Random segregation of sister chromatids in developing chick retinal cells demonstrated in vivo using the fluorescence plus Giemsa technique. Experiments were designed to test whether nonrandom segregation of sister chromatids at mitosis has a role in the production of cell diversity during embryogenesis, Segregation was examined in vivo in retinal cells from embryonic chicks. Chromatids were labelled with bromouracil and stained by the fluorescence plus Giemsa technique. No evidence of nonrandom segregation was observed in a frequency distribution of pairs of bifilarly labelled sister chromatids at the third metaphase after the start of labeling. Nor was there evidence that chromatids from homologous chromosomes segregated nonrandomly. Nonrandom segregation is probab;y not a mechanism for cell diversification.


Scanning electron microscopy of isolated Chironomus polytene chromosomes. Individual polytene chromosomes have been isolated from Chironomus stigmaterus for scanning electron microscope observations. The three dimensional ultrastructure of these chromosomes consists of a series of chromatin strands extended in the interbands and more tightly coiled or folded in the banded regions. The nucleolus is observed to be a dense disc or doughnut shaped structure surrounding the chromosome while the Balbiani Rings appear as diffuse regions consisting of both fibrillar and granular elements.


Synaptonemal complex karyotyping in spermatocytes of the Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus). I. Morphology of the autosomal complement in spread preparations. Using the Counce-Meyer spreading technique, in over 70 spermatocytes it was possible consistently to obtain whole, flattened nuclei containing complete sets of pachytene SCs. The SCs are visible in both the phase and electron microscopes. Each SC is morphologically intact, preferentially stained, and attached to the nuclear envelope by a dense, terminal plaque. It is thus possible to trace each SC for its entire length. Also, a structure representing the kinetochore is clearly visible in each autosomal SC. Karyotypes comparable to the somatic karyotype can be constructed by arranging SCs according to length and kinetochore position. The observed regularity of SC morphology implies structural stability sufficient to withstand the stresses imposed by the procedure.--A coarse network of closely packed nuclear annuli connecting SC attachment plaques often provides end-to-end associations and may tend to immobilize SCs during processing.--Three kinds of perturbation of SC structure are encountered. Twists in the SC frequently occur, but no regular pattern or correspondence with chiasma distribution is observed. SCs occasionally hook around each other without disruption, but in two instances the unpaired axis of the X apparently was interlocked within an autosomal SC. Streching of the SC is infrequent; it is conspicous when it occurs and is usaully associated with other obvious distortions of the nucleus.--Distinctive morphologies of the X and Y chromosomes facilitate their identification inall preparations.--During zygotene, autosomal synapsis, i.e., the formation of SCs from the pairing of single axial elements, initiates at distal ends and terminates at the kinetochore region; neither initiation nor termination is synchronous among all autosomes.


Cytological localization of the genes for the four classes of ribosomal RNA (25S, 18S, 5.8S and 5S) in polytene chromosomes of Phaseolus coccineus. Homologous tritiated 25S, 18S and 5.8S rRNAs were used separately for in situ hybridization to the polytene chromosomes of the embryo suspensor cells of phaseolus coccineus. Hybridization occurred at the same chromosomal sites which were labeled in previous in situ hybridization experiments with 25 + 18S rRNAs in the same material (Avanzi et al., 1972), namely: nucleolus organizing system (satellite, nucleolar constriction and organizer) of chromosome pairs I (S1) and V (S2), proximal heterochromatic segment of the long arm of chromosome pair I, and terminal heterochromatic segment of chromosome pair II. Competition hybridization experiments confirmed for P. coccineus the high sequence homology between 25S and 18S rRNA already known for other plants. Homologous 125I-5S rRNA was found to hybridize to three sites in the polytene chromosomes of P. coccineus: the proximal heterochromatic segment in the long arm of chromosome pair I (which also bears the sequences complementary to 25S, 18S and 5.8S RNAs), most of the proximal heterochromatic segment plus a small portion of adjoining euchromatin in the long arm of chromosome pair VI and the large intercalary heterochromatic segment in the same chromosome pair. Simultaneous labeling of the two 5S RNA sites in chromosome VI was quite rare (3%), the rule being labelling of one site to the exclusion of the other, with a labeling frequency of 43.7% and 53.3% for sites no. 1 and no. 2 respectively. These results are interpreted as being due to differential hybridizability of chromosomal sites such as described in other materials.


Effect of different denaturing agents on the detectability of specific DNA sequences of various base compositions by in situ hybridisation. In situ hybridisation of certain AT rich and GC rich satellite DNA complementary RNAs (cRNAs) to their homologous chromosomes at their respective optimal rate temperatures (TOPTS) after denaturation with various reagents (0.2 N HCl, 0.07 N NaOH, 90% formamide and heat) led to the following conclusions. -- Heat denaturation of chromosomal DNA in 0.1 X SSC at 100 degrees C gives significantly higher grain counts regardless of DNA base composition, HCl denaturation discriminates markedly against GC rich DNA. Chromosome morphology is best preserved after HCl and heat denaturation.


Frequencies of chromosome polymorphism in pairs no. 1, 9, and 13 in three geographical variants of black rats, rattus rattus. Frequencies of the acrocentric and subtelocentric polymorphism in pairs no. 1, 9 and 13 chromosomes have been examined in 358 black rats. Rattus rattus, distributed over several countries of Asia, Austrailia and United States. The black rats are divided into three geographical types by the different chromosome numbers, such as Asian (2n=42), Ceylon (2n=40) and Oceanian types (2n=38). Pairs no. 13 polymorphism was found widely in these all types, but the pair no. 1 and 9 polymorphisms were found in only Asian type black rats. In the Asian type rats, however, those distributed in northern India and Pakistan showed always the subtelocentric pairs no. 1 and 9 like as those in Ceylon and Oceanien type rats have developed in India or Pakistan from the Asian type. The present study also suggests that inversion of the pair no. 13 could have occurred in earlier period than those of the pairs no. 1 and 9.


The safety and value of naloxone as a therapeutic aid. The safety and value of naloxone as a therapeutic aid was demonstrated in a large population of narcotic dependent persons over a two-year period. Naloxone was used to precipitate the narcotic withdrawal syndrome. This withdrawal syndrome was rated according to a previously developed scale. Retrospectively, naloxone rating scores were correlated with the patients' initial dose of methadone. With patients who received 0.8 mg naloxone, good correlation was obtained between the naloxone test score and the optimum methadone dose (mg), as indicated by the patients' physical status during the initial three days of methadone treatment. Three hundred and sixty-three tests were administered to 343 persons and no individuals developed any serious effects such as convulsions, syncope or cardiovascular collapse.


Discharge patterns of residents from halfway houses for male alcoholics. Length of stay (LOS) data for male alcoholics discharged from eitht halfway houses were examined in the light of the hypothesis that the rate of discharge would be a linear function of time. In general, the hypothesis was confirmed, although the rate of discharge for four houses was significantly accelerated during the first two weeks of residence. Further analysis showed that both resident characteristics and house structure (defined in terms of the number of hours of formal activities each week) contributed significantly to LOS. Resident characteristics accounted for 5.3% of the variance in LOS when house structure was controlled, and structure accounted for 1.6% of variance when resident characteristics were controlled. No significant interaction effects were detected. Implications of these results are discussed.


["Cold" thyroid nodules (author's transl)]. Out of 541 thyroid operations during the past 6 years 419 were selected on the basis of standardised histology and evaluated statistically. 31 carcinomas were found. In 246 cases there was a cold nodule in the scintigram and in 88 cases an inhomogenous distribution of activity. Both of them clearly influenced the indication for operation. There were 24 carcinomas among the cold nodules and 4 among the inhomogeneous activity distributions. 64.5% were follicular, 29% papillary and 3.2% mixed; thus differentiated carcinomas outnumbered the other forms. 26 patients with carcinoma had a bilateral thyroidectomy, of these 5 had carcinomatous involvement of both thyroid lobes.


[Gliadin-induced migration inhibition of peripheral leucocytes by the agarose-plate technique in patients with coeliac disease (author's transl)]. Sensitisation to gliadin was studied--using a modified leucocyte-migration inhibtion test after Clausen--in patients with coeliac disease (10 patients), ulcerative colitis (9), terminal ileitis (9), bacterial diarrhoea (9), and other gastro-intestinal diseases (14). Only the group of patients with coeliac disease had such specific sensitisation. The migration index, at 0.72 +/- 0.06, was significantly lower in them than in other groups. This reaction is disease-specific and indicates that in coeliac disease cellular immune mechanisms also play a role. The specificity of the reaction can also be used diagnostically.


Contribution of functional groups of 19-nor-progestogens to binding to progesterone and estradiol-17beta receptors in rabbit uterus. The structural elements of 19-norprogestogens which may be essential for binding to progesterone and estradiol-17beta(E2) receptors were investigated in the rabbit uterine cytosol. The kinetic study showed that 19-nor-progestogens are competitive inhibitors of progesterone-receptor (8S) binding and E2-receptor binding. The affinities of steroids for the progesterone receptor were as follows: norethindrone (Ki of 2.3 X 10(-9)M) greater than 5alpha-dihydronorethindrone greater than norethindrone acetate greater than lynestrenol greater than 17alpha-ethynyl-estra-4-ene-3beta, 17beta-diol greater than ethynodiol diacetate (Ki of 1.3 X 10(-7) M). The affinities of steroids for the E2 receptor were as follows: ethynodiol diacetate (Ki of 1.3 X 10(-7)M) greater than 17alpha-ethynyl-estra-4-ene-3beta, 17beta-diol greater than norethindrone acetate greater than norethindrone greater than 5alpha-dihydronorethindrone greater than lynestrenol (Ki of 8.4 X 10(-7)M). The results indicate that 3-ketone and 17beta-hydroxyl groups, and the plane of ring A/B of 19-norprogestogen are important for binding to the progesterone receptor. The affinities of 19-nor-progestogens for the E2 receptor were very weak. Their affinities for the E2 receptor increased with addition of acetate or hydroxyl groups at the 3beta and 17beta positions, and were decreased by the elimination of a 3 oxygen function or the reduction of ring A.


