Measurement of cell-mediated immunity against bovine papilloma virus by lymphoproliferative reactions

To study cellular immunity towards bovine papillomavirus (BPV), calves were infected intradermally with BPV-1, and the cellular immune response was measured by the lymphocyte proliferation assay. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were obtained which in control experiments were highly reactive towards mitogen stimulation. Different batches of BPV-1 were prepared by the use of density gradients. In the first set of experiments, a nonspecific mitogenic effect of the virus preparation was observed. This effect was obviously caused by soluble molecules contained in the virion-free supernatant obtained after ultracentrifugation of the viruses. Subsequently, we obtained highly purified virions which did not share the nonspecific mitogenic effect. The data obtained with these virions showed no responses of untreated control animals but a short-lived in vitro lymphoproliferative response 2 to 3 weeks after infection. This response then disappeared and was followed by a period of non-responsiveness which lasted as long as we tested the animals.

[Choice of a class I intravenous anti-arrhythmic drug in severe ventricular arrhythmias]

In the choice of a Class I intravenous antiarhythmic medication for the treatment of threatening ventricular extrasystoles, one must take into account the speed of action of the product, its effects on hemodynamics and conduction as well as its efficacy. The rapidity of action implies the ability to reach, without delay, a therapeutic plasma level which will depend upon the distribution volume and the dose injected. An effective plasma level may be quickly reached following the intravenous administration of lidocain, disopyramide, lorcainide, tocainide and flecainide. All antiarhythmic medications have an unfavorable effect on hemodynamics; xylocain and ajmaline seem to depress the least the left ventricular function, followed by lorcainide. Unfavorable effects on the atrio-ventricular conduction are observed with substances of type IC; the duration of QRS may be affected as well by antiarhythmic medications IA and IC, with a lengthening of QT being mostly noted type IA medications. Comparison of the efficacy of antiarhythmic medications requires a strict methodology and the current data from the literature do not permit to assert with certainty the superiority of one antiarhythmic medication over the others.

[Anthropometric parameters]

Anthropometry is defined as the comparative measurement and study of the human body. Anthropometric measurements have been used for many years to assess the nutritional status of individuals and populations in the United States. More recently anthropometric measurements have become a routine part of the nutrition assessment of surgical patients. Upper arm anthropometry and handgrip dynamometry are rapid and inexpensive tests for detecting malnutrition, but they are not useful for preoperative screening to predict postoperative morbidity because appropriate standards are missing in Europe. In a prospective study none of these preoperatively measured variables were of predictive value to postoperative complications, relating the method to its specificity, sensitivity, and validity.

[Ultrasonic diagnosis of intestinal mural hematoma during anticoagulant therapy]

Report on a patient with a complication of anticoagulant treatment, in whom intramural colon wall bleeding was diagnosed and followed up by ultrasonography.

The oncogenic activation of human p21ras by a novel mechanism

Single amino acid changes were introduced into normal (non-oncogenic) and activated forms of the human H-ras protein at a position (residue 116) proposed on structural grounds to represent a contact site with guanine nucleotides. Substitutions at this site could significantly reduce the ability of both forms to bind and hydrolyze guanosine 5'-triphosphate; these substitutions, however, did not necessarily diminish the transforming capacity of activated derivatives. One substitution that severely impairs these functions activated the transforming potential of the otherwise normal polypeptide.

[Pigmented villonodular synovitis]

During a 8-year period, recurrent swelling of the right knee-joint was observed in a 31-year-old female. Although only minimal pain was present, flexion of the knee-joint was severely limited. Bearing in mind the extent of the swelling, the initial diagnostic procedures were suggestive of a malignant neoplasm. Biopsy of the knee-joint led however to the diagnosis of a pigmented villo-nodular synovitis. The postoperative course after synovectomy of the knee-joint was uneventful. Although benign, this lesion has to be followed-up closely, due to the recurrence-rate of 33%.

[Adjuvant artificial nutrition in tumor surgery]

Malnutrition can effect negatively the results of major cancer surgery. Adequate preoperative nutritional therapy helps to overcome the catabolic situation of malnourished cancer patients and leads to a reduction of postoperative morbidity and mortality. The beneficial effect of nutritional therapy after major cancer surgery is generally accepted, despite there is a lack of comparative clinical trials which could support this opinion. Forced feeding stimulated tumor growth in certain animal models. These findings seem to have not any clinical relevance in cancer surgery.

