Conformational changes of the chromatin subunit. Hydrodynamic studies on monomer chromatin subunits (v1) as a function of ionic strength (0.7 mM to 100 mM KCl) indicate two salt-dependent conformational transitions. An abrupt transition occurs at about 7.5 mM ionic strength. Decreasing the ionic strength from 10 to 5 mM results in a decrease in s20,w of the v1 from 11.1 to 9.9 S. The diffusion coefficient D20,w decreases from 3.3 to 2.7 X 10(-7) cm2 sec--1. The v1 crosslinked with formaldehyde at 10 mM ionic strength do not undergo a similar salt-dependent change in s20,w. Another transition is observed at about 1 mM ionic strength; s20,w decreases to 9.4 S and D20,w decreases to 2.2 X 10(-7) cm2 sec--1. Throughout the entire salt range the molecular weight of the v1 remains reasonably constant, implying that salt-dependent changes in the frictional coefficient are being observed. Various hydrodynamic models are considered as possible interpretations of the observed changes in the frictional coefficient.


Stimulation of bilirubin catabolism in jaundiced Gunn rats by an induced of microsomal mixed-function monooxygenases. The homozygous, jaundiced Gunn rat compensates for its inability to form bilirubin conjugates by production of polar bilirubin metabolites which can be excreted in the bile without conjugation. To assess whether microsomal mixed-function monooxygenases might be involved in formation of these metabolites, a potent inducer of these enzymes, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, was administered to Gunn rats in a single intraperitoneal dose of 10 mug/kg. Four to 6 days after treatment, plasma bilirubin levels had declined by a mean of 61%, whereas no significant change was observed in control Gunn rats that received only the dioxane vehicle. Use of tracer [(14)C]bilirubin showed that the decline in plasma bilirubin was the result of a 7-fold increase in fractional bilirubin turnover which reduced the bilirubin pool to an average of 11% of the control values. In the new steady state, total bilirubin turnover was unaltered. The accelerated fractional bilirubin turnover was associated with augmented biliary excretion of polar bilirubin metabolites and a 16-fold increase in hepatic benzo[a]-pyrene hydroxylase activity. Hepatic bilirubin-UDPglucuronate transferase was not induced, and no bilirubin conjugates appeared in the bile. This chemical simulation of the alternate pathways of bilirubin catabolism by the inducer suggests that microsomal cytochrome P(448)-dependent monooxygenases may be involved in the formation of the polar bilirubin metabolites excreted by the Gunn rat.


Antibody-mediated activation of a defective beta-D-galactosidase: dimeric form of the activatable mutant enzyme. Sedimentation analyses of AMEF, an activatable mutant beta-D-galactosidase (beta-D-galactoside galactohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.23), and the products of its reaction with Fab fragments of activating antibody show that this enzyme exists mainly as 10S dimers. Activation of AMEF by purified antibody resulted in formation of 16S tetramers. A unifying hypothesis postulating a dimer--tetramer equilibrium accounts for this observation as the counterpart of inactivation, which was shown to involve the breakdown of tetramers into inactive subunits [Roth, R. A. & Rotman, B. (1975) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 67, 1382--1390]. Conditions are described under which AMEF loses the specific antigenic determinant(s) responsible for binding activating antibody, allowing its subsequent use as an absorption to obtain immunologically purified activating antibody,


In vitro transcription of heat-shock-specific RNA from chromatin of Drosophila melanogaster cells. Polyadenylylated RNA synthesized after heat shock was isolated from polysomes of cultured cells of Drosophila melanogaster and used as template to prepare cDNA. An excess of poly(A)-RNA from heat-shocked cells hybridized to 80% of the cDNA, whereas cytoplasmic poly(A)-RNA from cells grown at 25 degrees could drive only half of the cDNA probe into hybrid. These sequences were removed from the cDNA population by annealing to poly(A)-RNA from cells grown at 25 degrees. The unreacted material represented only heat-shock-induced mRNA sequences, as shown by a second cycle of hybridization. Isolated chromatin was transcribed in vitro at 25 degrees with Escherichia coli RNA polymerase, with mercurated UTP as precursor. RNA transcribed from chromatin that was prepared from cells 1 hr after the temperature was shifted to 37 degrees hybridized with 100-fold faster kinetics to the heat-shock-specific cDNA probe than did RNA transcribed from chromatin of cells grown at 25 degrees. Therefore, heat shock results in a change in chromatin structure recognizable by E. coli RNA polymerase.


Complete amino acid sequence of the alpha 2 heavy chain of a human IgA2 immunoglobulin of the A2m (2) allotype. The complete amino acid sequence of the alpha 2 heavy chain of a human IgA2 immunoglobulin of the A2m(2) allotype has been determined and is compared to the sequence of the alpha 1 chain of the human IgA1 subclass. The characteristic differences between the alpha 1 and alpha 2 chains are greatest in the hinge region and in the location and number of the oligosaccharides. Apart from the duplication in the hinge region of alpha 1 and the deletion in alpha 2, there are 23 amino acid exchanges in the constant (C) regions of the two chains. Accepted mutations are related to the surface accessibility of the residues and the proximity of carbohydrate. The results indicate that human IgA and IgG subclasses arose late in evolution and reflect similar mutationa pressures.


Water/air mass stopping power ratios for megavoltage photon and electron beams. Water/air mass stopping power ratios have been calculated for 5, 10, 20 and 30 MeV electron beams and various photon beams from 60Co to 31 MV betatron. The stopping power ratios have been evaluated by applying a modified version of the Spencer-Attix theory to depth-dependent electron flux spectra computed by the Monte Carlo method. Results are presented for three values of the cavity size parameter delta, 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 MeV, and also for a Bragg-Gray cavity. For the electron beams, the results are compared to Berger's comprehensive computations. In the case of the photon beams, such a rigorous evaluation of the stopping power ratio has not been carried out previously. It is shown that the currently used approximate Bragg-Gray ratios are as much as 2% too low for high energy photon beams, and that there is a difference of about 1% between values for betatron (thin target) and linac (thick target) beams of the same maximum photon energy.


Neutron spectra from deuteron and proton bombardment of thick lithium targets: potential for neutron therapy. Neutron energy spectra and yields produced by the bombardment of thick lithium targets by deuterons and protons have been measured using the time-of-flight method. Measurements were made at angles up to 45 degrees for deuteron energies of 8, 12 and 15 MeV and a proton energy of 15 MeV. The average neutron energy of the (d, n) reactions is shown to vary approximately as 0.44Ed. The (p, n) reaction has En = 4.7 MeV. The tissue penetration of neutron therapy beams is dependent on their average neutron energy and thus the low average neutron energy for these reactions appears to preclude their use for practical neutron therapy at these incident particle energies.


Dosimetry measurements of 26, 35 and 45 MeV p-Be and p-Li neutron beams. Dosimetric properties of neutron beams produced by stopping 26, 35 and 45 MeV protons in beryllium and lithium have been measured. The effects of filtering the p-Be beam with 6 cm of polyethylene have been investigated. The tissue kerma rate in air exhibited an energy dependence of approximately E3 and the rate for p-Be beams was approximately one-fifth of the rate for d-Be beams. The penetrability of the neutrons was significnatly enhanced by the use of the filter, but with a 50% attentuation in tissue kerma rate. The tissue kerma rate for the p-Li beam was nearly the same as that for the p-Be beam.


Increased skin dose using a Mylar section in the treatment couch during megavoltage irradiation. Use of a thin polyester (Mylar) window in the treatment couch during megavoltage irradiation can cause a notable increase in skin dose. The authors suggest that a nylon mesh be used instead.


Radiographic aspects of total parenteral nutrition during infancy. In a retrospective radiographic study the authors reviewed the position of 82 central venous catheters in 57 consecutive infants receiving total parenteral nutrition between 1972 and 1976. Sixteen of the 82 catheters (19%) were initially not positioned within the superior vena cava and 11 (14%) migrated from a satisfactory position during therapy; peripheral edema, pleural effusion, and vascular thrombosis occurred more frequently in this group than in those infants with the catheter remaining in the superior vena cava. Unusual complications of intersititial pulmonary edema, hydrocephalus, and cardiac arrhythmia were noted in three different patients. An increased incidence of clinical complications is associated with catheter malposition or migration during total parenteral nutritional therapy. Radiographic monitoring with repositioning or removal of a malpositioned catheter may reduce the number of clinical complications.


Prostaglandin (PG) analysis in urine of humans and rats by different radioimmunoassays: effect on PG-excretion by PG-synthetase inhibitors, laparotomy and furosemide. The radioimmunological (RIA) determination of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and of PGF2alpha in urine of humans and rats is described in detail. After extraction and chromatography PGE2 was determined by using a PGE specific antibody or by using either PGB or PGF2alpha specific antibodies after the respective conversion procedures. The three different RIA procedures were compared to each other. PGF2alpha was determined by a specific antibody to PGF2alpha. Basal excretion of PGE2 and of PGF2alpha in healthy women on free diet was 9.3 ng/hour+/-0.98 and 18.3 ng/hour +/- 2.5 respectively. Furosemide increased the excretion of PGE2 and of PGF2alpha in humans significantly, while PG-excretion rates decreased on indomethacin. In rat urine PGE2 and PGF2alpha increased markedly from 46.2 pg/min +/- 9.3 and 27+/- 3.4 to 253.8 +/- 43.3 and 108 +/- 12.6 pg/min (per one kidney) in the anesthetized-laparotomized animal. This increase was abolished after giving two different PG synthetase inhibitors.


Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis by c-5,c-8,c-11-eicosatrienoic acid. The enzyme prostaglandin H leads to E-isomerase (EC 5.3.99.3), which is present in sheep vesicular gland and needs glutathione as cofactor, is inhibited by c-5,c-8,c-11-eicosatrienoic acid, the fatty acid accumulating during essential fatty acid deficiency. The EFA-deficiency syndrome can partly be explained from a prostaglandin deficiency caused by lack of precursors. The present finding indicates that 5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid could well be an additional factor in modifying the symptoms of EFA-deficiency.


