[Screening for lung cancer (author's transl)]. Incidence of lung cancer is high in the male population of the German Democratic Republic: 0,005--4,63 per thousand annualy in the age groups 25 years and above. Therefore, efforts to improve early detection are mandatory. Possibilities and effectivity of screening for lung cancer are discussed. Only mass X-ray examination and exfoliative cytology have up to now gained practical importance. Most roentgenological studies performed so far show methodological weaknesses. Based upon recent studies of screening of high risk groups in the USA and in the GDR, it is suggested that this method applied in short intervals may be effective. Cytological screening of risk groups demands high costs and cannot be implemented on a broad base. Ways of optimization of cost-benefit ratio in roentgenological screening are discussed.


Exacerbation generalized nonconvulsive seizures with ethosuximide therapy. We describe a patient whose absence seizures increased greatly in number after the addition of ethosuximide to ongoing phenobarbital therapy. This unusual response and review of other cases in the literature suggested the possibility of some as yet underfined interaction between ethosuximide and other anticonvulsant drugs. That a particular subytpe of epilepsy may be worsened by ethosuximide therapy is also considered.


Grand mal seizures after retrobulbar block. Convulsions developed in two patients after retrobulbar block. The amount of local anesthetic agent that was used was considerably less than the intravenous toxic dose in both cases. No retrobulbar hemorrhage resulted. The probable cause of seizures was inadvertent injection of local anesthetic directly to the CNS via the ophthalmic artery or its sheath.


Optic nerve in globoid leukodystrophy (Krabbe's disease). Ultrastructural changes. Globoid leukodystrophy (Krabbe's disease) was diagnosed in an infant in whom a progressive neurological disorder and optic atrophy developed. At autopsy, ultrastructural examination of the optic nerves and cerebral white matter revealed characteristic tubular inclusions in globoid-epithelioid cells. Thinning of the nerve fiber and ganglion cell layers of the retina appeared to be due to retrograde degeneration of the optic nerve related to the abnormal metabolism of myelin. We discuss the pathogenesis of the clinical and pathological ocular findings, with regard to the inherited absence of the enzyme galactocerebroside beta-galactosidase and the accumulation in the optic nerve and brain of its substrates, galactocerebroside and psychosine.


Involutional entropion. A review with evaluation of a procedure. The pathophysiologic changes that lead to involutional entropion are discussed. The Quickert entropion operation gives good results because it rectifies the effect of enophthalmos; it restricts the upward movement of the preseptal muscle; it repairs the relaxation or disinsertion of the lower eyelid retractors; and it corrects the buckling of the upper tarsal border. Using this procedure, the recurrence rate of 3.7% is comparable with that of other procedures.


Penetrating keratoplasty with fresh and cryopreserved corneas. Donor endothelial cell survival in primates. Eight monkeys received bilateral corneal transplants, one fresh and one cryopreserved, from eight other healthy monkeys of sex opposite to that of the recipients. Three of the animals maintained clear grafts in both eyes, and the sex chromatin patterns of the corneal endothelial cells in these transplants were studied at one, two, and three years after keratoplasty. Definite survival of donor endothelial cells of their progeny was observed in each graft, and the percentage of cells of donor origin was similar for both fresh and cryopreserved grafts at each timer period.


Histocompatibility antigens (HLA): associations with immunopathic diseases and with responses to microbial antigens. Described is the experience from a single histocompatibility typing laboratory sampling, firstly, Australian patients with various immunopathic diseases and, secondly, subjects previously classified as "responders" or "non-responders" to various microbial antigens. The diseases considered included chronic active hepatitis (CAH) and various cirrhoses, "thyrogastric" autoimmune diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) with intestinal villous atrophy, and multiple sclerosis (MS). The immune responses considered included those to flagellin, candidin, mumps, trichophyton, tuberculin and streptococcal enzymes. The HLA specificities particularly associated with disease included B8 (CAH, thyrotoxicosis SLE, DH, and miscellaneous immunopathic diseases) and B7 (thyrotoxicosis, SLE, DH, and MS). The same specificities were present in excess, although not impressively so, among responders to certain of the microbial antigens, i.e. B7 with high responders to flagellin and B8 (and A1) with responders to trichophyton.


Sheep mortalities associated with the blue green alga Nodularia spumigena. In 2 field mortalities studied, sheep died and showed haemorrhage and diffuse liver necrosis after drinking water from dams containing growths of the blue green algae Nodularia. Sheep dosed with water containing N. spumigena Mert 5, 9 and 18 days after collection from one of the farm dams developed pyrexia and leucopenia before death. At necropsy, these sheep showed extensive haemorrhage, accumulations of yellow fluid in body cavitis and acute hepatic necrosis. Guinea pigs dosed with the water 9 days after collection died and developed periacinar liver necrosis, but those dosed 12 days after collection did not.


Survivorship of drosophila in nitrogen reduced hypobaric atmospheres. Populations of Drosophila melanogaster were maintained from eclosure to death in 150 torr oxygen/150 torr nitrogen (300 torr total pressure). Survivorship was identical to siblings maintained in normal atmospheric pressures. The study demonstrates that a significant reduction in atmospheric nitrogen does not affect the toxicity of oxygen at normal partial pressures. The author indicates that this information provides the basis for future studies concerning hypobaric, oxygen-enriched atmospheres.


Sequence of the full-length immunoglobulin kappa-chain of mouse myeloma MPC 11. MPC 11 mouse myeloma cells synthesize two immunoglobulin kappa light chains, coded by two separate genes. One of these Kappa-chains has no variable region and is degraded intracellularly. The other is a full-length kappa-chain contaning both variable and constant regions: this chain is secreted, both by itself and combined with heavy chains in molecules of immunoglobulin G. This paper reports the amino acid sequence of the myeloma MPC 11 full-length kappa-chain. The chain is unusual in having 12 extra residues at its N-terminus when its sequence is aligned with those of other mouse kappa-chains; no other anomalies were found in its sequence.


Location of O-methyl sugars in antigenic (lipo-)polysaccharides of photosynthetic bacteria and cyanobacteria. An attempt was made to localize a number of O-methyl sugars in lipopolysaccharides and antigenic polysaccharides isolated from photosynthetic bacteria and from cyano-bacteria. Methylation analysis with [2H3]methyl iodide as methylating agent was the method of choice. One has to differentiate between (lipo-)polysaccharides having only trace amounts (less than 1% of polymer dry weight) of O-methyl sugars and those having them in larger amounts (more than 4% of polymer dry weight). In the former case O-methyl sugars occupy either non-reducing or reducing terminals. When present in larger quantities they may be present as part of each repeating unit either in chain-linked or in terminal positions or in both. A possible role of O-methyl sugars in biosynthesis of O-chains, and their contribution to the lipophilic character of the cell surface are discussed.


Resolution of the methane mono-oxygenase of Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) into three components. Purification and properties of component C, a flavoprotein. 1. Ion-exchange chromatography resolves the methane mono-oxygenase from soluble extracts of Methylococcus capsulatus (Bath) into three fractions. 2. Fractions A and B are comparatively stable at 0 degrees C, whereas fraction C is very unstable unless kept in the presence of sodium thioglycollate (1-10 mM) or dithiothreitol (5-10mM). 3. The active component from fraction C was purified some 80-fold. 4. Purified component C has mol. wt. 42000. Its solutions are yellow with absorption maxima at 270 and 465 nm and a shoulder at 395 nm. The 465 nm peak is abolished by reduction with NADH or sodium dithionite, or by photoreduction in the presence of EDTA. A new spectral species, probably a neutral flavin semiquinone, is observed on partial reduction of component C. 5. No copper was detected in samples of purified component C, but the protein contains 1.3-1.5 atoms of iron/molecule. 6. On boiling, component C releases a yellow-green fluorescent material that has been identified as FAD from its absorption and fluorescence spectra and by t.l.c. 7. Component C contains 1 mol of FAD/mol of protein.


Extracellular manganese-stimulated deoxyribonuclease as a marker event in sporulation of Bacillus subtilis. A considerable amount of Mn2+-stimulated DNAase (deoxyribonuclease) activity is released by Bacillus subtilis 168 during sporulation in a glucose-deficient medium; much smaller amounts are released during starvation for phosphate or nitrogen. Protein synthesis is required. Two forms of evidence are presented that production of the DNAase is associated with events late in stage II of sporulation. 19 Thymidine starvation, which inhibits the biochemical events associated with sporulation, also inhibits release of the DNAase. 2. Several asporogenous mutants blocked at stage II or earlier and unable to produce alkaline phosphatase (a stage-II event) do not produce the enzyme. Mutants blocked towards the end of stage II or later produce both enzymes. During sporulation of the wild-type strain, the DNAase appears about 1 h after alkaline phosphatase. The results suggest that production of the DNAase is controlled by a still-undiscovered stage-II genetic locus.


Light chain heterogeneity of 19S and 7S anti-gamma-globulins in rheumatoid arthritis and subacute bacterial endocarditis. Both 19S and 7S anti-gamma-globulins in rheumatoid arthritis sera are enriched in kappa light chain bearing antibody molecules when compared to total 19S and 7S globulins from the same individuals. In patients with subacute bacterial endocarditis 19S anti-gamma-globulins are also, to a degree, enriched in kappa light chains, whereas the 7S anti-gamma-globulins have kappa to lambda light chain ratios indistinguishable from total 7S globulin.


Comparison of gold levels and distribution in guinea pig serum. Serum levels after oral administration of 30 mg/kg of sodium aurothiomalate (Myocrisin), triethylphosphine gold chloride, or triphenylphosphine gold chloride to guinea pigs indicated that all were orally absorbed. However, the serum gold level of triethylphosphine gold chloride was three to four times that of Myocrisin or triphenylphosphine gold chloride and was comparable with the serum level produced when the same dose of Myocrisin was injected intramuscularly. A comparative time-course study between intramuscular administration of Myocrisin and oral administration of triethylphosphine gold chl;ride indicated that during the first 24 hours after intramuscular injection of Myocrisin, a large fraction of the gold was not protein-bound, whereas all detectable gold in serum after oral administration of triethylphosphine gold chloride was protein-bound. Gold levels in the separated protein fractions indicate that the gamma-globulin level after oral administration of triethylphosphine gold chloride is approximately three times higher after 24 hours than with intramuscular Myocrisin.


