[Electron miscoscopy studies of liver tissue in patients with amanita phalloides poisoning]. Electron microscopic findings of the liver are being described found in 4 patients aged from 12 months to 26 years after poisoning with Amanita phalloides. Marked alterations were seen in nuclei, in the endoplasmic reticulum, and in mitochondria. Morphologic criteria of cholestasis were observed in one patient. Extreme cellular edema was found in two patients. Since our findings differ considerably in several points from those patients with Amanita phalloides poisoning previously reported, one may suppose, that e.g. age, sex, preexisting damage and liver function might be highly important for the extent and form of resulting liver damage.


[Electron microscopy picture of oxyphenisatin-induced liver damage]. Ultrastructural investigations of liver biopsies are performed in 20 cases after phenolisatin reexposition and corresponding reactions of the laboratory findings. Alterations of the nucleus (segregation of nucleolus, condensation of chromatin) and of the rough endoplasmatic reticulum ("disarrangement", fragmentation and loss of ribosomes) were evident in all cases. In contrast, changes of the mitochondria (swelling) in various extent could only be observed in some cases. Besides that, frequently lipid includings and occasionally includings like lysosomal residual bodies are to be seen. Thus, as a hypothesis we suggest the nucleus resp. nucleolus to be one site of aggression of phenolisatin containing drugs. Findings already described by light microscopy such as reactions of the v. KUPFER cells and proliferations of the ductuli as well as cell proliferations in the portal fields are documentated by electronmicroscopy, too.


[Transport of neonates (author's transl)]. All necessary organizational, technical and medical requirements for setting up a transport system for newborns were complied. Organizational and technical compatibility with existing emergency systems and facilities is important. Standards are necessary to guarantee the reliability and smooth function of the transport of newborns. Necessary personnel, costs, important equipment and indications were presented. Treatment for complications was discussed.


[Transporation of high-risk new borns (author's transl)]. Organisation and results of a mobile intensive unit for high-risk neonates are reported. Within one year 134 transporations were required. Temperatures of the incubator from the beginning and the end of the transports as well as body temperature, blood gas analysis and blood sugar concentration of the neonates at arrival were choosen for quality control. The mortality of the newborn infants after admission was evaluated. The indications for transportation of severely ill infants are listed and the transport equipment is described.


[A mobile reanimation model (reanimationmobile) for initial newborn infant care]. A mobile unit for reanimation of the newborn is reported to be used alternatively in the deliveryroom or in the surgical tract. The following adventages are achieved: a large working plate easily accessible from three sides, a complete and variable instrumentation, an efficent warmth supply and the possibility for easy cleaning and desinfection.


[Tissue-plasminogen-activators of maternal and fetal rat lungs after application of betamethasone or bromhexine-metabolite VIII (author's transl)]. Prenatal RDS-prevention is currently done by two substances: Corticosteroids and Bromhexine Metabolit VIII. The influence on fibrinolytic activity of these drugs in the fetal rat-lung was tested in vivo. The inhibitory effect against tissue-fibrinogen-activator of Beta-methason was greater than this of Bromhexine Metabolit VIII.


[The colloidosmotic pressure (cop) as a parameter of maternofetal fluid exchange (author's transl)]. Colloidosmotic pressure (COP), osmotic and hydrostatic pressures are important parameters in passive maternofetal fluid exchange. Using a new method (Hansen-/Knauer-Osmometer), COP-measurements were carried out on maternal blood plasma (COP 355 +/- 55 mmH2O), fetal plasma (COP 290 +/- 51 mmH2O) and amniotic fluid COP 12.6 +/- 5.8 mmH2O) obtained of 30 pregnant women during delivery at term. The interpretation of the resulting pressure gradients must consider physiochemical properties of protein solutions and the "selectivity" of biologic and artificial membranes. Membrane osmometry registers pregnancy-specific protein alterations, yields additional information concerning the physiology and pathology of fluid exchange, and may continue advanced development of kybernetic model conceptions.


[Problems regarding gasometric analysis when umbilical cord blood specimens are stored (author's transl)]. If, as is often the case in routine practice, the gasometric analysis cannot be conducted immediately after withdrawal of the blood specimen, this does not have important consequences for the clinical. When the blood specimens are stored in open glass tubes, the alterations are all within the demands made of the method for measurement accuracy. As far as the purely clinical problem is concerned, it would even be possible to let the umbilical cord itself set for up to 90 minutes. Discrepancies between the gas status from blood specimens measured late and the Apgar score cannot be explained by storing and, insofar as errors in measurement are not involved, can represent an important piece of informations for the diagnosis of the condition of the newborn.


[On-line fetal monitoring (meaning for data acquisition) (author's transl)]. We demonstrate an enlarged and modernized equipment for the on-line-fetal monitoring. With the aid of illustrations the received informations by help of continuous on-line-fetal monitoring are demonstrated too. They concerned the deposition of electronical and corresponding gasanalytical dates. The importance of registration from all obstetrical parameters and given up drugs by a code-system is put out. Furthermore preferences of the computations are discussed.


[External cephalic version using tocalytica (author's transl)]. 1. This report relates our experiences with 63 external versions of random breech or transverse presentations in cranial presentation between the 35th and 40th week of pregnancy p.m. using tocolytica. Only 22 of the 63 versions were successful when only tocolytica were administered. In 17 cases from a total of 34 the external version was successful under subsequent general anasthesia. 2. Of these 39, in whose case an external version of the foetus was successful, there were only two caesarian deliveries. The number of caesarian sections in the case of breech presentation on the other hand totalled, in the year the present investigation was carried out, 62%. By external version the number of caesarian sections performed on those women whose external version was successful was indirectly reduced twelve-fold. 3. It was not possible to turn 24 of the total of 63 foetuses - either by tocolytica or under general anaesthesia. The following factors - partly in combination - were responsible for this: 10 tendencies to contraction; 9 cases of a relatively narrow amniotic cavity: 3 cases of adiposity of the abdominal wall; 3 dorso-anterior or -posterior presentations; one case of "extended legs"; one relatively broad amniotic cavity. 4. An external version can cause damage to the placenta: a) in the case of 6 out of 22 women under obervation foetomaternal transfusion was detected. b) In once case materno-foetel transfusion with polyglobulism of the new-born was suspected. c) In one case a premature partial abruption of the placenta had to be assumed. The danger of damage to the placenta is especially great when the placenta is located next to the anterior wall of the uterus. 5. In 40% of the cases a brief deceleration of the foetal heart-frequency occurred immediately after the external version. Two cases were observed in which the foetal heart-frequency remained low over a period of several minutes. 6. In 5 out of the total of 63 cases a caesarian section was performed after the external version because of the danger of intra-uterine asphyxia. There were 4 cases of chronic insufficiency of the placenta and one of premature abruption of the placenta. 7. Suggestions are made concerning the future selection of breech presentations for external versions.


[The inhibition of spontaneous and oxytocin-stimulated uterine contractions in isolated rat uteri with diazoxide (author's transl)]. Diazoxide, a benzothiadizin derivative without diuretic effect, was tested for its tocolytic effectiveness in isolated uteri from pregnant and nonpregnant rats. Amplitude, frequency, basal tonus and duration of the total inhibition of labor pains were interpreted as parameters. Total or subtotal inhibition of amplitude and frequency could be obtained in all experiments. The duration of total inhibition of labor pains was between 3 and 27 minutes. Affect on the basal tonus was not consistant.


[Demonstration of specific IgM antibody in cases of suspect congenital toxoplasmosis: interpretation of results (author's transl)]. From the aspect of laboratory Toxoplasmosis examination, a series of clinically and parasitologically confirmed cases of congenital Toxoplasmosis (CT) were selected. Serological findings (CFT, DT, IgM-IFAT) in infants and mothers were critically examined. The IgM titers in CT as a rule lay between 1:16 and 1:64, the highest recorded being 1:256. The serum IgM globulin levels showed no dependence on the high CFT titers. T recognize unspecific reactions amongst infants with positive IgM values, the serological testing of mothers was indispensable. It is also absolutely necessary with infants to repeatedly test serologically at intervals to clearly bring out the results of all the three serological reactions. The technical problems encountered for a definative diagnosis of CT and the clinical picture in the present critical examination are discussed.


Bilirubin in liquor amnii. A rapid and exact method for quantitative determination. A method is described for an exact and rapid determination of bilirubin in the amniotic fluid. Errors due to turbidity and to contamination of hemoglobin or debris are elliminated because bilirubin is extracted directely into chloroform by a special technique and determined by direct spectrophotometry. The new technique is related to the well known Liley procedure and the results with the new method are plotted into a modified Liley-sceme.


[A case of ovarian struma found at a caesarean section (author's transl)]. A struma ovarii was diagnosed and excised during a Caesarean section. This seems to be the fifth case of such a tumor reported during pregnancy. The necessity of a routine inspection of the adnexe during Caesarean section is stressed.


[ST-line and T-wave changes unter influence of different digitalis doses within the therapeutic range (studies of patients with stress coronary insufficiency)]. ST-segmental depression below the isoelectric line in the ECG occurring under a therapy of sub-therapeutical and therapeutical digitalising doses, very often involves an increase of pre-existent stress stenocardia with cardiovascularily compensated patients having a coronary heart disease. For this purpose, 13 patients of both sexes with latent coronary insufficiency were examined. The patients were treated with beta-Acetyldigoxin i.v. and were controlled under bicycle ergometric test-conditions before as well as during the different saturation phases with digitalis (0.66 +/- 0.03 mg, 1.20 +/- 0.07 mg and 1.54 +/- 0.10 mg beta-Acetyldigoxin) in a miximum of 4 functional tests alltogether. Dose-depent depression of the ST-segment accurred regularly accompanied by a reduction of the T-wave amplitude. A comparative valuation of myocardischemic and glycoside conditioned repolarisation disorders in the ECG demonstrated formalanalytically no differences concerning differential diagnosis. With the appearance of digitalis conditioned ST-T-changes an increase of angina pectoris could be proved. There were hints that the so-called adhesive signs of digitalis are an expression of myocardial ischemia and therefore principally of diagnostic value.


