Temporal and spatial mapping of red grouper Epinephelus morio sound production

The goals of this project were to determine the daily, seasonal and spatial patterns of red grouper Epinephelus morio sound production on the West Florida Shelf (WFS) using passive acoustics. An 11 month time series of acoustic data from fixed recorders deployed at a known E. morio aggregation site showed that E. morio produce sounds throughout the day and during all months of the year. Increased calling (number of files containing E. morio sound) was correlated to sunrise and sunset, and peaked in late summer (July and August) and early winter (November and December). Due to the ubiquitous production of sound, large-scale spatial mapping across the WFS of E. morio sound production was feasible using recordings from shorter duration-fixed location recorders and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Epinephelus morio were primarily recorded in waters 15-93 m deep, with increased sound production detected in hard bottom areas and within the Steamboat Lumps Marine Protected Area (Steamboat Lumps). AUV tracks through Steamboat Lumps, an offshore marine reserve where E. morio hole excavations have been previously mapped, showed that hydrophone-integrated AUVs could accurately map the location of soniferous fish over spatial scales of <1 km. The results show that passive acoustics is an effective, non-invasive tool to map the distribution of this species over large spatial scales.

Evaluation of pegylated lipid nanocapsules versus complement system activation and macrophage uptake

This work consisted in defining the in vitro behavior of pegylated lipid nanocapsules (LNC) toward the immune system. LNC were composed of an oily core surrounded by a shell of lecithin and polyethylene glycol (PEG) known to decrease the recognition of nanoparticles by the immune system. The "stealth" properties were evaluated by measuring complement activation (CH50 technique and crossed-immunoelectrophoresis (C3 cleavage)) and macrophage uptake. These experiments were performed on 20-, 50-, and 100-nm LNC before and after dialysis. A high density of PEG at the surface led to very low complement activation by LNC with a slight effect of size. This size effect, associated to a dialysis effect in macrophage uptake, was due to differences in density and flexibility of PEG chains related to LNC curvature radius. Thanks to a high density, 660-Da PEG provided LNC a steric stabilization and a protective effect versus complement protein opsonization, but this protection decreased with the increase of LNC size, especially versus macrophage uptake.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) study of 691 pathological specimens from Quebec by PCR-direct sequencing approach

Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are etiological agents of cervical cancer. In order to address clinical demand for HPV detection and sequence typing, mostly in pre-cancerous cervical lesions, we applied our two-tier PCR-direct sequencing (PCR-DS) approach based on the use of both MY09/MY11 and GP5 + /GP6 + sets of primers. We tested 691 pathological specimens, all of which were biopsies, 75% of which were diagnosed histologically as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grades I-III. In total, 484 samples (70%) tested HPV-positive, yielding 531 HPV sequences from 47 HPV types, including two novel types. Four most frequently found HPV types accounted for 52.9% of all isolates: HPV6, 16, 11, and 31 (21.5%, 20.0%, 7.0%, and 4.5%, respectively). Some interesting results are the following: all currently known high-risk HPV (14 types) and low-risk HPV (6 types) were detected; HPV18 was not the 1st or 2nd but rather the 4th-5th most frequent high-risk HPV type; the highest detection rate for HPV (86%) among samples suspected to be HPV-infected was found in the youngest age group (0-10 years old), including 70% (44/63) "genital" HPV types; HPV types of undetermined cervical cancer risk represented 19% and of the total HPV isolates but were strongly increased in co-infections (36.5% of all isolates). To our knowledge, this is the largest sequencing-based study of HPV. The HPV types of unknown cancer risk, representing the majority of the known HPV types, 27 of the 47 types detected in this study, are not likely to play a major role in cervical cancer because their prevalence in CIN-I, II, and III declines from 16% to 8% to 2.5%. The two-tier PCR-DS method provides greater sensitivity than cycle sequencing using only one pair of primers. It could be used in a simple laboratory setting for quick and reliable typing of known and novel HPV from clinical specimens with fine sequence precision. It could also be applied to anti-cancer vaccine development.

