Hyperadrenocorticism in association with an adrenocortical adenoma in a pet ferret

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Nasal amyloidosis in two Quarter Horses

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Amprolium and furazolidone as preventive treatment for intestinal coccidiosis of piglets

Two coccidiostats, amprolium and furazolidone, were used as preventive treatments for intestinal coccidiosis in three-day-old piglets experimentally infected with 50,000 sporulated oocysts of Isospora suis.All infected piglets, treated or not, displayed clinical signs compatible with coccidiosis. Diarrhea and anorexia appeared around five days postinoculation in the non-treated and in the amprolium-treated groups; these signs were delayed to days 7 and 8 postinoculation in the furazolidone-treated group. The treatments did not prevent growth retardation. Amprolium seemed to reduce oocyst shedding whereas furazolidone had no effect. Villous atrophy was present in all infected piglets.

Porcine neonatal coccidiosis: evaluation of monensin as preventive therapy

In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of monensin as a preventive therapy for porcine neonatal coccidiosis. Fifteen three-day-old piglets were given 50,000 sporulated oocysts of Isospora suis and eight of them received 15 mg/kg of monensin orally every other day. Seven piglets served as normal controls. Fecal samples were collected and checked for oocyst shedding. At 18 days of age, piglets were euthanized and necropsied.The onset of clinical signs was delayed in the treated group, but all inoculated piglets displayed anorexia, soft stool, or diarrheic feces. Treated piglets shed large numbers of oocysts in their feces (up to 201,200 oocysts per gram of feces). All infected piglets had lesions of villous atrophy in the jejunum and most of them were in the late atrophic or villous regrowth stages.The results of this study suggest that monensin does not prevent clinical signs, oocyst shedding, and intestinal lesions caused by I. suis in neonatal piglets.

The progesterone antagonist RU 486. A potential new contraceptive agent

Since progesterone supports endometrial nidation of the fertilized ovum, a progesterone antagonist would theoretically block this process and thus have contraceptive potential. We have explored the ability of RU 486, a newly developed competitive progesterone antagonist, to function as a contraceptive agent. A single oral dose of 10 mg per kilogram of body weight given in the midluteal phase consistently induced menses within 72 hours in women with normal cycles and no risk of pregnancy. Bleeding was not prevented by administration of human chorionic gonadotropin in the midluteal phase. This suggested that giving a single dose of RU 486 late in the menstrual cycle might be an effective contraceptive strategy. This concept was tested in monkeys. When given to rhesus females on day 25 of the cycle, a single intramuscular dose of RU 486 (5 mg per kilogram) prevented pregnancy. The vehicle-treated control animals had a 28 percent pregnancy rate (P less than 0.05 by chi-square analysis). No side effects were noted in women or monkeys. These data suggest that a progesterone antagonist such as RU 486 has the potential to be an effective, safe, and convenient contraceptive agent. Further work will be necessary to assess the safety of long-term monthly administration and to define the optimal dose and time of administration in women.

Proliferative glomerulonephritis leading to nephrotic syndrome in a cow

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Fine needle aspiration biopsy of malignant tumors in dogs and cats: a report of 102 cases

Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a fast and inexpensive technique well tolerated by animals. Its efficacy for the diagnosis of malignancy and determination of cellular origin was investigated for 97 malignant tumors and five benign lesions in 83 dogs and 19 cats. Histological examination of the lesions was performed in each case. Malignancy was detected by cytology in 69% of the malignant tumors. The cellular origin of the lesion was determined in 74% of the cases. Confirmation of malignancy and determination of cellular origin permitted an early diagnosis and prognosis. Since fine needle aspiration biopsy and cytology cannot definitely rule out malignancy, a surgical biopsy and histopathology should be done when malignancy is suspected clinically and not confirmed cytologically. Specimens of good quality, adequate collaboration between the cytologist and clinicians, and sufficient knowledge of pathology and cytology are basic requirements for obtaining good results with fine needle aspiration biopsy and cytology.

