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Flow cytometric DNA analysis in fine needle aspiration biopsies from patients with prostatic lesions. Diagnostic value and relation to clinical stages.
Transrectal fine needle aspiration biopsy was carried out in 59 patients with cancer of the prostate, benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostatis for cytomorphological examination and flow cytometric DNA analysis. One major single peak in the DNA histogram was observed in patients with benign hyperplasia, prostatitis and in some patients with carcinoma. A DNA histogram with a second or third peak was always compatible with carcinoma and was found both in patients with carcinoma in stage I--II and stage III--IV. It is suggested that patients with hyperploid cancers in stage I--II could benefit from early treatment.
82,369
Serum haptoglobulin changes in patients with severe isolated head injury.
From a series of 74 patients with severe head injuries and massive brain lesions, we measured the changes in haptoglobulin in 33 cases. On average, the globulin was, after a short drop in the first two days, increased about three times towards the seventh day, and was still above normal after ten days. Seen together with the total alpha-2-globulin increase after head injury this rise seems mainly to be caused by the haptoglobulin changes. Haptoglobulin was found to be a good indicator of the extent of brain tissue damage. It cannot on its own be used for prediction of survival chances.
82,376
Genetic control of the immune response to insulin: its dependence upon a macrophage mediated selection of distinct antigenic sites.
The immune response to insulin, in both mouse and guinea pig , is under control of H-linked immune response genes. When immunized with either pork or beef insulin to CFA, both strain 2 and 13 guinea pigs respond by antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation and synthesis of specific antibody. The specificity of the elicited antibodies are indistinguishable between these inbred strains. By contrast, strain 2 T cells recognize a distinct region of the A chain alpha loop consisting of amino acids residues 8, 9 and 10, while strain 13 T cells see an as yet undefined region of the B chain. H2b (A chain alpha loop responder) and H2d (B chain responder) mice similarly discriminate which area of the molecule are recognized by their T lymphocytes. The function of the Ir gene, in both the guinea pig and mouse appears to be an intramolecular selection of discrete regions within the antigen for recognition by the T cell. The data presented suggest that this function operates at the level of the macrophage.
82,390
Cultured Plasmodium falciparum used as antigen in a malaria indirect fluorescent antibody test.
Human sera obtained from persons infected with Plasmodium falciparum were tested by a standard indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) technique using antigen obtained from long term in vitro cultures of two strains of P. falciparum, and antibody in high titer was reproducibly detected. Sera from uninfected persons had undetectable or very low titers of antibody. The use of cultured parasites offers a convenient, stable source of antigens from different P. falciparum strains without requiring their adaptation to primates. Differences observed in IFA titers obtained by reacting immune serum with two different P. falciparum strains suggests the need for further evaluation of strain specificity.
82,407
Palliative dilation for dysphagia in esophageal carcinoma.
We retrospectively reviewed our experience with palliative dilation for dysphagia in esophageal carcinoma. During a 3-year period 26 patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus underwent peroral esophageal dilation for relief of dysphagia. Twenty-four were able to resume a soft or regular diet after dilation. This improvement was accomplished with low morbidity and no mortality. Dilations were done without additional risk in patients with malignant tracheoesophageal fistulae and in patients undergoing radiation therapy. We conclude that esophageal dilation can be done safely and effectively in patients with squamous-cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Palliative dilation can significantly improve the quality of life for these patients and should be considered an important part of their management plan.
82,417
Differential staining of collagens type I, II and III by Sirius Red and polarization microscopy.
Organs of fish, amphibian, reptile, bird and mammals when stained by Sirius Red and studied with polarization microscopy present different colors in regions where collagens I, II and III have been described. Collagen type I presented a yellow, orange or red color while collagen type III appeared green. Collagen type II, present in cartilage and chondrosarcoma showed a variable color according to the tissue and the species. Its color and morphology however always permitted its clear distinction from collagens type I and type III.
82,432
Central spherules in pulmonary corpora amylacea.
Pulmonary corpora amylacea were found in 37 of 6,500 (0.6%) unselected autopsies. The patients had ranged in age from 48 to 87 years (average, 70). Among 1,000 corpora amylacea studied, there were 30 that contained centrally located, more or less intact, hollow spheres 15 to 20 mu in diameter. Morphologic considerations suggest that the spheres are derived from plant spores, and it is suggested that a possible origin is from inspired lycopodium spores, which are used as a dusting powder. Formation of pulmonary corpora amylacea as a reaction to lycopodium could account for the peculiar sporadic incidence of these bodies and their remarkable uniformity in size.
82,433
Parathyroid identification by methylene blue infusion.
A preoperative infusion of methylene blue was employed in 20 patients undergoing neck exploration for hyperparathyroidism. The dye was noted to stain adenomas and hyperplastic glands a deep purple-blue colour. Normal parathyroid tissue stained to a lesser extent or not at all. All unstained parathyroid tissue was normal histologically. Methylene blue infusion is a safe method of more rapidly identifying parathyroid tissue. Its preferential staining of abnormal parathyroid tissue can assist the surgeon in deciding the extent of his parathyroid excision.
82,440
5-azacytidine in acute leukemia.
101 patients with acute leukemia in relapse were treated with 5-azacytidine according to three schedules: Regimen A--300 mg/m2(day divided intravenously at 8 hour intervals for 5 days; Regimen B--750 mg/m2 as a single iv pulse dose administered at 2 to 3 weeks intervals; and Regimen C--300 mg/m2/day by continuous infusion daily for 5 days. Twelve patients achieved a complete remission (CR) and six achieved a partial remission (PR) for an overall 18% response rate. Of 78 patients receiving an adequate trial the response rate was 23%. An average of 1.5 courses and a median of 5 weeks were necessary to achieve a response. The median duration of CR patients was 21 weeks and for PR patients it was 5 weeks. Response rates were 24% for Regimen A, 0 for Regimen B, and 1 of 8 for Regimen C. The CR rate for AML and AMML was 13%. Two of eight AMoL patients achieved a CR. Only 2 of 23 ALL patients responded, one of whom achieved a CR. Toxicity included moderate to severe nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, stomatitis, skin rash, and prolonged myelosuppression. 5-azacytidine has significant activity in the acute nonlymphoblastic leukemias.
82,472
Polystyrene tube immunoradiometric assay for human alpha1-fetoprotein, and its use for mass screening.
We describe a two-site immunoradiometric assay for human alpha1-fetoprotein, with use of antibody-coated polystyrene tubes as solid phase. The sensitivity, precision, and simplicity of this system make it eminently suitable for mass-screening purposes. We currently use it for neonatal detection of hereditary tyrosinemia in the Province of Quebec; measurements are made on blood spotted and dried on paper. This system could be well suited for other mass surveys, such as prenatal screenings for fetal abnormalities.
82,493
Activation of latent collagenase of human leukocytes and gingival fluid by bacterial plaque.
Collagenase activity was studied in human leukocytes, gingival crevicular fluid and bacterial plaque, with soluble radioactive collagen as substrate. Inflamed gingiva liberated vertebrate type collagenase into the crevicular fluid in active form. Healthy gingiva, in contrast, released collagenase in a latent form that could be activated by trypsin or plaque. Plaque also stimulated leukocytes to release collagenase, and activated the latent enzyme.
82,562
Expression of I-A and I-E,C region-coded Ia antigens on functional B cell subpopulations.
Ia antigens from specific subregions have been examined on functional B cell populations. Expression of both I-A and I-E,C region antigens was demonstrated on cells required for both lipopolysaccharide mitogenesis and polyclonal activation. Similar I-A and I-E,C subregion expression was found on cells required for response to the T-independent antigen, polyvinylpyrrolidone. TNP-specific IgM and hen egg lysozyme-specific IgG plaque-forming cells also express I-A and I-E,C region antigens. No evidence was found for an Ia- population responsive in the systems tested. Further, no evidence of preferential expression of I-A or I-E,C region antigens was observed in any system examined. Therefore, it appears that B cells express both I-A and I-E,C region-coded Ia antigens.
82,583
Purification of alpha-2 macroglobulin by immunoadsorbent chromatography.
A method for preparation of alpha-2 macroglobulin (alpha2M) by immunoadsorbent chromatography utilizing rabbit--anti-human alpha2M-conjugated Sepharose 4B is described. This procedure offers a rapid, simple and inexpensive method for purification of alpha2M from as little as 2.0 ml of human serum. By multiple applications to the absorbent column, as much as 10 mg of purified alpha2M may be easily prepared in one day. This technique is especially useful for isolation of alpha2M from individual sera and for studies of cultured cell supernatants containing human alpha2M.
82,589
Electrophoresis of immunoglobulin G. Facilitated migration of minute amounts in agarose.
Migration of very small amounts of immunoglobulin (20 ng) is restricted in agarose electrophoresis. Incorporation of a stable protein matrix (rabbit gamma globulin 1 mg/ml) in the agarose permits unrestricted migration so that immunoelectrophoresis of this quantity of radiolabelled antibody is possible. Very small amounts of radiolabelled and non-radiolabelled antibody were subjected to successful crossed immunoelectrophoresis through barriers of antigen under conditions which provide favorable ratios of antibody to antigen. These methods should be useful for studies of antibody eluted from tissue in acquired and autoimmune diseases associated with tissue bound immunoglobulin.
82,591
Idiotypic cross-reactivity between antibodies of different specificities.
Cross-idiotypic specificity has been demonstrated between antibody populations of different specificities using antibodies directed toward human sickle cell hemoglobin (HbS). A site-specific antibody directed toward the beta6-position of HbS, anti-Val, was used to elicit an anti-idiotypic response in rabbits. Using this anti-idiotypic serum, idiotypic cross-reactivity was demonstrated between antibody populations that bind to human adult hemoglobin (HbA). It was demonstrated that in the case of the goat antibodies, these idiotypically cross-reacting antibodies are directed towards the beta6-position of the hemoglobin molecule. However, they differ in their specificity, binding to this site on HbA, whereas anti-Val binds only to HbS. The sheep antibody populations directed toward HbS differ qualitatively from those of the goat. Using rabbit anti-idiotypic serum specific for sheep anti-Val, cross-reactivity could be demonstrated with antibodies directed toward the alpha-chain of the hemoglobin molecule, as well as the beta-chain. There was also a low level of cross-reactivity with antibodies from a goat immunized with HbA.
