[Clinical picture of single and multiple rhinogenic brain abscesses]. The authors examined 11 patients with rhinogenous abscesses of the brain aged from 2 to 45, 5 of them with multiple abscesses. According to their data the infection penetrated into the cranial cavity by two principal ways, namely, contactual (in 2 patients) and hematogenous via venous passages (in 4 patients). Contactual cerebral abscesses of rhinogenous genesis more frequently appear during frontitis, have a lingering chronic course and localize at the pole of the frontal lobe. Clinically they manifest themselves by focal and total cerebral symptoms including craniographic changes of hypertensive character. In patients with rhinogenous abscesses of phlebitic genesis a subacute course of the disease was noted. In addition to focal and total cerebral symptoms of general intoxication charater the authors noted in such cases symptoms of depression of the superior truncal structures of the brain. Cerebral abcesses of contactual and phlebitic genesis have mostly a benign course after surgical treatment (out of 6 patients there was only 1 lethal case). Hematogenous spreading of the infection along the arteries is often noted to cause multiple cerebral abscesses (in one or in both lobes) and is frequently accompanied by suppurative meningitis, periventriculitis. All cases of mutiple rhinogenous abscesses had a lethal end.


[Treatment of patients with malignant neoplasms of the nose and paranasal sinuses]. The author analyzes and discusses characteristic features of the results of combined treatment in 260 patients with malignant tumours of the superior maxilla, nose and accessory sinuses. The majority of patients were from 40 to 60 years old (81.5%). These were 158 men and 102 women. Epithelial tumours were diagnosed in 91.5%, sarcomas in 8.5% cases. The flattened-cell form of cancer with or without keratosis was diagnosed in 82.7%; other forms of cancer-in 17.3% cases. Sarcoma in women was diagnosed 3.5 times as often as in men. Tumours of the I stage were found in 12, of the II stage in 34. of the III stage in 146, of the IV stage in 73 patients. All patients were subjected to combined treatment-telegammatherapy and resection of the tumour with an electroknife. Patients with cancer of the I stage were first operated on with the electroknife and then subjected to radiotherapy with a focal dose of 3000-4000 rad. The 34 patients with cancer of the II stage underwent preoperative radiotherapy with a focal dose of 4500 to 5000 rad, then surgical intervention followed in 2-5 weeks. Preoperative radiotherapy was practiced in the 146 patients with cancer of the III stage, the total dose per focus being 5000-6000 rad, surgical intervention followed in 3-5 weeks. The 73 patients with cancer of the IV stage were operated on after radiotherapy with a focal dose of 6500-700 rad. Early and remote results of combined treatment in 260 patients were favourable. The length of life was up to 3 years in 119 (45.77%), up to 5 years in 74 (28.46%), up to 10 years in 48 (18.5%), over 10 years in 22 (8.5%) patients.


[Differential diagnosis of allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract]. The author studied various manifestations of the most widely spread clinical forms of allergic diseases of the upper respiratory tract, namely, the bacterial, atopic and combined ones. In addition to clinical investigations laborotory, immunologic and functional tests were conducted. The difference in pathogenesis affected the clinical course of the disease. Some symptoms depended on the kind of sensibilization, others on how strongly pronounced the pathologic process was.


[Pathology of the lymphopharyngeal ring in children]. The condition of tonsils was studied in 9612 children of organized establishments aged up to 14 years. Diseases of the tonsils were found in 34.8% cases (simple hyperplasia in 35.6%, chronic tonsillitis in 64.4% cases). In 63.3% cases chronic tonsillitis was accompanied by tonsillar hypertrophy. In 84% cases it proceeded with signs of tonsillogenous intoxication. Lymphopharyngeal ring pathology was more often than not found in 7-14 year old children (44.6%). The authors discuss problems of pathogenesis, clinical course, diagnostics and treatment of lymphopharyngeal ring pathology in children. They suppose that tonsillar pathology in children is to be considered as a systemic disease, the leading role in its pathogenesis seems to belong to the total lymphoid system of the organism. Proceeding from the fact that the tonsils in children are of great functional importance as they take part in the formation of local and general defensive immunologic reactions of the organism, the authors consider that in children it is necessary to give preference to conservative methods in the treatment of chronic tonsillitis.


[Teflon drainage in the complex treatment of children with acute and chronic Highmoritis]. The authors used the drainage method of treatment in 278 children with acute and 640 with chronic highmoritis, the children being from 15 to 14 years old. The use of teflon drainage introduced into Highmore's antrum by means of Kulikorvsky's needle, in the combined treatment of acute and chronic highmoritis, raises considerably the efficacy of the therapy and shortens the period of its application. The drainage method of treatment makes it possible to avoid surgical intervention on the maxillary sinus in the majority of chronic highmoritis cases.


[Comparative findings on the use of several preparations for surface anesthesia during otorhinolaryngologic surgery]. The authors present data on a comparative study of the effect of pyromecaine, cocaine and pontocaine during a number of otorhinolaryngeal operations. A device was developed for objective evaluation of anesthesia, which graphically records the extent and duration of anesthesia in patients. Pyromecaine was used during 420 operations and manipulations in 397 patients with diseases of the nose and nasal accessory sinuses aged from 14 to 82 years. The control group consisted of 200 patients subjected to the same operations with the use of cocaine and pontocaine. Data on algography and observations of the general condition in patients showed that 2% pyromecaine solution caused good anesthetic effect in 91%, satisfactory anesthetic effect in 8%, and unsatisfactory anesthetic effect in 1% patients. On the grounds of the conducted clinical studies the authors concluded that pyromecaine approaches pontocaine in respect to the extent and duration of its effect and exceeds cocaine by 2-2.5 times. They recommend pyromecaine for certain otorhinolaryngeal operations.


[Tomography of the larynx in diagnosis of midline laryngeal stenosis]. With diagnostic aims the author used direct laryngeal tomography in patients with median stenosis of the larynx. Tomography made it possible to define the width of the lumen of the sumplica area. Depending on the change of the subplica area the author varied the extent of surgical intervention. He used the extralaryngeal method of vocal plica laterification in all patients. With narrow subglottis he practiced complete mobilization of the elastic cone and its subsequent laterification; with wide subglottis he mobilized only the uper edge of the elastic cone. He succeeded in obtaining good functional results concerning respiration in all patients.


[Analysis of short-term and remote anatomic and functional results of surgical treatment of patients with congenital palatal defects]. The author analyses clinical observations in 400 patients with congenital non-union of the palate and 150 cases with palatine-pharyngeal insufficiency who had undergone uranium-staphyloplasty and presents data on characteristics of the defects and non-union, ways of their elimination and elements of methods used. Data on early and remote anatomical and functional results of surgical intervention are also given. The author points out that combined efforts of specialists are necessary for the treatment of such patients. He suggests ways of effective treatment and calls the attention of public health and public education organs to the fact that joint efforts are necessary for solving the problem of rehabilitation of patients with congenital defects of the palate.


[Cellular composition of palatine tonsil imprints in the differential diagnosis of uncomplicated chronic tonsillitis with a tonsillo-cardiac syndrome and chronic tonsillitis with rheumatism]. The authors studied imprints of tonsillar sections stained both by the method of Pappeneheim and that of Stockinger and Kellner taken from 205 patients with chronic non-complicated tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis with tonsillocardiac syndrome and chronic tonsillitis with rheumatism, the rheumatic process being of various stages of activity. A comparison of the preparations received shows that the organism's immunologic reformation resulting from the rheumatic process is characterised by growing reticulolymphoblastic, plasmocellular and macrophage reactions and vivification of sinuslymphocytopoiesis which proved to be in strict correlation with the extent of rheumatic activity.


[Inhalation of an extract from the leaf buds of the deltoid poplar during the early period following tonsillectomy]. To prevent inflammatory processes in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract during early periods after tonsillectomy (2-7 days) the authors practiced inhalations of the extract of Eastern poplar leaf buds in 40 patients with chronic tonsillitis after the operation. The use of the extract of Eastern poplar leaf buds at early periods after tonsillectomy promotes abating of pains, speedy cicatrization of postoperative wounds, decrease of reactive inflammation in the pharynx and improvement of the general condition in the patients.


[Application of "subjective gustometry and olfactometry" for determination of reaction kinetics during sensorical changes in technological processes (author's transl)]. Under special conditions the "subjective gustometry and olfactometry" (SGO) allows to combine the concentration with the intensity of flavour components by theoretical means. In this way it can be used for quantitative determination of flavour concentrations as well as for kinetic measurements of sensorical changes. Thus the equations of chemical reaction kinetics (reactionorder, speed and temperature dependancy) can be used for calculation of sensorical changes as theoretically demonstrated for the formation and decomposition of different flavour components. The requirements for indicators, aroma indices, technological processes and storage conditions for a special quality criterium can also be calculated. By using the formation of cooked flavour in apple juice as a practical example the correctness of the theoretical calculations is demonstrated.


[Digital densimetric method for the determination of enzymatic reaction rates (author's transl)]. A new digital method of density measurement has been developed for the determination of enzymatic reaction rates. The method by means of which reaction kinetics can be pursued in a very easy way is particularly suited for hydrolases. The results obtained in studies on invertase and lipase are reported in this paper.


[Steric arrangement of sweet and bitter taste of amino acids and peptides (author's transl)]. The occurrence of sweet or bitter taste of amino acids and peptides is related with the steric arrangement of polar and hydrophobic groups in the molecule.


[Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons from grapes (author's transl)]. After separation by column chromatography on silicagel and preparative gas chromatography 14 sesquiterpene hydrocarbons have been identified in aroma extracts from grapes by gas chromatography--mass spectrometry: alpha-copaene, beta-ylangene, beta-bourbonene, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-guaiene, alpha-humulene, alpha- and gamma-muurolene, germacren D, beta-selinene, alpha-farnesene, gamma- and delta-cadinene and calamenene.


[Spectrophotometrical determination of paprika-pigments (author's transl)]. A simple, routine-method is given for the quantitative evaluation of the total yellow and red pigments respectively of red paprika, from the two-peaks spectral curves of the total extract. The method gives the possibility of quantitative evaluation even of paprika samples of lower quality with a high content of yellow pigments.


