Lactate and malate dehydrogenases in the muscles and male genital tract of the rabbit. Average lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzyme patterns the content of H subunits, total LDH activity, total malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activity and the m- MDH/s-MDH ratio were determined in twelve muscles and the male genital tract of the rabbit. LDH(1) was the predominant form in the heart, soleus and masseter muscles, LDH(3) in the lingual muscles and LDH(5) in the other muscles analysed. In the muscles, an increase in the percentual proportion of M subunits was accompanied, by a proportional increase in total LDH activity and a decrease in total MDH activity, especially m-MDH. LDH isoenzyme patterns and LDH and MDH activities are useful for obtaining some idea about the proportion of individual muscle fibres. Activity accounted for by H subunits was roughly the same in all the muscles analysed, indicating that the synthesis of H subunits is independent of the type of muscle fibre and of the oxygen supply of the muscular tissue, and also that isoenzymes composed chiefly of H subunits are not localized preferentially in the mitochondria. Similar relationships between LDH isoenzymes and LDH and MDH activities were found in the testicular and epididymal tissues. The tests and the head of the epididymis mainly contain LDH isoenzymes composed of H subunits. The total LDH activity in these tissues is relatively low and their MDH activity is relatively high compared with the body and tail of the epididymis. The proportion of H subunits in the ampulla, the seminal vesicles, the coagulating glands and the prostate is also high. Cowper's glands have a high LDH(5) and LDH(4) concentration. One of two LDHx isoenzymes were found in the testes and spermatozoa.


Effect of d-6-methyl-8-ergoline-i-ylacetamide (Deprenon) on the FSH content of the pituitary in castrated female rats. The authors studied the effect of Deprenon (D-6-methyl-8-ergoline-I-acetylamide tartrate) on the FSH content of the adenohypophysis of female rats which had been castrated 3 and 6 weeks previously. The FSH content, determined by the method of Johnson and Naqui (1970), is expressed at the mean weights of the recipients' ovaries compared with a group given only 30 I.U. HCG. Within 30 min after administration, a single peroral dose of 0.5 mg Deprenon/kg produced a drop in the pituitary FSH content. This was not very pronounced 3 weeks after castration, but was highly significant 6 weeks after castration, when the amount of FSH in the control animals' pituitaries rose.


Causes of experimental pulmonary hypertension in rats. Experimental pulmonary hypertension was induced in young male rats by means of tracheoconstriction and repeated injections of aqueous bean (Phaseolus vulg.) extract into the trachea. After 120 days, the blood pressure of the experimental and control animals was measured in the pulmonary artery with a shaped polyethylene catheter, without opening the chest. In all the experimental animals the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery was higher than in the controls. The mean pressure in the pulmonary artery of the experimental rats was 25 +/- 1 torr and in the controls 16 +/- 0.4 torr. The right ventricle of the experimental animals was larger than in the controls. No difference was found between the systemic blood pressure values, measured in the femoral artery, in the experimental animals and the controls. The experimental animals had a faster heart rate. Cardiac output, measured by the dye dilution method, was the same in the control and experimental animals and there was likewise no difference in the PO2 PCO2 and pH values in the arterial blood. The inhalation of oxygen instead of air did not affect the blood pressure in the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary blood vessels were evaluated quantitatively in histological sections of the experimental and control animal's lungs. There was no different between  the thickness of the media of the distal pulmonary vessels, expressed as a percentage of the outer diameter of the vessel, in the experimental animals and the controls. A media thicker than 7% was found in 15% of the evaluated vessels from experimental animals and in 8% of those from the controls. No correlation between the mean thickness of the media and the mean blood pressure in the pulmonary artery was found in any of the animals.


Congenital complete heart block. Radiographic findings in 13 patients without associated defects. The radiographic findings in 13 patients with congenital complete heart block without associated anomalies are presented to illustrate characteristic features. Findings related to the increased stroke volume in these patients include: (a) simulated shunt vasculature; (b) pulmonary venous pypertension with redistribution of blood flow to the upper lungs, and, in one patient, peribronchial edema; (c) cardiomegaly with right ventricular, pulmonary artery, left atrial, left ventricular, and aortic enlargement; and (d) variation in cardiac size on serial examinations. Less commonly seen were findings related to atrioventricular dissociation with transitory marked pulmonary venous hypertension present in one patient when left atrial contraction occurred during ventricular systole when the mitral valve was closed.


[The endocrine cells of the gastrointestinal epithelium and the metabolism of biogenic amines in the gastrointestinal tract (author's transl)]. After a review on the historical development of morphological investigations of entero-endocrine cells, dating back to 1870, a detailed synoptical review of the current stage of findings in this field is given. At the present time nine different endocrine cell types can be distinguished in the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract. Criteria for this differentiation are properties concerning specific staining methods, aldehyde-induced fluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and ultrastructure. From present results it is obvious that distinct cell types are responsible for the synthesis of defined polypeptide hormones (e.g. gastrin, secretin, enterogastrone). The metabolism of amines, in relation to the endocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract is of particular interest here. Points investigated include the uniqueness of endocrine cells, with regard to the metabolism of biogenic amines ("APUD-cells") and the possibility of serotonin synthesis by a definite cell type, i.e. by the EC-cell ("enterochromaffin" cell). In our experimental animal, male Wistarrats, seven different entero-endocrine cell types can be discerned by ultrastructural means: EC-, ECL-, G-, AL-, EG-, D- and D1-cells. The I-cell (found in other species) can hardly be distinguished from the AL-cell by ultrastructural means and the S-cells, as found in other species, are not to be found at all. Only some of the cited cell types can be seen by fluorescence microscopy. After formaldehyde-treatment of the tissue, the "enterochromaffin" cell shows a yellow, serotonin-specific fluorescence. This cell corresponds in shape, number and distribution to the ultrastructurally defined EC-cell. EC-cells are found predominantly in the pyloric region and the duodenum and less frequently in the middle- and hindgut and the cardiac region; seldomly EC-cells are encountered in the oxyntic gland area of the stomach. In the rat gastro-intestinal tract, number and fluorescent intensity of EC-cells does not always correspond with the serotonin content of a certain region--sometimes the level of serotonin is largely determined by the mast cells, which in the rat also contain serotonin. For example, the high serotonin content of the oxyntic gland area, which contains very few EC-cells, has to be contributed nearly exclusively to mast cell serotonin. Mast cells can be domonstrated by fluorescence microscopy, due to their histamine content, after treatment of the tissue with o-phthalaldehyde (OPD). It seems likely that the histamine content, especially that of the so-called "atypical mast cells" of the mucosa, is inversely related to their respective serotonin content. --In addition to mast cells, OPD-treatment leads to a fluorescence in some of the entero-endocrine cells of the gastrointestinal epithelium. In the gastric epithelium these fluorescing cells should be regarded as histamine-containing ECL-cells and glucagon-containing AL-cells while in the colonic epithelium they are considered to be glucagon-containing AL-cells...


Behavioral evidence for the stimulation of CNS serotonin receptors by high doses of LSD. Systemic administration of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to rats induces a behavioral syndrome--consisting of tremor, rigidity, Straub tail, hindlimb abduction, lateral head weaving and reciprocal forepaw treading--which is a reflection of increased activation of central serotonin receptors. Utilizing this behavioral measure, a marked supersensitivity to LSD was observed in rats whose serotonin nerve terminals had been selectively destroyed, and a dramatic tolerance to LSD was observed following its repeated administration to normal rats. These data provide direct evidence that LSD can stimulate CNS serotonin receptors to a degree which markedly affects behavior.


[Sporadic Down's syndrome with isochromosome or translocation 21q/21q (author's transl)]. One boy with Down's syndrome was found to be a rearranged chromosome 21q/21q. Cytogenetic analysis by G-banding techniques did not show if the rearranged chromosome was a translocation or an isochromosome. The karyotype of both parents was normal.


[Ender's flexible nail. Theoretical and biomechanical study. Technic, indications and results in the treatment of cervico-trochanteric fractures]. The authors describe the Ender's technique in the treatment of fractures of the trochanteric region. They realise a blind nailing, introducing "elastic" nails in the region of the medial condyle, under Xray control. The authors have conducted a biomechanical study comparing this type of nailing with nail-plating (extensometry and mathematical theory). 51 patients were operated-on. The results are analysed. The authors point out that the surgical procedure is very fast and simple, therefore they support it for aged people.


[Congenital elevation of the scapula in children. Anatomo-pathological and therapeutic study apropos of 27 cases]. The authors have treated 27 cases of congenital elevation of the scapula in children. 21 were operated on. They describe 3 types of the deformity which was often associated with other congenital lesions local (spine, ribs) or general. Two types of operations were performed: Schrock's procedure (partial excision of the scapula) and Woodward's procedure (dissection and re-insertion of muscles). The second one was followed by better results. Operations must be cautiously decided for they may be the cause of severe complications.


[Surgery in a plastic air-filled chamber. Current possibilities]. The authors have made an assessment of the use of an isolating operation chamber in 137 operations, primarily for the insertion of prostheses the the hip or knee, but also for the shoulder. The isolating chamber can be used equally well for hip, knee, shoulder or other surgery. The unit is made in the form of a plastic balloon, the air inside is sterile. Inflation is maintained by air passed through filters said to give complete sterility. The chamber is fitted with gloves to allow work to be done inside it. It is adherent to the skin of the patient and its wall is incised at the same time as the skin. The result is a very satisfactory isolation of the wound, eliminating faults in aseptic technique but requiring fresh sterilisation for each new procedure. Their assessment has shown that this enclosure can be used without any major problem of adaptation.


[Surgical technics in tumors of the spine]. The authors have treated two hydatic cysts, three plasmocytomas, one chondrosarcoma, one osteogenic sarcoma and four metastasis at the level of the spine. The surgical procedures may be either palliative or curative. In metastatic lesions, posterior decompression was associated with internal fixation for prevention or improvement of neurological signs, providing more comfort during the patient's survival. Curative procedures were achieved a two-stages excision of the vertebra by anterior and posterior approachs, grafting and fixation using Harrington's rods. Surgery was followed by chemotherapy and roentgentherapy it should be started before onset on neurological troubles. Early results were gratifying flaccid paraplegia excluded.


