Differential cell count and lymphocyte subsets in bronchoalveolar lavage during pneumonia with and without peripheral neutropenia

One hundred immunocompromised HIV negative patients with microbiologically positive pneumonia underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) studies. Thirty cases showed peripheral neutropenia (< 1000 neutrophils/microL), 70 did not. The total cell number in BAL, the differential cell counts, and the lymphocyte subsets (CD4, CD8, CD19, CD57) were measured. Patients with pneumonia and normal or elevated peripheral neutrophils had a significantly increased total number of cells in BAL compared to patients with peripheral neutropenia (3.2 +/- 2 vs 1.3 +/- 0.6 x 10(5) cells/ml2 lavage fluid, p < 0.01). Ninety percent of the BAL differential cell counts obtained in patients exceeding 1000 neutrophils/microL showed a lymphocytic and/or neutrophilic alveolitis, whereas only 54% of patients with peripheral neutropenia displayed abnormal counts (p < 0.01). Yet the typical pattern of neutrophilic alveolitis was found more often for peripheral neutrophil counts over 1000/microL with high significance (p < 0.0001). Abnormal BAL cell patterns for neutropenic patients uniformly showed a lymphocytic alveolitis, only 10% additionally conformed with the pattern of neutrophilic alveolitis. Patients with pneumonia with and without peripheral neutropenia had similar findings in BAL lymphocyte subsets and exhibited a reduced CD4/CD8 ratio compared to controls (p < 0.05). The high susceptibility of severe neutropenic patients to pulmonary, especially fungal infections may be explained by the local lack of neutrophils.

Chronic childhood spinal muscular atrophy in Germany (West-Thüringen)--an epidemiological study

This study presents the most extensive epidemiological data on chronic forms of spinal muscular atrophy in childhood (CSMA) in West-Thüringen in Germany. The incidence of CSMA was calculated to be 1 in 9,420 live births. The prevalence was 1.624 in 100,000 of the general population (as of 31 December 1980).

Epidemiological data on Werdnig-Hoffmann disease in Germany (West-Thüringen)

This study contains the largest body of epidemiological data on Werdnig-Hoffmann disease (acute infantile spinal muscular atrophy; ASMA) in West-Thüringen in Germany. The incidence of ASMA was calculated to be 1 in 10,202 live births. The prevalence was 1 in 595,362 of the general population (as of 31 December 1987). The study gives an unexpectedly high incidence rate confirming the suggestion that ASMA in Central and Eastern Europe might be more frequent than in Western Europe. However, we consider that this high incidence rate in West-Thüringen is a result of the almost complete ascertainment made possible because of the well-organised and centralised health system existing in Thüringen over the last few decades.

[Histological studies of the occurrence of organisms shaped like Campylobacter in the abomasum of calves]

The mucosa of the abomasum is a strongly acidic and therefore germ poor, but not entirely germfree environment. Only in isolated areas of the fundic glands zone were straight rods in the foveolas, and even more seldom spiral shaped bacteria could be encountered. They had no relation to the inflammatory infiltrates. On the other hand, Campylobacter-like organisms were more often observed in the pyloric region and, preferably, in a narrow zone following the cutaneous mucosa of the omasum. These organisms appeared to have a different size (1.3 to 2.4 microns length and 0.4 to 0.8 microns width) and they occurred deep inside the glands in an almost pure fashion. Whereas they caused no visible reaction of the tissue in the narrow cardiac zone, their occurrence in the pyloric region was several times connected with neutrophilic-rich infiltration. It ought to be tested, whether Helicobacter are among these Campylobacter-like organisms, which cause a disease leading up to ulcerations in calves similar to gastritis B in humans.

Tumorigenesis and eye abnormalities in transgenic mice expressing MSV-SV40 large T-antigen

Transgenic mice which expressed SV40 large T-antigen under the control of the MSV enhancer and the SV40 promoter were generated. In animals containing an intact MSV enhancer, total lens cataracts and neuroectodermal brain tumors, originating in the pineal organ were observed. In contrast, 5' deletion of the MSV enhancer to a residual 53 bp resulted in a different spectrum of pathologies. Whilst lens cataracts still occurred, no brain tumors could be detected. Instead, fibrosarcomas and adenocarcinomas of the kidneys were induced. In addition, tumors of the endocrine pancreas were observed with both transgene constructs. We conclude that the MSV enhancer element is sufficient to direct the expression of the viral reporter gene to the lens and the pineal organ in transgenic mice. Deletion of the MSV enhancer correlates with the loss of DNA elements responsible for the pineal cell specific expression of SV40 large T-antigen.