82,603
Involvement of H-2L gene products in virus-immune T-cell recognition. Evidence for an H-2L-restricted T-cell response.
The H-2L locus is closely linked to H-2D and codes for antigenic specificities present on a 45,000 mol wt glycoprotein that is distinct from the molecule which bears the D region private specificity. It was found that BALB/c-H-2db mice, which lack detectable cell-surface H-2L gene products, were able to generate influenza- and vaccinia-immune cytotoxic T cells which lyse D region-compatible target cells, although they have been reported to be incapable of making a similar response to ectromelia virus (7). Thus, the lack of H-2L antigenic specificities does not produce a general loss of responsiveness for other viruses even when a highly cross-reactive pox virus (vaccinia) was studied. Antisera-blocking experiments utilizing sera specific for either L or D molecules indicated that BALB/c mice generate influenza virus-immune cytotoxic T-cell subsets which independently recognize H-2L and H-2D gene products in association with viral antigens. These results are the first indication that products of the H-2L locus can operate analogously to H-2K/D gene products in virus-immune T-cell recognition.
82,606
Corpora amylacea in mesothelioma of the atrioventricular node.
Rounded or polyhedral, acellular, dense lamellated structures were seen within gland-like spaces in a case of atrioventricular mesothelioma. These structures exhibited many of the histochemical characteristics of amyloid, viz., pink colour with green birefringence and bright red fluorescence with alkaline Congo red; ortochromasia and red birefringence with standardised toluidine blue; positive DMAB-nitrite and diazotisation coupling reactions and spontaneous autofluorescence. It is suggested that these bodies are derived from spontaneous assembly or polymerisation of microfibrils of desquamated cells lining the cystic spaces of the tumour as occurs in prostatic corpora amylacea. The peculiar intramyofibre proliferation of tumour cells in the peripheral part of the tumour suggests that viable tumour cells can penetrate, survive and proliferate within atrial or nodal myofibres leaving an intact sarcolemmal sheath. The slow tumour cell growth and the successive degeneration of central tumour cells may explain the tubular and/or glandular pattern constantly seen in this tumour.
82,614
Very long-term treatment of peptic ulcer with cimetidine.
In an open trial, 96 patients with endoscopically proven peptic ulcers were randomly allocated to treatment with cimetidine (1 g/day) for periods of 3, 6, 9, or 12 months. After their courses of treatment, the patients were followed up for at least 6 months. In 92% the ulcers had healed after treatment for 1 month, and in a further 5% the ulcers healed during the next 2 months. Ulcers recurred during treatment in 24% of patients and within 6 months of withdrawal of treatment in a further 43%. In nearly a third of patients the recurrences were asymptomatic and were discovered only through routine endoscopic studies. Continuous treatment with full doses of cimetidine for a year seems to prevent relapse of the majority of ulcers which have healed during treatment; but it does not cure the ulcer disease, since relapse generally occurs quite rapidly when treatment is discontinued.
82,680
Hepatitis B and primary hepatocellular carcinoma in a European population.
The prevalence of serological markers of active of past hepatitis-B virus (H.B.V.) infection was determined in 80 Greek patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (P.H.C.), 160 age and sex matched controls and 40 patients with metastatic liver cancer (M.L.C.). The relative risk of the various patterns of H.B.V. serological markers for P.H.C. was calculated. Active H.B.V. infection, as indicated by positive tests for hepatitis-B surface antigen (HBsAg), or antibody to hepatitis-B core antigen (anti-HBc) without antibody to HBsAg) (anti-HBs), was associated with P.H.C. (relative risk 10.4) but not with M.L.C. (relative risk 1.2). Patients without markers and those who had recovered from hepatitis B (anti-HBs-positive) had approximately the same low risk for P.H.C. (relative risk 0.8). Active infection was more common in P.H.C. patients with co-existing cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis (67% versus 26%). Thus the relationship between active hepatitis B and P.H.C. seen in African and Asian populations is now seen in a European Caucasian population with different racial, environmental, and dietary circumstances.
82,732
Autoantibodies to parathyroid hormone receptor.
Autoantibodies which block the binding of parathyroid hormone to membrane receptors for the hormone were detected in the sera (especially in the IgG fraction) of 49 out of 50 uraemic patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (patients with high levels of C-regional parathyroid hormone). These antibodies are species-specific. Their presence in the serum in unaffected by dialysis. Inhibition of binding appears to be related to the rise in C-regional parathyroid-hormone levels and the duration of uraemia. The production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate by parathyroid-hormone-stimulated adenyl cyclase was reduced by the blocking antibodies. The findings show that secondary hyperparathyrodism in uraemia is another example of a receptor-antibody disease, but it is not known whether the antibodies act by modifying the affinity of the receptors for the hormone or by reducing the concentration of receptors available.
82,734
Effect of myo-inositol on peripheral-nerve function in diabetes.
myo-Inositol, 500 mg twice a day, given to seven diabetic patients for two weeks, increased the amplitude of the evoked action potentials of the median, sural, and popliteal nerves by an average of 76%, 160%, and 40%, respectively. There was no significant change in the conduction velocities of these nerves, myo-Inositol may be valuable in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.
82,784
Alpha2-plasmin-inhibitor deficiency (Miyasato disease).
A 25-year-old man, born in Okinawa, Japan, had a haemorrhagic diathesis characterised by prolonged bleeding and ecchymoses after minor trauma and spontaneous joint haemorrhage. The frequency and severity of these episodes were reduced by an antiplasminic drug. Routine coagulation studies revealed no abnormalities except for significantly sshortened euglobulin-lysis time and whole-blood clot lysis time. Activities of all known clotting and fibrinolytic factors were within normal ranges but no circulating alpha2-plasmin inhibitor was found in the plasma. alpha2-plasmin inhibitor is a potent and fast-acting protease inhibitor. Studies of family members indicated that this abnormality was inherited as an autosomal and recessive gene.
82,839
Reciprocating tachycardia due to a right-sided unidirectional retrograde anomalous pathway (URAP).
An 8 year-old boy had extensive electrophysiological evaluation of his recurrent supraventricular tachycardias. His ECG never showed delta waves but intracardiac stimulation and recording disclosed the following (1) eccentric retrograde atrial activation; (2) increased cycle length and retrograde conduction time following the development of right bundle-branch block; (3) constant retrograde conduction time for increasingly premature ventricular stimuli; (4) atrial captures by ventricular stimuli when the atrioventricular-His pathways were refractory; and (5) no delta waves upon stimulation of the atrial input site of the anomalous pathway. A diagnosis of reciprocating tachycardia involving retrograde conduction through an accessory pathway was made. Reciprocating tachycardias involving a unidirectional retrograde anomalous pathway can be easily misdiagnosed as atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardias if no evidence of preexcitation can be found, particularly if the anomalous pathway is on the right side. In order to exclude the participation of a concealed unidirectional anomalous pathway in a patient's reentry tachycardia, a complete map must be made of right and left atrial endocardial activity.
82,948
Pacemaker surveillance "à la francaise": an attempt to detect faulty series of permanent pacemakers at an early stage.
Until the present, implantable pacemakers have not been subject to government regulation in France, as it had been feared that unreasonable controls would interfere with the development of this new form of therapy. Physicians were left to choose what seemed the most reliable device, and patients benefitted immediately from every manufacturing and technological advance. Despite advantages, the absence of restriction and regulation had a serious drawback--there was no governmental agency to ensure that manufacturers would inform physicians of an unreliable pacemaker, and once a manufacturer recognized a problem, it could inform the physician at the most commercially opportune time rather than the earliest, safest time for the patient. For this reason, several physicians decided to share their experiences with pacemaker function. The number gradually increased until they were able to set up a system of pacemaker suveillance and reporting which has had the capability of detecting defective pacemaker models at an early date. The center of this pacemaker group is at Hopital Fernand-Widal in Paris and is sponsored by the A.R.E.C. (Association de Recherche et d'Entraide Cardiologiques) and by the pacemaker group of the French Society of Cardiology.
82,952
Enhancement of banding patterns in human metaphase chromosomes by energy transfer.
Intermolecular energy transfer between appropriately chosen pairs of dyes can be used to induce or enhance banding patterns in human metaphase chromosomes. Energy transfer, calibrated by fluorometric studies on soluble dye.DNA complexes, can also be detected by photometric measurements on cytological preparations of metaphase chromosomes stained with pairs of fluorochromes. If a fluorescent dye with one type of binding or quantum yield specificity (e.g., quinacrine, 33258 Hoechst, or chromomycin A(3)) is employed together with a counterstain (e.g., actinomycin D, 7-aminoactinomycin D, or methyl green) exhibiting a complementary base pair binding specificity and satisfying spectral overlap criteria for energy transfer, contrast in fluorescence from the first dye is enhanced in specific subsets of standard chromosome bands. Extensive energy transfer presumably suppress donor fluorescence except in chromosomal region containing clusters of at least 20 base pairs predominantly of one type, within which the donor but not the acceptor can bind and fluoresce. Quinacrine-bright polymorphic regions are especially resistant to fluorescence quenching by counterstains with G.C binding specificity, strengthening the evidence that these latter regions are highly enriched for A.T base pair clusters. The ability to highlight selectively many such polymorphic regions may prove of further, practical, utility in a number of cytogenetic problems.
82,970
Lymphoblastoid cell lines from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: identification of tumor origin by idiotypic analysis.