Pulmonary lymphangiectasia revisited

PURPOSE

Pulmonary lymphangiectasia (PL) is a rare, poorly documented disease characterized by abnormal pulmonary lymphatics. Although case reports are published, little is known about survivors past the neonatal period.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of histologically proven PL in fetuses, infants, and long term survivors since 1965.

RESULTS

Eleven children (8 boys, 3 girls) and 8 aborted fetuses (7 male, 1 female) were identified. The fetuses weighed 463.4 g (177 to 681 g). Six were aborted between 19 to 24 weeks of gestation for multiple malformations or anencephaly, and 2 spontaneously aborted: one with PL only, the other with twin-twin transfusion syndrome. Clinical PL was diagnosed between 0 and 11 months of age. Six children died (2 neonatal, 4 within 10 days), 5 survived. Two deaths occurred after cardiac surgery. Among survivors, the symptomatology and frequency of admissions diminished over time. Symptoms included progressive respiratory distress, chronic cough, recurrent pneumonia, bronchial asthma, and choking. One child with bilateral chylothorax was later diagnosed with Noonan syndrome; 2 patients had minor cardiac malformations. Rapid deterioration occurred with mild respiratory infections with only supportive treatment available. Chest x-ray showed marked hyperinflation with interstitial infiltrate.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first long-term study of primary PL and will help counsel parents. Although fatal in the neonatal period, survival is possible if diagnosed past the neonatal period and improvement is expected.

Prevalence of risk factors associated with human papillomavirus infection in women living with HIV. Canadian Women's HIV Study Group

BACKGROUND

Concurrent infection with HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV) in women is associated with increased rates of cervical dysplasia and shorter survival following the development of cervical cancer. The authors examined risk factors for HPV infection at study entry in HIV-positive women enrolled in the Canadian Women's HIV Study, a prospective open cohort study.

METHODS

Subjects eligible for this analysis included the 375 HIV-positive women in the Canadian Women's HIV Study for whom HPV test results were available. Questionnaires on behavioural and clinical information, Pap smears, cervicovaginal lavage specimens and vaginal tampon specimens for HPV detection and typing by polymerase chain reaction were obtained at study entry.

RESULTS

Overall, 67.2% (252/375) of the women were HPV-positive; the global prevalence of intermediate- and high-risk oncogenic HPV types was 49.1% (184/375). Women with squamous cell dysplasia (32/294) were more likely to have HPV infection than those without dysplasia (90.6% v. 62.6%; p = 0.002). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, with adjustment for number of lifetime partners and history of STD, revealed that the following risk factors were independently associated with HPV infection: CD4 count of less than 0.20 x 10(9)/L (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.99 [95% confidence interval (Cl) 1.17-3.37 (p = 0.011)]), non-white race (adjusted OR 2.00 [95% Cl 1.17-3.42 (p = 0.011)]), inconsistent condom use in the 6 months before study entry (adjusted OR 2.02 [95% Cl 1.16-3.50 (p = 0.013)]), and lower age, with women age 30-39 years (adjusted OR 0.51 [95% Cl 0.30-0.87 (p = 0.013)]) and age 40 years or older (adjusted OR 0.52 [95% Cl 0.26-1.01 (p = 0.052)]) compared with women less than 30 years of age.

INTERPRETATION

Close monitoring for HPV-related effects is warranted in all HIV-positive women, particularly younger, non-white women who do not always use condoms. Counselling for women living with HIV, particularly younger women, should emphasize the importance of regular cytological screening, with increasing frequency as the CD4 count falls.

A two-tier polymerase chain reaction direct sequencing method for detecting and typing human papillomaviruses in pathological specimens

An in-house polymerase chain reaction direct sequencing (PCR-DS) approach for HPV detection and typing was developed, taking advantage of two widely used pairs of human papillomavirus (HPV)-specific PCR primers, MY09/MY11 and GP5/GP6, and 33P-labeled dideoxynucleotides. In this study, 105 pathological specimens were examined: 89% were diagnosed as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade I-III, 76.2% were HPV-positive by PCR-DS. The PCR using GP5/GP6 (first tier) and MY09/MY11 primers (second tier for the GP5/GP6-negative samples) detected additional 15%-25% HPV-positive samples compared with each pair used separately. Direct sequencing was then used to type the HPV. A readout of a sequence as short as 34 nucleotides within a specific region in the L1 gene is sufficient to type known or novel sequences. Because of its high sensitivity and cost-effectiveness, the two-tier PCR-DS was adopted by the authors as the current method of choice for HPV diagnosis with ultimate sequence precision.

