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Nucleolus organizers in Mus musculus subspecies and in the RAG mouse cell line.
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Silver staining has been used to detect active nucleolus organizer regions (NOR's). By this criterion six mouse chromosomes, numbers 12, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19, can have an NOR. The number and distribution of chromosomes with NOR's vary among inbred strains of Mus musculus musculus (C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ, C3H/HeJ and C3H/StCpr1BR) and in M. musculus molossinus. In a musculus X molassinus F1 hybrid, nucleolus organizers from each parent are silver stained.--Chromosomes which have NOR's in diploid cells also show them in tetraploid cells and in established cell lines. The BALB/cJ strain shows Ag-staining of NOR's on chromosomes 12, 15, 18 and occasionally 16. In the RAG cell line, which was derived from BALB/c, active NOR's are seen on 12, 15 and 18, even after these chromosomes have undergone structural rearrangements in the cell line. Some correlation exists between the amount of Ag-stain and the size of a secondary construction region, with a large amount of Ag-stain present on a chromosome which has a prominent secondary constriction. There is no correlation between the amount of Ag-stain and the presence or absence of C-band material.
| 69,563
|
Juvenile pernicious anemia associated with intestinal nodular lymphoid hyperplasia and immune deficiency state. Report of a case.
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A 17-year-old girl with humoral immune deficiency state was observed, in whom pernicious anemia developed one year before her death. The patient died after a very severe diarrheal attack and respiratory tract infection. The necropsy revealed intestinal nodular lymphoid hyperplasia. The immunological evaluation showed depressed IgG and IgM concentration with lack of IgA, however in the patient's blood there were found B lymphocytes containing IgA immunoglobulin. On the effect of crude gastric antigen the patient's lymphocytes showed M.I.F. release, although there were no circulating autoantibodies.
| 69,572
|
[Clinical trial with long-term therapy of generalized plasmacytoma].
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The authors report on findings in long-term therapy made by means of a combination of cyclophosphamide as attack dosis (partially also with polychemotherapy--COP, COPP-scheme) and double plasmapheresis. Since 1967 33 patients have been treated in this way. A group (6 patients) only received cyclophosphamide in a attack therapy of 15...25 mg/5g per body weight; a second group of 14 patients received the same dosis in combination with a double plasmapheresis. The third group of 13 patients in an advanced stage of the illness was treated polychemotherapeutically according to various schemes (COP-cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone; COPP with Natulan) likewise in combination with double plasmapheresis. The observations made for 4 years in the two groups first mentioned showed favourable results in the second group with an average survival time of 35 months. In the third group only experiences of two years can be reported and thus a final answer cannot be given. However, it can already be stated that a clinical success requires the cytostatic therapy to be continued for a long time in combination with plasmapheresis.
| 69,574
|
Some aspects of haematology of an Indian grass snake Natrix stolata in relation to sex and size.
|
Studies have been made on the erythrocyte counts per mm3 of blood, total differential leucocyte counts per mm3 of blood, concentration of haemoglobin per 100 ml of blood, haematocrit values and nucleocytoplasmic ratio in a common Indian grass snake, Natrix stolata, in relation to body weight of both the sexes in the same month of the year (during breeding phase). Logarithmic transformations have been used in case of erythrocyte counts and haemoglobin concentrations. From log/log calculation it seems that the correlation between body weight and erythrocyte is more prounounced in females than in males. The concentration of haemoglobin shows a very high degree of correlation in both the sexes. The haematocrit values show a clear trend of increase with increasing body weight in both the sexes. The nucleocytoplasmic ratio does not show much variation in different weight groups whereas in females the variation is well marked in different weight groups and the size of erythrocyte also becomes larger in higher weight groups. In both the sexes the leucocyte counts have been found that along with the increase in body weights, the number of leucocyte increases in juveniles but in adults the leucocyte number decreases with the increasing body weights.
| 69,577
|
[Alcian blue induced mixed cell agglutination--short communication].
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Because of its specific affinity to negatively charged sites of the cell surface, alcian blue is suitable to effect mixed cell agglutination between human erythrocytes and peritoneal macrophages of guinea pigs. This effect could be inhibited by adding heparin molecules which were negatively charged as well.
| 69,579
|
Further studies on passive peritoneal anaphylaxis in the rat.
|
Four compounds with H1 anti-histamine activity and four adrenoceptor stimulants, each given to rats prior to passive peritoneal anaphylaxis (PPA), inhibited extravasation of serum proteins into the peritoneal fluid at doses which had no effect on histamine release. In contrast, aminophylline and some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents inhibited extravasation only at doses which inhibited histamine releases they showed a similar type of avtivity to that of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) and a nitroindanedione (BRL 10833), although they were much less potent. Predosing with DSCG reduced the potency of subsequent doses of DSCG, BRL 10833 and indomethacin, but not of aminophylline or phenylbutazone, and therefore DSCG, BRL 10833 and indomethacin may share a common pathway to produce activity. In the rat PPA system, no evidence was found for histamine 'feedback' inhibition of histamine release.
| 69,615
|
Effects of primary antiserum dilution on staining of "antigenrich" tissues with the peroxidase antiperoxidase technique.
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The effect of primary antiserum dilution on staining results with the peroxidase antiperoxidase method were investigated using frozen sections of perfused rat cerebellum and optic nerve. Results comparable to formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tissue were attainable only when low antiserum concentrations were used. Optimal staining of antigen rich tissue, such as frozen sections, with the peroxidase antiperoxidase method required low antiserum concentrations apparently to minimize the binding of both antigen-binding fragments of the bridging antibody to the tissue bound antiserum. It appears that low antiserum concentration insures that sufficient bridge antibody molecules will be only singly bound and thus free to attach the peroxidase antiperoxidase complex.
| 69,655
|
Pilot studies on recombinant cold-adapted live type A and B influenza virus vaccines.
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Recombinant live attenuated type A and B influenza virus vaccines derived from standardized cold-adapted parent strains were given singly and in combination to volunteers. The vaccine viruses were well tolerated, functioned as good antigens, and failed to spread to intimate household contacts. Thirty-nine isolates that were recovered after a single passage in humans appeared genetically stable. The results of histopathologic studies in ferrets encourage development of an animal model for attenuation of the virus.
| 69,670
|
Evaluation of an electronic device for gingival fluid quantitation.
|
A number of factors which might affect the readings of the HAR-600 GCFM were studied: 1. The readings were higher when the filter paper strips were placed between the fron halves of the upper and lower counterparts than when they were placed between the rear halves. No differences in readings were observed when the strips were placed in the middle, the left, or the right areas of the counterparts. 2. The higher the fluid viscosity the lower the reading. Salt water (0.9% NaCl) gave a lower reading than deionized water. 3. Increased room temperature or relative humidity led to higher readings, especially when the fluid volume exceeded 0.2 microliter. 4. More reading time was required for high viscosity fluid, low temperature, and high relative humidity. The HAR-600 GCFM readings and the lengths of ninhydrin-stained areas were compared. Both methods were able to reflect the amounts of serum absorbed.
| 69,703
|
Distribution and expression in mammals of genes ralated to an endogenous type C RNA virus of Odocoileus hemionus.
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An endogenous type C virus recently isolated from the Columbian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus) was used as a molecular probe to study the distribution of virus-related nucleotide sequences in cellular DNAs of mammalian species. By DNA-DNA hybridization, the most extensive homology was demonstrated between the viral complementary DNA and cellular DNA isolated from Odocoileus species. DNAs of representatives of other genera within the same family, Cervidae, were partially related to the virus, consistent with the phylogenetic relationship of these species to Odocoileus. O. hemionus viral sequences were also detected within cellular DNAs of members of a more distantly related artiodactyl family, Bovidae. These findings suggest the genetic transmission of type C viral genes within cervids and bovids for a period of at least 25 to 30 million years. There was no detectable nucleotide sequence homology between O. hemionus virus and representatives of other major groups of mammalian type C viruses. These results indicate that despite the known antigenic relatedness of mammalian type C viruses, the O. hemionus virus has diverged sufficiently to be considered the prototype of a separate group. By radioimmunological techniques, it was possible to detect and partially purify, from normal tissues of cervid species, antigens related to the major structural protein of the O. hemionus virus. The present findings, that O. hemionus virus has been genetically transmitted for millions of years and yet has maintained the ability to be expressed as infectious virus, argue for positive evolutionary selective pressures for the maintenance of type C viral genes.
| 69,718
|
Identification of the Gross cell surface antigen associated with murine leukemia virus-infected cells.
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The Gross cell surface antigen (GCSA) is produced by cells that are either exogenously infected with murine leukemia virus (MuLV) or are expressing endogenous MuLV genomes. In immune precipitation assays, GCSA was resolved into two serologically distinct 85,000- and 95,000-dalton viral proteins. These antigenic components are glycosylated forms of the polyprotein precursors of the MuLV internal structural proteins.
| 69,726
|
Inhibition of cholecystokinin-pancreozymin release by somatostatin.
|
To determine the effect of somatostatin on cholecystokinin-pancreozymin (C.C.K.) release, serum-C.C.K. concentrations were measured in normal volunteers after intraduodenal olive oil, with and without a simultaneous intravenous infusion of somatostatin. After instillation of the olive oil there was a rapid rise in serum-C.C.K. (integrated response 19 682+/-5632 pg min ml-1). This rise was completely abolished by somatostatin (integrated response -373+/-330 pg min ml-1, P less than 0-005) and rebound hyper-secretion was seen after the infusion had been stopped. These findings indicate that somatostatin may be involved in regulating C.C.K. release after meals, and suggest a possible explanation for the profound steatorrhoea seen in a patient with a somatostatin-producing tumour.
| 69,783
|
Disease-surveillance and decision-making after the 1976 Guatemala earthquake.
|
In the first 3 weeks after the 1976 earthquake in Guatemala a system for collecting, analysing, and disseminating information of medical importance was instituted in the disaster area. Data on cases of selected diseases, number of available hospital beds, and medical supplies were collected, and reported epidemics were investigated. The system functioned well despite the limited numbers of trained personnel. Collection and analysis were quick enough for data to be used immediately in decision-making. No epidemics of communicable diseases were observed in the affected area. The number of dog bites in Guatemala City increased but no cases of rabies were reported. The success of the surveillance system in Guatemala suggests that immediate use of epidemiological methods should be an integral part of disaster relief.
| 69,793
|
Suicide prevention by the Samaritans. A controlled study of effectiveness.
