[The hydrodynamic mucosa-cytology by means of ultrastructures filters in upper respiratory tract and oesophagus]. A rinse-and-suck-sound is presented, which conveys cytological material to a special filter mechanism. The heart of the system is a well-known filter, an electric pump, and a new constructed vacuum chamber. After Papanicolaou staining the filters are being cleared and allow a light-microscopical judgement. A reduction of possibilities of error in exfoliative cytology can be noticed.


Multiple sclerosis cerebrospinal fluid produces myelin lesions in tadpole optic nerves. To investigate the myelinotoxicity of cerebropsinal fluid in multiple sclerosis, we used an in vivo model of the myelinated central-nervous-system tract of tadpoles for quantitative double-blind tests of 46 cerebrospinal-fluid samples. Groups of xenopus tadpoles were injected with cerebrospinal fluid near the optic nerve. Forty-eight hours later, whole mounts of optic nerves were prepared, and a differential interference microscope was used to count myelin lesions. Cerebrospinal-fluid samples from 60 per cent of the patients with an acute attack of definite multiple sclerosis had myelinotoxic activity. This activity correlated best with the severity and duration of the disease, rather than with gamma-globulin or total protein concentrations. Activity was negative in 85 per cent of cerebrospinal-fluid samples from a control group with other neurologic diseases. This assay is a useful method for investigating myelinotoxic factors of cerebrospinal fluid in patients with multiple sclerosis, but was not helpful diagnostically.


Urinary excretion of beta2 microglobulin after the induction of a diuresis. A study in healthy subjects. An increased diuresis was induced in each of four healthy subjects by intravenous infusion of urea, saline and sodium bicarbonate and by an oral water load. The excretion of a low molecular weight protein (LMW-protein), beta2-Microglobulin (beta2mu), was determined by a radioimmunoassay, the urinary concentrations of the protein being in the range 0.007-0,3 mug/ml. The hourly excretion of beta2 mu was not significantly influenced by varying loads of water, sodium, and osmoles which suggests that the tub ular reabsorption of LMW-proteins is stable under these conditions and that even a moderately increased excretion of such proteins may reflect a distrubed proximal tubular function.


[28 cases of malabsorption syndromes with villopathy]. A personal series of 28 cases of malabsorption with villopathy (22 Gee, 1 Whipple, 1 alpha-chain, 1 hypogammaglobulinaemia, 3 not yet diagnosed) is presented. The response to a gluten-free diet is the essential clue to diagnosis. Where sensitivity is not found, diagnosis becomes difficult and requires careful immunological, histopathological and parasitological investigation, which is not always conclusive. The main features of the series are indicated, along with the criteria employed in the diagnosis of some unusual forms.


Oral cytologic patterns in relation to smoking habits. Some epithelial, microfloral, and leukocytic characteristics. Papanicolaou smears from the cheeks and tongues of 790 alcoholic patients were evaluted for possible associations between cytologic features and cigarette consumption. The findings appear consonant with the view that microscopic changes are frequent in clinically unremarkable areas of the mouth and that tobacco induces some of the cellular changes to which its use has been clinically and epidemiologically related.


[Detection and prognostic significance of Ag "e" and its antibody in the course of HB virus infections[]. A new antigen antibody system the e Ag and Ab has been investigated by immunodiffusion and counterelectrophoresis in the serum of 509 subjects. Those included 242 patients with polyarteritis, acute chronic or fulminant hepatitis; 85 hemodialysis HBs Ag carriers and 182 asymptomatic HBs Ag carrier blood donors. Neither e Ag nor anti- e were detected in any of the non hepatitis B virus associated cases. Counterelectrophoresis was found to be more sensitive than immunodiffusion and detected either e Ag or anti- e in 24 p. cent more cases. e Ag was found among HBs Ag positive patients with polyarteritis, chronic hepatitis or under going hemodialysis. Anti- e was observed in 28 p. cent to 66 p. cent of asymptomatic HBs Ag carriers. The study of the nature and prognostic significance of e Ag and anti- e appear of major importance in the understanding and follow up of HB virus infections.


Nucleotide sequence from the coding region of rabbit beta-globin messenger RNA. A sequence of 89 nucleotides from rabbit beta-globin mRNA has been determined and is shown to code for residues 107 to 137 of the beta-globin protein. In addition, a sequence heterogeneity has been identified within this 89 nucleotide long sequence which corresponds to a known polymorphic variant of rabbit beta-globin.Images


Influence of phosphate on activity and stability of reverse transcriptase from avian myeloblastosis virus. Activity of RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (RDDP) from avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV), either in purified form or in virus lysates, was increased by phosphorylation. Stability of RDDP in lysates buffered with phosphate was much greater (no loss of activity in 48 hours at 4 degrees) than that in lysates buffered with Tris-Cl (76% loss). Activity lost in the Tris-buffered extracts was completely restored by phosphorylation. The findings suggested that AMV RDDP activity is influenced by the degree of phosphorylation of the enzyme or enzyme-associated proteins and that this chemical modification is mediated by protein phosphokinase and phosphoprotein phosphatase present in crude extracts of purified AMV. Application of these results provided the basis of procedures whereby RDDP can be recovered in significantly higher yield and purity than formerly.


Field testing the nursing quality monitoring methodology: phase II. The design, analysis, and findings of a field test of a methodology for monitoring quality of nursing care are presented. Quality care scores for types of patients (self-care, partial care, complete care, intensive care), types of units (medical, surgical, medical-surgical, pediatric, and intensive care), and shifts (day, evening, and night) showed the method to be useful.


Propranolol in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis: a review. The clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism have suggested to physicians for many years that the sympathetic nervous system may be involved in their production. Despite this, the precise interrelationship between the thyroid gland and the sympathetic nervous system has never been defined but controlled investigations have shown that hypersensitivity to catcholamines does not occur in animals or man with artificially produced thyrotoxicosis. In recent years beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs, and in particular propranolol, have been used in patients with hyperthyroidism. Evidence exists that they control some of the peripheral manifestations of the disease, including nervousness, palpitations, tachycardia, increased cardiac output and tremor, but they do not appear to affect the underlying thyrotoxic process itself. Propranolol has been used with sucess in the treatment of acute hyperthyroid crisis, in pre-operative preparations for thyroidectomy, for the control of symptoms and signs following the administration of radioactive iodine therapy and antithyroid drugs, during the period of diagnostic thyroid investigations and occasionally as the sole therapy. The supportive role of propranolol in the management of hyperthyroidism is now established and in some instances such as radioactive iodine therapy, it has enabled improvements in the existing methods of treatment to be achieved.


An RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, different from the known viral reverse transcriptases, in the chicken system. The properties of an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase (an RNA-dependent DNA nucleotidyltransferase), which occurs ubiquitously in the allantoic fluid of uninfected, leukosis-virus-free eggs, are described. It is shown that the enzyme can synthesize faithful transcripts from natural RNA (globin mRNA). By biochemical and immunological methods, the enzyme can be clearly distinguished from the reverse transcriptases of the known chicken RNA tumor viruses and therefore seems to be a member of a so far unknown class of chicken polymerases.


A general method for cloning eukaryotic structural gene sequences. Complementary DNA, transcribed in vitro from purified rabbit globin messenger RNA and made double-stranded, has been inserted into Escherichia coli plasmids pSC101 and pMB9 by the poly(dT)/poly(dA) "tailing" and annealing technique. E. coli transformants given by this DNA preparation have been shown to contain globin sequences by the hybridization of globin RNA to DNA from clones grown and lysed in situ on nitrocellulose filters. An estimate of the amount of inserted globin sequences has been provided by fingerprint analysis of globin mRNA sequences hybridized to the purified plasmid chimeras. Inserted sequences so far subjected to detailed analysis have been ascribed to the rabbit beta globin chain. The susceptibility of inserted beta globin, sequences to the restriction endonuclease EcoRI confirms the existence of a site already found through previous nucleotide sequence analysis.


Antigenic relationships among five reovirus-like (RVL) agents by complement fixation (CF) and development of new substitute CF antigens for the human RVL agent of infantile gastroenteritis. The human reovirus-like (HRVL) agent, Nebraska calf diarrhea virus (NCDV), epizootic diarrhea of infant mice (EDIM) virus, simian agent (SA)-11, and the "O" (offal) agent were found to be similar, if not identical, in reciprocal complement fixation (CF) tests employing hyperimmune animal sera. In addition, in CF tests with paired sera from 35 diarrhea patients who shed the HRVL agent, 74% developed serologic evidence of infection with the HRVL antigen, 43% with NCDV, 51% with EDIM virus, 57% with SA-11, and 71% with the "O" agent. Thus, in addition to the NCDV, which had previously been described as a suitable substitute CF antigen for the HRVL agent, the SA-11, "O", and EDIM viruses may also be utilized as substitute antigens for the HRVL agent. However, the "O" agent appears to be the most efficient of the four substitute CF antigens and thus should be used preferentially when the HRVL agent is not available. The "O" agent was about as efficient as the HRVL agent and significantly more efficient than the NCDV for detecting seroresponses. The greatest efficiency for detecting infection with the HRVL agent resulted when sera were tested with both the HRVL and "O" agents as 31 (89%) of the patients developed serologic evidence of infection with one or both antigens. The finding of additional substitute CF antigens for the HRVL agent may have implications in the immunoprophylaxis against human disease.


Stability of Rauscher leukemia virus under certain laboratory conditions. The stability of Rauscher leukemia virus (RLV) was investigated under certain laboratory conditions. The half life of the virus at 37 degrees was 7 hr, and considerably longer at lower temperatures. RNA dependent DNA polymerase activity was more stable than infectivity at all temperatures. Air dried virus had a half life of approximately 1 hr, but was rapidly inactivated by uv light or 70% alcohol.


Thyroxine-binding proteins.

Thyroxine-binding proteins. As is the case for most small molecules in the body, the thyroid hormones are involved in interaction with proteins. The present discussion has centered on the hormone-protein interactions which occur in plasma. Although some of this is with proteins which also engage in other binding reactions, at least one protein, TBG, seems to exist only for the purpose of binding the thyroid hormones, and the interaction energy is extremely high. While this would lead us to suspect that is has an important role in hormone physiology, its function seems to be only of secondary significance. The peculiar role of PA in the transport of a vitamin as well as thyroid hormones also suggests a specific function, but none has become apparent. Knowledge of these proteins and their variation are of considerable importance to several commonly employed diagnostic tests of thyroid function. Their greatest importance at the present time, however, seems to be as models of thyroid hormone-protein interaction. The rapid advances being made in the isolation and characterization of TBG and PA provide the means to gain detailed chemical knowledge about two rather different types of binding sites. Hopefully, this will form the basis for similar knowledge about the active sites for the hormones on cellular proteins. Conceivably, this will help to further our understanding about the mechanism of hormone action.


