Search

The immunoglobulin pattern in the sera of lethally irradiated and bone marrow transplanted Rhesus monkeys was studied during the reconstitution of their immune system. All of the irradiated monkeys which survived longer than 30 days, and in which reconstitution of their immune system took place. also developed homogeneous immunoglobulins (HI) in their sera. These homogeneous. sometimes multiple, immunoglobulins were transient. However, they persisted frequently in the sera for several months. in two monkeys which were additionally immunized with a complex antigen (normal human serum), clear-cut M-components appeared in the serum about 10 days later. These HI of lgG class did not precipitate the antigen in immunodiffusion techniques: however, when passing the serum through an immunoadsorbent prepared from normal human serum, only the HI were specifically retained on the column and afterwards isolated by elution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proliferative activity of sebaceous glands of uninvolved skin from acne patients was analysed by means of ³H-thymidine autoradiography and by planimetry. Twelve specimens of normal skin from the back (with thirty-five glands) and two specimens from the face (with six glands) were analysed. Labelling indices and planimetric values were determined separately for the two portions within each gland: the differentiating cell pool with germinative cells and large lipid cells; and the undifferentiated cell pool with multilayered cells. The germinative cells of the differentiating cell pool on the back and face of patients with acne showed a significantly greater labelling index than in control subjects. The undifferentiated cell pool, although having a higher labelling index than the differentiating cell pool, was similar both in acne patients and in controls. Planimetry confirmed that the sebaceous glands of patients are much larger than those of normal subjects. Therefore, the known increase in sebum excretion in acne patients is a result of two factors—an increase in lipid cell production and an increase in sebaceous gland size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a surface microscope technique to measure the pilo-sebaceous duct orifices in vivo, it has been shown that keratin hydration, as produced either by a hot bath or by polythene occlusion, decreases the pilo-sebaceous orifice size. These changes are reversed within 90 min. This reduction in pilo-sebaceous duct orifice size would increase sebum outflow resistance and aggravate duct obstruction. The observations therefore help to explain the exacerbation of acne seen in humid environments, such as in the tropics, and in certain occupations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrophoretic patterns of skin washings from the calf, sheep, goat, pig, horse and man have been compared. It was concluded that protein in these washings was derived mainly from sweat. The amounts of protein lost and the nature of the proteins in the sweat differed markedly between species. The horse had relatively the highest protein loss during active sweating and man the lowest. The potential biological role of these sweat proteins is discussed, including the possibility that they may provide the animal with an outer defence, on the skin surface, against invasion by foreign organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an attempt to elucidate the nature of the endotoxin-altering reaction, normal sera from animals of different phylogenetic levels were tested for capacity to inactivate endotoxin from Escherichia coli. Inactivation was assayed quantitatively by reduction in capacities of endotoxin to be precipitated by homologous antiserum and to kill mice, and by changes in its immunodiffusion pattern. Sera from species of Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Amphibia, Osteichthyes, and Chondrichthyes were shown to have similar capacities to inactivate endotoxin, whereas sera from cycIostomes and hemolymphs from crustaceans altered endotoxin only slightly or not at all. In general, the qualitative nature of the endotoxin-altering reaction by these sera was similar in that the reaction was inhibited by calcium (100 μmoles/ml) and, excepting carp and turtle sera, it was heat stable (56 C for 30 min). Inactivation was greater when endotoxin was incubated with serum at 37 C rather than at 3 C or 26 C. It is postulated that an endotoxin-altering mechanism similar to that of human serum originated phylogenetic ally between hagfish and shark. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article focuses on a study related to the understanding of marital adjustments. Attacks upon the problem of sexual adjustment in marriage have not proved as fruitful as they might have been, according to Alfred C. Kinsey, because no one has understood the basic physiology of sexual response, or the basic psychologic differences between female and male responsiveness. The purpose of the study, has been a fact- finding survey in which there has been an attempt not only to discover what people do sexually but what factors account for their patterns of sexual behavior and how these have affected their lives. Although Kinsey acknowledges the importance of other factors, he places great stress on sexual adjustment as a factor in marital success. Sexual adjustment is measured by one unit namely, orgasmic activity. Females with pre-marital orgasmic activity achieve marital sexual adjustment oftener and earlier than those without.