|
To test the hypothesis that Samaritan services prevent suicide, the trends in suicide-rates of county boroughs with Samaritan services have been compared with trends in matched control boroughs without Samarian services. The suicide-rate for both groups of boroughs has decreased progressively and to the same extent. This finding is not consistent with suggestions that Samaritan services prevent suicide.
| 69,841
|
Detection of acute myocardial infarction by radioimmunoassay for creatine kinase MB.
|
A radioimmunoassay for the MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase (myocardial isoenzyme) has been developed based on an antibody to the B subunit. The antibody cross-reacts with MB but exhibits no cross-reactivity with MM C.K. even when present in 20 000 molar excess over MB C.K. unlabelled MB but not MM (up to 85 000 mI.U./ml) competitively displaces precipitable counts. This sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay accurately detects MB in a concentration of 0-01 mI.U./ml. Plasma MB C.K. in 100 healthy controls averaged 1 mI.U./ml+/-0-6 (S.D.), similar to results in 20 patients with chest pain without infarction. In contrast, in 50 patients with myocardial infarction MB C.K. values averaged 97+/-30 mI.U./ml. When hourly blood-samples from 10 of these patients admitted within an hour of chest pain were analysed by R.I.A., a 100% increase in MB was detectable within four hours of the onset of chest pain, generally before total C.K. exceeded the normal range. Development of an R.I.A. suitable for assay of an isoenzyme in plasma provides a specific and sensitivity assay of MB C.K., facilitating analysis of multiple samples and early detection of myocardial infarction. It may also serve as a prototype for radio-immunoassay of multiple forms of other enzymes of clinical importance.
| 69,933
|
Familial studies of type-I and type-II idiopathic diabetes mellitus.
|
A study of 296 diabetics demonstrated an association between the type of diabetes in the propositi and their first-degree relatives (aged 40 to 89 yr), the type of diabetes being defined as insulin-dependent (type I) or insulin-independent (type II). This association was significant at the 1% level and was still maintained when only the propositi in whom the diabetes was diagnosed at the age of 30 years or later were considered. The findings also suggest that there is a greater genetic independence between these two types than was previously supposed and that the disease should be subdivided into type according to the treatment needed rather than by the age of onset.
| 69,935
|
Munchausen syndrome by proxy. The hinterland of child abuse.
|
Some patients consistently produce false stories and fabricate evidence, so causing themselves needless hospital investigations and operations. Here are described parents who, by falsification, caused their children innumerable harmful hospital procedures--a sort of Munchausen syndrome by proxy.
| 69,945
|
alpha-Fetoprotein is not a component of the estradiol receptor of the rat uterus.
|
In high-salt medium, cytosol from immature rat uteri displays two main high-affinity estradiol-binding peaks after ultracentrifugation in a sucrose gradient. The two components are the estradiol receptor which has a sedimentation coefficient of 5.5 S, and the alpha-fetoprotein which sediments at 4.5 S. The dissociation rate constants (k-1) of plasma alpha-fetoprotein-estradiol complexes measured at 0 degrees in the absence or presence of 0.4 M KCl were found to be 7 X 10(-5) and 8 X 10(-5) sec-1, respectively. The half-time of dissociation of these hormone-plasma protein complexes is 100-200 times more rapid than that of the estradiol-receptor complexes. These data led to the use of two "differential dissociation" methods for the measurement of the hormone-binding protein complexes. In a high-salt cytosol, the charcoal technique measured selectively the receptor binding sites; the hydroxylapatite technique measured the sum of the alpha-fetoprotein plus receptor binding sites. Under these conditions, binding specificity studies provided evidence that alpha-fetoprotein is not a subunit of the receptor. This was confirmed by binding specificity studies in high-salt medium of the receptor separated from alpha-fetoprotein by ultracentrifugation.
| 70,036
|
Terminally repeated sequences in the avian sarcoma virus RNA genome.
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The initiation of DNA synthesis in vitro by RNA-directed DNA polymerase (deoxynucleosidetriphosphate: DNA deoxynucleotidyltransferase, EC 2.7.7.7) of avian oncornaviruses requires a tRNAtrp primer molecule located close to the 5' end of the viral RNA genome. DNA transcripts, 100 nucleotides in length, initiated on the tRNAtrp primer molecule contain nucleotide sequences complementary to a large (25 nucleotides) RNase T1 oligonucleotide, T-13, located at the 5' terminus of the avian sarcoma virus RNA genome. tRNAtrp-initiated DNA transcripts with a length of about 70 nucleotides contain substantially fewer nucleotide sequences complementary to this 5'-terminal oligonucleotide, suggesting that the tRNAtrp primer associated with the avian sarcoma virus RNA is located approximately 100 nucleotides from the 5' end of the RNA. In addition, we present evidence to demonstrate that DNA transcribed from avian sarcoma virus RNA sequences located at the 3' end, immediately adjacent to the poly(A), contains nucleotide sequences that are complementary to the 5'-terminal T1 oligonucleotide T-13. These data indicate that the 5' end of the viral genome contains nucleotide sequences that are repeated at the 3' end of the genome. We conclude that the avian oncornavirus RNA genome is terminally redundant.
| 70,037
|
Structure of the gramicidin A channel: discrimination between the piL,D and the beta helix by electrical measurements with lipid bilayer membranes.
|
Measurements with different chemically modified gramicidins in lipid bilayer membranes were used to discriminate between the dimeric pi(L,D) helix proposed by Urry and the dimeric parallel or antiparallel helices proposed by Veatch and Blout. Evidence for the pi(L,D) helix was obtained on the basis of the different actions of a negatively charged O-pyromellitylgramicidin and a negatively charged N-pyromellityldesformylgramicidin on lipid bilayer membranes. O-Pyromellitylgramicidin forms ionic channels in lipid membranes when it is applied to both sides of the membrane. In contrast to unmodified gramicidin, O-pyromellitylgramicidin is inactive when it is applied only to one side of the membrane. N-Pyromellityldesformylgramicidin does not form ionic channels in lipid bilayer membranes whether it is applied to one or both sides of the membrane. These results support the view that the gramicidin channel is formed by two pi(L,D) helices. Dimer formation by head-to-head association of two pi(L,D) helices needs six intermolecular hydrogen bonds, which are located at the formyl end of the molecule and which occur deep within the lipid membrane. In the head-to-head associated pi(L,D) helix the absence of the formyl group leads to an inactivation of the peptide, whereas in a parallel or antiparallel double-stranded helix the absence of the formyl group should have only minor effects.
| 70,038
|
The study of human Aa-like specificities using antibody eluates from human lymphoblastoid cell lines.
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Five sera from multiparous women were absorbed and eluted from the Daudi cell line devoid of HLA antigens. These eluates recognized a specificity, Ly-Lil, of the Ly-Li system. Further absorption of one eluate in Bjab or Raji cell line subdivided this specificity. Family studies showed that the five eluates from the Daudi cell line segregate into two distinct groups.
| 70,057
|
Relation between HLA-DW and the b-lymphocyte specificities.
|
Homozygous DW typing cells were tested for six B-lymphocyte specificities. All four of the second locus specificities of B lymphocytes were strongly associated with the DW specificities. DW1 typing cells were B group 6, DW2 were B4, DW3 were B5, and LD107 were B3. The first B-cell locus antigens 1 and 2 tended to be uniform within the DW groups. From an analysis of the typing responses of a panel of cells to the homozygous typing cells, it has become apparent that the first B-locus specificity present on the homozygous typing cells also plays a role in determining whether a typing response is obtained or not. Thus, the DW3 typing cells were themselves B2 and B5, and cells having B2-B5 were most frequently nonreactive to DW3 in mixed lymphocyte culture. Homozygous typing cells therefore mainly detect the second B-cell locus antigens and, to a lesser degree, the first locus specificities. Stated another way, homozygous typing cells do not define a single specificity, but rather the presence of two B-lymphocyte specificities, even though their responses often reflect matching of only the second B-locus specificity.
| 70,058
|
Cellular distrubtion, purification, and molecular nature of human Ia antigens.
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Human Ia antigens were extensively purified (1390-fold increase in specific activity) in 32% yield from BRI 8 cells, a lymphoblastoid B-cell line. Purification was monitored by using allogeneic antisera arising by foetal-maternal stimulation. The product, a glycoprotein fraction, contained the Ia antigens, the HLA-A and -B antigens, and a glycoprotein of unknown function. The glycoprotein fraction was composed of four glycosylated polypeptides with molecular weights of 43,000, 39,000, 33,000, and 28,000, and beta2-microglobulin; no polypeptide was linked to another by disulphide bridges. The A and B antigens only were absorbed by antibody against beta2-microglobulin. The Ia antigens comprised one each of the 33,000 and 28,000 molecular weight glycosylated polypeptides noncovalently linked together. Thus, only these chains were absorbed by xenogeneic anti-Ia antisera and were cross-linked by dimethyl-3-3'-dithiobispropionimidate dihydrochloride. The dimeric molecule bound deoxycholate (0.26 g/g of protein) and, when solubilized in deoxycholate, has a molecular weight of 77,000. The Ia allo- and xeno-antigenic activities were labile to heating and proteolysis and are probably determined by the polypeptide structure. Xenogeneic specific anti-Ia antisera were raised in rabbits and mice by immunizing with the glycoprotein fraction. These antisera reacted with B lymphocytes and monocytes but not T lymphocytes and fibroblasts. Their Fab fragments blocked the cytotoxicity of the allogeneic antisera for B lymphocytes and were potent inhibitors of the mixed lymphocyte reaction.
| 70,062
|
Detection of HLA-D clusters using primed LD typing.
|
Using a set of 17 primed LD typing (PLT) cells tested on a panel of 35 unrelated cells, we showed that certain groups of PLT cells tended to detect similar unrelated cells. The PLT cells were grouped into seven clusters and these tended to correlate with the seven HLA-D specificities represented on the panel, as determined by HTC testing. These data suggest that the antigens that cause restimulation in PLT are similar to those HLA-D antigens detected by the homozygous typing cell (HTC) test or, alternatively but more unlikely, that the two typing methods are detecting genes in close linkage disequilibrium with the HLA-D region.
| 70,067
|
Detection by three cellular immunological techniques of the antigenic determinants of the Ly-Li system, expressed on human B lymphocytes.