JC9813-A putative novel human papillomavirus identified by PCR-DS

Papillomaviruses consist of more than 130 viral types described so far. Most of them are human papillomaviruses (HPV) of supergroup A, demonstrating ano-genital tropism and characterized as etiological agents for benign and malignant cervical lesions in women. A PCR-direct sequencing (PCR-DS) approach with P-33 labeled dideoxynucleotides was used to detect and type human papillomaviruses in cervical biopsies. One novel sequence was identified in a LSIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions) specimen from an HIV-positive English Canadian patient. The structure of the viral gene L1 was determined, yielding a putative novel HPV type of supergroup A (clade A8) named JC9813.

Differential media for quantitative recovery of waterborne Aeromonas hydrophila

Because of the ubiquity of Aeromonas spp., their prevalence in drinking water, and the increasing number of reports on Aeromonas sp.-related infections, a standard method for routine and quantitative recovery had to be defined. On the basis of a survey of 10 media for recovery analysis and subsequent differentiation assays in mixed cultures, we conclude that ampicillin-dextrin agar performed the best for the recovery of Aeromonas spp. in drinking water and the differentiation by simple criteria of that genus from other common waterborne bacteria.

Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from food and drinking water: hemagglutination, hemolysis, and cytotoxicity for a human intestinal cell line (HT-29)

Aeromonas hydrophila isolated from food and drinking water was tested for pathogenicity by studying its hemolysis, hemagglutination, and cytotoxicity. Hemolysis, tested on erythrocytes from six different species, was more frequently seen with water isolates (64%) than with food isolates (48%). Hemagglutination was more frequently encountered with food isolates (92%) than with water isolates (73%). Cytotoxicity, evaluated on seven cell lines, was frequently observed with food isolates (92%) and with water isolates (73%). Heat treatment (56 degrees C for 10 min) of culture supernatant fluids inhibited the toxicity of some but not all toxin-producing isolates. Our results suggest that the human intestinal cell line HT-29 could be a useful complement for testing A. hydrophila exotoxins and for studying the enteropathogenicity of this species for humans.

Evidence for functional interaction between the HIV-1 Tat transactivator and the TATA box binding protein in vivo

Tat strongly activates transcription of the HIV-1 provirus by stimulating both initiation and elongation. This transactivator binds to the TAR RNA element, but can also associate with cellular transcription factors, interacting with upstream promoter sequences. To achieve a better understanding of the role of Tat in the assembly of the transcriptional initiation complex in the living cell, we have examined how the activity of this protein is modified when the general transcription factor involved in the first step of this process, TBP, is overexpressed. The activity of Tat, either wild-type or fused to the DNA binding domain of GAL4 (GBTat), was tested using reporter constructs containing GAL4 binding sites upstream of a minimal promoter corresponding to the HIV-1 TATA box, with or without the TAR element. We found that overexpression of TBP led to a dramatic increase in the activity of the GBTat protein. In order to activate GBTat, TBP must be able to interact with the TATA box. Analysis of several Tat mutants indicated that both the cysteine-rich and the core domains of this transactivator are necessary and sufficient to activate transcription when TBP is overexpressed. In vitro experiments showed that Tat binds specifically to TBP. There was a correlation between the ability of different Tat mutants to bind TBP and their capacity to activate transcription in vivo. With the natural HIV-1 promoter, overexpression of TBP first stimulated and then suppressed the Tat-induced activity. This inhibition was abrogated by an increase in the intracellular levels of Tat. These experimental data indicate that Tat stimulates initiation of transcription by interacting with TBP in vivo.

