[The nitroblue tetrazolium test in scarlet fever (author's transl)]. The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) test was originally used to diagnose chronic granulomatous disease in childhood. Now it is applied in the diagnosis of acute bacterial infectious diseases, too. The NBT reduction of neutrophils was tested in 27 children with scarlet fever using the modified technique described by K i m et al. The tests were performed in 24 patients between the second and fourth day of illness, before starting antibiotic treatment. In accordance with the results obtained by Humbert et al. in a series of patients with various infectious diseases, 83% of the investigated children showed NBT values of between 41% and 95% (mean value 72%). The percentage of NBT-positive cells was likewise raised in cases of recurrent scarlet fever. Children with scarlet fever complications had highly elevated NBT-reduction values. The control group, consisting of children without infectious diseases, showed values of between 28% and 66% (mean value 33%).


[Pregnancy-specific beta1-glycoprotein (sp-1): clinical aspects (author's transl)]. Clinical aspects of pregnancy-specific beta1-glycoprotein (SP-1) were evaluated. Serum levels of SP-1 were determined by the method of single radial immunodiffusion (Partigenplatten, Behring-Werke). This method provides a simple and highly reproducible technique for routine clinical assay. SP-1 levels in maternal serum correlated directly with placental weight and birth weight of the infant (p less than 0.01).


[Mitral valve disorders and bile duct diseases]. In a number of cases of post-mortem examinations of patients with mitral valve defects a morbidity rate of cholelithiasis of 41.3 per cent was found, above all by the larger morbidity rate in younger women. Up to the 50th year it was 37.1 per cent at an average death age of 40.7 years. Is was conspicuous that more women who had not been delivered suffered from cholelithiasis than those ones who had been delivered (68.9 per cent of the nulliparae). Before the 50th year 55.6 per cent of the women who had not been delivered suffered from such a disease at an average death age of 39.3 years. Probably in these women the heart disease was so severe that there did not develop a gravidity.


[Cooperation in the treatment of neuroses]. On account of the scope and significance of functional neurotic disturbances in the modern development of morbidity results that only by a continuous collaboration between the in-patient and out-patient psychotherapeutic special departments and the other physicians working in out-patient care, above all the family dcotors and factory physicians as well as internists, with different tasks a decisive improvement of the care of these patients is to be expected.


[The surveillance of pregnancies with suspected placental dysfunktion. I. Material and methods (author's transl)]. The efficacy of five different methods for detection of fetoplacental distress has been compared in 265 risk pregnancies. The tests were urinary oestriol, urinary pregnanediol, human placental lactogen and heat-stable alkaline phosphotase in the serum and phonocardiotokographie. 13 fetuses died antepartum, 47 of surviving infants were growth-retarded. The gestational age was calculated from clinical dates, serial ultrasonic measurements and immediate postnatal studies. In the I part the methods and the analysis of the results are described.


[The surveillance of pregnancies with suspected placental dysfunction. II. Antepartum fetal heart rate: the significance of baseline levels and accellerations (author's transl)]. Baseline tachycardia was observed in 12% of 265 fetuses, baseline bradycardia in 19%. No statistical difference can be found between the different groups. Baseline levels were without the normal range in only 4 of the 13 antepartum deaths. Therefore neither tachycardia nor bradycardia is a reliable sign of chronical fetal hypoxia. Accelerations were constant absent only few days before the intrauterine death.


[The surveillance of pregnancies with suspected placental dysfunction. III. Antepartum fetal heart rate: the significance of baseline irregularity and late decelerations (author's transl)]. Silent patterns of baseline irregularity during 10 or more minutes or late decelerations point to a fetal hypoxia. Cardiotokograms with this phenomen are described as suspected. Silent patterns with simultaneous late decelerations are considered as pathological. They prove with great probability a chronical fetal hypoxia. We found them almost only among intrauterine growth retardations and intrauterine fetal deaths. Total disappearance of changes in rate and of amplitude were found only few days before the intrauterine death.


[Oestrogens and cortisol in amniotic fluid of normal and complicated pregnancies (author's transl)]. Amniotic fluid of normal pregnancies and of pregnancies complicated with light to moderate EPH-toxaemias was investigated for oestrogens. No differences were found between normal and toxaemic pregnancies. Oestrogens increased significantly with proceeding gestational age. When amniotic fluid of normal pregnancies was analyzed for oestrogens and cortisol a significant correlation between the two hormones could be demonstrated. This is interpreted as an expression of the metabolic activity of the fetal adrenal cortex.


[Constriction ring dystocia: a special form of uterine dystocia (author's transl)]. Constriction Ring Dystocia means a rare form of uterine dystocia (0.1%--1.7%). Pathophysiologically it means a hypertonic incoordinate anomaly of labor. The paper reports two cases of constriction ring, which had been recognized first during sectio cesarean. As the measure of choose is suggested to use tocolytica, although there do not exist any experiences and there was yet no chance to utilise these medicines because of lack of early recognition.


[Demonstration of position variations of the female ureter in the work urethrocystocolporectogram]. With wick urethrocystocolporectography, an improved type of colpocystorectography, the form and undisturbed function of the urethra at rest, and during holding and pressing, may be optimally observed. The simultaneous picture of the female pelvic organs allows conclusions to be drawn as to the statics and dynamics of the viscera, as well as the functional strength of the pelvic floor. Illustrations show the behavior of the female urethra accompanying vertical and rotatory descensus, and prolapse.


[Value of colpocystography for the diagnosis of incontinence]. Striving to improve diagnosis of the functional urinary incontinence in female patients, we carried out colpocystographic examinations in 78 women. With inconspicuous X--ray photos (22) the rest of the diagnostic parameters--with the exception of one--indicate mostly an irritable bladder (4) or at the very least a notable component of an irritable bladder (56). With radiographic findings suggesting stress incontinence (56) a complete (19) or least a partial (27) coincidence with the clinical findings, was likewise more often than divergent findings (only 10 prevalent irritable bladders). Methodology of examination and analysis are explained. The essential advantage of the colpocystographic method over the traditional urethrocystographic methods is according to our hitherto existing experiences, that we can additionally recognize adhesions between urethra, bladder and vagina, which we have to operate. These adhesions can involve both a stress incontinence and an irritable bladder. Consequently this method is suitable for the complex diagnosis of the functional urinary incontinence in female patients.


[Influencing bladder motility in patients with radiologicaly treated cervix cancer]. The tonometric index as an expression of the motility of the urinary bladder was determined in 37 cases of carcinoma of the uterine cervix degree II b and III only treated by contact and external irradiation before, during and after this therapy. After application of about 4000 R to the dorsal parts of the bladder the tonometric index increases to one third. 6 weeks after the end of irradiation normal values are obtained.


[Experience with suprapubic urine drainage after gynecologic surgery]. The paper reports on the application of suprapubic bladder drainage in 86 women who had undergone gynecologic operations. After describing the advantages and complications of this method of draining off urine, it is found that, if urine drainage is required over a longer period, in a great number of cases suprapubic urine drainage is to be preferred to the permanent transurethral catheter.


[Electron microscopy studies on the early development of the endocervical epithelium in human fetuses]. In the 14, week of fetal life the cervical epithelium consists of a monolayer blastemic-like epithelium of undifferentiated cuboidal cells and ciliated cells. At the beginning of the 5. month there are circumscript epithelial proliferations forming cryptical infoldings. In the undifferentiated epithelial cells there appears glycogen and at the same time in the "Talsohlenzellen" precourses of secretory granules can be found.


[The histopathology of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in an organ culture of adult human lung]. A study was made of histopathology of the organ cultures of the lung of 3 adult men infected with the FH, Erfurt and No. 13M. pneumoniae strains. Morphological changes in the infected tissue of the lung were characterized by affection of the cells of the alveolar lining and epithelium of the bronchi, moderate destruction of the interstitial tissue and formation of eosinophilic inclusions characteristic of M. pneumoniae infection. No. 13 strain caused a more intensive degeneration of the lung tissue than FH and Erfurt strains. The strains of M. pneumoniae under study reproduced in the organ culture of the human lung with sufficiently high titres (10(6)--10(8) colony-forming units/0.2 ml).


[Morphologic changes in cultures of different tissues exposed to the toxins of C1. perfringens types B, C, E and F]. There were revealed morphological peculiarities of the action of C1. perfringens toxins, types B, C, D, E and F on the cultures of fibroblasts of chick embryo, amniotic cells and intestinal tissue. The toxin type B was characterized by a marked vocuolization of the cell cytoplasm; the action of the toxin of type C was expressed in the swelling of the nuclei and the lysis of the chromatine substance, the toxin of type E casued kariorhexis, and the toxin of type F--hyperchromatosis of the nuclei. All the cultures proved to be insensitive to the toxin of type D. Peculiarity of the morphological affection of the cells permitted to differentiate toxin of type B in the cultures of the fibroblasts  of chick embryo, whereas the toxins of types C, E and F--in the cultures of the amniotic cells under control of the reaction of neutralization with the homologous antitoxic sera.


[Influence of thymosin on some indices of immunogenesis in intact and adrenalectomized guinea pigs]. The authors studied the effect of injections of the biologically-active preparation of the thymus -- thymosine -- on the development of delayed hypersensitivity (DHS) and hypersensitivity of the immediate type, as well as on the number of rosette-forming and antibody-forming cells in adrenalectomized and unoperated guinea pigs. Thymosine produced more intensive influence upon the immunological status of the organism in adrenalectomized animals. Under conditions of sensitization used by the authors adrenalectomy enhanced the DHS manifestations in this work at the initial stage of its development; this intensification was of short duration. However, thymosine injections promoted a more prolonged and intensive expression of these sequelae of adrenalectomy. At some of the stages, there was also an increase in the number of antibody-forming and rosette-forming cells under the effect of thymosine. Thymosine gave a more pronounced effect when administered during the sensitization. The periods of supervention of the immediate type of reaction depended on the scheme of thymosine administration.


