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Relative deficiency of plasma-calcitonin in normal women.
A new radioimmunoassay technique was used to measure plasma-calcitonin in normal subjects. Plasma-calcitonin concentrations in women were less than 25% of those in men, and were often undetectable. However, during pregnancy or administration of the oestrogen-progestagen contraceptive pill, plasma-calcitonin equalled or exceeded male concentrations. These findings are consistent with an effect on calcitonin production of normal male testosterone concentrations and concentrations of the sex steroids during pregnancy. Calcitonin may protect the skeleton during calcium stress. Further, although it is unknown whether a deficiency of the hormone plays a role in postmenopausal osteoporosis, this is now a definite possibility which requires urgent investigation.
76,891
Strong association between HLA-DRW2 and antibody-mediated Goodpasture's syndrome.
In a study of HLA types in Caucasian patients with nephritis due to antibodies to glomerular basement membrane, antigen frequencies at A, B, or CW loci were normal. However, 15 out of 17 (88%) patients to whom DRW types were definitely assigned had HLA-DRW2 compared with 32 out of 100 Caucasian blood-donors. This difference is highly significant.
76,894
Primary hyperparathyroidism in paraneoplastic hypercalcaemia.
Hypercalcaemia is often associated with malignant disease. Causes of elevated serum-calcium levels in the absence of bony metastases include parathyroid-hormone production by the tumour, osteolytic factors made by the tumour, and coexistent primary hyperparathyroidism. By measuring nephrogenous cyclic-A.M.P. excretion to assess parathyroid-hormone function, we have determined the mechanism of such hypercalcaemia in 15 patients. Nephrogenous cyclic A.M.P. ranges from 0.05 to 2.40 mumol/g of creatinine in normal subjects, from 2.27 to 8.45 mumol/g in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, and from 0.50 to 1.30 mumol/g in patients with proven non-hyperparathyroid hypercalcaemia without malignancy. 9 patients (60%) with hypercalcaemia and malignancy had normal levels of nephrogenous cyclic A.M.P. (range 0.35-2.07 mumol/g creatinine). The other 6 (40%) had elevated nephrogenous cyclic A.M.P. (range 2.70-5.55 mumol/g) consistent with increased parathyroid-hormone secretion. Surgical exploration of the neck in these patients showed that the increased parathyroid-hormone secretion was secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism, not ectopic hyperparathyroidism. Thus, the data indicate that coexistent hyperparathyroidism may be common in patients with hypercalcaemia and malignancy and that the measurement of nephrogenous cyclic A.M.P. is very useful in identifying patients at risk for hyperparathyroidism.
76,931
Leucocyte adherence inhibition for detecting specific tumour immunity in early pancreatic cancer.
Tumour-specific immunity to pancreatic tumour antigens, assayed by an automated tube leucocyte-adherence inhibition assay (L.A.I.), was detected in 3 of 3 patients with localised pancreatic cancer and 3 of 8 patients with more extensive pancreatic cancer. Leucocytes from pancreatic cancer patients with L.A.I. reactivity did not react to antigens of stomach, colon, or lung tumours; leucocytes from patients with stomach, colon, or lung cancer of inflammatory disease of the pancreas and bowel did not show L.A.I. reactivity to pancreatic tumour antigens.
76,938
Intracellular calcium accumulation in Duchenne dystrophy and other myopathies: a study of 567,000 muscle fibers in 114 biopsies.
Ultrastructural studies have shown plasmalemmal defects in a proportion of non-necrotic muscle fibers in Duchenne dystrophy, suggesting that intracellular calcium overloading may be an important mechanism of muscle fiber degeneration. To investigate this assumption, we studied the localization of calcium with the von Kóssa method, with alizarin red, and with glyoxalbis-(o-hydroxyanil) in serial, fresh-frozen sections of 114 biopsy specimens. The biopsy material included Duchenne dystrophy (24 cases), other dystrophies (27 cases), inflammatory myopathies (47 cases), and normal controls (11 cases). Counted in each specimen were every muscle fiber, the so-called large-dark fibers, and all calcium-positive fibers. Separate counts were made of the large-dark, necrotic, and other types of calcium-positive fibers. In Duchenne dystrophy, non-nectotic calcium-positive fibers occurred with a mean frequency of 4.83 percent. For all other groups, the corresponding value was 0.57 percent, with a range of 0.21 percent (normals) to 1.76 percent (scleroderma), p less than 0.001. Large-dark fibers were 12 times more common in Duchenne dystrophy than in all other cases. Forty-three percent of the fibers were calcium-positive in Duchenne dystrophy, whereas calcium-positive large-dark fibers were extremely rare in the other cases.
76,996
Enzymatic synthesis of DNA complementary to mitochondrial mRNA via reverse transcription.
The poly(A)-containing mitochondrial mRNAs of rat liver were tested for their ability to serve as templates for the DNA synthesis by means of reverse transcription in the presence of the oligo(dT) primer and the RNA-directed DNA-polymerase from avian myeloblastosis virus. The mT-mRNA does not support the DNA synthesis in the standard conditions sufficient for effective reverse transcription of rabbit globin mRNA and of poly(A) in the presence of oligo(dT) primers. After a mild alkaline treatment of the mRNA and subsequent polyadenylation of the 3'-termini of the generated fragments with ATP:RNA adenyltransferase from E.coli the poly(A) (+) polyribonucleotides are able to serve as templates for reverse transcription in the presence of oligo(dT) and the reverse transcriptase. A conclusion is made that a "structural stop" exists in mitochondrial mRNA non-translable regions adjacent to the poly(A) terminal sequence. The "structural stop" is suggested to be caused by post-transcriptional modification of mRNA (methylation, etc.) or by a particularly stable secondary structure in this region of the mRNA molecules.
77,007
Regulation of rat alpha-fetoprotein production by methionine and adenosine 5'-triphosphate.
Simultaneous and equimolar injections of methionine and adenosine 5'-triphosphate significantly accelerated the rapid fall of rat serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations after birth. The results were compared with those obtained by administrations of prednisolone and adult tissue extracts. Correlations between a methionine-related metabolic event(s) and the repression of AFP synthesis were discussed.
77,035
Primary affective disorders and HLA antigens.
In 125 patients with various types of primary affective disorders, 27 HLA antigens of the A, B and C loci were examined. Bw40 occurred more frequently in the primarly form (20.83% against 7.64% in controls) and Cw4 in the unipolar form (25%) and, in disease in general, 16%, against 9.58% in controls. Following correction, however, these differences are statistically insignificant.
77,064
[Virion precipitation reaction based on determination of reverse transcriptase activity: Method of study of membrane antigens of oncornaviruses].
A method for the study of the envelope antigens of oncornaviruses of C, B, and D types by the virion precipitation test (VPT) based on the measurement of the amount of precipitated virus by its reverse transcriptase activity is described. The method is immunologically specific for titration of antibody to the envelope antigens of oncornaviruses. By means of the VPT it is possible to identify oncornaviruses, to study antigenic relationships between them and to detect some or other antigens in virion coat.
77,082
[Treatment of burned children--current therapeutic principles (author's transl)].
This paper deals with the working plan of immediate care, parenteral nutrition and surgery in burned children according to experience gained in the treatment of these children at the specialist Burns Unit of the Department of Dermatology (I) of the University of Vienna. Features peculiar to this age group lie in the appropriate recommendations for shock therapy and prophylaxis as well as parenteral nutrition. The guidelines for surgical treatment of burns are basically similar in adults and children.
77,086
A receptor-immunoassay for the determination of the specificity of anti-HCG-beta sera.
In the receptor-immunoassay, the binding of anti-HCG-beta sera to 125I-HCG and 125I-HLH is measured in the presence of bovine corpus luteum "receptor". Anti-sera specific for HCG show little binding with 125I-HLH. The receptor-immunoassay permits an evaluation of specificity, affinity and the ability of anti-HCG-beta sera to compete with the "receptor" for binding to 125I-HCG.
77,119
The role of the anaesthetist in chronic pain management.
The role of the anaesthetist in the continuing care of patients suffering from chronic pain has been discussed. Many of the techniques, both invasive and non-invasive, which are currently available for the treatment of chronic pain have been reviewed.
77,139
[Method of intravital injection of the internal blood vessels of organs for experimental-morphological research].
Ten minutes before the injection the rat is given heparin (500 units per 1 kg weight) intradermally. To the narcotized animal, the needle with the 1 ml syringe is inserted and 3--5 ml of blood are aspirated (about 2% of the body mass). Then with the same needle another syringe of 10 ml volume containing filtrated and heated up to 40 degrees C undiluted Indian ink is injected. The amount of the Indian ink injected is 8--10 ml per 100 g of the body mass. We can consider the injection oa success if the mucose of the tongue, the skin of the concha auriculae, the sclera of the eye are promptly stained during the injection and the tail vessels are well filled.
77,152
Cellular histamine release, specific and total serum IgE levels in hay fever patients and controls.
The amount of histamine released from blood leucocytes by allergen, the amount of allergen required to release 50% histamine and the total IgE and IgE specific for Dactylis glomerata are compared in nine hay fever patients and five control individuals. The variation with time of total IgE, of specific IgEe and of the percentage of histamine released at a fixed allergen concentration, corresponding to the cellular sensitivity, is shown for one control individual with positive in vitro and skin tests, but without clinical symptoms. For four patients with a low total IgE level the evolution of these parameters during a 1 year treatment period is presented.
77,195
Aneuploidy and ageing: chromosome studies on a random sample of the population using G-banding.
