Morphological and histochemical changes of ultimobranchial follicles of the rat thyroid in the course of postnatal life. Morphological and histochemical changes of ultimobranchial follicles of thyroid have been investigated in rats from newborn to 18 months of age. The first well-delimited ultimobranchial follicles, though with no lumen, were detected in the thyroid gland of 10-day-old rats. At 30 days of age, follicles possessing regular lumina were present in the thyroid. With age, the follicles gradually increased in volume assuming extreme dimensions in adult age. The follicles displayed varying shapes from simple cysts to bizarre forms. From the age of 50 days the cells of the follicular wall are separated from the cell debris contained in the lumen. The latter gave a PAS positive reaction. The cells of the ultimobranchial follicles did not exhibit argyrophilia and metachromasia showing that they differ considerably from the C-cells likewise of ultimobranchial origin, which are known to give marked argyrophilic and metachromatic reactions.


The arterial and venous blood supply of the septum pellucidum in the rat. The arterial and venous systems of the rat's septum pellucidum has been studied by means of the perfusion technique. The arteries may be classified into three groups. The branches of each of the three groups originate from the a. hemispherica and enter the septum from the frontal direction. The veins may be divided into an anterior and a posterior group. The anterior veins flow through the v. subcallosa into the sinus cavernosus, the posterior veins into v. cerebri magna. The arterial and venous blood supply of the individual nuclei of the septum are compar independent.


A comparative characteristic of effector innervation of cerebral arteries in mammals and humans. The neural fibres of cerebral arteries in humans, rats, guinea-pigs, rabbits, cats, dogs, swine, cows and horses have been studied using the methods of Flack-Hillarp and Koelle. The large arteries of the carotid and vertebral systems bear dense cholinergic and adrenergic plexuses formed by transversal and longitudial neural fibres, which are located in the superficial and deep adventitial layers. The highest density of cholinergic and adrenergic fibres was observed on the arteries of humans and large mammals. Depending on the density of cholinergic and adrenergic fibres in the said arteries, the animals may be listed in the following order: rats, guinea-pigs, rabbits, cats, dogs, swine, cows and horses. Basic differences in the structure of neural plexuses of humans and animals were not observed.


Effect on the heart muscle of experimental carbon monoxide poisoning. The electron microscopic technique failed to reveal ultrastructural alterations specific for carbon monoxide poisoning. In this contract, the specificity of the lead salt detection method of calcium determination is discussed.


Respirator compensation of a portable air monitor. A respirator-compensated, portable air-monitor has been devised by modifying a commercially available personal air sampling pump. A switching circuit box, integrated into the sampling pump electrical system and activated by a micro switch mounted within the respirator mask, turns the pump off and a timer on whenever the respirator is worn. Thus, valid measurements of an individual worker's environmental exposures can be made even though that worker uses a respirator at his own discretion.


Industrial hygiene manpower.

Industrial hygiene manpower. On the basis of this study, limited in time and coverage, the following conclusions are reached: (1) Education and training of industrial hygienists are not being carried out at a rate needed to meet current and forseeable manpower needs or demands. (2) Educational institutions that have had established degree programs in the past have suffered regression in their capabilities. (3) Most of the discernible growth in educational programs has occurred in community colleges and universities that have made the transition from 'Normal' schools. They usually do not have professional schools on the campus. (4) Safety education is heavily predominant in academic offerings over those in industrial hygiene. (5) Professionals in indutrial hygiene as identified by membership in the AIHA or the Academy represent a very small proportion of those doing the teaching. (6) Financial support for those institutions offering industrial hygiene courses is meager, from whatever source. (7) There is little prospect for improved federal funding to assist in degree programs, from Associate to Doctorate. (8) Educational institutions might be more amenable to doing more industrial hygiene training at every level if they could be provided with some good data on the demand versus need for their graduates.


Calibration of the Anderson 2000 disposable air sampler. The Anderson Disposable Sampler is an efficient instrument for collecting airborne particles in the size range 0.8 to 10.5 microns. When used for microbiological aerosols, we would expect almost 100% of the particles in this size range to be collected. These particle sizes are of special significance for anyone interested in respiratory and other infections in hospitalized patients. The 50% effective cut-off diameter of stage 1 of this sampler is 8.0 microns for spherical particles. This instrument is simple to operate, uses standard size Petri dishes, has a high collection efficiency, and does not require a flow regulator. It should find wide use in hospitals, clean room technology, and industrial applications where microbial air quality is significant.


Acute and subacute inhalation toxicities of phosphine, phenylphosphine and triphenylphosphine. The four-hour LC50 values for ChR-CD male rats for phosphine, phenylphosphine and triphenylphosphine have been determined to be 0.44 micromoles per liter (muM/liter), 1.56 muM/liter and 47.8 muM/liter respectively. The dose-death curves are parallel. During exposure, all three caused clinical signs indicative of mild respiratory irritation. Triphenylphosphine also caused severe weight loss immediately after exposure, followed by normal rate of weight gain. No histopathologic effects due to exposure were seen in any of the tissues examined after single exposures to any of the three compounds. Phosphine and triphenylphosphine caused mild weight loss during a 10-day exposure period followed by normal rate of weight gain during a 14-day recovery period. The phenylphosphine exposures caused a decreased rate of weight gain during the exposure period which returned to normal during the recovery period. Silver nitrate paper was found to be unsuitable for field analysis of phenylphosphine.


Physical parameters of airborne asbestos fibres in various work environments-preliminary findings. The results of a pilot investigation to describe the physical parameters, length, aspect ratio, mass and shape of airborne fibres in a variety of industries producing processing and handling chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite are described. Samples of airborne dust were collected on nucleopore membrane filters and examined by scanning electron microscopy. The diameters and lengths of airborne fibres collected during the dumping of raw amosite at an asbestos products plant were greater than those of fibres collected during the application of amosite insulation. Chrysotile fibres collected in the carding area of an asbestos textile plant also tended to have smaller diameters than fibres collected in the dryer and bagging areas of an asbestos mill. The measurements of fibre dimensions indicate that the degree of protection afforded a worker by optical counts using the membrane filter technique is likely to depend on variety of asbestos and stage of processing. Preliminary results are not in conflict with experimental data suggesting that asbestosis might be related to the mass of airborne dust and primary malignant mesothelial tumors to exposure to fibres in a specific range of fibre diameter and length.


Occupational exposure limits for novel work schedules. Work schedules other than 7 to 8 hr/day and 40 hr/week are being introduced in many industrial operations. Novel work schedules, such as four 10-hour workdays per week or three 12-hour workdays per week for three weeks followed by four 12-hour workdays for three weeks and several other plans are presently being used. The Threshold Limit Values (TLV) do not apply to such novel schedules. Modified occupational limits, which are calculable from the methods suggested in this report, estimate the needed reduction in the TLV to provide protection for exposed workers. A simple system is suggested, but should be cautiously applied with good medical surveillance. Industrial hygiene experience with novel work schedules will ultimately provide the real requirements for acceptable exposures under such work conditions.


Cotton dust sampling: I. Short termed sampling. A short term sampler for cotton dust is introduced which, when used in conjunction with a correctly designed vertical elutriator, gives equivalent results to the Lumsden-Lynch vertical elutriator. The short termed sampler not only offers results which can be applied to the ACGIH TLV but offers an effective means of environmental surveillance in a byssinosis prevention program with the additional advantages of immediate read-out short termed sampling and truer employee exposure.


Evaluation of a continuous instrumental method for determination of isocyanates. The response of a Dunlop/ICI Continuous TDI Monitor was evaluated using the NIOSH modified Marcali spectrophotometric method as the reference analytical procedure. Test atmospheres containing low concentrations of toluene diisocyanate were generated and analyzed in both a dynamic diffusion system and a closed test facility; factory analyses were also made. Agreement of simultaneous measurements in the laboratory and in the field verify that the instrument is a valid alternative to the Marcali method. Results obtained following the NIOSH recommended air sampling procedure indicate that two impingers in series are required to adequately trap airborne toluene diisocyanate.


Size distribution of radon daughter particles in uranium mine atmospheres. The size distribution of radon daughters was measured in several uranium mines using four compact diffusion batteries and a round jet cascade impactor. Simultaneously, measurements were made of uncombined fractions of radon daughters, radon concentration, working level and particle concentration. The size distributions found for radon daughters were log normal. The activity median diameters ranged from 0.09 mum to 0.3 mum with a mean value of 0.17 mum. Geometric standard deviations were in the range from 1.3 to 4 with a mean value of 2.7. Uncombined fractions expressed in accordance with the ICRP definition ranged from 0.004 to 0.16 with a mean value of 0.04. The radon daughter sizes in these mines are greater than the sizes assumed by various authors in calculating respiratory tract dose. The disparity may reflect the widening use of diesel-powered equipment in large uranium mines.


A UV-conductivity method for determination of airborne levels of vinyl chloride. A method has been developed for the measurement of vinyl chloride based on the decomposition of vinyl chloride and the subsequent measurement of the conductivity of these materials in deionized water. Air containing vinyl chloride is sampled through a glass flask containing an ultraviolet lamp. The sample rate for efficient conversion of the vinyl chloride to conductive materials is 2 liters per minute. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by the six-inch lamp is 2537 Angstroms. Ninety-two percent of the ultraviolet light emitted by the lamp is at this wavelength. The sampled air is then drawn through deionized water, the decomposition products are absorbed and the resulting conductivity measured. Vinyl chloride concentrations of less than one-tenth of a part per million can be detected by the method.


Comparison of analytical methods for trace quantities of 2, 4, 6-trinitrotoluene. A comparison has been made between a gas chromatographic analysis (GC) method and an automated colorimetric method for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene in waste waters. The GC method is more useful in situations which require quantitative information about various isomers of di- and tri-nitrotoluenes. The automated method requires less work per analysis and gives a positive response for all trinitroaromatic compounds, including some degradation compounds. These factors make the automated method desirable for a routine surveillance program while the GC method is better for exact isomer analysis.


An acoustical trigger for impact noise studies. In making oscilloscopic studies of impact noise there is often a problem of coordinating the oscilloscope with the noise event. This paper describes a simple noise trigger that has been used successfully in a number of studies.


