Movement-related cortical potentials during handgrip contractions with special reference to force and electromyogram bilateral deficit

We investigated movement-related cortical potentials from motor cortex areas (C3 and C4) and isometric force and electromyogram (EMG) activity in association with maximal bilateral (BL) and unilateral (UL) handgrip contraction in eight right-handed subjects. The BL grip exhibited deficits in force [right, –5.2 (SEM 1.1)%; left, –4.5 (SEM 1.9)%] and EMG [right, –9.5 (SEM 2.2)%; left, –7.6 (SEM 2.5)%] compared with the UL grip. In the UL contractions, the amplitudes of the negative slope [NS 2.77 (SEM 0.70) vs 2.40 (SEM 0.76) V·s for left hand,P < 0.05; 2.54 (SEM 0.55) vs 2.23(SEM 0.54) V·s for right hand,P < 0.05 and motor potentials [MP: 1.56 (SEM 0.32) V.s vs 1.23 (SEM 0.35) V·s for left hand,P < 0.01; 1.44 (SEM 0.32) V·s vs 1.10 (SEM 0.25) V·s for right hand,P < 0.01] were greater in the contralateral hemisphere. For the BL contractions, the asymmetry of the larger potentials for the contralateral side disappeared and lower symmetrical potentials [NS, 2.43 (SEM 0.61) V·s for C3 vs 2.43 (SEM 0.63) V·s for C4: MP: 1.31 (SEM 0.35) V·s for C3 vs 1.34 (SEM 0.32) V·s for C4] were observed. It was concluded that the BL deficit in force and EMG is associated with reduced movement-related cortical potentials suggesting that the bilateral force and (EMG) deficit compared with unilateral hand-grip contractions is caused by a mechanism of interhemispheric inhibition.     

Tumor-associated antigens in effusions of malignant and benign origin

Summary We determined the concentration and effusion/serum ratio of mucin-like carcinoma-associated antigen (MCA) in comparison to carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, cancer antigen 125, and cancer antigen 15-3 in 80 sera and 99 effusions from 64 patients with histologically confirmed malignancies (4 patients out of this group showed various effusions simultaneously, which were analyzed separately) and 31 patients with various nonneoplastic diseases. Tumor cells were detected by cytological examination in 41 effusions (60.3%) from patients with neoplastic diseases, while in another 27 cases this method failed to demonstrate the malignant origin of the effusion. Of the cytological positive malignant effusions 90% were also correctly identified by an elevated MCA concentration at a cutoff level of 10 U/ml, whereas only one effusion of benign origin (3%) showed a slightly elevated MCA concentration of 10.5 U/ml. In 33% of cytologically negative effusions of patients with neoplastic diseases, the MCA concentration was also elevated, with a maximum of 453 U/ml. Increased MCA levels in cytologically confirmed malignant effusions were not restricted to metastatic breast cancer. All 17 cytologically positive non-breast cancer effusions were correctly identified by their MCA concentrations. None of the other tumor markers reached this high sensitivity at the same level of specificity. The ratio of effusion/serum concentration of all tumor markers as well as the concentration of cancer antigen 125 in effusions was of little diagnostic value. Our results indicate that the MCA concentration in an effusion correlates very closely with its malignant origin and is superior to all the other antigens tested. Accordingly, the concurrent MCA determination could improve the diagnostic accuracy of the cytological examination of effusions.Abbreviations MCA mucin-like carcinoma-associated antigen - CEA carcinoembryonic antigen - CA 15-3 cancer antigen 15-3 - CA 125 cancer antigen 125 - CA 19-9 carbohydrate antigen 19-9     

Comparative in vitro activity of cefdinir (CI-983; FK-482) against staphylococci,gram-negative bacilli and respiratory tract pathogens

The in vitro activity of cefdinir (CI-983; FK-482), a new oral cephalosporin, was compared with that of other antimicrobial agents against clinical isolates of staphylocci, gram-negative bacilli and common respiratory tract pathogens. Cefdinir (MIC90 2.0 µg/ml) was more active than cefixime (MIC90 >64 µg/ml) and equally as active as cefuroxime (MIC90 2.0 µg/ml) against oxacillin-susceptible staphylococci. Cefdinir was active againstHaemophilus influenzae, including -lactamase producers (MIC90 0.5 µg/ml),Moraxella catarrhalis (MIC90 0.12 µg/ml),Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC90 0.06 µg/ml) andStreptococcus pyogenes (MIC90 0.06 µg/ml). The activity of cefdinir against gram-negative bacilli was variable; organisms with chromosomal cephalosporinases were often resistant.     

