[The problem of vitamin B6/B12 acne. A contribution on acne medicamentosa (author's transl)]. Deterioration of acne vulgaris or eruption of an acneiform exanthema could be established during treatment with vitamin B6 and/or vitamin B12 in 14 patients. Females were by far the more frequently affected. The appearance of skin symptoms, even outside the age groups typically affected by acne vulgaris is characteristic. The clinical appearance of acneiform exanthema occurring during treatment with vitamin B6 or B12 consists of loosely disseminated small papules or papulopustules on the face (especially on the forehead and chin), on the upper parts of the back and chest and spreading to the upper arm. The pathogensis of the change is not yet certain. The acneiform rash generally fades within a short time after vitamin B6 or vitamin B12 treatment has been stopped.


Morphogenesis and pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases. XI. Histoenzymatic study of the experimentally developing lung granulomas. The development of lung granulomas induced in rabbits by an intravenous injection of the complete Freund adjuvant containing dog pulmonary proteins was followed by histologic and histoenzymatic methods. By comparison with normal rabbit lungs. the developing structures of the induced lung granulomas showed an increase of all tested enzymes at 15 days, and a secondary intensity decrease of the activity of malic dehydrogenase, of acid and alkaline phosphatases, and of alanyl-aminopeptidase at 30 days. Only the hydroxyproline-epimerase showed at these intervals an increasing activity in the lung granulomas. The developed reticulinic fibrils appeared to have a highly intense alkaline phosphatase activity.


Morphologic alterations of experimental rubella syndrome in rabbits. Rabbits were used as experimental subjects for study of circulation of the rubella virus in intrauterine life and of the histopathological alterations produced by inoculation of wild strains during the first third of pregnancy. Fetuses taken in the 14th, 21st and 28th days of pregnancy, as well as 1-month-old and 5-month-old animals were used for the embryologic and virological studied. Of the 20 animals infected, 90% presented histopathological lesions. The most affected viscera being the liver (80%), heart (60%). kidney (30%) and the crystalline lens (5%). Virological study was made of only 11 animals, from which 100% viral isolation was obtained, with similar results between viral isolation and the appearance of lesions in the liver (72%) and the kidney (44%), while a marked discrepancy in the virus-lesion relationship was found for the heart (33%) and the crystalline lens (77%). We conclude that the etiopathogeny of the syndrome cannot be explained only by direct action of the virus on the fetal tissues, but must be multiple.


Diffuse pulmonary injury associated with gold treatment. Two patients had diffuse, reversible pulmonary injury possibly owing to gold sodium thiomalate treatment: a 32-year-old woman with chronic inflammatory arthritis compatible with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and a 32-year-old man with shoulder arthralgia. The patients had received 420 mg and 325 mg of gold sodium thiomalate, respectively. Cough and dyspnea began in the seventh and fifth weeks of therapy, respectively. In both patients x-ray study showed bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, with no evidence of pleural disease. The woman had no other manifestations of hypersensitivity to gold. The man had exfoliative dermatitis fever and anemia. Lung biopsies from both patients revealed lymphocytes and plasma cells infiltrating the alveolar septa and interstitial fibrosis. The woman improved slowly during four months after discontinuation of therapy. Pulmonary symptoms recurred after additional gold therapy, and again resolved when gold was discontinued. The man, treated with prednisone, showed prompt remission and remains will without medication.


Ultrastructure of the lymph node after prolonged immunization. Changes in the fine structure of the lymph nodes were studied after prolonged immunization with heterologous sera. Hypertrophy of the lymph node cortex and paracortex frequently occurred, as well as development of the zone lying next to the lymphatic sinuses, postcapillary venules, veins and arteries in the cortex, paracortex and medulla, which is mainly bursa-dependent. Worthy of note was the presence of germinative centers characterized by large ribosomes, rich cells and macrophages. Similar aspects were observed in splenectomized animals undergoing prolonged immunization. Particular aspects of immunologic activity in the lymph nodes were noticed in the animals which had received an immunosuppressive treatment during immunization. The significance of the morphological alterations in the fine structure of the lymph nodes is correlated with the serological findings.


The functional significance of the skin's stratum lucidum. The molecular structure of the skin's stratum lucidum, rich in energetic enzymes and SH groups secreted by the granular cells, was shown by histochemical methods. These active extracellular elements represent a functional barrier which ensures the organism-environment exchanges under the impulse and control of nucleic acids. The biological basis of the cutaneous absorption is discussed.


Anti-donor immune responses in prediction of transplant rejection. We assessed various immune responses against donor tissue to determine their value in the diagnosis and prediction of clinical rejection episodes. Twenty-six consecutive clinical renal-transplant recipients were examined. Cell-mediated lymphocytotoxicity preceded and accompanied 41 of 45 rejection episodes (P less than 0.001). Complement-dependent antibody was present in 12 of 15 rejections (P less than 0.002)--four not accompanied by, and eight in association with, cell-mediated lymphocytotoxicity. Mixed lymphocyte reactivity or nonreactivity and inhibition by autologous serum occurred equally often in rejection and quiescence. Lymphocyte-dependent antibody occurred during both rejection episodes and quiescent phases, with a greater frequency during quiescence (P = 0.05). Cell-mediated lymphocytotoxicity was the best predictor of rejection (P less than 0.05). Cell-mediated lymphocytotoxicity was the best predictor of rejection (P less than 0.001), and was more easily suppressed by standard immunosuppressive therapy, than complement-dependent antibody. If specific cell-mediated lymphocytotoxicity, with or without antibody, recurred after rejection therapy, the graft underwent further rejection.


[New attempt at treating Huntington's chorea (preliminary report)]. In Huntington's chorea the biochemical disturbances are to some degree a reverse of those observed in Parkinson's disease and a failure of the cholinergic system is prevalent. Former attempts at treatment were based on blockade of the dopaminergic system. The author suggests that the general line of treatment should be -- similarly as in Parkinson's disease -- not blockade of the predominant system but enhancing the cholinergic activity by administration of acetylcholine precursors and agents blocking cholinesterase. Eight patients were treated in this way and significant improvement was achieved in half of them. Further therapeutic trials along these lines are justified theoretically and the main problem will be to find substances crossing the blood-brain barrier and acting more strongly.


Effect of dexamethasone on serum cortisol and androgen levels in hirsute patients. The serum levels of the following steroids were measured in 59 hirsute patients before (control) and after (post-dexamethasone) administration of dexamethasone (Dex) for 7 days: cortisol (F), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), its sulfate (DHEA-S), androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Assuming that Dex-suppressibility implied adrenal origin, the source of excess androgens was also evaluated. All patients showed elevated level of only one androgen: 4 had elevated DHEA-S; 4 had elevated T; 3 had elevated DHT. No patient had an elevated DHEA or A without an evelation of the other androgens. The control levels of DHEA-S were above normal in 45 patients; the DHT levels were elevated in 43 patients; 31 patients had elevated T levels; and 25 patients elevated A; and 24 patients, DHEA levels. In 32 patients with adequate suppression of adrenal androgens after 7 days of Dex administration, the source of excess androgens could be evaluated. Of 13 patients with elevated A levls, the excess A production was of adrenal origin in 6 cases, of ovarian origin in 5 cases, and of mixed origin in 2 cases. Of 15 patients with elevated T levels, the excess T production was of adrenal origin in 3 cases, of ovarian origin in 10 cases, and of mixed origin in the remaining 2 cases. Of 25 patients with elevated DHT levels, the excess DHT production was of adrenal origin in 16 patients, of ovarian origin in 5 patients, and of mixed origin in 4 patients. Of the 32 patients with an adequate Dex suppression test, 14 showed evidence of adrenal hyperandrogenism, 5 had ovarian hyperandrogenism, and mixed hyperandrogenism was present in the remaining 13 patients. There was an adrenal source of hyperandrogenism in 27 of 32 patients (14 pure adrenal and 13 mixed adrenal-ovarian), which represents 85% of the 32 patients.


Metabolic clearance rate of dehydroisoandrosterone sulfate. VII. Effect of lateral versus supine recumbency. The physiologic events which may occur with the gravid women in the supine position suggest that uteroplacental blood flow may be impaired as a consequence of decreased venous return to the heart and the resulting decrease in cardiac output. Since the metabolic clearance rate of dehydroisoandrosterone sulfate (MCRDS) previously has been shown to reflect alterations in uteroplacental perfusion, the MCRDS was measured in a variety of different obstetric conditions during lateral and supine recumbency. No significant difference in the MCRDS was induced by this specific positional change, suggesting that uteroplacental perfusion was not altered. Experimental data are discussed which support this observation, and a possible mechanism for maintenance of uteroplacental blood flow under these circumstances is presented.


The application of lidocaine to the fallopian tubes during tubal fulguration by laparoscopy. A randomized double-blind study of 100 patients was done, using 4% lidocaine and/or saline applied to the fallopian tubes at the time of tubal fulguration by laparoscopy. Lidocaine was shown statistically to be effective in reducing the discomfort the patient experiences when the procedure is carried out under local anesthesia as an outpatient.


Prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal and enzymatic defects. Second trimester amniocentesis is a valuable procedure to detect chromosomal and enzymatic defects. A brief review of the current literature and the author's experience is presented.


[Effect of certain factors on the parasitic fauna of fishes introduced into the lakes of Karelia]. The parasite fauna of Coregonus peled, C. autumnalis migratorius, C. lavaretus, C. albula, Salmo irideus and Ciprinus carpio was investigated. Ciliata and Diplostomatidae were found to be most abundant. The paper discusses the effect of certain factors (the character of a water body, food, mode of life of fishes) on the parasite fauna of fishes introduced to small lakes of Karelia.


[Parasitic fauna of fishes in the "Chilu-chor Chashma" Spring (Tadzhik SSR) with a constant and high water temperature]. The spring Chilu-Chor Chashma (forty four springs) is situated in the south of Tadzhikistan. In this water body water temperature is constant in any season of the year (18 to 20 C). Ichthyofauna is represented by three species: Varicorhinus heratensis Steindachneri, Alburnoides bipunctatus eichwaldi and Cyprinus carpio. As a result of parasitological studies 20 species of parasites were recorded from 129 fishes. The parasite fauna of the fishes was investigated twice-in summer and in autumn. It was found that in autumn it is much poorer than in summer. This concerns mainly the species with a complex developmental cycle.