Chromosome analysis using G-banding was carried out on cells from 65 males and 102 females of all ages from a random sample of the population. The frequency of aneuploid cells showed a significant increase with age in both sexes, and in females the increase in hypodiploidy and hyperdiploidy was more marked than in males, and involved a high proportion of cells that had lost or gained an X chromosome, 45,X cells being much more common than 47,XXX cells. In females, the occurrence of a "fragment" of an X chromosome also correlated with increasing age, and this "fragment" appears to be an X chromosome that has simply divided prematurely at the centromere. The effects of time in culture and of repeating cultures of blood samples from the same individual on proportions of abnormal cells of various types were also investigated, and the results are discussed in the light of findings from several other "ageing surveys".
77,211
Human tumor and rodent-human hybrid cells with an increased number of active human NORs.
A human fibrosarcoma line, HT1080-6TG, with a near diploid number of chromosomes, has an average of 7.3 chromosomes with an Ag-stained nucleolus organizer region (NOR). Cells of this line with an increased number of chromosomes have an increased number of Ag-stained NORs. This cell line has been used as the human parent in constructing mouse-human and rat-human hybrids that segregate rodent chromosomes. The hybrid ccell lines, which have 100 or more chromosomes per cell, show a proportionate increase in the number of Ag-stained NORs (means, 11.4--16.8). The frequency of association of acrocentric chromosomes increases in a similar fashion. There is no evidence of inactivation of human NORs in these cells.
77,212
Serum and tumour ferritins in primary liver cancer.
Serum ferritin concentrations were found to be raised, often considerably, in 58 of 76 black patients with primary liver cancer (PLC). No correlation could be demonstrated between the serum ferritin concentration and several other measurements, including the following: hepatic iron stores measured chemically, the size of the tumour, serum transaminase values, and the presence or absence of cirrhosis in the non-tumorous liver. There was, however, a negative correlation between serum ferritin and alpha-foetoprotein concentrations. Ferritin was purified from PLC tissue obtained from three patients at necropsy and the distribution of isoferritins was determined by isoelectric focusing. Acidic isoferritins similar to those previously found in PLC tissue were obtained. Their acidic nature was confirmed chromatographically using DEAE cellulose. Because the serum ferritin in patients with PLC probably consists of a mixture of normal and acidic isoferritins, it is likely that the serum assay used in the present study underestimated the actual concentrations present. With the development of an assay which utlises a specific antibody against acidic PLC isoferritins, serum ferritin may prove to be a second marker for PLC.
77,242
The capping of lymphocytes and other cells, studied by an improved method for immunofluorescence staining of frozen sections.
Experiments have been carried out on the capping by lectins and antibodies of surface receptors of mouse splenic T and B lymphocytes and other cells, in which the surface distribution of the lectin or antibody, and the intracellular distribution of myosin or actin, were determined on the same cells by a double fluorescence technique. For this purpose, a general method for intracellular staining was developed which is intended to preserve sensitive antigens and fragile ultrastructural elements. The method involves mild formaldehyde fixation of the cells or tissues, infusion with concentrated sucrose, rapid freezing, and the preparation of frozen sections thinner than 1 micrometer thickness. The immunofluorescent or other appropriate fluorescent reagents are then applied to the thawed section. In the present experiments, intracellular actin was detected using a fluorescent staining method based on the interaction of F-actin with heavy meromyosin, while intracellular myosin was detected by an indirect immunofluorescence procedure. Our findings were that the formation of a cap by each of the lectins or antibody reagents was always accompanied by a concentration of myosin and actin directly under the cap. These and other results suggest that capping is an active process in which actin and myosin participate directly in the formation of all caps. This proposal carries important new implications for the molecular mechanism of capping.
77,276
Radioimmunoassay of ovine alpha-fetoprotein.
Highly purified ovine alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was used both for radioisotope labelling and as the reference standard in the double antibody radioimmunoassay of ovine AFP. The sensitivity of the assay is 2 ng/ml which is about 8000 times more sensitive than radialimmunodiffusion assay. The assay is of sufficient sensitivity to quantitate AFP in normal adult sheep serum, pregnancy serum, amniotic fluid and fetal lamb serum.
77,294
Anterior-horn cell degeneration and gross calf hypertrophy with adolescent onset. A new spinal muscular atrophy syndrome.
A new variant of spinal muscular atrophy (S.M.A.), characterised by adolescent onset, gross hypertrophy of calves, and a slowly progressive clinical course, was found in 5 patients, 3 of them in a series of 102 cases being studied in North-East England. Biopsy and electrophysiological studies indicated the presence of chronic progressive degeneration of anterior-horn cells.
77,364
Drug-induced immunological neutropenia.
Antineutrophil antibody capable of opsonising normal neutrophils was detected in the sera of 16 neutropenic patients receiving various drugs. A single drug was involved in 10 cases, multiple medication in 6. 4 patients received semisynthetic penicillins, 8 some form of antimicrobial, and 2 antithyroid agents. Neutrophil counts rose, and antineutrophil antibody activity declined or disappeared, after drug therapy was stopped. Opsonisation related to the semisynthetic penicillins was independent of complement but dependent on drug concentration. Complement-dependent opsonic activity was demonstrated in 2 patients (1 receiving methimazole and 1 receiving multiple medication) and in the patient receiving methimazole this activity was shown to reside in the IgM serum-fraction. In another patient receiving multiple drugs, a complement-independent IgG antibody was demonstrated.
77,368
[Distribution studies of 111In labeled bleomycin in the intratumoral and peritumoral treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinomas in the oto-rhino-larygnological region (author's transl)].
The localization of 111In labeled Bleomycin was studied in 9 patients with advanced squamous cell carcinomas. The dosis was injected either peritumorally or intramorally. Accumulation of Radiobleomycin in tumor tissue, in blood and in urine was tested. We found a very high accumulation in tumor tissue for a short time within 2 hours, a very rapid excretion of Radiobleomycin in urine and concomitant slowly decrease of 111In Bleomycin in blood was observed.
77,462
Ethanol-induced alterations in histamine content and release in the rat hypothalamus.
In the rat hypothalamus, histamine content and histidine decarboxylas: activity are enhanced significantly after acute administration (80--160 mg/100g body weight) of ethanol. The effects are less pronounced after chronic treatment (15% v/v in drinking water for 4 weeks). Histamine methyltransferase is unaffected in either case. In hypothalamic slices preloaded with 3H-histamine and superfused with amine free solution the basal and K+-induced efflux of 3H-histamine are inhibited by alcohol. The inhibition of histamine release along with the increased levels of histamine may play an important role in the central effects of alcohol.
77,479
Specificity of Fc-receptors on lymphocytes and monocytes for guinea-pig IgG1 and IgG2: phagocytosis of erythrocytes.
The capacity of guinea-pig IgG1 and IgG2 antibodies to induce lymphocyte (K-cell) mediated lysis or monocyte/macrophage mediated phagocytosis of erythrocytes was studied with both human and guinea-pig effector cells. For both species, induction of K-cell mediated lysis was restricted to IgG2 whereas both IgG1 and IgG2 could induce monocyte/macrophage mediated phagocytosis. In competitive inhibition experiments, only complexed IgG2 inhibited lysis mediated by K-cells. The results suggest that the fc-receptors on K-cells only recognize IgG2. In contrast, complexes of both subclasses inhibited phagocytosis by human monocytes, regardless of the subclass of the inducing antibodies. Inhibition of guinea-pig macrophage mediated phagocytosis by IgG2 complexes was also independent of the inducing antibody. Hence, Fc-receptors common for IgG1 and IgG2 seem to be involved in themonocyte/macrophage mediated effector reaction. Free IgG1 was significantly less ingibitory than free IgG2 for human monocytes and hardly at all for guinea-pig macrophages. However, free IgG2, which was cytophilic for these cells, was more aggregated than IgG1. Thus, both molecular structure and state of aggregation determine interaction of IgG with cellular Fc-receptors.
77,554
[Evaluation of the antigenicity of heart valve leaflets using inbred rat strain combinations (author's transl)].
Experiments with large, non-inbred animals yield no reliable evidence in the antigenicity of heart valves. With inbred strains of rats, however, it is possible to obtain evidence on the immunological reactions of heart valve leaflet transplants. Our experiments were undertaken on the inbred rat strains (CDR, LEW, CAP and BD5, using combinations as follows: syngeneic strain combination (CDF leads to CDF), weakly allogenic (RtH-1-identical) strain cimbination (LEW leads to CDF), strongly allogeneic (RtH-1-incompatible) strain combination (CAP leads to CDF). Strain BD5 was used for the control skin grafts. Either one or two heart valve leaflets were heterotopically intra-aortally transplanted. Sensitization was verified humorally by transplantation antibody titers and cellularly by subsequent donorspecific skin transplants. The following results were achieved: Allogeneic heart valve leaflets are antigenic. Intravascular grafting of one heart valve leaflet induces the same degree of sensitization as the grafting of two leaflets. In the RtH-1-identical system, sensitization is revealed only by subsequent skin grafting, whereas in the RtH-1-incompatible system, sensitization is humorally demonstrated as well. This indicates that in heart valve leaflet transplantation cellmediated reactivity is a more sensitive indicator than the humoral one. The greater the immunological difference is, the clearer the sensitization will be. In the strongly allogeneic system, the sensitization is even demonstrated humorally; skin grafts are rejected as "white grafts". Improved long-term results may be expected in allogeneic vital heart valve transplants if consideration is given to the HLA compatibility between donor and recipient; the appearance of delayed insufficiency could be greatly lessened or even deferred.
77,566
[Change in the brain neuron structure of man and other mammals in edema and swelling of the brain substance].