High purity fibrous air sampling media.

High purity fibrous air sampling media. Interest in measurement of low concentrations of metal levels in suspended particulate matter has generated needs for high purity, low background filters. Several new types of filters are discussed with high purity compositions including glass fiber filters, fluorocarbon membranes and fabric-supported membrane filters. Air collection efficiencies are presented along with comparative analysis.


The performance of piezoelectric crystal sensors used to determine aerosol mass concentrations. Aerosol mass concentration determination using piezoelectric crystal sensors was investigated. Five areas of influence were studied: temperature, humidity, particle collection characteristics, response linearity, and mass sensitivity. A theoretical review is included. Neither air stream temperature nor humidity fluctuations were compensated by the use of a reference crystal. The temperature  induced error was satisfactorily reduced by minimizing the inlet temperature change rate. The humidity induced error resulted principally from moisture absorption and desorption by the aerosol deposit. The observed linear response limits ranged from 0.2 to 6 mug/mm2 for various aerosols and instrument designs. No relationship between the linearity limit and the point of complete saturation was apparent. The mass sensitivity was a function of the deposit size and location. Energy trapping theory helped to predict the mass sensitivity distribution. The mass sensing ability decreased for particle sizes beginning at approximately 2 mum diameter, reaching essentially zero at 20 mum. The use of viscous crystal coatings appeared to improve the sensing ability in the 2 to 20 mum size range.


Formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde study in funeral homes. Formaldehyde is a toxic gas and classed as an upper respiratory irritant. The gas possesses distinctive physiological properties causing symptoms familiar to many formaldehyde workers, such as: burning of the eyes, lacrimation, and general irritation of the upper respiratory passages. To demonstrate this toxic action of formaldehyde a study was conducted in embalming rooms of funeral homes to determine the concentration and its effect on the embalmers at this level. The control measures in these establishments were also evaluated and found to be inadequate in some respects. Paraformaldehyde powders were sized and found to contain a respirable fraction. The results of the study show that these workers verified the fact that formaldehyde is an irritant at levels that are below the present Threshold Limit Value.


Nozzle sampling bias.

Nozzle sampling bias. A mathematical model is proposed to describe the sampling bias in anisokinetic sampling of aerosols. The nozzle sampling bias is described as a function of the particle's free stream inertial parameter, P, and the particle's free stream Reynolds number, Re0, and the suction ratio, w0, of the sampling nozzle. Tables of experimental values for these parameters were developed from Badzioch's experimental data, and the proposed mathematical model was developed via trial and error fitting of the results to many possible mathematical models.


Comparative studies of six nebulizers with Congo Red millipore technique. If the particle size is the important factor to be considered in case of droplet size spectrum then from our results it can be said that Gauchard with 6 1/min. flow and Bird Asmastik with 95 1/min. are producing the particle size classes which can reach most easily the lower respiratory passage. The nebulizers which are producing droplets of a mass median diameter bigger than 10 mu, send only an  unpredictable portion of their liquid output into the lower respiratory system. Smaller particles are representing very little weight and carry only small quantities of liquid material unless present in vast majority in the aerosol. To recommend an ideal nebulizer is yet a long way to go but considering the very big quantitative influence of a few big droplets, a small mass median diameter (1-7 mu) is an important factor on the credit of any nebulizer.


The effect of halothane on active transport of sodium in the epithelial cell. The authors studied the effect of halothane on active transport of sodium in the epithelial cells using the method described by Ussing with frog skin as an experimental model. It was found that the action of the anasthetic agent on the active transport of sodium was biphasic, and this observation confirmed the results obtained with another experimental model. It was observed, moreover, that the mechanism of halothane action on the cell membrane it not identical with that of vasopressin, which was used in some of the present experiments before adding halothane. The present investigations suggest that halothane acts primarily on the cell membrane and not on the deeper situated intracellular structures.


Immunoglobulins in persons with long-term exposure to halothane. In 18 persons (anaesthetists and anaesthetic nurses) with a history of long-term exposure to low concentrations of halothane the activity of aminotransferases, GGTP, and alkaline phosphatase, the bilirubin level and thymol turbidity test were determined and no significant abnormalities were found. On the other hand, determinations of immunoglobulons showed changes in the raised IgM level in 15 out of 18 persons, the difference between the normal level and that found in the present studies being statistically significant. The levels of IgA and IgG were within the normal range. Raised IgM level may be due to stimulation of the immune system by halothane.


Effect of ketamine anaesthesia on enzyme activity in organs of dogs and cats. The experiments were carried out on 15 dogs and 15 cats of both sexes. All animals received ketamine intramuscularly in doses of 10 mg/kg of body weight (dogs) and 25 mg/kg (cats). After the ketamine injection operations were performed following laparotomy and then the animals were killed by exsanguination 90 min after the injection of ketamine. For histoenzymatic examinations fragments of organs were taken (liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs and heart) and histochemical examinations were done for acid phosphatase (AP), alkaline phosphatase (AIP) and non-specific esterase (NE). It was found that ketamine anaesthesia in dogs and cats causes a slight reversible damage to the liver and kidneys and increases the activity or reticuloendothelial cells in the organism.


Hyperbaric oxygen in treatment of acute carbon monoxide poisoning. During a period of 5 months 44 patients with acute carbon monoxide poisoning were treated with hyperbaric oxygen. In 80% of cases very good results were obtained. Analizing the causes of death the following factors were considered: the duration of exposure to carbon monoxide, the age of patients and the degree of unconsciousness at the time of hospital admission. The patients stayed in a hyperbaric chamber for 90 min. on the average. The mean pressure of 100% oxygen was 2.5 ATA. When lower pressures were applied the time necessary for elimination of the same amount of carbon monoxide from the organism was slightly prolonged, nevertheless, the use of lower pressures is recommended, since it reduced the risk of toxic effects on oxygen.


Arrhythmia during mitral commissurotomy. The authors studied in detail arrhythmias recorded during 110 operations of mitral commissurotomy. In all cases supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias developed and their type, as well as frequency, depended on the stage of operation. Life-endangering ventricular arrhythmias (ventricular flutter or fibrillation) were never observed and ventricular tachycardia occurring when the orifice was being dilated always regressed spontaneously when a Dubost dilator was removed. Rapid differential diagnosis of arrhythmias is facilitated greatly by additional ECG recording from oesophageal lead. Indications for pharmacological treatment are discussed. This treatment was used, however, in several cases only.


Serum enzyme levels in anaesthetic personnel. The reported studies were carried out on 22 persons, 15 anaesthetists and 7 anaesthetic nurses with a history of long-term exposure to halothane in low concentrations. The activity of gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase (GGTP) and aminotransferases, the level of bilirubin and thymol turbidity test were determined. No significant abnormalities were found in the mean values of these determinations. In some cases a rise in alkaline phosphatase activity and in two cases a rise of GGTP were found. The results are not suggesting the presence of hepatocellular damage in this group.


Controlled arterial hypotension during neurosurgical operations. Controlled arterial hypotension was applied in 62 hyperventilated patients during neurosurgical operations. Hypotension was obtained using trimetaphan (19 cases), trimetaphan and halothane (32 cases) and sodium nitroprusside (11 cases). It was found that the action of sodium nitroprusside was the quickest and lasted the shortest, which considerably facilitated the control of hypotension. Halothane permitted hypotension to be obtained rapidly but in certain cases it prolonged the hypotensive action of trimetaphan.


Acute post-traumatic respiratory failure treated with prolonged controlled ventilation and complicated with spontaneously healing tracheo-oesophageal fistula. A case of acute respiratory failure of traumatic origin treated with prolonged controlled ventilation is presented. During treatment a tracheo-oesophageal fistula developed. Early diagnosis and immediate therapeutic management prevented aspiration and further pulmonary complications. The fistula healed spontaneously. Imperfections of the anaesthetic equipment very often cause various tracheal complications.


[Cartilaginous tumors of the jaws. Apropos of 11 cases]. Over a period of 20 years and among a total amount of 585 tumors of the jaws including 61 sarcomas, 4 benign cartilaginous tumours and 11 chondrosarcomas have been observed. Chondromas and osteo-chondromas, exceptional in this site, occured one time in the median and anterior part of the upper jaw and three times in the coronoid process, the condyle and in the area of the symphysis of mandible. Chondrosarcomas of the jaws, observed in relatively young patients, have a tendency to involve the upper jaw and to recur repeatedly. Moreover they are characterized by an increased severity with regard to osteosarcomas and fibrosarcomas of same location.


[Acrogeria. Clinical, histopathologic and ultrastructural study]. About a recent case of acrogeria a review of the 18 cases of the litterature defines the clinical and evolutive characteristics of this primary atrophy of the skin. The histopathological and ultrastructural study of the pathological dermis with regard to a reference specimen of same age and sex shows fibroblastic and fibrillary alterations. The hyperplastic orceinophilic material is mainly of the "pseudoelastic" type. The collagenous fibers are hypoplastic and often immature. An abundant granulofilamentous substance is visible in the extracellular space and in the fibroblasts proper; it is often intricated with the pseudoelastine and contains immature collagenous fibers. The cytoplasm of the fibroblasts is swollen by ergastoplasmic vacuoles filled with the granulofilamentous substance and contains numerous pseudomyelinic bodies. All these anomalies suggest that acrogeria could be a disease of the fibroblast.


[Chronic primary intrahepatic cholestasis. Anatomo-clinical study of 11 cases]. An anatomoclinical study is carried out in 11 cases of apparently primary intrahepatic cholestasis. Two groups have been distinguished: one includes three cases with poorly specific and disparate changes. Contrarely, the other group, including eigh cases, shows quite evocative and stereo-typed histological lesions. These are alwayst epithelial and segmental canalar lesions with characteristic cellular infiltrations of variable occurrence and location. The lesions develop into multilating sclerosis with progressive loss of the florid lesions. This group may be assimilated to the affection commonly known as Hanot and Mac Mahon's disease. Antimitochondria antibodies are very often found in this anatomoclinical entity but their absence does not allow exclusion of the diagnosis. Nevertheless, anatomical, clinical and biological correlation remains indispensable.