Comparison of the microbiological quality of water coolers and that of municipal water systems

The microbiological quality of tap water and that of water from 50 water coolers located in residences and workplaces were comparatively studied. In addition, difference factors that might influence the bacteriological contamination of water dispensers were examined. Aeorbic and facultative anaerobic heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms, and two indicators for fecal contamination (fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci) as well as three types of pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aeromonas spp.) were enumerated. It was found that 36 and 28% of the water dispenser samples from the residences and the workplaces, respectively, were contaminated by a least one coliform or indicator bacterium and/or at least one pathogenic bacterium. The respective proportions of tap water samples contaminated in a similar fashion were 18 and 22%, much less than those observed for water coolers (Chi2(1) = 3.71, P = 0.05). We were unable to discern the dominant factors responsible for the contamination of water coolers, but cleaning the water dispenser every 2 months seemed to limit the extent of contamination.

The transcriptionally active factors mediating the effect of the HTLV-I Tax transactivator on the IL-2R alpha kappa B enhancer include the product of the c-rel proto-oncogene

The transactivator HTLV-I Tax activates the promoter of the gene coding for the interleukin 2 alpha-chain receptor (IL-2R alpha) via a kappa B site that can bind several protein species of the rel family. Tax1 strongly activates the enhancer activity of this motif, in both epithelial HeLa and lymphoid Jurkat cells. This activation was not observed in undifferentiated embryocarcinoma F9 cells. Overexpression of the p50, p65 and Rel proteins in these cells showed that significant activation of the IL-2R alpha kappa B site was observed only with Rel and Rel plus p65. Moreover, whereas both Tax and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) are able to efficiently induce the binding of NF-kappa B to the IL-2R alpha kappa B site, PMA is functionally inactive. Using the DNA affinity precipitation assay, we observed that Tax1 is able to efficiently induce the binding of Rel, whereas PMA is not. This established a clear difference between both stimuli, indicating that Rel is the functionally active factor. We conclude from these results that the functional activity of members of the rel family is regulated by their interaction with DNA and that Rel can be a potent transcriptional activator on specific kappa B sites.

Impact of the ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) on the microbiological quality of recreational water

We evaluated the impact of the ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) on the microbiological quality of water. We measured fecal coliforms, Salmonella spp., and Aeromonas spp. in the gull droppings and the number of fecal coliforms in the water prior to and after attracting these birds to the beach with food. Gulls can contribute to the bacteriological degradation of recreational water.

Epstein-Barr virus polymorphic B-cell lymphoma associated with leukemia and with congenital immunodeficiencies

Polymorphic B-cell lymphoma seen in four patients with congenital immunodeficiencies and in two patients with leukemia receiving chemotherapy was associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The tumors had characteristic histologic features: they were polymorphic consisting of a mixture of lymphoblasts and differentiated cells including plasma cells, and areas of hemorrhagic necrosis were prominent. The tumors were either polyclonal, monoclonal, or multiclonal. Patients with congenital immunodeficiencies who developed these tumors died despite radiotherapy, corticosteroids plus acyclovir, or a combination of intravenous (IV) immunoglobulins and alpha 2 interferon. Patients with leukemia recovered when immunosuppressive drugs were discontinued and leukemia has not recurred over a period of 2 and 4 years, respectively, in the two patients.

A twenty-year experience with thyroid carcinoma in children

During the past 20 years, 23 patients (7 males, 16 females) were operated on for thyroid carcinoma in our institution. The average age was 13.6 years (range, 22 months to 27 years). Our series includes papillary carcinoma in 11, follicular carcinoma in four, and medullary thyroid carcinoma in eight patients. Follow-up ranged from 8 months to 20.3 years, with an average of 7.5 years for well-differentiated carcinomas and 4.3 years for medullary thyroid carcinomas. All patients are presently alive with no evidence of progressive disease. Patients with papillary and follicular carcinomas underwent partial thyroidectomy; those with medullary carcinoma underwent total thyroidectomy. Serious complications included three permanent hypoparathyroidism and two tracheostomies, all after secondary neck explorations. The overall results observed in our series of patients seem to support the current conservative approach to well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma, reserving total thyroidectomy for medullary cancer of the thyroid. A more aggressive search for familial medullary carcinoma through use of pentagastrin stimulation leads to early detection and more effective therapy.