[The problem of infections in acute leukemias: origin, therapy and prevention by protective isolation]. The most important factors of infection in leukemic patients and immunodepressive effect of chemotherapy are evaluated. The microorganisms causing infections most frequently are considered. The associations of antibiotics for therapy of severe infections are reported. The employement of granulocyte transfusion, in patients with severe neutropenia and infections antibiotico-resistents, is also considered. Dealing with patients liable of infections the possibility of infection prevention and therapy in protected environment is faced. 12 patients affected by acute nonlymphocitic leukemia were treated with cytostatic drugs to induce remission in laminar air flow room. The number of infections is significantly decreased in comparison with of patients treated in open ward. In protected environment it is possible to treat patients with the maximal dose of antiblastic drugs without interruption obtaining higher number of complete remission.


High performance thin layer chromatography of neutral and acidic glycolipids: application to the chemical diagnosis of lipid storage diseases. A new technique was utilized for the separation of neutral and acidic glycolipids using an equipment named U-Chamber System. This technique was employed for the chemical diagnosis of inherited inborn errors diseases in which complex glycolipids are involved. Results in the identification of storage products in Tay-Sachs' disease, GM1 gangliosidosis and Fabry's disease are presented.


Antigenic structure of double-stranded RNA analogues having varying activity in interferon induction. Antibodies were induced by immunization of rabbits with methylated bovine serum albumin complexes of: poly(I).poly(BC), an effective interferon inducer; poly(c7A).poly(rT), a noninducer that can block induction by active poly(A).poly(rT); and poly(A).poly(Um), which has neither inducing nor blocking activity. Similar complexes of f2 phage RNA or tRNA did not induce anti-nucleic acid antibodies. Each anti-polynucleotide serum contained some antibodies specific for double-stranded structure. Antibodies were immunospecifically purified from precipitates made with each serum and homologous or cross-reacting double-stranded polynucleotides. The purified antibodies distinguished among varying helices bearing base or ribose modifications. Antipoly(I).poly(BC) specificity paralleled that of the interferon induction system. Anti-poly(A).poly(Um) specificity favored the 2'-modified polymers. Anti-poly(c7A).poly(rT) antibodies were the least discriminating. Cross-reaction results indicated that some antibodies reacted with determinants that included both sugar-phosphate backbones. In far antibody excess, antigen:antibody ratios in precipitating complexes reached a minimum of 7 to 12 base pairs per bivalent IgG molecule. Single antigenic determinants may span about 4 base pairs, with primary contact sites including the phosphate groups and the furanose.


Purification of synaptic vesicles from elasmobranch electric organ and the use of biophysical criteria to demonstrate purity. We have purified cholinergic synaptic vesicles from the electric organs of two related marine elasmobranchs, Torpedo californica and Narcine brasiliensis, to a specific activity higher than had previously been obtained. We have demonstrated the homogeneity of the vesicles by biophysical criteria. The purification scheme consisted of differential centrifugation, flotation equilibrium in sucrose density gradients, and permeation chromatography on glass bead columns of average pore size 3000 A. Our criteria for purity were that bound acetylcholine, bound nucleotide triphosphate, protein, and lipid--phosphorus behave identically when vesicles were analyzed by procedures which depend on vesicle size, density, and charge. Contaminants were not detected when vesicles were fractionated by preparative and analytical sedimentation, by preparative equilibrium sedimentation using glycerol density gradients, or by electrophoresis in Ficoll density gradients. Pure synaptic vesicles, which have been purified 290-fold from the initial homogenate, contain per mg of protein: 8 mumol of acetylcholine, 3 mumol of ATP, and 7 mumol of lipid phosphorus. These procedures may be of general value in the purification of membrane vesicles.


Modification of Rhodospirillum rubrum ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase with pyridoxal phosphate. 2. Stoichiometry and kinetics of inactivation. Rhodospirillum rubrum ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase contains two high affinity binding sites for pyridoxal phosphate and two catalytic sites per dimer. However, pyridoxal phosphate binding at only one site is sufficient for inactivation of both catalytic sites. In the presence of 20 mM bicarbonate, 10 mM magnesium, and pyridoxal phosphate, the rates of inactivation and Schiff base formation are pseudo-first-order and show saturation kinetics. These observations provide additional evidence that pyridoxal phosphate binds at the active site of the R. rubrum carboxylase. It is also proposed that the large subunit may contain regulatory as well as catalytic properties.


Homogeneous rabbit immunoglobulin lacking group a allotypes: amino acid sequence analysis of the heavy chain. The partial amino acid sequence of rabbit a-negative heavy chain has been determined for residues 1--43 as: less than EEQLEESGGGLVQPGGSLKLSCKGSGFDFSVYGVTWVRQAPGK; and for residues 64--120 as: MNGRFTISSDNAQNRLYLQLNSLTAADTATYFCARSMVVVAGVHSYFDVWGPGTLVTV. Comparison of this sequence with the human heavy chain subgroup III shows homology of 78% suggesting that a common ancestral variable region gene existed in mammals prior to speciation. The constant region of the a-negative chain is structurally identical with that of a-positive chains, whereas the variable region differs substantially between a-positive and a-negative molecules. These findings support the concept that two genes encode one immunoglobulin polypeptide chain and demonstrate the existence in the rabbit of variable region subgroups similar to those reported for humans and other species. A novel approach to the initial fragmentation of the heavy chain was developed in this study. This method, which involved digestion of the H chain with the protease V8, produced a free N terminus and should have wide application in future studies on heavy chains with blocked amino terminals.


Interactions of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide with four deoxyribonucleotides. The interactions of 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (NQO) with the four 5'-deoxyribonucleotides were probed using absorption spectra of the charge transfer bands and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of nucleotide-NQO mixtures. Spectral data yielded equilibrium constants (K(dpG:NQO) = 16 M-1, K(dpA:NQO) = 12 M-1, K(dpT:NQO) = K(dpC:NQO) = 4 M-1) which suggest the preference of NQO for the guanine residue in a DNA. This is in agreement with the data of Okano, T., et al. [(1969) Gann 60, 295]. From 13C and 1H NMR data on nucleosides, a structure for the dpG:NQO complex is proposed.


Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light (lambda) chain from human myeloma cryoimmunoglobulin IgG Hil. We have determined the complete amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light (lambda) chain from a human myeloma cryoimmunoglobulin (IgG Hil), the Fab fragment from which has been previously crystallized. The presence of unblocked alpha-amino terminal residue and the isolation of a CNBr fragment starting at position 46 and of a maleylated tryptic fragment spanning residues 61 to 189 provided three suitable starting points for automatic Edman degradation. In addition, tryptic peptides and chymotryptic subpeptides covering the whole extension of the light chain were obtained and characterized to further verify the sequence of the variable region and the established sequence of the constant region. The proposed sequence of the variable region indicates that it may be assigned to subgroup III. Positions 152 (serine) and 189 (arginine) correspond to the isotypic markers Kern- and Oz-, respectively. In addition, a novel substitution has been detected in the constant region where at position 155 isoleucine replaces the usually occurring valine.


Isolation, purification, and properties of mouse heavy-chain immunoglobulin mRNAs. A procedure is described for the isolation of highly purified heavy-chain immunoglobulin mRNAs from a variety of mouse plasmacytomas (IgA, IgG, and IgM producers). The use of fresh tissue and the rapid isolation and direct extraction of membrane-bound polyribosomes were found to be essential in obtaining large quantities of undegraded heavy-chain mRNAs. The individual mRNAs were purified by two cycles of oligo(dT)-cellulose chromatography, sodium dodecyl sulfate--sucrose gradient centrifugation, and electrophoresis on 98% formamide containing polyacrylamide gels. When added to a cell-free protein-synthesizing system from wheat germ, the MPC-11 gamma2b and H2020 alpha heavy-chain mRNAs efficiently directed the synthesis of a predominant product of 55 000 molecular weight, while the synthesis of a 70 000 dalton protein in addition to other lower molecular weight polypeptides were observed with MOPC 3741 mu mRNA. All of these proteins were immunoprecipitable with class-specific heavy-chain antisera, and in the case of the gamma2b in vitro products good correspondence in a comparative trypsin--chymotrypsin fingerpring with in vivo labeled gamma2b heavy chain was observed. The gamma2b and a alpha heavy-chain mRNAs possessed a chain length of approximately 1800 nucleotides and the mu mRNA a size of approximately 2150 nucleotides when examined under stringent denaturation conditions. The purities of the alpha, gamma2b, and mu mRNAs were estimated to be 60--80%, 50--70%, and 50--83%, respectively, on the basis of their hybridization rates with cDNA probes in comparison to mRNA standards of known complexity. Heavy-chain mRNAs of the same class isolated from different mouse strains (Balb/C or NZB) display no detectable sequence differences in cross hybridization experiments, even though the cDNA--mRNA hybrids are submitted to stringent S1 nuclease digestion. These results indicate that allotypic determinants represent only a minor fraction of the heavy-chain constant region sequence in the mouse.


Identification of phyllostine as an intermediate of the patulin pathway in Penicillium urticae. A patulin negative mutant (J1) of Penicillium urticae (NRRL 2159A) was found to accumulate large quantities (greater than 128 mg/L culture) of a reactive, photosensitive compound, which was isolated and identified as (-)-phyllostine (5,6-epoxygentisylquinone). This epoxyquinone possessed an antibiotic activity against Bacillus subtilis which was approximately 80% of that exhibited by patulin. In separate in vivo feeding experiments, [2-14C]acetate and [G-3H]gentisaldehyde were readily incorporated into phyllostine by mutant J1 and [14C]phyllostine was incorporated into patulin by the parent strain (NRRL 2159A). When fed to a washed-cell suspension of a second patulin negative mutant (J2) which produced gentisaldehyde but not phyllostine, unlabeled phyllostine was efficiently converted to patulin in yields of 33, 56, and 92% after 30 min, 1 and 5 h, respectively. The role of phyllostine as an intermediate of a new post-gentisaldehyde portion of the patulin biosynthetic pathway is discussed.


Changes in membrane potential during calcium ion influx and efflux across the mitochondrial membrane. 1. A depolarisation of the membrane of rat liver mitochondria, as measured with the safranine method, is seen during Ca2+ uptake. The depolarisation is followed by a slow repolarisation, the rate of which can be increased by the addition of EGTA or phosphate. 2. Plots relating the initial rate of calcium ion (Ca2+) uptake and the decrease in membrane potential (delta psi) to the Ca2+ concentration show a half-maximal change at less than 10 micron Ca2+ and a saturation above 20 micron Ca2+. 3. Plots relating the initial rate of Ca2+ uptake to delta psi are linear. 4. Addition of Ca2+ chelators, nitriloacetate or EGTA, to deenergized mitochondria equilibrated with Ca2+ causes a polarisation of the mitochondrial membrane due to a diffusion potential created by electrogenic Ca2+ efflux. 5. If the extent of the response induced by different nitriloacetate concentrations is plotted against the expected membrane potential a linear plot is obtained up to 70 mV with a slope corresponding to two-times the extent of the response induced by valinomycin in the presence of different potassium ion gradients. This suggests that the Ca2+ ion is transferred across the membrane with one net positive charge in present conditions.