[Obliterating parietal hemodissection of the intracranial vessels in young patients. Anatomo-pathologic study and review of the literature]. On the occasion of a new case of intraparietal hematoma of the basilar artery in a 22-year-old male the authors connect this lesion with an anatomoclinical entity which may be called "obliterating parietal hemodissection". It occurs in the cerebral vessels (sylvian or basilar artery) free from any alteration type athero-sclerosis, syphilis or medianecrosis. The anomaly of the elastic fibers risks to fail to be recognized if it is not systematically serchead for in all cases of apparently primary thrombosis occuring in the cerebral vessels.


[Neuroblastoma in children. Anatomoclinical study of 46 cases]. The authors stress the difficulty of diagnosis of a neuroblastoma in its undifferentiated when the demonstration of nervous differentiation is necessary. The factors which may play a role in the prognosis of these tumours are analysed. In this series are included the age of the child, the location of the tumour, the existence of certain early metastases (bone), the possibility of complete surgical removal and alterations in the tumour secondary to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Histoenzymatic study of histio and organotypic cultures as well as chromosomal analysis were possible in a number of cases.


[Amyloid neuropathy. Ultrastructural study of 2 new cases]. Two familial and sporadic cases of amyloid neuropathy are reported. Nerve biopsies ultrastructural studies permit to involve endothelial and Schwann cells basement membranes into formation of amyloid. This classical notion was worth being recalled and specified. The purpose of amyloid formation is searched in a toxico-metabolic processus possibly in relation with observed demyelinating mechanism. The Schwann cell is at the cross of the cause and of its effect.


[Evaluation of 2 years' experience with assisted circulation by diastolic counterpulsation]. The authors report their two years' experience of circulatory assistance by diastolic counter-pulsation with an intra-aortic balloon. This technique was used in 23 patients: 9 cases of cardiogenic shock due to acute myocardial infarction, 9 septal ruptures, 1 rupture of the papillary muscle of the mitral valve, 1 acute ventricular aneurysm, 2 high risk coronary arteriographies and 1 case of early post-infarction recurrent ischemia. It confirms the gravity of cardiogenic shock as, in spite of the frequent improvement in hemodynamic parameters under counter-pulsation, there was only one survivor. The efficacy is greater in cases of septal rupture, where the author obtained 3 survivors out of 6 operated cases. The security of the method and its innocuity permit one to carry out high risk coronary arteriography and extend the indications for circulatory assistance, to certain cases of unstable angina or early recurrent anginal following acute infarction.


[Experimental autograft of the small intestine in the pig. Histological, histoenzymological and ultrastructural study]. In order to form an opinion of the value of certain precocious rejection tests with a view to ulterior intestinal allograftings, the authors intend first of all to determine the consequences of the operation itself and of the possibility resulting anoxia on the function of the intestinal mucosa. A concomitant biological (xylose test meal, quantitative analysis of the enzymes of the mucosa) and morphological study (lipid test meal, histologic, enzymologic and ultrastructural study of biopsic specimens) was carried out at various intervals after orthotopical intestinal autografting in 22 pigs. Most of the biological tests were strongly perturbated on the 7th day and some of them did not resume their initial value until the 15th day. The morphological and especially ultrastructural studies showed up to that time an important inflammation apparently caused not by the anoxia but by the lymph stasis. Solely conventional histology was only sightly modified (absence of ulcerations and of denudation of the villi) and this relative integrity, contrasting with the known severity of the lesions in case of precocious rejection, allows to consider this examination the only valuable until the 15th day, for the detection of immunologic incompatility reactions in allograftings.


[Arterial fibromuscular dysplasia and ergotism]. Renal arteries of a 29-year-old hypertensive woman are described typical of fibro muscular dysplasia. Segmental stenoses of femoral, humeral and carotid arteries are associated. The histological study of one renal artery discloses a sub-adventitial fibrosis; besides there are pictures which are very close to those found during chronic intoxication with ergotamine tartrate. Patient history confirms this intoxication. Discontinuation of the ergotamine intoxication and administration of vaso-dilating substances are associated with a dramatic subjective and objective improvement of renal and peripheral arterial signs. The reversibility of the symptoms constitutes a serious clinical proof of the hypothesis of Bercquist and coll. (1971): that a prolonged arterial spasm could represent a promoting factor of arterial fibro-muscular dysplasias.


[Malignant eccrine poromas (poro-epitheliomas, porocarcinomas)]. Malignant eccrine poromas set first of all the problem of the diagnosis of intra-epidermic cutaneous tumours. The epidermic symbiosis of the neoplastic cells and their natural disposition to keratinization and to differentiation of excretosudoral structures are their main pathological characteristics; they account for their acrosyringeal origin. The multitude of epidermotropic metastatic resurgences by the lymphatic route and their transcutaneous expulsion characterizes the evolution of these tumours. According to the study of the 8 cases published since 1956 and of this personal case the precession of a benign porosyringeal tumour seems probable but has never been proved.


[Ultrastructural, histochemical and histological study of bladder pheochromocytoma]. In the rarely occuring vesical location the pheochromocytoma shows the usual features as well from morphological (conventional and ultrastructural) as from histochemical point of view. Biochemical examinations confirm the amount of adrenalin and noradrenalin. In connection with this case the authors discuss the problems related to the histogenesis of vesical pheochromocytomas and consider the linking up of this type of tumors to the APUD system.


[Technic for the preparation of bone marrow biopsies. Evaluation of bone marrow cell count]. After having briefly reviewed the different subjective and objective procedures for interpreting Bone Marrow Biopsies from the standpoint of evaluating Bone Marrow Cellularity, the authors propose a method for overall morphological examination, controlled by a rapid evaluation by means of an integrator ocular. This simple, reliable and easily reproducible "semi-subjective" technique seems useful in routine pathological diagnosis, particularly to compare successive Bone Marrow Biopsies from the same patient when treated by antimitotics, or to study the changes of the hematopoietic tissue in the area of medullary metastasis.


[Routine laparotomy in Hodgkin's disease. Remarks apropos of 50 personal cases]. The authors report fifty personal cases of routine exploratory laparotomy during Hodgkin's disease, carried out in either first or second intention. They compare the results obtained to those in other series published in the literature. The results emphasize the undoubted change in classification after laparotomy, and consequently, changes in therapeutic attitude, but also raise new problems which leave the question open.


[Primary hyperparathyroidism. Round calcification as a sign of cervico-mediastinal localization of a parathyroid adenoma]. The authors report the case of a man aged 59 years, with primary hyperparathyroidism; removal of a first adenoma, did not lead to recovery. Later, an egg-shell calcification was found together with a second large cervico-mediastinal parathyroid adenoma, the removal of which caused all the symptoms to disappear. After a review of other cases in the world literature with calcification of the parathyroid glands, the authors consider, before using more complicated techniques for preoperative localisation of parathyroid adenomas, one should carry out careful radiological examination of the cervical and mediastinal region. Under these conditions, one may detect significant calcifications which have escaped routine examination and may contribute to the topographic diagnosis of the parathyroid lesion sought.


[Electron microscope study of bacteria in dental plaques following the application of fluorides (author's transl)]. Gels containing fluorides can have profound effects on dental plaques. These gels contain 2% fluorides in the form of sodium monofluorophosphate and sodium fluoride and are buffered to pH 6.5 when applied to teeth they: - encourage the disappearance of certain bacteria, - inhibit the division of cells and diminish their storage of glycogen, - cause a thickening of the bacterial cell wall, - lead to modifications of the bacterial cell membrane, - precipitate the degeneration of most forms of bacteria, - cause the rapid mineralisation of many bacteria. These widespread effects, and the wholesale degeneration of microbial forms, are a reflection of a major breakdown in bacterial metabolism, and provide a partial explanation for the role of fluorides in the prevention of dental caries, and are in accord with previous biochemical and microbial observations.


Non-fatal rabies in dogs and cats.

Non-fatal rabies in dogs and cats. Serological studies were performed in 1,015 dog brains and 144 cat brains collected in a rabies enzootic area. Significant levels of rabies virus neutralizing activity were observed in two dog brains and in one cat brain which had been negative for rabies by immunofluorescence and mouse inoculation tests. These results were compared with those obtained in the group of surviving animals at different times after onset of experimentally induced abortive rabies. The possibility that naturally infected animals recovered from rabies central nervous system infection is suggested.


[Modification of the lysine-iron agar (author's transl)]. The addition of L-phenylalanine to the lysine-iron agar described by Edwards and Fife ]1] allows a more valuable screening of the Proteus group based on its deamination properties. Some minor modifications of the indicator and thiosulfate content lead to improve and earlier recording of the results.


[Methods of determining admixtures in commercial preparations of tetracycline]. The results and conditions of separation and quantitative determination of the admixtures of epi- and anhydro-derivatives of tetracycline in its market products were compared and analyzed using the following chromatographic methods: chromatography in a thin layer of a sorbent in 2 modifications, circular paper chromatography, chromatography on a column of gel Sephadex G-25. The comparison of the results of the study provided recommendation of the column chromatography with gel Sephadex G-25 for separate or summation quantitative determination of 4-epitetracycline. The method of chromatography in a thin layer of a sorbent may be successfully used for semiquantitative determination of the admixture levels in tetracycline market drugs.


[Study of the association of nystatin and amphotericin B in nonaqueous solvent systems]. Association of nystatin and amphotericin B in non-aqueous systems was studied with the method of equilibria dialysis. A specially treated celophane membrane arresting colloid associats and macromolecules with a molecular weight of more than 30000 in the systems of dimethylformamide-ethylacetate was used for the dialysis. Relation between the dialysis rate and the difference of the concentrations at every side of the membrane was used for estimation of the antibiotic colloid association level. It was found that nystatin formed stable associates of the colloid type in the system of dimethylformamide-ethylacetate, close by the composition to the critical one or that providing precipitation of the antibiotic. Unlike nystatin, amphotericin B formed not colloid but larger conglomerates which precipitated. Neither of the antibiotics formed colloid associates in dimethylformamide. The level of the nystatin colloid association increased with a rise in the solution concentration and reached 80%. On the basis of the results obtained the following supposition concerning the mechanism of formation of the antibiotic complexes with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in non-aqueous systems is possible: sorption of PVP on the colloids formed or larger associates of the polyenic antibiotics must take place during coprecipitation which is accompanied by formation of a precipitate of the sorption complex.


