Experimental and Analytical Studies of Pteridophytes: XXI. Investigations on Marsilea

An account is given of the effects of various concentrationsof glucose, sucrose, and fructose on the development and morphologyof aseptic cultures of Marsilea sporelings. The response ofthe sporelings to a range of different sugars and to growthin liquid or on solid media is also described. The results are discussed with special reference to the relationshipbetween nutrition and heteroblastic leaf development. Otheraspects of the influence of various sugars on the growth ofplants in aseptic culture are considered in relation to theexisting literature.     

MYELOGRAPHY—Diagnostic Value in Lesions of the Lumbar Intervertebral Discs with a Variation in Technique

Myelography using pantopaque in greater than usual amount with a variation in technique, which is described, is believed to provide increased accuracy in differential diagnosis and precise localization of lesions in the lumbar spine. The need for multiple space exploration is eliminated and more detailed information concerning the size and shape of lesions is provided as compared to that secured by the use of 3 or 6 cc. of opaque medium and fluoroscopic examination alone. In 53 cases in which lumbar myelography was performed and the diagnosis verified or disproved at operation, there was a 5 per cent diagnostic error in 41 instances in which the method outlined was used, as compared with 17 per cent error in 12 cases in which only 3 or 6 cc. of radiopaque material and fluoroscopy alone were used. The accuracy of the procedure would appear to warrant its use in the evaluation of patients suspected of having abnormalities of the lumbar discs associated with nerve root compression.     

C-Type Virus Released from Cultured Human Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells

RD-114 virus, released from human rhabdomyosarcoma cells, has all the characteristics of a mammalian C-type virus. Immunological tests indicate that it differs from all known C-type viruses and is the most likely candidate for a human C-type virus yet described.