Steam volatile aroma constituents of roasted coffee: neutral fraction. The volatile components of roasted coffee, isolated by normal-pressure steam distillation, were separated into basic and neutral fractions. The neutral fraction was analysed on a UCON HB 5100 glass capillary column (200 m x 0.31 mm i.d.) coupled to a low-resolution mass spectrometer. One hundred and twenty compounds were identified, of which twenty-six had not been previously reported in coffee aroma. Identification of the structures of the newly identified compounds was accomplished by comparison of their mass spectra with reference spectra. GLC retention times were used to confirm identifications. The new compounds identified for the first time in roasted coffee include 15 furans, 6 pyrroles, 3 thiophenes, and 2 ketones. Of the 15 furans eight methylvinylfurans, dimethyl-vinylfurans and alkenylfurans, which had not been previously found in roasted foodstuffs, should be specially mentioned. Mass-spectral data of the newly identified substances are tabulated. Fragmentation patterns of N-acetyl-2-methylpyrrole, N-furfuryl-2-methylpyrrole, 2-vinyl-3-methylfuran and 2-vinyl-3,5-dimethylfuran are discussed. Comments are made with respect to possible formation patterns and precursors in green coffee beans.


[Lead- and cadmium-content of foodstuffs 1. Lead- and Cadmium-content of spices and table salt (author's transl)]. The lead and cadmium contents in more than 50 commercially available spices and spice mixtures were determined. About 75% of the lead-values were below 1 ppm. About 30% of the cadmium-values were between 0.1 and 0.5 ppm, about 60% below 0.1 ppm, and in about 10% of the products cadmium was not found (less than 0.004 ppm Cd). In table salt lead contents of up to 1.8 ppm were found, while cadmium was below or slightly above the detection limit.


Mycotoxins in foodstuffs. VI. Formation of sterigmatocystin in bread by Aspergillus versicolor. Sterigmatocystin was formed on different kinds of bread (whole wheat bread, whole rye bread, whole rye bread with shredded wheat, whole wheat bread with wheat germs and whole wheat bread with linseed) by two strains of Aspergillus versicolor. The highest yields were in the range of 0.1-0,4 mug/g. The growth of the moulds and the toxin production were influenced by the total acid content ("Säuregrad"; must be less than approximately 9) and by the temperature (optimal growth temperature: 20-30 degrees C, optimal temperature for toxin synthesis: 20 degrees C). After 10 days of incubation most of the toxin was already formed.


Determination of aflatoxins in groundnut meals by high performance liquid chromatography. A method for determination of aflatoxins in groundnut meals by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was investigated. After extraction and purification according to the AOAC "CB" method, an extract is injected on a Corasil II column and eluted by n-hexane/chloroform/ethanol (50+49.7+0.3), Detection is performed with an UV detector. The developed method makes it possible to determine aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2. The detection limit for aflatoxin B1 is 50 p.p.b. using a 254-nm UV detector, or less with more effective detectors (absorption at 350-360 nm).


Tests for gyromitrin, a poisonous compound in false morel gyromitra esculenta. The amount of hydrazine compounds, calculated as gyromitrin (N-methyl-N-formyl hydrazone of acetaldehyde) remaining in false morels during drying and cooking processes was followed. Boiling of false morels in a large amount of water for 10 minutes, the usual household procedure, destroys an average of 99.5% of the hydrazines. The amount of hydrazines in dried false samples was not constant: the 99-100% of the original amount was lost during the drying process. The mass, infra-red, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra of synthetic gyromitrin were recorded. The NMR spectra were analyzed with double resonance methods.


[Volatile phenolic components in beer, smoked beer, and sherry (author's transl)]. Volatile phenolic compounds of beer, wort, smoked beer, and sherry were enriched, separated, identified, and quantified by means of the methods of column chromatography, gas chromatography, and mass spectrometry. The analyzed foods are significantly varying in the composition and quantity of the phenolic components. Four origins of phenolics in food are shown by these results.


[Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric investigations on the formation of phenolic and aromatic hydrocarbons in food (author's transl)]. Phenolic compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons are components in many foods and often typical flavoring substances for example of roasted and smoked products. They are also of toxicological importance. By means of model reactions we have investigated their formation by thermal fragmentation of cinnamic, p-coumaric, ferulic and sinapic acids. The products of these reactions were determined by gas chromatography and identified by mass spectrometry or infrared spectroscopy. Product ratio and mass spectra are given. Barley was roasted in a similar manner, and the components formed were identified. Column chromatography and preparative gas chromatography were used for preliminary separation.


[Quantitative determination of volatile nitrosamines in cigarette smoke (author's transl)]. Volatile nitrosamines from the smoke of different cigarettes were enriched by manifold clean-up procedures. Amines obtained after acid catalyzed denitrosation were transformed to fluorescent derivates of 7-chloro-4-nitrobenzofuranzane (NBD-Cl). These NBD-amines separated on polyamid sheets were fluorimetrically determined with  a chromatogram-spectrophotometer. Recovery rates of 60--80% were found for the different nitrosamines in cigarette smoke condensate. The following nitrosamines were quantitatively determined: N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosodiethylamine, N-nitrosopiperidine, N-nitrosopyrrolidine, N-nitrosoethylmethylamine, N-nitroso-ethyln-propylamine and N-nitroso-methyl-n-propylamine, N-nitroso-ethyl-n-propylamine and N-nitroso-methyl-n-propylamine. The last mentioned nitrosamine was proved for the first time in cigarette smoke. At the same time correlations between the nitrosamine content of the corresponding tobacco or condensate and the content of nitrate, total nitrogen, nicotine, volatile bases and ammonia were investigated. The nitrate content as well as the content of volatile bases showed an influence on the nitrosamine yield. The content of the different nitrosamines varied cosiderably depending on tobacco origin, so that a NNO-determination is recommended as index.


[Influence of water activity on the enzymatic changes in freeze-dehydrated muscle. II. Reactions of carbohydrates (author's transl)]. During storage of prerigor freeze-dried beef, glycogen is not broken down even at 97.5% r.h. (moisture content of the meat about 30%). However, the metabolites of glycogen -- glucose, fructose, and their phosphoric acid esters -- are changed during storage at r.h. greater than 25%, mainly by the effect of glycolytic enzymes. Also nonenzymic reactions of the Maillard type seem to occur. An accelerated breakdown of these carbohydrates with increasing water activity was found. Even though the sugar monophosphates are broken down, no increase in C3 metabolites was found. The reason for this could be that the energy-rich compounds glyceraldehyde phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate form complexes with some proteins. It is suggested that also pyruvate reacts with free amino groups of proteins. The breakdown of carbohydrates increases in uncooked freeze-dried samples above 60% r.h. whereas nonenzymatic reactions of the Maillard type reach a maximum rate at nonenzymatic reactions of the Maillard type reach a maximum rate at 60% r.h. This also shows that the disappearance of carbohydrates during storage of freeze-dried prerigor beef is mainly due to enzymatic processes.


[Patulin in foods of vegetable origin I. Pomaceous fruit and products made out of it (author's transl)]. Patulin can be detected in apples and pears which have spontaneously been affected with brown rot after storage at room temperature and at 1 degrees C. Spoilage phenomena of this kind can be caused by Penicillium expansum, but also by P. urticae and Bysssochlamys nivea. If apples are stored at room temperature following a 4--5 months' storage at 4 degrees C, the patulin content of the rotten parts of the apple tissue. In applie puree made under household conditions the patulin content of the initial material is reduced by about 90%.


[Analysis of polysaccharides used as food additives. V. Gaschromatographic identification of hydrolysis products in uronic acids containing polysaccharides]. Alduronic acids can be found among the monomeric units of polysaccharides, which are used as stabilisators in the food industry. Gaschromatographically they cannot be separated directly by the way of their aldonitrilacetates but it is possible by the procedure described. The 1-0-methylalduronic-acidmethylesters, obtained by the methanolysis of the polysaccharides, are reduced with boronhydrid to the corresponding methyl glycosides; there are split with acid to the aldoses, which are converted in pyridine with hydroxylamine to the aldoximes and than with acetic anhydride to the aldonitrilacetates, which can be separated by gaschromatography without difficulty.


[Studies on the determination of gelatine in milk products especially in yoghurt (author's transl)]. Gelatine may be determined in yoghurt and similar milk products after total hydrolysis with HCl in the presence of SnCl2 via the content of hydroxyprolin. The high proportion of carbohydrates requires the use of high amounts of SnCl2, since the stannic ions cannot be removed without great lossess of hydroxyprolin. The lossess, however, are well reproducible so that the determination can be performed with an accuracy of +/- 5% by means of calibration curves. Since the gelatine qualities used in the dairy industry are varying in their content of hydroxyprolin by +/- 10%, the determination of the gelatine portion in yoghurt may be performed within a range of 0.05 -- 1.00% with an accuracy of aroung +/- 15%.


Self-mutilations in private-accident-insurance cases. Self-inflicted injuries can be classified in groups. One group deals with the simulation of illness, another with the occurrence itself and the application of chemical, thermic or mechanical methods. One sector concerns self-mutilation, which, from a psychiatrist's point of view, is interesting. At this time we are more concerned with the problems of proving it. In wartime and even during military service in peace-time soldiers inflict mutilating injuries on themselves. They are motivated by the notion that they will gain benefit from their action. Economic gain plays a role in the case of people who have taken out private accident insurance: self mutilation to simulate the result of an accident. Our investigation into self-mutilation started with an analysis under the following aspects of 123 cases: age, sex, occupation, place of residence, place and time of deed, method employed (weapon used), localisation, single or multiple wound, direction of injury, position of fingers, nature of edges of wound. Whether or not an injury was suffered voluntarily or involuntarily can only be determined with the help of auxiliary facts. It must be clarified whether or not the information given by the injured person ties in with facts concerning the place where the injury was sustained, its position and its direction. The medico-legal expert should not interpret medical findings without relating them to the facts of the case. Indeed, he should start by examining the claimant's account of the accident. To some extent it almost requires the work of a general staff to compare the findings of a careful medical investigation with the injuries themselves. If the injury was inflicted by a certain tool information must be available regarding, for example, the "accident with the saw" together with an assessment of the wounds sustained (utilization of clinical material). Sometimes tests on corpses need to be carried out because these can provide information on mechanical and physical problems. When the direction of the wound is being clarified together with an appraisal of any traces found electron scanning and microscopic tests should also be incorporated into the examination in addition to medical and X-ray tests. At the slightest suspicion that a wound might have been self-inflicted appropriate tests should be carried out immediately. Conclusions should only be drawn by someone who has made an intensive study of this special field which is of such great forensic interest.