Progressive Muskeldystrophie

Zusammenfassung Seren von Gesunden und Patienten mit progressiver Muskeldystrophie wurden mit Hilfe der Stärkeblock-Elektrophorese fraktioniert und die Verteilung der Lactat-Dehydrogenase auf die einzelnen Fraktionen bestimmt. Beim Gesunden sind je eine Lactat-Dehydrogenase im ₁-, ₂-,- und-Bercich nachweisbar. Bei Muskeldystrophikern steigt die Aktivität im ₁- und ₂-Bereich auf sehr hohe Werte an, während diejenige der- und-Globulin-Fraktion nahezu unverändert bleibt. Beim Herzinfarkt wird ein Anstieg in der ₁-Fraktion gefunden. Bei spinalen Atrophien ist sowohl die Gesamtaktivität der Lactat-Dehydrogenase wie auch die Verteilung auf die einzelnen Fraktionen normal. Diese Beobachtungen sprechen dafür, daß jede Lactat-Dehydrogenase an einer anderen Stelle synthetisiert wird und daß Protein-Protein-Wechselbeziehungen bei der Heterogenität der Lactat-Dehydrogenase eine nebensächliche Rolle spielen.     

Klassifikation der Nierenzellkarzinome/Tumoren und ihre Beziehung zum Nephron-Sammelrohrsystem

Summary After a controversial phase of nomenclature (including — among others — the terms hypernephroma and hypernephroid carcinoma) a cytomorphologically defined subtyping of renal cell tumours (adenomas, carcinomas, oncocytomas) is offered, based on new electron microscopical and histochemical observations. These data are in part supported by cytogenetical findings reported in the literature. Phenotypical/histogenetical relations to different parts or cell types, respectively, of the nephron-collecting duct system could be demonstrated. Chromophobe cell carcinoma and oncocytoma exhibit features of the intercalated cells.

Herrn Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Adalbert Bohle gewidmet     

Evidence for the presence of pro-γ-melanotropin,the NH2-terminal fragment of the corticotropin-β-lipotropin precursor,in corticotropin-producing tumours

Summary Five corticotropin-producing tumours were examined for peptides related to the corticotropin--lipotropin precursor. Two were basophil pituitary adenomas and three were bronchial carcinoids. The cells of the two pituitary adenomas stained with antisera against -endorphin and against pro--melanotropin, the NH₂-terminal fragment of the corticotropin--lipotropin precursor, but not with antisera against -melanotropin or -lipotropin. The corticotropin-storing tumor cells of the bronchial carcinoids stained with antisera against -endorphin, -lipotropin or pro--melanotropin. Only one of the three bronchial carcinoids contained cells reacting with the antiserum against -melanotropin. Although the two types of corticotropin-storing tumours (pituitary adenoma and bronchial carcinoid) differed with respect to -lipotropin content, the over-all picture indicates that the proteolytic processing of the corticotropin precursor proceeds along similar lines in tumour cells and in pituitary corticotrophs.An acetic acid extract of one of the bronchial tumours was subjected to gel chromatography and immunochemical analysis of material related to pro--melanotropin. The immunoreactive material displayed a considerable size heterogeneity, with the predominant components having a molecular weight larger than that of authentic pro--melanotropin.     