|
A clear correlation was observed between the presence of an Ia-like antigenic B-cell system Ly-Li, detected serologically, and three cellular immunological techniques: [1] mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) inhibition by an anti-Li antiserum; [2] level of restimulation of anti-Ly-Li in-vitro-primed lymphocytes; and [3] detection of HLA-D alleles by homozygous typing cells. These results suggested that the allelic products detected serologically may be identical to those detected by the first two techniques, namely MLR inhibition and in-vitro-primed lymphocyte typing, and, possibly, HLA-D typing using homozygous typing cells, although the correlation was repeatedly found to be less clear for the last technique.
| 70,070
|
Cytochrome staining of leukocytes in urine sediment. Assessment of inflammatory state.
|
Urinary sediments with significant pyuria were supravitally stained to assess the inflammatory state. Clinic patients showed a significant correlation between acute urinary infection, inflammation, and the predominance of live polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Post-transurethral prostatic resection patients demonstrated to show a predominance of live polymorphonuclear leukocytes, which may be clinically usefull in a more careful selection before relying fully on bacteriologic cultures.
| 70,100
|
Klinefelter syndrome in the aged.
|
Three cases of Klinefelter syndrome diagnosed late in life are reported with the clinical and post-mortem findings. The diagnosis was suspected owing to the absence of testes and the presence of associated varied clinical features. The urinary follicle-stimulating hormone levels were not elevated and were very low in two of the cases. Bronchopneumonia, ascending pyelonephritis and cystitis were the main causes of death but there were varied pathological findings in the prostate of benign hyperplasia, carcinoma and prepubertal gland. Marked atherosclerosis of the aorta and the lower-limb vessels were present but the coronary systems were little affected. It is suggested that, because of the presence of two X chromosomes and the absence of testes, this condition may give a female pattern of longevity, many examples being overlooked in old age on account of inadequate clinical examination. Some support for this hypothesis will be found if its incidence in the aged is shown to be greater than in the young.
| 70,164
|
Percutaneous transthoracic needle aspiration of the lung. Diagnosing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis.
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Percutaneous transthoracic needle aspiration was performed on 228 occasions to obtain lung specimens from 202 patients with suspected Pneumocystis carinii pneumonitis. In 121 patients the diagnosis was established by identifying P carinii organisms in lung aspirates. Six patients whose aspirates did not contain P carinii were found to have the organism at autopsy. Findings from toluidine blue O and Gomori methenamine silver nitrate stains were equally satisfactory for detecting P carinii, but the percentage of specific diagnosis was higher when specimens were stained with both. Pneumothorax that required a thoracotomy tube occurred in 39 patients. Other infectious agents, either bacteria or fungi, were found in only four patients. Percutaneous pulmonary needle aspiration--when performed under fluoroscopic guidance--is a rapid and effective method for the diagnosis of P carinii pneumonitis.
| 70,167
|
Cytochemical "normal" and "abnormal" eosinophils in acute leukemias.
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Eosinophilic leukocytes may accompany a great variety of disorders and different types of acute leukemias. The most striking morphologic feature of eosinophils is their specific granules, but morphology alone often is insufficient to differentiate normal from abnormal eosinophils. Cytochemically, the eosinophils were considered "normal" when they did not contain alkaline phosphatase, chloroacetate esterase, toluidine blue metachromasia, Astra blue positivity, and specific PAS-positive granules, but did have peroxidase and cyanide-resistant peroxidase activities, Sudan black positivity and moderate naphthol-AS esterase or alpha-naphthyl esterase and acid phosphatase positivities. In seven cases of acute leukemias (two acute myeloblastic and five myelomonocytic), in contrast with their normal behaviour, the eosinophils show "abnormal" cytochemical positivities consisting of chloroesterase activity, PAS and Astra blue positivities of the specific granules, toluidine blue metachromasia, and cyanide-resistant peroxidase of a few specific granules. Cytochemical investigations may provide additional criteria for evaluating the abnormality of the eosinophilic cell in leukemias.
| 70,168
|
Analysis of serum proteins and cerebrospinal fluid in clinically normal horses, using agarose electrophoresis.
|
Using agarose as a supporting matrix, electrophoresis was conducted on 50 serum samples and 20 cerebrospinal fluid samples from clinically normal horses (n = 50) of various ages and breeds. The technique was shown to be reliable. A positive correlation between age and gamma-globulin concentration was found in young horses. Features of the electrophoretograms of serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples are discussed, and a nomenclature based on Rf values is proposed.
| 70,183
|
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein and spontaneous abortion.
|
The relationship between spontaneous abortion and maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels was investigated between 9 and 25 weeks of pregnancy. Seven out of 126 (5-6 per cent) women who had spontaneous abortions had raised maternal serum AFP levels at their antenatal booking visit compared to 4 out of 247 (1-6 per cent) control patients who were delivered of single liveborn infants, a statistically significant differences. The raised AFP concentrations were, however, associated with spontaneous abortion only if the serum samples had been taken immediately before, or at sometime after the abortion was first clinically suspected. This suggests that high levels do not predict the development of abortion in women who have not already threatened to abort. It is therefore unlikely that women who have not already threatened to abort. Therefore, when maternal serum AFP levels are used to screen for fetal neural tube defects, women referred for a diagnostic amniocentesis on account of a high level are unlikely to have been selected on the basis of a tendency to abort.
| 70,212
|
Proton nuclear magnetic resonances study of bleomycin in aqueous solution. Assignment of resonances.
|
The 1H NMR spectrum of the glycopeptide antineoplastic antibiotic bleomycin has been examined in D2O solution (Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance, 270 MHZ) and in H2O solution (correlation nuclear magnetic resonance, 250 MHZ). Resonances have been assigned to specific hydrogens of the two most abundant congeners, bleomycin-A2 (BLM-A2) and bleomycin-B2 (BLM-B2), on the basis of (1) homonuclear spin decoupling, (2) comparison of the spectra of BLM-A2, BLM-B2, fragments of these antibiotics, and the related antibiotic phleomycin, and (3) the pH dependence of chemical shifts. Resonance assignments are presented for all the CH protons of BLM-A2 and BLM-B2 except for the saccharide groups, for which only the anomeric proton assignments are given. All of the NH protons have been identified with specific resonances except for the two primary amide groups, which yield four well-resolved peaks, whose specific assignment was not attempted. This study serves as a basis for future investigations of the conformation of bleomycin and its interaction with metals and nucleic acids.
| 70,218
|
Bleomycin-DNA interactions: fluorescence and proton magnetic resonance studies.
|
The interaction of bleomycin A2 with DNA has been examined by fluorescence spectroscopy and proton magnetic resonance techniques. Fluorescence bands observed at 353 and 405 nm in the spectrum of bleomycin were assigned to the bithiazole and 4-aminopyrimidine rings, respectively. Quenching of bithiazole fluorescence by DNA was used to determine apparent equilibrium constants for the complex which, in 2.5 mM tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane buffer, pH 8.4, are 1.2 X 10(5) M-1 for bleomycin and 1.4 X 10(5) M-1 for tripeptide S, a partial acid hydrolysis product of the antibiotic. Uner these conditions, one molecule of bleomycin binds for every five to six base pairs in DNA. In the proton magnetic resonance spectrum of bleomycin, resonances emanating from the bithiazole rings and dimethylsulfonium groups are preferentially broadened and reduced in intensity in the presence of DNA, suggesting that these moieties bind most tightly to the polymer.
| 70,220
|
[Substrate specificity and some properties of free and immobilized animal alpha-L-fucosidase].
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The effect of a partially purified preparation of pig kidney alpha-L-fucosidase on some glycoproteins--human and rabbit gamma-globulin, glycoprotein from sheep submaxillary gland and ceruloplasmin--was studied. It was shown that the action of the enzyme of the glycoproteins was not accompanied by a release of fucose. A comparative study of the properties of free and concanavalin A-Sepharose 4B-bound alpha-L-fucosidase was done. The experimental data is indicative of difference in the pH-dependenced and thermostability of these two enzyme forms. It was found that bound alpha-L-fucosidase, similar to the free form, did not split off fucose from the native blood group substances. The data of isoelectric fucosing of alpha-L-fucosidase suggests the existence of enzyme polymorphism.
| 70,233
|
Has small-scale audio-visual dental health education a viable future?
|
The achievement of an adequate oral hygiene status in large groups of people remains an unfulfilled objective of the dental profession. In this study an attempt was made to motivate 180 pregnant women by showing them a tape-slide program. The subjects were randomly allocated into four statistically equal experimental groups. Two examiners, who were calibrated before commencement of the survey, measured Gingival and Plaque Indices of each subject and a questionnaire was used to assess the educational potential of the tape-slide sequence over a period of 4 weeks. There was a 100% incidence of gingivitis in the study population. Those women who viewed the tape-slide program in addition to being dentally examined, achieved the greatest reduction in their GI and retained the most information. The tape-slide sequence alone did not initiate a satisfactory degree of behavioral change; similar studies have also had discouraging results and it would appear that individual attention and motivation is the only sure way to date of achieving adequate personal plaque control.
| 70,320
|
An electrophoretic investigation of the binding of 3-14C coumarin to rat serum proteins.
|
The binding of coumarin to serum proteins of the rat has been demonstrated. Of the total bound coumarin (37% of injected dose), 36% was bound to slow and fast oc1 globulins, 11% to the post albumins, 10% to globulin and 9% to albumin.
| 70,376
|
Gastrin cell immunofluorescence in conventionally fixed and stained tissue sections.
|
We describe a method for visualizing gastrin cells by immunofluorescence that can be applied to tissues conventionally fixed and previously stained with hematoxylin and eosin. It results in a clear demonstration of surrounding structures. This technique permits the use of a broad of histological specimens for gastrin immunofluorescence and may also prove useful in the immunohistochemistry of other gastrointestinal endocrine cells.
| 70,389
|
The RNA-dependent DNA polymerase of avian sarcoma virus B77. Binding of viral and nonviral ribonucleic acids to the alpha, beta2, and alphabeta forms of the enzyme.
|
The extent of binding of various RNA species to the three forms of avian sarcoma virus B77 RNA-dependent DNA polymerase was determined using a sensitive nitrocellulose filter binding technique which was capable of detecting binding reactions with association constants as low as 3 X 10(6) liters X mole-1. All three enzyme forms, alphabeta, beta2, and alpha, bound to all single-stranded RNA species that were tested, including nonviral RNAs. 70 S viral RNA exhibited the highest association constant (about 10(11) liters X mole-1), and a population of virus-derived tRNA molecules from which tRNATrp had been removed, the lowest (about 3000 times lower). The affinity for other RNAs was roughly proportional to their size. The affinity of RNAs for the alphabeta enzyme form always exceeded that for the two others by a factor that depended on the particular RNA, never exceeded 6 and was sometimes as low as 1.2. The association constant of the alphabeta enzyme form with viral 70 S RNA was about 15-fold higher than that with viral 35 S RNA. 35 S RNA annealed to tRNATrp had an association constant that was only 2.5 times higher than that of 35 S RNA alone. This finding suggests that the tertiary structure of 70 S RNA plays a significant role in its affinity for B77 DNA polymerase.