Differences in the demonstration of C3 polymorphism in high-voltage gel electrophoresis depending on agarose quality. Investigations of rare C3 variants in Behring agarose AGS 082. Different batches of agarose may lead to migration differences in the demonstration of C3 polymorphism in high-voltage gel electrophoresis. We studied a particular batch (i.e. AGS 082) which caused two basic phenomena concerning mobility and electrophoretic position of C3 phenotypes: 1. C3 variants migrate to the cathode, apparently due to a positive net charge of the protein caused by this agarose batch. 2. The relative mobility of slow and fast bands is virtually reversed. Previously obtained results are controlled and verified by further investigations on rare C3 variants. The possible causes of the net charge differences of the C3 proteins in various agarose batches are discussed.


[Esterase D polymorphism: phenotype- and gene frequencies in Northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein) (author's transl)]. Esterase D phenotypes were determined in a population sample of Northern Germany (Schleswig-Holstein) by starch gel electrophoresis. The gene frequencies in 1088 unrelated individuals were calculated with 0,902574 (+/- 0,006357) for EsD1 and 0,097426 (+/- 0,06357) for EsD2; rare phenotypes were not observed. Family investigations support the assumed modus of autosomal codominant inheritance.


[Polymorphism in alkaline phosphatase (author's transl)]. 1. In horizontal starch-gel electrophoresis placental extracts show an alkaline phosphatase polymorphism which - according to ROBSON and HARRIS - depends on the fetal genotype. Investigations carried out with a series of 73 placentas revealed 5 of the common 6 phenotypes. Their frequencies were in good accordance with the figures published by the English authors. However, there had been difficulties in typing because of obscrue realizing of the patterns. 2. Although there exists a polymorphism of the heart-stable alkaline phosphatase as observed in 66 serum samples from women at delivery, only four types could be distinguished which, however, could not be related to the placental patterns with any certainty. 3. In all but one of 66 samples of cord serum, investigated simultaneously, a single band only could be observed moving at a slower speed than the serum bands of adult pregnant and non-pregnant persons. This is in conformity with the results of the other investigators. 4. In 18 samples of unheated serum the amount of heat-labile alkaline phosphatase was unimportant and did not alter the features of the heat-stable portion of the enzyme. 5. Contrary to expectations, the alkaline phosphatase polymorphism has no medicolegal relevance.


Intoxication--suicide or not?

Intoxication--suicide or not? It is often impossible to decide whether a death due to poisoning with drugs and/or alcohol is accidental or intentional. In 1965 WHO introduced the category "uncertain cases of death" in the official statistics. The number of cases in this category has increased and constitutes at present in Sweden between 30 and 70 per cent of the total number of suicides. In Malmö (1972-1973) most of these deaths were due to lethal poisoning with drugs and/or alcohol. When discussing suicidal rates it is important to include those cases.


[Significance of coagulation disorders and inflammatory immune reaction in an infectious model of rheumatoid arthritis. I. Systemic, shock-like coagulopathy and fibrin incorporation as indicators of rheumatoid manifestations in the erysipelas model]. A combined study employing plethysmographical, scintillation counting and coagulation methods indicates that a coagulation crisis in combination with fibrin overproduction may be an indicator of a beginning arthritis of rheumatoid character. Rats which received a single subcutaneous infection with erysipelas bacteria exhibit a shock resembling crisis two days post inoculation as substantiated by the consumption of coagulation factors II, V, VIII, XII and decrease of platelets. This consumption of coagulation factors is characterized by a rapid compensatory increase of platelets, antihaemophilic factor VIII and fibrin, 5 times more in the pig and 3 1/2 times more in the rat than in control animals. In adult rats the overproduction of fibrin is combined with an intense concealed consumption of fibrin in all organs of manifestation. Only in young rats an absolute consumption of fibrin is observed. The incorporation of fibrin into connective tissue is accompanied by fibrin consumption as demonstrated by immunofluorescence, by oedema of the paw, and by mesenchymal proliferation as substantiated by scintillation counting of incorporated 35SO4 and 3H-Proline, as markers for the beginning synthesis of ground substances and collagen. This model supports the importance of an initial vascular phase for the subsequent phase of manifestation in chronic rheumatoid diseases. It is discussed whether the organ specific permeability of the affected organs (joints, heart, arteries and eyes) may be a localizing factor of organ manifestation, parallel to the hormonal mesenchymal reaction.


[The significance of coagulation disorders and the inflammatory reaction in an infectious model of rheumatoid arthritis. II. Inhibition trials with antirheumatic drugs in the inflammatory reaction phase of erysipelas polyarthritis in rats]. The arthritic activity in the initial phase and during manifestation of experimental erysipelas in rats, an animal model for human rheumatoid arthritis, was studied by plethysmometrical methods. The development of body weight and specific pathologic alterations peculiar to the model such as keratitis, thrombosis of the aorta and gangrene of the tip of the tail served as additional parameters. In the volumetric analysis it could be shown that the first arthritic swelling on both hind legs develops symmetrically up to day 6 post infection in rats with about 200 g of body weight-and in contrast-on the 2nd p.i. in younger animals with about 120 g. The first maximal paw volume was measured on day 9 p. i., the greatest decrease in body weight-a reduction of 25%-on day 10 p. i. In addition the reaction of the animal model following the application of steroid and non-steroid symptomatically as well as cytostatically acting antirheumatic drugs was tested. Daily treatment with acetylsalicylic acid, indomethacine or hydrocortisone provoked more or less significant inhibition of arthritic swelling in the paw. Only at the onset of arthritis acetylsalicylic acid was more effective than the other antiphlogistic drugs. No measurable increase of paw volume during cyclophosphamide treatment could be evaluated. None of the antirheumatics used had a positive effect on body weight developement. In hydrocortisone and also in cyclophosphamide treated rats a greater decrease was obtained than in the infected controls. No thrombosis developed after cytostasis with cyclophosphamide. The advantages of this systemic connective tissue disease with regard to its comparability with human rheumatoid arthritis and due to the course of its arthritic manifestation are discussed, together with the disadvantages specific to the model and the experimental conditions.


Amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis. A study of 48 histologically confirmed cases. In a group of 269 patients with rheumatoid arthritis histological examination demonstrated amyloidosis in 48 cases, viz. in 7 post mortem cases, in 28 rectal biopsies, in 12 renal biopsies and in one liver biopsy. Examination for amyloidosis was carried out in all patients who had proteinuria, otherwise in non-selected patients with definite rheumatoid arthritis. Even through rectal biopsy is a valuable screening method, it should not be overestimated, because in 12 patients with renal biopsy positive for amyloid, the foregoing rectal biopsies had been negative. According to our experience the most valuable method for diagnosis of amyloidosis in rheumatoid patients is renal biopsy, whereas synovial biopsy is the least conclusive. This paper, according to our knowledge, is the first report on observations of a regression of the inflammatory activity of rheumatoid arthritis and nephrotic syndrome as well as a complete morphological regression of amyloidosis.


The study of calcium, phosphorus, hydroxyproline, and nitrogen in decompensated coxarthroses and gonarthroses. A study was undertaken to find our the biological profile of bone symptomatology of decompensated coxarthrosis and gonarthrosis. In a group of 77 patients and in 48 individual patients the levels of calcium, phosphorus, hydroxyproline and nitrogen were studied for four successive days. Calcium was administered by the intravenous route on the third day (186 mg). The results were compared to 16 healthy controls. Analysis was made with reference to the differences in sex, age, stature and anabolic therapy. The products eliminated were referred in absolute amounts to the body surface and to the period of 1 minute. 91 patients and 17 healthy controls were subjected to a provoked hypercalciuria test. Five patients were followed up in a 47Ca kinetic study and its result was compared to the content of Ca/P and P/Ca in serum and urine found in the same patients and in 21 healthy controls. The biological profile was also compared to a group of patients with gonarthrosis and varose deformity and to 127 patients with inflammatory joint diseases. From the results it is assumed that in women with decompensated coxarthrosis and gonarthrosis the syndrome of disease is a bone manifestation which affects the mineral bone substrate and particularly its calcium level. Phosphorus and the organic products of bone (nitrogen and hydroxyproline) of these patients are susceptible to intravenous administration of calcium. In women the metabolism of collagen appears to be more active than that seen in controls, and tends to resemble that of phosphorus. With its lower activity calcium tends to relate to noncollagenic products, such as osseomucoid (glycoprotein, proteoglycan) and osseoalbumoid. In accord with the findings, the patients show a higher miscible pool of calcium (47Ca), and its lower elimination (in urine and stools) and lower accretion to bone. There are a number of factors (sex, stature, age, clinical compensation of disease) that must be taken into consideration when evaluating the results.


[Change of a releasing mechanism involved in pre-catching behavior during the development of Salamandra salamandra (L.)]. Preycatching behaviour in salamanders (Salamandra salamandra L.) was studied before (60 larvae) and after metamorphosis (50 juveniles) to find out whether there are differences in releasing mechanisms depending on the developmental stage. Responses to prey dummies of different size, shape and orientation were recorded. With advancing age salamanders respond more selectively, preferring "wormlike" dummies. The releasing mechanism is narrowed down during 10 months after metamorphosis. This is not caused by learning processes.