[Protein mixture: importance of its presentation forms (author's transl)]. Acceptability and tolerance of a mixture containing corn (60%), soybean (30%), and wheat (10%) were tested. The mixture was used in the recuperation of pre-school children suffering from 2nd. and 3rd. degree malnutrition. To enable a higher consumption the mixture was used in forty-four different forms. The mean daily intake of the mixture was 121.35g during the four months of the experiment corresponding to about two-thirds of the protein intake of every child. Tolerance was found to be high. Acceptance of the mixture was high (92.2%) indicating that the form in which a product to be tested is presented is a matter of great concern.


[Present problems in x-ray diagnostics--introductory review (author's transl)]. Introductory article for a series on problems about appropriate applications in x-ray diagnostics; the following questions are dealt with:--Did the development of clinical x-ray diagnostics keep up with the technological development?--Are the costs arising in x-ray diagnostics still tolerable compared with the benefits?--Is it possible to reduce the somatic and genetic population exposure by means of appropriate measures or is it only possible to "simply" accept it?


Bacteriological studies of common duct bile in patients with gallstone disease and juxta-papillary duodenal diverticula. Bile samples from the common duct were collected at cholecystectomy and cultivated aerobically and anaerobically. Two groups of patients were studied, patients with juxta-papillary duodenal diverticula and patients without diverticula. All patients had chronic cholecystitis and concrements in the gallbladder, but no biliary obstruction. A significantly higher incidence of positive cultures was found in patients with diverticula than in the control group. The positive samples contained bacterial species belonging to the intestinal flora. We propose an ascending route of infection and assume that bacteria may play a role in the formation of gallstones so often seen in patients with juxta-papillary duodenal diverticula.


Carriage of Neisseria meningitidis in a semi-isolated arctic community. The carriage of Neisseria meningitidis was examined in the Norwegian population of Svalbard (1150 persons) after a fatal case of meningococcal septicaemia. The overall carrier rate was 39.0%. The rate was highest among males (47.8%), with a maximum of 63.4% in the age group 15-24 years. The carrier rate was low among children aged 3 to 15 years (6.5%). Children below 3 years were frequent meningococcal carriers, however (37.5%). Sulphonamide-resistant strains were often found, 22.6% of the total material being resistant. Group B was the most frequent serogroup, and accounted for 44.5% of the isolated strains. Non-groupable strains were second in frequency (23.8%), followed by group Y (15.8%). Only a few strains belonged to the serogroups A, C, X and Z. N. lactamica was isolated from 26.9% of children below 15 years, but seldom in older age groups.


Multiple diverticula of the ureter.

Multiple diverticula of the ureter. Multiple ureteral diverticula are rare and not previously reported in Scandinavian literature. Various etiologic factors have been considered. In our opinion, it is a congenital abnormality, not in itself demanding specific therapy. Diverticulosis ureteris is not seen at ordinary excretory pyelography, and only occasionally at a high volume excretory pyelography with compression. They are best visualized by retrograde pyelography, and the incidence may, therefore, be higher than hitherto anticipated.


[Periosteal bone formation in Crohn's disease]. Crohn's disease not only affects the gastrointestinal tract but also causes skeletal complications. Arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are among the best known of these, while periostal new bone formation in patients with Crohn's disease is rare. A report is presented on a patient who developed this complication after Crohn's disease of many year's standing.


Importance of interactions between nutrients and environmental contaminants as a factor in experimental design in toxicological research: with emphasis on selenium and ascorbic acid. Interactions between dietary components and environmental contaminants may influence the outcome of toxicological testing. A comparison was made between the vitamin and mineral content of laboratory animal basal diets as supplied by two major feed companies. Striking differences in nutrient content of Guinea pig, rat, and primate diets, as supplied by these companies are cited. Attention is drawn to the lack of data on selenium content of these feeds. The importance of Vitamin C in regards to ameliorating toxic effects of heavy metals is discussed.


Hv(1), a variable-region genetic marker of human immunoglobulin heavy chains. A new antigenic determinant was discovered with a hemagglutination-inhibition assay system. Designated Hv(1), it is located in the variable region of human immunoglobulin heavy chains of the G, M, and A classes. Pedigree and population analyses suggest that it has an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. This represents the first description of an allotypic determinant in the variable region of human immunoglobulins.


Immunological studies of eosinophilic gastro-enteritis and treatment with disodium cromoglycate and beclomethasone dipropionate. A 45-year-old woman with intestinal malabsorption due to eosinophilic gastro-enteritis was found to have markedly fluctuating total serum IgE levels with a positive intradermal skin test and a positive radio-allergosorbent test to milk antigen. No organ-specific or non-organ-specific auto-antibodies were detected in the patient's serum, and her complement profile was normal. Low doses of disodium cromoglycate failed to improve intestinal absorption, whereas a 16-day course of a corticosteroid, beclomethasone dipropionate 3 mg daily, improved D-xylose and carotene absorption without suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.


High dietary ascorbic acid levels and oxalate crystallization in soft tissues of baboons. The baboon (Papio ursinus) was used as a model to investigate the possibility of oxalate crystallization in the soft tissues due to long-term feeding of ascorbic acid in high doses. Microscopical inspection in polarized light did not reveal oxalate crystals in any of the soft tissues obtained from 16 baboons fed very high doses of ascorbic acid for a period of 20 months.


The extent and causes of malnutrition in children in the Tsolo district of Transkei. A survey of children under 5 years old living in a rural Transkei village was carried out. It was found that 36% of the children were below the Boston third percentile (BTP) (including 57% of those children between the ages of 18 and 32 months), and that nearly 30% die before the age of 2 years. The relative importance of education, dietary understanding and socio-economic status in accounting for this situation is assessed.


Heterotopic cardiac transplantation with a xenograft for assistance of the left heart in cardiogenic shock after cardiopulmonary bypass. One of the indications for the use of the heterotopic cardiac transplant is temporarily to support a failing heart in the anticipation of its recovery when all other measures of support have been unsuccessful. Human donors are not always available when required and we decided to use a xenograft for this purpose when the need arose. This report details our experience with a baboon and a chimpanzee cardiac xenograft transplant in the heterotopic position. We have found (a) that the operation is technically feasible; (b) that the xenograft will support the failing circulation, but that the more support required, the bigger the xenograft should be and the species chosen accordingly; (c) that severe acute rejection will occur within 4 days and the procedure should therefore only be employed where there is evidence that the patient's own heart function will recover rapidly.


Respiratory infection in an intensive care unit. A postmortem bacteriological study of Black children in a respiratory intensive care unit showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common opportunistic pathogen and that it usually complicated a viral infection. In a parallel study of non-debilitated patients in general hospital wards Klebsiella aerogenes and Escherichia coli were the most frequently isolated organisms. Counter-immuno-electrophoresis was used for the identification of Pseudomonas-precipitating antibody in serum and tracheal secretions, and also of Pseudomonas antigen in the latter.


The incidence of gonorrhoea in urban Rhodesian Black women. The incidence of gonorrhoea in urban Black women seen in an antenatal clinic, a gynaecological clinic and a family planning clinic, was studied. Swabs taken from the urethra, endocervix and rectum were cultured by means of the Clinicult system. The overall incidence of gonorrhoea was 9.7%. In the antenatal clinic the incidence was 2%, in the gynaecological clinic it was 11% and in the family planning clinic it was 12%.


Specific double diffusion microtechnique for the diagnosis of aspergillosis and paracoccidioidomycosis using monospecific antisera. Using experimental reference sera against species-specific antigens of Aspergillus fumigatus and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in a microdouble diffusion technique, a simple and specific test for the immunodiagnosis of aspergillosis and paracoccidioidomycosis has been developed. Only sera that produced lines of identity with either one of the bands formed by the anti-C2 or the anti-E2 reference sera were considered positive for aspergillosis or paracoccidioidomycosis, respectively. The sensitivity of the diagnostic test was similar to those of the classical double diffusion and the immunoelectrophoresis test. No false positives were found in sera obtained from patients affected by other mycoses, nor from healthy controls. The amount of reagents for the specific test was ten fold less than that required by the classical double diffusion test.


Replacement of pancreatic beta cells as treatment for diabetes mellitus: a review. At the present time, two major factors limit further clinical application of islet cell transplantation in treatment of the insulin-deficient diabetic patient. First, the yield of islet tissue obtainable from a single donor pancreas is insufficient for adequate reconstitution of normal beta cell mass. The purification procedures required to eliminate acinar contamination and allow safe portal vein infusion cause large islet cell losses. Other procedures designed to minimize islet loss result in crude preparations containing substantial acinar tissue. In dogs and rats, crude preparations have been inoculated with safety into the spleen and function well in this location, but such a procedure might not be feasible in the human. Preliminary trials of these techniques in the monkey have not been successful. Second, dispersed and isolated islets inoculated into any site are exceptionally vulnerable to rejection and cease to function within a few days. Successful human islet allografting must await development of improved techniques of histocompatibility matching and/or immunosuppression. An additional question, unanswered in experiments to date, relates to the probable requirement for accuracy in replacement of alpha cells and beta cells for cure of the insulin-deficient juvenile diabetic patient. In rats, transplantation of large volumes of islet cells has resulted in hyperglucagonemia, hyperinsulinemia, and polyphagia, although the rats remain normoglycemic and have normal glucose tolerance tests. Bewick has elicited hyperinsulinemia in dogs by denervation and shunting the pancreatic venous drainage from portal to systemic. The metabolic effects of this abnormal state have not been adequately studied. These unresolved issues mandate that pancreatic transplantation remain an experimental procedure in humans. Whole or segmental pancreatic implants are technically feasible and are capable of function for extended periods of time. Islet implantation is reserved for carefully controlled experiments and in patients immunosuppressed for other organ transplants.


Zinc and copper deficiency, with particular reference to parenteral nutrition. Trace mineral metabolism has reached a new importance and received a new stimulus with the development of total intravenous feeding. A syndrome of acute zinc deficiency has been described in patients receiving intravenous feeding with pure amino acid infusates. Although the rapid response to zinc therapy makes it tempting to assume that the syndrome we have recognized during total parenteral nutrition is one of pure zinc deficiency, it is very likely that this is an oversimplication. The subtle relationships between zinc and other metals, such as calcium, copper, cadmium, and selenium, need further clarification and may account for some patients with low serum zinc not developing the expected clinical manifestations. Copper deficiency also occurs, but its importance is not yet as clearly defined as that of zinc deficiency.