[Damage to the corneal endothelium following exposure to sulfur hexafluoride gas]

Damage to the corneal endothelium caused by sulfur hexafluoride was analyzed in 14 rabbits. Fourteen eyes were used for testing, while the other 14 served as controls. Three stages of endothelial reaction resulting from long-term contact with sulfur hexafluoride were established by morphologic and morphometric analyses. The first stage - acute necrosis of the endothelial cells - covers all stages of destruction up to total obliteration in the exposed area of the endothelium, which is clearly demarcated from the rest of the endothelium. The second, repair stage, begins as early as 24 hours after the operation and includes the diverse forms of endothelial cell spread, transformations of the hexagonal endothelial cells, and endothelial cell migration with polymorphia and formation of rosettes. The third, proliferative phase of the endothelial cell reaction follows directly after the second phase and is characterized by the production of more giant cells, the production of giant rosettes, compaction of cell membranes and filling of the intercellular space with amorphous substances. The results of this research are of major practical relevance, since they show that a 40/60% sulfur hexafluoride/air mixture cannot be regarded as inert.

The murine homeo box gene product, Hox 1.1 protein, is growth-controlled and associated with chromatin

In order to gain insight into the function of the Hox 1.1 gene, we studied the expression of the murine homeo box gene product, the Hox 1.1 protein. Monoclonal antibodies were raised against synthetic peptides of the Hox 1.1 protein to study the localization and expression pattern of this protein under various culture conditions. By means of indirect immunofluorescence we localized the Hox 1.1 protein to the nucleus in differentiated F9 and NIH 3T3 cells. During mitosis the protein was found to be associated with chromatin. Confluent NIH 3T3 cells harbored little if any Hox 1.1 protein. After "wounding" the cells in this confluent monolayer, we observed an induction of the expression of the Hox 1.1 protein. However, addition of insulin to F9 and contact-inhibited NIH 3T3 cells led to an increase of the Hox 1.1 RNA and protein expression. Thus, the induction of the Hox 1.1 protein is associated not only with the differentiation of embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, but may also correlate with stages of cell growth.

Primary structure and nuclear localization of a murine homeodomain protein

The murine homeobox Hox 1.1 (m6) is the first of a cluster of six boxes on chromosome 6. Using probes and synthetic peptides derived from the Hox 1.1 sequence, we were able to isolate cDNAs and antibodies that allowed us to characterize the product of this homeobox-containing gene. From the open reading frame on the cDNA clone B21, a protein could be predicted, made up of 229 amino acids and having a calculated molecular weight of 25,740. A unique feature of this protein is that it has 15 glutamic acid residues as its carboxyl terminus, which gives it a very hydrophilic and acidic carboxyl terminal structure, most probably folding onto an alpha-helix. A second domain of six amino acids is present on the Hox 1.1 protein, which is conserved in other homeodomain proteins. Antibodies generated against synthetic peptides from the homeobox region were used in the immunoblotting procedure and revealed a major protein band of Mr 31,000 in extracts from 3T3 cells and F9 teratocarcinoma cells induced by retinoic acid and cAMP. The nuclear location of the protein was established by immunofluorescence. The presence of this protein in F9 cell nuclei is in faithful accordance with the kinetics established for the 2.4-kilobase Hox 1.1 transcript during differentiation into parietal endoderm cells.

[Effect of metronidazole on the gastrointestinal flora of swine]

In veterinary medicine since the beginning of the seventieth several derivatives of imidazole are mainly and successfully used for therapy of pig dysentery. Daily metronidazole doses of 25-100 mg/kg body mass resulted in no provable effect on the normal quantitative composition of the germ flora of healthy porkers. Even in such high doses of 100 mg/kg body mass per day that substance revealed well tolerant. A singular occurrence of colienterotoxemia was disconnected with the metronidazole application.

The association between serum Lp(a) concentrations and angiographically assessed coronary atherosclerosis. Dependence on serum LDL levels

Lipoprotein(a) concentrations were measured by radial immunodiffusion in a cohort of 40-60 year males who had been classified by coronary angiography as CAD+ with 50% stenosis of one or more of the major coronary arteries or CAD- with no signs of coronary lesions. Sample odds ratios were calculated as a measure of association between serum Lp(a) values and the presence of coronary artery disease. An odds ratio of 2.706 (P less than 0.001) was derived for elevated (greater than or equal to 30 mg/dl) Lp(a) levels vs low (less than 5 mg/dl) Lp(a) levels indicating a strong association between the presence of coronary artery disease and elevated Lp(a) concentrations. This association was independent of the known risk factors smoking, hypertension and diabetes as well as the serum concentrations of total triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, alpha-Lp-cholesterol and pre-beta-Lp-cholesterol. In contrast to these variables the association between Lp(a) and coronary artery disease was dependent upon the serum concentrations of LDL-cholesterol, beta-Lp-cholesterol and total cholesterol. At concentrations below the respective median for each variable, odds ratios of between 1.42 and 1.67 were calculated whereas at concentrations above the respective medians the odds ratios ranged from 4.50 to 6.33 (P less than 0.001). Our data, therefore, suggest that increasing LDL concentrations markedly increase the risk of coronary artery disease due to elevated Lp(a) levels.

