[A new recipient cell line for transfection of biologically active oncogenes]

The properties of the new immortalized rat cell line (REF-1) were analyzed. These cells can be used as recipient ones in transfection assays. REF-1 cells never convert spontaneously to transformed phenotype during long-term passages in vitro unlike NIH3T3 cells. This peculiarity allowed to use REF-1 cells for identification of oncogenes, which induce slow-growing tumors. The following oncogenes were used in gene transfection experiments in order to test their effects: activated human EJ-ras; N-ras; v-myc; v-mos; activated tpr-met and c-hu-met. REF-1 cells, transfected with the members of ras family; v-mos and tpr-met were found to be transformed in vitro and induce tumors in nude mice, on the contrary of c-hu-met- and v-myc-transfected cells, which are non-tumorogenic. A number of clonal cell lines carrying different oncogenes were obtained. The detailed analyses of integration and expression of exogenous sequences of different oncogenes has been presented in 18 clonal cell lines.

Structure, tissue-specific expression, and transforming activity of the mouse met protooncogene

A 6.7-kilobase met complementary DNA (cDNA) was isolated from a pcD cDNA library prepared from C3H mouse fibroblast cell line polyadenylated RNA. Sequence analysis of 6.7-kilobase met cDNA insert revealed that it contained the entire open reading frame and shared an overall homology of 88.1% with the human met gene. Using the mouse met cDNA as probe, high levels of met expression were observed in the kidney, brain, lung, skin, and embryonic tissue as well as in several factor responsive mouse myeloid cell lines. Under SV40 promoter control, the mouse met protooncogene cDNA in the pCD vector was able to transform NIH 3T3 cells. These transformed cells possess multiple copies of mouse met cDNA and exhibit properties of malignant cells, including growth in soft agar and induction of tumors in nude mice. Tumor explant cell lines analyzed by Western blot also reveal the presence of high levels of Mr 170,000 and 140,000 met protein product(s).

[Studies on oncogene and its products of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

Oncogene of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by means of external origin DNA transfection experiment and its gene products by immunohistochemical method have been studied. These DNAs were isolated from human primary poorly differentiated NPC tissues and were transfected into NIH/3T3 mouse fibroblasts to induce the foci of the morphologically transformed cells in the culture, while DNAs of normal placenta tissues failed to do so. The DNAs were extracted from the primary and secondary transformed cells to analyse human sequence with human Alu sequence probe. The human sequence has been detected in the DNAs of the primary and secondary transformed foci cells, while none of the human sequence was detected in the DNAs of the control. The results indicated that human transforming sequences had been integrated into transformed cells. The malignant properties of the transformed foci cells were evidenced by tumorigenic experiment of nude mice. The transformed foci cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the nude mice and induced fibrosarcoma in vivo. The tumorigenic rate was 87.5%. It was further demonstrated that DNAs from human NPC possessed carcinogenicity and induced malignant transformation. The primary result revealed that the transforming gene of NPC may be homologue to Ha-ras oncogene. The expression of Ha-ras gene products-p21 has been studied in human NPC tissues. The primary results showed a positive expression of p21 in human NPC tissues by immunohistochemical method. The positive rate was 90.4%.

Restriction enzyme mapping of ribosomal DNA can distinguish between fasciolid (liver fluke) species

Recognition sites for nine different restriction endonucleases were mapped on rDNA genes of fasciolid species. Southern blots of digested DNA from individual worms were probed sequentially with three different probes derived from rDNA of Schistosoma mansoni and known to span between them the entire rDNA repeat unit in that species. Eighteen recognition sites were mapped for Fasciola hepatica, and seventeen for Fasciola gigantica and Fascioloides magna. Each fasciolid species had no more than two unique recognition sites, the remainder being common to one or both of the other two species. No intraspecific variation in restriction sites was noted in F. hepatica (individuals from 11 samples studied; hosts were sheep, cattle and laboratory animals; geographical origins. Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, U.K., Hungary and Spain), or in F. gigantica (two samples; Indonesia and Malaysia). Only one sample of F. magna was available. One specimen of Fasciola sp. from Japan (specific identity regarded in the literature as uncertain) yielded a restriction map identical to that of F. gigantica. Almost all recognition sites occurred in or near the putative rRNA coding regions. The non-transcribed spacer region had few or no cut sites despite the fact that this region is up to about one half of the entire repeat unit in length. Length heterogeneity was noted in the non-transcribed spacer, even within individual worms.