Anatomic relationship of insertion of the common bile duct into primary duodenal diverticula. Examination of 96 postmortem specimens disclosed six diverticula of the second portion of the duodenum. In every instance, the common bile duct either emptied into, or immediately adjacent to, the diverticulum. The pancreatic duct was opacified twice; it was also intimately associated with the diverticulum on both occasions. This relationship is almost constant and should be considered in the management of patients with biliary and pancreatic disease who have primary duodenal diverticula.


Postsynaptic membranes in the electric tissue of Narcine: IV. Isolation and characterization of the nicotinic receptor protein. The nicotinic receptor protein of the electric tissue of Narcine was purified in several different media by partial isolation of postsynaptic membranes and affinity chromatography. Protease inhibitors were found to be necessary to prevent degradation of the protein, and both EDTA and Tris buffer were used in addition to prevent intramolecular crosslinking of 44,000 and 58,000 dalton subunits by tissue factors. The intact protein was found to have a molecular weight close to 400,000, and appears to be composed of four subunits of 44,000 daltons, two to three of 48,000, one of 58,000 and one of 65,000. All the subunits are glycoproteins and their amino acid compositions show similar hydrophobicity and acidity, suggesting similar positioning in postsynaptic membranes. Crosslinking experiments showed that acetylcholine and alpha-bungarotoxin bind to the smallest subunit, and suggest the juxtaposition of at least two of these subunits, and of all four toxin molecules bound to a receptor molecule. Morphological studies of the protein in membranes and after purification indicated cylindrial molecules with central cores.


The damaging effects of light on the retina. Empirical findings, theoretical and practical implications. Light well below the intensity which causes thermal burns physiologically damages the retina. This damage is primarily localized in the receptors. The outer segments are most sensitive and slow recovery is possible if damage does not proceed to destruction of the inner segment. Many variables affect the extent and severity of light damage. Damage is correlated with continuity of source, light intensity, elevated body temperature, nocturnality, and albinism. Light damage has been considered only minimally in visual research with light preferences, reinforcement and discrimination, or in clinical settings. Based on the available evidence, it is suggested that retinal damage may be produced by such common light sources as room lighting, phototherapy techniques, ophthalmoscopes and fundus cameras. Further studies are recommended.


[The question of the possibility to reproduce field positions in high-voltage therapy (author's transl)]. In order to obtain informations about the possibility to reproduce field positions in high-voltage therapy, controls were made by therapy films on several patients during the irradiation with a linear accelerator and a telecobalt unit. An incorrect position of the fields and/or lead satellites was found in 51% of the controls. The authors discuss possible reasons and their consequences for the radiotherapeutic practice. It must be taken into consideration especially when therapy plans are elaborated, that their realization may cause difficulties in the daily practice.


Management of herpetic eye disease.

Management of herpetic eye disease. We define in this paper a rational approach to the management of the various stages of herpetic eye disease. We consider in more detail comparisons between idoxuridine (IDU), trifluorothymidine (F3T), and adenine arabinoside (Ara-a) (derived largely from clinical trials in herpetic ulcers). We discuss metaherpetic ulcers and certain aspects of keratoplasty.


Comparative xenodiagnosis with three triatomine species of different hosts with natural and experimental chronic infections with Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi. Simultaneous xenodiagnosis was made of 29 patients with chronic Chagas's disease, six naturally infected opossums (Didelphis azarae) and of a Rhesus monkey with an experimental chronic infection with Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi (Peru strain). Patients and opossums were from an endemic area in the state of Bahia, Brazil, where Panstrongylus megistus is the sole domiciliary vector of the disease to man. Various instars of P. megistus Triatoma infestans and Rhodnius prolixus were used. The proportion of bugs infected with compared with bloodmeal intake by a computer programme using linear logistic analysis. The analysis showed that there are intrinsic interspecific differences in susceptibility to infection with Trypanosoma cruzi between the three triatomine species used and that subsequent infection of bugs with T. cruzi is correlated with the quantity of blood ingested. The results show that interspecific differences of bloodmeal size and intrinsic differences in susceptibility to T. cruzi between triatomine species are limiting factors for the standardization and interpretation of the results of xenodiagnosis.


Studies on the enhancement of rat islet allografts. Attempts to improve the induction of immunological enhancement of (AS X August)F1 pancreatic islet allografts in diabetic AS rats have been carried out. First, by treating the diabetic AS recipient with enhancing serum obtained from AS rats with functioning enhanced (AS X August)F1 islet allografts. In these rats on 1 of 5 islet allografts had a prolonged survival, the other 4 being rejected by 2 days. Second, by transplanting (AS X August)F1 islet allografts into diabetic AS rats bearing functioning enhanced (AS X August)F1 cardiac allografts. All of these islet allografts were rejected by 2 days.


Attempts to induce immunological enhancement for kidney allografts in rhesus monkeys. Various rhesus alloantisera were tested for their capacity to induce enhancement of kidney allograft survival in D locus-incompatible rhesus monkeys. Six experimental groups were investigated: 1, ten allografted monkeys remained untreated; 2, six recipients were treated with Imuran and prednisolone; 3, eight rhesus monkeys were treated with a polyspecific "anti-SD" serum; 4, four animals were given oligospecific antikidney serum; 5, four monkeys were treated with oligospecific antiblood serum; and 6, nine recipients were given anti-Ia-like sera plus immunosuppressive treatment with Imuran and prednisolone. It was found that neither treatment with Imuran and prednisolone nor the administration of any of the alloantisera had a substantial effect on kidney graft survival. However, there appeared to be a difference in renal function among experimental groups. At 6 days after grafting, the mean blood urea level in the group treated with Ia-like antisera was found to be significantly lower than those of all other groups. It is discussed that this favourable effect is attributable to treatment with anti-Ia-like sera and not to the additional factors (conventional immunosuppression and partial matching for Ia-like antigens) occurring in this experimental group.


Impact of anti-tuberculosis legislation in Libya on the prevalence of primary and acquired resistance to the three main drugs at a majortuberculosis centre. The effect of legislative actions taken in 1973 on the prevalence of primary and acquired drug resistance was studied from the records on the Regional Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases Centre in Benghazi during the period June 1971 to August 1976. There were available for analysis 771 culture-positive cases of newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis in Libyan nationals, and 789 cases of both Libyan nationals and others with positive cultures during treatment. The legislative actions included screening of all foreign and local workers for tuberculosis before employment or in the course of employement for those already employed and strict control of the use of antituberculosis drugs, which were not made available to private practitioners, private pharmacies, general dispensaries and general hospitals. The proportion of newly diagnosed cases with resistance to one or more of the 3 drugs streptomycin, isoniazid, PAS (resistance to PAS was negligible, occurring in only 0.7% of the whole series) during the first 3 months of the survey was 16.6%. During the first 9 3-month periods there was a small decrease of 0.15% per quarter. However, after adoption of the antituberculosis measures in mid-1973 the rate of decline accelerated to 0.61% per quarter, a 4-fold increase over the earlier rates (P less than 0.001 for comparison of rates). If the rate of decline observed in the first 9 quarters had continued unchanged the expected proportion resistant at the end of the period would have been 13.5%, compared with the observed proportion of 8.6%. The proportion of patients under treatment from whom resistant cultures were isolated was 33.3% in the first quarter. It remained at about this level until the 14th quarter, approximately a year after the legislation came into force, when the proportion began to decline. By the end of the period it was only 14.7%.


Diverticula on distal tubule, simple renal cysts, and ureteral obstruction. Causal relationship. A case of obstruction on a localized kidney zone is reported. Obstruction was considered a precipitating factor in the morphogenesis of diverticula on the distal tubules and the simple cyst, found exclusively in the adjacent renal parenchyma to the obstruction.


Urethral diverticulum with endometriosis. A case of urethral diverticulum in a female patient with endometriosis in the diverticular wall is presented. Review of the recent urologic literature reveals no such case reported previously. The diverticulum was excised and the urethral walls were approximated, with uneventful postoperative recovery.


[Roentgenological examination of the biliary system during emergency surgery]. The drip-infusion cholegraphy carried out within 24 hours after the onset of cholecystitis ensures timely diagnosis or adds to the already established clinical diagnosis. The combination of the cholegraphy with the infusion therapy simplifies a lot the method of examination and expands its possibilities. This combination helps, in particular, to avoid the necessity of the test-injection. The patients tolerate well this method of examination which conveys information on the status of the biliferous system within 1--1.5 hours after infusion.


[Use of mass spectrometry in the chemical analysis of organophosporus compounds]. The authors studied the possibility of using mass spectrometry in the chemical analysis of the biologically highly active organophosphorus compounds. The results show that methylthiophosphorous acid O-ethyl-S-(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ester has the most complex mass spectrum of all the substances under study. In the spectrum characteristic fragments were detected, having m/e values of 42, 44, 58, 71 and 72 [corresponding to the presence of the (CH3)2NCH2CH2-group], and 81, 95, 97, 105 and 125 which are characteristic of the phosphoester group. Mass spectrometric analysis, performed in this study, proved that the MS method is suitable for a qualitative analysis of biologically highly active organophosphorus compounds such as methylthiophosphorous acid O-ethyl-S-(2-dimethylaminoethyl) ester.


[Selection of screening methods for the detection of aflatoxins in animal feed]. Five different screening methods of the detection of aflatoxin B1 are compared as to their usability in ten feeds, feed concentrates, and complete feed mixtures. Method II, i. e. the author's modification of the method of Pons et al. (1973) was found to be the best for the highest number of different feeds. Aflatoxin B1-positive findings were obtained in samples of groundnut cake and protein concentrates a) for laying hens and b) for breeding pigs. No aflatoxins were detected in other feed samples: soya, sunflower, maize, fish meal, complete feed mixtures--table trout trout feed, carp stock feed, table carp feed, duckling fattening mixture.


