the human gastro-intestinal mucosa under normal conditions of the alimentary canal.


Evolutionary relatedness of viper and primate endogenous retroviruses. A retrovirus previously isolated from a tumored Russell's viper is shown by molecular hybridization to be an endogenous virus of this reptilian species. Radio-immunologic techniques revealed that the viper retrovirus is immunologically and, hence, evolutionarily related to endogenous type D retorviruses of Old World primates. These findings extend the number of vertebrate classes possessing endogenous retroviruses and suggest that type D retroviruses may even be more widely distributed in nature than type C retroviruses.


Localization of the neurally mediated arrhythmogenic properties of digitalis. Available evidence suggests that the propensity of digitalis glycosides to produce cardiac arrhythmias is due in part to their neuroexictatory effects. We have performed experiments in cats which support the existence of a neurogenic component in the etiology of digitalis-induced ventricular arrhythmias. Our data further indicate that the locus of this neural effect lies within an area of the medulla 2 millimeters above to 2 millimeters below the obex. These findings, when considered with the effects of polar cardiac glycosides that do not cross the blood-brain barrier, suggest that the area postrema may be the site of neural activation.


[Needle biopsy of the liver in an internal medicine department]. The authors presents 1 129 liver biopsies done during 7 years in a service of general medicine. Three accidents has been encountered representing a 0,17% mortality. Histologically, 50% of patients presented alterations due to ethylism, 25% presented a normal liver picture, which can be a diagnosis argument; 20% presented various lesions, of which tuberculosis is predominant, as well as acute, parasitary or hematological livers. Only 5% of the histological pictures are ininterpretable. The liver biopsy done very early in the evolution of a disease is sometimes a diagnosis argument which superior to others, allowing the rapid installation of the necessary treatment.


[Degenerative angiodysplasia of the ascending colon: a new entity frequently responsible for intestinal hemorrhage in the elderly]. The authors report a case of degenerative angiodysplasia of the right side of the colon. Regarding this they describe the two clinical features peculiar to this new nosological anatomo-clinical entity: hypochromic anaemia associated with low iron, and intestinal haemorrhage. The improvement of selective arteriography is the method which permits its description and underlines the frequence. But the authors believe that coloscopy in the presence of these lesions, should become beneficial and hold a place of special importance: in the diagnosis and concerning treatment of this disease. In effect the patients most prone to this condition are, by definition, elderly and hardly suitable subjects for surgery.


[Passive hemagglutination test for individual or epidemiologic diagnosis of human brucellosis]. Coupling of an extract from B. abortus strain 99 to sheep red blood cells by chromium chloride allowed to develop a highly specific and reliable passive hemagglutination test (H). Indeed, H was positive in 99.8 per cent sera from 968 known Brucella-infected heifers, while tube agglutination revealed only 59 per cent and complement fixation 90.9 per cent positive cases. H was positive in 153 sera from 778 proven or suspected human brucellosis where agglutination and/or complement fixation tests were positive, and in 21 sera negative to conventional tests. H demonstreated remote or undiagnosed human B. abortus infections in 28.6 per cent of 18 367 human sera randomly examined in a rural area. Therefore, a simple easy-to-perform passive hemagglutination test could replace a battery of conventional tests for the diagnosis of individual brucellosis, and epidemiologic surveys. The present study points to a high prevalence of undiagnosed brucellosis in man, specially in those area where cattle are raised.


[Hemoglobinopathies in West-African immigrant workers in France (author's transl)]. In this paper are brought the results obtained in two Parisian hospitals during a survey of abnormal hemoglobins in 540 immigrant workers coming from Africa, mostly from Mali, Mauritania and Senegal. All the subjects investigated were male and between 20 and 40 years old. The studies were performed following internationally standardized technics. The most frequent abnormalities were: Hb S found in 16.3%, Hb C (6.6%), alpha-thalassemia trait (3.1%) and beta-thalassemia trait (3.1%). Some rare abnormalities were also found: delta-chain variants, hereditary persistance of foetal hemoglobin, Hb Hope and Hb Grady. This work emphasizes the high frequency of the different hemoglobin disorders in this population. The easy diagnostic of electrophoretically detectable variants is compared to the more complex situation of thalassemia leading probably to an under estimation of the percentage.


[Splenic lympho-plasmocytic sarcomas discovered by exploratory laparotomy in 2 cases of cold agglutinin disease]. The 2 patients have cold agglutinin disease with lymphoid nodules in the bone marrow. A splenectomy was done because of the severity of the hemolytic anemia and because of the increasing splenomegaly. Tumoral nodules with the aspect of lymphoplasmocytic sarcoma or immunocytoma were discovered in the spleen. Those tumors can be considered either as a morphologic aspect of the cold agglutinin disease which is yet considered as a kind of chronic lymphoproliferative syndrom or as the proliferation of an other clone. In this hypothesis, the lymphoplasmocytic sarcoma habe the same signification that the Richter's syndrome in chronic lymphoid leukemia and that the sarcoma appearing in Waldenström's macroglobulinemia or in alpha heavy chain disease.


[Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of sultopride in the dog. Qualitative and quantitative analysis in various organs]. After oral administration of a single dose of 45 mg/kg of sultopride in the dog, concentrations in different organs were determined after 1, 6 and 24 hours. Sultopride and his deethly metabolite have been identified and determined. The maximal concentration of the benzamides were found in the organs one hour after administration.


[Systematic cardiologic study in 37 schistosomiasis patients]. 1) A systematic search was made for cardiac abnormalities (clinical, radiological and EKG) and for haemodynamic disorders (catheterisation of the right side of the heart and pulmonary artery). It was generally found that: -- 14 patients (37.8%) had no symptoms; -- 8 patients (21.6%) had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAHT) with the corresponding cardiac signs; -- 15 patients (40.5%) had cardiac signs with no evidence of PAHT. 2) The 8 patients with PAHT (21.6%) had precapillary type of PAHT with an arteriocapillary gradient. The symptoms were those of PAHT and of the right ventricular failure; but this desorder could be latent. PAHT can be in relation with inflammatory lesions. In these 8 patients, S. Mansoni was to blame in 6 cases and 5 S. Hematobium in 2. 3) In 9 patients (24.3%), cardiac signs were connected indirectly with bilharziasis by anemia, iatrogenic injury or hypertensive myocardial disease of renal origin. 4) In 3 patients (8.1%), cardiac signs were found because of coexistant disease. 5) In 3 patients (8.1%), cardiac signs could have been due to bilharzia myocarditis. The authors reviewed the experimental and clinical discussions for such a possibility.


[Results of a national therapeutic trial in 10,000 hypertensive patients conducted by 2000 general practitioners (author's transl)]. Multicenter study in 10294 hypertensive patients conducted by 2000 G.P.'s throughout France. This trial permitted to compare the effectiveness and tolerance of 3 types of antihypertensive therapy: a beta-blocker, a diuretic and a central antihypertensive agent. It also permitted to study a certain number of socio-epidemiological characteristics in that patient population, in particular with regard to cardio-vascular risk factors.


[Tolerance and short-term results of the systematic laparotomy-chemotherapy-radiotherapy sequence in Hodgkin's disease in adults]. Twenty five cases of Hodgkin disease were treated by chemotherapy and radiotherapy after staging laparotomy. The safety and the utility of staging laparotomy are discussed. Staging laparotomy seems to be usefull in stage II with involvement of at least three lymphatic territories and in stage III.


[Treatment of headache in neuro-radiological investigations (author's transl)]. The aim of this study was to try the efficiency of tiapridal in preventing headache during neuro-radiological procedures. In spite of indiscutable curative effect, this drug does not prove to be efficient in preventive effect. The authors described a new protocol using IV infusion at the end of the radiological procedure, followed by pills per os. No side effect was observed.


[Does mastoiditis still exist? (author's transl)]. The authors report 382 cases of mastoidectomy verified by histological examination and draw certain conclusions: There were 5 errors in diagnosis, i.e. 1.3 per cent. Most cases were aged between 4 and 12 months. Below the age of two years it was usually bilateral, exceptionally so after the age of two years. Diagnosis was mainly clinical and based on the following axiom: "All infants with acute otitis who, in spite of proper medical treatment, have at the end of one month of a weight curve either stationary or falling, and eardrums not strictly normal, have mastoiditis". This therefore implies close and prolonged supervision by the same observer throughout the period antibiotic treatment and at least one week after stopping the latter. The treatment is still mastoidectomy and not antrotomy but one may hope with more accurate diagnosis that new methods of treatment may be developed to the extent where immediate and long term supervision of the child may be ensured.


[The child's gastroduodenal ulcer (author's transl)]. The child's gastroduodenal ulcer is not uncommon. Its symptomatology is notably different from the adult's and gives it a rather original aspect. The pain is often atypical, almost permanent and its rythm is not necessarily related to the meals. The psychological context and the family background are almost always disclosed. The digestive hemorrhage is easily revealing. Radiological traps are to be known. The treatment is virtually always medical. Cimetidine has been used only in complications, in which it has appeared very useful. Surgery is not called for but in case of perforation or hemorrhage; then it is essentially preserving.


[Long survival periods after therapy for metastatic or reccurrent cancer (author's transl)]. Out of 671 cases of various cancers, first seen for growing metastases and or recurrences (resectable cases being excluded) the 3 years survival rate has been 18 per cent (121 cases). This result was obtained by various combinations of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It follows that advanced cases should not be abandoned without any attempt at control, and that earlier treatments in cases being at high risk for metastases would probably further increase such results.


[Costal echinococcosis. Report of one case and review of the literature (author's transl)]. Following the report of a case of costal echinococcosis, a review of the published literature showed that 32 identical cases have been the subject of publications in the Occident. A further 6 cases were found in the records of the University Hospitals in Teheran, which brings the total to 39 published cases, including our patient, known at the present time. It is important to make the diagnosis in these cases so that the surgeon can take the necessary precautions to avoid the anaphylactic shock which can follow dissemination of the parasite.