Studies on cardiovascular fluke (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) infections in sea turtles from the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia

Twenty-seven sea turtles (23 Chelonia mydas and four Eretmochelys imbricata) from northeast Queensland were found to be infected with cardiovascular flukes and/or their eggs. Five had originated from turtle farms in the Torres Strait, five from an oceanarium on Magnetic Island (146 degrees 56'E, 19 degrees S) and the remainder from coral reefs in the Torres Strait or near Townsville. The incidence of flukes and/or eggs in the groups was 4.8 per cent (5 of 104), 33.3 per cent (5 of 15) and 72.2 per cent (17 of 22), respectively. Affected animals ranged in size from 18 to 108 cm (curved carapace length) and weighed between 0.5 and 77 kg. The average number of flukes per host was 47. Flukes were recovered from the three chambers of the heart and major vessels (right aortic arch and brachiocephalic artery), where they were attached to the walls or free in the lumen. They were subsequently identified as Haplotrema spp. and/or Learedius spp. In 59.2 per cent (16 of 27) of turtles, flukes were not found, although their eggs were detected microscopically. Gross pathological changes associated with the presence of flukes included thickening and hardening of arterial walls (four turtles), thrombus formation (three), chronic pneumonia (two) and an excess of pericardial or peritoneal fluid (four). Microscopically, the essential changes was that of chronic inflammation, as evidenced by the proliferation of epithelial cells, reticulo-endothelial cells and fibroblasts in areas accessible to flukes and/or eggs. Multiple diffuse egg granulomas were a prominent feature of most organs, the spleen and lungs being predilection sites. Proliferative changes had occurred in the endocardium and in the endothelium of vessels supplying the spleen, stomach, intestine and pancreas (18 turtles). The walls of major arteries, lungs, liver, brain, crop and stomach were also acutely inflamed (eight turtles). Haemorrhage was recorded in the lungs and/or brain of eight turtles with heavy fluke infestations. Other vascular changes, viz. congestion, oedema and hypertrophy of arterial/arteriolar walls, resulted from the inhibition of blood flow by parasitic emboli.

The nubbin sign on computed tomography and sonography

The loss of parenchyma in the lower pole of a kidney with a duplicated collecting system may mimic a mass on urography ("the nubbin sign"). Computed tomographic findings of this entity are diagnostic. The diagnosis may be difficult to make using sonography alone.

Correlation between H-ras p21TLeu61 protein content and tumorigenicity of NIH3T3 cells

We have prepared a number of NIH3T3 clonal cell lines that contain an H-ras transforming gene with an A----T transversion at the 61st codon. The clonal lines contain 1 to 3 cell equivalents of the transforming oncogene and some lines look more morphologically transformed than others. Using Y13-238, a rat monoclonal antibody that recognizes H-ras p21 but not Ki- or N-ras in rodent cells, we found that the degree of morphological change is correlated with the relative amount of transforming protein in the selected clonal lines. Nude mice were injected with cells from lines containing different amounts of the transforming protein, ranging from approximately 1 to 10 times the level of normal H-ras protein present in NIH3T3 cells. Tumors arose in all mice that received cells containing the transforming protein. Their time of appearance (tumor latency) was correlated with the number of cells injected and the amount of transforming protein present in each clonal line; however, the subsequent rate of growth and ultimate size of the tumors were similar. Thus, it appears that the transforming protein has a significant effect on some early step in tumor development. Our results also show that relatively low amounts of transforming ras protein are sufficient to cause tumorigenicity in NIH3T3 cells and that higher amounts of the transforming protein cause proportionately faster responses.

Timoniella absita n.sp. (Digenea: Cryptogonimidae) from the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider) from Australia

Timoniella absita n.sp. is described from the intestine of the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider) from the Northern Territory of Australia. Timoniella absita is closest to Timoniella unami and Timoniella loossi, but can be distinguished from them by the number of oral spines and the posterior extent and arrangement of vitelline follicles, and possibly by the ratio of oral sucker width to pharynx width and the form of the seminal receptacle. The new species is the first representative of Timoniella to be described from the Indo-Malaysian – Australian region.