[Rapid method for determining the stability of streptomycin sulfate powders]. A method applicable for beforehand determination of streptomycin sulfate powder stability by the colour of its solutions is described. It is shown that the results of such a determination satisfactorily coincided with the results of indirect determination of the solution colour after prolonged storage of the powders at room temperature.


[Determination of levomycetin in the aerosol preparation, "Levovinysol"]. A spectrophotometric method for determination of levomycetin in "Levovinysol", an antiburn aerosol preparation was developed. The determination was performed after levomycetin extraction with a hydrochloric acid solution from the composition. The results of the determination were statistically treated.


[In vivo action of valinomycin on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Inhibition of the proliferative activity of the tumor cells under the action of valinomycin]. It was shown that repeated administrations of valinomycin in doses of 1.0 and 0.01 gamma/gm to mice with Ehrlich ascitic tumors inhibited the ascite development. The radioautographic study using 3H-thimidine showed that 24 hours after the administration of valinomycin in doses of 0.1 and 0.01 gamma/gm transference of the cells into the phase of DNA synthesis was inhibited--inhibition of the tumor cell mitotic activity took place.


[Erythromycin and oleandomycin concentration in the body of angina patients taking the preparations orally]. The antibiotic levels in patients suffering from angina were studied with the agar-diffusion method. The drugs were used orally in single and multiple doses (every 6 hours): erythromycin in doses of 4000 and 6000 gamma/kg and oleandomycin in doses of 4000 and 8000 gamma/kg. When  erythromycin was used in a single dose of 4000 gamma/kg, its levels in the objects tested, i.e. the blood serum, saliva, mucus from the tonsil surface and tissue did not reach the concentrations corresponding to the sensitivity levels of the microbes to the antibiotic (0.75 gamma/ml). When the drug was used every 6 hours, the concentration increased. Still, it reached the above level only in the blood and tonsil surface mucus. Only when the antibiotic was used repeatedly in doses of 6000 gamma/kg, its levels in the examined objects reached 0.75 gamma/ml. When oleandomycin was used in single and repeated doses of 4000 gamma/kg, its levels were always lower than those providing sensitivity of beta-hemolytic streptococci to it (1.0 gamma/ml). The antibiotic use in doses of 8000 gamma/kg provided the required level in all the object examined.


[Comparative study of the relationship between the blood concentration of gentamicin and streptomycin and their muscle-relaxing activity]. A mathematical model of relation between the miorelaxant effect value of aminocyclitol antibiotics and their blood levels is proposed. The kinetics of the reduction of the neuromuscle transmission damaged under the action of the drugs was studied in detail in acute experiments with cats treated with gentamycin or streptomycin administered intravenously. The changes in the effect value in time were satisfactorily described by the logistic function. Parallel determination of the blood levels of the antibiotics in the animals provided construction of an adequate model of their pharmacokinetics. Tabulation of the corresponding biexponential equations and logistic functions for the same time intervals during reduction of the neuromuscle transmission provided necessary information for plotting the "effect: concentration" curves. Comparison of the drug levels at which the effect of inhibition of the neuromuscle transmission was equal to 50% of the maximum one, revealed a statistically reliable difference in the miorelaxant activity of gentamycin and streptomycin. A high miorelaxant activity of gentamycin in comparison to streptomycin was also shown on comparison of the average "effect: concentration" curves plotted on the basis of tabulation of the general equations presenting a combination of the logistic and biexponential equations.


[Desoxyribonuclease and lecithinase activity in antibiotic-resistant and -sensitive staphylococci]. Staphylococcus aureus, a laboratory strain 209-P and strain I isolated freshly from infected wounds, as well as lincomycin hydrochloride, ampicillin, oxacillin and methicillin manufactured in the USSR and cephaloridin manufactured by "PLIVA" in Yugoslavia were used. Various activity levels of desoxyribonuclease and lecitinase of the staphylococci depending on sensitivity or resistance of the test-microbe to the antibiotics were shown. The activity of the above microbial enzymes characterizing the pathogenic properties decreased with development of the antibiotic resistance, sometimes to complete inactivation of the enzymes synthesized by the staphylococci. In spite of closeness of their modes of action the semisynthetic penicillins had a differentiating effect on the above enzymes.


[Effect of the prolonged administration of chlortetracycline on the content of free amino acids and low-molecular peptides in the blood serum of rats]. Five individual ninhydrin positive fractions were found in the blood serum of rats in the control group with the help of high voltage electrophoresis in combination with preparative high voltage electrophoresis and paper chromatography. An analogous analysis of the blood serum of the test animals treated with 50 mg/kg of chlortetracycline for 12 days revealed 1 new fraction in the weak basic region. After the use of chlortetracycline for 18 days 2 new fractions in the strong acid region, 1 new fraction at the level of the electrophoretic mobility of asparaginic acid and 2 fractions in the region between neutral and basic amino acids were found. Analysis of the above fractions showed that the blood sera of the control and test rats contained in addition to the free amino acids peptides consisting of 3 to 9 amino acid residues. Some peptides isolated from the sera of the test animals contained amino acids, such as ornithine and citrulline which are not usually contained in proteins.


[Change in the plasmocytic reaction of immunized animals during the use of antibiotics]. The effect of tetracycline and tetraolean on the shifts in the plasma-cell elements was studied experimentally on male albino rats of Wister line and rabbits immunized with foreign erythrocytes and typhoid fever vaccine respectively. It was noted that prolonged use of the antibiotics for 10 to 12 days inhibited proliferation of the plasmic cells, the inhibitory effect of tetracycline being more pronounced. At the same time an inhibitory effect of the antibiotics on the antibody formation in the animals was found in the experiments.


[Current state of the world's experiences with vaccination against rubella]. In order to avoid the severe consequences that may result from intrauterine infection, the prevention of maternal rubella is of most importance. It should be remarked that the damage induced in the infant by the rubella virus is not confined to the first trimester of pregnancy, but may occur also in the following months, and some lesions, especially the auditive ones, may become worse during the childhood. From an immunological point of view in the present paper it is emphasized the prominent importance of neutralizing antibodies; these should be more broadly assayed in epidemiological investigations and in studies concerning the effects of the different vaccines that are available nowadays. In this connection, the RA 27/3 vaccine (prepared with human diploid cells) appears to be more effective than other vaccines (e.g.: Cendehill and HPV-77) in stimulating the formation of circulating antibodies. Furthermore this vaccine, which may be administrated intranasally, can produce a local resistence due to the presence of specific IgA in the secretions. The following programs have been proposed for the prevention of rubella: a mass-vaccination (as in the United States) and a selective vaccination of female prepubere subjects who appear to be non protected against the infection. The Authors consider the second program as the more advantageous and suggest that the age range should be 10-11 years. It may be interesting to note that a new anti-rubella vaccine has been recently employed in Soviet Union with satisfactory results, while an alive attenuate non-teratogenic vaccine has been prepared in Japan. However, the opinion of the Authors is that further studies are needed in order to obtain a really non-teratogenic vaccine and administrable intranasally; this should be the most effective means against all problems correlated to rubella infection.


[Research of beta-galactosidase in the leptospira]. The Authors have investigated on the presence of beta-galactoxidase in the serotypes of Leptospires most frequently employed for the diagnosis of the formes epidemiologic occurrent in Italy. With the two employed methodes it was possible to make evident the enzyme in all the serotypes, but not in L. saxkoebing (Mus 24); L. ballum (Castellon 3), L. doberdò (Percedol 3).


[General frequency of staphylococci and particularly of the coagulase positive, in the air and by the carriers in the hospital surroundings]. An inquiry was disposed on the frequency of staphylococcus in general and particularly of the haemolitic and coagulase positive, in the air of many rooms of an operatory center. The inquiry was extended not only to the patients but also to the personal of the local self. The high frequency found impose a periodic bacteric control and of an attentive service of prophylactic control.


[Cross infection due to Salmonella Thompson in a pediatric clinical department]. The Authors have carried out a programmed bacteriological investigation for the detection of Salmonella in 4 Clinical Departments for Children in the Arcispedale S. Anna of Ferrara. The researches, carried out for 7 months on a total of 2161 samples (mainly rectal swabs) have allowed to detect and study, in one Paediatric Department, a "hospital acquired cross-infection" by S. thompson, spreading in the environment and amongst the sanitary assistance staff. The percentage of positivity ranged, in the 4 Departments, from a minimum of 1,05 to a maximum of 5,56 and confirmed the endemic diffusion of Salmonella in the province of Ferrara. The Authors think it highly advisable to carry out systematic researches amongst the patients and the assistance staff in order to avoid "hospital acquired cross-infections" by Salmonella, and the dangerous condition of "chronic carrier".


[Microbiological characteristics of coastal waters in the district of Catania]. The Authors examined bacteriological characteristics of the coast waters in the district of Catania. Contrary to initial expectations, the conditions of the coast of Catania, can be regarded more than satisfactory as regards sea-bathing, especially if these data are compared with those noticed from other Authors in different italian seaside resorts.


[Incidence of Australia antigen (HBs Ag) in a group of apparently healthy population of the Sassari province]. In 3828 subjects (1489 males and 2339 females) apparently healthy was investigated the presence in the serum of Australia antigen and of corrispondent antibody with electrosyneresis, the activity of the G6PD eritrocytic and the eventual condition of carrier of microcytemic tare. An incidence of HBs Ag of 1.83% (2.75% in males and 1.24% in females) without any statistically important differences in the age groups and habitual residence and also the grade of G6PD eritrocytary activity was detected. A more elevated statistical incidence was observed among the carriers of thalassemic caracter never transfused. The anti HBs Ag antibodes were observed in 0.26% of the examined subjects.