[Metacercaria of Cyathocotyle prussica Mühling, 1896 (Cyathocotylidae, Trematoda)]. Cyathocotylid larvae were found in the musculature of Gobio gobio and Leuciscus leuciscus from the cut-off part of the Ishim river (West Sibiria). Experimental infection of domestic ducklings has shown that the metacercariae are the larvae of C. prussica. They differ from the other known larvae of Cyathocotylidae from musculature of fishes of Europe and Asia in having a larger Brandes'organ.


[Cystogenous nematode, Heterodera (Globodera) mali sp. n., an apple parasite in Kazakhstan]. There has been no information on cystogenous nematodes of the genus Heterodera injuring apple trees. The paper checks the first finding of these nematodes on the roots of a cultivated apple tree. The nematodes proved to be a new species, Heterodera mali sp. n. The apple cystogenous nematode resembles the potato cystogenous nematode H. rostochiensis Woll. in having a round body, small cleft of the vulva and similar sizes of eggs. It differs from H. rostochiensis in smaller sizes (on the average 5 against 9) very transparent and thin cuticle, a small distance between vulva and anus (on the average 43 against 86), a smaller value of the Granek's index (on the average 1.3 against 4.6), a smaller number of cuticular folds between vulva and anus (on the average 7 against 21) and different plant-hosts. A detailed description of H. mali sp. n. is given.


[Little-known parasite of wild birds, Ixodes caledonicus Nuttall, 1910, in the fauna of the USSR (Ixodoidea, Ixodidae)]. Ixodes caledonicus differs from the most allied species I. berlesei at all active phases of its life cycle. In the USSR I. caledonicus is distributed in the Ukraine-in the Crimea, on Tarkhankut and Kerch Peninsulars, in Azerbaijan-in the south-eastern spurs of the Creat Caucasian ridge and in the midcourse of the river Araks, in Tadzhikistan-on the southern slope of the Gissar ridge. The species is reported from Great Britain, Sweden, FRG and Poland. I. caledonicus belongs to a nest-burrow type of parasites, is recorded from mountain and elevated regions, lives in rocks. Birds nesting in rocks serve as its hosts. Differential (as regards I. berlesei) diagnoses of female, nymph and larva are given.


[Epizootiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the oasal zone of Tashauz Province, Turkmen SSR]. Six species of mosquitoes were recorded from the settlements in the oasis zone of Turkmenia. In all the settlements Ph. papatasi was prevalent, in the burrows of foxes and great gerbils Ph. papatasi was most abundant and in the burrows of midday gerbils Ser. arpaklensis was most frequently encountered. Epizootological investigations testify to the possible cases of cutaneous leishmaniosis within the oasis that is associated with intraoasis natural foci of zoonosal cutaneous leishmaniosis. These foci are potentially dangerous. In years of mass reproduction of gerbils and other wild animals, infection reservoirs, at high abundance of mosquitoes a danger of infection of population with cutaneous leishmaniosis cap arise in such zones.


[Long-term changes in the parasitic fauna of fishes in the Aral Sea]. In the period of 1967--1971 investigations were carried out of the fishes from the Aral Sea. 65 species of parasites have been first recorded from the above fishes, their total list includes 215 species. 23 of them were introduced during the acclimatization of fishes. Progressive salinity growth of this water body has caused the reduction of the distribution area and the decrease in the number of the Aral population of many species. Under changing conditions many species of monogenne and some members of other classes have preserved a wide distribution and in some places a high quantity. The cases of morbidity and mortality of fishes are reported. Materials on the parasite fauna of fishes enabled the author to establish their food relations which are affected by modern hydroregime of the Aral Sea as well as by the acclimatization of the Caspian gobiids.


[Infestation of littoral molluscs of Dal'nie Zelentsy Bay by parthenitae of the eider parasite Microphallus pygmaeus (Levinsen, 1881) (Trematoda: Microphallidae)]. The mollusks Littorina saxatilis, L. obtusata, Solariella obscura, Cingula aculeus, Hydrobia ulvae, Margarites helicina and M. groenlandica serve as hosts of the parthenites of Microphallus pygmaeus in eastern Murman. Over a period of 20 years the infection rate of the mollusks has increased greatly that is associated with the increasing number of definitive hosts. Maximum infection rate was recorded in the end of July--August. The infection rate of littorins within this period was about 90 per cent.


Qualitative and quantitative histochemical changes in the caecum and liver of turkeys infected with Histomonas meleagridis. Changes in the amount and distribution of acid and alkaline phosphatase, non-specific esterase, glycogen, lipid and acid mucopolysaccharide in the caecal wall and liver of turkey poults infected with Histomonas meleagridis have been studied histochemically. A microdensitometer was used to measure changes in activity and distribution of acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase in the caecal mucosa. During the course of the infection there is a marked reduction in activity and distribution of acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase but little change in the amounts and distribution of alkaline phosphatase, glycogen, lipid and acid mucopolysaccharide in the wall of the main part of the caecum. Similar, but smaller, changes occurred in the wall of the neck region of the caecum. In the liver most changes occurred in the immediate vicinity of the parasites. Initially, there was a reduction in the amount of glycogen in the parasitic lesions but later in the infection there was a marked loss of glycogen in all regions of the liver. Changes in the caecum are apparently brought about by the parasite prior to and after invasion of the caecal tissues; changes in the liver occur after it has been invaded.


New species in genus Azygia Looss, 1899 (Trematoda, Azygiidae). A new species Azygia inopinata is described from Esox lucius The species was found in two lakes of southern Karelia.  Marita is characterized by the equality of suckers and globular pharynx; the average size of eggs is 0.061 x 0.033 mm.  The intermediate host(in the experiment) is Galba plaustris.  The larva is Cercaria mirabilis Braun.


[New species of chiggers, Straelensia taurica sp. n. (Acarina, Leeuwenhoekiidae, Apoloniimae)]. A new species of the trombiculid mites, Straelensia taurica sp. n., is described. The mites were found on the hare Lepus europaeus in the Crimea. The new species is closely related to Straelensia europaea Vercoammen--Grandjean et Kolebinova, 1968 and S. africana Vercammen--Grandjean, 1971 but differs in the measurments: size (Ip=558), galeal seta (Ga=B) and other characters.


The tegument of Schistosoma mansoni: a histochemical investigation. The main components of the schistome tegument were found to be neutral glycoprotein and phospholipid; a  small quantity of glycolipid was observed in the male dorsal tegument. The tegument can be differentiated from other schisotsome tissues on the basis of enzyme content; three hydrolytic enzymes were shown to be specifically localized in the tegument: alkaline phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase and indoxyl esterase. It is suggested that these enzymes could be used as intrinsic markers for tegument structures. The subtegumental cells appear to be the major sites of biosynthetic activity since they contain large amounts of RNA and mitochondrial enzymes.


[New species of nematode, Skrjabillanus schigini sp. n. (Camallanata: Skrjabillanidae), from the white amur]. A description and differential analysis of the nematode Skrjabillanus schigini sp. n. are given. The species was found in the serous membrane of the swim bladder and mesentery of the white amur from pond farms of the Krasnodar Territory. The new species differs from S. amuri from the same host in having four rather than five pairs of pedunculated papillae supporting the caudal alae; in the presence of one rather than two chitinous plate in the cloaca; by the parasitism in the swim bladder wall rather than in the body cavity.


Perceived age and sex characteristics of voices of institutionalized children with Down's syndrome. It was hypothesized that the voices of children with Down's syndrome would be perceived as younger than their true chronological age and that perceptual auditors would have considerable difficulty in identifying the correct sex of these children by voice alone. Perceived age and sex were investigated in 20 institutional children with Down's syndrome who were matched for sex and age with a control group of 20 normal children. Randomized matched verbal samples were played backwards to a group of 16 listener/judges who rated the samples as to age and sex. The results indicated that the voices of these Down syndrome children were perceived as being more than 2 yr. younger than their group mean age and that there was a negative correlation between the biological sex of such children and their perceived sex.


[Appearance of variants in the artificial infection of larvae of the blood-sucking mosquito, Culex modestus, infested with the entomopathogenic fungus, Coelomomyces iliensis]. For infection of water bodies there were used ground and non-ground, undried (fresh material) and dried (within a year) Culex modestus larvae infected with Coelomomyces iliensis, substratum (bottom mud 1 to 3 cm thick) and biomass (aggregation of live and vegetable organisms taken from natural water bodies with infected larvae. During laboratory tests the mortality of larvae infected with ground undried individuals was from 40 to 88%; the introduction of biomass caused 37 to 65% mortality and the infection with substratum--36% mortality.


Cross bridge ATP utilization in arterial smooth muscle. Measurements of oxygen consumption and lactate production were used to estimate the ATP production in porcine carotid arteries. Changes in the total energy metabolism were correlated with changes in force which was altered by changing the muscle length under maximum stimulation. This tension-dependent metabolism could be used to distinguish between cross bridge and other ATP utilization. The tension-dependent metabolism was equal under K+ -depolarization or histamine stimulation. Tension cost was 300x smaller than skeletal muscle while the cross bridge cycle duration 30x longer.


Na-K-adenosine triphosphatase in the kidney of rats with renal hypertension and spontaneously hypertensive rats. The rats with chronic renal hypertension caused by constricting one renal artery, exhibit a decrease in the activity of Na-K-ATPase in the outer medulla of the "untouched" kidney, as compared to this activity in the kidneys of intact normotensive rats and in the "untouched" kidney of the rats where renal artery constriction did not result in hypertension. There were no differences between the control normotensive Wistar rats and the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) in the prehypertensive and early hypertensive stages (at the age of 6-8 weeks) as far as the activities of Na-K-ATPase and oxidoreductases (SDH and LDH) in the renal cortex, the outer and inner medulla are concerned. The spontaneously hypertensive rats with chronic hypertension had at the age of 16-20 and 27-29 weeks lower activity of Na-K-ATPase, SDH, and LDH in the outer renal medulla than the control normotensive Wistar rats. The experimental results indicate that in chronic arterial hypertension there is a decrease in the activity of Na-K-ATPase, in the outer renal medulla, which suggests a reduction in the resorpo sodium and water.