A correlation was made between literature and obtained light microscopy data relative to the problem concerning the central neuron involvement at edema development and brain tissue swelling at different etiological backgrounds. A polymorphism of neuronic variations was demonstrated determined by a variety of causes including specificity of individual reactivity of central nervous system. Attention is drawn both to the non-identity of the notions: "hydropic variation (edema) of a neuron" and the "brain edema", and to a non-characteristic nature of "hard variation" of nerve cells for histological picture of edema-swelling brain tissue at neurooncologic affection, and to the absence of a strict proportionality between the degree of cerebral edema-swelling and variation intensity of the neuron structure.
77,577
[The manual extrathoracal stimulation of the heart. Technique and effect of the precordial thump (author's transl)].
The findings of the manual extrathoracal stimulation of the heart (precordial thump) among 50 persons, healthy individuals and patients with pacemakers, are reported. By all persons it was possible either to cause "extrasystoles" through single blows or to maintain a continuous heart action through a rhythmic stimulation up to 6 minutes ("Temporary stimulation"). Through a manual overstimulation the basic rhythm could be blocked out. -To induce a depolarisation through a thump the locally induced pressure or tension on the heart muscle is of primary importance. For this to occur, the precordial chest thump must develop a rise in pressure of at least 15 to 20 mm Hg in the right ventricle. The location at which the precordial thump can best be effective is on the left border of the sternum in the lower third. That is the region where the heart (right ventricle) is nearest to the chest wall. -Subjective or objective side effects were not observed during our investigations and--in particular--there were no ectopic rhythm or conduction disturbance. -The precordial thump is of importance not only as "initial blow" at the beginning of cardiac resuscitation but also in form of the temporary stimulation in various causes of asystole. It was demonstrated that the manual stimulation of the heart has the same effect as the electrical stimulation and can be used by certain patients by themselves.
77,593
[Incidence of a persisting prostatic duct following transvesical adenomectomy].
32 patients underwent an after-examination one to five years after transvesical adenomectomy. In 25 cases thare was a persisting lodge of the prostate. 6 patients with persisting lodge had urethrographically a narrowing in the region of the posterior urethra. There were no pathological values of the residual urine and pathological findings of the urine. In 7 cases a complete retrogression of the lodge to the size of the urethra could be proved radiologically. The healing after adenomectomy without retrogression of the lodge of the prostate is regarded as a normal variant of healing.
77,601
[Early catheter removal in water-tight bladder closure following transversical prostatic adenometomy].
It is reported on 124 patients in whom after a transvesical adenomectomy an early removal of the catheter was aspired to. A watertight closure of the urinary bladder is one of the most important prerequisites. The 5th day after operation seems to be best suited for the removal of the catheter. A temporary fistulisation lasting 2 days occurred only in one case. Secondary infection of the wound as well as epididymitis could not be observed. 96% of the patients could be discharged with sterile urine. Advantages of the early removal of the catheter: 1. Shortened hospitalisation and shortened convalesence. 2. Reduced danger of a secondary infection of the urinary tract 3. Early symptom-free subjective condition of the patient.
77,602
Primary culture of adult rat liver cells. II. Cytological and biochemical properties of primary cultured cells.
Primary mass culture of isolated cells from adult rat livers by the trypsin-perfusion method uas carried out to investigate cytological and biochemical properties of primary cultured cells. Two main types of cells were found in the course of primary culture of isolated hepatic cells. One was a group of polygonal cells with granular cytoplasm, which appeared to arrange themselves in cords and clusters 3 to 4 days postinoculation and then gradually decreased in number. These cells seemed to be associated with expression of liver specific functions such as higher tyrosine aminotransferase levels and transient increases in albumin production. Another type of cells was relatively small in size and had clear cytoplasm, which grew out rapidly in place of the polygonal cells and proliferated also in subculture. alpha-Fetoprotein was detected in the cultured media of the proliferating clear cells. These results suggest that the polygonal cells and the clear cells may correspond to the mature hepatocytes and the hepatocytic stem cells in vivo, respectively.
77,631
African trials in chemotherapy of gastrointestinal cancer.
Bleomycin either alone or in combination with radiotherapy was used in the treatment of 24 patients with non-resectable cancer of the oesophagus. Improvement in performance (swallowing) status was observed in 75% of patients, although only 19% were known to be alive after 1 year of follow-up. Patients with liver cancer were treated with adriamycin. The response rate was dose dependent and was 40% at best. Combination of adriamycin with other drugs did not improve the response rate. Intra-arterial adriamycin appears more efficacious and gave a response rate of 60%.
77,658
Induction of four proteins in eukaryotic cells by kethoxal bis(thiosemicarbazone).
Kethoxal bis(thiosemicarbazone) induces the synthesis of four proteins (100 000, 70 000, 35 000 and 25 000 daltons) in normal chick embryo cells. The 70 000 dalton species is produced at the fastest rate 2 hr after exposure to the compound. Pulse-chase experiments revealed neither precursors nor products of these proteins and both actinomycin and cycloheximide inhibited their synthesis. Neither of the two substituents of the inducer, kethoxal or thiosemicarbazide, were active. The four proteins were induced in several other species, but human cells produced only three proteins (100 000, 70 000 and a different 30 000 dalton form).
77,683
A rapid assay for neuraminidase. The detection of two differences in activity associated with virus transformation.
Neuraminidase (acylneuraminyl hydrolase, EC 3.2.1.18) activity in fibroblast homogenates was measured by a rapid and simple assay with a synthetic substrate. The activity of neuraminidase in virus transformed hamster fibroblasts was increased over the normal counterpart. In addition, the differential activity seen using the synthetic substrate and fetuin made it possible to detect an enzyme activity hitherto not described. The advantages of this assay for metabolic screening are discussed.
77,684
Antenatal prophylaxis of Rh isoimmunization: 28-weeks'-gestation service program.
Two (0.18%) of 1086 Rh-negative primigravidas or multigravidas treated similarly in all previous pregnancies, who were given a single injection of Rh immune globulin (300 mug) at 28 weeks' gestation and subsequently were delivered of Rh-positive babies, had demonstrable Rh isoimmunization at the time of that injection and must be considered "logistic" failures of antenatal prophylaxis. The remaining 1084 (who were treated again after delivery) had no evidence of Rh isoimmunization at delivery and none of the 512 screened at 6 months after delivery appeared to be immunized. If the 28th-week injection had not been protective, one would have expected 14 of the 1084 to have been demonstrably Rh isoimmunized and evidence of Rh isoimmunization to have persisted in 6 of the 512 observed 6 months after delivery.Six of 719 Rh-negative multigravidas who had not received Rh immune globulin after previous pregnancies or had been treated only after delivery showed evidence of Rh isoimmunization despite a single injection of Rh immune globulin at 28 weeks in a subsequent pregnancy. In three of the six the cause was most likely "sensibilization" due to previous exposure to Rh-positive blood or an untreated Rh-positive pregnancy. in 3 of the remaining 716 (0.42%) there may have been true failure of antenatal Rh prophylaxis administered at the 28th week. One would have expected this figure to be 12 of 716 if antenatal Rh prophylaxis at 28 weeks' gestation were totally unsuccessful.It is concluded that a single intramuscular injection of Rh immune globulin, 300 mug, is 88% effective in preventing Rh isoimmunization during pregnancy in Rh-negative primigravidas and in multigravidas treated antenatally in all previous pregnancies, and is 75% effective in preventing Rh isoimmunization in Rh-negative multigravidas untreated during previous pregnancies. The majority of failures are due to Rh isoimmunization during pregnancy prior to antenatal prophylaxis at 28 weeks.
77,715
Treatment of advanced Hodgkin's disease with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and imidazole carboxamide (ABVD) after failure of MOPP therapy.
From June 19, 1975 to December 22, 1976, twenty-seven patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease who failed MOPP (nitrogen mustard, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisone) were treated with adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and imidazole carboxamide, (ABVD). Complete response (CR) was achieved in 22% of patients and partial response was achieved in 15%. No response was observed in 63% of patients. With a median duration of follow-up for CR patients of only 10.5 months, two of the six CR patients have already relapsed. In this series of patients ABVD was not an effective curative regimen for patients with Hodgkin's disease who have failed MOPP.
77,716
Comparative antitumor activity of actinomycin analogs in mice bearing Ridgway osteogenic sarcoma or P388 leukemia.
Actinomycin (Act) analogs, differing in the chemical substitution(s) made at various positions in either their pentapeptide chain(s) or chromophore ring, were evaluated for their antitumor activity in mice bearing either Ridgway osteogenic sarcoma (ROS) or P388 leukemia. Of the analogs tested against advanced (2--3-g) ROS tumors, azetomicin I and Act III caused therapeutic responses which, although variable, were nevertheless indicative of antitumor activities greater than was found using Act D. Several other analogs, Act C2, 2-N-(gamma-hydroxypropyl)-Act D, Act X0delta, and azetomicin II, displayed antitumor activity in ROS-bearing mice which varied, in different experiments, from comparable to superior to that achieved using Act D. Additionally, Act Pip1beta and 3'-(4-cisCl-Pro)-Act were comparable to, and Act-2-hydroxy-C3 inferior to, Act D in activity against ROS. Both azetomicin I and II were as effective as Act D in mice bearing P388 leukemia. Moreover, a subline of P388 that is resistant to Act D was cross-resistant to both azetomicin I and II.