By studying the sebum excretion rate in patients with Parkinsonism before and during treatment with L-dopa we have shown that L-dopa reduces sebum excretion if seborrhoea is initially present, but has no effect on normal sebum excretion rates. The seborrhoea of Parkinsonism may be due to increased production of melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and our finding may have therapeutic implications in Parkinsonism and breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

" Perioral dermatitis" has been studied in 29 patients; all were females in their child-bearing years, with ages ranging from 18 to 39 (mean 27). Twenty patients showed a marked flushing tendency, but the condition was apparently unrelated to other factors studied, including colouring, skin type, pregnancy and the contraceptive pill. Perioral dermatitis is a distinct entity and not a variant of seborrhoeic dermatitis or rosacea. All patients were greatly improved by tetracycline therapy for 2-3 months, after which relapse was unusual. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propranolol had no marked effects on the acetylcholine-induced sweat response in normal subjects. The only effects were (1) a slight and transient prolongation of the secretion; (2) a very slight and transient anticholinergic activity. These findings do not support the existence of a β-receptor inhibitory mechanism affecting sweat gland activity as postulated by Hemels (1970). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents information regarding the complexities of drug metabolism and interaction. Distribution is dependent upon a series of processes in which absorption from the gut or injection site is followed by distribution, metabolism and excretion. To reach its site of action, the drug must pass through one or more membranes, transfer through which depends chiefly upon diffusion and, to a less extent, upon filtration or active transport. The manifestations of overdosage are directly related to the total amount of the drug in the body and differ only in degree from the desired pharmacological effects.

The article focuses on linear lesions on the skin. The distribution of some skin lesions is obviously determined by exposure to external agents such as light chemicals or friction. Linear lesions are an example of a surface distribution that could be determined by some such factor. Since most normal anatomical features are present in all individuals it is to be expected that a significant association between a normal anatomical feature and a skin lesion will be found only if they are associated in most patients with the lesion.

The article presents information on several published papers related to dermatology. Some of the papers are "Effects of Specific Prostaglandins on Development of Chick Embryo Skin and Down Feather Organ in Vitro," by C.W. Kischer, "Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of the Skin," by W. Montagna and "Gingival Fibromatosis Combined With Cherubism," by Y. Ramon, W. Berman and J.J. Bubis.

Vasoconstriction and vasodilation had no significant effect on transepidermal water loss (TWL), and the galvanic skin resistance was unaffected. Decreasing skin temperature was accompanied by decreasing TWL. The fall appeared to be related to skin temperature and not directly to the reduction in body temperature. No significant difference in the TWL was found between skin rendered anhidrotic by poldine and untreated skin in which sweating could not be detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty-two patients suffering from dermatitis, and 25 from psoriasis were studied. Clinical improvement was obtained by a routine method of progressively reducing the amount of topically applied corticosteroid in parallel with suppression of the dermatitis and psoriasis, and the subsequent amount of triamcinolone acetonide required was measured. Plasma 11-hydroxycorticoids levels, urinary cortisol secretion rates, and urinary 17-OHCS were measured and a statistically significant fall in both plasma hydroxycorticoids and urinary cortisol excretion rates was found, suggesting suppression of adrenal cortical function. The urinary 17-OHCS results correlated poorly with the cortisol excretion rates. We could not however detect a statistically significant relationship between the amounts of triamcinolone applied and the reduction in the plasma cortisol level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been confirmed that when 1.25 and 2.5% griscofulvin is added to the diet of mice there is an increased faecal excretion and hepatic concentration of protoporphyrin and coproporphyrin. There was a significant increase in hepatic ALA dehydrase and a significant decrease in hepatic haemsynthetase in the griseofulvin intoxicated animals. When griseofulvin was added to the diet of mating mice, there was an inhibition of conception or early foetal growth; this inhibition was more marked when the female mouse was fed with the drug. The animals of the litter born to one female rat intoxicated with griseofulvin contained excessive hepatic and renal porphyrins. In an investigation of the blood, urinary and faecal porphyrins of seven patients who had been treated with griseofulvin for 4-49 month, it was found that only one patient had elevated faecal porphyrins and another had elevated erythrocyte porphyrins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A patient who developed generalized partial anhidrosis following exposure to radiant heat is described. It is postulated that postulated that prolonged exposure to radiant heat by causing a critical rise in body temperature damaged the majority of susceptible eccrine sweat gland secretory coils with subsequent atrophy and later disappearance of the affected sweat glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of Darier's disease with cystic changes in the bones is presented. This appears to be the first recorded case of this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a classified list of publications prepared by the staff of the Dermatological Department of Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. Some of the publications in the list are: "Microscopic Anatomy and Histochemistry of Glands in the External Auditory Moatus of the Cat," by S.D.A Fernando; "Hemangioma Associated With Thrombocytopenia," by J.J. Kenny and L.M. Mulhern; "The Question of Congenital Keratoses," by G. Rajka; "Congenital Anhidrotic Ectodermal Dysplasia: Case Report," by H. de Jager; "Preauricular Sinuses: A Congenital Hereditary Anomaly," by A.D. Katz.