Alpha-amanitin administration results in a temporary inhibition of hepatic enzyme induction by triiodothyronine: further evidence favoring a long-lived mediator of thyroid hormone action. Alpha-amanitin was shown to inhibit triiodothyronine (T3)-induced increases in mitochondrial alpha-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (alpha-GPD) and cytoplasmic malic enzyme activity in the livers of male Sprague-Dawley rats. A 3-fold increase in alpha-GPD observed 24 h after the iv injection of 3 microngT3/100 g BW was completely inhibited by administration of alpha-amanitin at 0 and 8 h. Similarly, alpha-amanitin blocked a two- to four-fold increase in malic enzyme 24 h following iv injection of 3 mg T3/100 g BW into euthyroid rats. After the initial inhibition of enzyme induction by alpha-amanitin was dissipated, however, a delayed but striking increase in enzyme activity occurred. In hypothyroid animals, alpha-GPD activity rose after the initial 24 h inhibition and reached levels at 72 h equal to those observed in hypothyroid rats treated with T3 only. In euthyroid animals treated with T3 and alpha-amanitin, a delayed increase in malic enzyme activity was observed at 72 h and attained values at 96 h similar to those in euthyroid animals injected with T3 only. The  delayed rise in enzyme response is most easily explained by the formation of a long-lived intermediate during the exposure of the nuclear sites to T3.


In vivo progesterone treatment enhances [3H]estradiol retention by neural tissue of the female rat. [3H]Estradiol retention was examined for neural tissues of ovariectomized rats as a function of various progesterone pretreatments. Short-term progesterone pretreatment (6 or 24 h) with a 50 mg pellet of progesteron sc resulted in increased in vivo retention of [3H]estradiol when measured at 6 or 24 h following withdrawal of the progesterone source. This increase was greatest in arcuate-median eminence tissue. A less pronounced increase was seen in the preoptic-anterior hypothalamus and cerebral cortex, and no increase was seen in the amygdala or mammilary bodies. Following long term progesterone pretreatment increased [3H]estradiol retention was observed in vivo at 48, 72, 96 or 120 h in the continued presence of the progesterone source for arcuate-median eminence, preoptic-anterior hypothalamus, amygdala and cerebral cortex. Also, when progesterone pretreatment was 24 h, [3H]estradiol retention was still increased at 36, 48, 60 and 72 h following removal of the progesterone source for arcuate-median eminence, preoptic-anterior hypothalamus, amygdala and cerebral cortex. Our demonstration that progesterone pretreatment can significantly increase [3H]estradiol retention by neural tissue suggests a possible mechanism by which progesterone can regulate the timing of ovulation and sex behavior. Furthermore, our observations are in keeping with the finding that progesterone has little or no effect at the organismal or tissue level unless estrogen is present.


Calcitonin secretion in vitro. III. Synergistic secretory effects of enteric polypeptide hormones. Crude and highly purified preparations of enteric peptide hormones were shown to stimulate trout calcitonin (tCT) secretion in vitro. Since the maximal stimulatory effects of crude pancreozymin/secretin preparations were seen to be greater than the secretory effects obtained with the individual purified enteric peptides, the current study has focused on the secretory effects of several combinations of enteric peptides. The additive and synergistic secretory effects of various specific peptide combinations are demonstrated. Marked (85-fold) stimulation tCT secretion occurs in response to combinations of synthetic secretin (5 X 10(-5)M) with pentagastrin (10(-6)M) or the carboxylterminal octapeptide of pancreozymin (10(-6)M). These findings have significance with regard to the potentiation of hormone action, and are preliminary evidence for the presence of separate receptors for various enteric peptide secretagogues on C-cells.


Adrenal cortex of mice: circadian cycle of mitotic activity and volume of cell nuclei. Male mice (19--20 g) were observed to have mitotic peaks in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex during morning hours and in the first half of the day, while high values of nuclear volumes were characteristic of the said mice in the second half of the day and at night. In the zona glomerulosa, the mitotic index was increased in the second half of the day and in the evening hours, and the nuclear volume was greater at night-time.


Incorporation of [U-C14-A1-glucose in vitro by different parts of the rabbit Fallopian tube and uterus. The in vitro incorporation of E1U-C14]-glucose by ampullary and isthmic segments of the Fallopian tube and the uterus was determined in the intact (estrous), ovariectomized, ovariectomized plus estrogen and ovarietcomized plus estrogen + progesterone treated rabbit. In the intact animal the ampulla incorporated glucose at a faster rate than the isthmus; uterine uptake is minimal. Ovariectomy reduced the rate of incorporation below normal values in all the tissues. EDP (estradiol dipropionate) administered to ovariectomized rabbit increased the incorporation rate. Progesterone antagonized the EDP-induced uptake. The relative rate and pattern of incorporation by the three tissues were, however, determined by the dosage of estrogen and the estrogen/progesterone ratio.


Effects of cycloheximide on experimental epilepsy induced by daily amygdaloid stimulation in rabbits. Daily electrical stimulation of the amygdala caused a progressive change in electrographic afterdischarge and behavioral responses that ultimately resulted in generalized convulsions (kindling). Cycloheximide blocked the completion of kindling when administered 4 hours prior to daily electrical stimulations of the amygdala, but exerted no effect when administered shortly before the stimulation. The temporal relation between administration of cycloheximide and stimulation of the amygdala revealed that the blockade of kindling by cycloheximide was due to the suppression of focal afterdischarge rather than to the persistent inhibition of cerebral protein synthesis during the interstimulus periods.


Anticonvulsant action of diazepam: increase of cortical postsynaptic inhibition. The action of intravenously administered diazepam (Valium) on postsynaptic inhibition was studied in cat motor cortex. The efficacy of postsynaptic inhibition of pyramidal tract cells was measured as the ability to suppress action potential generation. Diazepam increased the suppression of action potentials by inhibition. This effect may explain the anticonvulsant action of diazepam.


Electrophysiological studies in two patients with cherry red spot--myoclonus syndrome. Two unrelated patients with the cherry red spot--myoclonus syndrome, a rare chronic neuronal storage disorder that begins in childhood with progressive myoclonus, cherry red spots at the macula, and easily controlled seizures, but no dementia, have been investigated electrophysiologically in order to characterize the myoclonic and electroencephalographic features of this syndrome. Phenomenologically, the disease most closely resembles the Ramsay Hunt syndrome, although certain unique features are noted and the patients are not photosensitive. Pathologically and clinically, the disease is related to mucolipidosis type I and atypical cases of GM1 gangliosidosis, and the EEGs obtained from our patients are identical to those seen in mucolipidosis type I. Because of the unusual clinical picture presented in this disease, there should be no difficulty in differentiating it from other more malignant storage disorders and progressive myoclonus epilepsies of childhood. Electrophysiological findings suggest that the myoclonic jerks do not originate cortically, but the specific subcortical generators have not been identified.


Effectiveness of daily phenobarbital in the prevention of febrile seizure recurrences in "simple" febrile convulsions and "epilepsy triggered by fever". Of 290 children with an initial febrile convulsion, 216 met Livingston's criteria for a "simple" febrile convulsion and 74 for "epilepsy triggered by fever." Daily phenobarbital produced a significant decrease in febrile seizure recurrences in both groups, as compared to children who received phenobarbital at the onset of fever and those who received no phenobarbital prophylaxis. Although statistically significant in both groups, the effectiveness of daily phenobarbital was more pronounced in the "epilepsy with fever" children.


Rapid heterolysis of indophenyl acetate by a constituent of a preparation of horse serum cholinesterase. A transient phase for the hydrolysis of indophenyl acetate by the commercial preparation of horse serum cholinesterase was observed on a stopped-flow spectrophotometer. It was found that the transient process is a reaction of the ester with a major component of the preparation and is not caused by the serum cholinesterase enzyme. This noncholinesterase component was isolated and the dependence of its concentration and that of the ester upon the transient liberation of the indophenolate ion were determined. Studies with the isolated component and subsequent analyses have led to the tentative identification of the burst active component as serum alpha1-acid glycoprotein.


The influence of heat stress on plasma volume and intravascular proteins in sedentary females. 23 untrained femal subjects underwent a standardised thermal dehydration. Plasma volume (PV), hematocrit (HCT), total intravascular protein concentration (TPC), albumin concentration (AC), total globulin concentration (TGC) were determined before, immediately, 90 min and 180 min after the heat stress. The intravascular protein masses (IPM) were calculated from PV and protein concentration. In comparison to men the loss of body weight and PV was smaller. Consequently the TPC does not increase to the same amount in men. A tendency for a diminution of IPM could be observed but this shift was not significant, compared to males. According to these findings the colloid osmotic capacity remained on a relatively high level. Opposite to men the IPM of globulins increased in females after thermal dehydration.


Prediction of maximal aerobic power in man. A general prediction formula has been derived for predicting maximal aerobic power (VO2 max) based on nonlinear relationship between aerobic stress and cardiorespiratory strains imposed on the subject during submaximal exercise on bicycle ergometer. The validity of the prediction formula has been tested for the data consisting of 135 observations on 45 moderately active young subjects who were asked to exercise on the bicycle ergometer at three submaximal and one maximal work rate. It has been found that product moment correlations of aerobic stress with respiratory strain and cardiac strain expressed logarithmically were 0.7651 and 0.7457 respectively. These correlations were significant (P less than 0.001). The multiple correlation between observed and estimated aerobic stress expressed logarithmically in terms of cardiorespiratory strains was 0.8142 which was significant (P less than 0.001). There is a significant improvement in multiple correlation from the product moment correlations of aerobic stress with either of two strains expressed logarithmically. It has been conclusively established that combined index of cardioresiratory strains will be better predictor of aerobic stress than either respiratory or cardiac strain alone as commonly employed by several workers.


Systemic lupus erythematosus in a boy with a review of the Japanese literature. A 3-year-old boy with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with no skin rash whatever throughout the course of the disease is described, and the possibility of occurrence without skin rash is stressed. Seventeen cases of SLE in male children were collected from the Japanese literature and reviewed. Death occurred in 4 patients. Not only renal but also pancreatic involvement was found to be of significance in causing death in childhood SLE.


Presence of type III collagen in bone from a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta. Samples of bone from a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta were found to synthesize and contain type III collagen as well as type I collagen. Normal bone contains only type I collagen except in the lining cells of the bone marrow cavities. In the patient's tissue, type III collagen was localized in nonfibrillar structures in discrete areas of the bone. These and previous studies indicate that certain types of osteogenesis imperfecta may be caused by a failure of normal bone maturation and the sites in which the type III collagen is found appear to be defects in the bone.