[Course and form variations of cyclothymic phases in lithium therapy]

The authors have attempted by means of a statistical survey to quantify changes in the course and, in particular the phase-related and non-phase-related form of cyclothymic phases during long-term lithium treatment.

[Keratectomy and cataract extraction in Terrien disease]

In a 36-year-old patient with bilateral Terrien's disease, surgery to improve vision in the right eye, which was in Stage V, was no longer possible. In Stage III a thoroughgoing keratectomy parallel to the limbus was performed, in combination with cataract extraction and coreplasty. Even though Descemet's membrane was absent in the dystrophic corneal region, optimal healing was achieved by wound closure with a combination of biosutures, monofil sutures, and "Tissucol" biological tissue cement. The keratectomy reduced the corneal astigmatism from 11 to 4 D. With corrective lenses the patient regained a visual acuity of 0.4 in the left eye. The histological findings are discussed.

Mutational analyses of the Moloney murine sarcoma virus enhancer

Retroviral enhancers seem to play an integral role in determining tissue tropism. In an attempt to define the sequences essential for Moloney murine sarcoma virus (Mo-MSV) enhancer activity, we have undertaken deletion and insertion mutational analyses of the 72-bp repeats. We demonstrate that, in contrast to simian virus 40 (SV40), the proximal 19 bp of the 72-bp unit of Mo-MSV are not essential for enhancer function in mouse fibroblasts. Our analysis further localizes the 5' boundary of the Mo-MSV enhancer to a 5'-CAGGAT-3' region.

[Myoglobinuria in malabsorption after small bowel resection]

A patient with subtotal small bowel resection after mesenterial vein thrombosis presented with muscular weakness and pain. An increase in the activities of enzymes of muscular origin and of myoglobin in serum was found and myoglobinuria was detected. Muscle damage in this patient is attributed to electrolyte disturbances following extensive small bowel resection.

[Studies of diarrhea in young calves. 3. Effect of cyclophosphamide on histomorphology and microbial flora of the gastrointestinal tract in the calf]

One single intravenous injection of 60 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide caused the development of moderate to medium catarrhal enteritis in calves, within two to four days from injection. --Distally aggravating damage to epithelial cells in the small intestine, accompanied by shortening of villi, as well as usually complete lymphocyte depletion of the lymph follicles of Peyer's patches were the most conspicuous pathohistological findings obtained from the intestinal tract. Regular epithelial damage, including ulcerations and necroses, were recordable also from the colonic mucous membrane. --No remarkable change in the gastro-intestinal flora was recordable from calves killed two days from cyclophosphamide application, but the quantitative composition of the gastro-intestinal germ flora was found to be remarkably altered in those animals which had been killed four days after administration of the cytostatic. --Elevated coli counts in the rumen as well as in the proximal and distal parts of the jejunum and ileum and reduced anaerobic overall germ counts and bacteroides values in the cecum and rectum were the most conspicuous bacteriological findings. --The direct damaging action of cyclophosphamide on the mucous membrane as well as altered immunological reactivity of the experimental animals should be considered the triggering factors which actually caused considerable displacement in the quantitative composition of the gastro-intestinal flora in those calves which had been killed four days after cyclophosphamide application.

[Animal experimental investigations of the electrophysiologic parameters of 'fast fibers' of extraocular muscles by means of glass microelectrodes (author's transl)]

The author reports on animal experimental investigations of the electrophysiologic parameters of 'fast fibers' of extraocular muscles in rabbits in vivo by means of standardized glass microelectrode. The submitted results of investigation enlarge our knowledge of the electrophysiologic parameters of 'fast fibers'. The statistically analyzed results on musclefiber action potential parameters, on musclefiber membrane resting potentials, strengthduration curves and the data on the electro-mechanical latency period of 'fast fibers' are illustrated by figures. The most important conclusions for basic research on 'fast fibers', for clinical ophthalmo-electromyography and for the duality concept of eyemovement control are given.