The iron content of finger nails has been measured in 100 normal subjects and an age variation demonstrated. The significance of this is uncertain. In 35 iron-deficient subjects, the content tended to be slightly reduced. This may be secondary to an intracellular iron deficiency in the epidermis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of acrosclerosis was treated with a short course of relaxin preceded by a course of oestrogens. A partial remission was produced, with marked relief of symptoms, especially dysphagis. There were no allergic or systemic reactions to the injection of this hormone. The excretion of creatine in the urine rose towards the end of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a comparison of traditional university introductory courses in Zoology and newer university introductory courses in biology. It is stated that the first of the two courses offered in the traditional university introductory courses was designated as Zoology 1A, entitled General Zoology while the second was designated as Zoology 1B, also entitled General Zoology. The first course had no prerequisite courses listed as a condition for admission for non-majors and was concerned with principles of animal biology, with emphasis on invertebrates. The second course dealt with the principles of animal biology with emphasis on comparative gross and microscopic anatomy and on physiology of the vertebrates.

The article discusses the designing of an electronic system for tracking of wild animals. The device was meant to determine range, mobility, and physiology of the animal. This required a transmitting device, a means of attaching it to the animal, a receiving and tracking system, and a technique for using the equipment to locate the animal in its natural habitat without disturbance. It is suggested that the system should be capable of providing a working range of approximately onequarter mile. It is stated that it should also be capable of assembly and use by personnel having little or no electronic training. Mercury batteries are used to power the transmitter. Most of the circuits or devices used in the system are in common use and not new developments.

The article presents information on a case of hereditary angio-neurotic oedema, successfully treated with ε-amlnocaproic acid. A patient with clinical and laboratory findings characteristic of hereditary angioneurotic oedema was investigated. The patient was observed for a period of 5 weeks, during which he had four attacks. ε-Aminocaproic acid was then given continuously for 5 months, during which time the patient had no attacks. The studies on histamine metabolism revealed no significant changes with the exception of the urinary excretion of histamine, which was moderately increased towards the end of the period studied.

The article highlights an analysis of the past contribution of insect and plant physiologists to the field of insect pest control. It also examines how the two groups of scientists may be brought together in the constant fight against insects. It reports that the insect physiologist needs to know more about physiological plant characteristics to explain the insects' adaptive patterns physiologically, their strategies for survival. It notes that the plant physiologist, having already helped people to understand photosynthesis, plant respiration, translocation, and growth can now make a major contribution to the understanding of what makes a plant so attractive and palatable to an insect, thus making the latter so difficult to control.

The article discusses animal behavior study under the curriculum of biology. The article implies that changes in the course of biology has affected the holistic discipline of the biology teaching curriculum. Such changes include a bi-directional shift towards the molecular and biochemical grounds, and a shift to physiological and ecological aspects. The different approaches may cause an imbalance study of biology and the educational programs may become fragmented. It is stated that a solution for the imbalance is the animal behavior study included in the curriculum. The article investigates how the study will positively affect the biology course.

The article presents a study on the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) of Amchitka Island, Alaska. The study examines the food habits of the threespine stickleback and their effects on ecology of the island. The study examines four watersheds in the island wherein threespine stickleback were collected and examined for food items. The threespine sticklebacks were categorized under two types including the freshwater and marine forms. Most of the food items found include zooplankton, insects, and crustaceans. An overview of the study is provided.

The article reports on populations of birds of prey in Amchitka Island, Alaska. Populations of peregrine falcons and bald eagles are affected by pesticide diseases in other areas. Researchers are drawn to study birds of prey in the Amchitka due to its remoteness and its healthy bird populations. The authors confirmed the three eyries reported by previous researchers and argues that there are more to be discovered. They report that there are more bald eagles than peregrines that breed on the island. They also observed that peregrines and eagles remain on the island during winter. An overview of the study is provided.

The article lists books on biosciences which include "Advances in Comparative Physiology and Biochemistry," Vol. 3, edited by O. Lowenstein, "Animal Behavior in Laboratory and Field," edited by Allen W. Stokes, and "Animal Locomotion," by Sir James Gray.

In the article, the author focuses on the importance of uniformity in handling measurable electrical quantities to address communication problems which create artificial boundaries between people who would truly benefit from being able to talk with each other. It shows the correct electrical definitions of the involved quantities including dielectric constant, electric conductivity and capacitance. Success in areas such as red blood cell suspensions, transport across frog skins and nerve impulse conduction in the squid axon have made terms such as membrane resistance and sodium conductance commonplace in physiology. It also presents a table of electrical quantities and units (Farads).

The article cites a study that focuses on marine biotelemetry. Researchers in this study revealed that biotelemetry represents an experimental technique that is just beginning to emerge. It offers an opportunity to conduct experiments in natural environmental backgrounds that lead to a fuller understanding of the sensory and regulatory physiology of animal life. It is found in the study that telemetry of environmental data is another phase of research technique which will be of value in ecological studies. Radio frequency transmission through water or biological material is a valuable means of obtaining data in the process of biotelemetry.