[Spontaneous angina with ST elevation. Significance and prognostic value]. The authors report 36 cases of spontaneous angina occurring in the absence (group A) or presence (group B) of a myocardial infarct (MI), either recent or old, and accompanied, during the attacks, by transient ST elevation (T ST E) and normal enzyme levels. Group A (16 cases) was characterised by : a) the severity of the prognosis with the development of rhythm disturbances during the attacks in 10 out of 16 cases, and of a MI and/or sudden death in 4 of the 6 cases treated medically; b) the presence, in 12 of the 14 cases explored of surgical stenosis of a major coronary trunck. The simple association of attacks of spontaneous angina and T ST E is in general sufficient to define severe angina, regardless of the height of the elevation, and for which a surgical indication (95 p. cent of our cases) with the same problems as those posed by Prinzmetal angina strictly defined on a series of clinical and electrocardiographic criteria. Group B (20 cases) :a) differed from group A by the incidence of cardiac failure (15 out of 20 cases), the widespread nature and degree of the anatomical lesions, not usually amenable to by-pass; b) the severe prognosis, reflected in 6 of the 17 cases treated medically by extension of the MI and/or sudden death, did not differ fundamentally from that of any subsequent relapse, regardless of its electrocardiographic signs. In these cases, the T ST E related to the presence of the MI does not have the same significance as in Prinzmetal angina, and progressive relapses of MI should no longer be classified in this group on the pretext that they are accompanied by T ST E.


[Acute lymphoblastic leukemia with cerebral lesions observed by axial transverse computerized tomography]. During the evolution of a treated A.L.L. (without C.N.S. radiotherapy) in a young girl, the development of leukemic meningitis and a Lennox-Gastaut syndrome were observed. Abnormal intra-cerebral lesions are observed by computerized transverse axial tomography. These lesions are presumably secondary to lymphoblastic infiltration. There were no lymphoblasts in the C.S.F. This new method of exploration of the central nervous system which is strictly atraumatic, is considered as a valuable adjunct to the lumbar puncture in the control of the neurological complications of acute leukemia.


[Cytogenetic studies in four cases of Fanconi's anemia (author's transl)]. In two sibships, four patients with Fanconi's anaemia were studied cytogenetically. Interfamilial variations of the frequency of chromosome breakage and rearrangements were found, suggesting the heterogeneity of the disease. Variations of chromosomal abnormalities have also been found during the course of the disease. An abnormal 47 chromosomes clone has been observed in the bone marrow cells from one patient. A mechanism of somatic segregation is probably involved in the constitution of that clone.


[Fanconi's anemia: cytochemical and biochemical aspects (author's transl)]. Three cases of Fanconi's anemia are described in three siblings. Cytogenetic studies disclose increase of chromosomal structural anomalies (unclassifiable rearrangements, quadriradials, dicentrics) and suggest in the parents an increase in chromatid-type abnormalities. Further, the mother carries a 46,XX/47, XXX/48, XXXX mosaic and other kinds of aneuploidy. All enzymatic activities in erythrocytes (aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis) in the three children are high (even that of hexokinase), except pyruvate-kinase. These results are reminiscent of those found in other types of bone marrow dysfunctions. An uncomplete investigation of enzymes in leucocytes and platelets discloses activities within normal limits.


Functional and ultrastructural studies of Sezary cells. A patient having clinical findings and typical ultrastructure of the peripheral white blood cells compatible with the diagnosis of Sézary syndrome is described. Studies of the synthesizing capacity of the Sézary cells showed a statistically significant increase in their capacity for protein and RNA synthesis, but no difference with regard to DNA synthesis as compared to normal lymphocytes.


[Simultaneous study of karyotype and bone marrow histology in chronic myeloid leukemia with Ph1 chromsome. (author's transl)]. This study was devoted to the simultaneous examination of the karyotype and the bone marrow histology in 33 patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukemia with the Ph1 chromosome. Some patients were evaluated in the beginning of the disease, others after evolution and treatment and some at both times. Supplementary abnormalities of the karyotype occurred in some patients before any treatment, but in most after evolution and treatment. The abnormalities encountered consisted in hypodiploidies, modifications of chromosome structure and hyperdiploidies. The additional abnormalities of the karyotype were in the majority of the patients accompanied by a bone marrow histology characterized by more pronounced blastic infiltration and precollagen fibrosis and  evidence of bone lesions. The picture realized by the karyotype and the bone marrow histology allows a better evaluation of the evolution and the prognosis is individual cases, especially of the likely hood of the acute blastic transformation.


Natural anti-ovalbumin agglutinins in adult chickens. Sera from inbred SPF White Leghorn chickens at 6 weeks or 19-22 months of age did not have anti-OA agglutinins as determined by the passive HA reaction; 2-day-old chicks also lacked the anti-OA activity. Inbred chickens kept in SPF isolators for 6 weeks, then transferred to a conventional environment for 7 weeks, produced anti-OA agglutinins. Inbred White Leghorn adult chickens conventionally reared had a high anti-OA agglutinin titer. It appeared that natural anti-OA agglutinin s are elaborated in response to environmental pathogens in certain lines of chickens. The titer in the individual chicken appeared as early as 10 weeks and was maintained until old age. The presence of natural anti-OA agglutinins did not prevent egg-laying but appears to have delayed it. The HA reaction is specific and can be absorbed.


Stimulatory role for brain serotoninergic system on prolactin secretion in the male rat. Systemic administration of parachlorophenylalanine (PCPA, 100 mg/kg sc on alternate days X two times), a blocker of serotonin (5-HT) synthesis, considerably decreased brain 5-HT and plasma prolactin (PRL) levels in young male rats. Intraventricular (IVT) administration of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT, 200 mug/20 mul), a neurotoxic drug which destroys 5-HT nerve terminals, induced, 3, 12, and 30 days after treatment, a marked depletion of brain 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and considerably reduced plasma PRL levels at each time interval. Feeding of rat for up to 4 days with a tryptophan (TP)-deficient diet, caused a depletion of brain 5-HT and 5-HIAA contents and did not modify plasma PRL levels. Addition of TP (2 g/kg of diet) to the TP-deficient diet resulted in increased brain 5-HT and 5-HIAA contents and significantly increased PRL levels. These data provide evidence for the role of the 5-HT system in the maintenance of tonic PRL secretion.


[Serum thyroxine-binding protein for determining the functional state of the thyroid gland in pregnant women with endemic goiter]. A determination was made of the hormone-forming capacity of the thyroid gland in pregnent women under conditions of goiter endemic at various periods of pregnancy by trimesters (123-in healthy pregnant women, 206-with euthyroid goiter of the I degree, 271-or II degree, 90-of the II degree, and 4-of the IV degree). A method of zonal electrophoresis in the medinal-veronal buffer was applied. Thyrofixin with I131 isotope (made in the USSR) was used. With increase of the periods of pregnancy and the degree of euthyroid hyperplasia of the thyroid gland and goiter the thyroid gland function became elevated irrespective of age.


Relationships between physical training and DOCA hypertension in rats. Swimming, if undertaken for 1 hr/day, 3 days/week for 6 weeks prior to treatment with DOCA, unilateral nephrectomy, and salt-loading, delayed the development of hypertension in rats. If the swimming were undertaken concurrently with or after initiation of treatment with the above hypertensive regime, then it was without effect on the level of blood pressure attained or the length of time required to attain a given blood pressure. Swimming in itself resulted in a significant increase in arterial blood pressure. Previous training, such as swimming, may delay the development of hypertension through an alteration in vascular structure or smooth muscle sensitivity. The increase in blood pressure noted in physically trained rats may be a consequence of the training regime itself acting as a stressor.


[Proteins of erythrocytic membrane. II. Solubilization of proteins in the membrane of human erythrocytes by chlorpromazine (author's transl)]. At the concentration above 2 mM, chlorpromazine induces partial solubilization of human erythrocytic membrane proteins. High molecular weight components such as spectrin are not extracted. Glycoproteins are preferentially released: at least five glycoprotein components are separated by acrylamide gel electrophoresis after specific staining. Other non identified proteins of the ghost external surface are also solubilized. At high concentration total solubilization of ghosts is obtained. Material extracted by chlorpromazine may be used for further protein purification.


Similarities in patient response to chronic and terminal illness. Physical therapists sometimes hesitate to treat terminally ill patients because they believe the approach to them should differ from the approach to other patients. This belief is based on the assumption that patient needs during terminal illness differ from the needs of other patients. Some important similarities in patient reactions to chronic and terminal illness are explained. A conceptual framework of 'little deaths' is presented for comparing the two types of illness.


Dual action of morphine and related drugs on compulsive gnawing of rats. Rats received daily i.p. injections of p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) for 3 days, before morphine and related drugs were implanted into the lateral thalamus or injected systemically. PCPA enhanced the stereotyped response to morphine, methadone, and apomorphine, as expressed by compulsive gnawing, but abolished the antagonistic effect of large doses of i.p. morphine. Thus, suppression of gnawing by large doses of systemic morphine and related analgesics may be mediated by a serotoninergic pathway. PCPA also brought to light the ability of pethidine to cause gnawing, which is otherwise suppressed by the strong antagonistic effect of this drug. Morphine and related analgesic drugs exert a dual effect: stimulation of gnawing via a catecholaminergic mechanism and inhibition of gnawing by a serotoninergic mechanism.


The nature and incidence of cryoproteins in hepatitis B antigen (HbsAg) positive patients. Hepatitis B (HbsAg) surface antigen has been detected in the serum of patients with a variety of diseases and immune complexes of this antigen and antibody have been implicated in tissue damage to various organs. Previously we have demonstrated that serum cryoproteins occur in a variety of immune complex disorders and represent pathogenic complexes of antigen and specific antibody. Sera from patients with acute HbsAg positive hepatitis, chronic hepatitis B antigenemia, acute and chronic HbsAg negative hepatitis, as well as a variety HbsAg negative miscellaneous liver diseases and normals were studied for the presence and nature of cryoproteins. Cryoproteins were detected in a large number of patients with acute and chronic HbsAg positive hepatitis and chronic HbsAg carriers. The quantity of these cold insoluble precipitates was highest in acute hepatitis. Cryoproteins were detected with much less frequency in HbsAg negative patients and were not found in normals. The precipitates in HbsAg patients contained either HbsAg, anti-HBsAg or both, along with immunoglobulins and occasionally complement and rheumatoid factor. The cryoproteins in these patients had biological properties attributable to immune complexes and several of the patients had clinical manifestations of acute or chronic serum sickness. Cryoproteins from HbsAg negative patients did not contain HbsAg or antibody to HbsAg and did not have biologic properties of immune complexes. In HbsAg positive patients HbsAg and antibody to HbsAg were concentrated in the cryoprecipitate. The preliminary studies suggest that investigation on cryoproteins in hepatitis may be of clinical and immunopathogenic value.