Extraneous HLA antigens in severe combined immunodeficiency disease (scid). Survey of the literature and report of one new case. In a female infant with severe combined immunodeficiency disease extraneous HLA specificities were found which could neither have been inherited from the father nor the mother. The case is reported in detail and a survey of the literature with similar observations is given. The different explanations of this phenomenon are discussed.


Neonatal hypophosphatasia with elevated serum parathyroid hormone. Two cases of neonatal hypophosphatasia are described. In case 1, hypercalcemia developed at 2 1/2 months of age and continued until death at 10 1/2 months of age. Serum calcium levels decreased transiently in response to phosphate supplementation, prednisolone, and calcitonin. Significantly elevated levels of PTH were detected at 2 1/2 months of age. At autopsy, no parathyroid glands were found. In case 2, hypercalcemia was not detected in his course. Elevated level of serum PTH was recorded on the 17th day of life. A post-mortem examination revealed the presence of one normal parathyroid gland.


Parthenogenetic reptiles: new subjects for laboratory research. Problems preventing establishment of laboratory colonies of parthenogenetic lizards have been solved. Now, productive colonies of these lizards, which have remarkably little genetic variation, can be readily established and used not only for research on parthenogenesis but also for many kinds of experiments for which reptile systems are desirable. Research colonies can provide valuable specimens while reducing the exploitation of natural populations.


6,10,14-Trimethylpentadecan-2-one and 6,10,14-trimethyl-5-trans, 9-trans, 13-pentadecatrien-2-one from the androgenic glands of the male crab Carcinus maenas. 2 C18 isoprenoid ketones, hexahydrofarnesylacetone (1) and farnesylacetone (2) have been identified for the first time in lipid extracts from the androgenic glands of the male crab Carcinus maenas, using coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The 2 compounds prepared by synthesis, are biologically active, inhibiting the incorporation of 3H-leucine in Crustaceans ovaries subcultures.


Effects of L-lysine administration on certain aspects of ascorbic acid metabolism in weanling rats. L-lysine administration to male weanling rats at a dose of 110.4 mg (25% LD50) per 100 g body weight per day for 15 days reduced the liver total ascorbic acid level. The biosynthesis as well as the degradation of L-ascorbic acid was diminished under these conditions. The fall in liver total ascorbic acid level after L-lysine administration was ascribed to its reduced synthesis.


The effects of acetylation on the binding region of cartilage proteoglycans to hyaluronic acid. Proteoglycans in cartilage are found as aggregates and as monomers. Evidence has been obtained indicating that hyaluronic acid, normally present in this tissue, binds together monomers into large molecular weight aggregates. In this investigation, the interacting region of the protein backbone has been studied. The results unequivocally demonstrated that the epsilon amino groups of lysine are involved in hyaluronic acid binding to proteoglycans and that their blocking by acetylation either prevents reaggregation or disaggregates the high mol.w aggregates.


Serum and liver radioactivity levels in mice after intraperitoneal and subcutaneous injection of [14C]orotic acid. [14C]Orotic acid was rapidly distributed in blood after both i.p. and s.c. injection but was not completely absorbed from the peritoneal cavity until 20 min after injection. S.c. injection should be an acceptable alternative to i.p. injection although the incorporation into the liver acid soluble- and RNA-fractions was somewhat delayed after the s.c. injection.


Keto acids and free amino acids during leaf growth in Bauhinia purpurea L. The biosynthesis of keto acids and free amino acids was studied during the growth of Bauhinia purpurea leaves. Alpha-KGA, OAA, pyruvic acid and PEP are the important keto acids observed at various stages. The first 2 metabolites show a progressive increase and PEP leads to OAA pathway is very active during the process of growth.


Chdromosome aberrations in mice by the antifungal antibiotic, nystatin. Nystatin, a fungicide of current medical use, was tested in mice for its effect on chromosomes of bone marrow cells. A significant increase of aberrations, mostly of chromatid type, was observed over a period of from 15 min to 15 days following the application of the drug. Our data indicate a non-random distribution of the breaks.


The defensive function of cyanogenesis in natural populations. Detailed ecological studies of some maritime populations of Lotus corniculatus L. have shown that the distribution of the cyanogenic form of this plant is directly related to the distribution and density of molluscs which graze selectively the acyanogenic form. This work, on a genetic polymorphism, is interpreted as giving direct evidence of chemical defence in natural populations.


Sex chromosome polymorphism in Oryzomys longicaudatus philippii (Rodentia, Cricetidae). Oryzomys longicaudatus philippii has a diploid number 2N = 56 (N.F. = 70). A polymorphism of X-chromosomes is described and a duplication as causal mechanism is postulated. The degree of chromosomal differences among the 4 karyological forms of O. longicaudatus and between those forms with O. l. philippii, enable us to postulate the level of full species for all of them.


Effects of diethylstilbestrol on the production of various extracellular products of Staphylococcus aureus. The synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol at a subinhibitory level of 1.75 microng/ml diminished the production of staphylococcal alpha toxin, coagulase, deoxyribonuclease and penicillinase. Thus, the reported host beneficial effects of diethylstilbestrol may be partially related to its retardive action of certain toxins, or enzymes of S. aureus.


Hornet ventilation noise: rhythm and energy content. A new technique is used to measure the hornet's wing movement. It enables one to measure precisely the frequency of this movement, even in the presence of spurious 'noise'. This autocorrelation technique revealed that the hornet's wing stroke is divided into 3 smaller strokes when they are tired. The energy content in each stage can be measured using the autocorrelator.


'Binding' of glycine and gamma-aminobutyric acid to synaptosomal fractions of 6 regions of the feline brain; effects of strychnine. GABA (6 X 10(-6) M) binding to synaptosome-enriched fractions of cat CNS exhibited a clear rostro-caudal gradient, whereas glycine (6 X 10(-6) M) binding was greatest to particles of cerebellar cortex, and this was followed by medulla approximately equal to caudate nucleus larger than or equal to cerebral cortex larger than or equal to pons larger than corona radiata. Strychnine-SO4 (10(-3) or 10(-4) M) inhibited the binding of GABA and glycine in all brain regions studied; at 10(-5) M this drug inhibited the binding of both GABA and glycine only to particles of the cerebral cortex.


Periodicity in body temperature in man.

Periodicity in body temperature in man. Body temperatures and self-assessed mood scales were recorded for 7 weeks or more by male volunteers. Auto-correlations of temperatures from the 21 subjects show evidence of a significant peak at the 20-day-interval. The self-assessed measure of 'Alertness' (from 18 of them) also shows some evidence of rhythmicity, at the 22-day-period.


Effects of cerebral lateral, ventricular infusions of phloridzin on feeding and body weight in Gallus domesticus (L.). Contrary to earlier findings in rats, cerebral lateral ventricular infusions of 1 X 10(-3) M or 2 X 10(-3) M solutions of phloridzin at a rate of 2.5 micronl/min for 90 min had no significant stimulating effects on food intake and weight gain in hens and cocks. These different responses to intraventricular phloridzin might reflect a difference of sensitivity to the inhibitory action of phloridzin on glucose transport in cerebral cells or certain peculiarities of mechanisms controlling food intake in chickens.


[Evaluation of the carotid blood distribution in the rat using radioactive microspheres (author's transl)]. The carotid blood distribution has been evaluated using radioactive microspheres in 13 regions of the head and in 10 cerebral structures of rats, and the intracerebral distribution of blood has been studied comparatively after injection of microspheres into the left cardiac ventricle or into the internal carotid artery. The principal results indicate that the cerebral tissue is not supplied by the external carotid blood, whereas about 30% of the internal carotid blood goes to the brain, and that pontomedullary region receives its blood mainly from the vertebral artery.


Electrotonic synapses in the visceral ganglion of Planorbis. In the visceral ganglion of Planorbis the postsynaptic neurones of the characterized dopamine neurone are connected by non-rectifying electrotonic junctions. The coupling, which is reduced by stimulation of the dopamine neurone and by applied dopamine, may be important in the generation of burst activity. Specialized areas of close apposition of membranes in the neuropile are considered to be the morphological correlate of electrotonic coupling.


Electrophysiological evidence for chemosensitivity to adenosine, adenine and sugars in Spodoptera exempta and related species. Electrophysiological studies show that Spodoptera exempta and closely related species possess a receptor with specific sensitivity towards adenosine and adenine. 2 other types of receptors responded to certain sugars. The functional significance of these receptors in controlling chemoresponses of the larvae is discussed.


Presynaptic excitability decrease in the extensor group II afferent terminations. The excitability of the extensor secondary afferent terminals is decreased by volleys applied to the flexor group II afferents. This presynaptic excitability decrease was completely abolished after bicuculline, indicating GABA may act as transmitter in this circuit.


Effects of ibotenic acid, quisqualic acid and their relatives on the excitability of an identifiable giant neurone of an African giant snail (Achatina fulica Férussac). An identifiable giant neurone, PON (periodically oscillating neurone), of Achatina fulica Ferussac, inhibited by erythro-beta-hydroxy-L-glutamic acid, was also inhibited by 2 relatives of beta-hydroxy glutamic acid, ibotenic acid and quisqualic acid. These substances similarly showed the effect on the neurone even in the chloride-free medium.


Neuronal accumulation and metabolism of 3H-1-norepinephrine in rat portal vein: evidence in relation to possible uneven alpha receptor distribution. The rate of accumulation and metabolism of 3H-1-norepinephrine in the neuronal plexus of rat portal vein produces a small transmitter concentration gradient across the longitudinal smooth muscle layer which cannot account for the prejunctional supersensitivity observed and suggests localization of the alpha-adrenergic receptors adjacent to the nerve plexus.


Differential effects of opiates on the incorporation of [14C] thiamine in the central nervous system of the rat. Opiate agonist (morphine), pure antagonist (naloxone), mixed agonist-antagonist (nalorphine) and analgesically inactive enantiomorph (dextrorphan) produced differential stereoselective effects on the incorporation of [14C] thiamine in the central nervous system of the rats. The possible role of thiamine in opiate effects and its implications are discussed.


Examination of the potential mutagenicity of hair dye constituents using the micronucleus test. 12 compounds which are constituents of hair dyes or chemically related aromatic amines, aminophenols, their nitroderivatives and aromatic hydroxyderivatives were examined for evidence of mutagenic potential by means of the micronucleus test. None of the compounds tested caused an increase in the incidence of micronucleated erythrocytes after oral dosing.