Effects of antacids on gastrointestinal absorption of drugs. Antacids interfere with gastrointestinal drug absorption by either increasing or decreasing the rate at which a drug is absorbed, or the total quantity absorbed. Antacids influence drug absorption by alteration of ionization state or solubility, factors dependent upon pH. Antacids also delay gastric emptying and are capable of chelation and adsorption with susceptible products. Many of these factors participate to produce the effect on gastrointestinal drug absorption in individual patients.


[Programmed typing in a school for the physically handicapped - testing a new audiovisual learning system (author's transl)]. Within the framework of a test performed at a school for the physically handicapped, 10 pupils with disabilities varying in type and degree of severity completed a typing programme which was adapted to their individual physiological possibilities. The deliberate use of audiovisual media contributed both to an adaptation to the disability, motivation of the pupils and intensification of the learning process. The assessment of the test results illustrated the success rates which can be expected if such a learning programme is carried out with physically handicapped pupils.


[Acquired B antigen].

[Acquired B antigen]. Many cases of acquired B antigens, always observed in group A subjects have been so far reported. Most of them were found in patients with digestive tract disease, essentially colonic cancer. An investigation on 200 patients in a gastroenterology department showed that this B-like antigen was quite frequent (10,6%); it occurred only in A1 individuals and was related to infectious syndrome. Immunological and serological studies of many cases had shown that this B-like antigen differs from that of normal B cells. Groupe A1 cells transfused to patients acquired B activity; on the contrary group A2 and O cells remained unchanged. Likewise, only A1 cell became active when incubated in vitro with C. Tertium A., known to contain a deacetylase. In 1970, we postulated that a deacetylase enzyme could be responsible for this B-like antigen: this enzyme could transform the N-acetylgalactosamine (A specific sugar) into galactosamine, which could cross react with anti-B sera. The relationship between the acquired B antigen and a deacetylase was recently confirmed: A1 acquired B cells, chemically acetylated lost their B reactivity and enhanced their A1 activity. A polyagglutinability, different from that associated with T, Tn, Cad, Hempas has been always found in acquired B cells; nervertheless, because of its weakness, it could sometimes be unnoticed. Besides, it disappeared prior to B reactivity in case of recovery. Like acquired B activity, it decreased in low pH medium of after acetylation of the cells. Nevertheless, this polyagglutinability appears, contrarly to acquired B antigen, in vitro, on all the cells, irrespective of their ABO phenotypes. A deacetylation of N-acetyl-neruaminic acid could explain such a phenomenon.


[The biochemical aspects of blood group antigens]. The biochemical aspects of the immunodominant structures of blood groups antigens are mainly restricted to the following: ABH and Lewis in secretory fluids or on the red blood cells; P system (P1, P, Pk antigens); MN antigens and related; Tn and Tn antigens; Some hypothesis may be put forward for the I, i antigens. Many other antigens seem to be on the dependence of interactions between proteins and lipids of the red cell membrane; such immunodominant structures are not yet known. Except for the ABH and Lewis groups, the biosynthesis pathways are at present unclear.


[Quantitative and thermodynamic study of weak A erythrocyte phenotypes]. The analysis of more than 140 "weak A" samples: A3, Ax, Aend, Am, Ay and Ael, support the classical distinction between each subgroup which has been established on serological and genetical data. Accordingly, a valuable classification of these rare phenotypes must take into account, (i) the mode of inheritance, (ii) the agglutination pattern of the RBC by anti-A reagents, (iii) the presence or absence of soluble A substances in the saliva of secretors. The question is then open to know if such related erythrocytic antigens, whose specificity appears to be very similar, could be described on a quantitative basis or on qualitative structural variations. Evidence for quantitative differences was first demonstrated by a gradual decrease in the standard agglutinability of "weak A" RBC with human anti-A (B) sera, from A3 red cells (63 +/- 10%) to Ax (33 +/- 10%), Aend (10 +/- 5%) then Am, Ay and Ael (0%), and secondly by direct measurement of A antigen site densities, the mean values being respectively 35.10(3) A sites/RBC (A3); 4.8 10(3) (Ax); 3.5 10(3) (Aend) and 0.7 10(3) (Am, Ael). Further investigation on A3, Ax and Aend RBC agglutinability lead also to the demonstration of a large heterogeneity in the A antigenic content of red cells inside one individual sample. The most striking result was obtained with Aend phenotypes which appeared like A + O transmitted mosaicisms. However, heterogeneity was also observed, but to a lesser extent, among A3 and Ax RBC. The significance of this heterogeneity is discussed and used to explained the typical picture of agglutinability commonly observed with such red cells and anti-A antibodies. Qualitative difference were also studied by estimation of equilibrium constants (Ko) and thermodynamic parameters (delta Fo, delta Ho and delta So) associated with the binding of rabbit 125I-IgG anti-A molecules onto A RBC determinants. Only small variations of thermodynamic parameters were observed between each subgroup, but the high Ko values (greater than 10(8)M-1) measured, strongly suggest that "weak A" RBC determinants would process a common antigenic structure of the type: alpha-GalNAc (1 leads to 3) [alphaLFuc (1 leads to 2) beta Gal. However, the small differences of reactivity observed from one sample to an other could be related to slight variations in tridimensional configurations of oligosaccharides chains bearing the A specificity, associated with their variable antigenic content.


[Heterogeneity of the cellular distribution of erythrocytic A antigens. Ultramicroscopic study]. A and A1 antigens have been detected on cells of the human erythrocyte series by immunoelectron microscopy. These antigens have been revealed by an indirect method involving various anti-A and anti-A1 antibodies (allo, auto, hetero-antibodies) and peroxidase-conjugated anti-immunoglobulin antibodies. Immunologic labelling has been carried out with erythrocyte or bone marrow cell suspensions which were fixed prior to incubation with reagents. Cells from various A phenotypes were examined. A and A1 antigens were visualized on maturing normoblasts, at every developmental stage. In addition cell to cell variations of the surface labelling of erythrocytes was found in normal phenotypes, suggesting the existence of several populations of cells according to antigenic load.


[Proposed practical classification of weak B phenotypes B 3, Bx, B el]. Although the first weak B phenotypes have been observed some thirty years ago, very few comparative studies have been done until now. In this work, different samples were analysed, using immunogenetic methods, thermodynamics, agglutination kinetics and agglutination profiles. Almost hundred weak B samples were tested, belonging to twenty nine families including cis AB but exclusing acquired B and Bh. Using these methods it could be evidenced that the reactive structures differ from one family to another, but are strictly the same within one family. Consequently, each sample should have been called from the family mane; from a practical point of view, it was but necessary to agree on a simple classification. The simplest criteria were looked for such as agglutination velocity on a tile, agglutination picture, presence or absence of anti-B in serum... Three groups were then distinguished: 1) B3, for which the agglutination velocity is high (less than or equal to 30 inches), giving a typical mixed field agglutination pattern; there is no anti-B in the serum; 2) Bx, for which the agglutination velocity is low (larger than or equal to 30 inches), giving generally a weak agglutination pattern; there is a weak anti-B in serum; 3) Bel, for which there is no agglutination at all; the presence of B antigen on the membrane being evidenced by a fixation-elution test; in these three conditions genetic studies proved the phenotype being due to an allele at the ABO locus, the Bel class is the most "discutable"; when an important secretion of B substance can be evidenced in saliva, and the phenotype is proved to be inherited as a dominant character, the appellation Bm can be proposed. On the contrary, when genetics suggest the presence of a modifying gene, the Bel mod or By appellation can be used, according as the type of modification is dominant or recessive. Only one sample appeared to be unclassable, for which the fixation-elution test is positive, but only 5 to 10% of the red cells are agglutinated, giving a dual population pattern; the galactosyl-transferase activity seems to be normal, as well as the--delta H (20.000 cal/mol.). The B weak appellation appears to be the most appropriate for this given sample. This case expected, the proposed practical classification appears to fit well the studied phenotypes. As the various studies on weak B phenotypes, reported in the literature have not been compared within a same laboratory, using the same technics, it appears illusive to apply the proposed classification to the different reported samples. Several already published samples form a part of the present study, but their appellation do not correspond to the previous one; stricklingly, only few B3 (new appellation) have been described in the literature, which let one think that they might be undetected using classical grouping tests, and thus considered as normal B. Of course, there is not an absolute correspondance between the criteria defining A3, Ax, Ael phenotypes and those proposed here for B3, Bx, Bel...


[Residues of chlororganic and phosphorganic phitodrugs in samples of honey produced in Emilia-Romagna (author's transl)]. Forty-five samples of honey produced in Emilia-Romagna between June and September 1974 have been subjected to gaschromatography to check for the presence of residues of chlororganic and phosphorganic phytodrugs. Residues of chlororganic phytodrugs in appreciable amounts have been found to be present in 11 samples only, more precisely lindane has been reported in 6 samples, aldrin in 4 samples, DDT in 4 samples, DDD and dieldrin respectively in one sample only. The higher concentration for DDT has been 0,04 ppm. No residues of phosphorganic phytodrugs have been found to be present in any of the samples examined. As the presence of residue has been observed only in a small number of samples and low concentration have been found, we belive that the problem of honey pollution by phytodrug residues is a minor one, even when related to the situation of foods in general.


Early diagnosis of virus-caused vesicular rashes by immunofluorescence on skin biopsies. II. Poxvirus (vaccinia). Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to demonstrate vaccinia virus antigen in frozen sections of skin biopsies from the site of revaccination in 42 individuals. The immunoglobulin (Ig) of a rabbit anti-vaccinia serum and the Ig of the pre-immune serum conjugated with fluorescein-isothiocyanate (FITC) was employed. 11/13 biopsies taken 1 day after vaccination were positive in the IF test as were 13/13 biopsies taken 2 days and 14/16 biopsies taken 3 days after vaccination. Even minute quantities of virus antigen were easily detected. The applicability of the test and the advantage of using biopsy material in early rashes of vaccinia and variola is discussed. The reliability of the direct IF using conjugated antisera against vaccinia-variola, varicella-zoster and herpes simplex virus for differentiating between maculopapular rashes was proved in a coded test.


