Changes in the intensity and pleasantness of human vaginal odors during the menstrual cycle. Men and women estimated (by the method of magnitude estimation) the pleasantness and intensity of the odors of vaginal secretions sampled from consecutive phases of 15 ovulatory menstrual cycles of four women. On the average, secretions from preovulatory and ovulatory phases were slightly weaker and less unpleasant in odor than those from menstrual, early luteal, and late luteal phases. However, considerable variation in odor patterns was present across cycles from the same donor, as well as across cycles from different donors. These results indicate that human vaginal odors change slightly in both pleasantness and intensity during the menstrual cycle, but do not support the notion that such odors are particularly attractive to humans in an in vitro test situation.


Maduromycosis (Madura foot) in Kentucky. The first case of proven maduromycosis originating in the state of Kentucky, and the 21st case reported in the United States, is described. The disease, which involved the foot, was caused by Monosporium apiospermum. The importance of suspecting and culturing for fungal organisms in cases of chronic or recurrent infections of the extremities is stressed. The method of treatment was experimental; whether true cure was accomplished may not be known for years. Although many fungi, including Monosporium apiospermum, are relatively resistant to all forms of chemotherapy, some types of fungi readily respond to easily administered antibiotics. Specific fungal identification by trained mycologists is important in all cases of mycetoma.


Prenatal epidemiology of spontaneous cleft lip and palate, open eyelid, and embryonic death in A/J mice. Nongenetic bases of variability in the frequencies of spontaneous cleft lip and palate (CLP), open eyelid (OL), and fetal resorption were searched for in A/J mouse litters of prenatal ages 17-21 days post-VP and parities 1-7. The malformation rates did not decrease with advancing fetal age, and hence prenatal elimination does not account for the lower rates seen in newborns. Multivariate analysis indicated that the frequencies of CLP and resorption were inversely related to maternal age and directly related to litter size, and that the frequency of OL was related, directly, only to litter size; but that none were associated with maternal weight, parity, and several other variables. Regarding uterine location, the frequency of CLP was higher at the ovarian and cervical sites, OL higher at the cervical site, and resorption lower at the ovarian site, than elesewhere. CLP was significantly commoner in females, and OL commoner in males; also, since the percentage of males increased with parity, the frequency of CLP in males relative to that in females decreased with parity, and that of OL increased. Malformed offspring weighed less than normal ones; and the sex with the lower frequency of CLP or OL had the greater weight reduction. The results are discussed in relation to the frequency of malformations in human fetuses and newborns.


[Some figures for the year 1974 concerning mastitis of cattle in the Netherlands (author's transl)]. With the co-operation of the industry, information has been received for 1974, just as for the years 1971 to 1973, about the number of short-acting and long-acting injectors sold in the Netherlands. This reveals that the sales of short-acting injectors have in 1974 shown practically no change (-0.7 per cent). The use of long-acting preparations shows a clear rise in 1974, in comparison with 1973, namely 16 per cent. This is a favourable trend. The total losses caused in 1974 by mastitis have not changed in comparison with 1973. The individual stock farmer has little idea of the losses suffered by him on account of mastitis. The estimated total damage as a result of lost milk production in the Netherlands is about 100 million guilders a year. The damage due to premature culling occasioned by mastitis of cows runs at about 50 million guilders a year. All in all this represents damages of 75 guilders annually for every dairy cow and every cow in calf. It is imperative that this is realised by all bodies concerned with dairying in the widest sense of the world.


Some observations on the determination of cortisol in human plasma by radioimmunoassay using antisera against cortisol-3-BSA. Antisera were obtained from rabbits immunised against cortisol-3-BSA with a view to examining their application in a radioimmunoassay of the steroid. One such antiserum was studied in detail; cross-reactivity with other C21 steroids normally present in human plasma was negligible and it proved possible to establish a radioimmunoassay which satisfied all criteria of reliability. The specificity of the cortisol determination achieved in human plasma was examined by performing measurements with and without including an initial Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographic purification step; the values obtained were in excellent agreement both for normal plasma and for that obtained following adrenal stimulation with ACTH.


Production and characterisation of antisera to 18-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone. The production of highly sensitive and specific antisera to 18-hydroxy-11-deoxycorticosterone (18,21-dihydroxy-4-pregnene-3,20-dione) is reported. The antisera were generated in rabbits and guinea pigs with a 3-carboxymethoxime derivative of the steroid coupled to rabbit serum albumin. Antibody characteristics were determined by a radioimmunoassay procedure. Only minor differences between the two animal species were observed. Antibody titers ranged from 10 to 8000. Association constants were in the order of 10(8) to 10(10) 1/mole. A minimal amount of 40 pg unlabeled steroid was necessary to displace 50% of the tritiated steroid. Cross reaction with cortisol was 0.0002% to 0.031%, with aldosterone 0.0007% to 1.09%, with corticosterone 0.0025% to 1%, with 18-hydroxy-corticosterone 0.05% to 1% and with progesterone 0.0048% to 1.5%.


Synchronous testicular tumors in identical twins. Testicular tumors are found in approximately 2 per 100,000 population. An extremely rare occurrence of synchronous testicular tumor in identical twins is presented. A complete review of the world literature with regard to testes tumors in brothers and twins is also given.


Amyloidosis induced in hamsters by a filarid parasite (Dipetalonema viteae). Amyloidosis was induced in hmasters infected with the filarial nematode parasite, Dipetalonema viteae. The incidence of amyloidosis was 64% in a group inoculated with 150 larvae and 54% in the group receiving 150 larvae in each of two inoculations. Amyloidosis was not seen in control animals. Microfilariae probably served as the antigenic stimulus in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis, since those animals in which amyloidosis was formed had microfilaremias that were significantly greater (P less than 0.05) both in number and duration than those in infected animals that did not develop amyloidosis. Other reports of amyloidosis associated with filariasis are reviewed.


Plasma exchange in the treatment of immune disease. Plasma exchange was investigated as an alternative to the use of toxic drugs to remove unwanted antibody. Studies in rabbits immunized with bovine serum albumin demonstrate that exchange transfusion after a primary immunization results in a rebound of antibody to above preexchange levels. However, exchange transfusion seven, 11, or 18 days after secondary immunization results in permanent lowering of antibody levels. Plasma exchange with the continuous flow centrifuge was used in four patients with hematologic diseases. White cell isoantibodies were removed in a septic leukopenic patient, permitting white cell transfusions. Two patients with immune thrombocytopenia were exchanges; one showed prompt and permanent elevation of platelet count, while the other did not improve. A patient with immune hemolytic anemia had stabilization of hemoglobin levels and decreased Coombs reactivity following plasma exchange.


Plasma oestrogen and progesterone in relation to superovulation and egg recovery in the cow. Pregnant mares serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) was used in combination with prostaglandin F2alpha or its analogues to induce superovulation in 25 heifers. Total unconjugated oestrogen and progesterone were determined in peripheral plasma of these superovulated animals, and the levels compared with those found during the normal oestrous cycle. A very high level of oestrogen was found between day 3 and 6 after superovulation, and it seems likely that large unovulated follicles were responsible for the excess steroid. Similarly, progesterone levels were raised in the superovulated animal presumably due to production by the numerous corpora lutea. In two heifers, in which overstimulation of follicular development had occurred, there were no ovulations in one of the animals while in the other animal there were 16 ovulations but early regression of corpora lutea was indicated. It is concluded that the poor recovery of eggs on day 6 after superovulation could have been due to deleterious effects of high levels of oestrogen on either the motility of the genital tract causing the premature transport of eggs, or the properties of the zona pellucida.


A veterinary-controlled meat and poultry inspection centre in Canada. After being awarded a Sir Winston Churchill Fellowship the author visited Canada to examine the meat and poultry industry, particularly methods of production, inspection and retailing. This article deals with the methods of meat and poultry inspection employed in Canada's meat and poultry processing plants.


MNSs and Miltenberger frequencies in 211 Chinese. In serial MNSs tests on blood samples from 211 Chinese, 10 Mi(a+) were found, 9 of which were shown to belong to Miltenberger cell class III (Mi-III); it was assumed by analogy that this also applies to the tenth. The frequency of Mi-III in this Chinese series is thus 4.7%, almost 500 times higher than in Whites. Seventy persons in the series were tested for the Stones antigen: 2St(a+) were observed. Attention is drawn to the 'variant N' reactions of M Mi-III blood: positive with Vicia graminea extract, weakly positive with rabbit, negative with human anti-N. The reactions can be a source of error in MN tests on Chinese bloods.


[The clinical picture of spinal cord tumors with different histostructures in children]. An analysis into the results of treatment accorded to 101 sick children wiht tumours of the spinal cord evidences that the clinical picture of this pathology is distinguished by a number of features that depend on the histological structure, high compensatory potentialities and extraordinary plasticity of the child's spinal cord and vertebral column. In this connection of prime importance becomes the significance of assessing the data derived from a comprehensive examination, due consideration being given to the age-specific features of the patients. As concerns their incidence in children first and foremost are tumours of the glial series, distinguished by a comparatively mild course of the disease, paucity of focal and conduction symptomatology that is incongrous with the extent of the lesion involving the spinal cord both along its vertical and transverse section. The tumours of the meningovasal series are of rare occurrence, their salient feature being malignant evolution of the affection with extradural localization. Notwithstanding their intensive growth the heterotopic tumours cause in a number of cases some difficulty in the topicodiagnostic respect, this being due to a well-pronounced memingeal syndrome with an extremely poor focal symptomatology. An early surgical and radiation treatment of tumours in the glial series renders a realively good curative effect with partial restoration of disturbed functions in the early and late post-treatment periods.


[Influence of vitamins C, Bl, and B6 on the diurnal periodicity of the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex in patients with atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis]. Diurnal periodicity of the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex was studied in 52 patients with atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis without and with circulatory insufficency of the I, IIA and IIB stage, based on the determination of 17-OCS in 3 portions of the urine collected at equal 8-hours long time intervals. The patients without circulatory insufficiency and with insufficiency of the 1st stage received ascorbic acid in amounts of 0.3 g thrice a day, along with vitamins B1 and B6 (5 and 6 per cent) in doses of 1 ml for 14-16 days. Patients with circulatory insufficiency of the IIA and IIB stages were given vitamins and cardiac glycosides. Investigations ascertained disturbed rhythmic and functional activity of the suprarenals in these patients. The treatment resulted in improving the glucocorticoid function of the adrenal cortex with simultaneous normalization of the rhythmic activity of the suprarenals.