| 70,428
|
Flow system fluorescence polarization measurements on fluorescein diacetate-stained EL4 cells.
|
We have adapted a multiparameter cell sorter to measure the distribution of fluorescence polarization in cell populations. Measurements carried out on EL4 cells show that the percent polarization of fluorescein fluorescence decreases with increasing fluorescence intensity. This inverse relationship between polarization and intensity is shown both within the cell population and by the average values of the two quantities during both the increase and decrease of fluorescence intensity. The quantitative relation between intensity and polarization is different in hypertonic than in isotonic media. These results suggest that polarization measurements carried out at a fixed time after incubation of cells with fluorescein diacetate, which is converted to fluorescein within the cells, may depend in part on the rate of fluorescein accumulation, and that agents that have been reported to change the polarization of fluorescein in living cells may do so by changing the kinetics of fluorescein accumulation.
| 70,456
|
Recognition of cells in mitosis by flow cytofluormetry.
|
Cells in mitosis may be distinguished from interphase cells based on difference in chromatin structure as revealed by two different methods of staining with acridine orange. In the first method, cells are heated and then stained at neutral pH; the difference in stainability between mitotic and interphase cells reflects the difference in the extent of deoxyribonucleic acid denatured by heat in these cells. At a given temperature the deoxyribonucleic acid of the mitotic cell appears to be more extensively denatured than that of the interphase cell. In the second method, cells are treated with buffer at pH 1.5 (1.3 to 1.9) and then stained at pH 2.6 (2.3 to 2.9). The mechanisms involved in the differential stainability of interphase versus mitotic cells at that low pH are currently under investigation. In both methods, in addition to enumerating cells in mitosis, it is possible to quantitate cells in G1, S and G2 phases of the cell cycle.
| 70,457
|
The role of T cells in anti-herpes simplex virus immunity. I. Induction of antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
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Mice infected with herpes simplex virus develop little or no cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response. However, in lymph nodes (LN's) draining a local site infected with HSV, antigen-specific CTL precursors are sensitized, which upon transfer to in vitro culture conditions develop within 72 hr into effective CTL. The in vivo blockade of CTL differentiation can be overcome by cyclophosphamide, suggesting that a cyclophosphamide-sensitive mechanism blocks the in vivo generation of HSV-immune CTL. The cytolytic activity of HSV-immune CTL is H-2 restricted and antigen specific. Thus CTL sensitized toward HSV type 1 discriminate between syngeneic targets infected with either the immunologic HSV variant type 1 or type 2 (and vice versa). H-2-matched target cells exposed for 30 min to infectious HSV are lysed within 60 min of contact with CTL. Since HSV replication is believed to require more than 4 to 5 hr, the data suggest that either the expression of HSV-dependent "early proteins" takes place within 30 to 90 min or cell membrane-integrated HSV virion represents the target antigen of CTL.
| 70,478
|
Immunoregulation of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis: conditions for induction of suppressor cells and analysis of mechanism.
|
We determined requirements for the induction of immunoregulatory suppressor cells in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in Lewis rats. Pretreatment of rats with myelin basic protein (BP) in incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) stimulates the proliferation of suppressor cells that localize in lymph nodes and spleen (but not thymus) and exert control over the development of clinical EAE. Dosage studies revealed that 3 X 10(7) suppressor cells can adoptively transfer suppression to syngeneic recipients. Transferred unresponsiveness wanes within 3 weeks, indicating that the suppressor cells are short-lived lymphocytes, although actively induced unresponsiveness persists for at least 8 weeks, probably as a result of continual proliferation under the influence of antigen. No evidence was obtained to suggest that antigen carry-over or blocking antibody production accounts for adoptive transfer of unresponsiveness. Suppressor cells apparently act at the inductive phase of the immune response since they had no inhibitory effect on adoptive transfer of disease by effector lymph node cells. Other mechanisms also may play a role in unresponsiveness to EAE, since rats pretreated i.v. with high dosages of soluble BP were temporarily rendered unresponsive, although suppressor cells could not be detected in these animals.
| 70,489
|
Cytotoxic T-cell response to Ectromelia virus-infected cells. Different H-2 requirements for triggering precursor T-cell induction or lysis by effector T cells defined by the BALB/c-H-2db mutation.
|
The T(c)-cell response to ectromelia virus infection was studied in BALB/c-H-2(db) mice which carry a loss mutation in the H-2D region that results in the absence from cell surfaces of a molecule (D') bearing certain public H-2 specificities. When infected, these mice showed a poor response of T(c) cells that recognize H-2D(d) plus virus-specific determinants on infected macrophage targets, but gave a normal response to H-2K d plus virus-specific antigens. However, their own infected macrophages do display wild-type antigenic patterns involving virus and H-2D(d) since they were killed as efficiently as wild-type (BALB/c,H- 2(d))-infected cells by T(c) cells specific only for H-2D(d) plus viral antigens. When tested in vitro, infected BALB/c-H-2(db) cells stimulated a poor T(c)-cell response to H-2D plus virus-specific antigens, but stimulated a normal response (in comparison with infected BALB/c macrophages) to H-2K(d) plus viral antigens. Uninfected BALB/c-H-2(db) cells stimulated a normal T(c)-cell response to minor H antigens or trinitrophenyl in association with H-2D(d), thus suggesting that the defective response to infection may reside in a failure of the relevant H-2D(d) antigens of mutant cells to physically associate with viral antigens. Close association of viral and H-2D-coded molecules was also suggested by ability of specific anti-H-2K or -H-2D to partially block T(c)-cell-mediated lysis of infected targets. These results were interpreted to mean that H-2Dd-dependent, virus- immune T(c) cells recognized an antigenic pattern consisting of virus- specific and H-2D(d) determinants with the latter borne on an H-2D molecule carrying serologically-defined H-2D(d) private specificities. A second H-2D(d)-coded molecule (D') was not required for recognition and lysis by activated T(c) cells, but was apparently necessary for efficient stimulation of precursor T(c) cells, perhaps by promoting appropriate physical association of viral and H-2D(d) molecules.
| 70,498
|
Plasmin inhibitor interactions. The effectiveness of alpha2-plasmin inhibitor in the presence of alpha2-macroglobulin.
|
alpha2-Plasmin inhibitor and alpha2-macroglobulin were allowed to compete for the protease plasmin. The binding of the enzyme to these inhibitors was assessed by two different but comparable methods. The interactions were completed in 10 s of incubation, and transfer of plasmin from one inhibitor to the other did not occur. Almost as much plasmin was bound to alpha2-plasmin inhibitor in mixtures containing a large molar excess of alpha2-macroglobulin relative to plasmin or alpha2-plasmin inhibitor, as was bound in mixtures not containing alpha2-macroblobulin. These studies demonstrate directly the effectiveness of alpha2-plasmin inhibitor in binding and inhibiting plasmin in the presence of alpha2-macroglobulin, and suggest that the alpha2-plasmin inhibitor may be the major circulating plasmin inhibitor.
| 70,499
|
Extensive in vitro transcription of rous sarcoma virus RNA by avian myeloblastosis virus DNA polymerase and concurrent activation of the associated RNase H.
|
Conditions are described that promote the efficient reverse transcription of most of Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) RNA sequences by avian myeloblastosis virus DNA polymerase in vitro. A detailed analysis of the reverse transcription reaction was carried out using two procedures: in situ analysis of the RNA sequences transcribed and DNA-RNA annealing studies. Under optimal conditions, after 1 h of reaction, practically all RSV RNA sequences were transcribed with a frequency varying from 30 to 90%. The DNA product was at least 95% single stranded, had a chain length ranging from a few hundred up to 5,000 necleotide residues, half of it being larger than 1,000 residues, and, after hybridization at RNA excess, protected the entire RSV genome from RNase digestion, as monitored by the large T1 oligonucleotides of RSV RNA. Analysis of the product of a very short reaction time (5 min) showed that DNA synthesis occurs mainly at three sites, one near the 5' end and two near the center of the subunit RNA. This in in agreement with our previous analysis of a much less efficient reverse transcription reaction. Under optimal conditions of reverse transcription, we find now that the RNase H associated with the avian myeloblastosis virus DNA polymerase is active in degrading the RNA moiety of the RNA-DNA hybrids synthesized.
| 70,539
|
Possible effects of growth hormone on development of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
|
Growth hormone (G.H.) or a G.H.-dependent somatomedin may be involved in the process of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (A.L.L.). Growth hormone has a trophic effect on lymphoid tissue and also specific receptors on lymphocytes, most probably T cells. Hypophycess. Resting concentrations of G.H. and somatomedin activity are raised in some children with A.L.L. and may be reduced after remission is achieved. It is suggested that control of G.H. and/or somatomedin concentrations may be necessary for adequate treatment of some cases of A.L.L. in children.
| 70,647
|
Gentamicin-resistant Klebsiella aerogenes in a urological ward.
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A gentamicin-resistant strain of Klebsiella aerogenes was isolated from the urine of 17 patients out of 237 admitted to a male urological ward between Jan. 21 and May 9, 1977. The factors most frequently associated with K. aerogenes in the urine were catheterisation and antibiotic therapy. Often the epidemic strain (type K16) was found not only in the patients' faeces but also on more remote skin sites such as hands, knees, groins, and the umbilicus. Resistance to gentamicin and many other antibiotics was R-factor mediated. Barrier nursing of colonised patients, stringent staff handwashing with chlorhexidine, and the use of disposable aprons seemed to contain the outbreak. Hand carriage was demonstrated in one nurse 62 days after she had left the ward.
| 70,654
|
Circulating thymic-hormone activity in congenital immunodeficiency.
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Circulating thymic-hormone activity was assayed by measuring Thy 1-2 antigen induction on null lymphocytes from athymic mice incubated with human plasma or serum. Plasma from 19 normal children aged under 10 had inductive activity equivalent to 10-6-16-2 ng thymopoitin/ml. Plasma from 15 infants were severe combined immuno-deficiency, 2 of whom had appreciable immunoglobulin synthesis, and from 2 infants with DiGeorge syndrome had little or no inductive activity. Successful reconstitution with thymus or bone-marrow grafts and with red-cell infusions (if adenosine-deaminase deficiency is present) was followed by a rise in circulating thymic-hormone activity.
| 70,687
|
Frequency of eye complaints and rashes among patients receiving practolol and propranolol.