Multiple lymphoblastoid cell lines have been derived from two patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia with an associated monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) band. Idiotypic antisera raised against the monoclonal serum Ig bands were shown to be specific for the membrane Ig of the patients' leukemic cells. The idiotypic determinants in these patients thereby constitute tumor-specific antigens. Surface and intracellular immunofluorescence studies utilizing these idiotypic antisera were used to identify the cell lines of leukemic origin. These studies showed that certain cell lines from each patient were derived from the leukemic cells while other cell lines were derived from residual normal B lymphocytes. The leukemic cell lines were variable and contained different percentages of lymphoid cells with the idiotype-specific membrane Ig and, in addition, different percentages of plasma cells with intracellular Ig of the same specificity. Specific Ig synthesis was also demonstrated by hemagglutination-inhibition analysis of cell line supernatants. Aside from Ig specificity, no differences have been found between the leukemic cell lines and those derived from normal cells. One of the leukemic cell lines was cloned in soft agarose. All the clones were shown to be of leukemic origin.
82,971
Gluten-sensitive enteropathy: genetic analysis and organ culture study in 35 families.
The genetic marker histocompatibility antigen HLA-B8 is present in 80% of patients with gluten-sensitive enteropathy (GSE). We studied 35 families with at least one affected member to determine whether an HLA-region gene alone could determine susceptibility to GSE. The incidence of HLA-B8 in the patients was 69% vs 22% for normals (P less than 0.001). The incidence of GSE in HLA-genotype-identical siblings of patients was only 8%, and in HLA-B8-haplotype-identical siblings and parents of patients was only 14% and 5%, respectively. In addition, intestinal biopsies of HLA-identical or partially identical relatives of patients were studied in an in vitro organ culture system capable of detecting gluten sensitivity in subjects ingesting a normal diet. The results confirmed the low incidence of gluten sensitivity in these individuals. The organ culture system could not differentiate mucosa obtained from unaffected parents or siblings of patients with GSE (who presumably carry the HLA-associated genetic information) from mucosa obtained from normals. We conclude that the genetic material inherited with HLA-B8 alone is not sufficient to produce clinical or subclinical disease. Other genetic and environmental factors appear to be important for disease pathogenesis.
82,994
The operation of immunological networks in Graves' disease.
Association between Graves' disease and HLA--B8 has been previously documented, as have been associations between 1 gG heavy chain allotype markers (Gm). We found a significant increase in the phenotype fnb/fb (ie. positivity for fb) in patients with Graves' disease compared to controls, raising the possibility of allotypic restriction of thyroid stimulating antibodies thought to be causally related to the disease. The influence of fb on the susceptibility to Graves' disease was found to be independent of HLA--B8 status suggesting that the immunological network operated by the Histocompatibility-linked genes is independent of that centered around IgG allotypes. It is postulated that, whereas the former genes determine the level of helper T lymphocyte function in the production of thyroid stimulating antibodies in Graves' disease, a person who also happens to carry the Gm marker fb would be assured of the production of IgG antibodies with thyroid stimulatory activity.
83,018
Eperythrozoon ovis. I. Serological diagnosis of infection by the indirect immunoflurescent antibody test.
The indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was evaluated for the detection of Eperythrozoon ovis infection in sheep. The test first became positive, on the average, 10 days following exposure to E. ovis and remained positive for 24 months, the longest period checked. Reciprocal titres in the first three days after becoming positive in the IFAT were between 4 and 80, but rose to 640 within 9 weeks; in general titres were between 4 and 640, exceptionally titres of 1280 were obtained. Negative sera produced no fluorescence at serum dilutions of 1:4. Paired serum samples collected before and after experimental infection demonstrated the specificity of the test. Further support for the specificity and reliability of the IFAT was provided by lack of cross-reactivity between E. ovis antigen and antisera to Anaplasma ovis and Theileria ovis, the two common blood parasites of sheep and goats in Nigeria, and the results of a longitudinal survey in a flock of sheep on the research farm where E. ovis was first detected.
83,044
[Monitoring the effectiveness of conservative treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy by means of uroflowmetry].
96 patients with benign hyperplasia of the prostate and dysuric complaints in stage I and beginning stage II were treated conservatively and medicamentously up to 12 months. In the collective of patients subdivided into 4 groups the conservative therapy was carried out in 3 groups with different phyto-preparations and in one group with gestonorone capromate. The voiding of the bladder was examined by means of uroflowmetry in intervals of four weeks before and after therapy. A clear success of the effect appeared only in the group of patients treated with gestonorone capromate. With phyto-preparations uroflowmetrically no significant effect on the disturbed voiding of the bladder could be established. The conservative treatment of the benign hyperplasia of the prostate should be carried out under uroflowmetrical control, in order not to miss the time of a necessary operative intervention.
83,057
[Relationship between the dynamics of mental disorders in patients with primary hypogonadism and surgical intervention (testicular transplantation)].
Clinico-catamnestical, experimental-psychological and EEG studies were made of 60 patients with primary hypogonadism. Variants of protracted pathological reactions to the disease and pathological personality development are described. The studies indicate an intercorrelation of the dynamics of mental disorders and the character of the main disease. Recommendations as to the prophylaxis and treatment of mental disorders in different stages of surgical treatment are given. Some deontological problems of transplantation are discussed as well.
83,064
Failure of transfer factor therapy in atopic dermatitis.
A controlled clinical study was conducted on 6 patients with atopic dermatitis to assess the efficacy of transfer factor. After the code was broken the 3 patients treated with placebo preparation were treated with transfer factor for a further period of 10 weeks. No definite therapeutic effects could be demonstrated. The immunological in vivo and in vitro tests failed to reveal any effects except for a change to positive in the tuberculin skin test in those patients who had previously been skin test negative. The treatment had to be discontinued in one patient due to a suspected allergic reaction against transfer factor.
83,072
Distribution of complement and immunoglobulin in oral pemphigus lesions.
The present report describes four cases of oral pemphigus vulgaris lesions in which complement, in contrast to the situation as reported for skin, was found only in the basal and parabasal layer, whereas IgG was present in all layers of the epithelium.
83,081
Treatment of acne vulgaris with topically applied erythromycin and tretinoin.
A twice daily application of 2% erythromycin base in hydroalcoholic solution accompanied by once daily use of 0.05% tretinoin (retinoic acid) solution was substantially more effective than tretinoin or erythromycin alone for treatment of inflammatory acne of moderate severity. Therapeutic enhancement by this combination can be attributed to the different modes of action, erythromycin acting chiefly by suppressing Propionibacterium acnes, while tretinoin is comedolytic. In addition, by altering the horny layer barrier, tretinoin doubtless increases the penetration of erythromycin.
83,088
Residual nitrous oxide in operating room personnel.
The concentrations of nitrous oxide in the blood and end-tidal air of 10 operating-room nurses were assayed by gas chromatography immediately and 1, 2, 5, and 21 h after 3 hours of exposure to an average of 380 ppm of nitrous oxide in operating-room air. In the second trial the nurses' end-tidal air concentrations of nitrous oxide were assayed on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday morning, and on Sunday afternoon and evening to reveal a possible accumulation of nitrous oxide during a routine week. After cessation of exposure there was a rapid decrease in the blood concentrations of nitrous oxide during the first hour (from 153 +/- 110 microgram/1 to 48 +/- 20 microgram/l at 1 h; means +/- s.d.), followed by a slower decrease. Small amounts (mean +/- s.d.: 18 +/- 6 microgram/l) of nitrous oxide were still measurable on the following morning 21 h after exposure. At 2 or 5 h after exposure there was an increase in blood and end-tidal air concentrations of nitrous oxide in seven and nine nurses, respectively. The end-tidal air concentrations of nitrous oxide were greater on Wednesday (22 +/- 7 microgram/l) than on Monday morning (8.4 +/- 1.5 microgram/l), but on Friday they were similar to those measured on Monday morning. The concentrations measured on Sunday, i.e. 2 days after exposure, were similar (average 15 microgram/l) to those measured during the week. It is concluded that, after cessation of exposure to nitrous oxide, there is a rapid decrease in the concentrations in blood and end-tidal air, but small amounts of nitrous oxide remain in the body for at least 3 days after cessation of exposure.
83,091
Immuno-histochemical localization of cyclic nucleotides in the periodontium: mechanically-stressed cells in vivo.
Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP, considered to be cell proliferation regulators, have been reported to fluctuate in proliferating fibroblasts in vitro. The objectives of this experiment were to study the localization, distribution and staining patterns of these cyclic nucleotides in mechanically-stressed, proliferating periodontal fibroblasts in vivo. Cat canines were tipped by force applications for 0 to 48 hours and serial sagittal sections of fresh frozen, unfixed, undecalcified jaws were processed immuno-histochemically for the localization of cAMP and cGMP. Periodontal tension sites were studied microscopically. Fibroblastic staining for cAMP, which was localized mainly in the cell periphery, did not change appreciably as a result of tension. However, staining intensity increased one hour after the application of force, decreased after 6 hours and increased again at 24 hours. Staining for cGMP, initially covering the entire cell area, was concentrated over nuclei three hours after onset of tension, and diffused over cell periphery and cytoplasm thereafter. Intensity of staining for cGMP was maximal at 3 hours and low at 12 and 48 hours. These results demonstrate that stress-induced fibroblastic responses in vivo involve alterations in staining intensity for both cyclic nucleotides which may correspond with fluctuations of these regulators, reported to occur in vitro in various stages of the mitotic cycle. Moreover, this technique enables the identification of the involved cells in a stimulated, non-synchronized cell population.
83,116
Mesencephalotomy for intractable pain due to malignant disease.
40 mesencephalotomies were carried out on 38 patients with intractable pain secondary to malignant disease. In 2 patients with bilateral pain, a bilateral mesencephalotomy was required. Most of the patients had pain in the head, neck or upper trunk secondary to carcinoma of the nasopharynx, jaw, tongue, or neck.
83,121
[Morphological virus diagnosis--electron microscopy study of animal viruses with negative contrast procedure].
