Viability of ligaments after freezing: an experimental study in a rabbit model

Our purpose in this study was to assess ligament fibroblast viability after freezing by quantifying the subsequent ability of fibroblasts to synthesize collagen in vitro. Both medial collateral ligament (MCL) complexes from 40 adolescent rabbits were studied. Collagen production was determined by in vitro incubation of ligaments in 3H-proline (a collagen precursor) and subsequent analysis of 3H-hydroxyproline (a marker of newly synthesized collagen). Autoradiographs determined the distributions of ligament cell activity. All right MCL complexes served as fresh controls, providing a baseline of collagen production. Each left MCL was assigned to an experimental group and was either incubated fresh (10 animals); "killed" by drying, multiple freeze thawing, or cycloheximide (six animals); or slowly frozen at -70 degrees C without cryoprotection (24 animals). Collagen production of rapidly thawed ligaments was studied by proline incubation at 1 day, 9 days, or 6 weeks after freezing and was compared with that of contralateral fresh controls. Results demonstrate that some cells in the substance of these rabbit ligaments retained the ability to synthesize collagen in vitro after being frozen for up to 6 weeks. Mean collagen production of frozen ligaments was decreased, but tests of mean and median values as well as ratios were statistically similar to fresh contralateral ligaments in all animals. This postfreezing ligament cell survival and collagen production after -70 degrees C storage may have implications for ligament transplantation.

Modulatory action of purinergic drugs on high potassium-induced epileptiform bursting in rat hippocampal slices

Increase of the potassium concentration up to 8 mM in the superfused solution of rat hippocampal slices leads to the development of an epileptiform bursting. The derivative agonist L-phenyl isopropyl adenosine (L-PIA) (0.05-0.5 microM) is able to block the potassium induced epileptiform activity. The adenosine antagonist caffeine (100 microM) reverts the antiepileptic effect of L-PIA. Our data show a modulatory action of the purinergic transmission in a model of experimental in vitro epilepsy, and point out about a control of endogenous adenosine in the development of focal epileptiform activity. The relationships between the purinergic influence on the release of neurotransmitters, and the convulsant-anticonvulsant effects of the drugs are discussed.

Detection of low copy human papilloma virus DNA and mRNA in routine paraffin sections of cervix by non-isotopic in situ hybridisation

In analysing human papilloma virus (HPV) infection of the cervix in formalin fixed paraffin sections by non-isotopic in situ hybridisation two main problems were found: detachment of sections from the glass during hybridisation and probe detection; inadequate sensitivity and inability to assess sensitivity of the in situ procedure. The first problem was investigated by assessing the efficiency of various tissue adhesives individually and in combination. The second problem was addressed by optimising conditions for DNA unmasking, hybridisation, and biotinylated probe detection. Sensitivity of the final in situ procedure developed was assessed by using the detection of pHY2.1 repeats as a built-in control. Extrapolation of data showed that less than 10 copies of HPV DNA can be visualised by these procedures. HPV nucleic acid, mainly in the form of DNA, was detected not only in koilocytic nuclei but also in suprabasal cells in condylomas and CIN lesions. HPV mRNA was also visualised in the cytoplasm (and probably also nuclei) of the same cell types. These non-isotopic in situ procedures give results comparable to those obtained with radiolabelled probes, but they are less time consuming and provide better morphological resolution.

Effects of ketamine and (+)cyclazocine on 4-aminopyridine and "magnesium free" epileptogenic activity in hippocampal slices of rats

The effects of ketamine and (+)cyclazocine on three in vitro models of epilepsy: the "Mg2+ free", the 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) and, for comparison, the penicillin model were studied. These data indicate that the two compounds had an inhibitory effect in hippocampal slices of rats, bathed in "Mg2+ free" solution at a concentration that did not influence the basal field potential. They also had an inhibitory effect on the penicillin model, but at concentrations ten times greater than those effective against "Mg2+ free" model. On the other hand, (+)cyclazocine was equally active against epileptogenic activity produced by 4-AP and "Mg2+ free" solution, while ketamine failed to produce an effect on epileptiform activity induced by 4-AP.

