[Palliative treatment of a series of 103 cases of paralysis from elongation of the brachial plexus. Spontaneous changes and results]. The authors have observed 103 cases of brachial plexus paralysis due to trauma. There were 65 total and 38 partial paralysis. The follow-up was for more than 5 years in half of the cases. Twenty-one of the 65 total paralysis showed no recovery. Total or partial recovery occurred in other cases. Recovery was more complete when it began earlier, within a few days or weeks, but, in a number of cases, isolated muscles such as biceps recovered after two, three or even four years. The authors analyse the results of peripheral surgery. Amputation did not improve patient function. Arthrodesis of the shoulder, tendon transfers for the restoration of finger extension and Stenidler procedures at the elbow gave good results. Tendon transfers at the shoulder (Clark procedure), operations for restoration of opposition of the thumb and transfers of triceps to biceps were beneficial. Poor results were obtained after arthrodesis of the wrist, complex tendon transfers in the hand and transfers of latissimus dorsi and teres major. A direct surgical approach to the lesion is indicated when there is no recovery after two months.


Heparin-sepharose affinity chromatography of human post-heparin plasma. Characterization of the elution pattern with immunoelectrophoretic methods. Immunochemical methods including fused rocket-, crossed-, and tandem-crossed immunoelectrophoresis, have been used to characterize the elution pattern from heparin-Sepharose affinity, chromatography of human post-heparin plasma. Hepatic triglyceride lipase (H-TGL) but not lipoprotein lipase (LPL) could be visualized with beta-naphthyl acetate after immunoelectrophoresis. Two proteins were found to elute together with the lipolytic enzymes. The amino acid composition of fractions containing these proteins was nearly identical to that of antithrombin III. These results indicate that the removal of antithrombin III is the major problem in the purification of H-TGL and LPL from human post-heparin plasma by heparin-Sepharose affinity chromatography.


Three new cases of an inborn qualitative fibrinogen defect (fibrinogen Oslo II). An autosomally inherited, qualitative fibrinogen defect is presented. It is associated with prolonged thrombin clotting time, low plasma fibrinogen when assayed by a fibrin polymerization test and large amounts of fibrinogen antigen determinants in the supernatant after clotting. The plasma fibrinogen level was normal when assayed by an immunological technique or by quantitation of insoluble fibrin under conditions in which fibrin polymerization in enhanced. As judged from N-terminal amino acid analyses, fibrinopeptides were split off at normal speed, and the subunit chains of the fibrinogen appeared normal when examined on polyacrylamide gels. The abnormality was not associated with bleeding tendency, and other routine coagulation tests gave normal results. The findings are in accordance with the concept of defective fibrin polymerization.


Immunogenicity of cows' milk in man. (Influence of age and of disease on serum antibodies to five cows' milk proteins). Passive haemagglutination has been used to measure serum antibodies to the five proteins of cows' milk--bovine serum albumin, bovine gamma-globulin, alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin and casein. Titres of antibodies to these proteins, and a composite cows' milk antibody (CMA) score, have been measured in 1,087 sera from children and adults. Antibodies to all five proteins were detected in many specimens. Age and disease influenced not only the absolute titres of antibody, but also the relative distribution of antibodies to the five antigens. In infants aged 2 months the typical pattern was of antibodies only to casein but in the sera of older children and adults antibodies to casein and to BSA were found in low titres and less frequently than antibodies to the other proteins. Children with coeliac disease had higher titres of antibody to bovine gamma-globulin than to other antigens. Serial studies in a patient with cows' milk intolerance illustrate how the pattern of antibodies varies with age, diet and disease.


Suppression of immunological activities by mouse amniotic fluid. Mouse amniotic fluid (MAF) was shown to be capable of suppressing those antibody responses observed in euthymic or athymic mouse spleen cell cultures to the T-independent antigens dinitrophenylated Ficoll (DNP-Ficoll) and trinitrophenylated lipopolysaccharide (TNP-LPS) and to the polyclonal B-cell activators LPS and purified protein derivative of tuberculin (PPD). Titration experiments demonstrated that the suppressive capacity of MAF for either LPS or DNP-Ficoll responses was maintained up to a MAF dilution of 1:120. Preincubation of spleen cells obtained from athymic mice with MAF for 8 h significantly suppressed polyclonal B-cell activation of such cells induced by LPS, although suppression was greater when MAF was present during the entire culture period. In addition, the suppressive activity that MAF demonstrated for antibody production induced by DNP-Ficoll or LPS was not lost as a result of dialysis. MAF also suppressed the secondary in vitro proliferative responses of lymph node cells sensitized to the T-dependent antigen human gamma globulin (HGG). HGG-induced proliferation of such cells appeared to be more susceptible to suppression effected by MAF than concanavalin-A-induced proliferation.


Direct demonstration and quantitation of the first complement component in human serum. The first component of complement, C1, can be demonstrated and quantitated in normal and pathological human serums by simple immunochemical techniques. All of the C1q, C1r, and C1s detected in normal serum was found to be in the C1 complex. A simple modification of these methods permitted the quantitation of free C1s in the presence of macromolecular C1, a technique which may prove useful in screening pathological serums.


Carbon monoxide automobile emissions measured from the interior of a traveling automobile. During a procedure to monitor carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations inside a traveling car, it was discovered that CO emissions from individual passing vehicles produced accurately measurable increases in the CO concentration. The CO produced by individual vehicles varied by three orders of magnitude; this finding demonstrates that a relatively small number of cars can be responsible for a high percentage of total vehicle CO Emissions.


Endosteal marrow: a rich source of hematopoietic stem cells. Hematopoietic cells isolated from the endosteal bone surface, that is,the endosteal marrow cells, were found to consist mainly (60 to 80 percent) of lymphoid and late-stage normoblast-like cells. Unlike the cells they resemble, the endosteal marrow cells showed an affinity for Sudan black, demonstrable nucleoli (Feulgen reaction), and an absence of hemoglobin. Assays showed that over one-half of the endosteal marrow cell population may be the colony-forming units, the CFU-S of Till and McCulloch. Thus, high concentrations of stem cells could be obtained from the endosteal bone surface by means of the present isolation technique.


Ocular findings in Whipple's disease.

Ocular findings in Whipple's disease. A 53-year-old man with treated, biopsy-proven Whipple's disease is described during the exacerbation of the disease, and several new findings not previously reported in association with this disease are presented. The unique combination of ocular signs included uveitis, glaucoma, epiphora, superficial punctate keratitis, and an unusual fibrovascular pannus involving the anterior chamber angles and corneal periphery of both eyes. These ocular abnormalities emphasize the need for thorough ophthalmologic evaluation of all patients with Whipple's disease.


Rectal resection for tumour with transanal anastomosis and sphincter preservation. Resection of the rectum, with restoration of continuity by means of a primary, transanal, anocolic anastomosis, is a useful method in the treatment of certain rectal tumours. It particularly fills a need in the management of tumours of the lower rectum where anterior resection is indicated but is technically difficult and liable to complications, or where it is not possible and would be abandoned in favour of abdominoperineal excision of the rectum with a permanent colostomy. The pathological criteria, technical factors and functional results which justify the use of this procedure are discussed. The principles of the operation are described, and 2 illustrative cases are reported. The large size, low site and pathological nature of both the malignant carcinoid tumour and the leiomyoma were such that total rectal resection was obligatory, the object being palliation in the former and cure in the latter. Both patients were continent after the operation. The place of this operation in the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the rectum is discussed.


Purine mutants of mammalian cell lines: III. Control of purine biosynthesis in adenine phosphoribosyl transferase mutants of CHO cells. Spontaneous and mutagen-induced 2,6-diaminopurine-resistant mutants of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells were isolated. Such mutants fell into two classes: spontaneous and ethylmethane-sulfonate-induced mutants had approximately 5% wild-type adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (APRT) activity, whereas ICR-170G-induced mutants had barely detectable APRT activity. Since it has been reported that human hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT) (Lesch-Nyhan syndrome) and APRT mutants over-produce purines, we examined the control and rate of purine biosynthesis in the Chinese hamster mutants. End product inhibition by adenine could not be demonstrated in such mutants, indicating that the active feedback inhibitor is a nucleotide rather than the free purine base, HGPRT activity was normal in all mutants examined except in one isolate. Purine biosynthesis as measured by the accumulation of the purine biosynthetic intermediate phosphoribosyl formylglycineamide was not elevated in the mutants as might have been predicted from work with Lesch-Nyhan cells. The data also suggest that our strain of CHO-K1 is physically or functionally haploid for the APRT locus.


Mutations affecting the antigenic properties of hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase in cultured Chinese hamster cells. Cells of the mutant Chinese hamster strain RJK10 do not contain either hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase activity (HGPRT) or protein that cross-reacts immunologically with HGPRT. HGPRT+ revertants have been isolated from RJK10 and those strains produce HGPRT with altered antigenic properties. HGPRT from the revertant cells is less reactive with anti-HGPRT serum than enzyme from the wild-type cells, and enzymes from the two sources are immunoprecipitated independently from mixtures of cell extracts. Thus one or more of the antigenic determinants present on Chinese hamster HGPRT are either missing or present in an altered form on HGPRT from revertants of RJK10. This indicates that RJK10 carries a mutation in the structural gene for HGPRT and that secondary mutations in the gene give rise to the revertants that produce the antigenically altered enzymes.


The craniofacial skeleton in anencephalic human fetuses. II. Calvarium. A detailed study of the calvarium of twelve anencephalic and four normal human fetuses 26 to 40 weeks gestational age using gross dissection, alizarin red S staining, silver nitrate radiography and histology revealed dramatic alterations in the presence, form, location and relationship of the individual bones. In the larger dorsal cranial defects the interparietal portions of the occipital bone were relocated anteriorly to approximate the frontal bone. The occipital components were rotated anterolaterally and inferiorly with lack of fusion of the chondrocranium posterior to the foramen magnum. The squamae of the frontal bone were collapsed horizontally and reduced in size to lie peripheral to the anterior cranial fossa forming most of the orbital roofs. In anencephaly the bones derived from the chondrocranium were not as severely affected morphologically as those derived from the neurocranium. The sutures were narrow and smooth instead of wide and serrated as in the normally developing calvarium. In general the degree of maldevelopment was proportional to the extent of the dorsal cranial defect in anencephaly.


