bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodontitis is associated with a loss of colonization by Streptococcus sanguinis
Authors: Stingu Catalina-Suzana , Eschrich Klaus , Rodloff Arne C. , Schaumann Reiner , Jentsch Holger
Published: March 2008

The aim of this study was to estimate differences in the prevalence of oral streptococcal species in the subgingival biofilm of patients with aggressive periodontitis and of healthy controls. Thirty-three patients with clinical and radiological proof of aggressive periodontitis and 20 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Clinical indices were recorded in a six-point measurement per tooth. Samples of the subgingival biofilm were taken with paper points from four teeth of each individual. Alpha- and non-haemolytic, small and catalase-negative colonies were biochemically identified using a rapid ID 32 STREP system and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A total of 118 strains of oral streptococci (11 species) were identified and Streptococcus sanguinis was found significantly more often in healthy subjects (P=0.001). Conversely, the absence of S. sanguinis was associated with high values of clinical indices (P=0.001–0.002). Aggressive periodontitis seems to be associated with a loss of colonization of S. sanguinis. Whether or not S. sanguinis offers protection against aggressive periodontitis needs to be determined. Otherwise, there were no significant differences in the distribution of oral streptococcal species in patients and healthy subjects.
Synergistic activity of azoles with amiodarone against clinically resistant Candida albicans tested by chequerboard and time–kill methods
Authors: Guo Qiongjie , Sun Shujuan , Yu Jinlong , Li Yan , Cao Lili
Published: March 2008

Candida albicans is the most common candidal pathogen, causing serious systemic disease in immunocompromised patients. Azoles are widely applied and largely effective; however, they are generally fungistatic and clinically resistant isolates are emerging increasingly. The present study provided in vitro evidence using a chequerboard technique that amiodarone is strongly synergistic with azoles against resistant C. albicans, with mean fractional inhibitory concentration indices of 0.01 and high-percentage synergistic interactions of 1250 %. A time–kill study performed by both colony counting and a colorimetric reduction assay confirmed the synergistic interaction, with a ≥2 log10 decrease in c.f.u. ml−1 compared with the corresponding azoles alone. These results suggest the possibility of supplementing azoles with amiodarone to treat resistant C. albicans infections.
Balamuthia mandrillaris resistance to hostile conditions
Authors: Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Ortega-Rivas Antonio , Khan Naveed Ahmed
Published: March 2008

The resistance of Balamuthia mandrillaris to physical, chemical and radiological conditions was tested. Following treatments, viability was determined by culturing amoebae on human brain microvascular endothelial cells for up to 12 days. B. mandrillaris cysts were resistant to repeated freeze–thawing (five times), temperatures of up to 70 °C, 0.5 % SDS, 25 p.p.m. chlorine, 10 μg pentamidine isethionate ml−1 and 200 mJ UV irradiation cm−2.
Effect of genetic divergence in identifying ancestral origin using HAPAA
Authors: Sundquist Andreas , Fratkin Eugene , Do Chuong B. , Batzoglou Serafim
Published: March 2008

The genome of an admixed individual with ancestors from isolated populations is a mosaic of chromosomal blocks, each following the statistical properties of variation seen in those populations. By analyzing polymorphisms in the admixed individual against those seen in representatives from the populations, we can infer the ancestral source of the individual’s haploblocks. In this paper we describe a novel approach for ancestry inference, HAPAA (HMM-based analysis of polymorphisms in admixed ancestries), that models the allelic and haplotypic variation in the populations and captures the signal of correlation due to linkage disequilibrium, resulting in greatly improved accuracy. We also introduce a methodology for evaluating the effect of genetic divergence between ancestral populations and time-to-admixture on inference accuracy. Using HAPAA, we explore the limits of ancestry inference in closely related populations.
Glycolysis and Glycolytic Enzyme Activity of Aging Red Cells in Man
Authors: Chapman R. G. , Schaumburg L.
Published: March 2008

Hexokinase, aldolase, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase and glutamic‐oxalacetic transaminase activities, and the rate of glycolysis have been measured in red cells from seven adult males responding to repeated phlebotomy or erythropheresis with iron replacement. The change in median age of the red cell populations of these men was estimated from the measured rates of red cell loss and erythropoietic replacement. These enzyme activities and glycolytic rates were measured also in a patient with aplastic anaemia in whom transfused red cells were aging at a known rate.

Hexokinase, aldolase and transaminase activities in the youngest red cell populations were four times greater than the corresponding levels in normal aged cell populations. Pyruvate kinase activity was two or three times higher than normal, but glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase activity was not significantly increased in the youngest cell populations. The rate of glycolysis in intact cells and of lactate formation from glucose or glucose‐6‐phosphate in coenzyme‐supplemented haemolysate showed a two‐fold increase above normal in the youngest cell populations. Subnormal enzyme activity in older cells was observed only for transaminase.

The deterioration of hexokinase and aldolase activity with red cell aging is sufficiently rapid and the activity of these enzymes is normally sufficiently low to indicate a severe glycolytic limitation in old red cells. Such limitation in glycolysis may impair red cell viability and be the determining factor in normal red cell life span.