Accurate interpretation of the Lachman test

In a consecutive series of patients with knee complaints, tibial rotation consistently affected the interpretation of the Lachman test (passive anterior tibial translation in slight knee flexion). To perform the Lachman test correctly, the anterior tibial force must be applied posteromedially on the proximal tibia. This is best achieved by having the leg under examination on the same side of the bed as the examiner, and with slight external tibial rotation. Reaching across the bed to examine either leg can create either false positive or false negative Lachman results due to inadvertent tibial rotation (internal tibial rotation decreases translation) and inaccurate comparisons of the injured and normal legs. The importance of tibial rotation must be recognized if the Lachman test is to be used reliably and with maximum sensitivity.

[Microbiology of ground water and drinking water]

Groundwater has been considered a safe source for drinking water protected against surface contamination. However, a number of reports about chemical and microbiological contamination have disproved this assumption. Besides hygienical monitoring, little is known about the microbiology of ground- and drinking water. The purpose of this paper is to give a review about the main fields of investigation concerning microbial activity in ground- and drinking-water-action. The hygienical relevant topics are: survival and transport of microorganisms, microbiological degradation of organic pollutants, turn-over of nitrogen compounds, oxidation and reduction of iron and manganese and development of methods for microbiological water examination.

Normal ligament properties and ligament healing

There is still a long way to go to achieve the goals of ligament replacement through modification of normal, intrinsic ligament healing processes. We are learning about the biology of ligamentous tissues, including the problem of regeneration, and that in itself is an all-important first step toward seeking solutions.

[Microbiological studies of groundwater polluted with hydrocarbons. 2. Determination of bacterial in vitro activity]

The injected water and the groundwater withdrawn by the E-wells contained bacteria with higher 'in vitro'-total activity (30-50%) than the groundwater taken from the middle part of the flushing area. The determination of single-activities resulted in a similar distribution of bacterial communities. Denitrifying and nitrate-reducing bacteria were present in the polluted groundwater (10-100% of isolates). After transforming these values in CFU/ml they correspond to the MPN/ml of both groups. Furthermore bacteria were found, which could use hydrocarbons as their only carbon source under aerobic and anaerobic conditions; there were different percentage of hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in the groundwater of the three sampling points. Totally 2-70% of all isolates were aerobe hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, 1-12% nitrate-reducing and 1-13% denitrifying hydrocarbon-metabolizing bacteria.

[Forensic psychiatry problems in depression]

Forensic complications involving criminal or civil law are generally rare in depressive disorders, but are of varied nature and of great consequence to the person concerned. Suicide, which is the problem of greatest practical importance may have far-reaching consequences with regard to legal insurance, apart from the medical responsibility or liability. From the point of view of civil law, moreover, the effects of depression on thought and action, as well as on free will with respect to legal capacity, testifiability, marriageability, actionability and potential considerations of interdiction ought to be examined. Last, but not least, consequences of a socio-legal nature may ensue. The spectrum of possible crimes by depressed subjects essentially comprises disease-characteristic offences, amongst which the desperate deed of extended suicide is foremost, as well as other criminal acts with a less direct connection to the depressive syndrome. Additional factors such as alcohol and medication may further complicate the relationship and also the assessment of culpability. In the forensic judgment of depressed subjects diagnostic classification is not alone decisive, but depends to a greater extent on the nature and severity of the psychopathological state and its influence on motivational aspects.

[Psychological changes in multiple sclerosis]

In dealing with our multiple sclerosis (MS) patients concomitant and consecutive symptoms of a psychical nature also deserve appropriate consideration in addition to the variety of somatic symptoms. In the following synopsis, numerous and in part divergent findings - observations, hospital statistics as well as psychodiagnostic test results - concerning the psychopathology of MS are presented. A multiplicity of mental changes, depending upon the variability of the disease process and its course, can be noticed. Over the past century euphoria was long regarded as the psychopathological trait of MS. Along with transitions in patient populations in the meantime hardly more euphoric than depressive moods are registered. Euphoric mood aberrations are to be regarded as substrate dependent disturbances, which deteriorate parallel to disease duration and severity. Intellectual dysfunctions as well as topical brain symptoms (so-called "instrumental disabilities"), obsessive laughing and crying also reflect the basic organic process. Concerning other symptoms such as depression or dysphoria, emotional lability or lack of drive, at its extreme apathy, one cannot definitely determine to what extent - in view of a multidimensional approach - these are to be regarded as mental correlates of the disease process, or as individual reactions to the disease along with considerable social consequences. Psychoses, rarely occurring in MS, can be classified either as organic, or, in seldom cases, as a fortuitous coincidence of MS and endogenous psychosis.