A simple technique for long-term intravenous feeding in unrestrained rats

A model for parenteral nutrition of unrestrained rats is described. Apparatus and nutrient solutions are very simple, inexpensive, and commonly available. The major survival time is at least 6-8 weeks. During the parenteral nutrition the rats gain weight and are in a excellent general health. The cumulative nitrogen balance is highly positive with a retention of 95%.

[Biologic material for closure of abdominal wall defects]

A new preparation process was studied which should allow the implantation of collagen type I in its native structure in reconstructive surgery, in this special case for closure of incisional hernias. As experimental animals we used 30 female Lewis rats. A defect of the anterior abdominal wall - measuring 3 X 4 cm - was closed with our collagen substitute. Biopsies were taken after 4, 6 and 8 weeks and examined morphologically. As criteria for revitalization and revascularisation we used type of immigrated cells, depth and density of immigration and formation of new blood vessels. After 4 weeks the implants were immigrated by fibroblasts, density diminishing towards the centre. On the muscle-implant-interface good revascularisation could be seen. After 6 weeks density of immigrated cells has distinctly increased even in the centre of the collagen implant. Sporadically small vessels could be seen. Eight weeks after implantation density of immigrated cells was at the same high level, and capillary bundles could be seen within the whole implant. We think that the studied collagen implant is suitable for the closure of hernias as shown by its physical and morphological properties. Especially it seems to guarantee an earlier and tighter closure of hernias in comparison to other materials.

[Ossification of the collagen implant]

Native collagen type I was studied morphologically and fluorescent-histologically after implantation in bony defects. As criteria for revitalisation we used depth and density of immigration, type of immigrated cells, revascularisation, formation of new cartilage and bone. Furthermore the deposition of fluorochromes was studied. The maximum of cellular immigration was reached after 8 weeks and remained at this level for the period of observation. The implants were impregnated only with fibroblasts and fibrocytes, developing into chondroblasts, chondrocytes, osteoblasts and osteocytes. Only in one case basophilic round-cells could be seen. The centres of the implants were after 6 weeks rarely, after 8 weeks fully revascularized. Formation of new cartilage and bone could be seen after 6 weeks, increasing in number and extension during the observation-period. Osteoneogenesis was performed both by desmal and enchondral ossification, enchondral ossification much more in evidence. The deposition of fluorochromes could be seen in each implant. After 8 weeks fluorochromes could only be seen at the bone-implant interface, after 12 and 16 weeks even the centres were well impregnated. In a single case reossification in a control-rib could be seen as well morphologically as fluorescent-histologically.

[Changes in plasma amino acid level as a possible tumor marker in cancers of the gastrointestinal tract]

We evaluated the free-plasma amino acid pattern in 73 healthy volunteers and 156 patients with gastrointestinal carcinomas after an overnight fast. None of the examined persons showed a sign of malnutrition or metabolic illness. Differences of more than +/- 40% in the concentrations of methionine, phenylalanine, glutamic acid, ornithine, taurine, and phosphoserine were found in cancer patients compaired to healthy volunteers. Tumorstage but not localization or grading correlated significantly with most amino acids. From our results we were able to compute a linear model of seven amino acids using computer-based stepwise discriminant analysis. This formula in the form of a tumor-index can be used as a prognostic indicator for the presence or absence of a gastrointestinal carcinoma.

A catheter system for long-term intravenous infusion in unrestrained rats

An intravenous catheter system for long-term (at least 6-8 weeks) parenteral nutrition of unrestrained rats is described. The apparatus is inexpensive and can be constructed from commonly available materials.

[Plasma amino acid pattern in gastrointestinal carcinoma]

We evaluated the free-plasma amino acid patterns of 156 patients with various gastrointestinal carcinomas at different tumor stages. As a control group, the plasma amino acid pattern of 73 healthy volunteers at different ages was determined. From out results we were able to compute a linear model of seven amino acids using computer-based stepwise discriminant analysis. This formula in the form of a Tumor-Index can be used as a prognostic indicator for the presence or absence of a gastrointestinal carcinoma.

Influence of native collagen on the cell cycle

The influence of native collagen-solutions on the cell cycle of human-fibroblasts was investigated. The results point out that the phase of cell-specific function is distinctly lengthened to the debit of a reduced rate of mitosis. That seems to be desirable, because the cells of the implantation-layer would produce more rapidly and augmentedly their cell-specific product--usually collagen--and incorporation of the implanted material would occur quite earlier. This effect seems also to be responsible for the promotion of granulation of "Dermodress", a fleece of collagen I for temporary covering of debrided areas (5).