[Bilateral breast localization of Kahler's disease: cytological and histological aspects]. Breast localisation of multiple myeloma is quite unfrequent. In one case of a 69 years old man, the diagnosis was suspected by a cytological aspiration biopsy of the lesion, and later confirmed by histological and biological investigations. The analysis of the literature has enabled the authors to gather 7 other cases and to describe the characters of this peculiar tumoral localisation. The breast involvement is mostly observed in women. The average is 38 years old. Only 2 cases deal with men, both treated with estrogens. The lesion is usually bilateral and nearly always associated with other visceral and bone localisations. It is not modified by chemiotherapy and appears shortly before death.


[Plasma cell granuloma of the lung. Report of two cases (author's transl)]. The authors report two cases of inflammatory pseudotumour of the lung, one discovered by chance in a 15 year old boy and the other following a hemoptysis in a 48 year old man. In both cases, the granuloma was mainly fibroblastic but also included lymphocytes and plasma cells, macrophages and mast cells. The histology, age of onset, the sex and the pulmonary localisations are different for plasma cell granulomas and fibrosing hemangiomas.


[Athletic activities and prevention of vascular risk factors]. Vascular accidents represent one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in France at the present time, and factors increasing the risk of such lesions are well documented: hypertension, smoking, and metabolic disorders (lipids, glucides, uric acid). Though genetic factors are definitely involved, most of them are acquired and related to our way of life, our type of civilisation, and, more particularly, to overeating and a sedentary life. Regular physical exercise of sufficient degree can considerably reduce the various factors which increase risk and, at the same time, diminish the frequency of these very serious vascular accidents.


[Treatment of duodenal ulcers with antacid mixtures and sulpiride. A double-blind controlled study (author's transl)]. A total of 108 patients with duodenal ulcers were divided into 4 groups in a double-blind study controlled by endoscopic examinations. Patients in each group were given either an antacid mixture or sulpiride alone, antacid mixture plus sulpiride, or a placebo. The highest complete recovery rate (84 per cent) was noted in the antacid mixture plus sulpiride group, while partial healing (more than 50 per cent reduction in ulcer size) was highest in the sulpiride group (84,6 per cent). As sulpiride has both healing effects on the ulcer and an analgesic effect against pain it can be prescribed in association with antacid mixtures for the treatment of duodenal ulcers.


[Complete atrio-ventricular block caused by a metastatic tumor of the heart. Apropos of a case]. Metastatic tumors of the heart are often asymptomatic but they may dominate the clinical picture. The location in the interventricular septum can account for conduction disturbances. The authors report a case of esophagus neoplasm with septal metastasis responsible for a complete atrioventricular block. The histologic study of the bundle of His by serial sections showing the destruction of the conduction fibres by malignant elements has not been carried out till now except in some observations. The prognostic of the atrioventricular metastatic block is very poor; the ten months' survival which was observed in the reported case is one of the most extended in literature.


[Hyperthyroidism and atrioventricular heart block (author's transl)]. Two cases of thyrotoxicosis including a first-degree heart block are reported; a study of action potentials of the bundle of His was achieved in the second case. The association atrioventricular block-hyperthyroidism is unusual but does not seem to be a pure coincidence. The direct effect of thyroid hormon on the myocardium is supposed to be responsible for the conduction disturbance; its disappearance with the cure of the thyrotoxicosis is a favourable argument for a relation of causality. The therapeutic consequence of this association is to exclude completely the use of betablockers.


[Williams-Beuren syndrome and renovascular arterial hypertension]. The Williams and Beuren's syndrome associates a particuliar facies, a mental debility, a supravalvular aortic stenosis, and frequent vascular anomalies of pulmonary artery as well as  aorta and its branches. Relations between this syndrome and congenital idiopathic hypercalcemia seem now determined; the hypertension which has been frequently observed in this last case, seems more unusual in the case of Williams and Beuren's syndrome. The authors report a case about this syndrome in which the hypertension seemed linked to a stenosis of the left renal artery and which has been treated surgically. A year later the result is satisfactory but the evolutive potential of arterial lesions described in this syndrome does not necessory lead to a final recovery. Besides there are in this disease hypertensions which are relevant to an other etiology (more especially aortic hypoplasia) and stenosis of renal arteries without hypertension.


[Horseshoe kidney and hypertension (author's transl)]. The authors report a case of horseshoe kidney responsible for hypertension through a one-sided renal dysplasia. The part of the renal malformation in the development of the hypertension is attested by the activities of renin from renal veins, by the isotopic nephrogram and by the disappearance of the hypertension following the heminephrectomy. The hypertension seems an exceptionnal complication of the horseshoe kidney, which can be surprising given the frequency of this malformation and associated urologic anomalies.


[Carcinoma in situ of the bladder. Apropos of 10 cases]. 10 cases of primary carcinoma in situ are described and the symptomatology of the disease is analysed. The role of cytodiagnosis is emphasised. The evolution is variable. In  2 cases the bladder became totally retracted and total cystectomy had to be performed in spite of the fact that the lesion remained intra-urothelial. Invasive cancer developped only in 2 cases: 7 and 6 years after diagnosis. Conservative treatment by Tur seems logical whilst the carcinoma remains strictly "in situ".


[Strangulated or impacted diaphragmatic hernias. Treatment of six cases (author's transl)]. The authors report the cure of six recent cases of strangulated or impacted diaphragmatic hernia: 3 post-traumatic, 2 hiatal, one congenital. Strangulation or simple impaction are responsible for ischemic phenomena with necrosis and intrathoracic visceral perforation. Intensive care for respiratory, cardio-vascular and metabolic complications, including gastric aspiration, has transformed the prognosis which was recently so poor in this condition. The thoracic approach is advised for the usual reasons and owing to frequent intrathoracic adhesions. It is also advised for ease of treatment of the strangulated viscus and local septic complications.


[Contraception in diabetic women (author's transl)]. Contraception in diabetic women is necessary in order to plane pregnancies. Patients with chemical diabetes or family story of diabetes, babys with birth's weight over four kilogrammes, pregnancy's diabetes, may not use oestroprogestative pills. In this group progestins minipills can be used. Insulin-treated women may use oestroprogestative minipills as well as progestins minipills. In both groups, metabolic-controls must be performed every three months. It is also necessary to look at the funduns regarding to the unknown effects of contraceptives on diabetic microangiopathy. One or more other contrindication to oral contraceptives obliged to use intra-uterine device.


[Study of 52 cases of diphtheria observed over a period of ten years in the North of France (author's transl)]. Over a period of ten years, 88 cases of diphtheria were diagnosed in the North of France especially in the area of Lille, Roubaix and Tourcoing. 25 p. cent of the patients had been correctly vaccinated within less than five years, and among the latter 25 p. cent died from their diphtheria. The clinical presentation was typical but delay in diagnosis is frequent.


[Value of the timolol-hydrochlorothiazide-amiloride hydrochloride combination in the mass treatment of arterial hypertension. Results of a multinational study]. In a 10-week double-blind study, 283 hypertensive patients were treated with a beta-blocker (timolol) alone, a combination of two diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide + amiloride) or a combination of both types of treatment. The results on blood pressure figures were very much in favor of the combination therapy as compared to monotherapy. In a second step, the trial was unblinded and all patients continued with the beta-blocker/diuretic combination for a total of 24 weeks. The medium-term results confirmed those obtained during the double-blind study with regard to the effectiveness and good tolerance of the combination treatment.


[Primary hyperparathyroidism. Current aspects of its diagnosis apropos of a case with digestive and neuropsychiatric manifestations]. On the basis of a dramatic hypercalcemia revealed by digestive and neuropsychic symptoms and related to a primary hyperparathyroidism, the authors recall all the clinical circumstances which should lead to determination of plasma calcium as well as the clinical and biological particularities which, in front of a hypercalcemia, suggest a primary hyperparathyroidism. The stress the usefulness and the limits of the dosage of plasma immunoreactive parathyroid hormone as well as the difficulties to differentiale primary from paraneoplasic hyperparathyroidism. The recent pathophysiological concepts of malignant hypercalcemia reviewed.


[Hypopituitarism in the aged. Report of a case revealed by hypoglycemic coma (author's transl)]. The diagnosis of anterior pituitary insufficiency is difficult in the elderly and frequently made when the patient become comatose. At this age hypoglycemia is rarely the exclusive factor of this coma. The authors report a case revealed by hypoglycemic coma and supported by the lack of stimulation by the releasing factors. None etiology was found. With hormone treatment the patient recovered a normal life.


[Remarks about twelve cases of pneumococcal septicemias (author's transl)]. Twelve cases of pneumococcal septicemias are studied in a department of internal medicine. These septicemias involved pneumonias often large, multilobular and bilateral, with often pleural effusion purulent or not and in one occurrence meningitis. There was three deaths by acute respiratory failure in one case of liver cirrhosis and in another case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Conditions of antibiotherapy and possible intensive care are discussed, prognosis factors as splenic insufficiency (in sickle cell anemia and after splenectomy) and immune defense against pneuococcus are recalled.


[Lymphography in tuberculosis in black African immigrants]. Lymphographic data in 23 negro immigrants with lymph nodes tuberculosis almost always mediastinal and/or superficial are reported. In six cases, including two cases with abdominal latero-aortic lymph nodes clinically obvious, lymphography showed abnormalities without doubt. These aspects are compared with data of literature and discussed according to interpretation and significance in tuberculosis very peculiar in negro immigrants.20


[Laparoscopy in black African immigrants. Apropos of 60 cases]. Authors give results about 60 laparoscopies in negro immigrants. If one excepts isolated cases of liver cirrhosis, hepatoma, staphylococcic liver abscess, lymphosarcoma or schistosomiasis of the peritoneum and twelve normal laparoscopies, the most frequent diagnosis in this peculiar group is peritoneal and/or liver tuberculosis (21 cases). Endoscopic aspects of hepato-splenic schistosomiasis are summarized. Interest of liver and/or peritoneal biopsies is underlined. Problem of liver granulomatosis may be ambiguous between schistosomiasis and tuberculosis.