The craniofacial skeleton in anencephalic human fetuses. III. Facial skeleton. A sample of 12 anencephalic fetuses with gestational ages ranging from 26 to 40 weeks and exhibiting varying degrees of severity of the dorsal cranial defect was compared to three normal fetuses of comparable gestational ages with regard to the morphology and positional relationships of the maxillofacial skeletal complex. Gross dissection, alizarin red S staining, radiographs, cephalometric tracings, and histologic techniques were utilized. It was found that some facial bones were severely affected in morphology, size, spatial and angular relationships. The manner in which these were altered suggests that their morphogenesis is an adaptation to the primary defect of the neurocranium.


MLC (HLA-D) typing: a family study.

MLC (HLA-D) typing: a family study. The genetics of five HLA-D specificities (Dw1, Dw2, Dw3, Dw4 and Dw6) have been assessed in 21 normal families with four or more children. The HLA-D traits, as defined by typing response against homozygous typing cells, normally behave as dominant characters. The data support the concept of allelic factors. The locial flaw in the basic algorithm of MLC typing (HLA-D typing), i.e. to draw positive conclusions from negative observations, has been amply reinforced in the following studies. Five assignments could not be verified genetically under the assumption of dominant traits. Homozygous lack of specific response genes is among the mechanisms proposed as a cause for the phenomenon which has not yet been fully explained. The estimated magnitude of the frequency of false assignments is approximately 10%.


Bf types of HLA haplotyped individuals in an isolated Newfoundland population. Five hundred and fourteen individuals from an isolated NewFoundland population have been typed and haplotyped for HLA and Factor B (Bf locus). The Bf gene frequencies were: S0.704, F0.226, F1 0.052 and S1 0.018. Tracing the haplotypes backwards on the various pedigrees it was shown that 202 HLA/Bf haplotypes had been introduced into the study population. Some HLA alleles always appeared in association with particular Bf alleles and vice versa. Bf S1 had entered the population four times, always with HLA--A9, B12. Bf F1 had entered three times, always with HLA--B18. There were 17 entries of HLA--Al, B8 that had given rise to the 78 such haplotypes that were now present in the population; all were Bf S. There were 68 family units informative for Bf. They accounted for 240 children and 304 informative meioses. There were three recombinants in the HLA region but none could be shown to have occurred between the HLA-B and Bf loci.


Definition of 17 Rhesus monkey histocompatibility antigens, including one new antigen. The lymphocytotoxic activity of 144 rhesus allonantisera was evaluated in 112 unrelated rhesus monkeys and 33 pedigreed rhesus families. This study was conducted using a standard complement-dependent microcytotoxicity assay. A computer-assisted chi2 analysis of the reactivity of these sera in the unrelated monkeys generated 23 groups of highly correlated antisera. The two-locus model of the mammalian major histocompatibility complex was assumed for the monkey, and genetic criteria for RhLA antigens were determined prior to study. Seventeen groups of antisera met these predetermined criteria. Six were products of the B locus and 11 were products of the A locus. Sixteen were similar or identical to antigens previously described by us or by Balner and coworkers in The Netherlands. One has not been previously described. A frequency analysis indicated that these 17 antigens represented approximately 74% of the total expression of these two loci.


Mixed lymphocyte culture search for HLA-D homozygous typing cells in the Hungarian inbred population of Ivád. Six functionally HLA-D homozygous typing cells were identified by a restricted investigation into the Hungarian inbred population of Ivád. These putative HLA-D homozygous typing cells were then tested against a highly selected Scandinavian population sample of 60 individuals previously typed by histocompatibility reference reagents. The different HLA-D specificities could thus be identified: one closely matching HLA-Dw5, another resembling the Oslo LDoH specificity, while the last seems to be unique. Only one of the typing cells thus ascertained were HLA-B homozygous and were selected on the basis of the Ivád family structure and not on the basis of serological HLA typing.


Bw21 partition and crossreactivity of the components. Available lymphocytotoxic antisera permitted the clear partition of the Bw21 antigen into two distinct components, Bw21.1 and Bw21.2. Bw21.1 is associated with W4 and is approximately twofold more frequent than the W6-associated Bw21.2. Cells of either Bw21 subtype were capable of absorbing specific anti-Bw21.1, anti-Bw21.2, and anti Bw21 (21.1 + 21.2) antibodies. Further, an F(ab')2 fragment prepared from an anti-Bw21.1 serum blocked cytotoxicity of anti-Bw21.1, anti-Bw21.2 and anti-Bw21 (21.1 + 21.2) sera. Based on the crossreactivity (by absorption) and blocking data, a model is proposed relating the Bw21 subtypes and the W4 and W6 antigens.


Localization of genetic control in mice over response to liver-specific F antigen. Antibody production to the liver-specific F antigen was tested in recombinant strains of mice of different H-2 types to determine whether a histocompatibility-linked immune response (Ir) gene controlled responsiveness to this antigen. Responseiveness was found to be controlled by an Ir gene located in the K end (K and/or I-A subregions) of the H-2 complex.


HLA and mycobacterial infection: increased frequency of B8 in Japanese leprosy. A total of 60 leprosy patients, 28 of lepromatous and 32 of tuberculoid form, and 70 active tuberculosis patients was compared with a control of 184 for 34 HLA specificities. The most interesting finding was an increased frequency (10.0%) for HLA-B8 (corrected P = 0.062, relative risk = 20.3) in the leprosy patients as compared with the control group, despite the fact that the frequency of HLA-B8 was extremely low in Japanese. Furthermore, all leprosy patients with B8 had leprous member(s) in their family.


Alcoholic hepatitis with and without alcoholic hyaline. Sixteen cases of alcoholic hepatitis with alcoholic hyaline (Group I) and 13 cases without alcoholic hyaline (Group II) have been collected since 1970. These were most frequently found in the fifth decade in both groups. One female was found in Group I. Cases of about two-thirds of both groups were comsumers of 110 g or more of alcohol per day. No significant differences except fever and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were found in clinical and laboratory changes between both groups. Fatty change in liver biopsy specimens were more frequently seen in Group I than in Group II. The wedged hepatic venous pressure was markedly elevated in alcoholic hepatitis with cirrhosis and moderately elevated in alcoholic hepatitis without cirrhosis. Wedged hepatic venography showed the main portal trunk and extrahepatic collaterals, namely, reversal of the portal flow or such tendency in 2 out of 5 patients of Group I.


Evaluation of the antigen specific to the mycelial phase of Candida albicans in the serodiagnosis of candidiasis. We demonstrated 2 different antibodies against Candida albicans in patients' sera, the detection rates  were proportional to the severity of candidiasis. One antibody was directed toward antigen shared by Candida in both blastospore and mycelial phases and the other was directed against antigen found only in the mycelial phase of Candida. The presence of the latter may reflect the invasive form of candidiasis.


Subcellular localization of 57Co-bleomycin in normal and tumor tissues. 57Co-bleomycin appears to be one of the best tumor detecting agents at the moment. The localization within the cells is not yet known. This preclinical investigation had the aim to study the subcellular distribution of 57Co-bleomycin in liver, spleen and tumors of rats and mice. Mice with transplanted lymphosarcoma and osteosarcoma were used and rats with transplanted rhabdomyosarcoma. The concentration of 57Co-bleomycin was 2 to 10 times higher in the tumors as compared to the (normal) liver. This accumulation property was not found with the control substance: 57CoCl2. The highest radioactivity of 57Co-bleomycin (cpm/mg protein) was observed in subcellular fractions containing mitocohndria and lysosomes. After treatment of these fractions with hypertonic solutions it could be shown that enzymes of the mitochondrial matrix remained inside the vesicles under conditions of almost complete release of 57Co-bleomycin. Half of the lysosomal enzyme acid phosphatase was released too. From these experiments it is concluded that 57Co-bleomycin is preferentially localized in heavy secondary lysomes which are more fragile than the lighter lysosomes in the cells.


[Results from radiation therapy of 68 inoperable brain tumors (1950 to 1975) (author's transl)]. 68 patients suffering from inoperable brain tumor were irradiated from 1950 to 1975. (In 21 cases the tumor was localized in the bridge, in eight cases in the pineal). When the total treatment dose was considered sufficient (more than 4000 rd) the 5-year survival rate was 42% (n = 47). Quality of life was good in 75% (n = 20) over at more than five years.


Study on the "toxic oxygen effect" of Janus green B in mouse ascites tumour cells. 10(7) mouse ascites tumor cells/ml incubated at 37 degrees C in 0.5 to 1.0 X 10(-4) M Janus green B or in 1.0 X 10(-4) M phenazine methosulphate are destroyed in 100 per cent oxygen atmosphere but remain transplantable in nitrogen atmosphere. The "sensitizing" effect of oxygen can be substituted by SH inhibitors (iodoacetic acid, iodoacetamide and their spinlabelled variants) as well as by some nitroxide free radicals. The "oxygen effect" is blocked by mercaptoethanole or cooling. Compared with the spectrum of native cells a more symmetrical singlet of larger amplitude, approximately g = 2 value, arose in the ESR spectrum of Janus green B treated cells. The "oxygen effect" observed in the presence of Janus green B differs in several ways from the oxygen effect of ionizing radiation and from the "photodynamic" effect.


[Percentage of plasma protein-bound and free 17-beta-estradiol, progesterone and testosterone during the sexual cycle and during pregnancy in cows]. Examined were 12 cows with normal sexual cycle and other 12 cows in the last 20 days of pregnancy, all animals belonging to the Black-Pied breed. It was found that plasma protein bound 17-beta estradiol, progesteron, and testosteron during the sexual cycle were 94.726 +/- 0.076, 94-500 +/- 0.125 and 94.122 +/- 0.066 per cent, respectively. In the last twenty days of pregnancy these values rose - 96.911 +/- 0.058, 96.124 +/- 0.074, and 96.040 +/- 0.115, respectively. In testing the binding capacity of the bovine serum albumin it was found that it fixed almost 100 per cent the three ovarial hormones, while the bovine alpha, beta- and gamma-globulin's capacity in this respect was expressed in a negligible percent.