[Spontaneous rupture of intracranial dermoid cyst. Clinical and radiological study]

A 22 year old woman had a seizure, and the skull X-ray showed an intracranial arched calcification. CT scan permitted diagnosis of dermoid cyst. Rupture of the cyst was testified by low density areas disseminated on the cortical surface and intra-ventricular fat level. Surgical removal confirmed dermoid cyst with rupture and fat fluid inside. Authors underline infrequency of such intra-ventricular fat level. CT scan, with low density of lipidic origin promote considerably such diagnosis both of the real nature of the cyst and of its rupture.

[Di George's syndrome complicated by graft versus host reaction]

On the occasion of a case of Di George syndrome, complicated by a post-transfusion lethal graft versus host reaction, the authors review its main clinical and biologic criteria. This case also shows that immune deficiencies should be diagnosed early in order to adopt preventive measures before transferring the patient in a specialized unit, where immunorestitution will be discussed.

Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder in a Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas)

A transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder was found in a beluga whale stranded in the St. Lawrence middle estuary. Various organs of this animal were submitted to high resolution gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry analysis. High frequency of urinary bladder cancer in the human population of the same area and the presence of carcinogenic compounds in the marine environment of this animal are discussed.Concurrent isolation of Edwardsiella tarda from various organs of this whale is also reported.

Fluid therapy trials in neonatal piglets infected with transmissible gastroenteritis virus

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral fluid therapy alone or combined with parenteral administration of a 5% dextrose solution to attenuate the clinical signs and the pathophysiological consequences of transmissible gastroenteritis in neonatal piglets. Eighteen two day old conventional piglets were infected with transmissible gastroenteritis virus while six others were used as controls (Group 1). At the onset of diarrhea, infected piglets were divided into three groups of six (Groups 2, 3 and 4). Piglets in group 2 were not treated and were fed a milk replacer ad libitum. Piglets in group 3 were removed from the milk replacer and placed on an oral glucose-glycine-electrolyte solution ad libitum. Those in group 4 were placed on oral fluid therapy and received a 5% dextrose solution intraperitoneally at the rate of 25 mL/kg of body weight once a day. Blood samples were collected in heparin within minutes after the infected piglets became comatose and from the controls at four or five days of age. The following variables were measured: packed red cell volume, blood pH, total plasma protein and bicarbonate, blood urea nitrogen, and plasma glucose, creatinine, chloride, inorganic phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Vomiting and diarrhea appeared 12 to 24 hours postinoculation in the infected piglets. There was a sudden and rapid progression into a comatose and moribund state one or two days later whether the infected piglets were treated or not.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Torsion of abdominal organs in sows: a report of 36 cases

Necropsy records of 36 sows with torsion of abdominal organs involving individually the stomach, the spleen, a liver lobe or the intestine were reviewed for the years 1970 to 1983, and the age, the clinical signs and the gross lesions were recorded. These acute abdominal accidents were characterized clinically by sudden death. Dry sows from large breeding units were affected. Twenty-six cases were diagnosed between January 1981 and December 1983 while only ten cases had been seen between 1970 and 1980. Gastric torsion was the most common condition (40% of the cases) and the other three conditions were equally represented (20% each). Management practises that could be responsible for the apparent increase in occurrence of this problem are discussed.

Erythrocytic pyruvate kinase deficiency and hemolytic anemia inherited as a dominant trait

A nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia, associated with a pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency apparently inherited as a dominant trait has been identified in a family. In the affected members, the residual PK activities were 20% that of normal controls, an unusually low level for heterozygous subjects. The anemia was mild except in the proband, a 2-year-old boy who suffered from a severe anemia. The PKs of the proband and of his both parents have been characterized as kinetically and electrophoretically normal enzymes. Immunoprecipitation tests indicated a large amount of L-type inactive protein in the proband and his father. Moreover, an M2 type PK was present in the father's hemolysate, suggesting the existence of a compensatory process that derepressed the corresponding structural gene. We suggest that the presence of one or more mutated subunits in the tetrameric forms of L-type PK leads to the inactivation of these tetramers. This hypothesis accounts for the low residual activity in affected heterozygous members of this family. The severity of the hematological symptoms in the proband, in comparison with the mild hemolysis observed in the other heterozygous members of the family points to the existence of a large spectrum of pathologic expression for an identical PK defect present in a family.