[Microbiological studies of ground water polluted with hydrocarbons. 1. Quantitative and qualitative distribution of bacterial populations]

The groundwater, polluted with hydrocarbons, showed large cell numbers during one year of examination: 10(3)-10(4) CFU/ml grown on N-agar after 5 days at 20 degrees C, 10(4)-10(5) CFU/ml grown on water-agar after 8 weeks at 20 degrees C and total cell numbers of 10(5)-10(7)/ml. The bacteria, which were isolated from N-agar, were chiefly Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Acinetobacter, and other gramnegative species, Arthrobacter and Bacillus as members of grampositive bacteria. Furthermore the following "physiological' groups were found in the groundwater: ammonium-oxidizing bacteria (MPN 10(1)-10(2)/ml), sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (MPN 10(1)-10(4)/ml), nitrate-reducing bacteria (MPN 10(3)-10(6)/ml), denitrifying bacteria (MPN 10(1)-10(4)/ml), spores of aerobe spore-forming bacteria (2-30/ml), spores of anaerobe spore-forming bacteria (0.2-0.4/ml), manganese-oxidizing bacteria (10(3)-10(4) CFU/ml) and Actinomycetes (0.1-1.0 CFU/ml).

Physiology and therapeutic value of passive joint motion

Despite the long history of therapeutic experience with different types and amounts of passive joint motion, its effects and the principles of its use remain controversial. Through empiric success, a spectrum of passive motion has evolved for various clinical purposes, including joint diagnosis; correction of joint deformities; mobilization of stiff joints; stimulation of joint healing; neuromuscular re-education; and prevention of immobilization complications (e.g., contracture formation, connective tissue atrophy, relative healing inhibition, and associated stasis abnormalities). However, the potential abuses of passive motion (e.g., causing additional tissue trauma, mobilizing unprotected joints, and stretching the wrong joints or tissues) have created serious doubts as to the value of this therapy and raised important questions concerning the lack of proper definition (e.g., force, direction, speed, and duration) and the unknown margins of safety. Clinical and experimental evidence supports the probable effectiveness of passive joint motion on joint and tissue levels, but without a better quantitative understanding of the mechanisms of action, dose-responsiveness, specific tissue effects, and, most important, their controls. Thus, passive motion will continue to be used suboptimally with inconsistent results. When these clinical and research deficiencies are corrected, passive motion will attain its proper place as a powerful and reliable orthopedic tool.

Tendons and ligaments: a morphological and biochemical comparison

The purpose of this study was to compare selected rabbit tendons and ligaments morphologically and biochemically. Five representative structures from each of six age- and sex-matched rabbits were compared. Biochemical analyses included total collagen, reducible collagen cross-links, quantitative collagen typing, DNA, and glycosaminoglycans. Histological and chemical differences were demonstrated between the tendons and the ligaments. Smaller differences were also found between the individual ligaments (collateral and cruciate) and between the two tendons (patellar and Achilles) that were examined. These findings suggest that ligaments are more metabolically active than tendons, having more plump cellular nuclei, higher DNA content, larger amounts of reducible cross-links, and the presence of more type III collagen, as compared with tendons. They also contain slightly less total collagen than tendons and more glycosaminoglycans. We conclude that the tendons and ligaments studied have unique histological and biochemical characteristics, despite their gross similarities. Relatively increased metabolic activity in ligaments, implied by our findings, may be species specific, age related (transient), or may truly represent a structural expression of functional need for more rapid adaptation. Further investigation of other similarities or differences between particular ligaments (or tendons) is indicated, and attention is directed toward the importance of such variables in development of models for tendon and ligament studies.

Healing of the medial collateral ligament of the knee. A morphological and biochemical assessment in rabbits

Complete midsubstance injuries of medial collateral ligaments of matched New Zealand white rabbits were allowed to heal without repair or immobilization for various lengths of time. Morphological and biochemical parameters were used to evaluate healing as compared with normal unoperated and sham operated ligaments. Results showed incomplete healing at the longest term follow-up (14 weeks) with significant biochemical abnormalities. Although there was a trend toward normal, recovery from injury was much slower than previously reported.

Medial collateral ligament healing. A multidisciplinary assessment in rabbits

Medial collateral ligament healing without treatment has been studied in a rabbit model. Complete midsubstance gaps were found to heal by distinct scar formation over time. This healing process was fast since the gap was bridged quickly; however, more subtle changes in appearance of the healing tissue continued for many months. The ligament "scar" was found to be structurally abnormal chemically and mechanically even at long-term followup. A plateau in its improvement suggests that the scar may never approach normal ligament characteristics (without treatment). A baseline of ligament healing by scar formation has been established.

