[Mechanism of action of parenterally administered protein hydrolysates on gastric secretion]. Tests were conducted on dogs with a gastric fistula and removal of the structure associated with the formation of antral gastrin (mucosectomy of the antral portion of the stomach). In another series of experiments use was made of dogs with Basov's fistula, isolated Pavlov's and Haidenhain's pouches. The basic mechanism of action exerted by apparently introduced proteinic hydrolysates on the gastric secretion was found to be of nervous nature. This is evidenced by the fact of an abrupt suppression of secretion following a preliminary injection of atropine, by a less abundant secretion in dogs with a vagus-denervated isolated pouch and, finally, by the absence of any significant differences in the gastric secretion of dogs with mucosectomized antral segment of the stomach and in control ones.


[Amino acid composition of proteins of the membranes of rat liver sucellular structures and the effect of protein deficiency on it]. The protein amino acids composition of nuclear, mitochondrial and lysosomic membranes and those of the endoplasmatic reticulum of the liver in rats receiving for 30 days rations with normal (18.5 per cent) and low (4 per cent) protein content was investigated. The amino acid spectra of proteins forming part of various cytomembranes, in spite of their considerable resemblance, are shown to have traits of a definite specificity. Protein deficit in the ration causes not only a fall of the total amino acid content in the membranous cellular structures, but it also attended by a deranged correlation among individual amino acids.


[Lymph, plasma and urinary hydrolases during animal feeding with different types of food]. In acute and chronic tests with dogs the effect of feeding the animals on meat, bread, or butter upon the pancreatic enzymes incretion was studied. The activity of the amylase, lipase, trypsin and of its inhibitor was determined during an acute test in the thoracic duct lymph, in the blood plasma of the portal and jugular veins, the amylase and lipase being also determined in the urine. The incretion of the pancreatic enzymes is adapted to the type of the food stimulant, viz. after feeding on bread it is the amylase incretion that increases to the most, on meat--it is that of trypsin and its inhibitor and on butter - of lipase. Most informative as to the level of the hydrolases increation adaptability is separation of corresponding enzymes forming part of the lymph, less so - their content in the plasma of the portal and still less - in the peripheral venous blood and the least - the content and segregation of the hydrolases from the urine.


[Toxic effect of methanol under conditions of complete and deficient protein nutrition]. In experiments with albino rats receiving complete and protein-deficient nutrition the effect of different doses of methanol (10,100 and 500 mg/kg) administered daily per os for a month was studied. Methanol was shown to display toxic hepatotropic action, producing in the liver a focal proteinic degeneration of the hepatocytic cytoplasm, causing changes in the activity of some microsomal enzymes and enlarging the average size of hepatic cells (early age-specific changes). The damaging action of methanol manifested itself in a particularly distinct fashion by depressing the synthesis of DNA, when used in large doses and against the background of a protein-deficient ration.


[Survival of Isachenko salmonellae in food products]. The survival of Salmonella isachenkii, used for destruction of noxious mouselike murines and applied to the meat (raw and cooked), milk and baked products, was studied. The Salmonellae isachenkii are shown capable of remaining viable on food products, viz. in milk--up to 5 days, on meat products--over 20 days (time of observation) and on bread - up to 3 days. These data should not be disregarded in working out sanitary-epidemiological measures for handling biological preparation prepared on the basis of the Isachenko bacteria, since long survival of the bacteria on the food products favours their environmental spread and with a massive contamination of food products with these bacteria such products may become a source of infection among humans.


[Effect of protein and vitamin D deficiency on several indices of calcium metabolism]. The effect of the proteins and vitamin "D" deficiency in the diet on the formation of the calcium-binding protein (CaBP), absorption of calcium in the small intestine and on the Ca and P content in blood serum of rats was studied. The resulting data demonstrate that hypovitaminosis "D" leads to a significantly reduced formation of CaBP, diminished absorption of tagged C35 in the small intestine and Ca and P level in the blood serum. The decline of these values is observed in cases of protein deficiency and with rising protein shortage these changes become more marked. A further fall of the CaBP level, of the labelled calcium absorption and of the serumal Ca and P is observed with simultaneous action on the organism of the proteins and vitamin "D" deficiency.


[Renal excretion of xanthurenic acid as an index of vitamin B6 allowance in infants]. Renal excretion of xanthurenic acid without any tryptophan load, passage of 4-pyridoxic acid with diurnal urine and its excretion with urine collected during 1 hour in the morning on an empty stomach were investigated in 86 practically healthy infants and in 77 others with acute respiratory viral infections aged from two weeks to one year. Investigations of the tryptophan tolerance in infants yielded negative results, viz. on administering to them of D,L-tryptophan in a load dose the infants started vomiting. Practically healthy infants did not excrete xanthurenic acid, while the renal excretion of 4-pyridoxic acid remained within normal limits. In patients at the height of the disease the passage of 4-pyridoxic acid steeply increased. In 9 of them xanthurenic acid appeared in the diurnal urine. In the quiscent stage of the affection in two infants xanthurenuria continued against the general background of diminished excretion of 4-pyridoxic acid. There is no reason to relate the disclosed xanthurenuria in sick infants with the state of hypovitaminosis in them.


[Amino acid composition and biological value of rice proteins]. The nitrous substances of the home-grown rice variety-Dubovsky 129 were fractionated according to their solubility. The following fractions were separated: non-proteinic nitrogen, proteins dissoluble in saline, in alcohol and in alkaline solutions. The latter protein is the basic fraction, as concerns its amount. Further on subject to analysis was the amino acid composition of the total rice proteins and of all its fractions. The composition of the summary rice protein and its fractions includes all the essential amino acids, the first limiting amino acid of the rice proteins being lysine. The determination of the biological value of the rice proteins by the method of the amino acid score allows it to array the rice proteins as follows: dissoluble in saline greater than in alkaline greater than summary greater than in alcohol.


[Factor XIII activity in the presence of suppression of the function of the anticoagulant system and its restoration in animals on an atherogenic ration]. With depressed function of the anticoagulation system in rats produced by their long-term maintenance on an atherogenic ration a rising fibrin-stabilizing activity of the XIII factor, by comparison with that in healthy animals and pertinent controls, is observed. A protracted administration to the animals with depressed function of the anticoagulation system of the compound "Linetol", that contains ethers of unsaturated fatty acids, given together with vitamin "A" results in a drastic fall of the factor XIII activity in the blood plasma with continued maintenance on the atherogenic diet.


[Vitamin concentration in different varieties and grades of cabbage]. Examinations covered 8 varieties (28 grades) of cabbage for the content therein of C, B6 vitamins, beta-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folacin. All the cabbage specimens were analyzed right after picking. In 2 grades of the cabbage vitamins were determined after picking and repeatedly after storage (9 months in a vegetable storehous). It was found that there existed a significant difference in the quantitative content of vitamins between individual varieties of cabbage. The proportion of all the vitamins is noteceably higher in broccoli, Brussels sprouts and in cabbage lettuce. Brussels sprouts are distinguished by a particularly high level of vitamins.


[Multiplication of staphylococci and formation of type A enterotoxin in boiled macaroni products]. Interconnection between the number of pathogenic staphylococci and the presence of enterotoxin in cooked macaroni products was studied. Precipitation in gel with antienterotoxic serum of the A type demonstrated the formation of the type A enterotoxin to be observed when 1 g of the product contained millions of the staphylococcal cells. The time period necessary for the formation of enterotoxin depended upon the initial dose of the staphylococcal contamination of the product and the incubation temperature.


[Poly-A-containing RNA from the spleens of mice infected with Rauscher leukemia virus]. A fraction of RNA (RNA-x) which is eluted by distilled water from cellulose columns upon alcohol fractionation has been isolated from spleens of BALB/c mice, both normal and infected with Rauscher virus. RNA-x has sedimentation constant 15--16S and upon fractionation on cellulose columns in media of high ionic strength is eluted by water. This RNA is retained on nitrocellulose filters both before and after treatment with RNA-ase. The poly-A fragment resistant to RNA-ase is heterogenous in sucrose gradient, with the main peak in the zone of 3S. RNA-x localizes in polysomes and has not been found in mitochondria. In a cell-free protein-synthesizing system RNA-x stimulated incorporation of amino acids into the acid-insoluble fraction.


[Chronic infection of diploid cells of human embryo musculocutaneous tissue]. A model of chronic influenza infection of a strain of human embryo skin-muscle tissue diploid cells (KM WSN) was developed. When the cells were propagated without medium changes, they regularly produced virus in low infectious titres and hemagglutinins in titers of 1 : 2 to 1 : 4. Frequent medium changes caused more intensive infectious virus reproduction with no or very poor hemagglutinin accumulation. Superinfection of KM WSN cultures even with frequent medium changes led to a marked reduction in the amount of infectious virus production with no detectable interferon. The WSN KM virus was found to differ from the initial variant by a number of markers. The observed pattern of virus production suggests a mechanism of persistence in this system in connection with the interfering effect of the defective virus produced by the cells.


[Analysis of influenza virus reproduction under conditions of chronic infection]. The results of comparative studies of influenza virus, original and produced in KM cells under conditions of chronic infection (KM WSN) are presented. The WSN KM virus was shown to band in the density range of 1.18 to 1.23 g/ml, with maximum at a.215 g/ml. The electrophoretic analysis of the standard virus RNA revealed mostly heavy fragments. The analysis of a total RNA preparation from the virus population produced by chronically infected cells revealed both heavy and light RNA fragments. The total synthesis of cellular DNA and RNA was slightly inhibited by KM WSN. A mechanism of persistence is suggested associated with continuous production of defective non-infectious particles.


[Biological properties of the agents of the influenza epidemic of 1972-1973 in Leningrad and other cities of the Soviet Union]. The novelty of influenza epidemics of 1972-1973 in Leningrad and other towns of the Soviet Union was due to changes in the antigenic profile of influenza viruses neuraminidase which was found to be closely related to that of A/Victoria/35/72 virus according to the results of neuraminidase activity inhbition test. The epidemic influenza A virus strains isolated in 1972-1973 were also found to be sensitive to thermostable inhibitors of mouse serum which was not typical for the Hong Kong group of viruses.