[Bimalleolar fractures and their equivalents]. The authors have reviewed 194 malleolar fractures. 164 cases were treated conservatively. Less of half of them led to satisfactory results. 44 cases were operated on either primitively or after failure of conservative treatment. 29 satisfactory results were noted on 33 cases reviewed after a one year (or more) follow-up. Both foci were systematically approached, including the cases where a ruptured fragment existed in place of the malleolar fracture. Important third posterior fragments were fixed by a postero-lateral approach in prone position. Usually the lateral malleoli were fixed by screwing or plating or wiring. Medial malleoli were fixed by screwing or wiring. In some cases, collapse of the tibial roof had to be treated by grafting. The authors emphasize the importance of a fair repair of such lesions which should be recognized by tomographs. Indications are detailed. In any case, treatment should be applied in emergency for avoiding early blisters.


[Fractures of the odontoid process of the axis]. Analysis of 15 cases of fracture of the odontoid process of the axis, with a follow-up time of 18 months to 9 years. In 6 cases (40 p. 100) the diagnosis of the fracture was made with a delay extending from one week to 3 months after the accident. The only case complicated with neurological findings was a fracture of the dens without radiological displacement. All patients have been treated conservatively. Twelve fractures united after 4 to 6 months immobilisation. In two cases a tight and stable non-union has developed. In only one case the pseudarthrosis was loose and unstable, and required a surgical fusion. The functional result was dominated by a restriction of movements of the head, variable in its importance, but practically constant.


[Early general complications of total hinged knee prosthesis]. 16 early deaths (within 24 hours) were observed after 758 knee joint replacements. In eight instances the patient died during the operation, and the other eight few hours later. The author discussed several possible causes: toxicity of the monomere, fat embolism hyperpressure in the medullary canal, hemorrhage. Several per and post operative precautions are recomanded.


[Fracture-dislocations of the upper end of the humerus]. 30 cases have been collected and treated by the authors. They classify the anatomical types according to the direction and nature of the fracture line. The treatment is more difficult when the fracture is intra-capsular than when it is extra capsular, that is metaphysial or below the tuberosities. A particular type was described, called "vertical fracture" by the authors. The major complication was a persistent joint stiffness, commonly bound to an avascular necrosis of the humeral head, especially in intra-capsular fractures. An orthopaedic reduction should always be attempted when the fracture is impacted. In the other cases, the treatment should be surgical aiming at obtaining a reduction of the dislocation and fixation of the fracture. The opportunity of an early arthroplasty in intra-capsular, comminuted fractures with extruded capital fragments is discussed.


[Treatment of flexion-pronation contracture of the wrist in hemiplegic children]. Thirty-three cases of infantile spastic hemiplegia have been treated surgically for wrist deformity in flexion, pronation and ulnar deviation. The authors used Green's technique in most of the cases (transplantation of flexor carpi ulnaris to the extensores carpi) either in isolation or in association with lengthening of the pronator teres. The indications for surgery are given and the details of surgical technique and postoperative care are described. The complications are described and the factors affecting prognosis are analysed. Half of the cases had good or excellent results; five were failures.


[Treatment of open leg fractures by double frame external fixation]. The authors review 36 cases of compound fractures of the tibia of type II and III (Cauchoix Classification). The treatment used was: 1. Careful cleansing of the sound. 2. The use of an external fixation (Hoffmann) as a double frame. 3. Continous irrigation. The authors stress that initial reduction should be accurate and that stability can be obtained by compression. Additional treatment was often needed, dependent on the stage of skin healing and the state of bone union. For the skin, Davis grafts or cross-leg flaps were used. For bone union, tibio-fibular grafts or reinforcing cancellous bone grafts (Papineau's technique) were used.


Para-osteo-arthropathies in paraplegia. Personal sergical experience. The authors have observed a number of cases of ectopic ossification in patients in a rehabilitation centre for paraplegia. They review the clinical features of the condition, its frequency and its localization. The time of onset and the spontaneous evolution of the condition was found to be variable. Operations were performed on 35 joints - 16 hips, 13 knees and 6 elbows. The results are described. The authors emphasize the value of serial scintigrams before surgery to assess the maturation of ossification. Operations based on the results of such investigations appear to have been followed by a lower rate of recurrence.


Astragalectomy in children. Results, technics, and indications based on personal experience in 33 cases. The authors have operated on 33 equinovarus feet, (14 patients) with various condition--myelomeningocele, arthrogryposis, club foot or dwarfism. The results were poor, only 11 being satisfactory. Some failures were due to incorrect tecunique. The authors describe the technique which they consider to be the best. This procedure appears to have its main indication in myelomeningocele and arthrogryposis when the feet are severely deformed and rigid.


[Modifications induced through beta receptors in adrenergic nervous system and gastric ulcers (author's transl)]. The experimental relation between adrenergic nervous system and ulcus has been studied. Administration of adrenaline to rats did not induce any ulcers, or showed any noteworthy modification in the studied pH, acidity and peptic activity of gastric content parameters. The number of ulcers induced by the Shay method, acidity and peptic activity decreased after beta receptor blockage. Ko-592 did not induce any significant change on these parameters when the animals were subjected to stress conditions by restraint. Beta receptors discretely participate in ulcer pathology.


Molecular weight analysis of proteinuria in experimental glomerulopathies. The quantity of urinary proteins and their molecular weight composition was analyzed in different experimental glomerulopathies using the SDS-PAA-electrophoresis. Masugi nephritis, heterologous and autologous immune complex nephritis as well as D-penicillamine induced glomerulonephritis were studied in rabbits, guinea pigs and rats. The procedure allows (1) to distinguish physiological from low grade glomerular proteinuria by their respective characteristic patterns in early disease stages (2) to follow up the disease course of individual animals without sacrifice and (3) to discriminate species specificity of physiological urinary proteins. It is recommended to use this technique of urinary protein analysis in experimental conditions, where mild glomerular damage is expected.


[Fatty acid patterns and glucose tolerance in Huntington's chorea (author's transl)]. Fatty acid patterns of plasma lipids and glucose-tolerance in Huntington's chorea. 25 patients with Huntington's chorea of various manifestation (9 predisposed symptomefree, 5 with light and 11 with severe manifestation) had studies of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. These studies measured glucose-tolerance tests, insulin-, HGH-secretion, serum lipids and plasma fatty acid conposition of the cholesterylesters, triglycerides and phospholipids. The reactive insulin- but not HGH-levels were significantly raised, 32 % of the patients with Huntington's chorea had abnormal glucose-tolerance tests, compared with 3.2 % in a control group. Duration of symptoms correlated with higher cholesterol levels. Minor deviations were found in the fatty acid patterns in various lipid clases.


A simple bubble-flowmeter with quasicontinuous registration. The construction of a simple bubble-flow-meter is described. The instrument has the following features: 1. automatic bubble injection, 2. precise measurement of the bubble passage time by a digital counter, 3. quasicontinuous registration of the flow rate, 4. alternative run with clear fluid (water) and coloured fluid (blood), 5. low volume, 6. closed measuring system for measurements in low and high pressure systems.


The effect of human chorionic gonadotropin and placental lactogen on lymphocyte transformation in vitro. Crude preparations of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) inhibited phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and allogeneic cell (MLC) lymphocyte stimulation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in vitro as measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation, whereas purified hCG was not inhibitory except at very high concentrations. Sephadex G-100 chromatography of crude hCG showed that the inhibitory effect on PHA lymphocyte stimulation eluted in those fractions after hormonally active hCG. In addition, purified human placental lactogen (hPL) did not inhibit lymphocyte transformation except at very high concentrations. These data suggest that the immunosuppressive activities found in crude preparations are not due to the hormones but to contaminating material.


3,4,3',4'-Tetrachloro azoxybenzene and azobenzene: potent inducers of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase. Two unwanted contaminants, 3,4,3',4'-tetrachloroazoxybenzene (TCAOB) and 3,4,3',4'-tetrachloroazobenzene (TCAB), formed in the commercial synthesis of 3,4-dichloroaniline or of herbicides made from 3,4-dichloroaniline, were responsible for three outbreaks of acne among chemical workers. TCAOB and TCAB are approximately isosteric to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran, two well-known contaminants that cause acne. All four of these agents are potent inducers of hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity and compete for stereospecific binding sites in the hepatic cytosol, which are thought to be the receptor sites for the induction of this enzyme. Among the chlorinated azoxy and azobenzenes, the potency of a congener to induce aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity correlates with its binding affinity for the hepatic cytosol specific binding sites and its capacity to induce acne; this relation between structure and activity parallels that observed for the chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans.


[Psychosomatic aspects of extra-articular rheumatism]. The author discusses the psychosomatic aspects of certain extra-articular rheumatic pains. He distinguishes between cervical, dorsal, lumbar, and brachial psychosomatic pain on the basis of an understanding of the phenomena. Neurophysiological and anatomo-pathological correlations are discussed. On the basis of this knowledge of psychosomatic disease therapeutic ideas are put forward that are important both for the generalist and for the rheumatologist.


Chronic mesenteric arterial insufficiency: results of revascularization in 33 cases. The symptoms of mesenteric arterial insufficiency and the advantages of surgical revascularization have become widely recognized in recent years. Follow-up data are accumulating on patients who have had surgery for revascularization. In this study we report on 33 patients who had mesenteric revascularization for intestinal angina. Twenty-nine patients presented with postprandial pain; most had weight loss. Abdominal bruits were heard preoperatively in 26 patients. Aortogram demonstrated involvement of one mesenteric vessel in 13 (39%) patients and two or more vessels in 20 (61%). Revascularization was accomplished with the use of a Dacron graft or an autogenous vein bypass graft to 48 vessels. Endarterectomy and patch angioplasty were done once. One patient died in the early postoperative period. Of the other 32 patients, 30 (94%) had relief of symptoms. Eight patients died from 8 to 135 months after operation, but only one died from mesenteric vascular occlusion and bowel infarction. Five years after operation, 83% of the patients were alive; in ten years, 62%.


Human sexuality: an interdisciplinary program for health care professionals and the physically disabled. The central feature of a program in human sexuality for health care professionals and persons with physical disabilities developed at the Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) is a 2 1/2-day Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) Workshop. Although the content of this Workshop has many features in common with ones used elsewhere, its organization, financing, and development are relatively unique. Based in a small, specialty hospital in the South, it is a low-budget, largely self-supporting program run by an extradepartmental, multidisciplinary staff. Evaluations of 12 workshops involving over 500 disabled and ablebodied participants are compared with similar data reported in the literature along with information (before and after the workshop) concerning the participants' attitudes, behavior, and satisfaction regarding various sexual activities. There were programmatic, institutional, and community problems unique to developing this program, but it has unusual potential for personal and staff development, intrainstitutional team building and broader community service.


