Comparative percutaneous absorption of pyrithiones. The percutaneous absorption of 3H or 35S labelled pyridine-2-thione-N-oxide (PT) through the skin of rat, rabbit and guinea pigs in vivo is reported. The sodium (Na) zinc (Zn) and zirconium (Zr) derivatives of PT were studied and the effects of duration of contact and concentration of the NaPT and ZnPT in test solutions were examined. Shampoo test solutions containing the isotopically labelled PT were applied to the skin of the animals. The skins were then rinsed, the treated areas of skin protected and excreta were monitored for the isotope for 2 days after treatment. Penetration was calculated from the amounts of isotope in the excreta. Further groups of animals were treated with test solutions applied under occlusive patches for 6 h before rinsing the skin. The turnover of Na and ZnPT in the three species after intraperitoneal and subcutaneous injection was measured. All three species rapidly excreted the injected isotope principally via the urine. The comparative penetration of the three PT samples was Na greater than Zr greater than Zn from all treatments. The comparative permeability of the animals' skins to these PTs was rabbit greater than rat greater than guinea pig. NaPT penetration was found to be dependent upon duration of contact and concentration in the test solution whereas the penetration of ZnPT was found to be proportional to concentration but independent of duration of contact of the test solution. Extrapolation of these findings to the use of shampoos containing up to 1% (w/v) ZnPT by man indicated an adequate margin of safety for use of this type of product.


Removal of manganese by chelating agents from brain and liver of manganese treated rats: as in vitro and an in vivo study. Some chelating agents were examined for their ability to remove manganese from brain and liver (in vivo) and their sub-cellular fractions (in vitro), of rats pretreated with manganese sulphate. Nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), 1,2-cyclohexylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid (CDTA) and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) were extremely effective in vivo while CDTA and p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) were efficient in vitro.


The erythrocyte transport and transfer of methylmercury to the tissues of the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Methylmercury (MeHg) was found to be taken up rapidly and almost completely by trout red blood cells (RBC) both in vitro and in vivo. The binding of MeHg within the RBC was freely reversible both in vitro, as shown by the efflux of MeHg from RBCs suspended in protein solutions, and in vivo following intracardial (i.c.) injection of RBC-bound MeHg. Hemoglobin (Hb) appeared to be the main MeHg transport protein in trout blood since it bound 90% of whole blood Hg following an intragastric dose of Me203HgCl. MeHg, injected i.c. as MeHgS-cysteine, was found to be present in blood bound almost completely to hemoglobin 10 days post-injection. This suggests an ability of hemoglobin to compete for and bind MeHg bound to other sulfhydryl (-SH) compounds. The number of reactive -SH groups per molecule of trout Hb was determined to be 4 by amperometric titration with MeHgCl. The concentration of Hb reactive -SH groups in the trout RBC was calculated to be at least 20 mM. This accounts for the high affinity of the RBC for MeHg.


Freeze-drying from tertiary butanol in the preparation of endocardium for scanning electron microscopy. The scanning electron microscope appearances and shrinkage of blocks of canine endocardium prepared by freeze-drying directly, by freeze-drying after replacing tissue water with tertiary butanol (2-methyl propan-2-ol) and by critical point drying were compared. All three methods demonstrated endothelial cells which showed nuclear prominences, microvilli and intercellular boundaries. The microvilli varied in size and number from dog to dog but were generally less well defined in specimens freeze-dried from water. Shrinkage due to t-butanol dehydration was significantly less than that which occurred in ethanol in the critical point drying method. Overall the reduction in surface area was significantly less in specimens freeze-dried directly at -65 C (6.8%) than in those dried from t-butanol at -20 C (15.4%) and those prepared bly critical point drying (22.1%). However the amount of shrinkage observed in t-butanol treated tissue was not significantly different from that which was critical point dried. It was not possible to distinguish between comparable samples prepared by these two methods on the basis of their scanning electron microscopic appearances. Thus the relative simplicity and convenience of the t-butanol method, together with its saving of time, its use of standard freeze-drying equipment and the avoidance of ice-crystal artefact justify its consideration as an alternative method of preparing wet biological tissue for scanning electron microscopy.