Management of thyroid nodules in children: a 20-year experience

The medical records and surgical slides of 58 patients with the diagnosis of thyroid nodules (solitary nodule in 50 patients) are reviewed. The most common cause of thyroid nodules in this series is follicular adenoma (27 patients or 46%). A nuclear scan (technetium or radioactive iodine) was performed in 55 patients, of which 40 showed a cold nodule. Twelve of the 40 cold nodules were malignant (30%). However, for solitary nodules the incidence of cancer is 27%. This last figure is significantly greater than the one recently reported by Hung et al (18.5%). Available diagnostic methods are reviewed and the clinical management as derived from our experience is presented.

Influence of growth medium and supplement on growth of Haemophilus influenzae and on antibacterial activity of several antibiotics

In the present study, five non-beta-lactamase- and five beta-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae were used to determine whether three different growth media, Mueller-Hinton broth and agar, brain heart infusion broth and agar, and tryptic soy broth and agar, and their added supplements (0.2% hemin-0.1% IsoVitaleX, 1% hemin-1% IsoVitaleX, 2% sheep blood, 10% Fildes enrichment, 5% Fildes enrichment, 1% supplement B, 5% horse erythrocytes, and 2% hemoglobin-1% IsoVitaleX) would influence the growth rate of this microorganism and the antibacterial activity of eight antibiotics, including ampicillin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, cefamandole, erythromycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), and cefoperazone. The growth curve studies were carried out with an initial inoculum of 10(4) bacteria per ml, and MICs were determined with an inoculum of 5 X 10(5) microorganisms. Mueller-Hinton broth, brain heart infusion broth, and tryptic soy broth enriched with 5% Fildes resulted in a maximal growth of more than 10(8) CFU/ml at 24 h. When 10% Fildes or 2% sheep blood was added as enrichment to Mueller-Hinton broth, a considerable reduction in the growth rate of H. influenzae strains resulted (P less than 0.01). Significant variations in MICs (P less than 0.01) were observed with chloramphenicol, TMP-SMX, erythromycin, and cefoperazone when brain heart infusion agar, Mueller-Hinton agar, or tryptic soy agar was used. Chloramphenicol, gentamicin, erythromycin, and TMP-SMX were all affected by the different enrichments added to Mueller-Hinton agar. MICs were in general higher with 5% Fildes enrichment and lower with 1% supplement B. Cefoperazone was the only drug which exhibited a lower MIC in 5% Fildes enrichment for ampicillin-resistant H. influenzae strains.

Influence of three modes of administration on the penetration of latamoxef into interstitial fluid and fibrin clots and its in-vivo activity against Haemophilus influenzae

The extravascular penetration and bactericidal activity of latamoxef against beta-lactamase positive Haemophilus influenzae were studied in a rabbit model. All groups of animals received over 24 h an identical dose of 100 mg/kg of latamoxef given by three different intravenous modes of administration including a single large injection of 100 mg/kg, four 25 mg/kg intermittent injections every 6 h, and a continuous infusion of 100 mg/kg over 24 h. A single large injection resulted in significantly higher peak levels and higher initial area under the curve of concentrations of drug in serum, interstitial fluid, and fibrin clots than other modes of administration. Continuous infusion resulted in an accumulation of drug in clots which rose from 1.0 microgram/g at 4 h to 4.9 micrograms/g at 24 h (P value less than 0.01). The rate of killing of H. influenzae imbedded in fibrin clots was greatly influenced by the different modes of therapy. Even though all regimens resulted in peak concentrations which were more than 80 times the MIC (0.03 mg/l) in the fibrin clots, rapid killing (from 10(7) to less than 10(2) micro-organisms per g of clots in less than 6 h) was only observed with a single bolus. Continuous infusion and intermittent injections of latamoxef resulted in limited in-vivo bactericidal activity. Large doses of latamoxef given at long intervals may be more effective than intermittent dosing or continuous infusion.