[Introduction of an additional H-agglutinating test antigen for the differentiation of specific positive reactions in pullorum disease-fowl typhoid in poultry experimentally infected with Salmonella gallinarum-pullorum and Salmonella enteritidis]. Explored were the possibilities to differentiate the specific positive reactions in case of pullorum disease in experimentally infected (Salmonella gallinarum-pullorum and Salmonella enteritidis) birds with the use of a typhoid test antigen and two H test antigens, obtained by the routinely employed method with formalin from Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella adeoyo. It was demonstrated that the H-agglutinating antibodies persisted in the peripheral blood of the experimentally infected birds for at least 30 days (as long as the test lasted). The H test antigen of S. enteritidis proved unsuitable to detect the H-agglutinating antibodies only as it retained to a large extent the O antigens. By means of the S. adeoyo H test antigen only the H-agglutinating antibodies in the peripheral blood of S. enteritidis-infected birds could be quickly and precisely demonstrated. A combined serologic examination of serum with the thyphoid test antigen and the S. adeoyo test antigen could be carried out to differentiate the specific positive reactions for establishing pullorum disease from the concomitant agglutination reactions observed in cases of experimental salmonellosis in birds caused by S. enteritidis.


The obsolescent renal glomerulus--collapse, sclerosis, hyalinosis, fibrosis. A light- and electron microscopical study on human biopsies. By light and electron microscopical examination it is shown that four structural components can contribute to obsolescent glomeruli: capillary basement membranes, enriched mesangium matrix, "vascular" hyalin and collagen fibers. Each of these components can bring about glomerular damage alone. One non-reactive form--a glomerular collapse with only basement membrane remnants--can be separated from three reactive forms: the accumulation of mesangium matrix (sclerosis or matrix-sclerosis), deposition of vascular hyalin (hyalinosis in the narrow sense), and fiber development within the former urinary space (fibrosis or fibro-sclerosis). The use of the term "fibrinoid" in place of the descriptive term "hyalin" is not supported by objective results. Knowledge of the various constituents which accumulate in the reactive types of glomerular obsolescence might be important in the diagnosis of the underlying disease, though mixed pictures were often observed. To avoid terminological overlap we suggest that the term "hyalinization" is replaced by "obsolescence" or "scarring" with specification of the structural components involved.


Form and function of sarcoid granulomas. The pathological feature of sarcoidosis is the presence of granulomas in more than one system. What is a granuloma? Morphologically a granuloma consists of a focal collection of mononuclear, epithelioid cells, sometimes giant cells, odmixed and surrounding lymphocytes, plasma cells and fibro-blasts. Inclusion bodies, Schaumann and asteroid, may be present. Necrosis may be present or absent. All are features of chronic inflammation, and unfortunately are not diagnositc of any one causative agent. The cell characteristic of granulomatous inflammation is the bone marrow derived epithelioid cell. Epithelioid cells are metabolically active and in some diseases, such is tuberculosis, behave as phagocytic macrophages. What is the function of epithelioid cells in sarcoidosis? It is potentially phagocytic but has never been shown to contain any indentifiable infective agents. It has all the potentials of a synthesising cell whose products may well influence persistence of the granulomas. A detailed study of the nature and function of epithelioid cells in sarcoidosis will be presented based on light and electron microscopy, histochemistry and tests of lymphocyte function.


Serum proteins and amino-acid pattern in alloxan-diabetic rats. Serum total proteins as well as its electrophoretic separated fractions were determined in alloxan-diabetic rats. The total and individual serum amino acids were estimated. Certain abnormalities, with no specific pattern, for total and individual fractions were observed in alloxan-diabetic rats. Most of the free serum amono acids showed low values which was attributed to direct reaction of alloxan with amino acids, urinary loss of amino and/or diverse hormonal and metabolic changes.


[Possibilities and limitations of immunosuppressive therapy for glomerulonephritis]. Possibility and necessity of the immunosuppressive treatment is considerably determined by the underlying pathologo-anatomical substrate. The uncertainty concerning the chances of the success of such a therapy for the individual patient at least still at present allows a latitude of estimation. From this results the demand for a particularly intensive conscience of the responsibility taken on by us in finding the decision.


[Use of viscous dye solutions for the vital staining of lymphnodes]. Animal-experimental and clinical results after applications of viscous solution with Fluorescein-Sodium and Erythrosin for representation of lympho-nodes and lymphatic ducts were published. In the frame of lymphography this application in form of a second infusion becomes possible preoperatively as well as intraoperatively. The lymphonodi inguinale, iliaci and lumbales represented even by lymphography were contrasty stained by this method over limited period.


[Pregnancy proteins].

[Pregnancy proteins]. Proteins, which are elevated in their blood concentration in pregnant women and patients suffering from malignant tumours, are reported because of their growing significance for the clinical practice. At present mainly are the following "pregnancy" proteins of clinical relevance: human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), human placental lactogen (HPL), placental heatstable alkaline phosphatase (HAP), pegnancy-associated alpha2-glycoprotein ("pregnancy zone" protein, PZ), socalled pregnancy-specific beta1-glycoprotein (SP1) and alpha1-fetoprotein (AFP). Applications to the clinical practice may be the surveillance of normal pregnancy, the recognition of dangerous conditions for mother and fetus, the inhibition of graft rejection, the induction of abortion, antibodies against pregnancy proteins as abortifacient and antifertilizer as well as the tumour diagnosis including the control of treatment and recognition of recidives.


[Specific and general antigenic determinants of flagellin of certain Salmonellae]. As known, in typing of salmonellae H-antigens play an important role. Flagellae bear on their surface specific antigenic determinants, this permitting to differentiate H-antigens serologically. Monomeric form of H-antigens d,a,b,1,2 bear on their surface not only specific, but also common for the given H-antigens determinant group. Common flagellin determinant group in the flagella is screened.


[Antigenic characteristics and various biological properties of glycoprotein from Neisseria meningitidis of serological group A]. It was shown that the antigen determining the group specificity of meningococcus belonging to serological group A was of mixed polysaccharide-protein nature. Carbohydrate component is responsible for the interaction with the group-specific antibodies in this antigen. Glycoprotein can be isolated both from the cells and from the culture fluid where it passes during the N. meningitidis cultivation in fluid nutrient medium. The described antigen possesses no properties of endotoxin.


[Role of serum factors in decreasing the reaction of peripheral blood lymphocytes in schizophrenia to PHA stimulation]. The blood serum of schizophrenic patients and three of its studied fractions (gamma-globulins and remaining after elimination of gamma-globulins and ultrafiltrate protein fractions) inhibit the lymphocyte response of normals to PHA stimulation (an increase of the DNA content in cells). An insignificant inhibitor effect in the blood serum of normals was seen only in the protein fraction. The PHA precipitating activity of the blood serum in schizophrenic patients which is mainly connected with its protein fraction is increased by 30%. However, there are no correlations between this blood serum activity and its capability to inhibit the response of lymphocytes to PHA stimulation.


Studies on guinea pig skin cell cultures. VII. Statistical analysis of growth and maturation. Thymidine uptake; incorporation of amino acids into perchloric acid extract and HCl extract (corresponding grossly to poorly and highly organized proteins respectively); cell fraction DNA and cell fraction protein contents have all been measured daily from day 1 to day 8 in primary cultures of epidermal keratinocytes (EK) and dermal fibroblasts (DF). Correlations between these five biochemical parameters (or variables) have been sought when using the statistical method of principal component analysis. The analysis of whole data of EK and DF populations taken together revealed that DNA content is a major distinguishing factor between these two cell types.  The analysis of variables of each cell type taken independently showed that DF are essentially characterizable by their tendency to synthesize both poorly and highly organized proteins, whereas EK are more prone to DNA and highly organized protein synthesis. Thus, EK and DF in culture can be readily distinguished statistically by analysing their growth and maturation characteristics. It is even likely that time study of thymidine and amino acid incorporation would suffice to characterize these two cell types in vitro.


Sister chromatid exchanges in lymphocytes from psoriasis patients treated with 8-methoxypsoralen and longwave ultraviolet light. The frequency of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) was analysed in peripheral lymphocytes from patients receiving 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and longwave ultraviolet light (UVA) against psoriasis. The average SCE frequency in 14 patients after 3-10 weeks of clinical treatment did not differ statistically from that before treatment. UVA irradiation in vitro of blood from patients receiving 8-MOP caused a significant increase in the number of SCE. Such an increase was not observed after systemic administration of 8-MOP excluding UVA irradiation in vitro, nor after UVA irradiation in vitro in the absence of 8-MOP. Thus, the combination of oral 8-MOP administration and subsequent UVA irradiation in vitro promotes SCE in peripheral lymphocytes. However, this effect is not seen after clinical irradiation to the skin in vivo. The reason for this may be that the accumulated dose of UVA light in circulating lymphocytes, even after several weeks of clinical therapy, is not large enough to produce a significant amount of DNA damage leading to SCE, or else that DNA damage caused by the treatment is efficiency repaired during the intervals between treatments.


Sensitization capacity of epoxy resin oligomers in the guinea pig. Low molecular weight oligomers of an epoxy resin of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether type were isolated by gel permeation chromatography. The sensitizing capacity of these oligomers was assessed with the "guinea pig maximization test". The oligomer with the molecular weight of 340 sensitized 80% to 100% of the animals, but produced no cross reactions to the other oligomers. The MW 624 oligomer sensitized 56-60% of the animals and 30% of these showed cross reactions to the MW 340 oligomer. The MW 908 and MW 1192 oligomers elicited no reactions. It was shown that sensitization with epoxy resin mixtures of high average molecular weight depends mainly on the content of the MW 340 oligomer.


Studies on carrier protein in contact dermatitis: localization of soluble epidermal carrier proteins by macrophage migration test. The migration of peritoneal exudate cells from picrylchloride-sensitive guinea pigs was inhibited by heteroantigenic components which were isolated by antinormal guinea pig epidermis antibody immunoadsorbent from soluble epidermal proteins of picrylchloride painted guinea pigs. The components were demonstrated by indirect immunofluorescence study to localize in the intercellular spaces of guinea pig epidermis. It is consequently suggested that carrier protein(s) of contact hypersensitivity reside on the cell surface of epidermis.


Studies on carrier protein in contact dermatitis: in vivo sensitization with soluble epidermal proteins as carrier proteins. Contact hypersensitivity to picrylchloride was induced in guinea pigs by the subcutaneous injection of heteroantigenic components which were isolated by antibody immunoadsorbent from soluble epidermal proteins of picrylchloride painted guinea pigs. The injection of non-heterantinenic components obtained from the picrylchloride treated guinea pig epidermis did not elicit contact sensitization to picrylchloride in guinea pigs. These results corroborate previous findings obtained when utilizing the in vitro migration inhibition assay.