The article reports on the use of a data acquisition and management system in the analysis of the heart rate of a California ground squirrel. The system will be used in a continuing study of heart rate relative to squirrel behavior and physiology. The biopotential of the heart is sensed by implanted electrodes and transmitted to a radio receiver and a tape recorder. There is evidence that the autonomic nervous system develops initially as a system of reactive reflex arcs mediated through the midbrain which gradually comes under the inhibitory influence of the maturing cerebral cortex.

The article presents a research report on critical thermal environment. It discusses the thermoneutral range for a homeotherm. Below the lower limit to the thermoneutral range, animal experiences a drop in the body temperature. It is reported that there are two basic processes which maintain "normal" body temperature. One is the metabolic process, which is an exothermic reaction, and the other is physical exchange of heat between the organism and the environment. It is stated that formulas, data and a number of parameters illustrated in the report must be considered in analyzing thermal relationships.

A patient with unilateral spider naevi occurring during her second pregnancy is described. Possible mechanisms are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the motility of blood eosinophils on the glass surface. While neutrophils, even at room temperature, are often actively motile, the eosinophil frequently remains rounded even on the microscope warm stage. The advancing edge of the eosinophil is a thin flange of protoplasm, a flickering veil-like structure into which the granules flow smoothly and slowly. During this the granules may precede the nucleus into a pseudopod but the nuclear lobes enter the pseudopod first and may appear to be pushed about by the grannies. The moving eosinophil has an obvious tail, varying considerably in size, and, in which, granule movement is limited, and cell outline appears preserved.

This article presents information on cytochemical studies of eccrine sweat tubules. It is here proposed that the 3 cell-types described by Montagna Chase and Lobitz represent various stages of repletion with glycogen and of exhaustion after secretion. But if one proposes to describe cells that are stated to be numerous by just calling them "atypical," one should clearly define what it is that they are atypical. Otherwise the descriptions seem to be fairly clear; though to follow the argument closely it might be necessary to attempt the reproduction of some of the work.

This article presents information on a study which focuses on acne vulgaris. The current views on aetiology and treatment of acne vulgaris are given in this study. Little advance in treatment has been made in recent years to parallel the progress in research as to the cause of acne. Treatment, therefore, remains unsatisfactory. No cure is yet available to rectify this disorder of physiology which results in pathological changes. Rapid results cannot be expected but considerable amelioration will be achieved by persevering with the treatment described.

The article studies changes in salivary secretion in skin diseases. Researchers have investigated the salivary secretion in 80 skin patients : the quantity, expressed as minute volume, the percentage concentration of potassium thiocyanate, and chloride, and their absolute excretion as mg. per hour. In seborrboeic eczema there was a diminution of the average minute volume with increased chloride concentration. The hourly excretion of chloride was diminished. In general there was a tendency to reduced salivary function but the potassium thiocyanate excretion was reduced in smokers only.

The article discusses a research by Wallace D. Armstrong and colleagues from the University of Minnesota which cites that a low fluoride diet leads to a decline in reproductive ability and to severe anemia in pregnant and weaning mice. In four successive matings the rate of successful pregnancies in animals on the fluoride-supplemented diet never dropped below 96%. In contrast by the fourth mating, only 48.1% of the low-fluoride mice had successful pregnancies. When these animals were switched to the fluoride-supplemented diet, their reproductive ability returned to normal.

The article reports the removal of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Om Bahl of the State University of NewYork at Buffalo, conducted the removal of HCG, a hormone from human pregnancy urine. The research have an important application in the development of better means of fertility control and the improvement of current fertility control methods. The various metabolic steps discovered leads to the understanding of the hormone's complete mechanism of action, which can suppress and prevent pregnancy. HCG is responsible for the maintenance of pregnancy.

The article reports on a computer program designed to help first-year microbiology college students in the identification of microorganisms. The method involves a study of morphological, cultural and physiological characteristics. The computer program is based on five morphological determinations which are the input parameters. The physiological characteristics which appear as output in the data list are designated with numerals which denote a positive or a negative test. When several microorganisms match those of the input parameters the student will resort to chemical tests from the physiological characteristics in the output.

A conference paper about the biology and classification of phylum sipuncula and echiura is presented. It includes the study of the anatomical homogeneity, behavior, ecology, development, and physiology of the worms. It also investigates the morphological grounds of both phylums and explains the role of the sipunculans in their biotic communities.

The article lists new book titles including "Advances in Applied Microbiology," edited by D. Perlman, "Botany, A Laboratory Manual," Fourth Edition, by T. E. Weir, C. R. Stocking, J. M. Tucker, and M. B. Barbour, and "Principles of Animal Physiology," by D. W. Wood.