Cellular and substrate adhesion molecules (integrins) and their ligands in cerebral amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease

Integrins belonging to different subfamilies can be identified immunohistochemically in cerebral amyloid plaques. Monoclonal antibodies against the VLA family 1-integrins show staining of the corona of classical amyloid plaques for 1, 3 and 6. Immunostaining reveal also the presence of collagen and laminin in the corona. Activated microglial cells in classical plaques strongly express receptors belonging to the LeuCAM family (2 integrins). The ligands ICAM and activated complement C3 are found in both amorphous and classical plaques. Vitronectin receptor (v) is found in glial cells in classical plaques but its ligand vitronectin is seen in both amorphous and classical plaques. The data presented here demonstrate the presence of different cellular and substrate adhesive molecules (intregrins) and their ligands in classical plaques. The findings suggest that amyloid plaques show signs of regeneration and tissue remodelling.     

Über einen Sonderfall des Lichtpunktglitzerns (Lp. Gl.), das Elisabeth Linné-Phänomen (E.L.Ph.)

Zusammenfassung Das Lichtpunktglitzern auf farbigen Flächen wird ausführlich beschrieben. Das von E. Linné beobachtete Blitzen der Blüten ist mit dem Lichtpunktglitzern identisch. Das Lichtunpktglitzern auf rotem Grund stimmt offen ersichtlich mit dem Lichtpunktgetümmel auf dunklem Grund überein. Das Lichtpunktgetümmel auf dunklem Grund liegt in Wettstreit mit dem hellen Sehfeld und beweist so den zentralen Ursprung auch des Lichtpunktglitzerns: Das aus der Peripherie (Netzhaut) stammende Erregungsangebot verschmilzt in der Sehrinde mit zentralen Erregungsmustern. Unterschiede zwischen dem Lichtpunktglitzern auf rotem und dem Lichtpunktglitzern auf andersfarbigem Grund werden zu deuten versucht. Die Beleuchtungsbedingungen für das Blitzen der Blüten werden erörtert.     

Characteristics of human neutrophils obtained by the “skin window” chamber method

The viability, morphological composition, and functional state of human cells migrating into a skin window chamber were studied. After 18–20 h the chamber contained (42.0±5.3) ·10⁶ viable cells/cm² with a high proportion of mature neutrophils (98.6±0.6%). Normal reactivity of the neutrophils of the cell exudate was established by the nitro-BT reduction test. The chamber variant of the skin window method is recommended as a technically simple and physiological procedure for obtaining a pure population of human neutrophils.Department of Bacterial Allergy, Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Kazan'. (Presented by Academician of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR A. D. Ado.) Translated from Byulleten' Éksperimental'noi Biologii i Meditsiny, Vol. 88, No. 11, pp. 623–624, November, 1979.     

Comparison of the eIF-2α Homologous Proteins of Seven Ranaviruses (Iridoviridae)

The -subunit of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2) is a key component of the translation machinery of the cell. In response to cellular stress such as viral infections, eIF-2 is phosphorylated by double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) leading to the inhibition of cellular protein synthesis. The importance of eIF-2 as a regulatory mechanism for protein synthesis is illustrated by the wide variety of strategies employed by viruses to down-regulate PKR. Thus, Vaccinia virus encodes K3L protein, which resembles eIF-2 and acts as a pseudo-substrate inhibitor of PKR. Nucleotide sequencing of the genome of epizootic haematopoietic necrosis virus (EHNV), a member of the genus ranavirus of Iridoviridae, has revealed an eIF-2 equivalent gene. We have cloned and sequenced eIF-2 genes of several iridoviruses of fishes and frogs. The eIF-2 open reading frames and deduced proteins of the iridoviruses investigated exhibit a high degree of homology of both nucleotide and amino acid sequences. At the N-terminus, the iridoviral eIF-2 shows significant homology to the N-termini of cellular initiation factor 2- of various species, to full-length poxviral eIF-2 proteins, and to the S1 domain of ribosomal proteins. Comparison of amino acid sequences of corresponding iridoviral proteins with eIF-2 homologous proteins of poxviruses and eukaryotes has revealed a high conservation of motifs. A phylogenetic analysis of eukaryotic eIF-2 and poxvirus and iridovirus eIF-2 sequences has demonstrated the relationship of these iridoviruses. In order to investigate the role of the eIF-2 equivalent, respective genes have been expressed in prokaryotic and eukaryotic (insect, fish and chicken cell) systems. The iridoviral eIF-2 protein has a molecular weight of 31 kDa and is cytoplasmic. The cellular and viral protein synthesis of iridoviruses is probably regulated by a mechanism similar to that of Vaccinia virus. Frog-virus 3, the type species of the genus ranavirus of Iridoviridae, has a unique translational efficiency and, moreover, down-regulates the cellular protein synthesis of infected cells.     