Sex preference and species specificity of rodent (Mus musculus and Microtus arvalis pheromones. The behavioural response to the sex pheromones in the externally voided urine of field voles (Microtus arvalis) and laboratory mice (CFLP, CBA strains) although specific for species showed no strain specificity. Bladder urine (free of accessory sex-gland secretions) and the preputial glands of CFLP and CBA mice contain sex attractants. Ether extracts made of blood of male CFLP mice attracted CFLP female mice.


[Effect of angiotensin II on the conditional relfex response patterns of neurotic albino rats]. The effect of one single dose of 10 ng Angiotensin II/kg body weight upon affirmed conditional-reflectory response patterns (two-dimensional conditional-reflectory decision process and periodicities of conditional-reflectory processes) was studied in 50 male albino rats in which a neutrotically induced hypertensive blood pressure regulation had been elicited by stress exposure for 135 days. Contrary to healthy animals in which Angiotensin II was demonstrated to act in a biphasic manner, the neurotic animals revealed a monophasic action manifesting itself by a generalized centralnervous excitation. It was noticed, furthermore, that the information processing and regulatory processes of the CNS are considerably disturbed. The chronically hypertensive systolic blood pressure values of neurotic animals, like in healthy ones, show a brief, transient rise immediately following administration of Angiotensin II. These results are not only another proof of a neurotropic component of Angiotensin II action, but they show also that this action allows one to judge the state of disturbed nervous functions. The correlation of the neurotropic effect of Angiotensin II with pathogenetic mechanisms of experimental neurotically induced hypertension is discussed.


[Haemagnioma of the liver in newborn infant (author's transl)]. A case of a giant cavernous and capillary haemangioma of the liver in newborn infant occurred. Resection of the tumor by right hepatic lobectomy was carried out without morbidity or permanent derangement of liver function. There was regeneration of the liver.


[Research in sociotherapy].

[Research in sociotherapy]. The author compares his experience in two psychiatric institutions: an old one of the traditional type, a new one of the psychotherpeutic type. He tries and defines the role of the different members of the staff and compares the evolution of the traditional institute and of the more recent clinic. In the psychotherapeutic institution, there is a drift of the therapeutic role from the physician to the nurse, and finally from the nurse to the patient himself. Despite the fact that they are open, the therapeutic groups become more efficient with time in relation to the maturation of the nursing personal. This slow growth of the psychotherapeutic role of the institutional group finally depends as much on the inhibitions of the nursing staff than on the anxiety of the patients.


The possible role of brain histamine and H1 and H2 receptors in the development of morphine tolerance and physical dependence in mice. The possible role of brain histamine in the mechanisms of morphine tolerance and physical dependence is under investigation in mice. L-histidine and histamine, given during the 'withdrawal' phase, significantly increase tolerance to the analgesic effects of morphine but reduce the degree of physical dependence. Metiamide significantly inhibits tolerance but has no consistent effect on physical dependence. These results suggest that H2 receptors may be involved in the development of morphine tolerance. Mepyramine does not significantly affect tolerance, and with regard to dependence there is an effect only on body weight loss, which is increased. However, combined treatment with metiamide and mepyramine inhibits tolerance significantly more than metiamide alone; and withdrawal jumping is also reduced more significantly by combined treatment than by the separate administration of these drugs. It is suggested that brain histamine is definitely implicated in the mechanisms of the 'withdrawal' phase of morphine tolerance and physical dependence in mice, with H2 receptors probably playing the more important part.


[Effect of the quality of various vegetable oil emulsions on phagocytotic activity of the reticuloendothelial system in the rat]. In the liver, reticuloendothelial cells make up 35 p. 100 of the total cellular population. The characterization of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) is its phagocytic activity. Certain fatty acids and lipids produce stimulation or depression of phagocytic function. In the present study, the phagocytic activity of the RES has been evaluated 3 days after oral (15 g/kg) and intravenous (1, 5 g/kg) treatments of male rats with emulsions of peanut, canbra, soyabean, olive and rapeseed oils. The distribution of particle sizes of all suspensions were made microscopically. Phagocytic function was measured by the blood clearance of colloidal carbon injected intravenously; the phagocytic index was calculated from the formula: log C=Kt + log C0 where C and C0 were carbon concentrations in standard volumes of blood removed from the animals at times t and t0 (in minutes). Intravenous administrations with the 5 oil emulsions significantly increased the phagocytic function of the RES. However, with oral administration, stimulation or depression of phagocytic function were dependent of many factors, among them the nature of the oil and the physical and chemical structure of the lipid emulsion. The variations in particle sizes found in emulsions make it extremely difficult to draw any comparison between their effects on the RES phagocytic capacity of rat; but difference in the distribution of various particle sizes provided an indirect approach to studying their influences on RES stimulation or inhibition. However, it is obvious that although modifications of particle sizes may alter the level of phagocytic activity induced by certain oil emulsions, they do not explain the phenomenon. The activity of phagocytic function of oil emulsions on RES cells can be related to their physical or chemical properties; the mode of esterification of the fatty acids may be an important factor. However, no evidence has been obtained which in any way correlates changes in physical or chemical properties of the studied oil emulsions with the observed differences in effects upon the RES cells. No adequate explanation of the role of these parameters in the stimulation or inhibition of phagocytic properties of RES can be made and other studies are necessary.


[Statistical study of the digestibility of dietary manganese in cattle. Specifications on their requirements for this element]. The authors have studied the fate of ingested manganese by the balance method in metabolism stalls with; --198 adult non-pregnant dry cows and 118 adults non-pregnant lactating cows of the Friesian breed which were fed respectively 58 and 41 different winter rations; --2 groups of 6 cows of the same breed which received only fresh cut grass ad lib; --4 groups of 12 steers of the Belgian Blue White breed which used on trials for intensive meat production. The correlation between Mn intake, digestible and faecal Mn and the other nutritive factors of the above-mentioned rations have been calculated. Two factors only, manganese intake and potassium intake, could influence the metabolism of manganese. Our results demonstrate also that if it is possible now to evaluate the manganese requirements according to the potassium intake, the minimal manganese requirements in case of potassium intake meeting no more than the real potassium requirements according to A.R.C. (1965) are quite variable from one group of animals to another, being 5 mg/kg in the adult cow and 50 mg/kg in the young growing cattle. Owing to these differences and to the possible adverse effect of potassium intake, the authors think that circumstances leading to a manganese deficiency could eventually be met.


Congenital midline scalp and skull defect. A family with multiple congenital scalp defects, over two generations and probably genetically determined, is described. Although alarming in appearance, surgical intervention is not indicated at least for small lesions. The risk of haemorrhage and meningitis is emphasized.


Rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow. Pattern of joint involvement, and results of synovectomy with excision of the radial head. Thirty-two rheumatoid elbow joints in 25 patients which had undergone synovectomy and excision of the radial head have been studied from the point of view of pattern of joint involvement and the efficacy of surgery. In this group of patients there was a significant trend towards affection of proximal joints occurring earlier in the course of the disease than distal joints. There was a high incidence of involvement of wrist and knee. There was a positive relationship between dominance and the elbow affected. Pain diminished in all cases after surgery, and there was a significant improvement in hinge movement but no significant improvement in range of forearm rotation though it was less painful. Single lateral approach gave satisfactory exposure and is favoured. Complciations of the procedure were few.


Lupus cor pulmonale with electron microscope and immunofluroescent antibody studies. A case of systemic lupus erythemaosus with an unusual complication of pulmonary hypertension leading to cor pulmonale is reported. Lung biopsy showed an interstitial pneumonitis with pulmonary vascular narrowing causing pulmonary hypertension. These changes appeared to be immunologically mediated by the utilization of IgG and C3. Microtubular virus-like particles were present in the endothelial cell cytoplasm of both lung and kidney.


[Results of a survey on breast feeding in maternal-child welfare centers of the 14th arrondissement of Paris]. An inquiry was held in the 14th ward of Paris, concerning 1 352 infants observed in centres of maternal care, and studying the conditions of breast-feeding. At birth 56% of the metropolitan French children were breast-fed. The frequency was higher in the educated classes, in primiparal and in women who had attended pre-natal relaaxation classes. The effects of these features can be added up. Women who gave birth in a public hospital and women with healthy newborn children were also more likely to be breast-fed. The duration of breast-feeding was not related to previous features. Breast-feeding was more frequent and more prolonged in immigrants than in the French metropolitan population.


Pharmacological properties of gamma-animobutyric acid and it derivatives. IV. Aryl gaba derivatives and their respective lactams. Pharmacological properties of alpha-(AFG), beta-(FG) and gamma-(GFM) phenyl-substituted derivatives of GABA and their respective lactams (FP, FL, FM) were studied in rats and mice. All studied compounds diminished spontaneous and pharmacologically potentiated motility, lowered body temperature of mice, and weakened conditioned reflexes in rats. Some of the compounds (AFG, FG, FP) diminished activity of rats in the open-field test and symptoms of amphetamine- (AFG, FG, FP, FL, FM) and apomorphine-induced stereotypy (FL, FG). FG evoked catalepsy and potentiated chlorpromazine catalepsy in mice. The compounds potentiated action of narcotic and subthreshold doses of barbiturates and ethanol, had analgesic properties, and potentiated analgesic action of morphine. The most active and least toxic compound was beta-phenyl-gamma-aminobutyric acid (FG).


Epidemiological findings and evaluation of the amount of organochlorine pesticides in human blood plasma in Japan. Epidemiological and experimental studies were carried out in order to evaluate the significance of the amount of organochlorine pesticides in biological specimens. The amount of beta-BHC, DDT and DDE was determined and compared in human plasma samples taken from several different socio-economic groups. The residue pesticides thus determined reflected the difference in the amount of pesticides used for agricultural purposes in respective areas. The highest value of beta-BHC was found among the people of some groups who had taken more fat-rich animal proteins than the people in other groups. It was also noteworthy that the amount of beta-BHC has decreased in the females in the population who have experienced pregnancy more than one time. The animal experiment also showed the effect of pregnancy on the elimination or decomposition of the pesticides in the biological milieu.