[Effect of isosorbide dinitrate in relation to posture and age]. Rapid tilting into the 90 degrees upright position after 20 mg ISDN sublingually demonstrates a better orthostatic tolerance of the older group (in spite of a lower cardiac output) in comparison to the younger one. This can be explained by a higher tone of the resistance vessels and a stronger stretch resistance of the arteries of the elastic type (and probably of the veins), which are opposing the hydrostatic effects of orthostasis and guarantee a minor shifting of blood to the lower extremities. The increase of rigidity of the blood vessels with aging declares the better drug resistance of the older group but also points - on the other hand - to the borders of ISDN therapy.


[Cardiodepressive effect of alcohol in low doses in normal persons and patients with coronary disease]. To study the effect of small amounts of ethanol 1 ml whisky (43 vol. %) per kg body weight was given to normal subjects (n = 11) and patients with coronary heart disease (n = 11) and the systolic time intervals (STI) PEP (preejection period), LVET (left ventricular ejection time), QS2 (total electromechanical systole) and PEP/LVET were measured. A control group consisted of five patients with coronary heart disease. The following results were obtained: Already at rest PEP/LVET was significantly higher in patients with coronary heart disease. After the ingestion of alcohol, significant changes of the STI were observed; mainly an increase of PEP and PEP-LVET was found. In patients with coronary heart disease the effect began earlier, was significantly higher and lasted significantly longer than in normal subjects. According to invasive correlation-studies of different authors, these results indicate an impairment of left ventricular function, especially of ejection fraction and contractility. These alterations seem to be more pronounced in patients with coronary heart disease. The results of this study should be considered in advising patients with coronary heart disease.


[Hemodynamic concomitant effects of experimentally increased pulmonary capillary pressure]. An acute suprarenal occlusion of the aorta was produced in anaesthetized dogs by means of a ballon-tipped catheter. The resultant increase in wedge-pressure led to changes in pulmonary perfusion and raised O2 partial pressure in the arterial blood. The additional, simultaneous occlusion of the left subclavian artery by means of a second balloon-tipped catheter aggravated the haemodynamic manifestations of the pressure-load on the heart; but did not cause a proportionate increase in wedge pressure and O2 partial pressure.


[The risk of heart disease in various psychiatric diseases]. The distribution of some risk factors on different psychiatric diseases in 1726 hospitalized patients were investigated within a prevalence study. To all tested factors there was a contrary behaviour of oligophrenic patients opposite to the group with a schizophrenia, organic and affective psychotics. Hypertension only was found more frequently in non psychotic psychopathia and oligophrenia than in psychosis. Therefore the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterinemia, diabetes, specific Ecg-changes, smoking of cigarettes and severe physical inactivity in oligophrenics was less except in all other group of diseases, also in consideration of the different frequency of psychopharmacal treatment. Electrocardiographical signs for coronary heart diseases also show a similar distribution of frequency. Likewise in psychiatric patients seems to be an agreement with the coronary morbidity and the somatic risk factors.


[Urinary excretion of the catecholamines adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine as well as the derivatives metanephrine and normetanephrine in heart disease patients]. In 20 normal persons and in 57 patients with heart diseases with functional class I-IV (according to the classification of the New York Heart Association) the 24 hour urinary excretion of the catecholamines adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine and of the O2-methylated degradation products metanephrine and normetanephrine was determined. The 3 catecholamines and the 2 O-methylated derivatives were measured simultaneously using chromatographic extraction and purification (Bio-Rex 70) and selective flurometric determination. The following results could be obtained: 1. The urinary excretion of noradrenaline increased with increasing severity of the heart disease. 2. In patients with severe congestive heart failure (functional class IV) in addition the adrenaline excretion in addition the adrenaline excretion increased significantly. 3. There was no relationship between the urinary excretion of dopamine and the severity of the heart disease. 4. The ratio of noradrenaline excretion to dopamine excretion increased with increasing severity of the heart disease, indicating an increased activity of dopamine-mu-hydroxylation in patients with congestive heart failure. 5. The excretion of the O-methylated degradation products metanephrine and normetanephrine in normal persons and in patients with heart diseases paralleled the excretion of the corresponding catecholamines adrenaline and noradrenaline. This indicates, that increased excretion of noradrenaline and adrenaline (Class IV) in patients with heart failure was not due to impaired catecholamine-degradation but indead to increased catecholamine-release indicating increased sympatho-adrenergic activity. These results show in addition that also in patients with heart failure O-methylation represents still the main degradation step for the inactivation of the circulating catecholamines. 6. The relationship of toal excretion of 0-methylated derivates to total excretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline, however, decreased with increasing severity of heart disease, indicating a relative impairment of O-methylation under the condition of severe congestive heart failure.


[Reflection of the decision making process in evoked cortical electrical activity in man]. Averaged evoked potentials to visual stimuli of different significance were recorded in healthy adult subjects. The magnitude of the late positive potential (component P300), recorded in response to visual stimulus, greatly increases at the vertex, if the stimulus is given a significance for decision making (the choice of reaction). No such changes are recorded in the occipital area. In the case of decision making, the magnitude of the component P300 is clearly greater at the vertex as compared with the occipital area. No correlation has been found between the latency of the P300 and the reaction time, hence one should not refer to any coincidence between the temporal parameters of the potential and the process of decision making. The authors believe that the component P300 reflects not the very process of decision making, but a local cortical "non-specific" activation which is an indispensable element of the neural mechanism of decision making.


[Effect of a constant and low frequency magnetic field on the behavioral and autonomic responses of the human operator]. The object of the study was conjugation of latencies of sensorimotor reactions and of following physiological characteristics: respiratory rate, heart rate, skin resistance and temperature, in man doing the work of operator, under the action of DC and AC (50 c/s) magnetic fields with maximal tension equalling 8-10 a/m on the head. "Disfunction" of behavioural reactions and of their vegetative sufficiency was observed in the magnetic field. The degree of deterioration of control and compensatory properties of the central nervous system is of inverse dependence on the quality of the operator's work and the level of the central nervous system functional possibilities.


[Stress on cardiac activity of students during course and national examinations]. Stress of the activity of the cardio-vascular system was studied in students at different stages of course and graduation examinations, by recording the changes in the pulse rate, systolic and diastolic pressure, pulse pressure, minute blood volume and peripheral resistance. The greatest stress on the cardiac activity was revealed before and after receiving the examination paper as well as during the answer. After the answer the cardiac activity rapidly reverted to the rest level. Graduation examinations caused more drastic and rapid functional shifts at decisive stages and at the same time a faster recovery than course examinations.


[Informational characteristics of the impulse activity of cat sensomotor cortex neurons during elaboration of a defensive conditioned reflex]. Manifestations of the dynamics of defensive conditioning were studied in the cat sensorimotor cortical units. It has been shown that the process of learning is linked to the dynamics of the amount of total and useful information present in the evoked spike responses to a conditioned stimulus. As the pairings continue, the amount of useful information increases in reactions to conditioned or unconditioned stimuli and in the period preceding the conditioned stimulation.


[Evoked potentials and spike activity of cortical neurons at the moment of conditioned reflex realization]. Experiments on alert rabbits have revealed a definite but dissimilar correspondence of amplitude-temporal dynamics of evoked potentials, neuroronal spike activity in the visual (VC) and the sensorimotor (SC) areas of the cerebral cortex and movements appearing in response to photic flashes, the conditioned signal (CS) of a defensive reflex. VC reaction to the CS sets in in 15 to 20 msec. During the subsequent 20 to 40 msec, there is intensive VC activation and involvement in the reaction of most of the responding elements in the SC. Subsequently, the activation in VC weakens and increases in the SC. Against this background, movements in response to the CS appear with a latency of 60 to 120 msec. The probability of movements in response to photic flashes decreases in the case of distinct phasic reactions to the CS in the period of deep inhibition and intensive postinhibitory activation of VC units. The data obtained imply that the SC neurones play a decisive role in the achievements of the defensive movement to the CS. As to the detection of the very fact of visual stimulation and to the modulation function and correction of the movement, they are provided for both by SC and VC neurones.


[Effect of separate and simultaneous stimulation of limbic structures on emotions]. Organization of the central apparatus of emotional reactions was studied by the self-stimulation method in an original modification. The data obtained attest that the nature of the initially obtained reaction after the stimulation of one of the structures determines the emotional significance of stimulation of the structures complex in the limbic brain. The "trigger" zones inducing simular emotional reactions are not equal either with regard to the level of emotional stress appearing during their stimulation or to "resistance" to the activation of the "trigger" zones of the opposite sign.


[Elaboration of conditioned reflexes in dogs grown under conditions of partial intraspecies isolation]. New data are presented on the influence of relationships with representatives of the same species at early stages of ontogenesis on the higher nervous activity of adult dogs. It has been found that dogs raised up to one year with their coevals differ considerably less from the control dogs by the speed of elaboration and stability of complex conditioned reflexes than those raised in complete isolation beginning with the age of three months.


[Inhibiting and facilitating influences from the caudate nucleus on alimentary conditioned reflexes]. Alimentary conditioned reflexes were studied in dogs during electrical stimulation of different zones of the caudate nucleus head with a 80 to 100 microampere current, of 5 c/s frequency and 0.5 msec pulse duration. The inhibitory influences came from the ventrolateral, and the activating ones, from the dorsal and central zones of the caudate nucleus head. Changes of conditioned reflexes resulting from its stimulation depended on the strength of the conditioned signals: the conditioned reflex to a weak stimulus (light) was more readily subject to changes as compared with the one to a strong signal (a metronome). The magnitude of unconditioned reflexes did not change in these experiments.