[Effect of antimacrophage serum on immunologic responsiveness in mice vaccinated against influenza]. Inoculation of mice with antiserum to peritoneal exudate cell on the eve of intraperitoneal immunization with influenza A2 virus delays an immunologic response as manifested by an increase in the inductive phase of antibody formatin and a slower rise of antibody titre. The immunodepressive effect of the anti-macrophage serum corresponds to inhibition of the activity of macrophages and the lack of plasma cell reaction in the thymus. The anti-macrophage serum does not influence the development of secondary immune response which indicates that it affects the antigen-reacting cells.


[Proof of the necessity of antiviral protein synthesis in the presence of interferon action]. The previously described cell-free system of combined synthesis of virus components was used for investigation of the mechanism of interferon action. Interferon effect was demonstrated to require the cellular stage of its action. When interferon was added after separation of the microsomal-mitochondrial "factory", no inhibitory effect was observed. The experimental data confirm the concept that interferon induces an antiviral protein coded in cell genome.


[Interferonogenic capacity of strains influenza B virus and their sensitivity to exogenous interferon]. This study is a continuation of the investgation of the influence of endogenous and exogenous interferon on influenza infection. Influenza B virus strains, both laboratory and fresh isolates, were found to be poor interferon inducers in contrast to influenza A virus strains. The study also showed that influenza B virus strains not only induced endogenous interferon poorly but were also resistant to exogenous interferon. This evidence points to marked differences of the investigated influenza B virus strains not only induced endogenous interferon poorly but were also resistant to exogenous interferon. This evidence points to marked differences of the investigated influenza B virus strains from influenza A virus strains which further indicates their peculiar nature.


[Role of chlamydia in chronic renal and urogenital diseases in man]. Serological examinations by the CFT with the group-specific ornithosis antigen were carried out with 1910 sera from patients with chronic diseases of the kidneys, urinary tracts and male sexual organs, as well as with 556 control sera from patients with cardio-vascular and other diseases for elucidation of the role of chlamydia (OLT group) in the infectious pathology of the kidneys and urinary tracts of man. No complement-fixing antibody was detected with the group-specific ornithosis antigen in control sera. The antibody was found in 5.2% of sera from patients with chronic diseases of the kidneys and upper urinary tracts and in 6.2% of cases with the involvement of the proximal part of the urinary tracts and male sexual organs. The intradermal test (IDT) with ornithosis allergen was performed for those patients whose sera contained complement-fixing antibody. The results of CFT and IDT coincided in 82.8% of the patients, thus confirming the etiological role of chlamydia in human urogenital pathology. Studies on the positive sera with the species-specific ornithosis antigen gave negative results, indicating that a distinct species of chlamydia is the agent of urogenital diseases.


[Characteristics of several indices of the mitotic regime of clone strains of HeLa cells infected with adenovirus type 7]. The effect of adenovirus type 7 on the mitotic activity, the level and qualitative characteristics of pathological mitoses was studied in mycoplasma-free and latently mycoplasma-infected cells of clone HeLa cell lines with different sensitivity to this virus. The level and the extent of changes of the mitotic regimen in adenovirus-infected cells depend upon their susceptibility to the virus and initial characteristics of the mitotic regimen of the culture which is somehow related to the presence or absence of mycoplasmal contaminants in the culture. Successful analysis of the virus effect on the mitotic regimen of one or another cell system requires the use of a culture with minimal pathology of the mitotic apparatus and careful tests for the lack of mycoplasmal contaminants.


[Cytologic, karyologic and virologic characteristics of transplantable line AE]. Karyological, cytological and virological examinations of A1 continuous cell line were carried out at the level of 600--700th passage. Considerable qualitative changes in the chromosome set of these cells were observed as compared with 335--432nd passage: there was a considerable increase in the number of acrocentric chromosomes and a decrease in the portion of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. Possible mechanisms of the karyotype changes ("secondary transformation" in vitro, contamination with other cell lines) and their association with the loss by A1 line of sensitivity to a number of viruses are discussed.


[Presence of genomes of phage PBV-1 in the mycelia of the fungus Penicillium brevi-compactum]. The rate of reassociation of 3H-DNA of phage PBV-1 was increased in the presence of 100-fold excess of unlabeled DNA of Penicillium brevi-compactum. On this basis it was calculated that DNA isolated from Penicillium brevi-compactum contained 27--38 phage genomes per haploid cell genome, DNA of PBV-3 virus does not influence the rate of reassociation of PBV-1 virus DNA indicating the lack of homology between DNAs of PBV-1 and PBV-3 phages.


[Peritoneal reaction to infection with tsutsugamushi rickettsia in mice with different sensitivity to the agent]. Infection of white random-bred mice and C57B1(6) mice with a culture of R. tsutsugamushi demonstrated that white mice were highly susceptible to the infection which ended in death of the animals and accumulation of rickettsia in the body and necrotization of cell elements of the exudate. Mice of C57B1(6) strain developed acymptomatic infection, rickettsia did not multiply in the peritoneal cavity and exudate cells did not undergo necribiosis. The mechanism of resistance of cells of these mice to the agent requires a further study.


[Several methodologic problems in the control of cell cultures]. Some human and animal continuous cell lines as well as primary cell cultures were examined by karyological, electron microscopial, virological and molecular biological methods and also by the electrophoretic motility of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDG) in polyacrylamide gel. All human and animal continuous cell lines were shown to contain mycoplasma, 17-to contain intracytoplasmic particles of type A oncornaviruses, 5 -- type B oncornaviruses similar to Mason-Pfizer virus, 8 -- paramyxoviruses, 2 --oncornaviruses type C. A high molecular RNA with sedimentation constant 64--70 S was found in oncornaviruses isolated from cell cultures. Intracellular virus or subviral structures were detected by association of the reverse transcriptase activity with high molecular RNA. The presence in the cell cultures of marker chromosomes of HeLa cells, the absence in these cultures of Y chromosomes, the presence of the G-6-PDG enzyme with type A motility indicate the possibility of contamination of human continuous cell lines with HeLa cells.


Enuresis: causes, cures and cautions.

Enuresis: causes, cures and cautions. Enuresis is a common benign condition that affects up to 10 percent of school children. Innumerable causes have been proposed: emotional disturbances, small bladders, infections, allergies, polyuria and deep sleep. In an effort to modify abnormal sleep, drugs such as amphetamine or imipramine are frequently prescribed. Imipramine is often very effective but its acute toxicity is not fully appreciated by many patients or their parents. Since accidental imipramine overdose is a serious matter, strict rules regarding its storage and use must be enforced.


Breast reconstruction for malignant or premalignant disease. In ten patients breast reconstruction was done after surgical treatment for a premalignant or malignant breast disease. In six of these, prophylactic subcutaneous mastectomy and implant reconstruction were carried out, and in the remaining four reconstruction was done after simple or modified radical mastectomy. It is suggested that these procedures should be considered by those physicians and surgeons who undertake evaluation and treatment of breast disease in women. Breast reconstruction should be considered and offered to patients who suffer from the severe personal and emotional trauma attendant to surgical operation for breast disease.


Branched renal calculi.

Branched renal calculi. Surgical operation on 30 kidneys was carried out for branched renal calculi, with no operative mortality. Of 23 kidneys in which conservative surgical procedures were used, 83 percent are now stone-free. When all stones were successfully removed, cultures of urine were sterile in 80 percent of cases, but when fragments remained, no patient was infection-free. It was found that impaired renal function need not be a contraindication to surgical operation, and indeed that in five of seven patients with impaired renal function, serum creatinine levels either remained stable or improved. We believe that surgical removal is the most conservative management of branched renal calculi.


Screening for syphilis in an aged psychiatrically impaired population. A serum Venereal Disease Research Laboratories (VDRL) test was carried out in 216 elderly patients with dementia or "functional" psychiatric illness, or both, as part of a community based screening program. The VDRL test was positive in 13 patients, 11 of whom (5.1 percent) had an actual past or present syphilitic infection as confirmed by the fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption test (FTA-Abs). In six patients (2.8 percent) syphilis was newly detected, and in another two patients previously detected syphilis had been inadequately treated. Only two (0.9 percent) biologic false positive reactors were detected. These results question the belief that aging per se is a common cause of the biologic false positive reaction; and indicate a relatively high incidence of past or present syphilitic infection in geriatric patients with psychiatric illness in the community who have been referred for crisis intervention.


Improving community based pediatric residencies by local affiliation. Community hospital graduate medical education programs have been judged deficient in several areas when compared with university programs. Generally community programs are smaller, they have a greater percentage of foreign house officers and unfilled house staff positions, and their graduates do less well on specialty board examinations. Difficulties may exist in offering a balanced and broad-based educational exposure. Four separate pediatric residencies in Phoenix became affiliated in 1972. The traditional deficiencies have been overcome, and a very popular and well-balanced program has ensued. Additionally, wasteful duplication has been avoided. Disadvantages have included complex scheduling and loss of continual close contact with house officers. Assigning patients to residents for continuity of care has been difficult. Experiences gained in this amalgamation may well apply to other hospitals facing similar problems. Local consortiums, such as this, fit well into university affiliated programs or statewide organizations.


[Iodine effects in body tissues - a survey and biophysical approach to interpretation (author's transl)]. An attempt was made to interpret the therapeutic and biological effects of iodine on the basis of currently available biophysical information. The easily facilitated electron transfer from and to the external shell of the iodine atom is considered to account, first of all, for good tissue compatibility of molecular iodine as an oxidizing antiseptic, secondly, for the role of iodine as a biocatalyzer of oxidation and reduction processes, thirdly, for the role of iodine as an agent lowering the electric resistance of membranes and, finally, for a possible intracellular release of iodine from iodine-containing hormones and amino acids, thereby affecting enzyme activities. A low electrostatic charge density of iodide and, hence, a small ionic hydration shell imply two biologically significant facts: an intensified ionic mobility and a breaking of the immediate water structure (chaotropy). These physical phenomena are thought to be well suited to explain the strong binding capacity of iodide to proteins, the loosening of electrostatic and hydrophobic bonds within the tissues and an overall increase in protein solubility.