Extraction of [14C] vitamin A from rat liver and kidney during processing for transmission electron microscopy. The retention of radioisotope-labeled vitamin A during processing for electron microscopy was investigated using the livers and kidneys of vitamin A deficient rats. [15-14C]Retinol (3muCi/animal) was administered by esophageal intubation to male rats which had been maintained on a vitamin A deficient diet for five or six weeks postweaning. Glutaraldehyde- or osmium-fixed tissue was processed by three methods: a) routine (a graded series of ethanols, propylene oxide and epoxy), b) rapid (75% and 95% ethanol with three changes of epoxy), or c) water-soluble embedding (70% and 80% hydroxypropyl methacrylate). Water-soluble embedding retained the highest percentage of label in the tissue (liver: 96.31%; kidney: 98.68%). Inclusion of osmium tetroxide in the processing sequence and minimal exposure of tissue to lipid solvents were necessary for good retention of labeled vitamin A in tissues.


A simple vacuum cassette for microradiography. Microradiography has been found to be a useful research tool for the investigation of bone formation, resorption and mineralization. Since relatively thin (60-125 mum) embedded hard tissue sections are used for this procedure, great care must be taken to ensure that the specimen is placed firmly and flatly without buckling against the photographic emulsion during the period of x-ray exposure in order to avoid distortion in the final microradiograph. The construction and use of a simple and inexpensive vacuum cassette for this purpose is described. With the use of a portable vacuum reservoir, specimen mounting can be done in a darkroom some distance from the x-ray source, often permitting the use of already existing x-ray facilities in other laboratories.


[The importance of afterloading technics for radiation protection]. The importance of afterloading techniques for the improvement in radiological protection is shown. Simplifications of the constructional and operational provisions of radiation protection resulting therefrom are discussed. In this connection, the possibility is accentuated of completely giving up under certain conditions the measurement of the individual exposure doses to personnel working in the irradiation room, using long-term and short-term dosimeters.


[Possibilities of dose distribution in the afterloading technic]. Remote (controlled) afterloading installations, offer the possibility to improve the dose distributions of the different applicators, since this apparatus permits the employment of artificial radionuclides with a high specific activity and with low energy of gamma rays. It is therefore possible to incorporate effective shielding into the applicators. The possible individual fitting of the dose distribution, however, demands considerable clinical effort, as the extension of the tumor in question has to be ascertained with sufficient accuracy. Otherwise, underdosage to tumor cells may happen within the shielded area. Most afterloading techniques are using stiff applicators and geometrical fixation within patients; configuration and position of the radiation sources in the patient therefore remain unchanged during the whole irradiation. Thus, it becomes possible to adapt additional external irradiation more exactly than before to the intracavitary dose distribution.


[Criteria for an optimal isotope in gynecologic radiotherapy]. With regard to the evident disadvantages of radium, nowadays an artificial radiation source always should be considered, since it may be much more favorable for any intracavity application. The most usual ones are Cs-137, Co-60 and Ir-192. Each of these isotopes has its advantages and disadvantages; therefore the choice of the isotope must take into account the criteria and requirements for each intracavitary radiation technique.


[Radiobiological considerations in the selection of the dose rate of intracavitary radiotherapy]. The differences in the biological effects of either fractionated high dose-rate irradiation or protracted low dose-rate irradiation is discussed with regard to their relevance for intracavitary radiotherapy. There is no biological advantage in using fractionated high dose-rate irradiation instead of protracted low dose-rate irradiation. However, with adequate fractionation schedules, fractionated high dose-rate intracavitary radiotherapy may be as good as radium therapy.


[Technics and radiophysics of Buchler's afterloading device]. Informations are given upon a newly developed afterloading apparatus. It works by means of a point-shaped Iridium-192 source which is oscillating within the applicator during irradiation. The motion of the source is regulated by exchangeable cams. A great variation of isodose curves can be obtained in this way. The safety devices of the installation yield optimal radiological protection. The compact construction system of the basic equipment allows flexible use within existing therapy rooms.