Papovavirus induced feather abnormalities and skin lesions in the budgerigar: clinical and pathological findings

Feather abnormalities and skin lesions caused by a papovavirus infection in budgerigars are described. Diseased one to 15 day old birds displayed a lack of nestling down feathers and filoplumes on the head and neck. Survivors older than 15 days exhibited retarded growth and temporary absence of feathers variable from bird to bird. Several birds between 15 and 25 days of age had flight feathers with total absence or marked sparseness of the vanes. After 25 days, feathers began to grow, although the tail and/or some flight feathers of some of the birds remained underdeveloped or absent for several weeks. Several of these affected birds were unable to fly and are called "runners"Microscopic lesions in the feather follicles of the affected birds less than 15 days of age, were characterized by focal, multifocal or diffuse ballooning degeneration in the lateral and axial plate cells of the barb ridges with the presence of large basophilic or amphophilic intranuclear inclusions in the same cells. Focal areas of ballooning degeneration with intranuclear inclusions were also found in the epidermis. Clinical observations made on these birds are compared with those reported in the literature for French molt.

Hypoglycemia: a factor associated with low survival rate of neonatal piglets infected with transmissible gastroenteritis virus

The main purpose of this work was to study changes in the balance of fluids, electrolytes and blood metabolites in neonatal piglets with severe transmissible gastroenteritis. Six two day old conventional piglets were infected with transmissible gastroenteritis virus while six others were used as normal controls. Blood samples were collected in heparin when the infected piglets were moribund. The following variables were measured: packed red cell volume, total plasma protein and bicarbonate, blood pH, blood urea nitrogen and plasma glucose, creatinine, chloride, inorganic phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Vomiting and diarrhea appeared 12 to 24 hours postinoculation in the infected piglets and they were moribund one or two days later. Before becoming moribund, most of the piglets fell rapidly into a lethargic and comatose state. The most evident changes in their blood variables were an increase in packed cell volume, total protein, blood urea nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium levels and a decrease in pH and bicarbonate concentration as well as a severe hypoglycemia. The results suggest that severe hypoglycemia coupled with metabolic acidosis and dehydration might be an important factor contributing to the high mortality rates caused by transmissible gastroenteritis in neonatal piglets. The hypoglycemia results from a combination of the inadequate glucose metabolism inherent to neonatal piglets and the acute maldigestion and malabsorption resulting from the diffuse and severe villous atrophy induced by the virus.

Arterial injuries

The authors review arterial injuries in 68 patients treated at Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital in Montreal between 1975 and 1982. Penetrating trauma caused 54.4% of these injuries, which consisted of either laceration or intimal tear with thrombosis. Arterial injuries of the extremities were predominant (58.8%). Associated injuries were frequent. Surgical repair was effected in 60 patients. End-to-end anastomosis, angioplasty and venous or prosthetic bypass grafting were the techniques used. Postoperative complications occurred in 37% of the patients. Overall mortality was 19% and was related mainly to aortic injury. The amputation rate for arterial injuries of the extremities was 15%. Prompt recognition and treatment of arterial injuries are important in order to achieve the best results.

Comparison of swabbing and biopsy for studying the flora of the bovine uterus

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of uterine biopsy as a sampling procedure for bacteriological examination, and to assess the importance of obligate anaerobes in the bovine uterus. The aerobic and anaerobic uterine flora of cows with postpartum metritis, cows in postpartum period without metritis and repeat-breeder cows was examined by using swab and biopsy sampling techniques. Obligate anaerobes were isolated in all the 11 cows with postpartum metritis and in three of the five normal cows. No obligate anaerobes were isolated from the six repeatbreeder cows. There was a significant difference (p < 0.01) in the number of bacterial isolates obtained from samples collected by biopsy and by swabbing. A total of 72 isolates was obtained with the biopsies compared to 48 by swabbing. Obligate anaerobes make up an important part of the postpartum uterine bacterial flora, and it seems that in some instances uterine biopsy would be more satisfactory than swabbing for bacteriological examination of the uterus.