[Effect of conditioned reflex defense training on the level of cholinesterase activity and weight of the rat brain]. Influence of conditioned electro-defensive training of different duration and intensity on the weight and biochemical characteristics (activity of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) of different parts of the brain was studied in rats of various genetic lines. It has been shown that the minimal duration of training leading to changes in the investigated characteristics in the experimental rats as compared with the controls, amounted to 30 days. Positive correlation has been found between the capacity for learning, the weight of the cortex and the activity of its acetylcholinesterase. A different degree of changes in the indicated characteristics has been revealed in various lines of rats used in the experiments.


[Role of the auditory cortex in animal recognition of synthesized vowels]. Discrimination of synthesized vowels [a] and [i] was studied in intact dogs and animals with an ablated auditory cortex. Electro-defensive and conditioned reflex methods were used. It has been found that as a result of learning an auditory image of a stationary vowel can be formed in intact dogs, which is invariant relatively to any change in the basic frequency of the voice, the intensity and duration of presentation (300 to 75 msec), and that two formants are sufficent for discrimination. The auditory image of the vowel is preserved after a bilateral ablation of the auditory cortical projection zone. Discrimination of vowels is disturbed in animals with a removed auditory cortex when information redundancy is reduced (diminished number of formants and reduced signal duration).


[Duration of unilaterally organized trace excitation following administration of sedative and stimulating substances]. In experiments on dogs with symmetrical parts of the tongue brought out by Abuladze method, a study was made of the duration of trace excitation after administration of drugs of a sedative (bromine, amizyl) and stimulating (caffeine, ezerine) effect. It has been found that with changes of symmetrically organized reflexes during the action of the sedative drugs the duration of trace excitation is halved or reduced to a third, and the adequate unilateral reaction is sooner restored. The action of the stimulating drugs, the duration of traces increases and the unilateral conditioned reaction becomes bilateral. It has been assumed that change in the duration of trace excitation, resulting from the indicated pharmacological tests is due to the influence of the drugs on the processes of interhemispheric irradiation and concentration.


[Avoidance mechanisms during self stimulation]. Increased negative discordance of the dominating mode of the pressing duration histogram (PDH), which correlates with the growth of fixed bursts of stimulation is accompanied by a progressive decrease in the reinforcing properties of self-stimulation (SS), avoidance of the pedal and at the same time by a change of behavioral grooming reactions in the intervals between SS for search and consummatory reactions. Hunger considerably shortens the preferable duration of pressing or leads to the appearance of an additional mode on the PDH. With the change of the dominating PDH mode from positive discordance to a negative one, brain stimulation acquires aversive properties which are apparently due to the activation of the mechanisms of specific motivations.


[Human evoked potentials during perception of simple and complex visual stimuli]. Visual evoked potentials were recorded in children and juveniles with normal vision upon presentation of "blank" and checkboard patterns with different size of checkboard cells (10,20,40,60 and 120 angular minutes). A high degree of dependence was established both of early and later components on physical stimulus parameters: pattern structures (diffuse photic stimulus, checkboard pattern), the number of contrast borders (different sizes of checkboard cells). Maximal EP was recorded upon presentation of checkboard patterns with cells of 20 to 60 angular minutes. This is discussed as related to the size of receptive fields in man. Attraction and distraction of attention, while causing some amplitude changes mainly in later components (V and VII) amplitude did not considerably influence the EP configuration.


[Pharmakologic analysis of the interrelationship between long-term and short-term memory in dogs with systems of conditioned reflexes]. It has been shown in experiments on dogs with elaborated integrated systems of conditioned reflexes (by Kupalov method) and choice reactions (by Hunter method); that the physiological mechanisms of short-term and long-term memory are not strictly isolated; they include some common biochemical structures and are interrelated. The action of amizyl or armin on the cholinoreceptors disturbs the short-term memory and some elements of the long-term conditioned memory: the duration of retention of traces from conditioned and unconditioned alimentary stimuli is reduced; regulation of the course of stabilized conditioned stereotypes is disturbed; differentiation and use of previous experience (extraction of data from long-term memory) are impeded.


[Motor representation of the limbs in the rabbit cerebral cortex]. Movements elicited by electrical stimulation (ES) of the brain's dorsal surface (train duration 20 msec, frequency 200 c/s) were studied in unanaesthetized slightly fixed rabbits. The stimuli were led through 80 mu in diameter electrodes implanted in the cortex. The responses were estimated visually or electromyographycally. The local responses of the forelimb (FL) were elicited by ES of an area with coordinates A 1-2, L 1-4; local movements of the hind limb (HL)--P 2,5-3,5 L 1-4. Between these areas there is a region whose stimulation caused the movements of the fore- and hind limb simultaneously ("overlapping area"). The thresholds and latencies of the forelimb responses were minimal when the stimuli were applied to the "local responses area". However, the tresholds and latencies of hindlimb responses were higher when stimulation was applied in the "local responses area" as compared with the "overlapping area". Light barbiturate anaesthesia (20 to 25 mg/kg) raised the thresholds of hindlimb movements 13 to 18 times when the stimuli were applied to the "local responses area", and 7 to 8 times, when they were applied to the "overlapping area". The problem of determination of the rabbit "motor centre" is discussed.


[Comparative characteristics of the topography of functional interhemispheric asymmetry in the visual cortex following exposure to stimuli of different strength]. It has been shown that most animals exhibit functional interhemispheric asymmetry in the visual cortex, which increases with a rise in the intensity of photic stimulation. Interhemispheric asymmetry is characterized by its bilateral origin and mozaic localization. In the intact brain the transcallosal mechanisms provide for weakening a weak asymmetry and intensifying a strong one. This is due to different lateralization of the excitation focus which possesses dominant properties. A conclusion has been drawn that one of the functions of the callosal body consists in modulating the functional interhemispheric asymmetry.


[Effect of stimulation of rostral portions of the midbrain reticular formation on the cat motor cortex]. Evoked potentials and responses of 139 neurones in the sensorimotor cortex (the lateral third of the posterior sigmoid gyrus) to electrical stimulation of the dorsolateral (DL) and the ventromedial (VM) areas of the mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) were investigated in cats in acute and chronic experiments. Latencies of the cortical unit responses (in the form of single and multiple discharges) to MRF stimulation varied from 4 to 36 msec for VM (maxima of distribution: 4--10 and 18--24 msec); those for DL were from 4 to 26 msec (maxima of distribution: 4--6 and 14--16 msec). Responses to both DL and VM stimulation were observed in 29 neurones. As for MRF, its effects (mono-and polyvalent) were found in cortical neurones responding to limb electrocutaneous stimulation as well. At 7--10 days after coagulation of the ipsilateral connection between MRF and the pons, persistence of the cortical response main components was recorded, the long-latency part being slightly reduced.


[Effect of microiontophoretic application of serotonin on the background impulse activity of visual cortex neurons in unanesthetized cats]. Sustained spike activity of neurones in the visual area (field 17) of the cerebral cortex and its changes induced by microionophoresis of serotonin was studied in experiments on unanaesthetized cats immobilized with diplacine. Neurones of field 17 with sustained activity are characterized by non-rhythmic, low-frequency discharges of a mixed type. 55 per cent of the studied neurones were sensitive to serotonin. They exhibited excitatory, inhibitory and phasic responses. The points discussed are: the importance of intracortical interactions between neurones in mechanisms of generation of their sustained spike activity, and the possible ;nvolvement of serotonin in ;he neurochemical processes of synaptic transmission in the visual area of the cerebral cortex.


[Response of white rats with different types of higher nervous activity to acute hypoxic hypoxia]. Animals with high, low and medium resistance to hypoxia were selected by repetitive tests under a vacuum bell. It has been shown that most rats with high resistance to hypoxia are characterized by strong basic nervous processes. The majority of animals with low resistance and all the animals with medium resistance to hypoxia exhibit signs of the weak type higher nervous activity.


[Effect of disconnecting cortical input on the activity of hippocampal neurons]. Extracellular investigation of the CA1 and CA3 hippocampal neurones was performed in rabbits after complete bilateral transection of the perforant path (PP). Spontaneous activity was normal, but in a large group of neurones (38 per cent in CA1 and 43 per cent in CA3) rhythmic theta-bursts were observed, while in the normal state such neurones constituted only 9--12 per cent. The reactivity to sensory stimuli was enhanced, as well as the number of multimodal units. In both fields the majority of sensory reactions was of the tonic type; the number of phasic and "specific" effects, which are typical of the normal CA1 neurons, was strongly reduced. As a result, the CA1 field without PP closely resembled the normal field CA3. The phenomenon of gradual habituation of reactions was virtually absent; instead of that increase of reactions duration was obvious during repeated presentations of stimuli. The neurons were highly reactive to electrical stimulation of midbrain RF and displayed high correlation of characteristics of their reactions to sensory and reticular stimuli.


[Role of visual impulsation on the age-dependent receptor properties of synaptosomal membranes]. An investigation was made into the activity of interaction of serotonin and tryptamine with synaptosomes isolated from the visual system of the rabbit brain. It has been found that the synaptosomes of the visual cortex and the anterior colliculi of normal rabbits are characterized by a higher activity in indoleamines binding than those of other parts of the cortex. Early visual deprivation caused a drop in the activity of interaction between the indoleamines and synaptosomes of all the investigated brain regions, more pronounced in the case of the synaptosomes of the visual analyser structures. Recovery of the visual function helped to normalize the activity of the process. The above regular relationships between visual impulse activity and the activity of the transmitter--receptor interaction lead to the conclusion that serotonin plays a specific, apparently neuro-transmitting part in the visual system.


[Contribution to the psychoanalytic theory of exhibitionism]. Exhibitionism can be regarded as a cultural, social and psychological phenomenon. It is given a view of the theories in the literature. Once exhibitionism is a normal human phenomen, otherwise it is pathological, par example also a neurotic symptom. The early psychoanalytic theories describe exhibitionism as a "Psychoneurose" as a result of "Odiopussituation", "Kastrationskomplex" and "Inzestwunsch". Psychodynamically this is not satisfying. With the development of psychoanalytic theory, especially the importance of the pregenital phases, changes the classification of perversions. In this article, exhibitionism-- as a neurotic symptom -- is defined as a "schizoide Perversion" (Riemann), which causes can be find in a preoral, intentional phase. Naturally the treatment must be adapted to it.