Bovine heterografts for hemodialysis.

Bovine heterografts for hemodialysis. Long-term results with 52 bovine, 53 saphenous vein and 78 radial-cephalic arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) were analyzed. Side-to-end radial-cephalic AVF provided the best patency data, and remain the preferred access system for hemodialysis. Bovine AVF were next in ranking with better patency rates than for the saphenous vein AVF studied. Corrected one-year patency rates were 71 percent for bovine, 45 percent for saphenous and 91 percent for radial-cephalic AVF. The incidence of nonthrombotic complications with bovine AVF was higher than with saphenous vein AVF. Distal ischemia due to "steal" and certain bleeding and wound complications were unique to bovine AVF. Excellent dialysis blood flow rates and easy accessibility were provided by bovine grafts. When a satisfactory radial-cephalic AVF cannot be created, bovine graft AVF is an acceptable alternative for hemodialysis access.


[State of the metabolism of thiamine in white rats during the long-term administration of ethanol]. Following introduction of ethyl alcohol in a dose of 4 g/kg for 4 months to rats receiving a solid food ration and 5gamma of thiamine the activity of the erythrocytes transketolase and the thiamine level in the liver did not experience any marked changes, but the transketolase activity in the liver increased. A replacement of one half of carbohydrates in the liquid ration with an isocaloric quantity of ethyl alcohol led over a period of 2 and 4 months to a rise in the activity of the erythocytes transketolase. The thiamine content in the liver mounted too, but then transketolase activity in the liver significantly decreased. The cause accounting for the conflicting liver transketolase changes with different rations and the mechanism of the "thiamine-saving" action of ethyl alcohol are discussed.


Foreign body in the right atrium: a complication of Pudenz ventriculo-atrial shunt. A dislodged Pudenz ventriculo-atrial shunting catheter in a 1.5 year old girl, removed from the right heart by right atriotomy, is presented. The diagnosis, complications and treatment of this unusual complication of the Pudenz shunt are discussed.


[The effect of ablation in the n. medianus raphe on the aggressive and sexual behavior of white rats]. A study was made of a change in the aggressive and sexual behaviour of albino rats under the influence of ablation of the n. medianus raphe whose serotonin-containing units send ascending projections to the forebrain. Ablation of the nucleus produced a drop in the serotonin level in the forebrain, and aggressiveness to mice, which was much more pronounced in the male than in the female animals. Intraspecial aggressiveness between animals of the same sex and the sexual behaviour of the male rats did not change. It has been assumed that n. medianus raphe exerts an inhibitory influence on the manifestation of aggression of the "predatory" animal.


[Modification of a radioimmunological double-antibody method for human chorionic somatomammotropin (HCS) as a rapid test suitable for high concentrations in the late pregnancy]. A rapid and reproducible double antibody radioimmunoassay for plasma human chorionic somatomammotropin is described. The assay can routinely be performed by incubation for three hours (37 degrees C). The different steps of this method and precision of test modifications were evaluated. Levels of HCS of 222 normal pregnant women between the 24th and 40th week of pregnancy were investigated in order to determine the normal range of HCS levels during pregnancy.


[Electrographic activity in rats during elaboration of fine distinctions]. A definite correlation has been found between the background EEG, the sensory afterdischarge (SAD) of the visual cortex and the nature of the animals' behaviour. Calmer rats with a well pronounced SAD exhibited activation of a certain type of hygienic movements, as fine differentiations were presented. As a rule, the movements were accompanied by EEG synchronization. At the same time positive conditioned reflexes persisted, in spite of an increased number of collisions. In restless animals, as the stress situation became stronger, forced movements appeared against the background of EEG desynchronization with a slightly pronounced SAD, alternating with numbness and stupor. Conditioned reflexes disappeared for several weeks. It has been assumed that relative retention of temporary connections in stress situations in animals with a well pronounced SAD is linked with the defensive-stabilizing nature of the inhibitory synchronized EEG rhythms.


[Influence of "clumping factor" from Staphylococcus aureus on phagocytosis (author's transl)]. In phagocytosis experiments the pathogenic significance of the "clumping factor" (CF) of Staphylococcus aureus was studied. CF-positive staphylococci were engulfed considerably less by leukocytes from rabbits and cattle than CF-negative staphylococci. Equally, the engulfment of staphylococcal skeletons (SSk) coupled with partially purified CF was significantly less than that of the SSk. The SSk had been prepared by extraction of staphylocci with formic acid. By this method the SSk were freed of all substances associated with staphyloccal virulence. Before coupling with CF the SSk were activated by cyanogen bromide. These in vitro-observations could be confirmed by the corresponding phagocytosis studies in experimental body cavities of rabbits. Thus, CF apparently interfered with the engulfment of the staphylococci by the leukocytes.


[Bread beetle (Stegobium paniceum L.) as Salmonella vector in fodder and fodder mixture (author's transl)]. In 1965 Salmonella eimsbuettel was isolated from two samples of fodder mixture for poultry and one sample of fodder mixture for pigs. In these samples of fodder mixtures there were also numerous specimen of bread beetles (Stegobium paniceum L.). The bread beetles remained in these fodder mixtures during more than 9 years (till June 1974), and by them S. eimsbuettel was proved in one sample of fodder mixture for chickens as well. From the other sample of fodder mixture for chickens Salmonella was isolated during 6 years and from the sample of fodder mixture for pigs S. eimsbuettel was isolated during seven and half years. In 1969 into 12 sterile samples of fodder 5-10 adult bread beetles were inserted. These bread beetles had been taken from fodder mixtures contaminated by S. eimsbuettel and bread beetles. The bread beetles multiplied in these fodder mixtures and from a year thereafter the fodders were searched for Salmonella every 6 months. In 4 samples of fodder (out of 12) S. eimsbuettel was proved till June 1974. The same Salmonella was isolated from well-washed and mashed bread beetles. Therefore the bread beetles (Stegobium paniceum L.) should be included into Salmonella vectors.


[Effect of adjuvants on the cellular function of the monocytic phagocytosing system]. The authors studied the effect of adjuvants differing by origin and physico-chemical nature (complete Freund's adjuvant, S. typhi endoxin, cadmium sulfate, iron trichloride) on the ingestion and digestion of erythrocytes of the sheep by the cells of monocytic phagocytizing system, on the persistence of the antigen in these cells, its complexation with the RNA-macrophages and the function of their lysosomal apparatus. The adjuvants change the phagocytizing capacity of the macrophages only in their administration in vivo. Administration to the animals of Freund adjuvant and of the S. typhic endotoxin somewhat increased the ingestion of the antigens, whereas the administration of FeCl3 and CdSO4 failed to change it or even somewhat decreased it. The capacity of ingestion of the antigen in vitro in macrophages obtained from the animals treated with the adjuvants was changed in comparison with the normal. All the adjuvants tested produced a marked action on the lysosomal apparatus of the cells of the monocytic phagocytizing system: they changed the activity of catepsin, promoted the accumulation and the retention in the lysosomes of the highly immunogenic fractions of the antigen, and increased the permeability (except the CdSO4 of the lysosomal membranes in the cells of the antigen binding with the RNA of the cells of the peritoneal exudate or the splenic cells.


[Comparative evaluation of the immunological activity of new typhoid vaccines with established prophylactic effectiveness (data from a controlled experiment)]. The authors present the results of studying the immunological efficacy of a dry alcoholic typhoid vaccine enriched with S. typhi Vi-antigen in the assessment of this vaccine in controlled epidemiological trial during the immunization of children aged 7--8 years. O- and Vi-antibodies were tested in the reaction of hemagglutination, H-antibodies--in the agglutination reaction with the microbial diagnostic agent, the properties of antibodies--in a test with cystein, and bactericidal properties of the sera--against the virulent S. typhi strain. Examination of 355 coupled sera obtained before and 3 weeks after the immunization demonstrated a high level of Vi-(1:47) and of the O-(1:580) antibodies and high bactericidal properties of the sera in persons vaccinated with the alcoholic vaccine enriched with the S. typhi Vi-antigen. The results obtained and the data on the formation of prolonged immunity following a simgle immunization suggested that a high protective effect was caused by a combined action of the O- and Vi-antigens contained in the vaccine in optimal doses.


Effect of two long acting injectable progestogens on lactation in the human. The effects of Depoprovera and Deladroxone were studied in humans, on certain milk components as well as on the growth of the nursed infants. Both drugs caused reduction in milk yield. Both drugs caused an increase in the concentration of milk total proteins, however. Depoprovera caused an increase while Deladroxone caused a decrease in the total amount of milk proteins per feed. Depoprovera showed no effect while Deladroxone caused an increase in the concentration of milk lipids; however, both drugs caused reduction in the total amount of milk lipids per feed. Both drugs showed no effect on the concentration of milk lactose, but caused reduction in the total amount of milk lactose per feed. The percentage increase in weight of nursed infants was decreased by Depoprovera, but not affected by Deladroxone.


Simultaneous urethrocystometry and urethra pressure profile measurement with a new technique. A new technique for simultaneous recording of the pressures within the urethra and urinary bladder is described. The pressures are recorded by microtransducers enclosed in a semiflexible dacron catheter. The recording system has a high frequency response (2000 HZ) and is free of motion-induced artefacts, which makes it possible to measure the urethra pressure profile with a high degree of precision.


Intra-ureteric pressures in women undergoing hysterectomy for carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Ureric function in five women undergoing Wertheim hysterectomy for carcinoma of the uterine cervix was assessed from intra-ureteric pressure recordings made with a new technique. No notable difference was found in frequency, rate or amplitude between the uretero-peristaltic waves recorded immediately before and after dissection of the ureter. In three cases, however, retro-peristalsis occurred and in two of them it persisted throughout the operation. The presence of retrograde peristalsis may indicate that the peristaltic activity of these ureters was disturbed by the operative manipulation. Ureteric stasis was also demonstrable by radiographic techniques in those cases in which retro-peristalsis occurred during the operation but not in those in which it was absent.


