Immunocytochemical study of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in nodulated Alnus glutinosa

The activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEP carboxylase, EC 4.1.1.3.1) have been investigated in various organs of young nodulated Alnus glutinosa. The root nodules exhibited the highest specific enzyme activity when compared with the one in roots and leaves. Furthermore, in the root nodules the PEP carboxylase was predominantly localized in the cytosol of the large cortical cells containing the endophyte vesicles.

Results of operations upon abdominal aortic aneurysms at a community hospital

Review of a retrospective series of 140 consecutive abdominal aortic aneurysms in a community hospital has disclosed a low operative mortality and a low morbidity rate. Seventy patients were more than 70 years of age. Of 82 patients operated upon before rupture of the aneurysm, three died and 11 had complications. Of 38 patients operated upon after rupture of the aneurysm, 22 died and eight had complications. The age of 70 years or older and shock were identified as significant risk factors adversely affecting the outcome of operations done as an emergency upon patients with ruptured aneurysms. Renal failure occurred only in patients with ruptured aneurysms; when renal failure did occur, it was usually fatal. Myocardial infarction seldom occurred after elective operations because of aggressive, thorough cardiac evaluation, including selective coronary arteriography. Myocardial infarctions contributed to the deaths of six patients in whom the aneurysms ruptured prior to operation.

On the cellular localization of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase in Sorghum leaves

The localization of phosphoenol pyruvate carboxylase (EC 4.1.1.3.1.) in the leaf cells of Sorghum vulgare was investigated by using three techniques: the conventional aqueous and non aqueous methods gave conflicting results; the immunocytochemical techniques clearly showed that the enzyme is predominantly located in the cytoplasm of mesophyll cells.

[Mechanisms of conduction disorders in digitalis poisoning]

Ever since the first papers on the mechanism of the arrhythmias of digitalis were first published, during the first two decades of this century, the issue has been a controversial one. Since the automaticity induced by digitalis intoxication has different characteristics when compared to normal automaticity, it has been suggested that probably the mechanisms for these two types of spontaneous activity are different. It has been recently proposed that the automaticity induced by digitalis intoxication could be secondary to the after potential oscillations described in isolated conducting fibers. In order to test this hypothesis we used two experimental models which allow for a careful analysis of the ectopic activity, without the interference of the sinus rhythm. These studies were done in two groups of animals: one, with electrically isolated atria, was used to analyze supraventricular arrhythmias. The other, with chromic atrioventricular block, was used to study ventricular arrhythmias. The results obtained from these experiments show: 1. High therapeutic doses of digitalis enhance the postpacing inhibition of normal pacemakers; 2. When the ectopic rhythms of digitalis intoxication appear, they show postpacing stimulation; 3. Ectopic activity shows a direct relationship with the rate of the conditioning stimulation, and both the coupling period and the number of premature beats depend on this rate. In view of the similarity between the behavior of these arrhythmias and that of the after potential oscillations, we conclude that these oscillations are responsible for the ectopic automaticity of digitalis intoxication.

[A study of scoliotic curve. The importance of extension and vertebral rotation (author's transl)]

The authors consider that scoliotic curves should be studied in the spatial planes, not only in the frontal plane. Lateral views show that the displaced segments of the spine are always an extension even when there is a kypho-scoliosis. This element must be considered when the deformity is about to be reduced or treated by bracing. In the axial plane, the rotational displacement must be measured. In a dorsal curve, there is specific rotation of the upper vertebrae. The measurement of this rotation may make it possible to predict the extent of the curve at the end of growth in cases of spontaneous evolution.

Surgical reduction of spondylolisthesis using a posterior approach

In 26 cases, spondylolisthesis was reduced and stabilized by an intervertebral graft in a new one-step surgical procedure. A critical review of various techniques presently in use illustrates the evolution of the one-stage operation. A most recent modification of the operation is open reduction and internal fixation by a combination of Harrington instrumentation and the posterior intervertebral arthrodesis of Cloward.