Measurement of activity of hexokinase, aldolase, or glutamic‐oxalacetic transaminase in an unknown red cell population should indicate the median age of the cell population much sooner than such information can be obtained by measurement of red cell survival.
DNA and RNA Synthesis in Cultures of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Leucocytes from Normal and Lymphosarcomatous Cows
Authors: Yang Tsu‐Ju , Hare W. C. D. , Abt D. A.
Published: March 2008

DNA and RNA synthesis was studied in bovine blood mononuclear leucocytes cultured with and without PHA.

Two of seven lymphosarcomatous cows showed a higher rate of spontaneous (i.e. without PHA) DNA and RNA synthesis, but one of these two showed no increase in DNA synthesis and a decrease in RNA synthesis in cultures with PHA. These two cows also had a large number of lymphoblasts in their peripheral blood in contrast to the other lymphosarcomatous cows and which did not show significantly different patterns of DNA and RNA synthesis from normal cows in cultures either with or without PHA, although some of the lymphosarcomatous cows had atypical lymphocytes and increased lymphocyte counts. Only in the two cows which had many lymphoblasts and a higher rate of spontaneous DNA and RNA synthesis, were there many dividing cells with abnormal chromosome complements.
Erythropoiesis in the Rat under Continuous γ‐Irradiation at 45 rads/day
Authors: Blackett N. M.
Published: March 2008

Radioactive iron has been used to study the response of erythropoiesis in rats during continuous γ‐irradiation at 45 rads/day. Haemoglobin and haematocrit values remain very nearly normal throughout the period of 19 weeks studied and there is only a small decrease in the red cell count at times later than 10 weeks. The lower than normal59Fe incorporation occurring during the first few weeks of irradiation appreciably underestimates red cell production. The marked fall in re‐populating ability indicates a considerable change in the mechanism by which red cell production is maintained after more than 6 weeks irradiation. The recovery of re‐populating ability following the termination of the irradiation after a period of 10 weeks suggests that 30 per cent of the re‐populating cells are killed each day by the continuous irradiation. The results presented do not show at which stage of erythropoiesis increased proliferation occurs. However, if all the increased proliferation should occur in the cells with re‐populating ability, an increase of 10–15 times would be required in their proliferation rate. An alternative method that has been proposed for measuring re‐populating ability employing irradiation with bone marrow shielding, instead of bone marrow transplantation is briefly discussed.
Megaloblastic Anaemia of Infancy and Vitamin B12
Authors: Srikantia S. G. , Reddy Vinodini
Published: March 2008

The haematological status of 30 infants with a syndrome characterized by satisfactory growth, abnormal pigmentation, developmental retardation, hypotonia of muscles, hepatosplenomegaly, with or without tremors, has been studied. Anaemia of a moderate degree was seen in all. All but four had megaloblastic erythropoiesis. Serum vitamin B12 levels were below 100 pg./ml. By increasing the infants' intake of vitamin B12>, by raising the concentration of the vitamin in maternal milk, megaloblastic erythropoiesis could be corrected to normoblastic erythropoiesis. The other clinical manifestations of the syndrome also responded to the administration of vitamin B12 to varying degrees.
Differential corticosterone responses to stress in the lung in two strains of Flinders rats
Authors: Amano H. , Akiyama H. , Bienenstock J.
Published: March 2008

BackgroundAcute stress affects a variety of organs and cellular systems. These include the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF), mast cells and nerves. Flinders‐sensitive (FSL) rat strains have hypercholinergic responses and are more sensitive than Flinders‐resistant rats (FRL) to anaphylaxis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of acute water avoidance stress (1 h) on FSL and FRL tracheal epithelial tissue.

MethodsWe measured short circuit current (Isc) as a measure of tracheal response, and the effect of substance P (SP) on tracheal epithelium in Ussing chambers. Electron microscopy was performed to assess mast cell activation.

ResultsBoth strains showed increasedIscresponses to stress, inhibited by prior injection of the CRF receptor 1 and 2 antagonist, α‐helical CRF‐(9–41). No increases in conductance were seen. Stress responses were accompanied by electron microscopic morphologic evidence for mast cell degranulation, which was not completely inhibited by α‐helical CRF‐(9–41) pre‐treatment. Stress primed the epithelium for an enhanced response to SP in FSL, but this again was not inhibited by α‐helical CRF‐(9–41). FRL had 2.5 times the corticosterone response of FSL.

ConclusionAcute stress affects the tracheal epithelium, not accompanied by changes in ion permeability, but associated with mast cell degranulation. Because blunted HPA axis responses are associated with vulnerability to inflammation, this may partially explain the findings. These stress effects on the lung have a genetic basis associated with relative corticosterone responses, are complex and only in part mediated by CRF.
Lactobacillus GG has in vitro effects on enhanced interleukin‐10 and interferon‐γ release of mononuclear cells but no in vivo effects in supplemented mothers and their neonates
Authors: Kopp M. V. , Goldstein M. , Dietschek A. , Sofke J. , Heinzmann A. , Urbanek R.
Published: March 2008

Background
The value of probiotics for primary prevention is controversial. Moreover, only little is known about the underlying immunological mechanisms of action. Therefore, we assessed the proliferative response and cytokine release in cultures of isolated mononuclear cells from pregnant women and their neonates supplemented with Lactobacillus GG (LGG) or placebo.