Comparison of the induction of pulmonary neoplasms in Sprague-Dawley rats by fission neutrons and radon daughters

Pulmonary carcinomas were recorded in a life-span experiment of male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to fission neutrons. Mortality-corrected prevalences are obtained by the method of isotonic regression. In a second part of the paper a comparison is made with data obtained earlier for radon-daughter inhalations in the same strain of rats. A simultaneous maximum likelihood analysis is applied jointly to all experimental groups from the radon inhalation and the fission neutron study. The dependence of the resulting coefficients for the different groups on absorbed dose or inhalation dose permits a derivation of equivalence ratios. At low doses the equivalence ratio is 3 WLM (working level months) of radon-daughter exposure to 1 mGy of fission neutrons. At higher doses the equivalence ratio decreases. The neutron data are also utilized to derive mortality-corrected lifetime incidences of pulmonary carcinomas in the exposed animals. At low doses the relation is consistent with linearity, but sublinearity (dose exponent less than 1) cannot be excluded.

[Peculiar clinical and x-ray computed tomographic aspects in Sturge-Weber disease. Bilateral occipital calcifications without facial angioma]

Early and specific data on the typical calcifications seen in Sturge-Weber's syndrome are provided by computed tomography. The importance of this investigation is emphasized by the fact that standard radiographs and arteriography do not always produce clearcut results--facial angioma, epilepsy, mental retardation, hemiplegia, hemianopsia--the symptomatology can be less evident and even minimal.

[Parathyroid adenoma in children. A new case]

The case reported concerns a 13 year-old girl presenting with a palpable parathyroid adenoma. Impairment of general condition, weight loss and abdominal pain were the presenting symptoms. Surgical excision of the adenoma led to recovery. The main clinical and laboratory signs of tumoral hyperparathyroidism are reviewed, the misleading character of the presenting symptoms being emphasized.

[Castleman's pseudotumor. Apropos of a case with pelvic localization]

The authors report a case of a pelvic site of a Castleman pseudo-tumour, still called angio-follicular hyperplasia or lympho-vascular hamartoma. This disorder of unknown aetiology may be situated anywhere along the lymphatic chains (70% of cases in the mediastinum). It is often associated with immuno-haematological disorders. Suitable for surgical treatment, the course is always favourable.

Experimental transmission of intestinal coccidiosis to piglets: clinical, parasitological and pathological findings

Twenty-eight piglets coming from a "specific pathogen free" herd were inoculated at three days of age with 50 000 or 100 000 sporulated oocysts of Isospora suis. Fecal samples were examined for oocyst shedding daily and several clinical parameters were recorded. Ten piglets were used as normal controls. Groups of piglets were euthanized from three days to 12 days postinoculation and routine necropsies were performed. Bacteriological, virological, parasitological and histopathological examinations were made on the intestinal tracts. The incubation period was four to five days. Clinical signs and microscopic intestinal lesions observed in the experimentally infected animals were similar to those reported in spontaneous cases of porcine neonatal coccidiosis. Lesions of villous atrophy in the small intestine seemed to result from the destruction of villous epithelial cells mainly during the peak of asexual reproduction which occurred around four to five days postinoculation. Intracellular coccidial organisms were difficult to find during the late atrophic and villous regrowth stages of the intestinal lesions. The prepatent period varied from four to seven days and the most common was five days. Eighty percent of the piglets kept alive more than four days postinoculation have shed oocysts. Piglets dosed with old sporulated oocysts (ten months old) shed many more oocysts than those infected with a fresh inoculum (less than two months old). The patent period was not determined precisely with the design of the experiment but some of the infected piglets shed oocysts for at least five days.