The photoproduction of H2 and NH4 fixed from N2 by a derepressed mutant of Rhodospirillum rubrum. A mutant of Rhodospirillum rubrum has been isolated, after mutagenesis with nitrosoguanidine, which is characterized by its inability to grow in the light on malate-minimal media with exogenous ammonia or alanine, poor growth on glutamine and vigorous growth on glutamate. This mutant produces low levels of a key NH+4 assimilation enzyme, glutamate synthase (NADPH-dependent). It also exhibits significant derepression of nitrogenase biosynthesis in the presence of ammonia or alanine, being 15% derepressed for the former and about 70% derepressed for the latter. Some of this mutant's fixed N2 is excreted into the medium as NH+4 (1 mumol NH+4 per mg cell protein in 50 h). Nitrogenase-mediated H2 production by this strain is considerable (42 mumol H2 per mg cell protein in 50 h), approximately twice that of the wild type assayed under similar conditions. These results demonstrate that genetic alteration of the photosynthetic N2-fixer's NH+4 assimilation system disrupts the tight coupling of N2 fixation and NH+4 assimilation normally observed in these organisms, enabling photochemical conversion steps to be utilized for the photoproduction of NH+4 and H2.


Factors affecting energy transfer from phycobilisomes to thylakoids in Anacystis nidulans. Short illumination with white light of dark-maintained Anacystis nidulans prior to immersion in liquid nitrogen resulted in a marked change of fluorescence emission characteristics at 77 K. The fluorescence of Photosystem II-associated membrane bound pigments increases, while the emission due to phycobilins decreases. This effect seems to be due to a light-dependent alteration in the extent of contact between phycobilisomes and thylakoids, since the effect is reversible in the dark and is abolished by short glutaraldehyde fixation. The preillumination effect is not inhibited by DCMU. Emission spectra obtained with actively growing and CO2-starved cells indicate that the light-dependent increase in energy transfer from phycobilins to chlorophyll depends upon the physiological state of the cells.


Proteins exposed at the surface of chromatophores of Rhodospirillum rubrum: the orientation of isolated chromatophores. The exposure of proteins at the surface of isolated chromatophores (i.e., the cytoplasmic face of intracytoplasmic membranes) of Rhodospirillum rubrum was studied by proteolysis as well as by enzymatic iodination with 125I. Analyses were performed after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of chromatophore proteins solubilized with sodium dodecyl sulfate. Reversible light induced proton uptake by partially digested chromatophores was used as a criterion for the integrity of the permeability barrier and thus, as evidence for proteolysis only of proteins outside of this barrier. Trypsin or alpha-chymotrypsin completely cleaved four proteins which were identified as the heavy subunit of succinate dehydrogenase (Mr = 64 000), the alpha- and beta-subunits of coupling factor ATPase (Mr = 55 000 and 51 000), and the heavy (H) subunit of photochemical reaction centers (Mr = 31 000). alpha-Chymotrypsin, in addition, attacked the protein (Mr = 9000) of light harvesting bacteriochlorophyll preparations. By enzymatic iodination, the same proteins were labeled as were digested with trypsin or alpha-chymotrypsin except for the protein of Mr = 9000. In addition, significant label was incorporated into three more proteins, one of which (Mr = 41 000) could be identified as a major protein of the cell wall. The complete cleavage with trypsin of four proteins exposed at the surface indicated that isolated chromatophores were homogeneously oriented regardless of the method employed for cell breakage, i.e., passage through a French pressure cell at different forces or osmotic shock of sphaeroplasts.


The quantitative determination of metabolites of 6-mercaptopurine in biological materials. III. The determination of 14C-labeled 6-thiopurines in L5178Y cell extracts using high-pressure liquid cation-exchange chromatography. A method is presented for the separation of 6-thiopurine bases and ribonucleosides, of sulphate anions and of common purine bases and oxidized purines by means of high-pressure liquid cation-exchange chromatography using a 0.18 X 100 cm column, filled with Beckman M71 resin, and eluted with 0.4M ammonium formate, pH 4.6, at a linear flow velocity of 5.2 cm/min at 50 degrees C. The method has been applied to the separation and quantitative determination of 14C-labeled 6-mercaptopurine metabolites in HClO4 extracts of L5178Y murine lymphoma cells. Distribution patterns of 14C radioactivity within the cells after a 24 h incubation period with (8-14C)-labeled 6-mercaptopurine have been established. The indentification of 6-mercaptopurine metabolites, such as 6-thioxanthosine ribonucleotide, 6-thioinosinic acid, 6-thioguanylic acid, 6-methylthioinosinic acid, and 6-thiouric acid, after the digestion of the extracts with alkaline phosphatase has been confirmed using the behaviour of each compound in enzymatic peak-shifting analyses with purine nucleoside phosphorylase and the corresponding elution volumes of 6-thiopurine bases and ribonucleosides as proofs. According to the specific radioactivity of the (8-14C)-labeled 6-mercaptopurine batch, the amounts of the various 6-mercaptopurine metabolites in about 6% of the total HClO4 extract of 1.6 . 10(8) labeled cells have quantitatively been determined as 1--130 pmol. The intracellular concentration of 6-thiopurines was determined at 1.4 . 10(-5)mol/1.


Spectral analysis of high resolution direct-derivative melting curves of DNA for instantaneous and total base composition. Derivative melting profiles of DNA have been obtained directly by recording the difference in absorbance between two identical solutions maintained at a small constant temperature differential. This deltaA is monitored continuously with increasing temperature in a ratio recording spectrophotometer. Resolution of complex hyperfine structure in the profiles of small homogeneous viral DNAs appears to be significantly better than has been produced by various numerical methods of differentiation. In addition, a spectral method has been modified that permits easy analysis for DNA base composition from the ratio of derivative melting curves obtained at 282 and 260 nm. Eight bacterial and three vertebrate DNAs have been analyzed for total base composition from the product of the instantaneous base composition at small temperature intervals (0.05 degrees C) throughout the entire melting region and the integrated area of the 282 nm profile. The results are in excellent agreement with values determined by traditional methods.


Heterologous transfection with bacteriophage phiX174 DNA: and improved system. A highly efficient and much more reproducible system for the heterologous transfection of several kinds of Gram-negative bacterial spheroplasts with bacteriophage phiX174 DNA was established. By mild washing of the speroplasts, the efficiency of transfection of all non-host heterologous bacterial species tested increased one or more orders of magnitude in producing the progeny phages and/or the infectious intermediates. Using the improved heterologous transfection systems, it has become clearer that a strong suppression system operates on the processes of phiX174 progeny phage production and not on those of phiX174 dougle-stranded replicative form DNA synthesis in the heterologous bacterial cells. Similar stimulatory effects of this washing procedure were observed in the homologous transfection. With this improved assay system, even less than 100 molecules of phage phiX174 DNA can be detected and the number of molecules can be determined with accuracy.


A bacterial phenylalanine aminotransferase lacking pyridoxal 5'-phosphate as cofactor. A bacterium has been isolated from soil which metabolises phenylalanine initially through the action of a phenylalanine aminotransferase. This enzyme has been purified by conventional techniques and affinity chromatography and shown to be unusual among aminotransferases in  not containing pyridoxal 5'-phosphate as cofactor.


Amino acid sequence at the active site of beta-glucosidase A from bitter almonds. beta-Glucosidase A from bitter almonds was inhibited by the substrate analogue 6-bromo-3,4,5-trihydroxycyclo[2-3H]hex-1-ene oxide. Incorporation of 2 mol inhibitor/mol of dimeric enzyme resulted in total loss of activity. From tryptic digests of the labeled enzyme two radioactive peptides were isolated and their sequence determined (binding site of inhibitor underlined): peptide I, containing approx. 60% of the label: Ile-Thr-Glx-Glx-Gly-Val--Phe-Gly-Asp-Ser-Glx-(Ala, Asx2, Pro)-Lys and peptide II with approx. 30% of the label: Gly-Thr-Glx-Asp. The specifity of the reaction of beta-glucosidases (beta-D-glucoside glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.21) with substrate-related epoxides indicates that the aspartic acid labeled in peptide I participates in the catalytic process of beta-glucoside hydrolysis. The labeling of a second site is interpreted in terms of two, mutually exclusive, binding modes of the inhibitor.


Aminotransferases for aromatic amino acids and aspartate in Bacillus subtilis. Two proteins (form A and form B2) with aromatic-amino-acid aminotransferase activity were detected in extracts of Bacillus subtilis. A histidinol phosphate aminotransferase (protein B1) with aminotransferase activity for the aromatic amino acids was also present. The aspartate aminotransferase (L-aspartate:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.1) (protein C) also displayed similar activity. Each of the four proteins was isolated free from the others by the successive application of DEAE-cellulose column chromatography and flat-bed isoelectric focusing at pH range 4-6. Form B2 is the major form of the aromatic-amino-acid aminotransferase (aromatic-amino-acid:2-oxoglutarate amino-transferase, EC 2.6.1.57) and the Km values of tyrosine and phenylalanine with this form are somewhat lower than with the minor form A. The Km of tyrosine with histidinol phosphate aminotransferase (protein B1) is in the same range, but the Km of phenylalanine with this enzyme is 12-20 times higher than the corresponding values with the two forms of the aromatic-amino-acid amino-transferase. Apparent molecular weights were estimated with Sephadex gel filtration to be approx. 73 000, 64 000, 54 000 and 66 000 for form A, form B2, histidinol phosphate aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, respectively. Form B2 is being reported for the first time in this communication.