Methods
In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled prospective trial, pregnant women with at least one first‐degree relative or a partner with an atopic disease were randomly assigned to receive either the probiotic LGG (ATCC 53103; 5 × 109 colony‐forming units LGG twice daily) or placebo 4–6 weeks before expected delivery, followed by a post‐natal period of 6 months. Cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of the corresponding mother were isolated from cord blood and peripheral blood (n=68). The proliferative response of CBMC and PBMC was expressed as the stimulation index (SI), which was calculated according to the ratio between the mean counts per minute (c.p.m.) values measured in the wells with stimulated cells and the mean c.p.m. values measured in the wells with unstimulated cells. Additionally, the cytokines IFN‐γ, IL‐10 and IL‐13 in the cell culture supernatants were measured using the ELISA technique.

Results
No difference was observed between the LGG‐supplemented group and the placebo group in terms of the proliferative capacity of maternal or neonatal cord blood cells in response to IL‐2, β‐lactoglobulin or LGG. In vitro stimulation with LGG resulted in significantly enhanced release of IL‐10 and IFN‐γ, compared with cytokine release in unstimulated controls. However, this phenomenon was observed in supernatants of maternal and neonatal MC in both groups, independent of prior supplementation with LGG.

Conclusion
LGG has in vitro effects on enhanced IL‐10 and IFN‐γ release of mononuclear cells. However, supplementation with LGG during pregnancy did not alter the proliferative capacity or cytokine pattern in their recipients.
GLUCOCORTICOID MAINTENANCE THERAPY FOLLOWING ADRENALECTOMY: ASSESSMENT OF DOSAGE AND PREPARATION
Authors: KEHLET HENRIK , BINDER CHR. , BLICHERT‐TOFT MOGENS
Published: March 2008

Plasma cortisol was monitored repeatedly after oral administration of cortisol and cortisone (cortisone acetate) to seven adrenalectomized patients with pituitary‐dependent Cushing's syndrome. The amount of glucocorticoid administered was 25 mg cortisol or 33 mg cortisone/g urine creatinine/24 h. Peak plasma cortisol levels were within recommended values in all patients after cortisone and in three of the patients after cortisol. The remaining four patients had elevated peak plasma cortisol levels after cortisol. Transcortin binding capacity in plasma was normal.

It is concluded that cortisol as well as cortisone is suitable for oral glucocorticoid substitution therapy in patients with normal liver function, but that cortisone apparently gives a marginally smoother plasma cortisol curve. However, it is essential to monitor plasma cortisol after institution of glucocorticoid maintenance therapy, since different and unpredictable plasma cortisol levels may exist after a given amount of glucocorticoid, although the dose required correlates reasonably well with creatinine excretion in urine.
NEUROENDOCRINE EMBRYOLOGY AND THE APUD CONCEPT
Authors: PEARSE A. G. E. , TAKOR T. TAKOR
Published: March 2008

In the Vertebrata the great majority of cells producing hormonal peptides belong to the APUD series and share its distinctive cytochemical and ultrastructural characteristics. According to the concept all members of the series are to be regarded as derivatives of neuroectoderm or of specialized (placodal) ectoderm.

For most of the APUD cells this criterion is fulfilled in that their origin from neural tube, neural ridges or neural crest can be considered proven. Complete proof is not yet available for the APUD cells of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, and indeed much contrary evidence can be cited.

Despite the latter, our embryological studies show: (1) that the hypothalamo‐hypophyseal complex is wholly neuroectodermal; (2) that the chronology of neural crest dispersion is such that this tissue could be responsible for observed APUD cell contributions to the foregut; (3) that placodal ectoderm makes important contributions to pharyngeal pouch endocrine derivatives in birds and mammals; and (4) that the amphibian parathyroid gland is derived from the same layer of neural ectoderm as the hypothalamo‐hypophyseal axis.

Supporting immunocytochemical studies indicate that peptides belonging to the APUD series are more widely distributed than hitherto recognized and it is concluded: (1) that the whole of peptide endocrinology is neuroendocrinology; and (2) that the APUD cells, with a few cells hitherto regarded as being outside the series, form a third (Endocrine) division of the nervous system to add to the existing Somatic and Autonomic divisions.
ECTOPIC HORMONE PRODUCTION BY BRONCHIAL CARCINOMAS IN CULTURE
Authors: ELLISON MORAG L. , HILLYARD CARMEL J. , BLOOMFIELD GLENYS A. , REES LESLEY H. , COOMBES R. C. , NEVILLE A. M.
Published: March 2008