Modelling of electrolyte transport in renal and intestinal epithelia

Summary Epithelia can be classified as leaky and tight epithelia due to their conductive properties and their modes of solute transport. Both the proximal segment of the nephron and the intestinal tract are leaky whereas the distal nephron and the colon are tight. Consequently, inborn errors and exogenous disorders of solute transport often involve both the proximal tubule and the small intestine. In addition, effects on ion and water transport in the distal nephron closely resemble those in the large intestine. Models of solute transport in leaky and tight epithelia are presented employing porter systems known in mammalian tissues. These porter systems are discussed as possible sites of transport defects and as targets for pharmacological agents.     

Mother-Baby psychiatric units (MBUs): National data collection in France and in Belgium (1999–2000)

Summary The French version of the Marcé checklist was used to collect data for 176 joint admissions to 11 psychiatric mother-baby units in 1999 and 2000. Mean age of the babies at admission ranged from 4 to 16 weeks. Two units also admitted older children. Mothers admitted were diagnosed with schizophrenia or chronic delusional disorders (n=44), acute transitory psychosis Bouffée délirante (n=20), bipolar disorders (n=20), depressive illness (n=38), personality disorders or intellectual disability (n=39), and other disorders (n=15). The mean duration of hospitalisation was 11 weeks. Units that also offered day-care admission in the same or a near-by unit had shorter mean admissions. More than half the womens partners (or babies fathers) had mental health problems. Women with schizophrenia or chronic delusional disorders and personality disorders or intellectual disability remained hospitalised longer, improved less, and were more often separated from their babies, or discharged with supervision, than women admitted with other diagnoses.     

On the hemagglutinating and hemolytic activity of measles virus variants

Summary The hemagglutinating (HA) and hemolytic (HL) activity of two measles virus variants, differing with regard to type of CPE and other characteristics, have been investigated.Viral fluids obtained from HeLa cell cultures infected with the variant having CPE of the strand-forming type showed significant HA and HL activity; whereas fluids from cultures infected with the variant having giant cell CPE, in spite of their much higher infectious titer, had neither.Slight HA and HL activities could be detected, however, in concentrated preparations of the giant cell variant. The interpretation of these findings is discussed.Dedicated to ProfessorJohn F. Enders on the occasion of his 70th birthday.     

Lability in the responses of cells in the auditory cortex of squirrel monkeys to species-specific vocalizations

Summary The activity of 28 cells located mainly in the secondary auditory cortex (A II) of awake squirrel-monkeys, was extracellularly recorded for periods of up to 6 h. Seven different species-specific vocalizations, which were repeatedly presented to the monkey, were used as auditory stimuli. Twenty-six cells responded, at least once, to one or more vocalizations; 22 cells revealed some change in their response (pattern or strength) to at least one vocalization (change in response). Twenty-one cells exhibited a change in the number and/or type of vocalization to which they responded during the recording period (change in selectivity). At some time during the recording period all the responding cells exhibited a change in response and/or a change in selectivity (change in responsiveness). A change in response of a cell to a vocalization did not necessarily exclude a change in selectivity, associated with the same vocalization, later in time and vice-versa. A change in responsiveness to one vocalization was not necessarily correlated with changes in responsiveness to other vocalizations.     