Inhibition of beta-glucosidases from almonds by cationic and neutral beta-glucosyl derivatives. The beta-glucosidase (beta-D-glucoside glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.21) isoenzymes B from sweet and bitter almonds showed considerable differences in their kinetic and inhibition parameters, but both were inhibited much more strongly by basic beta-glucosyl derivatives than by their neutral analogs. The additional interaction energy apparently due to the basic character ranged from 18 kJ/mol (4.3 kcal/mol) for beta-glucosylamine compared to beta-glucose to 28 kJ/mol (6.9 kcal/mol) for N-benzyl-beta-glucosylamine compared to N-beta-glucosyl-p-toluidine. N-beta-Glucosylpyridinium ion and N-beta-glucosylimidazol which both cannot be protonated at the glucosylated nitrogen are very weak inhibitors. beta-2-Amino-2-deoxyglucose is bound with half the affinity of beta-glucosylamine. The structural requirement for strong inhibition is thus the protonation of the inhibitor at the glucosylated nitrogen. The additional binding energy is assumed to be due to the electrostatic interaction of the inhibitor cation with a carboxylate group in an environment of low polarity. The failure of the pyridinium ion to show this interaction is attributed to the presence of a positively charged group at the active site which acts as proton donor. The pKa values of beta-glucosylamine and its derivatives have been determined and found to be 3.5 units lower than those of the corresponding parent amines. An exception is beta-glucosylimidazol (pKa 5.4) which is protonated on the non-glycosylated nitrogen.


On the relationship between glycerophosphoglycolipids and lipoteichoic acids of gram-positive bacteria. III. Di(glycerophospho)-acylkojibiosyldiacylglycerol and related compounds from Streptococcus lactis NCDO 712. 1. Streptococcus lactis NCDO 712 contains at lease three unusually polar glycerophosphoglycolipids. One of them was composed of D-glucose, glycerol, fatty acid ester, and phosphorus in the molar ratio of approx. 2 : 3 : 3 : 2. The structure was established as 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-[6-(sn-glycero-1-phospho-3-sn-glycero-1-phospho)-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 leads to 2)-(6-O-acyl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)]-glycerol. 2. The second glycerophosphoglycolipid was shown to have the same core structure but is lacking the carbohydrate-linked fatty acid. The third glycero-phosphoglycolipid is a glycosylated derivative of the first one bearing an alpha-galactosyl residue at position 2 of the inner glycolipid-linked glycerophosphate moiety. 3. These novel phosphoglycolipids are considered to be the so far missing link between simple glycerophosphoglycolipids and lipoteichoic acids of Gram-positive bacteria.


Initiation of glycogen biosynthesis in Escherichia coli. Studies of the properties of the enzymes involved. The properties of the enzymes involved in the initiation of glycogen biosynthesis in Escherichia coli were studied. It was found that the enzymic activities which transfer the glycosyl residues from UDPglucose or ADPglucose for the glucoprotein synthesis had differing stabilities upon storage at 4 degrees C. The small amount of glycogen and the saccharide firmly bound to the membrane preparation, were degraded during the storage period. The activity measured in fresh and in stored preparations gave different time dependence curves. The stored preparation had a lag period which could be due to the transfer of the first glucose units to the protein. Both UDPglucose and ADPglucose : protein glucosyltransferases were affected in different ways by detergents. Based on the results presented, it may be concluded that both enzymatic activities are due to different enzymes. Furthermore, both enzymatic activities are different from that which transfers glucose from ADPglucose to glycogen. The following mechanism for the de novo synthesis is suggested. Glycogen in E. coli could be initiated by two different enzymes which transfer glucose to a protein acceptor either from UDPglucose or ADPglucose. Once the saccharide linked to the protein has reached a certain size it is almost exclusively enlarged by another ADPglucose-dependent enzyme. The participation of branching enzyme will produce a polysaccharide with the characteristics of glycogen.


The use of mutants in the study of structure-function relationships in cloacin DF13. A bacteriocin from cells with a mutant Clo DF13 plasmid (cloacin clp03 . immunity protein complex) and a bacteriocin from cells containing the recombinant plasmic Clo DF13 :: Tn901 (cloacin pJN82) have been isolated. Both bacteriocins like wild-type cloacin DF13, are still able to inhibit in vitro protein synthesis, but their in vivo killing activity is absent. Comparison of some physicochemical characteristics of the cloacin clp03 . immunity protein complex and wild-type cloacin complex showed no significant differences. From a comparison of the binding capacity to specific receptors on sensitive cells, the translocation through the cell wall, and the interaction with cytoplasmic membranes, it could be concluded that the cloacin clp03 complex is hampered in its translocation from the outer membrane receptor site to the cytoplasmic membrane, resulting in the observed lack in killing activity. Cloacin pJN82 is shortened at the C-terminal of the molecule by approximately ten amino acid residues. Together with its loss of in vivo killing activity it has lost its capacity to bind immunity protein. Since the immunity protein probably not only provides cloacin-producing cells with "immunity" but is also involved in the translocation of the bacteriocin to the interior of sensitive cells, the absence of this protein is probably the reason for the lack of killing activity of cloacin pJN82. The implications of these findings for the topography of the cloacin molecule as suggested by de Graaf et al. (de Graaf, F.K., Stukart, M.J., Boogerd, F.C. and Metselaar, K. (1978) Biochemistry, in press) are discussed.


[Immobilization of phosphorylase B and study of its enzymatic and immunological properties]. The properties of phosphorylase B (PhB) immobilized on an agar derivative were studied. It was shown that the enzyme activity makes up to 15-20% as compared to that of the soluble enzyme, the Km value for glucose-1-phosphate is increased 1.5-fold and the pH optimum remains unchanged, whereas the thermostability of enzyme shows a considerable increase. PhB immobilized on a highly activated sorbent completely losses its enzymatic activity but retains its antigenic properties and binds 1.6-2 mol antibodies (per monomer). Using immunosorbents, purified antibodies homogeneous during electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel were isolated. The immunosorbent capacity is 500-800 mg of antibodies per 1 g of dry weight. The purified antibodies are characterized by a lower inhibitory power upon interaction with soluble PhB. The type of inhibition of both immobilized and soluble enzyme is similar. It is assumed that immobilization produces conformational changes only at the active site of enzyme, which is spatially separated from the antibody binding site.


[Isolation and characteristics of lipoxygenase isoenzyme from pea seeds]. The individual isoenzyme lipoxygenase-2, a constituent of the heterogeneous lipoxygenase system (EC 1.13.11.12) which catalyzes coupled oxidation of beta-carotene in the presence of linoleic acid, was isolated from pea seeds and its properties were characterized. The isoenzyme has been proved to be homogeneous; some of its kinetic properties, the amino acid composition and the subunit structure have been investigated.


Sucrase and lactase synthesis in suckling rat intestine in response to substrate administration. The intestinal brush border disaccharidases separated by gel electrophoresis were studied after oral administration of a high sucrose or lactose diet to 11-day-old suckling rats during 3 days. Some modifications of the brush border protein and eyzyme patterns could be attributed to the effect of the basic diet: increase of glucoamylase, appearance of a weak sucrase activity and of a second molecular form of maltase. However, the specific action of a given disaccharide on the synthesis of the corresponding hydrolytic enzyme could be clearly demonstrated. Indeed, the electrophoretic pattern after sucrose or lactose feeding showed a marked increase of the protein bands corresponding to sucrase-isomaltase or lactase activities.


Protist classification and the kingdoms of organisms. Traditional classification imposed a division into plant-like and animal-like forms on the unicellular eukaryotes, or protists; in a current view the protists are a diverse assemblage of plant-, animal- and fungus-like groups. Classification of these into phyla is difficult because of their relatively simple structure and limited geological record, but study of ultrastructure and other characteristics is providing new insight on protist classification. Possible classifications are discussed, and a summary classification of the living world into kingdoms (Monera, Protista, Fungi, Animalia, Plantae) and phyla is suggested. This classification also suggests groupings of phyla into superphyla and form-superphyla, and a broadened kingdom Protista (including green algae, oomycotes and slime molds but excluding red and brown algae). The classification thus seeks to offer a compromise between the protist and protoctist kingdoms of Whittaker and Margulis and to combine a full listing of phyla with grouping of these for synoptic treatment.


Problems in the development of an explicit hypothetical phylogeny of the lower eukaryotes. A semi-explicit arrangement of the lower eukaryotes is provided to serve as a basis for phyletic discussions. No single character is used to determine the position of all the groups. The tree provides no ready separation of protozoa, algae and fungi, groups assigned to these traditional assemblages being considered to be for the most part inextricably interwoven. Photosynthetic forms, whose relationships seem to be more readily discernable, are considered to have given rise repeatedly to nonphotosynthetic forms. The assumption that there are primitive "preflagellar" eukaryotes (red algae, non-flagellated fungi) is adopted. The potential value of mitochondrial features as indicators of broad affinities is emphasised, particularly in determining the probable affinities of non-photosynthetic forms, and this criterion is contra-indicative of a ciliate ancestry for the Metazoa. In the arrangement provided the distributions of chloroplast, mitochondrial and flagellar features match one another well, suggesting their probable co-evolution.


Hospital-based patient education programs and the role of the hospital librarian. This paper examines current advances in hospital-based patient education, and delineates the role of the hospital librarian in these programs. Recently, programs of planned patient education have been recognized by health care personnel and the public as being an integral part of health care delivery. Various key elements, including legislative action, the advent of audiovisual technology, and rising health care costs have contributed to the development of patient education programs in hospitals. As responsible members of the hospital organization, hospital librarians should contribute their expertise to patient education programs. They are uniquely trained with skills in providing information on other health education programs; in assembling, cataloging, and managing collections of patient education materials; and in providing documentation of their use. In order to demonstrate the full range of their skills and to contribute to patient care, education, and research, hospital librarians should actively participate in programs of planned patient education.


The effect of magnesium on the response of smooth muscle to 5-hydroxytryptamine. 1 The responses to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) of rabbit isolated mesenteric artery and vein and longitudinal smooth muscle of guinea-pig ileum were examined in Krebs solution containing 0, 1.2 or 2.4 mM Mg2+. 2 When the concentration of Mg2+ was raised the spontaneous contractile activity of rabbit mesenteric vein was depressed. The responses to 5-HT in rabbit mesenteric artery and vein and guinea-pig ileum were greater in the absence of Mg2+. The initial fast component of 5-HT-induced contractions in rabbit mesenteric vein was reduced more consistently than the subsequent slow component by increasing the Mg2+ concentration. 3 Exposure of mesenteric vein to Ca-free solution containing ethyleneglycoltetra-acetic acid (EGTA) promptly abolished 5-HT contraction in normal-Mg but not in low-Mg Krebs solution. 4 In mesenteric veins, no difference was observed in either the 'lanthanum-resistant' uptake of 45Ca or total tissue Ca, measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, after 60 min exposure to either low-Mg or normal-Mg Krebs solution. On the other hand, after 5 min exposure, the 'lanthanum-resistant' uptake of 45Ca was greater in the absence of Mg2+ than in the presence of higher Mg2+ concentrations. 5 It is suggested that Mg2+ depressed the 5-HT response at least partly by reducing the availability of Ca2+ from a rapidly equilibrating intracellular pool.