Tourist hepatitis and gamma globulin prophylaxis. Millions of tourists from Northern Europe visit the Mediterranean basin each year. Some of them provide themselves with gamma globulin prophylaxis against hepatitis A before departure. In Sweden about 50% of these travellers receive prophylaxis which means that about half a million Swedish tourists are injected with gamma globulin each year. The risk of contracting hepatitis A in South or East Europe without prophylaxis seems to be around 1/3000 travellers according to calculations presented in this report. With gamma globulin prophylaxis the risk seems almost negligible.


Lymphocytes and specificity of eosinophilia. Repeated injections of soluble antigen derived from the body fluid of Ascaris lumbricoides induced a substantial accumulation of eosinophils in the peritoneal fluid of mice. Evidence of an underlying immune mechanism was sought. A single injection of antigen was ineffective in eliciting eosinophilia, but it primed recipients to respond to a subsequent injection 30 days later. Furthermore, this priming effect could be transferred with lymphoid cells. Depletion of T cells by adult thymectomy and irradiation abrogated the ability of mice to respond. Specificity was demonstrated in primed lymphoid cells which imparted to recipients the capacity to react with increased numbers of eosinophils to a single injection of soluble antigen. Unprimed donor cells, or those primed with an unrelated antigen, were incapable of transferring the capacity for an eosinophil response. Evidence has been presented to suggest that lymphocytes which impart this specificity are T cells.


The effect of antithrombin III on the activity of the coagulation factors VII, IX and X. Antithrombin III, purified to homogeneity according to polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis and immunoelectrophoresis, inhibited the activity of purified factor IXa and Xa, whereas factor VII was not inhibited either in the active or in the native form. Antithrombin III is the single most important inhibitor of factor Xa in plasma. Factor Xa does not, however, reduce the activity of antithrombin III against thrombin.


Fertility trends: 1950-75.

Fertility trends: 1950-75. During the past 25 years, the world's population increased by 60 percent to 4 billion people. The period witnessed a momentous decline in mortality, which will probably continue in the developed countries. Fertility has fallen dramatically in the developed countries to quite low levels. In the developing countries, where the bulk of the world's population is concentrated, fertility is still high, although it has begun to decline in some countries. Reductions in fertility have been dramatic in Asia and the Pacific; substantial in Central and South America; and hardly noticeable in Africa. Increasingly, population policies will be considered as an integral part of social and economic development; and family planning will receive increasing attention as a human right, as an element of improved maternal and child health, and also as a means of moderating high rates of population growth.


The ophthalmic toxicology of dichlorøomethane. The toxic hazard to the eye from dichloromethane (DCM) as liquid or vapour has been assessed rabbits. 0.1 ml DCM caused inflammation of the conjunctiva and eyelids persisting for up to 2 weeks; keratitis and iritis occurred in two-thirds of the animals. Corneal thickness, measured in vivo, increased by a maximum of 59% at 6 h, returning to normal by 9 days. 0.01 ml DCM produced similar, but less persistent effects on the conjunctiva and eyelids; keratitis was minor. Corneal thickness increased by up to 43% at 6 h, returning to normal by 9 days. Intraocular tension increased by 33% at 1 h, returning to control values by 3 days. 10-min exposures to DCM vapour at concentrations up to 17 500 mg/m3 produced no macroscopic changes, but small increases in corneal thickness and intraocular tension occurred, which were related to the degree of exposure. The mean peak increases in corneal thickness were 13% for 17 500 mg/m3 and 5% for 1750 mg/m3; corresponding values for increases in intraocular tension were 18% and 11%. Both corneal thickness and intraocular tension returned to normal by 2 days. Treatment with a decongestant preparation (Vasocon-A), containing an antihistamine and an alpha-adrenergic sympathomimetic, reduced both the inflammatory response and the rise in intraocular pressure caused by a splash contamination of the eye with liquid DCM.


Effect of organ culture on the survival of thyroid allografts in mice. Mouse thyroid can be maintained in organ culture for 4 weeks. Uncultured BALB/c thyroid is rejected 10-15 days after transplantation under the kidney capsule of H-2 disparate recipients (C57BL, CBA). Organ culture of thyroid tissue prior to transplantation prolongs allograft survival. This prolongation of graft survival increases with increasing time in culture and 80-90% of BALB/c thyroids maintained in culture for 26 days survive in allogeneic CBA recipients for a 60- to 70-day test period. These allografts show normal function as measured by 125I uptake, and show no histological evidence of chronic rejection. Cultured allografts can be rejected if the host's immune system is stimulated with viable leukocytes of donor origin. Host animals carrying a functioning allograft are not tolerant of donor tissues and will reject a second uncultured allograft from the same donor strain.


Immunological enhancement of rat renal allografts using rabbit antisera with specificity for rat transplantation antigens. Rabbits immunized with particulate and soluble preparations of rat lymphoid tissue of the HO strain produced antisera which reacted without strain specificity on rat lymphocytes. Absorption of the sera with tissue from the AS strain of rat removed the antibodies reacting with AS tissue leaving activity against HO cells only. Studies with backcross rats showed that the antigens detected by these sera were products of the AgB genes or genes segragating with them. The immunosuppressive activity of rabbit antisera specific for Ag-B5 rat transplantation antigens was tested in a rat renal allograft assay. Some of the antisera markedly prolonged the survival of (AS X HO)F1 kidneys transplanted to AS rats. The prolongation of graft survival was not due to ALS activity since the sera were active in the absence of antibody directed against recipient antigens. There was no correlation between in vivo enhancement and anti-donor lymphocytotoxic titres of the xenoantisera.


[The distribution of isoenzymes of lactate dehydrogenase in benign and malignant neoplasms of the human prostate (author's transl)]. The distribution of LDH isoenzymes from homogenate supernatant of bioptically obtained benign and malignant tumours of the human prostate was investigated by agar gel electrophoresis and correlated with the degree of histological differentiation of these tumours. In comparison to the benign adenomas (52.6% H subunits), the values of H subunits declined (adenocarcinomas 47.3% H subunits) in dedifferentiated carcinomas to 37.1% on the average which demonstrate a tendency of increased malignancy. The LDH isoenzyme distribution of malignant tumours is correlated with the degree of histological differentiation of these tumours, which is important for the clinical prognosis.


Role of radiation therapy in cancer of bladder. The results of treating 50 patients with bladder cancer with radiotherapy over a three-year period are evaluated. Ten cases (20 per cent) were treated for palliation. Sixteen of 40 patients treated with intent of cure are considered well with no evidence of disease. Six additional cases were salvaged by further surgery. Another 7 patients died because of natural causes or distant metastases with good local control of the primary cancer postradiotherapy. The remaining 11 cases were considered failures, all died except one living with disease. These patients could not be saved by further surgery primarily because they were not medically fit. Six of twelve cases (50 per cent) survived three years and 19 of 31 cases (61 per cent) survived for one year free of disease. Reasons for possible failures are discussed.


[Immunological studies of patients with chronic ulcerative-hemorrhagic colitis]. Immunologic investigations were carried out with 22 patients with chornic ulcerohemorrhagic colitis in the course of three years. The average values of IgA and TSRFC in the active stage of the disease surpass significantly the normal values. They, to a very large degree, can contribute to the assessment of an advancing remission and in the course of an immunosuppressive treatment the decrease of the therapeutic dosage and the extent to which the patients keep to the prescribed scheme are taken in consideration for its inclusion.


[Serum immunoglobulin E level in bronchial asthma]. Serum immunoglobulin E level was determined in 50 patients with bronchial asthma, treated in the out-patients department and clinical conditions at the Faculty Hospital--Varna. The quantitative determination of immunoglobulin E was carried out by radial immunodiffusion according to Mancini with monospecific anti-IgE globulin serum from Behringswerke (GFR). A considerable elevation of immunoglobulin E in the patients' sera was found, at an average of 394 IU (control 124 IU). A discrepancy in serum immunoglobulin E level was established with the different clinical forms of asthma. The highest are the values with infectious-allergic astmha-424 IU. High are the values both in the treated and not-treated with corticosteroids, without an essential difference between the two patient groups. Some of the rest immunoglobulins showed also an elevationppIgG 2620 mg% and IgA 366 mg%.


[Biogenic amine metabolism in homeotherms exposed to pesticides of different chemical nature]. Some aspects of the biogenic amines -- serotonin and histamine metabolism in rats and guinea pigs following introduction to them of pesticides of different chemical nature, viz. gamma-isomer of hexachlorcyclohexane (lindane) and dimethyldithiocarbamate zinc (zyram) were studied. These pesticides were found to dissimilarly affect the passage with urine of the principal serotonin metabolite -- 5-oxyindol-acetic acid. A short-term (2 days) introduction to rats of large doses (34 mg/kg) of lindane and a protracted (90 days) action of low doses (1.7 mg/kg) produce changes in the content of serotonin and of 5-oxyindol-acetic acid in the brain, liver and kidneys. In the blood of guinea pigs receiving for a lenthy time (120 days) small amounts (4 mg/kg) of zyram shifts in the histamine-histaminase-histaminopexy system were revealed, this pointing to the ability of this pesticide to provoke the state of sensitization.


Alpha-fetoprotein and liver cell proliferation in rats fed choline-deficient diet. Liver 3H-thymidine labelling index and serum AFP were determined in rats fed a standard laboratory or choline deficient diet. A significant increase in the rate of liver cell proliferation was evidenced in animals on the deficient diet. Furthermore, elevated serum AFP levels were detected in a proportion of these rats. It is suggested that increased synthesis of AFP corresponds to liver cell regeneration secondary to hepatic damage.