[The severest form of CO poisoning (author's transl)]. The case histories of four patients with severe cerebral manifestations as a result of CO poisoning are reported. All patients displayed an acute mesencephalic syndrome in the initial stage. One case developed a fatal bulbar syndrome following a transitional phase. Autopsy showed cerebral oedema, in addition to necrotic areas in the basal ganglia and cerebellar haemorrhage. The other 3 patients developed an apallic syndrome with all the typical features and symptoms. Two of these patients died without showing any improvement, displaying not only necroses in the basal ganglia, but also diffuse destruction of the white matter and, in one case, even of the cortex. The third patient recovered. His recovery took a similar course to that of a case of traumatic apallic syndrome and he was subsequently able to take up normal activities. It is concluded from these four cases that secondary brain oedema precedes the development of the most serious form of CO poisoning and is of grave prognostic significance.


[Venous thromboses and pulmonary emboli in autopsy material (author's transl)]. Venous thromboses of the pelvic veins and the veins of the lower limbs were found in 40% of the post mortems carried out on 1350 adults during 1974. The thromboses were bilaterally located in the calf veins in the vast majority of cases. The predominating underlying diseases of patients with thrombosis were malignant neoplasia or cardiovascular diseases. 319 cases (23.5%) showed massive pulmonary embolism. The pulmonary embolism had taken a fulminating fatal course in 7.8% of cases. Thromboses of the lower limb veins seem to have a higher tendency to become mobilized to cause fatal pulmonary embolism than thromboses occurring in other sites. A significantly higher incidence of venous thrombosis, as well as of pulmonary embolism, was found in higher age groups and in female patients; the prognosis is, moreover, grave in these cases. A significant increase in the incidence of venous thromboses and pulmonary embolism-especially those with a rapidly fatal course-has been registered over the past years as compared with previous investigations.


[Gastroscopy in Austria the results of a questionnaire study (author's transl)]. By means of a questionnaire we have gathered information about gastroscopy in Austria. This inquiry has enabled us to compare the techniques used and the results obtained in the diagnosis of gastric cancer. The final aim of the investigation was to obtain guidelines for the wider application of gastroscopy for the early diagnosis of gastric cancer. The level of response by Austrian endoscopists to the inquiry was high at 72.7%. The results demonstrate a considerable increase in the use of gastroscopy in Austria over the past few years. However, some of the provinces hate fallen behind others. The available equipment is not fully used and reasons for this are discussed. A close correlation is shown to exist between the number of gastric biopsies carried out and the incidence of early gastric cancer. It is further shown that the use of cytological brushing improves the results. Only one third of endoscopists, however, use this method.


[A comparative study of the kinetics of 131I-bromsulphthalein and 125 I-biligrafin (author's transl)]. The kinetics of 131I-Bromsulphthalein (BSP) and 125I-Biligrafin were compared with one another. 131I-BSP is taken by the liver ten times faster than 125I-Biligrafin. The distribution volumes of these two tracers are identical. The maximum transport capacities (Tm) of BSP and Biligrafin are inversely proportional to the elimination constant k of the blood. The Tm of BSP is 8.6 +/- 1.9 mg/min., of biligrafin is 35.8 2.2 mg/min. Biligrafin leaves the liver cells without prior metabolization, which could account the higher Tm of this preparation. In conformity with theoretical considerations, 131I-BSP and 125I-Biligrafin differ in the following important respects: 131-I-BSP leads to a high activity in the liver against a low background activity. With labelled Biligrafin, on the other hand, on account of the slow activity in the liver and the high Tm, a striking contrast is demonstrable between liver and bile duct. This could, perhaps, be of diagnostic value in localizing a bile fistula.


[Advances in the treatment of cardiogenic shock (author's transl)]. Advances in the conservative treatment of cardiogenic shock have been achieved by a combination of the use of drugs (dopamine, furosemide, prednisolone), artificial ventilation and parenteral nutrition (to avoid a negative energy situation). Basic requisites for such therapy are the continuous monitoring of haemodynamic parameters (pulmonary wedge pressure, cardiac index) and of laboratory results (blood gas analysis, pO2, pCO2, osmolarity, blood glucose level). Assisted circulation (IABP) should be started immediately if it becomes apparent that little or no effect has been achieved by medical treatment. Protection is provided by the IABP for further investigation of the patient by selective coronary angiography and surgical intervention whenever possible.


[Evaluation of an experimental method for testing analgesic drugs by electrical stimulation of the skin (author's transl)]. The pain threshold and pain tolerance were determined by electrical stimulation of the skin employing a newly-developed apparatus. The efficacy of the method was evaluated in a double-blind cross-over study on ten healthy subjects with administration of 50 mg pentazocine plus 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid (P + A) orally in comparison with a placebo. The sensitivity of this method in determining the pain threshold was compared with a fixed intensity-variable time modification of the radiant heat method. The presence of sedative side effects of the drugs was tested by measurement of the reaction time to visual stimuli. All measurements were performed before and then 60 and 90 minutes after drug administration and an analysis of variance was carried out on the data. There was a significant elevation of both the pain threshold and pain tolerance as determined electrically after the administration of P + A as compared with the placebo experiments. A similar tendency was obtained with the thermal method, but the increase in pain threshold was not statistically significant. No significant changes were found in optical reaction time. It may be concluded that the apparatus developed by us appears to be a valuable tool in the evaluation of effectiveness of analgesic drugs.


[Translocation (13; 18) (q22; p 11) and prenatal diagnosis (author's transl)]. A balanced translocation (13; 18) (q 22; p 11) was diagnosed in two generations. Out of 10 pregnancies in these two translocation carriers, mother and daughter, only two phenotypically normal childern were born. One of these, namely the daughter, showed balanced translocation, whilst a normal karyotype was diagnosed prenatally in the second case. The other eight pregnancies ended either in spontaneous abortions, in intrauterine death or in lethal malformations. In the present translocation the formation of unbalanced gametes seems to be enhanced.


[Haemodynamics at rest and exercise capacity of patients treated by intermittent haemodialysis (author's transl)]. The haemodynamics at rest of 10 patients (mean age 42.6 years) with terminal renal failure treated by intermittent haemodialysis were studied over a period of 8 to 22 months by non-invasive methods. Additionally bicycle exercise testing was performed. After 13 months there was a reduction in cardiac index from 3.37 +/- 0.75 L/Min./m2 to 2.94 +/- 0.51 L/Min./m2 (p less than 0.05) and of the left ventricular minute work index from 6.21 +/- 1.60 mkp/Min./m2 to 5.71 +/- 1.36 mkp/Min./m2 (p less than 0.02). The blood pressure, index of peripheral resistance, systolic time intervals, arm-ear time and the ejection fraction showed no significant variations. Left ventricular failure was not detectable at rest, but the work capacity on exercise testing was reduced during the entire period of investigation without significant variation.


[The effect of dihydroegotamine and propanolol on acute orthostasis (author's transl)]. 10 Patients with positive orthostatic dysregulation were investigated with regard to venous capacity, heart frequency and arterial blood pressure both lying down and sitting up. The venous capacity was reduced by 14% after dehydroergotamine (DHE) in the lying position, which is an expression of increased venous tone. There is no change in venous capacity following the administration of beta blockers in the lying position. Under orthostatic conditions beta blockers bring about an approximate normalization of the venous capacity reaction, whereas the abnormal response following placebo administration is only slightly altered by DHE.


[Diastolic murmurs in atrial septal defect (author's transl)]. No correlation was found between the presence of a diastolic murmur in about 50% of patients with artrial septal defect and the calculated shunt volume. A significant correlation was found in respect to the age of the patient, the majority of the murmurs being found in young patients and especially in young patients with tachycardia. Similar murmurs were found in healthy persons and, hence, a functional stenosis of the AV-valve ring could be the reason for this diastolic murmur, which may occur more frequently in patients with atrial septal defect on account of an alteration in the blood stream patterns.


[Cardiac resuscitation - a seven-year report (author's transl)]. Over the 7-year period 1966 to 1973, cardiac resuscitation was performed in 315 cases. The reasons were circulatory arrest (ventricular fibrillation or asytole) in 228 and other life-threatening disturbances in 87 cases. During daytime, especially from 8 a.m. to 12 noon and from 4 to 8 p.m., a higher percentage of cases was successfully resuscitated and during these periods emergency personnel seemed to be more readily available. The underlying disease is one of the determinants for the prognosis, whereas age is without relevance. Over the last few years, together with a decrease in the frequency of emergency calls, the percentage of cases of successful resuscitation increased. 14.3% of all patients in whom resuscitation was undertaken were discharged from hospital.


[Angiotensin - a possible cause of acute renal failure (author's transl)]. The hypertensive action of angiotensin is purely brought about by peripheral vasoconstriction and may, thus, lead to reduced perfusion of vital organs, especially the kidneys. The dangers of angiotensin in triggering off acute renal failure are illustrated by a case report in which this drug was administered to a comatose patient with hypovolaemic hypotension following barbiturate self-poisoning.


[The prevention of tick-borne encephalitis (author's transl)]. Tick-borne encephalitis is one of the most frequently-encountered virus diseases of the central nervous system in Europe. Hence, prophylactic measures for the prevention of tick-borne encephalitis are of particular importance, especially since it is virtually impossible to influence the course of the manifest disease by means of current therapeutic procedures. Moreover, complications (paralysis and other sequelae) are frequent. A recently-developed vaccine (killed virus) is capable of providing easy and long-lasting protection for a large part of the population. The safety and efficacy of the vaccine was proved in 30,000 persons who were vaccinated in a field trial. Wide-scale implementation may be recommended mainly for persons under regular exposure, but also for the protection of people remaining in an endemic area for a short time only. However, if immediate protection of non-immunised persons is required, i.e. persons who discover ticks on their body or who show the presumptive signs of an existing virus infection, passive immunisation with tick-borne encephalitis immune globulin is recommended.