[Results of radiotherapy with cobalt 60 beads compared to surgery in 725 uterine neoplasms]. From 1958 to 1970, in 435 cases (60%) out of 725 carcinomas of the uterus sole radiation therapy by cobalt-60 beads was performed; in 288 cases (39.7%) surgery was done (combined with tele-cobalt-irradiation in almost all cases, 5000 to 6000 rd TD). Two cases (0.3%) received no treatment. The unfavorable selection of the irradiated women (average age 64,6 years) as against the surgically treated ones (average age 50.9 years) did allow a complete intracavitary irradiation only in 60.6% of the cases; in 39.4%, the dose had to be reduced considerably. The five-year survival amounted to: 64.4% after sole irradiation, 93.2% after operation/postirradiation in stage I; 46.9% after sole irradiation, 75.0% after operation/postirradiation in stage II; 30.8% after sole irradiation in stage III. No survivors existed in stage IV. Mortality from treatment with sole irradiation amounted to 1.8% (8/435). Radiation fistulas were observed after sole irradiation in 0.4% (1/435), after operation/postirradiation in 0.7% (2/288). As long as there is no satisfactory afterloading technique for intracavitary irradiation of the carcinoma of the uterus, an application of cobalt-60 beads seems to offer the following advantages as compared to an implant of radium filters: Shorter duration of the application, better adaptability to the cavitary lumen, diminished risk of perforation. No perforation was observed.


[Comparison of the results of radio gold therapy, cobalt 60 teletherapy and chemotherapy in 330 ovarian neoplasms]. From 1960 to 1972, 276 out of 330 cases of ovarian cancer were treated by different techniques of postoperative radiation therapy; 54 advanced cases underwent prospective chemotherapy. Radiogold intraabdominally administered (190 to 300 mCi), telecobalt (5000 rd) or the combination of radiogold and telecobalt was chosen for postoperative radiation therapy. Cyclophosphamide (Endoxan), prednisolone, and gestagenes (Prothil) were given as a long-term chemotherapy. The most successful technique of radiation therapy is confronted with long-term chemotherapy after three years (five years) of survival: Stage I a, b, c: Radiogold = 91.7% (66.7%), chemotherapy (only I c) = 100%. Stage II a, b: Radiogold + telecobalt = 47% (35%), chemotherapy = 85%. Stage III: Radiogold + telecobalt = 25% (0%), chemotherapy = 52%. Stage IV: Radiotherapy = 0%, chemotherapy = 25%. The absolute five-year survival without chemotherapy amounted to 23%. The mortality curve under chemotherapy shows a four-year survival rate of 88%, if tumor cells had been detected microscopically (ascites, omentum), but of only 30% after macroscopical verification of the tumor. Therefore, the maximally possible partial resection of the tumor is recommended in inoperable stages before the beginning of chemotherapy. "Prophylactic" long-term chemotherapy following macroscopically complete surgical treatment is recommended, whenever microscopical spread of tumor cells appears to be possible. In inoperable stages, chemotherapy ought to be applied prior to radiation therapy. In stages I a, b, c, and II a, postoperative irradiation with radiogold (100 mCi) and in stage II b additionally radiation teletherapy of the pelvis (6000 rd) is recommended.


[Experiences and results in the radiotherapy of 1013 patients with uterine cervix neoplasms]. The cases of 1013 patients with carcinoma of the cervix are reviewed, who underwent primary radiation treatment in the time from 1951 through 1968. This patient-population is analyzed. The radiation method is described. Out of 1013 women, 496 (49%) survived without recurrences for five years: 80.8% had Stage I disease; 69.7%, Stage II; 38.8%, Stage III; 7.7%, Stage IV. The five-year survival amounted to 53.0%, the relative effectiveness to 61.5 per cent. Complications, side-effects and secondary diseases are reported, as well as the observations of recurrences found by us.


[A polarization effect-free graphite double extrapolation chamber for the absolute dosimtery of high energy electrons]. Theoretical principles, constructional features and operation of an improved extrapolation-chamber intended for absolute ionization dosimetry of high-energy electrons are described. The construction allows a precise variation of the cylindrical measuring volume by varying thickness and diameter (exactly from 0 to 30 or 3 to 30 mm resp.), whereat measurements can be taken either using cylindrical graphitic walls or "no walls". The improvements consist in a combination of the following characteristics: high electric and mechanical stability; avoidance of disturbances due to electrostatic charges; elimination of the polarity error; practically homogeneous graphitic construction without foreign materials; graphite as a preferential reference material; measurements by chemical dosimetry following within the same apparatus. Results of measurements are reported concerning the verification of the complete or partial equilibrium of electrons, the deviations from the ideal cavity conditions of Bragg and Gray, and the comparison with ferrous sulfate dosimetry. Absolute measurements of the ion dose being accurate to about 0.5% can be obtained with the chamber. Thus, the chamber seems qualified to be used as a primary standard.