Early fine structural changes in human epidermis following application of croton oil. Early epidermal changes in human subjects following application of 10% croton oil in acetone were studied by electron microscopy. The prominent changes observed at 1 and 5 hours were degeneration of epidermal cells and intercellular edema in the basal and spinous layers. One type of degeneration was homogenization and aggregation of the tonofilaments of keratinocytes at 1 hour, which may explain the presence of dyskeratotic cells at 5 hours. Another type was of a cytolytic nature as evidenced by severe perinuclear edema of keratinocytes and destruction of Langerhans' cells with outpouring of Birbeck's granules in the intercellular spaces.


Submicroscopic aspects of the keratinization, dyskeratinization and acantholysis of fogo selvagem. Histopathological, cytomorphological and electron microscopic analyses in a case of fogo selvagem are reported. Contradictory to the light microscopical findings, the acantholysis as seen with the electron microscope involves the basal layer but not the subcorneal layers--at least not the most superficial part of the granular layer. A conspicuous disintegration of the tonofilament-desmosome complexes give rise to the concomitant dyskeratosis. This aberrant process, including an association between retracing tonofilaments and defective Odland bodies, results in the terminal stage of monstrous defective and specific keratohyalin. In cytoplasm, target-like structures similar to virions of the herpes virus group were observed. The dynamics of the pathological process is discussed.


Intercellular and circulating antibodies in patients with dyskeratosis follicularis, Darier's disease. Skin biopsies from 6 patients, and biopsies of the palatal mucosa of 4 of these patients with dyskeratosis follicularis (DF) (Dariers disease) were examined for in vivo bound antibodies by means of a direct immunofluorescence (IF) technique. Antibodies located in the intercellular substance of the epidermis were found in the skin lesions of all patients. Immunoglobulins of the classes IgG, IgA and IgM as well as C3 were found in all lesions. No antibodies reacting with the palatal mucosa were found. Sera from 6 patients with DF and 10 control persons were tested by an indirect IF technique for circulating antibodies. Guinea pig lip and normal oral mucosa and skin were used as antigens. All patients sera and one control serum reacted with the basal cell of the guinea pig lip. Three DF sera--but no control sera--reacted with the basal cells of human oral mucosa. None of the sera reacted with human skin.


Histiocytic medullary reticulosis presenting as Mucha-Habermann disease. Histiocytic medullary reticulosis (HMR) is a rare, progressive, fatal reticuleondothelial proliferative disorder. It was diagnosed in a 10-year-old boy who had pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta of Mucha-Haberman which was controlled by dapsone for 2 years. One month after cessation of dapsone therapy, cutaneous tumors associated with fever, lymphadenopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly developed. Tissue biopsy specimens of skin, liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and a bone marrow aspirate demonstrated histiocytic erythrophagocytosis and atypical histiocytosis compatible with HMR. A rapidly progressing, fatal course followed despite intensive chemotherapy.


Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome in five successive generations: Report on a family in Finland. A family of 11 members with tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome (TRP syndrome) is described. The inheritance in five successive generations was autosomal dominant. The main features of the TRP syndrome noted were: sparse hair, pear-shaped nose and joint deformity with cone-shaped epiphyses at some of the middle phalanges of the hands.


Culture diagnosis of gonorrhoea--a comparison between two standard laboratory methods and a commercial gonococcal culture kit (Kvadricult). The efficiency of a commercial kit--Kvadricult--intended for the culture diagnosis of gonorrhoea and specially designed to simplify "bedside" inoculation, was compared in two laboratories with their standard laboratory gonococcal (GC) culture methods. The yields of specimens inoculated "bedside" were compared with those inoculated after transport for 4-18 hrs in a modified Stuart transport medium. The highest positive yield was obtained by "bedside" inoculation with approximately equal results for the conventional methods and the Kvadricult system. Compared with "bedside" inoculation, the loss of positive specimens after transport was less than 10% in one laboratory but more than 17% in the other, which was found to be due to inferiority of the GC medium used in this laboratory, the reasons for which are discussed. Prolonged transportation of specimens for 2 days increased the loss of positive specimens, rising to as much as 55% even at the laboratory with the more efficient GC medium. These losses can obviously be avoided by transport for less than 24 hours--or better still, by "bedside" inoculation. From this point of view we have found the Kvadricult system efficient and easy to handle.


Abnormal skin collagen in scleroderma.

Abnormal skin collagen in scleroderma. A significant decrease in the content of hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine was found in the skin of patients with generalized scleroderma (acrosclerosis), the lowering of Hyp being more marked than that of Hyl. The production of an abnormal collagen or a change from one collagen type to another is suggested to take place.


Measurement of the horny layer turnover after staining with dansyl chloride: description of a new method. A simple non-radioactive technique is described. The corneal layers were stained with 5% dansyl chloride ointment during 24-48 h of occlusion. The number of newly formed corneal layers were counted on sections from punch biopsies obtained at various intervals after the staining. The rate of formation is given as layers formed per 24 hours. The technique makes it possible to detect an increase in the turnover rate when it is more than 15-32% above normal. The biological material can also be utilized for comparative studies utilizing biochemical and histological methods. The average rate of formation was 1.15+-0.09 (S.E.M.) layers per 24 hours in a group of 10 subjects.


Membrane-associated actin in psoriatic epidermis. With immunofluorescence technique by using specific antibodies, polymerized actin (F-actin) was found to be present in the peripheral parts of the cells in all layers of epidermis from lesional skin taken from twelve psoriatics, whereas normal epidermis from the same individuals showed no such reactivity. This finding might have some bearing on the induction of these lesions.


Failure to detect circulating IgG or IgM antibodies to basal cell carcinoma by immunofluorescence. Immunofluorescence techniques failed to reveal evidence of anti-tumour antibody in the sera of patients with basal cell carcinima. Although the presence of such antibodies has previously been associated with the absence of metastasis in malignant melanoma, other explanations for the low metaststic potential of basal cell carcinoma should be sought.


Rapid diagnostic tests for cutaneous eruptions of herpes simplex. Comparison was made of the results of virus isolation, indirect immunofluorescent staining (IF-test) and Tzanck smears from 32 patients with cutaneous eruptions clinically diagnosed as herpes simplex. Herpesvirus hominis was isolated from 21 patients; IF-test was positive in 22 patients; Tzanch smears were positive in 20 patients. 23 to 25 of the 25 patients in whom one of the diagnostic tests was positive could be identified by a combination of any two of the diagnostic methods employed. No false-positive reactions were observed for IF-test or Tzanck smear.


Effect of cyproterone acetate on skin surface lipids. Skin surface lipids in female patients with acne were examined before and after treatment with the oral contraceptive SH 209 AB (2 mg cyproterone acetate and 0.05 mg ethinyl estradiol) by direct extraction with petrol ether and photometrical determination. A significant reduction in the skin surface lipids was seen, together with a remarkable alleviation of the disease.


Formation of melanin-tyrosinase complex and its possible significance as a model for control of melanin synthesis. Previous reports have shown that the tyrosinase activities of melanosomes and soluble tyrosinase isolated from melanoma were diminished when these preparations were incubated with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (dopa). It was concluded from these results that the tyrosinase activities of these preparations decreased when melanin was synthesized in these systems. The present investigation has revealed that melanin synthesized in vitro from dopa formed a complex with purified mushroom tyrosinase. The addition of melanin diminished the tyrosinase activity of the sample. These results show that the formation of the melanin-tyrosinase complex results in a decrease in the activity of the tyrosinase solution. The tyrosinase activity of the melanin-tyrosinase complex could not be increased by certain procedures which were previously found to enhance the tyrosinase activity of isolated melanosomes.


[Argentaffinity and argentophilia. II. The sensitivity of histochemical argentophilic techniques (author's transl)]. The Author analyzes the relationship between argentophilia and argentaffinity, showing the importance and significance of the collection in parallel of the data which, only when integrated, make it possible to obtain complete and valid results, especially with regard to argentophilia. He then presents in tabular form and discusses the various situations that can occur in the case of argentophilia, both primary and secondary. As regards the latter, he takes into the consideration the initial and final characteristics, both of argentophilia and of argentaffinity, evaluating the importance of the comparison. The Author then illustrates, both along general lines and in specific application, the advantages and limits of the utilization, in accordance with the criteria considered, of argentophilia as a histochemical reaction. The latter may be compared to an argentaffinity reaction made more sensitive, although less selective, and appears to be valid even if, in certain cases, it cannot lead to precise and definite diagnostic results, but only to a sure distinction between different formations or materials.


Adsorbed proteins mask negatively charged sites of the erythrocyte glycocalyx. Protein masking of charged sites of the erythrocyte glycocalyx was studied by means of the colloidal iron affinity. Washed red cells were fixed with glutaraldehyde such as to stabilize their glycocalyx and to inhibit conformational changes during posttreatment. Following the incubation in an ionic protein solution, proteins adsorbed to the cell surface were insolubilized by repeated treatment with low ionic isotonic surcose. Erythrocytes coated with precipitated proteins exhibited a rough surface. Their iron binding capacity was reduced considerably. In comparison with serum albumin, masking by gamma globulin was more efficient, apparently, because of its insolubility in low ionic media. High ionic incubation of coated erythrocytes resolubilized adsorbed proteins and unmasked negatively charged groups of the glycocalyx.


[Fate of C-14 labeled hydroxyethyl starch in mice]. Three preparations of hydroxyethyl starch having MS 0.55, 0.65 and 0.8 respectively and labelled with 14C in hydroxyethyl residue were administered to mice. After 1, 5, 10, 20 and 60 days the mice were sacrificed and radioactivities determined in the following organs and tissues: blood, spleen, liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and muscles. Most of the initial dose of radioactivity was eliminated from mice within 24 h. The remaining portion was eliminated slowly and even after 60 days 0 07--1.2% of the initial dose could be detected in different organs. The rate of clearance of radioactivity was fastest for hydroxyethyl starch with MS = 0.55 and slowest for the preparation with MS = 0.8. The retention of radioactivity was most conspicous in the muscles.