[Differential-diagnostic and prognostic significance of antinuclear factors]. On the patients of the consulting point for rheumatic diseases of the policlinical institute of the Karl-Marx-University Leipzig analytic examinations of the course for the existence of the LE-cell factor were carried out. We used the loose-body-test after van Soeren as screening test, controlled positive test results for several times under the same experimental conditions and supplemented it by the LE-cell test after Zinkham and Conley or later on by the immune fluorescence test. All patients with positive proof of LE-cells were examined for reference signs concerning a visceral lupus erythematodes, in which cases at the beginning of the examination nobody fulfilled the criteria of the diagnosis of a visceral lupus erythematodes. We tested the constancy of the proof of the LE-cells as well as the diagnosis in the course of longer periods. Typical changes of a visceral lupus erythematodes were seen only rarely. In 2 patients the joint processes were concomitant symptoms of a chronic aggressive hepatitis. In the p.c.p. at stage II to IV with positive LE-cell factors in the first place must be thought of a proof of LE-cell factors induced by drugs. In these cases gold is of practical importance. We could confirm that in contrast to the typical active visceral lupus erythematodes in p.c.p. the antinuclear factors have only a weakly positive result and are above all inconstant.


[Ways and possibilities in the diagnosis of leukemic diseases]. Malign diseases and thus also leucoses are pathogenetically as well as therapeutically an up to now unsolved problem. Since according to the modern standard of our knowledge a chance of healing at best is to be found in the recognition of the pre-stages and the early stages, therefore, intensive diagnostic efforts are necessary. In these cases the usual hematological methods of examination alone cannot help on. Without doubt, the cytochemical and autoradiographic investigation methods are an essential enrichment in the diagnostics. Hopeful perspectives in the early recognition of leucaemic diseases, however, indicate themselves only by new realizations in the field of cytogenetics and by further research of the metabolic function and the molecular biology of the tumour cells.


[Antiarrhythmic effect of disopyramide in ventricular extrasystole and auricular fibrillation]. Disopyramide (B 712) was tested in 39 patients with chronic arrhythmias of different kind: 23 cases with atrial fibrillation, 16 cases with ventricular ectopic beats, two cases with supraventricular tachycardias. The effect of disopyramide was compared to a pretreatment with one or several antiarrhythmic drugs (quinidine, beta-blocking agents, verapamil, ajmalin-bitartrat, aprindine, propafenone, diphenylhydantoin) which had been discontinued either due to ineffectiveness or the occurrence of intolerable side effects. Therapeutical effectiveness was controlled by on-line arrhythmia computers in the CCU or Holter monitoring. 15 patients were treated longer than 4 weeks up to 16 months (mean 35+/-22,6 weeks). The following results were achieved: 1 atrial fibrillation, abolition or significant reduction of the rate of recurrence in 10 out of 23 patients; slight reduction or no effect in 13 patients; 2. ventricular ectopic beats: abolition or significant reduction in 6 out of 16 patients, slight reduction or no effect in the remaining 10 patients. Patients who were treated successfully received the same dosis as those without therapeutical success. In cases with atrial fibrillation, the success was dependent on the duration of this arrhythmia prior to treatment. In comparison to the pretreatment with one or several of the above-mentioned anti-arrhythmic drugs, disopyramide was as effective as the drug given before. The analysis of the Ecg revealed a slight but insignificant prolongation of the time intervals. In 22 patients reversible dosage-dependent side effects were observed which are due to the vagolytic action of the drug: dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary hesitancy, nausea, headache. These side effects occurred at daily dosages between 400 to 800 mg increasing markedly in patients on 800 mg a day. The drug had to be discontinued in 4 cases because of side effects. During long-term treatment no severe side effects were observed. Thus, disopyramide may serve as an alternative to quinidine, especially if the latter has to be stopped because of side effects.


[Modification of the thrombocyte function using hormonal contraception. 1. Thrombocyte count, thrombocyte propagation and platelet aggregation under hormonal contraception]. The number of platelets, spreading and aggregation of platelets in plasma of 102 women treated with Ovosiston, an anticonceptive agent, were investigated. A significant increase of the number of platelets, spreading and aggregation of platelets was observed. Conclusions from isolated observations are not possible.


[Modification of the thrombocyte function using hormonal contraception. 2. Platelet adhesiveness, thromboelastography, conclusions]. Platelet adhesiviness and thrombelastographic investigations in plasma by 102 women treated with Ovosiston, an anticonceptive agent were observed. A significant increase of adhesiveness and thrombelastographic variations was found. In conclusion showed abnormalities of platelet functions and thrombelastographic values point to influences by oral contraceptive agent Ovosiston. In combination with other favouring factors the risk of thromboembolism must be enhanced.


[Protective measures, tolerance margins and legislation]. Federal, cantonal and communal legislation in Switzerland suffers from incompleteness and other deficiencies in spite of a multitude of regulations concerning air management. The future legislation on environment will have to fill in the gaps as far as possible and to eliminate these deficiencies. The legislation in preparation will be based on a modern concept and should make it possible to act in a preventive way in environmental policy as well as in air management. The choice of the instruments to be used will be based not only on availability but in the first place on effectiveness and practical possibilities of execution. Priority is to be given to the reduction of emissions. In order to deal with the problems of air pollution, it has been suggested to classify these problems according to global, national:regional and local significance. As it is not possible to solve all problems in this field in a couple of years, we need to set priorities. These will have to be attributed not only according to the actual necessity for action but also according to the state of progress of current studies.


[Air pollution in Switzerland--sources and extent]. The immediate source of air pollution is the fuel consumption that goes on in domestic heating (about 50%), in motor vehicles (about 25%), and in industry (about 25%). Immissions in towns and agglomerations do not only depend on the number and size of these issuing sources but also on the location and meteorological conditions. The average sulphur dioxide content in various towns amounts to 0.03-0.06 ppm in winter and in summer to 0.01-0.03 ppm. In weather conditions with little exchangeability, as is often the case in Zurich, particulate matter and sulphur dioxide concentrations frequently lie above threshold limits applied abroad. In the area of heavy traffic for instance, daily averages of carbon monoxide of up to 20 ppm, and maximum hourly averages of up to 50 ppm are measured--concentrations which lie also considerably above threshold limits. For nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and lead too, concentrations such as are measured in large foreign cities occur. In the future, coordinated time measurements will have to be carried out more frequently in Switzerland--especially in places with strong emitting sources and unfavorable meteorological conditions.


Acquired resistance to parathyroid hormone. Studies are presented in a patient with pseudohypoparathyroidism who showed a partial response to parathyroid extract. Resistance to the extract was observed after its short-term administration for the gourth time. Serum from the patient contained antibodies of the gamma G globulin class which bound 125I-labelled bovine parathyroid hormone. Prior incubation of parathyroid hormone with the serum prevented the activation in vitro of adenylate cyclase from pork renal cortex. The antibodies were directed primarily toward the C-terminal portion of the molecule. Thus, clinical resistance to parathyroid hormone is attributed to specific antibodies.


On the cytochemical demonstration of basic proteins in the cell nucleus, including the nucleolus. A combined Feulgen-alkaline fast green method is described for simultaneous demonstration of DNA and basic proteins in the cell nucleus. The method is based on preserving both types of substances in the tissue section and releasing in them reactive groups for the 2 kinds of staining. These conditions are best provided, as proved by staining tests on tissue hydrolysates, if formalin-containing mixtures (SERRA's or LILLIE's fluids) are employed for fixation, and cold 5 N HCl is used for FEULGEN hydrolysis. In this way, a good cytological picture is also achieved. Nuclear euchromatin stains with this method red, while heterochromatin, pycnotic nuclei and sperm heads exhibit a deep violet to blue-violet colour. Prominent nucleoli of metabolically active cells display a distinct blue-green staining thus manifesting their high content of basic proteins. Acetylation test reveals that these proteins are of lysine-rich type. The known negative reaction of the nucleoli with the routine alkaline fast green method according to ALFERT and GESCHWIND must be attributed to an extraction of the nucleolar basic proteins with the hot TCA used in this method. Certain analogy in the cytochemical behaviour between the nucleolous and the chromatin under various conditions of hydrolysis leads to the suggestion that the nucleolar basic proteins demonstrated should be in the form of a ribonucleoprotein complex, probably of the pre-ribosomal material of the nucleolus.


Electron microscopic demonstration of hyaluronidase sensible proteoglycans at the presynaptic area in mouse cerebellar cortex. By application of electron cytochemical techniques to cerebellar tissue, the presence of proteoglycans was demonstrated at the axoplasmic matrix of mossy fiber endings. Blocks of glutaraldehyde (G) fixed mouse cerebellum were processed according to the following procedures: a) Some pieces of tissue were post-fixed in osmium tetroxide, dehydrated by ethanol and embedded in araldite. b) Other pieces were sectioned to 30 mum thick and then immersed in Alcian blue solution pH = 2.7 followed by osmium tetroxide fixation, dehydrated and embedded in araldite (GABOUL procedure). c) Parallel slices of (b) previous to Alcian blue immersion were washed and incubated in either methanol-HCl, neuraminidase, ribonuclease or testicular hyaluronidase with their respective controls. d) Other blocks of G fixed tissue without any other treatment and fixation were dehydrated and embedded in araldite. Ultrathin sections of a, b and c were doubly stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate while ultrathin sections of (d) were stained with the osmium coordination compound Os-DMEDA. The electron microscopic study revealed at the presynaptic axoplasm of mossy fiber rosettes, the presence of a GABOUL and Os-DMEDA positive electron dense material surrounding synaptic vesicles and continuous with presynaptic dense projections. This material which coincides with cytonet distribution was resistant to neuraminidase and ribonuclease and sensible to hyaluronidase and carboxymethylation. These findings permit us to conclude that the axoplasmic material of mossy fiber endings is constituted by proteoglycans in which hyaluronic acid and chondroitin 4-and/or 6-sulphate are present. The probable importance of these proteoglycans in synaptic mechanisms is also discussed.


CEA and CEA-like activity in gastric cancer. CEA activity was studied using a three-layer bridge immunoperoxidase method in paraffin-embedded histological sections of gastric mucosa from patients with gastric cancer and from normal asymptomatic subjects. In all cases gastric cancer cells showed CEA or CEA-like activity irrespective of the histological type of cancer. The activity was located mainly in cellular membranes, on the brush border or in apical parts of the cell cytoplasm. CEA activity could not be demonstrated in mucosa specimens from normal controls. These results indicate that the appearance of CEA or CEA-like substances is regularly associated with the malignant transformation of epithelial cells of the gastric mucosa.