Goblet cells in the developing human nose. In a material of 56 foetuses and prematures, in the 9th to the 30th week, the nasal mucosa was removed in toto and stained with PAS-alcian blue, PAS, and the osmium whole-amount methods. The development, spread, distribution, and density of goblet cells were studied. Goblet cells start forming anteriorly in the nasal vestibule in the 13th week, spreading backwards according to a given, constant pattern in the course of the subsequent week. By the 30th week the goblet cells are present throughout the respiratory region, but there are marked differences in density between the various areas. The highest density was found anteriorly and inferiorly on the septum and lateral wall, and also in the inferior and middle meatuses. On the conchae the density is less, at the junction to the olfactory region least. As a whole, the density is still very low in foetuses and prematures, and it must increase very considerably around the time of birth. The differences in density found in the present study are probably present also, to some extent in children and adults. Formation of goblet cells is the final link in the process of differentiation into respiratory epithelium, instituted 4 weeks earlier with the formation of ciliated cells.


The role of catecholamines in stimulating the release of pituitary ovulating hormone(s) in sheep. Noradrenaline (NA) or dopamine (DA) were infused into the 3rd cerebral ventricle of the ewes in the stage of late anestrus and the release of LH and the induction of ovulation (IO) were followed. After the infusion of NA the release of LH and IO in the ewes with so-called "activated" ovaries was observed, while no reaction was found in the ewes with the "inactive" ovaries. The infusion of DA was without any effect either in the ewes with "activated" or with "inactive" ovaries.


Ocular lesions in experimental Trypanosoma brucei infection in cats. Experimental Trypanosoma brucei-infection progressing clinically peak-wise, induces intense proteinleakage in the anterior chamber of cats' and dogs' eyes, with a cyclitislike symptomatology, preceded by hypersensitivity of conjunctiva and respiratory mucosae, together with lacrimation, and facial oedema. The pherogram of aqueous humor is the replica of the serumpherogram at the endstage of the disease and is identical to secondary aqueous. Absence of any significant changes in serumproteins, immunoglobulins and the poor cellular reaction at tissue-level point towards immune unresponsiveness subsequent to experimental protozoal infection. Light-microscopy reveals at the level of the ciliary processes two kinds of cystic formation, the walls of which are formed by ciliary epithelium. One type contains amorphous material next to trypanosomes, macrophages and plasmocyte-like cells; the second type contains also fibrillar structures possibly reminding collagen. Ultramicroscopy suggests these cystic formation to be enlarged ciliary channels. The fenestrated capillary wall showing no changes neither after withdrawal of aqueous, nor after toxic parasite-action, the presence of large proteinmolecules and trypanosomes in the anterior chamber are due to damage to the ciliary epithelium.


[Reproduction of Bothrops moojeni Hoge in captivity]. It is stated that there are sufficient different morphological characteristics in order to distinguish the sexes with a certain practice, but that each of these characteristics by itself does not alone represent a completely valid criterium. These observations have shown in the periods of reproduction a chifting of six months after six years of captivity. Then the various phases of sexual behaviour are related: the male-fight, the courtship, the conquest of the partner by sexual display and finally the copulation. It is established moreover that the period between the copulation and parturition does not necessarily constitute the duration of gestation, which seems in fact shorter because of retarded fertilizations. However, there is quite a constant average of a period of gestation of 200 days. There follows a complete inventory of the 29 copulations and 67 layings that were observed.


[First stages of development of the mesodermic leaf in Polypterus senegalus Cuvier]. Investigations into the origin of the excretory system cells in Polypterus have shown a few interesting items about the first stages of mesoderm development in these fishes. After the gastrulation the mesoderm is not completely separated from the endoderm. The appearance of cavities in the mesoderm is quite limited and it even is but ephemeral in the superior part (in the epimeres). Lateral extensions of the mesomeric zones of the six most anterior metameres (especially metameres II to V) form the anlage of the pronephric duct. The latter will continue its way in a posterior and inferior direction without any participation of other mesoderm material. The elongation of the undifferentiated material that had been concentrated around the blastoporus will be responsible for the formation of the major part of the body, and mesoderm will play an important role in it. An enterocelic relation between mesoderm and endoderm in the anal region, as Kerr had conjected to see it, is due to the existence of evaginations of endoderm but gives no support to the enterocelic theory.


Coxsackieviruses in human disease.

Coxsackieviruses in human disease. The outstanding feature of this group of viruses is the wide spectrum of disease it produces in man. Type B viruses have been associated with gastroenteritis, pleurodynia, pharyngitis, meningoencephalitis, aseptic meningitis, pericarditis, myocarditis and respiratory infections. Type A viruses are associated with herpangina, hand, foot and mouth disease, conjunctivitis, meningoencephalitis and respiratory infections. The diagnostic virology laboratory is developing rapid methods of identification.


Unilateral pulmonary vein atresia: Diagnosis and treatment. The clinical, hemodynamic, angiographic and pathologic features of unilateral pulmonary vein atresia in a 16 month old boy are described. The relevant findings were symptoms and signs of influenza, roentgenographic evidence of unilateral diffuse interstitial edema, prominent interlobar fissures and pleural effusion, absence of abnormal cardiac structure and prominent unilateral bronchial circulation. Angiocardiography was necessary for a definitive diagnosis and revealed the lack of a site of entry for venous blood from the right lung into the circulation. The patient was treated successfully by a right pneumonectomy. The histologic hallmark in this case was extensive intimal fibrosis of the pulmonary veins.


Experimental "auricular electroacupuncture" in morphine-dependent rats: behavioral and biochemical observations. The experimental paradigm reported here provides a useful animal model with which to further study the effects of regional electrostimulation and its possible relationship with electrical acupuncture. What similarities there may be between electrical acupuncture and the technique of regional electrocerebral stimulation used for production of electrosleep and electronarcosis in animals and man remain to be elucidated. Further research studies, both clinical and basic, are clearly needed to answer some of the questions relating to the safety, efficacy, and possible mechanisms by which a technique such as electrical acupuncture may exert its effects.


Qualitative and quantitative determinations of acid phosphatase activity in vaginal washings. In the absence of spermatozoa, acid phosphatase activity (ACP) is an indicator of seminal fluid in cases of sexual assault. Both qualitative and quantitative ACP methods are employed by medical examiners. A large series of cases in which a qualitative test was employed is reported. A method for obtaining and handling specimens by vaginal washing was developed. This method provides suitable specimens for the examination for spermatozoa and the determination of ACP. Specimens obtained from 41 women provided examples of endogenous vaginal ACP and intravaginal seminal ACP. These specimens were used to evaluate qualitative and quantitative ACP methods for the detection of seminal ACP. Tartrate inhibition was not useful for separating endogenous vaginal and seminal ACP activities. The advantages of the method developed for specimen acquisition and of quantitative assays for ACP are discussed.


The effects of time of venipuncture on variation of serum constituents. Consideration of within-day and day-to-day changes in a group of healthy young men. Within-day and the day-to-day variations of serum constituents were evaluated in 11 healthy young men. Eighteen constituents, including electrolytes, metabolites, proteins, and enzymes, were assayed using the AutoChemist MultiChannel Analytic System. Venipunctures were performed at three hours of the day, 8 A.M., 11 A.M., and 2 P.M., on five separate experimental days. A three-factor analysis of variance model was employed to separate analytic variation from biological sources of variation. Statistically significant (p less than .05) group diurnal patterns (main effect of hour) during the six-hour period were found for serum lipids, iron, urea, albumin, total protein, and chloride. A unique individual diurnal pattern (subject-hour interaction) was statistically significant for serum potassium. Statistically significant main effect of month (main effect of day) for the group of subjects was seen for total lipids and potassium; however, the subject-day interaction term, which is an index of the day-to-day variation  for the subjects, was significant (p less than .05) for all of the constituents except for sodium ion. The comparison of the variation expected within-day versus the variation seen day-to-day over four months was made by pooling the sources of within-day variation (main effect of hour + subject-hour interaction + subject-day-hour interaction) and by pooling the day-to-day variation terms (main effect of day + subject-month interaction). For serum cholesterol, potassium, acid phosphatase, and phosphate ion, the within-day variation was greater than the day-to-day variation occurring over four months, while the other constituents showed day-to-day variations of a greater magnitude than that experienced during the six-hour period.


A pulmonary fungus ball produced by Cladosporium cladosporioides. A case of pulmonary fungus ball produced by Cladosporium cladosporioides is reported. The fungus occupied a cavity in the upper lobe of right lung. Invasion of the cavitary wall or adjacent pulmonary tissue by the fungus was not observed.


Glucocorticoid therapy in children. Effect on somatomedin secretion. Glucocorticoids cause growth retardation in children. We have studied the effect of these hormones on serum somatomedin (Sm) levels in seven children with nephrosis. Intravenous administration of methylprednisolone sodium succinate, 2.2 mg/kg, causes a rapid fall in serum Sm activity. The activity remains suppressed during continuous therapy, but returns toward normal when medication is omitted during the course of alternate-day therapy. We conclude that one reason for growth retardation secondary to continuous glucocorticoid therapy is suppression of Sm generation. A direct effect of these hormones on the cartilage cell or induction of an Sm inhibitor cannot be excluded by the reported experiments.


Variants of the group-specific component system as demonstrated by immunofixation electrophoresis. Report of a new variant, Gc Boston (Ge B). Immunofixation electrophoresis is a relatively simple and reliable method for the genetic phenotyping of the group-specific component (Gc) of serum. This method permits direct comparison of electrophoretic mobilities and band concentrations, with no interference by other proteins. The variants Gc Ab and Gc Y appear identical by this technique; the Eskimo variant appears to be similar to Gc D but not to Gc Ab as previously reported. Gc Norway, also designated Gc 1C, is electrophoretically cathodal to the slower band of Gc 1 and therefore appears to be a distinct variant. A new variant, Gc Boston, is single banded with mobility between the two bands of Gc 1.