Influence of dopamine-like compounds on stereotypy and locomotor activity in atropinized rats. The influence of atropine on stimulation of exploratory activity, locomotor activity and stereotypy in rats treated with compounds which stimulate central dopamine receptors (apomorphine, D-amphetamine, D-145 and piribedil) was studied. Atropine potentiated the action of these compounds in some experimental systems. The results are discussed from the point of view of an equilibrium between the dopaminergic and cholinergic systems in the central nervous system.


Influence of benzodiazepines on turnover of serotonin in cerebral structures in normal and aggressive rats. The influence of chlorodiazepoxide (CDP), oxazepam (OX), temazepam (TE) and nitrazepam (NI) on serotonin (5-HT) turnover in the brain stem and hypothalamus of normal and aggressive rats was studied on the basis of the rate of disappearance of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) after inhibition of MAO. Agressiveness in rats was induced by electric stimulation. All the tested compounds diminished 5-HT turnover in both cerebral structures in normal and aggressive rats. The strongest inhibition was produced by CDP in the brain stem of normal and hypothalamus of aggressive rats. The remaining substances acted with equal strength. Only OX had no influence on 5-HT turnover in the brain stem of aggressive rats.


Influence of essential phospholipids (EPL) in chronically alcoholized rats on reactivity of the heart to strophanthin. Rats received 15% ethyl alcohol and essential phospholipids (EPL) during 8 months. Alcohol enhanced reactivity of the heart to strophantin. In the group of rats treated with EPL, reactivity to strophanthin was about the same as in the control group.


[Paraplegia complicating umbilical artery catheterization]. Two cases of definitive paraplegia following umbilical artery catheterization are reported. In both patients, the paraplegia can be attributed to a myelomalacia secondary to the thrombosis or embolization of the feeding arteries of the cord. The treatment by fibrinolytic agents was unsuccessful and the only therapeutic approach appears to be a preventive one. This prophylaxis would best be accomplished by limiting the indications and duration of umbilical artery catheterization.


[Gastric ulcers, stress and schizophrenia. Incidence of gastric ulcers in male schizophrenic patients (author's transl)]. According to the hypothesis of a biochemical disorder, we found that schizophrenic patients show a modified reaction to stress. We have checked 668 male schizophrenic patients and found 18 ulcers (2.69%) this is contrasted by the average incidence of ulcers at the rate of 10%.12 of the 18 probands had preliminary serious somatic lesions. We came to the conslusion that the hypothalamic stress response is altered: Schizophrenic patients and the normal population show a significant difference to the incidence of gastric ulcers.


[The ultrastructure of the cellular elements of granulation tissue]. Electron-microscopy studies of the granulation tissue cells in an experimental wound in mice during one week after its infliction were carried out. Twenty four hours following the trauma neutrophilic leucocytes were found to be predominant in the wound. Disintegrating, they were utilized by macrophages, the latter being numerous in the granulation tissue on the 2nd-3rd day. Their protoplasm was found to contain multitude of various vacuoles and inclusions, which testified to a high phagocytic activity of these cells, whose main function in the wound process is purification of the wound. Evolution of the ultrastructural changes in fibroblasts of the granulation tissue was followed up. On the 5th-7th day they showed a pronounced hyperplasia of the granulation endoplasmic reticulum and an increased number of ribosomes. These changes in fibroblasts reflect their high synthetic activity and represent a structural base of the intensive collagenformation.


[The relationship of mesangial cells to the renal juxtaglomerular apparatus]. A comparison between the ultrastructural characteristics of mesangial cells and myoepithelioid ones of the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) of the kidney was carried out under conditions of activation and reduction in the secretion of renin. Bilateral adrenalectomy and parenteral protein loading were used for intensifying the activity of JGA. The state of a decreased functional activity of the JGA was studied under conditions of 7-day starvation. It was established that both in the case of adrenalectomy and in protein loading mesangial and myoepitheloid cells showed a similar type of reaction, the essence of the latter being activation of the protein synthesis. Moreover, in mesangial cells there were observed secretory granules similar structurally to those of the myoepithelioid cells. A-Decrease in secretion in myoepithelioid cells of the JGA in starvation was accompanied at the same time by a reduction in the synthetic activity of mesangial cells. An analogous reaction of mesangial and myoepithelioid cells in activation and reduction of renin secretion justifies the suggestion about the functional unity of these cells in producing biologically active substances of the JGA of the kidney.


[Hypophyseal mast cells].

[Hypophyseal mast cells]. The content of mast cells and their morphological formula were studied in 30 dogs under a different activity of the neuro-endocrine system, with determination of the sectional plane of nuclei in hormon-producing cells of the adenohypophysis and content of neuro-secret in the neurohypophysis. It is shown that activation of the neuro-endocrine system by means of injection of adrenaline brought about an increase in the number of mast cells without shifts in their formula, which correlated with the reduction in the level of neuro-secret and with the enlargement of nuclei of adenohypophyseal cells. The effect effect of chronic overloadings could be seen from an increased percentage of degranulating mast cells in the all departments of the hypophysis with impairment of the microcirculation in the organ. A clear-cut correlational relationship between the number of mast cells containing biologically active amines and morphometric indices of the functional activity of the adenohypophysis enabled the authors to put forward a supposition that mast cells may serve as an indirect index of the hypophyseal activity.


[Intrauterine aspiration in man in the early fetal period]. A total of 220 futuses obtained as a result of spontaneous and artificial abortions, 9-28 weeks of pregnancy, were investigated. The studies showed that intrauterine aspiration could be performed already beginning with the 11th-12th week of pregnancy. Intrauterine aspiration was determined on the basis of microscopical detection in the bronchi and in alveolar ducts of particles of the amniotic fluid (amnional epithelium and maternal leucocytes from the 11th-12th week, erythrocytes--from the 13th-14th week, horny scales--from the 15th-16th week, meconium--from the 23rd-24th week) and dilatation of the bronchoalveolar lumens. The fetal membranes in inflammation (chorioamnionitis) served as a sourse of aspitating leucocytes. Intrauterine aspiration most often took place in case of harmful effects upon the fetus. The cells of the amnional epithelium and epidermis, being aspirated, produced no harmful effect upon the fetus; the meconium was aspirated in the last hours of the abortion and had no time to produce morphologically identified reaction; aspiration of maternal leucocytes, not infrequently in combination with infection of the lungs, caused a proliferative inflummatory reaction in the fetus in the form of an enlarged number of cells in the stroma of the lungs, rounding of their nuclei, increased number of segmento-nuclear leucocytes and the appearance of round-celled peribronchial infiltrations. A proliferative inflammatory reaction was noted in fetuses beginning with the 13th-14th week of the intrauterine development.


[Changes in renal ultrastructure in acute poisoning with anticholinesterase substances (an experimental study)]. The authors present findings of their experimental study of effects produced by anticholinesterase substances of the type of pinochelin ether of methylfluoride-phosphoric acid (PEMA) on the ultrastructure of the kidney. The changes manifested themselves in vacuolization of podicytes and destruction of mitochondria of the tubules' epithelium, which was accompanied by an elevation in the activity of lysosomes.


[A sympathogonioma of the mediastinum in a stillborn]. A case of sympathogonioma of the mediastinum in a stillborn is described. Considerable size of the tumour, compression of the major vessels, the mediastinum organs by this tumour at the time of expulsion, when functional loading on the fetus's organism increased, account for the development of intrauterine asphyxia, the latter being the immediate cause of death.


[Hyaline membranes in the lungs of stillborns]. Two cases of hyaline membranes in the lungs of stillborns are described. Tinctorial and histochemical similarity between the hyaline membranes in the lungs of stillborns and those in the lungs of liveborns is shown. The authors are of the opinion that hyaline membranes should not be considered as a criterium of live birth.


[A heterologous mesodermal tumor of the uterus of the pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma type]. In the available literature mesodermal tumours of the uterus are described under various names (botryoid sarcoma, carcinocarcoma, chondrosarcoma, rabdomyosarcoma, etc.). For the sake of unification of terminology of these tumours, Kehrer suggested the term "mesodermal mixed tumours", thereby reflecting their origin from cellular elements of the mesoderma. Histologically, benign and malignant variants of tumours are identified; these tumours are characterized by multi-component composition of tissues forming integral parts thereof, the latter may be homologous or heterologous. Clinically, the said tumours are diagnosed in rare cases. Diagnosis is made on the basis of a microscopical investigation of a scrape from the uterine cavity, or investigation of the operation material. Heterologic tumours of the uterus of the type of rabdomyosarcoma have been described by a number of authors. As to their microscopical structure, they may be divided into embryonal, alveolar and pleomorphous. A case of heterologic mesodermal tumour, verified as a pleomorphous rabdomyosarcoma, which could develop in a long existed mesodermal tumour of the uterus in a woman 67 years of age, is described.


The survival of Taenia pisiformis eggs under laboratory conditions and in the field environment. This study reports on the long-term survival of Taenia pisiformis eggs held under controlled laboratory conditions and in the external environment. Egg viability was assessed by feeding the ova to susceptible rabbits. In the laboratory experiment dried eggs were stored under 4 different temperature and relative humidity regimes. At various time intervals eggs were removed from these environments and fed to rabbits which were subsequently killed and the number of viable cysticerci within them counted. The results show that a high temperature (38 degrees C) and to a lesser extent, a low humidity (33%) are quickly lethal to eggs and few survive for more than 7 days. However, at 4 degrees C and a relative humidity of 90%, some eggs were still viable after 300 days. At the lower temperature there was a noticeable interaction between temperature and relative humidity. For the field study a small area of pasture was enclosed by a rabbit-proof fence and hessian screen. The pasture was first shown to be substantially free of extraneous contamination with T. pisiformis ova and was then artificially seeded with a large number of eggs. Fresh groups of susceptible rabbits were grazed on this pasture at intervals thereafter. The results, expressed as the mean number of cysticerci recovered from rabbits, show that eggs remain viable for several months during winter and early spring, but in summer no viable eggs could be demonstrated after a period of 2 weeks.