Recent progress in the staining of DNA-aldehyde in cell nuclei. The paper is a review of studies on Feulgen staining of nuclear DNA. For convenience, the paper is split into several sections, such as (a) the characteristic of the dyes used for the manufacture of Schiff reagent (b) preparations of Schiff reagent (c) fixation of the material (d) hydrolysis (e) staining with Schiff reagent (f) Schiff-type dyes and (g) use of Schiff-type dyes in quantitative cytochemistry. Barring the section on preparation of Schiff reagent that includes the classical methods, all other sections contain a comprehenside account showing progress made during the last 15 years. Under each section interpretations of new findings as far as possible, and in the section on staining with Schiff reagent, new approaches to its study have been presented. The section on Schiff-type dyes includes dyes with and without primary amino group.


Immunological properties of dialysis retentates from penicillin. Retentates from benzylpenicillin preparations marketed in Canada were used in immunological studies in order to determine if they were immunogenic in experimental animals with respect to anaphylactic antibody production. The retentates obtained consisted mainly of penicillin polymers. Impurities of protein nature were either insignificant or absent. The penicillin polymers were found to be non-immunogenic in Albino Wistar rats, Wistar Furth rats and Hartley guinea pigs. Furthermore, they were unable to effect positive PCA tests in rats passively sensitized to the penicilloyl determinant.


The origin of serum protein, A, B, and H blood group, and Gm and Inv antigens in house dust. Materials precipitated from an aqueous extract of house dust by saturation with ammonium sulphate showed immunological reaction with antisera to human serum albumin, human alpha1-acid glycoprotein, human IgG, Gm and Inv antigens and to A, B and H antigens. It is concluded that the albumin and alpha1-acid glycoprotein are of human origin. It seems that the apparent IgG activity is due to cross-reactivity since, from the anticipated specificities of the Fab and Fc fragments of human IgG, the former could not be detected, and since Gm (6) activity was present, unexpectedly, in Swiss house dust. The A, B and H blood group antigenic activities were detected in relative concentration different from those expected if they were solely of human origin. It is concluded that they are from both human and non-human sources.


Neurohistological and histochemical observations on the lung of Francolinus pondicerianus (gray partridge or safed teeter) as revealed by the cholinesterase technique. An investigation was undertaken to demonstrate the neural elements of the lung of Francolinus pondicerianus, from the point of view of neurohistology and histochemistry. The staining of the neural elements was done by the cholinesterase technique with a maintained pH of 5.2, temperature 40 degrees C and incubation period of 19 h. Distribution of nerves in association with bronchial cartilage, pulmonary vessels and bronchi has been described and discussed. The distribution of the ganglia in association with blood vessels, bronchi, cartilage, various plexuses and the neural terminal terminal network has also been described. The innervation of the bronchi and their branches, and formation of the neural terminal network has been studied, as well as the distribution of cholinesterase in bronchi, blood vessels, muscles, ganglia, and nerve fibres.


Ultrastructural study on the meiotic prophase nucleus of rat oocytes. Rat oocytes in the meiotic prophase are studied by means of classical techniques of electron microscopy, preferential staining methods for DNA and RNA and specific enzymatic hydrolysis. The axial cores in leptotene and the lateral arms in the pachytene synaptonemal complex are composed by fibrils that keep a positive contrast after the application of the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid staining method. They disappear with RNAse treatment, which reveals the presence of chromatin fibrils in the zone occupied by the cores. Preferential staining for DNA corroborates this evidence. Medial arm and lateral-medial fibrils are formed by ribonucleoproteic filaments that form bridges between pairing homologues in the zygotene. In the advanced pachytene stage, the RNA becomes scarce in these structures. No DNA can be detected either in the lateral-medial fibrils or in the medial arm. During diplotene the synaptonemal complex loses its individually and the synaptic space becomes wider and irregular. At the same time, loss of chromatin and a large increase of RNA-containing particles occur. These processes lead to the typical interphasic arrangement of nuclear components seen in the dictyate stage.


Whipple's disease of the central nervous system. Whipple's disease presenting as a neurological disease without gastrointestinal symptoms is an unusual occurrence. A 40 year old man suffered hypersomnia, memory loss and progressive ophthalmoplegia for 6 months prior to death. The nature of this disease was not established during life. Extensive granulomatous inflammation affecting the hypothalamus, hippocampus and periaqueductal gray matter of the brain was found to represent Whipple's disease by electron microscopy. Characteristic lesions were also present in spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, small intestine and myocardium. Bacillary bodies and membranous inclusions similar to those seen in visceral lesions of Whipple's disease were present in macrophages. The findings supported the theory of direct involvement of the central nervous system by bacilli rather than a metabolic origin for the lesions.


Effects of trans-clomiphene in combination with AY-9944 on rat CNS morphology and biochemistry. Developing rats were injected intraperitoneally twice weekly with a combination of two hypocholesterolemic agents: trans-clomiphene 50 mg per kg body weight, and AY-9944, 5 mg per kg body weight. Treatment was initiated at 5 days of age. Biochemical and electron microscopic examination was carried out on animals sacrificed at 20 days of age. Only rarely were cytoplasmic inclusion bodies seen in the CNS. Biochemical analysis of the brain and spinal cords of treated animals indicated the abnormal accumulation of three sterols, zymosterol (5alpha-cholesta-8,24-dien-3beta-ol), 7-dehydrocholesterol (cholesta-5,7-dien-3beta-ol) and 7-dehydrodesmosterol (cholesta-5,7,24-trien-3beta-ol). The 7-dehydrosterols constituted from 56--66% of the total CNS sterol component. Zymosterol was a relatively minor (2.4--5.0%) component.


Alpha-fetoprotein in amniotic fluid and serum from pregnant women with severe rhesus isoimmunization. In 12 pregnant women with severe rhesusiso-immunization the AFP concentration in amniotic fluid (50 samples), maternal serum (212 samples) and cord blood (5 samples) were determined by immuno-electrophoresis. With surviving infants (9 patients) the initial values in amniotic fluid before intrauterine transfusion (IUT) lie evenly distributed within the 90% reference interval. In serum the initial values are within the 90% reference interval, but above the mean level for AFP concentration for gestational age. A similar pattern is seen in the period up to delivery. In 3 cases of intrauterine/neonatal death the initial concentrations of AFP in maternal serum were significantly above the upper limit of normal range, whereas all the initial amniotic fluid concentrations were close to 95% fractile. Intrauterine transfusions do not influence the AFP profiles in a uniform way. The AFP concentration in maternal serum may be used in evaluation of severe rhesus-isoimmunized pregnancies.


Induction of the "pregnancy zone" protein by conjugated oestrogens. Treatment with conjugated oestrogens was found to increase significantly the serum concentration of the pregnancy zone protein (PZ) in a group of postmenopausal women. The basic level of PZ before treatment was comparatively high in this group of women and might be related to age and previous pregnancies. Naturally occurring conjugated oestrogens have a similar effect on the induction of PZ as synthetic oestrogens.


HCT and thyroid function in molar pregnancy. HCT, TSH, T3, T4, PBI, T3-RSU, TBG binding capacity, BMR and thyroid uptake of radioiodine were measured simultaneously on the volunteers with hydatidiform mole and normal pregnancy. TRH stimulation tests were performed on the two groups. The serum HCT levels were higher in association with molar pregnancy than in normal pregnancy. TSH levels were within the nonpregnant range in the two groups. T3, T4, PBI, ETR, BMR and thyroid uptake of radioiodine suggested thyroid hyperfunction in molar pregnancy with a greater degree than that in normal pregnancy. TBG binding capacity and T3-RSU were similar in two groups. The peak TSH levels of TRH stimulation tests ranged widely in patients with molar pregnancies but were within the nonpregnant range in the subjects with normal pregnancies. These findings suggest thyroid hyperfunction in the molar pregnancy is due to a larger amount of HCT than in normal pregnancy.


Identification of antigens within the so-called vaccinia L-S complex by means of quantitative immunoelectrophoresis. The so-called L-S antigen complex of vaccinia virus antigens was studied using gel diffusion and various immunoelectrophoresis methods. The low resolution power of the gel diffusion method and the inconsistency of the results obtained rendered this method unsuitable for identification of individual antigens and for comparative studies. The sensitivity and simplicity of counter current electrophoresis showed the superiority of this method for rapid diagnosis of pox-virus infections. Simple rocket or line electrophoresis could not be used to distinguish the antigens. The height of the individual rockets and the position of the lines were greatly influenced by the strain of virus and the antibody composition of the antiserum. Crossed and crossed-line electrophoresis gave distinct and reproducible patterns which may provide a basis for further studies of vaccinia precipitinogens. The presumed L-S antigen complex was composed of two distinct antigens. The L antigen was more negatively charged and showed an approximate S value of 10 as compared to 7S for the S antigen.


The effect of specific antibodies on the inhibition of leucocyte migration caused by staphylococcal peptidoglycan. Specific antibodies to the various antigenic determinants of staphylococcal peptidoglycan are tested for neutralization of the inhibiting effect of peptidoglycan on leucocyte migration. Antibodies to the C-terminal D-Ala-D-Ala group of pentapeptides and to the C-terminal of the glycine bridge showed high neutralizing effect, whereas that of antibodies to the tetrapeptide and to the glycan chain was negligible. The observed neutralization of antibodies against the outermost parts of peptide chains may be due to the inhibition of contact between peptidoglycan and cells.


Diffusion of sodium in axoplasm of myelinated nerve fibre. Potential clamp analysis. The diffusion of sodium and lithium in the axoplasm of myelinated fibres of Xenopus laevis was investigated. The sodium current associated with pulse steps was measured and the internal sodium concentration was calculated from these measurements with the constant field equation. The internal sodium concentration was increased either (i) by massive pulse trains or (ii) by applying a sodium containing solution to a cut end of the fibre. The time course of the concentration change was measured. Equations were solved numerically for a model axon where sodium diffused freely in the axoplasm. It was found that the experimental results were satisfactorily predicted by this model axon. The calculated diffusion coefficient for sodium in axoplasm seemed to be somewhat lower than that in water. Similar experiments were performed with lithium. These results agreed with the predictions based on unrestricted diffusion in the axoplasm. It is concluded that no major diffusion barriers were present within the axoplasm.


Ionic composition and cardiotoxicity of dimeric contrast media at injection into the coronary arteries of rabbits. The relation between ionic composition and cardiotoxicity of two dimers, iocarmate and iozomate, was investigated by selective injection into the left and right coronary arteries, Least toxic reactions developed at a sodium concentration of 263 to 315 mmol/l for sodium-meglumine iocarmate and 271 to 379 mmol/l for sodium-meglumine iozomate.