[Optic neuritis and sarcoidosis (author's transl)]. Case report of a sarcoidosis in a young west-indies feurale: ganglio-mediastinal and lung lesions, liver and salivary glands right optic nerve with retrobulbar optic neuritis. This lesions were quickly and totally reversible with tetracosactide and prednisone therapy.


[Pleural biopsy: benefits of a new needle (author's transl)]. Authors compare results shown by Abrams needle and a new needle in pleural biopsies. With the new needle, Abrams-derived, out of 102 biopsies, there are 30 percent of unquestionable diagnosis and 10 percent of failure, though handlers were not in training. These results are statistically significant better than those of 244 biopsies with Abrams needle and recorded by the same pathologist (M.J.). They are comparable with those of handlers well trained.


[Spontaneous perirenal hematoma in infants. Apropos of 2 cases]. The authors report two personal cases and note the special appearance of perirenal hematomas in infants. The pathogenesis is often obscure but this condition should be classified with the spontaneous perirenal hematomas and retroperitoneal tumour masses in infants.


[Sacrococcygeal malformations: a report on 67 cases (author's transl)]. A series of 67 personal observations of sacrococcygeal malformation are reported, and these are reviewed together with the 249 cases in the published literature. The clinical picture and pathogenic mechanisms are discussed, and the frequent association of other congenital abnormalities, more particularly of the ano-rectal type, is stressed. The functional results obtained depend on the severity of the neurological lesions, associated malformations, and the quality of the treatments used.


[The value of needle biopsy of the liver in the differential diagnosis of cholestatic jaundice. A clinico-pathologic study of 101 cases (author's transl)]. The examination of needle biopsy of the liver has permitted the identification of the aetiology of cholestatic jaundice in eighty five cases out of a series of one hundred-and-one patients, leaving eight without definite diagnosis and eight false diagnosis. The characteristic histopathologic lesions of lobular hepatitis and of obstructive jaundice are reviewed. The problems of identification of particular microscopic forms (obstructive jaundice with minimal portal tracts alterations, residual stage of hepatitis, cholangiolitic and hypercholestatic forms of hepatitis) are discussed.


[Value of a new treatment of alcoholics in pneumology (author's transl)]. The efficiency and the tolerance of the tiapride have been studied in a group of 16 subjects. This new molecule help to treat the deficiency of alcohol without taking proceedings on the blood gas and without creation of a respiratory encephalopathy.


[Kinetics of bone uptake of 99m Tc-labeled diphosphonates. Preliminary results]. The bone fixation of diphosphonates depends on the degree of osteogenesis, the blood bone flow and the capillary permeability. The precise characteristics of the fixation kinetic are not very well known. The authors propose a new method which makes possible to study them and expose their results. For average persons the fixation curves present an ascending line, an apex, reach within 40 mn and a descending line. Any affection don't seem to have characteristic curves; on the contrary it is possible to have different curves for a same affection which implies doubtless various anatomic and metabolic data.


[Etiologic diagnosis of a digital necrosis: essential thrombocythemia. Review of the literature]. The author relates the disease of a man with a digital necrotizing in keeping with an excess of platelets. Clinical, biological and histological study may evolve diagnosis of idiopathic thrombocythemia. The check of concerned literature may specify profile of this disease which agree with platelet side of a myeloproliferative syndrome. Coagulation study is often disappointing but may involve interference of prostaglandins as an intimate mechanism for aggregation and adhesivity of platelets. Clinical course may very easily be supervised with standard medical treatment.


[Endocrine secretions by bronchial tumors]. Frequency of ectopic hormonal secretions by lung carcinomas is evaluated about 10 percent. Clinical and biological manifestations are less frequently registered than circulating hormonal products which can be considered as evolution markers of the disease. The main secretions and their clinical consequences are described: parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin (CT), growth hormone (GH), antidiuretic hormone (ADH), corticotrophin hormone (ACTH) and gonadotrophins (HCG, LH, FSH). Problems raised by detection of these hormone-like acting products are studied and different hypothesis are suggested as explanation of these secretions.


[A case of hemiballism].

[A case of hemiballism]. When an hemiballism case occurs to a 73 year old patient having obtained few results of chlorpromazine, a tiapridal treatment is tried. First, by the means of an injection during twelve days, then by an oral way, the results are spectacular since the first week, without any disclosing secondary effect. In spite of an unperceivable shivering of both, the lower member and the right leg, the immediate results by tiapridal are further more positive, compared to those obtained by the neuroleptic treatments.


[Treatment of severe urinary infection in the elderly. Clinical and bacteriological study of 130 cases (author's transl)]. Strict criteria were applied in the choice of the 130 patients with severe urinary infections included in the study: men or women over 65 years of age presenting with clinical signs and symptoms, a bacterial count greater than or equal to 10(6)/mm3, one type of germ found on urine culture. The results of an antibiogram showed the frequency with which each germ was involved and their sensitivity to antibiotics, more particularly gentamicin, minocyclin, sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprime, oxolinic acid. Based on sensitivity and tolerance criteria, the choice of antibiotic was : oxolinic acid orally ; gentamicin parenterally, after evaluation of renal function. These results can assist the physician, when confronted with cases of severe urinary infection, and before the results of the antibiogram are available, in choosing effective therapy adapted to each case.


[Lipid particles agglutinated in hyperlipidemias with opalescent sera (author's transl)]. During the last five years, we observed under the microscope all the hyperlipidemic sera received in our laboratory, to search a lipid particle agglutination. We have retained 24 sera with obvious agglutination (9 types V, 9 types IV and 6 types IIb), the lipidemia of which was compared, type to type, to 56 control sera (16 types V, 16 types IV and 24 types IIb), in which no agglutination has been found. We observed significant differences in the means of cholesterol (CT) triglycerides (TG), vitamin A (VA) and CT/TG, VA/TG and VA/CT ratios, comparing agglutinated and control sera. These differences suggest that the agglutination phenomenon is in relation with the nature of the lipid particles present in the hyperlipidemic sera, which could be "chylomicron remnants" in type V hyperlipidemias, and other forms of "remnants" in type IV and IIb hyperlipidemias. These "remnants" could result from a blockade of lipolysis. This blockade of lipolysis in the agglutinated sera might be related to what is known about the authentificated autoimmune hyperlipidemia (AIH). Thus we can suppose that hyperlipidemias with obvious serum lipid particle agglutination are autoimmune hyperlipidemias.


[Investigation of circulating immune complexes in some diseases associated with platelets hyperdestruction process (author's transl)]. A possible relationship between the presence of circulating immune complexes (CIC) and the platelet-bound IgG levels was investigated in 38 patients with some diseases associated with a no drug-related platelets hyperdestruction process of which 33 had idiopathic thrombopenic purpura (ITP). By using the 125I-C1q binding test, these CIC were only detected in 4 of the 42 tested sera. No correlation was noticed between the percentage of C1q binding and the platelet IgG levels evaluated by the quantitative hemolysis inhibition test. These results do not allow to consider the involvement of CIC in the thrombocytopenia genesis observed in these diseases.


[Human cysticercosis. Four cases (First part) (author's transl)]. Produced by the larval form of Taenia solium, human cysticercosis is especially redoutable because of its great affinity for the nervous system and the eyes. In France, the isolated cases, apparently autochtons, are very seldom; cysticercosis is discovered, more frequently, among immigrated people. After an historical recall, the authors describe the lesions and, among clinical manifestations, the epileptogenic, ventricular and diffuse cerebral forms.


[Extraskeletal plasma cell tumors (author's transl)]. Extraskeletal plasmacytomas are very rare malignant plasma cell tumors. They often seem to arise from a pathologic plasma cell reaction to an antigenic stimulation and are characterized by the variety of their locations and the frequent absence of monoclonal dysproteinemia. The authors are reporting three new observations of extraskeletal plasma cell tumors. Some pathological, biological and pathogenic features of these tumors are emphasized.


[Eosinophilia and respiratory function in the asthmatic (author's transl)]. Total eosinophil count (TEC) was done in 13 normal subjects, in 8 subjects before and 90 mn after a "French" breakfast and in 29 asthmatic patients. The geometric mean is higher (p less than 0,001) in asthmatic than in normal subjects: 304 (231--391) versus 144 (101--197). The breakfast does not interfer with the result of the TEC. In asthmatic subjects, a significant inverse correlation appears (r = 0,57, p less than 0,01) between the logarithm of TEC and the quotient: formula; see text. This correlation persists whatever may be the subject's age, the duration of the asthma or age at which he first contracted the illness. Asthma appeared after 40 years in 4 of the subjects: their TEC was higher (p less than 0,01) than in subjects who had become asthmatic before the age of forty. The respiratory function was lowered more in these 4 patients than in others who had been ill for the same time (p less than 0,001). The TEC is not related to results of skin testine with usuel inhalant allergens (grass pollen, house dust, cat's or dog's dander) or by result of a provocation test (by inhalation of allergen). Eosinophilia and bronchial obstruction are connected by one (or more) factors that may be inhalant allergens in extrinsec asthma and circulating immune complexes in intrinsec asthma.


[Distribution and correlations of serum uric-acid in two French adult populations: 13,885 men and 6,861 women (author's transl)]. Distributions and correlations of serum uric acid (SUA) were studied in 13,885 men and 6,861 women who were between the ages of 20 and 90. In men and women the distribution of SUA is unimodal. The average SUA value is 6,28 mg/100 ml SD: 1,19) in men and 5,05 mg/100 ml (SD: 1,10) in women, 27% of the men and 4% of the women have a SUA level above 7 mg/100 ml. In men and in women correlations of SUA with an obesity index is strong (r = 0,272; r = 0,311). In men partial correlations between SUA and age, blood pressure, cholesterolemia, glycemia and hemoglobinemia diminish when obesity index is fixed. In women these correlations are stronger and do not vary when obesity index is fixed. In men and women the correlation between SUA and creatininemia is strong and do not vary when obesity index is fixed.