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Among 71 patients treated with practolol by general practitioners, eye complaints were recorded in the case-notes of 14 (20%) during treatment, compared with 4 (6%) during equal periods before the drug was prescribed. Half the patients with eye complaints also had a rash while receiving practolol. These findings, which were not due to greater numbers of attendances during treatment nor to awareness of the hazards of the drug, suggest that mild eye complaints were relatively common among patients treated with practolol. Among 246 patients treated with propranolol, the numbers with eye complaints before and during treatment were similar, although there was a significant excess of patients with both an eye complaint and a rash during treatment.
| 70,688
|
Hypercapnia during oxygen therapy in acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory failure. Hypothesis revisited.
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A modification is proposed to the well-known hypothesis which explains the development of progressive carbon-dioxide retention in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic respiratory failure when they are given supplementary oxygen to breathe. It is suggested that, in these patients, increased production of lactic acid by the brain, due to profound hypoxia, leads to a central hypoxic drive to breathing which is absent in remission when the arterial oxygen tension is higher. Evidence from the literature in support of this modification is sought by comparing the respiratory response to oxygen of patients in an acute exacerbation of respiratory failure with the response of patients in a chronic stable state. Three patients are described in whom the response to oxygen during an acute infective episode was very different from their response when in remission.
| 70,692
|
Uses of percutaneous electrical stimulation of the nervous system.
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Temporary percutaneous electrical stimulation of peripheral nerves and the spinal cord is a valuable screening technique. This approach will provide a much higher success rate for identifying those patients suitable for a permanently implanted stimulation system. The system appears to be the treatment of choice for chronic, intractable pain caused by nerve injury. The author presents his surgical procedures for stimulation of peripheral nerve and spinal cord. A summary of clinical results is discussed.
| 70,742
|
Serum alphafetoprotein in bladder carcinoma.
|
112 cases, of varying ages, which were diagnosed as having carcinoma of the bladder by cystoscopy and biopsy from the tumor, were investigated for the presence of alphafetoprotein (AFP) in the sera. 59 (52.6%) out of the total, showed positive results, and no false positive results occured. Radioimmunoassay was capable of increasing the positivity rate still further. All of the cases were proved by liver scan and laparotomy to be free of metastasis, but all had bilharziasis during childhood, in which there is no factor affecting the liver that is responsible for the release of AFP, as the only species of bilharziasis present in Iraq is that of hematobium.
| 70,770
|
[Bronchial carcinoma. Problems and treatment with special reference to radiotherapy (author's transl)].
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With reference to the recent literature, a representation of case-history, therapy and prognosis of bronchial carcinoma is made. Inhalation of tar products by smoking, as well as predominantly occupational dust are the important etiological factors for the increase in bronchial carcinoma. Because of the long occult progression of the disease the diagnosis based on clinical symptoms is made very late. Only a greater effort in organisation and diagnostics permits an early detection in high-risk groups. Therapeutic success has remained constant since the sixties. Up to now only the consequent pre-operative selection of patients has been significant for improvement of surgical results. Five-year cures are more frequent after lobectomy than after pneumonectomy. In radiation therapy, the use of high-voltage gamma rays in contrast to conventional deep radio-therapy, has not brought any significant improvement. An additional intensive and individual care and follow-up of patients is of vital importance. The optimal curative radiation dose is 6000 rad. Particularly pre-operative irradiation is important to prepare some inoperable patients for curative surgery. Postoperative radiation therapy is also valuable for doubtful radical surgery and after exploratory thoracotomy. Palliative radiation therapy results in rapid disappearance of symptoms; with generalized disease or in suspicion for formation of metastases, chemotherapy should be preferred. This is particularly true for anaplastic, small and large cell carcinomas, and their rapidly growing metastases. In those cases, combination of polychemotherapy may decrease the tumor size and increase the length of remission. The prognosis depends on microscopic tumor type, stage of the disease, and therapy. Abnormal excretion of steroids and immunological disturbances are prognostic at the time of diagnosis.
| 70,793
|
Adjunctive therapy in treatment for head and neck cancer.
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Improvement in tumor-free intervals and cure rates of patients with cancer of the head and neck will almost certainly come from utilization of more than one type of treatment in the same patient. For example, in treatment for formidable lesions this might take the form of a short course of preoperative chemotherapy followed by surgery. Postoperative chemotherapy might then be employed in preoperative responders, with the addition of radiation according to the usual postoperative indications. Specific or nonspecific immunotherapy might be used on a long-term basis, preoperatively and postoperatively. In selected patients, utilization of multiple modalities early in a careful long-term plan may bring improvement over current results from employment of adjuvant measures only after recurrence or metastatic spread is clinically obvious.
| 70,846
|
Alpha-fetoprotein and albumin in experimentally-induced exencephaly in the rat.
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Alpha-fetoprotein and albumin were quantified in the sera and amniotic fluids from control, Vitamin A-treated non-exencephalic and Vitamin A-treated exencephalic rat fetuses. Exencephaly was associated with amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein concentrations which were significantly elevated over those of Vitamin A-treated non-exencephalic and of untreated fetuses. Amniotic fluid albumin concentrations also were higher in the exencephalic fetuses than in the non-exencephalic fetuses. Serum alpha-fetoprotein and albumin concentrations were lower in the exencephalic than in the non-exencephalic fetuses. The results are cosistent with simple diffusion across a defective barrier as the cause of elevated amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein concentrations in the presence of open neural tube defects. This experimental model of neural tube defects result in changes in amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein similar to those changes found in human amniotic fluid alpha-fetoprotein concentrations in the presence of neural tube defects.
| 70,849
|
HLA antigens and myxedema.
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In 22 cases of myxedema 22 HLA-A and B antigens were typed. In six out of eight patients with a history of subacute thyroiditis Bw35 antigen was demonstrated, while in none of 14 patients free from this disease in anamnesis could this antigen be found. This difference is statistically significant, and suggests classifying of myxedema patients into two groups according to pathogenesis of the disease.
| 70,859
|
[Cytochemical study of different stages in the life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii. I. Nucleic acids and proteins in endozoites].
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Using the Feulgen technique in addition to the methyl green-pyronin and gallocyanin-chromalum staining, nucleic acids were detected in Toxoplasma gondii of strains SS-119 and RH DNA was revealed in the nuclei of both intracellular and free individuals examined on various days (2--6) after mouse inoculation. A high RNA content in the cytoplasm of endozoites is a most characteristic feature of this stage. However, no definite nucleolus has been demonstrated in the endozoite nucleus. Using the Fast green and Alcian blue techniques, resp., histones were detected in the endozoite nuclei whose locality corresponded to that of Feulgen-positive material. The Acrolein-Schiff method located aldehyde groups of protein in endozoites, the detected stuff being confined mainly to the nuclear and perinuclear areas of the parasite. Tannofilic protein seems to screen the endozoite body, no difference between nuclear and cytoplasmic staining being seen. Tryptophan and tyrosin were not detected in the endozoites of Toxoplasma. The results obtained on Toxoplasma endozoites are compared with the metabolic patterns seen in the host cells of the peritoneal exudate and with previous literature data.
| 70,874
|
[Prenatal diagnosis of genetic defects from the amniotic fluid. Report of experiences].
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42 pregnancies were monitored by transabdominal amniocentesis followed by karyotyping. Biochemical assays of cultured amniotic fluid cells, 50 analysis of alpha1-fetoprotein and estimations of the number of y-bodies in the amniotic fluid cells was also made. One chromosomal aberration (47, XY, + 18) was found in 13 pregnancies tested because of advanced maternal age. In 6 pregnancies with a recurrence risk of Down's Syndrom, one fetus with abnormal karyotype (46, XY, 5p-) was detected.
| 70,907
|
Spectral characteristics of metachromatically stained cartilage: effects of enzymatic degradation and dehydration.
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When a microspectrophotometer was used to study cartilage, stained metachromatically with Azure A and Safranin O, the following 3 points were made: 1. the absorption maximum of stained cartilage matrix is identical to that reported for solutions of these dyes containing chondroitin sulfate; 2. partial enzymatic degradation of the cartilage matrix has no effect on the position of the absorption peak (although the intensity is greatly diminished); 3. ethanolic dehydration shifts the absorption peak somewhat toward the orthochromatic position, and decreases the intensity of the stain.
| 70,941
|
Characterization of extract of dog hair and dandruff from six different dog breeds by quantitative immunoelectrophoresis. Identification of allergens by crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis (CRIE).
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An extract of mixed dog hair and dandruff from six different dog breeds (alsatian, boxer, collie, poodle, and long-haired and short-haired dachshund) was obtained by mild extraction, centrifugation, dialysis and freeze-drying. Extract of hair and dandruff from the individual dog breeds was obtained in the same way, but the material was not freeze-dried. Examination and characterization of the mixed extract by means of crossed immunoelectrophoresis revealed a precipitation pattern composed of 25 antigens, some of which were mutually partially identical, and a high content of dog serum proteins was found. Quantitative and qualitative differences between the individual dog breeds were demonstrated. Partial identity of the antigens of the mixed extract with antigens of serum, antigens of extracts of hair and dandruff from cat, cow, horse and guinea pig, and antigens from extract of house dust was also observed. By means of crossed radioimmunoelectrophoresis, using sera from 21 patients who were RAST-positive to dog hair and dandruff extract, the specific IgE-binding to antigens of the mixed extract was examined. On the basis of these results major and minor allergens were identified. Dog albumin was found to be a very important major allergen, but alpha1-antitrypsin and gamma-globulin were also identified. Furthermore, four non-serum proteins were shown to be allergens. No breed-specific allergens could be identified in the extracts from the individual dog breeds.
| 70,943
|
An in vitro assay for the quantitation of phagocytic cells of different anatomic origin.