On the influence of Ca-DTPA on delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase in rats. In rats red cell delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase is inhibited by Ca-DTPA only after treatment with toxic doses or with fractionated therapeutic doses. Zn-DTPA does not influence the activity of the enzyme even after administration of high doses.


6-Hydroxydopamine effect on the retina: an autoradiographic study. Labelled uridine uptake was studied in the control and 6-hydroxydopamine-treated retina by autoradiography. Decrease labelled uridine uptake was detected in the 6-hydroxydopamine-treated retinas.


[Fibre type and glycoside concentrations of human skeletal muscle (author's transl)]. In 2 patients digitalized with digoxin or betamethyldigoxin, postmortal glycoside concentrations were determined in 7 different skeletal muscle specimens by radioimmunoassay. In the same specimens, planimetric measurements of histochemical fibre types I and II were carried out. There were higher glycoside concentrations in predominantly type I fibre muscle biopsies.


Neuroendocrine effects of a non-steroidal compound of testicular origin. The effects of the compound (+)-1,4-diphenylbutane-2,3-diol (DPB, synthetized in the testes) on gonadotropin secretion have been studied in castrated male rats. DPB, when injected subcutaneously, does not modify serum levels of LH and FSH. On the contrary, the local implantation of DPB in the median eminence of the hypothalamus results in a significant elevation of serum FSH. It is suggested that DPB may play a physiological role in the control of FSH release.


A turbidimetric method for the screening of amylase-producing mutants of Aspergillus niger. The method is based on the assumption that extracellular amylase, which is produced by strains of Aspergillus niger in liquid culture, hydrolyses the starch in the media and brings about a corresponding decrease in the turbidity of the media. Mutant strains which produced different quantities of amylase exhibited different degrees of decrease in turbidity of the media. The results showed that a greater degree of decrease in turbidity was observed for a higher quantity of amylase produced.


The effect of organophosphorus compounds on respiration by rat liver mitochondria. Rat liver mitochondria from normal and chronically intoxicated rats were prepared by standard methods. Three organophosphorus compounds were assayed: Parathion, Malathion and Dimetoate. Oxygen uptake and respiratory control ratio were measured by a polarographic method. The addition of the pesticides at the reaction vessel (containing normal mitochondria) or pretreatment of the animals with these compounds, decreased state 3, state 4 and 2,4-dinitrophenol stimulated respiration with glutamate-malate as substrate in the presence of malonate. The mentioned states were not significantly altered when succinate was used as substrate. Respiratory control ratio decreased in the presence of the pesticides with both substrates. Mitochondrial respiration results obtained in vivo and in vitro suggest that the three mentioned organophosphorus compounds behave as inhibitors of the mitochondrial electron-transport system. The decrease of the respiratory control ratio may be related to a possible change in the permeability of the inner mitochondrial membrane.


[Study on the amide of 2-chlorobornan-4-carboxylic acid]. During the study of the transpositions undergone by the amide of canphen-4-carboxylic acid on treatment with concentrated hydrochloric acid, the formation of the amide of 2-chlorobornan-4-carboxylic acid alone, arising in two polymorphous forms, has been confirmed. Its reduction produced 2-chloro-4-aminomethylbornane; the detachment of hydrochloric acid at the amide of canphen-1-carboxylic acid.


The synthesis of (+/-)-1-ethylenedioxy-trans-2-(beta-R,S-hydroxypropyl)-3-(beta-acetoxyethyl)cyclopentane. The synthesis of (+/-)-1-ethylenedioxy-trans-2-(beta-R,S-hydroxypropyl)-3-(beta-acetoxyethyl)cyclopentane (IV), starting from (+/-)-1-ethylenedioxy-trans-2-propargyl-3-(beta-hydroxyethyl)cyclopentane (I) by indirect hydration with mercuric acetate and hydrogen sulphide, is reported.


[Analysis of an instrumental defense response on dogs following stimulation of the head of the caudate nucleus]. In chronic experiments on dogs taught to instrumental avoiding of electrical shock, changes in organization and regulation of movements on electrical stimulation of head of the caudate nucleus via implanted electrodes, were studied. The preliminary low-frequency stimulation increased the latency, altered the posture readjustment, EMGs, and mechanograms of movements. Markedness of the changes depended on the strength of stimulating current. The high-frequency (50 Hz) stimulation either does not affect the response or completely inhibits it. Stimulation against the background of avoiding movements caused its caudal cessation. The quantitative analysis of the movement parameters showed the cessation to be not adequate to analogous cessation of movement under ordinary conditions of cessation of the conditioned stimulus. The data obtained suggest an effect of head of the caudate nucleus on the processes of programming, organization, and regulation of movement.


[Neuronal organization of the central mechanisms of reflexes from vibrissae]. Functional characteristics (size of receptive fields, directional sensitivity, threshold sensitivity to amplitude, and speed of vibrissae deflection) of neurons in the rat cortical zone of vibrissae representation, were studied. Histological control showed that in the IV cortical layer these neurons form somatotopically structured barrel-shaped cytoarchitectonic clusters. It was found that each "barrel" consisted of several neuronal groups--elementary neuronal ensembles--which selectively detected different stimulus parameters: direction, speed, and amplitude of deflection of the corresponding vibrissa. The data obtained show that temporal and power competition of adjacent ensembles, on the basis of lateral inhibition, is an important mechanism for signal processing and selection of dominant afferent inputs.


[Effect of prolonged preliminary static stretching of de-efferented muscle on the dynamic response of muscle receptors]. Speed of adaptation of muscle receptor discharges during static stretching of the muscle was shown to depend on the grade and duration of muscle tension reducing which, in its turn, is the function of muscle length. The increase in the receptor firing rate during the dynamic phase of muscle stretching (the dynamic response) depends both on the grade and speed of stretching and on whether the muscle is "balanced" after previous stretching. The data obtained suggest insignificant increase in the relaxed muscle length on changing of angle in the talocrural joint within the physiological range.


[Character of organ volume vessels during pressor reflexes]. In acute experiments on cats, responses of the resistance and capacity vessels of small intestine, spleen, kidneys, and m. gastrocnemius were studied during pressor sinocarotid reflex and electrical stimulation of the sciatic and brachial afferents. It was shown that, against the background of constrictory responses of the resistance vessels in these organs, both the constrictory and the dilatory responses of the capicitance vessels could occur or not. Correlation analysis revealed no dependence between the markedness and character of the capacitance vessel responses and the changes of the venous blood oxygenation during pressor reflexes. The regulatory mechanisms determining, different characters of the capacitance vessels during neurogenic effects and the methodical conditions revealing the true nature of changes occurring in the postcapillary bed, are discussed.


[Effect of stretch on the contractile response of isolated portal vein smooth muscle]. The character of spontaneous activity of the isolated preparation was shown to be affected only by the first stretching stimulus which was due to release of the intracellular Ca. Active contractile responses to stretching at the peak of the contracture due to perfusion of the preparations with the Krebs sodiumless solution, are directly correlated with the speed of the stretching. Stretching of the preparations in calciumless solution elicited no active response.


[Effect of destruction of the median eminence on thermoregulation]. In male rats of 180-240 g weight, alterations of general thermoregulation and of functional activity of the suprarenal cortex, thyroid gland, and enterochromaffine system were studied after electrolytic lesion of the hypothalamic mesial eminence. In thermoneutral conditions, functions of the suprarenal cortex and thyroid gland remained unchanged while activity of the enterochromaffine system was reduced. Cooling decreased abruptly the reaction of thermoregulation and the functional activity of the endocrine glands. The data suggest the neurosecretory granules of the hypothalamic mesial eminence to participate in regulation of the organism temperature homeostasis in rats.


Mother's home time and the production of child quality. This paper deals with the effect of mother's time spent out of the labor force, and presumably in the home, on the "production" of child quality, where child quality is measured by intelligence (iq), level of schooling attained, and market earning power. The results indicate that mother's home time is most effective in producing (male) child quality for mothers who have attained relatively high levels of schooling. The results suggest that education programs which devote equal school resources to all (male) children do not necessarily provide equal educational opportunity and that the influence of family background on economic success is indirect, operating through home investments in children.


A vital statistics-based procedure for estimating conception rates. A method for estimating conception rates, using vital statistics data, is developed and applied to data on five-year age groups of California women for 1971. The approach is deterministic and allocates total exposure time to the known pregnancy outcomes of live birth, spontaneous abortion, and induced abortion. The population at risk is defined to exclude women who are known to be sterile or sexually inactive. Early fetal loss, premarital conception, and contraceptive use are taken into account. Estimates are made of the fecundability which would obtain if no contraception were used.


Spline interpolation of demographic data. There are many problems in demography involving the smoothing or interpolation of data. Usually a solution is obtained by fitting a polynomial or a suitable model curve. Often, however, fitting a spline proves to be a simple recourse. Splines, were invented nearly 30 years ago and have been shown to have desirable properties. Although spline functions are by no means unknown to demographers, no simple and direct explanation of their application exists. We hope to remedy this deficiency with this expository piece.


Antibodies against the hepatitis B surface antigen in diabetics. The frequency of antibodies to the hepatitis B surface antigen was determined in 406 diabetics in two study series separated in time (1971-1972 and 1974-1975). In the 1971-1972 series, the antibody frequency in insulin and orally treated patients was significantly higher, and the incidence of hepatitis was also greater. The decline in the antibody frequency in the 1974-1975 series is primarily attributed to improved hygienic measures. Anti-HBs was more frequently demonstrable in insulin-dependent diabetics than in orally treated patients. Since the duration of diabetes was about three times as long in this treatment group and the frequency of metabolic checks twice as great, the raised antibody frequency in insulin-injecting diabetics was attributed to greater exposure to the virus.


Study of the coefficient of glucose assimilation during muscular exercise in diabetic adolescents deprived of insulin. In six insulin deprived adolescent diabetics, the influence of muscular effort equal to 50% of the VO2 max on the coefficient of glucose assimilation was evaluated. During an IVTT the coefficient of glucose assimilation at rest was (0.59). 10(-2) +/- 0.14 and it did not increase during physical activity. A minimal concentration of insulin is apparently indispensable to increase glucose utilisation during muscular effort. At higher concentrations other factors probably intervene to enhance glucose assimilation.