Estimation of cardiac chamber size by routine chest radiography and echocardiography. The size of the left atrium and both ventricles was estimated by routine chest radiography and compared to echocardiographic single-chamber measurements. Left atrial size correlated well, but echocardiography appeared to be considerably more sensitive in detecting enlargement. Estimates of left ventricular size by radiography and echocardiography showed considerable discrepancy, since the single-dimension echocardiographic technique does not reflect lateral or inferior enlargement, which is readily visible on the radiography; however, ultrasound can distinguish left ventricular hypertrophy from dilatation. Right ventricular size cannot be assessed accurately using the single-diameter technique. The authors suggest that a combination of both techniques would be more accurate than either modality alone and that two-dimensional cardiac studies should prove more reliable than the single-diameter method.


[Serotoninergic mechanisms in ovarian cycle (author's transl)]. Influence of 5-HT on the rat follicle rupture mechanism was studied by the administration of p-clorophenyl-alanine (p-CPA) (300 mg/kg) at different stages of the ovarian cycle. The ovarian cycle of treated rats was subject of investigation, as well as the histology of tubes and ovaries. Administration of p-CPA at 10 hours of metestrus phase induces an inhibition of ovulation. Predominant diestrus phases in the ovarian cycle and luteinitation of ovaries suggested an increase in progesterone secretion probably owed to a correspondingly greater prolactine secretion. Adequate 5-HT levels in central structures proved to necessary for normal ovulation.


Cytochemical studies on sarcolemma: Na+, K+-adenosine triphosphatase and adenylate cyclase. Two highly lead-sensitive ATPases, Na+,K+-ATPase and adenylate cyclase, can be demonstrated cytochemically by the lead precipitation technique in briefly prefixed tissue, provided that the free Pb2+ concentration in the incubation medium is kept below 0.1 mM by a heavy metal chelator. Under conditions suitable for Na+,K+-ATPase activity precipitation of final reaction product (lead phosphate) at the sarcolemma of cardiac muscle is abolished by 0.1-1mM ouabain. In contrast, reaction product deposition at the intramuscular part of the plasma membrane and at intracellular sites is not noticeably affected by the glycoside. These findings indicate either that the sarcolemma is the exclusive location of Na+,K+-ATPase in cardiac muscle or that the presence of the enzyme at other loci is masked by active Na+,K+-independent, ouabain resistant ATPases. Under conditions favoring adenylate cyclase activity, precipitation by Pb2+ of orthophosphate derived, with the help of added cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase and 5'-nucleotidase, from cyclic AMP formed from adenylyl imidodiphosphate (AMP-PNP) is seen after prolonged incubation in myocardial cells along the entire course of the plasma membrane and also at the transverse tubules and is particularly intense at the tight junction regions of the intercalated disks. Ouabain has no effect on these reactions. Reaction product deposition is also observed at the sarcolemma in red skeletal muscle and at the terminal cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in white skeletal muscle, where the reaction is intensified by adrenaline. Sarcoplasmic reticulum of cardiac and of red skeletal muscle exhibits only relatively weak staining attributable to cyclic AMP formation. These observations are in agreement with the results of tissue fractionation studies according to which the plasma membrane is the chief site of adenylate cyclase in heart and in red, but not white skeletal muscle.


Characterization of sarcolemma from rabbit skeletal muscle. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis reveals in the rabbit skeletal muscle sarcolemma the presence of four major protein bands corresponding to molecular weight 216,000, 110,000, 44,000, 15,000, and smaller amounts of 148,000, 78,000, 68,000, 37,000, 27,000 proteins. (Na+-K+)-ATPase isolated from rabbit skeletal muscle contains 102,000, 44,000, and 32,000 protein bands. Sarcolemma is resistant to the solubilizing effect of Triton X-100, Lubrol, and deoxycholate. Sarcolemmal proteins, especially sodium-potassium-ATPase, are sensitive to digestion with trypsin.


Characterization of partially purified heart sarcolemmal Na+-K+-stimulated ATPase. The Km value for the dog heart (Na+-K+)-ATPase was 0.31 mM (MgATP), whereas the values for the concentrations of K+ and Na+ varied from 1.2 to 2.7 mM and 12 to 20 mM for half-maximal activation, respectively. The concentrations of ouabain and calcium for 50 percent inhibition of (Na+-K+)-ATPase activity varied from 2.4 to 3.2 muM and 0.5 to 1.2 mM, respectively, the inhibitory effects of these agents were pH dependent. This preparation bound about 50 nmoles of 1-anilino-8-napthaline sulfonate (ANS)/mg of protein and exhibited fluorescence attributable to the ANS-enzyme complex. Cations such as Na+,K+,Ca++, and Mg++ increased ANS-enzyme fluorescence intensity and the number of ANS binding sites but decreased the apparent ANS binding constant. The enzyme activity, ANS binding, and ANS-enzyme fluorescence were decreased by phospholipase A, phospholipase C, and trypsin treatments. Although ouabain inhibited enzyme activity and ANS-enzyme fluorescence markedly, it caused only a slight depression in ANS binding. These results extend support for the allosteric nature of the cardiac (Na+-K+)-ATPase and provide evidence for conformational changes during its activation by Na+ and K+.


Studies on specific properties of dog heart (Na+-K+)-ATPase. Three different methods used for partial purification of (Na+-K+)-ATPase, Method a, Matsui and Schwartz (5), Method b, Fedelesová et al. (3), and Method c, Pitts et al. (6), were compared with respect to specific activities, yields, and recovery of the enzyme in preparations from the dog heart. Highest specific activities of (Na++K+)-ATPase, as well as the ratio of (Na+, +K+) + Mg2+ to Mg2+-ATPase, and the second best recovery and yield have been found in the preparation obtained by Method b. However, using Method c, which includes two deoxycholate treatments no high (Na++K+)-ATPase activity could be obtained after the second treatment although the yields of protein did not differ from those reported by Pitts et al. (6). Therefore, the other specific properties of the dog heart (Na++K+)-ATPase were compared only in enzyme obtained by Lubrol extraction (Method b) and after NaI treatment (Method a). The Na+ to K+ concentration ratio necessary for optimal stimulation of (Na++K+)-ATPase activity as well as the pH optimum of the enzyme proved to be similar in NaI- and Lubrol-treated preparations, whereas in the latter the sensitivity to ouabain was 4.55 times higher than in NaI-treated preparation. The Km values for MgATP2-, Kh values for Na+ and K+ activation, and S50 values for Na+ activation were similar in preparations obtained by Methods a and b, whereas the values of (n) for K+ and Na+ activation and S50 for K+ activation were slightly higher in the NaI-treated fraction.


On the sarcolemmal site of action of cardiac glycosides. An electron microscopic study of the guinea pig myocardial cell was conducted. By the use of LaC13, two morphologically distinct tubular systems could be demonstrated. The larger one represents the transverse tubular system which originates from the plasma membrane and is continous with the extracellular space (ECS). In the heart muscle cell it forms a three-dimensional network and it closely apposed to the myofilaments at the level of the Z and I bands. A comparatively small and sparsely developed tubular system which is not accessible from the ECS represents the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). By means of sucrose-density centrifugation in a discontinuous gradient two main microsomal fractions were obtained (F1 and F3). The pre-existing structure of F1 could be identified as the transverse tubular system, whereas F3 originates from the SR. The morphological features (e. g., an enclosed basement membrane) and the fact that after perfusion of hearts with [3H] inulin and preparation of microsomes the ECS marker is almost completely retained in F1 indicate that upon fractionation and vesiculation inside-out vesicles are formed which trap the former extracellular fluid. Moreover, the former extracellular surface is hidden and no longer accessible for membrane-impermeable compounds. After perfusion of hearts with [3H] ouabain and fractionation and centrifugation the radioactive material was found to accumulate in F1, the kinetics being identical with that of binding to the intact tissue and with the time course of the inotropic action of ouabain. The inside-out vesicles derived from the plasma membrane are characterized by the presence of a (Na+-K+)-ATPase activity, an outward Ca pump, a high binding capacity for Ca, and a low Ca pereability. Since the (Na+-K+)-ATPase is known to react with cardiac glycosides (CG) at the outer cell surface it was not surprising to find a complete lack of inhibition of the enzyme by the membrane-impermeable CG ouabain if administered to the intact sarcolemmal microsome. After disruption of the microsomes, however, a considerable inhibition of the (Na+-K+)-ATPase became demonstrable. Similarly, the Ca permeability of the plasma membranes could only be enhanced by CG if interacting with the former outside. Although ouabain again failed to exert any action, the membrane permeable digoxin increased the Ca pereability of the intact vesicular membrane. The rate of Ca transport as an indicator of the Ca pump activity remained unaffected by CG provided from either side of the membrane. The passive Ca binding to the plasma membrane, which results in a concentration up to 5 mM in this structure, is thought to represent the Ca pool essential for excitation-contraction coupling. The CG are thought to alter the Ca binding in this pool, thus rendering depolarization more effective in releasing Ca++.


The cardiac glycoside receptor: its properties and its correlation to nucleotide binding sites, phosphointermediate, and (Na++K+)-ATPase activity. Binding of ouabain to its receptor is followed by a directly proportional inhibition of (Na++K+)-ATPase. The stoichiometry of nucleotide binding site, phosphate acceptor site, ouabain binding site in (Na++K+)-ATPase is 1:1:1. Inactivation of (Na++K+)-ATPase by S-[2,4-Dinitrophenyl]-6-mercaptopurine riboside-5'-triphosphate, which probably forms a thioether derivative of ATP with the enzyme, results in the appearance of a low affinity binding site. It is concluded that the covalently bound ATP fixes the enzyme in a E1 conformational state which is characterized by a low affinity for ouabain.


Cardiac glycosides: relationship among active 86Rb uptake, (Na+,K+)-ATPase activity, and inotropy in guinea pig heart. Relationships among positive inotropic responses, (Na+,K+)-ATPase inhibition, and sodium pump activities were studied using paced Langendorff preparations of guinea pig heart. (Na+,K+)-ATPase activity was estimated from the initial velocity of [3H] ouabain binding in ventricular homogenates, and sodium pump activity from ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake of ventricular slices. These parameters were measured in control, or in ouabain-or digitoxin-treated hearts either at the time of inotropic response or during the course of drug washout and compared with inotropy in the same heart. Perfusion of ouabain or digitoxin caused an increase in contractile force and a decrease in the initial velocity of ATP-dependent [3H] ouabain binding. The levels of [3H] ouabain binding in homogenates observed after a long incubation period were not different in ouabain-perfused and control homogenates, indicating that the nonlabeled ouabain bound to (Na+,K+)-ATPase during Langendorff perfusion was exchangeable with [3H] ouabain. Perfusion of drug-free solution after a 20-min perfusion of the isolated heart with either ouabain or digitoxin resulted in a loss of inotropic response and a recovery of the inhibition of the initial velocity of ATP-dependent [3H] ouabain binding. Inotropic responses to digitoxin during perfusion and subsequent loss during washout were accompanied by a reduction and subsequent recovery of ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake. Thus, it would appear that with cardiac glycosides, a relationship exists among cardiac contractile force, the inhibition of cardiac (Na+,K+)-ATPase, and the inhibition of the sodium pump activity. The inhibition of (Na+,K+)-ATPase and sodium pump because of cardiac glycoside perfusion of the isolated beating heart was reversible.