Lack of action of prolactin suppression on the regulation of the human menstrual cycle. Bromocriptin (CB 154) has been found to suppress established lactation at a time when human plasma prolactin (HPRL) concentrations have already returned to the nonpregnant range. This action is due to inhibition of prolactin from the pituitary. It was then thought that a similar degree of inhibition induced during the menstrual cycle may help to uncover other possible biological actions of prolactin. In an attempt to elucidate this question eight breast-feeding mothers and seven normally menstruating volunteers underwent treatment with CB 154, including blood sampling during a sleep period. The dosage was 1 mg., three times daily, for 14 days in the first group and for a whole cycle in the normal volunteers. A control cycle preceded drug administration in the latter group. Prolactin (HPRL), growth hormone (HGH), luteotropin (LH), progesterone (PG), and estradiol (E2) were estimated (mean +/- standard error) along the menstrual cycles in the normal volunteers. HPRL and milk volumes were measured in the breast-feeding women in the base-line period and during treatment. In the postpartum group, basal HPRL had already reached normal levels prior to therapy (10.8 +/- 1.0 ng. per milliliter) and was significantly (p less than 0.002) depressed to 3.7 +/- 0.4 ng. per milliliter by CB 154. This degree of inhibition was effective in suppressing lactation within 24 to 48 hours in all of the subjects in that group. The fall in plasma HPRL from 9.5 +/- 1.5 ng. per milliliter to 3.2 +/- 0.2 ng. per milliliter observed in the normally menstruating women was similar to the one recorded in the breast-feeding group, but the sequence of hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle was not altered by treatment. The overnight study ensured around-the-clock prolactin inhibition. Results indicate no action of prolactin in the regulation of the human menstrual cycle at levels of inhibition at which a biological action of this hormone is clearly suppressed.


Complementary role of sonography and arteriography in management of uterine choriocarcinoma. Uterine choriocarcinoma develops fairly frequently after passage of a hydatidiform mole and very rarely after normal pregnancy or abortion. The disease is highly curable by chemotherapy, especially if detected early. Histologic examination of uterine curettings is unreliable and the principal indicator of active primary or metastatic disease is the HCG titer. The ability to visualize the tumor is helpful for a variety of reasons. In the past, this has been achieved primarily through arteriography. Our experience with 6 patients suggests that sonography is as sensitive a detector as arteriography and perhaps somewhat more specific. These facts, plus its convenience and repeatability, make ultrasound the method of choice for visualization of intrauterine malignant trophoblastic disease. Arteriography will continue to play an important role where the sonographic findings are equivocal and where local invasion or distant metastases are suspected.


Pneumatoceles as a complication of chemical pneumonia after hydrocarbon ingestion. Of 338 children with hydrocarbon ingestion, 134 (40 percent) had pneumonia. Pneumonia was most common after kerosene, furniture polish and lighter fluid ingestion. The pneumonia was most severe, however, with furniture polish. Pneumatoceles occurred in 14 children, most commonly with charcoal lighter fluid ingestion. Pneumatoceles generally appeared late, after the consolidation had cleared. Pneumatoceles were often large, septate and irregular, and sometimes contained fluid levels.


Present status of trichostrongyliasis in Iran. Infection with species of Trichostrongylus is common among man and animals in most parts of Iran, and human infections with T. orientalis, T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, T. axei, T. capricola, T. probolurus, T. skrjabini, and a possibly new, unnamed species have been reported. All are found in Isfahan, central Iran, where the overall prevalence is 67% and the predominant species are T. orientalis and T. colubriformis. Among 737 nomads migrating from the central parts to the south, 86% were found to be infected with one or more of five species (in order of frequency): T. colubriformis, T. orientalis, T. axei, T. capricola, and T. vitrinus. In Khuzestan, southwest Iran, human infections with T. orientalis, T. colubriformis, T. axei, and T. vitrinus with an overall prevalence of 71% have been reported. In the northern parts, along the Caspian Sea, the rate is 7% and the species found, in order of frequency, are T. colubriformis, T. axei, T. vitrinus, and T. orientalis. Trichostrongylus infections are also found in the northwest but are rarely seen in the northeast. In most areas females are more frequently and more heavily infected than are males. All species found in man, except the new, unnamed species, are also found in sheep, goats, cattle, and camels; the number of species found and the order of their frequency differ in various animals and in different areas. Infection in other mammals, such as hares (T. retortaeformis and T. orientalis) and porcupines (T. orientalis), has also been reported.


The onset of synaptogenesis in rat temporal cortex. The onset of synaptogenesis was studied in the temporal cortex of rat fetuses whose age ranged between 15 and 19 days of gestation. First synapses were found at a surprisingly early stage of cortical development: on day 16. These contacts showed relatively few vesicles and very inconspicuous membrane-thickenings. They were located in the marginal layer, above as well as below the narrow band formed by the newly arrived first neuroblasts of the prospective corticle plate. The postsynaptic structures were probably dendrites of the horizontally or obliquely orientated neurons scattered throughout the marginal layer (such neurons were seen even within the cell-dense band). On day 17, the cortical plate separated the differentiated cells definitely into a superficial and a deep population. As on the following days, synapses were found above and below the cortical plate but not within it. In addition to contacts showing the same features as those described on day 16, there were already synapses with numerous vesicles and clearly asymmetric membrane thickenings. On days 18 and 19 the borders of the cortical plate became more clear-cut. The well-differentiated neurons situated above and below this plate could now be identified as Retzius-Cajal cells of the prospective molecular layer and as polymorphous cells of the layer VI b respectively. The presence of axo-somatic contacts on these neurons provided direct evidence that both cell types are targets for synapses. Desmosome-like junctions were found even in the youngest fetuses studied. Their roughly symmetric membrane thickenings were clearly more conspicious than those of earliest synapses. Desmosome-like junctions occurred very frequently between structures which subsequently were never seen to become synaptically linked. During the entire period studied, numerous coated vesicles fused with cell membranes were noted. Such "open" vesicles were seen on neurons (sometimes in the immediate vicinity of synapses) but also on non-nervous, extracortical as well as intracortical structures. Thus there does not seem to be a specific relationship between desmosome-like junctions and coated vesicles on the one hand and synapse formation on the other.


Observations on the fine structure of propylthiouracil-induced "brown degeneration" in the zona reticularis of mouse adrenal cortex. Propylthiouracil (6-propyl-2-thiouracil), an anti-thyroid agent, was fed to mice in a concentration equal to 0.1% of their diet for periods of 10 and 15 weeks. The cells of the inner zone of the adrenal cortex were examined with the electron microscope. In animals receiving propylthiouracil for ten weeks mitochondria were altered and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) showed a marked focal proliferation. In contrast to control animals rough endoplasmic reticulum was abundant and was frequently associated with the  hyperplastic SER. After 15 weeks these alterations were no longer present but had been replaced by a spectrum of "brown degeneration." The less affected cells were characterized by increased numbers of liposomes and lysosomes and the more affected cells by liposomal and mitochondrial degeneration. These observations emphasize that "brown degeneration" is a true degenerative process and not a spontaneous proliferation of ceroid pigment. It is suggested that the changes described may be directly related to an alteration in cholesterol metabolism.


Cardiovascular effects of isoflurane and halothane during controlled ventilation in older patients. Isoflurane or halothane was administered at two different inspired concentrations to 21 surgical patients whose average age was 62 years. Most were in physical status (ASA) II or III. Patients were premedicated with diazepam and atropine, anesthesia was induced with thiopental, and tracheal intubation was facilitated with succinylcholine. Respiration was controlled manually or with a ventilator. Anesthesia was maintained with 60 percent N2O and halothane 1 percent, then 0.5 percent, or with N2O-isoflurane 1.2 percent, then 0.6 percent in O2. Variations in the cardiovascular responses among patients given the same anesthetic were as great as the variation in responses between anesthetics. Both produced similar decreases in arterial pressure, cardiac output, and stroke volume. Changes in pulse rate were minimal, and total peripheral resistance changes quite variable, for both drugs. Both halothane and isoflurane appear satisfactory for inhalation anesthesia in the elderly.


Heart-rate slowing and junctional rhythm following intravenous succinylcholine with and without intramuscular atropine preanesthetic medication. The incidence of heart-rate slowing (greater than 15 percent) and junctional rhythm after two injections of succinylcholine (1 mg/kg), separated by 5 minutes, was determined in adult patients. All patients received intramuscular morphine as preanesthetic medication 60 to 90 minutes before intravenous thiamylal anesthetic induction. Intramuscular atropine (mcg/kg) 60 to 90 or 15 to 20 minutes before anesthetic induction did not alter the incidence of first or second succinylcholine dose heart-rate slowing or junctional rhythm as compared with patients receiving only morphine premedication.


Hazards in use of anode endotracheal tube a case report and review. While the design and manfacture of plastic tubes have been greatly improved in recent years, spiral-metal-bound latex tubes are still subject to a number of hazards, among them herniation of the intramural cuff-inflating tube into the lumen of the anode tube, preventing entry or exit of gases through the anode tube after cuff inflation. Problems may also occur at the bevel and at juctions. Until better-designed anode tubes are available, extra care is required in their use.


Relation between glucose tolerance and serum insulin levels in man before and after thiopental intravenous administration. A glucose-tolerance test was performed in a number of healthy volunteers before and after a single dose of intravenous sodium thiopental. During this test, serum insulin levels were determined at similar intervals. A small but significant decrease in glucose tolerance, not related to serum insulin levels, was seen.


Electrocorticographic seizure activity during enflurane anesthesia. In electrocorticographic recordings obtained during enflurane anesthesia, abnormal electrical activity was elicited with light and moderate levels of enflurane anesthesia and suppressed at a level of deep surgical anesthesia; Paco2 was constant at 34 +/- 2 torr throughout. Enflurane may prove to be of value in determining foci of abnormal electrical activity.


Single-needle lateral approach for lumbar sympathetic block. During the past 5 years, we have used a single-needle lateral approach to lumbar sympathetic block. With the patient prone, a 22-gauge, 14-cm lumbar-puncture needle is inserted at a point 12.5 cm lateral to the spine of the 4th lumbar vertebra at a 35 to 40 degrees angle to the skin. When the needle is placed opposite the anterolateral surface of the body of the vertebra, the patient is placed in 5 to 10 degrees Trendelenburg position and 20 ml of local anesthetic solution is injected. The drug flows cephalad to encompass the sympathetic chain as high as L-2. The advantages of this procedure over the classic technic are that it is less painful, less apt to produce paresthesias and inadvertent sensory anesthesia, and easier to perform.