The heart in cardiomyopathy: a postmortem study. Thirty-five consecutive cases of cardiomyopathy were studied at postmortem examination. The morbid anatomical changes found in the heart are described, with particular reference to ventricular hypertrophy. Contrary to most views, right ventricular predominance is found to be common in cardiomyopathy as seen in Blacks in and around Durban. No apparent couse for predominant right ventricular hypertrophy was found in this study.


Applications for laparoscopy in general surgery. Laparoscopy is a safe and accurate procedure within its capabilities. Laparotomy, although usually safe, continues to have complications and in certain contexts can be avoided by the appropriate use of laparoscopy. Recognition and application of its specific general surgical applications should stimulate its use and encourage a renewed interest in the technique.


Descriptive epidemiology of small-bowel atresia in metropolitan Atlanta. The epidemiological characteristics are presented of 46 children with small-bowel atresia, ascertained over a 6-year period by an active, population-based birth defect surveillance program in Atlanta, Georgia. The malformation occurred at a rate of 2.7/10,000 livebirths. The previously reported association of duodenal atresia and Down syndrome was confirmed was confirmed. No instances of familial association were noted, nor was any excessive prenatal exposure to drugs found. Thirty-two instances of isolated small-bowel atresia were analyzed in detail. The frequency of the isolated defect for blacks was twice that for whites because of a higher rate for black females. The isolated defect was commonest in the winter months. The relation between isolated small-bowel atresia, birth weight, and mortality was discussed. This small series cannot readily be subdivided into distinct epidemiological groups on the basis of the location of the atretic lesions along the length of the small bowel.


Biological properties of dialysable peptides derived from plasmin digestion of bovine fibrinogen preparations. Dialysable peptides (M. W. less than 12,000) were obtained by plasmin digests of purified bovine fibrinogen. The biological effects of these peptides were studied in rats in three different test systems: ADP-induced platelet aggregation, isolated atria contractility and vascular permeability. The effects induced by the peptides were: inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation, increase in the frequency of isolated atria contractions and local increase in vascular permeability. All these activities were concentration dependent. Six micrograms of the peptides were still effective in increasing vascular permeability; in the in vitro systems the smallest effective dose ranged between 165 and 650 mug/ml. Following elution through a Sephadex G-25 gel with bidistilled water, four fractions were obtained. The second fraction (M.W. about 5,000) was the most active, followed by the first and then the third one; the fourth fraction was inactive. These data suggest that local accumulation of peptides in vivo may be of clinical relevancy.


An estimate of the recombination frequency between the B locus and the D locus within the major histocompatibility complex. Mixed leukocyte culture studies on 120 families, including 120 HLA haplo-identical siblings and 210 HLA-identical siblings, were analyzed for unusual patterns of reactivity. Three discrepant reactions were noted in which cells from HLA-identical siblings showed strong mutual stimulation. These data provide an estimate of 0.0065 as the recombination frequency between the HLA-B and HLA-D regions of the major histocompatibility chromosome in man. When combined with the data of Keuning et al. (1975), the value is 0.0068 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.0022 to 0.0158.


Histological aspects of cervical ripening. There is a close relationship between the rate of the uterine cervix opening during parturition and the presence or absence of a completely ripened cervix. In order to learn the basic pattern of the ripening of cervix, histological and histochemical studies were performed on the human uterine cervix during pregnancy. It was noted that the collagen bundles disintegrated into fine fibers and also underwent quantitative changes during the ripening process of the cervix. During pregnancy, the number of connective tissue cells was increased, but that of mast cells was decreased. Acid mucopolysaccharides in the cervical ground substance were found to increase in late pregnancy.


Atypical Hurler syndrome without alpha-L-iduronidase deficiency. Three atypical patients with clinical and laboratory findings of Hurler syndrome, but without alpha-L-iduronidase deficiency, are described. Clinical features included characteristic facies, mental retardation, corneal clouding, dysostosis multiplex, restriction of joint mobility, and hepatosplenomegaly. Excessive amounts of chondroitin sulfate B and heparitin sulfate were excreted in the urine. alpha-L-Iduronidase activities in leucocytes and liver tissues were within the normal range or somewhat elevated.


Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in plasma: hydrolysis, extraction and radioimmunoassay. At pH 4.5, the hydrolysis of 3beta-hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one 3-sulfate (DHA-SO4) to DHA was complete within 75 min at 120 degrees or 4h at 100 degrees. In the same conditions, the 3alpha-SO4 of androsterone was stable, and only 8.5% of the 3beta-SO4 of epiandrosterone hydrolysed to epiandrosterone. Of the sulfates of 5-androstene-3beta, 17beta-diol, 100% of the 3beta-mono-SO4, 2% OF THE 17BETA-MONO-SO4 and none of the 3beta, 17beta-di-SO4 was converted to 5-androstenediol. Denatured plasma proteins adsorbed DHA. The recovery of DHA from plasma diluted 1:100, 58.7 +/- 6.2% (mean +/- S.D.). In similar conditions the recovery of cholesterol from plasma diluted 1:20, was 0.12 - 1.76% (mean, 0.44%). A radioimmunoassay for DHA in extracts of hydrolysed plasma is described. Results for normal subjects in the age range 17-45y were 192 +/- 73mug/dl (22 men) and 158 +/- 57mug/dl (40 women).


Inability of normal and activated thymus-derived cells to act as cytotoxic effector cells against antibody-coated targets. Thymus lymphocytes activated in vitro by a T cell mitogen (concanavalin A (Con A)) did not form Fc rosettes nor were they cytotoxic against untreated or antiserum-coated target cells. Con A activated spleen cells were cytotoxic against target cells, but they did not display an increased cytotoxic effect against antibody-coated YAC targets, when compared to normal spleen cells. Con A-activated spleen cells as well as cells activated by a mixed lymphocyte culture did not form Fc rosettes. Thus, activated cytotoxic T cells did not form Fc rosettes nor did they cause cytotoxicity on antibody-coated target cells. Antibody coating of the target cells did not suppress expression of cytotoxicity of activated T cells.


Hemopoietic reconstitution obtained in F1 hybrids by grafting of parental marrow cells. T-cell tolerance to CML and MLR determinants in tetraparental bone marrow chimeras, prepared by injecting lethally x-irradiated F1 hybrids with bone marrow cells from both parental strains, is most likely due to clonal deletion. Tolerance to CML, but not to the host's MLR, determinants is observed when lethally x-irradiated F1 hybrids are repopulated with bone marrow from one parental strain only. The results demonstrate that removal of T cells from donor cells, as well as exclusion of a HVG reaction, make it possible to transplant bone marrow between allogeneic individuals.


[Change in the ATPase activity of glycerinated muscle fibers under the influence of urethane]. The influence of uretane on ATPase activity and contractility of frog glycerinated muscle fibers was studied. Parallel decrease of contractility and ATPase activity of glycerinated muscles takes place upon toxic uretane concentration (1.01 M). A lower uretane concentration (0.34 M) inducing considerable increase of conservation time contractive reaction maintains a higher ATPase activity than does the control one; ATPase activity of the actomyosin from these models is the same as the control one.


[ATPase activity of subcellular rat brain fractions following hyperoxia]. The total Mg2+-ATPase and Na+, K+-ATPase activity was studied in the fractions of "400 g X for 20 min" and "900 g X for 30 min" conditionally called the fraction of the external cellular membranes and total fraction of mitochondria. The subcellular fractions were isolated from great hemispheres and stem part of the rat brain. The brain of control animals and those during a severe spasmodic attact induced by the oxygen action at a pressure of 6 ati was studied. The total ATPase activity is established to be practically the same in the studied brain areas and unchanged with hyperoxia. Hyperoxia accompanying by convulsions results in an increase in the activity of Mg2+-ATPase and in a decrease in that of Na+, K+-ATPase both in the cerebral cortex and the stem part. The authors suppose that the decrease in the enzyme activity may occur due to an inhibitory effect on it of the lipids reoxidation products formed in the brain with hyperoxia.


Evaluation of oxfendazole against natural infections of gastro-intestinal nematodes and lung-worms in calves. The anthelmintic activity of oxfendazole (Syntex) was tested in calves at dosages of 2-5 and 5-0 mg per kg. At both dose levels, oxfendazole showed 100 per cent efficacy against adult Ostertagia ostertagi, O lyrata, O cremensis, fifth stage Ostertagia spp and adult Haemonchus spp. Against adult Cooperia oncophora, efficacy was 99.8 per cent and 100 per cent at doses of 2.5 mg per kg and 5.0 mg per kg respectively while at both dose levels 100 per cent activity was recorded against C surnabada and fourth and fifth stage Cooperia spp. One hundred per cent efficacy was obtained with both dose levels against adult and fifth stage Dictyodaulus viviaprus; against Trichuris spp, percentage efficacy was 92 and 100 per cent at doses 2.5 and 5.0 mg per kg respectively. Oxfendazole showed higher efficacy than levamisole against Ostertagia spp but against the other species encountered, both anthelmintics possessed similar efficacy. Both anthelmintics significantly increased the calves' weight gains.


[Effect of carnosine and anserine on excitation and contraction of fatigued skeletal muscle]. The effect of dipeptides (carnosine and anserine) on a neuromuscular preparation under fatigue or diplacine blocking is shown to result in a significant restoration of the muscle contraction. The analysis of this phenomenon evidences that synaptic processes are not responsible for the restoration, at least under the given experimental conditions. At the same time, the absence of any effect of the compounds studied on the maximal rate of isotonic shortening and on the tension of glycerinized fibres and ATPPase of native and desenitized actomyosine indicates that the contractile mechanism is not involved in the effect described. On the other hand, the dipeptides restore the value of the transmembrane potential depolarized by exhaustion, increase the amplitude of isometric twitch and the value of maximal load under isotonic conditions. Moreover, the time of the contractile cycle in the presence of the dipeptides is considcted to the processes of electromechanical coupling in skeletal muscles.


[Restriction and modification in Staphylococcus aureus: properties of resistance plasmids and prophages]. Experiments on elimination and transfer of resistance-plasmids in S. aureus (controlling resistance to penicillin, chloramphenicol and oxytetracycline) show that these plasmids have no restricting influence on phages used for typing of staphylococci. Prophages in lysogenic strains control a mechanism of restriction and modification which is active on phages and on chromosomal markers. The resistance-plasmids used in these experiments are insensitive to prophage controlled restriction.