[Documentation of obstetric case reports by means of video-terminals as a part of the Vienna General medical information system "WAMIS" (author's transl)]. A report is given on the introduction of a complete documentation system of obstetric case reports by means of video-terminals and printer-terminals in both departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the 1niversity of Vienna. The special routine for the admission of patients, which produces the heading of the case report is demonstrated, as well as the sheets of collecting the data in respect to case history, antenatal examinations, labour room reports and details of obstetric operations. The computer prints the case history using the collected data. These computer-printed case reports replace the customary handwritten reports. Laboratory data, therapeutic measures and final diagnosis are computed in the same way. The advantages of this form of organization of data collection for clinical purposes and research work are discussed.


[Results with the Clinicard analyser in a paediatric hospital (author's transl)]. The most important chemical pathological investigations which require to be undertaken in the emergency laboratory of a paediatric hospital are of the serum electrolytes, blood glucose, cerebrospinal fluid glucose, blood urea nitrogen, total proteins, bilirubin and calcium. It is imperative to have the opportunity of controlling these parameters both during the day and night. In order to be independent of the presence of a technician we were interested in finding an instrument which can be used by untrained personnel and gives results of sufficient accuracy. Hence, the clinicard analyser was tested in regard to reproducibility and accuracy of results when used by highly-trained technicians and by persons without knowledge of laboratory work. It was established that the values obtained by these two groups are similar and sufficiently reproducible for emergency use. The accuracy of the instrument was tested with 2 charges of cuvettes and with different control sera. In the case of total proteins differences were found between the different control sera used. The values obtained for blood urea nitrogen and for blood glucose lay within the range given for Labtrol and for Seronorm. The accuracy of bilirubin was tested with 5 different control sera and all values lay within the ranged given by the factory. Calcium was tested with Labtrol and Fluinorm and also with sera and urines from different patients. The values were within the range given for the test sera and were comparable to those measured with the calcium analyser of EEL, but were about 7% lower than those determined using atomic absorption. The values obtained for cerebrospinal fluid glucose correlated well with those obtained by the routine method.


[Use of contraceptives among adolescents (author's transl)]. Adolescents consulting the family planning clinic in Vienna seldom use contraceptives before the age of seventeen or use a method with a high risk of pregnancy. Thereafter a marked increase in the number of pill-users is observed. All other methods of contraception, including the rhythm method, condom, diaphragm and chemical methods are employed only to a negligible extent. These results are compared with the figures of other countries, where, in general, a higher number of pill-users is reported. It is concluded that the recommendation of traditional methods of contraception by doctors does not seem practicable on account of the positive trend towards the pill among adolescents. The basis for prescription of oral contraceptives to adolescents is critically reviewed and revised.


[Preliminary results with the rapid fluorescence test (Weidemann) as mass screening procedure for galactosaemia in newborn infants (author transl)]. A fluorescence test was introduced in October 1974 as a screening procedure for galactosaemia in newborn infants and has been performed parallel with the Guthrie test. It is simple faster, but less sensitive (lower limit: 30 mg% galactose) than the Guthrie test. The fluorescence test provides a time saving of 1 1/2 days (3 1/2 days at weekends) which is of great importance in the diagnosis of this frequently fulminant illness. A further advantage is the high substrate specifity. One case of galactosaemia was diagnosed and only 1 false positive result was obtained amongst 50.000 screened infants, in comparison with 14 false positive results (greater than of equal to 30mg% galactose) with the Guthrie test. Of the 21 cases of galactosaemia detected to date by means of the mass screening programme 18 were due to transferase deficiency and two thirds of these cases ran a fulminant course. Initial blood galactose levels of greater than or equal to 50 mg% were registered in nearly all the cases of galactosaemia but levels of greater than or equal to 30mg% were found in 2 infants. The fluorescence test is a valuable supplementary screening test for galactosaemia but cannot replace the sensitive Guthrie test.


Activity of liver microsomal mono-oxygenases on some epoxide-forming cyclic tricyclic drugs. I. Kinetics in vitro. 1. The mono-oxygenase activity that forms epoxides has been studied in rat liver microsomes using as substrates carbamazepine and cyclobenzaprine, tricyclic drugs which form stable epoxides in vivo and in vitro. 2. A simple gas chromatographic method has been used to determine the amount of epoxide formed and the linearity of the enzymic reaction with time and protein concentration has been demonstrated. 3. Pre-treatment with carbamazepine increases the rate of formation of carbamazepine epoxide in rat liver microsomal preparations. 4. The effect of SKF 525-A on the formation of these epoxides has been studied.


Identification of four new metabolic products of metoclopramide using mass spectrometry. 1. N-(Diethylaminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide (metoclopramide, I) N-(ethylaminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide (II), N-(aminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide (III), N-(2'-hydroxyethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-methoxybenzamide (IV), N-(diethylaminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzamide (V) and N-(ethylaminoethyl)-4-amino-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzamide (VI) were obtained from chloroform extracts of incubation mixtures of I or II (HCl salts) with 9000 g liver microsomal preparations from male rabbits.


Effect of phenobarbital on cyclophosphamide metabolism in rats. 1. The pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide and its alkylating metabolites have been studied in rats whose liver microsomal enzymes had been induced by phenobarbital pre-treatment. 2. Serum levels of cyclophosphamide were determined using a new g.l.c. method. The half-life of cyclophosphamide in blood of rats pre-treated with phenobarbital was shorter than in control rats. This change is closely related to higher rates of production of p-nitrobenzylpyridine-positive alkylating metabolites of cyclophosphamide, which in turn is followed by their more rapid disappearance from the circulation. 3. Urinary excretion reflects this situation; lower amounts of cyclophosphamide and higher concentrations of its alkylating metabolites are present in the urine of phenobarbital-treated rats. 4. Perfusion of livers isolated from phenobarbital-pre-treated rats confirmed the results in vivo. With this preparation, too, disappearance of cyclophosphamide was more rapid and formation of its alkylating metabolites was accelerated after phenobarbital treatment.


Amylobarbitone hydroxylation kinetics in small samples of rat and human liver. 1. Two micro methods for determining amylobarbitone hydroxylase activity from less than 3 mg liver are described. One is based on single-ion monitoring g.l.c.-mass spectrometry and the other on t.l.c. separation of 14C-labelled product. 2. Km and Vmax have been determined with rat liver and both needle and open biopsy samples of human liver. 3. Both methods are sufficiently sensitive and reproducible for use with 20 mg needle biopsies.


6-Aminochrysene kinetics in isolated perfused liver. 1. New quantitative assays of 6-aminochrysene by spectrophotometric and g.l.c. methods and t.l.c. separation systems are described. 2. The decline in blood levels of the antitumoral agent 6-aminochrysene was due to its distribution rather than to metabolism to polar metabolites, during liver perfusion experiments. 3. No marked changes in kinetics of 6-aminochrysene were observed during perfusion of livers isolated both from normal and from Walker 256 carcinosarcoma-bearing rats.


Disposition and metabolism of some nitrofurylthiazoles possessing antiparasitic activity. 1. The absorption, distribution and excretion of two 35S-labelled nitrofurylthiazole analogues have been investigated in rats and mice. The compounds are not well absorbed. Higher plasma and tissue levels are reached when more water-soluble analogues are administered. 2. Metabolic transformations of these two compounds and other membranes of the series include reduction of the nitro group, degradation of the furan ring and oxidation of the terminal alicyclic and aliphatic functions. 3. Metabolic cleavage of a morpholine ring to form an hydroxy-acid has been demonstrated for one member of the series.


Studies on metabolism of trazodone. IV. Intestinal absorption in rats and rabbits. The absorption rates are the same in rats and rabbits when [14C]trazodone HCl is injected into the duodenum of animals with pyloric vein cannulation. 2. The absorption of trazodone from the duodenum of rats is rapid in comparison with that of imipramine. 3. The residual food content of the rabbit stomach after fasting delay the overall rate of trazodone absorption by markedly decreasing transit rate from the stomach to the small intestine.


Azo-and nitro-reductase activities and cytochromes of Axcaris lumbricoides var suum and Moniezia expansa. 1. Isoelectric focusing failed to separate the azo- and nitro-reductases in enzyme preparations from either the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides var suum or the cestode Moniezia expansa. The isoelectric point of the reductases from A. lumbricoides var suum was 4-75, and that of the reductases from M. expansa, 4-50. 2. Cytochromes P-450 and b5 were not detected in the 100 000 g pellet of tissue homogenates from either A. lumbricoides var suum of M. expansa. These cytochromes were not induced in either helminth by 20-methylcholanthrene or 1,2-benzanthracene. 3. The absence of cytochromes P-450 and b5 from A. lumbricoides var suum and M. expansa may be the reason for their inability to metabolize drugs by oxidative pathways and for the 100 000 g pellets of their tissue homogenates being unable to reduce azo- or nitro-compounds.


Disposition and metabolism of [3H]cocaine in acutely and chronically treated dogs. 1. Beagle dogs were chronically treated with cocaine, 5 mg/kg subcutaneously twice daily for 6 weeks, followed by same dose of [3H]cocaine given intravenously. 2. The t1/2 values of cocaine in plasma, liver, spleen and heart, in acutely and chronically treated dogs, were: 1-2, 1-1; 2-2, 1-8; 1-8, 1-3; 2-0, 1-2 h, respectively. In both groups, cocaine disappeared from all areas of the central nervous system 12-24 h after injection but significant amounts of radioactivity due to benzoylnorecgonine and benzoylecgonine persisted in the CNS even 1 week after administration of cocaine. Brain-to-plasma ratios of cocaine were lower in chronically-treated than in acutely-treated dogs 2 and 4 h after injection. 3. Norcocaine, benzoylnorecgonine, benzoylecgonine and ecgonine were metabolites of cocaine in dog brain in both groups. Norcocaine and benzoylnorecgonine were present in higher amounts in brains of chronically treated dogs. Rate of disappearance of norcocaine was similar to cocaine in both groups. 4. The amounts of cocaine excreted in urine and faeces as percentage of dose were 0-9-5-0, 1-1-6 in the acute and 2-2-3-3 and 0-2-0-3 in the chronically treated dogs. Major excretion of radiactivity occurred in urine within 24 h in both groups. Total radioactivity (65% of dose) in urine plus faeces was similar in both groups. 5. Norcocaine, benzoylnorecgonine, benzoylecgonine, ecgonine, norecgonine, ecgonine methyl ester and unidentified compounds were urinary metabolites of cocaine in both groups. Benzoylnorecgonine and ecgonine were excreted in higher amounts and benzoylecgonine and norecgonine in lower amounts in the acute than in the chronically treated dogs. 6. The possible role of persistence of benzoylnorecgonine and benzoylecgonine (which possessed potent stimulant activity intracisternally) in the CNS is discussed.