Postoperative amino acid infusions: an appraisal. Amino acid infusions either as a 7 per cent solution or as an isotonic 3.5 per cent solution produce a nitrogen-sparing effect in the postoperative period. The nitrogen-sparing effect is independent of the concentration and rate of infusion of the amino acid solution; or of any changes in plasma substrate and hormone concentrations. These solutions have no advantage over conventional intravenous therapy with isotonic glucose and saline solutions and there is no indication for their routine use in the management of postoperative patients.


A prospective study of subclavian vein catheters used exclusively for the purpose of intravenous feeding. One hundred and seventy-eight central venous catheters inserted via the subclavian vein for the purposes of intravenous feeding were studied in 77 patients. Insertion of the catheter was complicated by puncture of the subclavian artery on three occasions and by a pneumothorax on two. Catheters remained in situ for a mean period of 10 days. Ninety-two were removed because the requirement for nutrition no longer existed and 86 were removed because of suspected infection, venous thrombosis or mechanical problems. Infective organisms were grown from 17 catheters (9.5 per cent) but other unrelated causes of infection were frequently present in the population under study. Venous thrombosis of a major upper limb vein was seen in 8 patients.


The cost of cardiac surgery.

The cost of cardiac surgery. A study in Wessex has shown that at 1977 prices, and excluding the cost of equipment already installed in the unit, the cost of replacing a man's aortic valve in this unit is about 1800 pounds. Nevertheless, this seems a small price to pay for return to health and full working capacity, particularly since such patients no longer need to draw social security benefits and their tax contributions will return to normal, thus probably paying for the operation within two years.


Studies on Neisseria gonorrhoeae cultured in liquid medium. Experiments were carried out to determine the minimum amount of inoculum of gonococci that is needed to produce growth in ANM liquid medium. This was found to be less than had previously been thought. Minimum inocula were used to study penicillin sensitivity in liquid medium. This work showed that growth occurred at higher concentrations of penicillin with larger inocula. Evidence was also obtained which suggested that in some circumstances penicillin acts bacteriostatically rather than bacteriocidally. It was also shown that growth of gonococci can be inhibited in liquid medium by the presence of hyperimmune serum, the inhibition being more marked in the presence of fresh complement. This work is continuing in the hope that it may provide a basis for a much-needed serological test for gonorrhoea. This would be especially valuable in chronic assymptomatic infections.


Afferent cortical connections and architectonics of the superior temporal sulcus and surrounding cortex in the rhesus monkey. A cyto- and myeloarchitectonic parcellation of the superior temporal sulcus and surrounding cortex in the rhesus monkey has been correlated with the pattern of afferent cortical connections from ipsilateral temporal, parietal and occipital lobes, studied by both silver impregnation and autoradiographic techniques. The results suggest a definite organization of this region. Subdivisions of the superior temporal gyrus are tied together in a precise sequence of connections beginning in primary auditory cortex. The inferotemporal area, which receives input from the lateral peristriate region, can also be divided into architectonic divisions, each of which is related to the others in a specific pattern of connections. Within the superior temporal sulcus several distinct areas exist. In the caudal reaches is found a region that receives input from both primary visual and visual association cortices. This zone is similar to the Clare-Bishop area of the cat. Other superior temporal sulcus zones receive input primarily from one limited area of association cortex. A strip in the upper bank receives input exclusively from the superior temporal gyrus. An area in the rostral lower bank has afferent connections mainly with the inferotemporal area, and a zone in the depth of the superior temporal sulcus receives fibers from a region within the lower bank of the intraparietal sulcus. Two additional zones, in the upper bank of the superior temporal sulcus, however, have multiple sources of cortical input: the peristriate belt, inferior parietal lobule and caudal superior temporal gyrus.


Effects of lesions of globus pallidus on species-typical display behavior of squirrel monkeys. In a study of brain mechanisms underlying species-typical communication, systematic testing has been conducted on the effects of cerebral lesions on the mirror display of squirrel monkeys. The mirror display is a highly predictable variation of a naturally occurring display used by male squirrel monkeys in a show of aggression, in courtship and in greeting. Of the 5 features of the display, vocalization, thigh-spreading and forward thrusts of the erect phallus are the major and most regularly occurring manifestations, constituting the so-called trump display. Testing has been performed on more than 100 animals with lesions in various structures of the brain. The present report describes the positive effects of electro-coagulation of certain parts of the globus pallidus. Lesions of the medial segment have resulted in an enduring elimination or fragmentation of the trump display. Recovery of the display may occur with lesions predominantly involving the external segment, while destruction of the caudalmost pallidum is without effect. A variety of evidence indicates that the behavioral changes are not due to a deterioration of health, motor disabilities, seasonal factors or motivation. When weighed against the negative or transitory effects of lesions of numerous other structures of the brain, the present findings support the hypothesis that the striatal complex plays a basic role in the organized expression of species-typical behavior.


Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex lesions and discrimination of movement-produced cues by rhesus monkeys. Rhesus monkeys were trained on a conditional discrimination in which sequences of either 32 or 64 lever presses served as discriminative stimuli. For half the subjects, reinforcement was contingent upon choice of a red response key following a sequence of 32 presses (FR 32), and a white key after FR 64, with the position of the two key colors randomized across trials. The remaining subjects were reinforced for left key presses after FR 64, and right key presses after FR 32, with key color again randomized across trials. Ablation of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex resulted in postoperative deficits in all subjects, although 6 of 8 eventually remastered the task. This recovery was investigated in a second experiment, in which psychophysical functions were generated by varying the length of the shorter FR. Although dorsolateral lesions again produced a severe disruption in performance, the post-operative functions eventually obtained were identical to the preoperative functions. This pattern of marked impairment in retention of fixed ratio discriminations, but no change in asymptotic capacity, suggests participation of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in processing kinesthetic information, possibly analogous to the role of inferior temporal cortex in processing visual information.


Intracellular levels of guanosine 5'-diphosphate 3'-diphosphate (ppGpp) and guanosine 5'-triphosphate 3'-diphosphate (pppGpp) in cultures of Streptomyces griseus producing streptomycin. Guanosine 5'-diphosphate 3'-diphosphate (ppGpp) and guanosine 5'-triphosphate 3'-diphosphate (pppGpp) were identified in the vegative mycelium of Streptomyces griseus. Adenosine 5'-diphosphate 3'-diphosphate (ppApp) and adenosine 5'-triphosphate 3'-diphosphate (pppApp) were not present but several other phosphorus-containing compounds which may have been inorganic polyphosphates were detected. During exponential growth of S. griseus the concentrations of ppGpp and pppGpp were several times higher than in the stationary stage. They fell sharply when exponential growth ended and then remained at an almost constant basal level. For the tetraphosphate the maximum concentration was about 50, and for the basal level about 10, pmol per millilitre of a culture with an optical density of 1.0. Production of streptomycin started several hours after exponential growth had ended and the concentrations of ppGpp and pppGpp had fallen. Streptomycin synthesis was delayed if the cells were resuspended just before production started in fresh medium lacking phosphate, but it was not delayed by glucose starvation. Both cultures, as well as cultures transferred to nitrogen-free medium, showed an immediate increase in ppGpp content to about four-fold the basal level. The results suggest that the guanosine polyphosphates do not directly control initiation of streptomycin production in S. griseus. Twelve additional species of Streptomyces examined all contained ppGpp and pppGpp.


beta-D-phosphogalactoside galactohydrolase of Streptococcus faecalis and the inhibition of its synthesis by glucose. The lactose hydrolysing system of Streptococcus faecalis is described. It is closely related to that one of the group N streptocci as it consists of a beta-D-phosphogalactoside galactohydrolase (beta-Pgal). The uptake of methyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside (TMG), lactose, and glucose is maintained by the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase system (PTS) but the uptake of galactose is not. The induction time is 6--7 min. Inducers are lactose and galactose but not isopropyl-beta-D-galactoside (IPTG) and TMG. In the presence of glucose, mannose, and maltose no induction of beta-Pgal occurs but pyruvate and glycerol allow induction. The competitive inhibition of uptake of TMG by glucose suggests inducer exclusion by this sugar. TMG accumulates in the cells exclusively as a derivative.


Characterization of the mitogenic activity elicited by Neisseria gonorrhoeae ribosomal fractions. Ribosomal preparations from Neisseria gonorrhoeae types 1 and 4 were examined for their in vitro stimulation of mouse splenocytes to determine the ribosomal moiety or contaminant responsible for the immunoproliferative activity. In immunodiffusion tests with homologous rabbit antiserum, crude 70S ribosomes formed four precipitin bands while the purified 30S and 50S subunits showed one major line. The same antiserum reacted with lysed N. gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis A cells but no precipitation occurred with Escherichia coli cells purified N. gonorrhoeae lipopolysaccharide (LPS). No membrane or LPS contaminant was detected in the purified 30S and 50S preparations. All the ribosomal preparations from virulent and non-virulent N. gonorrhoeae consistently stimulated the murine splenocytes. The mitogenic activity of the 30S and 50S ribosomal preparation was destroyed by treatment with trypsin but only slightly decreased by ribonuclease. It is suggested that the lymphoproliferative response elicited by gonococcal ribosomes is triggered by the protein moiety of the 30S or 50S subunits.


Further characterization of Listeria monocytogenes serotype 5. Fifteen strains of Listeria monocytogenes serotype 5 were characteriized for carbohydrate utilization, enzymic reactions, and other differential criteria. Hemolytic patterns were tested on ovine, bovine, equine, human and lapine blood agars. Results were compared with those of previously reported strains of L. monocytogens serotype 5.


A general method for the lysis of Streptomyces species. A procedure for the gentle lysis of Streptomyces is described. Complete lysis is obtained and covalently closed circular (CCC) DNA remains intact. This procedure was successfully used to lyse 14 different species of Streptomyces.