Dextran 40 anaphylaxis.

Dextran 40 anaphylaxis. A case report illustrating an anaphylactic reaction to low molecular weight dextran (dextran 40) is presented. The incidence, possible etiology, manifestations, and management of this adverse drug reaction are discussed.


Teflon injection of vocal cords under general anesthesia: a new method. Use of general anesthesia permits the injection of Teflon paste into immobile vocal cords in an accurate and predictable manner, with the help of a special endotracheal tube and jetted O2 or O2/n2O mixture. The authors position a nonfunctioning vocal cord so that when the functioning cord is fully adducted , the two cords are in perfect approximation for phonation. This has allowed marked improvement in effective expulsive postoperative coughing and vocalization. Debris is blown away from the operating side and not into the patient's trachea. If excessive injection of Teflon is avoided, an uneventful postoperative course can be expected.


Rheumatoid arthritis of the cricoarytenoid joints: an airway hazard. The anesthesiologist must maintain a high index of suspicion for the presence of cricoarytenoid arthritis and vocal-cord fixation in the rheumatoid arthritic. He must be prepared to intubate the trachea blindly, attempting to minimize trauma by using a smaller endotracheal tube. Indirect laryngoscopy, or direct laryngoscopy using a fiberoptic laryngoscope, may be indicated as part of the preanesthetic evaluation. In some instances, preanesthetic tracheostomy or an alternative regional anesthetic technic may be appropriate. Unusually close vigilance in the postoperative period may be required to detect signs of postextubation airway obstruction.


Comparison of methotrimeprazine and meperidine as components of balanced anesthesia. Methotrimeprazine (MTM) (0.5 mg/kg) and meperidine (1.5 mg/kg) was administered to four groups of 10 patients each. Two of these groups (I and II) received MTM or meperidine 12 minutes before, two other groups (III and IV), 3 minutes after, induction of thiopental anesthesia. N2O-O2 was administered after thiopental induction, and fractional doses of meperidine and muscle relaxants were used as required for maintenance of anesthesia. The preliminary administration of MTM or meperidine decreased the induction dose of thiopental by about 60 percent. When administered before thiopental, both had similar effects on heart rate, but whereas MTM moderately decreased, meperidine moderately increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure MTM had little or no effect on respiratory rate, which was significantly depressed by meperidine. When given after an induction dose of thiopental, the circulatory effects of MTM and meperidine were similar. Respiratory measurements were little affected by MTM but were markedly depressed by meperidine. The mug/kg/min maintenance doses of meperidine were about the same in the four groups. Postanesthetic recovery of consciousness was delayed in the two MTM groups. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was less in the MTM than in the meperidine groups. MTM appears to have several advantages over meperidine as a component of balanced anesthesia, but is not desirable if rapid postanesthetic recovery or early ambulation is important. Its use is indicated in patients in whom even transient respiratory depression is undesirable and in those in whom prolonged postoperative sedation is desired.


Sevoflurane: a new inhalational anesthetic agent. Laboratory screening of a series of halogenated methyl isopropyl ethers revealed sevoflurane (fluoromethyl-1,1,1,3,3,3,-hexafluroro-2-propyl ether) as a potent nonexplosive inhalational anesthetic agent. Sevoflurance, a pleasant-smelling liquid, boils at 58.5 degrees C at 760 torr and has a vapor pressure of 200 torr at 25 degrees C. It is nonflammable in air and has lower flammability limits of 11 vols percent in O2 and 10 vols percent in N2O. Sevoflurane exhibits limited chemical reactivity in vitro; it is subject to slight but measurable hydrolysis, and reacts with soda lime to form traces of related ethers. It provides rapid anesthetic induction and recovery consistent with its low distribution coefficients (blood:gas, 0.6; corn oil:gas, 41.6; olive oil:gas, 53.4). In dogs, anesthetic concentrations of sevoflurane did not produce spontaneous cardiac arrhythmias and did not sensitize the heart to epinephrine. Electroencephalographic patterns were similar to those observed during anesthesia with halothane. In rats, small increases in the urinary excretion of inorganic fluoride ion occurred during the first 24 hours after anesthesia. Subacute studies in dogs and rats, using closed-circle absorption with soda lime, revealed no toxicologically significant changes in animals anesthetized frequently for 2 weeks. Sevoflurane appears to be a unique volatile anesthetic agent worthy of further study.


Laryngeal sequelae of endotracheal anesthesia. The endotracheal administration of anesthesia has been improved considerably in the past decade. By reducing mortality and morbidity, this modality has made possible many advances in all forms of surgery, especially of the chest, head, and neck. There are, however, some disadvantages: 1. The endotracheal tube is a foreign body and thus can cause irritation. 2. Lubricants and solutions used for cleansing and sterilizing the tube may be irritating and can produce a membrane which obstructs the airway. 3. The lumen of the airway is reduced, an especially hazardous problem in children. 4. The patient must be under deeper anesthesia for intubation than is sometimes necessary for the surgical procedure. 5. There may be trauma to teeth, pharynx, nose, or trachea during intubation. 6. Coughing or straining may cause increased venous pressure, with undesired effects. 7. Bacteria from the nose may be carried to the lower respiratory tract. 8. Pulmonary sequelae may occur. 9. Laryngeal sequelae may occur. It is with laryngeal sequelae that we are concerned in this (1951) presentation, which includes the reports of 8 cases of laryngeal obstruction, with 2 deaths, and 7 cases of laryngeal granulomas.


A complication of Rusch armored endotracheal tubes. During anesthesia, inflation of the cuff on a Rusch armored endotracheal tube was not possible. The cause is discussed and possible solutions to the problem are offered so as to prevent its recurrence.


Treatment of bronchospasm during anesthesia. During anesthesia, wheezing and difficult breathing are dangerous, requiring prompt therapy. The pressurized isoproterenol cartridge described in this report may be interposed conveniently in the anesthesia breathing system, is inexpensive, and provides accurate dosage. This device proved effective in treating bronchospasm and decreasing wheezing and secretions in 11 out of 12 cases. The mean (+/- SEM) peak airway pressure was 43 (+/- 2) torr before and 31 (+/- 2) torr after treatment; mean Paco2 was lowered from 60 (+/- 6) to 47 (+/- 4) torr; mean pH increased from 7.24 (+/- 0.03) to 7.33 (+/- 0.03), and mean percent increase in Pao2 was 32 (+/- 13.4). No cardiac arrhythmias, tachycardia, or rise in blood pressure were observed.


The effect of lumbar epidural anesthesia on fetal heart rate baseline variability. Baseline fetal heart rate (FHR) variability has become an important parameter in the diagnosis of fetal distress when electronically monitoring the fetus. Loss of the baseline variability has been noted to be associated with fetal distress, and in association with late deceleration or severe variable deceleration patterns has been shown to be ominous. Baseline FHR variability, however, has been modified not only by fetal distress but also by prematurity and the administration of certain drugs to the mother. Because FHR is often monitored during labor in parturients given lumbar anesthesia, the question of the effect of this procedure on FHR variability arose. Fifteen such patients with no antepartum or intrapartum complications were studied in active labor. All were monitored by electrocardiography on a continuous basis, FHR being studied before and after epidural anesthesia with lidocaine, with and without epinephrine. Of the 15 patients, tracings in 8 (53 percent) revealed a minimal or moderate change in baseline variability within several minutes of drug injection. This change in variability was recorded from 4 to 18 minutes, after which time the pre-epidural FHR variability was reestablished. Although the mechanism for this result was not definitively determined, such variability in FHR does not in itself seem significant of fetal distress but suggests supportive measures for the patient.


Postoperative analgesia for thoracotomy patients. Severe postoperative pain, which may persist for up to 3 days and may lead to postoperative complications, due to the patient's inability to breathe deeply and cough, is frequently experienced in the area of the incision and chest tubes by thoracotomy patients. Eighteen patients undergoing routine thoracotomies were tested preoperatively for arterial blood gases and pulmonary function and given chest x-rays. Anesthesia consisted of thiopental, succinylcholine, N2O, enflurane, and pancuronium. Before incision closure, 6 intercostal spaces were injected by the surgeon with 3 ml of a randomly determined drug mixture. Patients received either bupivacaine and saline solution, bupivacaine and LMW dextran 40, or saline and LMW dextran 40. Arterial blood gases, pulmonary function, chest x-rays, narcotic dosage, sensory level, and subjective responses were evaluated for 3 days postoperatively. Results demonstrate that intercostal nerve blocks can markedly reduce postoperative pain and improve pulmonary function in such patients. Significant differences from controls were seen in Pao2, Paco2, vital capacity, forced expiratory flow rates, analgesic requirements, and patient comfort. The duration of the block with bupivacaine and saline was less than 12 hours, while the mean duration of the block with bupivacaine and dextran 40 was 36 hours.


Antagonistic effect of morphine on the positive inotropic response of ouabain on the isolated rabbit heart. The antagonistic effect of morphine on the positive inotropic response of ouabain was studied in 96 isolated rabbit hearts, using a modified Langendorff preparation. Decreased calcium (Ca) in the perfusate resulted in increased depression of peak left ventricular dP/dt by morphine (10(-4) gm/ml), and the number of beats required to reach the depression was proportionally reduced with the reduction of calcium chloride from 2.16 mM to 0.54 mM. Likewise, the positive inotropic effect of ouabain (10(-6) gm/ml) was proportionally reduced by the same reduction of calcium chloride concentration in the perfusate, but the number of beats required to reach the cardiotonic effect was proportionally increased with Ca deficiency. The opposing effects of ouabain and morphine were mutually antagonistic regardless of the order of drug administration. When the hearts had been previously exposed to morphine, ouabain stimulation was no longer beat-dependent. Following prior exposure to ouabain, the beat-dependency of morphine depression on the heart also was partially antagonized. These results suggest that the level of maximal dP/dt during morphine depression or ouabain stimulation is directly related to the extracellular concentration of Ca. The number of beats required to attain the depression or stimulation is probably a reflection of the rate at which equilibrium is established between the mobile fraction of extracellular and intracellular Ca, since transmembrane movement of Ca is believed to occur during each beat. A possible common site of morphine and ouabain effect may be the cellular membrane, where ionic flux occurs.