Osteochondritis dissecans. A histologic and autoradiographic study in man. Surgically excised cylindrical specimens from 14 adult patients with osteochondritis dissecans in the knee joint were studied with histologic and autoradiographic techniques. The lesions were found to be composed of normal hyaline cartilage with no pathological changes. In the bone part of the specimens there were well-defined fissures at various distances from the tidemark. On both sides of the fissure, but especially on the OD side, there were scattered osteonecroses in complete disarray. No tetracycline fluorescence activity could be seen in the lesions.


Malignant histiocytosis. Histiocytic medullary reticulosis. Three cases of malignant histiocytosis occurring in children aged 2 months, 10 months and 14 years, are described. In all children the diagnosis was based on anaemia, granulocytopenia or thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly and marked erythrophagocytosis by bone marrow and lymph node atypical histiocytes. Two children aged 10 months and 14 years, underwent splenectomy after which combined chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone (COP) was started. In the older child a complete remission was achieved. The younger child died soon after the onset of the treatment. The youngest child was treated with bleomycin, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisone (BACOP). He died of pneumonia and sepsis two months after the start of the treatment.


Specificity of the inhibitory effect of a grand-multipara serum on MLC reactions and on responses to PHA, PWM and PPD. An MLC reaction inhibiting serum from a grand-multiparous woman (16 successful pregnancies) is described. The serum producer had the HLA antigen A3;Bw35/Aw19;B18;Dw2 and her husband the antigens A28;Bw35/Aw16;B18;Dw2, and they responded to each other in one-way MLC. The serum had the following characteristics: (1) it inhibited many but not all donors as stimulators in MLC; (2) it usually inhibited these same donors as responders in MLC, but clearly to a lesser degree and with a much lower titre; (3) the inhibition of the stimulating function followed HLA haplotypes in families, and seemed to have HLA-D associated specificity, inhibiting HLA-Dw3 and Dw6 homozygous but not HLA-Dw2 or Dw4 homozygous cells as stimulators; (4) it inhibited more strongly the PWM and PPD responses than the MLC responses of relevant cells; (5) the IgG fraction of the serum had characteristics similar to the non-fractionated serum; (6) the inhibitory effect on MLC reactions and PWM and PPD responses was not absorbable by specific red blood cells or platelets, but could be removed or diminished by specific lymphocytes; (7) the serum was not cytotoxic in the complement-dependent test against non-fractionated mononuclear cells or enriched B-lymphocytes. The findings and the possible biological and clinical significance of human Ia-like antibodies are discussed.


Antibodies against double-stranded DNA in patients with connective tissue diseases. Comparison between Crithidia luciliae kinetoplast immunofluorescence test and Farr technique. Antibodies against double-stranded (ds) DNA were demonstrated by an immunofluorescence technique using Crithidia luciliae kinetoplast as antigen, and by means of the Farr technique. Both techniques were used simultaneously in 172 sera from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), temporal arteritis (TA) and from healthy controls. Comparable results were obtained with the two techniques. SLE patients with active disease had higher titres of IgA antibodies than patients with inactive disease. Of the patients with RA and JRA, 10% had significant titres of dsDNA antibodies. Patients with TA and normal controls had either no dsDNA antibodies in their sera or very low titres without complement-fixing properties.


Mechanism of conjugation and recombination in bacteria. XVIII. Polarity of donor DNA strands transferred to the recipient as determined by DNA-RNA hybridization. Polarity of donor DNA strand transferred into recipient during conjugation in Escherichia coli K-12 was determined by DNA-3H-RNA hybridization. Lambda prophage was used as a marker. The defective lysogen Hfr H (lambdat11) as a donor and thermosensitive F- CR34 dnaB strain as recipient were used. Two sets of hybridization experiments, with 1-strand specific lambda mRNA and lambda mRNA specific for both phage strands but with large excess of r-strand specific mRNA, were carried out. Strand 1 of lambda DNA was detected preferentially in recipient cells mated at restrictive temperature, when Hfr transferred its genophore in the order gal-lambda-bio. Thus the genophore is transferred with 5'OH at its origin.


Genetic properties of the Salmonella enteritidis R404 plasmid aggregate I. Conjugational separation of different derivative plasmid aggregates and their genetic properties. Conjugational transfer of R404 factor, found in Salmonella enteritidis strain, was examined. Six derivative forms differing in resistance pattern were isolated. The manner of conjugational separation during transfer of R404 factor from E. coli to E. coli strain was the same as from the original strain of S. enteritidis to E. coli strain. During following conjugation, all isolated forms except one, could give forms differing in a resistance pattern from the parenteral ones. This one form, from which different conjugational forms could not be separated, was assumed to be a single plasmid and was designated pCK2. All other forms, including the original R404 factor were assumed to be plasmid aggregates.


Auxotrophic mutations related to symbiotic properties of Rhizobium meliloti strain L5-30. Mutants isolated from effective R. meliloti strain L5-30 which required histidine (his-240), arginine+uracil (arg-55) and cysteine (cys-243, cys-244 and cys-246) showed also loss of effectiveness. Mutant requiring isoleucine+valine (ilv-74) was non-infective. Relation of the metabolic deficiency to the symbiotic properties of these mutants was tested comparing symbiotic response of their prototrophic revertants and transductants. It was found that all revertants and transductants of the strain his-240 were effective which suggests that histidine deficiency was the cause of their ineffectiveness. All revertants and transductants of the cysteine mutants were still ineffective. This result indicates two independent mutations which were not cotransductible. Prototrophic revertants of the mutant arg-55 were ineffective whereas 56.9 percent of transductants appeared effective suggesting close linkage of two mutations. i.e. auxotrophic and the other concerned with symbiotic effectiveness. Though one of 69 prototrophic transductants obtained from the non-nodulating mutant ilv-74 remained non-nodulating, it seems that changes in nodulating ability of the mutant are related to the auxotrophic requirements.


Structure of nodules induced by auxotrophic and ineffective mutants of Rhizobium meliloti strain L5-30 requiring cysteine, arginine+uracil and histidine. Nodules produced by ineffective mutants of R. meliloti strain L5-30 requiring arginine+uracil (arg-55) and cysteine requiring mutants (cys-243, cys-244, cys-246) studied under light microscopy were found to be occupied by bacteria. This indicates on defect in transformation of these mutants into N2 fixing bacteroids. These defects were not associated with auxotrophy. In the nodules induced by histidine requiring mutant (his-240) only few host plant cells were occupied by bacteria. This indicate that his-240 mutant is defective in liberation from the infection thread and its multiplication since supplementation of the plant growth medium with 50 microgram/ml of L-histidine enabled establishment of fully effective association. Prototrophic transductants and revertants were fully effective.


Growth requirements and the effect of organic components of the synthetic medium on the biosynthesis of the antibiotic nisin in Streptococcus lactis strain. A synthetic medium SM-3 has been elaborated for growth of Streptococcus lactis strain 51, which contains the minimal number of organic components required for the growth of this strain and nisin production. This medium contains 9 amino acids, 4 vitamins from B group, glucose and mineral salts. Addition of biotin to the medium stimulated the growth of the strain, while the addition of purines and/or pyrimidines had no effect. Hitherto biotin has been considered to be necessary for the growth of S. lactis and purines and pyrimidines were believed to stimulate the growth of these bacteria. In strain 51 the minimal requirements for growth were also the minimal requirements for nisin biosynthesis. Strain 51 produced 3-4 times less nisin in medium SM-3 than in a complex medium. The addition of one of four amino acids (serine, proline, cysteine or cystine) to SM-3 medium increased the amount of antibiotic produced. The addition of all four amino acids simultaneously, caused formation of nisin amounts similar to those produced in complex medium.


Characterization of a complex of hemicellulolytic enzymes produced by some strains of the lower fungi. The effect of different temperatures and pH values on the hydrolysis of xylan by culture fluids of five strains of the lower fungi was determined. Xylan in such natural substrates as straw and corn-cobs was also subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis. The culture filtrate of the most active strain contained, besides xylanolytic enzymes, also cellulolytic, proteolytic and pectinolytic enzymes.


Humic-like substances of bacterial origin. I. Some aspects of the formation and nature of humic-like substances produced by Pseudomonas. Two bacterial strains Pseudomonas acidovorans No 26 and Pseudomonas sp. No 4 grown in Conn and yeast extract-glucose media, or in the media enriched with tyrosine, were found to produce dark brown pigment. It was shown that in the bacterial cultures numerous phenolic and quinone-type compounds were formed and transformed to humic-like polymers. Formation of humic-like substances started in the bacterial cells and was accompanied by the presence of phenyloxidases in the bacterial cultures. The bacterial "humic acids" were obtained from the supernatants in amounts varing from 0.05 to 0.865 mg/1 mg of dry weight of cells and from the cells in amounts of 0.02 to 0.165 mg/1 mg of dry weight of cells, depending on the medium used and time of incubation. The IR spectra of the bacterial "humic acids" appeared to be very similar to IR spectrum of the synthetic humic acids (Fluka A.G.) and contained the same chemical groups as the soil humic acids. The culture medium after growth of the strain No 26 was fractionated into "fulvic, hymatomelanic and humic acid" fractions. The hydrolysates from the obtained fractions contained amino acids and uronic acids. The amino acid composition appeared to be very similar to that of soil humic acids.


Humic-like substances of bacterial origin. II. Fractionation of the bacterial humic-like substances by gel filtration on sephadex gels. Humic-like substances obtained from cells of Pseudomonas acidovorans were separated on Sephadex G-25 into two groups of substances of different molecular weight. The substances of the molecular weight  greater than 5000 were successively separated on Sephadex gels G-50, G-75, G-100. Five fractions of different molecular weight were obtained, the percentage of which varied depending on the media used and time of incubation of the bacteria. Most (38%--46%) of the compounds contained in the bacterial humic acids were of approximate molecular weight of 40 000--50 000. The distribution of the fractions in the bacterial "humic-acids" was compared with those of the humic acid made by Fluka A. G. The synthetic humic acid contained most (approximately 40%) of the compounds of approximate molecular weight of 8000--10 000. In the bacterial and synthetic material the content of the compounds with the molecular weight above 100 000 was very similar (8%--12%).