[The adaption growth of the heart in the higher (experimental autoradiographic researches in rats) (author's transl)]. There was examined the influence of the age on the development of a compensatory hypertrophy of the heart in 4 to 16 month old masculin Wistar-rats autoradiographically. The valuation took place at various times after stenosing of the aorta and application of 3H-thymidine separatly in both ventricular walls by counting of the nuclei of the marked muscle- and connective tissue cells of the heart and their mitosis. For the connective tissue cells computation of the 3H-thymidin- and of the mitotic index. Determination of the body- and heart weight.


[Present diet and energy expenditure of young sportsmen-swimmers of Alma-Ata]. From pertinent investigations it follows that the daily food allowances for young swimmers of the sporting-type boarding school in Alma-Ata fully cover their needs for such main ingredients as protein, fats, carbohydrates and conform to the amount of energy expended by them. One should, however, point out some serious qualitative drawbacks in the dietary of the school inmates, such as an insufficient content of vitamins "B2" and "C" in the daily food ration. The data obtained may be of use in formulating an optimal dietary for the young swimmers of the boarding school in question.


The influence of platelet aggregation inhibitors on metastasis formation in mice (3LL). Platelets were suggested to play a specific role in the haematogenous spread of experimental tumours. To test this hypothesis mice were treated with various inhibitors or platelet function (acetyl-salicylic acid, RA 233, bencyclan-, cyproheptadine). The effect of treatment on the development of lung colonies after i.v. tumour cell injection as well as on the formation of spontaneous metastases from the solid Lewis-lung carcinoma was evaluated. A significant increase of lung colonies after pretreatment with the platelet aggregation inhibitors was found. The effect of long term treatment on spontaneous metastasis formation gave equivocal results. The present investigations do not support the importance of the integrity of platelet function as a prerequisite for metastasis formation.


On the biochemical mechanism of tumorigenesis in mouse skin. VII. The effects of tumor promoters on 3H-choline and 3H-glycerol incorporation into mouse epidermal phosphatidylcholine in relation to their effects on 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA. The kinetics of the stimulation of phospholipid and DNA biosynthesis in mouse epidermis after treatment with various tumor promoting agents has been investigated. 3H-choline and 3H-glycerol were used as precursors for phosphatidylcholine. An early stimulation of 3H-choline incorporation into phosphatidylcholine is observed which always precedes the stimulation of 3H-thymidine incorporation into epidermal DNA. This is interpreted as being a manifestation of the proliferation of cellular membranes in preparation for cell division. Appreciable differences are observed in the incorporation of 3H-choline and 3H-glycerol into phosphatidylcholine, the possible reasons for which are discussed. It is concluded that 3H-choline incorporation is a more reliable parameter for the measurement of phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis than 3H-glycerol incorporation. The relationship between those effects on phospholipid synthesis and the tumor promoting activity of the substances tested is discussed.


Thrombogenic activity of mouse and human tumors: effects on platelets, coagulation, and fibrinolysis, and possible significance for metastases. Twelve mouse tumors and 29 human malignancies were assayed in vitro for their capacity to aggregate platelets and induce release of radiolabelled serotonin, and for their ability to coagulate blood plasma and digest the fibrin clot. It was discovered that many human and mouse tumors can induce release of radiolabelled serotonin but that the quantitative relationships between this activity of tumors and their capacity to aggregate platelets was variable, permitting tumors to be classified into 3 different types. The procoagulant and fibrinolytic activity was also quite variable. Since no correlation was found between the 4 assayed tumor activities they appear to be independent, separate thrombogenic properties of tumors. Although the information gathered by this study is still fragmentary, some speculations can be made about the role of these activities in treatment of malignant tumors and in determing patterns of body distribution and control of metastases.


Some new congeners of the anticancer agent 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). Synthesis of bifunctional analogs and water soluble derivatives and preliminary evaluation of their chemotherapeutic potential. The synthesis of new analogs of the anticancer agent BCNU is described. It involves the preparation of N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosocarbamoylazide and its reaction with aliphatic diamines and aminoalcohols to yield 1,1'-polymethylenebis 3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrosoureas and 1-(omega-hydroxyalkyl)-3-(2-chloroethyl-3-nitrosoureas. Screening for chemotherapeutic activities of the newly synthesized nitrosoureas against rat leukemia L 5222 and s.c. Walker carcinosarcoma 256 revealed remarkable differences between individual compounds. The water soluble 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3-(2-chloroethyl)-3-nitrousourea was the most active compound of this series, effecting 90% cures in i.p. inoculated L5222 leukemia.


Development of meningeal leukemia in rats by intracerebral or intrameningeal inoculation of the acute transplantable leukemia L 5222. An experimental model of meningeal leukemia is developed by intracerebral or intrameningeal inoculation of cells from the transplantable acute rat leukemia L 5222. The histopathological pattern is similar to that observed in central nervous system leukemia in man. The leukemia L 5222 becomes systemic 2 days after intracerebral inoculation.


Mutagenicity of beta-oxidized N,N,-di-n-propylnitrosamine derivatives in S. typhimurium mediated by rat and hamster tissues. The relative abilities of liver, kidney and lung fractions from untreated or phenobarbitone-pretreated rats and hamsters to convert N,N-di-n-propylnitrosamine and several beta-oxidized synthetic putative intermediates into mutagens was quantitatively compared in a tissue-mediated mutagenicity assay with S. typhimurium TA 1530 in vitro. With one exception, namely, N,N-di(2-acetoxy-n-propyl)nitrosamine, liver was the most active tissue from hamsters; in rats also, only liver fractions were able to activate some nitroso-compounds to mutagens. The highest enzyme-mediated mutagenicities were observed with N-2-hydroxy-n-propyl-N-n-propylnitrosamine, N,N-di-n-propylnitrosamine and N,N-di(2-acetoxy-n-propyl)nitrosamine. Hamster lung tissue converted N,N-di-n-propylnitrosamine, N-2-hydroxy-n-propyl-N-n-propylnitrosamine and N,N-di(2-acetoxy-n-propyl)nitrosamine into mutagens; activity with the latter compound was greater with lung tissue than with liver tissue when untreated animals were used. N-methyl-N-n-propylnitrosamine was mutagenic in the presence of hamster liver fraction but less so than N,N-di-n-propylnitrosamine. The results of the mutagenicity assays using various tissues are qualitatively compared to sites of tumour formation in rats and hamsters by these N-nitrosamines.


On thrombocytopenia developing in mice bearing a spontaneously metastasizing tumor. Thrombocytopenia was observed in mice during development and metastatization of Lewis Lung Carcinoma (3LL). Survival of labelled platelets was not modified throughout the observation period, whereas platelet turn-over was markedly reduced, suggesting a defective platelet production. An increase in the splenic platelet pool could be excluded. Other hematological data indicated that, among blood cells, only platelet production was impaired. The origin of thrombocytopenia occurring during spontaneous metastatization of 3LL seems to be quite different from the mechanism of the decrease in platelet count observed after rapid intravenous injection of the same tumoral cells.


[Effect of trenimon on single phases of the cell cycle of Yoshida ascites tumor cells (author's transl)]. Yoshida ascites tumor cells were synchronized in suspension cultures with thymidine in excess or with fluordeoxyuridine. Cells were washed after incubation with thymidine or treated with thymidine after incubation with fluordeoxyuridine. 2 h after terminating the S phase blockade 74--80% of the cells are S phase cells, 6 h later 70--80% of the cells had accumulated in the G 2 phase. Cultures enriched with cells of the S phase or the G 2 phase were treated with Trenimon. Increase of cell numbers within the following 48 h was inhibited in both cases in the same order of magnitude. In addition cells in various phases of growth were separated by density gradient zentrifugation and treated with Trenimon. Again cell numbers after 48 h were identical.


Some aspects of blood borne tumour emboli associated with thrombosis. The ultrastructural morphology of the tumour cycle which has as one of its features the blood-borne tumour embolus associated with thrombosis is illustrated by examples of four phases. (1) The intrinsic vasculature of tumours influences the process of intravasation of tumour cells to form bloodborne emboli. Scanning electron microscopy of melanoma tumours reveals channels containing erythrocytes which are sinusoidal in appearance. (2) The reaction of the circulating blood to the villi and folds of tumour cells is to coat the surface with plasma proteins and platelets. Walker 256 carcinoma cells become encrusted with platelets following agitation with rat platelet rich plasma. (3) Damaged endothelium appears to provide a more secure adhesional site for the tumour embolus. Platelets on a damaged site may provide an active adhesional region for the platelets on the passing embolus. (4) Tumour cells migrate through the endothelial layer from the adherent embolus and can be held up at the level of the basement membrane of the endothelium.


Cancer mortality in Württemberg, 1910 and 1970. The results of a special survey of cancer mortality statistics in selected areas of the Ober- and Unterland of Württemberg in the period 1908--1912 were compared with the official mortality statistics of the same region for 1969--1972. In the Oberland, formerly part of an area of high cancer mortality comprising the adjacent regions of Bavaria, Austria, Switzerland, and Baden, the overall cancer mortality showed a marked fall in both sexes. In the Unterland, where cancer mortality was previously low, the overall death rate increased in men and did not change in women. These variations are largely accounted for by changes in mortality from cancer of the stomach and bronchus. The death rates from gastric cancer observed around 1900 in the Oberland of Württemberg and adjacent regions of the neighbouring countries are among the highest recorded even in the world. Since the fall of gastric cancer noted is very marked and this disease is still the leading cause of death from cancer today, the Oberland of Württemberg seems to be uniquely suited for the search of environmental factors which associate with this decline. In theremainder of cancer sites changes over time were less striking and/or observed already in other countries.


Vascular and extravascular spaces in a transplantable rat tumour after local X-ray irradiation. Local X-ray irradiation of a transplantable rat tumour in a single dose of 3000 R increased significantly the extracellular space of this tumor as estimated by the plasma-tissue equilibration of 51Cr-EDTA, while the plasma and red blood cell volume as estimated with 125I-labeled albumin and 59Fe-labelled erythrocytes after sacrifice by bleeding under ether anaesthesia were unchanged. These results combined signified a decreased cell volume of cells, excluding red blood cells.