[Vitamin E levels in the ovine serum after administration of vitamin E and selenium]. The effects of drugs containing vitamin E for peroral administration (Combinal E), intramuscular injection (Erevit) and parenteral administration of a combined drug containing vitamin E and selenium (Selevit) on vitamin E levels in the ovine blood serum were studied. A uniform dose of 15 mg tocopherol acetate per 1 kg live weight was administered to the experimental animals. The level of vitamin E after the peroral administration of Combinal E was affected to a lesser extent than in swine and calves. The serum was examined before and after saponification to determine the effect of the intramuscular injection of Erevit; it was found out that tocopherol acetate prevailed in the blood serum in the first hours after such a route of administration. The best results were obtained after both subcutaneous and intramuscular administration of Selevit, the levels of free tocopherol showing high values even at the end of the experiments. These results may be made use of in determining effective preventive and therapeutic measures to do away with the white muscle disease in practice.


[Biological titration of antidiuretic activity of ovine plasma]. We studied a relationship of the antidiuretic hormone to the level of urea in the ovine blood. An antidiuretic activity of the ovine blood plasma before and after 36-hour fasting was determined by biological titration on 22-day-old rats. Optimum control doses were calculated as follows: 1.0 muU for pitressin, 2.5 muU for lysine-vasopressin and 0.1 muU for arginine-vasopressin, these doses securing 80-85% antidiuretic activity. The antidiuretic activity of the ovine blood plasma reached 90, 70, 46% before fasting and 58, 59, 46% after 36-hour fasting, in comparison with the control doses. It can be concluded from the results that there is no relationship between the antidiuretic activity of the ovine plasma and an increased urea concentration in the blood during the first days of fasting (36 hours).


[Enzootic abortion among ewes in the Roznava district]. In the winter months of the year 1977, 64 dams out of 170 ewes pregnant for the first time miscarried on one farm in the locality G., Roznava district. Antibodies were revealed in 97% dams after the examination of the blood of 170 ewes from the abortion-affected flock; ornithosis antigen was employed for the examination in the complement-fixing reaction. In the cytoplasm of placentary cells of two miscarrying ewes chlamydiae were proved microscopically. The chlamydiae-strains designated LH-5109 and PK-5082 were isolated by inoculating placentary suspensions to the yolk sacs of chicken embryos. Both strains correspond to all the criteria necessitating the identification of chlamydiae (Storz, 1971). As miscarrying ewes in the course of abortions eliminate, with abortions and amniotic fluids, great amounts of chlamydiae to their environment, they represent a powerful source of infection to healthy animals housed on the same premises and to tending staff. Chlamydiae-antibodies were proved, by the complement-fixing reaction, in the blood of seven attendants out of all the eleven-member tending staff.


[Efficacy of mebendazole in sheep experimentally invaded with larvae of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in relation to the results of clinical examination]. A group of six lambs at the age of two months and of the average weight of 13 kg were invaded with the larvae Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis; the course of invasion was compared with that in a group of four control lambs. In regular ten-day intervals, some hematological indices, proteinemia. SGOT and SGPT activities, glucose level, sodium and potassium were studied in blood samples; at the same time egg elimination was observed in excrement samples. The invasion intensity was checked by helminthological dissection of an experimentally invaded lamb 35th day p.i.; 576 H. contortus adults and 398 T. colubriformis adults were determined. Egg number recalculated per 1 g excrements (E.P.G.) amounted to 3072. At that stage, both groups were administered mebendazole at a dose of 10 mg active substance per 1 kg live weight on three successive days. The efficacy of the treatment (IE) was 97.01 to 98.05%. According to the clinical examination the hematocrit level dropped statistically significantly on the ninth day p.i., the other indices under study showed no changes. The drug administration increased temporarily the erythrocyte count and decreased MCV and MCH. Although mebendazole mainly inhibited glucose metabolism in the nematodes, the drug administration did not influence the glucose level of the host's blood serum.


[Pastures as a source of helminthiasis invasions in sheep and cattle]. The aim of the study was to find out the influence of naturally invaded environment on heifers and sheep grazing in the open air for the first time, and/or possibilities of parasite transmission between domesticated and wild ruminants. Larvae were proved to be able to survive 11 months in the environment, even if the eggs had been eliminated with excrements to the grass in July at a high temperature of 26 degrees C. For instance, the larvae Nematodirus, Ostertagia, Chabertia and Trichostrongylus, belonging to the most resistant, survived from the July of one year to the June of the subsequent year in a closed sheep-run located on the pasture and excluding a possibility of access of other animals. In April and May, grass samples were positive up to 88% and 90%, root mat samples up to 70% and 72%, respectively. Dictyocaulus survives only over the winter months till April; then it is not resistant to temperature and moisture fluctuations.


[Pulmonary and hepatic aspergillomas in the deer]. Four solitary aspergillomas in deer are being described. Two were found in the lungs and two in the liver. Morphologically, they were bulky, local lesions filled with homogenous, fragile, necrotic tissue of conspicuously green color. Pulmonary aspergillomas communicated with the conducting bronchus having affected fibers. The necrotic tissue of aspergillomas was interwoven by diffuse abundant fibers of Aspergillus fumigatus.


The prevalence of Sarcocystis spp in dogs and red foxes. Protozoan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis have been recognised for many years as intramuscular cysts of numerous vertebrates. It is only comparatively recently that the two-host nature of the life cycle has been recognised and that the intramuscular cysts are a stage in the developmental cycle of coccidian parasites of flesh eating mammals (Fayer 1974, Fayer and Johnson 1973, 1974, Rommel and others 1972, Dubey 1976). Carnivores ingest the intramuscular cysts from herbivores and presumably from other animals too and eventually shed sporulated tetrazoic sporocysts in their faeces. The cystic stages which occur in the flesh of herbivores are probably non-pathogenic but the earlier stages in which schizonts develop in vascular endothelium may be severely pathogenic. Sarcocystis cruzi, S ovicanis and S porcifelis are known to be severely pathogenic in cattle, sheep and pigs respectively (Dubey 1976). Observations on the prevalence of Sarcocystis spp in the faeces of working farm dogs, greyhounds and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are recorded.


An ultrastructural, morphometric and autoradiographic study of the effects of 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene on the rat adrenal cortex. The effects of chronic treatment (up to 9 consecutive days) with 7,12-dimethylbenzathracene (DMBA) on the adrenal glands of adult male Wistar rats were investigated. Morphometry showed that DMBA provokes atrophy of the zona reticularis which was due to the decrease in both cell volume and number. The zona fasciculata showed only a decrease in the cell volume, whereas the zona glomerulosa did not display any significant changes. Autoradiography demonstrated that DMBA induces a significant increase in the number of mitoses and "S" phase cells in the zona glomerulosa and outer zona fasciculata, which may be interpreted as a repair mechanism of the DMBA-provoked slight necrosis in the inner adrenocortical layers. The mechanism(s) underlying the cytotoxic effect of DMBA is discussed in the light of our ultrastructural observations showing that the chemical causes a decrease in the volume of the mitochondrial and nuclear compartments and in the surface of smooth endoplasmic reticulum as well as an increase in the volume of the lipid compartment.


Cell kinetics of mouse urinary bladder epithelium. III. A histologic and ultrastructural study of bladder epithelium during regeneration after a single dose of cyclophosphamide, with special reference to the mechanism by which polyploid cells are formed. In order to see whether the polyploid cells lining the mouse urinary bladder are formed by nuclear fusion, such epithelium was studied under the light and electron microscope forty-eight hours after an injection of cyclophosphamide when the bladder epithelium regenerates with rapid formation of many diploid, tetraploid and octoploid cells. The probability of seing fusion, if it occurs, ought then to be high. Serial sections of many specimens from four mice revealed no signs of fusion. Thus we found no support for the theory that polyploid cells are formed by nuclear fusion.


Scanning and transmission electronmicroscopy of leukemic lymphoma cells without T- and B-cell surface markers. The lymphoma cells from a patient with leukemia lymphoblastic sarcoma (Kiel classification) were observed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. These cells were also examined by E, EA, EAC rosette-formation tests and by the indirect immunofluorescence technique for surface immunoglobulins. The malignant cells showed failure of rosette-formation or absence of surface immunoglobulins. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that many uniform protrusions were present on the cell surfaces. These surface protrusions were different from those seen on E-or EAC-rosette-forming cells. Ultrastructurally, the malignant cells were characterized by long profiles of rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum with regular, narrow cisternae which radiated from Golgi area to the periphery of cytoplasm. These appearances differed from those observed in T-or B-lymphoma cells.


Adaptive changes of rat liver cells induced by repeated intraperitoneal injections of d-galactosamine. III-Light- and electron-microscopic investigations of hepatocellular cytoplasmic changes. In rats hepatocellular cytoplasmic changes after daily repeated D-galactosamine (GalN) intoxication--i.e. subacute GalN intoxication--were studied by light and electron microscopy. The number of GalN injections--and thus the days of survival--was between one and 30. The rats were killed six hours after the last GalN injection. Less degenerative changes were found after repeated GalN injections. An increased formation of atypical dense bodies (ADB), a temporary pronounced lipid accumulation and changes of the rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum were prominent features of subacute GalN intoxication. The implications with respect to a modified GalN action in subacute GalN intoxication are discussed with special reference to biochemical data obtained in the same experimental model (Schuchhardt et al., 1977).


Annulate lamellae in a malignant mesenchymal tumor. Intracytoplasmic membranous structures, known as annulate lamellae were seen in a malignant mesenchymal tumor. Close relationship with rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) suggested their origin from ER.


Number of nucleoli in Ehrlich tumor cells during interphase. Fractions of mouse Ehrlich ascites tumor cell populations with a high percentage of cell either in early or in late interphase were separated by centrifugation on ficoll gradients. Nucleoli were studied by light or electron microscopy in these cell subpopulations. It was shown that, in these cells, the number of nucleoli per nucleus does not vary significantly during interphase. This result is discussed and an anlysis of the relationships between the number and the volume of the nucleoli in these cells is present.


Cell population kinetics in the epithelium of the colon of the male rat. The present study was undertaken in order to try to define some of the kinetic parameters in the colonic mucosa of normal Wistar rats. Preliminary observations showed considerable morphological differences in the mucosa from site to site along the length of the colon. In particular the height of the crypts (measured in cells) was variable. In addition labelling index studies demonstrated dramatic variations in the distribution of labelling along the length of the crypts from site to site in the bowel. A single site in the descending colon was selected for more detailed study using a stathmokinetic agent, vincristine, and the continous labelling technique with tritiated thymidine. The results of these investigations suggest that there exists at the base of the crypt a subpopulation of cells cycling more slowly than the cells in the rest of the proliferative compartment. Growth fraction appears to fall with rising cell positions within the crypt.