[Clinical and biological alarm signs of drug allergy (author's transl)]. Allergic symptoms to medications, which cause treatment to be interrupted in order to prevent more serious accidents such as anaphylactic shock, are reviewed and their practical importance discussed. They are of small significance if functional as they can be produced by placebos, but are more disturbing if cutaneous and due to various non-specific and sometimes vague immuno-allergic mechanisms. Isolated fever of the allergic type has to be interpreted within the framework of the affection being treated. Raised blood eosinophil levels are a valid sign of an allergic antibody-type reaction. The value of detailed observation of symptoms and signs in such cases is demonstrated.


[Oral cholecystography: is the fatty meal compulsory (author's transl)]. An investigation on 1000 cases of oral cholecystography allowed us to collect 640 non pathologic opacifications of the gallblader and among them only 3 cases of pathological common bile ducts (0,47 percent). Consequently when the gallbladder appears normal on the oral cholecystography, the fatty meal seems to be non compulsory but only when clinical findings are in favor of a pancreatic disease or if there are pancreatic calcifications or if surgery has been performed anteriorly on the bile ducts, the liver or the pancreas.


[Study of an homogeneous population of obese people and of its regression of weight under hypocaloric diet in hospital. I.--Characteristics of the population (author's transl)]. The study of a population of 79 obese people (62 women and 17 men) allowed to find out, and to specify a certain number of data shown through questionning, clinical examination and biological observations: the predominance of female application for weight regression treatments; the much more important number of major overweight with men; the idea of a "certain" age after which the micrease in weight is less important; the relation between the weigth after birth and overweight; the relation between how long you been futting on weight and the importance of your overweight; the frequency of overweight among your relatives. As for as spontaneous nutrition is concerned the frequency of normal food intake or even of hypocaloric intake, the immoderate proportion of fat intake and the frequency of the few, daily meals. As far as the biological aspect is concerned, the frequency of chemical diabetes and the possibility to distinguish from the oral glucose tolerance test together with the proportion of insulinemy, four groups of subjects ranging from the state of normal sugar regulation to proved diabetes, the frequency of hyperlipemy and hypercholesterolemy; the little difference between the free fat acids in the plasma, or an empty stomach as well as during the oral glucose tolerance test, with regard to normal subjects, with nevertheless, an important relation between the importance of the overweight and the average of fat acids.


[Therapeutical approach to involuntary movements (author's transl)]. Thirty-three patients presenting an extra-pyramidal pathology with important involuntary movements have been treated with tiapride. The main beneficial results have been obtained in Huntington's chorea and in certain types of myoclony. The association with L-dopa, must be discussed. Only some L-dopa induced dyskinesias are improved; moreover tiaprid may antagonize L-dopa. The essential familial tremor is never improved.


[Gastroparesis diabeticorum and bezoar (author's transl)]. Gastroparesis diabeticorum has been isolated by Kassander in 1958. Since that time, 65 well documented cases have been published. Very often the patients are asymptomatic and the disorder is discovered by an occasional X-ray examination of the G-I tract. But, sometimes, the diabetes of these patients becomes brittle and they loose weight; bezoar, gastroplegia and hemorrhages may occur. We report two additional cases with severe undernutrition and bezoar. The gastroparesis may be related to a vagal neuropathie. The treatment is disappointing; metoclopramide gives the best improvement.


[Multicentric clinical trial of a new combination of a broad spectrum antimycotic and a dermocorticoid (author's transl)]. After having reviewed the conditions of use of an antimycotic-corticoid combination, the authors are reporting their clinical results on 183 patients of a new drug combining econazole and triamcinolon. This clinical trial demonstrates that the own activity of each component of the combination is entirely maintained, and that the new combination shows an original interest in the treatment of all inflammatory dermatomycoses, as well as inflammatory supra-infected dermatoses.


[Pathophysiology of chronic, bronchial hypersecretion (author's transl)]. The biochemical and rheological analysis of sputum allows one to detect abnormalities of the bronchial secretion and to describe the development of the bronchial disease. The main biochemical components of sputum and their biological activities are first described. The fibrillar structure of the mucus is related to heavy weight glycoproteins and these macromolecules contribute to the viscoelastic properties of the bronchial secretion, by their capacity to combine with other proteins such as secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA). As the chronic bronchial hypersecretory state progresses, the glandular synthesis of mucins and/or secretory proteins decreases while the passive filtration of blood-derived proteins, such as serumalbumin, increases. Such biochemical changes are frequently associated with a rise in viscosity and a loss in elasticity of sputum. These rheological modifications result in an impairment of the mucociliary clearance and therefore contribute to airway obstruction. The assessment of different indices such as the equilibrium in mucin secretion, S-IgA/serum-albumin ratio, viscosity and elasticity of sputum and its mucociliary transport rate, should lead to a better knowledge of the defense properties of the bronchial mucosa.


[Populational speciation or chromosomal speciation? About the book of Jean de Grouchy "From the birth of species to the aberrations of life" (author's transl)]. According to Jean de Grouchy, the emergence of a new species is dependent on an "acceptable" chromosomic rearrangement, which passing from the heterozygous state (in the original bearer) to the homozygous state (in some of his enbred offspring) becomes definitively established and creates a population sexually isolated from its acestors. He is thus using the idea of karyotype to develop the typological theory put forward at the beginning of the century which postulates that a single mutant is at the origin of a new species. Although he gives an important place to chromosomic rearrangements in the sexual isolation of a new species, J. Ruffié demonstrates by arguments taken from population genetics and from the immunological polymorphism of wild populations that speciation is almost always the result of the evolution of an entire group, which, because of geographic isolation, drift, and differential selection, diverges from the ancestral branch and finally becomes totally incapable of breeding with it. He proposes a model of speciation which includes the two processes population and cytologic. At a first step, the group is isolated geographically and continues its independent evolution; the second step consists of chromosomic recombinations which render the sexual isolation complete. The modifications of the karyotype make the process of speciation irreversible.


Detection of red and green flashes: evidence for cancellation and facilitation. Green and red flashes of light will differentially stimulate the middle- and long-wavelength sensitive cones. Interaction of cone signals was studied by measuring increment thresholds for combinations of green and red flashes on a yellow adapting field. When the yellow adapting field was at 10.000 trolands (td), green and red incremental flashes (1 degree, 200-msec duration) produced cancellation when presented simultaneously and facilitation when presented sequentially. A green incremental flash (1.15 degrees, 200 msec, 5000-td adaptation field) and red decremental flash, or vice versa, produced facilitation when presented simultaneously. The results can be explained by color-differencing, opponent-mechanisms. The cancellation effect for the simultaneous incremental flashes largely disappeared when the flashes were exposed briefly (10 msec) or reduced in size (0.04 degrees). It is unlikely that the stimuli were exclusively detected by achromatic, luminance channels, as suggested by previous work, since observers could partially distinguish the hue of threshold flashes of 570- and 590-nm light (0.04 degrees, 10 msec) on a bright yellow field.


[Iliac arteriopathy and Ehlers-Danlos disease (author's transl)]. A man of 40 years of age with the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome was noted to have an arteriopathy characterized by a rectilinear aspect of the iliac trunks with stenosis of the external iliac. Macroscopic examination showed thickening of the tunica of the arterial walls, while an increase in the elastic fibers in the intima was observed on histological examination. This type of arteriopathy appears to be extremely rare in the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome but these findings show similarities between this case and certain arterial affections of systematized elastorrhexis. The possible relationships between arteriopathy and elastic dysplasia are discussed as well as the classification of this very particular type of arteriopathy reported.


Cushing's disease: megadose dexamethasone suppression in a case refractory to medical therapy. A patient with Cushing's disease failed to show complete suppressibility of adrenal function with conventional "high" doses of dexamethasone (8 mg per day). Higher doses were required to achieve suppression. Pituitary irradiation and medical therapy (cyproheptadine, metyrapone, and aminoglutethimide) failed to control the disease, necessitating bilateral adrenalectomy. The diagnostic and therapeutic implications of megadose dexamethasone suppression have not been clearly addressed in the medical literature. It is possible that adrenal suppression achieved only with unconventionally high doses of steroids may be predictive of refractoriness to nonsurgical therapy.


Identification of cytomegalovirus in bone marrow biopsy. The bone marrow trephine biopsy has become a common procedure for evaluating hematopoietic abnormalities. Occasionally, the first clue to an infectious process is obtained from this source. A bone marrow biopsy, done to evaluate pancytopenia in a patient who had received a renal transplant, revealed large intranuclear inclusions diagnostic of cytomegalovirus. Antibody titers were initially negative but rose over the next few weeks to confirm the diagnosis. Even though the bone marrow biopsy may not be the best site for finding CMV inclusions, the careful examination of a random bone marrow biopsy, particularly in an immunosuppressed individual, may contribute to the diagnosis.


[A case of sterility treated with sulpiride (author's transl)]. Oligospermia associated with asthenia is a frequent cause of sterility. Sulpiride, which is a regulator of autonomic nervous system function, was prescribed alone in such a case and pregnancy resulted on two occasions. The relationship between the normal duration of spermatogenesis and the periods during which sulpiride was prescribed was such that the hypothesis of a hormonal effect could be rejected and strongly suggests the existence of psychological factors in some patients with oligospermia.


[Isolated adenocarcinomatous transformation of uterine adenomyosis]. A case of epithelia malignant changes in uterine adenomyosis is reported. The adenocarcinomatous transformation in uterine adenomyosis is rare. It is necessary to identify exactly the lesion to detect several histological tests specially the integrity of endometrium. An initial phase by atypic hyperplasia and the eventual hormonal incidence are considered.