Serum and whole blood of rats resistant to sensitive to Jensen tumor effect on the acceptance (taking) and growth of Jensen tumor grafts. The results obtained by concomitent inoculation of four kinds of homologous sera or blood into Wistar and Long Evans rat grafted with Jensen tumors are analysed as regards taking and growth of the grafts. The four kinds are: 1. serum from rats naturally resistant to Jensen graft (R1); 2. serum from rats that became resistant to Jensen graft after the initial tumor graft was excised (R2);3. serum from normal sensitive rats (S); 4. serum from tumorbearing rats in an advanced stage of development (B). Experiments were repeated four times. All sera proved to stimulate tumor takes and growth, but that effect was more obvious will the serum or blood from rats naturally resistant to Jensen tumor (R1). the results are discussed.


Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in monitoring the course of testicular tumours. In 29 patients with metastasising testicular tumours serial determination of HCG was performed for monitoring cytostatic chemotherapy. Clinical remissions and stable disease were accompanied by normalisation of elevated HCG values in 85% and 80% of all cases, respectively. Despite the normalisation of HCG levels, no complete disappearance of clinically detectable tumour lesions could be seen in the herein presented cases. Seventeen percent of the patients showed normal HCG levels, although they had progressive disease. Recurrent disease was associated with preceeding increase of HCG in only 33% of the cases. Because of the frequency of mixed tumour tissues in teratomas, additional methods for monitoring therapy should be used.


High-fibre, low-saturated-fat diet and the aetiology of colo-rectal carcinomata in a low-risk population. The Chilean population exhibits a very low risk for colo-rectal cancer. The farm workers have a high-fibre, low-saturated-fat diet and also an extremely low age-adjusted death rate for colonic and rectal cancer, in each sex. A highly significant positive correlation between age-adjusted death rates from arteriosclerotic heart disease in males and colonic and rectal cancer death rates suggests that high levels of saturated fats and/or cholesterol in the diet may be incriminated for high death rates from large bowel cancer. It is concluded that high plant fibre content and low levels of saturated fats and/or cholesterol in the diet may be important factors influencing the very low age-adjusted death rates from colo-rectal carcinoma in Chilean farm workers.


[High voltage electrophoretic separation of iodoamino acids from tissue of thyroid neoplasms and non-malignant thyroid changes (author's transl)]. A method is described of high voltage electrophoretic separation of iodoamino acids from thin-needle biopsy of the thyroid gland and from resected tissue of thyroid neoplasms. Different patterns of iodoamino acids in malignant and non-malignant diseases of the thyroid gland were found.


Distribution and carcinogenic action of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (SDMH) in rats. The radioactivity in the blood, bile, and contents from different parts of the gastro-intestinal tract was estimated for different time intervals up to 24 h after 3H-SDMH injection to rats. 65% of the radioactivity was excreted in the urine. Of the total quantity of radioactive products entering the intestine, 96% is brought with bile and only 4% from the circulation through the wall of the intestine. This latter small amount of SDMH metabolites plays a leading role in the genesis of intestinal tumours. This conclusion was proved by the observation that the intestinal tumours developed in different isolated segments of the gut where the entry of bile was excluded and by published data indicating that SDMH is excreted unchanged in the bile. It was shown that the carcinogenic effect depends upon the dose schedule of carcinogen treatment, probably, due to the changes in the SDMH metabolism. The optimal conditions for induction of intestinal tumours occur after administration of SDMH in a dose of 21 mg/kg body weight once a week. Hypothetic SDMH metabolic pathways leading to tumour production have been considered in the light of available experimental data.


Prevention of 3,4-benzopyrene carcinogenesis in presence of putrescine. The 3,4-Benzopyrene (3,4-BP) carcinogenesis can be postponed or even completely inhibited in the presence of Putrescine (P). A single s.c. injection of 2.52 mg 3,4-BP in 0.5 ml tricaprylin on female mice (NMRI-strains, 4--5 weeks old, 20--25 g of body weight) induced locally malignant tumors (sarcomas and carcinomas) up to 97% of the animals treated. (132 mice with tumors from 136 animals treated). Animals injected with 3,4-BP plus 10 mg putrescine showed a considerable reduction of tumor incidence. Only three from 38 mice treated developed tumors (8%). The prevention of tumor could not be further improved with higher putrescine amounts, for example 15 mg and 20 mg P. These concentrations were moreover toxic to the animals. Histologically, the tumors developed in the presence of putrescine were rather poor in malignant cells and mitoses were also rare, in contrast to the usual 3,4-BP tumors which were rich in polymorph cells and mitoses.


Chemical composition of the nasal gland secretions from the marsh deer Odocoileus (Dorcelaphus) dichotomus (Illiger). The secretion of the nasal gland from the marsh deer (Odocoileus dichotomus) has shown to be a lipid mixture predominantly containing cholesterol esters, mono- and diester waxes, the latter of which containing 2-hydroxy fatty acids. The alcoholic constituents of the mono- and diester waxes contain considerable amounts of mono-unsaturated homologues, all with the double bonds in (omega-9)-position.


Induced isoflavonoids from fungus-infected stems of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). Four antifungal isoflavones [7-hydroxy-4'-methoxy-(1); 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-(2); 5,7,2',4'-tetrahydroxy-(3); 5,2',4'-trihydroxy-7-methoxy-(4)] and one isoflavanone [(5,2'-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxy-(7)] have been isolated from the fungus-infected stems of Cajanus cajan. A sixth compound has been provisionally identified as 5,2'-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyisoflavone (5). The structure of 5,2'-dihydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyisoflavanone (cajanol) was confirmed by synthesis from ferreirin (5,7,2'-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavanone).


[O-Methylation of epinephrine, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin in yeasts (author's transl)]. In the yeasts C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. stellatoidea but not in C. krusei, R.rubra, and S. cerevisiae enzyme activity was found by which--as by the catechol-O-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.6) found in the liver--the O-methylation of epinephrine to metanephrine and paranephrine, of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid to 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid and 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid, and of 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin to 7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin and 6-hydroxy-7-methoxycoumarin is catalysed. When the substrates 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, or 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin or epinephrine were incubated in the presence of S-adenosyl-L-[methyl-14C]methionine and S-adenosylmethionine hydrogensulfate with a 100 000 X g supernatant of C. albicans, C. tropicalis or C. stellatoidea the corresponding O-methylethers were detected in the extracts of the incubation medium by thin-layer chromatography. Final identification of the isomeric radioactive O-methylethers obtained from 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin was performed after thin-layer chromatographic separation by the reversed isotope dilution technique. The radioactive m- and p-O-methyl derivatives from epinephrine were separated by thin-layer chromatography and then cleaved with periodate to the corresponding aldehydes which were also identified mainly by the reversed isotope dilution technique.


Unusual photochemical transformation of 5-ethylorotate to 5-ethylidenehydroorotate. Ultraviolet irradiation of 5-ethylorotate in aqueous medium led to formation of 5-ethylidenehydroorotate via a 1,3-hydrogen rearrangement from the ethylene group of the 5-substituent to the ring C6. The same product was also obtained by an alternate pathway via a hitherto unidentified intermediate. The structure of this unusual pyrimidine analogue, established in the solid state by X-ray diffraction, was shown with the aid of spectroscopic methods to be the same in solution, and some of its properties are described. Heating of 5-ethylidenehydroorotate in the solid state led by direct conversion to a mixture of the parent 5-ethylorotate and 5-ethyluracil. By contrast, ultraviolet irradiation in aqueous medium resulted in quantitative photochemical conversion of the photoproduct to 5-ethyluracil.


The crystal structure of the pyrimidine analogue calcium 5-ethylidenehydroorotate-1.5 hydrate, a photoproduct of ethylorotate. X-ray diffraction methods have been employed to establish the crystal structure of a new, unusual pyrimidine analogue, 5-ethylidenehydroorotate, obtained by a photochemical rearrangement of 5-ethylorotate. Crystals of the calcium salt of the title compound are monoclinic, space group Pc, cell constants a=14.631, b=10.038, c=19.168 A, beta=137.7 degrees, and contain four molecules, two cations and three water molecules per asymmetric unit. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to R=5.2% on the basis of 2653 diffractometer measured data. The four independent molecules represent two pairs of enantiomers with slightly differing conformations linked together by an intricate system of hydrogen bonding and Ca2+-coordination (pentagonal bipyrimidal). The structure of the compound in aqueous medium, established by spectral methods, is the same as that in the crystal.


[Synthesis and catalytic properties of peptides with hydrolytic activity (author's transl)]. The synthesis by conventional methods of the peptides Z-Asp-Cys-NH2, Z-Asp-Gly-Cys-NH2, Z-Glu-Gly-Cys-NH2, Z-His-Ala-Gly-Gly-Cys-NH2, Z-His-Ala-Asp-Gly-Cys-NH2 and Z-His-Ala-Asp-Gly-OCH2 is described. Cystin was used for SH-protection; reduction of the disulfides was performed by mercaptoethanol. The hydrolytic activity of these peptides with p-nitrophenylacetate as substrate was compared with the activity of a number of peptides described in the literature.


An isocratic high-pressure liquid chromatographic purification method for radioactively labeled deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates. A method is described for the rapid purification of radioactively labeled deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates from their spontaneously emerging hydrolysis products deoxyribonucleoside diphosphate, deoxyribonucleoside monophosphate, and deoxyribonucleoside. The separations which are finished within 3 min or less are carried out on a 0.1 X 5 cm column filled with LiChrosorb-NH2, using isocratic elution with 0.025 M potassium phosphate, pH 6.8, in a high-pressure liquid chromatograph at room temperature and a flow rate of 30 ml-h-1 (flow velocity 63.7 cm-min-1).


The determination of the DNA base composition in 19 species of adriatic sponges with high-pressure liquid cation-exchange chromatography. The (adenine+thymine)/(guanine+cytosine) base ratios of 19 species of adriatic sponges have been determined by high-pressure liquid cation-exchange chromatography. The base ratios vary from 1.49 (Mycale massa) to 0.63 (Hippospongia communis) according to an (A+T) content of 59.7 and 38.6 mol%, respectively. The DNAs of sponges of the order Keratosa showed marked differences in their (A+T) contents (39.5 to 58.8 mol%) whereas those of Tetractinellida and Halichondrina were nearly identical (39.3 to 40.8 and 49.5 to 49.8 mol%, respectively). The 5-methylcytosine (5MC) content was determined in 8 sponge DNAs by a semiquantitative method. The values differed from 0.8 to 2.2 mol% of 5MC.