Sarcolemmal alterations in cardiac hypertrophy and degeneration. Sarcolemmal alterations were studied in hypertrophied and/or degenerated ventricular muscle cells from: 1) patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, congestive cardiomyopathy of various causes, aortic valvular disease, or congenital heart diseases associated with obstruction to right ventricular outflow; 2) patients with various neoplasms treated with anthracycline drugs; 3) rabbits given large doses of anthracyclines, and 4) dogs subjected to anoxic cardiac arrest during total cardiopulmonary bypass. Sarcolemmal changes in hypertrophied, nondegenerated cardiac muscle cells consisted of: 1) increase in the area and in the degree of irregularity of cell surfaces, including intercalated discs and T tubules; 2) dilation of T tubules, and 3) formation of large numbers of multiple intercalated discs. Moderately degenerated cardiac muscle cells, with or without associated hypertrophy, showed sarcolemmal changes characterized by: 1) dilation and decreased numbers of T tubules; 2) marked surface irregularity; and 3) dissociation of intercalated discs, associated with development of vesicles in widened disc interspaces, and of variably complex junctional structures formed between two parts of the plasma membrane of the same muscle cell (intracytoplasmic junctions). Sarcolemmal alterations in cells with end-stage degeneration were associated with loss of myofibrils and consisted of: 1) disappearance of T tubules; 2) loss of junctional contacts wtih adjacent cells; 3) marked surface irregularity; 4) formation of intracytoplasmic junctions, and 5) thickening of basement membranes. These observations show that remodeling of the cell surfaces is an important feature of the cellular responses to the stimuli of hypertrophy or degeneration.


Role of sarcolemmal changes in cardiac pathophysiology. Sarcolemmal Ca++-ATPase, Mg++-ATPase, and (Na+-K+)-ATPase activities were increased in late stages of heart failure in myopathic hamsters (BIO 14.6) without any changes in the adenylate cyclase activity. On the other hand, these hamsters at early and moderate stages of heart failure showed depressions in mitochondrial calcium binding and uptake and microsomal calcium binding. Sarcolemmal (Na+-K+)-ATPase was decreased in failing hearts because of substrate lack, oxygen lack, and perfusion with Ca++-free, Na+-free, or K+-free medium. Both Mg++-ATPase and Ca++-ATPase activities of sarcolemma did not change on perfusing the hearts with substrate-free, hypoxic, Na+-free, or K+-free medium. Adenylate cyclase activity decreased on substrate-free or Ca++-free perfusion. Intracellular calcium overload produced by perfusing the hearts with medium containing calcium after Ca++-free perfusion was associated with decrease in all the sarcolemmal-bound enzyme activities. All types of failing hearts employed in this study showed a dramatic shift in the electrolyte composition. Failure of the cardiac muscle to generate contractile force on treatment with trypsin was associated with defects in the functions of sarcolemma, mitochondria, and sarcoplasmic reticulum, whereas such an effect on treatment with phospholipase C was limited to alterations in the activities of sarcolemma. The data suggest that abnormality at the level of sarcolemma plays an important role in the pathogenesis of heart dysfunction; however, the degree and direction of alterations in the sarcolemmal functions seem to be dependent upon the type of heart failure.


Chemotherapy of experimental bovine petechial fever. A dithiosemicarbazone was compared with two tetracycline formulations in the treatment of bovine petechial fever (BPF) in experimentally infected sheep, and was then used to treat the disease in experimental cattle. The dithiosemicarbazone was found to be more efficacious than either of the other two drugs in treating ovine BPF, and also to be effective against BPF in cattle.


Microflora of pneumonic lungs in a pig herd established by hysterectomy. Mycoplasmas and other micro-organisms are recorded from a pig herd originally derived by hysterectomy. Complement fixation tests were positive for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae 20 months after the first hysterectomy. Following a marked increase in pneumonic lesions found at slaughter, and after modifying the culture medium M hyopneumoniae was isolated. The principal micro-organism associated with this mycoplasma was Pasteurella multocida.


Pharmacological experiments as a basis for the administration of digoxin in the horse. It is shown that the concentration of ouabain necessary for 50 per cent inhibition of the Na+K activated membrane ATPase of red cells is similar in man and horse. This is taken to indicate that the two species have similar sensitivity towards cardiac glycosides in general. In five adult healthy horses plasma digoxin concentration was measured with a radioimmunoassay technique after a single intravenous injection of 1 mg/100 kg body weight digoxin. The half time of elimination was 23 h and the apparent volume of distribution 7.3 litres/kg. An approximate estimate of plasma protein binding of digoxin was obtained by measuring digoxin with a fluorimetric assay in the ultrafiltrate from horse plasma containing 2-20 mug/ml. At concentrations below 10(-5)(g/ml 20 to 40 per cent of digoxin present in horse plasma is bound to protein. With this information and by using effective digoxin concentration measured in humans an average daily maintenance dose of 0-5-0-75 mg/100 kg body weight was calculated which may serve as a guideline in the treatment of congestive heart failure with digoxin in the horse.


[Congenital desproportion of various types of muscle fiber, with relative small size of type I fibers. Morphological documents on muscle biopsies in 3 members of the same family]. In two sisters with a neo-natal hypotonia, muscle biopsies demonstrated as main pathological feature a disproportion in size between the two types of muscle fibers defined according to their myofibrillar ATPase activity. Type I fiber mean diameter was at the lower limit of the normal values, and type II fibers were larger than normal. Their father's biopsy also showed an abnormal smallness of the type I fibers, with a bimodal distribution. By electron microscopy, the small type I fibers did not reveal any significant abnormality in children's biopsies. In father's biopsy, there was an abnormal degree of filamentary interchange between contiguous myofibrils and a few stacks of rods in the type I fibers. These three cases demonstrate the familiar character of the disorder. The relationship of this new entity with the other congenital myopathies is controversial, as a similar congenital fiber type disproportion, has been found in association with different ultrastructural changes. Several data favour an insufficient development of the type I fibers rather than an atrophying process. The mechanism of this "hypotrophy" remains unknown.


Metabolic and hormonal effects of exercise in mild streptozotocin diabetes. Metabolic and hormonal changes produced by muscular exercise were studied in rats with mild streptozotocin diabetes. In both diabetic and control animals the mean blood glucose increased and liver glycogen decreased during exercise. The postexercise blood glucose level correlated with the liver glycogen content in diabetic rats. A decrease of blood glucose occurred in some diabetic animals, and these also showed a decrease of liver glycogen to very low levels during exercise. During exercise the rise of plasma glycerol was higher in diabetic than in control animals, but changes in circulating free fatty acids, acetone bodies, insulin, corticosterone, lactate, and acid-base equilibrium were similar in the two groups. The results indicate that the only abnormal metabolic response to exercise in rats with mild diabetes is a slight increase of lipid mobilization.


Effect of loading and prednisolone treatment on the glycosaminoglycan content of articular cartilage in dogs. The effect of prolonged prednisolone administration on glycosaminoglycan components was studied by means of determinations of galactosamine, glucosamine, uronic acid, sulphate and sialic acid content in normally loaded and spared articular cartilages of the knee-joints in dogs. After 40 days, all glycosaminoglycan components decreased by 58% in the spared cartilage, as compated with the controls. Prolonged administration of 0.5 mg prednisolone/kg body weight (corresponding to a low therapeutic dose), elicited a further decrease in galactosamine, whereas the other components remained practically unchanged. In the normally loaded articular cartilage of prednisolone-treated dogs the glycosaminoglycan components decreased by about 11-31% compared with untreated controls. The quantitative data indicate that in the changes occurring the glycosaminoglycan composition of the articular cartilage due to relief of function and to prednisolone treatment, chondroitin suplphate is mainly involved. The changes due to prednisolone treatment are dependent on the functional demand of the joint.


Investigation of the relation between low back pain and occupation. VII. Neurologic and orthopedic condition. Neuro-orthopedic examination was carried out on 429 patients suffering from LBP, and on 271 controls. Neurological deficit was found in 49 LBP but in none of the controls. Of the orthopedic signs, the most significant indicators of LBP were hypolordosis, scoliosis, limitation of movement and contracted paraspinal muscles. Various degrees of affection of the hip joints were found in 49 LBP as against 4 controls; the majority of these patients complained of LBP and not of hip disorders. It is stressed that an early and thorough neuro-orthopedic examination is essential for diagnosis and therapy and has important legal implications, mainly with regard to the time factor.


Low back pain in persons with congenital club foot. Ninety-three persons with congenital talipes equinovarus were investigated in order to analyse the frequency of LBP and to relate these findings to the deformity of the foot. Eight-eight per cent of the feet had some residual deformity. One third of the individuals had a difference in the length of the lower extremities and one fifth did walk with a limp. The frequency of LBP and LBP resulting in sick compensation was not increased in this group in comparison with the whole population in the same age group. There was no over-representation of LBP in the groups with residual deformity, with limping or with leg length discrepancy.


Effects of recommendations on dietary intake in physically disabled students. An investigation of dietary intake was performed in 37 motor-handicapped adolescents (median age = 20 years) at Ingemundskolan (an upper secondary school for physically disabled young people) in Stockholm in order to study the effects of recommendations provided six years earlier for improvement of the diet (2). The objective of the recommendations was a higher content of protein and other nutritients and a lower fat content in the diet. Iron was given daily to the students with the most severe motor handicap causing a low energy intake. The results of the follow-up study demonstrated that the measures undertaken led to a higher content of nutrients in the diet, a lower fat content and a decrease in the extra consumption of food. There were no signs of iron-deficiency anaemia in the disabled students in contrast to the 1966 study.