Ultrastructural changes during cholestasis induced by chlorpromazine in the isolated perfused rat liver. Addition of cholestatic doses of chlorpromazine-HC1 to the perfusate of isolated rat livers produces widespread changes in hepatocyte membrane structure. These findings include a marked increase in intrasinusoidal cytoplasmic bullae, appearance of intracellular vacuoles within hepatocytes at both sinusoidal and biliary poles, dilation of bile canaliculi and evagination of canalicular diverticuli, and the formation of myeloid bodies within hepatocytes. These findings obtained in the bile acid depleted perfused liver may result from physiochemical interactions between chlorpromazine or its metabolites and lipid-protein components of cell membranes, consistent with chlorpromazine's properties as a cationic detergent. They occur independently of the vasoconstrictive effects of chlorpromazine and suggest that chlorpromazine may produce cholestasis by altering hepatocyte membrane function.


The basement membrane of the atrophic kidney tubule. An electron microscopic study of changes in rats. In a light and electron microscopic study of the rat's kidney after obstruction of the renal vein or after subtotal nephrectomy the tubular basement membrane changes occurring during the ensuing atrophy of the tubules have been examined. Characteristically, they consist of diffuse widening, focal thickening with vesicular and granular inclusions, circumscribed dissolution, or reduplication of this structure. These observations have led to the conclusion that the tubular basement membrane is formed by both interstitial and tubular cells, although the interstitial cells contribute the greater share to its formation, maintenance and renewal. The thickening of the basement membrane taking place in tubular atrophy must, however, be attributed entirely to the interstitial cells.


On the pathogenesis of galactosamine hepatitis. Indications of extrahepatocellular mechanisms responsible for liver cell death. In order to evaluate the pathogenesis of galactosamine hepatitis, the action of galactosamine on mast cells, and alteration in the complement system suring the course of this experimental injury were studied. It has been previously demonstrated that rat livers after colectomy are refractory to galactosamine-induced liver cell necrosis and inflammation. For this reason colectomized animals were used to see whether the biochemical alterations produced by this aminosugar and thought to be responsible for cell death developed. Results showed: 1. galactosamine potently degranulates mast cells in vivo and in vitro, 2. the complement system is a) activated during the course of galactosamine hepatitis, probably by circulating endotoxins, and b) is essential for liver cell death in galactosamine hepatitis, and 3. colectomy does not prevent biochemical changes known to occur during galactosamine metabolism. It is concluded that death of galactosamine-injured liver cells is triggered by extrahepatocellular mechanisms, which lead ultimately to an activated complement system by endotoxins. It is postulated that related mechanism may also occur in viral hepatitis and in fulminant hepatic failure in man.


The electron microscopy of normal human oesophageal epithelium. Oesophageal biopsies were studied with the electron microscope. Three layers were identified, as in the light microscopy of the oesophageal epithelium: basal, prickle and funtional cell layers. A continuous basement membrane separated the lamina propria from the basal cells. The basal cell membrane carried hemidesmosomes, desmosomes and microvillous processes. Their cytoplasm contained the usual organelles plus free ribosomes and tonofirbrils. Prickle cells contained glycogen rosettes and many tonofilaments, and their cell membrane many microvillous and demosomal processes, in places elaborated into desmosome fields. In both these layers there was a wide intercellular space containing some particulate and membranous debris. The flattened cells of the functional layer had fewer desmosomes and microvilli but abundant glycogen and tonofilaments, and a narrow intercellular space. Membrane coating granules first reaching a maximum in the functional cell layer appeared in the upper prickle cell layer and few persisted into the surface cells. The apical cell membrane of the most superficial cells was thickened and had few small microvillous processes, which were covered with a filamentous "fuzzy" coat. No keratohyaline granules were present. Papillae of lamina propria contained capillaries, some with a fenestrated endothelium.


Anaerobiosis and oxygen recovery: changes in cell cycle distribution of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells grown in vitro. The cell cycle distribution of in vitro cultured Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells was analysed by pulse-cytophotometry to characterize the growth cessation observed under anaerobic conditions. DNA histograms provided evidence that in the absence of oxygen EAT cells accumulate in the G1 and early S phase of the cell cycle while in the presence of oxygen an increase in G2 was observed during 24h culture period. Cellular recovery from anaerobiosis was observed soon after transfer of the cells into fresh aerobic culture medium but occurred slowly if the cells were only resupplied with air. Cell cycle analyses as well as (14C)-thymidine incorporation suggest considerable synchronization results from the introduction of anaerobiosis.


Cell kinetics of mouse urinary bladder epithelium. V. Changes in the proportion of cells with various nuclear DNA content after repeated doses of cyclophosphamide. A dose of 2 mg cyclophosphamide (Sendoxan, "Pharamcia", Sweden) dissolved in 0.2 ml distilled water was injected intraperitoneally once a week to 12 hairless mice for three months. Four animals were killed at 1, 2 and 3 months and micro-flow fluormetric histograms of the bladder epithelial cells were made. The proportion of cells in diploid S phase remained normal at 1 and 2 months, but increased at 3 months. The proportion of tetraploid S-phase cells fell rapidly and markedly and there were almost no cells in this phase at 1, 2 and 3 months. The proportion of diploid cells increased, the proportion of tetraploids was significantly reduced and the octoploid cells disappeared after 2 months. The changes are similar to those seen after repeated injections of the bladder carcinogen dibutylnitrosamine, but less pronounced. Since cyclophosphamide is a strong alkylating agent it is possible that, in the doses used, it is also a weak carcinogen for hte bladder epithelium. This must be tested in direct, long-term treatment experiments. Bladder cancers in humans receiving cyclophosphamide therapy have been described.


[Change in acetylation activity in 7,12-dimethylbenz(alpha)-anthracene induction]. In mice, injected DMBA subcutaneously 12 weeks prior to sarcomas detection, an increased activity of N-acetyltransferase was noted. As a result of DMBA application into mice skin the increased activity of this enzyme was noted 16 weeks prior to the appearance of papillomas and cancer of skin. Initial increase of the enzyme activity was followed by its considerable decrease and terminated by a new increase in the detection of tumors. The causes of the changes in the activity of N-acetyl-transferase are discussed, as well as the possibility to consider these changes as a sign indicating that tumor is likely to appear in the nearest future.


[Postoperative period in previously irradiated lung cancer patients]. The postoperative period in 62 patients with lung cancer was studied in a comparative aspect. Preoperative use of radiotherapy influences but insignificantly the postoperative course. As a whole, the incidence of postoperative complications and mortality does not differ considerably from that in patients not irradiated with a Betatron. The state of blood coagulation was studied before and prior to surgery in 34 patients previously irradiated with a Betatron. Following the irradiation some changes indicative of hypocoagulation were revealed. In the early postoperative period (2d--10th day postoperatively) a marked increase in the fibrinogen "A" content is observed.


Variability of nitrogen fixation in some isolates of Nostoc linckia. Four clonal isolates of Nostoc linckia isolated from different localities were compared with respect to growth, nitrogen content (cellular and extracellular), and pigment composition. A considerable range of variation was observed among these isolates. This indicates the existence of genetically distinct clonal populations of the alga in natural habitats.


[The evidence capacity of the lymphocyte-transformation-test and the quantitative immunoglobulin-determination in sarcoidosis (author's transl)]. In 50 patients suffering from a cytologically or histologically confirmed sarcoidosis the unspecific transformation rate by PHA in the lymphocyte-transformation-test (LTT) and the immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, IgM and IgD have been determined by the help of a simple radial immunodiffusion. The evaluation of the LTT took place morphologically. 600 cells were counted each set-up (3 different smears each PHA-set-up). For the purpose of a better morphological presentation of lymphoblasts in the LTT a smear of alkalineous hydrolysis was fixed and followed by a colouring according to PAPPENHEIM. There was a decreased PHA-transformation-rate in sarcoidosis as a symptom for a partial defect within the cellular immune area. The levels of immunoglobulins showed no deviations as against to standard values.


[Serum transferrin in chronic kidney failure with conservative treatment and hemodialysis]. 1. Serum transferrin is a sensitive indicator for the establishment of a subclinical protein deficit. 2. When a diet moderately poor in protein was given (0.5-0.6 g/kg body weight/daily) was given the transferrin values (243 +/- 61 mg/100 ml) were significantly lower than in the control group (284 +/- 61 mg/100 ml), but they were altogether still in the lower normal region.


[On the utilization different organic and anorganic compounds by some strains of Bac. cereus var. mycoides (Flügge) (author's transl)]. In order to investigate the decomposition of 46 organic and anorganic compounds by Bac. mycoides, the behaviour of four strains was tested by means of plate counting technique (after Koch) and the Warburg method. Mostly intensive substances containing protein were decomposed by all strains. Furthermore amino acid, sugar, alcohols, and ammonium salts are used by the bacteria, but there were large differences between strains tested. Urea and nitrates have not been decomposed.


[Phytopathological tests with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (author's transl)]. Several strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were investigated for pathogenicity to plant tissue. Inoculations into the intercellular spaces of leaves of Vicia faba (28 degrees C) and Vinca rosea (36 degrees C) showed negative results. In leaves of Nicotiana tabacum (32 degrees C) the bacteria multiplied; the tissue reacted to form partial lesions and necrosis. Neither in culture filtrates of the bacteria nor in eluates of inoculated leaves pectolytic and cellulolytic enzymes or breakdown products of these could be obtained. Whilst the proteolytic activity was high, symptoms for effects on the plant tissue, however, were not observed. Although this bacterium may be able to multiply after injection into tobacco leaf, the general question about pathogenicity to plants must be denied.