Toxic fatty acid resistant mutant of Trichophyton rubrum. A mutant of Trichophyton rubrum which could tolerate high concentration (110 microgram/ml) of undecanoic acid was isolated from undecanoic (27.5 microgram/ml) sensitive parent. The mutant showed cross resistance towards other fatty acids like propionic acid, caprylic acid and undecenoic acid which were toxic for the parent strain. Development of fatty acid resistance in the mutant strain was associated with increased pigment production. There was no difference in colony or cell morphology between fatty acid resistant mutant and fatty acid sensitive parent.


Evaluation of Streptococcus cremoris for preparing frozen concentrated starter cultures. Five strains of Streptococcus cremoris were investigated with respect to their usefulness for frozen concentrated biomass production. APLC medium assured high growth of 3 strains and highest cell concentration i.e. 4--6.7 g of fresh biomass from 1 litre of this medium. Two strains were sensitive to citrate present in APLC medium requiring a lowering of its dose to 0.5% in order to assure the highest biomass accumulation. The viability, endocellular proteolytic activity against casein and acidifying ability of frozen concentrates revealed that the physiological features of cells were preserved and remained unchanged during 2 and 12 weeks of storage at -30 degrees.


Bacteriostatic activity in cow's milk from udders infected with Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus. Milk samples from infected udders contained more lactoperoxidase and more thiocyanate than before infection. Irritation of 10 quarters of 5 cows caused the increase in the bacteriostatic activity of milk. Bacteriostatic activity of milk from the udders infected with staphylococci dropped after several weeks of chronic mastitis.


Leucocyte migration inhibition test as an index of immunological response to measles virus I. Effect of the environment and measles virus on migration of monkey leucocytes. The parameters of migration inhibition test of leucocytes isolated both from the peripheral blood, spleen and lymph nodes of monkeys Cercopithecus aethiops were determined. Concentration of measles virus that does not produce nonspecific migration inhibition of leucocyte obtained from sero-negative animals was also defined.


Leucocyte migration inhibition test as an index of immunological response to measles virus II. Immunogenic activity of measles virus. Experiments discussed in this paper aimed at obtaining, using Cercopithecus aethiops monkeys information on immunogenic activity of measles virus as well as kinetic and persistence of immunological reaction at active and inactivated virus.


The application of different cell lines and virus strains for detection of immunofluorescence rubella antibodies. Fluorescence antibodies (FA) were titrated in human sera against antigens synthesized in four different infected cell lines: SIRC, RK-13, Vero and BHK-21. The cells infected in suspension by rubella virus attained the optimal concentration of fluorescence staining antigen earlier, fluorescence was more intensive and the titers of the tested human sera were slightly higher than in monolayer cell cultures. FA titers were high and they were correlated with the antibody titers obtained by hemagglutination-inhibition test. Some practical implications of these findings are discussed.


Anti-tumor virus activity of copper-binding drugs. Several, structurally different, copper-binding ligands can inhibit the RNA-dependent DNA polymerase of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) and can inactivate the ability of the virus to malignantly transform chick embryo cells. These ligands include the anti-microbial agents, thiosemicarbazones, 8-hydroxyquinolines, isonicotinic acid hydrazide, and others. Many of these compounds bind to DNA and RNA in the presence of copper, which may play a role in their anti-viral activity. However, not all agents active against RSV bind to nucleic acids and not all ligands that bind to nucleic acids are active against RSV. Some copper-binding ligands are neither active against RSV, nor bind nucleic acids. It appears that there is no simple relationship between the anti-viral activity of copper-binding ligands and their nucleic acid-binding ability. The biological importance of thiosemicarbazone-copper complex binding to nucleic acids is supported by the observation that treatment of intact RSV virions with the complex causes the genome 70S RNA to sediment abnormally in velocity sucrose gradient analysis.


Inflammation inhibiting properties of rat alphaM foetoprotein (rat-alpha2 macroglobulin), an acute phase reactant. alphaMFoetoprotein of the rat (rat alpha2macroglobulin) is present in serum during foetal development. After birth, alphaMFP declines rapidly, but the protein returns after injury. The injury we used consisted of skin and muscle incision, laparotomy, BaSO4 i.p. The protein occurs also during liverregeneration, livercardinogenesis en during infections. Therefore, alphaMFP can be considered as an acute phase reactant. We found that this protein strongly inhibits inflammatory exudation caused by carrageenin, histamin, prostaglandin E2, 5HT and bradykinin. Furthermore, we found that alphaMFP suppresses completely inflammatory reactions during Ga1.N-hepatitis. In this condition, the primary biochemical lesion, consisting of liver UDPG depletion, does occur in spite of the protective effect of alphaMFP. Thus, the inflammatory inhibiting effects of alphaMFP seem to be an important mechanism reducing inflammatory reaction patterns.


Developmental disabilities.

Developmental disabilities. The concept of developmental disabilities as a group of problems with origins in the stages of human development has been broadened by recent legislation to include mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, dyslexia, and other neurological impairments. The debate continues on whether or not specific disability categories should be named, but the functional aspects of the problems seem to be generally accepted. Potential implications of this legislation for occupational therapy are discussed in this paper. Numerous programs supported by a variety of governmental units and private agencies will need qualified professionals. This paper concludes with a brief list of six developmental disability programs of the University of Michigan University Affiliated Facility and an outline of three models of field placement in developmental disabilities for occupational therapy students.


[Influence of combined application of antilymphocyte globulin and plasmatic alpha-globulin fraction on precipitin formation in rabbits (author's transl)]. In the experiments on rabbits immunized with human albumin the effect of combined application of both antilymphocyte globulin (ALG) and plasmatic alpha-globulin fraction (agf) on antibody formation was studied. The course of immune response had been compared to groups administered the above preparation alone, and to controls which had been applied saline. It was found that both ALG alone and AGF were capable to a certain extent of suppressing precipitin formation; a pronounced suppression appeared following the combined effect of both drugs. A strong suppression, however, was likewise attained when a high dose of AGF alone was applied. These findings are discussed in association with other statements that under given experimental conditions the combined application of both drugs, besides the immunosuppressive effect on the formation of antibodies against the antigen used (albumin) showed also an adverse side effect. The latter resulted in a considerably increased level of antibodies against ALG as compared to the group receiving ALG only. The authors point out the necessity of a further follow-up this interesting experience and, unless a more feasible pattern is found which would eliminate the side effects, warn against eventual clinical use of this drug combination under study.


Central neurochemical factors related to serotonin metabolism and cardiac ventricular vulnerability for repetitive electrical activity. Sympathetic neural activity modifies cardiac excitability and lowers the threshold of the vulnerable period for ventricular fibrillation. Sympathetic neural traffic to the heart can be diminished by administering serotonin precursors that localize in the central nervous system. In this study anesthetized dogs were injected with either of the serotonin precursors L-tryptophan or 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan in conjunction with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor pheneizine and the selective peripheral L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor carbidopa. Ventricular vulnerability was evaluated by measuring the repetitive extrasystole threshold. A sustained increase of 50 percent in this threshold resulted only with use of biochemical measures that presumably increase serotonin levels in the central nervous system. Thus neuropharmacologic measures affecting central sympathetic activity alter cardiac vulnerability and may protect against ventricular fibrillation.


Experimental myocardial infarction. XVI. The detection of inotropic contractile reserve with postextrasystolic potentiation in acutely ischemic canine myocardium. Postextrasystolic potentiation after a single closely coupled extrasystole may identify residual ventricular contractile performance in acutely ischemic myocardium without producing sustained secondary ischemic depression of myocardial function. Postextrasystolic potentiation was systematically used in eight open chest dogs to assess the progression of regional contraction abnormalities during a 10 minute occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Segment function was determined from pressure-length loop areas inscribed during right ventricular pacing at 128 +/- 3 (mean +/- standard error of the mean) beats/min, and after single closely coupled (179 +/- 3 msec) extrasystoles. Despite a 50 percent decrease in border zone segment function, postextrasystolic potentiation consistently augmented mechanical performance to control levels throughout the ischemic period. Central ischemic zone segment function deteriorated more profoundly, with the development of holosystolic aneurysmal bulging within 30 seconds after occlusion. Nonetheless, postextrasystolic potentiation produced marked inotropic augmentation, but not to control levels, for up to 10 minutes of ischemia. These results suggest that latent viability and contractile reserve may exist during brief periods of coronary occlusion.


Corpora amylacea in adenolymphoma (Warthin's tumor). Round or polyhedral, acellular, lamellated or amorphous eosinophilic structures were observed in the cystic spaces of adenolymphomas. These eosinophilic bodies ahd several of the histochemical characteristics of amyloid, viz., pink color with green specific birefringence and bright red fluorescence with alkaline Congo red; positive DMAB-nitrite and DC reactions, and spontaneous autofluorescence. It is suggested that these bodies are derived from spontaneous assembly or polymerization of microfibrils of desquamated epithelial cells lining the cystic spaces of the tumor, as has been described to occur in prostatic corpora amylacea.


Intra-amniotic urea and prostaglandin F2alpha for midtrimester abortion: clinical and laboratory evaluation. The clinical management of the elective midtrimester abortion continues to be unsatisfactory as judged by either national mortality or morbidity rates. This report documents the results of a randomized series of 19 midtrimester abortions induced by either intra-amniotic hyperosmolar urea and 5 mg. of prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) or intra-amniotic hyperosmolar urea alone. Pertinent clinical characteristics and biochemical determinations were compared between these two groups. A series of 150 patients were then treated with urea and 5 mg. of PGF2alpha. The clinical results of this series of patients are presented and compared with a previous group who had urea and 10 mg. of PGF2alpha. These studies demonstrate that 5 mg. of PGF2alpha with 80 Gm. of urea achieves injection-abortion intervals that are less than 24 hours.