[Electrophysiologic evidence of three different types of the 'slow fibers' of extraocular muscles (author's transl)]

The author reports on electrophysiologic investigations of extraocular muscles in rabbits in vivo by means of standardized glass microelectrodes. The results of investigation on muscle-fiber membrane resting potentials of 'slow fibers' as well as on postsynaptical potentials of 'slow fibers' are analyzed after having elucidated the problems as well as the methods employed and the experimental setup. By figures and synopses in tabular form the author illustrates the electrophysiologic parameters of three different types of muscle fibers of 'slow fibers' of extraocular muscles that can with certainty be differentiated electrophysiologically. In the discussion references are made to the importance of the submitted results of investigation for basic research and for clinical ophthalmo-electromyography. Finally, the trends of investigation of the electrophysiologic analysis of extraocular muscles are discussed.

[Animal experimental investigations for determining the duration of the "mechanical-effective period" of muscle action potentials and of the "electro-mechanical latency period" of "fast fibres" of external ocular muscles (author's transl)]

A report is given of an animal experimental study for determination of the duration of the "mechanical effective period" of the muscle fiber membrane action potential and the "electromechanical latency period" of "fast fibers" of the external ocular muscles in rabbits in vivo. The studies were carried out with an internationally standardized glass microelectrode technique. The statistical values are based on 250 tests employing the superposition technique. The mean "mechanical effective period" of the muscular fiber membrane action potential was determined with SE=0.52 ms, SD 0.08 ms. The confidence thresholds were 99% statistically reliable with 0.43 ms and 0.55 ms. According to these studies, the duration of the "mechanical effective period" of the "fast fibers" of the external ocular muscles was only one-third off the "mechanical effective period" of the skeletal muscles. The mean duration of the "electromechanical fast-fiber latency period" was calculated with SE=1.97 ms, SD=0.30 ms. The confidence threshold was 99% statistically reliable with 1.86 ms and 2.08 ms. The "electromechanical latency period" of the "fast fibers" of the external ocular muscles was therefore significantly less than the skeletal muscles, lying under the 50% limit of the "electromechanical latency period" of the analogous skeletal musculature. These studies permit determination of the most important electrophysiological parameters which define a threshold value of maximal speed in vision direction changes.

[Artificial intranasal bacterial invasion in the newborn calf. 1. Quantitative assessment of nasal secretion for certain groups of bacteria]

A technique has been developed for quantitative assessment of nasal secretion for the presence of specified groups of bacteria, as a contribution to microbiological treatment of the problem of artificial intranasal bacterial invasion in newborn and nursed calf. Some 10(6) to 10(7) bacteria were recorded from each gram of nasal secretion in calves exposed to natural bacterial invasion. Micrococci and green diplococci were very rare, with only 10(3) to 10(4) or hardly up to 10(5) bacteria per gram of nasal secretion. Streptococci were irregularly found in smaller counts. Bacteria of the coli group went up steeply on the second or not later than the third day of age, and the rise continued to the ninth day. Coliform germs accounted for high or even the highest percentage in total invasion during that period of time.

[Artificial intranasal bacterial invasion in the newborn calf. 2. Artificial bacterial invasion using gram-positive and gram-negative strains]

A micrococcal and a diplocaccal strain isolated from the nasal space of a clinically intact nursed calf were used for artificial bacterial invasion in the first phase of the experiment. Application of bacterial suspension prepared from those strains had no effect upon the rise of coli counts in the nasal secretion of nursed calves during their first days of age nor upon the morbidity or mortality of all 677 test animals in comparison to 665 controls. Therefore, an avirulent E.-coli strain was used in subsequent bacterial invasion experiments. The strain was retrievable up to the seventh day of age, the count having been about 10(5) bacteria per gram nasal secretion. Application of a bacterial suspension prepared from that E.-coli strain did not reduce morbidity and mortality among 820 test animals that were compared to 809 controls. Results are discussed in this paper with reference to literature.

[Immuno-prevention of coli infections in swine using live vaccine. 1. Use in coli infections during the 1st days of life]

Live vaccine prepared from streptomycin-dependent mutants of E. coli was well tolerated in various doses and at various times of administration, for there were no adverse reactions. There was no evidence of reversion to a virulent form. Efficacy was closely related to frequency of application of the vaccine. Vaccination must be performed as early as possible to immunize against infection during the first few days of life. It was possible to confer protection against the diarrhoea that occurs at 3-4 weeks of age. The use of an oral vaccine under intensive husbandry systems was shown to be safe. When the piglets were kept in cages, the vaccine could be administered in the existing mixing tanks for water supply, without the need for special equipment. Oral immunization of pigs already infected or already ill did not aggravate the existing infection, whether the animals were housed individually or in pens. Because of the dilution effect of the mixing tank and water supply pipes, the dose of vaccine, given on ten successive days, should be calculated at 10(9) organisms of the E. coli mutant per animal. This should supply a number close to the desired bacterial count of 10(10) organisms per animal daily. Immunization significantly reduced the frequency of gastrointestinal diseases during the first three weeks of age in piglets.