Humero-spinal dysostosis

A 2 year old boy with humero-spinal dysostosis is described. This is the third case of this disease reported in the literature. Humero-spinal dysostosis is characterised radiologically by distal humeral bifurcation, elbow subluxation and coronal cleft vertebrae. Congenital, progressive heart disease, possibly with fatal outcome, is probably part of the syndrome.

[Radiological manifestations of Meckel's diverticulum (author's transl)]

Multiple clinical and radiological manifestations of Meckel's diverticulum are commented, presenting four cases with acute abdominal manifestations and one with chronic symptomatology, which were selected from a series of nineteen cases that were surgically verified. The authors realize a critique of the radiological techniques in the literature of the suspected cases of said entity.

[Experience and application of diagnostic pneumoperitoneum in the anomalies in the umbilical region (author's transl)]

By means of 30 pneumoperitoneograms performed "postmortem" and five performed for diagnosis, the exploratory technique, radiologic anatomy of umbilical region, and the usefulness of the process in the diagnosis in children are discussed. Pneumoperitoneum may be indicated in diagnosis of bleeding Meckel's diverticulum, in exclusion or confirmation of remnants of the omphalomesenteric duct in cronically moist lesions of the umbilicus resistent to symptomatic treatment, in cases of non-communicating urachal cysts which can not be diagnosed by cystogram, and in the differential diagnosis of abdominal tumors related to the umbilical region.

[Electrophysiological studies in permanent atrial paralysis]

Permanent atrial paralysis is a very rare entity characterized by absence of electrical and mechanical activity of the atria which persists for months or years. We present a patient with congestive cardiomyopathy and chronic atrial paralysis. The phonomechanocardiographic study confirmed the absence of mechanical contraction of the atrium and did not show atrial electrical activity in the superficial electrocardiogram nor in the intracavitary tracing. In the electrophysiological study of the biopsy of the atrial myocardium an unexcitable tissue was found with an important diastolic despolarization of 30 mv. The histologic and ultrastructural studies showed nonspecific changes, with the replacement of the myocardial cells by fibrous tissue.

Indications for pneumoperitoneum in the diagnosis of congenital anomalies in the umbilical region

Thirty pneumoperitoneograms were performed postmortem and 5 were performed for diagnosis: the technique itself, the radiological anatomy of the umbilical region, and the usefulness of the procedure in diagnosis are discussed. Pneumoperitoneum may be indicated in the investigation of a bleeding Meckel's diverticulum, in the exclusion or confirmation of remnants of the omphalomesenteric duct, in chronically moist lesions of the umbilicus resistant to symptomatic treatment, in suspected cases of non-communicating urachal cysts which cannot be diagnosed by cystogram, and in the differential diagnosis of abdominal tumours related to the umbilical region.

[Conservative treatment of deformities of the anterior chest wall]

The authors have treated 55 deformities of the anterior chest wall in children. There were 37 cases of symmetrical pectus carinatum, 15 cases of asymmetrical pectus carinatum and 3 cases of pectus arcuatum. Associated lesions of the ribs, scapulae and spine are described. Treatment in every case was by plaster casts followed by a plaster jacket and exercises. The results were much more satisfactory in deformities associated with prominence than with depression of the sternum. In pectus carinatum, the results were better when the apex of the deformity was more distal. The best age for treatment was between 12 and 13 years. No patient was treated by operation.

[Surgical treatment of recent severe sprains of the knee. Does the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee merit suturing?]

The authors have reviewed 62 cases of acute ligamentous injury of the knee, all surgically treated. They emphasize the importance of good co-ordination of muscles and ligaments in the function of the knee. The menisci should be preserved wherever possible. Direct suture of the anterior cruciate ligament gives poor results (20 per cent successful). They recommend immediate transplantation of a hamstring (semi-tendinosus) tendon by the Lindeman's technique. They conclude that the anterior cruciate ligament should not be sutured. In three cases it was resected with good results.

Evidence for chloroplastic localization of spinach leaf NADP malate dehydrogenase activating factors

Dithiothreitol activation of spinach leaf NADP malate dehydrogenase is mediated by protein factors that have been partially purified by chromatography on DEAE cellulose. Evidence for their intrachloroplastic localization has been obtained.