Reported in this paper are results obtained in morphological virus diagnosis by using the negative contrast technique on the basis of electron microscopy. The availability of high-efficiency electron microscopy as well as of perfectly improved techniques of preparation, knowledge of the latest virus model concepts, and indivudual skills in diagnosis are essential conditions for the above approach. Parvoviridae, picornaviridae, and togaviridae are identifiable only in high particle concentrations and by group representation. Papovaviridae, adenoviridae, herpetoviridae, poxviridae, and reoviridae, on the other hand, can be safely identified even as single particles. The diagnosis of orthomyxoviridae, paramyxoviridae, rhabdoviridae, and retroviridae is facilitated by their own dimensions and their characteristic helico-symmmetrical nucleocapside. Coronaviridae are of highly conspicuous morphology but, nevertheless, pose problems in differential diagnosis. Substantive improvement of morphological virus diagnosis, in terms of minute details, may be achieved by means of the negative contrast method on the basis of immune electron microscopy. Advantages implied in that morphological method include less time-consuming and quite uninvolved practicability and good dependability of diagnosis for more efficient decision-making in research and practice.
83,124
[The effect of pesticide combinations on laboratory rats. II. Modification of selected hematological parameters and blood glucose].
Reference is made to the first communication made under this heading. The haematological parameters did not undergo any visible change in response to the chosen experimental arrangement. Further studies should be undertaken, with the view to elucidating the possibility of bone marrow change. The blood glucose levels were strongly increased two hours from application of parathion-methyl, carbaryl/Lindan, and carbaryl/Lindan/parathion-methyl and strongly decreased 24 hours after application. Complementary experiments should cover chronic and subchronic situations.
83,127
A clinical analysis of pseudopapilledema. II. Visual field defects.
Goldmann perimetry was performed on patients with pseudopapilledema. The cases were subdivided into those with ophthalmoscopically visible hyaline bodies (HB), (group 1) and those without (group 2). In group 1, 37 of 52 eyes (71%) demonstrated field abnormalities, including enlargement of the blind spot (68%) and various nerve fiber bundle defects (70%); inferior nasal defects were the single most frequent defect. In group 2, ten of 47 eyes (21%) showed only enlarged blind spots and two fields were generally constricted. No nerve fiber generally constricted. No nerve fiber bundle defects were found in this group. It is noted that field defects related to other ocular or intracranial diseases may be found in patients with intrapapillary HBs.
83,136
Subcellular and polypeptide distributions of slowly transported proteins in the garfish olfactory nerve.
In the garfish olfactory nerve proteins labeled with [3H]leucine are transported by slow axonal flow as a well-defined crest of radioactivity. At 21 degrees C slow flow moves along the axon with a velocity of 0.92 +/- 0.02 mm/day. It has been possible to analyze 4 subcellular fractions (soluble, mitochondrial and 2 membranous) as well as their polypeptide composition, in areas of the nerve containing (1) the slow moving crest, (2) the material remaining in the nerve behind the crest, and (3) the labeling present in front of the slow crest. Analyses were done 70 and 110 days after isotope deposition. The crest of slow moving radioactivity is characterized by a close parallelism between labeling and protein concentration in the subcellular fractions as well as among the polypeptides constituting these fractions. The radioactivity is mainly associated with mol. wt. of 14,000, 30-45,000, 58,000 and 68,000. This last peak corresponds to a protein not labeled by fast transport, present only in the light membranous fraction. The composition of the moving crest remains essentially constant during the 40-day period investigated. Most of the slow-moving molecules remain in the axon behind the moving crest. This deposited material appears to be redistributed and/or to be turning over more rapidly than the molecules still moving in the crest. A large amount of radioactivity was recovered in front of the moving crest. This might be produced by molecules deposited by fast transport and by material released from the cell body at rates intermediate between the fast and slow phases of transport. The subcellular and polypeptide compositions of this area of the nerve remain constant and are intermediate between the compositions of fast and slow flow. The slowly transported labeled polypeptides in the mitochondrial fraction are of low molecular weight, and were found to be similar in the various areas of the nerve and at the two time points studied, and were even similar to the polypeptide distribution determined for fast transport.
83,181
Preliminary characterization in mice of the effect of isoprinosine on the immune system.
A preliminary characterization of the immunomodulatory activity of isoprinosine in mice was conducted in both normal and tumor-bearing mice. Under the experimental conditions employed, isoprinosine given ip and orally was found to possess some immunomodulatory capacity in various model systems. The compound appeared to preferentially influence T- but not B-cell responses; it did not apparently influence the functional capacity of macrophages, K cells, and NK cells.
83,191
An avian oncovirus mutant (SE 21Q1b) deficient in genomic RNA: biological and biochemical characterization.
We have isolated a nonconditional mutant of PR-RSV-E with unique properties. This virus (SE 21Q1b) is shed from a continuously growing culture of transformed quail cells. 21Q1b virions are unable to transform or replicate in other quail or chicken cells after exogenous infection, despite the fact that the viral particles contain normal envelope glycoproteins, internal structural proteins and RNA-dependent DNA polymerase. The lack of infectivity of 21Q1b virions is a consequence of the failure to package genomic 39S RNA. Instead, these virions contain a mixture of heterogenous-sized polyadenylated cellular RNAs and 4S RNA. Less than 1% of the encapsulated RNA is viral-specific, although in the 21Q1b-producing cells, amounts of 39S, 28S and 21S viral RNAs comparable to those in wild-type virus-infected cells are synthesized and function as mRNAs for the viral proteins. Thus 21Q1b can be considered an RNA packaging mutant. Superinfection of 21Q1b cells with either RAV-1 or PR-A leads to production of about 10% or more of the normal titer of superinfecting virus, but none of the 21Q1b genetic markers are rescued. After superinfection, the 21Q1b cells continue to synthesize 21Q1b particles containing cellular RNAs in the same amounts as before infection. Thus superinfection does not appear to "switch off" the aberrant packaging of cellular RNA, but allows packaging of the superinfecting RNA. One explanation for the phenotype of 21Q1b is that the genome is lacking a signal necessary for efficient genomic RNA packaging (but not for translation) and that the 21Q1b genome encodes a "packaging factor" with an altered specificity so that cellular RNAs are efficiently packaged. 21Q1b virions do contain RNA-dependent DNA polymerase which has normal endogenous synthetic activity. The cDNA product made in vitro from detergent-lysed 21Q1b virions hybridizes equally well to uninfected quail and 21Q1b-producing quail cell RNAs, with kinetics suggesting that the endogenous product consists of transcripts of cellular RNAs present in low amounts in the cells.
83,199
Techniques and therapies for primary and metastatic liver cancer.
In summary, of the 460 patients of primary carcinoma of the liver admitted to the University Surgical Unit at the Queen Mary Hospital over a period of 12 years, more than 40% could not be treated, and only 91 of the patients were candidates for curative resection. The cure rate is very small; a 1- to 2-year survival was obtained in 46% of 15 resections. From 1964 to 1969, out of 22 patients with resections, 3 are still alive more than 5 year after the operation. Lin30 reported a 19.1% 5-year survival. When the hepatoma has ruptured and bleeding takes place, surgical treatment is obligatory to control the hemorrhage. Ninety-eight patients underwent a clinical trial of 5 categories: hepatic dearterialization, hepatic arterial cannulation and infusion of 5-FU, hepatic arterial ligation and portal venous infusion of 5-FU, radiotherapy and no treatment. The results show that the advantage of each form of treatment when compared with no treatment is marginal. Thus a gloomy picture of primary hepatoma is held. Since the operative mortality of hepatic resection for a solitary secondary carcinoma of the liver is negligible, it should be done in each instance because a long-term survival may be possible. This is especially true with primary carcinoma of the colon.
83,219
Interaction between barium, strontium and calcium in histamine release by compound 48/80.
Pre-incubating rat peritoneal and pleural mast cells for 30 min at 2 degrees C in Ca2+-free Tyrode containing Ba2+ (30 mM) markedly reduced histamine release by compound 48/80 (0.5 microgram/ml). Evoked secretion was not significantly altered by pre-incubation with Sr2+ (30 mM) at this temperature whilst Mg2+ (30 mM) and La3+ (0.1 mM) slightly inhibited and potentiated release respectively. The effect of Ba2+ was concentration related and progressively reversed by Ca2+ (1--10 mM). Pre-incubation at 37 degrees C in Ca2+-free medium alone substantially reduced histamine release by compound 48/80. This reduction was unaltered by either Mg2+ (30 mM) or La3+ (0.1 mM), prevented by either Sr2+ (30 mM) or Ca2+ (1 mM) and augmented by Ba2+ (30 mM) which also markedly increased spontaneous histamine release during pre-incubation at 37 degrees C. Results suggest that Ba2+ and Sr2+ interact with cell-fixed calcium to modulate histamine release by compound 48/80.
83,238
Nigrothalamic pathway in the cat demonstrated by autoradiography and electron microscopy.
Light microscopic autoradiography and electron microscopy were used to trace the nigrothalamic projections and to study the sites of termination of this pathway in the cat. Injections of tritiated amino acids or electrolytic lesions were placed in the substantia nigra pars reticularis (SNr). An accumulation of radioactivity was found in the ventral medial nucleus and in the ventromedial part of the ventral anterior nucleus. At the ultrastructural level degenerating medium size synaptic boutons and medium size myelinated fibers were observed in these nuclei. The boutons contained clear pleomorphic veiscles and formed symmetrical type synaptic contacts with regular type dendrites and vesicel-containing dendrites. The present findings indicate that the ventral medial nucleus is the principal site of termination of nigrothalamic projections in the cat.
83,240
Identification of the projection from the visual cortex to the claustrum by anterograde axonal transport in the cat.
Visual cortex, including areas 17, 18, and sometimes 19, was injected with tritiated leucine. Terminal labelling could be detected by autoradiography in the dorsocaudal part of the ipsilateral claustrum in all cases.
83,241
Specificities of heterologous antisera against human leukaemia cells. 2. Reactions against fetal liver cells and absorption studies with fetal tissue.
Rabbit or goat antisera directed to ALL and AML cells were investigated in cytotoxicity tests with fetal liver cells as targets. After absorption with erythrocytes and spleen cells from allogenic donors the antisera killed fetal liver cells. There was no reaction with remission leukocytes or blood leukocytes from normal donors. Treatment with fetal tissue removed the activity of the AML and ALL antisera against ALL cells but not of the AML antisera against AML cells. This indicates the existence of at least two antigens on the surface of AML cells, one antigen is common with ALL cells and of fetal origin and another one seems to be characteristic of AML cells and not of fetal origin. Because treatment with fetal tissue removed all activity of the ALL antisera it can be assumed that leukaemia-associated antigens on ALL cells are of fetal origin.