Hyperphagia and obesity following serotonin depletion by intraventricular p-chlorophenylalanine. Loss of brain serotonin was associated with overeating and increased body weight. Rats injected with p-chlorophenylalanine intraventricularly began overeating after 3 days and continued to display marked hyperphagia, primarily in the daytime, accompanied by increased body weight for 1 to 2 weeks. The effect was related to drug dose and to the degree and duration of serotonin depletion. Norepinephrine and dopamine levels were not significantly affected. It is concluded that p-chlorophenylalanine disinhibits feeding, as it does a number of other behaviors, by depleting serotonin. This suggests that hypothalamic lesions or dietary deficiencies which selectively and sufficiently deplete serotonin would lead to overeating.


Models of carcinogenesis as an escape from mitotic inhibitors. Diffusible mitotic inhibitors are assumed to govern proliferation of normal cells. Cancer cells may escape regulation by failing to either recognize or secrete inhibitors. In the latter case, probabilities and expected times for reaching a critical clone size are given. Patterns of proliferation will depend on whether the inhibitor concentration is locally or systemically determined.


Conservative management of low back pain. With the apparent indefinite postponement of the release of chymopapain for lumbar disk disorders, it seems appropriate to review critically the proliferation of proposed methods of management of this common complaint, particularly the numerous exercise regimens which have been set forth as helpful. A critical review of these regimens quickly reveals that the majority are propounded with considerably more confidence than statistical proof of their efficacy. The following is a delineation of the results of a critical review of the literature, with emphasis on those few studies which have been statistically validated. The physician has an obligation to attempt conservative management of discogenic disease with methods of demonstrated efficacy before recommending invasive procedures such as laminectomy or chemonucleolysis.


Criteria for successful thrombolysis by streptokinase. Streptokinase treatment of deep vein thrombosis is reviewed, with emphasis on the mechanism of action of streptokinase, the bleeding caused by this agent, and incomplete thrombolysis. Criteria for successful thrombolysis and the advantages of intermittent streptokinase therapy to overcome the problems of bleeding and incomplete thrombolysis are discussed.


Survey of industrial noise in Port Elizabeth. The amendment to the Factories, Machinery and Building Work Act of 1941 in regard to hearing conservation is outlined. A survey by the Port Elizabeth Deaf Association on workmen from Cadbury (Pty) Ltd was undertaken in 1973 and on a second group in 1974 and the results are published and discussed. Although the numbers of workmen were small, the results suggest that widespread testing will unearth many cases of unsuspected hearing loss. The implications as applied to industry at large are discussed and the difficulties in adequately assessing large numbers of workmen with adequately trained audiometric testers are stressed. A suggestion is made that mobile clinics under the control of Chambers of Industries would be the most efficient way of approaching the screening problem, and an estimated cost structure in the setting up of such a clinic is introduced.


Focal infection of aortofemoral prostheses. A canine model of unilateral aortofemoral bypass was utilized to study periprosthetic infections in woven, knitted, and velour Dacron vascular prostheses. These studies suggest that physical configuration, porosity, and time of inoculation all are important variables when managing an infected prosthesis, although size of inoculum seems less important.


Dacron conduit with a stented porcine xenograft valve in the anatomic correction of transposition of the great arteries and subpulmonary stenosis. A stented porcine xenograft valve, sutured into a woven Dacron tubular graft, has been used in the anatomic correction of D-loop, D-transposition of the great arteries, and subpulmonary stenosis. The main advantage of this technique is its simplicity and practicality, as both Dacron tubular grafts and stented porcine xenograft valves are commercially available.


Hypoxia and lung mast cells: influence of disodium cromoglycate. Rats kept in 10% O2 for three or more weeks developed mast cell hyperplasia in the lungs, especially round the alveoli and the small peripheral blood vessels, which became thickened during chronic hypoxia. There was a significant correlation between the degree of right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) and the numbers of alveolar and small vessel mast cells. However, mast cell hyperplasia developed more slowly than RVH. Daily treatment with disodium cromoglycate failed to prevent RVH in hypoxic conditions but was associated with retardation of growth in both hypoxic and control rats. Neither acute nor chronic hypoxia increased the degree of degranulation in the lung mast cells.


[Histoautoradiographic study of sulfated mucopolysaccharides in glandular epithelial cells of the lower respiratory passages]. It is established that mucous and serous cells of trachea and bronchia uptake radio-active sulphate with different rate. The intensity of radioactive sulphate incorporation by the mucous cells is higher than by the serous ones. The greater intensity of the incorporation is observed 12-24 hours after isotope's injection.


Obturator hernia of urinary bladder.

Obturator hernia of urinary bladder. A case demonstrating an obscure cause of backache is presented in which an obturator bladder hernia was diagnosed preoperatively and corrected surgically.


[Oxidative phosphorylation in rat skeletal muscles in dynamics of vibration-noise effect]. The effect of vibration (vibration level of 130 dB at a frequency of 2 Hz; 108, 118, and 105 dB at frequencies of 32, 63 and 125 Hz, respectively) combined with the noise at mid- and low-frequencies (sound pressure level of 85 dBA) was studied as applied to oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria from skeletal muscles of the rats exposed to a single action of the mentioned factors, for a fortnight and for a month. A certain separation of oxidation and phosphorylation was observed after a fortnight action of the studied factors. The expressed changes in the process of oxidative phosphorylation were detected after the vibration-noise effect for a month. A considerable decrease of the P/O coefficient (almost twice as compared to the control one) occurs when oxygen uptake by mitochondria is intensified (1.9 times) and their phosphorylation activity is lower (by 61.5%). This is accompanied by a rise (by 2.65 times) of Mg2+-activated ATPase of mitochondria and by a deficit of adenylic system components (ATP, ADP, AMP) in the muscular tissue homogenate.


[Statistical analysis of biological breakdown of nicotinic acid 7-14C in rat liver of various weight]. Statistical methods are considered for eliminating the errors caused by the individual fluctuations of the animals organs weight, different ratio of organs weight to the weight statistical processing the data on the dynamics of labelled nicotinic acid evacuation and determination of the acid half-life in the rat liver. The mean liver weight was estimated by means of Huxley's allometry formula. Dynamics of NA was approximated by using the formula kappa=ate-betat in the computer "MHP-2" and the least squares method.


[Activity of some carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes in sheep skin]. The activity of carbohydrate metabolism certain enzymes [hexokinase (EC 2.7.1.1.), glucokinase (EC 2.7.1.2), phosphofructokinase (EC 2.7.1.11.1), glucoso-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.49.)] was studied in the sheep skin when adding vitamin A, sodium sulphate and insulin to the basic ration. The activity of the studied enzymes in the skin was established to be rather high and depend to a considerable extent on feeding, seasonal and hormonal factors. In summer the activity of such enzymes as glucoso-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase and glucokinase decreases, and that of hexokinase, vice versa, increases. Vitamin A alone against a background of the basic ration almost has no effect on the activity of the enzymes, with the exception of phosphofructokinase in certain periods of the experiment. More noticeable shifts in the activity of the enzymes were observed in the case when vitamin A and sodium sulphate were added to the ration of sheep, and also with the injection of insulin. In such cases in the sheep skin there occurs first of all an increase in the activity of glucokinase and glucoso-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase.


Accelerated serum sickness in the rabbit. II. Glomerular ultrastructural lesions in transient proliferative and progressive disorganizing glomerulonephritis. Electron microscopic analysis was performed on the development of irreversible glomerular distortion in experimental serum sickness nephritis in the rabbit. In the animals showing transient albuminuria, glomerular hypercellularity was due to the accumulation of monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes and was seen to recover to nearly normal glomerulus. In this condition the glomerular structure was observed to be well preserved throughout the inflammation. In contrast, in the animals showing persistent proteinnuria, a disorganizing process was found in their glomeruli. Mesangial disintegration resulted in collapsed scarring or circumferential mesangial interposition of the glomeruli. Extracapillary exudation, sometimes with the rupture of the glomerular basement membrane, was often associated with granulomatous glomerular lesions or cresent formation. The results showed that the structural disintegration is a fundamental event in the development of progressive glomerulonephritis.


[Risks of long-term administration of drugs (author's transl)]. A short review is given of the side effects of drugs during long-term treatment and the possible mechanisms involved. The possibilities and causes of interactions occurring with simultaneous administration of two or more drugs are discussed. The pharmacokinetical basis of cumulation phenomena of the control of long-term treatment either by means of blood-level monitoring or by the observed effect is briefly outlined.


[Which antibiotics are helpful in acne? A review of the literature and personal test results with minocyclin (klinomycin)]. All tetracycline preparations seem to be systemically effective in acne. Quality and frequency of their side-effects, however, are different and should be carefully considered in each individual case. In an own study ninety-one patients treated with minocycline showed good response in 69% and moderate or no response in 31+. The main side-effects of the drug were nausea and giddiness, being of short duration in most cases. In patients with no response to a certain preparation change of the preparation may be helpful. Occasionally, acne does not respond to any tetracycline derivative. In these cases the use of non-tetracycline antibiotics, particularly of trimethoprim-sulphamethazol and lincomycines, is clearly effective. As a rule, we start treatment with tetracycline (500-750 mg/d) and reduce the dose to a minimum (ca. 100 mg/d), in order to withdraw the drug. In non-responsive cases another derivative and/or finally non-tetracycline antibiotics are administered for therapy.


Intracisternal virus-like particles in a human pituitary adenoma. Electron microscopy revealed the presence of intracisternal virus-like particles in a mixed pituitary adenoma consisting of growth hormone cells and prolactin cells. The tumor was removed by surgery from a 48 year old man with a multiple endocrine adenomatosis type I syndrome. The significance of virus-like particles in the pathogenesis of pituitary adenomas remains to be elucidated.


Studies on in vitro carcinogenesis. I. Autoradiographic and biochemical study on the incorporation of labelled methylcholantrene into mouse embryonic cells. The incorporation of radioactive labelled Methylcholanthrene into CBA/T6T6 mouse embryonic fibroblast cultures was studied by using light and electronmicroscopic autoradiographic and also liquid scintillation counting techniques. During 24 hrs treatment time at the applied Methylcholanthrene concentrations (0.01-2.5 mug/ml) the proportion of cells labelled with 3H-Methylcholanthrene and the number of grains above the cells showed a relationship with the duration of treatment and also with the doses. Up to 24 hrs all cells were labelled after treatment with 2.5 mug/ml whereas at 0.01 and at 0.1 mug/ml concentrations Methylcholanthrene could have been detected only 2 and 10% of the cell population resp. The presented results suggested that labelling index reached saturation level earlier than the average number of grains. Electronmicroscopic autoradiography revealed a rather even distribution of grains and there were no signs for preferential binding site of Methylcholanthrene. Biochemical separation showed that 59 and 44% of the radioactivity was bound to macromolecules at 1 and 24 hrs after commencing treatment resp.