HLA antigen in Jewish patients with juvenile diabetes mellitus. Fifteen diabetic families and fifty non related diabetic patients were studied for their HLA antigen pattern. The patient group was compared to controls matched to compensate for ethnic variations. In this group the data analysis revealed a decrease in HLA-A1 as opposed to increased HLA-A2 frequency, both of no statistical significance; HLA-Aw26 was found significantly increased (p less than .0005; corrected p less than .015); HLA-B8 was found to be increased (p = ,0025) but not significantly after correction (p = .075). Family analysis revealed that whenever B8 was present it was inherited to the affected sib only. Where B8 was not present, the same haplotypes were shared by healthy and affected sibs. Bw16 although not significantly increased, was found in all patients but one, when part of the family pattern, although non affected sibs shared it as well,


Aspects of the six-month developmental examination in a longitudinal study. In a longitudinal study concerned with the early detection of delayed and aberrant development, the findings at the six-month examination have been studied in some detail. All births within a given catchment area were included and the results on 1200 babies seen at this age are reported. The findings illustrated that under ordinary clinic conditions not all children achieved the "milestones" expected of them at a particular age. The examinations were carried out in child health clinics by a heterogeneous group of doctors with widely varying training and experience, and this is reflected in the differences between the findings of the more and the less experienced doctors. The problems of follow-up and their implications for total population surveillance programmes are considered. A positive approach to routine developmental examinations is advocated, with the emphasis not only on early detection of developmental problems but also on enabling all children to achieve their optimum potential.


Early feeding history of children with learning disorders. The infant feeding histories of 29 children with learning disorders were compared with those of 53 control children referred for other neurological conditions. 13-8% of children with learning disorders had been breast-fed, compared with 47-2% of the control children. There was no difference between the two groups in protein content of the formulas used for bottle-feeding.


Nervous endemic cretinism in Eastern Nepal. 31 children and adolescents from the mountainous region of Eastern Nepal were examined in order to outline the clinical pattern of cretinism found there. They correspond to the description of nervous endemic cretinism found elsewhere: psychomotor retardation, deafness, and a variable degree of spastic diplegia. There was no clinical evidence of hypothyroidism. The disorder appears to be related to gestational iodine deficiency and it is suggested that injections of iodinated poppyseed oil ("Lipiodol") would be the most suitable form of prophylaxis.


The deprived child in adoption.

The deprived child in adoption. There has been an increasing number of older children adopted in Manitoba, Canada, often with adverse results because of early deprivation of the children concerned. 33 children from adoption "breakdowns" and 12 control adoptions were studied. Assessment was made of the time of placement, number of previous moves, development and intelligence quotients, and the behaviour pattern of the children. There were no differences between the control and adoptive breakdown groups with regard to the motivation of the adopting parents, the degree to which the adopted child was considered at risk, or the manner in which placement was carried out. Common to both groups was the difficult behaviour of the children which appeared to stem from early experiences of deprivation. Adopting parents should be told about the possible problems arising from environmental deprivation and appropriate counselling should be given before adoption and after placement. Specific policies in the placement of such high-risk children are given.


[Infusion of plasma volume expanders in the evaluation of left ventricular function (author's transl)]. 39 patients, subdivided in four groups [I) previous myocardial infarction; II) ischaemic heart disease; III) hypertension; IV) cerebrovascular disease] were administered i.v. low molecular weight dextran in the course of right heart catheterization. The curves of the left ventricular function were determined by the LVSWI-LVFP relationship measured before the test, after the first 150 ml of dextran infusion, at the point of maximal increase of the LVSWI, and at the end of the infusion. The initial values of the LVSWI and SV were lower in the first group with respect to the other three (P less than 0.001), not significantly unlike those of the LVFP. During dextran infusion it is possible to observe an increase of the LVFP in all four groups (P less than 0.01), and of the SV (P less than 0.02) and LVSWI (P less than 0.01 and P less than 0.05, respectively) in the first and the third groups. At the end of the test, different values of the LVSWI (P less than 0.001) and the LVFP (P less than 0.01) were observed in the four groups. The calculated deltaSI/deltaLVFP indices were not significantly different in the four groups, whereas a P less than 0.001 was obtained for the values of the deltaV/deltaLVFP indices (56, 67, 73 and 138 ml/mmHg for the groups I, II, III and IV, respectively). Dextran infusion proved to be a useful test for the hemodynamic assessment of different cardiovascular diseases.


[Bis-(hydroxy-2-ethylthyo)-1,10-decano in hyperlipaemic therapy (author's transl)]. The authors studied the effectiveness and biological tolerability of Tiadenol [Bis-(hydroxy-2-ethylthyo)-1,10-decano] against clofibrate, in a group of 38 hyperlipaemic (volunteers) subjects, with or without atherosclerotic disease. The results showed that the new hypolipidaemic drug has a great effect on cholesterolemia and trigliceridaemia, as does clofibrate. The statistic examination confirmed the results. This research didn't show any side-effects of the drug, which has a very good biological tolerability.


[Chronic pericarditis from radiation (author's transl)]. A case of chronic pericarditis with effusion in a 25 years old white man, 19 months after therapeutic irradiation of the mediastinum with a total dose of 4.350 rads for Hodgkin's disease. Pericardiectomy was followed by improvement of functional capacity persistent 7 months after operation.


[Neurological complications during therapy with 17 MDCAA (author's transl)]. A case of a 39 years old woman on therapy with Monodicloroacetilajmaline for repetitive crises of Ventricular Tachycardia is shown. We have observed neurological symptoms by central compromission of 3rd, 4th, 6th pair of cranial nerves, cutaneous symptoms and a neurodisletic crisis. We particularly analyse the dosage of the drug in relation to the progression of symptoms and also the possible pathogenesis. Symptoms disappeared completely about 20 days after withdrawal of the drug.


Basal and calcium-stimulated gastroesophageal sphincter pressure in patients with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Basal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure was measured in 6 patients with the Zollinger-Ellison syndrome (ZES) and hypergastrinemia, and in 6 patients with duodenal ulcer and normogastrinemia. Basal LES pressure in ZES patients, 17.0 +/- 3.7 (mean +/- SE) mm Hg was similar to basal LES pressure in duodenal ulcer patients, 18.3 +/- 3.5 mm Hg (P greater than 0.10). LES pressure and serum gastrin concentration were not related in the ZES patients, r = 0.03, or in the duodenal ulcer patients, r = 0.20. Intravenous infusion of calcium gluconate in ZES patients produced a marked rise in serum gastrin concentration, delta = 1580 +/- 1110 pg per ml (P less than 0.001), and a moderate but significant rise in LES pressure, delta = 5.9 +/- 0.9 mm Hg (P less than 0.05). In duodenal ulcer patients calcium infusion produced only slight rises in gastrin concentration, delta = 10 +/- 12 pg per ml, and LES pressure, delta = 2.1 +/- 0.5 mm Hg, which were not significant (P greater than 0.10). This study suggests that basal LES pressure is not regulated by blood gastrin levels in the ZES. We interpret the calcium infusion study to show that the LES pressure in patients with ZES may respond to acute changes in endogenous gastrin levels.


Quantificantion of gastric solid-liquid discrimination during digestion of ordinary meals. A method has been developed and validated that simultaneously quantifies gastric secretion and the emptying of solids and liquids after an ordinary mixed meal. Using this technique in healthy persons, it is possible to: (1) measure the transformation of the meal in the stomach, where partial digestion and solubilization reduced the volume of the solids by one-fifth, while endogenous secretion increased 3 times the volume of the liquid phase; (2) distinguish the gastric emptying pattern for solid and liquid meal components from the emptying of gastric juice; and (3) quantify the discriminatory function of the stomach which "filters" solids as it allows liquid to empty into the duodenum.


Endotoxin and bacteria in portal blood.

Endotoxin and bacteria in portal blood. In order to determine whether endotoxin is normally found in the portal system, intraoperative samples of portal and peripheral blood were drawn from 34 consecutive elective abdominal surgery patients. The limulus lysate test was used to detect endotoxin. Ninety-seven per cent of patients had a positive limulus test in portal blood. Twelve of these patients were tested for portal bacteremia and only one showed growth. Four patients also had systemic endotoxemia. Three of these had liver disease and one had a gram-negative sepsis. This study demonstrates that endotoxin is a normal constituent of portal venous blood in man and does not represent a pathological process. It is suggested that the Kupffer cells of the liver normally protect the systemic circulation from endotoxin, and that endotoxin is present in systemic blood only when liver function is impaired or gram-negative bacteremia is present.


Upper esophageal responses to intraluminal distention in man. This investigation determined the site(s) of elicitation and origin of secondary peristalsis in the human esophagus and characterized the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and proximal esophageal body responses accompanying intraluminal distention. In 7 normal persons, an intraluminal transducer probe manometrically recorded the UES and 5- and 10-cm levels of the esophageal body. A second probe with a balloon attached 2 cm above the proximal strain gauge was located so that the balloon was 3 and 4 cm below the UES and 4 distentions were done. The balloon probe was moved in 2-cm increments (four distensions at each site) until lower esophageal sphincter pressures were recorded. No secondary peristalsis occurred after distention in the proximal 6 cm. The incidence of secondary peristalsis increased as the distention site moved distally. Sixty-nine per cent of secondary peristaltic waves orignated in the esophageal body proximal to the distention site. The UES pressure significantly increased over resting pressure (augmentation) during 63% of distentions. The esophagus proximal to the balloon and below the UES usually responded to distention with augmentation. Augmentation of the UES and proximal esophageal body in response to esophageal intraluminal distention and the resultant initiation of secondary peristalsis above the distention site comprise a highly integrated pressure barrier to esophagopharyngeal reflex.


Clomiphene citrate therapy in a patient with Laennec's cirrhosis. Clomiphene citrate therapy was initiated in a male with Laennec's cirrhosis complicated by gynecomastia, testicular atrophy, impotence, and loss of libido. The patient had abstained from alcohol and had stable hepatic function tests for 1 year before starting therapy. Luteinizing hormone and endogenous testosterone levels were maximally elevated with low dose therapy (50 mg per day). Follicle-stimulating hormone was maximally elevated with a dose of 100 mg per day and the elevation of total estrogen levels was not affected by increasing the dose. During treatment increase in testicular size was noted with resolution of impotence and improvement of libido which continued for 6 months after cessation of therapy. Gynecomastia remained unchanged despite the increased serum testosterone. Serum prolactin was normal before and after the clomiphene citrate. Semen initially unobtainable was analyzed after completion of therapy. The patient relapsed 8 months after the course of clomiphene citrate therapy.