83,266
Protein cross-match test for the diagnosis and prevention of reactions after the transfusion of blood and cryoprecipitate.
The examination by means of counterimmunoelectrophoresis for protein incompatibility of the serum of 62 patients who developed an allergic or pyretic post-transfusion reaction revealed incompatibility in 23 cases (37.2%). It was due to the presence of antibodies in 8 recipients (34.8%) and in 15 blood donors (65.2%). The incidence was significantly higher than in a control group of transfused patients who did not develop a reaction. In this group protein incompatibility was found in only 14.7%, 80% of which was due to antibodies in the recipient. In 13 (56.5%) of the patients with reactions agglutinating, cytotoxic or complement fixing antibodies against cellular antigens or IgG were found in addition to protein incompatibility. In 10 cases (43.5%) protein incompatibility was the only explanation for the clinical symptoms. When, in the treatment of multiply transfused haemophiliacs who regularly developed adverse reactions, donors for the preparation of cryoprecipitate were selected by means of the described technique, the almost obligatory reactions were prevented.
83,277
Demonstration of shared and unique immunological determinants in enterotoxins from Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli.
Immunodiffusion and biological neutralization studies demonstrated that the heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) from Escherichia coli has antigenic determinants in common with each of the isolated subunits (A and B) of the enterotoxin (choleragen) from Vibrio cholerae. Each of the enterotoxins also possesses unique antigenic specificities. Monospecific antiserum to LT was prepared by immunization with antigens derived by immune precipitation of E. coli cell-free supernatant with isolated specific anticholeragenoid antibodies. This antiserum neutralized the biological acitivity of both LT and cholera enterotoxin and recognized antigens of both in immunodiffusion. This antiserum was adsorbed with choleragenoid to remove antibodies directed against the shared "B" immunological determinants. The neutralizing effect of the antiserum on cholera toxin was completely removed, but the neutralizing activity against the E. coli preparations was retained, although somewhat reduced. Antisera to the isolated subunits (A and B) of cholera enterotoxin neutralized the biological activity of cholera enterotoxin and LT. These antisera also recognized the homologous and heterologous antigens in immunodiffusion. Multiple forms or conformations of LT and its components may explain the diversity of the properties which have been reported for it.
83,301
Graphic representation of the distribution of acetylcholinesterase in cat dorsal root ganglion neurons.
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of primary sensory neurons of the cat has been quantitated and correlated with cell size. Dorsal root ganglia of the fourth and fifth thoracic spinal levels were studied. Frozen longitudinal and cross-sections were collected serially and stained with Cresyl Violet for total cell counts of the ganglia on the left; the average count was 3375 cells. Ganglia from the right were stained for AChE after the method of Karnovsky & Roots (1964) as modified by El Badawi & Schenk (1967), and counterstained with Haematoxylin. Cells were counted in every fourth section and the diameter of each was recorded. AChE-positive cells were classified as brown (B1, B2, B3) and AChE-negative ones as blue (BL). An inverse correlation exists between cell size and AChE activity. High activity was demonstrated in 29% of the cells (B1), moderate activity in 52% (B2), minimal activity in 15% (B3) and 4% were classified as AChE-negative (BL). Small cells with high activity were centrally located in the ganglia whereas large AChE-negative cells were peripherally distributed. Chi-Square analysis revealed that the size of the cell was not independent of the enzyme colour category.
83,316
Location of taste buds in intact taste papillae by a selective staining method.
Taste buds were found to stain strongly and selectively in intact papillae with highly acidic dyes such as ponceau S. In intact tongues the taste buds in the fungiform, circumvallate and foliate papillae of the cynomolgus monkey and in the fungiform papillae of the rat as well as the taste discs in the fungiform papillae of the frog could be visualized. This method enables a rapid location and counting of taste buds in taste papillae without preparing histological sections. In cynomolgus tongue material fixed in formalin, the dyes penetrate into the buds. In fresh tongues only the taste pore region of the buds stains, which suggests that in vivo taste buds are impenetrable underneath the pore.
83,317
Striated myofibrils in anti-myosin stained, isolated chicken gizzard smooth muscle cells.
Highly purified chicken gizzard myosin was used to induce antibody production in rabbits. The IgG fraction was separated from the antisera and coupled to fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). Specific antibody (AGM) was isolated from the IgG fraction by affinity purification. Comparisons of the specificity of IgG and AGM for chicken smooth muscle myosin revealed a much greater specificity by AGM. Staining with IgG led to an apparent cross-reactivity with guinea pig smooth muscles which was not seen with AGM staining. Therefore, staining of cells for localization of myosin was performed with AGM. Isolated cells were obtained from chicken gizzards either by collagenase digestion or by agitation of glycerinated pieces. Stained cells and cell fragments revealed the presence of myofibrils as structural units with diameters of about 1.0 micrometer. Stained myofibrils occasionally displayed regular banding patterns with a repeating period of about 1.5 +/- 0.2 micrometer. The presence of banded myofibrils in non-cultured cells shows that the organization of the contractile material is similar to that previously reported for cultured cells by Gröschel-Stewart.
83,318
Plasminogen activator synthesis by cultured human embryonic lung cells: characterization of the suppressive effect of corticosteroids.
The synthesis of plasminogen activator (PA) by cultured human embryonic lung (HuEL) cells has been examined. The production of PA by these cells was found to be reversibly inhibited by physiological levels of glucocorticoids. The suppression of PA synthesis in HuEL cells was not accompanied by an inhibition of cell growth. Moreover, the glucocorticoid induced deinduction of plasminogen activator synthesis occurred in both growing and non-growing cells. The inhibition of PA production by corticosteroids appeared to have a requirement for DNA-dependent RNA synthesis since the inhibition of DNA-dependent RNA synthesis at the time of exposure of cells to corticosteroids prevented the deinduction of PA.
83,324
RNA synthesis by nuclei and nucleoli from ischemic liver cells.
Nuclei and nucleoli were isolated from rat livers subjected to an interruption of the blood supply for periods of different duration, as well as after restoration of the blood supply. They were assayed for RNA synthesis under conditions of diverse ionic strengths, and in the presence of an exogenous template, such as poly d (A-T), and actinomycin to inactivate the endogenous template; alpha-amanitin was made used of to distinguish polymerase I and polymerase II dependent RNA synthesis. Nuclei and nucleoli from ischemic livers showed a severe impairment of RNA synthesis, which is likely to be due to decreased initiation frequency of the engaged polymerases, while free polymerases were essentially unchanged. Both form I and II polymerase were equally involved. After restoration of the blood supply RNA synthesis recovered with an overshooting well above normal levels of activity, lasting for at least 24 hours. Increased RNA synthesis was not followed by thymidine incorporation into DNA.
83,325
Atrial specific granules of the rat heart: light microscopic staining and histochemical reactions.
An investigation was carried out to determine general staining and histochemical properties of rat atrial specific granules. It was found that these granules may be demonstrated using aldehyde fuchsin after pretreatments which involve oxidation or thiosulfation. This new way of demonstrating atrial granules is compared to other staining methods in terms of sensitivity and selectivity as well as to the nature of reactive groups that may be involved in the staining reactions. No lipid or carbohydrate were detected histochemically. Overall assessment of reactions suggests that atrial granules are a site of storage for a protein or polypeptide. Some of the tests indicate that these may contain tryptophan and sulfur-containing amino acids.
83,339
The tumor-producing effect of automobile exhaust condensate and fractions thereof. Part III: mathematical-statistical evaluation of the test results.
This paper deals with the mathematical-statistical evaluation of experiments devoted to the following problems: 1. To what extent is the carcinogenic potency of automobile exhaust gas condensate dependent on the dose? 2. What fractions (groups of substances) of the automobile exhaust gas condensate are mainly responsible for the carcinogenic potency? 3. To what extent can the potency be explained by fractions (or single substances)? In order to answer the above questions, the working group planned animal experiments (cf. Misfeld and Timm, 1973) and obtained, prepared, and fractionalized automobile exhaust gas condensate (Grimmer, 1978). The exhaust gas condensate and its fractions were dropped onto the skin of female CFLP mice (Brune et al., 1978). In view of the problems posed above, the aim of the mathematical-statistical evaluation was to establish the dose-response relations, to assess the combined effect, and to estimate the relative potency and the assumed potency. In particular, the hypothesis (basis for the separation process) that the potency of the entire exhaust gas condensate is mainly attributable to the fraction which contains the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitromethane phase) was examined.
83,349
[Toxicological studies on pepleomycin sulfate (NK 631). I. Acute toxicity of pepleomycin in mice, rats and dogs (author's transl)].
Studies on acute toxicities of pepleomycin sulfate were carried out in both sexes of mice and rats, comparing with bleomycin, and male dogs. Pepleomycin was administered subcutaneously, intravenously and intraperitoneally in both sexes of mice and rats, and intravenously in male dogs respectively. Mice and rats, and intravenously in male dogs respectively. Mice and rats were observed respectively for 10 and 14 days after the administration. LD50 values were calculated by the method of Litchifield & Wilcoxon. LD50 values of pepleomycin were 4 approximately 6 times smaller than those of bleomycin in all routes of mice, but difference between them was not significant in all routes of rats. Additionally sex-difference of LD50 values was scacely recognized in all routes of both species. Toxicological findings observed in common to all routes of both species were ataxia, depression, tremor and epiphora, and only in all routes of mice, head-twitch, running-round and rolling were especially recognized as toxic behavior, which were not observed in bleomycin. Hepatic and renal lesions were recognized in biochemically and histopathologically in the survived rats. The dogs treated with pepleomycin 50 and 30 mg/kg had the decrease in food intake and the loss of body weight. They became moribund in 9 approximately 36 days after administration. In these dogs the lesions of liver and kidney were severely recognized in biochemical and histopathological findings. One of them which received 50 mg/kg recovered biochemically and histopathologically in 209 days after administration by the supplemental nutrition in early stage.