The influence of urea and guanidine chloride on the binding of the binding of the bacterial substrate and inhibitors to hen lysozyme at physiological temperature (40 degrees) (*). The influence of urea and of guanidine chloride on the binding of the bacterial substrate and of inhibitors such as N-acetylglucosamine or chitotetraose to hen lysozyme were studied at 20 degrees and at 40 degrees C (physiological temperature). The action of urea did not prevent a certain degree of organization of the enzyme compatible with its usual behaviour in the presence of some inhibitors and with its crystallization ; guanidine chloride, already at low concentrations, seemed to have a more severe effect on lysozyme.


Deoxyribonucleic acid of Cancer pagurus. IV. Elution behaviour on hydroxyapatite chromatographic column. Fractionation of native DNA on hydroxyapatite columns depends, when flat and continuous gradients are used, on the base composition, GC-rich fractions being eluted in the first fractions. Crab satellite DNA behaves abnormally : the first eluted fractions are enriched in poly d(A-T).d(A-T) instead of GC as usual. It amy be suggested that these differences in the behaviour could be attributed to the fact that the secondary structure of crab DNA satellite is different from the secondary structure of the main DNA component.


Characterization of putative nuclear pre-messenger RNA of Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Ehrlich ascites tumor cell putative nuclear pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) was isolated under conditions minimizing RNA degradation by ribonucleases, aggregation, and non-specific protein-RNA interaction. Isolated under these conditions, it sedimented 10 to 12 S; proteinase K, a powerful proteolytic enzyme with a broad action spectrum, gave similar sedimentation values and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed the major component migrating ahead of 16S E. Coli rRNA marker. Cesium chloride buoyant density analysis of pre-mRNA revealed 2 components (1.51 and 1.68 g/cm3). Therefore, pre-mRNA appeared to be smaller than some previous reports.


[Increase in the number of antibody producing cells during combined cultivation of lymph node cells from immunized animals with intact bone marrow cells]. An increase in the amount of direct and indirect plaque-forming cells in mixed cultures of lymph node cells from mice primed and challenged with sheep red blood cells with syngenic and allogenic bone marrow cells from intact donors was observed. The amount of plaque-forming cells in mixed cultures reached the maximum level in 9--11 hours of cultivation and then fell to the initial level. The authors believe that in mixed cultures of lymph node cells from immune mice and bone marrow cells from intact donors there occurs an involvement into the antibody synthesis of new cells of one of the two cell populations cultured.


[Functional morphology of the adrenal cortex during the physiological rhythm of sex steroid synthesis]. A method of a quantitative histenzymological analysis was used for determination of the extent of participation of various zones of the adrenal cortex in provision of physiological rhythm of the steroid synthesis. The activity of 3beta-OH-steroid dehydrogenase, glucoso-6-phosphat dehydrogenase, NAD- and NADP-diaphorases, acid and alkaline phosphatases and non-specific esterase was investigated. The data of a histoenzymotological study were compared with the result of biochemical analysis of corticosteroids in the peripheral blood. Under physiological conditions intensification of steroidogenesis was realized by mobilization of individual groups of cells of the adrenal gland, not its whole parenchyma. Physiological rhythm of steroid synthesis was provided by an integrated function of all the zones; however, by duration and quantitative expression of the secretory activity a structural heterogeneity was revealed in the adrenal cortex.


[Functional organization of the sleep state in infants under normal conditions and in brain damage]. Polygraphic study of day sleep was carried out in 30 nurslings with consideration to the EEG, oculogram, muscle tone indices, variations in skin resistance, respiration, ECG, rheoencephalogram and rheogram of the calf. Nurslings with cerebral affections of perinatal genesis were examined by the same method. It was possible to distinguish the main stages of slow sleep and stages of rapid sleep in young nurslings, although the electroencephalographic expression of the stages in children had its specific features. Age dynamics of the polygraphic picture of sleep showed electroencephalographic, vegetative and motor components of sleep to distinctly coordinate by stages and, at the same time, to possess marked autonomicity; this was also confirmed by analysis of cerebral pathology.


[Immunodepressive effect of phentyrin].

[Immunodepressive effect of phentyrin]. A study was made of the immunodepressive activity of phentirin (dichlohydrate o/p-di (2-cholorethyl) aminophenyl/D,L-tyrosine). The preparation was administered to mice in a dose of 50 mg/kg, per os. Experimental results showed phentirin to produce a marked immunodepressive action on the transplantation immunity and the production of plaque- and rosette-forming cells. Immunodepressive action of phentirin was more pronounced in comparison with azaprine under the same experimental conditions.


[Characteristics of the ovarian function of the female zebu (Bos indicus) in the Sudano-Sahel zone of tropical West Africa]. Histological analysis of the ovarian function of 415 female zebus emphasizes: -- A discontinuous genital cycle, characterized by periods of sexual rest which can last for three months or more. -- The late appearance of the degenerative phase of the corpus luteum which, at the beginning of the following cycle, still often presents images of functional activity. -- Atretic follicles which appear under three aspects whether the ovum or the granulosa persist or disappear. -- Corpora lutea of pregnancy which are usually replaced two or three times before parturition.


[The fibrillar centers of cell nucleoli from Ehrlich tumors. New cytochemical ultrastructural studies]. With electron microscopical preferential stainings, we show that the fibrillar centres of Ehrlich tumour cell nucleoli contain small amounts of DNA. These observations confirm our results previously obtained with enzyme digestions and autoradiographic methods. These data agree with our conception according to which the fibrillar centres of Ehrlich tumour cell nucleoli could be the nucleolar organizers.


[Demonstration, content and distribution of glycogen in rat ova during segmentation]. A large amount of glycogen can be detected in the cytoplasm of rat eggs; it is evenly distributed in all the cytoplasm of blastomeres and polar globules. During cleavage, eggs show non significative change in glycogen content. This polysaccharide was observed and identified in ultrathin sections. It exists in the form of beta particles.


Idiopathic chronic urinary retention in the female. The clinical features in 14 female patients with chronic urinary retention unassociated with extrinsic or obvious intrinsic obstruction or neurological disease are described. Management, results and histological findings are presented and discussed in relation to the clinical findings.


A urodynamic view of bladder outflow obstruction in the female: factors influencing the results of treatment. 169 female patients with outlet obstruction have been studied urodynamically. The results of treatment of the outlet obstruction in 102 patients have been analysed and the reason for the failures discussed. Patients with stable detrusors and those with symptoms of recurrent urinary tract infection responded well to treatment, provided this relieved the obstruction adequately; symptomatic relief was less common in patients with unstable detrusors, despite adequate outflow readjustment.


Urodynamic findings in adult females with frequency and dysuria. Urodynamic findings, and in particular measures of outflow obstruction in a consecutive series of 156 women presenting with recurrent increased frequency and dysuria, have been analysed. Poor correlation between these various measures has been demonstrated; at most only 8% of these patients have demonstrable outflow obstruction. More than a quarter of the patients had bladder instability.


Ionic determinants of spontaneous activity in clusters of cultured cardiac cells from newborn rats. The spontaneous activity of cell clusters derived from ventricle cells of newborn rats was studied using a recording television microscope. The influence of varying concentrations of sodium, potassium, calcium, tetrodotoxin (TTX), and that of 2 mM MnCl2 was tested. The spontaneous activity of the cell clusters persisted in TTX but it was abolished by Mn. The beating rate increased when [Ca]0 and [Na]0 were changed from 0.3 mM to 3.0 mM and from 30 mM to 75 mM; it decreased with a change of [Na]0 from 75 mM to 142 mM. It is concluded that electrogenesis in their behavior to very young embryonic rat heart cells or cells of the rabbit sinoauricular node.


Premature coronary artery disease in identical male twins studied by selective coronary arteriography. Identical twin brothers with premature coronary artery  disease are described. Repeat selective cine-coronary arteriograms were performed in this unique twin model and demonstrated a close similarity in location and extent of atherosclerotic lesions.


[Morphine interaction with reserpine and amphetamine on prolonged administration to rats]. The authors carried out studies on 300 white rats of the Wistar strain and examined the influence of reserpien and amphetamine on creating physical dependence to morphine in rats after sixty days of combined application. Resepine, used continuosty with morphine, hindered the development of tolerance to the analgetic and toxic effect of morphine. However on the background of a three-day administration in rats with reserpine the morphine revealed considerably less toxicity. The amphetamine did not stop the development of the morphine dependence. The amphetamine, administered tere singly for a period of sixty days, created dependence in the rats. The results are discussed in view of the participation of cerebral catecholamines and serotonine in the creotion of morphine dependence.


Effect of preservation and skimming on the nutritional value of raw milks under house conditions. The use of raw cow's and buffalo's milk in infant feeding is common in our country. The milk is distributed by day or night. The mother preserves the milk either fresh or after boiling. She skims the milk before using it in feeding and in many times she dilutes it. In this way the nutritional value of milk is decreased. The extent of this decrease was unknown. The aim and results of this work are shown and it is apparent that for the decrease in fat content : a) raw cow's milk 52.48%, b) raw buffalo's milk 33.61%, c) boiled cow's milk 34.1% and d) boiled buffalo's milk 26.14%.


Some cestodes and nematodes parasitizing gallinaceous and columbi-form birds in Nepal. The birds from the valley of the Barun Khola River (Great Himalaya, Eastern Nepal), Tetraogallus tibetanus aquilonifer, Ithaginis cruentus cruentus, Lophophorus impejanus, Columba leuconota and Gallus gallus f. dom., were examined for helminths. Ten species of parasitic worms (3 of the class Cestoidea and 7 of the class Nematoda) were found in their digestive tract. One of them, Ascaridia nepalensis, is described as a new species.


Studies on the dynamics of Strongyloides egg release under stud conditions. The eggs of Strongyloides westeri were found in the faeces of the foals from the 16th day of their life, with a peak in their numbers between the 30th and 40th day of life. Egg release ceased in all foals irrespective of their date of birth in the months July-August. Parallel examinations of the mares were negative. Recommendations for the control of strongyloidosis in foals are given.