Calcium metabolism in adult outpatients with epilepsy receiving long-term anticonvulsant therapy. Long-term anticonvulsant drug therapy may lead to abnormalities of calcium metabolism resulting in osteomalacia. The prevalence and severity of altered calcium metabolism was studied in an adult outpatient population of persons with epilepsy receiving anticonvulsant therapy for a minimum of 2 years. Assessment of calcium metabolism was based on serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and of plasma parathyroid hormone, intestinal absorption of isotopic calcium and skeletal bone mineral mass as determined by in vivo neutron activation or x-ray photodensitometry.Thirty-nine patients who had been receiving anticonvulsant therapy for an average of 20 years were studied; none had clinical evidence of metabolic bone disease. Decreased serum calcium concentration was noted in 10%, decreased serum phosphorus concentration in 10% and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase concentration in 44%. The mean serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol concentration was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than in a control group (11.6 v. 19.6 mg/mL). None of 18 patients studied had an increased plasma concentration of parathyroid hormone, and only 1 of 17 patients had decreased intestinal absorption of isotopic calcium. Bone mineral mass was decreased in 44% of 32 patients studied.It was concluded that long-term treatment with anticonvulsant drugs leads to mild abnormalities of calcium metabolism and decreased bone mineral mass in a substantial percentage of adult outpatients with epilepsy. These abnormalities probably predispose the patients to the development of clinically significant metabolic bone disease.


Pituitary-ovarian function in breast cancer patients on adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy. One hundred thirty-one patients with operable breast cancer were treated with adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy consisting of 5-fluorouracil, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, and BCG (FAC-BCG). Fifty-five of 131 patients were premenopausal of which 71% (38/55) became amenorrheic. To determine the mechanism of amenorrhea, we measured the immunoreactive serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and plasma estradiol (E2) before and after intravenous administration of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) in 11 unselected premenopausal patients who developed amenorrhea and 11 unselected patients who did not. Serum prolactin (PRL) levels were also measured before and after iv administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). Our results showed that patients who developed amenorrhea had abnormally high serum LH and FSH levels at basal and after LH-RH stimulation and low plasma estradiol. Serum PRL levels were normal. Patients who developed amenorrhea were older than those who did not, but their serum LH and FSH levels were also significantly higher and plasma estrogens were significantly lower than that found in 11 normal women with regular menses of the same age range. These results indicate that amenorrhea that develops in some patients with breast cancer after FAC-BCG therapy is a result of primary ovarian failure.


Localized arterial occlusions in patients treated with pelvic field radiation for cancer. Five patients, previously treated with pelvic irradiation for cancer of the cervix uteri, ovaries or bladder are presented. They developed occlusions of the distal aorta and/or the iliac arteries 2 to 6 years after irradiation. The presenting symptoms caused by the vascular obstructions were claudication or rest pain. All patients were operated upon with revascularization procedures and thereby relieved from their symptoms. One vascular graft occluded but reoperation was successful. The mechanism by which radiation causes atherosclerosis is discussed. All patients were heavy cigarette smokers. The patients with signs of atherosclerosis outside the irradiated area were the ones with the shortest time interval between radiation and symptoms of ischaemia. It is proposed that irradiation acts synergistically to other atherogenetic factors and this should be kept in mind when radiation therapy is planned in patients with high risk of developing atherosclerosis.


An immunohistological study of immunoglobulin content of primary central nervous system lymphomas. Paraffin sections of surgical and autopsy material from 24 cases of primary CNS lymphoma were examined for the presence of cytoplasmic immunoglobulin by an immunoperoxidase technique. Definite staining for cytoplasmic immunoglobulin was observed in 13 cases, and in eight of these the pattern of staining was consistent with current concepts of monoclonality. In every case the histological diagnosis of malignant lymphoma was confirmed, and cases were subclassified by both the Lukes-Collins and the Rappaport classifications. Morphologically 12 of the 24 cases resembled immunoblastic sarcoma occurring outside the CNS. Other cases showed features of follicular center cell lymphoma or plasmacytoid lymphocytic lymphoma. Of those cases with positive immunoglobulin staining of tumor cells, the majority showed some plasmacytoid features. It was concluded that the primary CNS lymphomas resemble their counterparts occurring outside the CNS, and that at least a proportion are derived from the B lymphocyte.


Specialized nutritional support in the cancer patient: is it worthwhile? Over a 7 year period, 85 cancer patients were managed by the nutrition service of St. Joseph's Hospital, Toronto. All these patients were nutritionally depleted, had obstruction to the gastrointestinal tract, or had postoperative complications such as enterocutaneous fistulas, evisceration or intraabdominal sepsis, which left total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as the only means of achieving positive nitrogen balance. A prospective study started in 1970 has found that when cancer was resectable and TPN was started preoperatively and continued postoperatively (24 patients-group 1) until the patient could take a normal diet, no deaths or significant complications occurred. When TPN was first started after life-threatening complications had occurred (53 depleted patients-group 2), the mortality was 17.0%. This mortality was only 4.5% after complications following operations for colon cancer, but was much higher with esophageal, pancreatic and bladder cancer, and especially after complications following surgery where radiotherapy had previously been given to abdomen or pelvis. When TPN was used in inoperable, cachectic patients (8 patients-group 3) to permit them to tolerate radiotherapy or chemotherapy, the mortality was 37.5%. This latter group is small, but TPN is worthwhile in selected patients where significant palliation and improvement in the quality of life can occur.


Growth characteristics and drug responses of a murine lung carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. Cells obtained from the Nettesheim lung carcinoma of DBA/2 mice, a heterogenous population grown s.c., were cultured as monolayers. These cells were serially subcultured and cloned twice, and a clone was selected for further study. This clone produced malignant tumors at the injected site when injected s.c. into male DBA/2 or C57BL/L x DBA/2 F1 mice. Referred as KLN205, this cell line had the highest rate of lung colony formation on i.v. injection. It was subcultured for over 15 generations, and its cytological characteristics were investigated. The s.c. and lung colony growth were examined histologically. The effects of treatment with two antimetabolite drugs, arabinosyl-6-mercaptopurine (NSC 406021) and 6-selenoguanosine (NSC 137679) were determined in culture and in vivo. The former was relatively ineffective; the latter was very effective both in vivo and in vitro. Several drugs used clinically for the treatment of lung cancer were also tested. This established and characterized cell line is proposed as a potential model for testing other chemotherapeutic treatments.


Carcinogenic and other adverse effects of procarbazine in nonhuman primates. The carcinogenic potential of procarbazine is under investigation in three species (Macaca mulatta, Macaca fascicularis, and Cercopithecus aethiops) of nonhuman primates. A total of 55 monkeys have received procarbazine s.c., p.o., or i.p. for periods of up to 12 years. Eleven of the 42 monkeys (26%) necropsied thus far have had malignant neoplasms, 6 of which were acute leukemia. Two monkeys developed osteogenic sarcomas, two monkeys developed hemangiosarcomas, and a single case of lymphocytic lymphoma was found. The average total dose of procarbazine received by the monkeys developing cancers was 36.0 g; the average duration of procarbazine treatment was 75 months. A number of the toxic effects of procarbazine seen in humans were also noted in this series of monkeys, including vomiting and myelosuppression. Another striking toxic effect was on the reproductive system of the males. The majority of the adult males necropsied to date have had testicular atrophy with complete aplasia of the germinal epithelium.


Intracellular localization of meso-Tetra(p-sulfophenyl)porphine: a potential tumor localizing agent. The mechanism of meso-tetra (p-sulfophenyl)porphine (TPPS4) localization was examined in Vero and HEp-2 cells in vitro. TPPS4 was found to be relatively nontoxic to both cell types at concentrations up to 200 microgram/ml. However, changes in cellular ultrastructure were observed by electron microscopy, consisting mainly of an increase in membrane-bound vacuoles. The nature of the new structures has not been determined. Both fluorescence microscopy and cellular fractionation indicate that TPPS4 is localized inside the cells studied. Considerable differences in the pattern of localization between  the two cell types were found. The TPPS4 in the Vero cells was found to be mainly in the soluble fraction and the red fluorescence was found to be diffuse throughout the cytoplasm. The HEp-2 cells showed TPPS4 fluorescence associated with various cell organelles, predominatly the nucleolus. [14C]-TPPS4 was found in many cellular components but predominantly it was in the soluble and protein fractions. These differences may be significant in the understanding of in vivo localization of this porphyrin in neoplastic tissue.


Renal vascular anatomy of the toad (Bufo marinus). The renal vasculature of the toad, Bufo marinus, was studied mainly by means of scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts. All arterial branches terminated in a glomerulus. Each glomerulus was supplied by only one afferent arteriole. No shunts between afferent and efferent arterioles were observed. The glomerular channels appeared to be permanent capillaries. No evidence supporting the theory of freely shifting glomerular blood channels was found. Efferent arterioles radiated out towards the dorsal surface of the kidney where they connected with peritubular vessels. The renal portal veins produced an anastomosing plexus on the dorsal surface of the kidney, giving rise to the peritubular vessels. Peritubular vessels ran radially toward the ventral surface of the kidney, where they formed the roots of the renal veins. Attention is drawn to the possibility of hairpin countercurrent exchange between the capillary-like efferent arterioles and the peritubular vessels in the dorsal kidney.


Myogenesis in primary cell cultures from Drosophila melanogaster: protein synthesis and actin heterogeneity during development. Muscle cell cultures from Drosophila melanogaster were obtained by plating dissociated gastrula stage embryo cells on protamine-treated culture dishes. They myogenic cells in these cultures fuse to form multinucleated pulsating cells by 15 hr after plating. An analysis of protein synthesis during myogenesis in these cultures, as measured by the incorporation of 35S-methionine and analyzed by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, showed profound changes in the pattern of protein synthesis. This analysis enabled us to identify three distinct classes of proteins. Class A proteins, the most abundant, are synthesized continuously throughout myogenesis, class B proteins are those proteins whose synthesis is initiated during myogenesis and continued throughout development; class C proteins are those synthesized at specific times during development. In addition, three forms of actin have been identified in these cultures. Actin I, which shows increased synthesis concomitant with the myogenic development in these cultures, is apparently a muscle-specific form of actin. Actin II, the predominant "cytoplasmic" form of actin in the nonmuscle Schneider cell line 2, is also the major form in the gastrula cultures before differentiation begins. Synthesis of this actin continues in the myogenic cultures. Actin III is a rapidly turning over form of actin which does not accumulate in either the Schneider cells or the myogenic cultures.


Activation of [14C] chlorobiphenyls to protein-binding metabolites by rat liver microsomes. The irreversible binding of [14C] 2,2'-di- and [14C] 2,4,5,2',4',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl ([14C] DCB and [14C] HCB) to protein was studied in the presence of rat liver microsomes and a NADPH-generating system. Protein-bound radioactivity was found with [14C] DCB but not with [14C] HCB. The binding of 14C-metabolites was increased by pretreatment of the rats with phenobarbital or polychlorinated biphenyls. Protein binding was linear for 80 min. In contrast, monohydroxy-metabolites of DCB were formed and degraded within 40 min. Inhibition of secondary oxidation of DCB by scavenging superoxide anions or by glucuronidation of the monophenols markedly decreased the protein binding. Addition of trichloropropene oxide or styrene oxide, both inhibitors of epoxide hydrase, did not significantly stimulate the binding. The results suggest that the majority of reactive metabolites of DCB arise from secondary metabolism, i.e., the subsequent oxidation of the phenolic metabolites. Arene oxides, the primary products, appear to play a minor role in the protein binding of DCB.