[Sweating in psycho-vegetative disorders]. Four different types of transpiration which are to be found in psychophysic disturbances as well as in healthy are specified in correspondence to four basic forms of conflict life. Statistically a  significant relation was proved between three of these types of transpiration and three of the personality structures. Some ideas about the behavioristic context of transpiration are discussed on the background of examples from the cynological literature in lack of others.


[Relationship between psychogenic symptomatology and intelligence]. Corresponding to variables "leading symptoms in the psychic area" and "psychosomatic diseases in a restricted sense" 493 patients have been divided in four groups. Taking the hypothesis that patients with a different symptomatic show different results in the HAWIE (Hamburg-Wechsler-Intelligence-Test for Adults) four groups have been compared corresponding to their HAWIE-scores. It turns out that patients with a psychic leading symptomatic without important somatic disease and patients with psychosomatic illness in a restricted sense without psychic symptoms showed better results compared with other patients in the verbal tests. For this correlations of the higher scores in the verbal part of the intelligence-test with the phenomena that the investigator more often found the diagnosis of a psychic leading symptom or a psychosomatic disease in a restricted sense the following interpretations are considered: 1. The innerpsychic effort connected with different psychogenic disorders is reflected in the cognitive efficiency. 2. The diagnosis of limited psychomatic illness is also a result of the verbal interaction of doctor(s) and patient.


[Differential indications in the clinical field. Empirical study of management of indications for analytic individual and group psychotherapy respectively in a psychotherayp clinic ]. This  study aims at a systematic description of factors which influence the practice of differential indication between psycho-analytic individual and group-therapy in apsychotherapeutic clinic. The self-description of inclinic patients for who individual therapy was indicated, was compared to the self-description of those who were expected to join a therapeutic group. Two personality-tests (Giessentest "GT" and Freiburger Persönlichkeitsinventar "FPI") and a symptom-questionnaire (Beschwerdenliste"BSB") were applicated. If the self-description fo patients is an important factor influencing differential indication, then a difference should be found in comparison of the self-description of both samples. The result is , that important differences are not to be found, and that, moreover the little differences are variable by the time. In conclusion, patient-centered explorations give no sufficient explanation, why group therapy was indicated in some cases and individual therapy in others. Basing on these results, differential indication in clinical psychotherapy is defined as  an interactional process which is influenced by specific cognitive factors of the therapist and his clinical socialisation on the background of variable institution-bound experience.


Invalid care in the dwarf mongoose (Helogale undulata rufula). The responses of a captive family group of 12 Dwarf Mongooses (4 female and 8 male) towards a sick group member were recorded daily for 3 h over a 38 day period (until the animal died), these data being compared with those for a comparable control period. Changes in feeding rank order, resting site, resting duration and grooming frequency and duration were found, these being to the advantage of the sick individual. The probable adaptive significance of such behaviour is discussed.


[Analysis of pattern preferences in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica; Galli, Aves) with reference to inborn and acquired components]. Japanese quails were examined as to whether inborn or environmental factors were decisive for visual white-black pattern preference. By different breeding conditions (patterning of the environment, sight contact with other quails, knowledge of the food form) it was found out that bright surfaces were preferred to dark ones; young quails preferred patterns resembling the plumage of their own species, whereas older ones favoured those corresponding to their favourite food. Furthermore, activities were compared between different age groups; there are parallels between the activity in the test apparatus and on the activity platform.


[Enzyme-histochemical findings in the reperfused heart muscle of the dog (author's transl)]. Enzyme-histochemical changes due to temporary ischemia of canin heart muscle with subsequent reperfusion of the ischemic damaged muscle are described. In relation to findings in the rat, the first enzyme-histochemical changes were observed after two hours of coronary artery ligation. These changes were more impressive after 4 hours of ligation. A further increase was caused by the reperfusion.


[Coronary atherosclerosis, coronary thrombosis and myocardial in autopsy cases. Statistical studies. 3rd communication: relationship of coronary atherosclerosis of other arteries (author's transl)]. 28978 autopsy reports of young (after the 14th year of age) and adult patients autopsied during the period of 1.1 1951 until 31. 12. 1969 were scored for atherosclerotic changes of the aorta and other arteries. The association of changes of these vessels and coronary sclerosis was studied. All groups of atherosclerotic changes showed an increase during the observation period. The cases with sclerotic changes of the aorta and the other arteries also showed an increase, especially those in combination with severe coronary sclerosis. 6.15 per cent of all cases showed a coronary sclerosis without further lesions of other vessels. Corresponding to the results of other authors we observed that in cases of atherosclerotic changes of several arteries mostly a atherosclerosis of all other vessels has to be taken into account.


[Coronary atherosclerosis, coronary thrombosis and myocardial infarction in autopsy cases. 4th communication: coronary thrombosis (author's transl)]. 28978 cases of young (after the 14th year of age) and adult patients autopsied during the period from 1.1 1951 until 31. 12. 1969 in our Institute were scored for coronary thrombosis and analysed concerning frequency and distribution of age and sex, resp. In this material the evidence of morphological changes was proved by longitudinal dissection of the coronary vessels. We analysed the age of thrombi, the localization and the grading of coronary vessels occlusions. Coronary thrombi were found in 2,31 per cent of all autopsies (2,81 per cent in males,1,31 per cent in females). Coronary thromboses showed an increase during the observation period. These thrombi were found more frequently in younger patients. Most of the thrombi (62,20 per cent) were localized in the Arteria coronaria sinistra, 37,80 per cent we found in the Arteria coronaria dextra. Fresh thrombi (57,51 per cent) and those being in organization (42,49 per cent) were not significantly different. Obturating thromboses showed an increase. The numbers of non-obturating thromboses decreased during the observation period. Our findings correspond to similar results published in literature.


[On the angio-architecture of intramuscularly implanted Yoshida-sarcoma in untreated and lithium carmine-treated rats (author's transl)]. Investigations were made on the angio-architecture of intramuscularily implanted Yoshida-sarcomas in untreated Wistar-rats and in animals treated with lithium carmine. The injected quantity of lithium carmine led to RES-activation according to the data in the literature. The presentation of the vessels was made by corrosion technique using the synthetic material KALLOCRYL after rinsing the vessels with the proper ester. The pre-existent vessels in the surrounding of the tumor showed an adaptation the expansive growth of the tumor. After starting the experiment the tumor-owned vessels showed an increasing tendency to grow out. The vessels of the treated animals rected in a more regularly and orientated course than those of the untreated animals. In the following time vascularisation in the untreated animals was considerably decreasing, whereas a clear vascularisation was evident in the treated animals until the end of the study. These different findings may be the expression of a local vascular reaction in the implanted tumor following RES-activation induced by lithium carmine.


[About the correlation of clinical, endoscopical and biopsy findings in inflammatory alterations of the rectal mucosa (author's transl)]. Clinical, endoscopical and biopsy findings (of 725 samples of rectal mucosa) of two groups of patients with and without corresponding clinical complaints are compared and the conclusions are discussed, especially for morphologists. This examination perferably concerns the boderline between "still normal" and "inflammatory" findings.


[Malignant stem-cell tumor of the pineal region with unusual differentiation (author's transl)]. Report on a boy aged 10 with a malignant mixed stem-cell tumor of the pineal region. The tumor consists of an adult teratoma, circuscribed teratocarcinoma, endodermal sinus-tumor-like, choriocarcinomatous and germinoma (pinealoma) tous parts. The various parts of this tumor demonstrate the multipotentiality of stem-cells. Stem-cells produce similarly composed tumors also in other region.


[The inverted papilloma of the urinary bladder (author's transl)]. Regarding the characteristics of the inverted papilloma of the urinary bladder a report is given on two of our own observations, and its histogenesis is discussed. Out of 41 reported cases 21 patients developed symptoms of bladder obstruction and 15 patients had macrohaematuria. With exception of two cases, all the tumors were localized in the bladder neck, they were mostly solitary and in some cases pedunculated. Microscopically they showed papillomatous structures growing inverted into the stroma with only little signs of proliferation as well as microcysts with PAS-positive material, and always they had distinct borders between epithelium and connective tissues. In 33 out of 41 cases control cytoscopy was performed between 6 months and 17 years after resection. Only one case showed recidivation of the tumor.


[Epithelial sarcoma. Three case reports with a review of literature (author's transl)]. Starting from three own cases of an epithelioid sarcoma, the literature about this type of tumor is discussed. It occurs in males nearly three times as often as in females, with the maximum frequency between 20 and 29 years of age. Finger, hand, wrist and forearm are preferably affected with the epitheloid sarcoma. The microscopic features are: nodular growth, necroses and hemorrhages within the nodules, the tumor tissue consisting of spindle-type and epitheloid cells with spaces in between, and lymphocyte infiltrates and siderin deposits at the periphery. The neoplasm's cytogenesis is not known. With regard to the tumor, the differential diagnosis should make a clear-cut distinction particularly between inflammatory granulomas and benignant neoplasms. The tumor trends to reactivation to a large extent. Metastases are both lymphogenous and hematogenous. A radical surgical removal is strongly recommended.


[Ultrastructural studies on differentiation and proliferation of mouse peritoneal macrophages (author's transl)]. Mouse peritoneal macrophages show considerable variations of the cell structure, but 98% of macrophages clearly differ from the other peritoneal exsudate cells. This part is reduced too 96% after i.p. injection of erythrocytes. The nature of the unclassified cells is discussed. A local proliferation is observed in 1% of peritoneal macrophages after injection of sheep erythrocytes, auto-erythrocytes and 0,9% NaC1-solution. After erythrocyte injection the proliferation begins with delay in time at the end of intracellular digestion.