Presence of the canine transmissible venereal tumor in the nasal cavity of dogs in the area of dakar (senegal)

Canine transmissible venereal tumors were observed in the nasal passages of three dogs from Dakar, Senegal. Genital tumors were not present in these dogs. These observations, combined with those of few previous reports, stress the necessity to include this neoplasm in the differential diagnosis of nasal tumors in the dog.

Neonatal diarrhea of pigs in Quebec: infectious causes of significant outbreaks

To evaluate the relative importance of the various enteropathogens causing neonatal diarrhea in Quebec farrowing operations, observations were made on 749 diarrheic pigs from 325 outbreaks of diarrhea. They were one to 15 days of age, and were obtained alive for necropsy generally within 48 hours of the onset of diarrhea. Some pigs were from severe, explosive outbreaks of diarrhea with high morbidity and mortality rates, while others were from herds with chronic neonatal diarrhea with lower morbidity and mortality rates. A combination of bacteriological, virological and histological methods were used to study the pigs. Viruses were incriminated in 60%, bacteria in 23% and coccidia in 15.3% of the 325 diarrhea outbreaks. Transmissible gastroenteritis virus was by far the most common enteropathogen with a prevalence of 52%; rotavirus was implicated in 9.2% of the outbreaks while adenovirus was incriminated in 0.30% of the outbreaks. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli were involved in 22.4% of the cases while Clostridium perfringens type C was an occasional finding. Coccidia involved in our herds were identified as Isospora suis. The disease was attributed to infection with a single etiologic agent in 590 diarrheic pigs (78%) while combinations of agents were present in only 90 (12%). The age-specific occurrence of the various enteropathogens was evaluated. Transmissible gastroenteritis virus was the most common enteropathogen in all age groups. Colibacillosis was common in pigs which became diarrheic under five days of age; in this age group, the enterotoxigenic E. coli were frequently found alone, but were usually combined with other agents in older pigs. The prevalence of coccidia was high in pigs which became diarrheic between five and 15 days of age. Rotavirus infection was common in diarrheic pigs older than ten days of age. Although individual baby pigs were commonly infected with a single enteropathogen, it was very common to see more than one agent involved in an outbreak of diarrhea, particularly when pigs of different ages were affected. Observations on the occurrence of the enteropathogens according to the seasons were also made. Occurrence of transmissible gastroenteritis was throughout the year with the highest prevalence during the fall, winter and spring months. Colibacillosis and coccidiosis were more common in the summer, fall and early winter months with the lowest prevalence in the spring months.

Porcine neonatal coccidiosis in quebec

Intestinal coccidiosis was diagnosed in 110 diarrheic piglets originating from 66 farrowing operations. These piglets had been submitted alive for necropsy early after the beginning of diarrhea, and the diagnosis of coccidiosis was based on the demonstration of coccidial forms in their jejunum by histopathological examination. Enteropathogenic strains of Escherichia coli were demonstrated in only nine of the 110 piglets while the transmissible gastroenteritis virus and rotavirus were each present in three pigs. The most common lesion was a multifocal villous atrophy in the middle and lower jejunum, and ileum of the affected pigs. Coccidial forms were present in variable numbers of the cells lining the affected villi and they were mainly asexual stages (meronts and merozoites).In the affected farrowing houses diarrhea began between five and 15 days of age with the highest frequency around seven to ten days of age. Morbidity rates were very variable and mortality was less than 20%. The disease was a persistent problem in large farrowing operations on continuous farrowing programs, and losses were due mainly to retarded growth and treatment costs which were usually inefficient. The disease occurred year round with the highest prevalence in summer and fall months, and in January.Search for oocysts in fecal samples or colonic contents from 28 of the 110 pigs revealed that 13 of them were shedding oocysts identified as Isospora suis.

A natural outbreak of bovine respiratory disease caused by bovine respiratory syncytial virus

An outbreak of respiratory disease occurred in a herd of 34 calves and 5 cows in a barn. The disease which affected 24 calves and 1 cow, was characterized by coughing, fever, anorexia, nasal discharge and pulmonary rales. Two calves died 5 days after the disease outbreak and were necropsied. Bronchitis, bronchiolitis and alveolitis were among the lesions observed in these calves. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus was detected, in lung sections of the dead calves and also in nasal washings of some of the calves and one cow, by the direct fluorescent antibody technique and/or cell culture method. Seroconversion to the virus was detected in most animals tested.