Relation between cholinergic and histaminergic components in reflex vasodilatation in the dog. Previous studies have shown that phentolamine is able to reverse the reflex vasodilatation produced by transitory baroreceptor stimulation by blocking sympathetic, histaminergic, and cholinergic components. A direct anticholinergic action of phentolamine has never been described; however, since it is known that this drug is capable of inhibiting histamine release during the reflex vasodilatation, it is possible that its ability to block the cholinergic component of the reflex is related to the latter property. Therefore, this study was undertaken in an attempt to identify possible relationships between cholinergic and histaminergic components of the reflex vasodilatation. Accordingly, in mongrel dogs the gracilis muscle was isolated and perfused and then loaded with 14C-labeled histamine. A transitory systemic hypertension was induced by intravenous injection of norepinephrine; this produced a reflex vasodilatation, shown by the fall in perfusion pressure, which was accompanied by an increase of histamine release from the muscle. Vagal block induced by atropine pretreatment reduced the fall in perfusion pressure induced by the systemic hypertension and produced a reduction of histamine release during the vasodilatation. In another group of animals a vasodilatation in the perfused muscle was induced by injection of acetylcholine. This response was accompanied by an increase in histamine release from the gracilis muscle. Alpha-receptor blockade, which has been shown to inhibit histamine release, reduced this acetyl-choline-induced vasodilatation. These results, while confirming the participation of the cholinergic system in the reflex vasodilatation elicited by transitory stimulation of the arterial baroreceptors, seem to demonstrate that this component is mediated almost exclusively by histamine release.


Extracellular coat in developing human palatal processes: electron microscopy and ruthenium red binding. The prefusion epithelium of human palatal processes was examined for evidence of specialization which might facilitate epithelial adherence with the opposing palatal process. A surface coat stained with ruthenium red (RR) was found on all apical aspects of the palatal epithelium. In the prefusion regions, RR staining was also observed in the spaces between the superficial cells of the epithelium and in necrotic cells. Adjacent oral and nasal epithelium excluded the RR below the level of the apical junctional complex. In the absence of RR, a dense material was observed in the most superficial intercellular spaces of the prefusion region. Many superficial cells in the area were in various stages of necrosis. The combination of degenerating surface cells and an accumulation of a poly-anionic substance such as glycoprotein may facilitate epithelial adherence between opposing human palatal processes.


Serologically defined specificities of the pig main histocompatibility complex (SL-A). Six antigens detectable by the complement-dependent lymphocytotoxic technique were determined in pigs by six groups of alloimmune sera. It was confirmed that these specificities are controlled by the main histocompatibility region (SL-A). Serological and genetic studies showed that the given specificities (provisionally designated L1 to L6) form at least 6 haplotypes. In addition, family studies confirmed the linkaged between SL-A region and C blood group locus. Maximum lod score values are in recombination fraction omicron = 0.2.


Neutral red supravital staining for cellular elements in the semen. Human seminal fluid besides spermatozoa often contains other cellular elements. A supravital staining method designed to differentiate the above mentioned cellular elements was described. Amongst the spermatogenic cells only spermatocytes were stained with Neutral Red. They displayed two peculiar structures designated as "Y" granules and "Enigmatic Body". Neutral Red was absorbed by the spermiophage cells and was concentrated by them in the form of cytoplasmic granules. In addition the coarse granules of leukocytes and the gigestive vacuoles of Balantidium Coli and Trichomonads were stained with Neutral Red.


The "R-on-T" phenomenon: an update and critical review. The "R-on-T phenomenon" is the superimposition of an ectopic beat on the T wave of a preceding beat. Early observations suggested that R-on-T was likely to initiate sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias. More recent experimental and clinical observations suggest that R-on-T is not a critical determinant of primary ventricular fibrillation in acute myocardial infarction; represents few of the initiating beats of paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia; and represents at worst only a small risk in terms of sudden death. Apparently when the capacity for sustained repetitive beating has not been clinically obvious, R-on-T is quite unlikely to result in ventricular tachyarrhythmias, even in the presence of coronary heart disease. However, in the setting of acute myocardial infarction, inability to always identify the precursors of tachyarrhythmias strengthens the argument for prophylactic treatment of patients.


Management of the Menopause.

Management of the Menopause. Menopause is merely a clinically discernible clue symbolic of the multitude of changes preceding or following the cessation of menses by many years. Because of the time span involved, separating changes observed in the menopausal transition from other age-related maturational events presents serious methodologic problems. Of the host of psychologic and psychosomatic symptoms, only hot flushes and associated sweats occur more frequently in this epoch, while an interplay between hormonal and age-related maturational events presents serious methodologic problems. Of the host of psychologic and psychosomatic symptoms, only hot flushes and associated sweats occur more frequently in this epoch, while an interplay between hormonal and age-related effects is assumed in atrophic changes involving the genitourinary organs. The relation between menopause and osteoporosis is suggestive but by no means proven, as is the risk for cardiovascular disease. Empiric evidence points to the usefullness of estrogen for the management of vasomotor instability, the symptoms associated with atrophy of the genitourinary tract, and in the prophylaxis of osteoporosis, but not in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders.


An analysis of the problem-solving process of third year medical students. The recognition of pertinent cues and the use of clinical data generated by Junior medical students has been shown to be inconsistent.


A possible mutation of a fluorescence polymorphism. The segregation of the Q-band polymorphisms in 32 families have been studied. From 90 matings in these families, there were a total of 208 offspring. In one of these offspring it could be shown that there had been a change of a fluorescent polymorphism, resulting in the loss of fluorescent intensity in the satellite of a chromosome 21. The origin of such a 'mutation' and a consideration of mutation rates is discussed.


[Biological properties of the modified actinomycins synthesized by the aurantin producer]. The effect of 2 new modified actinomycins was studied. Actinomycin AuGl had the residue of sarcozin replaced by glycine and actinomycin AuNv had 1 residue of norvaline. It was shown that the new actinomycins had a similar to the actinomycin type effect on the microbial and animal cells. Still, higher concentrations of the antibiotics were required. In concentrations equal to those of actinomycins the new antibiotics were less effective with respect to the bacteriostatic action, suppression of the RNA synthesis and mitotic division of the ascitic hepatoma 22A cells.


Actinomycin biosynthesis by protoplasts derived from Streptomyces parvulus. Conditions are described for the formation of protoplasts from Streptomyces parvulus that are able to synthesize actinomycin D de novo. Antibiotic synthesis by protoplasts, in contrast to that by mycelium, was sensitive to inhibition by actinomycin D and to a decrease in sucrose concentration. On the other hand, synthesis by mycelium was much more sensitive to inhibition by amino acid analogs (d-valine, cis-3-methylproline, and alpha-methyl-dl-tryptophan). In addition, the uptake of amino acids (l-methionine, sarcosine, and l- and d-valine) by protoplasts was significantly lower than that by mycelium. The advantages and limitations of using protoplasts for studying in vivo actinomycin synthesis are discussed.


Review: surgery for transposition of the great arteries in the first year of life. Elective intracardiac repair by the Mustard operation is recommented in patients with transposition of the great arteries and intact ventricular septum in the first year of life (Fig. 1). In patients with associated ventricular septal defect in the first three months of life, early banding followed by early debanding before the first year of life is recommended. When the left ventricular outflow tract obstruction is discrete at valvular or subvalvular level, Mustard operation, closure of the ventricular septal defect and direct relief of out-flow obstruction is acceptable, but in patients with an unfavorable left ventricular outflow tract anatomy, a preliminary shunt followed by a Rastelli operation after the age of four years will probably result in a greater salvage. The utilization of surface induced profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest allows for more precise and rapid surgery and is shown to be a definite advantage in the very young infant.


[Long-term results of palliative operations and complete cure of tetralogy of Fallot]. 714 cases of Fallot's tetralogy have been encountered over the last thirty years. A closed heart operation was undertaken in 472 patients. The mean age at operation was 5,1 years. In 87% of cases, a Blalock-Taussig anastomosis was carried out. The operative mortality was of the order of 3%. The operative risk was almost three times as large before the age of two years as after. The patients benefit by a demonstrable improvement of function after this operation, but it does not protect them from the complications of the condition (cervica abscess, Osler's disease, cerebro-vascular accidents) or from death. Open heart surgery was carried out in 403 patients. 161 as a primary procedure, and 242 after an initial palliative operation. The mean age at operation was 13.3 years. The operative mortality was 15%. The functional improvement was striking, and the patients appeared to be protected from the usual sequelae of the condition. On the other hand they cannot always be considered as cured: 16 died some time after the operation; 37% had pulmonary incompetence; 15% had a residual BSD; 8% had a block of both bundles, and 3% had a definitive atrio-ventricular block.


[Use of megestrol acetate in estrus synchronization of heifers under industrialized conditions of cattle breeding]. Daily doses between 30 and 35 mg megestrol acetate were administered to 4,000 heifers over roughly two weeks and produced highly synchronising effects which, however, were lower in response to lower doses. Rectal checks were applied to the ovaries of heifers which had received megestrol acetate and showed that here the number of mature follicles was higher than recorded from animals that had been given chlormadinone acetate. Megestrol acetate, applied in granular form blended into mixed fodder, proved to be the most favourable variant of application. Synchronisation of oestrus on the basis of the above approach was found to yield per animal savings between 4.30 and 22.70 roubles under practice conditions.


[Use of megesterol acetate for synchronization of estrus in cows]. Megestrol acetate has proved to be of positive impact upon synchronisation of oestrus in beef cows. Fodder-borne administration of 35-45 mg megestrol acetate caused oestrus in nursing cows, accompanied by disorders in ovarian function. The physiological condition of the animal at the date of treatment was found to be of major relevance to success. Evidence was produced to the strong action of serum obtained from pregnant mares in which the ratio of total gonadotrophic activity to luteinising activity was between 3:1 and 2.5:1. The use of megestrol acetate is recommended as a method by which to activate sexual function in the context of beef cattle breeding.


[A new biopsy device (author's transl)]. The author describes a pistol-like biopsy-sampling instrument by means of which most rapidly tissue cylinders--after a pre-destinable size in length and width--can be taken exactly and towards all sides with sharp edges without causing any contusion effects. The largest possible prevention of any damage to the adjacent tissue is guaranteed by a special shape of the cutting-knife. Besides, the tissue material taken can be put into a fixation fluid immediately after the sampling in one and the same working process without having to avail of an additional instrument. Correspondingly, the histological slides of such tissue samples are intact in their structure also in their marginal parts. The tissue samples are particularly suited also for electron-optical examinations, as they are kept live-fresh due to their immediate fixation.


Use of tolonium chloride in the diagnosis of malignant gastric ulcers. Peroral staining with tolonium chloride (toluidine blue) was performed in 45 patients with suspected gastric ulcer disease. During endoscopy, 19 of 21 malignant ulcers and one of 15 benign ulcers were stained. Following surgery, 18 of 21 malignant ulcers found in the surgical specimens were stained. Eleven patients with benign ulcers underwent surgery and none of these ulcers were found to be stained in the surgical specimens. Normal gastric mucosa and areas of gastritis appeared unchanged. The data suggest that tolonium chloride staining prior to endoscopy or surgery seems to be helful in differentiating between minute benign and malignant gastric ulcers.