[Tiapride in dermatology].

[Tiapride in dermatology]. The action of tiapride was studied in various dermatological conditions with predominant psychosomatic features. A total of 36 cases were evaluated and results were satisfactory in 23 patients and poor in the other 13 cases. The indications which responded best were the lichens, eczemas, psoriatic affections and neurodermatoses. Tolerance was generally satisfactory.


Enterovirus survey before and after poliomyelitis vaccination in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Stool samples from healthy children mainly of the low income group aged 0 to 7 years of age from five Maternal and Child Health Centres in Kuala Lumpur were obtained for isolation of enteroviruses. The specimens were collected before and after the mass vaccination given in the face of polio type 1 epidemic which started in October, 1971. The prevelance rate of enteroviruses was 11.9% (3.0% polioviruses, 8.9% non-polio enteroviruses) before the vaccination and essentially the same after. Coxsackie A viruses predominated over the other enteroviruses in the pre- and post-vaccination phases. The highest isolation rate of enteroviruses was observed in children 0 to 2 years age. No significant differences in distribution by sex, race and month were noted. A sharp fall in the prevalence rates of total enteroviruses and polioviruses was noted shortly after the mass vaccination campaign However, the rates reverted to the pre-vaccination state during the next successive years.


Respiratory viruses in hospital patients on the Witwatersrand. A 7-year study. Virological investigations were carried out on 4 151 patients with respiratory disease hospitalized between May 1966 and April 1972. The groups examined were Black and White children and Black miners. Influenza viruses were more common among malnourished Black children and tended to cause more severe disease. This was also true of adenovirus and Herpesvirus hominis type 1 infections. Adenoviruses appear to be secondary invaders, frequently after a measles or influenza attack. A generalized epidemic of adenovirus type 7 occurred in 1967, the longest, coldest and most humid winter during the survey. The season of peak occurrence for respiratory syncytial (RS) virus is autumn, not winter as found elsewhere. The parainfluenza viruses differ from each other, types 1 and 2 being commoner in older children (12--48 months), mainly causing laryngotracheobronchitis (LTB), whereas type 3 is commoner in younger children (0--23 months), mainly causing pneumonia. The miners showed a preponderance of influenza A infections. The miners' origin from remote villages and high turnover rate create a situation where a given strain will persist at a moderate level for long periods, unlike in the general population where an outbreak lasts for only about 6--8 weeks. As opposed to other closed communities, adenovirus infections were rare. The reason for this is obscure.


Noncoordinate expression of SV40-induced transformation and tumorigenicity in mouse cell hybrids. Somatic mouse cells hybrids formed by fusion of nontumorigenic 3T3 closely related SV40-transformed SVT2 cells were analyzed in a study designed to probe the genetic basis of the multiple phenotypic changes induced by SV40 transformation. These hybrids showed noncoordinate expression of the transformation phenotype. Although they cloned at high efficiency in medium with low serum and expressed the SV40 T-antigen of the SVT2 parent, hybrid cells grew poorly without anchorage and exhibited a cell and colony morphology intermediate between that of the parents. Tumorigenicity was assayed quantitatively by subcutaneous coinjection into athymic nude mice of serial dilutions of 10(2) to 10(5) hybrid cells with 10(7) lethally irradiated 3T3 cells. The results showed that 100--1000 times more hybrid cells had to be injected for tumor formation than were required with SVT2. These and other observations show that most 3T3/SVT2 hybrid cells are not tumorigenic but that each population contains a rare subset of tumorigenic cells.


Cholesterol pool sizes and turnover following portacaval shunt in the dog. Portacaval shunt has been shown to be effective in lowering the plasma cholesterol level of both man and experimental animal. However, the primary mechanism which effects this reduction is unclear. We have measured the rapidly, and the slowly, miscible cholesterol pool sizes and the cholesterol production rate in mongrel dogs, with the animals in the cholesterol steady state, using 14C-cholesterol plasma decay curve analysis. Five control animals and three one year postoperative portacaval shunt animals with a 50 per cent plasma cholesterol level reduction were studied. No differences were demonstrated in either the cholesterol pool sizes or the production rate. These data have led us to postulate two hypotheses to explain the mechanism of the hypocholesterolemic effect of the portacaval shunt.


Arteriovenous fistula and portal hypertension secondary to islet-cell tumor of the pancreas. A case of portal hypertension secondary to an arteriovenous fistula in a pancreatic tumor is presented. Recurrent gastrointestinal hemorrhage prompted endoscopy which revealed esophageal varices and an abnormal papilla of Vater. Ultrasonography and arteriography were instrumental in demonstrating the nature of the pathological process. In this situation portal hypertension resulted from increased portal venous flow rather than portal obstruction. Correction must include obliteration of systemic arterial to portal venous communication.


Epstein-Barr virus antibody responses and clinical illness in renal transplant recipients. Among 88 renal transplant recipients evaluated for a change in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody status in the period after transplant, 22 showed a 4-fold rise and eight showed an 8-fold or greater rise in EBV antibody. Among the patients with an 8-fold or greater EBV ANTIBODY RISE, THE OCCURRENCE OF FEVER WAS FREQUENT, ONE PATIENT DEVELOPED A LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE reaction, and one died with a malignant EBV infection. Patients without pretransplant antibody showed a longer mean time to antibody rise (104 +/- 23 days) than did those patients with pretransplant antibody (19 +/- 7 days). The longer incubation period in patients without pretransplant antibody was in the expected range for primary EBV infections. Both primary and secondary (reactivation) EBV infections occur in renal transplant patients. These infections may be assoicated with prolonged fever, and in unusual circumstances, may cause dramatic lymphoproliferative disease.


Hepatoma with obstructive jaundice due to the migration of a tumor mass in the biliary tract: report of a successful resection. A 51-year-old man underwent extended right lobectomy for hepatoma of the right lobe with obstructive jaundice due to migration of the tumor mass in the common and bilateral hepatic ducts. Severe jaundice amounting to 32.6 mg% and suppurative cholangitis were relieved by drainage through the cannulation into the hepatic ducts of the bilateral lobes. Although hepatoma was combined with liver cirrhosis, the patient could tolerate extended right lobectomy. The patient is doing relatively well without jaundice 2 years after operation, but a recurrent tumor appeared on the celiac angiogram taken 1 year and 6 months following operation. This is the fourth report on hepatic resection of such cases, and difficult problems involved with that procedure are presented and discussed.


Prevalence of antibodies to equine viruses in the Netherlands. The prevalence of antibodies to various viruses was investigated in a series of serum samples collected from horses in the Netherlands between 1963 and 1966 and from 1972 onwards. Neutralizing antibodies to equine rhinopneumonitis virus, equine arteritis virus and to equine rhinovirus types 1 and 2 were detected in respectively 76%, 14%, 66% and 59% of the equine serum samples tested. The observed incidence of serum samples positive to equine adenovirus in the complement fixation test was 39%. Precipitating antibodies to equine infectious anaemia virus were detected only in serum samples from two horses imported from abroad. Haemagglutination inhibiting antibodies to Myxovirus influenzae A/equi-1, M. Influenzae A/equi-2, and Reovirus types 1, 2, and 3 were present in respectively 82%, 50%, 10%, 33% and 3.6% of the serum samples tested. The most frequently observed incidence of antibodies to the various equine respiratory viruses occurred in the groups of horses having repeatedly contact with other horses.


Effect of polybrominated biphenyls on drug metabolizing enzymes in different tissues of C57 mice. Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are structurally very close to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) which are known to be potent inducers of xenobiotic biotransformation reactions. We have studied the effects of 2 industrial PBB-mixtures, "hexabromobiphenyl" (HBB) and "octabromobiphenyl" (OBB), on enzymes catalyzing drug hydroxylation, epoxide hydration, and conjugation reactions in different tissues of C57 mice. The enzyme activities were measured 10 days after a single i.p. injection of PBBs (75 mg/kg). HBB enhanced the activities of hepatic AHH (1.9-fold), ethoxycoumarin deethylase (5.7-fold), epoxide hydratase (1.5-fold), glutathione S-transferase (1.7-fold) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (1.5-fold). In the kidney HBB enhanced the activity of UDP-blucuronosyltransferase 1.5-fold. OBB caused in increase in the activities of liver AHH (1.5-fold), ethoxycoumarin deethylase (2.4-fold) and glutathione S-transferase (1.4-fold). A slight increase was also seen in the activity of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase in digitoninactivated liver microsomes of OBB-treated mice. In the kidney OBB caused a slight but statistically significant decrease in glutathione S-transferase activity. Intraperitoneally injected bromobiphenyls had no effects on these drug metabolizing enzymes in the lung of C57 mice. These results were similar to the effects caused by a mixture of PCBs.


Adenosine triphosphatase activity in few tissues of a fresh water teleost, Channa gachua following in vivo exposure to endosulfan. Fresh water teleost fish, Channa gachua, were chronically exposed to various sublethal concentrations of endosulfan (0.00534, 0.00355, 0.00213 and 0.00174 mg/1) at 25 +/- 4 degrees C for 30 and 60 days respectively. The study shows enzyme inhibitions, greatest in oligomycin-insensitive Mg2+ ATPase in brain, gill and liver tissues, with pronounced effects at highest endosulfan concentration for 60 days exposure. However, in kidney the highest inhibition was of oligomycin-sensitive (mitochondrial) Mg2+ ATPase. The study indicates that endosulfan interferes with energy metabolism in vivo. The marked sensitivity of mitochondrial Mg2+ ATPase to endosulfan is suggestive of the potential for endosulfan to interfere markedly with various energy requiring processes in the fish body.


Prolongation of islet allograft survival. Pretreatment of donor rats with irradiation and silica followed by in vitro culture of the islets for 1 to 2 days prolonged survival of allografts across a minor histocompatibility barrier if "hand-picked," clean islets were used for transplantation. Pretreatment of donor rats with irradiation and silica in conjunction with a single injection of antilymphocyte serum (ALS) into the recipient produced a prolongation of survival of hand-picked islets transplanted across a major histocompatibility barrier.