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The survival of peritoneal exudate macrophages after 3 to 10 days in culture was examined by measuring the numbers of phagocytes per culture. This was determined by letting the cultured cells phagocytize Latex particles. The number of Latex particle-containing cells was taken as a measure of the survival of phagocytes. It was found that one tenth of the cells judged by light microscopy as macrophage-like survived the culture period. Thus, the calculated plating factor of 9.3 was used to estimate the actual number of macrophages in suspensions of spleen, lymph node or thymus cells by culturing these cells and subsequently counting Latex particle-containing cells. In addition, the acridine orange technique was used to determine actual numbers of macrophages in freshly prepared cell suspensions of lymphoid organs. Latex studies on spleen and thymus cells gave results correlating well with data obtained by the acridine orange technique. By contrast, many more acridine orange positive cells than phagocytizing cells were found when lymph node cells were cultured.
| 70,958
|
Adenocarcinoma of the proximal third of the stomach. Pitfalls in surgical management.
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Adenocarcinoma of the proximal third of the stomach is a florid tumor with a high propensity for esophageal extension limphagitic invasion, and hepatic dissemination. Treatment results in 117 consecutive cases indicate that cure rates may be improved by a closer attention to the esophageal margin of resection.
| 70,997
|
Carcinoma of the pancreas.
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Pancreatic carcinoma remains a difficult problem in surgery. High mortality and overall discouraging results of pancreaticoduodenectomy misled some physicians to believe that surgery is ineffective in management of pancreatic carcinoma. Patients with pancreatic carcinoma in two major hospitals from 1963 through 1976 were analyzed. Results of pancreaticoduodenctomies and palliative operations are reported.
| 70,998
|
Toxicity and bioconcentration of BHC and lindane in selected estuarine animals.
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Flow-through, 96-hr bioassays were conducted to determine the acute toxicity of technical BHC and lindane to several estuarine animals. Test animals and their respective 96-hr lindane LC50 values were: mysid (Mysidopsis bahia), 6.3 microgram/L; pink shrimp (Penaeus duorarum), 0.17 microgram/L; grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio), 4.4 microgram/L; sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus), 104 microgram/L; and pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), 30.6 microgram/L. The 96-hr LC50 values for pink shrimp and pinfish exposed to BHC were 0.34 and 86.4 microgram/L, respectively. Two BHC bioconcentration studies were conducted with the oyster, Crassostrea virginica, and pinfish. After 28 days exposure, oysters bioconcentrated an average of 218 X the BHC measured in exposure water, while pinfish bioconcentrated 130 X in their edible tissues and 617 X in offal. After one week in BHC-free sea water, no detectable residues were measured in oysters or pinfish.
| 71,023
|
[Relationship between cardiac arrhythmia and elevated concentrations of free fatty acids in plasma after an acute myocardial ischemia in dogs].
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The influence, on the heart rhythm, of an acute myocardial ischemia produced by a coronary occlusion, is studied in ten opened chest dogs. After elevation of plasmatic free fatty acids, the consequence of a second occlusion on the cardiac rhythm is analysed. There is no significant correlation between the appearance of severe ventricular arrhythmias and high plasmatic levels of free fatty acids.
| 71,034
|
[Method of combined detection of nerve fibers and blood vessels in nerve trunks].
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A new method for investigation of neuro-vasal relationships in nerve conductors is proposed based on a combination of the fine injecting of their blood vessels and staining the nerve fibres. The vessels are injected with the chloroform emulsion of finely ground Paris blue (5-10 g per 100 g of solvent). Pieces of nerves 0,5 cm thick are fixed in 12% neutral formalin for 3 days, kept in a dark vessel in Weigert's mortant for 5 days, dehydrated and imbedded in paraffin. Thin slices 4-5 micronkm thick are stained in hematoxylin after N. N. Kulchitski, differentiated for 2-12 h in the mixture containing 1% solution of potassium ferricyanide and saturated solution of lithium carbonate (1:10) and after passing through alcohols of increasing concentration and xylene imbedded in balsam. In the preparations the fibres of different caliber are stained grey and the vessels are stained blue.
| 71,133
|
Immunological identification of complex proteins resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis.
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Immunological identification of an antigen resolved from a protein complex by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis has been attained. The identification is based on the formation of immunoprecipitin lines after the antigen diffuses laterally from acrylamide gel transverse slices into a surrounding agarose gel. This technique was designed for study of contractile and regulatory protein complexes of non-muscle cells where the scarcity of tissue precludes easy purification or high yield of muscle-like proteins. It complements double-gel immunodiffusion or immunoelectrophoresis and its use may be extended to other protein complexes.
| 71,164
|
Radiation therapy of carcinoma of gallbladder and biliary tract.
|
Fourteen patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder of biliary tract were treated with radiation therapy. Some patients received definite palliative benefit and there were several long term survivors. Patients with bile duct carcinomas responded more often (50%) than did those with gallbladder carcinomas (20%). Only one patient was treated following total gross removal of the tumor, and he is a 6-year survivor. A plea is made for utilizing planned radiotherapy and chemotherapy for tumors arising in the biliary tract.
| 71,193
|
The prognostic value of acute phase reactants in patients with neuroblastoma.
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As part of a more extensive study of the immune response in children with neuroblastoma, serum immunoglobulin and alpha-glycoprotein levels were measured in 58 patients. Twenty-nine children were studied at diagnosis, 18 at some time during the first 2 years of treatment, and 11 who were apparently cured after treatment had been completed. No correlation was found between the levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM and the clinical status of the patient. The acute phase reactants (alpha-1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, C3 component of complement and orosomucoid) varied with the disease status. Twenty-seven of the 29 patients had elevated levels at the time of diagnosis. Alpha-1-antitrypsin and haptoglobin were the two proteins that most accurately reflection the clinical status; C3 component of complement was not infrequently normal when the disease was active; and orosomucoid was sometimes raised in patients apparently in remission. Serial measurement of alpha-1-antitrypsin and haptoglobin could provide a useful means of detecting early relapse in patients responding to treatment.
| 71,194
|
Non-cross-resistant combinations in stage IV non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
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Two triple-drug combinations (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone [CVP] and adriamycin, bleomycin, and prednisone [ABP]) were randomly tested in 57 consecutive patients with pathologic stage IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. No statistical difference was observed in the incidence of complete remission (CR) (48% vs 50%), median duration of CR (10.5 vs 20.5 months), and survival. CR correlated positively with survival. After crossover for progression or relapse, no cross resistance was detected between the two combinations (CR plus PR = 40% for CVP and 50% for ABP). In a subsequent prospective study CVP and ABP were sequentially alternated in an attempt to improve the incidence and duration of CR. In the first 32 evaluable patients CR was produced in 50%. The findings are still preliminary.
| 71,209
|
Team approach to management of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas: past and present.
|
A detailed review of our results of radiotherapy for stage I and II non-Hodgkin's lymphomas has been presented as background for our current multidisciplinary approach which uses multiple-agent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy for nodular and diffuse stage I, II, and III lymphomas of the poorly differnetiated lymphocytic, mixed, and histiocytic varieties. Optimum management is based on coordinated efforts of medicine, radiotherapy, pathology, diagnostic radiology, and surgery. In stage I, II, and III disease, routine staging procedures include lymphangiography, bilateral iliac crest needle biopsies of the bone marrow, and percutaneous needle biopsies of the liver. Staging laparotomy is considered essential to our present program for stage I, IE, II and IIE disease. In our opinion, staging laparotomy is not indicated in stage II or IIIE disease. Although very preliminary, results for these programs are encouraging. This paper presents the concept of team management and a specific plan for its implementation.
| 71,210
|
Recording of drug prescriptions in the county of Jämtland, Sweden. III. Drugs presented for blood donors in a 5 year period.
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Drug prescriptions in the county of Jämtland, Sweden, have been examined in order to estimate drug exposure of blood donors. During the period 1970-74 a donor group (n = 292) purchased significantly more drugs than non-donors matched for age, sex and residential area in the county. This was true for most drug categories, except for cardiovascular and endocrine drugs and iron preparations. The actual consumption of the drugs obtained was not investigated. Prospective studies are required to assess the clinical consequences of the surprisingly high drug exposure of blood donors.
| 71,237
|
Effect of heat on antigenicity and immunogenicity of the antigenic determinant shared by Haemophilus influenzae type b and Escherichia coli K100.
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Escherichia coli K100 produces an antigenic determinant similar to, or identical with, the capsular antigen of Haemophilus influenzae type b. Studies of the effects of heat on the immunogenicity, erythrocyte-modifying capacity, and antigenicity of this cross-reacting antigen (CRA) revealed the following findings. Immunization of rabbits with viable or formaldehyde-killed suspensions of E. coli K100, producing CRA, engendered CRA antibodies in significant titers, as demonstrated by hemagglutination of erythrocytes modified by H. influenzae type b antigen. Heating of the suspensions for 1 h at 56 or 100 degrees C destroyed the immunogenicity of CRA, and the heated suspensions did not prime for a secondary antibody response. Supernatants of heated suspensions also were non-immunogenic. Repeated freezing and thawing of heated suspensions of E. coli K100 or their supernatants did not restore immunogenicity. Heat also abolished the immunogenicity of H. influenzae type b. The loss of immunogenicity of CRA of E. coli K100 by heat was not due to alteration of the antigenic determinant, since heated suspensions and supernatants thereof modified erythrocytes for agglutination by H. influenzae type b antiserum. The latter supernatants also inhibited hemagglutination by H. influenzae type b antibodies and absorbed the latter. We conclude that striking differences exist in the effects of heat on CRA on the one hand and of enterobacterial common antigen and lipopolysaccharide O antigen of enteric bacteria on the other. Heating of the latter two antigens does not abolish their priming effect, and repeated freezing and thawing restores the immunogenicity of heated antigens.
| 71,269
|
Separation of the Moloney leukemia virus-determined cell surface antigen (MCSA) from known virion proteins associated with the cell membrane.
|
Cell membranes of Moloney lymphoma cells (YAC, of strain A origin) were solubilized by NP40. The antigenicity of the solubilized protein fraction was assayed by inhibition of the corresponding cytotoxic reaction against YAC target cells. The Moloney leukemia virus (MLV)-determined cell surface antigen (MCSA) was detected with mouse antisera, produced by the repeated inoculation of heavily irradiated YAC cells into syngeneic mice. Virion proteins gp71, p30, p15, p12 and p10 were identified with goat or rabbit antisera against purified Rauscher and Friend leukemia virus proteins. MCSA was found to bind to Con-A--Sepharose and was eluted by mannoside together with H-2A AND GP71. In contrast, p30, p12, p10 and part of p15 and p15(E), were not retained on the column and could be separated from MCSA. Passage of the glycoprotein fraction through Sephadex G-200 led to the separation of MCSA activity from gp71 and H-2A. MCSA eluted between the immunoglobulin (IgG) and the bovine serum albumin (BSA) size markers. MCSA could be also separated from the known viral proteins and from H-2 by velocity centrifugation in sucrose gradients. It sedimented with approximately 6.6 S ahead of gp71 (4.4 S) and H-2 (3.2 S). It is suggested that MCSA may be a glycoprotein with an approximate molecular weight of 110,000 and distinct from the known viral proteins gp71, p30, p15(E), p12, p10 and from H-2.