[Radiation exposure during examination with a therapy simulator. 2. Radiation load on the examiner during radiography (measurements on the Alderson-Man phantom)]. In judging the risk incurred by persons professionally exposed to radiation, there is at present a more distinct tendency towards consideration of somatic effects - as e.g. somatic "crossing over", accidents of development, induction of cancer; thus more attention is paid to individual risk. For assessment of this radiation risk, the organ doses in question must be known; they can be estimated by means of the ascertained tissue-air-ratios, if the field of stray radiation from the X-ray equipment is known. To obtain data for statements with regard to the radiation load on the examiner during radioscopies with a therapy simulator, it was necessary to determine the stray radiation field of the X-ray apparatus. Therefore, using an Alderson-Man-phantom, the angular distribution of the local dose rate were measured at a tube voltage of 84 kV. The skin irradiation fields had dimensions of 25 cm2, 100 cm2, and 400 cm2 at the distances 50 cm, 100 cm, 150 cm, and 200 cm of the ionization chamber from the central ray. The measurements were performed on levels of 90 cm, 130 cm, and 160 cm above the floor. Some additional measurements aimed at a more exact investigation of the dependency of scattered radiation upon the tube voltage, the area of the radiation field, the distance from the central ray, and the height above the floor. The attenuation capacity of a light radioprotective apron (0.25 mm lead equivalence) was also determined. It turned out that, at a tube voltage of 84 kV, the apron still was passed by about 3.6% of the hitting stray radiation. The present measurements yield important indications of the best possible locations of the examiner during radioscopy. A practical example is given showing how to assess the radiation load on single organs; the results show that the examiner is exposed to a gonadal load of about 2 mR and to a load of about 17 mR on the crystalline lenses, while engaged in preparative roentgenologic measures for intrauterine transfusions.


The hematological effects of irradiation on the Indian desert gerbil (Meriones hurrianae Jerdon). Male adult gerbils were irradiated with a whole-body dose of 600 R with gamma-rays. The animals were studied for their hematological response on days, 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 28 post irradiation. No significant change was noted in erythrocyte number after irradiation. There was a slight fall in hemoglobin and hematocrit values in the early post-irradiation periods. A transient leukocytosis was observed on day 1 after irradiation followed by a sharp fall on day 2 which continued up to day 3. A recovery in leukocyte value was noted after a week of irradiation. Abnormal leukocytes were noted in the peripheral blood on day 2 after irradiation. The results show that the gerbil is radioresistent and is comparable to the rabbit at this dose-level.


[Variations in kidney location and consequences for the radiotherapy of kidney neoplasms in the optimization of irradiation planning]. Related to the discussion of optimal radiotherapy planning for the treatment of intrathoracal and intraabdominal tumors being located near the diaphragm, the question arises all over again, if the tumor or the former tumor-bed really are completely encompassed by treatment fields if the patient's topography has changed during a series of irradiations. Using a therapy simulator, the variations of the situs of kidneys are investigated in 20 patients. Changes of the location, which ought to be considered for radiotherapy treatment planning, are observed while changing from dorsal to abdominal position or due to exspiration and inspiration. Hence, consequences result concerning the precision of irradiation planning especially with regard to the sound kidney to be spared. Altogether, a better adjustment to individual features of the topographical correlations is realized. The accurate encompassment of the target volume and the careful sparing of the sound kidney resulting therefrom are justifying that much time must be spent on irradiation planning.


[Pulmonary perfusion, ventilation, and gas exchange during modified cobalt-60 teletherapy of operated on breast carcinomas]. Post ablationem mammae, 22 patients were exposed to a modified telecobalt-irradiation because of mammary carcinoma. (Tangential pendulum irradiation of the thoracic wall with deflection of the central beam off the pendulum axis, parasternal irradiation with pendulum fields, irradiation of the supraclavicular and axillar area with deflection of the central beam to lateral and cranial directions.) During radiation therapy and up to six months after its termination, periodical pulmonary function tests were accomplished, consisting in a radiogram of the thorax, in spirometric check-up and blood gas analysis, and in an examination of pulmonary perfusion and ventilation using radionuclide techniques. In one patient with metastases to the ribs, the spirographic and nulear-medical ventilatory results changed for the worse in the course of time, whereas the other 21 patients did not show any significantly abnormal alterations at follow-up examinations.