[Serological response in man to an anticholera vaccine made from killed vibrios and partially purified with aluminium hydroxide]. The immunizing capability of a new anticholera vaccine (choleric anatoxin + vibrios Ogawa and Inaba) was tested on a group of 113 subjects. The vaccination was carried out with two inoculations of the vaccine, administered a month apart. Testings were taken before the vaccination, before the second inoculation and 10 to 14 days after the vaccination was completed. The determination of the vibriocide antibodies was made following the test-tube method described by Verwey and al., and the research of the antitoxic antibodies following Craig's method, using a live rabbit. Eighty two per cent of the subjects vaccinated had antitoxic antibodies with a varying strength of from 10 to greater than 320 A.U. In all those subjects treated who had previously been vaccinated at the time of the cholera epidemic with traditional vaccine, the geometric average of strength in vibriocide antibodies had increased from 2,810 to 14,700.


[Treatment of cholera in the adult. Studies during recent epidemics in Apulia]. A rapid and adequate intravenous infusions of saline and alkali in correcting hypovolemic shock, alectrolyte abnormalities, acidosis and renal failure, is the choice treatment in the majority of acute cholera patients. On the basis of the knowledge of chemical composition of the gastrointestinal fluids loss and the definition of exact mechanism of metabolic features observed in acute cholera patients, it has been possible, in the last ten years, to develop and utilize in a large numbers of patients, a more exact and adequate treatment consisting of replacement of water and electrolytes depletion with saline and alkali of the same ionic composition of fluids lost through the gastrointestinal tract. The isotonic saline and isotonic sodium lactare regimen in a 2:1 ratio has been employed in the treatment of our adult acute cholera patients. Hypotensive patients received a rapid fluids infusion of 2-4 liters within the first 4-6 hours immediately after admission. Later on the quantity of intravenous fluids replacement was regulated on the basis of blood electrolytes pattern, blood pressure, diuresis and patient's hydratation. With this regimen of treatment we observed electrolytes and acid-basic abnormalities in only 25% of our patients. The peritoneal dialysis was applied in three of these patients with irreversible renal failure. Antibiotic therapy, that assume a secondary role in the treatment of cholera patients, was carried out in each case: in 19 cases were given 1 gram every 12 hours i.m. of chloramphenicol succinate; 14 cases received mg 500 of tetracycline orally every six hours; 34 cases received two tablets of trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole every 12 hours (mg 240 of TM and g 1,6 of SMZ total dose). Except one case of TM-SMZ group who had stool culture positive for Vibrio on 4th day of therapy, in each other patients the stool cultures were sterilized in a period of 24-72 hours of antibiotic treatment.


[Genetic, biochemical, pathogenetic and laboratory aspects of thalassemia. Heterozygote thalassemia in Alghero]. After reviewing the most recent genetic, biochemic, pathogenetic and laboratory aspects of thalassemia, the Authors refer to a statistical survey of the population of Alghero regarding the thalassemia heterozygote. In order to arrive at the "microcytosis" condition, a study of the average corpuscle volume is recommended as a screening standard. For this purpose, and for technical and economical reasons, automatic continuous flows apparatus are most suitable such as the Technicon SMA 7/A. After emphasizing the difficulty that the laboratory often encounters in diagnosing a heterozygote condition, the Authors report a thalassemic taint of 7.18% in Alghero, with a prevalence of the beta-thalassemia so called 1st type. They refer to the not rare occurrence of anaemia, in association with sideropenia and thalassemia and confirms the possible disappearance of the erythrocytary thalassemia characteristics when, together with the thalassemia there is a deficiency of G-6-PDH. The study carried out by the Authors does not reveal any proven case of alpha-thalassemia, thus confirming what other research workers have established on the rarity of this thalassemia variant in our zone, but not excluding that this apparent rarity could be attributed to an inadequacy in the present means of research.


[Renal complications of Asiatic cholera]. Seventy cases of cholera were admitted to Hospital during 1973 cholera epidemic; 49 showed the symptoms of renal failure, 19 of whom with anuria. Acute renal failure is caused from hypertonic or isotonic dehydration, metabolic acidosis and potassium depletion. Clinically the pattern of a tubulo-interstitial nephritis can be found; a short oliguric or anuric phase followed by a poliuric phase lasting about 10 days. The glomerular function usually cames back to normal in 20 days time. As for the therapy, 16 of the above mentioned 19 anuric patients received a conservative treatment only; 3 patients with preexisting chronic nephropathy required peritoneal dialysis. Only one patient died and one patient with lupic nephropathy was put on chronic haemodialysis treatment. Concluding: 17 patients out of 19 completely recovered their renal function.


[Importance of atmospheric conditions in the 1973 cholera epidemic in Apulia]. Authors briefly refer on metereologic situation during epidemic of cholera in Bari (Italy), in the summer of 1973 and discuss the possible influences upon the spread of infection. They emphasize the climatic analogies during other epidemics in Puglia and quote observations about meteo influences on outbreaks in Asiatic areas.


[Studies on the bacteriological diagnosis of cholera and on the characteristics of isolated strains in the Apulia epidemic during the summer of 1973]. Descriptions are given of the characteristics of 107 strains of Vibrio cholerae of the serum type Ogawa isolated during the epidemic in 1973, which, although not exhibiting hemolysis in liquid culture, could be assigned because of their other characteristics to the El Tor biotype and to the phagic type 1. The Authors also make a number of technical annotations on the bacteriological diagnosis of cholera.


[Preliminary studies on anti-Brucella agglutinins and on immunoglobulins in subjects affected by cholera during the 1973 epidemic in the province of Bari]. The behaviour of brucella agglutinins in sera from 70 cholera patients has been investigated. Agglutinins for brucella, at titers of 1/40 or higher, occurred in 45 patients (64,2%); it has also been showed an antibody rise in 41 subjects with a peak titer during the second week, just like cholera agglutinins. This fact confirms the antigenic interrelationship between Vibrio cholerae and brucella group. The serum immunoglobulins, during the course of infection, have been determined. Mean levels of IgM were elevated during the second week of the disease, whereas the IgG increased during the third week, as occured in primary antibody responses. Levels of IgA in serum rose significantly during the first week of the cholera; the relations of serum IgA with S-IgA of intestinal mucosa might to explain the rapid increase of IgA in the serum.


[Studies on the spread of Vibrio cholerae, biotype El Tor in the environment during the period following the 1973 epidemic in Apulia]. In the period following the cholera epidemic, studies were made of sewage, seawater and various foodstuffs (green vegetables, mussels, etc.) in an attempt to isolate Vibrio cholerae of the El Tor biotype. Only in the samples of sewage taken at Bari and Taranto was it possible to isolate Vibrio cholerae biotype El Tor for a period of about a month after the last case of the illness; in this period it was isolated in 5 of the 11 samples taken at Bari and in 1 of the 14 taken at Taranto. The positive tests involved all zones of the city, leading to the conclusion that the bearers had spread throughout the whole population. The cholera-bearing vibrio was not isolated in any of the other materials, and this leads one to believe that the preventive measures taken immediately were sufficient to avoid foodstuffs being contaminated.


[Studies on the efficacy of cholera vaccination in a population sample of Bari]. To measure the efficacy of cholera vaccination during the epidemic of cholera occurred in August-September 1973 in Bari, agglutinating and vibriocidal antibody titers were determined in 151 subjects; of these, 65 were children between 6 months and 4 years of age and 86 adults past thirty years. Antibodies could be proved in 80% of the subjects, with relatively higher frequency in children (84,6%) than in adults (76,7%). No significant difference was seen against the serotypes Inaba and Ogawa. The vibriocidal antibody tests was uniformly more sensitive than the agglutination test. In 108 of these subjects (all of 65 children and 43 of the adults), it was possible to make the serological controls 3 and 6 months after vaccination. At 3 months, antibodies were determined in 50,7% of the children and in 44,2% of the adults; at 6 months, only 20% of the children and 18,6% of the adults showed agglutinating and vibriocidal antibodies. For the control, the research of V. cholerae-antibodies was maked also in sera of 300 healties subjects of all ages, by whom the bleedings were obtained prior to epidemic of cholera. Antibodies against the serotypes Inaba and Ogawa were determined in 23 subjects (7,6%); of these, 5 had vibriocidal titers of 1:2560-1:5120.


[Epidemiological study on the incidence of viral hepatitis in the Province of Siena]. The AA. carried out an epidemiological survey on 1,420 cases with viral hepatitis ascertained in the Province of Siena during the period January 1, 1962-December 31,1972. Age, sex, profession, place of origin, annual and seasonal prevalence, therapeutic measures, geographic and social-economic features of several districts, and other characteristics of the affected people were examined. The results obtained were discussed keeping in mind the various parameters examined.


[Changes of various lipid fractions in experimental intoxication with diphtheric and tetanic toxins]. In the present study , the Authors have examined the effects of diphtheria and tetanus toxins on the lipid metabolism in the rabbit. Ten animals were treated with diphtheria toxin (five with 1 DL50 and five with 5 DL50 guinea pig). Ten animals were treated with tetanus toxin (five with 1 DL50 and 5 with 5 DL50 guinea pig). Finally, five animals were used as controls. The total lipids, the two cholesterol fractions, the total cholesterol, the triglycerides and the NEFA were measured 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after the beginning of the experiment. The animals treated with diphtheria toxin all died within 48 hours, and only those given the higher dose of toxin showed an increase in NEFA, found immediately before they died. The animals treated with tetanus toxin all survived and only those injected with the higher dose of toxin showed an increase in the esterificated fraction of cholesterol. The Authors conclude by affirming that the two toxins tested do not have significant influence on the lipid picture in the rabbit.


[Studies on the relation between the production of anti-O and anti-H agglutinins and the specific treatment of typhoid fever]. The AA, studied the behaviour of anti-O and anti-H agglutinins in patients with typhoid fever treated with CAF or with CAF+ corticosteroides. They have shown that, during the treatment with antibiotics, the O-agglutinins, which appeared extremely quickly, can be present at a high level and for a long time in the serum; on the other hand the H-agglutinins are usually present at a lower level and tend to decrease more rapidly. In patients treated with CAF+ corticosteroides the agglutinins behaviour was not substancially different from that in patients treated with antibiotic only. These modifications in humoral immunity are notable only when treatment is begun early. On the basis of the results and of data in the most recent literature, the AA. also discuss the problem of typhoid relapses, the pathogenesis of which cannot depend from the modifications of humoral immunity only.