[Transfer of behavior patterns through transplantation of anlagen of neuro-anatomic structures in amphibian larva. 1. Xenoplastic exchange of medulla anlagen between Xenopus laevis and Hymenochirus boettgeri (Amphibia, Anura)]. By transplantation of parts of the neural plate (latter medulla oblongata) from Xenopus laevis (Daud.) to Hymenochirus boettgeri (Torn.) larval chimaeras were obtained, which showed donorlike rhythmical movements of the mouth and pharyngeal region, movements which the host species lacks. Nevertheless, some of these tadpoles were still able to catch small prey in a reaction which is typical for the host and lacking in the donor.


Recognition fo territorial boundaries by olfactory cues in mice (Mus musculus L.). Effects of varying olfactory cues on the behavior of domestic male mice (Mus musculus) towards territorial boundaries were studied. Territories were established by three pairs of males in a 154 X 86 X 10 cm Plexiglas pen with a moveable floor. After establishment of territories, the floor was shifted 19 cm a total of 21 times on different days. After 13 of these shifts the floor was subsequently covered with perforated sheet metal. In all 8 of the uncovered shifts, and in 8 of the 13 covered shifts, the mice behaved as though the boundary was moved in the predicted direction and distance. The results indicate that mice can use olfactory cues to recognize territorial boundaries.


Behavior patterns and communication in feral horses. The social behavior of feral horses was studied in the western United States. Stable harem groups with a dominant stallion and bachelor hermaphrodite hermaphrodite groups occupied overlapping home ranges. Groups spacing, but not territoriality, was expressed. Harem group, stability resulted from strong dominance by dominant stallions, and fidelity of group members. Eliminations of group members were usually marked by urine of the dominant stallion. Hermaphrodite-hermaphrodite aggression involved spacing between harems and dominance in bachelor groups. Marking with feces was important in hermaphrodite-hermaphrodite interactions. Foaling occurred in May and early June, following the post-partum estrous. All breeding was done by harem stallions. Young were commonly nursed through yearling age. These horses showed social organizations similar to other feral horses and plains zebras.


Social organization in the African bat, Myotis boccagei. In northeastern Gabon (lat.: 0.4 degrees north, long.: 12.5), the social organization of the vespertilionid bat Myotis boccagei was studied. In four groups, all individuals (55) were marked and monitored regularly for 38 months. The basic social organization in Myotis boccagei is the "harem". In each group, a single adult male is invariably found, accompanied by from 2 to 7 adult females and recent young.


Comfort behavior of the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus). The various forms of comfort behavior of the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) are described and compared with that of other Sciurids to understand their adaptative value for the red squirrel's arboreal way of life. The different comfort activities are: self-grooming, stretching, resting, sleeping, elimination and nose blowing. Observations were made both in nature and in two outdoor enclosures. The discussion shows that most adaptations are common to arboreal squirrels while others, found in several Sciurid species, are not in relation to the arboreal versus terrestrial way of life.


[Hormonal contraception--thromboembolic disorders and surgical risk (author's transl)]. Epidemiological, coagulational, hemodynamical, and morphological studies are critically analysed in this review. Our attitude towards the surgical operation risk under hormonal contraceptives is explained. For smaller operative procedures a break in hormonal contraception is not necessary. If greater operations are envisaged they have to be performed only 4 to 6 weeks after cessation of hormonal contraceptives, i.e., after the first spontaneous menstrual bleeding. Hints are given for the necessity of thromboembolic prophylaxis with heparin in unforseen greater operations without an interval free from pills or in additional risk factors.


[Endometriosis of the colon (author's transl)]. This report is concerned with a twenty-five year old female with endometriosis of the recto-sigmoid-colon. Due to medication intolerance a trial with hormone therapy had to be discontinued. After several years of illness an ileus and ureter-stenosis developed and several operations were necessary to alleviate these conditions. A survey of the frequency and localization of extragenital endometriosis followed by a discussion of pathogenesis, clinic and alternatives of therapy.


[Free perforation of stomach and duodenum (author's transl)]. 206 perforations of stomach or duodenal ulcers were treated by primary resection or simple suture between 1963 and 1972. The lethality of these two methods of treatment was compared with the age of the patients, the duration of symptoms, the length of time between perforation and surgery, and the localization of the perforated ulcer. Our analysis showed that, as a rule, primary resection is preferable, except in old age.


[Results of treatment of cholelithiasis and its consequences; the so called "postcholecystectomy-syndrome" (author's transl)]. Our analysis of 378 patients made after operations for diseases of the gallbladder and bile tract underlines the demand of an exact preoperative diagnostic examination of other abdominal organs, e.g. the oesophagus, stomach, duodenum, liver and pancreas. The value of using modern intraoperative diagnostic procedures for the biliary tract is confirmed. Our analysis also demonstrates the necessity of traeting cholelithiasis surgically at an early stage. Complications of cholelithiasis include a higher risk, a worse prognosis with regard to permanent healing and a higher rate of postoperative lethality.


[Percutaneous direct prograde cholangiography; experiences with application in preoperative diagnostics of obstructive jaundice (author's transl)]. A brief survey of the technique and application of the percutaneous direct prograde cholangiography is given. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with transperitoneal and with extraperitoneal access and transjugular cholangiography are available as methods. As far as preoperative diagnostics of the extrahepatic obstructive jaundice is concerned, at first transjugular cholangiography is applied and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is only refered to when no clarification can be achieved. The advantages of this procedure are discussed.


[Traumatic ostearthritis of the hip joint and its treatment (author's transl)]. The author describes the various origins of osteoarthrosis following hip joint injuries. Since beginning osteoarthrosis can't be stoped, he emphasizes the surgical treatment of joint fractures including accurate reduction and stabilization of the fragments. In respect of this, intracapsular fractures of the neck of the femur always require a stabile fixation. In all cases the micro-injuries of the articular cartilage should be considered. The different possibilities of post-traumatic degenerative arthritis are discussed and the methods of operative procedures presented.


[Pattern of prehension in patients with high cervical injuries (author's transl)]. After explaining the tertiary patterns of prehension the possibilities of restoring prehensile function in patients after high cervical spinal injury (C4-C6) by means of orthotics or operation are discussed. Absolute indication for the application of electrical orthotics in patients with complete spinal cord injuries below C4 and C5 and the relative indication below C6 with a motoric orthotic or operation are cleared out.


[Therapy of ankle joint fractures (author's transl)]. Even severely dislocated ankle joint fractures can be fixed in the right position and healed by immediate reposition. Irreponible fractures, ruptures of the syndesmosis, shortening of the fibula and abruptions of tibial edges require timely operative treatment with osteosynthesis, the individual forms of which are demonstrated. The screws fixing the syndesmosis must be removed in time in order to prevent their loosening or breaking. Fixations in hypercorrective position have proved to be unphysiological. Walking plaster, however, are better than training with crutches without the possibility of loading. The combination of osteosynthesis and walking plaster will contribute to the development of an early self-sufficiency on the part of the operated patient.


[Primary double pinning of the neck of the femur (author's transl)]. From a total of 351 fractures of the neck of the femur, 125 were of mid-cervical form, and from these 107 were dominated by type III after Pauwels. We have used double pinning as an optimal method of treatment for this fracture during the past 10 years. In 12% of the cases this method leads to pseudarthrosis, and in 10% to necrosis of the head of the femur. The double pinning technique is an especially optimal and less onerous method for patients at an advanced age, allowing a complete stabilisation of the fracture while concurrently correcting errors of rotation. We recommend the alloplastic restitution of the hip joint in the form of a total endoprothesis (TEP) as a secondary measure, only in rare cases as a primary operative method.


[Etio-pathogenesis of osteitis pubis (author's transl)]. The origination and the further development of an osteitis pubis in an 67-year-old man after the removal of an ureterolith by a Zeiss loop are described. A survey of the relevant literature shows that this is the first case of osteitis pubis after the removal of an ureterolith. The etio-pathogenetic aspects of osteitis pubis are discussed. The therapy of osteitis pubis is mentioned.


[The plate-osteosynthesis of posttraumatic pseudarthrosis (author's transl)]. In 87 patients from a total of 90 a posttraumatic or postoperative diaphysal or epimetaphysal shaft-pseudarthrosis could be found. In 53 patients we used the plate-osteosynthesis (tension-, axial compression-, neutralisation-, bridge- and bilateral plates). In 24 patients this was combined with other procedures (decortication, resection of the fragments or the pseudarthrosis or surplus--callus, implantation of autogenous bone). Using plate-osteosynthesis in all cases of aseptic or defected pseudarthrosis we gained osseous stabilization and healing, with good function, as was shown by followup studies. In infected pseudarthroses (8 patients) several operations were necessery for complete healing. Successfull treatment of aseptic and infected pseudarthrosis is based on the correct indication as well as correct choice and application of the plate.


[Possibilities and limits of outpatient surgery (author's transl)]. The aims of modern outpatient surgery include: the comprehensive development of ambulatory therapy especially the repertoire of operations, preclinical standardized diagnostic procedures, postoperative outpatient care and rehabilitation. The main reasons for this development are analyzed. In order to make further progress in the direction indicated the number of surgeons working in outpatient departments will have to be increased. Own experiences in outpatient saphenectomy, excisions of Dupuytren's contracture, haemorrhoidectomy, mastectomy, herniorrhaphy, enucleation of cold nodes in the thyreoid gland (171 operations between 1972 and 1974) encourage further efforts in this direction.


[Consultation hours for special surgery in a surgical department of a district infirmary ("kreiskrankenhaus") (author's transl)]. At the Surgical Department of the Kreiskrankenhaus of Burg five consultation hours for special surgery have been established and have been working for 2 to 3 years: 1. consultation hours for surgical angiology, especially varicosis and proctology, 2. consultation hours for goitre, 3. consultation hours for traumatology, especially follow up control of patients after operative fracture treatment, 4. consultation hours for pediatric surgery, 5. consultation hours for surgical gastroenterology, especially follow up control of patients after partial and total gastrectomy, vagotomy, and complications after biliary surgery. The experiences gained from these consultation hours are discussed. With regard to the personal and organizational problems in district infirmaries many difficulties have to be overcome in establishing consultation hours for special surgery. However, these consultation hours offer the possibility to improve the surgical care in the rural population and to hold international standards in general surgery practice even in smaller surgical departments.