Electromagnetic stimulation of ligament healing in rabbits

To evaluate the effect of a specific noninvasive method of electrical stimulation on ligament healing in rabbits, a solid core electromagnet energized by a square wave unidirectional current was applied to injured and repaired medial collateral ligaments seven hours per day, five days per week for intervals of up to six weeks. Healing was evaluated by gross, histologic, biochemical, and biomechanical parameters. Stimulation was shown to increase histologic maturity relatively, restore stiffness and failure strength earlier, and return collagen content toward normal unoperated values sooner in these healing ligaments. It is uncertain whether the end point of healing is affected by this technique, but at six weeks both histologic and biochemical evidence of acceleration remains. Further investigation into the effect of electromagnetic stimulation by this and other fields on non-osseous tissues and their components is indicated.

Natural history of healing in the repaired medial collateral ligament

The purpose of this study was to assess morphologically the healing of repaired medial collateral ligaments (MCLs) in a rabbit model. Healing ligaments were examined grossly and histologically at various intervals, from 3 days to 2 1/2 years after injury, and compared with the appearances of normal age-, sex-, and activity-matched controls. Results show that all ligaments healed by bridging scar formation rather than true ligament regeneration. Increases in cellularity and temporary matrix disorganization along the entire length of the ligaments during healing suggest a combination of diffuse mechanical damage from their failure in tension and regional inflammatory injury (in excess of surgical exposure alone) from the processes of degradation and replacement. Substance that was not injured physically in this model demonstrated complete recovery, while that replaced by scar did not. Healing processes were similar to those of other highly specialized soft tissues (e.g., tendons), with short phases of hemorrhage and inflammation, an intermediate phase of proliferation, and a prolonged phase of remodeling. Failure of repairs to maintain anatomical apposition of torn ends may have contributed to the delay of these healing processes by increasing scar mass. Incomplete scar remodeling at 2 1/2 years, however, suggests much slower MCL healing than previously reported and probably, therefore, a longer period for potential treatment influence.

Interactions between amino acid neurotransmitters and flurazepam in the neocortex of unanesthetized rats

The effects induced by the benzodiazepine flurazepam (FLU) upon neuronal responses to glutamic acid (GLUT), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and glycine (GLY) were studied in the cortex of unanesthetized rats using single-unit extracellular recordings in conjunction with iontophoretic techniques. The application of FLU (5-20 nA) did not affect excitatory responses to GLUT, but the spontaneous firing rate was depressed by equivalent doses of this benzodiazepine. A selective increase of GABA, but not of GLY-induced responses was seen when either low currents (5-10 nA) of FLU or GLUT driving currents were used to study the neuronal responses of the inhibitory amino acids upon steady neuronal firing. Our data demonstrate that in unanesthetized animals FLU does not affect GLUT-induced effects while it selectively increases GABA-mediated inhibition.

A computerized study of knee-ligament injuries: repair versus removal of the torn anterior cruciate ligament

A retrospective review of 202 patients with acute injury to knee ligaments was carried out by chart review, scored questionnaire and scored physical examination. Of 62 patients with complete midsubstance injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, repair was attempted in 46, while 16 had complete excision of the ligament without replacement or augmentation. Computer analysis revealed that these groups were similar with respect to mean age of the patients, sex distribution, incidence of meniscectomy and distribution of associated injuries. At 4-year follow-up, there was no advantage of primary repair over excision for these injuries. In fact, repair seemed to be subjectively and objectively worse than excision, being associated with increased pain and decreased range of motion. The high rate of signs and symptoms of deterioration in both groups suggests a need for better alternatives in the acute phase of anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Atmospheric benzene depletion by soil microorganisms

Gaseous benzene was rapidly depleted in exposure chambers containing viable soils and plants. When separate components of the system were analyzed, no benzene was detected in soils, plants, or water. Soil microorganisms were shown to be responsible for metabolizing benzene, yielding CO2 as the main product. The rates were sufficiently rapid to suggest that this reaction forms a major pathway for the elimination of benzene from the environment.