[Interactions between nuclear polyhedrosis viruses and vertebrate cells (author's transl)]. The influence of NPV on mammals was tested in animals and tissue cultures. Toxicity experiments were performed in rats: per os application (3 X 10(9) Virusinclusionbodies per kg body weight) and intravenous (5 X 10(8) Virusinclusionbodies per kg body weight). Skin irrition was performed in guinea pigs. In each tested animal no virus induced changes could be shown. Tissue culture studies were done in tissues of human (Hela Ohio), monkey (Vero) and rats (REC). The infectious unit was Ac NPV derived from infected, virus-producing insect tissue cultures. Three blind passages were done in each examined cell type and no signs of viral replication could be shown. An additional infectivity assay of cellfree extracts in insect cell cultures as indicator system remained negative.


Partial purification and characterization of the NAG vibrio enterotoxin. The culture filtrates of non-cholera vibrios (NAG vibrios) which possessed toxic activity were concentrated, precipitated with (NH4)2SO4 and fractionated on a column of Sephadex G-100. Three fractions were obtained. The first fraction contained mainly lipopolysaccharide which possessed no enterotoxic activity measured by the fluid accumulation in the ligated rabbit ileal loop as well as no activity in the skin permeability test. However, it was toxic for mice after i.v. administration (LD50: 600 microgram per mouse). The second fraction contained one antigenic protein and revealed four bands in the region of albumin migration distance in polyacrylamide electrophoresis. The size of the molecules from the second fraction was estimated by the elution volume from the G-100 Sephadex and polyacrylamide electrophoresis at approximately 50,000-70,000 daltons. This fraction had marked proteolytic activity. The third fraction contained proteins. In biological experiments only the second fraction possessed the enterotoxic activity identical to that of the original filtrate. The coexistence of the permeability and hemorrhagic factor in this material was proven by means of the rabbit skin test and a fast toxic effect for infant mice after intragastric inoculation. The enterotoxic activity characteristic of cholera enterotoxin was demonstrated in the ligated ileal loop of rabbit only after administration of 5-10 fold concentrated culture filtrate and the second fraction.


Serum anti-candida albicans antibodies in candidal and non-candidal vaginitis. The agglutination, immunodiffusion and immune adherence tests were performed on sera from 60 women with clinically diagnosed vaginitis. Candida albicans was isolated from the vaginal discharge of 36 of them (Group 1) and not from the other 24 (Group 2). Fifty eight patients reacted positively in the agglutination test. No differentiation could be made between the two groups on the basis of this test (number of positive sera and height of titer). No antibodies could be detected by the immunodiffusion test (except for one positive serum). The immune adherence test demonstrated a difference between the two groups, which was expressed both in the total of positive reacting sera and in titer of antibodies.


[Spontaneous infection of marmoset-monkeys (Sanguinus oedipus) with a Trypanosoma cruzi-like-strain, Springer 1975. Isolation and identification (author's transl)]. A Trypanosoma cruzi-like strain was isolated from marmoset monkeys originating from Columbia. The frequency of affected monkeys was up to 32.7%. The parasite density was 10-40 trypomastigote forms per mililiter. Monkeys, rats, mice and other small Rodentia were found to be susceptible. Clinical symptoms or histopathological findings could not be acertained with these trypanosomes even after a 2 1/2 year observation period. The strain behaved as an apathogen in experimental animals. The parasitaemia in animals was sparse (1-10 trypanosomes/ml) and without any conspicuous periodic fluctuations. Trypanosomes could be detected microscopically up to 2 1/2 years after infection in the blood of infected animals. With a positive blood finding, the blood passage could be carried out in animals with regularity. The serum from infected reacted positively in Chagas Latex test as well as in Chagas CFT. The trypomastigote forms injected into cultures of human embryonal thyroid gland and in cells of other origin, showed higher or lower multiplication with a marked cytopathogenic effect between the 9th and 11th day post infection, depending on the type of tissue culture. There was a cyclical development in Rhodnius prolixus or Triatoma infestans. The so-called metacyclic or trypomastigote forms from the faeces of Reduviidae or from tissue culture could again infect animals.


In vitro susceptibility of Listeria monocytogenes to some antibiotics and their combinations. The Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated during recent years in our hospital have been tested for in vitro susceptibility against eleven antibiotics. The following tests were used: antibiotics discs method on Mueller-Hinton agar, determination of MICs by agar dilution method, study of the bactericidal potency of antibiotics combinations. Antibiotic discs method gives some too optimistic results, not confirmed by the MICs determined with agar dilution method. Ther are a few antibiotics used alone which are bactericidal upon Listeria monocytogenes at the concentration reached with usual therapeutic doses, and none regularly bactericidal. Bêtalactam-aminoglycoside combinations are the most effective ones but the ones involving gentamicin are more bactericidal than the ones involving streptomycin. Pristinamycin-aminoglycoside combinations have interesting activities and might be used as an alternative to betalactam-aminoglycoside ones in some peculiar and restricted indications. The other tested combinations are antagonistic or without interest.


[Brucella titers in subclinical infections due to Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:9 in a pig-breeding farm (author's transl)]. According to the Federal German Veterinary Public Health Regulations part of the stock of a pig-breeding farm in Lower Franconia (South Germany) had to be destroyed due to the findings of positive serological titers against Brucella. B. suis was not isolated from various specimens examined by the local veterinary public health authorities, but the authors found Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:9 in 15 of 117 pigs investigated (12.8%). The organisms were cultured from 6 out of 117 specimens of fecal material (5.1%), and from 10 out of 55 pharyngeal tonsils (18.2%). The examination of 45 mesenteric and 2 submandibular lymphnodes remained negative. In 9 out of 93 sera titers against B. abortus between 1:20 and 1:40 were detected in tube agglutination but not in complement fixation tests. These sera and an additional serum specimen gave simultaneous reactions against Y. enterocolitica serotype O:9 ranging from 1:40 to 1:640 (Table 2). By cross-absorption antibodies to Brucella were completely removed, but to Yersinia titers between 1:10 and 1:320 remained detectable in 7 sera. It may be concluded that the Brucella titers observed in the animals were caused by subclinical infections with Y. enterocolitica serotype O:9 which is known to give rise to marked serological cross-reactions with various Brucella antigens. The importance of the above findings will be discussed in view of the current veterinary public health regulations.


[Investigations on the antimicrobial activity of amin-aldehyde-condensates. 2. Communication: unsymmetrically substituted animals of formaldehyde (author's transl)]. In the scope of our research about the antimicrobial activity of aldehyde-amin-condensates a number of partly new unsymmetrically substituted animals was synthesized by reaction of formaldehyde with different secondary amines. Structures and physically constants are shown in the tables 1 and 2. The antimicrobial activity is demonstrated by the results of the disktest (table 3), of the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC, table 4) and the suspension and area disinfecting tests following the method of the DGHM (tables 5 and 6). For this testing a standardized formulation was used to eliminate the different solubility effects of the various animals. This formulation does not influence the test results. It may be shown, that unsymmetrically substituted animals have both germistatic activity mainly versus Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and germicidal activity especially versus Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Micosporum gypseum.


[Automatic disinfection of fiberendoscopes (author's transl)]. Bacteremia following endoscopy of the gastrointestinal tract in patients with impaired resistance even fatal septicemia has been reported. Transmission of pathogenic bacterias via endoscopes has been described. We could demonstrate a considerable high number of gramnegative bacteria obtained from biopsy channel of fiberendoscopes after conventionell cleaning of the instruments. In seven different endoscopy units we found high bacterial contamination of all 22 fiberendoscopes. Pseudomonas aeruginosa in concentrations up to 4 X 10(6)/ml was cultivated on the instruments including cleaning utilities (flasks etc., Table 1). The new apparatus we demonstrate here has the advantage of cleaning and disinfecting the endoscopes. One or two endoscopes are placed into a U-shaped pipe which is interconnected with a pumping system. In this automatic apparatus a disinfectant which recycles through all channels is used (Fig. 1). We investigated solutions of 2% glutardialdehyde, of 5% succindialdehyde respectively 1% peracetic acid. Disinfection of instruments was effective. No bacteria could be detected in material obtained from biopsy channels, HBsAg also could not be detected on the instruments after this procedure. The use of dialdehyde is recommended.


A simplified procedure for the examination of drinking water for bacteria of public health significance: the differential hydrobacteriogramme. A new method is described which can be used for the examination of piped drinking water. It is also suitable for monitoring water which was initially of potable quality, and is intended for reuse in the food industry. The method is based on CLARK's "P-A test" and, because this allows many bacterial types to be detected, i.e. Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Aeromonadaceae and LANCEFIELD group D streptococci it is called differential hydrobacteriogramme. A preliminary resuscitation treatment to revive sublethally injured cells is essential in this procedure. In earlier work this was attained by adding an equal volume of double strength nutrient broth and later double strength MACCONKEY purple broth, making the method somewhat bulky. In the new procedure, after the resuscitation step, a concentrated bile salts/indicator solution is added, allowing subsequent selective enrichment of the taxa sought. Positive enrichment cultures are examined for these organisms by the procedures summarized in Fig. 1. The new method, when tested on approx. 150 artificially inoculated and 92 natural samples, showed the same productivity and selectivity as the one introduced earlier. The new method is recommended for routine monitoring purposes, because it is less bulky.


[Variants of the course of chronic meningoencephalitis with a syndrome of Jacksonian epilepsy]. The report contains some results of a follow-up checking of 200 patients with chronic meningoencephalitis with the syndrome of Jackson's epilepsy. The author distinguishes 3 variants in the development of the disease: favourable, remittent and unfavourable. The basis of this division is the structure and frequency of convulsive fits, the state of the nervous system and liquid-containing spaces, bioelectrical brain and muscular activity. Distinguishing such variants in the development of this disease permits to accomplish a differentiated selection of treatment, fix the terms of therapy, solve some problems of formal expert opinion of work capacity.


Hypophosphataemia in severe burns.

Hypophosphataemia in severe burns. A retrospective study was made of 17 severely burned patients with special reference to serum and urinary phosphate. A lowering of the serum phosphate level was regularly recorded between the 3rd and 9th day. The lowest mean value of serum phosphate of the group was 0.57 +/- 0.2 (S.D.) mmol/l (normal range 0.8-1.5 mmol/l) occurring on the 5th day after the accident. Serum phosphate then returned to normal levels in all the patients except three, who died. These three were among the four patients who showed the lowest serum phosphate values, less than 0.32 mmol/l, and their deaths coincided with the recording of these low values. The phosphate depletion seemed to be of prerenal origin. Hypophosphataemia may be of significance in the fatal outcome in some of the patients with severe burns.