Agglutinability of cattle red cells. 3. Conglutination. Addition of both complement and conglutinin was necessary to conglutinate the cattle red cells (CRC) when they were sensitized by different blood typing reagents. Although the degree of conglutinability of the CRC was influenced by the particular blood factor-reagent combination the average conglutinability (i.e. average titre scores) of CRC from different MZ pairs varied from 1.9 to 16.2. The titres of complement varied from zero to 1:32, while the titres of conglutinin ranged from 1:8 to 1:1024 in the different sera from MZ cattle twins. The variance due to differences in the titre scores between MZ pairs was 82.2% for conglutinin and 68.3% for complement. There was no evident association between the titres of conglutinin and complement.


Venous air embolism prophylaxis with a surface-active agent. The protective effect of a nonionic surface-active polyol agent (Pluronic F-68) against bolus injection and constant-rate IV infusion of air was studied in 21 dogs anesthetized with pentobarbital. Aortic, pulmonary artery and right ventricular pressures, cardiac output, end-tidal CO2 concentration, wasted ventilation, and blood surface tensions were measured before and after the IV administration of this surfactant. The magnitudes of change in the cardiorespiratory responses measured after venous air embolism were significant (p less than 0.05) reduced in the treated animals. This agent may be advantageous for surgical patients when an increased risk of venous air embolism exists.


Biochemical polymorphism of starry flounder, Platichthys stellatus, from the northwestern and northeastern Pacific Ocean. Three enzyme systems, MDH, PGM and AGPDH, were investigated in starry flounder collected from off northwestern Hokkaido Island, Japan; western Kamchatka; USSR; Puget Sound, Washington, USA; and Yaquina Bay, Oregon, USA. Significant differences in MDH allele distribution were found between the Asian-Puget Sound and Yaquina Bay-Puget Sound samples suggesting that this system may be useful to separate different population units. The allele frequencies of MDH and PGM did not show significant variation with body length and handedness in starry flounder collected from Puget Sound, Washington, and did not support the hypothesis of differential viability between dextral and sinistrial forms of starry flounder.


Ketamine-pancuronium-narcotic technic for cardiovascular surgery in infants--a comparative study. Ketamine, pancuronium, and alphaprodine were used as the primary anesthetic agents in 71 infants requiring cardiovascular operations during a recent 1-year period. This group of patients was compared with a similar group anesthetized 3 years before with d-tubocurarine, halothane, and/or N20-O2. Stability of the circulatory system was well maintained with ketamine-pancuronium-narcotic (KPN) during the induction period. However, once surgical dissection of the heart and great vessels began, hypotension/bradycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and 48-hour mortality were similar for the two groups. Therefore, using these criteria for analysis, the KPN technic, in spite of claims for its minimal adverse effect on the cardiovascular system, did not prove superior to the halothane-N2O-O2-curare technic.


Nonivasive assessment by capacitance respirometry of respiration before and after extubation. Respiration before and after extubation was studied in postoperative patients following weaning from respirator support. Changes in tidal and minute volume and respiratory flow rates were determined by capacitance respirometry, a noninvasive method of monitoring respiration. The presence of an endotracheal tube of 7.5 to 8.5 mm ID had no significant effect on ventilation, respiratory flow rates, or intrapulmonary shunting. Laboratory and clinical evidence showed that in postoperative patients, an endotracheal tube of 8 mm ID substitutes a relatively low, predictable resistance for a potentially excessive and variable upper airway resistance.


A comparison of aggressive play and aggression in free-living baboons, Papio anubis. A quantitative comparison is given of aggressive play and aggression in terms of the duration and type of movement patterns employed, and the relationships between individuals. The mean length of contact in play was greater than in aggression, whereas chases tended to be longer in adult male aggression than in play, Linear hierarchies describing the overall direction of interactions between individuals were divisible into two sorts, according to the frequency with which roles were reversed. The regions of the body bitten and the proportions in which six types of movement pattern were used were related to the type of hierarchy involved. The results are discussed with reference to the possible functions of social play in the development of movement patterns and individual relationships.


Effects of testosterone propionate on the social behaviour of groups of male comestic ducklings Anas platyrhynchos L. One-month old testosterone-injected ducklings were observed in groups of three males and their social behaviour compared to that of oil-injected control birds. Most elements of adult sexual behaviour and one pattern of aggressive behaviour (chest fight) occurred more frequently in the experimental animals. It was shown that the same hormonal treatment induces different behavioural responses in different animals. Unlike previous studies, no social displays were observed in the testosterone-injected ducklings. Possible explanations of this fact are discussed.


A comparison of renal effects and metabolism of sevoflurane and methoxyflurane in enzyme-induced rats. Twenty-five 5-month-old male Fischer-344 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: Group I, no anesthesia; Group II, 1.4 precent sevoflurane for 2 hours; Group III, 0.1 percent phenobarbital, ad lib, in drinking water for 7 days; followed by 1.4 percent sevoflurane for 2 hours; Group IV, 0.25 percent methoxyflurane, 1 hour; Group V, phenobarbital in water as in Group III, followed by methoxyflurane as in group IV. Pre- and postanesthetic serum and urinary osmolality, Na+, K+, urea nitrogen (BUN), inorganic fluoride (F-) levels, and 24-hour urine volume were measured. Kidney tissue was obtained for examination by light and electron microscopy. Sevoflurane was metabolized to F- to a lesser extent than was methoxyflurane; treatment with phenobarbital-sevoflurane doubled urinary F- excretion, resulting in a value similar to that seen after methoxyflurane alone. There was no functional or morphologic evidence of renal abnormalities in either group of rats anesthetized with sevoflurane. Methoxyflurane dosage was sufficiently low that renal abnormalities did not occur except in rats treated also with phenobarbital; these animals developed polyuria and the morphologic lesion typically associated with F--induced nephrotoxicity.


The allergenic significance of certain fungi rarely reported as allergens. The allergenic significance of seven different species of fungi was investigated. Included were Chlorophyllum molybdites, Podaxis pistillaris, Stemonitis ferruginea, Lycogala epidendrum, Fuligo septica, Ustilago maydis and Puccinia cynodontis. All of these fungi have wide distribution patterns and aerially disseminated spores but, because of their unique growth characteristics, are usually not reported in atmospheric fungal surveys. Seventy-eight patients were treated for dermal sensitivity to extracts of the organisms after the spores were extracted in 50% glycerinated Coca's solution. The results represent a six-month test period. Forty-four patients, representing 56% of the total number tested, demonstrated dermal reactivity toward one or more of the extracts.


Arterial cannulation: factors in the development of occlusion. Wrist arteries of 100 patients were percutaneously cannulated with 20-gauge cannulas; pulse-wave recordings and changes in arterial-pressure wave configuration were then used to determine whether a cannulated artery was patent of occluded. At the time of decannulation, 23 of the 100 arteries were thrombosed. Of the three cannula types used in the study, the tapered Medicut was most frequently related to occlusion. Age of patient, trauma to the artery, and duration of the cannulation were not related to later thrombosis. Reversing the direction of the cannula did not change the incidence of thrombosis. Women developed thrombosis twice as frequently as men. A short (+/- 3 cm), small diameter (20 gauge) non-tapered cannula was found most efficient.


Structural proteins of bovine viral diarrhea virus. A procedure for the purification of radioactively labeled bovine viral diarrhea virus was critically evaluated. Purification of virus from artificial mixtures of unlabeled infected and labeled noninfected cells indicated that the extent of purification was approximately 100-fold with respect to host proteins. Residual host proteins were found to contaminate the viral preparation even after extensive purification by differential and isopycnic zonal centrifugation. Co-electrophoresis of 3H-labeled virus with 14C-labeled host cell material in neutral sodium dodecyl sulfate-7.5% polyacrylamide gels provided a means to distinguish viral specific proteins from host cell protein contaminants. Four major electrophoretic components were identified as being of viral origin; molecular weights of the components were estimated from their migration rates relative to protein markers of known molecular weight. Two viral components (VC), VC 1 and VC 3, migrated heterogeneously and had molecular weights of 93,000 to 110,000 and 50,000 to 59,000 daltons, respectively. Molecular weights of VC 2 and VC 4 were 70,000 and 25,000 daltons, respectively.


Multiseptate gallbladder diagnosed during pregnancy.b0a. A sixth case report of multiseptate gallbladder is presented because of its rarity and because of its association in pregnancy. The anomaly has a diagnostic X-ray appearance. As reported in four previously recorded cases, no inflammation was found in our patient's specimen despite symptoms mimicking cholecystitis. Initial presentation and worsening clinical course during the patient's pregnancy lend credence to the idea that symptoms are caused not by inflammation but by pressure in the chambers, caused by relative delay in emptying. Cholecystectomy is recommended because it uniformly has relieved symptoms.


Fibrous material in feedlot waste fermented by Trichoderma viride. Trichoderma viride QM9123 fermented fiber isolated from feedlot waste at concentrations up to 16.7% solids. The fermented fiber solids decreased by 32%, and carbohydrate decreased by 60%. Cellulotyic enzyme production was better with fiber substrates that had been alkali pretreated and had a lower hemicellulose-to-cellulose ratio.


Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet syndrome). We describe the third reported case of acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet syndrome) in the United States. In the majority of reported cases, the patients were female. However, in our case and in the two cases reported previously in the United States, the patients were male. In two of these three male patients, a malignant neoplasm has been found, possibly as a coincidence.


[A case of oncocytic adenoma of the pituitary gland with galactorrhea and hyperprolactinemia]. A tumor of hypophysis, with suprasellar expansion, was removed surgically in a 68 years old woman with panhypopituitarism and galactorrhea. Light and electron microscopy studies have shown an oncocytoma. One year after pituitary ablation and cobaltherapy, the patient had normal pituitary functions and galactorrhea had disappeared. Since the prolactin cells were outside the adenoma and the prolactin secretion became normal after surgery, we can assume that galactorrhea was presumably due to the compression of the pituitary stalk by oncocytoma.