Metabolism of nitrosamines in vivo. V Investigation on 14CO2 exhalation, liver RNA labelling and isolation of two metabolites from urine after administration of [2, 5-14C-]dinitrosopiperazine to rats. The synthesis of N, N'-dinitrosopiperazine and N-nitrosopiperazine, both 14C-labelled in the 2-and 5-position is described. After i.p. application of 10 mg/69.5 muCi/kg[2, 5-14C]-N, N'-dinitrosopiperazine to rats no labelled 7-methylguanine was detected in the liver RNA; 1% of the radioactivity was exhaled as 14CO2, 1% excreted via the bile and about 40% excreted in the urine. Two of the urine metabolites were identified as 3-hydroxynitrosopyrrolidine and 1-nitrosopiperazinone-(3).


Occurrence of paired cisternae in the cytoplasm of interphase murine mammary carcinoma cells. The presence of paired cisternae in the cytoplasm interphase murine mammary carcinoma cells is described. The paired cisternae are composed of about 65A thin trilaminated membranes, about 65A in thickness, with ribosomes attached to the outer membranes, but with smooth adjacent membranes between the cisternae. The function and origin of these structures were not clarified, but it is suggested that they represent surplus fragments of nuclear envelope material.


[Experimental studies on tumorigenic activity of cigarette smoke condensate on mouse skin. V. Comparative studies of condensates from different modified cigarettes (author's transl)]. The tumorigenic effect of smoke condensates from reference cigarettes and different modified cigarettes has been investigated on the mouse skin. The following results have been obtained: 1. Reconstituted tobacco sheets made from the blend of the reference cigarette T as well as different other tobacco mixtures showed a reduced tumorigenic effect. 50% or 20% of reconstituted tobacco sheets as additive to the tobacco T showed reduced tumorigenic effect too. 2. A dark tobacco mixture (cigar type) as well as the Virginia tobacco of the mixture T showed no significant differences in biological activity compared to the reference tobacco. Condensate of the Burley tobacco of the blend T showed a reduced tumorigenic effect. 3. A small amount of nitrate as additive (1.8% total nitrate) only showed a limited reduction of the tumorigenic effect. 4. Condensate of a cigarette with commercially used filters, 20% reconstituted tobacco sheets and a total nitrate content of 1.8% showed a distinctly reduced tumorigenic effect. 5. Statistical evaluations of this experiment indicated that each of the applied dose should not be too high. Application of high doses did not lead to a further increase of tumor incidence. Cytotoxicity and viscosity of higher concentrated solutions may be responsible for this fact.


[Experimental studies on the rumorigenic activity of cigarette smoke condensate on mouse skin. VI. Fractionation of cigarette smoke condensate (author's transl)]. This experiment has been performed to clarify the question to which extent fractions containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) or other carcinogenic compounds are responsible for the biological activity of cigarette smoke condensate. With chromatographic procedures using organic gels it was possible to separate quantitatively polar compounds from the PAH-fraction and to obtain fraction IX representing 0.4% of the whole condensate. In this fraction the PAH were enriched 250fold. Significant losses of tumorigenic effects by this fractionation method could not be observed. This PAH-containing fraction showed 50% of activity compared with the overall activity of whole smoke condensate of a reference cigarette. A so-called PAH-free fraction showed with 7% of the overall activity of the whole smoke condensate a weak carcinogenic effect. The importance of PAH for the tumorigenic effect of cigarette smoke is emphasized by these results.


Percent distribution of T-and B-lymphoid cells in spleen and lymph nodes of Moloney virus infected mice. Malignant lymphomas were induced in BALB/cAnN mice by infection with Moloney virus (MLS-6). During the latent period of lymphoma development T- and B-cell populations were quantitated in spleen and lymph nodes using fluorescein-labelled monospecific antisera. A progressive decrease in percent T- and B-cells was observed in these organs starting eight weeks post virus infection. It apparently precedes slightly the earliest significant pathologic lesions represented primarily by thymic atrophy. Malignant lymphomas which were diagnostic from the 12th week after virus inoculation are composed of immature lymphoid cells which were not shown to contain T-cell markers nor immunoglobulin receptors. It is questioned whether the shift in cell population in lymphoreticular tissues during the latent period of lymphoma development may correlate with functional disturbances of these tissues that may be virus-induced.


Lymphocytotoxicity to tumor target cells and interference of serum factors or tumor antigen with lymphocytotoxicity in patients suffering from different stages of breast carcinoma. The in vitro cytotoxicity of lymphocytes from patients suffering from breast carcinoma against autochthonous, allogeneic and established breast carcinoma cells was evaluated. Lymphocytotoxicity to breast carcinoma cells was observed in all stages of the disease. Control lymphocytes from healthy donors or patients suffering from other carcinoma are not cytotoxic for the breast carcinoma cell lines. A follow-up study of the cell mediated immune reactions before and after surgical removal of the breast carcinoma showed that the cytotoxic lymphocyte population which is demonstrated in the presence of the tumor disappears quickly after excision of the carcinoma. The non-reactivity of lymphocytes is not due to a general immune defect. Serum of the tumor bearers did not block the lymphocytotoxicity in early stage breast carcinoma; in metastatic disease inhibition occurred in more than half of the cases. Preincubation of lymphocytes with antigen preparations of allogeneic breast carcinoma cells did not inhibit the cytotoxicity to breast carcinoma cells whereas autologous serum preincubated with the antigen preparation diminished the lymphocyte reactivity to the target cells in some cases.


Chromosomal banding and karyotype analysis in an Ehrlich mouse ascites tumor cell line. The karyotype and the banding pattern of chromosomes through different techniques following Giemsa staining have been worked out in an Ehrlich mouse ascites tumour cell line. The stemline cells show a mode at 74-76. A metacentric chromosome is present in almost all the cells. Some cells show a long telocentric chromosome with a possible secondary constriction. C-bands are restricted at the telomeric regions of the chromosomes excepting in the metacentric one. From the banding pattern it seems that the nucleolar organizers are located at the telomeric region. No band is associated with the second constriction of the long telocentric chromosome. It is suggested that the long metacentric chromosome has arisen out of a Robertsonian translocation involving end to end centromeric fusion of two non-homologue chromosomes.


[The correlation of clinical-electrocardiographic criteria with pathologic-anatomical findings in myocardial infarct]. Electrocardiographic signs of myocardial infarction obtained in 591 patients by the corrected orthogonal lead system according to Frank were compared with corresponding results of autopsy-proven material and corrected. By the corrected orthogonal lead system myocardial infarction could be recognized in 89% of the autopsy-proven cases. Moreover, electrocardiographic alterations which suggest accompanying mono- or biventricular hypertrophy were demonstrated.


[Contractility, pressure and volume reserve of pressure-hypertrophied hearts in situ]. In 18 adult mongrel dogs (24.6 kg) a statistically significant left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was induced by chronic aortic coarctation (180 days). In 12 anesthetized dogs (LVH 1) the effect of increasing doses of catecholamines on maximum contractility, expressed by (dp/dt)max, Vpm, t-(dp/dt)max was determined in comparison to a control group (KO 1; N = 6). There was no depression of the acute maximum contractility of hypertrophied hearts compared with the controls, also in respect to other haemodynamic parameters (SV/10 kg, HR, LVEP). In 6 other LVH-dogs (LVH 2) the maximum reached left ventricular pressure - obtained by complete clamping of the ascending aorta - was significantly higher. Either pressure per 100 g left ventricle did not differ significantly.


Histochemistry and histoenzymology of the hydatid cyst (Echinococcus granulosus Batsch, 1786). II. Scolices and brood capsules. Scolices and brood capsules of healthy hydatid cysts from lungs of human patients were studied with histochemical and histoenzymatic methods. The subtegumental and flame cells were sepcially rich in glycogen, RNA and some dehydrogenases such as SDH, MDH, NADH-reductase and G-6-PDH. The rostellar zone or invaginated pole, an area of marked contractile movements, showed intense activity in ATP'ase and simple esterase. The so-called excretory pole shows strong activity in simple esterases, lipase, beta-HBH, alpha-GDH and NADPH-reductase. Lipids are also abundant in this zone implying the important role of this metabolic path in the development of the parasite. Intense activity in alkaline phosphatase was observed in cells associated to the calcereous corpuscles. The largest corpuscles were devoid of enzymatic activity. The enzyme could play some role in the calcification of the corpuscles. Wide enzymatic variations are described according to morphology being orthoscolices the most rich in enzyme activity. Accumulations of small cells surrounded by specialized cells on the germinal membrane are interpreted as the origin or "embryo" of brood capsules. Some enzymes detected in the wall of mature brood capsules depicted alternating types of cells. Some of them are positive for ATP'ase that may be related to active transport of substances across the brood capsule wall. The intenst ATP'ase activity at the stalks of scolices may be similarly interpreted. However, a miosine-like activity is a more feasible explanation since this area showed striking contractile movements in vivo.


The histochemistry and fine structure of the embryophore of Shipleya inermis (Cestoda). The embryophore (inner capsule) of the tapeworm Shipleya inermis was studied with histochemistry and electron microscopy. It was found to be unique for the cestodes in that it has a laminated construction. During development lamina are added until there are 10 which are arranged in an irregular zig-zag pattern. The embryophore is positive to tests for acid and alkaline phosphatase, and the Hales test for acid mucopolysaccharides. Permeability of tapeworm egg coverings is discussed.


Histochemical characteristics of the egg envelopes of Acanthosentis sp. (Acanthocephala). The histochemical and phase contrast observations on the embryonic envelopes enclosing the acanthor of Acanthosentis sp. reveal the presence of three layers. All the three layers were non-refractile during early stages of their formation, and become refringent subsequently. The outer layer loses its refractile property together with affinity for acid and basic dyes when the eggs are fully developed. This layer is neither tanned nor chitinous. The second layer consists of glyco-lipo-proteinous matrix. The polysaccharide moiety is identified to be strongly sulfated acid mucopolysaccharide. The lipid component has been characterized to be KOH resistant and esters of unsaturated fatty acid. The protein is rich in aromatic amino acids. The third and the innermost layer contains chitin and acid mucopoly-saccharides. The protein is rich in sulfur-containing amino acids. Sulphydryl groups were present during early stages of its formation, but forms disulphide cross-links subsequently. Stages in the development of acanthors were characterized with reference to the formation of envelopes. The permeability experiments carried out on fresh eggs using 0.1% aqueous solutions of bromophenol blue, methylene blue, toluidine blue, basic fuchsin and neutral red indicate that the inward diffusion of these substances is prevented subsequent to formation of disulphide groups in the innermost layer. The results further indicate that the embryo derives nutritive requirements from the fluid of pseudocoel of the female worm through th envelopes covering it.