[Value of quantitative camera functional scintigraphy in urogenital tuberculosis]. 131-J-Hippuran dynamic camera studies were performed in 50 patients suffering from tuberculosis of the kidney. Sequential scintigraphy indicated marked defects of the parenchyma in 50%, contracted kidneys in 14% and a loss of kidney function in 22%. 58% of the tested cases showed a disturbed drainage of urine. The decrease of function of the involved kidney could be evaluated quantitatively by simultaneous measurement of the J-Hippuran-Clearance. In uro-tuberculosis the advantages of the dynamic camera studies consist in the determination of the function status of the involved and the contralateral kidney. Indications of dynamic camera studies of the kidney in urotuberculosis are: 1. prior to surgery: exact determination of the function of both kidneys, 2. following surgery and during medicamental therapy: control of the postoperative course and control of the functional status during chemotherapy.


[Estrogenic action of cardiac glycosides. Clinical and animal experiment studies]. Vaginal smears of young girls before puberty and of postmenopausal women who were treated with digoxine, were examined on their degree of proliferation. There was no sign of any estrogenic stimulation. In female juvenile and ovarectomized fertile rats digitoxin caused no ripening of the vaginal epithelium neither in low nor in high doses. It is supposed that some steroid-hormone-like effects which are seen by glycoside-therapy, are related to stimulation of the suprarenal gland.


Premature ejaculation: some thoughts about its pathogenesis. Premature ejaculation has always been assumed to be a male sexual dysfunction whose pathogenesis involved either male physiologic or psychologic considerations. A small series of unselected cases is presented that suggests that premature ejaculation may also result from hidden femal arousal difficulties. The clinical material illustrates that the newer penile stimulation therapies for premature ejaculation are not required for every couple with this complaint.


Motor effects of cholinergic stimulation of the globus pallidus in rats. Forty-seven rats were cannulated permanently in either the globus pallidus or neostriatum and subsequently injected with carbachol, scopolamine, or carbachol plus scopolamine. The injection of carbachol (1 mug) into the globus pallidus produced transient hyperkinetic phasic dyskinesias (84%) followed in some cases by ipsilateral circling (47%) associated with hypertonic contralateral hind limbs. This condition progressed in some rats to a cataleptic state (42%). The injection of scopolamine (50 mug) or scopolamine (50mug) plus carbachol (1 mug) into the pallidum produced ipsilateral circling associated with hypotonia of the contralateral hind limb in a few rats. No hyperkinetic dyskinesias nor catalepsy were produced by these injections. The injection of carbachol (1 mug) into the neostriatum produced hyperkinetic dyskinesias (86%) of long duration, minimal circling (both directions) (10%), and catalepsy (29%). These effects were blocked by the addition of 50 mug of scopolamine to the carbachol injection. Scopolamine (50-100 mug) alone produced no effects after injection into the caudate/putamen. Saline injections in the neostriatum or globus pallidus produced no motor disturbance.


Inhibition of macrophage migration by virus-induced interferon preparations. It was found that a preparation of mouse L cell interferon induced by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) possessed not only interferon activity but also inhibitory activity upon migration of guinea pig peritoneal macrophages (MIF activity). These activities were also observed in a preparation of human leukocyte interferon induced by NDV. The interferon and MIF activities shared common characteristics in the dose response, time course of in vitro production, thermal stability, sensitivity to trypsin and periodate, and elution pattern in CM-Sephadex column chromatography. However, gel filtration pattern with Sephadex G-100 showed two separate peaks. Fractions collected from the first peak, corresponding to a molecular weight of about 45 000, had only the MIF activity, while those collected from the second peak, corresponding to a molecular weight of about 30 000, had both the interferon and MIF activities. A preparation of mouse brain interferon induced by Japanese encephalitis virus had a much weaker MIF activity than the L cell interferon, although these preparations were equal in interferon activity (5000 units/ml).


[Behavior-genetic analysis of responses in runway test as measures of emotional reactivity in rats: I.- phenotypic variations and heritability estimates based on offspring-parents regressions (author's transl)]. Individual differences of emotional reactivity were estimated from 6 kinds of responses measured in the Runway Test (modified ("Timidity Test") in 974 random-bred albino rats. 3 different estimates of heritability of these responses were calculated from the regressions of offspring on dam, sire, and midparent. The types and degree of the phenotypic variations are very different among the responses measured. Heritability estimates of 2 kinds of responses which are related to the behavior going to the remotest part of runway from starting box were relatively higher (.30-.55). Heritability estimates of starting latency, time in the starting box, and the number of sections rats traversed were medium (.20-.40). The estimates from defecation scores had lowest (.10-.30).


[Blood levels after two different galenic forms of epicillin medication in a crossover study (author's transl)]. The equipollent clinical effect of epicillin syrup compared with epicillin capsules was demonstrated by means of blood levels in a crossover study in seven children aged between one year and 13 years. The advantages in pediatrics of using epicillin with possibly a low frequency of exanthema are pointed out.


Correlation of symptoms in pre-menstrual tension to oestrogen and progesterone concentrations in blood plasma. A preliminary study. 15 women with premenstrual tension are rated in four symptom groups, anxiety-tension, asthenia-depression, irritability-explosiveness and feelings of swelling. The ratings of anxiety and irritability were also added to a separate group. Ratings were then correlated to plasma oestrogen and progesterone levels and oestrogen/progesterone ratios. There was a significant correlation between oestrogen levels and the anxiety, irritability, anxiety + irritability and depression groups. A correlation was also found between oestrogen/progesterone ratios and anxiety. No significant correlation was found between progesterone levels and symptom ratings.


[Accidents and complications of splenoportography]. The literature concerning accidents and complications of transcutaneous splenoportography is examined and compared with personal experience. The technique used is discussed and some of its advantages with respect to selective arteriography of the coeliac tripod are stressed. It is concluded transcutaneous that splenoportography is free from any particular risk and has no equal in the detailed study of certain alterations of the splenoportal trunk.


[Study of the antigenic properties of the duodenum juice in children with cystic fibrosis (author's transl)]. Comparative study of the antigenic properties of the duodenal juice has been carried out; the samples of duodenal juice were collected from the following three groups of children: 1) healthy children 2) children with lambliosis 3) children with cystic fibrosis. The method of double diffusion and precipitation in agar according to Ouchterlony and immunoelectrophoresis technique according to Scheidegger were used. The author's own specific rabbit antisera were applied. On the basis of the results achieved the conclusion may be drawn that the duodenum content of children suffering from cystic fibrosis includes, apart from antigens immunologically identical with the duodenal content of healthy children, also a separate antigen with specific traits for cystic fibrosis. It was also found that a pathological mucoprotein, appearing sporadically in the duodenum juice of children with lambliosis is in no connection with the antigen specific for cystic fibrosis.


Evaluation of the method of testing on spermatozoa of the local irritant effect of streptomycin. This report presents an attempt to adapt the method of study of the cytotoxic effect of streptomycin (SM) for evaluation of its local irritant properties. The cytotoxic effect of streptomycin was treated on bull spermatoza according to Dumitrescu (1). Ten series of SM produced by Tarchomin Pharmaceutical Producers, and international standard streptomycin (Is -- SM) were used in the experiments. The effect of the mentioned substances was checked in isotonic solutions (in 5% glucose containing 0.82, 2.46, 7.38 mg SM base in 1 ml at pH 4.5--4.8). Is -- SM did not show any spermicidal effect, on the contrary, it significantly prolonged the life-span of spermatozoa. The checked series showed statistically significant spermicidal activity. The cytotoxic effect of SM is proportional to its concentration, and varies in particular series. The studied series can be divided into those of strong, moderate, and weak spermicidal activity. The comparison of these results with those of simultaneous clinical and histopathological studies indicates no correlation between the local irritating effect observed in humans, and the cytotoxic influence determined in the test with spermatozoa. The method of study of SM on spermatozoa is unsuitable for evaluation of the local irritating activity of this substance.


[Balloon atrioseptostomy (B.A.S.) in the management of neonates and infants with transposition of great vessels (author's transl)]. From June 1969 to April 1973, B.A.S. was carried out in 2-day to 6-month-old 65 infants at the Institute of Paediatrics of the Academy of Medicine in Warsaw. There were 16 infants up to one week old, 39 infants--up to one month, and 10 infants more than one month old. There were 43 boys and 22 girls among them. Cardiac catheterization and B.A.S. were carried out in most children up to 24 hours following hospitalization under local anaesthesia and premedication with robenzperidol and dolantin. In 11 of the 65 infants after B.A.S. the saturation with oxygen in the right atrium under-went no significant changes; in 54 cases it increased by 10 to 49 per cent. Of the 65 infants in whom B.A.S. was performed, 37 are alive, 28 had died. In 20 children under constant outpatient cardiological follow up the observation period has amounted from 6 months to 3 years. Their motoric development and growth is retarded, there is moderate cyanosis, but no symptoms of congestive failure were found. All these children are administered digitalis in chronic maintenance doses. Respiratory infections occured frequently in these patients. As mentioned above, 28 infants died at the age of 2 days to 6 months. Post mortem examination revealed that the B.A.S. was unsufficient in 14 cases. However, 14 infants died in spite of the satisfactority performed atrioseptostomy. Pulmonary oedema or haemorrhagic-and-inflammatory changes in the lungs as well as generalized thrombosis were the most frequent causes of death. On the basis of their own experience the authors elaborated indications and instructions for B.A.S. in neonates and infants with congenital heart diseases. These directives are based on the Team Work of cardiologists, anaesthesiologists, cardiac surgeons and paediatric radiologists. Because ever greater numbers of neonates are being sent to the Institute of Paediatric of the Academy of Medicine from all over Poland, the authors organized continuous cardiological emergency service to carry out B.A.S. procedures as soon as possible, without delay.


The effects of nalorphine and Micoren on blood oxygenation and acid-base equilibrium in patients with myocardial infarction treated with neuroleptanalgesia II. Sixty-five patients with myocardial infarction were observed for comparison of the values of nalorphine and Micoren in prevention of respiratory depression caused by fentanyl. The patients were divided into 4 groups receiving NLA II with or without nalorphine, morphine or Micoren. In all cases paO2, paCO2 and acid-base equilibrium were determined before and after administration of drugs. In the group receiving only NLA II paO2 fell in 50% of cases, in other groups receiving nalorphine or Micoren it increased in most cases. The paCO2 increased in most cases in groups receiving only NLA II or NLA II with nalorphine with or without morphine and respiratory acidosis developed in 4 cases. In the group receiving NLA II with Micoren paCO2 fell. The results indicate the necessity of administration of respiratory stimulants with NLA II and Micoren appears to be preferable to nalorphine in this respect.