Multiple adenomatous neoplasms arising in columnarlined (Barrett's) esophagus. Multiple polypoid masses were found in the esophagus of a 62-year-old man. He underwent esophageal resection because exfoliative and brush cytological studies were positive for adenocarcinoma. The surgical specimen showed that the esophagus was lined by columnar epithelial cells which were focally hyperplastic, forming polypoid masses. In both the masses and the mucosa between them, there were atypical epithelial cell changes, ranging from dysplasia to focal carcinoma. These findings reinforce the concept that the Barrett's (columnar) epithelium is a premalignant lesion deserving periodical screening.


Ischemic bowel disease attributable to ergot. A 50-year-old woman developed ischemic colitis temporally related to ingestion of a large dose of ergotamine tartrate. The patient did not have cardiovascular, metabolic, or inflammatory conditions predisposing to bowel ischemia. To our knowledge, this is the first patient proved to have developed bowel ischemia secondary to ergot toxicity.


VIP innervation of the gallbladder.

VIP innervation of the gallbladder. By immunohistochemistry, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) was localized to nerve fibres and nerve cell bodies in the gallbladder wall of several mammals, including man. There is thus a morphological basis for accepting the powerful actions of VIP on gallbladder motility as physiological. VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide), first thought of as a gut hormone, has recently been localized to a widely distributed system of nerves in the gut wall 1,2. In addition, nerves displaying VIP immunoreactivity are present in the wall of brain vessels and in the hypothalamus 1,3. Among known effects of VIP are relaxation of the gallbladder and inhibition of CCK-induced gallbladder contraction4,5. These observations prompted a search for VIP in the gallbladder wall. The present report deals with the immunohistochemical demonstration of VIP nerves in the gallbladder of several species, including man.


[Inhibition of uterine contraction in emergencies (author's transl)]. During the first stage of labour 48 parturients were treated with the tocolytic agent TH 1165 a (Fenoterol-hydrobromide) because of danger to the foetus. The product was slowly injected i.v. in doses of 50 mcg (35 pat.) and 25 mcg (9 pat.) and on 4 patients in doses of 35 mcg. We investigated the effects of this therapy on labour, on the mother's and the child's circulation and on the foetal acid-base balance and foetal gas partial pressure. Whilst the different TH 1165a doses were not markedly different in their tocolytic effect, we discovered that side-effects occurred considerably more often and more intensively when higher doses of TH 116A WERE ADMINISTERED. We therefore recommend one i.v. injection of 25 mcg TH 1165a for clinical uterine relaxation in emergencies during labour. To guard against a vena cava compression syndrome, the injection should always be given with the patient in a lateral position. In emergency uterine relaxation the cardiac tocography (supplemented if necessary by micro blood gas analysis) should be monitored. In order tnce-only syringe containing 25 mcg TH1165a.


[Preliminary report on the treatment of ovarian cancer with adriamycin following full conventional treatment (author's transl)]. In 22 cases with advanced ovarian cancer, chemotherapy with Adriamycin was employed. All patients had previous operation, triple drug pulsechemotherapy, intraperitoneal radioactive gold instillations and external radiation. A remission was achieved in 36.4% of the patients. The side effects and complication of treatment with Adriamycin are reported and discussed.


[Is population politics possible (author's transl)]. Population politics by the state is discussed. Forcible population politics by the state is condemned. The state is based on law and order. Free consent of the individual is necessary for population politics of the state.


[Perinatal mortality in twin birds (author's transl)]. A retrospective investigation of 146 twin births (1% of all births in our obstetric hospital in 15 years) was presented. Compared with a normal control group, the average age of the women with twin pregnancies was higher on the whole and the number of primaparate was lower. Half of the women had an EPH gestosis. Forty-one percent of the births were premature. Perinatal mortality was 9.5% (first twin: 6.4%; second twin: 13.6%). The higher rate of complications accompanying twin pregnancies during the pregnancy itself and during the birth make intensive supervision necessary.


[Hysterosalpingographic finding tubal sterilization: their importance for the pathologic hysterosalpingogram(author's transl)]. 110 tubal sterilizations by Pomeroy's technique were performed in the years 1973--75. 78 cases were examined by hysterosalpingography. In 14 cases the ligature was located close to the intersitial portion of the tube (proximal type), in 52 cases in the isthmic ampullary junction or close to the ampulla (distal type) and in 12 cases on one side proximal type and on the other distal type. In 2 cases of the latter group failure of the ligature was confirmed by contrast medium in the pelvic cavity. The occluded portion of the tube was on the average longer after coeliotomy in comparison with laparotomy. Occluded tubes with smooth distribution of contrast-medium showed good peristaltic activity. Hydrosalpinx never developped, although often reported in the literature. A spill over of contrast-medium into the surrounding tissue was observed only in two cases. This low incidence indicates that the phenomenon is not caused by application of to high pressure.


Effect of metronidazole on the C3H/HeJ mouse and growth of the C3HBA mammary adenocarcinoma. Metronidazole (0.6 mg/gm) was injected intraperitoneally at 12 hour intervals for 10 days into C3H/HeJ mice with established C3HBA mammary adenocarcinomas. Tumor growth, total white cell count and body weight were decreased by 3 days. Heart rate and rectal temperature were depressed most following the initial injections but were less depressed by 10 days. Hemoglobin and hematocrit were not changed. Plasma assays of total protein, uric acid, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase and calcium were not affected. It was not possible to separate the tumors treated with metronidazole from control tumors, based on cellular differences. Blood vessels in most of the tumors in the drug treated animals were larger and appeared engorged with blood.


Response of the developing rat brain to varying doses and dose-rates of gamma-radiation. Pregnant rats were irradiated on day 18 of gestation at doses of 40, 80, 160, 200 and 240 rads delivered at 1, 3, 10 and 47 rads/min. Postnatal growth patterns were followed by changes in weight, DNA, protein and RNA in the cerebral hemispheres (cortex) and rest-of-brain (RB) at birth, 21, 63 and 160 days of age. Reductions in the parameters studied were independent of dose-rate at 40 and 80 rads in both the cortex and RB. At the higher doses, as dose-rate increased, brain size decreased (1 greater than 3 greater than 10 and 47 rads/min). Comparisons are made between effects produced by prenatal irradiation in rat and man during a comparable developmental stage.


Use of rabbit antisera in the preparation of factor-XII-free platelet-rich and platelet-poor plasma. Antibodies were raised in rabbits against purified human factor XII and insolubilized on Sepharose. This preparation of insolubilized anti-factor XII antibody was used to prepare factor-XII-free human platelet-rich and plate-poor plasma for use in the study of platelet coagulant activities.


Studies on the chemistry of human platelet factor 4. The chemical characteristics of several PF4 preparations have been examined by gel electrophoresis, amino acid analysis and NH2-terminal amino acid sequence determination. Preparations of PF4 from gel filtration and from affinity chromatography appeared identical. A single NH2-terminal sequence was determined as follows: NH2-Glu-Ala-Glu-Glu-Asp-Gly-Asp-Leu-Gin-SCMCys-Leu-SCMCys-Val-Lys-Thr-Thr-Ser-Gln-Val-Arg-. The molecular weight of the PF4 subunits, which seem to be identical, was 7,100 based on the recovery of NH2-terminal glutamic acid.


[Diagnosis of peripheral arterial vascular disorders using Doppler-ultrasonography]. Most important in vascular surgery is the exact preoperative diagnosis. The Doppler-ultrasonography is an exact and simple method to estimate localization and different changes in the peripheral arteries; the results allow a dependable preselection for necessary preoperative angiography. Advantages and results of Doppler-ultrasonography are described. Two cases are demonstrated.


[Surgical treatment of chronic pancreatitis. Indications and early results]. A report is given on 28 resections on patients with chronic pancreatitis with a high frequency of severe destructive lesions in the head of the pancreas. Pseudocysts, single, multiple or extrapancreatic were present in almost 50%. Strictures of the Ductus Wirsungianus were found in 24 cases and 50% had multiple pancreatic stones. In these cases 12 partial and 9 total duodenopancreatectomies and 7 distal resections were performed. All patients with distal resections survived. Only one patient died in the group with partial and total duodenopancreatectomy, which accounts for a postoperative letality of 4.8%. Postoperative there were 4 reoccurrences of pancreatitis, due to further alcohol abusus, 1 patient died from alcohol intoxication. Patients with total seemed to do better than with partial pancreatectomy at a survey 18 months after operation.


[Therapy of eczematous diseases in general practice]. The treatment of the different diseases which are comprised under the determination of "eczema" is mainly an anti-inflammatory treatment. Thus, topical corticosteroids play a large role. Development of more potent topical corticosteroids has lead to increasing numbers of unwanted side effects. In local therapy of eczema it is important to consider the phase of the disease when one chooses the vehicle: wet dressings, lotions, creams or ointments are applied according to the actual state of the skin. Special localisations also have to be considered e.g. in scrotal or perianal exzema.


[Clinical aspects of lung mycoses].

[Clinical aspects of lung mycoses]. The clinical picture of pulmonary mycoses is described and discussed. The diagnosis of tropical pulmonary mycoses is--in contrast to the native mycoses--relatively simple with respective serological tests and intracutaneous reactions. For the diagnosis the differentiation of fungi or molds is of utmost importance.


Community mental health services in Alabama after Wyatt. The author believes that the growth of the community mental health system in Alabama has suffered as a result of the Wyatt decision. The state has a limited number of dollars to invest in mental health, and the Wyatt court order requires that the state allocate a large portion of its resources to upgrade its institutional system. That demand on resources has interfered with the development of community services, and it comes at a time when many patients are being released from institutions and need such services. Because the centers must care for increasing numbers of released patients, other important preventive services, such as consultation and education, are receiving less attention than they should.


Michigan's system for protecting patients' rights. Michigan's approach to protecting patients' rights is based on the statutory guarantee of those rights, through the 1975 mental health code, and on a set of specific administrative procedures. An office of recipient rights was established in the Department of Mental Health, and rights advisers appointed in all 23 state institutions. When a complaint is filed, the institution is allowed to act first, to investigate the complaint and provide a remedy if it is substantiated. The state office monitors the institution's actions and intervenes when necessary or when a complainant appeals the outcome. During the first 17 months, 2258 complaints were filed. Of the 1866 resolved in that period, 572, or 31%, were substantiated and resulted in remedial action.