Pharmacology of sinomenine, an anti-rheumatic alkaloid from Sinomenium acutum. The root and stem decoctions of Sinomenium acutum Rehd. et Wils. (formerly Sinomenium diversifolius Diels, one type of Fang-chi (Chinese)) have been used as a folk remedy for neuralgia and rheumatoid arthritis in many areas of the Far East. In Japan and China various viny plants have been identified as Fang-chi (Boi in Japanese) since antiquity. This uncertain nomenclature has made it difficult to evaluate the efficacy of the Fang-chi described in the classic literature. Among traditional Fang-chi plants only Sinomeniumacutum has been demonstrated to contain the alkaloid sinomenine, which is now known to be effective in neuralgia and rheumatic diseases. Sinomenine is a unique plant alkaloid, as it potently releases histamine in association  with degranulation of tissue mast cells in mammalian tissues. This action occurs preferentially in the skin and joint capsules. The released histamine is responsible for the dominant pharmacological actions of sinomenine, such as vasodilatation, increased vascular permeability, acceleration of the thoracic and peripheral lymph flow, contraction of plain muscles, increased peristalsis of the intestines, and stimulation of gastric acid secretion. At toxic doses of sinomenine, convulsive central excitation was observed in most laboratory animals. Clinical side effects encountered with high doses of injected sinomenine or of decocted Sinomenium acutum were: injection site flare, pruritus in the head and upper part of the body, edema around the lips and eyelids, and temporary cephalalgia. Most of these side effects were reduced by classical antihistamines (H1-receptor antagonists). Daily subcutaneous injections of sinomenine for more than one week produced an analgesic effect in mice. Granulation tissue growth and adjuvant arthritis induced in rats were both inhibited by daily injections of a small dose of sinomenine hydrochloride or histamine dihydrochloride. These inhibitory effects were mediated through histamine H2-receptors probably on fibroblasts (for granulation tissue growth) and on T-cells (for adjuvant arthritis), since these effects were clearly inhibited by the H2-antagonist burimamide but not by the H1-antagonist mepyramine. The anti-rheumatic effect on Sinomenium acutum are probably genuine and can probably be attributed to the histamine-releasing properties of sinomenine.


Rapid determination of thyroxine binding proteins of human serum. A simple method is described for determing thyroxine binding proteins in human serum by electrophoresis at pH 8.6, using cellulose acetate membrane as the supporting medium. The procedure had high reliability in sera of normal subjects, pregnant women and patients with decreased thyroxine binding capacity of thyroxine binding globulin.


Immunological cross reactivity of four enzymes involved in the biosynthetic pathway of lysine, methionine and threonine in Escherichia coli K12. In Escherichia coli K12 the biosynthetic pathway of lysine, methionine and threonine is characterized by three isofunctional aspartokinases and two homoserine dehydrogenases. A single polypeptide chain carries the threonine-sensitive aspartokinase and homoserine dehydrogenase (AK I-HDH I), and a different polypeptide chain carries the methionine-repressible aspartokinase and homoserine dehydrogenase (AK II-HDH II). Immuno-adsorbants prepared with rabbit antibodies against AK I-HDH I bind the lysine-sensitive aspartokinase (AK III), the AK II-HDH II, and the homoserine kinase (HSK), an enzyme of the threonine biosynthetic pathway. Saturation of the immunoadsorbant with AK I-HDH I results in a decreased binding capacity for the other enzymes. Displacement of bound AK III or HSK can be obtained with pure AK I-HDH I, showing that the affinity of the antibodies to homologous antigens is higher than to heterologous ones. Immunoadsorbants prepared with anti-HSK antibodies show the same type of recognition: binding of the three aspartkinases and a capacity to displace the heterologous antigens bound. Accordingly, the same antibodies, implicated in the binding of the homologous antigen, bind the other enzymes. None of the other enzymes of the pathway, or the other kinases tested are recognized by the two immunoadsorbants. It can be postulated that in E. coli K12, duplication of a common ancestor gene gave rise to the three aspartokinases and to the homoserine kinase; two of the genes coding for the aspartokinases fused with those coding for the homoserine dehydrogenases. Indicating that only few epitopes are shared by these enzymes, by conventional immuno-diffusion techniques no precipitation lines appeared with antibodies against AK I-HDH I and the other proteins.


Immunochemical examination of soluble antigens in the serum of Balb/c mice infected with Rauscher leukaemia virus. The serum of Balb/c mice infected with Rauscher leukaemia virus contained soluble antigens characterized by alpha2 and beta globulin electrophoretic mobility; their respective molecular weights, as determined with gel filtration, were 40 000 and 120 000. The antigens differed in specificity and their corresponding determinants were present on the surface of leukaemic cells. For Balb/c mice both antigens, for DBA/1 and C57B1/10Sn mice only the antigen showing alpha2 mobility was immunogenic.


Effects of midodrine, ST 1059, methoxamine and glycine on spontaneously beating guinea-pig atria. The chronotropic effects of midodrine, glycine (10(-8) to 3.10(-3) M), ST1059 and methoxamine (10(-8) to 10(-3) M) were investigated in the spontaneously beating guinea-pig right atrial preparation. Midodrine and glycine produced a slight, but significant rise in atrial rate over a wide concentration range. The midodrine-induced rise in atrial rate was not influenced by the beta-adrenergic receptor blocking drug propranolol (10(-6) M). The histamine (H2)-receptor blocking drug metiamide (3.10(-5) M) abolished the positive chronotropic actions of both midodrine and glycine. No positive chronotropic effect was seen after the administration of ST 1059 or methoxamine. A decrease in atrial rate was elicited by high concentrations (above 10(-4) to 10(-3) M) of the sympathomimetic agents midodrine, ST 1059, and methoxamine, but not by the amino acid glycine.


Preparing and staining of Coxiella burnetii natural phase II antigen for the microagglutination reaction. An improved method of preparing Coxiella burnetii natural phase II antigen of high purity enabled its staining for use in the microagglutination reaction (MAR). The antigen was as specific and sensitive for detection of phase II antibodies as the artificial phase II C. burnetii antigen prepared by periodate treatment from purified phase I cells of C. burnetii.


A method for serological differentation of closely related poxviruses. A two-step gel precipitation reaction with antiserum to vaccinia virus, based on sequential addition of two test viruses was elaborated for differentiation of closely related orthopoxviruses. The appearance of an additional precipitation line indicated differences in the antigenic structure of the viruses compared. Differences in the antigenic structure of vaccinia, variola and monkey pox viruses as well as the antigenic identity with cow pox virus of poxviruses isolated from carnivora, elephants and okapi were established.


Interspecies interactions of arboviruses. I. Competition phenomenon in mixed populations of Japanese encephalitis and West Nile viruses. Two phenomena, competition and independent reproduction, were observed on co-cultivation of Japanese encephalitis (JE) and West Nile (WN) viruses in permissive systems. Competition occurred in populations propagated in mouse brains and led to elimination of JE virus. Only clones of WN virus were isolated from these populations at the 1st-3rd passage level. No competition was observed in mixed infection of primary Syrian hamster kidney (SHK) cell culturess the population had the combined immunological phenotype JE+WN+, and contained discrete JE and WN virus clones and clones with duplex antigenic markers. Upon subcloning, the latter dissociated into JE and WN viruses. The competition phenomenon depended upon 3 factors: co-cultivation system, peculiarities of the virus strains, and virus dose. The capacity of WN virus strains to eliminate JE virus in mixed infection of mice varied.


Detection by immunofluorescence of avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase. Peripheral blood cells of avian myeloblastosis virus (AMV-(infected chickens were examined at various intervals post infection by immunofluorescence. AMV revertase was identified in pro- and myeloblasts; it was localized mainly in the perinuclear zone or throughout the cytoplasm. No revertase was found in erythrocytes or granulocytes. Blood cells from uninfected chickens of man contained no revertase.


Mustard operation and creation of ventricular septal defect in two patients with transposition of the great arteries, intact ventricular septum and pulmonary vascular disease. The condition of patients with transposition of the great arteries, intact ventricular septum and severe pulmonary vascular disease is inoperable with present techniques. In a series of 260 surgically treated patients with transposition of the great arteries and intact ventricular spetum, 5 had severely increased pulmonary vascular resistance, and all 5 died; postmortem examination confirmed the presence of severe pulmonary vascular disease. The concept of the "palliative Mustard" procedure was applied in two children with transposition of the great arteries, intact ventricular spetum and pulmonary vascular disease who underwent the Mustard operation with creation of a ventricular septal defect. The postoperative course was uneventful in both patients. Thirteen and 5 months, respectively, after operation, both are physically active and have respective arterial oxygen saturation levels of 94 and 92 percent.


Significance of anti-HBc in patients with hepatic disease. A comparative immunohistochemical study of blood and hepatic tissue. Use of the immunofluorescent technic to examine liver sections disclosed different staining patterns for HBsAg and anti-HBc. In reverse, anti-HBc in serum can be detected by immunofluorescence using HBc-positive liver sections as substrate. In 57 of 89 sera tested, anti-HBc could be observed using immunofluorescence. Of these 57 sera, 31 contained HBsAg (54.5%), 15 contained anti-HBs (26.3%), and one contained both HBsAg and anti-HBs (1.7%). Ten patients (17.5%) had anti-HBc without HBsAg or anti-HBs; nine of these patients had disturbed hepatic functions. In eight cases biopsies of liver tissue showed lesions varying from steatosis to cirrhosis. In 32 anti-HBc-negative sera no HBsAg was found; transient anti-HBs was found in one case and persistent anti-HBs was also seen in one case. Biopsies of the livers of 27 anti-HBc-positive patients disclosed the whole spectrum of histologic lesions. There appear to be correlations between HBsAg in blood and in liver, and also between nuclear IgG, the HBsAg pattern in hepatic tissue, and active hepatic disease.


Nucleoprotein-coated latex particles in the serologic diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus. A comparative clinical and serologic study. A commercially available test for systemic lupus erythematosus employing nucleoprotein-coated latex particles has been evaluated both clinically and serologically. The sera from all 40 subjects with active SLE had positive latex tests, while all 28 sera from healthy adults had negative latex tests. False-positive latex tests were observed in five of 13 antinuclear factor-positive patients with other chronic inflammatory diseases. Specific DNAase and RNAase digestion of the latex particles suggested the false-positive results were due to DNA moieties, other than native DNA, coating the latex particles.