[A way to spatial irradiation planning. II. Vectorial demonstration of spatial dose distribution within a single-ray beam and 1st consequences for the practice]. Spatial irradiation planning among other things demands spatial consideration of the dose distribution within the single useful ray beam. From this point of view, the vectorial dose quantities introduced in part I of this paper are reviewed, their correlations are examined as well as their dependences on different influencing quantities e.g. on the rotational position of the wedge filter with the central ray as an axis of rotation. The vectorial description of dose distribution used in this paper, additionally offers information on the total effect upon the inclination of isodose surfaces or curves respectively, caused either simultaneously by different influences (simultaneous effect) or in temporal succession by separate influences (succession effect). The correlations observed can be verified diagrammatically or dosimetrically using simple practical examples. Thus, it is possible for instance to obtain a continuous defined variation of the isodose inclination by varying the weights of the partial doses with successive irradiation with or without a wedge filter.


An assay of biological dosimetry from the changed number of lymphocytes and hypersegmented neutrophiles evaluated by means of statistical decision method. The paper presented deals with the statistical utilization of changes in lymphocyte and hypersegmented neutrophiles counts in peripheral blood after irradiation for the biological detection of ionizing radiation. Both followed-up parameters are in a good correlation during simultaneous evaluation of their changes, and they fail during evaluation in various time intervals after irradiation. The changes of two hematological parameters after irradiation, lymphopenia and hypersegmentation of cellular nuclei of granulocytes were therefore utilized. The changes under examination were elaborated in the computer and avaluated by method of regression classification and by discriminatory analysis. This analytical way enables a new conception during the evaluation of individual hematological post-irradiation changes. This study is being continued in several lines. On the one hand, further statistical methods of making the results more precise will be used, on the other hand, other laboratory animals will be tested as well. Last but not least, the best statistical method will be used in an attempt to detect biologically the changes after the therapeutical irradiation in man.


Effect of postradiation bleeding on proliferative activity of cells in small intestine crypts of rats. The effect of postradiation bleeding on the dynamics of duodenal crypts' cells proliferation in rats was studied. The animals, females, three months old, weighing 170 or 180 g, were exposed to radiation of 800 R (115 R/min) and immediately after irradiation were bled by cardiac puncture to 50% of total blood volume. Proliferative activity of duodenal epithelium cells was monitored for a period of five days after irradiation. For control purposes normal, irradiated and only bled animals were used. The results demonstrated that although there are no significant differences in proliferative activity of duodenal epithelium cells in irradiated and bled animals and only irradiated animals, the postradiation reparative processes in irradiated and bled animals is considerably more stable. It is considered that bleeding itself by its hypoxic activity reduced the sensitivity of epithelium to the dose of radiation used. On the other hand, bleeding removed the damaging agents which appear after total body irradiation.


Distribution and behaviour of isoselenouronium salts in the body. IV. 2-Aminoselenoazoline. The time dependence of the distribution of 2-aminoselenoazoline-75Se in the organism of rats and mice was followed. By comparison of the results obtained with the previous study of radioprotective properties of this compound, its efficiency was shown to be dependent on the actual concentration in tissues.


Effect of radiophosphorus on chromosomes in swiss albino mice during postnatal development. Swiss albino mice of one to five weeks of age were injected with P-32 at the dose of 1 muCi/g body weight and were autopsied when they were six weeks old. Karyological examination was carried out on bone-marrow cells. The chromosome aberrations observed were terminal and interstitial deletions, dicentrics, metacentrics, and rings. The frequency of aneuploid cells observed was 1.4%.


[Changes in protein metabolism following irradiation. 1. Activity of protease, protease pattern, protein and free amino acids in cytoplams and cell organelles of the rat spleem following 600 R whole-body X-ray irradiation]. The protease activity of cytoplasm and cell organelles of the rat spleen against spleen protein and hemoglobin as a substrate increases during an initial reaction phase of the organism on the first day after 600 R whole body X-irradiation. The alkaline proteases in the cytoplasm and the acid proteases in the cell organelles increase, whereas the protease activity against externally added hemoglobin as substrate decreases below the initial values. The protein, the protease activity and the free amino acids of the cytoplasm and the cell organelles decrease during the disease phase on day 3 and 4 after irradiation. The protein loss of the spleen is therefore not explained by an increased protease activity. Acid proteases appear in the cytoplasm which derive probably from the cell organelles. The protease activity and the free amino acids are increased in the cytoplasm and the cell organelles during the regeneration phase of the organism between day 15 and 18 after irradiation.