Capping of ricin-binding sites does not influence phagocytosis in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN'S) were incubated at 0 degrees C with ferritin-conjugated ricin and warmed to 37 degrees C to induce capping of the ricin-binding sites. The PMNs were then allowed to phagocytose yeast or Staphylococcus epidermidis for 15 min, and processed for electron microscopy. Phagocytic uptake, granule fusion, and the fate of lectin-bound membrane were quantified by morphometry. Ricin-capped PMNs phagocytosed as extensively as untreated PMNs. Particles were ingested almost exclusively with a lectin-free portion of the plasmalemma. Fusion of granules with phagocytic vacuoles was not affected by ricin-induced capping. This indicates that ricin-binding sites are not involved in particle recognition and uptake.


Oxacillin-induced granulocytopenia.

Oxacillin-induced granulocytopenia. The development of granulocytopenia during oxacillin therapy is reported in 2 patients. In both cases the onset of granulocytopenia occurred 24 days after therapy was instituted with similar clinical presentations. The bone marrow aspirates revealed myeloid hyperplasia, left shift and maturation arrest. 24 h after oxacillin was discontinued the granulocyte counts rapidly rose towards normal, with subsequent complete recovery. Although sought for, leukoagglutinins could not be demonstrated in either patient. The occurrence of granulocytopenia in patients receiving natural and semisynthetic penicillins is reviewed and the mechanisms are outlined.


Coagulation and fibrinolysis in thyroid disease. The levels of components of the coagulation mechanism and fibrinolytic system in 20 hyperthyroid patients and 9 hypothyroid patients were compared with those of 20 euthyroid control subjects. The mean levels of fibrinolytic activity and plasminogen were significantly reduced in the hyperthyroid patients while mean levels of alpha1-antitrypsin and C1 inactivator were increased. Patients with hypothyroidism had significantly increased levels of fibrinolytic activity and alpha2-macroglobulin, a prolonged partial thromboplastin time, and reduced levels of factor XII and antithrombin III.


Different types of beta-thalassemia intermedia. A genetic study in 20 patients. 20 patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia classified according to the results of genetic studies are presented. (1) 9 patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia homozygous for beta-thalassemia with increased Hb-A2 are reported. (2) 8 patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia, 3 homozygous for beta-thalassemia with normal levels of Hbs.A2 and F, 5 heterozygous for both this and beta-thalassemia with increased Hb-A2 are presented. (3) 2 families with beta-thalassemia intermedia heterozygous for both beta-thalassemia with increased HbA2 and 'silent" beta-thalassemia are reported. Two different varieties are presented.


The influence of protein-calorie malnutrition on the development of internodal segments. A study on peripheral nerve and spinal roots in rats. The current investigation comprised normal young rats as well as rats submitted to a 50% food reduction or severe protein restriction. Isolated nerve fibres from lumbar spinal roots and sciatic nerves were investigated with reference to the relation between length and diameter of internodes as well as variation of internodal length along single nerve fibres. The present results do not support the view that protein-calorie malnutrition should cause neuropathy. Internodal segments were, on an average, shorter in relation to their thickness in young rats submitted to severe protein restriction or a 50% food reduction. The deviation was most marked in low-protein animals and particularly among coarser internodal segments. An inhibition of longitudinal growth was considered to be the main factor behind the difference between malnourished and normal rats.


Ocular pathology of bovine GM1 gangliosidosis. Late-onset of disturbed vision is a clinical feature of bovine GM1 gangliosidosis. Studies on eight affected calves showed that ocular lesions were confined to the retinae and optic nerves. Myriad tiny white spots were visible by ophthalmic examination of the fundus. These spots were related to protuberances on the vitreal surface caused by distended retinal ganglion cells. The perikaryons of these were packed with dense aggregates of membranous cytoplasmic bodies (MCBs). Similar MCBs were present in the perikaryons of amacrine cells in the inner nuclear layer of the retina. Wallerian degeneration was present in the optic nerves. The lesions were compared with those described in gangliosidosis in man, cats, pigs and dogs. It is suggested that examination of the fundus is a useful clinical procedure in the diagnosis of bovine GM1 gangliosidosis.


Plasma levels of non-conjugated oestrone in high risk pregnancies. Plasma levels of non-conjugated oestrone were measured with a radio-immunological method in women with complicated pregnancies during the last trimester. A comparison was performed between values of normal pregnancies from a previous report (3) and those of pathological pregnancies. Women with severe pre-eclampsia were found to have low values and to some extent the oestrone level could predict fetal outcome. In pregnant patients with long-standing diabetes mellitus the plasma levels of oestrone seemed to be higher than those of uncomplicated pregnancy. In women with pregnancies complicated by Rh-isoimmunization, oestrone plasma levels were similar to those found in normal pregnancies.


Postoperative irradiation and chemotherapy in patients with advanced ovarian cancer. Two groups of patients with stage III ovarian carcinoma were selected for a randomized clinical trial. The first group consisted of 157 patients who had radical surgery at their first laparotomy, the second group consisted of 145 patients with inoperable disease. The aim of the trial was to compare the results of maximum external megavoltage irradiation, 5 000 rads, to a large abdominal field, with the results of a reduced dose, 3 000 rads, immediately followed by chemotherapy with an alkylating agent (Thio-tepa). In none of the groups, did maximum radiotherapy prove superior to the schedule of a reduced dose combined with chemotherapy. The less costly and time saving combined treatment was better tolerated than irradiation alone. Histological tumour type did not influence the prognosis in these advanced cases where spread was found outside the true pelvis.


Disruption of blood-retinal barrier at the retinal pigment epithelium after systemic urea injection. Electron microscopic studies were done on the structural alterations of retinal pigment epithelial cells occurring under osmotic stress utilizing rhesus monkeys and lanthanum nitrate as a tracer. Fluorescein fundus angiography revealed leaking points of fluorescein from the choroid to the retina, and various degenerative alterations of the retinal pigment epithelial cells were observed in these leaking areas. Some cells included many vacuoles in their cytoplasm, but diffusion of lanthanum from the choroid to the outer segment of visual cell was obstructed by the tight junctions between the retinal pigment epithelial cells. Other cells were severely damaged with ruptured membranes. Abundant tracer material diffused through the cytoplasm into the subretinal space. Other cells were broken down in an isolated manner and here marked extravasation of lanthanum into the subretinal space was observed.


Kappa-type light chain crystal storage histiocytosis. An autopsy case of systemic histiocytosis with excessive deposition of kappa-type light chain crystals was reported in a 58 year-old man who had consistently showed kappa-type light chain paraproteinemia, Bence Jones proteinuria and hypogammaglobulinemia for about 10 years until his death. However, no bony destruction was found by repeated X-ray examinations. At autopsy, extensive hyperplasia of crystal-storing histiocytes was observed in the bone marrow, spleen, liver, lymph nodes, interstitial tissues of visceral organs and loose connective tissues. In the bone marrow and some other tissues, mild proliferation of plasmocytoid cells containing small crystals were found. Histochemically the crystals positively stained with various methods for amino acids and proteins, especially with Weigerts' method for fibrin. Ultrastructurally intralysosomal crystal deposition was confirmed in the storage histiocytes and derivation of the crystals from Golgi's sacculi in the plasmocytoid cells was suggested. Biochemically the crystals were regarded as mainly consisting of dimers of a variable half of light chain immunoglobulin and immunochemically and immunohistochemically reacted to anti-kappa type light chain serum. Such a generalized storage histiocytosis may be secondarily induced by immunoglobulin synthesized in plasmocytoid cells.


Is sulphated blood-group substance in pancreas a factor in cystic fibrosis? The present study showed that the pancreas of two monkey species contained sulphated blood-group substance. Such strongly anionic molecules are known to bind calcium, and their solutions form gels in the presence of cations. It is suggested that such a mechanism may be involved in cystic fibrosis.


Listeria encephalitis in five renal transplant recipients. Listeria encephalitis has occurred recently in 5 renal transplant recipients at the Transplantation Unit in Stockholm. Symptoms from the central nervous system, such as coma, hemiparesis and cranial nerve paresis, dominated the clinical picture. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from the blood of all the patients, from the cerebrospinal fluid in two, from the urine in one and post mortem from the brain in one patient. Pleocytosis never exceeded 200 leucocytes/mm3 and the glucose ratio was normal or near normal. Complement fixation test for Listeria was negative in all 5 patients. Four patients expired in spite of treatment with large doses of penicillin and other antibiotics to which the isolated strains were sensitive in vitro. At autopsy, inflammation and necrosis were observed in the brain, especially the brain stem, and there was mild lymphocytic infiltration of the meninges. The surviving patient was treated with a combination of chloramphenicol and ampicillin.


Directional conflict between vestibular and visual inputs in the squirrel monkey. The directional conflict between vestibular and visual stimuli was studied in the squirrel monkey. Sinusoidal rotation was given to the subject and the direction of his visual target movement was reversed by installing a mirror in a 45 degree plane in front of the eyes. A large interindividual variance was noticed in controlling vestibular-visual conflict. The degree of vestibular-visual conflict and stimulus magnitude had no linear relationship. Also no relationship existed between vestibular-visual conflict and the provocation of vestibular nystagmus. Under the situation of vestibular-visual conflict, visual target pursuit failed to improve when two daily trials were given twice a week, for five weeks. The reduction of vestibular input created by surgery resulted in the reduction of vestibular evoked nystagmus and vestibular-visual conflict. However, their degrees were not necessarily parallel. Inter-individual difference in response of vestibular-visual conflict was related to vestibular-visual coordination.


Lactoferrin in human neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes in relation to iron metabolism. Lactoferrin (LF), the iron-binding protein of external secretions and neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN), was studied in 27 patients during granulocytosis caused by acute inflammation and in disorders without granulocytosis (iron deficiency anemia, iron overload and liver diseases). During granulocytosis the LF concentration of PMN was significantly lower than in controls (p less than 0.001). This difference proved to be related to the number of PMN. A relation between the LF concentration of PMN and iron metabolism could be demonstrated: loss of iron by blood donation is accompanied by a significant decrease in the LF concentration in PMN, whereas iron therapy in patients with iron deficiency anemia is accompanied by a significant increase in the LF concentration in PMN.