77,730
Placental-like alkaline phosphatase in malignant and benign ovarian tumors.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) components in extracts of seven malignant and eleven benign ovarian tumors were characterized using the criteria of electrophoretic mobility before and after neuraminidase treatment, heat stability, L-phenylalanine inhibition and reactivity against antiplacental ALP antiserum. Seven of the eighteen tumors had ALP components which most closely resembled the ALP isoenzyme normally found in placenta and were clearly distinguished from all other tissue ALPs. The proportion of tumors with the placental-like ALP in the malignant group (five out of seven) was significantly greater than the proportion in the benign group (two out of eleven). The fraction (78%) of the malignant tumors with the isozyme represents a larger percentage than has previously been found by examination of cancer patients' sera. The electrophoretic mobilities of the placental-like ALPs in the tumors were in no case identical to the mobilities of any of the six common placental ALP phenotypes. The tumor ALPs may thus be determined by rare variant alleles at the ALP locus, or alternatively, the enzyme molecules may have been subject to structural modification. At least two of these tumors contained an electrophoretically slow. heat-stable, leucine-sensitive ALP, which may correspond to what has been termed the D-variant of placental ALP found in some other tumors.
77,747
Factors involved in differential Giemsa-staining of sister chromatids.
Microspectrophotometric evaluation of differentially stained sister chromatids made it possible to analyse precisely the factors involved in the Giemsa methods. The concentration of Hoechst 33258, pH of the mounting medium temperature during UV-exposure and the quality (wavelength)of UV-light influenced the differential staining. Exposure of blacklight of 10(-5) M Hoechst 33528-stained brdU-labeled chromosome specimens mounted in McIlvaine buffer (pH 8.0) at 50 degrees C reproducibly allowed differential staining of sister chromatids within 15 min. On the other hand, Korenberg-Freedlender's method using no Hoechst 33258 was also UV-light-dependent. Thus, photolysis of BrdU-substituted DNA was considered the basic mechanism of the Giemsa methods where the photosensitive Hoechst 33258 played a role as a sensitizer.
77,756
Wrist actigraphic measures of sleep and rhythms.
With a piezo-electric activity transducer, wrist activity recordings were made simultaneously with EEG, EOG and EMG recordings. Wrist activity alone was used to estimate Total Sleep Time and blind independent scoring of sleep and wakefulness by EEG-EOG-EMG was done. Correlations between the two methods were termined for minutes of Sleep (r = 0.98), Total Sleep Period (r = 0.95) and minutes of Wake Time Within Sleep (r = 0.85). Continuous wrist activity recordings may thus provide inexpensive but very accurate estimates of Sleep Time.
77,772
A phase locked loop device for automatic detection of sleep spindles and stage 2.
A method is described using phase-locked loops which, as electronic frequency detection devices, provide the basis of a relatively inexpensive system of automatic sleep spindle detection. It is acceptably reliable at quite high rates of data processing.
77,773
Regulation of the immune response. I. Regulatory cell equilibrium in the "virgin" state.
Spleen cells from pairs of inbred mice (age- and sex-matched) were challenged in vitro with a T-independent antigen. The specific plaque-forming cell (PFC) response in cultures containing cells from both donors was not intermediate to the responses of independently cultured donor spleen cells. Instead, a pattern of significant suppression (67% of pairs tested) or enhancement (22% of pairs tested) was observed. The suppression or enhancement was antigen-specific and did not represent a general phenomenon within the mixed cultures. A suppressive outcome in mixed cell cultures seems to be associated with cells from the donor with the higher individual PFC response. The converse is true for enhancement. The nonadditive nature of the PFC response in mixed cultures and the frequency of suppression to enhancement (3:1) imply that (a) specific, ongoing immunoregulation occurs even in the naive individual, and (b) this regulation is characterized by regular cycles of specific suppression and enhancement.
77,784
[The postnatal development of lamina V pyramidal cells in the sensomotor cortex of the albino rat. 1. Introduction and qualitative studies of Golgi preparations].
1. It is given an introductory survey about the usual Golgi procedures and modifications, and about the possible quantitative methods in Golgi researches. Upon them a synopsis of the literature about dendrite spine distribution and density in rodents' cortices (mouse, rat, hamster) follows. Concluding the preamble it is informed about the structural changes in spine distribution during postnatal ontogenesis published hitherto. 2. Using Golgi-Cox impregnated brain slices (according the RAMON-MOLINER modification) the differentiation of layer V pyramids in albino rat sensorimotor cortex during the 1st to the 90th day after birth is studied qualitatively. Several types of unknown interpyramidal synaptic contacts are published. Some notices follows about the first occurence of apical dendritic bundles during the postnatal ontogenesis, as well as about the axonal swellings of cortical pyramids.
77,800
Target cell - substratum interaction. I. Effect of primed lymphocytes on a rat mammary adenocarcinoma tumor cell line.
The differential effects of normal and immunologically primed lymphocytes on the adherence of trypsinized rat mammary adenocarcinoma tumor cells (DMBA"8) to their substratum are described, utilizing both allogeneically and syngeneically primed lymphoid cells as effectors. This observation may illustrate an important immunological phenomenon, and may result in a simplified assay procedure for the detection of cell-mediated immunity.
77,840
Degradation products of fibrinogen by elastase-like neutral protease from human granulocytes. Characterization and effects on blood coagulation in vitro.
We investigated the effect of elastase-like neutral protease isolated from human granolocytes on human fibrinogen. Dependent on enzyme concentration and time of incubation, the elastase-like protease induced a progressive degradation of fibrinogen. Analysis of the remaining polypeptide chains showed a high susceptibility of the Aalpha- and low susceptibility of the gamma-chain of fibrinogen towards the proteolytic action of the enzyme. The split products were characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and two-dimensional immunoelectrophoresis. They showed antigenic determinants of fibrinogen and of plasmin-induced proteolysis products D and E. The cleavage fragments isolated by gel chromatography had distinct molecular weights. Coagulability of fibrinogen by thrombin was inhibited according to the concentration of the protease and the time of incubation. Split products of fibrinogen with higher molecular weight prolonged the coagulation time of native fibrinogen, whereas low molecular weight fragments were ineffective.
77,863
Idiotype-specific transplantation resistance to MOPC-315: abrogation by post-immunization thymectomy.
The idiotype-specific myeloma transplantation resistance induced in BALB/c mice by immunization with the DNP-binding IgAlambda2 protein produced by plasmacytoma MOPC-315 is ablated by post-immunization thymectomy. Sham-thymectomy has no effect. The ablative effect of thymectomy is observed is observed in mice challenged subcutaneously with MOPC-315 cells either 3 days after thymectomy, or after a rest period of 44 days after thymectomy. These observations suggest that short-lived, thymic-dependent suppressive factors may play a role in the idiotype-specific myeloma graft resistance.
77,876
Concealed atrial bigeminy and trigeminy.
Patterns indicative of concealed atrial extrasystoles were observed in two patients with frequent premature atrial depolarizations. In the first patient, the predominant pattern was such that most of the numbers (S) of sinus P waves between atrial extrasystoles satisfied the equation S = 3n-1, where n is any positive integer. This pattern is characteristic of concealed trigeminy. Over a sequence of 49 interectopic intervals, this patient vacillated between concealed atrial trigeminy and bigeminy. A second patient displayed a pattern characteristic of the "even number" variant of concealed bigeminy. The numbers of sinus P waves in consecutive interectopic intervals were predominantly even. These various patterns of concealed atrial extrasystoles closely resemble previously reported patterns of concealed ventricular extrasystoles.
77,889
The role of the radioimmunoassay of serum alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin in the intensive chemotherapy and surgery of metastatic testicular tumors.
Quantitative measurement of serum alpha-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin by double antibody radioimmunoassays reflects the efficacy of surgical, radiation and/or chemotherapeutic regimens in patients with bulky disseminated testicular tumors. When these therapies are effective they produce an immediate decrease in serum levels of these markers that reflects the decrease in tumor size and could be as rapid as the catabolic decay rate for alpha-fetoprotein or human chorionic gonadotropin. The alpha subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin has a short half-life (20 minutes) and has been used for the first time to localize a recurrent metastatic testicular tumor. Cellular localization of these markers by immunochemical techniques has helped us to understand the natural history of this cancer and the cell types responsible for production of the markers.
77,918
The effect of human serum on 3H-thymidine incorporation in human prostate tumors in tissue culture.
Human prostatic tumors, 4 adenomas and 4 adenocarcinomas, were established in tissue culture. We used the incorporation of 3H-thymidine into deoxyribonucleic acid as a measure of cell activity to compare the effects of supplementing the culture media with human or fetal calf serum. 3H-thymidine incorporation was greater with human serum, with up to 120 per cent increase observed. The addition of dihydrotestosterone (10(-8)M.) did not enhance or inhibit 3H-thymidine incorporation.
77,919
Scintigraphic detection of atherosclerotic lesions and venous thrombi in man by indium-111-labelled autologous platelets.
Accumulation of autologous platelets labelled with indium-111 at sites of atherosclerosis or venous thrombosis was demonstrated by scintigraphy in three patients. The lesions detected were bilateral ulcerated carotid-artery plaques, iliofemoral venous thrombosis, and renal-vein thrombosis. This technique shows promose as a non-invasive means of diagnosing focal atherosclerotic and thrombotic lesions.
77,949
Weight-for-age as an index of risk of death in children.
Between April, 1968, and May, 1973, the Department of International Health of Johns Hopkins University studied the effects of the interaction of nutrition and infection in fourteen villages of Punjab, North India. Serial anthropometric measurements (used as index of nutritional status) and vital statistics of almost 3000 children aged 1-36 months showed that, on average, child mortality doubled with each 10% decline below 80% of the Harvard weight median. The relation between season and mortality showed that mortality-rates were highest just before and during the main (wheat) harvest, reflecting the effects of food scarcity, relative child neglect, and climate on child deaths among those already underweight.