Johne's Disease (Paratuberculosis) in Goats: A Report of Eight Cases in Quebec

Johne's disease (paratuberculosis) is reported in eight goats. Clinical signs were mainly those of a chronic wasting disease which lead to emaciation, severe weakness, prostration and death. Soft pasty stool and/or profuse diarrhea were observed only after several weeks of illness, in the terminal stages of the disease, in six of the eight goats. Gross lesions were characterized by emaciation and mesenteric lymphadenopathy with more or less extensive areas of caseous necrosis and calcification. Gross lesions in the intestinal tract were limited to a mild thickening and corrugation of the mucosa of the distal small intestine, cecum and proximal parts of the colon in three of the affected animals. Caseous necrosis of Peyer's patches and ulceration were observed in two goats when small tuberculoid nodules were present in the liver of another one. Histologically, the intestinal lesions were characterized by accumulations of large foamy or vacuolated macrophages in the intestinal mucosa. Lesions were usually mild and multifocal in the proximal and middle parts of the small intestine, more diffuse and severe in the distal jejunum, ileum and proximal parts of the colon. Several of the macrophages infiltrated in the intestinal mucosa and mesenteric lymph nodes were packed with acid fast bacilli. Observations made on these animals stress the importance of a careful histological examination of the intestines and mesenteric lymph nodes of adult goats submitted to necropsy because of a chronic wasting disease.

A generalized inclusion body disease in the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) caused by a papovavirus-like agent

High mortality rates have been reported in budgerigars between one and 15 days of age in 19 aviaries in the Province of Quebec. The most consistent signs of disease were abdominal distention, lack of down feathers on the back and abdomen, lack of filoplumes on the head and neck, and retarded growth of the tail and contour feathers in birds that either survived or died later. Internal gross lesions were hydropericardium, enlarged heart and liver with multiple pinpoint white spots or large, yellow foci, pale or congested kidneys, congested lungs, and ascites. Histologic examination revealed large, slightly basophilic inclusion bodies in the enlarged nuclei of many different cells. These inclusion bodies were composed of viral particles. Multiple foci of coagulation necrosis were scattered in the myocardium and liver parenchyma, and granulovacuolar degeneration was common in renal tubular epithelial cells. Ballooning degeneration was multifocal in the epidermis and very extensive in the epithelial cells of developing feather follicles, and this led to their partial or complete destruction. Viral particles 50 to 55 nm in diameter were observed in negatively stained preparations from different organs of affected birds. These particles had the size and morphology of a papovavirus. In experimentally infected 25-day-old budgerigars, histologic examinations revealed the presence of intranuclear inclusions in hepatocytes, epithelial cells of the kidney tubules, and reticular cells of the spleen, despite the absence of clinical signs. We feel that this disease is caused by a papovavirus-like agent that can replicate in many tissues of the body, causing widespread lesions responsible for the high mortality rate of very young budgerigars and for the absence and/or incomplete development of feathers.

[Diagnosis of septic abortion in dairy cows]

During a two year period, March 1977 to April 1979, a total of 92 bovine abortions were studied. The cause of abortion was determined in 34.8% of the cases examined. Opportunistic bacteria, the most commonly diagnosed cause of abortion, accounted for 31.2% of the cases. Leptospirosis was associated with 28.1% of the abortions, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and fungi in respectively 15.7%, bovine viral diarrhea in 6.2%. A congenital abnormality accounted for one case (3.1%). In 23 cases (25%), there was no definitive diagnosis, in spite of evidence of experience with pathogen or suggestive findings of pathology, but insufficient evidence to warrant diagnosis. No findings were recorded in 35.8% of the (possibly noninfectious) cases and in only four cases (4.4%), specimens were unsatisfactory for examination.