[Pathomorphogenesis of blistering in epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica (author's transl)]. Electronmicroscopical examination on skin lesions of epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica recessiva (E.b.d.r.) and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (E.b.a.) associated with Crohn's disease have demonstrated that blistering occurs between epidermis and dermis beneath the basal lamina. The structural defect concerns the anchoring fibrils only which are missing in the junctional zone of the involved skin. All other junctional structures are intact. Beneath the basal lamina a band-like zone of a moderate electrondense, amorphous material is seen in the skin-lesions of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, less marked in epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica. Direct immunofluorescent investigation of involved skin of E.b.a. shows a pemphigoid-like fluorescent pattern at the basal lamina with antihuman IgG-, -IgM-, beta1c/beta1a and antihuman C1q-component. In epidermolysis bullosa dystrophica, however, a fluorescent pattern at the basal lamina was found only with anti-human IgG and Anti-C3. The pathogenetic importance of the immunoglobuline-deposits at the basal lamina is discussed in regard of the loss of anchoring fibrils and the subsequent vesication in these types of epidermolytic diseases.


[Fumaric acid monoethylester: Effect on DNA-synthesis and preliminary findings in experimental studies in animals (author's transl)]. The incorporation of 14C-Thymidin into DNA of cultured human lymphocytes is depressed by added fumaric acid monoethylester (FSME) depending on the dosage of FSME. The decreased radioactivity in DNA as measured by scintillation counting is paralleled by a concomitant decrease in the labelling index in autoradiograms. Decreasing radioactivity is therefore due to a lower number of DNA synthesizing cells. No selective inhibition of proliferation during one of the cell cycle phases was observed. Especially a G2-block known from other cytostaties is absent. A mean dosis of 6.88 mg FSME per g body weight administered intraperitoneally is lethal to mice. The animal die from diffuse necroses of heart muscle cell. Alterations of other organs are less prominent. At lower doses of FSME the morphology of the organs investigated is altered to a smaller degree.


Mycotoxin-producing fungi from house associated with leukemia. Fungi were isolated from a house associated with four leukemic patients from three families because of the possibility that mycotoxin-producing strains might be present. Extracts of several of the isolated fungal species produced toxic effects in one or more species of animals. Aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus parasiticus was isolated from non-leukemia-associated houses with the exception of Trichoderma, Verticillium, and Monotospora. We believe that certain mycotoxins may be related to pathogenesis of leukemia, possibly as an expression of their immunosuppressive effects.


[Distribution of neurosecretion in the neurohypophysis of the cow during and following milking]. Studies by optical microscopy showed that discharge of neurosecretion brought about by the stimulus of milking took place in the zona centralis and also in the transitional and main sectors of the zona terminalis. The zona marginalis, zona metacentralis and the peripheral sector of the zona terminalis were not involved. In pituitary glands fixed at various time intervals after milking, the increase in secretion content and the disappearance of perivascular accumulations of secretion were evidently a result of renewed production and storage of neurosecretion in the hypophysis. The renewed homogeneous distribution of secretion in the zona terminalis had not been completed one hour after milking. The increase in size and number of pituicytes and their frequent appearance in adventitious tissue of vessels and around sinusoid capillaries after the liberation of secretion may be related to degradation processes of neurosecretory material.


[Distribution of neurosecretion in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the cow before and following milking]. Distribution of neurosecretion and enzymes in the nuclei was studied by optical microscopy and histochemical methods. The stimulus of milking had no effect on the amount of secretion in the supraoptic nucleus, but synthesis of secretion in the paraventricular nucleus was stimulated by oxytocin liberation associated with milking, and it was still present 60 minutes after milking. It seems that each nuclear region is a functionally independent unit.


Reliably separating identical from fraternal twins. Blood typing is the most reliable method for assigning zygosity to twinships in psychological research. Cost, ethical considerations, and practical difficulties in obtaining blood specimens from a large group of children suggested the need for a questionnaire method used with young children and completed by parents. One was designed to assess zygosity based on the extent to which the children were rated as looking alike and being confused by family and strangers. Validity was determined with a sample of twins whose zygosity was demonstrated by blood typing. To determine test-retest reliability, and to explore parental beliefs about zygosity, mothers of same-sex twinships completed the questionnaire on two separate occasions, showing very high agreement. The major difference in parental perceptions of monozygotic and dizygotic twinships is convenient for epidemiological research. This difference, however, questions the assumption, made in estimates of heritability using twin data, that both twinships have identical environmental experiences.


[A model for lymphatic metastazing after intradermal inoculation of tumour cells (author's transl)]. A model for judgement of lymphatic spread and metastasis formation is described, using intracutaneous inoculation of tumour cells (Ehrlich ascites carcinoma). The model represents an economic method for testing the effects of anticancer agents on disseminating tumour cells as well as on established tumours metastases in regional lymph nodes.


Ultrastructural studies of the development of feline calicivirus in a feline embryo cell line. The ultrastructural changes in a feline embryo continuous cell line infected with feline calicivirus at a multiplicity of infection of approximately 1 were studied. Virus was found only in the cytoplasm and was observed as single particles, as extensive, non-regular accumulations, as paracrystalline arrays, and as single or multiple linear arrays associated with microfbrils. Mature virus particles were readily distinguished from ribosomes in that they were larger (35nm diameter) and consisted of a central, electron-dense core 20 nm diameter surrounded by a less electron-dense coat. Other changes ovserved in infected cells included rounding of the cell and nucleus and loss of pseudopodia. There was extensive production of smooth-membrane bound vesicles in the cytoplasm. Virus accumulations of each type, but especially paracrystalline arrays, were frequently closely associated with collections of these vesicles. The cisternae of the endoplasmic reticulum and the space between the two layers of the nuclear membrane was distended. By Feulgen staining and light microscopy, as well as electron microscopy, it was established that nuclear chromatin undergoes profound changes consisting of condensation usually into a single, rounded, central mass.


Interactions between vaccinia virus and sensitized macrophages in vitro. The action of peritoneal exudate cells (PEC) from normal and vaccinia virus infected mice on infectious vaccinia virus particles was investigated in vitro. PEC from immune mice showed a significantly higher infectivity titre reduction (virus clearance, VC) than normal cells. This effect could be clearly attributed to the macrophage. Vaccinia virus multiplied in PEC from normal animals while there was no virus propagation in cells from immunized mice. The release of adsorbed or engulfed virus was reduced significantly in PEC from immunized animals. Anti-vaccinia-antibodies seem to activate normal macrophages to increased virus clearance. This stimulating effect was demonstrable only in the IgG fraction of the antiserum. The activity of macrophages from mice injected three times over a period of 14 days with vaccinia virus could be entirely blocked with anti-mouse-IgG, while PEC from mice injected one time six days previously were not inhibited.


Studies on neutralization of Japanese encephalitis virus. IV. Effect of anti-cellular serum on the neutralization of sensitized virus by anti-rabbit IgG serum. The effect of anti-cellular rabbit serum (ACRS) on the neutralization of sensitized Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) by anti-rabbit IgG serum was examined to elucidate the interaction between virus-antibody complex and the surface of the host cells during the process of neutralization. ACRS had no effect on the adsorption of either sensitized or non-sensitized virus, but was able to restore the lost infectivity of sensitized virus which occurred during the process of neutralization by anti-rabbit IgG serum. This restoration of infectivity was found to take place not only by the addition of ACRS to the reaction mixtures (virus-antibody, anti-rabbit IgG complex) but also by pretreatment of the host cells with ACRS. Although the restoration of lost infectivity varied in magnitude with the concentration of ACRS used, it never exceeded the infectivity titer of the sensitized virus befor incubatio with anti-rabbit IgG serum. This result suggests that ACRS has no ability to reverse the neutralization by anti-viral serum. Since the ACRS reacted only with anti-rabbit IgG serum treated sensitized virus, resulting in an increase of the number of infectious centers, the restoration of lost infectivity was explained as being due to the enhancement of adsorption of sensitized virus to the host cells by bridge formation of anti-rabbit IgG antibody between them.


[Experimental polyembryony in ducks].

[Experimental polyembryony in ducks]. The phenomenon of polyembryony in birds, extremely rare in natural conditions can be comparatively easily induced experimentally by cutting the blastodisk into 2 or more parts. In successful operations and optimal incubation conditions a whole embryo can develop from each physiologically isolated part. Considering experimental polyembryony from the viewpoint of the somatic embryogenesis theory, B. P. Tokin believes that "desintegration of normally correlated cell systems, tissues, organs and organism as a whole" is a necessary condition of the appearance of polyembryony in early stages of development. This work presents the results of experiments on obtaining experimental duck twins by means of physiological isolation of blastodisk portions during diapause.


[Angioarchitechtonics of the intervertebral disks in human fetuses and newborns]. The ingrowth of the blood vessel branches into the area of the intervertebral disk takes place at the end of the second month of the intrauterine life. The primary vascular elements have a shape of stretched vascular loops, which grow into the fibrous ring of the disk from the front, from behind and from the sides. Within the fibrous tissue the blood vessels are disposed in the slit-shaped spaces between the layers of the fibrous ring. Here the vascular network is formed by anastomosing. These networks have the smaller meshes the closer to the central zones of the intervertebral disk. No blood vessel branches have been found in the jelly-like nucleus. Intraorganic vessels of the intervertebral disk do not penetrate the vertebrum body. The connection between the disk vessels and the vessels of the vertebrum body takes place in the field of the perichondrium.


[Lymphatic bed of the muscular sheath of the small intestine in animals and man during ontogenesis]. In the anatomy of the lymphatic bed of the small intestine muscle layer still there are obscure questions on the phylo- and ontogenesis of man and animals. Under study were 92 corpses (35 men, 27 cats and 30 dogs) of different age, beginning from the intrauterine period to old age. Different methods were used: polychromatic injection; macro- and microscopic dissection; staining after van Gieson and with haematoxilineeosin; impregnation with 0,25-1% solution of silver nitrate; dehydration and clearing; counting of the density of loops per a mm2 and the depth of their disposition in the intestinal wall with an ocular-micrometer. It was shown that formation of the lymph capillaries and their network in cats, dogs and man began from the end of the intrauterine period, was completed in new-borns and became sufficiently developed in young age. The structure of the lymph capillary networks is closely connected with the development of the muscle layer of the small intestine. Formation of the lymph lacunas begins after birth. With age the lymph capillary network becomes looser, the loops break and their size enlarges.


