Direct innervation of the mantle edge gland by neurosecretory axons in Helisoma duryi (Mollusca: Pulmonata)

The mantle edge gland of Helisoma duryi is innervated by neurosecretory axons from the pallial nerves. Synaptoid contacts occur between axons and gland cells, and there is ultrastructural evidence for the release of neurosecretory material. The mantle edge gland contributes to the deposition of periostracum during shell formation, and direct neurosecretory innervation may control shell growth and regeneration.     

A new quinoline-carbamate aphicide

We found that it was nearly impossible to apply the quinoline-carbamate aphicide per os by means of synthetic diets, owing to its high feeding-deterrent-effect. After application via the roots of the host plant, this systemic compound is deposited on the leaf surface. The results suggest that the toxic effect is not the result of the oral uptake of phloem sap, but of the tarsal contact with the toxicant. Sensitivity of aphids to this compound and LD50-values were determined after topical applications.     

Cyotchemical indices of the protein-synthesizing apparatus of hyperchromic nerve cells

Cytophotometric, interferometric and autoradiographic methods were applied to evaluate hyperchromic motoneurons (HM) from spinal cord of mice which were allowed to swim for 4 hours. The HM in comparison with the normochromic motor nerve cells are characterized by a higher RNA content and a lower dry weight of perikaria. The autoradiographic data with H3-uridane make it possible to suggest that RNA exchange between the nucleus and cytoplasm of HM is accelerated. The mode of distribution of labelled proteins along the sciatic nerve 6 days after the local injection of H3-leucine in the ventral horn of L3--L4 spinal cord segments allows to conclude that the amount of protein transported with the slow component of axonal flow in the cases connected with the increase of the number of HM in corresponding nuclei is changed.     

Does the T-locus in the mouse include ribosomal DNA?

We studied in 130 parturients during childbirth the effects of general anaesthesia by Alfatesine on the state of the foetus at birth. The examinations took into account the APGAR score, blood gas analysis, pH, bases excess in the umbilical artery and vein and the foetal EEG. The subjects are divided into three groups: prophylactic caesarians, extractions during labor in the absence of any foetal distress and extractions for reasons of acute or chronic foetal distress. The results are evaluated in comparison with the same tests conducted on a series of newborn infants in normal conditions and without anaesthesia. The APGAR score is hardly affected by the Alfatesine; the EEG is perturbed (but without any clinical manifestations) during the two hours following delivery. However, theses modifications are less pronounced than those observed with barbiturates. The study of blood gases and pH shows lower values under anaesthesia than without.     

A shortcut method for estimation of Escherichia coli in Sewage and receiving water

A simplified method not yet widespread in Scandinavia for the assessment of E. coli in sewage and recipients with McConkey broth for 24 hours at 44 degrees C is recommended. 87 pairs of samples were examined at 37 degrees C and later at 44 degrees C, and directly at 44 degrees C. Also the reduction of the incubation time from 48 to 24 hours was studied. Direct incubation gave a loss of half a tube per sample, while shortening of the incubation period from 48 to 24 hours gave a smaller loss. The proposed alteration of the procedure for the examination of sewage and recipients means a slight loss of precision but this is more than compensated for by the possibility of examining more samples. The survey of the recipients can therefore be better and the control more effective.     

Evaluation of the intraepithelial lymphocyte count in the jejunum in childhood enteropathies

Intraepithelial lymphocyte counts were evaluated in 131 jejunal mucosal biopsies taken from children with a small intestinal enteropathy arising from a variety of causes including coeliac disease, (untreated, after gluten withdrawal, and during subsequent challenge), giardiasis, cow's milk protein intolerance, and 'intractable diarrhoea'. The counts were compared with those from the biopsies of children referred for investigation but in whom no gastrointestinal disease was demonstrated and from healthy siblings of children with coeliac disease, investigated during a family study. Children with coeliac disease showed a raised count which fell after gluten withdrawal as has been demonstrated by others in adults. Lymphocytic infiltration of the epithelium increased rapidly during gluten challenge in such children, while no change was seen in those children proven ultimately not to have coeliac disease by the usually recognized criteria. In other enteropathies the range of counts was wide, overlapping with both normal and coeliac groups and indicating the nonspecificity of lymphocytic infiltration of the gut epithelium. The findings are discussed in relation to their significance and to further avenues of investigation to determine their possible diagnostic value in confirming the diagnosis of coeliac disease during gluten challenge.     

The functional organization of the posterior lateral nucleus of the rat hypothalamus

It has been demonstrated that the posterior lateral thalamic nucleus of the rat receives information from the visual, somatic and auditory systems. Some of the neurons (63%) have a convergent input from these systems, although these neurons exhibit functional specificity with respect to the predominant inhibitory influence of the background activity of one of the sensory systems investigated. The other part of the neurons (37%) receives information only from the visual or somatic system, these neurons exhibiting excitatory phasic reaction to sensory stimuli.     

Oxygen intake and walking speed before and after total hip replacement

The objective of the study was to evaluate the walking ability and the energy cost of walking in patients before and after total hip replacement. The oxygen intake and the maximum walking speed were measured immediately before and 6 months after operation in 25 patients. Although the oxygen intake did not change significantly in most patients it was decreased in those patients who before surgery had had the worst walking capacity. The average maximum walking speed almost doubled in the 25 patients.