| 71,277
|
Peroxidase and pseudoperoxidase reactions in relation to sudanophilia.
|
A selective staining of hemoglobin in erythroid cell series was achieved by use of Sudan Black B (modified method of Sheehan and Storey) if optimal amount of hydrogen peroxide was added to the staining mixture. The effect of some inhibitory agents (KCN, wet heat, pH) on this staining as well as on the Lepehne's pseudoperoxidase reaction for hemoglobin was similar. Both reactions were more resistant to these factors than the peroxidase reactions and sudanophilia in granulocytes in which both could be blocked by the pretreatment with absolute methanol. Moreover the effect of some extraction procedures for lipids on both myeloperoxidase reactions and sudanophilia was investigated. The results support the view that the sudanophilia in granulocytes is due to their peroxidase activity and for the staining of hemoglobin by use of Sudan Black B with H2O2 its pseudoperoxidase activity is responsible. In addition the effect of the substitution of phenolphosphate by dihydroxybenzenes on granulocyte sudanophilia is reported.
| 71,289
|
Does diaminobenzidine demonstrate prostaglandin synthetase? A study on polyunsaturated fatty acid-induced DAB oxidation in sheep vesicular glands and rabbit kidney medulla.
|
A method histochemical localization of prostaglandin synthetase using DAB, potassium cyanide and polyunsaturated fatty acid has been revised. The arachidonic acid-induced DAB oxidation observed in the secretory epithelium of sheep vesicular glands and in collecting tubules as well as intersititial cells of rabbit kidney medulla was found to be insensitive to antiinflammatory cyclooxygenase (formerly referred as prostaglandin synthetase) inhibitors, such as indomethacin, aspirin, mefenamic acid and paracetamol, whereas aminotriazole caused complete inhibition of the reaction. Furthermore, DAB was oxidized in the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids inconvertible to prostaglandins (linoleic and linolenic acid) as well as in the presence of H2O2--in the latter case reaction possessed identical features with that induced by fatty acids. Ultrastructurally, the reaction product was localized on the membranes of nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum. On the ground of the results obtained a hypothesis is presented, that the polyunsaturated fatty acid-induced DAB oxidation is due to a peroxidatic activity of the investigated tissues. Possible relations between such peroxidatic activity and prostaglandin biosynthesis are discussed.
| 71,290
|
[Alpha fetoprotein and neonatal jaundice. Contribution to the study of a physiopathologic mechanism].
|
The increase in the maternal plasma A.F.P. level is due to an hypoxia of the foetus. The prospective study of 851 single pregnancies shows that there is a significant rise in the A.F.P. levels during the last days of the pregnancy if the babies are going to exhibit a so-called physiological jaundice at birth: the decrease of the A.F.P. levels in these cases is four times slower than in normal cases. The prospective study of another group of 404 pregnancies gave the same results for the A.F.P. level of the blood of the umbilical cord. Statistical analysis showed that the pathological conditions capable of increasing the A.F.P. levels are related to neo-natal jaundice. The neo-natal jaundice may be due to a factor of foetal hypoxia capable of inducing an over stimulation of the foetal erythropoiesis. The results of this mechanism would be a quantitative disequilibrium between an increased hemolysis and a reduced bilirubine fixation capacity during the neo-natal period.
| 71,311
|
The beta 2-microglobulin content of the cerebrospinal fluid in neurological disease.
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Beta 2-Microglobulin levels in the CSF and serum of 125 neurological patients were determined. The concentration of beta 2-microglobulin in CSF and serum is approximately the same, ranging from 0.6--2.3 mg/l. No clear relationship could be found between the CSF beta 2-microglobulin level on the one hand and the total protein content and white cell count on the other. There was no clear relationship between the serum beta 2-microglobulin and CSF microglobulin content. An increase of beta 2-microglobulin in CSF was found most often in cases of serious infection of the meninges or of the central nervous system. An elevated beta 2-microglobulin content can occur as the only abnormal feature of the CSF.
| 71,341
|
The coelomocytes of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris: morphology and phagocytic properties.
|
The coelomocytes of Lumbricus terrestris have been classified and described, based on Wright's stained preparations and on living cells. The five major categories consist of basophils, acidophils, neutrophils, granulocytes and chloragogen cells. Both the acidophil and chloragogen cell groups contain two subgroups. Granulocytes also exhibit heterogeneity with respect to staining properties of granules. Some possess acidophilic granules, some basophilic granules, and others contain both types. Granules of acidophils have been observed to be occasionally excreted from the cells. All cell types, with the exception of chloragogen cells, produce pseudopodia and are capable of phagocytosis, a vital component of the earthworm's immune response.
| 71,353
|
Identification of an immunologically distinct papillomavirus from lesions of epidermodysplasia verruciformis.
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Virions isolated from warts of 2 siblings with epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV), a rare disease characterized by the lifelong growth of warty skin tumors containing papova-like virions, were compared to isolates of human papillomavirus (HPV) from 3 pools of plantar and common hand warts. The length of relaxed, circular (form II) molecules of EV virion DNA approximated the length of HPV DNA but was 3.3% longer. Antisera prepared in rabbits against the 3 HPV pools coated and aggregated HPV in immune electron microscopy (IEM) tests but did not react with EV virions. These antisera reacted at high titers in complement fixation (CF) tests with HPV and reacted only weakly in CF tests with EV virions. Rabbit antisera to EV virions coated and aggregated EV virions but reacted only weakly or not at all with HPV virions in IEM tests. These sera reacted in CF with EV virions only. The data indicated that virions from the EV patients represent an immunologically distinct papillomavirus.
| 71,354
|
[Effect of chronic exposure to carbon monoxide on the biochemical composition of human blood].
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Protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism of men was investigated during their prolonged exposure to a closed atmosphere containing carbon monoxide at a concentration of 20-10 mg/m3. A 30-day exposure of test subjects to carbon monoxide at a concentration of 20-15 mg/m3 caused an increase of albumin, beta-globulins, total lipids, cholesterol, beta-lipoproteins in the serum and a decrease of the sugar concentration in the blood. A 90-day exposure of test subjects to carbon monoxide at a concentration of 10 mg/m3 did not bring about significant changes in the above parameters. The provocative test for glucose tolerance showed no changes in the glycaemic regulation.
| 71,368
|
Key antigenic determinants in regulation of the immune response.
|
The immune response to beta-galactosidase (beta-D-galactoside galactohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.23)is characterized by a wave of early help followed by a wave of suppression to a subsequent in vitro challenge with galactosidase-fluorescein. A cyanogen bromide peptide of beta-galactosidase, CB2, mimics the suppression seen with the enzyme. It is time dependent, carrier specific, and anti-theta sensitive; however, this suppression is not preceded by a wave of help. It is possible that CB2 cannot stimulate helpers, and is only able to activate suppressor cells. These data indicate that one small region of an antigen, capable of activating suppressors, can nullify the positive effect induced in helper T cells reactive with other epitopes on beta-galactosidase. Key determinants on macromolecules may in this way be influential in regulating the immune response to the entire antigen molecule.
| 71,736
|
Specific suppression of MLC and CML by anti-idiotypic antibodies in the mouse.
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Rabbit antisera directed against idiotypic determinants of alloreactive mouse CBA anti-C57BL/6 T blasts were raised in the following manner: first, a rabbit serum directed against nonspecific CBA blasts cells was prepared by injecting CBA concanavalin A blasts three times at monthly intervals into a rabbit. Second, specific CBA anti-C57BL/6 T lymphoblasts were induced in a mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC), were purified by gravity sedimentation through a fetal calf serum gradient, and, finally, were incubated with the anti-blast serum from the first step. During this incubation, presumably all epitopes of the blast cell population were blocked by anti-blast antibodies, except for the greatly amplified set of CBA anti-C57BL/6 alloreactive idiotypes. The mixture was then injected into fresh rabbits, which were boosted with similar mixtures after 3 and 6 weeks. Blood samples were removed 10 days after each injection. Such sera, when used together with complement, inhibited specifically the stimulation of CBA cells by C57BL/6 antigens in MLC and the CBA anti-C57BL/6 killer cells.
| 71,758
|
A new aspect of voiding dynamics: the relationship between flow rate and the frequency of drops in the external urinary stream.
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The method of drop spectrometry gives the possibility of registering the instantaneous trend drop frequency and the instantaneous trend flow rate. By plotting the flow rate against the frequency, patterns are obtained which depend on the flow and the elasticity of the external meatus.
| 71,776
|
[Comparative characteristics of influenza virus A/USSR/02/76 and swine influenza virus].
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Comparative studies of the biological properties, antigenic structure and ultrastructure of influenza A viruses isolated in the USSR, A/New Jersey/8/76 and A/swine/31 were carried out. Antigenic differences between A/USSR/02/76 and A/swine/31 strains as well as A/New Jersey/8/76 strain were found in the hemagglutination-inhibition and neuraminidase activity-inhibition tests. These differences were confirmed by serological examination of human sera.
| 71,790
|
Isolation of Neisseria meningitidis in urogenital/rectal infections.
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In 9 cases (6 men, 3 women) during 1975 we have isolated N. meningitidis from routine samples from urogenital/rectal locations to be examined for gonococci by culture. One of the men harboured meningococci in the rectum, the other 5 in the urethra. Two of the women had meningococci in the cervix and one in the urethra. Of the meningococci isolated, one belonged to serogroup A, 6 to group B and 2 to group C. Six of the patients, 4 men and 2 women, who attended the Department of Venereal Diseases, are described in greater detail. Of these, only one had symptoms. The meningococci disappeared spontaneously in 5 cases, whilst a man with unsymptomatic infection still harboured meningococci in the rectum after one month. Two of the 4 men were homosexual.
| 71,815
|
In vitro growth of mouse hair root.
|
Hair roots from mouse dorsal skin continued to grow in culture medium for 10 h or more after isolation. Under observation by time-lapse cinematography, the cultured hair roots appeared to grow downward. We observed both the downward growth of the cultured hair roots as well as the transfer of melanosomes from melanocytes to cortical cells. The hair roots were also capable of incorporating the labelled amino acid and thymidine.
| 71,824
|
Increased succinate dehydrogenase activity of lymphocytes in eczema.
|
Succinate dehydrogenase activity has been studied in the peripheral blood lymphocytes from controls and patients with a variety of skin and other diseases. Increased activity has been found in eczematous dermatitis and dermographism, and also in one patient with chronic lymphatic leukemia. Normal levels were found in psoriasis. The enzyme activity is broadly correlated with the extent and activity of the disease process.
| 71,826
|
Complement as an essential factor for indirect immunofluorescence in cases of pemphigoid.