Monolayer tissue culture has been used as a system in which to study aspects of ectopic hormone secretion. Of a series of twenty‐four human bronchial carcinomas, nineteen were successfully established in culture and the supernatant medium from each tested for peptide hormones by radioimmunoassay. Six tumours were found to produce adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH), four to release calcitonin (CT) and one to release both of these hormones. No growth hormone or insulin was detected throughout the series. Net in vitro synthesis of both ACTH and CT was demonstrated by recovery of more hormone during culture than was originally contained in the explanted tumour tissue. The production of hormone by four out of six proliferative cultures established, and its persistence through many subculture passages, confirms ectopic hormone production as a stable heritable characteristic of some lung tumours. The ability of hormone‐producing bronchial tumour cells to respond to factors known to influence hormone output from normal endocrine cells was tested. ACTH release was stimulated in one tumour by Pitressin and CT in another by gastrin. In addition, the release of CT from the same tumour cell line was shown to be inhibited by the accumulation of high external concentrations of CT as has been reported for normal C‐cells.
Evaluation of the Triiodothyronine Suppression Test in the Treatment of Graves' Disease*
Authors: Wils J. A. , Kloppenborg P. W. C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract A triiodothyronine (T3) suppression test was performed on 36 patients with Graves' disease during treatment with antithyroid drugs. The patients were divided into two groups according to the thyroid size before treatment. — It was found that in 10 out of 15 patients without a visibly enlarged thyroid gland thyroid function became suppressive during treatment. Out of 21 patients with a visibly enlarged gland, thyroid function in only 1 patient was suppressed at the end of drug treatment. These findings are in accordance with our earlier findings that the incidence of remission after treatment with antithyroid drugs in Graves' disease is high (72%) in patients without a visibly enlarged gland and low (15%) in patients with a visibly enlarged thyroid gland before treatment.
Metabolic Activities of Thyroid Glands from Tapazole Treated Rats
Authors: Macchia Vincenzo , Claar Giovanni M. , Vecchio Giancarlo , Tenore Alfred
Published: March 2008

Abstract Thyroid glands from rats treated with tapazole (0.1% in drinking water) for a four‐week period show, as opposed to the controls, a significant increase in some metabolic activities which are known to be stimulated rather early by TSH, i. e. glucose oxidation, phospholipid metabolism and the hydrolysis of thyroglobulin. This stimulation cannot be affected to any further degree by the addition of thyrotropin in vitro. Moreover, the treatment with tapazole, unlike the addition of TSH to normal glands in vitro, increased the incorporation of a labelled amino acid into thyroglobin as well as other thyroglobulin‐like proteins. — The results obtained indicate that the metabolic changes produced by tapazole on rat thyroid glands can all be ascribed to an increased secretion of TSH, and that in all probability, the thyroid cell receptor for the hormone is saturated with it. Furthermore, the results support the hypothesis that the effect of TSH on the biosynthesis of TGB is only of a delayed type.
Comparative Study of Early Metabolic Events Resulting from the Administration of the Two Diabetogenic Agents Alloxan and Streptozotocin*
Authors: Veleminsky J. , Burr I. M. , Stauffacher W.
Published: March 2008

Abstract In this study it was demonstrated that comparable doses of streptozotocin and alloxan produced similar degrees of pancreatic insulin depletion 48 hours after intravenous injection into rats. The metabolic status of animals injected with either streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) or alloxan (60 mg/kg) was assessed prior to and 24 and 48 hours after injection. Metabolic changes consistent with the induction of acute diabetes were observed after both agents. No qualitative differences were revealed between the responses to the two drugs as reflected by plasma glucose, FFA, glycerol and triglyceride responses and by changes in FFA and glycerol release in vitro. This applied whether the animals were fed ad libitum or were restricted to glucose as the sole caloric source. These results indicate that potential extrapancreatic toxic effects of alloxan and streptozotocin do not significantly interfere with the acute diabetic metabolic changes induced by these agents and that these changes, over the first 48 hours, were primarily a consequence of β‐cell destruction and insulin deficiency. —‐ Comparison of the effects of the differing dietary regimes indicates that both endogenous and exogenous triglyceride contribute to the hypertriglyceridaemia of the acute diabetes induced by both agents. Higher plasma triglyceride concentrations were observed in streptozotocin than in alloxan treated animals fed a free diet but this difference was not evident when the diet was replaced by glucose. Such quantitative differences in the metabolic responses to the two agents could be explained on the basis of the observed variation in the rate of pancreatic insulin depletion and/or variations in food intake.
Triglyceride Synthesis in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Cells of Different Size
Authors: Björntorp Per , Karlsson Majvor
Published: March 2008