Encephalomyocarditis virus-induced diabetes mellitus treated by islet transplantation. There is considerable evidence that at least some cases of juvenile onset diabetes mellitus in humans are a result of viral infection. Viral-induced diabetes in mice may provide an experimental counterpart more similar to the clinical situation than chemical-induced diabetes. Our experiments in such mice indicate that islet transplantation is effective in ameliorating viral-induced diabetes and is encouraging for ultimate clinical application of islet transplantation to juvenile onset insulin-dependent diabetics. In addition, our results show that islets in ectopic sites outside of the pancreas are resistant to damage induced by primary viral infection. The mechanism of this resistance is obscure and will be the subject of future investigations.


Adenine compounds: cerebrovascular effects in vitro with reference to their possible involvement in migraine. Adenosine and adenine compounds (AMP, cyclic AMP, ADP and ATP) markedly dilated feline and human pial arteries in vitro, the effect being more prominent with increasing tone of the vessel (active tonic contraction induced by prostaglandin F 2 alpha or serotonin). In contrast, the various adenine compounds were unable to produce any dilation of extracranial arteries tested (branches of lingual, external maxillary, and superficial temporal arteries). The degree of dilatation depended upon the perivascular potassium concentration, so that low potassium increased Emax and reduced ED50 values. Possible involvement of adenine compounds in the vasodilatory phase of the migraine attack is discussed.


Agents affecting health of mother and child in a rural area of Kenya. XI. Antibodies against rotavirus in sera from children living in the Machakos District of Kenya. 207 sera from children under 5 years of age and living in the Machakos District in Kenya were tested in the Complement Fixation Test for antibodies against rotavirus. Two different antigens were used. The superiority of 'O' antigen over Nebraska calf diarrhoea virus antigen was confirmed. After a fall to 29 percent in the 6-8 months age group, the percentage of children with antibodies quickly rises with age to 80 percent at the age of 24 months and to practically 100 percent at the age of 30 months. This age-immunity curve suggests that the majority of children contract infections with rotavirus between 6 and 23 months of age. This is conform the pattern usually found in temperate climate countries.


Occurrence of HBsAg, anti-HBs, the anti-CMV following the transfusion of blood products. A retrospective study of the serum of 104 patients treated at Chelsea Naval Hospital between 1969 and 1972 was done. The donor blood products were not tested for the hepatitis B antigen before transfusion. The incidence of hepatitis B antigen following transfusion was about 2.8 per cent. The incidence of antibody to HBsAg prior to transfusion was 16 per cent, and about 27 per cent of the patients developed antibody to HBsAg following transfusion. The incidence of antibody to cytomegalovirus was about 22 per cent before transfusion, and 22 per cent of the patients developed complement fixing antibody against cytomegalovirus after transfusion. Since the patients received a variety of blood products it was not possible to determine retrsopectively which product, if any, produced the lowest incidence of hepatitis B antigen and transmission of cytomegalovirus.


[Effect of biologically active agents on the feeding response of Dileptus anser]. A study was made of the effects of pharmacological agents--adrenaline, noradrenaline, serotonine, dibenamine, theophylline, and emidazole--on the phagocytar activity of Dileptus anser. These effects were estimated in terms of food response changes towards chemical food models (CFM) made in cysteine, lecithine or tween-40 solutions. The above pharmacological agents were also tested as phagocytosis inductors. Of these, only adrenalin appeared to be an effective inductor of the food response. The CFM, made in adrenaline, was stimulated by 10(-6) M theophylline, and inhibited with 10(-4)--10(-8) M imidazole. The addition of 10(-3)--10(-12) M adrenaline or 10(-8)--10(-10) M serotonine to the Dileptus-containing medium stimulated phagocytosis of CFM. 5.10(-6) M dibenamin decreased phagocytotic intensity of CFM. 10(-6) M theophylline stimulated, while 10(-4) M inhibited the food response. It is proposed that protozoans have receptors capable of accepting hormones. A possible role of the system of cyclic AMP in transporting hormonal and food stimules in protozoans is discussed.


[Role of phospholipids in the realization of catecholamine action]. The involvement of phospholipids into the function of the hormonoreactive system realizing the catecholamine action on the skeletal muscle metabolism was studied at different stages of chicken ontogenetic development. The phospholipase "D" treatment of the chicken muscle homogenate removed the epinephrine activating effect on phosphorylase. Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol not only completely restore the epinephrine responsiveness of this system but also slightly intensify it. The cAMP and Ca2+ effects on muscle phosphorylase are also removed after the phospholipase "D" treatment. But they are not restored by phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylinositol. It is shown that these membrane phospholipids do not accelerate the origination of catecholamine reactivity of the above-mentioned hormonecompetent system in the process of embryonic development.


[Lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme in Rous sarcoma and muscle tissue of tumor-bearing hens]. The isoenzymic spectrum and lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH) were studied in tumor and pectoral muscle of both chicken and adult hens on the 6th, 10th and 15th day after their infection with the Rous sarcoma virus. On the 14th day, unlike the muscles of intact hens, in the tumour the content of LDH-5 increases and that of rapidly migrating fraction LDG-1 and LDG-2 decreases. In pectoral muscles unaffected by the tumour (on the opposite side of the sternum) there is a tendency to an increase in LDH-4 content and to a decrease in LDH-1 and LDG-2 content, which is followed by a decreasing proportion of N/M subunits.


[Nephroblastoma, partly appearing as a sarcoma botryoides of the renal pelvis (author's transl)]. A renal tumour in a 4-year old girl morphologically appeared as both a nephroblastoma and, in parts, as a sarcoma botryoides of the renal pelvis. The histogenesis of this dysontogenetic tumour is most probably due to a disturbance of growth and differentiation both of the metanephrogenic blastema as well as partly of the urethral bud. This type of dysontogenetic tumour is extremely rare. Problems of diagnosis and operative therapy and the possibility of postoperative radiation therapy and cystostatic treatment are discussed.


[Succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome oxidase activity in rat liver tissue under the influence of valexon]. The cytochrome oxidase and succinate dehydrogenase activities were studied in the liver supernatant fraction and homogenate of rats whom different amounts of valexon, organophosphoric pesticide with a hepatotoxic effect, were administered to. A significant increase in the enzymic activity in the supernatant fraction and the resulted rise in the value of the ratio of the activity in the supernatant fraction to that in the homogenate were found five days after a single administration of the preparation in a dose of 310 mg per 1 kg of body weight and after its three-month administration in a dose of 31 mg/kg. These changes may be believed to result from disturbances of the structural-functional state of the mitochondria due to penetration of valexon and its accumulation in them.


Complication of Clorpactin WCS90 therapy for interstitial cystitis. A case of ureteral fibrosis complicating Clorpactin WCS90 treatment for interstitial cystitis in a patient with vesicoureteral reflux is presented. The results of a laboratory experiment designed to study the effects of Clorpactin WCS90 on refluxing ureters are discussed.


[Effect of a variable magnetic field on activity of enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism and tissue respiration in testicular tissue]. The 200 Oe magnetic field of power frequency produces an essential effect on metabolism in the tissue of the testicles which are highly sensitive to this factor. A single effect of the field for 24 h results in an increase in the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. 24-28 h after the cessation of the field action it lowers considerably as well as the cytochrome oxidase and hexokinase activities in mitochondria. The lactate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase activities increased in this case. Restoration of the initial level is marked on the 7th-14th days. Under repeated actions of the stimulation phase the enzymic activities under study (except the lactate dehydrogenase one) are decreased. The mentioned indices restore the initial level on the 14th-28th days. These changes correlates with dynamics of the testosterone level in the testicles and plasm.


[Catalytic properties of solubilized brain Na+,K+-ATPase]. The results are presented of a kinetic study of solubilized Na+, K+-ATPase obtained by 0.2+ digitonin from the NaI treated microsome fraction of the bull brain. It is shown that in main kinetic parameters (KmATP, V, pH-optimum, optimal [Na+]/[K+] ratio, etc.) the solubilized Na+, K+-ATPase does not differ essentially from membrane-bound enzyme. These results evidence for the absence of changes in principle for the kinetic behaviour of Na+,K+-ATPase when solubilized with digitonin. Simultaneously there are certain differences for a temperature dependence (the bend position in the Arrhenius anamorphosis) of the solubilized enzyme and its sensitivity to the action of strophanthin K.


Pseudotumor of kidney.

Pseudotumor of kidney. Hypertrophy of the renal columns of Bertin may present as a mass, at times difficult to distinguish from neoplasia or cyst. Herein, we present a case characterized by the inability of this lesion to absorb 99mTc DTPA (99mTechnetium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) isotope on two separate renal studies.


Observations on outbreaks of respiratory disease in housed calves--(1) Epidemiological, clinical and microbiological findings. In 47 of 50 outbreaks of respiratory disease in indoor calves which had never been to grass there was clinical evidence of pneumonia in all animals examined. Calf housing was in most cases considered unsatisfactory. Virus activity was detected in 70 per cent of outbreaks investigated within a few days post onset of respiratory signs. Parainfluenza (PI) 3 and respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) were the viruses most frequently involved. In the majority of outbreaks Mycoplasma species and Pasteurella multocida were present in the upper respiratory tract of affected calves.


Observations on outbreaks of respiratory disease in calves associated with parainfluenza type 3 virus and respiratory syncytial virus infection. In four outbreaks of indoor calf pneumonia, dyspnoea was a prominent clinical finding. At necropsy it was associated with pneumonia involving the cranial lobes of the lung and severe pulmonary emphysema. Histological examination of lung tissue revealed bronchiolitis and alveolitis with alveolar epithelial cell hyperplasia and multinucleate syncytium formation. Intraalveolar haemorrhage, intra-alveolar oedema and hyaline membrane formation were also noted. In all cases parainfluenza type 3 (PI3) virus was isolated from the lungs. In each of the four outbreaks there was evidence of PI3 virus and respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) infection.