[Attempt to evaluate the bioelectrical function of the brain and the mental development of twin pregnancy children (author's transl)]. EEG records and psychological examinations were performed in 30 twin pairs, 9 of which were monozygotic and 21--dizygotic twins, aged 1 to 13 years. No data on disturbances in C.N.S. functions or somatic diseases were found on the basis of anamnesis in 5 pairs, but in 25 pairs the abnormalities were stated in the perinatal period febrile and infantile convulsions and head injury were also found. Normal EEG records were found in 5 pairs; in 6 pairs one of the children showed a normal record, while the other--an abnormal one, and in the remaining 19 pairs abnormal records were found (Table I). Totally similar EEG records were found in 11 pairs, and dissimilar ones in 19 pairs. The development quotient (D.Q.) or intelligence quotient (I.Q) amounted to 80-90 points in only 5 children, while in the others there was 90-110 and over. In 18 pairs the quotient values were similar, and in 12 pairs different (Table II). In pairs with equal values of the quotients qualitative differences were found in the functions measured. The similarities and differences in EEG records and also in D.Q. and I.Q. For monozygotic and dizygotic twins are illustrated by Table III. The authors analysed the similarities and differences in EEG records and D.Q. and I.Q. in twin pairs in relation to two groups of children. Group I includes 5 pairs of twins without data on C.N.S. function disturbances and group II--25 pairs in which there were factors which could damage the function of C.N.S. A predominance of similar EEG records and of similar values of quotients was found, in the I group irrespective whether they were monozygotic or dizygotic twins (Table IV). In group II, however, there were considerably less similar EEG records and similar quotient values and, moreover, qualitative differences were found in the functions measured. Similarities in monozygotic twins in opposition to the dizygotic ones were found in EEG records (Table V). The authors state that, despite the predominance of abnormal EEG records in the examined twins, no mental deficiency was found in any of the children. The EEG records differed more in the twins than the psychomotor development quotients, but similarities in the records were greater than those of the quotients in monozygotic twins. Concomitantly with similar numerical values of psychomotor development quotients there were qualitative differences of the functions measured. The greatest differences in EEG records and quotient values were found in pairs of twins in which data were found on factors which could disturb the function of the C.N.S. as well as in dizygotic twins.


Myocardial and endocardial lesions in rabbit after acute poisoning with Intration and after treatment with some detoxifying agents. The hearts of rabbits killed 24 hours after intoxication with Intration in the dose of LD50 and rabbits treated at the same time with PAM or atropine were studied pathomorphologically. Twenty-four hours after administration of Intration toxic lesions of the myocardium and endocardium were observed, which were more pronounced in rabbits treated simultaneously with the detoxifying agents as compared with those which received only Intration. The intensity of the changes was due to overdosage of the detoxifying agents, especially PAM which was particularly harmful.


[A direct micromethod for transferrin level determination in human serum (author's transl)]. All the methods of quantitative estimation of transferrin concentration applied until recently have consisted in calculating the amount of this protein through the amount of iron bound in the blood serum. For this purpose the total iron binding capacity of serum (TIBC) has to be determined and then transferrin concentration is calculated. The calculation is based on the fact found by Ehrenberg and Laurell (1955) that two atoms of trivalent iron are selectively bound with one molecule of transferrin. The disadvantage of this method consists mainly in the necessity to carry out the measurement twice in every serum sample and in the large amount of material necessary for the analyses: this is a great inconvenience for pediatric clinics. The single-radial diffusion method in agar-gel was evaluated to be very advantageous for quantitative estimation of transferrin because of its simple technique and reaction specifity. The quantitative estimation is possible by the pilot calibration curve that represents the relationship of the diameter of a given circle and transferrin concentration. The quantity of material necessary for analysis amounts to not more than 5 mul of serum. Specific antitransferrin serum has to be imported and this seems to be the only reason why the said technique has not been used in Poland so far. The sera and vaccine laboratories in Warsaw have recently started to produce this antiserum and pure human transferrin. This has stimulated us to work out the single-radial diffusion method in agar based on Polish antiserum and Polish standard. The quality of the Polish specific rabbit antitransferrin serum and Polish pure human transferrin was tested by the immunoelectrophoretic method. The above findings provide the evidence that the Polish reagents are as good as those of the Behringwerke. Single-radial diffusion in agar gel should be carried out under the following conditions. 1) reaction temperature: 20-22degreesC 2) reaction time 24 hours 3) optimum concentration of antitransferrin serum in agar is 1:5.2. The error of the immunochemical method was determined experimentally and was found to be 9.05%. The results obtained with Polish and Behringwerke reagents were compared and were very similar.


Some ultrastructural aspects of clear-cell uterine corpus carcinoma. Light and electron microscopic study of a clear-cell carcinoma of the corpus uteri was undertaken. The clear cells of the investigated tumor showed a high degree of cellular differentiation as compared with the typical carcinomatous dark cell. They resemble the endometrial glandular cells of the secretroy type. The ultrastructural examination of the carcinomatous clear areas permits to distinguish these endometrial cells from those of mesonephric or adrenal origin.


The effect of hemicholinium on behavior and on brain acetylcholine and choline in the rat. Behavior and whole brain acetylcholine and choline levels were studied in rats following intraventricular administration of hemicholinium-3. There was an 80% decrease in the content of acetylcholine after 2 hours. The depletion was associated with a decreased turnover of acetylcholine and aggressive behavior. The acetylcholine level did not return to control values until 72 hours after injection, when hemicholinium was still detectable as determined by fluorescence assay. Endogenous choline levels as determined by microwave fixation were 22.7 +/- 1.1 nmol g-1 and were unaffected by hemicholinium; however, hemicholinium caused a significant reduction in the postmortem increase in choline.


Alcohol, habituation and the patterning of aggressive responses in a cichlid fish. Territorial cichlids were presented for 30 min with a conspecific male intruder (contained in a clear glass tube). Eight hr prior, 2 groups were administered alcohol (0.15 or 0.30 percent in the aquaria water). A third group served as a control. Three responses were recorded to allow analysis of topographic changes in behavior as well as changes in absolute levels. During the habituation phase, the normal group showed a sequence of long displays, followed by shorter ones as the frequency of attacks increased. The occurrence of threat which gradually gives way to attack is characteristic of the agonistic behavior of this species. In contrast to the controls, the 0.15 percent group was hyperaggressive, while the 0.30 percent group was hypoaggressive. Furthermore, the patterning of responses were abnormal. The 0.15 percent group gave abbreviated threats and more attacks (interpreted as a tendency to attack without warning); whereas, the 0.30 percent group gave many long threat displays, but few attacks. A stimulus specificity test provided strong evidence that the waning found during the initial phase was habituation.


Stereospecific binding of morphine to phosphatidyl serine. By measuring the adsorption of 14C-morphine to a surface film at an air-water interface, it was shown that morphine binds to phosphatidyl serine in a 1:1 molar ratio. With the use of levorphanol and the inactive d-isomer, dextrorphan, it could be demonstrated that the interaction was stereospecific. A Lineweaver-Burk plot disclosed that levorphanol and morphine competitively interacted with the lipid; the Km for morphine was 1.6 X 10(-5)M and the Ki for levorphanol was 4.8 X 10(-5)M. Heroin, a stronger opiate, had a greater affinity for phosphatidyl serine than did morphine or levorphanol.


Voluntary morphine ingestion, morphine dependence, and recovery from withdrawal signs. We are reporting on conditions (without forced drinking or premedications) where rats voluntarily drink high quantities of sucrose-morphine solutions in preference to water. The volume ingested is inversely related to the morphine concentration in the liquid. The morphine antagonist, nalorphine, produced a clear set of opiate withdrawal signs in these (voluntarily) morphine-drinking rats. The severity of withdrawal signs was a function of the amount of ingested morphine. The present finding is the first report to show that rats ingest high quantities of sucrose-morphine without premedication or forced hydration procedures.


Pattern of daily blood ethanol elevation and the development of physical dependence. Schedule-induced ethanol polydipsia regimens were used which produced either one or two daily peaks in blood ethanol levels. After 3 months on these regimens, rats were withdrawn from ethanol and tested for the presence of abstinence signs. No evidence of physical dependence was found, a result which contrasted with the previous finding of a severe withdrawal syndrome when blood ethanol was maintained at a more continuously elevated level prior to withdrawal. It was concluded that, as in the case of barbiturates, the development of physical dependence on ethanol requires more than an episodic peaking of the blood ethanol level once or twice per day.


Measurement of the effects of drugs on activity of permanent groups of rats. The diurnal light-dark cycle, grouping of animals and spatial organization of the environment may affect the behavioral responses of animals to psychoactive drugs. A method of working with these factors experimentally is described, using a residential maze equipped with photocells for recording activity of groups of animals. Preliminary results show reliable activity measurements are produced which are sensitive to modification by drugs.


[Acts of violence from point of view of the criminologist]. Assaultive offences continue to occupy a major share of the interest of criminologists and of the attention of the public. They are defined by the use, or the threat of use of force on a victim by an offender. The paper reviews basic definitions, methods of measuring assaultive crime, and recent phenomenological patterning. Different socio-economic variables are discussed, such as age and sex, urbanization and social class, race, victim-offender relationships, family factors. A brief analysis is presented of child abuse. Various theories have been presented, with different interpretative and explanatory focuses. They are summarized by the Authors under the following headings: a) Barrier theories b) Theories of inevitability c) "Bad influence" theories d) Culture theories. A few cross-cultural examples are given, from existing studies. The postulates of cultural theories are presented, with suggestions for further research.