[Passage of labelled elements between two palatal shelves in vitro]. 3H Fucose of 14C Galactosamine have been incorporated in vitro into a palatal shelf. This shelf has been associated with the homologous non-labeled palatal shelf on a normal medium. The mesenchyme of the explants which were incubated with the isotope is densely labeled. In the epithelium the cells are scarcely labeled. The isotope is dense in enlarged intercellular spaces. On the free surface, the tracer is located in front of those intercellular spaces and does not form a continuous coat. When the shelves have fused, the isotope migrates through the intercellular spaces of the non-labeled epithelium into the mesenchyme.


[Production of Friend virus particles at the surface of cells synchronized by Ficoll gradient centrifugation]. Murine cells continuously producing Friend viral complex were synchronized by Ficoll gradient centrifugation. Cells were isolated from different parts of the gradient and counts of budding particles were performed on ultra-thin sections. No significant differences were noticed, suggesting that viral release is not related to cell cycle.


[Spontaneous infestation of Phlebotomus dubosqui by promastigotes of Leishmania in Senegal]. An epidemiological survey of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Senegal revealed the presence of numerous Phlebotomus duboscqi in the entrances of rodent burrows. Two P. duboscqi out of 45 females dissected showed infection of the gut by promastigotes which could be cultured on NNN medium.


[Effect of water oxygenation on oxygen consumption and gill ventilation of the crab, Carcinus maenas (L.)]. At 15 degrees C, the oxygen uptake rate of Carcinus maenas was practically independent of the ambient oxygen pressure betueen 50 and 500 Torr. Within this range, hyperventilatory and hypoventilatory responses were observed in hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions respectively whereas the oxygen extraction coefficient remained more or less constant.


[Demonstration of a specific androgen binding protein (ABP) in the seminal plasma of the ram]. A specific androgen binding protein has been demonstrated in the seminal plasma of adult Ram. This protein binds especially to 5 alpha-DHT and testosterone and much lower to oestradiol-17 beta. Its characteristics such as Ka (in order 10(9) M(-1) at 4 degrees C), relative mobility (Rf) and its specificity are similar to those of the androgen binding protein (ABP) of the Rete Testis Fluid and the epididymal plasma of the Ram. It is probable that this protein secreted from the testis, crosses the epididymis before being secreted in the seminal plasma at the moment of the ejaculation.


[Use of a zonal rotor for demonstrating that human myelin is formed by a continuum of particles of different densities]. Human myelin isolated from frozen brain consists of a continuum of particles as shown by sucrose continuous gradient (between 0,4 and 0,85 M) on zonal rotor. This was determined by measuring the O. D. at 260 and 280 millimicron, the protein concentration by Lowry method and sucrose concentration by polarimetry in 60 fractions. Most of the material is concentrated between 20-23% sucrose, the maximum being found at 21.5% (0.63 M). The fractions are dialyzed for 62 hrs. to remove the sucrose and the pellet obtained after centrifugation shows that the protein concentration increases from the ligher fraction to the heavier.


[Detection and distribution of "rutinase+, an enzyme hydrolyzin; rutoside]. 125 species were investigated for rutinase. A high enzyme activity was found only in a few genera: Fagopyrum, Rhamnus, Berchemia, Sophora, Datisca and Danae. Lower activity was detected in several Lichens (Parmeliaceae) and diverse plants but is lacking in some specimens. In a number of species containing 3- or 7-rutinosides, no enzyme able to hydrolyse the latter seems to be present.


[Evidence of an ileal hormone inhibiting pancreatic secretion (ACP anticholecystokinine peptide)]. The contact of long and medium chain fatty acids with the ileal mucosa inhibits basal or stimulated pancreatic protein secretion of Man, Dog, Cat and Rat. This inhibition is due to an inhibitory factor transmitted by cross-circulation. We isolated from partially purified extracts of Pig ileum a peptide which inhibits strongly volume and protein pancreatic output of the conscious Rat. We propose to call this factor ACP, anticholecystokinine peptide.


[Induction of cytochrome P 450 by phenobarbital in cats]. Phenobarbital administration to the Cat an animal hypersensitive to the actions of many toxic substances or to physiological compounds such as hormones, does not produce cytochrome P 450 induction. Consequently, hepatic storage of retinol remains unchanged. The specific and original characteristics of the Cat in this field are underlined by these results.


[Effect of methotrexate on glycolysis of leukemia L 1210 cells cultivated in vitro]. Methotrexate, at non lethal doses, alters the glycolysis of leukaemic L 1210 cells. Glucose uptake and lactate excretion are increased but lactate/glucose ratio remains constant. The activity of glycolytic enzymes in the cytoplasm is increased and the level of intracellular ATP is greatly enhanced.


[Effect of hypoxia on glycolysis in isolated fetal rat heart]. Glycolysis was assessed in the isolated foetal Rat in hypoxia. Measurements were made of glucose uptake, lactate output, C14 glucose incorporation into glycogen and tissular levels of ATP, PCr, glycogen and lactate. Glycolysis was stimulated by hypoxia to a greater extent in the young foetal heart of 16.5 days post coitum than in the foetal heart at term. Thus high energy phosphates were maintained at a higher level in the younger heart. The results are discussed in relation to the high resistance to hypoxia of the foetal heart.


[Effects of salicylate on the electrical properties of the proximal convoluted tubule of Necturus maculosus]. The effects of peritubular salicylate for chloride substitution were studied in the isolated perfused Necturus kidney. This substitution resulted in changes of cell membrane p.d., varying from tubule to tubule; the withdrawal of the test-anion invariably produced a steep and prolonged depolarization. Exposure of the tissue to salicylate brought about, in addition, electrical uncoupling of junctional membranes, which was not related to concomitant changes of membrane p.d.


[Effect of imazalil (1-(2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(2-propenyloxy) ethyl)-1H-imidazole) on biosynthesis of ergosterol in Penicillium expansum Link]. Imazalil is a new fungicide effective against Penicillium molds on fruits after harvest. This compound inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis in mycelia of Penicillium expansum. The accumulation of 24--methylenedithydrolanosterol, obtusifoliol and 14 alpha-methyl-delta 8, 24(28)-ergostadienol in treated fungi suggests that imazalil blocks sterol C--14 demethylation.


[New toxins from Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius]. A strain of Aspergillus fumigatus Fres., isolated from sugar-beet draffs, synthesizes in vitro four toxic metabolites which have not yet been described in these fungal species. Toxic effects of the most abundant of these metabolites "fumitoxin A" have been studed on chick embryo. Artemia salina larvae, cell cultures, and on mice.


[Inclusion of Gross virus cell surface associated antigen in liposomes]. The Gross virus associated cell surface antigen GCSAa was extracted from (C58NT)D cells by solubilization of membranes with detergent and partially purified. This antigen was entraped in liposomes. Absorption experiments of the cytotoxic activity towards EmaleG2 cells of a W/Fu anti (C58NT)D serum showed the presence of the antigen at the surface of sensibilized liposomes.


[Preparation and experimental antitumor activity of a new semi-synthetic antibiotic: 14-diethoxyacetoxy daunorubicin (R.P. 33 921)]. 14-diethoxyacetoxy daunorubicin (R.P. 33 921) was chosen among a series of new daunorubicin analogues. Its preparation from daunorubicin and its biological activities are described. It displays an antitumoral activity in mice with a better chemotherapeutic index than daunorubicin and doxorubicin.


[Evolution of myocardial glycolysis in perinatal rats]. Glycolysis was assessed in the Langendorff perfused rat heart during the perinatal period. Glucose uptake, lactate production, 14C-glucose incorporation into glycogen, tissue content content of glycogen, lactate and high energy phosphates were measured in the foetus of 21.5 days post coïtum and in the newborn of 1 and 7 days post partum. Glycogen synthesis and anaerobic glycolysis were found to be more active in the foetal heart and to decrease during the first neonatal week.


[Immunohistochemical localization by electron microscopy of GnRH in the median eminence of Xenopus laevis daud]. Using antibodies against mammalian LHRH with the unlabeled antibody enzyme method immunoreactive nerve fibres were localized in the median eminence of Xenopus laevis at the electron microscopic level. These fibres contain irregularly shaped neurosecretory granules with an average diameter of 890 A.


[Metrizamide CT cisternography in skull base tumors (author's transl)]. Twenty-three cases suspected of skull base tumors were examined by CT cisternography (CTC) with CT scanner (EMI 1010) from April, 1977 to March, 1978. The lesions in 20 cases were diagnosed as positive and confirmed by operation and/or autopsies. These include five acoustic neurinomas, six pituitary adenomas, two craniopharyngiomas, two skull base meningiomas, one arachnoid cyst and miscellaneous tumors. Isotonic Metrizamide solution four of 2-10 ml was injected via lumbar route. Patients were kept in 30 degrees Trendelenburg position for 60 minutes until the first scanning. Scannings were obtained 1, 3, 6, 24 and in some cases 48 hours after lumbar injection. No side effects except for headache, nausea, vomiting occurred. There were no convulsions. In diagnosing cerebellopontine angle tumors, the indirect signs such as asymmetrical ambient cisterns are of importance, when combined with direct signs, i.e. a shadow defect. Parasellar tumors are usually difficult to diagnose with conventional CT due to streak artifact caused by adjacent bony structure. In CTC the extrasellar extension of pituitary tumors were clearly visible. The size, shape, dimensions and the relationship to the adjacent structures of the craniopharyngiomas were easily demonstrated with CTC especially when a coronal view was added. In arachnoid cyst, CTC demonstrated the delayed turnover of Metrizamide between the cyst cavity and the adjacent subarachnoid space. In conclusion, CTC is an useful neuroradiological diagnostic adjunct because of minimal  bony streak artifact and high spatial resolution. It would be expected that small tumors of even 2-3 mm in diameter might be diagnosed, from the fact that the middle cerebral artery in the suprasellar cistern is clearly visible as a shadow defect.