78,007
Avoidance of anencephalic and spina bifida births by maternal serum-alphafetoprotein screening.
Screening of 11 585 pregnant women between 16 and 20 completed weeks' gestation for raised serum-alphafetoprotein (A.F.P.) levels showed that the birth of 81.4% of babies with open neural-tube defects could be avoided. The screening test was sensitive enough to detect 93% of those affected and serum-A.F.P. levels above the point at which intervention shouldbe considered were found in 1.7% of pregnancies. After 75.2% of false-positives had been excluded by ultrasonography or by a repeat of the serum test, only 0.63% of pregnancies proceeded to amniocentesis, 46.6% of amniocenteses showed raised amniotic A.F.P. levels due to fetal abnormality. Fetal loss by abortion or perinatal death after amniocentesis occurred in 0.034% of pregnancies screeded, 75% being associated with threatened abortion before amniocentesis. There were no terminations of normal pregnancies due to false-positive amniotic A.F.P. results. It is concluded that voluntary maternal serum-A.F.P. screening has a valuable role in antenatal care.
78,097
Inhibition of active-transport sodium-potassium-A.T.P.ase by myeloma protein.
Patients with multiple myeloma excrete immunoglobulin light chain (Bence-Jones protein) in the urine. Light chain accumulates in the nephron, and this may result in renal disease, which accounts for the death of between 1 in 4 and 1 in 7 patients with multiple myeloma. Myeloma light chain inhibits transport of paraaminohippurate in the kidney. Evidence is presented here that light chain affects renal transport by inhibiting the active-transport enzyme, ouabain-sensitive Na-K-A.T.P.ase. As a direct consequence, renal A.T.P. content and the maximum rate of gluconeogenesis from lactate are enhanced in the presence of light chain.
78,213
Leucocyte adherence inhibition test in arthritis.
Peripheral leucocytes from healthy blood-donors were preincubated in polyarthritic serum or normal serum and their adherence to glass tubes in the presence of synovial extract of control extract was measured. Serum from patients with inflammatory polyarthritis significantly reduced the proportion of leucocytes which adhered in the presence of synovial extract, but not control extract. Serum from patients with polyarthritis with visceral manifestations, patients with degenerative or metabolic polyarthritis or rheumatic fever, and controls did not have this effect. The leucocyte sensitising activity was eluted in the IgG fraction of serum, and could be absorbed by both synovial extract and IgG. It is thus probably IgG rheumatoid factor. In vivo, armed leucocytes in polyarthritic patients may bind to synovial tissue initiating or perpetuating the articular inflammatory process.
78,294
Substances moved by axonal transport and released by nerve stimulation have an innervation-like effect on muscle.
Substances which have an innervation-like effect on the cholinesterase activity of organ-cultured rat extensor digitorum longus muscles are moved in nerve by axonal transport, are released from nerve by stimulation, and are present in innervated muscle but apparently absent from denervated muscle. Substances which increase the acetylcholine sensitivity of cultured muscles behave similarly.
78,522
Suppression of chronic allergic encephalomyelitis: relevance to multiple sclerosis.
The expression of chronic relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in strain 13 guinea pigs was suppressed with a single series of injections of myelin basic protein in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. The suppression appeared permanent, and subsequent rechallenge with central nervous system antigen failed to elicit exacerbations.
78,524
[Use of chlormadinone acetate (CAP) in bovine reproduction (author's transl)].
The results obtained with chlormadinone acetate (CAP) in the treatment of dairy cattle with inactive ovaries (anoestrus) and during the puerperium are reported. CAP was administered to eighteen animals with inactive ovaries for fourteen days. Oestrus occurred in fourteen animals within from one to four days after treatment had been completed. Insemination during this oestrus resulted in pregnancy in five animals. CAP was also administered to sixty animals on three farms for fourteen days during the puerperium, treatment starting on the twelfth day post partum. This was done for the purpose of improving subsequent fertility. However, as regards the interval between parturition and first insemination, the conception rate following the first insemination and the interval between parturition and conception, there were no detectable differences between the treated groups and the controls in the same herds (Table 1).
78,531
Relationship of HLA--D associated B lymphocyte (Ia-like) antigens in the cell membrane.
The molecular relationship of HLA--D-associated by B lymphocyte antigens was studied in lysostrip, immunofluorescence and MLC inhibition experiments. Two B cell antigens, strongly associated with HLA--Dw2 and Dw3 respectively, redistributed independently of each other in the cell membrane. A more broadly reacting B cell antiserum, which apparently recognized a public antigenic structure present on B cells of different HLA-D phenotypes, coaggregated with the HLA-DW3-associated B cell antigen. Antibodies directed against the HLA-Dw2 and-Dw3 associated cell antigens caused specific stimulating cell inhibition in MLC. Less.inhibition was observed if the target B cell antigen was shared between the responding and stimulating cell donor and thus did not constitute an allogenic difference, indicating that these antigens are MLC stimulating determinants and that they reside on separate molecules in the cell membrane.
78,538
[Drug therapy of thyroid malignomas (author's transl)].
We may recapitulate: Chemotherapy, first of all with adriamycin, has proved successful in thyroid cancer even after exhaustion of the therapeutic measures used so far. The combination of adriamycin with bleomycin and Velbe, corresponding to our preliminary experiences, seems to be superior to a monotherapy with adriamycin. The side effects remain absolutely tolerable. Hence follows concerning further procedure that chemotherapy has to be applied earlier than practiced up to now, i.e. as soon as criteria for metastasition are observed and/or if the primary treatment--operation and irradiation--does not satisfy. Cytostatic therapy apparently is the optimal treatment technique in medullar carcinoma. But it is necessary, moreover, to search for other effective combinations of chemotherapeutic agents, especially in the case of anaplastic carcinoma. Chemotherapy, assisted by thyroid hormone treatment, can certainly be improved further by a more severe assessment of the indication, by early application and, last not least, by better coordination with surgical and radiotherapeutical action.
78,550
[Therapeutic effect of myelin basic protein and synthetic encephalitogenic peptide in guinea pigs with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis].
Effect of antigenic factors of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (alkaline protein of myelin and synthetic encephalitogenic peptide) was studied in guinea pigs with distinct manifestations of the experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. The animals recovered after prolonged administration of alkaline protein of myelin within 14 days, if they were sensibilized either by bovine alkaline protein of myelin or by synthetic encephalitogenic peptide. Synthetic encephalitogenic peptide was only effective in treatment of the disease caused by the peptide.
78,577
Nomenclature for factors of the HLA system--1977.
A Nomenclature Committee composed of geneticists and immunologists, including specialists in tissue typing, has met after each of the Histocompatibility Testing Workshops beginning with the 3rd Workshop in 1967. The Committee met again, in part under the auspices of the World Health Organisation and for report to the International Union of Immunological Societies, after the 7th Workshop in Oxford in September 1977, with the aim of updating the nomenclature for specificities of the HLA-A, B, C and D loci and establishing a nomenclature for the new specificities identified by serological techniques on B lymphocytes.
78,582
Immunoglobulin-bearing cells in leprosy.
Peripheral blood lymphocytes of 28 untreated and 17 treated patients with different types of leprosy were investigated for the occurrence of immunoglobulin (Ig) bearing cells by means of a smear method. Seven healthy Africans served as controls. In a later stage a complementary study was performed on 6 tuberculoid and 6 lepromatous leprosy patients by means of a suspension method. The immunofluorescence technique was used for the detection of Ig-bearing cells, In tuberculoid leprosy an increase of Ig-bearing cells seems to occur during treatment, predominantly expressed by an increase in IgD-bearing cells. In lepromatous leprosy no increased percentages of Ig-bearing cells were observed.
78,615
Antenatal assessment of fetal age and maturity using fetal fat staining cells in amniotic fluid.
A cross sectional retrospective study of 400 cases of amniocentesis was performed to evaluate the reliability of using fetal fat staining cells as a method for assessment of fetal age and maturity. A sharp rise in the percentage of these cells in amniotic fluid occurred after 37 weeks of gestation and a level of 20 per cent or more indicated fetal age of 38 weeks or more, corresponding to maturity by our definition. The false positive and negative rates were 3.5 per cent and 14 per cent respectively. The pre-eclamptics, diabetics and Rh sensitized groups fell within the distribution of the normal population. The dysmature group, however, showed an earlier rise (20% at 36 weeks). The origin of the fetal fat staining cells and the reasons for the early rise in dysmaturity are discussed. Estimation of fetal fat staining cells in the amniotic fluids using the 20 per cent level is a reliable test for maturity in normal and some abnormal pregnancies, excluding dysmaturity.
78,612
Recurrent bullous eruptions on the lower legs.
In 15 patients with venous or arterial insufficiency of the legs, bullous eruptions were observed on the lower legs. The bullae were subepidermally situated. Circulating antibodies against the basement membrane zone were not demonstrated in 2 cases investigated. This eruption seems to represent a clinical entity of unknown etiology.
78,629
Lymphocyte transformation induced by nickel sulphate: an in vitro study of subjects with and without a positive nickel patch test.
Lymphocytes from 8 patients with contact dermatitis and a positive nickel patch test, 7 patients with contact dermatitis due to other factors and with a negative nickel patch test, and 9 other subjects, 7 of whom suffered from other dermatological disorders, were tested with the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT), using nickel sulphate in various concentrations. All execpt one of the nickel allergics showed a significant response to nickel, whereas the controls showed borderline (3 patients) or no response (12 patients). These observations confirm previous findings indicating that nickel hypersensitivity can be diagnosed in vitro. This may be of importance in cases of acute contact dermatitis where patch testing is undesirable. Some individuals with a negative nickel patch test responded significantly though weakly to nickel in the LTT, indicating that apart from acting as a specific antigen (hapten?) nickel sulphate may also have weak non-specific mitogenic properties.