"De novo" trisomy 1q32 leads to 1qter and monosomy 3p25 leads to 3pter. Minor abnormalities are described in an 11-month-old female in which a "de novo" trisomy 1q32 leads to lqter and a monosomy 3p25 leads to ter has been produced. The amount of the exceeding material in this case is less than that found in previous reports of partial trisomy 1q and in cases of parental 1q balanced translocations which has originated recurrent abortions.


A girl with partial long-arm deletion of chromosome 11 and familial pericentric inversion of chromosome 9. A girl with 46, XX, del (11) (q23), inv (9) (p13, q13) is described. The patient shows many dysplastic signs mainly of the face and skull. The pericentric inversion of chromosome 9 has been inherited from the mother (46, XX, inv (9) (p13, q13)).


Dermatoglyphic differences between 45,X and other chromosomal abnormalities of Turner syndrome. The dermatoglyphic findings in 87 patients with Turner syndrome are summarized. Comparisons are made between the 50 cases with 45,X karyotypes and the remaining 37 with different chromosomal abnormalities including 19 patients with an X long arm isochromosome cell line. The results indicate differences between the 45,X patients and the other chromosomal types which are in the same direction as the changes reported between Turner syndrome and normal controls.


Partial trisomy 12p due to t(12;21)pat translocation. Partial trisomy (interchromosomal duplication) of the short arm of chromosome No. 12 was observed in an infant girl with psychomotor retardation, prominent forehead, ptosis of the right eyelid, esotropia/exotropia, flat nose, hypotonia and other anomalies. A comparison of her features with those in five reported cases with a similar chromosomal imbalance shows certain features common to all, but the material is too limited for definitive characterization of a trisomy 12p syndrome.


The localization of rDNA in small, nucleolus-like structures in human diplotene oocyte nuclei. Small, nucleolus-like structures were demostrated in the nuclei of human diplotene oocytes. At least some of these bodies were shown to be true micronucleoli by virtue of their ability to bind rRNA during RNA-DNA hybridization in situ.


Genetic variants of cytoplasmic malate dehydrogenase (MDH:EC:1.1.1.37) in populations in England and the Indian subcontinent. A new S-MDH variant. A new variant malate dehydrogenase is described, designated S-MDHInd to indicate its discovery in the Indian subcontinent pending full comparison with all other variants. It occurred during a survey of the incidence of variant S-MDH phenotypes in 4149 subjects in north-east England and 1494 subjects from several populations in the Indian region. The variants previously thought to be restricted to the New Guinea region and to African populations occurred in three English subjects in northeast England. The incidence of variant S-MDH phenotypes in other populations is summarised.


Y to X translocation in man.

Y to X translocation in man. Five new cases are added to the single published instance of Yq to Xp translocation(Xt) in man. It is shown that the anomaly can occur as a mutational event during meiosis, and can be inherited from a parent, but also that it can arise in a 47,XXY embryo. In individuals with 46,XXt karyotype the gonadal development, sexual differentiation, gonadal function and fertility are within the range of normal females. They do not present overt or discrete signs of virilisation. However, somatic stigmata, and more specifically short stature, are present in all patients. There is no uniform pattern of Xt inactivation which varies from random to apparently preferential inactivation. This phenomenon may be important for the better understanding of X-inactivation which for the Xt the authors believe is random but followed by differential proliferation of the resulting two types of cells.


Haplotype analysis of the linkage group HLA-A:HAL-B:Bf and its bearing on the interpretation of the linkage disequilibrium. The analysis of 650 HLA-A:HAL-B:Bf three-factor haplotypes revealed significant associations only between alleles of the very closely linked genes HLA-A and HLA-B, and  Bf, respectively. Most striking is the highly significnat association of the rare Bf variant F1 with HLA-B18 and of S1 with HLA-B13, HLA-B14, and HLA-Bw21. Only random allele distributions were observed when considering the somewhat more distant genes HLA-A and Bf or the higher order interaction at all three genes. From these findings it seems likely that the linkage disequilibrium within the MHC is not due to selective forces, but rather due to a short evolutionary period.


UV-light induced sister chromatid exchanges in xeroderma pigmentosum lymphocytes. Cultured lymphocytes from 9 patients with clinically different types of xeroderma pigmentosum were exposed to ultraviolet light at 24 h. An increased rate of sister chromatid exchanges were observed in 6 patients (128--148% increase in three, 34--51% in three), but not in three patients with deSanctis-Cacchione syndrome (xeroderma pigmentosum with mental defect), compared to simultaneously cultured controls. A positive result could be useful as preliminary cytogenetic diagnostic test. The results are interpreted as an expression of UV-light induced chromosomal instability due to impaired DNA repair.


12pter to 12p12.2: possible assignment of human triose phosphate isomerase. Red cell triose-phosphate isomerase (TPI) was determined, together with other enzymes, in three patients with chromosome 12 abnormalities. In patient No. 1 (trisomy of the segment 12 pter leads to 12q 12) and in patient No. 2 (trisomy of the segment 12pter leads to 12p 12.1), the TPI activity was significantly increased. In patient No. 3 (deletion of the segment 12 p 11 leads to 12 p 12.2), the TPI activity was in the normal range. These results suggest that the human TPI locus is located on the chromosome 12 short arm, between 12p ter and 12 p 12.2.


[Hospital hygiene from the point of view of the medical administration (author's transl)]. The task of medical administration in hospital hygiene is external control, promotion and counseling. This applies, for example, to the personel sector when establishing the internal institutions: hygiene committee, hospital hygienist, hygiene commissioner, specialist hygiene nurse. In addition, it is however necessary to improve the structural and functional facilities and possibilities within the framework of the hospital finance law. This includes early, supraregional guidance in cases of hospital planning as well as cooperation in hygiene committees. Medical administration can only create the necessary preconditions for good hospital hygiene. It is , however, the task of the members of the personel themselves to make full use of them.


Fractures of the lateral part of the distal tibial epiphysis (Tillaux or Kleiger fracture). Six cases of fracture of the lateral part of the distal tibial epiphysis are presented. Five were operated on and 1 was treated with a plaster cast only. The results were excellent, and we advocate operative treatment of this fracture if more than minimal dislocation exists.


Changes in blood glucose after head injury and its prognostic significance. In patients with brain injury a correlation was found between the states of consciousness and the fasting (basal) blood-sugar level. Deep coma was associated with a high blood-sugar level, whereas when consciousness was regained a prompt decrease in the blood-sugar level was observed. It is concluded that brain lesions which affect the state of consciousness also influence the fasting glucose level. The degree and course of the blood-sugar changes may have prognostic significance.


Hyperbaric oxygen treatment as an adjuvant to reconstructive vascular surgery in trauma. A series of 7 young, healthy persons suffering severe vascular trauma and acute ischaemia of their limbs is presented. Standard vascular repair, although technically successful, failed to achieve satisfactory restoration of the circulation and the limbs remained severely ischaemic. Hyperbaric oxygen treatment at 2-8 atm (approximately 290 kPa) prevented the development of gangrene in all cases. This treatment is considered to be a very useful adjuvant to reconstructive vascular surgery in cases which come to repair late after injury.


Intestinal injury due to non-penetrating abdominal trauma. Five cases of intestinal injury alone due to non-penetrating abdominal trauma are presented. The possible mechanisms of intestinal injury are discussed, together with the presentation, investigation and management of these cases.


Linear tomography and the injured wrist. Linear tomography was used in the investigation of recent wrist injuries. By providing greater bony detail than conventional radiographs it proved a useful aid in the study of the suspected wrist fracture, and in the differentiation of the old from the recent fracture of the scaphoid. Such additional information may affect the clinical management of the injury, for instance when an injury is shown to be longstanding.


Factitious subcutaneous emphysema: a case report. A case is described of a young man who produced surgical emphysema of his left forearm using a 2-ml syringe with a modified needle. It is believed that this is the second reported example of this type of artefact. Other cases may occur with the present high incidence of drug abuse and increasing general access to syringes.


Bilateral simultaneous rupture of the quadriceps tendon: a case report. We report a case of bilateral simultaneous rupture of the quadriceps tendon, in which there was no predisposing cause for the rupture. The condition is extremely rare, there being but five previously reported cases in the literature (Steiner and Palmer, 1949; Wetzler and Merkow, 1950; Preston and Adicoff, 1962; Dalal and Whittam, 1966; Levy et al., 1971). In only two of these cases (Steiner and Palmer, 1949; Dalal and Whittam, 1966) was there no predisposing cause.


Cholesteryl de-esterifying enzyme from Staphylococcus aureus: separation from alpha toxin, purification, and some properties. A cholesteryl de-esterifying enzyme found in partially purified preparations of alpha toxin produced by the Wood 46 strain on Staphylococcus aureus has been separated from other staphylococcal proteins and from alpha toxin by isoelectric focusing and gel filtration. Preparations of alpha toxin from Bi-Gel P-60 columns and of the cholesteryl esterase from Bio-Gel P-200 columns showed a high degree of purity, as determined by analytical ultracentrifugation, gel diffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight of the cholesteryl esterase determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate was 25,500 and on Bio-Gel P-300 columns it was 175,000, indicating an associating system. The density of the enzyme was lower than expected for simple proteins (about 1.19 g/ml). Chloroform-methanol extracts showed the presence of a neutral lipid that did not contain cholesterol. This material, possibly a glycolipid, might play a role in the stabilization of the enzymatically active protomer. The isoelectric point of the esterase was 9.1. Cholesteryl esterase was labile and lost its activity easily. It could bind reversibly to agarose-containing gels. After elution, it was enzymatically inactive, with an isoelectric point of less than 6.2. The W46M mutant of the Wood 46 strain, which does not produce alpha toxin, also does not produce cholesteryl esterase.


Induction of the synthesis of cell wall alpha-1,3-glucan in the yeastlike form of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis strain IVIC Pb9 by fetal calf serum. In vitro subculturing of the yeastlike form of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis strain IVIC Pb9 leads to the disappearance of alpha-1,3-glucan as a main component of its cell wall. However, the addition of fetal calf serum to the growth medium induces the synthesis of this polysaccharide. It is suggested that the synthesis of alpha-1,3-glucan in the cell wall of the yeastlike form of P. brasiliensis is induced by external factors.