S35-methionine uptake by proteins of the structural elements of tissue cells in irradiated rats

Summary The rapidity of inclusion of S³⁵-methionine into the cells of various tissues was studied in rats in acute radiation sickness. Inclusion of S³⁵-methionine was studied in the proteins of cellular nuclei (desoxynucleoprotein, acid and residual), mitachondria and microsomes (water-soluble ribonucleoproteins, lipoproteins) and hyaloplasm of the liver and of the mucous membrane of the small intestine.It was established that x-ray irradiation causes increased inclusion of radioactive sulfur methionine into all proteins of the cellular nuclei of the liver, as well as in the acid protein of the mucous membrane of the small intestine. Inclusion of S³⁵-methionine into the desoxyribonucleoprotein and residual protein of the nuclei in the mucous membrane of the small intestine does not change in comparison with the same in normal conditions.Decreased inclusion of radioactive sulfur methionine is noted in cytoplasmic proteins of the liver and in the mucosa of the small intestine. This decrease is especially pronounced in ribonucleoproteins of mitochondria and microsomes.Submitted by Active Member of AMN SSSR V. N. Otekhovich     

Synoviocytes in chronic synovitis in situ and cytokine stimulated synovial cells in vitro neo-express α1, α3 and α5 chains of β1 integrins

The expression of the 1 integrins was examined immunohistochemically in synoviocytes from normal synovial membrane and from chronic synovitis of different aetiology and intensity. Normal synoviocytes were 61-positive but lacked 1 through 5. In mild inflammation type A synoviocytes neo-expressed 1, 3, and 5 chains. In severe inflammation both type A and B synoviocytes expressed 3, 4, 5, and 6 chains. The effects of inflammatory cytokines, as single agents or in combination, on the 1 integrin expression in cultured normal synoviocytes was determined by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry. The 1 chain, while absent in unstimulated synoviocytes, was induced by interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-), and interferon- (INF-). This effect was enhanced by combining IL-1 and TNF-. Expression of the 3 chain was up-regulated by IL-1 and, more intensely, by IFN-. Transforming growth factor (TGF-) inhibited the up-regulating effect of IL-1 and antagonized the effect of IFN- on 3 chain expression. Expression of the 5 chain was up-regulated significantly by co-stimulation through IL-1 together with TGF- or TNF-. Thus, the 1 integrin profile of cytokine activated synoviocytes in vitro resembled that of synoviocytes in synovitis in situ. These data suggest that IL-1, TNF-, IFN-, and TGF- are likely to be among the effectors regulating 1 integrin expression in synoviocytes in vivo.     

Disturbance of delayed match-to-sample in macaques by tetanization of anterior commissure versus limbic system or basal ganglia

Summary Three pig-tailed macaques were trained to select (match) from a pair of colored images that which they had seen (sample) and responded to 5–15 s previously. The anterior commissure (AC) and/or its radiation, various loci in basal ganglia, hippocampal formation and control areas, (splenium of corpus callosum, precentral gyrus, insular cortex), totalling 40 loci, were each tetanized for 4 s during presentation of the sample image, during the delay period, or when the monkey was required to select the matching image. For several loci in the hippocampal formation tetanization at any phase of the task reduced matching to chance levels and gave evidence of electrical after-discharge; but other comparable hippocampal loci had little or no effect. Response to sample or match stimuli were absent during tetanization of basal ganglia or anterior commissure. When finally made, upon cessation of tetanization, responses were equally correct for basal ganglia and control sites, but for AC were at chance levels.     

The significance of respiration for thoracic duct flow in relation to other driving forces of lymph flow