Abstract Human adipose tissue fat cells, liberated by eollagenase treatment, were separated into different sizes with a technique utilizing the differences in flotation rates of large and small fat cells in a physiological medium. — Incubation of fat cells after treatment with collagenase caused a pronounced breakage of fat cells. Therefore only incorporation of radioactivity from l‐14C‐glucose into triglyceride but not into carbon dioxide could be measured in separated fat cells. When collagenase‐liberated fat cells were incubated with radioactive glucose, radioactivity in the triglycerides increased with fat cell diameter in the remaining intact fat cells. When intact adipose tissue was incubated with radioactive glucose and then subjected to collagenase treatment, followed by separation of fat cells into different fat cell size classes, the same phenomenon was observed, namely a significant positive correlation between fat cell size and incorporation of radioactivity from glucose into triglycerides in adipose tissue with a wide range of fat cell diameters. Insulin response was small and varying. The dependence of triglyceride synthesis on fat cell size varied in different adipose tissue samples.
The Validity of the Indicator Dilution Method for Measuring the Capillary Diffusion Capacity for 51Cr‐EDTA in Hyperaemic Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Lassen N. A. , Trap‐Jensen J.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Muscle capillary permeability to 51Cr‐EDTA was studied in the exercising forearm of 17 normal human adults. — The permeability data were obtained by means of the indicator dilution technique and the fractional unidirectional transcapillary loss or extraction, E, of 51Cr‐EDTA was calculated using five conceptually different equations. They all yielded practically the same E value. This supports the contention that the indicator dilution technique can give a valid measure of the permeability characteristics of the skeletal muscle capillary wall. These permeability characteristics are expressed as the capillary diffusion capacity, CDC, which is defined as the maximal unidirectional transcapillary flux of a permeable tracer per unit concentration difference per 100 g skeletal muscle. In normal man CDCCr‐EDTA reaches its maximum value of 3.95, SD ± 0.50 moles/100 g·min per mole/ml at plasma flow levels exceeding 15 ml/100g·min.
Comparison of the Absorption of a Polar Lipid, Oleic Acid, and a Non‐Polar Lipid, α‐Tocopherol from Mixed Micellar Solutions and Emulsions
Authors: MacMahon M. T. , Thompson G. R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract This study contrasts the absorption from mixed micellar solutions and from emulsions of the polar lipid, oleic acid, and the non‐polar lipid, α‐tocopherol. Rats with cannulated mesenteric lymphatics and bile ducts were infused intra‐duodenally with 14C‐oleic acid and 3H‐α‐tocopherol, and absorption of radioactivity into lymph was measured during the subsequent 24 hours. The results showed that oleic acid was absorbed nearly as well from an emulsion as from a mixed micellar solution, in contrast to α‐tocopherol, which was absorbed poorly from the emulsion. Further studies in bile fistula rats killed at one and three hours after the intraduodena infusions showed that the poor absorption of α‐tocopherol from an emulsion was associated with a decreased uptake into the intestinal mucosa. These findings suggest that micelle formation is more important for the absorption of non‐polar lipids, such as α‐tocopherol, than for the absorption of polar lipids, such as oleic acid.
Heart Rate, Stroke Volume and Vasomotor Regulation in the Cat during Exertion and Postural Changes*
Authors: Mancia Giuseppe , Baccelli Giorgio , Adams David B. , Zanchetti Alberto
Published: March 2008