Transfection of Streptococcus sanguis by phage deoxyribonucleic acid isolated from Streptococcus mutans. Streptococcus sanguis ATCC 10556 cells were infected with free phage DNA of S, mutans strain PK 1. Two transformants were isolated which made colonies with large mucoid forms on mitis-salivarius agar. Both transformants had an increased ability to synthesize insoluble glucan and showed an adhesive nature on glass surfaces. These characteristics of the transformants bear a resemblance to S. mutans. These transformants had many physiological characteristics by which they could be recognized as S. sanguis. However, they resembled S. salivarius in forming a large amount of soluble fructan. Furthermore, the transformant cells did not produce ammonia from arginine, whereas their parent cells did.


Scanning electron microscopic study of virulent Yersinia pestis and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis type 1. Virulent Yersinia pestis was grown on heart infusion blood agar and examined by scanning electron microscopy, exposing the fraction 1 envelope antigen on cell surfaces as a lumpy coating that spilled into the surrounding milieu. The amount of antigen depended on both the duration and temperature of incubation. Comparison of the cultures grown at 37 degrees C for 24, 48, and 72 h with those grown at 22 degrees C for identical periods demonstrated that the antigen increased in amount with the length of incubation, and that the overall production of antigen was much greater of 37 degrees C than at 22 degrees C. These experiments visually confirmed the findings of our previous immunological studies. Moreover, we established that the closely related, virulent organism Y. pseudotuberculosis bears no such antigenic coating at any temperature or incubation period. In addition, the emergence of multiple flagella was noted when Y. pseudotuberculosis was grown at 22 degrees C in a liquid medium, whereas Y. pestis remained without these organelles. These observations preceptibly corroborated the absence of fraction 1 envelope antigen and the presence of flagella, respectively, for distinguishing Y. pseudotuberculosis from Y. pestis.


Recovery of the bursa of Fabricius in chickens after cyclophosphamide treatment: a histological study. Chickens were injected posthatching with cyclophosphamide in three different doses (total 8, 10, 11 mg). Histomorphological analysis of bursal tissue was performed up to 11 weeks of age. A probable biphasic recovery was observed in the majority of the chickens. The first phase of recovery is characterized by the appearance of solitary thioninophilic cells in reticuloepithelial follicles, followed in a few follicles by a redevelopment similar to embryonal follicular genesis. The late phase of recovery starts from week 7 on by infiltration of reticuloepithelial follicles with mature plasma cells in the manner of a peripheral lymphoid organ followed by thioninophilic lymphoid cells. The latter cells populate the follicles successively. Different transitions to normal follicles then take place. These investigations confirm observations of a reconstitution of bursal compartments starting some weeks later than the recovery of thymus, which takes place 2 weeks after cyclophosphamide treatment.


The influence of temperature of ingested fluid on stomach emptying time. The influence of the temperature of ingested water on the stomach emptying time of solid material was studied in healthy volunteers using a telemetric pH measurement device. The time of discharge of the indigestible capsule from the stomach into the duodenum is statistically faster when administered with 250 ml of water at 5 degrees C, 15.91+/-10.04 min. (mean+/-SD) than it is with water at 20-25 degrees C, 48.18+/-28.97 min (mean+/-SD) or at 45 degrees C 71.42+/-37.08 min. (mean+/-SD). It seems that the interindividual variation is larger than the intra-individual one. These observations suggest that enteric coated preparations and drugs which are inactivated by gastric fluid or irritate gastric mucosa should be administered only with ice water (4-6 degrees C), and stomach washings (with charcoal) in order to remove a poisoning agent should be performed with warm water (45 degrees C).


Time sequence of direct vascular and inotropic effects following intravenous administration of digoxin in normal man. The effects of a bolus injection of digoxin upon hemodynamics and left ventricular function were studied in 5 normal volunteers using cardiac ultrasound, ECG, carotid pulse pressure, and arterial blood pressure recording. Whereas the injection was followed by an immediate rise of the systemic vascular resistance, the inotropic action upon the myocardium followed with a delay of 10 to 30 minutes after injection.


Clinical evaluation of intravenous minocycline. 24 patients with severe infections were treated with intravenous minocycline 100 mg every 12 hours. Average blood levels were within therapeutic ranges during the first 12 hours after the initial dose. Determination of efficacy of therapy in 23 of the patients who were evaluable showed that clinical and bacteriological results were satisfactory in 20 patients, unsatisfactory in 2, and questionable in 1. One patient developed a fatal secondary infection which may have been related to prior therapy with minocycline. No toxicities or side-effects were observed.


Analysis of bladder configuration and pressure from pressoreceptor stimulation in rabbits. In a previous study (Bödeker, J., Vogt, W., Kölln, C.-P., and Nagel, R.: Invest. Urol., 12: 461, 1975.) pressoreceptor stimulation induced micturition at less than normal bladder filling. Furthermore, urethral pressure profile decreased in both maximal and mean values. In the present investigation the effects of pressoreceptor stimulation on bladder configuration, intravesical pressure, and vesicoureteral reflux were studied. With pressoreceptor stimulation, the bladder outlet became more funnel-shaped; the change in bladder configuration occurred without alteration in intravesical pressure; and vesicoureteral reflux could not be demonstrated.


Determination of renal plasma flow using the gamma scintillation camera. An experimental technique has been devised to determine effective renal plasma flow, using the gamma scintillation camera. This involves a computer analysis of the first 3 min of the renal histogram and does not require serum or urine collections. This technique is not sufficiently accurate to provide an exact value of plasma flow, but it can be used to provide an approximate value and hence used as a screening tool.


A new quantitative procedure for proteinuria. Abnormalities of tubular cells were treated by administration of nephrotoxin and studied by specialized gel filtration methods to discern early quantitative and qualitative changes in proteinuria. Dogs given nephrotoxic doses of Diglycoaldehyde, alpha-(hydroxymethyl)-alpha1-(6-hydroxy-9H-purine-9-yl) 60 mg per kg per day intravenously, for 3 days showed a marked reduction in effective renal plasma flow from 264.91 +/- 90.05 ml per min to 125.0 +/- 19.0 ml per min as measured by 131I sodium iodohippurate, and corresponding decrease in total renal perfusion by 131I xenon wash-out from 222.2 +/- 8.6 to 124.0 +/- 28.38. However, after treating four dogs with 20 mg per kg, an increase in effective renal plasma flow was obtained. Histologic changes of glomerular and tubular damage were demonstrated. Urine from this same series of animals was examined on a daily basis by sucrose-acrylamide gradient gel centrifugation together with ultraviolet scanning. Specific patterns were also obtained using dialyzed urine which eliminated molecules greater than 3500 mol wt. The ultraviolet pattern data were digitized and analyzed on computers to augment pattern recognition. These techniques indicted that molecules (3500 mol wt or less) were excreted in response to a known nephrotoxic agent, establishing early distinctive changes in tubular cells and also relating to alteration in renal function.


Comparison of the renal hemodynamic response to unilateral and bilateral ureteral occlusion. The renal hemodynamic response to 24 hr of unilateral and bilateral ureteral occlusion was studied in female dogs. The renal blood flow rose initially and then decreased to be significantly below postobstruction levels in both models. After 24 hr, the ureteral pressure was elevated in bilateral ureteral obstruction but was near control levels in unilateral ureteral obstruction, implying increased preglomerular vascular resistance in unilateral ureteral obstruction and increased postglomerular vascular resistance in bilateral ureteral obstruction.


Dynamics of upper urinary tract. III. The activity of renal pelvis during pressure variations. In one phase of an analysis of renal pelvis activity in pigs "in vivo," controlled pressure changes were induced in the pelvis and electromyogram registrations were taken from both pelvis and ureter. Animals were anesthetized and the changes in intrapelvic pressure were effected by drainage or infusion via a catheter introduced into the pelvis through the parenchyma of the kidney. Frequency of pelvic activity increased temporarily under pressure increase and reduced temporarily under pressure fall. These phenomena were more emphatic when rapid pelvic pressure rise was induced by infusion. The observations lend weight to previous observations of changing pelvic activity during pressure and diuresis change, and also support the hypothesis that pelvic function is a stretch response, i.e., that the smooth muscle of the pelvis reacts just as does other smooth muscle. Observation of cessation in ureter activity during drainage while pelvic activity continues suggests that, under normal conditions, ureteric activity depends not on conduction of a pelvic impulse alone, but on a combination of such an impulse with a urine bolus.


Ureteral muscle tone in prevention of vesicoureteral reflux. Three experiments were devised to examine three aspects of the mechanism of the ureterovesical valve in dogs: muscle defects, orientation of muscle in the submucosal segment of the ureter, and the support afforded by the firm bladder base. The ureterovesical valve mechanism of the dog was found to be inefficient when the roof of the submucosal segment was denuded in situ of its muscle. The valve remained efficient when the extravesical ureter, with its circular and oblique arrangement of muscle, was substituted for the normal submucosal ureter with its longitudinally disposed muscle. The efficiency of the ureterovescial junction was not impaired by substituting a floating bed of bladder muscle for the firm platform of the bladder base in which it is normally embedded. The bladder muscle of the hiatus was not effective in the prevention of vesicoureteral reflux if the submucosal segment was rendered inefficient as a sphincter by excision of the muscle in its roof or by excision of the segment. Muscle in the submucosal segment, arranged in either longitudinal or circular fashion, was an effective activator of the mechanical valve. Presumably, the tonic action of the smooth muscle is the activator that ensures the efficiency of the one-way flow flap-trap regulator of the ureterovesical junction.


Urogenitodynamics of the male bladder neck. 1. During continence. The dynamic behavior of the male bladder neck during urinary continence was studied by electromyography in dogs and rabbits. On vesical filling, increased electrical activity in the form of biphasic potentials was recorded from the anterolateral segment of the bladder neck. These biphasic potentials became more frequent and higher in voltage with further filling of the bladder. Concurrently, the posterior segment showed no significant electromyographic changes. These findings indicate muscular contraction of only the anterolateral part of the bladder neck during vesical filling. We conclude that the sphincteric function of the bladder neck during urinary continence is achieved by the active muscular contraction of its anterolateral segment. We postulate that the posterior segment is mainly concerned with the genital function of the bladder neck.


Particles produced during a mixed infection by two tobamoviruses contain coat proteins of both viruses. Particles from plants mixedly infected with two tobamoviruses, whose particles differ in density, were all of a single, intermediate density, suggesting that they contain both coat proteins and that the proteins occur in the same proportion in all particles. Plants inoculated with the genome-containing particles of one of the tobamoviruses together with the noninfective, short, coat protein messenger-containing particles of the other yielded only particles with the density of the first;.there was no evidence of complementation.