Effects of subchronic inhalation of D-D (1,3-dichloropropene/1,2-dichloropropane) on reproduction in male and female rats

The effects of inhaled D-D (1,3-dichloropropene/1,2-dichloropropane) on reproduction were studied in rats of both sexes. The rats inhaled nominal concentrations of 0, 10, 30, or 90 ppm (v/v) D-D for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 10 weeks. Treated males of proven fertility were paired with untreated virgin females at intervals during and after exposure. Treated females were paired with untreated males immediately after the 10-week exposure period. Various aspects of reproductive performance and general toxicity were assessed. Exposure to D-D produced no adverse effects on the libido, fertility, or morphology of the reproductive tracts of rats of either sex; no treatment-related dominant lethal effect was observed in male rats. Slight reductions in body weight gains and slight increases in liver and kidney weights were observed in 90 ppm rats of both sexes.

Causal role for an activated N-ras oncogene in the induction of tumorigenicity acquired by a human cell line

ras oncogenes have been found in approximately 15% of the human tumors analyzed. However, a causal role for these genes in the tumorigenesis of human cells has yet to be shown. Tumorigenic late-passage PA-1 human teratocarcinoma cells (E-PA-1) contain an activated N-ras gene. In this report evidence is presented that nontumorigenic early passage revertant PA-1 cells (E-PA-1) contain only the germ-line protooncogene. Introduction by gene transfer of the activated L-PA-1 oncogene induces E-PA-1 cells to form tumors, suggesting that the activated N-ras oncogene has a causal role in the tumorigenesis of these cells.

Identification of human immunodeficiency virus sequences by using in vitro enzymatic amplification and oligomer cleavage detection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has been associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and related disorders. Assays to detect antibodies to HIV proteins have been developed and used to screen sera for the identification of individuals who have been exposed to the virus. Although these serological tests have significant sensitivity and specificity for detecting exposure to the virus, they do not provide direct identification of HIV. We report here the application of recently developed nucleic acid amplification and oligonucleotide-based detection procedures for the identification of HIV sequences in established infected cell lines and in cells cultured from infected individuals.

Habitual daily energy expenditure and activity levels of lean and adult-onset and child-onset obese women

The energy expenditure (EE) of eight lean, eight adult-onset obese (AOO), and eight child-onset obese (COO) women was determined over three 24-h periods by the factorial method, modified by subject-keypunched and mechanically recorded activity diaries. Mean daily EE was significantly higher in the pooled obese women (2472 +/- 488 kcal) than in lean women (1979 +/- 302 kcal) due to higher energy costs of sedentary and light activity in the obese. EE during moderate-to-strenuous activity was similar between groups because lean women performed these activities more vigorously. AOO and COO differed significantly in neither mean EE nor habitual activity. Fat-free mass (FFM) was a better predictor than body weight of both mean daily EE and the energy cost of activity. These data indicate that EE is positively related to obesity. Obese women tend to limit possible EE by reducing the vigorousness of weight-supported activity.

Human recipient cell for oncogene transfection studies

We used human oncogene DNA to transform the nontumorigenic, revertant, human osteosarcoma cell line HOS TE-85 clone 5 (ATCC CRL 1543) to tumorigenicity in athymic nude mice with latency periods as short as 3 weeks. These cells were also transformed by genetic markers in genomic DNA samples. Because of their low rate of spontaneous tumor formation and the simplicity of culturing them, HOS cells provide a human cell alternative to NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts for oncogene transfection studies.