Incorporation of T4 phage DNA into a specific DNA fraction from the higher plant Matthiola incana. Isolated T4 phage DNA (sigma=1.694 g/ml) is applied to seedlings of the crucifer Matthiola incana (DNA density sigma=1.698 g/ml). The phage DNA can partly be reextracted from the plants in a specific DNA fraction, which is predominantly characterized by its unusual high density (high density complex=HDC; sigma=1.724 g/ml). DNA:DNA hybridization studies show that phage specific DNA sequences are preserved in the HDC. Results of BrdUrd labeling of the plant DNA before and during incubation with T4DNA suggest that the HDC is composed of T4DNA and a plant DNA component of high density. The analysis of ultrasonicated HDC confirms this suggestion. The ability of plant cells to recognize and handle T4 DNA specifically is discussed.


The influence of oxygen on nitrite reduction in a reconstituted system. Data regarding the role of oxygen in nitrite reduction are presented. In an NADPH-generating system including homogeneously purified ferredoxin-NADP reductase, ferredoxin (or flavodoxin) and nitrite reductase from the alga Bumilleriopsis filiformis, oxygen and nitrite can be reduced simultaneously. In air, rates of 1.2 mumol nitrite reduced-min-1-mg-1 nitrite reductase are obtained, which are physiologically feasible. Ferredoxin is inhibited non-competitively by oxygen during nitrite reduction. Oxygen uptake due to the oxidase reaction of ferredoxin-NADP reductase mediated by flavodoxin from Chlorella fusca and ferredoxin from Bumilleriopsis involves superoxide and is inhibited by the nitrite reducing system.


Spectral properties of fluorescent dyes in lecithin vesicles. Probes for the structure of lipid bilayer membranes and for membrane potentials. Three fluorescent dyes (a merocyanin, a cyanin and a modified umbeliferon) have been incorporated into vesicles from three different lecithins. Their absorption spectrum, emission spectrum and fluorescence polarization in the lipid vesicles has been studied and compared with the spectral properties in homogeneous organic solutions. The reactivity of lipid bound dyes with reagents in the aqueous phase was investigated. The location of various dyes in the lipid membrane and their use as indicators of phase transitions or membrane potentials are discussed.


Effect of an antiserum to a thylakoid membrane polypeptide on the primary photoreaction of photosystem II. As was described previously, an antiserum to polypeptide 11000 inhibited photosynthetic electron transport on the oxygen evolving side of photosystem II. The effect of the antiserum on chloroplasts from two tobacco mutants also clearly showed that the inhibition site is on the photosystem II-side of the electron transport chain. One of the two tobacco mutants lacks the oxygen evolving capacity but exhibits some electron transport with tetramethyl benzidine, an artificial donor to PS II. In this mutant electron transport was barely inhibited. The effect of the antiserum on the primary photoevents showed that the initial amplitude of the absorption change of chlorophyll aII at 690 nm and that of the primary electron acceptor X320 at 334 nm both diminished in the presence of the antiserum. Both signals were restored upon addition of diphenylcarbazide another artificial donor to photosystem II. Comparison of the degree of inhibition on the amplitudes of the fast and slow components of the 690 nm absorption change with the manometrically measured inhibition of electron transport shows that besides a full inactivation of a part of the reaction centers of photosystem II another part apparently mediates a fast cyclic electron flow around photosystem II as reported by Renger and Wolff earlier for tris-treated chloroplasts. Moreover, the antiserum affects the low temperature fluorescence in a way which is opposite to Murata's effect of the Mg2+-ion induced inhibition of energy spill-over from photosystem II to phytosystem I. The antiserum under the condition in which the Hill reaction is inhibited lowered the 686 nm emission and enhanced the 732 nm emission which indicates an enhanced energy spill-over to photosystem I.


[Chromosomal structure of Pseudomonas testosteroni. II. Activity of the endogenous RNA-polymerase (author's transl)]. After careful lysis the nucleoid of Pseudomonas testosteroni can be isolated in three different forms with compact and unfolded DNA structures. The released nucleoids contain endogenous DNA-dependent RNA-polymerase activity using the chromosomal DNA as a template. RNA synthesis is proportional to duration of RNA-polymerase reaction and amount of DNA-protein-complexes. The sensitivity towards ionic strength and rifampicin indicates that a part of RNA-polymerase activity is tightly bound to the chromosomal DNA.


Variable composition of cytochrome b6-f particles. Cytochrome b6-f particles were prepared from chloroplasts of spinach and the heterokont alga Bumilleriopsis filiformis using digitonin in comparison with non-ionic detergents. The cytochrome b6-f particles are solubilized in different amounts according to chemical structure and HLB value of the detergent (see Griffin, J. Soc. Cosmet. Chem. 1, 311 [1949]). Also the ratio of the two cytochromes in the isolated particle depends on the detergent used. In case of spinach, it varies from Cyt b6:f=1.5:1 to 4.9:1. These investigations do not strengthen the idea that a cytochrome b6-f complex with a stoichiometric composition is present in the photosynthetic membrane. Application of different detergents is a means for selective solubilization of thylakoid membrane components.


[A special attaching-mechanism between the cortex radiatus externus and the follicle epithelium of the oocytes of Gobio gobio (author's transl)]. The cortex radiatus externus and the follicle epithelium of the freshwater teleost Gobio gobio are firmly attached together by a special attaching-mechanism. The apical surface of the plugs of the cortex radiatus externus has recesses and excavations which fit in the short projections of the follicle cells and prevent moving of these cells on the egg membranes. This attaching-mechanism also assists in fastening the oocytes (eggs) on the substrate.


On the cross-section structure of the mitochondrial cristae-membrane as revealed by x-ray diffraction. Mitochondria were isolated using sorbitol and high buffer concentration in the medium. X-ray diffraction patterns arising from the mitochondrial cristae-membrane were recorded in the fully dried state and in two different states in humidity. The Q-function evaluation of these X-ray diffraction diagrams resulted in electron density cross-section profiles, which consist of two main peaks of opposite sign and one, respectively two, smaller peaks. The total thickness of the membrane amounts to 120 A in the dry and 140 A to 160 A in the wet state. An interpretation of the cross-section profile is tentatively proposed.


Effect of antirheumatic drugs on neutral protease from human leucocyte granules. The inhibitory effect of 38 antirheumatic and other agents on purified neutral protease from human polymorphonuclear leucocytes has been studied by determining the decrease in enzyme activity on Z-Ala-NPH as substrate. Analgesics, salicylates, cytostatic agents and steroids, as well as D-penicillamine, colchicine, allopurinol, chlorzoxazone and chlorpromazine, either had no effect on neutral protease or inhibited it only to a very small extent. Typical antirheumatic agents like gold and pyrazolone derivatives suppressed the activity of the enzyme at a concentration of 10(-5)M. The two sulphonated polysaccharides Arteparon and pentosan polysulphate (SP 54) were the most potent inhibitors of neutral protease (inhibition down to 10(-8)M). Increasing concentrations of various inorganic salts gradually suppressed the effect of some otherwise effective drugs on neutral protease. The drugs were completely ineffective at a salt concentration of 0.5 M. At physiological concentrations, however, this effect was insignificant. Inhibition of neutral protease may be one way in which some antirheumatic drugs exert a therapeutic effect in rheumatic diseases.


[Myocardiopathia gravidarum].

[Myocardiopathia gravidarum]. 8 cases of the clinical syndrom known as cardiomyopathy of pregnancy have been presented. In 6 of them cardiac insufficiency during the last weeks of pregnancy was the prevailing symptomatology. In 2 the characteristic symptoms consisted of severe arrythmia at the beginning of the puerperium. Common symptoms were cardiomegaly and characteristic changes in the electrocardiogram. In all patients the disease subsided entirely some weeks after delivery.


[Serologic pattern of meningococci in a focus of infection]. The authors present the results of typing of meningococci (isolated from the patients and carriers) by the sera of serological groups A, B, C, D, X, Y, and Z made at the Leningrad Institute of Vaccine and Sera. The causative agents of serological group A were most frequently isolated from the patients with the generalized forms of meningococcus infection. The percentage of detection of meningococci of serological group A was the greatest in the patients and much less in the carriers in and outside the foci of this infection. Many dissociated cultures were revealed among the strains isolated from the carriers. Sera of the Leningrad Institute of Vaccine and Sera have permitted typing of meningococci cultures belonging to various serological groups in accordance with the international classification.


[Functional properties of fragments of the sarcoplasmic reticulum of the fast and slow muscles of Rana ridibunda frogs]. It has been demonstrated that fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (FSR) from slow rectus abdominis muscle exhibits lower Ca/ATP ratio, lower Ca2+ uptake and higher Ca2+ release from the vesicles as compared to the reticulum from fast sartorius muscle. The rate of Ca2+ uptake by sartorius muscle is equal to 4.78, that by rectus abdominis muscle -- to 2.90 muM/min/mg of protein. The value of Km for the release of calcium from FSR of rectus abdominis muscle is equal to 1.25-10(-5)M, of sartotius muscle -- to 2.5-10(-5)M. Therefore, sarcoplasmic reticulum of the abdominal muscle exhibits lower capacity to retain the accumulated calcium.


[Phage-typing of typhoid cultures and results of use of this method in anti-epidemic practice in the Azerbaijan SSR]. This work was aimed at the study of the phage-type pattern of the causative agents of typhoid fever isolated in the Azerbaijan SSR in 1960-1973. As revealed, the following 26 phage-types circulated in Azerbaijan during the period under study: A, B1, B2, B3, C1, C4, C5, D1, D2, D4, D8, E1, E2, E3, E5, F1, F2, I1, M1N, T, 28, 38, 39, 40 and 46. The most widespread were phage-types A (22.86%), E1 (13.96%), F1 (9.74%), F2 (6.70%), and 28 (5.71%) constituting over half of the typed typhoid strains. Sources and ways of transmission of the infection were deciphered with the aid of phage-typing typhoid cultures.


[Blood groups of the ABO system of chronic carriers of typhoid bacteria and typhoid patients in Uzbekistan]. Blood groups of the ABO system were studied in 186 chronic carriers of typhoid bacilli and in 392 patients with typhoid fever from various districts of the Uzbek SSR. In comparison with control (healthy persons), carriers displayed a higher percentage of persons with A (II) blood group (50.88 and 42.64 against 37.51 and 32.13 in control) and a lesser percentage of persons with the O (I) blood group (21.05 and 22.48 against 32.93 and 32.07 in control). These data demonstrated that predisposition of persons with the A (II) blood group to chronic typhoid carrier state was characteristic of the Asian part of the country. In comparison with control, there were significantly less persons with the O (I) blood group and more with the AB (IV) blood group. Possible correlative mechanisms between the blood group and the typhoid infection and the development of chronic typhoid carrier state is discussed.