[Coronary artherosclerosis, coronary thrombosis and myocardial infarction in autopsy cases (author's transl)]. The autopsy reports of the Pathological Institute Erfurt of the period from 1.1. 1951 untile 31.12. 1969 were scored for cases of coronary sclerosis and coronary thrombosis and analysed concerning frequency and distribution of age and sex, resp. In 3.97 per cent of all autopsies (4.93 per cent of men, 2.62 per cent of women) a coronary sclerosis was present in combination with a coronary thrombosis. Coronary thrombi appeared more frequent in severe coronary sclerosis (8.96%) than in weak or moderately severe coronary sclerosis (1.39%). Males suffered significantly more frequent from these forms of icaemic heart disease. Coronary thrombi were found more frequently in the left coronary artery (2.46%) than in the right coronary (1.51%). This difference was significant. Non obturating thromboses were more frequent than obturating ones and those being in organization were rarer than fresh thromboses. In all cases a decrease of the relative frequency of the coronary thrombosis with increasing age in men and women is detected.


[Coronary atherosclerosis, coronary thrombosis and myocardial infarction in autopsy cases (author's transl)]. The autopsy reports of the Pathological Institute Erfurt of the period from 1. 1. 1951 until 31. 12. 1969 were scored for cases of myocardial infarction which were analyed concerning frequency and distribution of age, and sex, resp. The informations were transferred to punched cards and processed with electronic data equipment. In 8.26 per cent of all autopsies (males 10.32 per cent, femals 5.78 per cent) a myocardial infarction was present. During the period of nineteen years a significant increase of the myocardial infarctions was observed. Callous infarcts were more frequent than fresh and relapsing. Most of the infarcts were found in the posterior wall of the left ventricle.


[A chordoma of sacrococcygeal region as a cause of nephrotic syndrome (author's transl)]. A case of nephrotic syndrome connected with a chordoma of the sacrococcygeal region in a man aged 27 is described. Biopsy of the kidney revealed a diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis. Immunofluoresecenc showed deposits of IgG immunoglobulin on the basal membrane of glomeruli. In the patient's serum autoantibodies against chordoma cells were found. Those were also IgG globulins. To our knowledge such a relation of chordoma and nephrotic syndrome has not been described yet.


[Congenital laryngeal atresia with aplasia of trachea (author's transl)]. Case report of a rare congenital laryngeal atresia with aplasia of trachea and a large communication between bifurcatio tracheae and oesophagus in a 5 minutes old nearly mature male newborn. The formal pathogenesis of this abnormality is discussed by a short summary of the embryological development of larynx and trachea. This is the 16th case so far communicated in Literature.


[Advances in the diagnosis of pancreatic affections. The endoscopic retrograde pancreaticography (author's transl)]. On the basis of our experience from 170 endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreaticographies the value of this method for the diagnosis of pancreatic affections is confirmed. It permits the assessment of chronic pancreatitis. In the majority of cases a safe diagnosis of pancreatic tumours is possible when the clinical picture and additional X - ray procedures are also considered.


[The fine needle biopsy, a safe method for intraoperative differentiation of tumours of the pancreas (author's transl)]. High diagnostic accuracy (with increasing experience up to 90 per cent) and the absence of complications characterize the fine needle biopsy of the pancreas so far applied to 92 patients. This cytodiagnostic method is of great clinical importance, especially, for the intraoperative differentiation of small tumours for which pancreatoduodenectomy is only indicated in cases of carcinomas.


[Ultrasonography of pancreatic diseases (author's transl)]. The use of a modern ultrasonic equipment with real time and gray-scale technique enables a riskless and less time consuming examination of the pancreas. The accuracy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of pancreatic diseases is demonstrated by a clinical study in comparison to the endoscopic retrograde pancreaticography. By ultrasonography it is not only possible, to detect an enlargement of the pancreas, but also to differentiate between the various diseases of the pancreas in about 75% of the cases. Follow up controls in acute pancreatitis and the simultaneous examination of the neighbouring organs in all cases of a pancreatic disease are an important aid for the decision of surgical treatment. The ultrasonic targeted fine needle aspiration biopsy seems to be a suitable method to establish a morphological diagnosis in certain pancreatic diseases too.


[Pancreatic ascites (author's transl)].

[Pancreatic ascites (author's transl)]. Pancreatic ascites occurs in cases of pancreatic ducts being damaged or discontinued due to pancreatitis or pancreatic trauma. Serum amylase, amylase and protein levels in ascites fluid are found to be elevated in cases of pancreatic ascites and a pancreatogram made during the operation confirms it. Various operations and sometimes a simple abdominal drainage are performed for treating pancreatic ascites.


[Douglas' abscess with ureteric obstruction (author's transl)]. In a 19 year old man with a single kidney the development of a large Douglas' abscess was followed by anuria; The various causes are discussed. It is resonable to assume, that the obstruction resulted from longitudinal tension of the ureter over the iliace vessels (iliac sign).


[Appendicitis in more than 60 years old patients (author's transl)]. A report is given on the results of 668 appendectomies performed because of appendicitis from 1953 to 1974 in patients older than 60 years.-During the last years a considerable relative increase of seniors-appendectomy could be observed.-During the period mentioned perforations came to 27.5% constantly.


[Prognosis of perforated appendicitis (author's transl)]. In a total of 4000 appendectomies 302 cases of perforated appendicitis are reported. The rate of perforations amounts to 7,5%. The medium letality of perforated appendicitis amounted to 6,6% and increased with advancing years of age. Complications are analysed. Problems of treatment and prognosis are discussed.


[Diseases of the extrahepatic bile-ducts with special reference to secondary biliary hepatitis (author's transls)]. 159 patients suffering from histologically proved cholangiogenic hepatitis have been observed for 3 to 10 years after operative sanitation of the extrahepatic bile ducts. Cholangio-enterostomy (choledochoduodenostomy) affects the prognosis of cholangio-hepatitis unfavourably.


[Multiple carcinoma in colon and rectum (author's transl)]. 43 multiple carcinomas of the colon and rectum were studied. 20 of those tumours showed a simultaneous manifestation, and 23 of them a metachroneous one. The interval between primary and secondary manifestation varied from 1 to 17 years. This clearly demonstrates that even after a very long tumour-free interval a secondary manifestation of the carcinoma can still be possible. The high percentage of multiple carcinomas of the colon calls for a careful preoperative diagnosis and an extensive intraoperative exploration of the whole colon. After hospitalisation a repeated check-up (3 months) is needed in the outpatients department to detect any secondary or recurrent carcinoma at the very earliest stage. In this way we were able to find 23 metachroneous manifestations and 27 recurrent carcinomas which were still resectable. The treatment of choice for polyposis coli is total colectomy.


[The postoperative atonic bladder (author's transl)]. Urodynamic investigations in 96 patients with carcinoma of rectum showed that the term "postoperative atony" does not describe the measurable alterations following excision of the rectum. Postoperative mechanical disorders of micturition and neurogenic lesions were analysed under the aspect of future therapy.


[Lyophilized split pigskin for biological wound dressings (author's transl)]. Experimental and clinical investigations of an unviable split pigskin preserve, produced by a fairly simple industrial process, outline the following results: The skin preserve protects a wound surface against infection and prevents loss of fluid. The reaction of the wound surface is very restricted even after repeated application, whilst the viable pigskin releases a more intense host reaction.


Modern aspects of shock-treatment in extensive burns (author's transl). The best fluid-treatment is not yet found. Even the optimal fluid-treatment, however, can hardly be expected to entail drastic improvements of the prognosis in patients suffering from severe burns. Interest should be concentrated on the burned tissue. We believe to have proved that acute excision in the shock-phase is permissable.


[Non-osteogenic fibroma of bone (author's transl)]. The non-osteogenic fibroma of bone is comparatively rare, with its tumour character being indeterminate. It is always benign, has a characteristic X-ray and allows a reliable diagnosis to be made in almost all case. Surgical treatment is only exceptionally necessary because of the tendency for spontaneous healing.


[Possibilities of surgical treatment of the postthrombotic syndrome (author's transl)]. 5% of the working population of the Federal Republic of Germany are suffering from a postthrombotic syndrome. Reconstructive venous surgery is only beginning to make progress as regards technique and number of cases. Over a period of four years and among a total of 2,000 cases of vascular surgery, there were only 112 operations on the venous system. Unilateral occlusions of the iliac vein are reconstructed by Palma Operation. The results of such interventions can be improved by creating a temporary arteriovenous fistula (14 observed cases, 12 of them functionning). In cases of thrombotic occlusion of the femoral vein, the equilateral saphenous vein can be implanted into the popliteal vein, thus providing an unimpaired runoff for the pump of the calf muscles (May-Operation). In this procedure, better haemodynamic conditions for the permeability of the graft can also be created by a temporary arteriovenous fistula established between the distal saphenous vein and the posterior tibial artery behind the ankle (9 observed cases, 8 of them functionning).


[Rupture of the diaphragm in combination with injuries of the abdomen and thorax (author's transl)]. In 55 closed injuries of the abdominal cavity and the thoracic cage 4 ruptures of the diaphragm occurred. Due to the noncharacteristic symptoms the rupture of the diaphragm is frequently mistaken. In many cases it is possible to close the rupture from the abdominal cavity.


[Principles of therapy with antibiotics and chemotherapeutics]. Important aspects for the today therapy and prophylaxis with antibiotics/chemotherapeutics resp. are represented (choice of the antibiotic, treatment with antibiotic or sulphonamide, bacteriostatic or bactericidal activity, combination possibilities with examples). A strong indication for the application of chemotherapeutic agents is demanded. The necessity of careful sensitivity tests before instituting chemotherapy is emphasised. Reasons for the essentially economical application of drugs today are referred to. Especially is discussed the problem of transferable drug resistance, the resistance situation during therapy, and the problem of drug application outside medicine.