A Revision of the Subfamily Octangiinae (Platyhelminthes, Digenea, Microscaphidiidae) Parasitic in Marine Turtles (Reptilia, Chelonia)

The subfamily Octangiinae Looss, 1902 is considered to contain two genera. Two species are recognised in Octangium Looss, 1902. These are O. sagitta (Looss, 1899) Looss, 1902 (hosts Chelonia mydas (L.); Eretmochelys imbricata (L.): synonyms Octangium hasta Looss, 1902; ?O. takanoi Kobayashi, 1921) and O. hyphalum, sp. nov. (host Chelonia mydas: synonym O. takanoi Kobayashi sensu Mehrotra 1973 and Tandon and Gupta 1981). The genus Neoctangium Ruiz, 1943 contains only N. travassosi Ruiz, 1943 (hosts Chelonia mydas; Eretmochelys imbricata: synonym ?Neoctangium trinidadi Gupta, 1962). Octangium microrchis Chattopadhyaya, 1972 (host E. imbricata) and O. elongatum Chattopadhyaya, 1972 (host C. mydas) are regarded as species inquirendae.

Effects of BMY 14802, a potential antipsychotic drug, on rat brain dopaminergic function

The potential neuroleptic alpha-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(5-fluoro-2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazine-butanol HCl (BMY 14802-1) was tested for its effects on mesotelencephalic dopamine (DA) neurons in albino rats. BMY 14802-1 increased DA turnover in DA terminal regions, increased nigral DA neuronal impulse flow and blocked the behavioral stimulation and inhibition of DA neuronal impulse flow caused by DA agonists. BMY 14802-1 also increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity in vivo but did not directly affect tyrosine hydroxylase activity in vitro. In contrast to these findings, BMY 14802-1 did not cause catalepsy at any dose and reversed catalepsy produced by haloperidol. BMY 14802-1 did not block DA autoreceptors on either DA neuron soma/dendrites or on striatal nerve terminals, as assessed by inhibition of DA neuronal impulse flow by microiontophoresed DA and by inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase activity by apomorphine, respectively. BMY 14802-1 had very low affinity for striatal D-2 receptors (IC50 greater than 10(-5) M) as determined by displacement of [3H]spiperone binding in vitro. Finally, BMY 14802-1 increased impulse flow of nigral DA neurons after pretreatment with haloperidol but had no effect on impulse flow when microiontophoresed directly onto DA neurons. It is concluded that BMY 14802-1 blocked DA-mediated effects in the mesostriatal and mesocortical/limbic systems through a non-DA receptor mechanism. BMY 14802-1 has potential as a neuroleptic with little indication of extrapyramidal motor effects.

Temperature-sensitive splicing defect of ts110 Moloney murine sarcoma virus is virus encoded

ts110 Moloney murine sarcoma virus (Mo-MuSV)-nonproductively infected cells (6m2) have a transformed phenotype at 28 to 33 degrees C and a normal phenotype at 39 degrees C. At temperatures permissive for transformation, 6m2 cells contain P58gag produced from the 4.0-kilobase (kb) viral RNA genome and P85gag-mos translated from a 3.5-kb spliced mRNA. At 39 degrees C, only the 4.0-kb RNA and its product P58gag are detected. Two temperature-sensitive defects have been observed in ts110-infected 6m2 cells: (i) the splicing of the 4.0-kb RNA to the 3.5-kb RNA; and (ii) the thermolability of P85gag-mos and its kinase activity relative to the wild-type revertant protein, termed P100gag-mos (R.B. Arlinghaus, J. Gen. Virol. 66:1845-1853, 1985). In the present study, we examined the mos gene products of two cell lines (204-2F6 and 204-2F8) obtained by infection of normal rat kidney cells with ts110 Mo-MuSV as a simian sarcoma-associated virus pseudotype to see whether the temperature-sensitive splicing defect could be transferred by viral infection. Southern blot analysis of these two cell lines showed that viral DNAs containing restriction fragments from cellular DNA are different from those in 6m2 cells, indicating that 204-2F6 and 204-2F8 cells have different ts110 provirus integration sites from those of 6m2 cells. Northern blots, S1 mapping analyses, and immunoprecipitation experiments showed unequivocally that the splicing defect of ts110 Mo-MuSV is virus encoded and is independent of host cell factors.