[Experiments with the simultaneous or combined vaccination of chicks against Marek's disease and Newcastle disease]. Simultaneous vaccination was carried out of day-old chicks against Marek's disease (strain C3--1) and Newcastle disease (strains B1 and La Sota) which did not prove to be effective in conferring a lasting immunity to Newcastle disease though it was tolerated without any disturbances whatever. One could resort to it by way of an exception only, with an obligatory revaccination 15 days later, when the unfavourable epizootic status made it necessary. The immunity built up against Marek's disease did not seem to be affected by the simultaneous or succeeding vaccination against Newcastle disease with live lentogenic strains. Effective in conferring solid immunity against Newcastle disease proved the combined application of the two vaccines in the following order: treatment of day-old chicks with a vaccine against Marek's disease and vaccination of the same chicks at the age of 8 days with a vaccine against Newcastle disease (strain B1) at a half rate, employing the spray method, followed by revaccination 15 days later with the La Sota vaccine at a full rate, employing the aerosol method.


[Radial immunodiffusion study of foot-and-mouth disease virus type A]. The radial immunodiffusion(RI), was used to study F. M. D. viruses, type A. It was found that the specific linkage between F. M. D. antigens and antibodies could be demonstrated through RI with the formation of precipitation circles. It was demonstrated that specific reactions were produced when homologus or heterologus antigens and sera of one and the same F. M. D. virus type interacted. The size of the precipitation circles proved inversely proportional to the concentration of antibodies in the homologous systems. It was also established that RI could be made use of in the demonstration of some subtype differences between the F. M. D. antigens of type A. Discussed is the problem of RI sensitivity as well as the possibility of using this technique for the early diagnosis of the F. M. D. infection and the study of the F. M. D. viruses.


Study of host antigens in the envelopes of different myxo- and paramyxoviruses cultivated in the embryonated hen egg. By immunoelectrophoretic analysis it was shown that different viruses--such as myxo- (influenza A0PR8) and paramyxoviruses (Sendai, SV5, NDV, mumps)--cultivated in the same host cells (chorioallantoic membranes) incorporate similar host antigens into their envelopes. The amount of host cell antigens incorporated into the virus envelopes differs from one virus to another. The fact that incorporation of host cell antigens occurs only after a virus-induced modification seems to be a general characteristic of enveloped viruses such as myxo- and paramyxoviruses.


Serum antibodies to some oncogenic viruses in the child. The presence of complement fixing antibodies to four viruses with oncogenic potential for animals was studied in children (including neonates and infants). Antibodies to herpes, adenovirus and avian "gs" sarcoma-leukosis antigens were detected, but there were no antibodies to SV-40. Positivity percentages varied with age and with the antigen used. Possible explanations of the appearance of these antibodies in the child are provided.


Incidence of viral antibodies in patients with various forms of cancer. The results of over 13,500 serological reactions performed in about 3,400 human sera collected from patients with various forms of cancer and from apparently healthy subjects have shown that the humoral immune reactivity of cancer patients as regards their viral antibody response is similar to that of apparently healthy subjects (blood donors or workers exposed to the risk of occupational contact with animal tumor viruses). The authors also remark the presence in the population of antibodies to some viruses with oncogenic potential proved so far only for mammals (adenovirus, SV-40, RSV) or to ubiquitous viruses (e.g. herpes virus) whose transforming activity has been demonstrated for several cell types in vitro and is suspected for some human tumors in vivo.


Immunofluorescence study of the presence of herpes type 1 and type 2 antigens in patients with cancer of the uterine cervix. The presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) antigens was tested by direct immunofluorescence in 24 cases of cervical carcinoma and in 1 case of uterine leiomyosarcoma, in comparison with 34 uterine fibroma preparations that served as controls. HSV antigens type 1 and type 2 were detected in 8 cervical carcinoma cases and in the patient with uterine leiomyosarcoma.


[Comparative study of the effectiveness of the purification and concentration of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2]. The results of comparative studies on concentration and purification of herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) by ficol density gradient centrifugation are presented. A two-phase distribution of extracellular HSV was established in phycol density gradient centrifugation: in zones with density of 1.110-1.114 and 1.088-1.085 g/ml. The effectiveness of purification of HSV preparations recovered from the corresponding gradient zones was determined by electron microscopy and quantitation of the contaminating cellular (radioactive) proteins in virus purification from a mixture of the culture fluid from infected cultures and the culture fluid from uninfected labeled human embryo skin-muscle tissue cultures (HESM) and a mixture of unlabeled extracellular HSV and a homogenate of labeled uninfected HESM cultures. In HSV purification from the virus-containing culture fluid the amount of cellular proteins was shown to decrease 500-fold in 150-fold virus concentration. In purification of extracellular HSV from the mixture with cell homogenate the amount of cellular proteins decreased 70- and 100-fold for HSV-2 and HSV-1, respectively. The infectious virus yield in phycol gradient centrifugation of a precipitate obtained by the addition of polyethylene glycol-6000 to the culture fluid for HSV-1 was 34.7% (in titrations in HESM cultures) and 38.4% (by intracerebral inoculation of mice weighing 5-6 g), and for HSV-2 20.2% and 26.3%, respectively.


[Further study of the leukocyte virus isolated in hepatitis A]. Two strains of leukocyte hepatitis virus (LHV) which had undergone 13 and 16 passages, respectively, in phytohemagglutinin-stimulated cultures of leukocytes from normal donors were studied in experiments with labelled precursors (3H-uridine and 14C-amino acids). The buoyant density of the virus (1,26 g/ml) and sedimentation constant of RNA (46 S) were determined. LHV was shown to be capable of reproduction in human kidney cell culture. The immunofluorescence test could be used with labeled convalescent sera for examinations of blood smears from patients for diagnosis of hepatitis A in foci of infection. In these tests, fluorescence was detected in the cytoplasm of lymphocytes and granulocytes but not in the nucleus. The immunofluorescence test with convalescent sera was successfully used for the examinations of smears of cultures of PHA-stimulated leukocytes of normal donors infected with LHV in order to prove the specificity of this virus in hepatitis A.


[Adaptation of the type I poliomyelitis virus to cotton rats]. Adaptation of poliomyelitis virus type I (Mahoney strain) to the CNS of cotton rats which at the time of inoculation had been temporarily immunosuppressed with cyclophosphane is described. In the course of passages the virus properties were observed to change. The virus became pathogenic for cotton rats with normal immunologic responsiveness by the intracerebral, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous routes, as well as for white mice intracerebrally. Virions pathogenic for cotton rats were predominant in the adapted strain population.


[Experimental model of associated influenza-para-influenza infection]. An experimental model of associated influenza-parainfluenza infection has been developed. Simultaneous inoculation of mice with influenza A2/21/65 and parainfluenza type 3 or inoculation with these viruses at an interval of 24 hours was shown to produce a considerably more severe disease as manifested by the development of severe confluent pneumonias involving both lungs and death of the inoculated animals. The animals with the associated infection showed no significant difference in antibody titers or the intensity of immunity as compared with control groups (influenza or parainfluenza monoinfection). The development of the mixed infection was accompanied by the inhibition of neutrophilic and macrophage phagocytosis and inhibition of interferon production.


[Change in the level of immunoglobulins A in the intestines of children after administration of live trivalent poliomyelitis vaccine by different methods]. It was shown that titers of the neutralizing activity of fecal extracts (coproantibody, CA) to poliomyelitis virus type II in the course of four administrations of live trivalent poliovaccine in drops directly into the mouth and in capsules were higher than CA titers to poliomyelitis virus types I and III. Particularly low CA titers to poliovirus types I and III were in children given the vaccine in the capsule, that is directly into the gastro-intestinal tract. Accordingly IgA levels in fecal extracts in this group of children were lower than in those given the vaccine in drops. In children of both groups no IgG of IgM (0.24 IU/ml) could be found in fecal extracts.


[Cellular immunity reactions in herpetic eye infection]. The dynamics of leukocyte migration inhibition test (LMIT) and blast-transformation (BT) with herpes antigen were studied in 132 patients with ophthalmoherpes, 40 patients with obscure etiology of the eye disease and 40 normal donors. The specific response in LMTT was manifested by both inhibition and stimulation of leukocyte migration. Specific inhibition of leukocyte migration is detected mostly in exacerbations of the clinical process and may serve as a diagnostic sign of activation of herpetic infection in the patient. The specific blast-transformation in the group of patients with ophthalmoherpes was much higher by the rate and level if reaction than in control groups. The maximum level of BTT (up to 25%) was demonstrated in the favourable course of the disease; in severe processes the level was low (up to 2.7%) or the capacity of blast formation was lacking. The test may be prognostic in herpes infections of the eyes.


[Herpes simplex in acute viral respiratory diseases]. Herpes in main viral acute respiratory diseases (ARD) in adults (influenza, parainfluenza, adenovirus and mixed infections) was studied by different laboratory methods of diagnosis. It was found that in 44.5% viral ARD were accompanied by herpes in the clinically overt or latent form. Herpes was detected with varying frequencies depending on the nosological forms of ARD as well as on the nature of the infection: more frequently in monoinfections than in mixed infections.


[Method of determination of the number of enteroviruses present in natural waters]. The effectiveness of concentratin of enteroviruses present in water by adsorption on membrane filters, ion-exchange resin AB-17-8 and bentonite was compared with set concentrations of virus in water (0.05-0.1-0.5-2.5 and 12.5 PFU/ml). The effectiveness of concentration was shown to depend upon the initial dose of virus present in water. With virus adsorption on membrane filters and ionexchange resin the effectiveness of concentration was the higher (100 and 74%) the lower the virus dose in water (0.05 PFU/ml), with bentonite the effectiveness was the higher (60%) the higher virus dose in water (12.5 PFU/ml). A method is proposed for sufficiently accurate determination of virus concentration in water by simultaneous and parallel removal of virus particles in two ways one of which gives a maximum  effect with low doses of virus and the other with large doses.