Antigenic relatedness of equine herpes virus types 1 and 3. Antiserums prepared in specific pathogen free (SPF) ponies were used in direct and indirect immunofluorescence, immunodiffusion, complement fixation and serum neutralization procedures to study the interrelationships of the three types of equine herpes viruses (EHV-1, EHV-2, and EHV-3). Equine cell cultures infected with each type virus fluoresced when stained with homologous conjugated antiserum. In reciprocal tests EHV-1 and EHV-3 cross-fluoresced, but EHV-2 did not cross-fluoresce. Non-infected cell cultures did not fluoresce when stained with the 3 conjugates. EHV-1 and EHV-3 cross-fluoresced in reciprocal indirect fluorescent antibody tests, but no cross-fluorescence was shown with EHV-2. Antigens representing each type of equine herpes virus reacted with their homologous antiserum in the immunodiffusion test. In reciprocal tests, a common line(s) of identity formed with EHV-1 and EHV-3; however, the precipitin line(s) was not common with EHV-2. Antigen prepared from noninfected embryonic mule skin (EMS) cell cultures did not react with any of the antiserums. Specific complement-fixing antibodies were present in antiserums when tested against their homologous antigens. In reciprocal complement fixation tests EHV-1 and EHV-3 crossreacted, but no cross-reactivity was shown with EHV-2. Significant levels of neutralizing antibody were in an antiserum when tested against homologous virus, whereas cross-neutralization was not detectable in reciprocal tests. These studies indicate that each type of equine herpes virus contains specific antigenic components, and EHV-1 and EHV-3 share a common antigen(s) that is not shared with EHV-2.


Isolation and characterization of a new rubella variang with DNA polymerase activity. A rubella variant (HPV-RV) was isolated from high passage rubella virus preparations propagated at 37 degrees C in baby hamster kidney BHK21/WI-2 cells. HPV-RV formed clear plaques in HeLa cells and primary cells of the Rhesus monkey kidney although wild type rubella virus did not produce plaques in these cells. Cells persistently infected with rubella virus were insensitive to infection by HPV-RV at both 34 degrees and 39.5 degrees C. HPV-RV agglutinated one day old chick, human group O and sheep erythrocytes. This hemagglutinating activity was inhibited by anti-BHK latent virus serum but not by anti-rubella virus serum. The plaque forming ability of HPV-RV was neutralized by anti-BHK latent virus serum although the same antiserum did not affect the plaque forming ability of wild type rubella virus. Furthermore, HPV-RV was found to have the complement fixation antigen of rubella virus and DNA polymerase activity. From these findings, it is concluded that HPV-RV is a hybrid between rubella virus and a latent virus of BHK21/WI-2 cells.


[Histochemical reactions in the diagnosis of carcinoid of the gastrointestinal tract]. The comparative effectiveness of 6 histochemical reactions permitting to detect endocrine granules in cells of carcinoids in the gastrointestinal tract were studied. The most sensitive methods were found to include Grimelius argirophilic reaction, staining with toluidine blue after acidic hydrolysis (HCl-TB) and with lead hematoxyline (Pb-H). By these methods endocrine granules were found in all 29 carcinoids examined. A modification of Grimelius argirophilic reaction is described and recommendations for its application in diagnosis of carcinoids of the gastrointestinal tract, their emboli and micrometastases are given.


Effect of removal of calcium-activated adenosine triphosphatase from rat mast cells by treatment with sodium glycocholate. Sodium glycocholate was shown to remove a Ca2+-activated adenosine triphosphatase from the external surface of the rat mast cell without causing lysis. Sensitized mast cells pretreated with sodium glycocholate showed a decrease in histamine-releasing capacity when triggered with antigen, Synacthen and ATP. Release induced by calcium ionophore A23187 was unaffected.


Interaction of the myelin basic protein with the anionic detergent sodium dodecyl sulphate. The interaction of the myelin basic protein and two peptides derived from it with the anionic detergent SDS (sodium dodecyl sulphate) was studied. At molar ratios of detergent/protein of up to approx. 20:1 the transient increase in turbidity (as measured by increases in A230) is proportional to the ratio. Between ratios of 30:1 and 100:1 the effect of the detergent is constant and maximal. At molar ratios exceeding 100:1 the transient increase in turbidity decreases with increasing amounts of detergent. With increasing ionic strength the rapid development of turbidity is inhibited, whereas the slow decay of turbidity is not affected. Neither of the peptide fragments produced by cleavage of the myelin basic protein at the single tryptophan residue, nor both when mixed, produce measurable turbidity when mixed with SDS. Under similar conditions poly-L-lysine of similar molecular size to the basic protein shows the increase in turbidity but not the decay. The interaction between the protein and SDS is interpreted in molecular terms, which involve the initial ionic interaction of the detergent with protein resulting in aggregation and turbidity in the solution. Within the aggregated complexes molecules rearrange to maximize hydrophobic interactions.


The HLA system and multiple sclerosis.

The HLA system and multiple sclerosis. We referred the data on association between M.S. patients and HLA complex in the different populations. Then we discussed the different aetiopathogenetic hypothesis that centre on the disease. We considered also viral and autoimmunity theory and the possibility that these two hypothesis don't wrangle but complete them.


The diagnostic problem in multiple sclerosis (M.S.): two specific laboratory tests. In the present paper are discussed the diagnostic problems in M.S., there has been difficulty in certain diagnostic on the first modest signs in a proportion perhaps as high as 20% and the absence of a specific and reliable laboratory test has long been felt. This study describes two specific laboratory tests in M.S. The MEM-LAD test (macrophage electrophoretic mobility linoleic acid depression) and the E-UFA test (erythrocyte-unsaturated fatty acid). It may be noted that whilst the E-UFA and MEM-LAD test will diagnose (or esclude) M.S. the former is simpler, but is limited to M.S., the latter on the other hand once mastered is applicable in the whole range of clinical immunology were lymphocyte sensitisation is to be measured.


Study of the relationship between rubella virus and encephalitogenic factor in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. The Authors research in the sera of 30 rabbits affected by E.A.E. the connection between encephalitogenic factor and rubella virus. They dose the antibodies against rubella virus and encephalitogenic factor before the challenge by BP, after 15 days and after 30 days. While in the first control no response either to the virus or to BP was evidenced, in the two following controls, the sera of the rabbits recognized immunologically both rubella virus and the myelinic components.


In vitro induction of tumour-specific immunity V. Detection of common antigenic determinatnts of murine fibrosarcomas. Two 3-methylcholanthrene and a spontaneous BALB/c fibrosarcoma were examined for tumour-associated antigens (TAA) by in vivo and in vitro induction of tumour-immune responses. When BALB/c mice were immunized to these fibrosarcomas by surgical tumour removal, cross-reacting tumour-associated transplantation antigens (TATA) were detected on all 3 tumours. Cytotoxic effector cells (CL) were then induced in vitro by co-culture of BALB/c spleen cells with the spontaneous, or one of the carcinogen-induced fibrosarcomas. These CL were shown to be cytotoxic T cells (Tc) and to be directed against cross-reacting TAA on all 3 tumours, by two in vitro 51Cr-release assay systems, direct 51Cr-release cytotoxicity and cellular competitive inhibition of 51Cr release. Further studies demonstrated that the fibrosarcoma TAA involved in in vitro induction of Tc were not present on normal adult or foetal tissues. A secondary cytotoxic response was also detected in vitro when spleen cells from mice immunized to a carcinogen-induced fibrosarcoma were tested. The patterns of cross-reactivity detected by the in vivo and primary in vitro tumour-immune responses suggested that the TAA detected in vivo (TATA) were not identical to the TAA detected in vitro.


Studies with bleomycin and misonidazole on aerated and hypoxic cells. Bleomycin is a chemotherapuetic drug used primarily in the treatment of squamous-cell carcinoma, while misonidazole is an effective radiosensitizer and potent cytotoxic agent selectively affecting hypoxic cells. V79 Chinese hamster cells were used to investigate the cytotoxicity of bleomycin (BLM) under aerated and hypoxic conditions as a function of drug concentration. At a lowered temperature of 17.5 degrees C, or at an elevated temperature of 42.5 degrees C, hypoxic cells are more sensitive to killing by BLM than aerated cells. At either of these temperatures, progression through the cell cycle is inhibited. However, at 37.5 degrees C, mimicking a clinical situation, the sensitivies are reversed, and hypoxic cells are appreciably more resistant. Although many factors are involved, the major reason for this is that aerated cells are cycling while hypoxic cells are not. Aerated cells can progress into phases of the cell cycle where they are more sensitive to killing by BLM. Misoinidazole (=Ro-07-0582) was used in combination with BLM, since its mode of action has been shown to be psecific for killing hypoxic cells. It concomitant use with BLM could be of potential use in chemotherapy when confronted with the hypoxic cell component of solid tumours.


Alterations in the ultraviolet absorption spectra of steroids upon binding to serum proteins. Difference spectra of progesterone-binding globulin (PBG) complexes with progesterone and testosterone were measured. The contributions of steroid and protein to the difference spectra were resolved by use of 5alpha-pregane-3,20-dione and dihydrotestosterone to compensate for the perturbation of PBG. The absorption spectra of seven bound steroids all showed increased extinction coefficients, sharpened absorption bands, a small blue shift, and an increased area implying an enhanced transition moment. This is in contrast to the steroid complexes with the low affinity binders, human serum albumin, and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, which exhibit decreased extinction coefficients and reduced transition moments.


Purification and characterization of particles containing RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, in the allantoic fluid of uninfected leukosis virus-free chicken eggs. The allantoic fluid of embryonated chicken eggs regularly contains particle-associated RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, as shown by its reaction with homopolymeric and heteropolymeric RNA and by the characterization of the products. The purification of the particles is described. The purified particles are different from the known avian RNA tumor viruses in their protein composition and their sedimentation constant. They do not exhibit biological properties typical for RNA tumour viruses, such as helper activity, interfering properties or infectivity and do not show endogenous DNA synthesis. The particles are discussed as non-viral elements.