[Position and significance of gynecologic laparoscopy]. Over the last 1 1/2 years diagnostic laparoscopy has been performed in 135 cases and laparoscopic tubal cauterization carried out in 15 patients. Indications and the diagnostic Value of the gynecological laparoscopy are discussed. In agreement with other authors, laparoscopy is found to have a definite place for the diagnosis of the following gynecological disorders and complaints: 1. Examination of fallopian tubes in cases of infertility, diagnosis of malformations of the genital organs and of grave functional disorders of the ovaries; 2. Possible ectopic pregnancy; 3. Differential diagnosis of pelvic mass; 4. Evaluation of chronic pelvic pain; 5. Differential diagnosis of acute diseases of pelvic and lower abdominal organs. Histological examinations of coagulated human fallopian tubes yielded information on the mechanism of action of this modern method of sterilization.


[Capsule formation in Staphylococcus aureus as a reason for nontypability by phages (author's transl)]. In Staph. aureus strains isolated from human pathological material the frequency of strains which did not react with typing phages (NT-strains) was found to be about 30%. In one half of the NT strains the reaction with typing phages is prevented by a capsule. The capacity for capsule-formation is lost after propagation of the cells in a liquid glycerol-minimal-medium; thus the cells become typable by phages. The capacity for capsule-formation can be restored after intraperitoneal injection into mice. A new propagation in glycerol-minimal-medium leads again to a loss of the capsule.


Cholericidic effect of some intestinal disinfectants. Several compounds have been found which are markedly more effective and more economical as chemoprophylactic agents than the tetracycline compounds traditionally used in cholera-endemic areas. Some synergetically acting combinations were shown to exert by several orders of magnitude higher vibriocidal potency than the sum of potency of the compounds when applied singly. In the presence of human intestinal content, however, markedly higher concentrations are needed to exert the proper vibriocidic effect than in aqueous medium. It has been established in guinea pig experiments that the synergistic combinations administered per os in powder form, are able to kill the cholera vibrios within 5 to 10 minutes. The introduction of the appropriate synergistic combinations for controlling the cholera in the endemic areas of Asia and Africa is suggested.


[The combined effect of supraoptimal temperature and chemotherapeutic preparations on the metabolism of adenylic nucleotides by Staphylococcus aureus]. Comparative investigation of the effect of nitrofurans on the metabolism of adenylic nucleotides of Staphylococcus aureus at 36 degrees and 40 degrees C was made. It was shown that increasing of the cultivation temperature intensified the bacteristatic effect of nitrofurans. The use of nitrofurans at supraoptimal temperature intensified the activity of ATP-ase and considerably decreased the ATP, ADP and increased the AMP of Staphylococcus aureus.


[Experience in the detection of the latent course of the epidemic process of viral hepatitis in children in preschool groups]. A complex study of 1273 healthy children of creches and kindergartens where no viral hepatitis occurred for a long time revealed 39 children (3.1%) with an increased activity of glutamine-pyroracemic transaminase in the blood serum. Viral hepatitis was diagnosed in 12 (0.94%) of them as a result of clinical examination (an icteric form in 1, and a nonicteric form in 11 cases). The presence of asymptomatic form of infection could be supposed in 17 other children (1.3%). The incidence of increased activity of the enzyme in the serum of "healthy" children was definitly connected with the viral hepatitis incidence registered in the town during the year as a whole, and by seasons. This permitted to prognosticate the spread of viral hepatitis in the given populated locality. By complex laboratory examination of children in collective bodies it was possible to detect the latene foci and the latently coursing epidemic process of viral hepatitis.


Specific binding of Cibacron blue F3G-A to yeast phosphofructokinase. The complex formation between the ATP-analogous reactive dye Cibacron blue F3G-A and yeast phosphofructokinase is accompanied by a red shift of the visible absorption spectrum. From the position of lambdamax of the dye-phosphofructokinase complex in the polarity scales obtained from model solvents it may be concluded that the chromophoric system is evidently located in a highly apolaric range of the enzyme protein. The spectrophotometric titration of yeast phosphofructokinase with Cibacron blue F3G-A yielded a sigmoidal binding curve, which can be described by the MONOD-WYMAN-CHANGEUX model.


Vitamin A acid in acneiform dermatoses.

Vitamin A acid in acneiform dermatoses. A definition and classification of acneiform dermatoses is presented to distinguish these diseases from true acne. True acne is a follicular eruption which begins with a comedo, sometimes evolving into various inflammatory lesions. Members of true acne are acne vulgaris with its varieties, acne venenata, and comedonal acne due to physical agencies. Acneiform reactions begin with an inflammatory lesion, usually a papule or pustule. Comedones are uncommon and may follow pustules. Acneiform eruptions are almost always drug-induced, the commonest agents being corticosteroids and ACTH, iodides, bromides, anti-convulsive drugs, and INH. Topical treatment with VAA is indicated in every variety of true acne; VAA is helpful in acneiform dermatoses with secondary comedo formation, as for instance in steroid acne. Very satisfying results can be achieve with this regimen.


The cutaneous safety of topical tretinoin. Topical tretinoin is a valuable therapeutic agent whose chief drawback has been local primary irritation. What were thought to be special difficulties with photosensitivity reactions and pigmentary changes in dark skin, really turn out to be other manifestations of the irritancy. Advances in the development of newer dosage forms and treatment regimens, together with expanded knowledge of the many factors which contribute to the problem, mean that there should be very few patients who cannot be treated with tretinoin. Only the rare patient with true hypersensitivity to the drug need be denied. Appropriate therapy still requires a modicum of personal attention to the individual patient's needs-but that is what the practice of medicine is all about.


In vitro studies on enzymatic cleavage of steroid esters in the female organism. The decreasing water-solubility of steroid esters concomitant with increasing chain lenth of monocarboxylic acids provides a prolonged therapeutic effect of the steroid. Whether a slow release of the steroid from an oily depot in the muscle or a secondary storage of the enter in the body fat ("deep compartment") are responsible for this prolonged action, is open to discussion. The aim of this study was to investigate the steriod ester cleaving enzyme activity of human subcutaneous fatty tissue. The followeing steroid esters were investigated: Testosterone acetate and oenanthate, metenolone acetate and oenanthate, norethisterone acetate and oenanthate, dehydroepiandrosterone acetate and oenanthate, fluocortolone acetate and caproate. In the 10000 X g supernatant phase of the female subcutaneous fatty tissue the rate of enzymatic cleavage of the long-chain oenanthates was considerably greater than that of the corresponding short-chain steroid esters. The nature and position of the ester group in the steroid molecule exhibited a marked effect on the rate of enzymatic cleavage of steroid esters. The cleavage rate of long- and short-chain steroid esters in human myometrium and endometrium resembled that in the fatty tissue. On the other hand, the gastric mucosa, recuts musculature, placenta and vaginal mucosa split the short-chain steroid esters more rapidly than the long-chain esters. The marked differences in the relation of the cleavage rate of long- and short-chain steoid esters in the various tissues allow the assumption that long- and short-chain steroid esters are cleaved by different enzymes.


Topical vitamin A acid in acne vulgaris. Thirty patients with acne vulgaris were treated for 12 weeks with 0.025% vitamin A acid in a gel. The numbers of comedones, papules, and pustules were markedly reduced in 25 of the patients.


Kinetics of epidermis and adnexa following vitamin A acid in the human. The effects of topically applied vitamin A acid and benzoyl peroxide were investigated. Short-term (a few days) and long-term (up to 800 days) treatment was analyzed histologically and autoradiographically. Labelled and unlabelled biopsies at various time intervals were taken from face, back, and acne lesions. Kinetics were followed with 3H-TdR and 3H-histidine. All keratinizing epithelia of epidermis and adnexa are stimulated by vitamin A acid. Labelling is high (up to 20-70% L.I) and occurs within a few days. Follicles and comedones can also be stimulated, but respond less and much later than epidermis. Transit time is shortened to 3-4 days. Lose, incoherent horny cells are produced, explaining the therapeutic benefits of vitamin A acid in acne. Benzoyl peroxide is less effective in stimulating epidermopoieses in epidermis, follicles, and comedones. This autoradiographic analysis parallels therapeutic results with these two exfoliants.


Ultrastructure of human sebaceous follicles and comedones following treatment with vitamin A acid. Ultrastructural findings in normal human sebaceous follicles, of comedones from acne patients, and from comedones during topical treatment with vitamin A acid (VAA) are described. In normal human sebaceous follicles, the two segments of the infundibulum-the acroinfundibulum and the infrainfundibulum-show differing ultramorphological patterns of keratinization. The incomplete horny layer of the infrainfundibulum is physiological and seems to be necessary for its normal function. On the other hand, no effective barrier function is established in this region. During comedo formation, excessive keratinization takes place in the infra-infundibulum, leading to a compact and coherent horny core. VAA-treatment leads to profound alterations of keratin production, with the appearance of small, irregular, non-coherent and foamy horny cells. The comedonal wall resumes almost physiological conditions. These changes are in agreement with experimental work using VAA in vivo and in vitro and may explain the therapeutic mechanism of action of this compound in the treatment of acne.


Pharmacological mediators of various immunological and non-immunological inflammatory reactions produced in the pleural cavity. Intrapleural exudates have been produced in rats and guinea-pigs using calcium pyrophosphate, cell mediated immunity, reversed passive Arthus reaction and carrageenan. The intracellular concentration of various pharmacological mediators has been measured at different times during the evolution of these inflammatory responses. These have been correlated with volume of exudate and cellular migration. The significance of these findings has been discussed and the possible application to the search for new anti-inflammatory agents and their use in diagnostic procedures.


The "unrecognized" spigelian hernia.

The "unrecognized" spigelian hernia. The appearance at a community hospital of four cases of spigelian hernia within a 16-month period lends support to the supposition that this lesion is more common than reports would indicate. Main points to consider in establishing the likelihood of this condition primarily include an awareness of its existence and its multiple symptomatology, the anatomic schema of the lateral rectus border, careful abdominal examination and use of radiographic aids.