[Ambulatory hernia operations (author's transl)]. The author gives an example of ambulatory hernia operations and deals with the results and the development of ambulatory surgery made at the Rostock district hospital since 1972. After--treatment possibilities and the influence on the duration of disablement are reffered to.


[Benign tumours of the intestinal tract (author's transl)]. Benign tumours of the intestinal tract are rare. Frequently they tend to being malignant. Clinical symptoms are massive bleeding, stenosis, invagination, perforation. A reliable diagnosis is difficult.


[Early and late effects of the gestational course following commisurotomy]. Early and late effects of pregnancy on the  cardio-vascular system and on the outcome of the pregnancy were studied in 82 women after commissurotomies. According to the clinical and instrumental investigations the burden of pregnancy may only be temporary and might cause no demonstrable damage on case of careful supervision of specialists before, during and after pregnancy and if there is a considerate delivery. Due to the higher number of "small for date babies" the fetal perinatal mortality rate and premature births are higher than in the general population. The higher incidence of "small for date babies" seems to be related to a decrease of the function of placenta in cases of premature delivery. Further improvement of matermal and foetal results is expected from perfecting diagnostic methods and from a better coordination of the team work of heart surgeons, cardiologists and gynaecologists.


[Complications at the end of pregnancy and during labor due to hematoma of the umbilical cord]. One of the rare complications at the end of pregnancy and during birth is a haematoma of the umbilical cord with and without the subsequent rupturing of the umbilical cord. The characteristic symptom of this is intrauterine asphyxia. A haematoma of the umbilical cord is frequently fatal for the foetus. In selected cases it is possible to proved the existence of a haematoma. A brief description of the anatomy and physiology of the umbilical cord is followed by a discussion of the pathological or pathophysiological reasons for the onset of a haematoma of the umbilical cord. Two groups of factors are mentioned here, the mechanical and the dynamic changes of the blood vessels of the umbilical cord. This is followed by a description of two cases from the writer's own experience. In the first case the asphyxial after term infant died of pulmonary seventeen hours after birth; in the second case of the foetus had died in the uterus. The second case must be regarded as fatal. Dynamic factors affecting the umbilical cord had resulted in a rupture of the umbilical vein with a subsequent rupture of the umbilical sheath. In the first case the fact that the infant was overdue is discussed as a partial cause for the onset of the haematoma of the umbilical cord. This is one of the reasons why satisfactory ante natal care is considered essential, particularly towards the end of pregnancy.


[Bilateral lutein cyst in normal single-child pregnancy]. A rare case of bilateral multiple lutein cysts in pregnancy is reported. They do not require a radical operation because of spontaneous regression after delivery.


[Cryogenic therapy device for use in gynecology]. A device and its required furnishings for cryosurgery is demonstrated; during 3 years of clinical use, it has proved its worth when attending to benign and malignant diseases of vulva, vagina, and cervix. On the base of open processes, liquid nitrogen serves as cooling agent. Both "spray" and "contact-freezing" may be applied after a short starting period of the device under temperature control. In order to avoid freezings of the tunica vaginalis, tubes of Teflon and Polyurethane foam have been tested successfully.


[Acute abdomen due to ovarian hemorrhage]. Massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage from ruptured ovaries may occur not only during antikoagulant therapy. In 20 out of total 24 cases of the Universities-Frauenklinik Jena the origin of the hemorrhage was a ruptured corpus luteum, only in three cases an ovarian follicle and in one case a luteinic cyst. Differential diagnosis to ectopic pregnancy is nearly impossible. Explorative laparotomy has to be performed to assure the diagnosis.


[Second-look curettages in irradiated corpus-carcinoma]. Second-look-curettages at the end of combined radiation therapy of 44 cancers of the endometrium are reported. Eight rests of cancers and 11 atypical tissue formations have been found. In 19 patients symptomless pyometra could be revealed. Observations of progress between 1966 and 1975 showed no relationship with the results of the second-look-curettages. The purpose of second-look-curettages is discussed.


[Benign polypoid vaginal rhabdomyoma].

[Benign polypoid vaginal rhabdomyoma]. A case of benign polypoid rhabdomyoma of the vagina in a 57 years old multipara is reported. The diagnosis confirmed by light and electron microscopy,allowed to estimate the tumour as a benign analogen of sarcoma botryoides.


[Closure of a large radiogenous vesico-rectovaginal fistula with rehabilitation of the continence]. Successful treatment of a large vesico-rectovaginal fistula following irradiation of a 53 years old woman. The healing was attained by four steps: 1. Derivation of urine by bilateral nephrostomy. 2. Derivation of faeces by preter-natural anus. 3. Abdomino-vaginal closure of the fistula by Bastiaanse's method. 4. Reposition of the sigmoid. Complete restoration of natural conditons.


[Unusual diffuse capillary-ectasis (venous varicosis) in the total vaginal mucosa in a 5-year-old child]. A diffusely reddish and swollen vaginal mucosa from a 5 year old caucasian female, which experienced recurrent haemorrhages since the first year of life, proves to be a venous angiosis or varicosis, representing a congenital vascular malformation. Differential diagnostically considered lesions and their synonyma are reviewed by means of medical literature.


[Clinical problems of premature labor. 1. Diagnosis of threatening premature labor and the screening procedure]. At first the allround etiology of premature birth is explained in the paper. There are to distinguish three groups: 1. Causes with known etiologic mechanism. 2. Causes with partly known etiologic mechanism. 3. Dispositions for premature birth. These are concluded from statistically investigations. In the last group are collected the patients from which are established some known scores for diagnosis of the risk of premature birth. All the scores but have a detriment. If they want to detect about 90% from premature births one must carry out examination and observation about 40% from all pregnant women. For this the scores are not suitable for selection of patients to observe in a special consultation. The organised care for pregnant women must be in such a way that all the criterias of imminent prematurity will be detected. This way has been successfull in our hospital.


[Clinical problems of premature labor. 2. Therapy of threatening and actual premature labor]. The therapy of imminent prematurity needs specific treatment of the respective illness. Moreover there are three fundamental measures: 1. To appease the patients and to applicate sedatives. 2. To carry out tokolysis with medicamentes. 3. To carry out cerclage operation in order to close the uterine mouth. These possibilities must be combined in various ways dependent from the success in every individual case. These measures also are suit in prophylaxis, for example in disorders of former pregnancies. All schemes of therapy adapted to the individual case. The dosis must be determined from the effect of therapy. A particular view point must be the hospitalisation between 28. and 32. week of pregnancy in cases of twins or placenta previa. Also in cases of early rupture of amnion prolongation of pregnancy must be aspired.


[Role of cerclage in the prevention of abortion and premature labor]. In the course of the analysis of the results of 175 cerclage-operations carried out during the last 5 years, the authors intended to answer the question: whether the operation is reasonable on the basis of a prophylactic indication. As indication of this kind has been considered for example the following: when in the case-history of the patient one or more spontaneous abortions have occured after the third month of gravidity--with insufficient symptoms, when the mother's birth was a full-term confinement after cerclage-operation, finally, when the insufficiency of the cervical os had been diagnosed before getting pregnant. At symptoms of incipient abortion the aim of the medical treatment was therapeutic. The prophylactic operation was performed between the 16-18th week of the pregnancy, while the therapeutic one between the 20th and 30th week. In the first group 97,2 per cent was the rate of the viable children, while in the second one: 67,2 per cent. The well-foundedness of the prophylactic indication is proved by the fact that the number of full-term confinements has been quinetupled, compared with the pre-operation state. In our opinion in case of typical anamnesis the cerclage-operation is to be performed earlier than in the practice up till now, before opening the cervical os, and the infection of the amnion.


[Opinion to the vibrodilatation of the cervix in induced abortions - report of 2 years of experiences with the Soviet vibrodilatator WG-I]. The article discusses the techniques, the indications, the advantages and disadvantages of vibrodilatation on the basis of 2855 interruptiones of pregnancy up to the 12th months. No perforation, cervical injury or intraoperative bleeding due to the use of a WG-I vibrodilator was established in the authors' own patients. The average loss of blood was 164 ml and the periods of dilatation ranged from 6 to 44 seconds, with a failure rate of 5 per cent. The authors recommend that in cases of interruption of pregnancy vibrodilatation, involving very few complications, should be attempted as a rule before Hegar's classical dilatation is applied.


[Cardiovascular effects of nylidrin (Dilatol) in pregnancy]. 8 normotensive late pregnant women were examined before, during and after the intravenous administration of nylidrin (Dilatol) with the method of quantitative sphygmometry, the bloodless graphic registration of the arterial blood pressure and the direct electronic timing of pulse wave velocity. Systolic blood pressure remains unchanged; mean and diastolic blood pressure and total peripheral resistance decrease. Simultaneously heart rate, stroke volume and above all cardiac output increase. The hemodynamic mode of action of nylidrin is a favourable one in regard to the perfusion of tissues in pregnancy, because the fall of total peripheral resistance is much more pronunciated than the decrease of blood pressure. Therefore there are no objections to a tocolytic treatment with nylidrin in normotensive pregnant women on the part of cardiovascular system.


[Thanatophoric dwarfism. Pathogenesis of the respiratory insufficiency in this abnormality]. Report on a thanatophoric dwarfism, which is a variety of achondroplasia. New born children with this failure are not able to survive the first few days after birth. This early death is due to a cardiorespiratory deficiency as a consequence of the extremely short ribs but also of the abnormal cartilaginous growth in the wall of bronchi and bronchioles. In this present case of the thanatophoric dwarfism the question is discussed in how far the disorder of the bronchial cartilage is the basis of the respiratory distress.


[Case of encephalitis in pregnancy].

[Case of encephalitis in pregnancy]. The author reports a maternal letal case of Encephalitis in pregnancy. The first symptoms stepped calculate termin of birth. A resembling case in the publications up to this day is not described.