Attenuation of precipitated abstinence in methadone-dependent rats by delta 9-THC. Racemic methadone hydrochloride was administered to male rats in daily subcutaneous injections of 10-30 mg/kg. Dependence, when assessed by naloxone challenge after 26 days, was quantitatively and qualitatively similar to that previously reported by us for rats implanted with a 75 mg morphine pellet for 72 hours. Abstinence scores in animals pretreated acutely with 10 mg/kg delta 9-THC one hour before naloxone were significantly less than those of a vehicle control group, and wet shakes and gastrointestinal signs of abstinence were blocked. These results extend previous observations of morphine abstinence attenuating properties of delta 9-THC to effects on animals dependent on methadone.


Behavioral supersensitivity to apomorphine and amphetamine after chronic high dose haloperidol treatment. Rats administered chronic haloperidol (5 mg/cc) for 2 months exhibited stereotyped gnawing during chronic haloperidol treatment, and after withdrawal from haloperidol, showed significantly greater stereotyped behavior induced by apomorphine or L-amphetamine compared to saline controls. Chronic administration of benztropine mesylate concomitantly with haloperidol reduced the effects of chronic haloperidol on drug induced stereotyped behavior during the withdrawal period.


Reduction of morphine-withdrawal body shakes by a conditional stimulus in the rat. Narcotic dependence in rats was established, in five days, by administering intravenous injections of morphine sulfate in increasing doses. From day six onward, dependence was maintained by administering a morphine injection (15 mg/kg) every 6 h throughout the day, and each of these injections was paired with a tone. After 16 morphine-tone pairings, test trials, in which the tone was presented in the absence of morphine, were instituted. These tone presentations significantly reduced morphine-withdrawal "wet shakes" in rats which received morphine-tone pairings, but not in rats which received control treatments.


Current research in the indoleamine hypothesis of affective disorders. Lithium cloride (10 meq/kg/day) administered to rats for 3 days before pharmacological challenge with cocaine hydrochloride (100 mg/kg) antagonized the effects of the stimulant drug on complementary constituents of serotonin synthesis. This neurobiological antagonism, as well as lithium's antagonism of the behavioral effects of other drugs that can produce extreme moods in man, suggests that lithium may work against mania and depression by "buffering" the serotonergic system--that is, by pushing two adaptive processes respectively to their upper and lower limits, which returns the net synthesis of transmitter to a "normal" range and keeps it there.


Lithium research: does it lead to an integrative hypothesis for the manic-melancholic disorders? 1. The effects of lithium on electrolyte metabolism can be demonstrated in man in acute as well as in long-term lithium treatment. 2. It seems feasible to integrate these lithium effects with effects on biogenic amines to form an integral hypothesis for lithium action in manic-malancholic man. 3. The results are consistent with one of the following two hypotheses: a) that lithium acts by membrane stabilization and/or b) that lithium acts by interplay with magnesium or one or more enzymes. 4. The above findings and hypotheses direct attention to membrane dyfunction as the basic defect in manic-melancholic states. This may find support in preliminary findings of special HL-A profiles in unipolar and bioplar manic-melancholic patentis. 5.  A four-type pump-defect model may theoretically account for the various clinical types of affective disorders.


[The situation of woman today--a psychoanalytic viewpoint]. Psychoanalysis originally considered femininity solely from the psycho-sexual aspect, quoting the Freudian postulate of the 'passivity' of woman and regarding her mainly as an imperfect male without a penis. More modern opinions are based on the specific, general view, according to which the essence of femininity is be to regarded primarily in a special way of the actual condition of human existence. Beside biological and psycho-sexual aspects the social and cultural sides of the problem should not be neglected. However, especially woman's physical nature is indicative of a relationship to others quite different from that of man.


[The woman of today from a psycho-gynecologic perspective]. It is uncertain whether the efforts made by modern woman to break away from her traditional position in the couple and in society will be crowned with success. The gynaecologist does not fail to consider in his field that woman's protest, on the one hand, and her affirmation, on the other hand, influence her genital physiology. Her inability to adapt herself may manifest itself in relatively specific disorders, whereas, on the contrary, her equilibrium will guarantee the harmonious functioning of her organs. This equilibrium is conditioned by a profound sense of her identity, based on a perfect integration of her body and her affective potential. If this sense is developed, she will approach the world around her with more or even unlimited security. The author has carefully examined a certain number of gynaecological situations and observed how the patient at one with herself is able to integrate her sex. This feeling of harmony provides an obstacle to the conviction of being at the mercy of a sort of evolutional fate from puberty to menopause. Even when her ailing body no longer corresponds to the definitions of health she adopts an attitude which shows that she accepts herself in all her femininity.


Effect of distamycin A on the primary and secondary immune response of mouse spleen cells in vitro against sheep erythrocytes. The effect of distamycin A (DMC) on the primary and secondary immune response of mouse spleen cells, cultured in vitro in the presence of sheep erythrocytes as an antigen, was studied. It was found that the primary response was extremely sensitive to DMC during the first 24 hrs of culture and then gradually became more and more resistant to the immunosuppressive effect of the drug. Right from the start of culture, however, the secondary response was much more resistant than the primary one to the inhibitory action of DMC. These results could not be reproduced by treating the cultures with inhibitors of DNA-dependent DNA synthesis (such as cytosine arabinoside) or inhibitors of DNA-DEPENDENT RNA synthesis (such as actinomycin D).


Mycotic keratitis by Drechslera spicifera. The Drechslera state of Cochiobolus spicifer, Nelson 1964, was isolated from a case of keratomycosis. The patient, a 19 year old man, showed a large corneal ulcer with hypopyon associated with the introduction of dust. The direct examination of several scrapings revealed dark-brown hyphae. This species has been reported as a casual agent of a nodular granulomatous mass in the foot of a cat and in the skin of a horse.


[Uro-radiographic investigations in patients with tumors in the large bowel (author's transl)]. At the Istituto Nazionale Tumori, from 1970 to 1974, 154 patients with cancer of the large bowel underwent urography; 80 cases before surgery and 74 after surgery. Preoperative findings, correlated with neoplasia, were found in 4 patients, while non-neoplastic lesions were found in 32 patients. During postoperative evaluation, 21 patients showed lesions by locoregional diffusion of the neoplasia with involvement of the ureters especially by metastatic nodes. Less frequent was the finding of bladder involvement. 30 patients presented lesions due to surgery. Urography is useful for evaluating patients with neoplasia of the large bowel, especially after surgery and during follow-up.


[Splenectomy in some diseases of the organs of the blood system in children]. Fifty eight small and elder children were operated upon for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (39), hemolytic affections (17), and hemopoietic hypoplasia (2). At the height of a hemorrhagic crisis surgery was performed in 13 patients. Among 17 children with hematolytic processes in 2 cases autoimmune Fischer-Evans syndrome was observed. An intensive transfusion therapy and aministration of corticosteroids contributed to diminishing of the operative risk. No lethal issues were noted. Late results of splenectomies are described.


[Splenohepatic hemangiosarcoma with laceration of the spleen]. A case of a 31-years-old male with pathologic rupture of the spleen and hemoperitoneum, caused by a primitive hemangiosarcoma and occurred during a weight-lifting is described. A metastatic involvement of the liver was also noted. The patient was splenectomized and died within 2 months.


[Observation of 2 families with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis]. The authors describe five patients from two families with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, among them a brother and sister -- twins. Based on literature data and their experience, they stress the importance of the clinical and electromechanocardiographic criteria in the diagnosis of the family form of that disease, prior to the direct cardiac examination. The possible mechanisms in the genesis of predominantly local septum hypertrophia and left ventricle are discussed, an explanation being sought in the genetically conditioned changes of mitochondria and plentiful utilization of adenosine triphosphate by the defective myofibrils. Autosome mode of handing down with an incomplete penetration of the dominant gen is admitted. The differentitation of the family form of idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis is backed up as a separate nozological entiety bearing in mind another possible etiopathogenetic mechanism.


[The Moschcowitz syndrome--a rare cause of coma of unknown aetiology (author's transl)]. A case of the Moschcowitz syndrome, a rare cause of sudden coma, is presented and its clinical features and chemopathological findings described. The histological changes as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms and therapy of this syndrome are discussed.


[Nutrition physiological aspects of deep frying fats. 7. Effect of deep frying fats on the lipid metabolism and the fatty acid composition of body lipids]. In feeding experiments no differences could be observed when used frying fats were fed to rats in the same amount and over the same period if compared with the unheated fats (partially hardened groundnut oil, soyabean oil). In details we investigated: concentration of plasma lipids, including content of total cholesterol, electrophoresis of plasma lipoproteins, fatty acid composition of plasma lipids and of adipose tissue. Amount and composition of the unsaponifiable matter in heated and unheated fats as well as the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were determined. In in-vitro experiments we investigated the effect of pancreas lipase on these fats.


[The fatty acid patterns of infants under conditions of oral nutritions]. Theinfluence of oral milk foods on the fatty acid pattern of the total serumlipids was examined on 58 healthy infants and small children. It is known that the newborn;s fatty acid pattern is different to that of the adult's. These differences pertain chiefly to the essential linoleic acid and arachidonic acid as well as to the other fatty acids. The time of adaptation to the adult's fatty acid patter was to be ascertained. The result was that a speedy approximation depended on the food used and it's particular fatty acid pattern.


Studies on the recovery of aflatoxin b1 injected into frozen beef at different intervals of storage. Beef stored at --18 degrees C for 20,25,32,153, and 183 days showed a diminution in the recovery of injected aflatoxin B1. An unusual passing of aflatoxin in ether and hexane fractions of silica gel column was noted. Ether fraction contained aflatoxin B1-like substance from stored beef samples. Probable occlusion of aflaton B1 to meat constituents due to physico-chemical changes associated with muscle during storage was discussed.