Localization of polypeptides in frog virus 3 by radioiodination technique. Frog virus 3 is an amphibian icosahedral deoxyribovirus which replicates in the cytoplasm of infected cells. The radioiodination of purified virions using the enzyme lactoperoxidase has shown that the major component of the structural proteins is only partially exposed through the lipoprotein membrane that constitutes the outer layer of the icosahedral capsid.


Sporadic cases associated with non polio enteroviruses studied in Lombardy between 1965 and 1972. The results of virological investigations on 492 sporadic cases with a clinical diagnosis compatible with an enterovirus etiology studied in Lombardy between 1965 and 1972 are reported. A recent infection with non polio enteroviruses was established in 54 patients, mostly children under 4 years of age. Coxsackie viruses group A were prevalent being associated with 38 cases; echoviruses were involved in 13 cases, Coxsackie B viruses only in 3 instances. The frequency of isolation was highest from patients with paralytic illnesses either spinal or facial palsy than from patients with other diagnosis.


Apomorphine pecking in the pigeon.

Apomorphine pecking in the pigeon. Pecking activity elicited by apomorphine was studied quantitatively in intact and thalamic pigeons. While apomorphine pecking is easily observed in the intact pigeon, it is absent in the acute thalamic animal. I reappears, however, in the chronic preparation simultaneously with the recovery of spontaneous pecking. Apomorphine pecking is described by satiation and increased by fasting. Reticular stimulation produces reversible blockade of both apomorphine and spontaneous pecking with the same parameters, without increase in heart rate. Apomorphine pecking can be observed only in the presence of visual contrast, and is always aimed at the contrast points or edges. A decrease in contrast produces a decrease in the number of pecks delivered to the contrast points and an increase in those missing the target, while the total number of pecks delivered in a unit time is unaffected. A lowering of the background luminance is followed by a decrease in the total number of pecks, which is mostly due to a reduction of those aimed at the contrast points. All these findings are discussed and it is concluded that: i) apomorphine exerts an excitatory action (direct or indirect) on the hypothalamic feeding centers; hence apomorphine pecking can be considered as a pharmacologically motivated behavior; ii) visual contrast exerts a dual action on apomorphine pecking, namely it acts both as triggering stimulus and goal object; iii) the decrease in apomorphine pecking induced by lowering the ambient light intensity is probably due to a decrease in the level of the general arousal.


Light and electron microscopic studies on the excessive growth of sympathetic ganglia in rats injected daily from birth with 6-OHDA and NGF. Concomitatn daily treatment of rats immediately after birth with NGF and 6-OHDA for a period of 2-4 weeks, results in a volume increase of sympathetic ganglia of thirty times that of controls and 2.3 that of NGF treated littermates, at three weeks of age. Studies at the light, fluorescent and electron-microscope, showed that this overall enlargement is due to increase in size and number of sympathetic neurons and, to an even higher extent, to profuse production and branching of collaterals from postganglionic adrenergic nerve fibers. These axonal collaterals find accomodation inside the ganglia where they displace nerve cells and build a thick fibrillar capsule around the same ganglia. The survival in excellent conditions of sympathetic nerve cells treated with NGF but prevented by 6-OHDA from establishing anatomical and functional connections with their end organs, suggests that the growth factor find access to its target cells through the plasms membrane which envelops the cell perikarya. The extraordinary production of collaterals by chemically axotomized sympathetic fibers, brings to light growth potentialities of these fibers which materialize only upon disconnection of their endings from peripheral tissues. These results uncover a new facet of the interaction between nerve fibers and innervated tissues.


Mechanical transduction in the Golgi tendon organ: a hypothesis. Morphological evidence, gained from light and electron microscopy, has shown that the unmyelinated terminal branches of the Ib afferent fiber innervating the Golgi tendon organ (GTO) lie within the spaces between braids of collagen. Based on empirical data it is proposed that force applied to a muscle's tendon will straighten these collagen braids and cause compressional deformation of the axon branches trapped between them. The mechanical events, which are presumed to occur within the GTO, appear to explain how it may function as a biological force transducer under static loading conditions. The mechanical principal described for the GTO may be a primitive and wide-spread biological mechanism employed by certain types of sensory receptors that function as position (and force) detectors.


[Determination of methyl parathion (0.0-dimethyl-(p-nitrophenyl)-thiophosphoric acid ester) and metabolites in animal material and in feed]. A new thin-layer chromatography method was developed to detect parathion-methyl (0.0-dimethyl-0-p-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate) and its metabolite methyl-paraoxon and the degradation produce p-nitrophenol in samples of animal and plant origin. Coupling with Bratton-Marshall reagent, as used in colorimetry, was employed to detect the compounds on the chromatography plate. Pretreatment of the samples was simplified by preparing a crude extract and separating unwanted substances from the pesticide compounds by thin-layer chromatography.


[TAS method for the detection of methyl parathion (0.0-dimethyl-(p-nitrophenyl)-thiophosphoric acid ester) and various transformation products in organic materials]. A simplified TAS method was used to determine parathion-methyl (0.0-dimethyl-0-p-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate), methyl-paraoxon and p-nitrophenol in samples of animal origin and in foodstuffs. These substances were isolated by thermomicropartition in the TAS oven, with immediate uptake of the condensate on thin-layer plates. Identifications was done directly from the sample or from the residue of a crude extract. After partition by thin-layer chromatography, the compounds were rendered visible by coupling with suitable amines. By means of the TAS method it was possible to detect 2-4 ppm parathion-methyl and methyl-paraoxon, or 3-4 ppm p-nitrophenol directly from samples, or 0,05-0.10 ppm of the first two compounds and 0.1-0.5 ppm of p-nitrophenol in the residue of extracts.


[Studies on improving the fertility of aged sows. 3. Results of histological studies on puerperal involution and regeneration processes in the endometrium of lactating sows and sows after extremely early weaning]. Involution and regeneration following parturition was studied in 48 sows allowed to suckle their piglets normally, or from which the piglets were taken away at 5-8 days of age. Samples of uterus were obtained by biopsy 4, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 30, 32 and 40 days after parturition. In lactating sows, endometrial changes similar to those of oestrus in a normal cycle were present 32 days after parturition. This fact seems to justify the removal of piglets at 21-28 days of age. After very early weaning (5-8 days), incomplete oestrus-like changes in the endometrium were seen on the 17th day after parturition. The observed involutionary and regenerative changes in the puerperal uterus suggest that early weaning after 10-12 days of suckling is feasible, but it may be advisable to use drugs that would accelerate uterine involution.


[Hormone concentrations in the plasma of pigs kept under various husbandry methods]. A comparison of pigs weighing 30-50 kg reared either in groups or in individual cages showed that the management system affected the concentrations of catecholamines, 11-hydroxy corticosteroids and protein-bound iodine. Pigs kept in individual cages showed high concentrations of catecholamines and iodine, and low concentrations of corticosteroids. Pigs kept in groups showed high corticosteroids and low catecholamines and protein-bound iodine. The values for hormone concentrations in caged pigs were similar to those reported for the Poland China breed, which are not very resistant to stress produced by temperature and restraint.


[Comparison of postmortal changes in the ultrastructure of the masseter muscle and the longissimus dorsi muscle in pigs with PSE-meat]. Samples of the two muscles were taken from 8 Landrace fattened pigs, affected with pale, soft exudative meat, during stunning and 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes after death; also 2, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after slaughter, with storage at 20 degrees C for the first six hours and 2-5 degrees C subsequently. Considerable changes were found during the first hour after death, or even in samples taken during stunning, in longissimus dorsi samples. These consisted of destruction of mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum, breakdown of cell membranes, liberation of clumps of fibre protein, disappearance of glycogen, rigor and destruction of capillaries. Such changes would account for the features of pale, soft exudative meat such as water loss, brief rigor, pale colour, deficiency of energy-rich phosphates. By contrast, in the masseter muscles of the same animal these changes did not occur until later, or were in port absent. In both muscle the breakdown of fibres took place by destruction of the "I" bands and the "Z" strips, and this process also commenced in longissimus dorsi before masseter.


[Studies on activity and properties of alkaline phosphatase in body fluids (plasma, serum, bile) and in various organs (kidney, liver, small intestine, bones) in cattle]. Behaviour of the alkaline phosphatase (AP) present in blood serum, blood plasma, bile and extracts of organs (kidney, liver, intestinal mucosa, bone) was studied under various conditions of incubation (after preliminary heat treatment and after addition of L-phenyl-alanine). AP in serum and bile from calves and bullocks was very heat labile and did not inhibit phenylalanine much. EDTA and citrate were active inhibitors of AP, and therefore blood samples containing these anticoagulants are unsuitable for enzyme investigations. Out of four compounds tested, the substrate that was most rapidly split by AP from tissues was disodium phenylphosphate. AP activity was particularly high in kidney. The most heat-labile form of AP was that present in bone. AP in different tissues was inhibited to different extents by phenylalanine.


[Histochemical aspects in carrageenan induced inflammation]. Some changes of groundsubstance and cell proliferation are histochemically demonstrated in the carrageenin induced edema, in the connective tissue of the rat hund paw. We observed, that the leucocytic infiltration (beginning 5 minutes after inflammation) and the desintegration of these cells, induced by liberated lysosomal enzymes, can be assumed to be connected with mastcell degeneration. Fibroblasts and mastcells are correlating in the phase of woundhealing. Iron, which is found in the phagocytes of the connective tissue, in the acute stage of inflammation may not only be a consequence of the desintegration of erythrocytes, its appearance could be interpreted as support of the hypothesis of its antitoxic function.


[Schwart-Jampel osteo-chondro-muscular dystrophy. 2 familial cases]. A complex syndrome was observed in two sisters. It associated important and dysharmonious dwarfism, craniofacial dysmorphy (blepharophimosis and microstomy), osteo-chondro dystrophy (vertebral column, pelvis, coxofemoral joints), oligophrenia and a muscular syndrome of myotonic type. The myotonic muscular syndrome is characterized by the prevalence at the face. Clinical and electric myotonia is clear. Voluntary muscular contractions induce prolonged myotonic responses. However there is no basal activity as observed in other cases. Curarization does not induce any disappearance of myotonic discharges. No specific histological change was shown: Schwartz-Jampel's muscular syndrome is not univocal; however it seems to depend on an abnormality of neuro-muscular activity, at the level of the end plate.