[A critical review of hypothetical causes of EPH-gestosis]. The essential EPH-gestosis seems to have multiple aetiological factors and the disease develops already a long time before the appearance of the classical symptoms. The disturbed renal function is the main point among secondary pathological effects as the damaged placenta, the disseminated coagulation, the glomerular endotheliosis, the increased retention of water and sodium with increased arterial responsiveness. It may be that this reduced reversible renal function is of extra-renal origin. As predisposing factors were discussed the reduced uteroplacental circulation with the release of still unknown pressor substances or decreased inactivation of pressor amines, the uterorenal reflex mechanism, the disturbed homeostasis of the body fluids and the vegetativ-hypothalamic crisis etc. But other factors may also be participate on this disease as immunological and hormonal aspects, especially the renin-angiotensin-aldosteron-system and prostaglandins. To find out the aetiological factors we should examine the disease at the beginning in comparison with normal pregnancy. These factors must explain why the true EPH-gestosis appears mainly during the first pregnancy and frequently in twins and so on.


[The frequency of cellular infiltration in fetal membranes and the umbilical cord and its dependence on the time of membrane rupture, transmission and EPH-gestosis]. The determination of the frequency of the histological severity of cellular, predominantly leukocytic infiltration in the fetal membranes and umbilical cord and its dependence upon the time of rupture of the membranes, the transmission, and the EPH gestosis yielded the following results: (1) Cellular infiltration of the decidua, the severity of which ranged from low to high, was observed in almost 90 percent of the placentae included in this investigation, with infiltration being not detected in only about 10 percent. (2) There was observed a continuous decrease in the frequency of low- and high-severity infiltration in the fetal membrane layers toward the choriodecidual space, so that high-severity infiltration of the amnion could be detected in about 3 percent only. (3) The percentages of infiltrates detected were roughly 13 percent in the umbilical vein wall and only 8 percent in the umbilical arterial walls. (4) Cellular infiltration of the umbilical vein may be observed significantly more frequently in those cases in which the time from the rupture of the membranes to the delivery of placenta is longer than three hours than in cases where this time is shorter than three hours. (5) In the case of transmission the frequency of cellular infiltration of the amnion and umbilical vein wall is significantly higher than in the cases of normal gestations. (6) High-severity forms of cellular infiltration of the umbilical vein and arteries are significantly more frequent in the case of EPH gestosis than low-severity forms. (7) The differences in frequency of cellular infiltration in fetal membrane layers and umbilical vessel walls not mentioned under (4) through (6) above are not significant for different times between the rupture of the membranes and the delivery of placenta, transmission, and EPH gestosis. (8) Hypoxidosis and chemotaxis due to acidification of the amniotic fluid rather than bacterial infection are considered to be the causes of cellular infiltration in the majority of cases of increases in time between the rupture of the membranes and the delivery of placenta, transmission, and EPH gestosis.


[Structural and enzyme-histochemical changes of villous trophoblast during pregnancy]. A critical examination of chorion epithel of terminal villi is made on 80 placentas between 8 and 28 as well as 37 and 41 weeks of gestation after a normal pregnancy (clinical and anamnestical) with structural (Carbohydrates, albumines, nucleid-acids) and enzymhistochemical methods. The results of reactions signifies an incontinual morphological and functional differentiation of trophoblast between 16 and 28 weeks. The reduction of Langhanscells and transformation of their predominant degree of differentiation result simultaneously. These changes are discussed in connection with the well known structural and ultra-structural formation processes as well as the functional capacity of plasmodium. This functional-morphological transformation of trophoblasts has reached a qualitative condition by the 28 week, which is corresponding to the placentas of 37 upto 41 weeks by prepondering "ripe" plasmodium and "differentiated" Langhans-cells. Changes with occur in villous-epithel of normal placentas between 28 and 36 week should be predominantly of quantitative nature. The significance of proved Sialic-acid by principal absence of Glykoseaminoglycans in the human placenta will be discussed in connection with the introductions of immunogenity and immunological competence of organs.


[The determination of human placental lactogen (HPL) for hormonal supervision in late pregnancy]. In the serum of 145 women between the 34th and 42nd weeks of pregnancy, 209 radioimmunological determinations of human placental lactogen were made, using the Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden, HCS Phadebas Test. Following the determination of normal HPL levels in late pregnancy, the HPL values of high-risk pregnancies were investigated in relation to normal values and compared with the clinical pattern. A satisfactory relation was found between low HPL levels and fetal growth retardation. To some extent the HPL data can also be used in monitoring severe EPH-gestosis and postmaturity. Light cases of gestosis and pregnancies involving Rh-incompatibility do not affect HPL production. The clinical findings regarding HPL levels should not be overestimated in attempting to diagnose placental insufficiency.


[Caffeine-stimulated lipolysis in relation to pathologic pregnancy]. In an acute experiment the effect of Coffeinum-Sodium-salicylicum (3 mg/kg body weight) on the parameter of lipolysis Free Fatty Acids (FFA) and free glycerin in early pregnancy is investigated. On the base of literature data the possibility of labour induction due to high blood-values of FFA and glycerin is explained and the importance of the coffeine-stimulated lipolysis in pregnancy is discussed. To prevent one possible cause of abortus or miscarriage it is recommended to restrict taking coffee during pregnancy.


[Vaginal radical surgery using the Schauta-Amreich method. Results from the years 1959 to 1970 and consequences for determining indications]. Clinical report on 234 vaginal radical hysterectomies carried out in the years 1959 to 1970 at the department of obstetrics and gynecology of the university of Rostock. 84% 5-year recoveries. No primary operative mortality, low morbidity. 5-year recovery is 76%, if cancer does exceed 20 X 20 mm at the surface and/or 10 mm extent at the depth. If cancer does not exceed this three-dimensional measurement 5-year recovery is 91%. There was concluded firstly that the possibility of metastases in the pelvic lymph nodes is dependent from the size of the primary tumor and secondly that before treatment a subtile diagnostic procedure secures that only good cases of cervical cancer FIGO stage I b are operated on by radical vaginal hysterectomy (Schauta-Amreich). Also in some cases of microcarcinoma a Schauta-operation is indicated. Our proposal is a reduced radicality with regard to the removal of the parametrium in these caces.


[Influence of gynecologic surgery on the blood concentration of adenosine phosphate]. Blood concentrations of ATP, ADP and AMP studied before and immediately after incomplicated gynecologic surgery due to not malignant indications showed the following changes: 1. The initial blood concentration values ranged within the physiological limits and were not therefore essentially influenced by gynecologic diseases. 2. There was a short-term non significant increase of ATP blood concentrations after the operation. 3. After more extensive surgical operations there was a significant short-term decrease of ADP and AMP concentrations that however, approached pre-operation values within 24 hours. 4. The values of ATP/ADP and ATP/AMP coefficients increased significantly after the operation but decreased again within 24 hours. It may be concluded that gynecologic surgery itself as well as attendant circumstances do not induce metabolic changes unfavorably influencing the adenosinephophate system in the blood.


[Changes in the serum concentration of cholesterol, esterified and nonesterified fatty acids following gynecologic surgery]. After operations of benign gynaecological diseases we recorded changes of the lipid metabolism which were manifested by the following deviations of serum cholesterol and non-esterified and esterified fatty acid concentrations: 1. Total serum cholesterol levels declined markedly after operation either throughout the six-day period after operation, or they began to rise starting on the third day. 2. The esterified fatty acid concentrations rose after a brief drop, usually already from the first day. 3. The non-esterified fatty acid concentrations rose after operation. The peak was as a rule reached on the third day after operation. Subsequently they had a declining trend. 4. The preoperative values of the above lipids were slightly altered (we observed higher cholesterol and esterified fatty acid concentrations). This change was at least partly explained as the consequence of the preoperative stress. In our opinion is it important to attempt to restrict sudden changes of the lipid metabolism, as these changes may become the basis of various postoperative complications.


Camp-phenomenon in staphylococci.

Camp-phenomenon in staphylococci. Most strains of Staphylococcus aureus and some strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis show Camp phenomenon which differs slightly from that observed in Streptococci group B. - Positive Camp test in staphylococci might be an additional indication of their pathogenicity.


Physical properties and the fine structure of proteocines. Proteocines derived from twelve previously described bacteriocinogenic strains of Proteus mirabilis and Proteus vulgaris were investigated. All proteocine preparations were particulate, unaffected by trypsin, and destroyed by freezing and thawing or by heating at 60 degrees C for 30 minutes. Proteocine activity was removed by adsorption with the appropriate sensitive organisms. The active principles of all preparations were partially purified by precipitation with 70% (w/v NH4(SO4)2 followed by ultra-centrifugation. Column chromatography showed that proteocine activity was associated with only one of the peaks of material which absorbed strongly at 257 mu. All twelve proteocine preparations were revealed by electron microscopy as a phage-tail-like structure and each particle had a sheath, a core, and a base-plate from which spine-like fibres extend. Adsorption of these particles to the cell wall of sensitive strains did not disrupt the bacterial cell wall, but the cytoplasmic membrane and the cell contents shrank, with consequent death of the "infected" cell.


Epidemiological studies on Salmonella in a certain area ("Walcheren project"). I. The presence of Salmonella in man, pigs, insects, seagulls and in foods and effluents. During a certain period various materials (pigs, foods, insects, seagull droppings, chopping-block scrapings from butcher's shops, effluents of sewage treatment plants and stools of patients) were examined for the presence of Salmonella at the same time in a relatively small area (Walcheren). Certain types of Salmonella (S. typhi murium type II 505, S. panama, S. infantis and S. brandenburg) were frequently isolated from almost all materials examined. This may indicate the existence of Salmonella contamination cycles: one may think of the cycle: slaughter animal (infected from the environment and/or by meal) - meat - consumer - patient or healthy carrier - effluent and surface water - insects, birds and rodents - slaughter animal or meat and possibly other foods - consumer.