[Regularities in the distribution of sweat glands and the principles of their grouping in man]. Under study were skin pieces from 80 regions of the body of 41 human fetuses and embryos, 5 corpses of newborns and 43 corpses of people of different age. Series of paraffin sections stained by conventional methods as well as total preparations and thick sections stained with methylene blue were examined. The laying of eccrine and apocrine sweat glands in the skin covered or not with hair was shown to occur repeatedly. Basing on the succession of their appearance they are called the glands of the first, second and third generations. The principle of grouping of eccrine sweat glands is shown both in the composition of glandular-hair complexes and in the groups independent of hair. The author proposes using of letter and figure symbols to signify variations of their disposition in formulars. The appocrine sweat glands are also laid repeatedly in the sites of their typical localization.


[Effect of small concentrations of carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide on the intrauterine development of rats]. Under study were small concentrations of carbon bisulphide and hydrogen sulphide on embryonic development of rats in a natural experiment (under conditions of viscose industry). Prolonged exposure to the agents gives an embryotoxic effect at the pre- and postimplantation stages and they are responsible for the appearance of abnormalities of predominantly genito-urinary and bone systems in a small amount of embryos, disturb embryonal blood formation and the ossification process, result in severe changes of the parenchymatous cells of the liver and kidneys of rat embryos.


[Electron microscopic study of the formation of the egg membranes of the oocytes of the last year of development in the peliad]. After ovulation the egg membrane of the pelled consists of 3 layers. The homogeneous electron-dense layer comprising its major mass zona radiata, is laid as early as the stage of protoplasmatic growth of the oocyte as a result of accumulation of an electron-dense substance of a high electron density in the basement of the oocyte microvilli. The next, pectinate layer is formed from the highly electron-dense substance formed in the vacuoli of the follicular cell Golgi complex released into the subfollicular space. The most external layer - a fibrous layer - is formed due to release of large vacuoles, formed in the apical area of the follicular cells not long before ovulation. The obtained data suggest a great role of the follicular epithelium in the formation of egg membranes of the pelled.


[Differentiation of the epithelium of the pronephros and the primary kidney in frogs]. The kidneys of tadpoles of different developmental stages were examined in preparations processed histologically and histochemically. It was found that differentiation of the provisory excretory organ tubules in frogs was "shortened" or "accelerated" after P. P. Ivanov's terminology, and developed differently as compared with differentiation of tubules of the definitive organ of excretion -- the primary kidney. When differentiating the epithelium of the proximal portion of the primary kidney nephron passes the stage of the high prismatic false-stratified epithelium. The pronephros tubules do not pass this stage and the epithelium becomes a strict monolayer from the very beginning. No mitoses are observed in the pronephros tubule epithelium even at the earliest differentiation stages. Later on, the beginning of tubule functioning, and with the reduction, and later disappearance of yolk granules in the epithelium solitary mitoses make their appearance. The mitotic activity of the primary kidney tubule epithelium is very high (70%) at the early stage of differentiation. Then its mitotic activity decreases (30%), and after the beginning of the tubule functioning mitoses in its epithelium become solitary.


[Some data on the formation of anomalies of the bodies of the vertebrae in man]. Investigations of intraorgan arteries of individual vertebrae from 150 preparations of the vertebral column of fetuses and newborns revealed in 14 vertebrae nuclei of calcification of an unusual form. As a result of studies of serial histological sections it was established that the abnormal nucleus of calcification had irregularly distributed blood vessels. The results obtained justify the assumption that the abnormal development and irregular distribution of blood vessels in the vertebral body may become one of the causes of formation of defective foci of calcification, which, after the baby is born, may account for various deformations of the vertebral body.


Prolactin-secreting adenomas. A light and electron microscopical study. The microscopical and ultrastructural findings in twenty-five prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas removed by transsphenoidal surgery have been analyzed and compared with previously published cases. Under the light microscope, these adenomas could easily be confused with chromophobe adenomas. However, in eight cases a small number of cells contained erythrosinophilic granules of the type found in prolactin cells. Electron microscopical study of the tumor cells showed scarce secretory granules frequently undergoing exocytosis, a prominent rough endoplasmic reticulum, and a large Golgi area containing immature granules. Cytoplasmic bundles and aggregates of filaments, as well as myelin figures and glycogen within the mitochondria were occasionally found. Comparison with prolactin cells during lactation, in pituitary autografts, and under in vitro stimulation shows that the tumor cells are actively secreting.


The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)! past, present and future. The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) (from the Greek phascolarctos meaning leather pouch and bear, cinereus ashen grey in colour) is Australia's most admired native animal but very little scientific reference material is available on this unique animal. The demands of the fur trade during the latter half of the last century and up to the 1920's almost exterminated the koala and this tragic episode from the past is briefly recounted. Koalas are nocturnal and arboreal. Details of appearance, distribution, breeding, diet, water intake, volatile eucalypt oil detoxication and handling are briefly described, while information concerning intravenous injections, anaesthetic agents antibiotic therapy and fluid therapy are given. As an aid to veterinarians presented with koalas to examine, tables are presented for physiological, haematological and biochemical values. Pathological conditions found on post mortem examination are summarised, while disease conditions such as anaemia, keratoconjuctivitis, toxoplasmosis, cryptococcocis, reproductive disorders, miscellaneous conditions and internal and external parasites are mentioned. Finally, the future of the koala is discussed. Diminishing habitat, depletion of food supplies, bushfires, the threat of disease, coupled with a paucity of relevant scientific information, create an uncertain future for the koala. A plea is made to totally protect and expand the very few remaining known koala breeding areas especially in Victoria, and for veterinarians to become involved in conservation programs and wildlife research in order that the future of the koala in common with all other native species may be assured.


Transmission of Histomonas meleagridis to domestic fowl by means of earthworms recovered from pheasant yard soil. Four cockerels and two poults were fed ground earthworms recovered from soil where ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were raised. All 4 cockerels showed mild signs of histomoniasis, and numerous Heterakis were recovered at necropsy. One of the 2 poults died, with typical gross and microscopic lesions of histomoniasis. Heterakis eggs recovered from the 4 cockerels were used to infect an additional 12 cockerels and 11 poults.


An electrophoretic study of the distribution and properties of human hexokinases. An electrophoretic system which gives a clear separation of human hexokinases HK1, HK2 and HK3 is described. The distribution of the hexokinase isozymes in various human tissues, both adult and fetal, is reported. Some properties of the isozymes were investigated. HK2 was found to be more thermolabile than HK1, and there was also a small but significant difference in molecular size. Unlike HK3, HK1 and HK2 are not inhibited by high glucose concentrations. Screening of red cell lysates from 800 unrelated European individuals revealed no genetic variants of HK1 and HK2. However, in view of their difference in properties, it seems probable that the HK1 and HK2 isozymes are determined by separate gene loci.


On the defect of synthesis ceruloplasmin in the liver polyribosomes in Wilson's disease. Comparative immunochemical analysis of ceruloplasmin-synthesizing polyribosomes in liver biopsies from control subjects and homozygous carriers of the Wilson's mutation was performed. According to I125-antibody binding data, the amount of ceruloplasmin-forming liver polysomes in patients with Wilson's disease was 10--20 times lower than that in non-Wilson patients. Correspondingly, the pulse labeling of ceruloplasmin polypeptides was decreased several-fold in the cell-free liver preparations from patients with Wilson's disease.


Lactate dehydrogenase in preimplantation rabbit embryos. Unfertilized eggs and early embryos up to the 2-day (16-cell) cleavage stage of development in the rabbit contain predominantly the most cathodal lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme made up of A-type subunits. Following early cleavage there is a progressing increase in total LDH activity in the embryo as development proceeds through 4- and 6-day blastocyst stages. This is accompanied by an increase in the amount of B-type subunits and a concomitant shift in the lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme electrophoretic pattern toward the anodal isoenzyme types.


The primary structure of aspartate aminotransferase from pig heart muscle. Digestion with a proteinase having specificity for lysine residues. Carboxymethylated aspartate aminotransferase was digested with a proteinase claimed to be specific for lysine residues. Complete cleavage occurred at 12 of the 19 lysine residues in the protein, but at the remaining seven residues cleavage was either restricted or absent. In addition, cleavage was observed at three of the 26 arginine residues. These results are discussed with reference to the amino acid residues adjacent to points of complete or restricted cleavage. The complete primary structure of aspartate aminotransferase, based on these and other studies, is given. Evidence for the assignment of some acid and amide side chains has been deposited as Supplementary Publication SUP 50050 (11 pp.) at the British Library (Lending Division), Boston Spa, Wetherby, W. Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1975) 145, 5. The evidence for the assignment of residue 366 was less conclusive than for the other acid and amide side chains and is, therefore, given in the main paper.


Purification and characterization of lipoprotein lipase from pig myocardium. 1. Lipoprotein lipase was purified from pig myocardium by a two-step purification procedure involving (a) the formation of an enzyme-substrate complex and (b) affinity chromatography on Sepharose which contained covalently linked heparin. The purified enzyme gave in sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis one main band with an apparent molecular weight of 73 000. The enzyme, which was purified 70 000-fold, had a specific activity of 860 mumol of unesterified fatty acid liberated/h per mg of protein. 2. The purified enzyme hydrolysed [14C]triolein emulsions in the absence of added cofactors but its activity was increased fivefold by adding normal human serum. Of the low-density lipoprotein apoproteins only apolipoprotein CII could be substituted for serum in activating the enzyme. This lipase had maximum activity at 0.05-0.15 M-NaCl. Heparin increased the activity of the purified enzyme twofold at low concentrations, but high concentrations inhibited. The triglyceride lipase of pig myocardium thus resembles lipoprotein lipase purified from adipose tissue and from plasma, but is clearly different from pig hepatic triglyceride lipase.