A Revision of the Subfamily Microscaphidiinae (Platyhelminthes, Digenea, Microscaphidiidae) Parasitic in Marine Turtles (Reptilia, Chelonia)

A revision of the subfamily Microscaphidiinae Looss, 1900 is presented and characters of taxonomic significance discussed. The genus Microscaphidium Looss, 1900, contains M. reticulare (van Beneden, 1859) Looss, 1901 (synonyms M. japonicum Oguro, 1941; M. caballeroi Groschaft, 1977); M. aberrans Looss, 1902 (synonym M. reticulare in part); and M, warui, sp. nov. Confusion in the literature over the identities of M. reticulare and M. aberrans is discussed. A neotype is selected for the former species and a lectotype for the latter. Polyangium linguatula (Looss, 1899) Looss, 1902 (synonyms P. miyajimai Kobayashi, 1921; P. colymbi Poche, 1925; P. longiseminale Chattopadhyaya, 1972) is the sole species in Polyangium Looss, 1902. The genus Angiodictyum Looss, 1902 contains A. parallelum (Looss, 1901) Looss, 1902; A. posterovitellatum Chattopadhyaya, 1972; A. longum, sp, nov.; A. glossoides, sp. nov. Polygorgyra, gen. nov., is proposed for P. cholados, sp. nov. Microscaphidium chelonei Chattopadhyaya, 1972 nec Mehrotra, 1973 and Angiodictyum anteroporum Chattopadhyaya, 1972 are regarded as species inquirendae. Microscaphidium chelonei Mehrotra, 1973 nec Chattopadhyaya, 1972 is a nomen nudum. The following species are recorded for the first time from the green turtle, Chelonia mydas (L.) in Australian waters: Microscaphidium reticulare; M. aberrans; M. warui; Angiodictyum posterovitellatum; A. longum; Polygorgyra cholados.

Evidence for an increased risk for hypertension with centrally located body fat and the effect of race and sex on this risk

Data from the First Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (HANES), 1971-1974, were used to examine the relationship between blood pressure and the distribution of subcutaneous body fat in 5506 survey participants, ages 30-59. Triceps and subscapular skinfolds were used as approximations of peripheral and centrally located body fat. The effects of race, sex and age on the obesity-blood pressure relationship were analyzed. Subscapular skinfold was the better predictor of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in each race-sex group, sharing all of the association of triceps with blood pressure and having significant predictive power unshared by triceps. The slopes of regression of subscapular skinfolds with systolic blood pressure for each race-sex group were not significantly different. A 1 mm increase in skinfold thickness increased the predicted mean systolic blood pressure by 0.63 +/- 0.03 mmHg (F = 519). Mean diastolic blood pressure rose 0.43 +/- 0.02 mmHg per unit increase of skinfold in whites (F = 549), and 0.14 +/- 0.04 mmHg less in blacks (F = 13), indicating a significant racial difference. Age and subscapular skinfold contributed independently to the variability in blood pressure in each race-sex group. These results demonstrate that the blood pressure of middle-aged Americans is more directly associated with centrally deposited body fat. This finding is true across race and sex groups, and is independent of age.

Paramphistomes (Digenea; Paramphistomidae) Parasitic in Marine Turtles (Reptilia: Chelonia)

Schizamphistomum scleroporum (Creplin, 1844) Groschaft, Otero & Tenora, 1977 nec Looss, 1912, and S. erratum, sp. nov. [=S. scleroporum sensu Looss, 1912 (nec Creplin, 1844)], are described from the green turtle, Chelonia mydas (L.), from Australia. One specimen of the former species was also recovered from an Australian specimen of the hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata (L.). Paramphistomum papillostomum MacCallum, 1916 and Schizamphistomoides chelonei Gupta, 1961, are regarded as synonyms of Schizamphistomum scleroporum (Creplin). S. taiwanense Fischthal & Kunz, 1975 is regarded as a species inquirenda. The remaining species known from sea turtles, Schizamphistomoides spinulosum (Looss, 1901) Stunkard, 1925, is redescribed, mostly from original material collected by Looss. This species has not yet been found in the Australian region. The relationships between Schizamphistomum scleroporum, S. erratum and Schizamphntomoides spinulosum are discussed.

Repression-sensitization and flood hazard appraisal in Carman, Manitoba

Floods causing extensive property damage and personal hardship have occurred in Carman, Manitoba, a Canadian settlement of about 2400 located on the Boyne River, 50 miles southwest of Winnipeg, in 1970, 1974, and 1979. 116 floodplain residents were interviewed concerning their perceptions of, feelings about, and responses to the possibility of future flooding as well as completing the Revised Repression-Sensitization Scale. Repressers evidenced a higher incidence of measures taken to mitigate against the effects of future floods. Verbalized negative emotions in response to flood hazard occurred less frequently in extreme repressers and sensitizers than in respondents classified as neutral.