Carcinogenic effect of radiation on the mouse embryo; physical aspects of radiation dosimetry. The doses received by the embryos from abdominal irradiation of the females at the time of pregnancy may adversely affect the offspring. The dose to the embryo will depend on the depth of the embryo from the surface, the distance of the embryo from the central axis of the beam and on the photon energy. A knowledge of the dose as well as the percentage depth dose in this region will be necessary for the meaningful correlation between the radiation dose and the neoplasm formation due to prenatal irradiation. This paper presents the results of our experimental investigation of the percentage depth doses in a mouse phantom. The results of theoretical computation of percentage depth doses to off-axis points are found to be in good agreement with the experimental values.


Differential inhibition of androst-4-en-3,17-dione aromatization by carbon monoxide in the presence of estr-4-en-3,17-dione. The aromatization of androst-4-en-3,17-dione or 17beta hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one (testosterone) is not inhibited by carbon monoxide under normal incubation conditions, whereas the aromatization of corresponding 19-nor steroids (estr-4-en-3,17-dione and 17beta-hydroxyestr-4-en-3-one) is readily inhibited under the same conditions. A possible explanation was found when it was shown that androst-4-en-3,17-dione and testosterone could displace bound carbon monoxide from human placental microsomal cytochrome P-450. The 19-nor steroids did not displace carbon monoxide, even at very high concentrations. These C-18 compounds appeared to facilitate complex formation and reversed the effects of the C-19 steroids. A mutual antagonism was observed with regard to effects on the formation of the ce titrated. These observations suggested that the aromatization of androst-4-en-3,17-dione should be inhibited by carbon monoxide if sufficient concentrations of the 19-nor steroids were present in reaction flasks. This hypotheses was tested and positive results were obtained, providing strong evidence for the involvement of cytochrome P-450 in normal estrogen biosynthesis.


Progesterone mediated increase in monoamine stores and the regulation of enzymes of biosynthesis and metabolism in the adrenal gland during late pregnancy in the rat. The influence of repeated injections of progesterone to pregnant rats upon monoamine storage and regulation of enzymes phenylethanolamine-N-methyltransferase (PNMT), monoamine oxidase (MAO) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) was studied. All the pregnant females received progesterone (4 mg/100 g body weight) on 19, 20 and 21 days post-coitum but one group was killed at 21 days of pregnancy and the other one at 0 h parturition. Adrenal epinephrine demonstrated highly significant increase in progesterone treated rats. At the same time norepinephrine content declined significantly from the control value. The activity of enzyme PNMT also showed marked increase in the adrenals of progesterone treated females. Activity of enzyme MAO showed a slight decline after progesterone treatment to pregnant rats. Enzyme COMT in progesterone treateed animals showed decline at 0 h parturition but at 21 days post-coitum it was significantly higher from non-injected females. All the increases and decreases in monoamines and the three enzymes were significant when the results were expressed per adrenal gland or per gram of adrenal. The results suggest that exogenous progesterone administration during late pregnancy increases epinephrine stores by declining monoamine metabolism by MAO and COMT and increasing their synthesis by PNMT which is responsible for N-methylation of norepinephrine to epinephrine.


The development and application of a radioimmunoassay for 18-hydroxy-corticosterone. A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay has been developed for 18-hydroxy-corticosterone (18-OH-B) and applied to the measurement of this steroid in peripheral plasma. High specific activity label (3H-18-OH-B) was prepared using the incubation of 3H-corticosterone with duck adrenal mitochondria. Antisera were produced by immunisation with 18-OH-B gamma-lactone 3-oxime conjugated to bovine serum albumin. The antibodies examined showed 100% cross-reactivity with 18-hydroxy-deoxycorticosterone gamma-lactone (18-OH-DOC gamma-lactone), but minimal cross-reactivity with other steroids. Paper chromatography was used to separate 18-OH-DOC gamma-lactone from 18-OH-B gamma-lactone. The interassay precision was 7.6% and the intra-assay precision 11.0%. The accuracy of the method was confirmed by showing a linear relationship between amounts of 18-OH-B added and amounts of 18-OH-B gamma-lactone measured (y = 0.854 X +15.1, r = 0.9. p less than 0.001). The mean plasma level in normal subjects on an ad libitum sodium intake was 225 +/- 92.7 (SD) pg/ml (n = 17) when standing, and 99 +/- 38.3 (SD) pg/ml (n = 6) after lying down for 30 minutes.