78,640
5-S-cysteinyldopa and trichochromes in red feathers.
Red cock feathers (Rhode Island) were found to contain dopa and cysteinyldopa, trichochromes B and C, and two unidentified trichochromes. Trichochromes E and F were not found. Previous findings of trichochromes E and F may be explained as artifacts.
78,644
The effect of sodium 5,6-dimethyl-2-nitroindanedione on anaphylactic reactions in vitro.
A nitroindanedione (BRL 10833) inhibited the antigen induced release of histamine and slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A) from passively sensitized human lung at similar concentrations to those required for the inhibition of histamine release by disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). BRL 10833 was more potent than DSCG as an inhibitor of histamine release by antigen from actively and passively sensitized rat peritoneal cells and rat skin fragments.
78,665
Analytical methodology for the determination of Kepone residues in fish, shellfish, and Hi-Vol air filters.
The recent discovery of the pollution of the environment with Kepone has resulted in a tremendous interest in the development of residue methodology for the compound. Current multiresidue methods for the determination of the common organochlorinated pesticides do not yield good quantitative analytical results for Kepone. The extracting solvents are usually of insufficient polarity to extract Kepone from the various media. This article describes some of the recently developed methodology for Kepone in air filters, finfish, finfish livers and entrails, shellfish, and archival oyster samples. The finfish and archival oyster samples were Soxhlet extracted using diethyl ether/petroleum ether (1:1 v/v) as the extracting solvent. The finfish livers and entrails were macerated in a Duall tissue grinder containing acetonitrile followed by partitioning of the Kepone into benzene. Shellfish samples were analyzed after extracting the sample with acetonitrile and partitioning the Kepone into benzene. The Hi-Vol air samples were extracted with methanol/benzene (1:1 v/v). The coextracting contaminants were removed by micro-Florisil column chromatography and/or acid digestion. The procedural recovery of Kepone from fortified samples averaged 82%.
78,687
[Morphology and morphophysiology of reactive neuronal states].
It is stated that nonspecific reactivity of the neuron to the irritating action of an agent is based on some morphological regularity such as dynamics of its structural-tinctorial changes. There exists a definite parallelism between phase development of the dynamics and fluctuations of the membrane potential (MP): invariable correlation and accompany of these phenomena. Therefore, it is possible to treat MP changes as one of stimulating signs of the neuron and consider them as a component in the complex of its nonspecific changes. The data available in literature and those of the author, make it possible to conclude that the phase of nonspecific changes of the neuron directly affects its specific activity.
78,701
A catalytic role for heparin. Evidence for a ternary complex of heparin cofactor thrombin and heparin.
The interaction of heparin with chemically modified thrombin and heparin cofactor is studied. Amidinated heparin cofactor does not bind to heparin-agarose and the reaction rate of the amidinated inhibitor with unmodified thrombin is not affected by heparin. Likewise, thrombin modified with 1,2--cyclohexanedione does not bind to heparin agarose and the reaction rate of the modified enzyme with unmodified inhibitor is not affected by heparin. In the absence of heparin, the modified and unmodified proteins react at the same rate in all possible combinations. Affinity chromatography of diisopropylphosphoryl thrombin on heparin cofactor coupled to Sephadex G--50 is used to study the binding of heparin cofactor and thrombin to heparin. The thrombin for all experiments is tritium-labeled and then inactivated with diispropylfluorophosphate. Thrombin is not bound to heparin cofactor-Sephadex columns. However, after treatment of the columns with a heparin solution, thrombin binds tightly, and is eluted at high ionic strength. Bound thrombin can also be eluted with either excess non-radioactive thrombin or excess free heparin. Heparin-dependent binding of thrombin does not occur if the heparin cofactor-Sephadex is heat-denatured. The ability of heparin to couple solution-phase thrombin to solid-phase heparin cofactor indicates that a ternary complex is formed. Analysis of the binding of the proteins to heparin by a dye displacement method suggests that at least one site on heparin binds to thrombin but not to heparin cofactor. Further support for a catalytic role for heparin derives from the ability of catalytic concentrations of heparin to enhance the rate of hydrolysis of prothrombin by thrombin, another protein pair which bind mutually to heparin.
78,728
Elimination of asialofetuin and asialoorosomucoid by the intact rat. Quantitative aspects of the hepatic clearance mechanism.
The capacity of the liver to eliminate asialofetuin and asialoorosomucoid was investigated in intact rats. From plasma radioactivity curve measurements and assays on tissue homogenates the liver is shown to be able to dispose of an average of 19.8 microgram of asialofetuin/min per 100 g body weight. No other major route is identified for the disappearance of asialofetuin from the plasma, although trace amounts of the protein were detectable in the urine. From analyses of the plasma radioactivity curves the elimination process for asialoorosomucoid appears to be comparatively complex because of the existence of extrahepatic disposal routes. Quantification of labelled asialoorosomucoid in liver homogenates indicates, however, that the hepatic clearance rate for asialoorosomucoid is similar to that for asialofetuin. Urinary excretion significantly contributes to the disappearance of asialoorosomucoid from the plasma but the hepatic and renal routes do not account for all the protein lost from this compartment. At plasma concentrations above the maximal eliminative capacity of the liver, the hepatic clearance of asialofetuin obeys zero-order kinetics and is remarkably constant. Elimination of a quantity of asialoglycoprotein which exceeds the calculated total number of binding sites in the liver does not reduce the efficiency of the pathway, and studies of [3H]leucine incorporation indicate that the lectin, unlike the bound asialoglycoprotein, is not destroyed in the elimination process. Cytochalasin B (80 microgram/100 g body wt.) had no measureable effect on the hepatic clearance of asialofetuin. Administration of colchicine (10 mg/100 g body wt.) resulted in transitory accumulations of asialoorosomucoid in the liver, presumably due to interference with the intracellular transport of the endocytised protein.
78,729
A case of slow variant bisalbuminmia: study of its composition in amino acids.
The authors report an observation of slow variant bisalbuminemia. After electrophoretic separation of two varieties, the amino acid chromatographic analysis has permitted them to show that in the slow variant the molecule of albumin has undergone a substitution of several glutamic acid residues by lysine and of several alanine residues by proline. Such an alteration poses the problem of its effect on the antigenic specificity of the molecule and that of its mechanism of production.
78,734
[Detection of antigenic determinants of membranes using an insoluble peanut lectin].
The binding of lectins on insoluble supports may be used to detect the interactions occurring between these molecules and the sites of some receptors of membranes. An example is given, using the "anti-T" lectin extracted from peanut, to show the presence of determinants with terminal free glactose on the surface of erythrocytes and lymphocytes.
78,776
Auditory brain stem potentials in monkey (M. mulatta) and man.
Auditory brain stem potentials were mapped over the head of the rhesus monkey following monaural clicks. Latency and amplitude were dependent upon the recording site. No electrically indifferent point could be found on the head or neck. The results are interpreted as showing that waves I and V originate from single generators, whereas waves, II, III and IV originate from bilateral structures. Latency varied in a linear fashion with changes in intensity and click rate. In contrast there were variations in amplitude of the potentials independent of stimulus change. A comparison was made of auditory brain stem potentials in man, monkey, cat and rat to demonstrate the similarity of the responses across species.
78,822
Occipital rhythmic activity within the alpha band during conditioned externally paced movement.
The time-dependent behaviour of the power within the alpha band during conditioned movement was studied from the scalp EEG of 9 normal humans. Two tasks were used: (1) button pressing at imperative signal S1 and release at signal S2; (2) button pressing at imperative signal S2, preceded by warning signal S1. Together with a complex correlate of the CNV and EPs, the components of power decrease related to initiation of movement were not clearly identifiable in the central areas. They were sharply isolated in the occipital areas, using tone as the imperative signal. During initiation of movement a significant short-lasting decrease in power of the occipital alpha activities was observed in all 9 subjects. However, 'mu activity', tested in the classical manner and with help of power spectra, was not present in some of these subjects.
78,832
Quantitative determination of single serum proteins during acute hepatitis in childhood.
Fifteen serum proteins were estimated by linear immunodiffusion in blood samples from children with acute hepatitis. Blood was drawn at the beginning of the disease and three weeks later. The results were compared with results obtained from a group of age-matched normal children. At the beginning of the disease prealbumin and beta-2-glycoprotein I were depressed, whereas alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein, alpha-1-antitrypsin, cerloplasmin and alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein were found to be elevated. Alpha-2-macroglobulin, transferrin and beta-lipoprotein showed a significant elevation after three weeks. Beta-1-A/C, IgM and IgG remain elevated during time of observation. Albumin, haptoglobin and IgA were similar in patients and controls and did not change during the period of observation.
78,848
Purification and partial characterization of hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg).
Purification of hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg) from 200 ml of chimpanzee plasma was accomplished by a combination of ion-exchange chromatography on diethylaminoethyl-cellulose followed by gel filtration. High-resolution sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of purified HBeAg demonstrated two major polypeptides with estimated molecular weights of 22,000 and 55,000. HBeAg labeled with 125I showed a high affinity for protein A-conjugated Sepharose CL-4B. The precipitation reaction between HBeAg and anti-HBe was inhibited by preincubating the purified antigen with rabbit anti-human immunoglobulin G (IgG). These data show that HBeAg is associated with a serum fraction with the biophysical and antigenic properties of an immunoblobulin of the IgG class. Sedimentation coefficient analysis of purified HbeAg resulted in an S20w value of 11.6 and a molecular weight value of 324,000. These findings, supported by gel filitration and polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis, revealed that HBeAg has properties analogous to those of a dimer of IgG.