[Current status of teaching pediatrics in France in the medical curriculum]. On the basis of a surgery performed by a questionnaire sent to all French medical schools (44, out of them 30 replied), the authors describe the current status of the teaching of pediatrics at undergraduate level. The 1970 reform, introducing a block teaching system, made easier to teach pediatrics made easier to teach pediatrics as an autonomous entity. But it leaves a lot to do with a view to improving the situation - in spite of the excessive number of students - by a better definition of the pedogogical objectives, a better integration of basic sciences, a broader place for small group and bedside teaching, a greater emphasis on the social aspects of pediatrics, and by the organisation, for the more motivated students, of optional courses.


[Epidural spinal hematoma after lumbar puncture]. Three days after a lumbar puncture in a 7 month old child with pyogenic meningitis and without any blood clotting defect, appeared symptoms of spinal cord compression. Myelography led to surgery, 5 days after the puncture. At operation, an epidural hematoma, from L1 to L5 was removed. The exceptional character of this accident and its cause are discussed.


[Neutron therapy in the G.D.R. Fundamentals of fast neutron application in radiation treatment (author's transl)]. In 1972 GDR started with the treatment of tumor patients with fast neutrons on the base of oxygen-effect. That means a better sensitivity of radiation of anoxic cells against radiation with high LET in comparison to radiation of thin ionization. Every tumor contains some anoxic cells. Therefore a better effect is possible with doses that are tolerated by normal tissue. In the following the details of the problems are discussed.


[Neutron therapy in the G.D.R. II. Dose distribution near the surface (author's transl)]. The knowledge of the dose near the skin is very important for the reaction of the skin. With a special ionization chamber measurements near the surface of the phantom were made. A slight build-up-effect was observed. In this case (average energy of 6,2 MeV) the maximum of dose is in the depth of 1,2 mm.


[Neutron therapy in the G.D.R.III. Estimation of dose distribution in phantome (author's transl)]. This report describes measurements in a tissue equivalent phantom. At first the depth-dose curve is determined. Then the distribution of dose orthogonal to the central beam is determinated. On the base of these results single field distributions are constructed and also distributions in case of irradiations from both sides. Any influence of different ti-sues (fat, bone) to the distribution of isodose could not be pointed out. Distributions of isodose from Co60-moving fields added to the distributions of neutrons are described.


[IV. Studies on cell biological experiments to the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of fast neutrons in different phantom depths (author's transl)]. From carcinomas of the collum uteri and from human embryos (10 weeks) primary cell cultures were obtained, irradiated with 60Co-gamma-rays and fast neutrons (6,2 mev), respectively, in doses ranging from 50 to 300 rad in the phantom depth of 3 and 12 cm at 37 degrees C, and the number of mitotically surviving cells was determined. From the survival curves, the values of D37, Do and Dq were determined. The studies have shown that embryonic cells have higher Dq values than the tumor cells under study, while there were no distinct differences in primary radiation sensitivity Do between normal and tumor cells when considering biological variability. The relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of the 6,2 mev neutrons proved clearly dependent on the level of the single dose or of percent survival rate, respectively. The minima of the RBE values were obtained refering to Do (2,2-2,7). From the quotient RBE (tumor cells)/RBE (embryonic cells) ranging from 0.88 to 1.23 depending on the reference system, the different phantom depth and the cell cultures used can be concluded that the stronger biological effectiveness of fast neutrons is not necessarily an additional therapeutical advantage, but that the "anoxic gain factor" and the ensueing increased killing of hypoxic tumor cells has to be considered as the main advantage of neutron therapy. Using the neutron therapy in a phantom depth of 12 cm, a slow increase of the RBE-values can be registered in comparison to the radiation in a depth of 3 cm, if for the formation of the RBE-values the pure dose of neutrons without reference to the gamma-ray part will be employed. When we use for the formation of the RBE-values the neutron-dose including the dose for the corresponding gamma-ray part, a change of the RBE on the phantom depth tested here is not detectable.


[Studies on the growth rate of spontaneous mammary carcinomas in C3H inbred mice (author's transl)]. The incidence of spontaneous mammary carcinomas was determined in the C3H mouse inbred colony reared in Berlin-Buch over the past three years. Only female animals reaching a lifespan of no less than 170 days, corresponding to the longevity of the shortest lived animal in which a mammary carcinoma developed, were included in the study. A 50% incidence of mammary carcinomas was found with female animals above one year of age. The median age for the incidence of tumours was 446 days. Related to tumour-free females which at least have reached the median tumours age, the proportion of females developing mammary carcinomas was 86.8%. With increasing litters the tumour latency decreased from 491 for monoparous females to 383 days for mothers with 7 to 8 litters. The growth rate of 60 tumours under observation was found to vary grossly. With the minimum volume doubling time being the same in all cases, the growth rate of the tumours varied according to longer or shorter phases of stagnation or delay. Tumours having approximately equal growth rates throughout the period of investigation were classified as a "growth type". Altogether, seven growth types for spontaneous mammary carcinomas were established.


[The influence of the cellular composition of primary tumour cell suspensions on the in-vitro cultural growth rate with monolayer cultivation--a contribution to tumor-immunological interrelationships (author's transl)]. Quantitative differential analyses were performed on smears of primary suspensions of human malignant tumours prepared by tryptic digestion. We correlated the findings thus obtained with the in-vitro rate of positive cultivation in monolayer cultivation and clinical courses of tumour carriers. This way we found, that the ratio of lymphocytes to tumour cells in the cell suspension has significant influence on the in-vitro growth rate. We have explained the mutual reaction between lymphocytes and tumour cells as expression of a specific immunological reaction. The correlation with the clinical courses of tumour carriers underlines the in-vitro findings.


[The influence of menopause on prognosis of breast cancer (author's transl)]. Between 1949 and 1968, 1369 female patients received primary treatment for breast cancer in the Robert-Rössle-Clinic of the Central Institute for Cancer Research of the Academy of Sciences of the GDR. Using a sequential procedure based on decision theory, the influence of menopause on prognosis of breast cancer was investigated in clinical stage I--III. The following rank order of negative prognostic signs was found in the 365 patients of 46-55 years age (5-year survival rate in braquets): skin involved beyond breast (0%); inflammatory type of cancer (0%); fixation of chest wall (0%); radiation treatment only (10%); tumor diameter in surgical specimen 5 cm and more (26%); tumor diameter 10+ cm by clinical examination (31%); skin ulceration (0%); axillary lymph nodes considered to contain growth (40%); menopause (59.7%). 85% of menstrating patients without these adverse prognostic signs survived for more than 5 years. Taking into consideration other observations, it is suggested that breast cancer before menopause is mostly oestrogen-dependent. When the ovary ceases to produce oestrogens in the next future, the cancer looses hormonal stimuli necessary for growth. This interpretation is in agreement with the observations that younger menstruating women show a definitely worse prognosis (5-year survival rate 55,8%). In controlled clinical trials, patients before and after menopause should be randomized separately.


[Results of treatment of stomach cancer in a closed population free of selection bias (author's transl)]. Treatment results of surgery for gastric cancer differ widely in contemporary reports. This depends on criteria of selection and on composition of patients. Only results of treatment without any selection can give a solid ground for rational planning of cancer control measures. It must be admitted that there is a need for information concerning regional results of treatment of gastric cancer for planning of control measures. An investigation in the district of Erfurt, German Democratic Republic, gave some interesting data: The crude absolute 5-year survival rate for all stomach cancer cases in males registered in 1960-1966 reached 4,7% (87 of 1838). Distal partial gastrectomy gave 68 of 372 (or 18,3%) 5-year survivors. After radical total gastrectomy 8,6% (7 of 81) survived 5 years or more. In the first year following treatment, 81% (1488 of 1838) were registered as dead. Survival rates depend on age: 5 years survival rate of patients up to 65 years was 8,1% (59 of 729) and fell drastically in patients of 65+ years (28 of 1109 = 2,5%). The author gives some recommendations for the development of cancer control in the G.D.R.


[Sleep deprivation. Clinical ratings, psychophysiological and biochemical measures (author's transl)]. Clinical ratings, psychophysiological and biochemical measures were taken from 30 depressive patients before and after sleep deprivation of one night. Most patients improved after sleep deprivation. We found signs of activation and stress, without correlation with clinical improvement. The biochemical changes did not correlate with clinical improvement either.


[Idiopathic orthostatic hypotension (Shy-Drager syndrome). Results of regional cerebral blood flow measurements (author's transl)]. Using a gamma camera and the stochastic method, regional cerebral blood flow was measured in a patient with the diagnosis of idiopathic orthostatic hypotension. Blood pressure was altered by tilting the patient in supine position head-up and head-down. A partial defect in the autoregulation and CO2 sensitivity was found. Sensitivity to Norepinephrine was checked by intravenous infusion of 0.02 mug/min/kg body weight. An immediate marked rise in blood pressure was observed. Clinical symptoms, therapeutic guidelines, and histopathological findings are discussed.


Cerebrospinal fluid levels of chlorpromazine and it metabolites in schizophrenia. The concentrations of chlorpromazine and some of its metabolites in blood plasma and CSF from chlorpromazine-treated schizophrenics with different therapeutic results were studied. Compared to a good responder a poor responder showed very high levels of the inactive metabolite chlorpromazine sulphoxide in the CSF.


The recovery of the electrocorticogram of normothermic canine brains after complete cerebral ischemia. Complete cerebral ischaemias of 1 to 30 min duration were performed under normothermic conditions in completely isolated canine heads perfused from a donor dog. The electrocorticogram was found to return in the reperfusion period following these complete ischaemias. The latency of recovery, i.e. the interval between the end of the complete cerebral ischaemia and the reappearance of the first cortical potentials, increased with increasing duration of the complete cerebral ischaemia; thus, the latency of recovery after a complete ischaemia of 30 min amounted to 11 to 12 hours.