[Blood gas analysis in surgical geriatric gynecology]. At 36 women ranging in age from 60 to 87 years, who received general anaesthesia for gynaecological operations, pO2 and acid-base-status were controlled before and two hours after operation and on the 1st and 3rd postoperative days. At these geriatric patients the results showed mean values of pO2 in relation to the age and normal parameters of the acid-base status. Comparing the abdominal and vaginal operations no significant differences could be found. The comparison between patients aged 60 to 69 years and these over 70 years showed only small but clinically insignificant differences of base excess. These beneficial results are the consequences of a successful, complications avoiding pre- and postoperative treatment.


[Appendectomies during gynecologic laparotomies]. By means of 1460 operations we communicate about the suitableness of appendectomia during gynecological laparotomia.


[An unusual hormone-active avarian tumor in a 3-year-old girl]. A case report on an unusual hormone producing ovarian tumor in a 3 year old girl with sexual precocity is given. The serum values of Estradiol and Progesterone were similar to those of mature women during the luteal phase. The LH values were normal, the 17-Ketosteroids and 17-Hydroxycorticosteroids were near the upper limit of the normal range. At laparotomy a smooth, encapsulated tumor of the left ovary, 12 cm in diameter, was removed by unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Hormone analyses of the blood of the ovarian vein as well as of necrotic parts of the tumor showed values of 3450 and 2750 pg/ml Estradiol, and 70 000 and 75 000 pg/ml Progesterone respectively. Histiologically the tumor cells were growing in nests and broad columns, showing bizarre nuclei, abundant pathologic mitoses and patchy calcification. In places the tumor cells were forming follicle-like structures. Both the fat stain and the glycogen stain were positive. Histochemically the tumor showed a strong activity of 3beta-ol-Steroiddehydrogenase. Postoperatively the signs of sexual precocity disappeared soon. The patient is now without complaints for 3 years. The diagnosis of a juvenile granulosa cell tumor (Scully) was given. The endocrine relations between sexual steroids and gonadotropin before and after surgery are discussed.


[Psychometric studies on female patients during sterility counseling]. The application of the VNPI-test, i.e. neurosis screening, to 46 female patients attending consultations on sterility, is reported. For patients having normal genital organs, the test results indicated a neurotic personality at rate three times higher (52%) than for patients found to have pathological genitals (17%). This result is understood to confirm the opinion which, in addition to somatic causes, also accepts  a psychogenic etiology of sterility. Therefore, the importance of early psychological investigation is pointed out, which should not start as late as once all somatic efforts have failed.


[Legal evaluation of heterologous insemination in the GRD]. Therapeutic heterologous inseminations violate neither the socialist law of the German Democratic Republic nor the standards of socialist moral. From the view of the G.D.R. family code and insemination child is considered as legitimate, as each other child born to a married couple. A later voidance of paternity because of the heterologous insemination is not possible for both, father and mother, from the very beginning disclaim it. According to the family code of the G.D.R. the donor is neither related to the child, nor his paternity can be determined later by legal proceedings. Because of this legal status insemination child or his parents cannot demand alimony from the sperm donor or the inseminator.


[The practice of heterologous insemination in the treatment of androgenic sterility]. Except of adoption the heterologous insemination has for some years in the GDR been a part of the therapeutic possibilities of a couple's androgen sterility. However, there is no uniform conception on practical proceeding, juridical problems, selection of sperm donors and documentation of data. This paper describes the practical proceeding at the women's hospital of Berlin's Humboldt University (Charité). It contains, among other things, an indication list, regulations for medical examination, instruction and juridical securing of both the donor and the married couple. Documentation of data under special regard of professional discretion is also dealt with.


[The syndrome of ovarian hypoplasia].

[The syndrome of ovarian hypoplasia]. The authors, on the basis of broad and endocrinological studies and of histological investigation of the ovaries, performed in 21 women, described an uniform disease picture which allowes to delimit ovarian hypoplastic syndrome out of a group of patients with ovarial insufficiency. This syndrome is characterized by primary or secondary amenorrhoea, normal height, weak development of secondary sexfeatures, and by small ovaries which have the oval or roller, more seldom ball-like or streaking form. The histological picture of the ovaries consist of fibrous stroma without generative elements or with a small number of primary follicles, but sometimes also with single growing Graaf's follicle. The excretion of estrogens is very low and in the case of gonadotrophins it increases.


[Ultramicroscopic studies on the drainage system of the human corpus luteum]. The granulosa lutein cells of the human corpus luteum have a specialized system of drainage with a particularly formed extracellular space, by which the steroids pass into the capillary vessels. The extracellular space consists of two partial systems: First one finds, similar to the bile capillaries of the liver, lacune-like widnings of the intercellular space, where numerous microvilli of the lining cells are to be found and which are lined by desmosomes and invaginations of the cell membrane. Second there exist relatively wide canals limited by a granular membrane forming a network of their own among the lutein cells. Both systems contact without direct communication. We believe that first the steroids pass into the intracellular lacunes by diffusion or active transport from where they reach the membrane-lined canals by help of the network they pass on to the pericapillar space from where they diffuse into the blood vessels.


[Electron microscopic study on the proliferation and regression of the human endometrium following administration of a new depot estrogen ethinyl estradiol sulfonate]. The ultrastructure of endometrium was investigated after oral application of 1 or 3 mg of the new depot oestrogen etinyloestradiolsulfonate by means of long time observation with biopsies on postmenopause women. Details of this experimental proliferation was described. The highest functional activity in the endometrial gland and stromal cells was found 3 weeks after intake. There was no difference between ultrastructure following exogenous and endogenous oestrogen action. Degenerative changes within mitochondria were observed earlier than the regression in light microscopical picture.


[Histological and diagnostic criteria and incidence of endometritis in abrasion material]. At present the diagnosis "endometritis" is diagnosed too frequently by the histological examination of the endometrial biopsies. An essential cause is the misconstruction of cells of the endometrial stroma. This investigation is based on the histological diagnosis of 3729 endometrial biopsies. 229 cases represent changes of the endometrium after pregnancy (abortion, birth). Among 3500 endometrial biopsies 9 cases (=0,3%) had been diagnosed as "nonspecific chronic endometritis". The histological signs of the endometritis are described.


[Ambulatory vaginal tubal sterilization using a plastic clip with special reference to reversibility]. Report about 248 vaginal tubesterilizations with plastic clips. 94% were carried out in outpatients, no complications were observed. After removing plastic clips in animal experiments four rabbits became pregnancy.


[Effect, hazards and risks of the new vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) as calculated by special formulas (author's transl)]. The effect and risks of the vaccination against TBE virus was calculated by means of formulas for Q and D. Q considers the relation between total risk of unvaccinated and vaccinated persons and D the yearly difference in risks between unvaccinated and vaccinated members of a community. In recommendable vaccinations Q should exceed 1,0 and D should be greater than 0. Vaccination against TBE was performed by 2 injections at an interval of 4 weeks followed by a 3rd injection after 9 months. No major side effects were observed in vaccinations of about 50,000 persons. After one injection only, the conversion rate was 76% and Q 4,17, after 2 injections the conversion rate was 96% and Q 25 and after the total course of 3 injections the conversion rate was 98% and Q was calculated to be 50. With respect to morbidity DM was 7,18 X 10(-5) and regarding mortality DL was 1,1 X 10(-6). That means that proper vaccination of persons at risk in Austria could prevent 500-600 cases of encephalitis and approximately 8 deaths due to TBE per year. It was concluded that the new vaccination is effective and recommendable. Revaccinations will be necessary probably at intervals of 2-3 years, the exact time period still being under study.


Delayed multiplication of Semliki forest virus in organ cultures of muscle from vaccinated mice. Local immunity against the homologous virus was detected from the first until the third day of incubation in organ cultures of muscle from mice previously vaccinated with Semliki Forest Virus.


[The propagation of swine fever virus in cultures of macrophages and lymphocytes of normal and immune pigs (author's transl)]. Swine fever virus is replicated in the cells of the lymphoid complex. During the course of the disease cell-destruction, leucopenia and a disturbance of globulin and transferrin production is described. In the case of recovering firstly the leucocyte population, specially the lymphocytes, later on antibody titer increase. The production of virus neutralizing antibodies is not recognizable to be the cause of a recovery, the latter seems to be initiated by the production of a newly formed cell population. Therefore macrophages and lymphocytes of normal and of swine fever immune pigs are compared respecting the virus replication in vitro. Hereby macrophage cultures did not show any differences. In contrast to these findings in the tissue cultures consisting of predominantly lymphocytes of normal animals the virus replication exceeded that of immune pigs. Further on in the lymphatic organs of pigs killed in the recovering state newly formed clones of lymphoid cells were detected, which did not show swine fever specific but a globulin specific fluorescence. Obviously during the reconvalescent state a population of immune relevant lymphocytes is being created, which is different of these of non-immune pigs, since swine fever virus is not propagated by them anymore.


[Rubella vaccination with "Cendehill" and "RA 27/3". Reinfection of vaccinated and naturally immune persons compared with the infection rate of susceptible persons within a 3-resp. 5-year observation period (author's transl)]. Many investigators in Europe and the USA have usually found high rates of serum conversion after vaccination with the rubella vaccines Cendehill and RA 27/3, but the resistance of vaccinated individuals against superinfection without disease induced by wild virus strains under experimental or natural conditions seems to be very low; e.g. up to 80% of the vaccinees reacted with increasing titers of hemagglutination inhibiting antibodies after super-infection with a wild virus in a special epidemiological situation. In our two studies performed under natural conditions of infection including an observation period of three years resp. five years after vaccination a more favourable picture evolved, perhaps reflecting a different epidemiological situation, a different susceptibility or a less virulence of wild virus in our region: Three years after vaccination of 14 years old girls with Cendehill and RA 27/3 in a double blind trial a significant increase in the titers of hemagglutination inhibiting antibodies was observed after vaccination with Cendehill by the subcutaneous route in only 1,16% (1/86) and in 1,18% (1/85) after vaccination with RA 27/3 by the same route. In the same observation period the infection rate in a control group not protected by natural immunity or by vaccination was 54,72% (87/159) and in a second control group, protected by natural immunity 1,82% (3/165)...