Quantitative epidemiological studies on the prevalence of babesiosis in horses in Kuwait

Racehorses imported into Kuwait were tested for serum antibodies to Babesia equi and B. caballi by complement fixation (CF) and indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) tests. The prevalence of B. equi was high (77.1% by IFA) whereas that of B. caballi was much lower (11.4%). Data for B. equi showed that infection was acquired after about 6 months at risk and that in the following 12 months animals had antibody levels detectable by both CF and IFA tests by 24 months the CF reaction was no longer detectable. Estimates of incidence and inoculation rates were calculated and found to be consistent with a considerable infection pressure.

[Persistent forty-eight hour cycle in a case of manic-depressive psychosis-chromopathological aspects (author's transl)]

Connections between psychopathological symptoms and chronobiological factors are discussed in the light of a bipolar manic-depressive illness in a female patient suffering during several years from a cycle of 24 hours of depression alternating with one day of hypomania. The forty-eight hour periodic psychosis was evoked by a severe cerebral trauma. All over the world there is only a small number of patients with such regular psychotic cycles. They present a good opportunity to study a conceptual model of desynchronization in phasic psychiatric disorders implying the hypothesis of disturbance of the time structure of functions resulting in a psychotic state.

[Protozoa of small mammals in the Neusiedlersee region]

During the years 1975 and 1976, 169 mammals (26 species) were investigated for their parasites. It was possible to recognise 33 different species of protozoans, belonging to the following genera: Trypanosoma, Giardia, Hexamita, Entamoeba, Eimeria, Isospora, Toxoplasma Frenkelia, Hepatozoon, Babesia, Balantidium, Pneumocytis, Grahamella, Eperythrozoon.--Epidemiology and eventual pathogenic effects are briefly discussed.

[The importance of Laelaps agilis C.L. Koch 1836 (Mesostigmata: Parasitiformae) as a vector of Hepatozoon sylvatici Coles 1914 (Sporozoa: Haemogregarinidae) (author's transl)]

The importance of the mite Laelaps agilis (Parasitiformae) for the transmission of the Hepatozoon species living in the blood of Apodemus sylvaticus and Apodemus flavicollis (Hepatozoon sylvatici) is examined. With this mite the experimental transfer of the parasite to bred hosts of the same species was successful five times; for once, the transmission to a non-specific host (Clethrionomys glareolus) was also possible. Besides, an eventual stimulating effect emanating from the gonads of female mites to the development of parasites can be considered. Differences in the morphology of schizonts in the bone marrow and in the liver of infected Apodemus flavicollis are especially pointed out.

[Additional observations to the biology of Hepatozoon erhardovae Krampitz 1964 in bank voles from the south-western Styria and from areas around the Neusiedlersee (Burgenland) (author's transl)]

The incidence of Hepatozoon erhardovae in the blood of bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) captured in the investigated areas is examined. The biology of schizonts, their distribution in the lobes of the lung and the further development of natural infections in vertebrate hosts kept strictly free of ectoparasites are observed. The accumulation of gametocytes in larvae of the tick Ixodes ricinus and of the mite Neotrombicula zachvatkini after sucking on strongly infected bank voles is pointed out. Occasionally a parasitaemia is produced in the non-specific host (Apodemus flavicollis), but only with a specific transmitter (Megabothris turbidus).

[Small mammal helminths in Neusiedlersee region]

153 small mammals belonging to 22 species were investigated during the year 1975. On this occasion, 29 different species of helminths were found. Parallel-infection of one host by different helminths was common. All age-groups and both sexes of hosts were infested. Pathological symptoms like eosinophile infiltration of the lungs and splenomegalia were generally observed as accompanying phenomena of endoparasitic infestations. Often, there were no distinct symptoms even if the intensity of the infection was comparatively high. Minor infections may pass without clinical phenomena. Amongst the investigated hosts Hymenolepis diminuta, Cyticercus fasciolaris (larva of Hydatigera taeniaeformis), Strongyloides ratti and Hepaticola hepatica were the most widespread species of helminths.

Sex differences in preadolescent self-esteem

It was predicted from the theories of Bardwick that 1) made self-esteem would be greater than female self-esteem only among the older children of the preadolescent sample, 2) reading achievement would correlate with self-esteem for boys in all age groups but only for the younger girls, and 3) individual self-esteem items that showed sex differences would be sex-role related. Data on self-esteem and reading score were collected on 307 urban children in second through sixth grades. Analysis of results confirmed predictions 1 and 3, but not prediction 2. Reading score did not show a significant correlation with self-esteem for girls at any age level tested. Results were discussed in terms of differing sources of male and female self-esteem.