Oral D2O administration and enzymatic changes in rat testis. Heavy water caused marked gradual decrease in the weight of the body as well as the testes throughout the treatment interval ranging from 1 to 6 weeks. Following D2O oral administration, an overall significant fall in the activity of acid phosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase was registered. On the other hand, the activity of lactic and succinic dehydrogenases, alkaline phosphatase and adenosine triphosphatase increases following D2O treatment. These changes in the enzyme activity are suggestive of an altered metabolism of the testes in response to D2O administration. Our data corroborate the view that biological systems do discriminate between H2 and D2.


Cyanoketone-induced inhibition of adrenal 3beta-hydroxy-delta5-steroid oxidoreductase activity in female and male rats in vitro. The inhibition of adrenal 3beta-hydroxy-delta5-steroid oxidoreductase activity was studied in vitro 24 h after a single injection of 2alpha-cyano-4,4, 17alpha-trimethyl-5-androsten-17beta-ol-3-one (cyanoketone) to adult castrated female and male rats. The inhibition of conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone to androstenedione was about 80% as compared to adult castrated control rats treated with vehicle only. The conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone and 5alpha-pregnane-3,20-dione was also inhibited by about 80% in both sexes. The activity of 3beta-hydroxy-delta5-steroid oxidoreductase was greater both in cyanoketone-treated and control female rats as compared to the corresponding male rats. It is concluded that the previously observed sex differences in response to cyanoketone in vivo are not due to a lower affinity of male adrenal 3beta-hydroxy-delta5-steroid oxidoreductase to cyanoketone.


Spontaneous carotid-cavernous fistulas. Clinical symptomatology. The symptomatology in six cases with spontaneous carotid-cavernous fistulas is discussed. All six patients presented with exophthalmos, dilated veins, pain and restriction of ocular movements. In four patients a bruit was found objectively as well as subjectively, four patients exhibited an increase of the intraocular pressure and in three cases vision was impaired. Of special interest is the finding that discrete symptoms such as venous congestion and slight pain appeared early in the course of the disease in all patients, and that in some of the patients an increase in intraocular pressure as well as disturbances in ocular motility were diagnosed long before the appearance of the exophthalmos.


Hypertrophy, hyperplasia and structural dilatation of the human heart. The human heart can exceed the critical heart weight of 500 g in the course of pathological structural adaptation. This abnormal growth is performed not only by an increase in size (hypertrophy) but also in number (hyperplasia) of cardiac muscle cells. Coronary insufficiency, dilatation and chronic heart failure are noted frequently in hearts above this critical heart weight. Chronic heart failure is not a direct consequence of local destruction and scar formation following coronary insufficiency. Unlike acute cardiac dilatation with failure, chronic dilatation is not associated with stretching or overstretching of cardiac muscle cells. Starling's law is not applicable for explaining heart failure in these chronic cases. Chronic dilatation is a structural dilatation (Gefugedilatation) produced by sliding displacements (slippage) of heart muscle cells leading to a decrease in the number of muscle layers in the ventricular wall. Chronic heart failure in man therefore is rather a physical consequence of structural dilatation which severely impairs the working conditions, the efficiency and the effectiveness of the heart muscle cells than an immediate result of coronary insufficiency of inflammation with local metabolic alterations, which, of course, additionally impair the quality of the myocardium and the conducting system.


Congenital perceptive hearing loss and atopic dermatitis. Two brothers were suffering from perceptive hearing loss, atopic dermatitis and mild palmophantar keratoderma. There was a predisposition to atopic disease in the maternal family, and palmoplantar keratosis as a dominant trait in the paternal family. Atopoc dermatitis and palmoplantar keratoderma separately have been reported to co-exist with hearing loss, but a combination of all three has not so far been reported.


Effects of physical training and detraining on intrinsic cardiac control mechanisms. The effects of a moderate physical training program on the hearts of rats have been studied. The mechanical responses of these hearts are improved. Possible contributing factors in this improvement are increased coronary reserve and capacity to deliver oxygen to the myocardium, increased myocardial glycogen stores and increased turnover of fatty acids through the endogenous triglyceride pool. Myocardial oxidative compounds and high energy phosphate stores are not altered. Major changes are found in the energy utilization pathways. Actomyosin, myosin, and heavy meromyosin ATPase activity and binding activity of isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum are all enhanced. Sulfhydryl control of the active site of myosin ATPase is altered. The biochemical effects of conditioning are short lived when training is decreased or discontinued.


Collagen metabolism of the rat heart during experimental cardiac hypertrophy and the effect of digitoxin treatment. In cardiac hypertrophy the total content of collagen is increased in the myocardium. The first indicator of the increased activity of connective tissue cells is an increase in the activity of prolyl hydroxylase of the myocardium. This is later followed by an increase in the rate of collagen synthesis and subsequently collagen is accumulated in the myocardium. Digitoxin treatment prevents the hypertrophy and the accumulation of proteins to the myocardium. This effect of digitoxin is, at least partly, explained by a decreased transport of amino acids into the cells, The results emphasize the importance of amino acid supply to the process of hypertrophy.


The effect of complete and partial deconditioning on exercise-induced cardiovascular changes in the rat. Exercise conditioning of young male rats by swimming for 1 h, 5 times per week for 10 weeks results in a reduced gain in body weight, cardiac hypertrophy and hyperplasia, an increase in myocardial capillary density, and an increase in cross-sectional laminal areas of extracoronary collateral arteries. The effects of partial or complete deconditioning on these changes were studied by randomizing young male rats exercise-conditioned for 10 weeks to groups either kept sedentary or subjected to varying amounts of exercise for a second 10-week period. Their hearts were compared with those of unexercised controls using quantitative histologic measurements. During the second 10 weeks, exercise conditioning was found not to continue to suppress weight gain. However, frequent relative short-duration exercise sessions (as little as 15 min per session) frequently prevented an accelerated increase in body weight associated with deconditioning. A complete regression of exercise-induced cardiovascular adaptive changes occurred when wxercise was discontinued completely for 10 weeks or the duration of sessions was cut to 15 min. In order to maintain cardiac hypertrophy, exercise had to be continued for 1 h, 5 times per week while hyperplasia could be maintained with shorter duration, less frequent sessions (30 min, twice a week). The maintenance of increased myocardial capillary density required a similar amount of exercise, and at least 1 h of exercise once a week was necessary to maintain the enlargement of ECA.20


Coronary blood flow and myocardial O2 consumption in hypertrophied cardiac muscle in dogs. In dogs with experimental cardiac hypertrophy in resting conditions, coronary blood flow and myocardial O2 consumption increased proportionately to the cardiac mass; coronary flow and O2 consumption per gram of myocardium, therefore, ranged within normal values. The coronary reserve, neasured as the percentage increase in the coronary blood flow from rest till peak flow during reactive hyperaemia, was noticeably reduced, because it was partially utilized, even at rest, and consequently the possibility of an increase in flow after exercise or stress was diminished.


The clinical course of primary myocardial disease in infants and children. A total of 161 infants and children, ranging in age from 1 day to 17 years at initial encounter (mean, 3.7 years), was seen over a 30 year period with primary myocardial disease (idiopathic myocarditis, nonobstructive cardiomyopathy, endocardial fibroelastosis, and an anatomically unknown category). These patients were observed from 1 hour to 23 years after initial encounter and cardiac disease has resolved in 27 per cent, resulted in death in 35 per cent, and continues in 38 per cent. The majority were first referred to us with congestive heart failure; all exhibited ST-T changes and cardiomegaly, 67 of 150 had left ventricular hypertrophy, 23 of 151 arrhythmias, and 55 of 153 pulmonary vascular congestion. Initial ventricular depolarization abnormalities were very frequent. Significant clinical predictors of fatal outcome included pulmonary vascular congestion, "northwest" axis deviation, and a cardiac index less than three L./min./M.2. Death occurred during the first year after initial encounter in 44 of 57 who died, and in all 13 with proved myocarditis. Primary myocardial disease is a serious disease of infancy and childhood, resulting in death or residual cardiac disease in three fourths of those affected.


Echocardiographic assessment of the severity of aortic stenosis in children and adolescents. The magnitude of ventricular hypertrophy in response to afterloading is determined by wall stress, with wall thickness increasing in proportion to ventricular load until systolic wall stress is normalized. With use of echocardiographic measurements of left ventricular end-systolic wall thickness (Ws) and cavity transverse dimension (Ds), the pressure constant k was calculated in 16 patients without left heart obstruction according to the formula k = P-Ds/Ws. The mean value for k was 225 +/- 6.7 (standard deviation) mm Hg. From this value, left ventricular pressure was estimated in 13 patients with aortic stenosis aged 4 to 17 years using the formula P = k-Ws/Ds. No subject had evidence of cardiac failure. Peak systolic aortic pressure difference (delta P) was calculated by subtracting cuff-measured brachial arterial peak systolic pressure from the estimated left ventricular pressure. Excellent correlation was obtained between the estimated delta P and that found at cardiac catheterization (r = 0.89). In two patients, echocardiographic data predicted significant obstruction in the presence of normal electrocardiographic, vectorcardiographic and vector lead tracings. Echocardiography offers a noninvasive method for estimating the severity of aortic stenosis, in the absence of myocardial failure; it appears to be more sensitive than other currently employed techniques.


Truncus arteriosus and previous pulmonary arterial banding: clinical and hemodynamic assessment. Twenty-seven patients with truncus arteriosus and previous pulmonary arterial banding were evaluated 1 1/2 to 14 years (mean 7 years) after banding. Ages at the time of cardiac catheterization ranged from 3 to 18 years (mean 9 years). Current symptoms were severe in five patients and were related to truncal valve incompetence or decreased pulmonary blood flow (or both) rather than to age, duration of palliation or band location. Twenty-one of 22 patients with two pulmonary arteries were considered to be in a hemodynamically operable state at the time of study. The condition of three of five patients with a single pulmonary artery was subsequently found inoperable because of severe pulmonary vascular disease in the lung supplied by the single pulmonary artery. In patients with two pulmonary arteries, demonstration of low pressure in at least one normal-sized pulmonary artery established operability. Postoperative pressure measurements correlated well with preoperative prediction of operability, with 19 of 20 patients having a pulmonary arterial pressure less than 70 percent of systemic levels after repair. Bilateral pulmonary arterial binding may be more effective than central arterial banding (which frequently produces severe obstruction to the right pulmonary artery) in preventing pulmonary vascular obstructive disease in patients with truncus arteriosus who have two pulmonary arteries. Patients with truncus arteriosus and a single pulmonary artery with pulmonary arterial banding remain at high risk for the development of pulmonary vascular obstructive disease.