[Surgical treatment of the middle cerebral artery aneurysm--from the experiences of 174 cases (author's transl)]. 174 cases of middle cerebral artery aneurysm submitted to surgical operations without using microscope were reviewed. At operation, the head is set on the neutral and slightly chin up position, not turned to any directions. Small craniotomy, which is about half as much as the ordinary unifrontal craniotomy, is performed. The merit of our method is as follows; the M1 portion (Fisher) of the middle cerebral artery runs horizontally, so that we can keep the parent artery during the operation, and owing to the chin up position the strong retraction of the frontal lobe can be avoided. Of 174 cases, 9 were dead (mortality rate 5.2%) and 18 were poor (10.4%). Bad operative outcome is due to the obstruction of the middle cerebral artery around the aneurysmal neck. Therefore, we should always keep in mind to preserve the blood flow of the parent artery as well as that of its branches. Study was made mainly on this point of view such as the general technical process of the aneurysmal neck treatment, the treatment of the cases with severe arteriosclerosis and with large aneurysms having the blood coagula inside.


[A case of giant aneurysm associated with vertebral fenestration (author's transl)]. A case of giant aneurysm associated with vertebral fenestration was reported. A 18-year-old female had complained of visual disturbance of left eye for past 2 years without headache, nausea and vomiting. Neurological examinations revealed normal except for optic atrophy on the left side. Physiological examinations were normal. Skull plain films showed the small calcification at the left supraclinoid region. Left common carotid angiograms revealed a giant aneurysm at left internal carotid artery measuring 4 X 2 X 2 cm in size, and left middle cerebral artery was poorly visualized. Vertebral angiograms showed the fenestration at left craniospinal junction. Computerized tomograms showed a round, granular high density lesion, and this lesion was clearly homogenously enhanced by contrast medium. It was considered that the direct surgery to this aneurysm might be impossible, because the neck of the aneurysm was located at extradural portion. Ligation of her common carotid artery was performed with Selverstone clamp. Her postoperative course was uneventful, and the postoperative angiograms revealed the reduction of the size of aneurysm. The etiological hypotheses of these cerebral vascular anomalies were briefly discussed.


[Primary interhemispheric subdural abscess--case report (author's transl)]. A case of primary interhemispheric subdural abscess was reported, which was not accompanied by abscess formation in other places such as subdural spaces of the convexity or in the brain. A 13-year-old school boy was admitted with 8 days' history of fever, headache and progressive weakness of the left lower extremity. Prior to admission he developed 2 spells of jacksonian seizure initiating from the left leg. Right carotid angiography was performed on admission and separation of the pericallosal and callosomarginal arteries with small avascular area was shown indicating possible abscess formation in the interhemispheric fissure. There was no evidence of purulent infection in the laboratory findings including the CSF and EEG showed diffuse slow wave discharge, more in the right frontocentral leads. He was placed on the vigorous treatment with antibiotics and steroids, and one month later the left lower weakness as well as the EEG abnormality showed some improvement. However, the separation of the anterior cerebral arterial branches became more prominent and formed a lens shaped avascular area, although the pericallosal artery was in the midline. A diagnosis of interhemispheric subdural abscess was made and was confirmed by surgery. Patient showed progressive recovery of the left lower paralysis, and the abscess was totally collapsed in the repeated angiographic follow-up study. Angiographic characteristics of the interhemispheric subdural abscess were described and particular emphasis was placed on the peculiar neurological symptoms referring to the previous reports in the literature.


Role of nutrition in the development of osteomalacia in the elderly. A dietary survey has been carried out of elderly people with osteomalacia. The commonest type of osteomalacia was that associated with partial gastrectomy. Although a dietary deficiency of vitamin D has been suggested as a cause of the osteomalacia the intake of this substance was not significantly different from that in controls to explain the development of the disease. It was found, however, that patients with osteomalacia went outside much less than controls and given the contribution of sunlight to meeting vitamin D requirements it is suggested that further consideration should be given to this factor in the aetiology of post-gastrectomy osteomalacia.


Fatty acid composition of cerebrosides and phospholipids in brains of undernourished rats. The effect of undernutrition on the fatty acid profiles of cerebrosides and phospholipids in the developing rat brain has been investigated. Undernutrition was imposed post-natally in pups by the method of large litter size and feeding a protein-deficient diet during the post-weaning period. The results showed that lignoceric (24:0) and nervonic (24:1) acids of cerebrosides, which are marker fatty acids of myelin, were significantly lower in 50-day-old undernourished rats than in well-nourished controls. Among the polyunsaturated fatty acids of phospholipids the contribution of arachidonic acid (20:4) to the total fatty acids was lower in 10- and 21-day-old as well as 50-day-old rats. Altered fatty acid pattern of lipid classes might be the result of impaired myelination of brain due to nutritional stress.


Effects of dietary fats on the coronary flow rate and the left ventricular function of the isolated rat heart. Two groups of rats were fed diets containing large amounts (45-50% of the total digestible energy) of sunflower seed oil or hydrogenated coconut oil for 4-5 days. The left ventricular working capacity, the coronary flow rate, the oxygen consumption, the glucose uptake and the lactate release were determined in the isolated perfused heart. The fatty acid composition of the heart phospholipids was also determined. The left ventricular working capacity and the coronary flow rate of hearts of rats fed sunflower seed oil are higher (10-20%) than those of rats fed hydrogenated coconut oil. Feeding the two fats for 3-4 weeks instead of 4-5 days does not alter the results. There are no or only minor differences between the two dietary groups as to the other quantities mentioned. It is concluded that dietary fats affect the properties of the heart already after a short feeding time.


Perinatal mortality and morbidity in breech presentation. The perinatal mortality associated with breech presentation at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, between 1974 and 1976 was 10.4%, or almost 5 times the overall hospital figure. Nine of 487 infants (1.8%) weighing greater than or equal to 2500 g died in the perinatal period, but 7 were already dead at the onset of labor or had congenital abnormalities incompatible with life. Sixty of 177 infants (33.9%) weighing 1000-2499 g died in the perinatal period, but 28 of these died due to prematurity alone or from complications of intrauterine hypoxia or birth trauma. Although elective cesarean section for breech presentation could not be justified for infants weighing greater than or equal to 2500 g, this procedure may well reduce the perinatal loss of premature infants by reducing the incidence of intrauterine hypoxia and preventing birth trauma.


Prophylactic cesarean section antibiotics: maternal and neonatal morbidity before or after cord clamping. In an ongoing prospective study at 2 hospitals, 114 cesarean section patients were studied to determine whether giving ampicillin after umbilical cord clamping is as effective as perioperative ampicillin in reducing maternal postoperative morbidity. The same patients have also been studied to determine the effect of prophylactic cesarean section ampicillin on the newborn. Results have shown that prophylactic ampicillin initiated after cord clamping is as effective in reducing maternal morbidity as ampicillin initiated prior to the surgery. There is also no evidence from our study that the transplacental passage of prophylactic ampicillin increases immediate or delayed neonatal infections.


Glucose intolerance during pregnancy. I. A reappraisal of alleged screening criteria. This study was designed to examine various risk factors in regard to their correlation with carbohydrate intolerance and in relation to birthweight and well-being of the newborn. Of the various alleged prediabetic stigmata among a selected group of 390 women, only marked maternal overweight, diabetes in previous pregnancy, family history of diabetes at the sibling level, and accompanying maternal morbidity were associated with increased risk for both gestational carbohydrate intolerance and for morbidity in the newborn. In women over 30 years of age a definite increase in the incidence of carbohydrate intolerance was noted among this high-risk population. Multiplicity of screening criteria presented a significantly (P less than 0.001) greater risk for the development of carbohydrate intolerance and was seen to be positively (P less than 0.001) with increased perinatal morbidity.


The effect of prophylactic antibiotics on febrile morbidity following cesarean section. One hundred fifty patients undergoing cesarean section were evaluated prospectively for the effect of prophylactic antibiotics on postoperative morbidity. The postoperative infection rate was significantly reduced, being 30%, 16%, and 50% in the ampicillin, the cephalothin, and the control groups, respectively. The results are favorably compared with the results achieved in previously reported studies where the antibiotic treatment was started preoperatively. Our study confirms experimental studies that postoperative infection can be reduced by using prophylactic antibiotics in the immediate postoperative period. By this regimen, undesired placental transfer of the antibiotics to the fetus can be avoided.


The bupivacaine paracervical block in labor and its effect on quantitative uterine activity. This study utilized internal fetal monitoring and an on-line voltage control oscillator for measurement of uterine activity unit (UAU) determination in patients who received a paracervical block (PCB) with the use of bupivacaine hydrochloride (Marcaine). The total dose of 25 mg (5 cc/side) of 0.25% bupivacaine used for PCB in 32 patients produced no ill effects to the fetus, as reflected by baseline fetal heart rate (FHR), beat-to-beat variablity, or Apgar scores. No adverse maternal effects were noted, and anesthesia was rated good or excellent in 81% of patients. Rate of cervical dilation remained the same or increased in 29 of 32 patients. Quantitative UAUs showed a significant decrease in the third 10-minute interval after block in primiparas, but no significant change in multiparas or in the group taken as a whole. Total UAUs before versus after PCB for either group or taken together were not statistically different. A decreasing trend in UAUs after PCB versus a positive regression line from activity prior to the block was noted.


Alcohol, indomethacin, and salbutamol. A comparative trial of their use in preterm labor. In a comparative trial, ethanol effectively arrested preterm labor for 48 hours for more in 32% of cases, a beta-adrenergic agent (salbutamol) in 60% of cases (not statistically significant), and a combination of ethanol and indomethacin in 70% of cases (statistically significant, P less than 0.5). Labor was delayed for 14 days or more in 36, 60, and 50%, respectively (not statistically significant). The numbers studied were small, and tests of statistical significance were of doubtful value. Salbutamol was more acceptable to patients and the staff than ethanol. The trial was suspended and eventually abandoned due to reports of prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors causing premature closure of the ductus arteriosus. In this series no problems were encountered with the use of indomethacin.


Herpes zoster during pregnancy.

Herpes zoster during pregnancy. Herpes zoster has rarely been noted to occur during pregnancy. We report the case of a woman at 37 weeks' gestation who developed herpes zoster and 3 weeks later delivered a normal infant. A 6-month follow-up has revealed no sequelae in the child. Pertinent clinical aspects of herpes zoster and a review of the literature indicating a favorable prognosis for infants exposed in utero are presented.


The impact of regionalization programs on patterns of perinatal care. A questionnaire developed to assess changes in patterns of perinatal care related to regionalization programs was sent to all 505 members of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in the state of Massachusetts. Respondents reported changes in facilities, services, educational experience, and referral and transfer patterns. The implications of these changes are discussed.