Statistical methods for the analysis of tumor multiplicity data

The fit of tumor multiplicity data from 93 mouse skin, lung, and liver carcinogenicity experiments to Poisson, negative binomial, and normal distributions was studied. The data were fitted well by the negative binomial distribution. This distribution has two parameters, the mean tumor multiplicity and an exponent determined by the interanimal homogeneity of tumor response. The value of the latter parameter was related to animal strain and the target tissue studied in the carcinogenicity experiments. The null distribution of the two-sample likelihood ratio test based on the negative binomial with common exponent model for tumor multiplicity data was shown by simulation studies to be approximately chi 2 with 1 d.f. Simulation also indicated that the likelihood ratio test has sufficiently better performance when the negative binomial model is valid to make its use more attractive than the more commonly used Wilcoxon test or Student t test. Charts for estimating the number of animals per group that are required to detect specified differences in tumor multiplicities are provided for several commonly used assays.     

Polarographic determination of robenidine residues in chicken tissues, eggs, litter, soil, and plant tissue

Polarographic residue methods have been developed for determining robenidine (Robenz), 1,3-bis[p-chlorobenzylidene)amino]-guanidine monohydrochloride, in chicken tissues, eggs, litter, soil, and plants. The compound is extracted from chicken fat, skin, muscle, liver, and eggs with ethyl acetate; from blood with acetone; from plant tissue, litter, and kidney with acidic acetone; and from soil with basic methanol. After extraction by high-speed blending or overnight shaking, the extract is cleaned up by evaporation, solvent partition and/or elution from CG-50 ion exchange resin. Robenidine is quantitated by differential cathode ray polarography, using acidic aqueous methanol or acetic acid (1+1) supporting electrolyte. Recoveries ranged from 64 to 125% with an average overall recovery of 90%. The validated sensitivity is 0.1 ppm for chicken tissues, soil, and plants, 0.01 ppm for eggs, and 1 ppm for litter.     

Isoelectric focusing of alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes in polyacrylamide gels. Use of Triton X-100 and improved staining technic

The examination of alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes by means of isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel rods using the apparatus and focusing method of Righetti and Drysdale is discussed. A simultaneous coupling procedure using alpha-naphthyl phosphate and fast blue salt R in 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol buffer, pH 9.68, containing MgCl2 and ZnSO4 proved sensitive for developing the enzyme bands. Also discussed are the effects seen with the incorporation of Triton X100 into the gel and sample mixtures. Enzyme, which remained at the top of the gel without using this detergent, entered the gel easily with the addition of Triton X-100 into the application solution. Incorporation of Triton into the gel matrix resulted in some enzyme band patterns that showed distinct differences from gels containing no Triton.     

Lymphography in patients with suspected malignancy or fever of unexplained origin

Forty-four patients underwent bipedal lymphography for evaluation of fever of unexplained origin, or because a malignant tumor (usually lymphoma) was suspected clinically. Extensive prior medical evaluation was inconclusive. The lymphograms were of no apparent value in detecting the etiology of the illness. Reactive follicular hyperplasia was frequently seen and sometimes simulated lymphoma on the lymphogram. The primary value of lymphography in such cases is as an aid in planning biopsy and surgery.     

The role of estrogen and progesterone in the regulation of reproductive behaviour in female ring doves(Streptopelia risoria) under long vs. short photoperiods

The role of estrogen and progesterone in the regulation of reproductive behavior was studied in female ring doves (Streptopelia risoria) under long vs. short photoperiods. The doves held under long (16 hours/day) or short (8 hours/day) photoperiods were treated for 15 days with saline, estrogen, or progesterone, alone or in combination. 7 days after the start of hormone therapy, the doves were placed with reproductively active males for 4 hours/day for 9 days. No difference was seen in egg-laying, courtship or nest-building by control birds under the 2 photo regimes. Ovarian follicles remained small in all doves receiving hormone treatment. Oviducts of doves receiving progesterone alone remained small in the short-photoperiod group but at long photoperiods the oviducts became enlarged. Estrogen stimulated oviduct growth at both photoperiods wheras the combined hormone treatment resulted in greater oviduct development than estrogen alone (p less than .02). Female soliciting and nest-building activity remained low in progesterone-treated doves under short photoperiod but increased rapidly under long photoperiod. Doves treated with estrogen and estrogen plus progesterone performed considerable soliciting and nest-building. No marked tendency was seen for doves under long-photoperiod conditions to be more active in nest-oriented behavior. Copulatory behavior by the female occurred infrequently in all hormone-treated doves.     

Giant condyloma or Buschke-Loewenstein tumor

The Buschke-Loewenstein tumor has a malignant clinical character but is histologically similar to the ordinary condyloma. The tumor grows deeply without invading the tissues, but compresses them and causes an intense inflammatory reaction. The diagnosis is clinical. Treatment with podophyllin and radiotherapy are not effective but bleomycin may be effective. Surgery is the accepted treatment and the extent of resection depends on the extent of the tumor.     

Exercise tolerance at 4 and 6 ATA

Seven normal male subjects performed 5-min bicycle exercise ranging from 50-100% maximum oxygen uptake at 4 ATA and three were also studied at 6 ATA. At all pressures, the subjects breathed 0.2 ATA O2 plus nitrogen. All subjects were able to perform maximum work at all pressures. No pressure-dependent variations in heart rate, O2 uptake, or CO2 output were noted. At both 4 and 6 ATA, ventilation was decreased at exercise levels greater than 80% maximum O2 uptake. The magnitude of the decrease was not great, however, and signified only minor CO2 retention. In some instances exercise ventilation closely approached the 15-S maximum breathing capacity and these subjects noted severe dyspnea, possibly due to dynamic compression of large airways. In three subjects, respiratory frequency was measured as well as minute ventilation; this relationship did not change with depth. Subjects performing heavy exercise at 6 ATA noted disturbances of consciousness, presumably due to N2 narcosis.