[Studies on the composition of the fecal flora of healthy dogs with the special references of Lactobacillus flora and Bifidobacterium flora (author's transl)]. With the new method the fecal flora of 13 clinically healthy dogs aged 3 to 42 months was analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. It was characterized by that bacteroidaceae constituted the most prodominant flora, catenabacteria, streptococci, peptostreptococci, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were the next most numerous, enterobacteria consisted the accompanying flora. The numbers of Clostridium perfringens were remarkably fluctuated and seem to be influenced by the composition of the food ingested by the host. The total cultivable counts averaged log 10.8 +/- 0.2/g. The composition of the Lactobacillus flora and Bifidobacterium flora in the feces of 34 dogs from 3 different age groups was analysed. In the feces of all age groups L. acidophilus, L. salivarius and L. fermenti with 9 different types were found. Within the lactobacilli L. acidophilus type VI c, L. salivarius type VI a and L. fermenti type IV b were most frequently found. L. acidophilus types VI c and XI, L. salivarius types VI a and VI b could not be placed in any established types of each species, and were described as new types. Bifidobacteria were regularly found in large numbers in the feces of dogs aged 2 to 24 months. B. adolescentis and B. pseudolongum consisted the main Bifidobacterium flora.


Biotyping and serotyping of Propionibacterium acnes strains isolated from different diagnostic materials. Fifty strains of Propionibacterium acnes, five strains with the previous designation Corynebacterium parvum and three strains of Propionibacterium avidum were agglutinated by Bacto-Corynebacterium acnes 554 antiserum (Difco); it was not possible to isolate any strain reacting only with 605 antiserum. Only one strain of C. parvum reacted with both sera. 48 (88 per cent) out of 54 strains (P. acnes and C. parvum) belonged to Voss' group I and 25 (47 per cent) belonged to Pulverer's biotype A.  Strains from different diagnostic materials differed only biochemically (species acnes and avidum). The relations between these two species are discussed.


[Meaning of serotype Patoc (biflexa complex) for the diagnosis of leptospirosis by microscopic agglutination test (author's transl)]. Agglutination with serotype patoc (Patoc 1) was found in 72 of 125 cases of leptospirosis. Patoc-agglutination occured frequently in leptospirosis icterohaemorrhagiae, less frequently in leptospirosis grippotyphosa and rarely in leptospirosis tarassovi. 53 cases of leptospirosis were not diagnosed when using Patoc 1 as single antigen. So we cannot recommend to use serotype patoc as the sole antigen for microscopic agglutination test. We observed 1 case in which the reaction with Patoc 1 happened earlier than the reaction with the pathogen serotypes. For this reason the battery of antigens for carrying out microscopic agglutination test should include serotype patoc, too.


[Breeding and management of mycobacteria-free guinea pigs (author's transl)]. A number of mycobacterial species are detectable under conventional holding condition of guinea pigs. These mycobacteria originating in drinking water and litter caused cross reactions in the Jones-Mote hypersensitivity test. Using suitable precautions it was possible to breed and hold the animals mycobacteria-free. The precautions depend mainly in alteration of the wire mesh floor in cages to avoide the contact of the animals with the litter, in cleaning and desinfection of water bottles, in using of heated water and food and in the prevention of mycobacterial contamination from the staff. The control examination on mycobacteria without treating is given in details. Cases are refered in which a oral rece ption of mycobacteria can alter the immune response. The modification of guinea pigs management to the mycobacteria-free ones is possible in a short time and with minimal cost.


[Microorganisms in drugs and cosmetics - occurrence, harms and consequences in hygienic manufacturing (author's transl)]. The quantity of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products with different composition and the diversity of contaminating microorganisms set up special problems for each product with its specific field of application. It is not exact to generalize the hazard of contaminating microorganisms to product cathegories. Some product cathegories however are more imperilled to be contaminated with microorganisms and they are more hazardous than other ones. The most important component of the living matter is water that decides on growth, multiplication and survival of microorganisms in drugs and cosmetics. Products with a high content of available water are the most problematic ones. The consequences of survival and multiplication of microorganisms in relation to metabolic activity, pathogenicity and route of administration can be harmless or fatal. The nutritive wants of many microorganisms are very small, even simple salt solutions do not exclude microbial growth. There scarcely exist substrates not used as energy source by any microorganism and so it does not wonder that desinfectants are also used. Added preservatives may be absorbed or inactivated by suspended anorganic components, swelling agents, solubilizers etc., the containers or its closing. In the water phase of emulsions, in which under special conditions smaller amounts of the preservative are available, microorganisms sometimes can multiply. Skin care products neither belonging to pharmaceuticals nor to cosmetics present special clinical problems. Many times creams and lotions contain ingredients metabolized by microorganisms. Ointments and oils can be overgrown only by highly specialized organisms but if there is condensed water as a film at boundary surfaces much more microorganism species can grow. When using cosmetics it must be considered that parts of them will get into the eye. The eye is really endangered by Pseudomonads, which can according to the composition multiply in shampoos and whose contact to the eye can not be excluded. Syrups and solutions contain sugar concentrations, which suppress growth of most microorganisms except osmotolerant germs. Because of their low water content powders normally are protected against microbial growth but they should be free from clostridial spores for a mixture of powder and sweat is a good nutrient medium to Clostridia and fungi. Powders for surgical use must be sterile. Tablets and dragees do not allow microbial multiplication because of their low water activity. Under bad storage conditions a local increase of water content may permit microbial growth at the surface, especially in hygroscopicity. Fortunately there is seen a trend of not using multi-dose-containers for injections because of the high risk of contamination. It is to develop single-dose-containers also for other groups of preparations especially for eye-preparations. Many products microbiologically unobjectionable produced are contaminated in use, they contain the spectrum of microorganisms of the area of application...


[The effect of selenium and fluorine with respect to caries and toxicity to Osborne-Mendel-rats (author's transl)]. Two experiments carried out with one hundred rats from the Osborne-Mendel-strain were supposed to prove the influence of selenium-containing-drinking-water on caries. The animals were divided into five experimental groups of twenty rats each. Selenium was tested in different doses as an addition to drinking-water in shape of Na2SeO4, as well as in combination with a tooth-paste containing NaF.-Its toxicity was to be determined by the water consumption, the mortality and above all by the body weight of the animals at the end of the test. During the first experiment three groups received Na2SeO4 in doses of 1, 5 and 10 ppm in the drinking water and the cariogenic diet Stephan 580 as food. Two other groups served as control, one receiving the cariogenic diet Stephan 580 and the other one getting the normal breeding diet. The analysis of variance carried out for the assessment of caries and the test of SCHEFFE only show a different attack concerning those groups, receiving the cariogenic diet and the control group fed with the breeding diet Altromin R. Nine of the 40 animals of the groups that had received the selenium doses of 5 and 10 ppm did not survive the experiment. The average value of the water consumption and the body weight of the animals of the selenium group was below the average of the remaining groups, which points out a strong toxicity of Na2SeO4. In regard to the water consumptions, however, one cannot exactly define, whether it is an effect of the selenium of the cariogenic diet. All groups of the second experiment received the cariogenic diet Stephan 580; two of them got Na2SeO4 in doses of 4ppm within their drinking water. The molars of the lower jaws of one of these group were brushed with a tooth-paste containing NaF. The molars of the other group were treated with a paste, serving as a placebo. Two other groups were provided each with the paste containing fluorine and the paste serving as a placebo, but without selenium in their drinking water. Furthermore 20 animals were used as a control group. The analysis of variance showed the widely known protective effect of the fluorine by the statistically significant different distribution of the caries. Comparing those two groups, whose drinking water contained Na2SeO4 with the two other groups whose molars were treated with the paste containing fluorine and the one serving as a placebo respectively, we may conclude, that Na2SeO4 has no influence on the protective effect of the fluorine. A comparison of the group treated with the paste serving as a placebo with the control group shows, that the tooth-brushing obviously has no great effect. In respect to the body weight at the end of the experiment one cannot demonstrate a clear effect using the linear contrast of SCHEFFE, and there also is no infleunce of selenium on the total water consumption, which coincides with the results of the first experiment. The two experiments have shown that Na2SeO4 is toxic in the doses applied...


[The significance of the bacterial steroid degradation for the etiology of large bowel cancer. IV. Deconjugation of glycocholic acid, oxidation, and reduction of cholic acid by saccharolytic Bacteroides species (author's transl)]. A total of 36-38 strains (depending on the test series) of the strictly anaerobic Bacteroides species V. bulgatus, B. fragilis, B. thetaiotamicron, and B. distasonis was tested for the ability of splitting the acide amide linkage of glycocholate and for a further degradation of cholate. We found 23 of 38 strains (60 per cent) to be able to deconjugate glycocholate, but as many as 18 (46 per cent) resulted in an intensive to complete degradation. On the other hand 32 of 36 strains (89 per cent) were able to degrade cholate when cultivated anaerobically. They normally formed 1 transformation product, however, occasionally 2-3. Using the aerobic incubation of resting cells as test system we observed 30 active strains of 37 (81 per cent), which as well produced 1 degradation product generally, but sometimes 2-4 compounds. 3 strains transformed cholate during growth only. Thin layer-, gas chromatography, and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used for the identification of transformation products. We proved the main degradation product of all active strains to be 3alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-7-oxo-5beta-cholanoate, by anaerobic cultivation as well as by aerobic incubation of cell suspensions. Deoxycholate (3alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-5beta-cholanoate), in vivo the main product of cholate transformation, was hitherto found to be formed by 3 strains only as main degradation product, it may probably be a by-product of the degradation with other strains. All these strains, however, may also oxidise the 7alpha-hydroxyl group beside dehydroxylating cholate. For this reason we assume that the conditions for the formation of deoxycholate are in general not existent in our experiments. The third degradation product, formed under anaerobic conditions, is probably a monohydroxy-monooxo-cholanoate, derived from deoxycholate. Structures of additional transformation products, occasionally found under aerobic incubation, which are all less polar than 3alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-7-oxo-5beta-cholanoic acid, could not be elucidated on account of minor amounts available. Bacteroides species are unable to transform the side chain of cholate, either as anaerobically growing cultures, or as aerobically incubated resting cells.