[Treatment of non-small cell bronchial cancer with high-dosage cisplatin and vindesine. Results of a prospective study]

Thirty-seven patients with advanced, histologically confirmed non-small-cell lung cancer received combination chemotherapy with high-dose (120 mg/m2, day 1 and 29, thereafter every 6 weeks) cisplatin and vindesine (3 mg/m2, day 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29, thereafter every two weeks). All patients had measurable disease and had not previously received chemotherapy. 20 out of 37 patients responded to therapy. Two patients with adenocarcinoma, and one patient with squamous carcinoma of the lung experienced complete remission, 11 out of 37 patients partial remission, three patients a minor response, while in three patients the tumour neither remitted nor progressed. Despite chemotherapy cancer progressed in 17 out of 37 patients. Under supportive care including prehydratation, diuresis, administration of high-dose metoclopramide this aggressive chemotherapy was well tolerated. The response rate was similar to that of other chemotherapeutic regimens. The remission duration (9.5 months) and the survival time (16.5 months) are, however, somewhat better.

Stimulant and blocking effects of optical isomers of pindolol on the sinoatrial node and trachea of guinea pig. Role of beta-adrenoceptor subtypes in the dissociation between blockade and stimulation

The blocking and stimulant potencies of (-)-pindolol and (+)-pindolol were estimated on right atria and tracheae of guinea pig. Blocking affinities were estimated for beta-adrenoceptor subtypes by using several agonists. Binding affinities of (-)-pindolol and (+)-pindolol were also estimated for beta-adrenoceptors labelled with 3H-(-)-bupranolol in membranes of ventricular myocardium and lung of guinea pig. Both (-)-pindolol and (+)-pindolol caused tracheal relaxation with intrinsic activities of 0.3. The concentration-effect curve for (-)-pindolol exhibits a high-sensitivity and a low-sensitivity relaxant component; the curve for (+)-pindolol was nearly monophasic. The EC50's were (-log mol/l) 9.2 and 6.1 for (-)-pindolol and 7.6 for (+)-pindolol. Using subtype-selective blockers it was found that the relaxant effects of (+)-pindolol and those of the high-sensitivity component of (-)-pindolol are mediated through beta 2-adrenoceptors. The low-sensitivity component of relaxation of (-)-pindolol was antagonized by beta-blockers less than expected from their affinities for beta-adrenoceptors. Both (-)-pindolol and (+)-pindolol caused an increase of atrial beating rate with an intrinsic activity of 0.2. The concentration-effect curve of (-)-pindolol was biphasic; the curve of (+)-pindolol was monophasic. The EC50's were (-log mol/l) 9.1 and 7.0 for (-)-pindolol and 7.5 for (+)-pindolol. From the use of subtype-selective antagonists we conclude that the positive chronotropic effects of (+)-pindolol are mediated predominantly by beta 2-adrenoceptors. On the other hand, the high-sensitivity component of the positive chronotropic effects of (-)-pindolol appears to be mediated predominantly through beta 1-adrenoceptors, although beta 2-adrenoceptors may also participate. The low-sensitivity component of the positive chronotropic effects of (-)-pindolol is resistant to blockade by subtype-selective antagonists at concentrations causing at least 98% beta-adrenoceptor occupancy. Only high but non-depressant concentrations of non-selective (-)-bupranolol antagonized the low-sensitivity component of (-)-pindolol. (-)-Pindolol antagonized the effects of several agonists to similar extent in both trachea and right atrium. (+)-Pindolol was less potent as antagonist of the relaxant effects of (-)-noradrenaline on trachea than against those of (-)-adrenaline, (-)-isoprenaline and (+/-)-salbutamol.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[A model for long-term parenteral feeding in the rat]

A model has been developed for the intravenous feeding in unrestrained rats, with use of simple technique and nutritional solutions, available in every hospital. The major survival time is 6-8 weeks. During the parenteral nutrition the rats gain weight and are in a excellent general health. The cumulative nitrogen balance is with a 95% retention highly positive.

[Catheter-related complications in long-term or ambulatory parenteral feeding]

Catheter-related complications represent the major risk in parenteral nutrition. The evaluation of 115 patients with a total of 16 836 days of mainly home parenteral nutrition showed 19 infected and 21 noninfected complications. Among these were two thromboses of the superior vena cava which had to be cleared surgically. Related to one year of parenteral nutrition the rate of infected and non-infected complications was 0.87 cases. There was no correlation between the duration of parenteral nutrition and the frequency of catheter-related septicaemia. Apart from the material used for catheters and a standardised technique of implantation and care the meticulous selection of patients is decisive for a low rate of complications.