A reappraisal of the stereoselective metabolism of nicotine to nicotine-1'-N-oxide. 1. The cis and trans 1'-N-oxide metabolites of (2'R)-(+)-nicotine have the absolute configuration (1'S; 2'R) and (1'R; 2'R), respectively, and not the reverse as previously published. 2. Reinterpretation of metabolic data in the light of this reassignment reveals that N-oxidation of nicotine leads preferentially to the (1'R)-N-oxide, with little dependence on the configuration of the 2'-centre. 3. It is proposed that (2'S)-(-)-nicotine and (2'R)-(+)-nicotine bind to the same enzymic site by two distinct modes of binding; each of these modes involves the more basic centre (in this case the pyrrolidine ring) as the governing binding moiety.


Microprobe analysis of 60Co uptake in sand microcosm. 1. Microprobe analysis of fungal micro-communities in simple soil microcosms demonstrated the presence of several nutrient elements (Ca, K, P, S), and immobilization of the fission product 60Co in fungal spores. 2. The importance of soil microbes in element cycling is discusses. 3. The utility of the electron microprobe in providing more precise estimates of elements in microbes and their substrates is evaluated.


Aniline metabolism in two species of Arachnida: water-soluble metabolites. 1. The metabolism of [14C]aniline in the cattle tick, Boophilus microplus (Canestrini) at 40 and 300 mug per animal) and in the spider, Nephila plumipes (at 40 mug per 100 mg) were studied. 2. In both species hydroxylation occurred yielding both free and conjugated o-and p-aminophenols. 3. The water-soluble metabolites affording aniline on acid hydrolysis were examined, and gamma-glutamylanilide (23% of dose) was identified as a tick metabolite (40 mug dose). This metabolite was not found in extracts of dosed spiders.


Metabolism of [14C]paracetamol and its interactions with aspitin in hamsters. 1. The metabolism of [14C]paracetamol (150 mg/kg) and its interactions with aspirin (200 mg/kg) were studied in male hamsters. 2. Aspirin was found to slow the rate of paracetamol absorption from the gastro-intestinal tract, but did not affect the rate of elimination. 3. Metabolism studies showed that greater than 80% of the radioactivity was excreted in the urine in 24 h. Paper chromatography of the urine separated the radioactivity into five peaks, four of which were identified as paracetamol and its glucuronide, sulphate and mercapturate conjugates. 4. The other peak, comprising of less than 10% of the total radioactivity, was a mixture of two or more other metabolites. A major component was isolated and characterized as methyl 2-hydroxy-5-acetamidophenyl sulphone. 5. Aspirin inhibited the metabolism of paracetamol by the sulphate conjugation pathway.


Stoichiometry of methane oxidation in the methane-oxidizing strain M 102 under the influence of various CH4/O2 mixtures. In laboratory-scale experiments with growing cells of the obligate methane-oxidizing strain M 102, an overall molar gas turnover ratio of the order given below could be postulated: 1 CH4+1--1.2 O2=0.3 CO2+water. Expectations that the optimal gas mixture of methane and oxygen should lie within the range of this stoichiometric consumption ratio have been verified in fermenter 5 1 batch culture experiments. The optimal range of methane-oxygen mixture, found under the experimental conditions described, is based on the estimated growth parameters as generation and doubling times, yield coefficients related to methane and oxygen, and the efficiency of methane metabolism as indicated in the absolute amounts of CH4, O2, and CO2 turned over. The mentioned stoichiometric relation of 1 CH4:1--1.202 did not change with varying the composition, i.e. the partial pressures of CH4 and O2 introduced as a mixture to the cells. The efficiency of methane oxidation was obviously influenced and decreased markedly when deviating from the broad optimal range of CH4/O2 mixtures. With non-growing cells, on the other hand, the stoichiometric relation showed a considerable shift (1:1.4--1.8 CH4:O2) with a clear tendency towards more O2 consumption. The oxidation potential of growing cells, seems then to have a linear interdependence to the substrate concentrations, i.e. partial pressures.


[Chemical composition of the capsule material of Staphylococcus aureus strain 1193/74]. The capsule material of Staphylococcus aureus strain 1193/74 could be separated by precipitation with trichloroacetic acid and ethanol as well as by chromatography on DEAE-cellulose into 13 fractions. All fractions contained saccharides and uronic acids as well as amino acids and appeared in their qualitative composition rather similar. However, in quantitative composition and in chromatographic behaviour a rather high degree of heterogeneity could be observed. No clear cut separation of protein and polysaccharide material could be achieved in any fraction. It is supposed, therefore, that the capsule material does not represent merely an acidic polysaccharide, but contains certain amounts of amino acids or peptides varying in a rather wide range.


[Lambdamycin, an antibiotic from Streptomyces glaucoachromogenes Prauser strain MET 31118]. Lambdamycin-producing strains were detected by means of the BIP test method. The isolation technique and the physicochemical and biological properties of lambdamycin, an antibiotic produced by Streptomyces glaucoachromogenes, are described. Lambdamycin is a yellow-green pigment of the chromoglycoside type. Digitalose and fucose are the sugar components. The physicochemical properties of lambdamycin resemble those of chartreusin. However, the known biological activity is different. The antibiotic can be isolated from culture filtrates and from the mycelium by extraction with lower aliphatic alcohols. It can be purified by gel filtration methods. Lambdamycin displays antimicrobial activity, particularly against grampositive bacteria. Strains which produce enzymes inactivating different commercial antibiotics are also inhibited. Moreover, lambdamycin shows antiviral activity, as well as cancerostatic and ergotropic action in vitro and in vivo. The acute LD50 of lambdamycin in mice after 21 days was greater than 125 mg/kg when administered intraperitoneally.


[Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in yeast cells. I. Cytoplasmic, mitochondrial and nuclear ADH in Saccharomyces carlsbergensis and Kluyveromyces fragilis]. When grown in a medium containing lactat, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis produces 5 times more ground-plasmatic ADH than Kluyveromyces fragilis. Upon gelectrophoresis, K. fragilis exhibits 7 bands while S. carlsbergensis shows only one. In a polyacrylamid gradient, the ADH's of both strains yield one band, the position of which corresponds to a molecular weight of about 160 000 D. In cell homogenates and mitochondrial fractions of S. carlsbergensis treated with ultrasound, an ADH is detected which exhibits 3 subbands and a molecular weight greater than 1 Megadalton. This ADH does not occur in K. fragilis. Mitochondrial fractions from K. fragilis contain an ADH, the electrophoretical mobility of which is identical to that of the ADH of the groundplasma. Nuclei of S. carlsbergensis also possess ADH whereas those of K. fragilis probably do not.


Influence of cations on the membrane potential of Chlorella fusca. The influence of the chlorides of K, Na, Ca, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ce on the membrane potential of Chlorella fusca (Shihira et Krauss) 211-8b, Göttingen, has been studied. The potential depended on the concentration of Na und K much less than predicted by the Goldman equation. The dependence on the concentrations of Ca, Zn, and Cd was qualitatively similar to that in the case of the alkali ions. With Pb and Ce, the potential was entirely suppressed already at moderate concentrations, i.e., in the millimolar range. The contrast between the effects of the inessential elements Cd and Pb on the potential corresponds to the difference between their paths of uptake. The dependence of the membrane potential on time has also been studied. With K, Na, and Ca stationary states were reached within about 1 hour. The time course of the depression of the potential by Pb depended on the concentration. At moderate concentration, suppression could be partly reversed by subsequent treatment of the cells with diluted KCl.


Degradation of sulphur nucleotides in cell-free extracts of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans. The cell-free extracts of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans contain hydrolytic enzymes which cleave sulphate from either adenosine 5'-sulphatophosphate or adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-sulphatophosphate. These sulphatase activities may be retarded by including either phosphates or adenine nucleotides in the incubation mixtures. Adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-sulphatophosphate and its immediate breakdown product adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphate were degraded at slower rates than adenosine 5'-sulphatophosphate.


[Social aspects of planing of the working conditions for old people (author's transl)]. For planning of work for aged workers it is necessary to take as a basis the necessity in further following a trade, the motives for continuation working also in pensioner's age, questions of adaptation at the scientific-technical progress, of the changed content of work and the work-functional structure and finally the demand for further qualification.


[Researches for the planning of measures of working places of old people (author's transl)]. Within ergonomic complex-analyses which aimed at registering, valuing and optimising the working-conditions of elderly female workers in a large factory for telecommunication technics. 75 sitting workplaces were in detail examined as regarding the anthropometric measurements. Only the third of the working-places were constructed in the anthropometrically best possible way. A wrong construction was found in the case of working-height in 45 per cent, in the case of working-seats in 46,5 per cent, in the case of led-space in 30 per cent and in the case of operating-space for the hands in 22 per cent of the work-places. The results of the analysis led to 103 suggestions for changes, which are now to a large extend being put into practive in the course of complex measures of rationalization.


[Psychiatric and neurological problems of the older age (author's transl)]. Pyschical crisis and pathological change do not differ at people in the older age. The two terms do not characterize the normal development of the old age, but extreme spheres are circumscribed. The cerebrovascular insufficience is a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic area, but it is accissible. The psychopathological symptoms to be caused by this disturbance are reversible in many cases. The problems of a comprehensive diagnostic and therapy of sleeping-disturbances at aged people are described.