[Influence of line frequency electric fields on the heart rate of rats (author's transl)]. At present, the few published research results concerning the effect of 50 HZ fields on biological measurements, for instance on circulatory parameters, show only slight correlation. In order to find objective criteria for the infleunce of a field on heart frequency physically defineable observation conditions must first be created. In the interpretation of the results, it had to be taken into consideration that the measurements were taken immediately after application of the field in both brief and extended exposure. The effect of narcosis during derivation of cardiac activity was also a factor to be considered in this context. Keeping these facts in mind, rats were exposed for up to 50 days to a 50 Hz field with a field-strength of 50 V/m resp. 5300 V/m. Under both field-strength ranges, the heart frequency sank significantly. The intensity and the temporal development of the influence were dependent on the field-strength and the length of application. The comparatively strong frequency drop after 15 min treatment time in the 5300 V/m field points to a stress effect, whose persisting influence determines the development of the biological reaction over a longer period of time. The stronger field is comparable to the value found in the middle of the potential field of a 380 kV high-tension line. For this reason, the experimental results are interesting from the point of view of industrial hygiene as well.


[On the reaction of chlorine, bromine, iodine and some N-chloro and N-bromo compounds with peptone in aqueous solution (author's transl)]. The course of the reaction cited in the heading was investigated by determination of the decrease of iodometrically ascertainable oxidation capacity (pH = 7,00; initial concentration: 5 X 10(-3) M active Halogen/1, 0,5 g peptone/1). From the curves depicted in fig. 1 the following scale of reactivity can be derived: dibromoisocyanuric acid greater than bromine greater than 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin greater than N-bromo-N'-chloro-dimethylhydantoin greater than clorine greater than trichloroisocyanuric acid greater than 1,3-dichloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin greater than iodine greater than chloramine T. The reactivity differences tentatively are explained by electronic, kinetic resp. thermodynamic effects.


Effect of UV-irradiation of shifts of energy-rich phosphate compounds: ADP, ATP and AXP in human red blood cells represented by a trigonometrical polynomial. This paper deals with the effect of UV-irradiation on metabolism of energy rich adenine, esters: ADP, ATP and AXP in human red blood cells in vitro. Preparation, separation and quantitative determination of these compounds were performed by the method of BARTLETT, using a step concentration gradient with an HC1-NH4C1 chloride system. Blood was irradiated in vitro for 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270 and 300 min. Mathematical methods based on KOLMAGOTOV's theorem were applied for continuous, not stepwise description of dynamics of changes of ADP, ATP and AXP in red blood cells following UV-irradiation. The obtained curves illustrate dynamic, time-dependent changes of levels of the investigated compounds and point out that the method of BARTLETT used for determination of concentrations of ATP and AXP need further refinements, especially in applications to such biological systems and functional states in which slight shifts of these compounds occur.


[Nitrate and nitrite in human food calculation of the daily intake and its range (author's transl)]. Daily intake of nitrate and nitrate by German Federal Republic resident was calculated to 75 mg NO3- and 3.3 mg NO2-. These results are based on values mainly obtained by analyses of prepared meals of an area which was supplied with nitrate free drinking water. Using data of the 1971 per capita consumption the calculation of daily intake only leads to 49 mg NO3- and 1.7 mg NO2-. The difference to the former values probably arises from insufficient food consumption statistics and from fairly great deviations of nitrate and nitrite concentrations of food as present at market and as cited in literature. Moreover some values are not derived from homeland products. The calculated daily intake of NO3- is significantly increased by drinking water nitrate content. 35 mg NO3-/1 drinking water causes a doubling of the basic intake values, 70 mg NO3-/1 its triplication. As shown by a graph nitrate ingestion may be reduced by using certain amounts of nitrate free beverages. In cases of especially high consumption of potatoes, vegetables, meat or ham additional daily ingestion in the range of 75, 100, 30 or 45 mg NO3- and 1.8; 0.2; 1.8 or 1.7 mg NO2- respectively must be expected.


[The significance of the bacterial steroid degradation for the etiology of large bowel cancer. V. Transformation of chenodeoxycholic acid by saccharolytic bacteroides-species (author's transl)]. We analysed a total of 36 strains of the obligately anaerobic Bacteroides species B. vulgatus, B. fragilis, B. thetaiotaomicron, and B. distasonis to test their faculties to metabolize chenodeoxycholate. For experiments with growing cultures, we used a synthetic medium with inorganic salts, glucose, citrate, amino acids, vitamins, and hemin. The same medium, but without amino acids and vitamins was used for experiments with resting cells, incubated aerobically. After preincubation in a medium containing bile and deoxycholate, we observed that 26 strains of 35 (74 per cent) could degrade this bile acid, when cultivated anaerobically, compared to 30 strains of 36 (83 per cent), when incubated aerobically. To sum up the number of active strains, there are 32, corresponding 89 per cent. With the exception of two strains, which formed two transformation products, all active strains formed one degradation product only. All strains but one, active when cultured anaerobically, belong to the species B. fragilis and B. thetaiotaomicron. As can be seen by the results of aerobic incubation most strains of the species B. vulgatus posses the degradative activity, found inactive, however, under anerobic conditions. We therefore suppose that its regulatory mechanism is different from the other species. Thin-layer, gas chromatography, and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used for the identification of transformation products. With these methods, we were able to demonstrate the bacteria to metabolize chenodeoxycholate to 3 alpha-hydroxy-7-oxo-5 beta-cholanoate, either if growing anaerobically or incubated aerobically. The second degradation products of two strains, found in traces or as by-product, could not be identified on account of minor amounts.


[The significance of the bacterial steroid degradation for the etiology of large bowel cancer. VI. Degradation of deoxycholic acid by saccharolytic bacteroides-species (author's transl)]. When testing 36 laboratory strains of the strictly anaerobic Bacteroides species B. vulgatus, B. fragilis, B. thetaiotaomicron, and B. distasonis, we found activities for degradation of cholate (3alpha, 7alpha, 12alpha-trihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoate) (1) and chenodeoxycholate (3alpha, 7alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoate) (2) widely, but not universally distributed in these bacteria. The same strains were also tested for their metabolic activities in regard to deoxycholate (3alpha, 12alpha-dihydroxy-5 beta-cholanoate). These tests were performed with anaerobically growing cultures and with resting cells, incubated aerobically, in media of defined composition indicated in the foregoing papers. After precultivation in a medium containing bile and deoxycholate 22 of 35 strains (63 per cent), growing anaerobically, and 28 of 36 aerobically incubated tests (78 per cent) transformed deoxycholate. In summa the number of active strains was 30 of 36 (83 per cent). All active strains, produced one metabolite only, all metabolities had the same chromatographic properties as shown by analytical thin-layer chromatography in two solvent systems. However, it has still to be decided whether only one degradation product is formed from deoxycholate, corresponding to the transformation of chenodeoxycholate (2), since the chromatographic properties of the metabolites permit the formation of 3alpha-hydroxy-12-oxo- and/or 3-oxo-12alpha-hydroxy-cholanoate. Structural evidence, however, could hitherto not be demonstrated. The enzymatic activity, responsible for the metabolism, has to be induced, it is not identical with the activity oxidizing the 7alpha-hydroxyl group. No further details concerning enzyme induction and activity regulation have as yet been discovered. The side chain of deoxycholate can not be degraded by Bacteroides species, neither by anaerobically growing cultures nor by aerobically incubated resting cells.


[The human placenta's lead level as a parameter of the ecological lead exposure. Its validity in comparison to the lead level in blood, the activity of the delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and the concentration of the free erythrocyte porphyrins of newborns and their mothers (author's transl)]. In order to estimate the ecological exposure of lead, placenta- and blood-investigations were made at four collectives from variously industrialized regions (Ruhrregion, Middle Frankonia Centre, Bavarian Forest). 148 normal births and 19 premature births (in each case mothers and newborns) were listed as well as twelve abortions. We investigated the lead-level in blood, the activity of delta-aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase (ALA-D) the concentration of free erythrocyte porphyrine (FEP) and the placentas' lead concentration. Though in the Ruhrregion (Dortmund) significantly higher lead levels in blood were found compared to the Bavarian Forest, the results together, were in the normal range, less than 35 mug%. In an average the mothers' lead level in blood was around 1.4 times (ca. 5 mug%) above that of their newborns; analysing this statistically, highly significant correlations were found. However for the ALA-D activity and the FEP-results no direct dependence of the lead levels in blood could be found. In the placentas mean lead concentrations between 1.94 mug and 2.23 mug per gram dry-weight (30.6 mug-38.9 mug/100 g wet-weight) were gained. In the contrary to the measured results of lead in blood the average placentas' lead level of the most and least industrialized regions were almost identical. A correlation between the mothers' respectively their children's lead levels in blood and the placental lead concentrations could not be proved. No relation could be found between the results and the gestation ages. As final results: 1. The placenta is no ideal investigation object concerning the environment's lead exposure. 2. It has no special barriere - or depot - function in lead metabolism. 3. In order to estimate the environment's lead exposure the determination of the lead level in blood will also be in future the optimal method. This investigation is of special value because of its validity of the results and the practicability of winning the samples compared to other parameters and biological materials.


[Increase of connective tissue in rat hearts under exposure to noise and with magnesium deficiency (author's transl)]. Only a small amount of noise caused, combined with a nutritional Mg deficiency, a significant increase of collagen in the myocard of rats. While Mg deficiency or noise each for its own had no effect, the combination of both had a noxious effect. The results of these experiments give a hint to a correlation between collagen-increase in the myocard and an increase of urinal Catecholamine during the same time.


[Colorimetric cleck of the working dilutions of disinfectants on an aldehyde and phenol basis (author's transl)]. The applicability of 2 colour reactions were tested for the monitoring of the working concentration of disinfectant solutions containing aldehyde or phenol. The red coloration of Schiff's acid solution (Schiff's reagent to aldehydes) can be used with limitations. The formation of a red dye by the reaction of phenols with 1-phenyl-2,3-dimethyl-4-amino-pyrazolone-(5) in the p-esence of alkali and potassium hexacyano-ferrate (III) is unequivocal and is not influenced by contaminations in the water. Evaluation is made in either case by comparison with standard dilutions of the respective commercially available preparation. The samplest procedure for this a visual colour comparison in test tubes with calibration spectrum. Pyrazolone dye can be analysed photometrically. Thus this colour reaction can be regarded as an analytic method of satisfactory accuracy. A frequent monitoring of the disinfectant concentrations by means of simple chemical procedures is expected to help limit the improper use of disinfectants and to check hospital infections.