Abstract The cat, when its peripheral metabolic demands are augmented, has a limited capacity to increase its heart rate, but often responds with a considerable rise in stroke volume: stroke volume can be increased by active changes of posture from lying to standing, by a short or prolonged bout of fighting, and by mild exercise on the treadmill. In all these conditions stroke volume attains values larger than those measured during recumbent rest. It appears therefore that an increase in stroke volume is a mechanism ordinarily called upon in the cat when natural behaviour requires an increase in cardiac output, while in man it is called upon in extraordinary conditions only. However, the fact that a stroke volume regulating mechanism is ordinarily operative in the cat shows that it has a physiological significance, and supports the idea that in man also exertion is accompanied by a masked stimulation of myocardial contractility. A description is also presented of the vasomotor changes produced by active changes in posture.
Gastrin and G‐Cells in the Antral Mucosa of Patients with Pernicious Anaemia, Acromegaly and Hyperparathyroidism and in a Zollinger‐Ellison Tumour of the Pancreas
Authors: Ceeutzfeldt W. , Arnold R. , Creutzfeldt C. , Fettrle G. , Ketteeer H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. In extracts of human gastric biopsies gastrin has been estimated with an immunochemical method. In the same biopsies G‐cells have been localized with an immunohistological method using peroxidase‐labelled antibodies and the endocrine cells investigated electron‐microscopically. Gastrin and G‐cells could be found regularly in the antral mucosa and only in insignificant amounts or not at all in the fundic mucosa of six normal persons. With the same methods gastrin and G‐cells could be demonstrated in the antral mucosa of rats and guinea‐pigs. The gastrin content of the antral mucosa of six patients with pernicious anaemia and achlorhydria with elevated serum gastrin levels was more than 20 times higher than in the controls and the G‐cells were significantly more numerous. Besides hyperplasia of the G‐cells, increased secretory activity was found electron‐microscopically. The gastrin release from the G‐cells seems to take place mainly via intracellular dissolution of the granule content within the membranous sacs. Although the number of other endocrine cells was increased in pernicious anaemia the ultrastructural identity of the G‐cells could be established by comparison with the cells of a Zollinger‐Ellison tumour. This tumour contained gastrin and gave a positive immunohistological reaction for this hormone. Also, the fundic mucosa of patients with pernicious anaemia contained gastrin and G‐cells, but considerably less than the antral mucosa. Hyperplasia of G‐cells was found in six cases of acromegaly, four of which also had a significantly increased gastrin content of the antral mucosa. This finding suggests a trophic function of the hypophysis, especially growth hormone, on the G‐cells. Hyperplasia of the G‐cells in the antral mucosa of three patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and increased gastrin content in two of the three cases also suggest a trophic function of the serum calcium level on the G‐cells.
HL‐A Antigens in Haematological Malignant Diseases*
Authors: Jeannet M. , Magnin C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The frequency of twenty‐two HL‐A antigens has been determined in a series of one hundred and seventy patients with haematological malignant diseases. One HL‐A specificity, HL‐A 11, was found to be less frequent among the patients with haematological malignant diseases than among control subjects, Other HL‐A specificities were found to be more frequent in patients with certain diseases, as HL‐A 1 in chronic myelocytic leukaemia, HL‐A 2 in acute myeloblasts leukaemia, W 28 in lymphomas, and W 15 in Hodgkin's disease. Although the statistical significance of these variations remains doubtful, because of the relatively small number of patients tested, the findings suggest there may be a correlation between HL‐A antigens and susceptibility to haematological malignant diseases.
The Sensation Produced by Threshold Resistive Loads to Breathing
Authors: Noble M. I. M. , Frankel H. L. , Else Wendy , Guz A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The ability to detect resistances added to the tracheostomy tubes of E.N.T. patients was improved by allowing the pressure changes to be transmitted to the upper airways (by deflating the tracheostomy tube cuff). This suggests that the upper airways are sensitive detectors of added airway resistance and that this sensitivity masks impaired thoracic mechanisms of detection. Patients with chronic obstructive airways disease were able to detect added resistances less well than those with minimal airway disease. Patients with cervical cord transections from spinal level C3 to C6 were able to detect threshold resistive loads normally. It is concluded that receptors in the chest wall and diaphragm are not essential for the normal sensation of threshold resistive loads.
Experimental Studies on the Influence of Ouabain on ATP, Calcium and Magnesium in the Failing Human Heart*
Authors: Neubaur J. , Kochsiek K. , Labbig D. , Heimburg P. , Glodek P. , Kirchhof S. , Stahlnecker E.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. 1. ATP, Ca, Mg determinations from arterial and coronary‐venous blood were carried out during routine cardiac catheterization. 2. 10 patients with chronic left heart failure and 10 patients with normal left ventricles were tested. An additional 10 patients with chronic left heart failure were tested only for ATP in arterial and coronary‐venous blood. 3. The blood specimens were taken at rest and during physical exertion as well as before and after the administration of ouabain. 4. In coronary‐venous blood of chronically failing human hearts ATP is increased during physical exertion (arterial = 0.756 μmol ATP/ml whole blood; coronary‐venous = 0.796 μmol ATP/ml whole blood. p < 0.005). The results were reproduced in a second group of 10 patients with left heart failure (arterial = 0.654 μmol ATP/ml whole blood; coronary‐venous = 0.693 μmol ATP/ml whole blood. p < 0.0005). 5. After the administration of ouabain this effect is no longer detectable in the same patients. 6. The chronically failing human myocardium absorbs essentially more Ca during physical exertion than the normal myocardium does (arterial = 107.4 μg/ml serum; coronary‐vonous = 113.4 μ/ml serum. p < 0.0005). 7. In chronic heart failure there was no uptake of Ca after the administration of ouabain. 8. Differences in Mg uptake and release could not be determined in the failing human heart.
Determination of Splanchnic Secretion Rate of Plasma Triglycerides and of Total and Splanchnic Turnover of Plasma Free Fatty Acids in Man
Authors: Boberg Jonas , Carlson Lars A. , Freyschuss Ulla
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A method has been developed whereby the splanchnic secretion rate of plasma triglycerides (TG) and the splanchnic uptake and mobilization of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) can be measured in man. The method includes constant intravenous infusion of albumin‐bound 3H‐labelled palmitate, and simultaneous sampling of blood from the hepatic vein and an artery.

The methodological problems associated with the quantitative determination of the small hepatio venous‐arterial differences of labelled and unlabelled plasma TG and FFA have been studied. By performing ten estimates on each hepatic vein and arterial sample, analytical precision was increased sufficiently to detect significant hepatic venous‐arterial differences in TG concentration and radioactivity.

The splanchnic secretion rates of labelled plasma TG were found to be constant 3 hours after beginning the continous infusion of the precursor 3H‐palmitate. The plasma TG turnover was calculated according to three different methods: the chemical, the isotope and the plasma TG clearance methods. The mean values and standard deviations of the three methods were 59 ± 105, 29 ± 12 and 37 ± 22 μmoles/min.