Some Digeneans (Platyhelminthes) Parasitic in the Loggerhead Turtle, Caretta Caretta (L). In Australia

Digeneans parasitic in the loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta (L.) are reported for the first time from Australian waters. Six species, one of them new, are described or redescribed, figured, and their taxonomy discussed. They are: Plesiochorus cymbiformis (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss, 1901 (fam. Gorgoderidae) from the urinary bladder and cloaca; Pachypsolus irroratus (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss, 1902 (synonyms P. lunatus Looss, 1901; P. ovalis Linton, 1910; P. tertius Pratt, 1914; P. brachus Barker, 1922; P. puertoricensis Fischthal & Acholonu, 1976) (fam. Pachypsolidae) from the intestine; Enodiotrema carettae, sp. nov. (fam. Plagiorchiidae) from the liver; Orchidasma amphiorchis (Braun, 1899) Looss, 1900 (synonyms 0. indica Simha, Rao & Chattopadhyaya, 1971; 0, vitelloconfluens Rao, 1973) (farn. Telorchiidae) from the intestine; Cymatocarpus solearis (Braun, 1899) Braun, 1901 (synonym C. undulatus (Looss, 1899) Looss, 1902) (fam. Brachycoeliidae) from the intestine; Rhytidodes gelatinosus (Rudolphi, 1819) Looss, 1901 (synonyms R. secundus Pratt, 1914; R. indicus Simha & Chattopadhyaya, 1969) (fam. Rhytidodidae) from the intestine.

A test of interlingual interaction in comprehension by bilinguals

This study tested bilingual subjects' interaction of knowledge of both languages in comprehension. Spanish-English bilinguals and English monolinguals heard 36 sentences, all spoken in English. Twelve were normal English sentences, 12 contained Spanish word order, and 12 contained word-for-word translations of Spanish idioms. The dependent measures was performance on a phoneme-monitoring task; subjects pressed a button when they heard a particular phoneme within each sentence. Immediately following each sentence, subjects wrote down as much of that sentence as they could recall. Results showed that bilingual subjects pressed the button equally quickly for all sentences, but monolinguals were faster for control sentences than for idiom-translations, which was interpreted to mean that a knowledge of Spanish helped the bilinguals in processing the test items semantically.

Indosolenorchis hirudinaceus Crusz, 1951 (Platyhelminthes; Digenea) from the Dugong, Dugong dugon (Müller) (Mammalia; Sirenia)

Indosolenorchis hirudinaceus Crusz, 1951 from the caecum and large intestine of the dugong (Dugong dugon Müller) is redescribed from specimens from the Red Sea, East Africa, Sri Lanka, Japan, Indonesia and Australasia. Specimens described by Dollfus (1950) as Zygocotyle species are referred to Indosolenorchis hirudinaceus. There is some doubt concerning the identity of the genus Solenorchis as described by Hilmy (1949), but for the time being, it seems best to retain Solenorchis and Indosolenorchis as separate genera.

Macropotrema, pertinax gen. et sp. nov. (Digenea: Paramphistomidae) from a wallaby, Macropus agilis, in northern Australia, and associated pathology

Macropotrema pertinax gen. et sp. nov. (Digenea: Paramphistomidae) is described from the caecum of the macropodid marsupial Macropus agilis (Gould, 1842) from northern Australia. The new genus is characterised as follows: ventro-terminal acetabulum bearing many papillae; oral sucker with constriction and paired diverticula; oesophagus with muscular bulb; cirrus sac and genital sucker absent; testes symmetrical, unlobed, preovarian; Laurer's canal opening anterior to excretory pore. The genus is placed in the subfamily Pseudodiscinae Näsmark, 1937. At the point where the worm attaches to the caecal wall of the host, the entire mucosa is destroyed and there is an inflammatory cell infiltration in the intact mucosa surrounding the attachment site.