83,404
[Absorption, excretion, distribution and metabolism of 3H-labelled pepleomycin sulfate (author's transl)].
Absorption, excretion, distribution and metabolism of pepleomycin sulfate (NK631) were investigated in rats after intravenous administration of 3H-NK631 by whole-body autoradiography, CM-Sephadex column chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. The highest radioactivity was found in kidney, followed by cartilage, blood, lung, esophagus, adrenal gland and skin at 0.5 hour after the administration and little radioactivity was observed in central nerve system. The NK631 and deamide NK631 were identified as major (90%) and minor metabolites in the 24-hour urine.
83,412
Lack of correlation between mesenchymal cell death and morphogenesis after different extents of apical ectodermal ridge/rim ectoderm removal in the chick embryo wing bud.
The removal of the apical ectodermal ridge (A.E.R.) subsequently causes distal deletion defects in the limb. There have been contradictory reports as to the appearance of cell death in the mesenchyme after A.E.R. removal, as well as to its morphogenetic significance. In our study the A.E.R./ rim ectoderm removal was varied to test whether different degrees of cell death would correlate with different degrees of distal deletions. From the right wing bud of stage 19 and 20 (HH) embryos the rim ectoderm was removed in four ways: all of the rim, the anterior third, the middle third (most of the A.E.R.), or its posterior third. The removal of all or of the anterior third caused a definite band of subwound mesenchymal cell death to appear. There was little or no cell death after removal of the middle or posterior thirds. Removal of the anterior third caused no distal deletion defects, and only a few were noted after removal of the posterior third. The proximo-distal level of the distal deletions, however, was the same after removal of all of the rim or only its middle third. As there was no difference in the degree of distal deletions after the removal of all or of the middle third of the rim but a definite difference in the mesenchymal cell death patterns we conclude that cell death is not part of the mechanisms of the distal deletion defect. Our findings also suggest that cell death does not play a role in the A.E.R.-mesenchyme reciprocal interaction that controls limb proximo-distal morphogenesis.
83,457
Further studies of the prospective fates of blastomeres at the 32-cell stage of Xenopus laevis embryos.
Each blastomere in the marginal zone of Xenopus laevis embryos at the 32-cell stage was stained with Nile blue sulphate. Only specimens with the typical arrangement of blastomeres of morulae of this species were used, and special care was taken to prevent the dye from spreading to neighbouring cells and to determine the extent of stained areas. The prospective fate of each blastomere was studied and a new fate-map of the 32-cell embryo was drawn by tracing the movement of stain during the course of further development.
83,458
Fetal damage despite low-phenylalanine diet after conception in a phenylketonuric woman.
A woman with phenylketonuria gave birth to an infant with a cardiac defect and microcephaly despite introduction of a low-phenylalanine diet 5 weeks after conception (3 weeks after the first missed period). In maternal phenylketonuria fetal damage leading to reduced brain growth and cardiac malformations probably occurs within a few weeks of conception.
83,464
Assessment of inactivated influenza-A vaccine after three outbreaks of influenza A at Christ's Hospital.
The boys of Christ's Hospital experienced outbreaks of influenza A in 1972 (A/England/42/72), in 1974 (A/Port Chalmers), and in 1976 (A/Victoria). In each outbreak, the protective effect of inactivated influenza-A vaccine was limited to those boys, not already immune, who were vaccinated for the first time with the most up-to-date strain. Revaccination with the same strain did not increase the degree of protection, and revaccination with a later strain did not afford protection against subsequent challenge. The cummulative attack-rate in the three outbreaks was similar in all groups irrespective of vaccination history. These observations suggest that annual revaccination with inactivated influenza-A vaccine confers no long-term advantage.
83,475
[Principles of radical treatment of soft tissue tumors (author's transl)].
Malignancy should always be suspected for any soft tissue tumor. Thus, histologic examination of the totally excised growth is mandatory. Amputation is indicated as a curative measure for recurrencies and lesions that cannot be excised locally. It is also indicated for palliation in cases with ulceration, impaired function, and distant metastases. Adjuvant radio- and chemotherapy, based on the type of tumor, is outlined. The importance of cooperation between surgeon, pathologist, radiologist, and chemotherapist and of a central soft tissue tumor register is emphasized.
83,521
[Prognosis of cardia carcinoma].
Based on a material of 223 patients treated for cardia carcinoma the surgical problems and the results after palliative, radical and enlarged resection are discussed. In the early stage without nodular involvement (I) in 72% of the radically operated patients a 5-years and 10-years cure could be obtained, in relation to all patients observed the success, however, is only 10% for 5-years and 8% for 10-years cure. This is caused by the fact that stage I was found in only 10% of the patients admitted to our hospital. The need for a close observation programm for clearly defined high risk groups must be pointed out and the possibilities of a special postoperative adjunct therapy should be fully used.
83,559
Cell surface antigens containing beta2-microglobulin as the common subunit.
beta2-Microglobulin, which was first discovered in various biological fluids, has been shown to be the common subunit of the human HLA-A,B,C antigens. In the mouse beta2-microglobulin is associated with H-2K, D and L antigens and with TL and Qa-2 antigens, beta2-microglobulin and the heavy HLA antigen chains are similar in structure to the immunoglobulins and it is suggested that the two types of molecules have had an interrelated evolution. Data are also presented which suggest that the structural similarity between transplantation antigens and immunoglobulins may be paralleled by a functional similarity as well.
83,566
[Comparison of serum levels of beta2-microglobulin and carcino-embryonic antigen in the follow-up of lung cancer (author's transl)].
Serum levels of carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA) and beta2-microglobulin (beta2m) were assayed on 133 sera during follow-up of 31 patients with lung carcinoma (squamous cell ca. without recurrence : 2, squamous cell ca. with recurrence : 11, anaplastic cell ca. : 4, adenocarcinoma : 2, unclassifiable : 5). Normal creatinine (less than or equal to 12 mg/l) levels were found in all sera. CEA and beta2m levels showed no correlation nor in these groups, nor in the whole. The squamous cell carcinomas with recurrence showed the largest dispersion for CEA as for beta2m levels. However, the trends of serial beta2m values did not correlate with clinical features. Increasing or decreasing levels of CEA and beta2m levels showed no correlation in the whole nor in patients undergoing radiotherapy. In our experience, beta2m levels failed to correlate with clinical findings during the follow-up of lung cancer patients.
83,584
[Serum beta2-microglobulin and carcino-embryonic antigen in cancerous patients. A preliminary study of 258 cases (author's transl)].
In this preliminary study dealing with beta2-microglobulin (beta2m) levels in the series of 258 patients, two group are considered:--a group of 208 patients with evolutive tumour;--a group of 50 patients with no evolutive tumour. This study shows a significantly higher incidence of cases with elevated levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and/or beta2m in group with evolutive cancer than in group with no evolutive cases. These elevated levels of beta2m are not related to other clinical, topographical, evolutive, immunological parameters. But the increase of serum beta2m levels in patients treated with combination of chemo and immunotherapy, may indicate a possible relationship between beta2m levels and lymphocyte activation.
83,587
[Occurrence of beta2-microglobulin in normal and carcinomatous renal tissue (author's transl)].
Fifty renal tissues and renal tumours are examined and the occurrence of beta2-microglobulin (beta2m) are measured. It is found especially in the solubilized fraction of the tissue. The renal tumours contain four time more beta-2m but they are to be divised into two populations in accordance to their microscopic and macroscopic aspects. This explains why only a part of the patients with renal tumours has an elevated blood beta2m.
83,588
Suppression of demand mechanism by inactive myocardial electrodes.
A 14 year old girl, at age 8, had had a bipolar pulse generator implanted with myocardial leads. Because one of the myocardial leads fractured near the electrode, a second pair of myocardial leads were implanted. Thus, the patient had two pairs of myocardial leads and one demand pulse generator implanted. When the patient was readmitted to the hospital because of light-headedness, the ECG monitor revealed frequent suppression of pulse generator pulses when hand pressure was exerted over the pulse generator site. Converting the pulse generator into the asynchronous mode with a magnet prevented inhibition. The pacemaker pocket was reopened. The pulse generator could not be inhibited either by pulling on the active myocardial leads or by moving the pulse generator, but the pulse generator could be inhibited by manipulation of the inactive leads which produced electrical signals having amplitudes and frequencies which were in the bandwidth of the sensing circuit. The probable cause of the electrical signals was the irregular contact of the terminals of the inactive leads with the patient's abdominal muscles. Replacement of the demand pulse generator by an asynchronous type resulted in cessation of the patient's light-headedness.
83,608
Evaluation of a rechargeable pacemaker system.
A rechargeable-demand nickel-cadmium pulse generator for permanent transvenous cardiac pacing was evaluated in 66 patients. During a cumulative follow-up period of 2,333 patient months (194.4 patient years), failure of the pacing circuit occurred in 3 patients at 21, 25, and 27 months, respectively. Nine patients had difficulty accepting the recharging concept and, in 3 of these patients, it became necessary to replace the rechargeable generator with a conventional energy source. The overall failure rate of approximately 3% per year (including the 3 patients in whom it was necessary to remove the generator because of failure to recharge properly), coupled with the inconvenience of recharging, limits the usefulness of the rechargeable system compared to the newer lithium-powered generator.
83,632
Partial pacemaker recycling of implanted QRS-inhibited pulse generators.