[Delayed initiation of voluntary movements after pyramidal lesions in man (author's transl)]. The reaction times for rapid movements in muscles of arm and leg were measured in 20 patients with unilateral lesions of the motor cortex and the internal capsule. Rapid unilateral and bilateral movements after an acoustic signal (click) on the pyramidally paretic side were compared with the normal side. In these patients and in 10 normal subjects, electromyographic and mechanical recordings from symmetrical muscles of both sides were compared. 2. All patients with pyramidal lesions showed in the case of unilateral movements a marked prolongation of motor latency in the affected muscles: compared to the normal side, the movement started 30-160 msec later in muscles contralateral to the lesion of the motor cortex. In contrast, normal subjects showed equal latencies on both sides with maximal differences of 10-20 msec. 3. When movements were executed bilaterally the latency prolongation in the pyramidally paretic muscles was markedly diminished or disappeared in later stages. In most patients the bilateral movements started simultaneously in the normal and the paretic muscles, except in 5 recent lesions of the contralateral motor cortex. 4. The significance of the findings is discussed in terms of the function of the human motor cortex in starting and controlling voluntary movements. It is assumed that the disappearance of latency prolongation when movements are executed bilaterally in patients with unilateral pyramidal lesions can be best explained by homolateral projections of uncrossed pyramidal fibres to the motoneurones. 5. These results, and other observations, suggest that the motor cortex starts and controls voluntary movements via rapidly conducting pyramidal fibres to the motoneurones. This occurs after a preprogramming and a readiness posture is established by other cerebral structures. The prolongation of motor latencies after motor cortex lesions is probably due to a disturbance in the rapidly conducting cortico-spinal projections to spinal motoneurones and interneurones.


The effects of a new xanthine derivative, 3,7-dimethyl-1(5-oxohexyl)-xanthin (pentoxifylline) on the general and cardiac haemodynamics of the intact animal. A study has been made of the effects of xanthine derivative (pentoxifylline) upon the general and cardiac haemodynamics of intact anaesthetised dogs. The drug increased heart-rate, respiration rate, cardiac output and systemic pressure. It reduced mean pulmonary arterial pressure. Coronary flow was increased for only a few minutes, but coronary sinus O2 content increased throughout the study. Lactate and pyruvate values increased in both artery and coronary sinus, as did the cardiac extraction of these substances. Cardiac extraction of non-esterified fatty acid increased.


[Definition of normal values in medicine]. The definition of the normal values of quantitative characters is discussed. Three distinct types of normality: statistical, biological and epidemiological, are examined. A method postulating the presence of several Gaussian components, one of which represents the truly normal population, in a heterogeneous population, is proposed for the statistical analysis of frequency distribution. Examples are given of the application of a relatively simple and effective graphical-numerical process. In the light of the preliminary results, systematic adoption of the process is suggested, not only for the definition of normal values in the sense of biological normality, but also in the comparison of patients and healthy subjects, whereby epidemiological normality can be defined by means of discriminant analysis. Lastly, the possibility of defining normal values for groups of variables is considered.


A comparison of strontium selenite broth and mannitol-selenite-cystine broth in the isolation of salmonellae from egg products. Of 103 isolations of Salmonella sp from egg pulp and albumen, 92 were made using strontium selenite enrichment broth and 54 were made using mannitol-selenite-cystine enrichment broth. The results suggest that the former medium may be used successfully for enrichment and subsequent detection of salmonellae in egg products.


A method for assessing phagocyte clearance rates in man. By comparing the clearance rates of ICG and 99mTc-sulphur colloid from the blood stream, it has been possible to provide a method for assessing the phagocytic activity of the reticulo-endothelial system in man.


[Analysis of some hematological parameters and variables connected with drinking and smoking in relation to subclinical blood lead values]. Long-term investigation of the mechanisms involved in the uptake of lead and its effect on the body is referred to. The relation between smoking, drinking and some blood parameters and blood lead and Ala-dehydrase is examined. A close connection between blood lead and alcohol, but not smoking, was noted, whereas both variables led to marked inhibition of Aladehydrase. A model for the relation between alcohol and blood lead was sought. There was a significant relation between Ala-dehydrase activity and the red cell count; this was corroborated by further statistical analysis and observation of increased globular values.


[Introduction to new research on correlations between manic-depressive psychosis and adult obesity-linked diabetes]. The problem of the association between adult diabetes, obesity and manic-depressive psychosis is examined in the light of new endocrinological and psychopharmacological findings. After a critical review of the vast old and recent literature on the matter, a physiopathological interpretation of the clinical association is put forward on the basis of mental, nervous and endocrine correlations in carbohydrate metabolism, with special reference to manic-depressive psychosis. The insulin-like effect of lithium on carbohydrate metabolism and correlated ions (phosphates, calcium, magnesium, potassium) at cell membrane level is then discussed. Theoretical and practical conclusions are drawn on the basis of these data. The former propose an essentially "structural" or "intersection" hypothesis of the association and suggest depth study of the insulin function especially in the "normal" phase of manic-depressive psychosis. The latter show the possibility of a clinical trial with lithium and other anti-depressant drugs in obese diabetics, with a close cooperation between psychiatrist and diabetologist.


Studies of the responses of basophil and eosinophil leucocytes and mast cells to the nematode Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Ultrastructural changes in basophils and eosinophils at the site of infection. Basophil and eosinophil leucocytes infiltrate the small intestinal lamina propria of guinea-pigs infected with the nematode Trichostrongylus colubriformis. By comparing the morphology of both cell types at the site of infection with bone marrow and buffy coat cells, it was found that, after entering the lamina propria, basophils developed an electron lucent halo beneath the granule-limiting membrane while the characteristic orderly periodicity of the granules changed to a fibrillar or amorphous appearance. The granules also tended to coalesce but remained within the cell. Approximately half the eosinophils at the site of infection developed deficiencies in the amorphous outer matrix of their granules but showed no obvious change in the central electron-dense cores.


[Hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus]. Since hyperthyroidism exacerbates the symptoms of diabetes, the treatment of surgical patients with pancreatic diabetes and hyperthyroidism should first aim at reducing thyroidal hyperactivity. This step is an essential prelude to the success of antidiabetic management.


Inhibition of renin secretion in the isolated rat kidney by angiotensin I. The effect of angiotensin I on renal perfusion pressure, and on basal and isoprenaline stimulated renin secretion, was examined in the isolated perfused rat kidney. The increase in prefusion pressure associated with intrarenal infusion of angiotensin I suggested conversion of the peptide to angiotensin II within the kidney. Basal renin secretion and the stimulatory response to isoprenaline were significantly suppressed by angiotensin I. The converting enzyme inhibitor SQ 20,881, infused at 1,600 X dose of angiotensin I, partially reversed the vasoconstrictor effect of angiotensin I without altering the degree of suppression of renin secretion.


An isotopic study of oxalate excretion in sheep. Intravenously injected 14C labelled oxalate was rapidly removed from the blood stream via the kidney in 2 sheep, 75% being cleared within 8 h. Mean daily urinary oxalate excretions over 5 days were 21-2 and 27-5 mg and the derived plasma oxalate concentrations were 52-6 and 74-4 mug/100 ml, respectively. Oxalate was both filtered and secreted by the renal tubule with oxalate/inulin ratios varying from 1-11 to 1-57 in 6 normal sheep. A large increase in calcium excretion induced by calcium borogluconate infusion over 5 days was accompanied by a small but consistent increase in urinary oxalate excretion relative to calcium. Oxalate in blood was to be found mainly in the plasma, there being a small (8%) proporation within erythrocytes. This is lower than that reported for man, and yet in its excretion of oxalate via the kidney the sheep appears to closely resemble man and dog.


[Campimetric changes in 35 subjects with chromophobe pituitary adenoma treated by intrasellar implantation of Y 90]. Campimetric alterations were observed in 35 patients suffering from hypophyseal chromophobe adenoma; the patients were therefore submitted intrasellar to implantation of Y90. After a fixed period of time, the patients were checked by the same campimetric technique, and the alterations encountered are described.


Regulation of sheep erythrocyte volume in anisotonic media. Sheep erythrocytes of high and low potassium types were incubated in non-haemolytic hypotonic and hypertonic media for 4-5 h at 30 degrees. After initial swelling or shrinking, they readjusted their volume toward their initial isotonic volume. The volume regulation was associated with specific changes in cation fluxes. In the swollen cells, efflux of both sodium and potassium was increased and influx of both cations was slightly decreased; the converse was true for the shrunken cells. All four fluxes were changed in a direction that led to return to normal volume. The difference in the response of the two types of sheep erythrocytes to changes of extracellular fluid osmolality resided in the different activity of their cation transport systems. It is concluded that sheep erythrocytes possess some means of regulating their volume in vitro which is linked to cation permeability. The exact nature of the physical mechanisms by which they accomplish this remains to be elucidated.


Cytophilic attachment of ovine IgG2 to autologous polymorphonuclear leucocytes. Preparations of ovine polymorphs were stained with fluoroscein-conjugated monospecific anti-immunoglobulin sera. Approximately 26% of polymorphs specifically stained with anti-gamma2, 16% with anti-light chain, 24% with anti-Fab and 24% with anti-ovine serum. There was no significant staining of polymorphs with anti-gamma1, anti-mu or anti-alpha. Cytophilic IgG2 could be removed from the cells by incubation at 37 degress and subsequently replaced by incubation in autologous serum at 4 degrees.


Allergenicity of epoxy-reactive diluents in the guinea pig. The sensitizer in epoxy resins may be the actual resin, the hardeners, the reactive diluents or the additives. An epoxy-reactive diluent, Epoxide No. 8, recently introduced on the Swedish market, and described by the manufacturer as nonsensitizing was checked for allergenicity by "the guinea pig maximization test". Judging from the results, Epoxide No. 8 in the guinea pig test was even more allergenic than butylglycidyl ether, another reactive diluent known to be a human skin sensitizer. The potential allergenicity of Epoxide No. 8 was also indicated by the fact that butylglycidyl ether, cresylglycidyl ether and epoxy resin elicitated positive reactions in animals sensitized to Epoxide No. 8.