Malignant bone tumours induced by a local injection of colloidal radioactive 144Cerium in rats as a model for human osteosarcomas

Lung metastases were observed in 80% to 85% of rats bearing advanced malignant bone tumours (osteogenic osteosarcomas and angiosarcomas). These tumours were induced in 2-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats by inoculation of a colloidal suspension of radioactive cerium (144Ce) into the hind leg, in close contact to the bones of the knee joint. Twenty-eight rats were killed or died spontaneously shortly after detection of palpable tumours at the site of injection: the incidence of lung metastases was 73.3% and 53.8%, respectively, for osteogenic sarcomas and angiosarcomas, showing that most lung metastases are present at the time of diagnosis of the primary tumour. Tumour-cell kinetic parameters were studied in 49 rats bearing tumours following intraperitoneal injection of [3H]thymidine. The labelling index (LI) of the primary tumours was significantly lower in advanced tumours (7.2% for osteosarcomas and 10.1% for angiosarcomas) than than in tumors examined at the time of detection (12.2% and 13.5%, respectively). Mitotic indices (MI) of all tumours were less than 1%. From the curve of the percentage of labelled mitoses (PLM) at different times after [3H]thymidine injection, Ts (6.5 h) and TG2 (1.75 h) were determined. TC and TG1 were also evaluated (18 h and 9.25 h, respectively). These results show that malignant bone tumours induced in rats with 144Ce may be a good model for human osteosarcomas and may be useful in studying the numerous problems in the therapy of malignant bone tumours in man.

[Granulomatous nephropathy of tuberculous origin revealed by prolonged fever (author's transl)]

In a 66-year-old female patient with a past history of tuberculosis, prolonged fever at 38 degrees C accompanied by a strong increase in ESR ultimately led to the diagnosis of renal cyst. Biopsies of renal tissue and of lymph nodes taken during surgery showed renal granulomatosis without caseum. Despite negative bacterial findings and anergy to tuberculin, an anti-tuberculous treatment was administered and the patient recovered.

Bone tumours induced in rats with radioactive cerium

A technique is described for the induction of metastasizing bone tumours in rats by local inoculation of 144cerium. Bone sarcomas develop in 90% of the animals and 74% of these had lung metastases. The tumours can be easily cultured and maintained by serial transplantations. Preliminary data of clinical, histological and kinetic characteristics of these bone tumours are given.

Coronavirus-like particles associated with diarrhea in baby pigs in Quebec

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[A ten years' experience in the use of a mini-computer system in real time in a clinical biology department (author's transl)]

The objective of this retrospective survey is a mini-computer system conceived ten years ago to treat all numerical information coming from a hospital unit of clinical biology. The options that we chose for its function remain valid on at least two patients: the necessity, for the hardware, to dissociate the treatment of information from the listing of voluminous files (the former should be done in the real time, using a mini-computer system situated inside the department, and the latter should be done in differed time, using a more sophisticated machine situated in a common computer center); the necessity, for the software, to use a common global system, but it cn be cut down to suit the particular need of individual user with whom there should be a permanent collaboration. The results obtained during this time are discussed. They seem sufficiently positive to invite a appraisal re-examination of the use of such systems (in spite of some disenchantment at present), in the light of new possibilities from present progress in shared time computer system.

Inducibility of microsomal enzymes in normal and pre-cancerous lung tissue. Synergistic action of 5-6 benzoflavon or methyl-cholanthrene in radiation induced carcinogenesis

The inducibility of pulmonary microsomal enzymes and the biological effects of chronic induction by 5-6 benzoflavone and methylcholanthrene were compared in normal and precancerous rats. Two important points were shown out: a dose of 6000 WLM resulted in a permanent modification of the pulmonary microsomal enzymatic pool and 5-6 benzoflavon was a strong co-factor of radiation induced carcinogenesis. This synergistic action was demonstrated by a much shorter latency, moreover neo-formed tissue and epidermoid cancers with a particular morphology were observed. In all the cases cancers appeared within 100 days following the beginning of the chemical treatment.