In the evaluation of twenty-three patients with implanted QRS-inhibited lithium-powered pulse generators (Intermedics C-MOS-1 and ARCO L1-2D), we repeatedly observed the phenomenon of partial pacemaker recycling (PPR), in which the escape interval induced by a premature ventricular beat is shorter than the automatic interval (AI). In order to determine the sensing properties of these pulse generators, programmed chest wall stimulation (CWS) was systematically performed in all 23 patients and, in addition, intracardiac programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) via temporary intravenous pacing catheters was performed in 9 of them. The AI of these pulse generators ranged from 820 to 860 msec and absolute refractory periods (ARP) from 220 to 330 msec. Precise correlation in determining pacemaker sensing properties could be demonstrated between CWS and PVS. The phenomenon of PPR occurred 110 to 240 msec following ARP with both CWS and PVW, and appeared to be time- rather than voltage-dependent. We conclude that: (1) CWS is a safe, simple and accurate method for studying pacemaker sensing properties, and (2) time-dependent PPR is a normal electrical feature of certain implanted QRS-inhibited lithium-powered pulse generators.
83,633
Fc receptor bearing 'hairy cells' of leukaemic reticuloendotheliosis bind soluble antigen--antibody complexes and adhere to immobilized complexes, but fail to mediate antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity.
The majority of hairy cells from three patients with leukaemic reticuloendotheliosis were adherent cells bearing surface immunoglobulin, complement receptors, and Fc receptors. Highly purified populations of malignant hairy cells, which readily bound soluble antigen-antibody complexes in suspension and were able to adhere to immobilized antigen-antibody complexes, were examined for their ability to mediate ADCC. Two patients with greater than 90% FcR positive cells failed to mediate ADCC. When initially examined, a third patient, with fewer malignant cells, demonstrated a less marked impairment of cytolysis. When reexamined at a later date, this patient had an increased number of hairy cells and concomitantly demonstrated more impaired ADCC effector cell activity. Absorption of surface immunoglobulin bearing cells onto plastic surfaces coated with goat anti-human immunoglobulin resulted in a complete depletion of FcR, sIg positive, hairy cells. The remaining nonadherent fraction, containing 5.5% FcR positive, sIg negative cells, was able to mediate ADCC as effectively as the normal controls. These results indicate that although FcR bearing hairy cells readily bind soluble antigen-antibody complexes and adhere to immobilized complexes, they were unable to mediate ADCC.
83,669
Radioimmunoassay of the insulin receptor: a new probe of receptor structure and function.
A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for the insulin receptor has been developed employing receptor autoantibodies from the serum of a patient with insulin-resistant diabetes. The assay detects insulin binding sites at concentrations as low as 0.1 nanomolar; distinguishes between receptors originating from human placental membranes, human lymphoblastoid cells, and mouse liver membranes; and measures the receptor independently of its binding function. Down-regulation, or loss of binding after exposure to insulin, is associated with loss of immunoreactive receptor.
83,675
[Efficacy of the use of combinations of teaching aids in propaedeutics education].
Audio-visual and printed teaching and learning aids are used for the instruction in the subject of "propaedeutics of prosthetic stomatology". The achievements and the time required for the guidance and supervision of the students were evaluated. Furthermore, the use of the teaching and learning aids by the students was assessed. It was found that audio-visual means of demonstration favour the process of learning and facilitate considerably the task of the teaching staff.
83,697
A complex of HLA-D specificities detected by HTC typing: Dw7, Dw11, and TMo.
Homozygous typing cells defining HLA-D antigens related to Dw7 appear to identify a complex of partially overlapping structures. The relationships between these specificities were analyzed using 7th Workshop cells and other cells sent to the reference laboratory. The local cells JLe and KA seem to fit the antigen Dw11, which is in large part included in Dw7. TMo defines a component that is rare in normal whites and frequently observed in children with rheumatoid arthritis.
83,707
The formation of phenylethane-1,2-diol 2-acetate in the metabolism of styrene oxide by rabbit liver microsomes in vitro.
1. Phenylethane-1,2-diol 2-acetate has been isolated from the incubation of styrene oxide or styrene diol with liver microsomes of phenobarbital-pretreated rabbits. 2. Observed ratios of phenylethane-1,2-diol to its 2-acetate in the incubation mixtures ranged between 19 : 1 and 5 : 1 with different microsomal preparations and different periods of incubation. 3. The formation of phenylethane-1,2-diol 2-acetate may be a source of errors in the radiometric determination of epoxide hydrase activity in microsomes.
83,739
[Mass media. Prevention and the media].
Though the information communicated by the media is important in so far as it wakes and upholds the interest of the population on a subject such as preventive medicine, it is not sufficient to change the behaviour of this population. The real reasons why opinion shows too much indifference towards preventive medicine should be analysed and the people responsible of this sector be made familiar with the needs and the language of the media.
83,745
Histochemical fibre types in human extraocular muscles, an investigation of inferior oblique muscle.
In order to test histochemical fibre types in human extraocular muscles, 2000 fibres from 5 inferior oblique muscles were examined in serial sections for myosin ATP-ase following preincubation at pH 4.3, menadione-linked alpha-GPD and NADHTR activity. In ATP-ase 4.3, +/- 15% of fibres in central and peripheral areas stained dark, the other fibres were slightly stained or unstained. Nearly all fibres with high activity in ATP-ase 4.3 had type I-like histochemical characteristics with high or very high NADHTR activity and low alpha-GPD activity. Fibres with low activity in ATP-ase 4.3 had a spectrum-wide variation in activity of NADHTR and alpha-GPD and could be divided into 3 subtypes with IIA, IIB and IIC-like characteristics. The histochemical profile of the fibres with type IIC-like characteristics differed from that of type IIC fibres in other skeletal muscles, by a lower ATP-ase 4.3 activity. In the central areas all 3 subtypes were more or less equally represented. In the peripheral areas most fibres with low ATP-ase 4.3 activity belonged to the IIC-like subgroup.
83,777
Diurnal rhythmicity in folic acid metabolism of rat liver and kidney.
In rat liver and kidney, tetrahydrofolate formylase activities show diurnal rhythms with maxima in the middle of the dark phase. The rhythms are not generated by de novo synthesis of enzyme protein. Dihydrofolate reductase activity is arrhythmic in both liver and kidney.
83,823
[Role of duodenal serotonin in the pharmacological effects of DOPA and dopamine in the isolated rat duodenum].
We have studied the responsibility of tissue serotonin reserves in the excito-motor effects induced by DOPA and dopamine on the isolated rat duodenum in vitro in certain experimental conditions. Two groups of experiments have been performed: first the determination of serotonin endogenous stores after administration of repeated high doses of DOPA and dopamine in the organ bath, secondly the evaluation of motor effects of DOPA and dopamine on rat duodenums experimentally depleted of their endogenous serotonin stores. Serotonin levels were lowered after DOPA and the excito-motor effect of this compound was suppressed in serotonin-depleted duodenums. After dopamine, serotonin tissue levels were not significantly lowered, and the excito-motor effect was observed whatever the serotonin stores may be, depleted or not. Our results are consistent with a relationship between the excito-motor effects of DOPA and serotonin release from endogenous stores; but, concerning dopamine, experimental proofs supporting this hypothesis have not been obtained.
83,826
A comparison of maternal serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein in normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies.
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay in serum from women with normal and pre-eclamptic pregnancies. An analysis of the results obtained in normal pregnancy was made using arithmetic and semi-logarithmic scales, and a statistical conversion of the AFP values in relation to gestational age was introduced to allow an easier interpretation of results. In pre-eclampsia, significantly lower mean AFP values were obtained, with the majority of individual values being lower than the mean for normal pregnancy. These low levels were not associated with fetal death, but appeared to be related to the severity of disease. The significance of these findings remains to be evaluated.
83,874
Demonstration of tube leukocyte adherence inhibition assay with coded samples of blood.
Heparinized samples of blood from three different patients were coded by impartial observers. The buffy coat leukocytes from the coded samples of blood were isolated and incubated separately with extracts of colon and pancreatic cancer in the tube leukocyte adherence inhibition assay. At the completion of the assay, the leukocytes from Patient 1 were equally nonadherent to both cancer extracts with a nonadherence index value of 8. By contrast, leukocytes from Patient 2 exhibited increased nonadherence to the extract of colon cancer (p = 0.02) with a nonadherence index value to colon cancer antigen of 89. Leukocytes from Patient 3 displayed increased nonadherence to the extract of pancreatic cancer (p less than 0.05) with a nonadherence index value to pancreatic cancer antigen of 39. When the code was broken, patients 1, 2, and 3 had diagnoses of malignant melanoma, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer, respectively. Hence, this was a classical criss-cross experiment; the patient with malignant melanoma reacted to neither of the antigens, whereas the patients with colon and pancreatic cancer reacted to the sensitizing cancers which had unique organ-type specific neoantigens.
83,917
Induction of high frequencies of endoreduplication in mammalian cell cultures with 33258 Hoechst and rubidazone.
Cells of the mouse L strain and the Chinese hamster CHO line were treated with 33258 Hoechst, rubidazone, and a combination of these. Recovering cell populations following the drug removal exhibited a high frequency (20--50%) of metaphases with diplochromosomes (endoreduplication), especially in the combination treatment series (up to more than 70% in the L strain). Such a procedure should be useful in probing the mechanisms of the endoreduplication process.
83,930
Comparison of the karyotypes of four Cercopithecoidae: Papio papio, P. anubis, Macaca mulatta, and M. fascicularis.
The karyotypes of two species of baboons, Papio papio and P. anubis, and of two species of Macaca, M. mulatta and M. fascicularis, are compared after the use of numerous banding techniques. No difference was detected between the karyotype of the two Papio species. However, a minor change in the T-staining of a short segment, probably heterochromatic, could be detected between the Papio species and M. mulatta. A paracentric inversion exists between these three and M. fascicularis. These karyotypes are briefly compared with those of the Pongidae and man. The value of the karyotypic criteria and of the methods used for taxonomy is discussed.
83,931
Reassessment of presumed Y/22 and Y/15 translocations in man using a new technique.
A new chromosome banding technique, distamycin A plus DAPI, has been used to reexamine cases of presumed Y/autosome translocations. In contrast with the results obtained with quinacrine fluorescence (Q-banding), the satellites of acrocentric chromosomes do not fluoresce brightly with this new (DA-DAPI) method, making it more specific for the long arm of the Y chromosome. Previous cases with intensely Q-fluorescent and abnormally long short arms on a chromosome 22 were considered as presumptive 22/Y translocations: The new technique clearly shows that, in these cases, the additional material on 22p is not derived from Yq. In contrast, in other cases the Yq nature of additional material on 15p, in conjunction with the presence of an extra Y-body in interphase nuclei and the presence of a male-specific DNA, supports the previous diagnosis of a presumptive 15/Y translocation.