The nosocomial and occupational hepatitis type B infection in a chest disease hospital. A prospective study. The results of a prospective study of hepatitis B infections among the patients of a Chest Disease Hospital are reported. A thousand and sixteen patients admitted during the twelve months study period were screened for the Hepatitis B(Surface)-Antigen(HBsAg) on admission and during the stay and were kept under epidemiological surveillance for six months following the discharge. The HBsAg prevalence was 3.54% on admission and the cumulative infection rate during the follow up period was 12.64 per 100 patients. The HBsAg prevalence on admission was significantly higher in males than in females, the susceptibility to infection found in the course of the study was in both sexes similar. The majority of infections was inapparent with the ratio of 8.6:1 of inapparent to clinically manifested forms. The incidence of viral hepatitis among the personnel was comparable to the incidence among the personnel of other hospital departments.


Hepatitis B (surface) antigen and viral hepatitis in family contacts of acute hepatitis B patients. The results of a follow up study among family contacts of acute hepatitis B patients are reported. The family members were tested for HBsAg in the time of hospitalization of the index case and after three months again, the families were kept under epidemiological surveillance for six months. 19 (4,54%) out of the 418 persons screened for the first time were HBsAg-positive. The highest prevalence of HBsAg-positive persons was found in the families of patients without history of parenteral exposure. 5 (1%) of family contacts were hospitalized from 2 to 4 months following admission of the index case. All were the spouses of index case patients and none of them had other history of parenteral exposures than blood sampling for purpose of this study. 2 (0,58%) cases of silent antigenaemia were found among the 344 persons examined at the second screening.


Evaluation of three techniques for carbohydrate fermentation of Neisseriae. Three different techniques to study carbohydrate fermentation by Neisseriae were compared using 226 strains: growth in semi-solid cystine trypticase agar, the rapid test in phosphate buffered solutions of carbohydrates and growth on slants of solid cystine trypticase agar. The latter method was found to be the easiest to perform and is more suited for smaller laboratories, since the media used may be stored for at least 2 months.


Susceptibility of viridans streptococci of 27 antimicrobial agents. One hundred and eighty strains of viridans Streptococci (Str. mitis, Str. salivarius, Str. MG, Str. SBE, Str. bovis, Str. equinus and Str. uberis) were isolated from mouth and upper respiratory tract secretions of humans at random in different parts of Poland. These strains were tested for susceptibility to 27 antimicrobial agents. Analysis of results was performed with special reference to bacterial endocarditis, which is caused mostly by these microorganisms. At low minimal inhibitory concentrations, most effective antibiotics appeared amoxycillin, clindamycin, azidocillin, cephaloridine, ampicillin, erythromycin and penicillin G. Susceptibility to other penicillins and cephalosporins was much less pronounced. Small part of strains was highly susceptible to tetracyclines, whereas all other antimicrobial agents were practically ineffective.


[Titration of antistreptolysin and control of its specificity in respect of percipitation reactions (author's transl)]. A method for the titration of antistreptolysin O (ASLO) is described that is assumed to be more rapid than the methods applied thus far. The authors are drawing attention to the non-specificity of this method and propose to use PRESLO which is easy to prepare and admits of quantitative evaluation, for a control of this non-specificity. Correlation between the two reactions were established by the authors in 2137 sera which was expressed mathematically and made subject to subsequent statistical evaluation.


[Sorbose in Salmonella diagnosis (author's transl)]. From 1525 Salmonella strains checked for fermentation of sorbose the majority failed to attack this sugar or split it with distinct delay. None of these cultures showed production of acid from sorbose prior to the third day of incubation. In contrast, sorbose was attacked within 24 hours by 74 out of 100 Ballerup-Bethesda strains. As an easy and reliable basis test combination for performing a minimal biochemical Salmonella diagnosis a series consisting of Kligler's medium and media containing urea, lysine, lactose, sucrose, sorbose, and salicin is suggested.


[Investigations on the fatty acid composition of lipids from Salmonella minnesota S and R forms (author's transl)]. Non-covalently bound lipids were extracted from 2 Salmonella minnesota S forms and 5 R mutants (chemotype Ra-Re) isolated from these strains. The lipids were subsequently analysed with regard to fatty acid composition. The extracts were free of lipid A, as determined by absence of beta-hydroxymyristic acid. The fatty acid distribution in the lipids of the two S forms, cultivated at 37 degrees C to the beginning of the stationary phase of growth, agreed very closely, and the values corresponded to those reported in the literature for S. typhimurium. In contrast, there was a progressive reduction in the content of C17- and C19-cyclopropane fatty acids, going from Ra-Rc mutants. The total cyclopropane fatty acids decreased from approximately 30% (Ra) to approximately 7% (Rc). The lipids from the Rd1 and the Re mutants had a fatty acid composition identical to that of the Rc mutant. The decrease in cyclopropane fatty acid content was compensated for in all strains by an increase in the corresponding unsaturated fatty acids (16:1; 18:1). Variations in the incubation temperature (30, 37, 41 degrees C) affected the ratio of the single fatty acids as determined for the Ra, Rc and Re mutants. The content of unsaturated fatty acids increased with the reduction in temperature, while the proportion of cyclopropane fatty acids decreased (stationary growth phase). These changes were much more pronounced with the Ra mutant than with the Rc and the Re mutants. The differences among the mutants with regard to fatty acid distribution were apparent at all temperature levels. In addition, the fatty acid composition of the lipids varied with the phase of growth, as already reported for E. coli and other gram-negative organisms. The content of cyclopropane fatty acids increased from the exponential to the stationary phases, with simultaneous reduction in the proportion of corresponding unsaturated fatty acids. Again, the lipid composition of the Ra mutant varied to a greater extent than did that of the Rc and the Re mutants. Similar changes appeared in the phosphatidyl ethanolamine fractions of the three mutants. There were also changes in the neutral lipids that agreed in part with those of the total lipids. The cause of the reduced cyclopropane fatty acid synthesis in S. minnesota R mutants possessing an incomplete LPS-core structure (Rb2-Re) is at present unknown. The physiological significance of these findings as well remains for the moment speculative, as the functional role of cyclopropane fatty acids in biological membranes has not yet been elucidated. Possible relations to membrane permeability and to transfer of antibiotics are discussed.


Actinobacilli in domestic fowl.

Actinobacilli in domestic fowl. Reports on haemolytic rods from salpingitis in hens and from organs of died chicks may be found since the year 1950 (Kjos-Hanssen). Correct systematic classification on these microorganisms is still lacked because not all relations to the nearest pasteurellae were known as well as the clear differences in the Pasteurella-Actinobacillus group. The authors have isolated 34 suspected strains from 14 localities; 25 strains were from salpingitis or internal organs of died fowl inclusively chicks, and 9 strains from choanas of pullets clinically healthy. Bacteriological, serological, chemical and biological tests gave the results as follows: 1) All strains exhibit fundamental properties of Pasteurella-Actinobacillus group, and moreover, they show ability to grow on MacConkey agar with crystal violet (BioQuest) being a significant feature of the genus Actinobaccillus (Mráz, 1975). 2) From the nearest species Actinobacillus haemolyticus (Newsom and Cross, 1932) Mráz, 1969, they differ with expressive haemolysis on agar with sheep blood, single haemolytic zone on agar with lamb blood according to Smith (1962), structure of somatic antigen, with natural hosts (gallinaceous birds) and pathogenicity for 5-day-old chicks. The GC content in DNA was determined in the range 39,6-42,9% (mean value 41,5%). 3) The first who presumed an independent state of these microorganisms, was Kohlert (1968), from the work of which the epithet for correct name, i.e. Actinobacillus salpingitidis (Kohlert, 1968) comb. nov., was accepted.


[A new possibility of "non-parenteral" (local) vaccination: immunization per wound (author's transl)]. Hitherto the term "non-parenteral" (local) vaccination meant all those modes of vaccination where the vaccine is applied on the skin or the mucous membranes. The most common types of local immunization are oral and nasal vaccination. Using model studies with the mouse immunization per wound was investigated as an alternative mode of vaccination. Immunization was done with tetanus-toxoid, efficiency was tested by challenge with 10 LD50 tetanus toxin. For immunization per wound only slightly higher antigen doses are necessary compared with subcutaneous immunization. A single subcutaneous vaccination with 2 Lf tetanus-toxoid and a single application per wound of 10 Lf resulted in the same efficiency index of 100. Immunization per wound has to be carried out immediately after injury. It seems to be optimal within the first 3 to 5 hours. At a later time the same efficiency index can only be achieved by use of a higher antigen doses. Immunization per wound is possible with all kinds of wound, even with burns. Size of wound and wound-supply do not influence the efficacy of wound-immunization. Immunization per wound does not disturb wound healing. The experiments reported here showed, for the first time, that immunization per wound is as effective as parenteral immunization. The most important advantage of wound-immunization is the speed and ease with which it can be administered, a fact which predestines it for vaccination in emergency cases. In practice it will be useful to combine wound-vaccination with wound-sprays.


Serological characteristics of the Leptospira serogroup Pomona. I. Factor analysis of the reference strains. The factor analysis of the Leptospirae of the Pomona serogroup discloses the presence of 4 main factors in this group on the basis of which 4 serovars, namely pomona, mozdok, tropica and proechimys may be accepted in this group. It is proposed that the Monjakov and the LT 1026 strains be referred to the pomona serovar. One of the established main antigens (P-4) is of the complex nature containing both thermostable and thermolabile compounds.


Serological characteristics of the Leptospira serogroup Pomona. II. Changes in the agglutination and absorption properties of the reference strains after formalin- and heat-inactivation. After formalin or heat-inactivation for 30 minutes at 56 degrees C, the absorption properties of some Pomona serogroup strains diminish, which indicates that they have thermolabile (Pomona, CZ 299U and LT 796) or formalin-labile (Pomona and 5621) minor antigenic factors. The agglutination properties of the various strains change differently after inactivation though not in parallel with the absorption properties.