[Experimental study of Coxsackie-streptococcal infection]. The pathological process due to Coxsackie A18 virus and hemolytic streptococcus infection was studied in adult white mice. Their synergistic effect was established as manifested by longer periods of virus detection in the blood and heart and the detection of the streptococcus in animals infected with an 8-fold lower dose. In cases of combined infection, signs of dystrophy, destruction and proliferation developed in the myocardium reaching the highest intensity when the virus and the microbe had been inoculated simultaneously.


[Corticotropic action of a new, synthetic analogue of ACTH (ACTH1-17) in man after intravenous, intramuscular and intranasal administration (author's transl)]. Ala1-lys17-ACTH(1-17)-4-amino-n-butylamide (ACTH1-17), a synthetic analogue of ACTH with shortened amino acid sequence exerts a corticotropic action of at least 8 hours duration in healthy male subjects after either intravenous or intramuscular administration. After intranasal administration of the compound an increased production of cortisol was observed only for three hours. The prolonged action of this new analogue of ACTH following intramuscular administration suggests that it may be of value for therapeutic purposes.


[Virus-specific structures in Sendai virus infected Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma cells]. A virus-specific structure representing a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) associated with cell membranes was found in the cytoplasm of Sendai virus-infected cells of Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma. RNP could be separated from the membranes by recentrifugation of this structure in cesium chloride density gradient. In the liquid fraction, a structure with the same buoyant density possessing infectious activity was found. All structural polypeptides of virions with the exception of the membrane protein are found in the composition of the intracellular and extracellular structures.


[The incidence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus in people from Vienna and certain Austrian provinces (author's transl)]. The prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A virus was measured by solid-phase radioimmunoassay in sera of 651 persons from Vienna, Lower Austria, Upper Austria, Carinthia and Burgenland. On subdivision of the subjects according to age groups, a curve resulted which showed a steep rise in persons between 20 and 40 years. In the age groups over 40 more than 80% of the test-persons possessed the specific antibody. In all age groups the population of Vienna showed a higher incidence of hepatitis A antibody than the people from rural areas.


[Effect of host cells on the course of chronic rabies virus infection in cell cultures]. Different patterns of rabies virus infection were observed in BHK-21/13S and HEp-2 cell cultures at late stages of persistent infections. The infection of BHK-21/13S cells was characterized by periodical increases and declines in the portion of the antigen-containing cells (from 100% to less than 1%) and low infectivity titers which did not correspond to fluctuations in the antigen production and occasional resistance to challenge with vesicular stomatitis virus. In contrast, persistently infected HEp-2 cell culture exhibited a more constant course of antigen production which never reached extreme points; the infectivity titers generally correlated with the portion of the antigen-containing cells. Cultivation in the presence of antirabies serum did not "cure" either of the cultures.


A micromorphological and histoenzymological study on the third ventricular ependyma of the teleost Clarias batrachus (L.). The circum ventricular region of C. batrachus is highly vascular and the ependymal cells appear differently when stained with haematoxylin, silver impregnation and Golgi-Cox techniques. The ventricule has PAS and AF positive material and some ependymal cells themselves are PAS positive. Few AF positive peptidergic and several AF negative small neurons have liquor contacting terminals. Golgi-Cox preparations reveal a variety of forms among the tanycytes. Their basal processes which are barbed or studded with varicosities, usually end on blood vessels and other neuronal elements. These basal processes themselves are often seen in direct morphological contact. Smaller silver positive cells without basal processes are also evident. Some tanycytes have apical processes resembling broadened endfeet. Few neurosecretory tracts are Golgi-Cox positive and can be differentiated from the tanycytic processes by their smooth surface. Varying degrees of ascorbic acid activity are noticed inside the ventricle, among the tanycytes and in the neurons of the NLT. Some of the latter neurons have liquor contacting terminals as well. The ChE activity noticed in some parts of the ependyma and in some NLT cells suggest their probable differential cholinergic control. Presence of SDH, NADPH and NADH diaphorases and cytochrome oxidase in varying quantities in the ependymal cells suggests that they are metabolically active. Presence of MAO positive tracts bridging the subependyma and ventricle suggests the degradation of monoamines at these sites. The presence of various enzymes and the morphological relationship of the tanycytes described in this species are comparable to those of the mammals. It is significant as this species is reported to have a median eminence morphologically resembling the tetrapods.


["Possessedness" and exorcism in the year 1976 (author's transl)]. A 23 year-old woman died as a result of deficient food and liquid intake as well as of physical exhaustion brought about by an unchecked pathological displacement impulse. Finally pneumonia developed in a typical manner. During the previous 9 months exorcism had been carried out a total of 60 to 70 times, the last time being on the eve of her death, to "expel demons" and to heal the "possessed". Summarized the medical diagnosis of "possession" was: Parnoid-hallucinatory psychosis with epilepsy in the background of special psycho-social factors. During the time of influence by the priests who carried out the exorcism all medical treatment was denied. This, it was pointed out by the participants, occurred at the express wish of the "possessed" and also due to the conviction that medical aid would be ineffective. This fateful development took place in a milieu of belief in demons fostered by the priests and uncritical rejection of medico-scientific treatment methods. According to the results of the hearing of witnesses during the now legally valid proceedings ending with the exorcists and the deceased's parents being convicted for accidental homicide a doctor probably also participated in what happend in a reprehensible manner.


Effects of testosterone propionate and pituitary-adrenal hormones on the social behaviour of male ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos L.) in two test situations. This experiment was designed to study in male ducklings the behavioural influence of testosterone propionate (= TP) injections, combined with pituitary-adrenal hormones administration, in two test situations: in groups of birds from the same residence cage or from visually isolated cages. It appears from the results that TP administration increased sexual but not aggressive behaviour, while pituitary-adrenal hormones induced very few effects. The responses of the birds were however modulated to a large extent by the type of test situation.


[Qualitative and quantitative determinations of staphylokinase-activity (author's transl)]. Staphylokinase (SAK)-activated plasminogen reacted specifically with nitroanilide (N-benzoyl-DL-lysine-4-nitroanilide) to form intensively yellow 4-nitroaniline. This reaction did not occur with staphylococcal proteases. For qualitative SAK-determinations nitroanilide was incorporated in an agar medium. SAK diffused into the medium and caused a distinct change in color from white to yellow. For quantitative SAK-determination the conversion of colorless nitroanilide to yellow 4-nitroaniline was recorded photometrically at 405 nm. The optical density correlated well with SAK-activity of preparations with different degrees of purity (fig. 1, 2). Another quantitative procedure for SAK-activity could be conducted with fibrin in microtiter-plates (Fib-MTT). In this method, after 2-fold dilutions of SAK-preparations fibrinogen (stained blue with astrazonblue) and subsequently thrombin were added. SAK-activity was indicated by lysis of the blue-colored fibrin clots in the microtiter-plates (fig. 3). The Fib-MTT was particularly suitable for measuring wide ranges of SAK-activities.


Anticomplementarity in complement-fixation test with soluble antigens of the spotted fever group rickettsiae. Anticomplementarity occurring in the complement-fixation (CF) test with soluble antigens of rickettsiae of the spotted fever (SF) group is caused by interaction of soluble antigens with guinea pig sera serving as the source of complement. The serum factor responsible for anticomplementarity is thermostable and cannot be removed by treatment of guinea pig serum with CO2 or nitrogen. An adverse effect of such serum was also observed upon its mixing with other guinea pig sera lacking anticomplementarity properties. An anticomplementarity factor present in the soluble rickettsial antigens was sensitive to treatment with potassium periodate.


[Effect of age on the activity of Mg-Na-K-ATPase, as well as on the K and Na concentration in human erythrocytes]. 42 persons of two age groups (14--28 years and 70--87 years) free of liver and hematological diseases without treatment with cardiac glycosides were investigated in this study. The activities of Mg++-ATPase and Na+-K+-ATPase were measured in red cell membranes. Furthermore the intracellular concentration of sodium and potassium was measured in erythrocytes of 10 persons. These results display a significant age dependent decrease of enzyme activities. Contrary to this, measurements of intracellular sodium and potassium concentrations disclosed no age dependent changes. There was no positive or negative correlation between the enzyme activities and the intracellular concentrations of sodium and potassium. The influence of 8 different drugs on Mg++-ATPase activities was proofed. The results displayed changes dependent on age and drug concentrations. The results were discussed with those of the literature.


Influence of age on thermotropic kinetics of enzymes involved in mitochondrial energy-metabolism. Aging has recently been shown to promote lipid peroxidation of mitochondrial membranes by a mechanism involving chaotropic oxidants (5). The present paper reports on the relationship between these membrane alterations and the activities of lipid-dependent enzymes of isolated heart mitochondria from 3 month and 24 month old rats. 1. Temperature breaks of Arrhenius plots reveal age-dependent shifts to higher temperatures for the succinate oxidase system (delta t = 1,7 degrees C), the beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, the succinate dehydrogenase and the ATP-ase (delta t = 3,0 degrees C). 2. Specific activities of the above enzymes are distinctly lowered in preparation from aged rats. 3. Thermotropic differences of the particular enzyme activities completely disappeared after solubilization of the lipid components by Triton X-100. 4. ESR studies exhibit a clear decrease in the fluidity of membrane lipids as a function of age. 5. Analysis of the membrane lipids by gas-liquid chromatography reveals a distinct age-dependent fall in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids accompanied by a slow increase in the degree of fatty acid saturation. 6. It is concluded from the results that aging influences enzyme-protein-lipid interactions by radical-induced peroxidation of the surrounding membrane lipids, but does not affect the intrinsic properties of the membrane-bound enzymes themselves.