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Hitherto in the literature no proof has been published of a complement activation on the basement membrane in cases of pemphigoid. In this paper, for the first time, it is demonstrated, even if only in vitro, that complement, whose presence in the region of the basement membrane has long been known, plays an active role in a reaction. Through the action of the haemolytic system (amboceptor and sheep erythrocytes) and of anti C3 on reaction specimens for indirect immunofluorescence in pemphigoid, it is shown that the indicator reaction of the fluorescein-labelled anti-IgG with the immune complex attached to the basement membrane is markedly dependent on complement. Free, dissolved IgG is precipitated by appropriate anti-serum, even without complement.
| 71,828
|
An in vitro study of depressed cell-mediated immunity and of T and B lymphocytes in atopic dermatitis.
|
Lymphocyte transformation tests, E binding(T) rosette assay and immunofluorescent preparations of B cells were studied in patients with atopic dermatitis, and also in healthy controls. Most of the patients were found to have high levels of IgE in serum. The patients were studied both during severe bouts of dermatitis and also when the dermatitis was almost healed. Lymphocyte transformation tests showed that patients were hyporeactive to PPD and herpes simplex antigen in vitro, both during periods of severe dermatitis and also when the dermatitis was in remission. The response to PHA in the patients was normal in vitro. No factors which could reduce cell-mediated immunity in vitro were found in patients' sera. A decreased number of T lymphocytes and a slight increase in the number of immunoglobulin-bearing lymphocytes (B cells) were demonstrated in the patients, both during remission and during recurrence of severe dermatitis. In 3 of 8 patients, increased numbers of IgE-bearing lymphocytes were found to be present when the patients had severe dermatitis. A possible correlation between high serum levels of IgE and depressed cell-mediated immunity in patients with atopic dermatitis is discussed.
| 71,829
|
Hydrocortisone (cortisol) concentration and penetration gradient.
|
Hydrocortisone (Cortisol) was incorporated into four different ointments at four concentrations (0.1% 0.3%, 1%, and 3%) and the amounts of the drug penetrating from these preparations into the different layers of excised skin were investigated. The effect of removing the horny layer on the penetration was also determined. Below a level of 1% ointments with intact horny layer and 0.3% with removed layer, a change in the ointment concentration alters the tissue concentration in the ratio 1:1. Above this level doubling of the concentration in the ointments causes an increase of tissue concentrations of only 20-50%. The removal of the horny layer increases the dermal concentrations 100 fold at each ointment concentration. Furthermore, a vasoconstriction test was performed with the different ointments. An increase in the concentrations above the 1% level failed to increase the effect on the vascular system of the skin. The in vitro and in vivo results are discussed with respect to the consequences on affected skin and the therapeutic efficacy of steroid preparations of different concentrations.
| 71,836
|
Movement of horseradish peroxidase in the cornea, sclera and the anterior uvea.
|
The anterior chambers of rabbit, monkey and human eyes were perfused with horseradish peroxidase. The perfusion was started immediately after enucleation of the monkey and human eyes, while the rabbit eyes were perfused in situ after the animals had been killed. Comparative results were obtained after 1 h or perfusion and were mainly based on frozen sections. Intensive staining was found in the Descemet's membrane, the sclera and the iridial stroma, considerably more than in the corneal stroma and in the ciliary body base. In the vervet monkey and human eyes only traces of peroxidase reaction products were seen in the stroma of the ciliary body base. The movement of the protein tracer from the anterior chamber into the corneal stroma is probably dependent upon vesicular transport across the corneal endothelium. The Discemet's membrane was interpreted to be more porous than the corneal stroma. A transcorneal and a corneo-scleral movement appeared to be more efficient than the uveo-scleral one, at least in the vervet monkey and the human eyes.
| 71,844
|
The appearance of the outflow apparatus of the eye after staining with ruthenium red.
|
The outflow apparatus from adult baboon and rabbit eyes was stained with the inorganic dye ruthenium red. The ruthenium reaction product coated the surface of the trabecular meshwork cells and the canalicular endothelial cells. Deposits also impregnated the various connective tissue elements within the trabeculae and the extracellular spaces of the endothelial meshwork. A fine fibrillar network could also be identified with ruthenium red and this was present in the trabecular cores and the extracellular spaces of the endothelial meshwork. It was considered that the fibrillar network may represent a matrix of glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins. The significance of these materials in relation to aqueous outflow was discussed.
| 71,846
|
Diagnosis of acute leukemia. Variability of morphologic criteria.
|
The diagnosis of acute leukemia depends on the morphologic appearance of Romanowsky-stained blast cells. Three commonly used and accepted criteria for distinguishing among blast cells of different acute leukemias are (1) nuclear chromatin pattern, (2) appearance of nucleoli, and (3) nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio. It is sometimes assumed that Romanowsky stains do not differ in their abilities to demonstrate characteristic features of blast cells. In the present study six different Romanowsky stains were applied to smears from a single bone marrow aspirate from each of 22 patients with acute leukemia. Marked, stain-dependent variation in the appearances of the same blast cell population was repeatedly observed for all modalities except nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio. The authors caution against generalizations regarding morphology and suggest that the exact stain employed is a significant variable in morphologic studies.
| 71,855
|
Prevention of mental retardation: the role of medicine.
|
In the past 100 years striking progress has been made in the prevention of mental retardation. Since mental retardation is a symptom rather than a distinct disease entity, its prevention requires attention to many different areas. Heterozygote detection, specific factors of pregnancy, the current status of newborn screening, and major postnatal factors associated with mental retardation are some of the issues discussed in this centennial paper. Although considerable progress has been made, the causes and, hence, the modes of prevention of mental retardation for the majority of retarded individuals are unknown. Continued progress will require the combined efforts of both medical and social scientists if the goal, the prevention of mental retardation, is to be realized.
| 71,859
|
[Side effects of antibiotics in patients with thermal burns].
|
The possibilities of antibacterial therapy in the clinics of burn diseases has at present decreased because of increasing microflora resistance to antibiotics. This phenomenon is one of the most often causes of antibacterial drug side effects in burn patients. For control of infections complications in burn patients which are most often lethal it is necessary to use biologically active subtance, such as prodigiozan and lysozime in addition to the directed antibiotic therapy. The use of specific antitoxic antistaphylococcal drugs, such as antistaphylococcal plasma and antistaphylococcal gamma-globulin in combination with the antibiotics of the direct action provided effective control of infectious complications and sepsis of staphylococcal genesis in burn patients. Decamine proved to be effective along with the usual use of nystatin in cases with dysbacteriosis as a result of the antibiotic side effects. In the patients treated with decamine the sings of candidosis disappeared by the 5th--7th day. Therefore, for decreasing the side effects of antibiotics in the clinics of burn patients it is expedient to use antibiotics in combination with the biologically active and immune preparations which increases the efficacy of antibiotic therapy, impfoves the treatment results and decreases the antibiotic side effects.
| 71,876
|
Characteristics of the immune response in a patient with Whipple's disease.
|
A patient with Whipple's disease has been studied to examine the effect of antibiotic therapy on the immune status of the patient, and the specific immune response to a cell wall deficient form of an alpha-haemolytic streptococcus (alpha HS) isolated from this patient. T lymphocyte numbers were reduced, and cutaneous anergy was present. Autoantibodies directed against smooth muscle and mitochondria were detected. These abnormal parameters became normal following antibiotic therapy. The specific immune response to the alphaHS was characterised by IgA antibody and lymphocyte sensitisation. The latter was detected as antigen-inducedd lymphocyte stimulation and antigen-induced leucocyte inhibition factor (LIF) production. Antibiotic therapy was associated with a fall in antibody titre and reduced LIF production. No defect in neutrophil function was found. These results are most consistent with the postulates that (i) immunological abnormalities in Whipple's disease are secondary to infection and (ii) the primary abnormality is an unusual pathogenic bacterium.
| 71,895
|
Monocytic differentiation of cluster cells in agar culture of normal human bone marrow. A cytochemical investigation.
|
A cytochemical investigation was carried out on the cells that make up the clusters forming in agar cultures of normal human bone marrow after 3, 4, and 5 days of incubation. All the clusters were found to comprise young monocytes that were PAS, peroxidase, Sudan Black, and alpha-naphthyl and naphthol-ASD-acetate esterase positive. Lysozyme activity, investigated by the cytobacterial test, was absent in all cases. After 3 days of incubation a large number of pairs of lymphomonocytes or monocytes with the same cytochemical characteristics were observed. When a method of double esterase incubation (alpha-naphthyl or naphthol-ASD-acetate and naphthol-ASD-chloroacetate) was performed on the same slide, no cells of the granulocytic line or intermediate cells between these and the monocytes were observed in any of the clusters. These results indicate that there is direct monocytic differentiation of the colony-forming cells cultured. The origins and stages observed in the maturation of the monocytes are discussed.
| 71,925
|
[Induction of transplantable leukemia-like syndromes in mice by administration of antigens and immunostimulants].
|
Splenomegaly characterised by myeloid metaplasia was induced in BALB/c mice by the injection of antigens and immunostimulants. In difference from leukemoid reaction, this syndrome was transmissible both by the plasma and by the splenic cells. Small virus-like particles (30--50 nm) were revealed in the plasma, and RNA-containing viruses of type C--in the splenic cells.
| 71,928
|
[Modified Giemsa technique for the study of characteristic chromosomes of leukemic C57Bl mice].
|
G-banded karyotypes have been studied in C57Bl control mice and in animals developing leukemia after i.p. injection of acellular extract of spleen or lymph nodes from isologous animals showing radiation induced leukemia. No visible differences could be detected with respect to the number, size and position of the G-bands between the two groups of animals. From the present observations and from previous work with conventional staining methods, it can be concluded that the development of such leukemia does not involve the presence of chromosome abnormalities.
| 71,940
|
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