[On radiotherapy of the cheilocarcinoma (author's transl)]. A report is given on the results of radiotherapy in 82 cases of labial carcinoma admitted to the Radiological Clinic, Jena. The absolute 5 years' healing for primary tumours is 73,25%. The absolute 5 year's healing for relapses is 68,9%. The absolute 5 years' healing for regional lymph node metastases is 21,8%.


[On the molecular biology of the ageing. VI. Information. Changes of the protein biosynthesis in the age (author's transl)]. 1. Most reports in the literature describe a diminished protein synthesis in the old organism. 2. The diminished protein synthesis may be the result of changes of ribosomes, unequal concentration of endogen m-RNA, changes of the activity or concentration of cytosol factors, especially the influence of SH-substances. 3. The age-dependent changes of protein biosynthesis are dependent on the technique of preparation and on the nutrition state of the organism. 4. Addition of 2-mercaptoethanol during preparation or to the incubation medium decreases the age-dependent differences of protein synthesis.


[Additional evident improvements of the situation in homes for aged people and nursing homes in the district of Schwerin (author's transl)]. The author reports on important improvements of the situation in the homes for aged people and in nursing homes in the district of Schwerin after the VIII. party rally and gives workmethodical directions for registration of the situation by inspections of homes for aged people and nursing homes.


[Preparing for old age, necessity, ways, content, limits (author's transl)]. International findings and our own results in gerohygienic sociogerontological, geriatric, medical epidemiological and psychogerontological research have positively confirmed the need for preparing for old age. Demographic data in the GDR has brought to light the growing need to put the preparation for an active old age into practive making use of research data and of the existing resources. The means of implementing the programme life in the overall resources of our developed socialist society, in our laws, in our well-organized public health system and above all in the industrial health protection service. It is shown that the society's potentials and the industrial health protection service, which operates on a country-wide scale, can have a positive influence on ageing and on life of old people. The ways in which this can be achieved are described. These ways are based on the main medical, psychological and social aspects of preparaing for old age. The existing limits must be taken into account when translating the schemes of preparation for old age into practice of socialist health protection. It is indispensable to concentrate on problems of focal importance. The preparation must first benefit factory workers exposed to health hazards. Medical preparation should come first, followed by psychological and social preparation. In the long term, preparation for old age must be integrated into the overall process of education and it must start at school, where it should be integrated into biology and civics classes. Such a process corresponds to the life-long process of ageing, to socialist principles and to the efforts of the public health system to preserve health, working capacity and joy of living up to a ripe old age.


[Preparation for old age as a problem of planning working and living conditions (author's transl)]. It was shown that preparation for old age is also a problem of planning social processes and consequently a major problem of health and social policy which must be tackled by the society as a whole. Its solution calls for a wide range of activities in the field of organization of work, housing design, nutrition and reproduction of the working capacity. Ways are shown to supplement preparation training programmes.


[Problems associated with variable retirement age (author's transl)]. Problems associated with variable retirement age are very topical in all developed industrial countries, both capitalist and socialist ones. Roughly 15 per cent of the population are over 60 and according to statistics, they can expect to live another 15 to 20 years. We cannot fashion the content and the method of varying retirement age by copying them from the capitalist world without a critical analysis. We must give variable retirement age a new content that would correspond to our socialist society. We must give variable basically aimed at enabling people to stay active at old age rather than just retire. In fixing the time at which working life is to end, disposition and exposure criteria must be taken into consideration. Our views on varying retirement age are presented on the basis of recent studies in this field. Their objectives are in full conformity with the fundamental socialist aim fully to integrated the aged and the ageing into normal community life and to make sure that they are given an opportunity to lead a useful life in the economic or social sphere if they wish to do so. This aim is fully in keeping with the fundamental right to work and to a place of work and with the right to integration into social or intellectual and cultural life of the community.


[Systematic industrial medical observation and care of ageing working people as a means of preparing for retirement age (author's transl)]. The elucidations start out from the "Principles for the continued improvement of medical care of the aged" published in the "Verfüngungen und Mitteilungen des Ministeriums für Gesundheitswesen" in March 1971. A study was made in which people approaching retirement age and people already retired were interviewed and examined according to a set system. These people were then given systematic geriatric observation and care. A catalogue of conditions based on the survey was drawn up. It appears that the main task is to introduce legislation giving people approaching retirement age reasonable working hours adjusted to their diminished working capacity. Such a measure is called for due to the scientifically confirmed fact that elderly people require rehabilitative treatment for which reason they should be given extra time off. Very positive results have been achieved with recreation holidays in the form of prophylactic cures in interprise-owned facilities. There is no reason why people approaching retirement age and those already retired should not be prescribed cures. Paragraph 95 of the Labour Code provides the basis for shortening the daily hours of work intermittently, for introducing temporary single-shift work or for changing over from piece-work to time-wages. Temporary assignment of lighter work can also be arranged. The importance of systematic job analyses and of creating conditions for proper health education and sports for ageing people is emphasized. Industrial medicine reports stress that the advanced age groups should not continue to be neglected. Finally the study states that preparatory measures with regard to changes of places of work of factory workers should be carried out with great care; such measures should be taken already between the ages of 45 and 55.


[Transport medical aspects of comprehensive medical care of ageing citizens (author's transl)]. The transport medical aspects in providing comprehensive care for ageing citizens are discussed from the point of view of a maximum degree of integration of aged and ageing people under the socialist conditions prevailing in our country. In this connection the conditions and services to be provided by society are mentioned and the norms of behaviour in public passenger and road traffic to be observed in ageing people owing to their diminishing performance are discussed. Suggestions are put forward as to how the traffic environment can be adapted to the diminished performance of old people. Apart from this, geromedically relevant passages of the guidelines for medical and psychological examination and evaluation of vehicle operators are elucidated (Verfüngungen und Mitteilungen des Ministeriums für Gesundheitswesen, No. 18, 1973, from 19, Nov. 1973).


[Aspects of health education connected with the process of preparing for old age (author's transl)]. The essential principles and content of health education and health propaganda connected with preparing production workers for an active old age were sketched. Certain conclusions were drawn for integrating this complex into general health education and health propaganda, which, in the future, must embrace people of all ages in order to prepare them for old age. On the other hand it is important at this point to give priority to health education and health propaganda for factory workers doing relatively hard work or exposed to environments prejudicial to health. The special purpose of our contribution was to deal with some specific aspects the problems considered here.


[The Paget's disease--a gerontological study (author's transl)]. Authors found Paget's disease in cases among 1500 patients who considered themselves as healthy. They established their diagnosis on the basis of radiological and laboratory examinations. The incidence rate of Paget's disease was 0,7%, however it must be more frequent in the old groups. The familiar incidence of this illness is not frequent, thus it is rather intriguing that three persons i.e., 2 sisters and 1 brother is one family were found to have Paget's disease showing similar clinical and radiological symptoms. After three years the comparative examinations of two returning aged women showed a progress of Paget's disease. This manifested in exacerbation of osteopathy and increased the activity of the serum-alkaline-phosphatase. The cases of Paget's disease were reported by the authors because of the radiological interest, familiar incidence and the gerontological-geriatrical aspects.


Tuberculosis and its control programme in Japan. The author analyses the factors which brought about the rapid decline of tuberculosis in Japan during the past 30 years. Among the modern measures combating tuberculosis, chemotherapy and the extensive use of BCG vaccination are at the paramount place. As a result of intensive control the problem of tuberculosis has become smaller and smaller and a turning point is reached. The future direction of tuberculosis control is determined by chemoprophylaxis of high risk groups and by symptomatic casefinding combined with selective mass miniature radiography for high risk groups using high technical standards. By means of intensive initial chemotherapy the duration of treatment will be shortened. In 1974 the policy of BCG vaccination was changed; primary vaccination is provided for children in the age of 0 to 3 years, and revaccination at entrance to primary school and in leavers from middle school for tuberculin non-reactors. If the annual risk of infection will continue to decline the primary vaccination age it intended to be raised up to school entrance.


[Results of tuberculosis control and development of the organization for pulmonology in Hungary (author's transl)]. The organization of tuberculosis control in Hungary is organized in 3 levels: The central level is represented in the leading Korányi-Institute, the regional level are 19 district care departments for lung diseases, and the local care departments for lung diseases, which are responsible for the practical realization of the control programme. Between the different levels exist a bilateral stream of information, which guarantees the functioning of this organisational structure. At the onset of this century, tuberculosis morbidity in Hungary was 2 to 3 times higher than in the European industrial countries. This situation has been rapidly and permanently improved until the present time. But the tuberculosis problem is not yet removed today. The development of tuberculosis control turned out in 3 periods after the second world war: 1. Up to 1950 - The basis was built up, epidemiological indices were defined and a compulsary registration was introduced; 2. 1950 to 1964 - A complex programme of tuberculosis control was elaborated; a new documentation system and new sanatoriums were erected; 3. from 1964 - Final eradication of tuberculosis among children. The objective of complete eradication of tuberculosis was established. Intensive examination and control and chemoprophylaxis are organized for high risk groups. With the repression of tuberculosis new tasks in the field of respiratory diseases will be assumed step by step.


[Development of the tuberculosis situation in Czechoslovakia in 1966--1974 (author's transl)]. There were declining trends of main epidemiological indices of tuberculosis in Czechoslovakia from 1966 to 1974 (Fig. 1 and 2). The smallest average yearly decrease of 4.9% was in the incidence of newly detected cases of active tuberculosis, the largest one of 21.6% in the prevalence of "tuberculous chronics" excreting tubercle bacilli in the last two years or longer. The total of newly detected cases of active tuberculosis and relapses per 100,000 inhabitants of corresponding groups of sex and age decreased in 1966--1974 in nearly all age groups of both sexes, the highest rates being in persons aged 45 years and over (Fig. 3). The participation of corresponding groups of population in BCG vaccination procedures was very high at the national scale during 1966--1974. The highest relative number of active cases of respiratory tuberculosis newly detected by photofluorography per 100,000 examinees of the appropriate group was found in persons with "fibrotic" lung lesions, less in persons investigated for their symptoms, still less in contacts with tuberculosis cases and least in persons not registered for lung lesions and investigated in mass X-ray examinations. The number of beds in institutions for special care of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases per 1,000 population by the end of the corresponding year decreased in Czechoslovakia from 1.1 in 1966 to 0.8 in 1974. The decrease of rates of tuberculous patients was accompanied by a decrease of the number of cases under ambulatory chemotherapy of tuberculosis. At the same time there was an increase in the number of cases treated for nontuberculous respiratory diseases in out-patients' and in-patients' departments of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases. In spite of the favourable epidemiological development of tuberculosis there remain large groups of the population -- especially in middle and higher age groups -- infected with tuberculosis in the past in which new cases of active tuberculosis may appear.