Experiments were performed to study the effect of respiratory intrathoracic pressure changes upon thoracic duct lymph propulsion as compared to other forces driving lymph flow in anaesthetized and artificially ventilated dogs. The effect of an open bilateral pneumothorax upon thoracic duct flow and protein composition was determined at rest, with passive limb movement and during saline infusion. The effect of hyperventilation was also tested.Thoracic duct flow was 30 l/min/kg, 45 l/min/kg and 60 l/min/kg at rest, with passive limb movement and saline infusion, respectively. These flows were decreased by opening the pneumothorax by 11 l/min/kg, 12 l/min/kg and 8 l/min/kg, respectively, and returned to the control level after the thorax was closed. The lymph protein concentration and lymph albumin to globulin ratio were not changed significantly. During hyperventilation, lymph flow was increased and showed a retarded decrease after hyperventilation had ceased. Lymph protein composition was not changed significantly by hyperventilation.The data confirm that lymph is propelled in anaesthetized dogs by respiratory intrathoracic pressure changes. The significance of this respiratory pump decreases, when lymph flow is increased by activation of the tissue pump or vis a tergo. Consequently, the respiratory pump may be assumed to play a secondary role in lymph propulsion in the conscious state when the other forces driving lymph flow are more predominant.Presented in part at the 48th meeting of the Deutsche Physiologische Gesellschaft [18]Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft     

Functional organization of inferior area 6 in the macaque monkey

Summary The functional properties of neurons located in the rostral part of inferior area 6 were studied in awake, partially restrained macaque monkeys. The most interesting property of these neurons was that their firing correlated with specific goal-related motor acts rather than with single movements made by the animal. Using the motor acts as the classification criterion we subdivided the neurons into six classes, four related to distal motor acts and two related to proximal motor acts. The distal classes are: Grasping-with-the-hand-and-the-mouth neurons, Grasping-with-the-hand neurons, Holding neurons and Tearing neurons. The proximal classes are: Reaching neurons and Bringing-to-the-mouth-or-to-the-body neurons. The vast majority of the cells belonged to the distal classes. A particularly interesting aspect of distal class neurons was that the discharge of many of them depended on the way in which the hand was shaped during the motor act. Three main groups of neurons were distinguished: Precision grip neurons, Finger prehension neurons, Whole hand prehension neurons. Almost the totality of neurons fired during motor acts performed with either hand. About 50% of the recorded neurons responded to somatosensory stimuli and about 20% to visual stimuli. Visual neurons were more difficult to trigger than the corresponding neurons located in the caudal part of inferior area 6 (area F4). They required motivationally meaningful stimuli and for some of them the size of the stimulus was also critical. In the case of distal neurons there was a relationship between the type of prehension coded by the cells and the size of the stimulus effective in triggering the neurons. It is proposed that the different classes of neurons form a vocabulary of motor acts and that this vocabulary can be accessed by somatosensory and visual stimuli.     

Sublocalization on chromosome 21 of human interferon-alpha receptor gene and the gene for an interferon-gamma response protein

The cellular responses to alpha and beta interferons (IFN- and -) are mediated through the IFN-/ (type I) receptor, while the response to IFN- is mediated through the IFN- (type II) receptor. The receptors for IFN-/ and IFN- are encoded by genes on human chromosomes 21 and 6q, respectively. The presence of chromosome 21q confers both ligand binding and responsiveness to human IFN-/, whereas chromosome 6q confers binding of Hu-IFN-, but not cellular responsiveness on somatic cell hybrids. Chromosome 6q (i.e., the Hu-IFN- receptor gene) and chromosome 21q are both necessary for the cellular response of somatic cell hybrids (from fibroblasts) to Hu-IFN-. It is conceivable that the factor mediating activity through the IFN- receptor is, in fact, the IFN- receptor, or that the two genes are distinct but part of an interferon response region. Here we more precisely localize on human chromosome 21 the genes for the IFN- receptor and for the factor(s) mediating the action of IFN- through the chromosome 6-encoded receptor. Hamster-human somatic cell hybrids containing various fragments of human chromosome 21 were used. The presence of the human IFN-/ receptor was determined by binding³²P-labeled human IFN- to cells, covalently cross-linking the [³²P]IFN--receptor complex, and analyzing it by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The presence of the IFN- receptor-related factor mediating cellular responsiveness was determined by HLA induction in hybrid cells containing the IFN- receptor (chromosome 6q), a transfected copy of the human HLA-B7 gene, and various portions of chromosome 21. In all hybrids examined, the two genes cosegregate. Specifically, both genes are localized to the region of chromosome 21 containing the markers D21S58, D21S65, and GART and appear to be proximal to D21S58. The implications for IFN action are discussed.