Isolation, purification and culture of Sertoli cells from immature piglet testes

Several studies suggest a role of Sertoli cells in the control of Leydig cell steroidogenesis. In order to verify this hypothesis, we have developed a system for the purification of pig Sertoli cells. These cells were then characterized by their morphological appearance in light and electron microscopy, their ability to bind [125I]follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and their functional capacity as evaluated by adenosine 3',5' monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation and lactate production when in primary culture under basal and FSH-stimulated conditions. Crude Sertoli cell suspensions from immature porcine testes were fractionated on discontinuous Percoll gradients (densities 1.025, 1.039, 1.055, 1.080 g/ml). Highly purified Sertoli cells were contained in the second band (d: 1.039) generated on the gradient. These cells demonstrated morphological and functional integrity as evidenced by binding specifically [125I] FSH and by responding to FSH stimulation (by an increased production of cAMP and lactate after 3 days in primary culture), but not to human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). This preparation represents a useful model for the study of Sertoli cell functions and their interation with Leydig cells in the regulation of testicular steroidogenesis.

[Bronchogenic cysts of the mediastinum in children. Apropos of 14 cases]

Fourteen children, aged from 2 months to 14 years, underwent surgical excision of a bronchogenic cyst in the mediastinum. Nine of these children were asymptomatic and the finding of the tumor was purely accidental. Retrotracheal and subcarinal localizations were more often symptomatic but their visualization on standard chest roentgenograms was sometimes difficult. An oesophagogram was helpful for the diagnosis in those circumstances. No postoperative complication occurred in our series.

Intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy in rectal cancer

Chemotherapy by intra-arterial infusion, using mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil, was administered to six patients with cancer of the rectum. In three patients who presented initially with an inoperable rectal tumour, medication was infused through the inferior mesenteric artery. Tumour regression was documented in all three, allowing subsequent resection in two. Of three other patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer, none showed tumour regression after infusion, but two experienced substantial relief of perineal pain, with improvement in the quality of life. Unexpected complications occurred in the form of a reversible ischemic colitis in two patients and an arterioenteric fistula in a third.

[Pleural mesothelioma: 3 developmental forms]

In the medical literature, there have been fewer reports on benign pleural mesotheliomas than on their malignant counterparts. We have reviewed the clinical, radiological and pathological features of mesotheliomas seen at the Hôtel-Dieu in Montreal over the past ten years. This experience leads us to postulate that there are three types of mesothelioma. The malignant form is often typical. Pedunculated lesions most often prove to be asymptomatic and benign. However, we have identified an intermediate category where the definitive nature of the mesothelioma could only be established after long term follow-up of the biological behaviour of the tumor.

[Moderate hypobaric hypoxia used as an inducer of congenital vertebral malformation in mouse embryo (author's transl)]

In 1976, we decided to review the files of the scoliosis clinic at Ste-Justine Hospital in Montreal. We found 2,237 patients with scoliosis, 212 of them are classified as congenital. At this time, congenital scoliosis were the major unresolved problems. We decided to look at an experimental model, to study the physio-pathological mechanism of the induction of these malformations. We chose the mouse as the experimental animal, and "hypobaric hypoxia" as the teratogenic agent. With this model, we can produce, malformations at different levels of the spine, if we treat at different days of pregnancy. For example, if we treat the mothers in the 10th day of her pregnancy, we get 90% of malformed embryos, at the lumbar level. All the malformations reproduced in the mice, are similar to those found in humans. We have also demonstrated no difference in the morphology of these malformations from birth to maturity, in contradiction with Epstein, who said that the majority of cleft vertebrae will disappear with bone maturation. We have also demonstrated that these malformations are present in the cartilaginous stage of development of the vertebral column. Our findings are in contradiction with Nassim's who stated, that congenital vertebral malformations are produced by an abnormal ossification process on a normal cartilage primum. Finally, our findings are in agreements with those of Dr. Uhthoff, who showed that congenital vertebral malformations are present in cartilaginous stage of development in human embryos.

Limited in vitro activity of cefamandole against 100 beta-lactamase- and non-beta-lactamase-producing Haemophilus influenzae strains: comparison of moxalactam, chloramphenicol, and ampicillin

In the present study, the minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations of moxalactam, cefamandole lithium, ampicillin, and chloramphenicol were determined, both in broth and on solid medium, against 75 non-beta-lactamase-producing and 25 beta-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae. Most of the 75 strains were inhibited or killed by 2 microgram or less of ampicillin, chloramphenicol, or moxalactam per ml, but cefamandole exhibited poor bactericidal activity against 11 non-beta-lactamase-producing strains, of which 9 were non-type B H. influenzae. Most of the 25 beta-lactamase-producing H. influenzae were resistant to 128 microgram of ampicillin per ml. Both moxalactam and chloramphenicol, which had minimal inhibitory concentrations of less than 0.25 and 2 microgram/ml, respectively, were more active than cefamandole, which had a minimal inhibitory concentration ranging from 2 to greater than or equal to 128 microgram/ml.