The splanchnic uptake of plasma FFA was estimated to be between 225 and 269 μmoles/min and the splanchnic mobilization of plasma FFA was between 76 and 120 μmoles/min.
Isolation, Biological and Antigenic Properties of a Specific Toxin Formed in Thermally Altered Mouse Skin
Authors: Schoenenberger G. A. , Allgöwer M. , Cueni L. B. , Eppenberger U. , Städtler K. E.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. A lipid‐protein complex, which has a lethal effect on recipient animals, was isolated from mouse skin exposed to controlled thermal energy. A new isolation procedure was developed, which takes advantage of the toxic activity present in thermally modified skin, to trace the fate of the active compound. A bioassay was designed for this purpose by injecting Thorotrast into the recipient animals. The toxic lipid‐protein complex and the corresponding derivative from native skin were shown to have the same lipid (40%) and protein (60%) content. The lipid moieties of both derivatives were made up of six different lipid classes. The toxic compound differed from the non‐toxic material only by its larger size and higher density. Equivalent results were obtained on samples isolated, after the removal of surface lipids and soluble cell constituents, from the donor skins prior to the application of thermal energy i.e. processing “skin residues”. The biological activity was shown to reside in the apoprotein while the lipid moiety contributes to the toxic activity to a certain extent. The results suggest that the toxic compound is a polymeric form produced by thermal energy from a naturally occurring precursor. The toxin has a specific antigenic property protecting mice after active and passive immunotherapy against a lethal bum injury in vivo. This suggests strongly that the toxic compound is an etiological factor responsible for the high mortality after severe burns. It is significant that, if scalding was applied to the same extent as the dry heat burns in vivo, the injured animals survived. This was interpreted to support the hypothesis of a specific mechanism being responsible for toxin formation. The experimental results suggest that a specific therapy for the “late mortality” after severe human burns might be possible.
A Comparison of Stimulation Frequency and Electro‐Augmentation on Myocardial Function, Extensibility, Coronary Flow Rate, Oxygen Consumption and Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Brink A. J. , Bester A. J. , Lochner A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The effects of increased heart rate on the function and metabolism of the isolated perfused rat heart were studied. Single stimuli as well as paired and coupled stimuli were used to increase the heart rate from 80 to 200 beats/ min. Heartblock was produced in the rat heart to give a preparation with a heart rate of 80 beats/min. For measurements of mechanical activity a modified Langendorf perfusion system with a myographic force transducer was used. Results indicate that tension development was greater with paired than with single stimuli at frequency rates of 100–160 beats/ min. At higher frequency rates there was no difference between single and paired stimuli. However, paired stimuli increased the tension developed per min. (TTM) for all rates studied, whereas they reduced the time to peak height of developed tension for rates up to 160 beats/min. Relationships of length to tension at different rates of stimulation were also determined. Myocardial oxygen consumption and coronary flow rates increased with increasing heart rate, with both single and paired stimuli. Paired stimulation caused significantly greater oxygen consumption at all frequency rates, while the increase in coronary flow rate was similar with paired and single stimuli. The effects of increasing heart rate by single and paired stimuli on the metabolism of [U‐14C] glucose were studied. Glucose uptake and lactate production were significantly higher with paired than with single stimuli at a constant heart rate. Paired and single stimuli had a similar effect on the pattern of glucose metabolism with increased heart rate.

The results suggest, in agreement with the suggestion made by other workers, that the potentiating effects of paired stimuli dependent on the interval‐strength relationship of the impulses and are probably related to the optimal availability of Ca++ at the contractile sites. Furthermore, the increased oxygen consumption, the limited increase in coronary flow rate and the reduced effect of paired stimulation on tension development at higher rates of stimulation make it doubtful whether this procedure can be used for therapeutic purposes in the failing heart.
Further Aspects on the Characterization of High and Very Low Density Lipoproteins in Patients with Liver Disease
Authors: Seidel D. , Greten H. , Geisen H. P. , Wengeler H. , Wieland H.
Published: March 2008

Abstract Various liver disorders are often associated with decreased concentrations of serum α‐ and pre‐ β‐lipoproteins. The decreased concentrations of high density lipoproteins (HDL) is primarily due to an impaired lipid binding capacity of apolipoprotein A (apo A), the major protein moiety of HDL. This results in an abnormally high protein/lipid ratio and in severe cases in a lack of neutral lipids in this density class. In contrast to normal α‐lipoproteins this fraction does not stain for lipids but shows two distinct and nonidentical precipitin bands on immunoelectrophoresis and immunodiffusion. The isolated very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) from patients with liver disorders revealed a regular particle size and a protein/lipid ratio close to normal but developed β‐mobility on electrophoresis. Analysis of the protein moieties of this fraction indicated a lack of apolipoprotein A. It is suggested that disturbed liver function leads to the synthesis of an altered apo A resulting (a) in α‐lipoproteins with dissociated apo A peptides and (b) in very low density lipoproteins devoid of apo A. Both findings may be explained by the impaired capacity of this apolipoprotein A to bind neutral lipids.
Effect of Neomycin on Cholesterol Metabolism in the Germ‐Free Pig
Authors: Thompson G. R. , Henry Kristin , Edington N. , Trexler P. C.
Published: March 2008