[The evaluation of the Kveim test in sarcoidosis diagnostics for out-patients (author's transl)]. In a total number of 113 cases the Kveim test was performed. The antigen used was produced in the institute for pulmonary diseases and tuberculosis, Novi Sad, Yugoslavia. Patients with sarcoidosis had positive results in 65.8%, including 19.5% doubtful positive cases. In a special group of patients with sarcoidosis, who received corticosteroids at the same time, only 25.7% showed positive results. In a control group of 24 cases no positive result was observed. The Kveim test is an useful method for diagnostic purpose in out-patients. Further investigations for improvement of this method will be necessary.


[Differentiation and identification of mycobacteria by means of thin-layer chromatography of their lipids. III. Application for the classification of scotochromogenic mycobacteria (author's transl)]. Experiences with the lipid analysis of scotochromogenic mycobacteria by means of thin-layer chromatography are described. Out of 18 strains of M. scrofulaceum 11 belong to the serotypes Lunning, Gause, and Scrofulaceum. The similarity of the lipid patterns of the M. scrofulaceum strains to the ones of the M. avium-M. intracellulare group supports the contention of some authors that these species are closely related. Lipid analysis of further species of RUNYON's group II (M. xenopi, M. gordonae, M. kansasii var. aurantiacum, M. flavescens, M. acapulcensis, M. paraffinicum, M. thermoresistibile) gives the evidence that a differentiation by means of thin-layer separation is possible in these cases, too. The answer to the question whether these lipid patterns are species specific or not can only be given when a large number of strains of every species will be investigated.


[Lung changes by experimentally induced cholesterol atheromatosis (author's transl)]. Rabbits developed after feeding with cholesterol and sunflower oil atheromatous changes. Pulmonary arteries exhibit in contrast to the aorta 1/5 of the intensity of atheromatous lesions. Atheroma were only seen in large and medium-sized pulmonary arteries with a twofold intensity in upper lobes in contrast to the lower lobes.


[Directives of the struggle against smoking in Hungary (author's transl)]. Smoking is not only noxious to the smoker but molestates the non-smoker, too. Though a general renunciation is not attainable our efforts should be directed to the following aims: 1. To discourage juveniles from smoking as much as possible. 2. To minimize the danger of passive smoking for non-smokers. 3. Influencing the patients by the doctors to minimize the nicotine-dependence.


[Treatment of new and chronic tuberculous patients with ethambutol and Rifampicin (author's transl)]. In patients with chronic pulmonary tuberculosis the results of chemotherapy between drug regimens containing ethambutol or rifampicin were compared. Patients in both groups were randomized selected. After 4 months of chemotherapy negativization was reached to 100% in the RMP-group compared to 80% of the patients in the EMB-group. In 98 chronics EMB was added to the chemotherapy regimen and resulted in 90% of negativization. In a small subgroup RMP was added to the regimen and 100% negativization could be obtained. Among 220 patients with chronic pulmonary tuberculosis, treated with RMP in 9 hospitals according to our protocoll, in 205 patients (93.2%) the excretion of bacilli was cessated. In 54 new cases treated with EMB and another combination and in 20 new cases treated additionally with RMP the sputum converted to negative in 100% of the patients. But the the negativization was reached 24 days earlier on the average in the group treated with RMP. Antituberculotic drugs are administered in our clinic according to the body weight.


[Epidemiology of chronic non-specific lung diseases (CNSLD) in industrial workers in Hungary (author's transl)]. The frequency and severity of CNSLD was studied in workers of an Hungarian firm (Ganz-Mavag) by means of questionnaire. Symptoms of CNSLD can be found more frequently in workers with air pollution than in those without. The symptoms of CNSLD show an age-dependence with regard to frequency and grade of severity, the single symptoms of CNSLD not occurring simultaneously and changing in their proportional frequency.


[Relevance of width measurements of the right pulmonary artery descending branch for detection of pulmonary hypertension in chronic obstructive lung diseases (author's transl)]. 363 patients with chronic obstructive lung diseases were examined regarding the relation between pulmonary hypertension and width of the right descending branch of the pulmonary artery (RDB). There was found a high significant correlation between mean pulmonary artery pressure at rest and diameter of the RDB. The width of RDB was not so close correlated with pulmonary artery pressure during exercise. If the diameter of the RDB was 19 mm and more, a manifest pulmonary hypertension was stated nearly always. Missing this radiological sign doesn't exclude pulmonary hypertension. The method will be useful for screening a risk group "pulmonary hypertension". All cases selected by this method aught to be examined by means of right heart catheterization with the floating technic.


[Synoptical X-ray diagnostics of pulmonary emphysema (author's transl)]. In marked chronic obstructive pulmonary emphysema, especially in the classical emphysematous type of abnormal thorax, a good correlation can be found between the anteroposterior expansion of the thorax, the reduced inspiratory capacity, the clinical state, disturbed mechanics of breathing and the x-ray-state. On the contrary, in clinical emphysema of a lower degree, especially in subclinical, i. e. in predominantly asymptomatic pulmonary emphysema of the elderly, the effectiveness of the roentgenological examination is very small.


[Standard values of lung function diagnostics in children (author's transl)]. A joint study of 7 laboratories was initiated for the determination of standard function values in childhood. The sample included 3500 children. The vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, residual capacity, total capacity and work of breathing were determined and normal values calculated. These parameters were correlated with body height, body surface area, body weight and age. For an easy estimation of the predicted values regression formulas of the measured function are elaborated.


[Pulmonary mechanics of bronchial asthma (author's transl)]. Airway resistance was measured in 10 patients with bronchial asthma before and 5--30 minutes after gradual effort of 60 and 95 watt by means of bodyplethysmography. The resistance values showed three typical alterations: 1. no reaction; 2. decrease of resistance at 60 watt and increase at 95 watt; 3. increase at both degrees of exercise. In another group of patients with asthma the resistance was determined by means of the eosophagus-balloon method before, during and after exercise. The trend of resistance alteration was not identical during and after exercise. This behaviour of bronchial obstruction shows that unspecific factors affect the pulmonary mechanics because of the changed bronchial reactivity. The behaviour of a single patient with bronchial asthma is not predictable.


[Automated analysis of changes in parameters of lung mechanics with alterations in breathing frequency, lung volume, and physical effort (author's transl)]. Changes in parameters of respiratory mechanics with alteration in breathing frequency, lung volume and physical effort were determined in 23 subjects using automated data collection and data processing. Resistance R, Compliance C and work of breathing W show great dependence on breathing frequency and lung volume. An objective measuring of their changes during exercise requires a constant lung volume and a standardized breathing frequency. Parameters R and C and the maximal pressure amplitude DPM divided by the tidal volume VT show no significant alterations in several degrees of exercise. Work of breathing and work of breathing per tidal volume are enhanced significantly with increasing exercise. These parameters may estimate the mechanics of breathing better than R and C in patients with dyspnea during exercise.


[First experience and results with the PDP-program of Saling (author's transl)]. According to Saling's Prematurity-Dysmaturity-Prevention Program (PDP-Program) all high-risk pregnancies in a time limited period were collected (n = 105). From these a group of 72 gravidae (PDP-group) were controlled by an intensive care-staff, a group of 33 gravidae (controll group) refused an intensive care. The initial situation of both groups was very similar. In the PDP-group 3 quarters of the gravidae delivered after the 36th week of gestation, in the control group the half of gravidae. In the PDP-group 1 quarter of the newborn infants had a birth-weight of less than 2 500 g, in the control group the half. The condition of the newborn infants were similar.


[Renal function and water and electrolyte balance during i.v. infusion of fenoterol (Partusisten) (author's transl)]. Renal function and electrolyte transport during i.v. Fenoterol treatment (0,021 +/- 0,008 mug/kg/min) were measured in 10 healthy, nonpregnant patients by means of clearance studies utilizing water diuresis. Three 10-min control periods were followed by 9 experimental periods conducted over altogether 90 min., during which the following parameters were measured: diuresis (V), glomerular filtrate (CIn), renal plasma flow (CPAH), urinary and plasma osmolality plasma levels of Na, K and Cl, and their urinary excretion. During Fenoterol infusion, diuresis fell on average from 13.1 in the controls to 6,0 ml/min (p less than 0,01), with a concurrent rise of U/P osmol from 0,215 to 0,984 (p less than 0,01). CIn and CPAH did not change significantly, nor were there any fluctuations in plasma Na and Cl and the respective urinary excretions. The plasma potassium concentration decreased from 3,7 in the controls to 2,7 mEq/l (p less than 0,01) and was associated with a simultaneous fall of the potassium excretion from 0,060 to 0,024 mEq/l (p less than 0,01). The demonstrated antidiuretic action of Fenoterol would appear to be due, as in the case of other betamimetic drugs, to endogenous release of ADH. As shown by our experiments, the fall in plasma K is not attributable to renal factors but may be explained by displacement of K into the cell.


[Partusisten as a possible cause for renal colics (author's transl)]. Two patients were treated with Partusisten and Isoptin to inhibit uterine contractions. One patient was in the 36th and the other in the 32th week of pregnancy. Both developed colic like complaints related to the urogenital system, which disappeared after disruption of treatment and reoccured after restarting. The case description seemed to indicate an as yet not described side reaction of Partusisten.