An evaluation of elastic tissue staining. The Special Procedures Laboratory of the Department of Pathology at M.D. Anderson Hospital was concerned with the nationwide shortage of hematoxylin. The amount of this dye required for various staining solutions was calculated to determine thrifty usage. Some solutions required more hematoxylin than was available and prompted the serious investigation of existing techniques and new methods for routine laboratory use. Evaluation of various techniques resulted in a significantly successful modification of Gomori's aldehyde fuchsin technique, which was subsequently adopted as a routine procedure for elastic tissue staining in the Special Procedures Laboratory.


Experimental papilledema produced by cyclocryotherapy. Cyclocryotherapy was a reliable method of producing prolonged decreased intraocular pressure and papilledema in the rhesus monkey. Histologic changes in papilledema caused by decreased pressure were indistinguishable from those in papilledema from increased intracranial pressure. Electron microscopic observations in papilledema after cyclocryotherapy suggested that the principal morphologic alteration in the optic disk is axonal swelling. Additionally, many mitochondria accumulated in some swollen axons. These changes, observed at the ultrastructural level, suggest that alternations of axoplasmic transport may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of swelling of the disk.


Immunofluorescent staining of the surfaces of lymphocytes in suspension from patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever. Immunofluorescent staining of lymphocytes suspensions from 55 of 62 patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever was positive for dengue antigen and human beta1C/a-globulin on the surface, from the second ay before shock or subsidence of fever. The percentages of positive staining of both components gradually increased to a maximum on the day of shock or subsidence of fever. B lymphocytes increased during the course of the disease. Neither dengue antigen nor human beta1C/a-globulin was detected on the surface of the lymphocytes from normal controls or patients with other diseases. By double immunofluorescent staining with different colors of fluorochromes, antidengue antibody with fluorescein isothiocyanate and antihuman gamma -globulin or antihuman beta1C/a-globulin with lissamine rhodamine B on the same lymphocytes revealed dengue antigen appearing only on B lymphocytes. The human beta1C/a-globulin and dengue antigen were located on the surface of the same lymphocytes. The pattern of the staining by both components showed fine and coarse irregular granules over the lymphocyte surface. The fluorescent granules seemed to be on the surface but not in the intracellular vacuoles of the lymphocytes.


The role of radiotherapy in the definitive management of rectal carcinoma. The role of radiotherapy in the management of rectal and rectosigmoid cancer is still far from clear. Our experience with 98 patients is presented: eight patients were treated with radical radiotherapy, 13 received postoperative radiation, and 67 were treated for palliative purposes only (bleeding, pain, mass, and fistulation). Satisfactory results were demonstrated in all three categories, and sterilization of disease by radiation was histologically proven in three cases. The necessity of high-dose radiation for the achievement of optimum results is demonstrated, and the techniques and problems are described.


Bleomycin, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone (BACOP) combination chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced diffuse histiocytic lymphoma. A new combination chemotherapy program for patients with diffuse histiocytic and mixed histiocytic-lymphocytic lymphoma was designed to prevent tumor recurrence during the recovery period of each treatment cycle. A myelosuppressive phase consisting of adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine was followed by the nonmyelosuppressive agents bleomycin and prednisone to suppress regrowth of lymphoma while allowing for a return in bone marrow function. Twelve of 25 patients (48%) with advanced, previously untreated, diffuse histiocytic lymphoma achieved a complete remission as determined by restaging 1 month after discontinuation of treatment. The median duration of complete response after completion of therapy is in excess of 1 year (range, 5 to 30 months), and no patient has relapsed. Based on previous experience, it is anticipated that the majority of these patients will achieve an extended disease-free survival for what had previously been regarded as an invariably fatal disease.


Observations on bacteriophages of Clostridium botulinum type C isolates from different sources and the role of certain phages in toxigenicity. Twenty strains of Clostridium botulinum type C, including 12 isolates from avian sources with varying toxigenic properties, were examined by electron microscope for the presence of bacteriophages. All toxigenic strains were infected with one or two types of phages. Three types of phages designated large, small, and intermediate were observed. Most of the strains carried the large and small phage, with the large phage being present in much greater numbers. Since there is evidence that highly toxigenic strains of C. botulinum type C are responsible for large outbreaks of botulism in wild birds, the phenomenon of toxigenic variation among the type C strains was investigated. Experiments were carried out employing a broth medium on a phagefree nontoxigenic strain for elucidating the role of bacteriophages in toxigenicity. All phage suspensions contained large phages, with the exception of one that caused conversion. The exception was a preparation containing an intermediate type of phage. Phages from different strains produced cultures of varying toxigenic characteristics. By employing a tube-lytic test and an agar-overlay-phage assay technique, it was determined that whenever the phage-bacterium relationship resulted in an initial high degree of lysis, the potency of toxin in the culture was weak. It appeared that in highly toxigenic strains, the phage-bacterium relationship is characterized by a stable lysogenic type of association. It was also found that in a highly toxigenic converted culture the percentage of toxigenic cells was 100, whereas in hypotoxigenic culture the percentage was only 20.


Detection of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans in acid mine environments by indirect fluorescent antibody staining. An indirect fluorescent antibody (FA) staining technique was developed for the rapid detection of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. The specificity of the FA stain for T. ferrooxidans was demonstrated with both laboratory and environmental samples. Coal refuse examined by scanning electron microscopy exhibited a rough, porous surface, which was characteristically covered by water-soluble crystals. Significant numbers of T. ferrooxidans were detected in the refuse pores. A positive correlation between numbers of T. ferrooxidans and acid production in coal refuse in the laboratory was demonstrated with the FA technique.


Anterior and posterior groups of portal vessels in the avian pituitary: incidence in forty nine species. The hypophyseal portal vessels were studied in forty nine species of birds. The primary capillary plexus in the median eminence is single or divided into an anterior and a posterior plexus. Irrespective of whether the primary capillary plexus is single or divided, distinct, non-interconnected anterior and posterior groups of portal vessels are present in all the species investigated. The anterior group of portal vessels originates in the anterior region of the median eminence and breaks up into capillaries in the cephalic lobe of the pars distalis; the posterior group of portal vessels originates in the posterior region of the median eminence and breaks up into capillaries in the caudal lobe of the pars distalis. This type of regional distribution of portal vessels appears to be of general occurrence in the avian pituitary. The median eminence in the species investigated shows an AF-positive anterior region and an AF-negative posterior region. The pars distalis is differentiated into histologically distinct cephalic and caudal lobes. The arrangement of the portal vessels into anterior and posterior groups provides morphological basis for the view that the functions of the cephalic lobe may be controlled by the anterior median eminence, whereas those of the caudal lobe may be controlled by the posterior median eminence. However, experimental data available to date do not suggest a physiological significance to the widespread incidence of the regional distribution of portal vessels in the avian pituitary.


Some thoughts about the treatment of patients suffering from cancer of the esophagus or cardia. The treatment of patients suffering from carcinoma of the esophagus or the cardia is extremely difficult, and the results to date have not been encouraging. The authors are of the opinion that only relatively young patients in good general condition, with a tumor smaller than 5 cm, without metastases and without peri-esophageal infiltration, should be considered for curative ratiotherapy and/or surgery. However, apart from these tumor and patient elements, the physician's skill and the facilities for adequate nursing are also of decisive importance. When curative treatment is not possible, this does not imply the more or less automatic selection of some form of palliative radiotherapy or surgery. In certain circumstances, symptomatic treatment or the natural course of the disease will be best for the patient and his environment. More data should be collected regarding the natural course of the disease, especially in comparison with the results after palliative surgery or radiotherapy.


[Sinus node function in man. Statistical analysis]. The sinus function of 60 patients was studied by atrial stimulation at a fixed rate, and also at a rate linked with the preceding sinus cycle. These patients were divided into 3 groups according to the surface-recorded ECG; 10 had clear evidence of sinus dysfunction, 23 had an isolated sinus bradycardia, and 27 were considered as controls a their sinus rate was above 60/min., with a normal PR interval. Calculation of the limits of tolerance showed that at the 5% level, 95% of the values for all the controls fell between 96.8 and 568.7 ms for the corrected post-stimulatory pause, and between 114.5 and 434.3 ms for the corrected maximum return cycle. A study of the distribution zones of the graph CT/CR-AA/AA proved that an absent zone II is a pathological finding. In the group of sinus bradycardias the limits of what constitutes pathology are less clear, and the situation is not improved by noting whether atrial "echos" are present or absent. Because there is a narrow positive correlation between the values given by the two methods, the physio-pathology of sinus dysfunction can be discussed.


[About the heterogeneity of the murine oncornavirus group-specific antigen gs-1 (author's transl)]. In isoelectric focusing of twofold gradienpturified and Tween 80-ether disrupted RLV the groupspecific antigen (gs-1) was found in 3 pH-zones (4,45-5,5; 5,65-6,0; 6,45-6,6). For the gs-1 from plasma und spleen cells of leukemic mice was shown heterogeneity by several methods: 1. Gs-1 from plasma showed in isoelectric focusing a scattering along the whole elution profile. 2. Agarimmunoelectrophoresis resulted in a longer precipitationline for gs-1 from plasma in comparison with gs-1 from spleen cells. 3. Polyacrylamidgelelectrophoresis with following immunodiffusion made evident the particularly discrete character of this heterogeneity: gs-1 from both materials were found in two main zones.


Thyroid-bound Y-chromatin-like fluorescence in the nuclei of thyroid adenomas. Brilliantly fluorescent supernumerary chromocenters indistinguishable from the Y-chromatin have been often found electively in the thyroid nuclei. The authors compared the occurrence of this Y-chromatin-like fluorescence in 31 thyroid adenomas obtained from 30 autopsy cases (10 males, 20 females) with non-adenomatous thyroid tissues of the same cases. All adenomas had follicular structure but one with papillary structure. The frequency class of Y-chromatin-like fluorescence of adenomas was lower in 15 cases out of 31 than that of the same non-adenomatous thyroid tissue. The Y-chromatin-like fluorescence had a negative count in 13 cases of 31 adenomas but only in 3 cases of normal thyroid tissues from 30 persons. The disappearance of the nuclei with Y-chromatin-like chromocenters is supposedly connected with cellular dedifferentiation of thyroid adenomas.