78,902
Electron-microscopic study of the anaphylactic degranulation of human basophils from atopic subjects.
Leukocytes from subjects allergic to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were incubated for 20 min with a solution of D. pteronyssinus extracts. Histamine release was measured at 0, 3, 10 and 20 min. Simultaneously, samples were treated for electron microscopy in such a way as to correlate histamine release and the morphological aspects of basophil leukocytes. The principal features accompanying histamine release were: a progressive activation of the cytoplasmic membrane which showed long processes, densification of the mitochondria, fusion of granulations, progressive dissolution and exocytosis of the contents of the granulations, short segments of rough endoplasmic reticulum, active Golgi apparatus, and thin membrane-bound granules suggesting resynthesis of mediators.
78,905
Saccharide distribution in human trophoblast demonstrated using fluorescein-labelled lectins.
The reaction of six Flourescein-conjugated lectins with human trophoblast and foetal limb are described. The trophoblast had marked membrane fluorescence after treatment with wheatgerm and Lotus tetragonolobus lectins. Concanavalin A reacted strongly with the trophoblastic cytoplasm but did not react with the nuclei. Most of the lectins had only weak reactions with foetal tissue, apart from the cartilage matrix which fluoresced strongly after treatment with several of the lectins. In addition, concanavalin A reacted with amylase-labile material, probably glycogen, in the skin epidermis and chondrocyte cytoplasm. Various substances were tested in order to determine the nature of the wheatgerm lectin receptor of trophoblast. Several secretory and binding proteins were found not to be responsible, and the identity of the receptor remains unknown.
78,921
Comparison of immunofluorescence and immunoperoxidase staining for identification of rubella virus isolates.
To explore possible advantages which immunoperoxidase (IP) staining might have over immunofluorescence (IF) staining for identifying rubella virus isolates, direct comparative studies were done on the same coded clinical materials using the same rubella immune rabbit serum as the primary antiserum in both systems. The rubella immune rabbit serum and conjugated anti-rabbit immune globulins could be used more dilute in the IP system than in the IF system. Both IP and IF staining detected rubella antigen in all specimens which were positive by interference. IP staining also detected low levels of rubella antigen in a few additional specimens which had originally been positive for rubella virus, but which on retesting were negative by interference and IF staining. With second-cell-culture-passage material, IP and IF staining showed comparable specificity, and the few specimens which reacted nonspecifically generally did so in both systems. Cell cultures inoculated directly with urine specimens showed greater nonspecificity by IP than by IF, but this activity could be abolished by pretreatment with sodium azide and peroxide; other methods tried for inactivating endogenous peroxidase activity destroyed rubella antigen as well. The intensity of staining for positive specimens was comparable in the two systems. However, more antigen was demonstrable in both systems when BHK-21 cells were inoculated as a cell suspension and then permitted to grow into monolayers than when the same specimens were inoculated into preformed monolayers. IP staining was considered to be a highly satisfactory alternative to IF staining for identification of rubella virus isolates.
78,928
Ontogeny of actin and microsomal antigens in gastric parietal cells.
Six fetal and 10 neonatal rat or mouse stomachs and a 14-week human fetal stomach were examined for immunofluorescence reactivity with four sera containing parietal cell antibody (PCA) and four other sera containing smooth muscle antibody (SMA). In rat and mouse stomachs, parietal cells first reacted with PCA in 19-day fetal stomachs and with SMA in two-day neonatal rat stomachs or newly-born mouse stomachs. SMA reactivity with fetal rodent stomachs was restricted to the cytoplasm of smooth muscle, the apices of gastric mucosal cells, and the cytoplasm of fibroblasts surrounding invaginating gastric pits. In the 14-week human fetal stomach, parietal cells stained with PCA but not with SMA. Specificity of the staining reactions was established by the complete inhibition of PCA staining by serum absorption with a gastric microsomal fraction but not with actin. Conversely, the SMA staining was abolished by serum immunoabsorption with actin but not with microsomal fraction. These observations, indicating that the development of the parietal cell microsomal antigen precedes that of actin, may be used to distinguish between the staining of parietal cells by SMA and PCA.
78,930
Technical improvements in the mixed antiglobulin rosetting reaction with consequent demonstration of high numbers of immunoglobulin-bearing lymphocytes in viable preparations of human peripheral blood.
A modification of the mixed antiglobulin rosetting reaction (MARR) to improve sensitivity as a test for immunoglobulin (Ig)-bearing human blood lymphocytes is described. A mean 5.7%, lymphocytes Ig-positive by the MARR when rosettes were formed in medium containing 0.2% bovine serum albumin (BSA), increased to 20% when rosettes were formed in 5% BSA or by incubating the lymphocytes or indicator erythocytes with Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase before rosetting. Under these various rosetting conditions the MARR is as sensitive as the direct antiglobulin rosetting reaction (DARR). Further, with the MARR, false positive rosette formation due to unusual antimembrane antibodies can be excluded during the mixed antiglobulin rosetting procedure by use of blocking controls. Substitution of F(ab)2 antiglobulin for IgG anti-gamma, anti-alpha and anti-mu did not reduce the number of lymphocytes demonstrable with the MARR, indicating that the MARR does not react with adsorbed Ig molecules on lymphocytes. Summation of the number of sheep erythrocyte (E) rosetting lymphocytes and mixed antiglobulin rosetting lymphocytes approximated 100%, yet in T-enriched preparations a maximum of 4% of lymphocytes were Ig-positive by the MARR, suggesting that null lymphocytes which have been reported to be E-negative and immunofluorescence-negative are B lymphocytes with surface Ig determinants.
78,951
Group-specific component [Gc] levels in chronic liver disease.
Serum Group-specific component (a probable vitamin D transport protein) concentrations have been measured in 72 patients with chronic liver disease. Low mean values were found in groups of patients with cirrhosis and metastatic liver disease. In a group of patients with biliary tract disease the mean value was not significantly different from normal except for seven patients with severe bone disease who were found to have the lowest levels. The mechanism for the reduction remains to be clarified, but low Group-specific component values may play a contributory role in the osteodystrophy of chronic obstructive liver disease.
78,953
Immunological studies of T-cell receptors. I. Specifically induced resistance to graft-versus-host disease in rats mediated by host T-cell immunity to alloreactive parental T cells.
The present studies extend our previous efforts to understand the immunological basis of specifically induced graft-versus-host (GVH) resistance in F1 hybrid rats. Immunization of F1 rats with alloreactive T-cell populations of parental strain origin induces a host-mediated T-cell response which is specific for anti-major hostocompatibility complex receptors on parental T cells. This protective immunity is rapid in onset and once induced, it provides a highly effective, specific resistance to lethal GVH disease which is radioresistant and can be adoptively transferred to syngeneic recipients.
78,954
Increased arterial-tissue cholesterol after intestinal bypass in severe obesity.
Cholesterol content was measured in biopsy specimens of mesenteric artery taken at the time of jejuno-ileal bypass from 4 very obese patients aged 19, 22, 27, and 42. When their body-weight had become stable (mean 22 months) after operation, biopsy specimens of the temporal artery were obtained from 3 patients and of a mesenteric artery from 1. Cholesterol content had increased significantly. The increase in arterial-tissue cholesterol was concomitant with decreases in serum high-density (H.D.L.) and low-density (L.D.L.) lipoprotien cholesterol.
79,083
Localization of human pancreatic polypeptide in an argyrophilic fourth cell type in islets of the rat pancreas.
An argyrophilic fourth cell type in the rat pancreatic islet can be differentiated from other silver-staining cells by using a modification of the Grimelius aqueous silver nitrate technique. Restaining of the tissues using fluorescent techniques with anti-HPP (Human Pancreatic Polypeptide) serum results in bright fluorescence in the fourth cell type.
79,309
Soft lens therapy for recurrent erosion syndrome.
Thirty-three eyes of 25 patients with previously unrelieved recurrent erosion syndrome were treated with soft contact lenses. Marked improvement was obtained in 16 cases, moderate in 6, and 11 patients showed no improvement. Patients with visible anterior membrane dystrophies and spontaneous recurrent erosion syndrome responded best. Patients with posttraumatic recurrent erosion syndrome and with recurrent erosion syndrome and with recurrent erosion syndrome associated with aphakic corneal edema did poorly. In addition to having less frequent episodes of stabbing pain, those patients who were improved also had less minor irritation and some had improved vision.
79,322
Seasonal changes in serum free fatty acid level in the migratory Canada goose.
The changes in the serum level of free fatty acids (FFA) in the migratory Canada goose (Branta canadensis interior) breeding in Ft. Churchill (Manitoba, Canada) and wintering in Swan Lake (Missouri, U.S.A.), were studied during the different periods of its yearly life cycle. The lowest serum FFA level was noted during the spring premigratory phase (early March) at Swan Lake, and the highest during moult (early August) at Ft. Churchill. Serum FFA level during the spring postmigratory period (early May at Ft. Churchill) was significantly higher than that during the spring premigratory period and the breeding period (early at Ft. Churchill). No signigicant difference in FFA levels was noted between the fall premigratory (early September at Ft. Churchill) and the fall postmigratory (mid-October at Swan Lake) periods. The significance of the seasonal variations in serum FFA level is discussed in relation to the cyclic physiological events taking place in the bird.