Coronary heart disease--a possible risk in megavoltage therapy? A 21-year old man died of an extensive anteroseptal myocardial infarction 16 months after receiving megavoltage radiotherapy to a mantle field for Hodgkin's disease stage PS IA confined to the midcervical lymph nodes on the left side of the neck. Post mortem findings revealed severe atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arteries. This case and a review of the literature suggest that irradiation to the heart may induce or accelerate atherosclerosis of the epicardial vessels. This should be taken into consideration when starting prophylactic irradiation to the mantle field in patients with Hodgkin's disease stage IA without obvious involvement of the mediastinun. Histologic examination of the heart and coronary vessels should be performed in any fatal case after megavoltage therapy involving the heart.


The effect of location on the elderly mentally infirm: relationship to mortality and behavioural deterioration. An investigation was carried out into the effects of location on the elderly mentally infirm. While location had no bearing on subsequent mortality there was some evidence to suggest that some aspects of behavioural deterioration were influenced by the type of location and in those cases residential home placement seemed to produce the least deterioration over and 18-month period when the effects of mental and behavioural competent were taken into account. The implications of these findings for the provision of long-term care for the elderly are discussed.


Immunological assessment of ageing: emergence of scrapie-like antigens. Certain morphological similarities between scrapie--a naturally occurring disease of sheep, long looked upon as a paradigm of 'slow infections'--and the ageing process in normal animals led to a study of the development of new antigens both in scrapie-affected animals and in normal mice and humans. It was found that with advancing age new antigen(s) identical with, or similar to, those occurring in scrapie (where the time co-ordinate of aging in the brain seems foreshortened) make their appearance both in mice and humans, and lead to special sensitization of lymphocytes in normal guinea pigs injected with old tissues so that the difference in the lymphocyte response to scrapie or normal test antigen (SND) is exaggerated. It may be that the 'new antigen(s)' depend upon molecular rearrangement of membrane structure perhaps induced by an external agent (not necessarily a virus). Thymectomy in the new-born mouse or rat produces in many cases 'runting' which appears in many ways to be a caricature of ageing. The SND is greatly increased at a very early age by the process of thymectomy and there is evidence that it may be held up by implantation of neonatal thymus tissue into the deprived animals. During the first years of life there appears to be the same difference in the constitution of erythrocyte membranes which moves towards the adult type towards puberty. This may be part of a general phenomenon of significance in the physiopathology of childhood. Finally the analogy between the changes occurring the kuru-scrapie-CJD complex and old age, and the somewhat new antigenic materials emerging in them must not be taken to imply that any virus is per se concerned with the ageing process. No 'virus of old age' is known. It seems to the writer that it is much more likely that ageing (and the diseases mentioned) are associated with membrane steric rearrangement (which can be transmitted--but not necessarily by a classical virus). In the writer's opinion it is a reasonable hypothesis to entertain that as the cell 'ages' and becomes a less favourable habitat for viruses (normally built into its DNA and/or RNA) they emerge, may take on recognizable forms, and indeed may attempt to seek younger and better homes. No doubt we all carry a load of such inapparent 'viruses' which (like our fellow humans) are likely to abandon us in old age. It is a commonplace that we have an embarras de richesse of viruses and it may be some of these which have been 'isolated' from old tissues.


Copper and inflammation.

Copper and inflammation. Bonta, Sorenson and others have shown that Cu(II) derivatives are effective anti-inflammatory agents. Some chemical and pharmacological properties of Cu(I) and metallic Cu are discussed. Thio complexes of Cu(I) were prepared and shown to be useful anti-inflammatory agents in rats. Hypotheses are stated concerning the possible therapeutic value of copper in its various oxidation states.


Laboratory diagnosis of tuberculosis in a developing country 1968-1975. The paper records the results of a retrospective study of laboratory findings on samples sent for diagnosis of possible tuberculosis among patients attending or admitted to hospital during the 8 years, 1968-1975. Out of a total of 23 419 such samples, 2479 were positive for tubercle bacilli: both direct microscopy and cultural examinations were carried out, except in the case of many sputum samples which were strongly positive on direct film examination. It was found that the simple examination of stained smears would detect 77% of positive sputa, but was unsatisfactory for other specimens, where cultural examination was essential. Among the positive samples, only sixty-nine came from children under 15 years old: this low figure probably represents selection in hospital attendance or submission of samples, rather than a true comparison with the incidence of clinical tuberculosis in adults. The type of infections evident in children differed from that apparent for all age groups combined, in the high proportion of cases of tuberculous meningitis among the younger age group. The yearly figures give little indication of a fall in the incidence of clinically significant tuberculosis over the past 8 years. A vigorous effort is required for case finding and treatment if there is to be substantial improvement over the next 8 years.


Stroke in the Africans.

Stroke in the Africans. Stroke is increasingly becoming a major cause of death and morbidity in African population among most of which the frequencies of hypertension are considerable, although hard data based on community surveys are lacking and most of the information available is from hospital data. The epidemiology of stroke in the Africans is reviewed. The frequencies in hospital populations varied from 0.9% to 4.0% and stroke accounted for 0.5% to 45% of neurological admissions. There is male predominance in published series. The main risk factors are hypertension, diabetes mellitus and homozygous sickle cell disease (in children only). Ischaemic stroke is by far the commonest clinical type encountered. These conclusions are further supported by experience at Ibadan, of over 1100 Africans seen over 18 years reported briefly in this communication. The results of the first community study over a 2-year period on the incidence of stroke in an African Urban (Ibadan) Community are presented. The study was carried out as part of a multinational multicentric study initiated and sponsored by the World Health Organization. The male to female ratio was five to two. Incidence rates reached peaks in the eighth decade in males and in seventh decade in females and were higher in males in all age groups, and the rates are comparable with those recorded in European populations, except in those under the age of 40 in Ibadan, in which age-specific incidence rates are considerably lower than in European and Japanese populations. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus constituted the main risk factors. Mortality and recurrence rates are described and are similar to experience in the Caucasians. Hypertension in the Nigerians predispose to a high frequency of cerebrovascular disease other than through mainly cerebral atherosclerosis. With increasing longevity of Nigerians and other Africans, the mortality and morbidity caused by cerebrovascular disease would probably become of enormous dimensions and adequate control of high blood pressure on a community basis may be the only way of preventing this: this would be desirable as myocardial infarction in contradistinction to hypertensive heart disease is an uncommon complication of high blood pressure in the Africans and prevention of hypertensive heart disease as shown by experience elsewhere can be achieved by control of high blood pressure, which does not seem to prevent ischaemic myocardial disease.


Radiological features of tuberculosis of the spine in Ibadan, Nigeria. In Nigeria, tuberculosis of the spine remains an important medical problem in the diagnosis and management of which radiology plays an invaluable role. The present study reviewed sixty-nine cases seen in 1966-1972 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. The possible radiological classification of the disease was grouped into seven different types:- (i) disc space narrowing only (ii) kissing lesions; (iii) wedge collapse of vertebra; (iv) vertebra plana; (v) lesions localised in the vertebral body and/or its appendages; (vi) para-spinal abscesses; (vii) complete destruction of vertebral body. The dorsolumbar region was the most frequently involved with D.11 vertebra being most often affected. The maximum number of vertebrae involved was eight but involvement of two was the most frequent. Some uncommonly reported radiological features encountered include bone sclerosis, intervertebral non-osteophytic bony bridge formation and skip lesions.


A comparative trial of liquid lomotil and mist kaolin in childhood diarrhoea. Lomotil liquid in a dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day has been compared with plain mist kaolin in controlling acute diarrhoea in young children aged 6 weeks to 2 years. Lomotil was found to stop the diarrhoea faster and significantly shorten the period of hospital admission than kaolin (P less than 0.05) in children whose diarrhoea was complicated by moderate dehydration. In those with mild dehydration lomotil had no advantage over kaolin. Children with severe dehydration treated with lomotil spent on the average much shorter period in hospital than those on kaolin, but the numbers were too small to allow for useful comparison. There was no adverse effect observed in any of subjects at the dose of lomotil used.


A comparative trial of the anthelminthic efficacy of pyrantel pamoate (Combantrin) and thiabendazole (Mintezol). The anthelminthic efficacy of pyrantel pamoate (Combantrin) in a single dose of 10 mg/kg body weight was compared with that of thiabendazole (Mintezol) in two doses each of 25 mg/kg body weight in a controlled trial. Follow-up examination, 6 weeks after treatment with Combantrin gave cure rates of 93.8%, and 29.1% for infection with Ascaris and the Hookworm respectively, and 44.3% and 27.3% in those treated with Mintezol. The reduction in hookworm egg counts was higher in patients treated with Combantrin than with Mintezol, and Combantrin was better tolerated. Neither drug was effective against the Trichuris. The results are compared with those from other parts of the world.


Sero-epidemiology of herpes type-2 virus and carcinoma of the cervix in Ibadan. Various sero-epidemiologic studies, including the preliminary report from Ibadan, have established that most women with premalignant and malignant carcinoma of the cervix have serologic evidence of infection of herpes type-2 virus. Using immunofluorescence method, the earlier report in Ibadan was confirmed, whereby the prevalence of HT-2 virus antibodies was shown to be significantly associated with carcinoma of the cervix, especially the squamous cell type. However, there was no such association with the grade and stage of the disease.


Osteochondral fractures: mechanisms of injury and fate of fragments. Osteochondral fractures, although relatively common, are frequently misdiagnosed by both clinicians and radiologists. In many of these cases positive radiographic findings are present although subtle. This paper reviews the mechanisms of injury by which osteochondral fractures occur and discusses the radiographic features of such fractures. An analysis of 43 surgical cases of osteochondral fractures in different sites was undertaken with respect to the radiographic, surgical, and histopathologic findings. Fragments consisting of cartilage alone or cartilage and bone were analyzed in terms of their radiographic features acutely and chronically after the trauma. The pathologic changes occurring within the original fragments are differentiated from those of surface growth in the older loose bodies. Attached fragments react differently than loose fragments. Typical cases from the knee joint are illustrated.