[Pulse cytophotometric and cytologic repeated examinations of cervical secretions as compared with histologic findings (author's transl)]. 1625 cervical smears from 397 women were investigated in special cytological consultations. On the same material 693 impulse cytophotometric (ICP) measurements were made, stained with ethidium bromide after pepsination. In 207 patients the diagnosis was certain by histology. The mean height of the 4c-peak (in 0/00 of the 2c-peak) raises with the Papanicolaou grading from 38,2 in Pap. I up to 128,8 in Pap. V. In histological confirmed cases in dysplasia the mean 4c-height was 79,5 and in carcinoma 102.2. If only one ICP investigation was turned to account there are some disagreements between the ICP value and the diagnosis finally resulting from the clinical and cytological course. The differences are considerably diminished by repeated ICP investigations. Therefore ICP measurements are a valuable aid in interpreting cytodiagnostic problems. They often facilitate the choice of further diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.


Correlative light and electron microscopy of the frog adrenal gland cells using adjacent epon-embedded sections. Correlative light and electron microscopy on the same cells of the adrenal gland of the frog, Rana nigromaculata, fixed in glutaraldehyde followed by osmium tetroxide, was done using the adjacent Epon embedded sections. Electron microscope observation revealed three different types of granule-filled secretory cells; the noradrenaline-storing cells (NA cells) filled with intensely dense and varying shaped granules, the adrenaline-strong cells (A cells) filled with relatively less dense granules and the summer cells (STILLING, 1898) containing very large, round or polygonal granules (0.2-1.3 mu in diameter). Light microscopically, an essential difference could be observed in the affinity to ammoniacal silver solution between NA and A cells. It was clarified that the granules of NA cells stained in black and were clearly distinguishable from the yellow- or brown-stained granules in both A cells and summer cells. This silver method can be applied for the light microscopic identification of the NA cells in the Epon-embedded sections. Furthermore, after immersing the thick sections in toluidine blue or methylene blue, the granules of NA cells showed much stronger affinity to both dyes than those of A cells and became dark blue and occasionally stained greenish blue in methylene blue, while the summer cells became blue and the granules of the A cells stained light blue.


Comparative serological studies with mammalian adenoviruses. Nine serotypes of bovine adenovirus, five serotypes of ovine adenovirus, and four serotypes of porcine adenovirus were compared in reciprocal cross-neutralisation tests, to determine if viruses isolated from different species were indeed distinct serotypes. In addition, the above serotypes were tested for possible antigenic relationships with 28 of 32 human adenoviruses, by one-way cross neutralisation tests with human adenovirus antisera. The results indicated that all viruses tested were distinct serotypes. Ovine adenovirus types 4 and 5, until now not compared by neutralisation tests, were confirmed as separate serotypes.


Development of a new human polyoma virus strain (MG). A polyoma virus isolated from the urine of a renal transplant patient has been grown on primary human foetal fibroblasts and its pattern of replication studied by thin section electron microscopy. Virus replication is characterized by the appearance of spherical, crystalline arrays in the nucleoplasm which differ from the nuclear virus crystals found in cells infected by the human polyoma virus prototypes JC and BK. A serological study has substantiated differences between the prototypes and the MG isolate. The affinity of MG and other polyoma viruses for the cell membrane suggests a possible basis for the demyelinating effect seen in cases of polyoma-associated progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy.


Hemorrhages with optic nerve drusen. A differentiation from early papilledema. The distinction between early papilledema and drusen of the optic disk may be made more difficult by the presence of hemorrhages. We report five patients with drusen of the optic disk and associated hemorrhages. The distinguishing characteristics of both conditions are described.


Alpha fetoprotein in liver disease in Papua New Guinea. A radioimmunoassay method was used for the detection of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) in the sera of 112 Papua New Guinean patients who had undergone liver biopsy. Sera from 69 normal subjects and 20 hospital patients were also tested. Alpha fetoprotein was found to be elevated above normal levels in many of these subjects, but particularly in those suffering from viral hepatitis, cirrhosis and primary liver cell carcinoma (PLC). The highest values were found in patients with PLC. It is concluded that because of the elevation of AFP values in all these different types of liver disease the RIA test is not of great value in Papua New Guinea, except in the follow-up of some patients with cirrhosis who are at risk of developing PLC and in those who have undergone treatment for PLC.


Immediate hypersensitivity: a clinical review. Diseases in which immediate hypersensitivity (IH) reactions occur, (asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema) are very common in Australia although their overall prevalence is unknown. Until recently the clinical investigation of IH has been undertaken almost exclusively by allergists using scratch tests. The discovery of Ige by Ishizaka et al. in 1966 resulted in a rapid increase in the understanding of the processes involved in IH reactions and, although much remains unclear, respiratory physicians,immunologists and epidemiologists are becoming increasingly involved in investigating the IH reactivity of individuals and populations. In this review the immunological basis of IH reactions is briefly presented; the role of skin tests in their assessment is evaluated and the relationship between IH and clinical allergic disease is discussed in terms of patient management.


Hepatitis B antigen subtypes in asymptomatic carriers in the Solomon Islands. Three hundred and fifty-three students attending King George VI School in Honiara, British Solomon Islands Protectorate, were tested by immunodiffusion for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBS Ag). The prevalence of HB Ag was 13% and the antigen was found more frequently in males. Twenty-seven samples which contained high titers of antigen were subtyped to define those subtype combinations present in the BSIP. The most frequent antigen was adr+yw-. This combination is also common in Thailand and Japan. The second most prevalent combination was ayw+dr-. The antigenic determinants also occurred less frequently as adw+yr-, adwr+y-, and awr+dy-. These unusual samples which contain both w and r may be the result of mixed particles, recombination of virus, mixing of viral proteins in doubly infected cells or extracellular aggregation of mixed viral products.


Evaluation of insecticide smears for the control of screw-worm fly, Chrysomya bezziana, in Papua New Guinea. Three new insecticide smear preparations for the control of Chrysomya bezziana larvae infesting wounds of cattle have been tested under field and laboratory conditions and compared with an established preparation EQ 335 which is based on 3% lindane. Two preparations based on 3% coumaphos proved comparable to EQ 335 in the field trials and exhibited more prolonged residual effectiveness in laboratory tests. A smear preparation based on 2.5% methoxychlor was only effective in controlling 1 and 2 day-old larvae in wounds and was generally inferior to other smears tested in the laboratory.


Multifocal ventricular parasystolic tachycardia. Two cases of spontaneous multifocal ventricular parasystolic rhythm are described. One case showed double and the other fivefold parasystole. All seven foci had an enhanced rate of discharge, ranging from 57 to 102/min and at least three of them showed exit block. Though beats from three foci displayed very short coupling intervals, occasionally interrupting the terminal part of the preceding T wave, in none of the cases was repetitive firing or ventricular fibrillation seen. Both patients had organic heart disease and both are still alive six months after the arrhythmia was first recorded. Problems in the diagnosis of multiple parasystole and some mechanisms which may be responsible for irregular interectopic intervals are discussed. It is concluded that multiple parasystole is probably not a very rare arrhythmia if long strips of simultaneously recorded multiple leads are available.


Anatomical variants in aortic atresia. Potential candidates for ventriculoaortic reconstitution. Aortic valve atresia is usually associated with severe hypoplasia of the left ventricle and mitral apparatus. Palliative procedures, including atrial septectomy, pulmonary artery-aorta anastomosis, and pulmonary artery banding, have been performed in some patients. However, because of the distinct underdevelopment of the left heart, the long-term prognosis must be guarded even in the survivors of these procedures. Rarely, aortic valve atresia is found with adequate left heart chambers. Because very few of these patients are described, the clinical, angiocardiographic, and the pathological findings in two patients are presented, with comments on palliation in the neonatal period, and the potential for ventriculoaortic reconstitution.


[Mesenteric panniculitis].

[Mesenteric panniculitis]. A 4-year-old girl was studied at the Pediatrics Unit at the Hospital General de México, S.S.A., with a diagnosis of abdominal tumor, probably malignant. After several laboratory tests (blood count, blood chemistry, catecholamines and the following X-ray studies: chest, skull, long bones, Cava's phlebography and excretory urography), she was submitted to surgery without a diagnosis. After this, the final diagnosis was established: mesenteric panniculitis (mesenteric lipodystrophy. This case is published because of its rare occurrence at this age and because it is important to be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of abdominal tumors in pediatric practice.


Ophthalmoscopic signs of obstructed axoplasmic transport after ocular vascular occlusions. When axoplasmic transport in ganglion-cell axons is interrupted by ischaemia organelles accumulate in distended axon terminals at the edges of the infarct. This report illustrates the localized opaque swelling of nerve fibres shich develops at or near the optic disc after occlusion of the central retinal or posterior ciliary arteries. No such swelling occurs in patients who have a combined occlusion of these vessels.


Evaluation of macrophage electrophoretic mobility (MEM) test as an indicator of cellular immunity in ocular tumours. The macrophage electrophoretic mobility (MEM) test of Field and Caspary did not clearly separate patients with ocular neoplastic disease from those with inflammatory disease, although there was some indication of discrimination between choroidal melanoma and ocular inflammation. In our hands the test failed to give a reproducible result for the immunodiagnosis of ocular malignancy. The technique, however, seems to provide some indication of delayed hypersensitivity in experimental inflammatory eye diseases when relatively pure antigens are used.


Phase partition studies of actinomycin-nucleotide complexes. A method is reported for measuring the stoichiometry of complex formation between actinomycin and a series of deoxynucleotides. The amount of bound actinomycin is measured by distribution of the drug between two liquid phases, a buffer phase containing deoxynucleotide and an organic phase in which the nucleotide is insoluble. Using simple statistical mechanical analysis, the equilibrium equations for several models of actinomycin-deoxynucleotide complexes have been derived: actinomycin with one binding site, with two equivalent independent binding sites, and with two sites which must be occupied together. The binding of actinomycin C3 with dpG, dpApG, dpA, and dpGpC has been examined compared with these models. It is found that binding to dpG and dpApG involves two independent binding sites of nearly equal affinity for nucleotides, whereas binding of dpGpC to the two binding sites on actinomycin is a cooperative process. Binding of dpA tp actinomycin is partially cooperative and weaker than binding of dpG. The dimerization constant of actinomycin was also determined by the phase separation technique, and found in agreement with other values, including the results of kinetic measurements reported here.