Rectal biopsy in type 4 glycogenosis. An ultrastructural cytochemical study

Rectal biopsy material from a patient with type 4 glycogenosis was studied by ultrastructural cytochemical methods. The diagnosis of the disease was made on the basis of the patient's clinical history, the autopsy findings, and the histopathological features. Numerous large macrophages were observed in the rectal mucosa. They contained large vacuoles filled with filamentous material and small granules. This amylopectin was stained by the Thiery method (periodic acid-thiocarbohydrazide-silver proteinate) after 18 hours of exposure to thiocarbohydrazide; only 30 minutes was sufficient to demonstrate seemingly normal beta-glycogen particles in epithelial cells.

On the mechanisms responsible for selection of hepatic veins as target for thrombosis following injection of endotoxin in hyperlipemic rats

The feeding of a butter-rich diet, to sensitize rats for studying the phenomenon of hepatic vein thrombosis, is shown to produce severe liver steatosis leading to a sinusoidal barrage and portal hypertension. The portal pressure in these animals was 210 +/- 4 mm of saline, as compared to 113 +/- 3 mm in the normal rat. Blood circulation studies using carbon suspensions revealed production of a vascular stasis in the hepatic veins after 60 to 90 minutes, when endotoxin (Salmonella typhosa, 0.3 mg/kg) is introduced into the blood circulation to initiate hepatic vein thrombosis. Similar results were observed after 15 minutes with ellagic acid (1 mg/kg/min). The stasis was found in connection with an additional intrahepatic resistance to blood flow as evidenced by a rise in portal pressure and by a reduction in liver perfusion in relation with development of systemic hypotension. In contrast with this, endotoxin initiated only slight and transient changes in the normal rat. Thrombosis immediately followed production of stasis in the hepatic vein, whether the phenomenon was initiated by endotoxin or ellagic acid. Furthermore, inhibition of the vascular stasis of alpha-adrenergic blockade (phenoxybenzamine, 3 mg/kg) was accompanied by prevention of hepatic vein thrombosis. It is concluded that stasis in the hepatic veins resulting from a mechanical obstruction of the circulation by steatosis and by an additional reduction in blood flow initiated by endotoxin, is responsible for selection of hepatic veins as targets for thrombosis following injection of endotoxin in hyperlipemic rats.

Biochemical changes in progressive muscular dystrophy. X. Studies on the biosynthesis of protein and RNA in cellular fractions of the skeletal muscle of normal and vitamin E deficient rabbits

Present investigation was undertaken to elucidate the metabolism of protein and nucleic acids in the skeletal muscle of control and vitamin E deficient rabbits. In order to attain this objective, the content and synthesis of protein and RNA were measured in the homogenate and various subcellular fractions of the skeletal muscle of control and vitamin E deficient rabbits. Our results indicate a possibility of reduction in the muscle volume in the dystrophic muscle since the content of DNA and RNA did not change in such muscles. The protein content, however, decreased considerably in the dystrophic muscle.Incorporation studies indicated a considerable increase in the synthesis of protein and RNA. It was also observed that the excretion of radioactivity was much higher in the urine of dystrophic animals. These findings indicate a rapid turnover of protein in the dystrophic muscle.The sucrose density gradient analysis of polysomal material from the dystrophic muscle indicated a lowering in the concentration of heavier polysomes synthesizing myosin and a considerable increase in the region of lighter polysomes synthesizing tropomyosin. From these findings it is speculated that vitamin E may play an important role in the synthesis of specific muscle proteins. Addition of 250 μg of poly-U restored the polysomal content of dystrophic muscle to that of control, leading to the hypothesis that vitamin E deficient rabbit muscle may be lacking in the messenger RNA content.