[Metabolic consequences of parenteral nutrition in tumor patients]

Between 30 and 60% of all carcinoma patients are already in deficient nutritional status at the time when diagnosis of the disease is established. The pathogenesis of this deficit is multifactorial. Increased caloric needs as caused by the malignoma as well as loss of adaptability of the tumor patient to reduced nutritional intake may be decisive factors. Effective parenteral nutrition is possible before, but only rarely during oncological therapy. Prospective studies have shown up to now only in tumor surgery but not in patients treated only with chemotherapy or with radiation therapy of malignoma that adjuvant parenteral nutrition may improve the results of treatment as determined by prolongation of life. The role of parenteral nutrition as an adjuvant therapeutic step in oncology has to be defined more clearly in the future, as is the case with most other adjuvant therapeutic measures.

[Life-threatening infections after splenectomy--the overwhelming post- splenectomy infection syndrome]

About 2.5% of the patients, on whom splenectomy is done, die later from fulminant bacterial infection. This particular late sequelae usually occurs within 5 years after surgery, however, - especially in adults, - it has been observed also decades after splenectomy. Pneumococci have been identified as infectious agents in about 70% of the cases concerned. This syndrome is caused by deficient clearance of bacteria, which is due to reduced phagocytosis, decreased IgM-production, disturbances of the complement system and lack of tuftsin. Prevention of this syndrome may be achieved by using surgical procedures saving part of the spleen, by appropriate use of antibiotics and by vaccination against pneumococci.

Vitamin A effects on hepatic Golgi apparatus architecture

Effects of dietary vitamin A deficiency and excess on Golgi apparatus architecture were determined for livers of male CDF rats. In deficient animals, Golgi apparatus stacks were reduced in diameter and characterized by small, often highly fenestrated, saccules. Total membrane surface occupied by Golgi apparatus membranes also was less. Golgi apparatus of livers of animals receiving vitamin A in excess were more variable ranging from nearly normal appearance to much larger than normal. Saccules were larger and lacked the numerous fenestrations shown by Gol;gi apparatus of vitamin A deficient animals. Numbers and appearance of secretory vesicles and total number of small vesicular profiles were unaffected by vitamin A status of the animal. Unusual cisternal configurations were encountered much more frequent at the mature face of Golgi apparatus of animals fed vitamin A excess than in animals receiving adequate vitamin A and were absent from Golgi apparatus of animals receiving no vitamin A. Except for slightly swollen mitochondria and a loss of the "zone of exclusion" surrounding the nucleus, both observed in vitamin A excess, the Golgi apparatus response was the only ultrastructural alteration in liver that responded consistently to changes in vitamin A status.

Psychophysical tuning functions for brief stimuli: preliminary report

Observations from clinical and research applications of brain stem evoked response audiometry and electrocochleography have suggested that tone bursts of only a few milliseconds' duration can elicit frequency specific responses. Because such brief stimuli are not perceived as being total, the extent to which the auditory system can "tune" to such stimuli was questioned. In order to investigate this question, psychophysical tuning functions were determined for brief tone bursts (i.e., 1. to 2 msec. duration). The results suggest that in working near normal thresholds (and therefore at relatively low sound pressure levels), brief tone bursts do yield rather frequency specific information. However, the range of sound pressure levels of the stimulus for which the tuning is resonably sharp is limited. the tuning functions show signs of deterioration, particularly in the "tip region," with only modest increases in the sound pressure level above threshold (i.e., typically with 20 dB.). Differences also may be seen between tuning functions for these very brief tone bursts, which in turn are characterized by a so-called click pitch, and those of stimuli long enough to have tonal pitch (i.e., 20 msec.). Finally, tuning functions also were examined for click stimulation, which also revealed some degree of tuning at relatively low levels of stimulation.

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis in a renal transplant recipient

Lymphomatoid granulomatosis is a multi-system disorder of high mortality and characterised by angiocentric and angiodestructive lymphoreticular proliferative and granulomatous change. A case is described of this disease occurring in a renal transplant patient. The patient underwent a rapid remission of the disease after a course of combined cytotoxic therapy and remains free of disease three years after treatment. This case is the second described renal transplant patient to develop the disease and the first to be successfully treated. It is likely that the disease originated as a consequence of immunosuppression similar to the development of lymphomas in allograft recipients.