83,932
Searching for euthanatos: the hospice alternative.
American culture, with its insistence on happiness and its obsession with technology, discourages a realistic approach to death. Within the concept of Euthanatos, a "good death," however, patients get the chance in the comfortable surroundings of the hospice to integrate dying into their total life experience. Here, their emotional as well as physical needs receive medical attention.
83,957
Cell mediated immunity to human myelin basic protein in Vogt-Koyahagi-Harada syndrome.
An immunological basis for neurological involvement in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome was sought by means of the migration-inhibition factor technique with human myelin basic protein. The test was carried out in four patients who had recent manifestations of the syndrome, two of whom were evaluated both before and after initiation of steroid treatment; in one patient 4 years after recovery from the syndrome; in three patients having uveitis of other causes, and in 12 healthy controls. The results were positive in all four patients who had recent manifestations, whereas they were negative in all the others. This finding may constitute evidence of a cell-mediated immunity toward components of the nervous system in this disease entity.
83,972
Histochemical staining of lymphatic anchoring filaments.
Lymphatic anchoring filaments are stained by means of histochemical methods that demonstrate disulfide-groups. Thiosulfation of sections either followed by aldehyde-fuchsin staining or by Alcian Blue +0.8 M MgCl2 staining has been used. Lymphatic anchoring filaments display striking fine structural similarities to "elastic fiber microfibrils" and both kinds of fibers are characterized by disulfide content.
83,976
Electron microscopic observations of polysaccharide components in polymyxin B treated outer membranes from Serratia marcescens.
Treatment of outer membranes of Serratia marcescens with polymyxin B results in the formation of blebs. This effect is thought to be due to the action of the antibiotic on the lipopolysaccharides, proteins, phospholipids or a combination thereof. It is unclear whether this effect is dissociative, degradative or due to an inhibition of the assembly of outer membrane components. Prior studies showed that lipopolysaccharides and polymyxin B form complexes, but direct visualization of the in situ action of polymyxin B had not been accomplished. Isolated outer membranes normally exhibit a periodicity of the polysaccharide molecules when stained by the thiosemicarbazide-silver technique. Polymyxin B treated outer membranes display a change in their basic morphology. This effect is very drastic in the sensitive strain as demonstrated by the large gaps in the deposition of the granules in the modified outer membrane structure. Thus it appears that the polysaccharide molecules (probably the lipopolysaccharide) either alone or in association with protein or phospholipids are the primary targets of the antibiotic.
83,989
A requirement for ATP for beta-galactoside transport by Bacillus alcalophilus.
Lactose-grown cells of Bacillus alcalophilus actively transported methylthio-beta, D-galactoside (TMG) in a range of pH values from 7.5 to 10.5 with a pH optimum at 8.5. The TMG was accumulated in a chemically unmodified form, and cell extracts failed to catalyze either ATP or P-enolpyruvate-dependent phosphorylation of TMG. At pH 8.5, the lactose-grown cells exhibited a transmembrane proton gradient (deltapH) of 1.38 units, interior acid, and a transmembrane electrical potential (delta psi) of -132 mV. Accordingly, the total protonmotive force at this pH was very low, -51mV. Several lines of evidence indicate that the protonmotive force or delta psi did not directly energize TMG transport but, rather, that ATP was directly required: (a) in cells treated with arsenate so that the delta psi was unaffected and cellular ATP levels were markedly lowered, TMG transport was inhibited in proportion to the reduction of cellular ATP, while electrogenic alpha-aminoisobutyric acid transport was not; (b) when a valinomycin-induced potassium diffusion potential was established in starved cells, alpha-aminoisobutyric acid transport, but not TMG transport, was stimulated; and (c) in a series of experiments in which the delta psi was rapidly abolished by treatment with gramicidin, ATP levels declined slowly and the rate of TMG transport correlated directly with ATP levels rather than with the delta psi. Consumption of cellular ATP concomitant with TMG transport could be demonstrated.
83,995
A rapid ocular smear technique for optometrists: a preliminary report.
The preliminary report discusses a clinical procedure in acquiring conjunctival smears, fixing the acquired sample and interpreting the results. Included is a description of the white blood cells frequently found in ocular smears and the clinical significance of each.
84,009
Identification of a subspecies-specific capsular antigen from Bacteroides melaninogenicus subspecies asaccharolyticus by immunofluorescence and electron microscopy.
An indirect fluorescent antibody test was developed with the use of hyperimmune rabbit antiserum to a purified capsular polysaccharide of Bacteroides melaninogenicus subspecies asaccharolyticus. All of 23 strains of B. melaninogenicus subspecies asaccharolyticus were fluorescence-positive in this test. All 11 strains of Bacteroides melaninogenicus subspecies intermedius tested and three strains of Bacteroides melaninogenicus subspecies melaninogenicus were fluorescence-negative. Thirty-one strains of other bacterial species were also fluorescence-negative. The indirect fluorescent antibody test demonstrated the presence of a subspecies-specific capsular antigen from B. melaninogenicus subspecies asaccharolyticus. The capsular antigen was further demonstrated by electron microscopy with ruthenium red, a polysaccharide-staining material.
84,036
Early detection of aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity with urinary beta-2-microglobulin.
We used a radioimmunoassay to evaluate the changes in the urinary excretion of beta2-microglobulin (beta2M) in 21 patients receiving aminoglycosides for treatment of infection. Excretion of this protein rose to a peak at least 5 times the baseline value in the urine, and declined rapidly to control values after drug administration ceased. In six patients who developed aminoglycoside nephrotoxicity, urinary beta2M excretion rose 5 days or more before serum creatinine rose, and 5 of 6 nephrotoxic patients excreted more than 50 mg/day (normal, less than 0.1 mg/day). Urinary beta2M is a non-specific indication of renal tubular damage, but heralds aminoglycoside-induced damage before standard tests of kidney function change.
84,037
Lymphocyte specificity to protein antigens. II. Fine specificity of T-cell activation with cytochrome c and derived peptides as antigenic probes.
Murine T-lymphocyte specificity was determined in a system of antigen driven in vitro T-cell proliferation using cytochrome c molecules from different species, their derived peptides and reconstituted hybrid proteins. It was observed that primed T cells could discriminate between peptide fragments which differed from each other at a single amino acid residue. These conclusions were substantiated by the pattern of cross-reactivity noted in the response of closely related cytochrome c proteins as well as when artificial hybrid molecules reconstituted by the covalent linkage of peptide fragments were analyzed. The pattern of specificity observed appeared to be haplotype (BDF1) dependent although similar conclusions about the fine specificity of T cells in the response to cytochrome c have been obtained in other strains but associated with different residues.
84,044
Klinefelter syndrome and neurological disease.
Six patients with Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY) and different neurological disease are described. Essential tremor has been reported repeatedly but its significance deserves further studies. The prevalence of epilepsy with the Klinefelter syndrome is higher in comparison with the normal poplation, but it is not greater than expected in the population of a mental hospital. Therefore we suggest that the neurological symptoms with the Klinefelter syndrome should basically be regarded as coincidental findings not related to the chromosome abnormality.
84,058
Serologically defined, unique surface antigen on a mouse mammary adenocarcinoma.
Syngeneic A.SW mice were immunized with sublethal viable cells of a spontaneous mammary adenocarcinoma S3W. The serum was tested by complement-dependent cytotoxicity against in vitro-cultured S3W cells and a spectrum of controls. S3W cells were found to react with at least four different kinds of antibodies in the serum. One antigen was present on several leukemia cell lines. A second cross-reactive antigen was detected on polyoma virus-induced tumors. A third was demonstrated on other mammary carcinoma lines and in a sarcoma of C3H origin. Following the removal of all three antibodies by absorption with the appropriate cross-reactive target cells, a fourth antibody remained that gave a strong cytotoxic reaction with S3W but with no other target line tested.
84,092
Social inequalities undiminished.
Traditional differences in death-rates by social class continue in Britain in the 1970s, mostly at lower levels of mortality. The professions do well, unskilled workers and their families particularly badly. Data on health services are scanty, but they suggest that lower-class families, with greater needs, do not make proportionate demands on some services and receive less of others. Continuing socioeconomic inequalities, disparities in child health and education, and current smoking and exercise habits indicate that inequalities in health will persist. Some ways of levelling up are suggested, starting with children: by creating more equal opportunities for the under-5s through education and day care, expanding child benefit and family endowment, concentrating health services on the socially disadvantaged, and setting an upgraded "health education" to the task--with mothers and children and the whole population.
84,138
Growth-stimulating factor in regenerating canine liver.
Extracts from dog livers which had been regenerating for 24, 48, and 72 h after hepatectomy were infused for 6 h into the left portal vein of animals which had fresh portacaval shunts (Eck fistula) and which were killed 2 and 3 days later. The brief exposure to the 48-h and especially the 72-h regenerating liver extracts induced a delayed proliferative response predominantly in the left liver lobes, with a slight spillover effect to the right liver lobes but none to the kidney. The response reached its peak 3 days later. In the left but not the right liver lobes, both the 48-h and the 72-h regenerating liver extract reversed the atrophy ordinarily caused by Eck fistula in 3 days and partly prevented the ultrastructural hepatocyte deterioration characteristic of Eck fistula. The active liver extracts apparently contained a growth-control factor or factors which is (are) not insulin or glucagon.
84,151
Seminiferous tubule hypercurvature: A newly recognised common syndrome of human male infertility.
Testicular biopsy specimens from 42 of a series of 70 consecutive cases of primary male infertility and from 25 normal controls were morphometrically analysed. Although all the specimens from infertile males were normal by conventional histological standards, stereological measures of curvature in histological sections showed that cases of idiopathic male infertility had an abnormally increased curvature of seminiferous tubules.
84,205