Immunological and morphological analysis of sodium dodecyl sulfate extract of Leptospira. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) extract of Leptospira interrogans serotype icterohaemorrhagiae strain Shibaura was fractionated by rate zonal centrifugation in sucrose density gradient, and the fractions were analysed immunologically and morphologically. Two main peaks of antigenic activities were obtained. The first peak showed activities of strong indirect hemagglutination (IHA), weak complement fixation (CF), and low production of agglutinin in mice, and produced 5 precipitin lines in immunodiffusion with homologous strain antiserum. It gave only partial protection to guinea pigs. No recognizable structural components were found electron microscopically in the first peak. The second peak, on the other hand, showed no IHA activity, strong CF activity, high production of agglutinin in mice, and produced no precipitin line in immunodiffusion. It gave complete protection to guinea pigs. Membrane fragments of the enveloping sheath were found electron microscopically in the second peak. The protective activity of SDS extract of leptospira was thus intimately associated with the activityes of agglutinin production and CF, as well as with the membranous structures of the enveloping sheath.


The dynamics of IgM- and IgG-antibodies in leptospiral infection in man. The dynamics of specific agglutinating antibodies belonging to different classes of immunoglobulins in 1047 blood sera of 669 patients and persons who had recovered from leptospirosis was studied. 19S and 7S antibodies were found in sera of patients with simultaneous presence of Pomona and Grippotyphosa. The character of syntesis of specific leptospiral IgM and IgG antibodies correlated, but the concentration of the IgG was much lower. As a rule, IgM antibodies had a wide range of cross-reactions with leptospires of heterologous serogroups. However, IgG-antibodies in 85% of cases reacted with homologous leptospires only.


Formation of antibodies and immunoglobulins of various classes in persons vaccinated with warm antileptospirosis polyvalent vaccine. The results of the observations of 2 groups of 372 persons during 10 months showed that a twofold inoculation of corpuscular heated 6-valent antileptospiral vaccine ensures the formation of 19S-antibodies. The ratio 19S/7S antibodies was determined by inactivation of IgM agglutinins with the help of 2-mercaptoethanol. Quantitative content of immunolglobulins (G, A and M) was determined in parallel with the reaction of agglutination by the method of simple radial diffusion. Immunoglobulins of the class M in the serum of vaccinated persons increased as compared with control, whereas the content of IgG did not rise and that of IgA decreased.


Studies on the role of sodium in the metabolism of halophilic leptospirae. Data from studies of the metabolic mechanism of the sodium dependence of halophilic leptospirae revealed that the presence of sodium - 1) has no effect on the oxygen uptake when the microorganism is oxidizing endogeneous and exogeneous substrates; 2) is not involved in the multiplication phase; but 3) is of importance for keeping the cell structure intact.


Ultrastructural changes in host cellular organelles in the course of the chlamydial developmental cycle. Different stages in the chlamydial developmental cycle were correlated with cytopathic changes in host cellular organelles by ultrastructural analysis of infected cultured cells and cells of the intestinal mucosa of newborn calves. Four distinct morphologic forms of chlamydial development can be distinguished: elementary bodies, dispersing forms, reticulate bodies and condensing forms which proceed to form elementary bodies. From the stage of elementary body uptake through formation and multiplication of reticulate bodies, the host cellular changes consisted mainly of displacement of cellular organelles by the enlarging chlamydial inclusions in the cytoplasm of infected cells. Beginning with the formation of condensing forms and elementary bodies from 20 to 30 hours after infection, cellular organelles became altered and progressively damaged. The damage was initially degenerative and then necrotic. It consisted of loss of free ribosomes and polysomes, dilation and vesiculation of the endoplasmic reticulum network and vesiculation and loss of microvilli. The specific granules of enterochromaffin cells and the mucous droplets of goblet cells were reduced in number. The mitochondria and nuclei were affected last. The mitochondria became swollen and their cristae became fragmented. The nuclei of infected cells lost their normal chromatin pattern and proceeded to pyknosis and karyolysis. Rupture and lysis of cytoplasmic and inclusion membranes liberated the different chlamydial developmental forms. After release the elementary bodies remained ultrastructurally intact.


Prostaglandins as possible mediators of fever genesis in man. Prostaglandin concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 38 febrile patients (from infants up to adults) were compared with those of 19 afebrile adult control persons. CSF samples were extracted and the prostaglandins groups of the extract separated by column chromatography. Concentrations of prostaglandins of the E and F series were estimated by radioimmunoassay. In CSF of all feverish patients with meningitis, pneumonia, or pyelonephritis about 2-fold higher concentrations of prostaglandin E (PGE) were found that in those of the afebrile control persons. In contrast, concentrations of prostaglandin F (PGF) in adults and infants remained largely unchanged during fever; Solely, in 4 of the 8 babies examined, concentrations of PGF were also increased besides those of PGE. Repeated estimations of prostaglandin concentrations in CSF from the same patients showed, that concentrations of PGE, which had been elevated during fever, normalized after defervescence. The height of fever and the concentrations of PGE in CSF tended to correlate in a dose related manner. In correspondence with the results of animal experiments prostaglandins of the E series seem to act as mediators of fever during infectious diseases also in man.


[Electronic data processing in medical microbiology--a guide and some critical thoughts]. Applications of electron data processing in all fields of medicine and especially in medical microbiology are increasing rapidly. It seems important to discuss a guide for using such complicated electronical systems, because, on the one hand, computer applications in medicine are desirable for scientific reasons, but on the other hand few very costly and sophisticated projects had to be cancelled, after a shorter or longer time of implementation by reason of lack of co-operation of medical collaborators. This paper puts on discussion such a guide for using electronic data processing in medical microbiology. It is proposed to put through the following tasks before introducing a computer system into a microbiological institution: a system analysis of the status quo, an objective determination of the set state, a system design and a cost-benefit analysis. Those tasks are described in detail and are illustrated to some extent by graphics and tables from own research for preparing a data processing system for medical microbiology. It is emphasized that beside hard- and software criteria of the desired computer system one has to pay attention to the problems of man-machine engineering. The paper finishes with concrete propositions of proceeding when the computer system is implemented and shows possibilities of scientific data evaluation of a microbiological data base.


[Decrease in efficiency after experimental virus encephalitis. Small scale experimental tests on mice and histologic evaluation (author's transl)]. Two different experiments were set up in order to test the efficiency of 281 mice which had been infected intracerebrally with yellow fever virus 17 D of various dilutions (10(-1)-10(-5)); the tests were run after two time periods (40--55 days after infection = I. date, and 97 and 160 days after infection = II. date). In the first experimental set-up the animals were to find their food in a labyrinth- after 24 hours without food, (Labyrinth Experiment, Fig. 1). The time was taken from the moment when the mouse was put into the cage until the moment when it ate from the food. 4.37 min, were considered to be "standard time". In the second experiment the mice were placed on a horizontal rod rotating round an axle (Rotating Rod Experiment, Fig. 2 a,b,c). The time was measured for how long the animals could stay on the rod. 90/10 sec., were ascertained as "standard time". The following results were obtained. The difference in time regarding the I. and II. date is clearly noticed by the experiment with the rotating rod. The performance time of the animals was almost doubled after the 2nd time period (Table 4a and b, Fig. 3a and b), i.e. the animals could stay on the rod almost twice as long as after the first time period, which means that the recovery process of the animals can be measured by means of the rod experiment. In this respect the experiment with the labyrinth is less suitable. The recovery of the animals as well as the residual damages depended on the inoculated virus dilutions (Table 5a and b, Fig. 4a and b, Tables 7 and 8, Fig 21a and b). The histologic findings of the animals show lesions in all regions of the Central Nerve System (Fig 6-20, Table 2). The deficiencies of the animals which are due to diffuse damages of the Central Nerve System are demonstrated by the rotating rod experiment, whereas the labyrinth experiment verifies the shortcomings of the cornu ammonis (olfactory brain). The rotating rod experiment is the more sensitive of the two models  as the majority of the lesions are distributed diffusely on the Central Nervous System. The severe lesions of the Central Nerve System which are supported by histologic findings - even 160 days after infection, are confirmed by the deficiencies in the performance processes of the animals (delayed damages). Discussion have taken place regarding whether the experimental results of the animals can be applied to assessing latent or delayed damages in children after an encephalitis. The latter could concern in how far the course of an encephalitis depends on the originating virus dosis and could also relate to the development of delayed damages. The knowledge regarding the formation of delayed damages, their assessment as well as the prevention of encephalitis in infants would thus be greatly improved. In order to judge therapeutic measures on animals the rotating rod experiment appears to be very suitable since each stage of the illness enables an assessment of the state of the disease.


[Occurrence of Salmonella in healthy snakes and snake cadavers- isolation of a new Salmonella species belonging to the sub-genus IV (S. IV 18:Z36, Z38:-) (AUTHOR'S TRANSL)]. Forty-seven isolation attempts performed with 20 fecal samples of exotic snakes yielded 27 Salmonella species belonging to the sub-genus I-IV. The majority of isolates (78.7%), however, was identified as sub-genus III (Arizona). The snakes under study were hold captured for less than one year (one part) or for longer than one year. Bacteriological investigations of the 7 snakes studied, repeated 7 to 21 months thereafter, revealed uniformly other Salmonella species in comparison to those found at primary examination. Necropsy investigations were performed with materials from 3 snakes. One Salmonella species (Arizona) was isolated from the colon of one snake presenting with massive necrotic enteritis. The results with blood, bile and other colon sections were negative. Several Salmonella species were found in the colon of two other snakes presenting with infiltrative and necrotic changes in the organs, but without any pathologic finding in the intestinal tract. A new Salmonella species belonging to the sub-genus IV (S. IV 18:Z36, Z38:-) was recovered from fecal sample of a Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) and another Cascabel snake (Crotalus durissus terrificus).