Uterine contractility in spontaneous and induced labour. Contractility parameters (uterine activity, contraction interval, amplitude, and frequency of contractions) were analyzed quantitatively during the active phase of first-stage of labour in 60 clinically normal term nulliparae with spontaneous or induced labour. Inductions were surgical (amniotomy alone) or by amniotomy combined with either intravenous oxytocin or prostaglandin administered intravenously (PGF 2alpha or PGE 2) or orally (PGE 2).


Cerebral lesions of mature newborn due to perinatal hypoxia. I. Placental and umbilical cord pathology. The structure and topography of the damages in the central nervous system of mature (35th week of pregnancy and more) human newborns, who died in the perinatal period due to hypoxia, have been investigated. Two homogenous groups were separated: In the first group hypoxia was due to placental pathology, in the second group it was the result of umbilical cord pathology. The greatest damages of the cells in paleocortex were found in the region of Ammon's horn, in neocortex the most seriously injured were parietal and occipital lobes.


Cerebral lesions of mature newborn due to perinatal hypoxia. II. Mother's diseases. The influence of chronic intrapregnancy hypoxia caused by mother's diseases (toxemia, gravidarum, hypochromic anemia, diabetes) on the brain of a mature newborn has been investigated. Besides the vast damages of the parieto-occipital cortex, Ammon's horn (entorhinal) motor and insula cortex there were also some damages of the cerebellum and the brain stem cells. The damages of the cells in the brain stem seem to be one of the causes of the abnormal perinatal adaption.


[Prenatal detection of genetic disorders by ultrasonically guided amniocentesis in twin pregnancy (author's transl)]. In contrast to former opinions detection of genetic disorders in early multiple pregnancy is possible by advanced techniques of amniocentesis Prenatal diagnosis has been performed in a twin pregnancy of an 41 years old patient by two ultrasonically guided amniocenteses. Injection of Indigo carmin after the first puncture showed two separate amnion cavities. Postpartal findings proved prenatal diagnosis.


[Latent syphilis].

[Latent syphilis]. The wide use of penicillin and of other treponemacide antibiotics levels often to the treatment of patients with early-syphilis without knowing it. So the typical appearance of syphilis may be masked and the development of the classic serologic changes may be disturbed. From 1963 to 1974 569 cases of early-syphilis were treated as inpatients of the University clinic of Innsbruck, Department of Dermatology, 15% had proved and 20% had probable antibiotic therapy before syphilis was diagnosed. The influence on the course of disease due to treatment before noting the diagnosis is discussed by the means of own observations and reports in the literature. An attempt is made to explain the striking increase of symptomless early-syphilis.


[Systemic side effects of external corticoids: results of dermatologic studies in children with neurodermititis]. Of 111 children with atopic dermatitis who were admitted as in-patients in a German aero-biological childrens clinic, 83 patients (74.8%) had been prescribed a prolonged corticosteroid therapy from their family doctor. For 60 children (54.1%) the corticosteroid application was topital, partly with occlusive dressing or with fluorinated preparations. The remaining 23 children (20.7%) were treated topically and systemically with corticosteroids. Of the 60 children whose atopic dermatitis was treated exclusively with topical corticosteroids, 59 patients (98.3%) showed undesirable side effects. Moreover, irreversible body changes developed through the transcutaneous absorptive processes, which were more evident and appeared more often in girls than in boys.


[PUVA and anthraline therapy of psoriasis, a clinical, histological and autoradiographic comparison]. Treatment of psoriasis with 8-Methoxypsoralen and long wave ultraviolet rays (UV-A) (PUVA) was carried out on 63 patients with severe psoriasis. 41 patients were given the medication orally, the other 22 had it applied locally. After 8.5 weeks, with an average of 25 radiations, about 54% of the patients were cleared of all symptoms or improved considerably. Histological and autoradiographical examinations were carried out to 10 of the orally treated patients. After three weeks of treatment we found a reduced H 3-thymidine-labelling-index (H 3-I) and a shortened DNA-synthesis-time (ts). The average cell cycle time (tc) was lengthened. The effect of PUVA is comparable to that of Anthralin therapy, but the clinical success and the length of treatment with the PUVA-method are inferior to those of the Anthralin-method. There we consider the Anthralin-method as used on in-patients at the Department of Dermatology at the University of Cologne, to be the more suitable method. The PUVA-method ist less complicated and its application easier for the physician as well for the patient, therefore we consider the PUVA-method more suitable for the treatment of out-patients.


[The Braun-Falco-Marghescu syndrome, contribution to congenital poikiloderma]. Braun-Falco together with Marghescu described 1965 for the first time the clinical picture of bullous congenital poikilodermia. In reviewing 15 cases of the literature and one own case this disease is discussed here as an own nosological entity within the congenital poikilodermias and it is suggested to use the designation "Braun-Falco-Marghescu-Syndrome" according to the first describers.


Studies on Hymenolepis microstoma in vitro. I. Effect of heme compounds on growth and reproduction. The effect of various heme compounds on growth and maturation of Hymenolepis microstoma in vitro has been determined. At 4 days p.i., worms were collected and cultured in vitro for 6 days in a medium containing various concentrations of haemoglobin, hemin, and bilirubin. Addition of haemoglobin to a medium resulted in significant increases in length, wet weight, number of immature and mature proglottids as compared to the control medium. Supplements of hemin did not seem to affect worm length; however, they caused a significant weight increase, and the numbers of immature and mature proglottids were also more than those in control medium. Bilirubin supplements failed to show any effect on growth and maturation  of H. microstoma, and the experimental and control worms were found similar in all respects. In the light of the success with haemoglobin and hemin as growth promoting substances, the role of blood ingredients was also considered. For strobilization and maturation of H. microstoma in vitro, the presence of some kind of heme protein seems essential.


Factors influencing tests for infection and inflammation. Four laboratory tests performed on 236 persons showed a positive correlation with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate when that test was negative or strongly positive. Most of the tests were influenced by sex and by age.


[Clinical and pathoimmunomorphologic characteristics of highmoritis]. On the grounds of clinical data, pathohistologic and pathoimmunomorphologic investigations the author developed a new clinico-immunologic classification of sinusites. For this purpose the author examined 203 patients with highmoritis and observed a group of 93 patients with allergic and vasomotor rhinosinusopathies. Pathohistologic and patho-immunomorphologic investigation of the changed mucous membrane and polyps were conducted in 43 patients operated on because of acute (necrotic) and other forms of chronic highmoritis.


[Orbital complications in children].

[Orbital complications in children]. The author observed 36 children and 73 adults with orbital complications of sinusitis. Orbital complications in children are frequently observed during acute inflammation of several accessory sinuses of the nose. It is the lymphohematogenic way of infection spreading that prevails in children with orbital complications of sinusitis. Non-supurative forms of eye-socket affection are more often observed in children with diseases of nasal accessory sinuses. Suppurative forms of eye-socket diseases proceed with a much graver course in children than in adults. Changes of fundus oculi and disturbance of vision are more frequently observed in children with orbital complications than in adults.


[Graphic method of recording olfactory disorders]. The authors present a method of recording results of threshold olfactometry for substances of different neuroreceptive response (olfactory, olfactive-trigeminal and olfactive-glossopharyngeal) in the form of olfactograms. The use of a unit for comparative evaluation of the olfactory function (deciodor) made it possible to get a unit horizontal zero line on the olfactogram. The authors demonstrate olfactograms of patients with various olfactory disorders. They consider that the method of graphic recording results of comparative threshold olfactometry is a valuable differential-diagnostic test.


[Study of nasal function by the spirographic method]. The authors performed spirographic investigations of respiration through the mouth, through both nostrils and separately through the right and the left nostrie in 44 people with normal anatomy of the nose. They discuss the methods applied as well as the physiologic changes in the respiratory function of the nose. They point out the practical importance of their study.


[Treatment of neuroautonomic rhinopathy]. With the aim of treating vasodilatory forms of neurovegetative rhinopathy the authors applied injections of a mixture into the body of the mucous membrane covering the anterior ends of the inferior nasal concha, the mixture consisting of 1 ml of 6% novocaine solution, 1 ml of 6% thiamine bromide solution and 0.5 ml (12.5 mg) of hydrocortisone emulsion. The course of treatment included 10 injections administered with 3 day intevals. 0.5 aminocaproic acid was taken orally 3 times a day during one month. Drops were used locally: 500 000 units of polymixine, 0,5% dimedrole-20.0, hydrocortisone emulsion-5.0; 8 drops of this mixture were introduced into the nose twice a day during 2 weeks. An ointment was used for the night consisting of sodium albucide-2.0, menthol-0.1, camphor-0.1, anesthesine-0.4, oil of eucalyptus-1.0, camphor-0.1, anesthesine-0.4, oil of eucalyptus-1.0, vaseline and lanolin-10.0 each.


[Effect of inhalation of freshly melted water on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract]. The authors conducted experiments on healthy people-volonteers and found that inhalation of freshly melted water definitely intensified the activity of the ciliated epithelium of the upper respiratory tract mucous membrane. They pesent result of the investigation permitting to eliminate the effect of ciliated epithelium "fatigue': after prolonged use of such inhalation. Data of comparative observations with the use of functional methods of investigation show that freshly melted water has a definitely normalizing effect on reflex stimulation, secretory function, temperature and other factors of mucous membrane activity.


[Electroroentgenography in children with nose injuries]. The authors conducted electroroentgenography for diagnostics of nasal bone fractures in 55 children aged from 5 to 15. They studied altogether 78 electroroentgenograms comparing them with 61 roentgenograms. Comparing the number and quality of details of nasal traumas revealed by roentgenography and those revealed by electroroentgenography the authors obtained evidence showing that the electroroentgenographic method of investigation was more accurate in diagnosing this pathology. Electroroentgenograms reveal details of destruction both of the osseous structure of the external nose and that of the osteo-cartilaginous structure of the nasal septum and the surrounding soft tissues. The authors recommend to use the electroroentgenographic method for diagnostics of traumatic lesions of the nose in children.