[Biological properties of an alcoholic extract of Aspergillus terreus]. / Proprietà biologiche di un estratto alcoolico di Aspergillus terreus.

The following effects of Aspergillus terreus alcoholic extract are investigated: antiblastic and antiviral effect, and the ability of modification of interferon production and lymphocyte blastic transformation. In particular the extract showed more evident antiproliferative effect on transformed or EBV immortalised cells and lower effect on normal cells. Moreover doses from 12.5 +/- micrograms/ml depressed significatively the in vitro interferon production and lymphocyte blastic transformation induced by PHA on human cells. Mengo and Semliki Forest viruses replication was reduced, although temporarily, in the presence of 50 +/- micrograms/ml of the extract. Eventually the study of some fractions separated on chromatographic column demonstrated the contemporary presence of fractions able to inhibit or stimulate K-562 erythroleukemic cells replication.

[Natural antitumor compounds of vegetable origin]. / I composti naturali antitumorali di origine vegetale.

This review deals with various aspects of biochemical cancer chemotherapy based on vegetable products. Nearly all isolated vegetable agents know to have in vitro or in vivo anticancer or immunostimulation activity are collected. These researches aim to develop selective antitumor agents.

[Carcinogenic fungi (author's transl)]. / I funghi tumorigeni.

An association of carcinogenicity of toxic substances with fungi is shortly documented and discussed. The actions of the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are particularly examined; but it is emphasized that other carcinogenic mycotoxins are more frequent and therefore more dangerous. The man is unable to live estranged from them, because they are a great part in ecological systems and in the work-place, resulting a potentially major threat. The range of food and feedstuffs potentially affected has been increased in recent years. In effect contamination is liable to occur during transport, storage and food processing. These studies demand organized cooperation among mycologists, chemists, pathologists, pharmacologists, physicians. In Japan such extensive collaboration has a long history.

Rigid fixation and early weight bearing in the treatment of pertrochanteric fractures of the femur.

The authors review eighty cases of pertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures of the femur treated surgically with the vitallium Jewett nail-plate between May 1975 and November 1977. They draw attention to the possibility offered by this fixation device of starting weight bearing at an early stage, a factor that is unanimously regarded as essential for rapid recovery in the elderly fracture patient. In fact, fifty-six patients commenced independent walking with some support within two weeks of operation. The fairly low incidence of complications (six in eighty operations), and the relative simplicity of the surgical technique, support the Jewett nail-plate as a suitable device for rigid fixation of trochanteric fractures of the neck of the femur.