[The mixing index in the argon breath holding test for the demonstration of pharmacologically induced airways reactions. A comparison with other methods (author's transl)]

In 42 patients with obstructive airways diseases the behavior of the mixing index (delta argon %/1 during phase III of the argon-volume diagram) was studied after beta2 stimulation or after provocation by acetylcholine. Changes in airways resistance resp. conductance (GAW), FEV1.0 and residual volume (RV) were also determined for comparison. In an inhomogeneous subgroup with obstructive airways disease of various aetiology the mixing index (MI) and FEV1.0 indicated changes in the airways system with about equal frequency. Distinct discrepancies between the two tests, observed in a few cases, suggest that the two methods register different pathophysiological reactions. These differences could be confirmed statistically in a more homogeneous subgroup with extrinsic bronchial asthma. A correlation could be established between MI and RV on the one hand and between FEV1.0 or GAW and RV on the other hand. The results indicate that the mixing index as a test of distribution of ventilation reflects mainly the reactions of the small airways. Its use offers the possibility of a more differentiated pharmacodynamic evaluation.

A data processing system for a group of three clinical chemistry laboratories. 1. Hardware and organisation

A real time data processing system for a group of three clinical chemistry laboratories (one base and two satellite) has been developed as a successor to one used previously. This paper describes both the inadequacies of the previous worksheet-based system and the advantages of the new system, including flexibility, fast response and comprehensiveness, incorporating urgent routine and long delay (that is, endocrine) requests, and the use of a parallel flow work scheme.

A data processing system for a group of three clinical chemistry laboratories. 2. File structure and operation

In the preceding article the hardware and organisation of a new data processing system were described. This paper deals with the file structure and operation, the use of management information, the economical use of disc-file space and hardware, and the transferability of the system.

Injuries in soccer

The injury profile of a professional soccer team from the 1976 to 1977 season is compiled in this report. Injuries are spread across all of the playing positions, with midfielders and forwards being most prone to injury. During the entire season of this report, 60 injuries were encountered, 35 during game situations and 25 in practice. The most common injuries noted were foot and ankle sprains, but muscle strains were also frequent. Most injuries were of a minor variety. Seventeen injuries resulted in missed games while 46 injuries resulted in no games being missed. Only one player had an injury which did not allow him to return to play during the season. Although little is written in the American literature concerning soccer injuries, it does appear that the injury potential is much less when compared with that of football. The rapid increase in interest in this sport will require physicians and trainers to become familiar with its specific needs in order to render adequate care and participate in injury prevention programs.

The determination of antithrombin III. Comparison of six methods. Effect of oral contraceptive therapy

At III levels measured with six methods in 36 people: 10 healthy controls, 10 women taking a progestagen Lynestrenol and 16 women taking a combined oestrogen-progestagen contraceptive pill. The reproducibility and the sensitivity of these methods as well as the correlation between methods were studied. The Hensen and Loeliger technique had a poor reproducibility and the results obtained with the Howie technique were not in good correlation with those obtained with other methods, especially in the group taking oral contraceptives. The two amidolytic methods using chromogenic substrates were found to be very accurate for antithrombin III activity determination. The rocket immunoelectrophoresis was more accurate and more practical than the radial immunodiffusion. With all methods--except the one of Howie--the 10 women taking progestagen Lynestrenol and the 16 taking combined oestrogen-progestagen had a low AT III and differed significantly from the 10 normals tested. No difference was observed between women taking progestagen only or an oestrogen-progestagen combination.

The activation of plasma factor XIII with the snake venom enzymes ancrod and batroxobin marajoensis

The snake venom enzymes Ancrod and Batroxobin marajoensis are able to activate human plasma factor XIII as shown by the formation of the gamma-dimers. The concentration of gamma-dimers increases with the concentration of the activating enzymes. Factor XIII activated by Ancrod or Batroxobin marajoensis is, however, unable to catalyse the incorporation of the amine dansyl-cadaverine into casein. The partially activated factor XIII is therefore not demonstrable by means of the artificial test system. This factor XIII loses little activity and remains activable by thrombin.

Interaction study between phenprocoumon and flurbiprofen

The effects of flurbiprofen on various coagulation and haemostasis parameters were studied in 19 patients adequately anticoagulated on a fixed dose of phenprocoumon. Laboratory controls were performed 5 times at weekly intervals. Flurbiprofen 50 mg 3-times daily was given for 2 weeks after an initial control period of 2 weeks. The last control followed 1 week after cessation of flurbiprofen. All changes observed during the administration of flurbiprofen were quantitatively moderate; some reached statistical significance. The prothrombin time (%) Factor II and Factor X values fell; Factor II values remained unchanged. Factor IX values fell only in the first week on flurbiprofen and reached control values thereafter. Phenprocoumon concentration remained constant throughout. There was no change in spontaneous platelet aggregation. Although there was a slight, statistically significant increase in the Ivy bleeding time, it remained within the normal range. These findings suggest that the interference of flurbiprofen with oral anticoagulation is minimal and probably of no clinical relevance.