[Contact dermatitis by Frullania dilatata (L) Dum]. The Bordeles School of Le Coulant described in 1966, a contact dermatitis produced by "hepatics" of the Frullania genus. The hepatics together with the mosses and sphagnus form the group of Bryophytes. Only the hepatics with leaves or Jungermaniales have a capacity to cause sensitivity. They grow in dark colour plates on the bark of different trees such as the chestnut-tree, acacias, poplar-trees, beech-trees,and in particular, the oak-trees and evergreen oak-trees. The conifers are rarely affected by these epiphytes. The Frullania lives in the most adverse climates, growing not only on trees, but also on surfaces such as rocks, prefering humid sites. Cases of allergy to Frullania dilatata have been registered in France by Foussereau and Maleville and by De Graciansky. In British Columbia, Mitchel has described cases of contact dermatitis by another species of Frullania, the F. tamarisci subsp. nisquallensis. There are described six cases of contact dermatitis induced by Frullania dilatata that have been studied in the last five years. The indicated growth, because it is epiphyte on forest species, sensitizes those people who through their profession or way of life, come into contact with trees or wood. All our cases were men who had some sort of contact with oak-trees. The lesions fundamentely affected the face, hands and genitales; the diagnostic was established through a patch test with the plant itself. The lesions were of acute eczema so much macroscopic as well as mircoscopic. It has been proved that the responsible substance of the sensitization belongs to the group of sesquiterpenics lactons and that it is also responsible for the contact dermatitis produced by the chrysanthemum, ragweed, pyrstrum, etc. In one of the cases reported, a positive contact test was obtained using extract of chrysanthemum, and in the other case a hyposensitization was tried but it gave negative results.


Left ventricular compliance: mechanisms and clinical implications. Left ventricular diastolic compliance is determined by the level of operating pressure and the diastolic pressure-volume relation. This relation is curvillinear and the slope of a tangent (operative chamber stiffness) to the pressure-volume curve increases as the chamber progressively fills. Such preload-dependent changes in compliance occur during any acute alteration in ventricular volume. At a given diastolic pressure, operative chamber stiffness (or its reciprocal, operative chamber compliance) is determined by the relative values for ventricular volume and muscle mass and by the stiffness of a unit of myocardium. Thus, there may be a leftward shift of the diastolic pressure-volume curve (increase in the modulus of chamber stiffness) as a consequence of ventricular hypertrophy or an increase in the stiffness of heart muscle itself (increase in modulus of muscle stiffness). To distinguish between hypertrophy and stiff muscle, it is useful to examine the modulus of chamber stiffness, derived from pressure-volume data, together with the volume/mass ratio of the ventricle. In this fashion, changes in the modulus of chamber stiffness that are inappropriate for a given volume/mass ratio may be attributed to changes in the material properties of the heart muscle. Examples of clinical and experimental pressure-volume studies are presented to illustrate the variety of mechanisms by which acute and chronic changes in ventricular chamber compliance evolve during the course of clinical heart disease. The pathophysiology of pulmonary congestion is best understood by considering the factors responsible for producing changes in chamber stiffness of the ventricle, whereas an examination of muscle stiffness is likely to provide more insight into the extent of irreversible functional and structural defects of the myocardium.


Paradoxical motion of the interventricular septum with right ventricular dilatation in the absence of shunting: report of two cases. A history, heart murmur, electrocardiogram and chest X-ray film suggesting an atrial septal defect associated with an echocardiogram revealing paradoxical motion of the interventricular septum with a dilated right ventricle may be considered indicative of a secundum or primum defect in a young adult or child. Two patients who fulfill all these criteria and had the presumptive diagnosis of an atrial septal defect were found at cardiac catheterization to have no demonstrable left to right shunt or other significant abnormality. The results of standard T-M mode echocardiograms were verified with B scan ultrasonograms. These cases may represent an early stage in the development of a cardiomyopathy. There is no echocardiogram pathognomonic of an atrial septal defect, and patients whose history and echocardiogram suggest this defect should have further diagnostic evaluation including technetium scan or cardiac catheterization.


Hemangiosarcoma of the abdominal wall following irradiation therapy of endometrial carcinoma. A hemangiosarcoma of the abdominal wall developed in a long-standing, nonhealing radiation-induced ulcer ten years after therapeutic  irradiation for endometrial carcinoma.


Plasma androgen levels during the menstrual cycle. Utilizing RIA methods, T, DHT, delta 4, and DHEA levels were determined daily during a complete cycle in 15 normal young women with apparently normal ovulatory cycles. T, DHT, and delta 4 levels showed statistically significant cyclical variations, with highest values in the periovulatory period and lowest values in early follicular and late luteal phase. DHEA levels showed random variations during the cycle. The failure to detect these variations by some authors may be related to the relatively large interindividual variation in plasma levels.


Relationship of the metabolic clearance rate of dehydroisoandrosterone sulfate to placental blood flow: a mathematical model. Measurable reduction of the metabolic clearance rate of DS does not reflect alterations of placental blood flow. The fact that large changes in the MCR are observed in complicated pregnancies implies a metabolic change in the placenta.


Combined outpatient laparoscopic sterilization with therapeutic abortion. Combined outpatient laparoscopic sterilization and therapeutic abortion were evaluated at Charlotte Memorial Hospital and Presbyterian Hospital. Two hundred and four patients underwent the procedure, which proved to be safe and effective, requiring only a brief hospital stay.


The laparoscopist and electrosurgery.

The laparoscopist and electrosurgery. A brief discussion of the physics relating to electrosurgical techniques is given, the complications inherent in this technique when used at laparoscopy are discussed, and the treatment and means of preventing these accidents are reviewed.


Prenatal diagnosis of placental steroid sulfatase deficiency. Placental steroid sulfatase deficiency is an unusual cause of low estriol production during pregnancy. Its importance lies in the differentiation of this disorder from the more ominous fetal defects that result in low estriol levels. Serum free estriol levels were found to be low or absent in a 25-year-old gravida 3, para 2 woman, while placental lactogen and chorionic gonadotropin levels were normal. An abdominal x-ray revealed no apparent congenital abnormalities and an oxytocin challenge test was negative. The dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) level in the patient's amniotic fluid was 6.8 to 18.4 times greater than those found in control amniotic fluids. The patient's amniotic fluid cortisol level was normal. Twenty-four hours following a normal, spontaneous labor and delivery at 39 weeks, the male infant underwent a synthetic ACTH1-24 stimulation test, with serum cortisols rising from 3.7 to 46 mug/dl at 1 hour. The placenta was morphologically normal on gross, light, and electron microscopic examinations. Steroid 3-alcohol sulfatase and arylsulfatase activities in the patient's placenta were virtually absent. These data indicate that this benign cause of low serum estriol levels may be diagnosed prenatally by elevated amniotic fluid DHEA-S levels.


Mechanism of maleic acid-induced glucosuria in dog kidney. The multiple indicator-dilution technique in vivo and isolated brush-border membranes in vitro have been used to explore the mechanism of maleic acid-induced glucosuria in dog kidney. The interaction of D-glucose with the antiluminal membrane from the peritubular fluid surface is unaltered. It is demonstrated that alpha-methyl-D-glucoside (alpha MG) enters and exits from the proximal tubular cell only across the brush-border membrane. Then using alphaMG as a reference indicator, it is shown that maleic acid does not cause complete inhibition of D-glucose interaction with the antiluminal membrane from the cytoplasmic surface. The binding of [3H]phlorizin both in vivo and in vitro is not affected by prior administration of maleic acid, indicating that D-glucose interaction with the outside surface of the brush border is also not affected by maleic acid. The data are therefore consistent with the concept that maleic acid-induced glucosuria is due either to i) partial inhibition of D-glucose movement from cytoplasm across the antiluminal membrane into the blood, ii) stimulated movement back across the brush-border membrane into urine, or iii) a combination of the two effects.


Effects of diabetes on intestinal magnesium absorption in the rat. Control and streptozotocin-diabetic rats were studied at 5, 12, and 32 days after induction of diabetes. Magnesium absorption was measured by in situ perfusion of duodenum and ileum. At 5 days, duodenal mucosal growth is similar in controls and diabetics. At 12 days, mucosal growth is 50% greater in diabetics, and at 32 days, 100% greater. Ileal mucosal growth followed the same pattern but was half that of duodenum. Therefore, absorption data were expressed per centimeter segment length to define absorptive capacity of the segment and per gram dry weight of mucosa to define absorptive specific activity. Mean absorptive specific activity was lower in diabetics than controls at all time intervals. The difference was significant only for duodenum of diabetics at 32 days, when magnesium absorption declined to half that of controls. In contrast, absorptive capacity for both segments remained the same in both groups, attributable to the greater mucosal growth in diabetics. These findings for magnesium contrast with effects of diabetes on calcium transport: specific absorption and segment absorptive capacity are depressed in diabetics at both 5 and 11 days. Thus, although transport of magnesium and calcium usually tend to change in parallel in diabetes, transport of magnesium is depressed later and to a lesser degree than calcium, and segment transport capacity is maintained. The findings suggest differences in mechanism of regulation of magnesium and calcium transport.


Oxygen-induced changes in pulmonary superoxide dismutase assayed by antibody titrations. Previous studies have demonstrated a 50% increase in pulmonary superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in oxygen-adapted rats and have suggested that SOD plays a significant role in the development of "tolerance". To further study these events, the cuprozinc SOD was purified from rat liver and found to be similar to previously purified cuprozinc superoxide dismutases. A rabbit antisera to rat cuprozinc SOD was produced and used to perform antibody titrations of SOD in the lungs of rats exposed to 85% O2 for 5 days. The absolute amount of cuprozinc SOD increased 41% by antibody titration which accounted for most, if not all, of the 48% increase demonstrated in total SOD activity. Spectrophotometric assays at pH 7.8 and 10.0 of pure rat cuprozinc SOD and crude lung homogenates suggest that there is also a manganese SOD present, but the role of that SOD in the development of oxygen tolerance has not been established.