[Problems during processing and storage of meat in cans. II. Chemical changes in canned meat with long storage time (author's transl)]. By sensory analysis and according to results of objective chemical investigations meat cans sterilized at 120 degrees C for long storage times were at best evaluated, if they were processed after the 4th and 7th day after slaughter. At first the 4th day; after 2 days the 7th day were preferred. 2. For comparison meat cans with long storage time of 5 and 9 years were analyzed in the same manner. In taste these were empty, strawy, and partly bitter. Frozen meat which was processed according to old procedures (long stored without any shock freezing), was regarded, extremely unagrellable. The attributs were adstringend and soapy. 3. Gelfiltration of diffusates showed a separation in 2 main peaks. The first from fractions 90--130 had a typical aroma of a heated meat, after hydrolysis glucose was detected as main sugar component. The 2th peak from fractions 170--230 tasted more sweet with parfumlike odor, after hydrolysis ribose was detected besides other substances stained by anisidine phthalate. 4. During storage substances of peak 1 were reduced in contrast to peak 2 substances. The latter seemed to be responsible for the aroma and taste at beginning of eating, but no fixation at the tongue could be observed in contrast to the substances of the peak 1. 5. Staining of separated peptides--by electrochromatography--with ninydrin received from the diffusates of the meat cans showed some brown coloured peptides, which disappeared during storage. This was in good correlation with the results of sensory analysis.


[Changes in the nutrient and energy content in defined parts of the veal calf (author's transl)]. In a study on the nutrient and energy content of defined parts of the body, five veal calves each were slaughtered at the start and at the end of two fattening periods with liquid diet. The whole body weight of the three groups of veal calves averaged 56, 96, and 151 kg. All body organs and parts resulting from slaughtering and partitioning were weighed, divided among 11 groups of cuts, and analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash and energy. The various cuts showed different weight gains in relation to live weight. Blood, hide and gastrointestinal tract and also total meat increased about proportionally to live weight, the innards and bones developed more slowly. During the 12-week fattening period the percentage of total meat of the carcass increased from 68 to 72, the percentage of adipose tissue from 3 to 8. Over the same period the percentage of bones decreased from 26 to 19. The groups of organs and tissues showed considerable differences in nutrient content. With an increase in ether extract concentration from 39 to 69% of fresh matter during fattening, the adipose tissue of finished calves contained 13 times the amount of ether extract of animals at the start of fattening. The deposition of fat in the skeleton, in contrast to the soft tissues, already reached the maximum level in the weight range under 100 kg. Among the four defined groups of lean meat there were no major differences in crude protein and ash. In the total meat crude protein content declined from 20.4 to 19.3%, ash content from 1.7 to 1.3% of fresh matter during fattening. The total protein content amounting to 13.2 kg in the group after finishing reached 2.7 times the level of the inital content. At the same time the fat content of the total meat increased from 2.4% initially to 7.7% at the end. The highest level found was 11.3% in the lean meat of the chest/abdominal part. In the total meat about 2.8 times as much fat was retained in the second period of fattening than in the first period.


A genetic study of plasma dopamine beta hydroxylase activity in man. Plasma dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH) activity was determined in MZ twins and in siblings of both sexes. The enzyme activities were found to be virtually identical in MZ twins. DBH activity was less similar in same-sex sibs, but still significantly correlated. These results indicate that plasma DBH activity is genetically determined.


Twins as a natural test of chronogenetics. Monozygotic twins are the best witnesses of the existence of a hereditary biological time, because they would not be identical if they had not also inherited the times of appearance and duration of their common hereditary information. The authors gave the name "chronogenetics" to this branch of genetics which concerns the temporal dimension of the gene and the mechanisms of transmission and manifestation of the temporal characteristics. The "Ergon/Chronon System" is suggested as a model to explain chronological heredity in terms of molecular genetics. An example is offered of a chronogenetic analysis of puberty based on the study of puberty times in 157 female and 154 male twin pairs. This shows the hereditary conditioning of numerous chronogenetic parameters, the extrapolation of conclusions concerning the phenomenon of puberty, and the establishment, in this regard, of a borderline between hereditary and physical times. A picture is finally drawn exemplifying Normal Hereditary Times (gametic, auxologic, homeostatic, and old-age recession times) and Pathological Hereditary Times (auxologic, cardiovascular, neoplastic, immunitary, metabolic, and antitoxic pathology times). Provisional chronogenetic developments are indicated, and a possible advancement toward the recycling of the gene is hoped for.


Congenital malformations, twinning and associated variables in a Brazilian population. A sample of 6052 newborn children (4968 whites, 1084 Blacks) issued from parents with a generally low socioeconomic level, was studied in relation to congenital anomalies and twinning rates. The observed frequency of major malformations was 1.3% and of minor defects 2.0%. The twinning rate was 1.4%. Race differences were generally nonsignificant in these variables. These results are in agreement with those obtained in some other Brazilian series, but discrepancies were also observed. A total of 13% of the malformations observed proved to be familial, polydactyly being the most common anomaly encountered in this class. The frequency of malformations different from those present in the propositi is higher in their sibships than the general prevalence of defective children found among the sibs of normal babies (13% and 4% respectively). Age, gestation length and exposure of the mothers to noxious agents during pregnancy were not significantly different when the parents of normal and malformed children were compared. On the other hand, as expected, the parents of twins are significantly older than those of single-born, and the gestation length was much reduced in pregnancies resulting in multiple births.


The secular decline in dizygotic twinning rates in italy. It is shown that the recent secular decline in DZ twinning rates in Italy was not solely due to secular changes in birth order or maternal age. The extent of the decline differed in different maternal age-parity categories. It seemed to be greater in younger women than older ones for constant parity. The data gave no clear support to the suggestion that the decline is associated with social class. It seems that this secular decline in Italy has not been greatly affected by the use of ovulation-inducing drugs.


An unusual case of hemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis. A baby with alpha-chain thalassemia hydrops fetalis was born to an Iraqian Jewish couple of Iraqi-Kurdish extraction. Hemoglobin Bart's constituted only 40% of the total hemoglobin, much less than usually found in alpha-thalassemia hydrops fetalis. That this is a particular expression of hemoglobin H disease is considered. The likelihood of two alpha-chain loci, rather than one alpha-chain locus, in this family, is also discussed.


[Complications in chloroquin therapy].

[Complications in chloroquin therapy]. Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are widely used in diseases  of connective tissue, especially in rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. However, various side effects are reported in many publications. In general these side effects are less important, e.g. those on the gastrointestinal tract and drug exanthema. Disorders of the haemopoetic system, the central nervous system, and peripheral neuromyopathy are rare. Only few reports exist about fetal damage. In contrary, severe problems result from eye complications such as reversible keratopathy and mostly irreversible retinopathy. If, however, chloroquine is administered, the necessity of exakt dosage and periodic ophthalmologic controls has to be stressed.


Specific colour reaction for the determination of lysine and/or ornithine. A simple procedure was worked out for the direct spectrophotometric determination of lysine and/or ornithine in hydrolysates of proteins and protein-containing materials. The method is based on the estimation of the coloured compound formed in the reaction of lysine and ornithine with furfurol. Since the reaction is specific for lysine and ornithine and separation of amino acids is not necessary for their determination the method is suitable for large scale screening of protein samples. The lower limit of detection is 0.5 mug for lysine and 2 mug for ornithine and the accuracy of the method is +/- 0.5% and +/- 2% respectively.


Serum insulin values during oral glucose tolerance test in various age groups. Serum insulin (IRI) values during the oral glucose tolerance test were studied in 79 infants and children. Conspicuously and significantly lower IRI levels were observed in the age group of half to two years of age, while the highest levels occurred in children aged 6-14 years. The fall in free fatty acid level was more pronounced in the older age groups. While the cause and significance of these age-bound peculiarities could not be clarified, they have to be taken into consideration in the assessment of pathologic conditions.


[Chlorlincocin kinetics in animals with a disordered hormonal balance]. Distribution of chlorlincomycin in intact rats and animals with an impaired hormonal balance was studied. Estradiol or hydrocortizon acetate were administered repeatedly to the animals in large doses with a purpose of inducing pathological conditions. Chlorlincomycin was administered intravenously for 11 days in a dose of 15 mg/kg. The antibiotic levels in the blood serum and organs of the rats were determined at various intervals after the drug administration. The hormones induced changes in the sexual cycle. Hydrocortizon acetate markedly changed the animal weight and the weight coefficient of the internal organs. The kinetics of chlorlincomycin in the animals with hormonal impairments induced by estradiol or hydrocortizon acetate changed insufficiently as compared to that in the intact rats. Individual fluctuations in the antibiotic distribution was observed in the animals treated with hydrocortizon acetate. The levels of chlorlincomycin in the blood of the weakest animals were higher. No cumulation of the drug was noted.


Artificial induction of lactation in ewes: the relative importance of oxytocin and the milking stimulus. Eight ovariectomized and four intact ewes were given oestrogen plus progesterone to develop the mammary glands. The intact ewes (group A) and four ovariectomized ewes (group B) then received four injections each day of 1 i.u. syntocinon for 5 days whereas the other four ovariectomized ewes (group C) received placebo injections of 0-9% saline. Milking commenced the day after the last of these injections. Yields of mammary secretion on the first day of milking--representing secretion accumulated during the injection of syntocinon or saline--for ewes in groups A and B were significantly higher than yields from group C (control) ewes. After 12 days of milking, yields of secretion from group A ewes were significantly higher than yields from group B ewes which in turn were significantly higher than yields from ewes in group C.


[Effect of fibroblasts from monolayer cultures of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissue on the immune response in vitro]. Stromal fibroblasts from the monolayer cultures of human bone marrow, guinea pig bone marrow, spleen, thymus and peripheral blood suppressed the response of the plagueforming cells against sheep erythrocytes in the suspension cultures of mouse spleen cells. Combined cultivation of 20 X 10(6) fibroblasts from all the mentioned sources led to complete suppression of the immune response. This suppression was less in mice immunized three days before the spleen cell explantation into the suspension cultures and was absent entirely in case the pre-immunization of spleen cell donors was accomplished nine days before the explantation.


[Effect of maternal milk antibodies on the immune response of the progeny]. The influence of antibodies transmitted with milk on the progeny's immune response was studied. Mice were injected with sheep erythrocytes during the last trimester of gestation. The newborns from the immunized and nonimmunized mothers were exhanged on the first day. Hemagglutinins were shown to be transmitted with milk during the whole suckling period and decreased the plaque-forming immune response of the suckling mice.