A new family of Monostome flukes (Platyhelminths, Digenea) from the dugong, Dugong dugon (Müller)

The family Labicolidae is erected to contain a new species of Monostome fluke occurring in abcesses in the upper lip of the dugong from northern Australia. Labicola elongata is described as a new species and figured.

Analysis for salicylic acid in serum by high-performance liquid chromatography

We report a specific and sensitive quantitative assay for salicylate in serum or plasma. As little as 3 microliter of sample can be analyzed by an external standard procedure and larger volumes by diluting with the internal standard (o-methoxybenzoic acid). No extraction or derivatization is necessary and salicylic acid and the internal standard elute in 6 and 3.75 min, respectively. Peak-height ratios are linearly related to concentrations between 10 and 500 mg/liter. By comparison with an existing fluorometric method, our procedure is faster, more specific, and more sensitive.

Analysis for salicylic acid in serum by high-performance liquid chromatography

We report a specific and sensitive quantitative assay for salicylate in serum or plasma. As little as 3 microliter of sample can be analyzed by an external standard procedure and larger volumes by diluting with the internal standard (o-methoxybenzoic acid). No extraction or derivatization is necessary and salicylic acid and the internal standard elute in 6 and 3.75 min, respectively. Peak-height ratios are linearly related to concentrations between 10 and 500 mg/liter. By comparison with an existing fluorometric method, our procedure is faster, more specific, and more sensitive.

Polyonchobothrium scleropagis n. sp. (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea) from the Australian osteoglossid fish Scleropages leichardti Günther

Polyonchobothrium scleropagis (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea) is described as a new species from the Australian osteoglossid fish Sclerophages leichardti Günther.

A key to cercariae of British strigeoids (Digenea) for which the life-cycles are known, and notes on the characters used

From original observations and from data in the literature, a key to cercariae of British strigeoids for which life-cycles are known has been compiled. The value of various characters of systematic importance is discussed.

Dichlorvos -- a 2-year inhalation carcinogenesis study in rats

To determine the effects of dichlorvos vapour on the tumour incidence in rats, 5 week old Carworth Farm E strain rats weighing between 94 and 150 g were exposed to 0, 0.05, 0.5 and 5.0 mg/m3 in a 2-year inhalation study. The growth rate of all treated rats was depressed, particularly in the males. There was increased survival of the rats exposed to 5 mg/m3. There were no consistent differences in food intakes, organ weights, haematological or blood chemistry estimations, except in cholinesterase activites, amongst the various groups of rats. No compound-related differences were seen in acetylcholine and choline estimations carried out on a small number of female rats' brain tissues after two years' exposure. There were no gross or microscopical compound-related changes in the rats' tissues. Ultrastructural examination of the respiratory tissues of the rats from the control and 5 mg/m3 group showed no changes attributable to dichlorvos. The results of a relative risk analysis of the tumour data showed that no dose-related increase in tumour risk was established for rats of either sex. These data confirm the results of earlier st.udies supporting the safety of insecticidal uses of dichlorvos.

Observations on the life-cycle of the strigeoid trematode, Apatemon (Apatemon) gracilis (Rudolphi, 1819) Szidat, 1928

The life-cycle of Apatemon (A.) gracilis was completed in the laboratory. The snail host is Lymnaea peregra (Muller). The cercaria is redescribed from a wide range of material. Metacercariae were found in naturally infected rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri Richardson), three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.) and stone loach (Nemacheilus barbatulus (L.)) from Scotland and in three-spined sticklebacks from Iceland. In trout, most metacercariae were found in the pericardial cavity, in sticklebacks, the eye, and in loach, the body cavity. In infection experiments, cercariae from naturally infected Scottish snails developed in three-spined sticklebacks, rainbow trout and brown trout (Salmo trutta L.). Under experimental conditions cercariae did not penetrate stone loach, although this species is naturally infected with A. gracilis. The phenomenon of fish host specificity is briefly discussed. Development of the metacercaria is described. Excystation of metacercarial cysts with pepsin and trypsin solutions is unlike that reported for any other digenean; the contents of the cyst appear to be under pressure. In pepsin, layers of the cyst wall peel back from one end. When transferred to trypsin, one pole of the cyst ruptures and the worm is forcibly expelled.