79,367
A long term time-lapse video system to document the patients spontaneous clinical seizure synchronized with the EEG.
A long term audio/video clinical seizure monitoring system is described which is complementary to a previously described EEG seizure monitoring system. The video unit is mobile and based on time-lapsed video recording techniques to extend the unattended continuous video recording of the patient to many days if necessary. The simultaneous coverage of the EEG and behavior of the patient particularly during his seizure has been very useful in the workup of intractable epileptic patients being considered for neurosurgical treatment.
79,480
Intramitochondrial rodlet-like inclusions in human leukemic lymphocytes.
Some mitochondria in leukemic cells in two of nine investigated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and in one patient with morphologically less usual form of this disease contained unusual rodlet-like inclusion bodies. These structures were always present in the matrix of frequently dilatated intercristal spaces. The width of rodlet-like inclusions ranged between 10 and 20 nm, their maximal length was 114 nm. All observed rodlet-like inclusion bodies appeared to be composed of fine filaments 2...3 nm in width and resembled the DNA containing structures in mitochondria of few other cell types. In mitochondria of leukemic cells, however, these inclusions represent a further structural abnormality.
79,519
Haematological changes in experimental hydralazine-induced collagen-like syndrome in guinea pigs.
Haematological studies were carried out in hydralazine-induced collagen-like syndrome in guinea pigs. 37.5 per cent of animals were found to be LE-positive. It was found that long-term administration of hydralazine caused a decrease of erythrocyte count, a decrease of haemoglobin concentration and a decrease of haemoglobin content in individual red blood cell as well as a decrease of a single erythrocyte volume. A significant leukopenia was shown in LE-positive subgroup of hydralazine-treated guinea pigs. The obtained results confirmed the similarity of hydralazine syndrome to systemic lupus erythematosus.
79,526
[Blood morphology of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). IV. Thrombocytes and their developmental stages].
By the aid of histological special stainings, cytochemical proofs, phase contrast and electron microscopical methods the thrombocytes (spindle cells) of the European ell (Anguilla anguilla) and their stages of development were described as an independent series of cells. After an artificial blood loss thrombocytoblasts, prothrombocytes and mature thrombocytes could distinctly be demonstrates. Besides the kidney the spleen was found to be the main place of the thrombopoiesis. Phase contrast investigations provided evidence for the relatively strong locomotion of these cells. By means of cytochemical proofs a further differentiation of the thrombocytes from other white blood cells can be made. Electron microscopical investigations of the thrombocytes yielded a great similarity to the thrombocytes of the amphibians. The endoplasmatic ring and particular inclusions could be shown to be characteritstic features of the fine structure.
79,529
Sequence of action of genes at the secretor, H, ABO and Lewis loci.
It is argued that Lewis genes are responsible for adding specificity to glycoprotein molecules after the activities of the secretor, H and ABO genes, respectively, have been expressed. This conclusion is based on the results of studies on the expression of ABO and Lewis antigens in salivas from Australian aborigines, and on biochemical results. A simple figure illustrating the antigens determined on red cells and in body secretions as a result of the action of these genes, in their correct order--secretor, H, ABO, Lewis--is presented.
79,541
Angiotensin induced changes in blood glucose level.
Angiotensin given by intravenous route in rabbits caused a marked rise in blood glucose within 45 min. Guanethidine, bretylium, alpha methyl DOPA, adrenalectomy and reserpinization significantly influenced the changes in blood glucose induced by angiotensin II. It is suggested that the rise in blood glucose level induced by angiotensin II appears to be mediated by facilitation of catecholamine release or due to inhibition of reuptake.
79,554
Anaphylactoid reactions to iodinated contrast material.
A review of the literature involving anaphylactoid reactions to iodinated contrast material (ICM) suggests that the reactions are nonantibody-mediated but that a complex activation of inflammatory mediators occurs. Histamine release and/or complement activation has been demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo experimental systems. It appears that pretreatment of selected cases (those patients previously exhibiting an anaphylactoid reaction) is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of subsequent reactions when readministration is necessary.
79,585
Direct solid-phase radioimmunoassay for measuring antigenic differences between the hemagglutinins of influenza viruses.
A direct solid-phase radioimmunoassay, which involves binding of purified radio-labeled IgG to influenza virus hemagglutinins immobilized on Sepharose 4B gel, is described.
79,617
The immune response of allophenic mice to 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP)-bovine gamma globulin. I. Allotype analysis of anti-DNP antibody.
The question of whether or not lymphoid cells can cooperate across a histocompatibility difference barrier has been studied in several laboratories. Using an adoptive transfer system, Katz et al. (1) first showed that T cells from (low responder x high responder) F(1) mice, primed to the terpolymer L-glutamic acid, L-lysine, L-tyrosine (GLT), could collaborate with 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP)-primed B cells from a high responder, but not a low responder strain, in response to DNP-GLT. The response to GLT is under H- 2-1inked Ir gene control. In contrast, studies with mouse bone marrow chimeras have shown that T cells can interact with H-2-histoincompatible B cells in response to antigens not under Ir gene control (2-4). Another type of chimera, the allophenic mouse, has been used to study possible histoincompatible cell interactions to a number of antigens, including DNP-L- glutamic acid, L-lysine, L-alanine; L-glutamic acid, L-alanine, L-tyrosine; L-glutamic acid, L-lysine, L-phenylalanine; and poly-L (Tyr, Glu)-poly D,L- Ala-poly-L-Lys[T,G)-A-L] (5-9). The response to each of these antigens is under H-2-1inked Ir gene control. It was initially reported (8, 9) that in allophenic mice containing both high and low responder cells, the antibody to (T,G)-A-L was of both the high and low responder allotype. This was interpreted to mean that high responder T cells had cooperated with low responder B cells across a histocompatibility difference barrier in the environment of the allophenic mice. However, Press and McDevitt (10) have recently reported that additional and more accurate analyses of these allophenic mouse sera failed to detect any anti-(T,G)-A-L antibody of the low responder allotype. Moreover, in an experiment using bone marrow chimeras, there was no low responder allotype antibody produced in response to (T,G)-A- L(10). The present study was undertaken to test the immune response of allophonic mice to an antigen, DNP-bovine gamma globulin (DNP(56)BGG), known to be controlled by genes both inside and outside the H-2 complex (11, 12).(1) When high and low responder cells to DNP(56)BGG are present in allophenic mice, only antibody of the high responder allotype is produced. The results suggest that cell cooperation in allophenic mice cannot occur across a histocompatibility difference barrier in response to an antigen whose genetic control is at least partially within the H-2 complex.
79,635
New technique for measuring dynamic axonal transport and its application to temperature effects.
A new technique was devised for the dynamic detection of the axoplasmic transport of beta-radioactively labeled materials in which a semiconductor radiation detector was used as the beta-ray counter. The detector element is a silicon p-n junction diode and has a diameter of 2.0 mm. With this detector, the beta-radioactive distribution of axoplasmic transport could be measured in a axon maintained physiologically without cutting nerves. This method makes possible determination of the transport rate using one bundle of peripheral nerves. The rate in the bullfrog was 6.4 mm per hour at 24.0 degrees D. Temperature effects on the bullfrog axoplasmic transport were also observed at different temperatures, ranging from 5.0 to 24.0 degrees C. At these temperatures the rate increased as an exponential function of temperature from 1.1 to 6.4 mm per hour. Within this temperature range, the Q10 is 2.5 and an Arrhenius plot of the natural logarithm of velocity versus the reciprocal of absolute temperature yielded an apparent activation energy of 14.8 Kcal. this technique offers great advantages in permitting direct study of the axoplasmic flow of the axon in a physiological condition.
79,636
Muscular carnitine synthesis and palmitate metabolism in vitro.
The carnitine content of the culture media for normal and pathological human muscles, including a case of systemic carnitine deficiency (SCD) was measured and the carnitine concentration was the same in all normal and pathological muscle culture media. Carnitine was never detected in growth medium. Some fibroblasts and myoblasts were filled with neutral lipids in SCD. 14C-palmitate added to the medium was incorporated by SCD fibroblasts or myoblasts to the same concentration as in normal or pathological cells. Factors other than carnitine seem to account for the lipid accumulation of SCD in cell culture.
79,642
Doppler flow velocity measurements in patients with intracranial hypertension.
In patients with severe brain lesions monitoring of the intracranial pressure as well as monitoring of cerebral blood flow can be of clinical value. While at the moment there is no atraumatic method for measuring cerebral blood flow in man, it is recommended to measure blood flow velocity with the ultrasound Doppler technic in the common carotid artery. On theoretical grounds a positive correlation between cerebral blood flow and blood flow velocity can be expected and the observations presented show that such a correlation exists in normal controls and in neurological patients. In many neurological patients the flow velocity in the common carotid artery decreases with increasing intracranial pressure. This suggests that the autoregulation is disturbed. The demonstration of such a disturbance can have clinical implications.
79,643
Differentiation of thyrotoxicosis induced by thyroid destruction from Graves' disease.
Thyroid function was tested in untreated patients with Graves' disease or thyrotoxic subacute thyroiditis, and in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis who showed postpartum or spontaneous transient thyrotoxicosis. The serum triiodothyronine/thyroxine ratio (T3/T4) was greater than 20 ng/microgram in Graves' disease but less than 20 in all patients with subacute thyroiditis and 9 of 11 patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Thus, like radioactive iodine uptake, the serum T3/T4 ratio is useful for differentiating destruction-induced thyrotoxicosis from the stimulation-induced hyperthyroidism of Graves' disease.
79,711