Abstract The effect of neomycin sulphate in an oral dose of 1.5 g daily was studied in germ‐free piglets given a preliminary intravenous dose of labelled cholesterol. Combined urinary and faecal pools were assayed for radioactivity and the faecal excretion of neutral sterols and bile acids was calculated by the isotopic balance method. During the administration of neomycin there was only a slight and transient decrease in serum cholesterol, but the faecal excretion of endogenous neutral sterols was more than doubled. There was also a significant rise in faecal fat excretion, although bile acid excretion remained unchanged. Examination of the morphology of the small intestinal mucosa by both light and electron microscopy showed no evidence that neomycin had caused any damage to either absorptive or crypt cells. The only abnormality found was the presence in macrophages in the lamina propria of dense inclusions which exhibited a paracrystalline structure at very high magnification; they were not found in control germ‐free animals. These findings demonstrate that neomycin exerts an effect on lipid metabolism which is independent of its antibiotic actions and which is not secondary to mucosal damage.
Study of Somatotropic and Gonadotropic Pituitary Function in Idiopathic Haemochromatosis (31 Cases)
Authors: Simon M. , Franchimont P. , Murie N. , Ferrand B. , van Cauwenberge H. , Bourel M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract A study of the endocrine syndrome in idiopathic haemochromatosis based essentially on the radioimmunoassay of three pituitary hormones was performed in 31 male patients. The mean levels of growth hormone, follicle‐stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone are rather high as compared with normal subjects. Hypoglycaemic stimulation, if sufficient, produces a good response in terms of growth hormone release. The values of all three hormones show a great deal of scatter, with a majority of normal values, some low values and a number of high or very high values. The authors reject the classical pathophysiologic hypothesis of a constant primary pituitary disturbance. The endocrinopathy may be both central and peripheral, with the peripheral disturbance occurring first or being predominant. In the latter case, the pituitary would either respond vigorously to the abolition of feedback or, in the case of pituitary lesions, present only a limited response.
Plasma Triglyceride and Fatty Acid Metabolism in Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Lewis Barry , Mancini Mario , Mattock Martin , Chait Alan , Fraser T. Russell
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Free fatty acid and triglyceride metabolism was studied in diet‐responsive and insulin‐dependent diabetics and in non‐diabetic obese patients before and during treatment. Free fatty acid turnover was elevated in diabetics and in most obese patients, and was decreased by diabetic control; it showed no significant change in the obese patients during caloric restriction. Plasma triglyceride levels exceeded 160 mg/100 ml in 20 of the 34 diabetics, and gross lipaemia occurred both in insulin‐requiring and diet‐responsive patients. The fractional turnover of injected triglyceride was low in 20 of 33 measurements on untreated diabetics, and was negatively correlated with endogenous triglyceride levels. The fractional turnover increased significantly during diabetic control. These findings are compatible with the view that diabetic hypertrigly ceridaemia may be due in part to impaired removal of triglyceride from plasma.
Fibroblasts as an Experimental Tool in Metabolic and Hormone Studies
Authors: Morell B. , Froesch E. R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. The effects of insulin and purified nonsuppressible insulin‐like activity from serum (NSILA‐S) on glucose, DNA‐metabolism and growth of chicken embryo fibroblasts are compared. Insulin stimulates growth, glucose consumption, lactate production and thymidine uptake only in very high concentrations (1–100 mU/ml), whereas NSILA‐S is effective at concentrations which may be present under physiological conditions. On a molar basis NSILA‐S is approximately 20 times as active as insulin. Although a potent stimulator of all these metabolic indices NSILA‐S can only partially replace serum. NSILA‐S may be one of the growth factors present in serum but it does not seem to be the only one.
Glucose Tolerance and Blood Metabolite Changes in Galactosamine Hepatitis and Obstructive Jaundice in the Rat
Authors: Record C. O. , Alberti K. G.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Glucose tolerance and blood metabolite changes have been measured in starved rats either 24 h after D (+)‐galactosamine treatment or 9 days after bile duct ligation. In galactosamine‐treated rats (0.5 g/kg) there was enhanced glucose removal after intravenous glucose (1 g/kg) and hyper‐insulinism in the early part of the test. Fasting blood lactate and pyruvate concentrations were elevated in galactosamine‐treated rats (1 g/kg) and there was a greatly accentuated rise in blood lactate concentration after intravenous glucose (2.20 ±0.16 compared to 0.90 ± 0.23 mM), suggesting decreased gluconeogeneaia. Nine days after bile duct ligation there was enhanced glucose removal after intravenous glucose when compared to controls. Lactate and pyruvate concentrations were transiently elevated after intravenous glucose in the ligated rats consistent with the increased rate of glucose removal. Fasting ketone bodies were decreased in the ligated rats (2.87 ± 0.40 compared to 6.50 ± 0.87 mM) due to diminished fat stores and this decreased ketosis probably results in glucose removal comparable to that seen in fed rats.
The Regulation of Splanchnic Glucose Production in Subjects with Low Insulin Response – a Compensatory Mechanism in Prediabetes?
Authors: Cerasi E. , Wahren J. , Luft R. , Felig P. , Hendler R.
Published: March 2008

Abstract. Splanchnic exchange of glucose, pyruvate, lactate, glycerol and individual amino acids was measured in 22 healthy non‐obese men with normal glucose tolerance. Ten of the subjects had a diminished insulin response to glucose infusion and formed the group of low insulin responders. Basal insulin levels were significantly reduced in the latter group. In spite of this, the splanchnic glucose output was 45 per cent lower than in the controls. During the infusion of 2 mg glucose/kg/ min. for 45 min., a significant elevation of the arterial insulin concentration was observed only in the control group. However, splanchnic glucose output decreased more rapidly and to a greater extent in the low insulin responders despite significantly reduced insulin levels. The uptake of gluconeogenic precursors was similar in both groups. No differences were noted in the arterial glucagon levels. These findings are taken to indicate that hepatic sensitivity to endogenous insulin is augmented in low insulin responders, thereby providing a mechanism for maintaining normal glucose tolerance in the presence of subnormal insulin secretion.