Marine sterols. VI(1). Sterols of the scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis. The sterols of the scallop, Patinopecten yessoensis Jay, was found to contain over 20 components. The major components were delta5-sterols, and lesser amount of ring-saturated sterols were also present. Biogenetically unusual C26 sterols (24-norcholesta-5,22-dien-3beta-ol and 24-norcholest-22-en-3beta-ol) and 24(28)-cis-24-propylidenecholest-5-en-3beta-ol (29-methylisofucosterol), 22-trans-27-nor-(24S)-24-methylcholesta-5,22-dien-3beta-ol (occelasterol), and a new sterol, 22-trans-27-nor-(24S)-24-methylcholest-22-en-3beta-ol (patinosterol), were isolated and their structures were confirmed. Occurrence of 22-trans-(24S)-24-methylcholesta-5,22-dien-3beta-ol (24-epibrassicasterol) was confirmed. 22-cis-Cholesta-5,22-dien-3beta-ol was not found.


A specific, non-chromatographic radioimmunoassay for human plasma cortisol. A radioimmunoassay technique has been developed for the measurement of cortisol in a single methylene chloride extract of human plasma without chromatography. The antiserum, obtained by immunizing rabbits with cortisol-3-carboxymethyl-oxime conjugated to bovine serum albumin, had a high affinity (KA = 1.8 X 10(9) 1/mole) and capacity (2.3 X 10(-6) moles/L undiluted serum) for cortisol. The minimum detectable amount determined at the lower 95% confidence limit of the buffer control tubes was 8.3 +/- 4.7 pg/tube and a log dose - logit response standard curve was linear between 20 pg and 20 ng/tube. The antiserum was highly specific for cortisol with only corticosterone, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol and 21-deoxycortisol showing significant cross-reaction (12.4, 6.6, 3.8 and 3.7%, respectively). The cross-reaction for the other tested naturally occurring and synthetic steroids did not exceed 1%. Regression analysis of cortisol concentration estimates obtained on 20 samples before and after Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography gave a coefficient of correlation (r) of 0.995 and a regression coefficient (b) of 1.04. Recovery of cortisol added to plasma samples was quantitative. The intra-assay error was 8.5% and the inter-assay error averaged 5.7%. The method is simple requiring a single solvent extraction of plasma, therefore permitting large numbers of samples to be handled efficiently by a single technician.


A rapid method for the estimation of estriol in plasma during pregnancy. A rapid, reliable fluorimetric method for the determination of estriol (E3) in plasma is described. The method is eminently suitable for use in hospital laboratories and provides results within 5 hours of the reception of samples. It has several features not found in other methods. As little as 0.2 ml of plasma is required, all additions and aliquoting procedures are semi-automated an no special technical skill is necessary. A technician can carry out 20 determinations per day. Average recoveries of 70% are routinely achieved, and the accuracy (2.4%) and the precision (4.0%) of the method are remarkably good for an assay of this type. A spectrofluorometer of high sensitivity, counting equipment and a high temperature oven are the essential major pieces of equipment.


Lessons from the Chinese experience: China's planned birth program and its transferability. This article describes the most salient developments in the planned birth program of the People's Republic of China during the 1970s and discusses the potential for transfer of some features to other countries. Many Chinese activities are of interest because they are designed for a country with scarce resources for development and a low-income population. Some particular program features worth noting are: the encouragement of local initiative and experimentation: specific methods for the diffusion of innovation; and total integration of the health system with other development-political, administrative, economic, and social-at the grass-roots level.


Type and time of insemination within the menstrual cycle and the human sex ratio at birth. Data that strongly suggest that the timing of insemination affects the human sex ratio at birth are presented. Two studies conducted by the author, including a total of 1,318 pregnancies, in which timing of insemination was related to the shift in basal body temperature are discussed, and previous literature is reviewed. The differential effect of type of insemination-natural versus artificial-is noted. The further question why timing and type of insemination affects the human sex ratio is also explored.


Differentials in fertility, family planning practice, and family size values in South Korea, 1965-1971. Data from five Korean national KAP surveys of currently married women, conducted between 1965 and 1971, are analyzed to determine whether differentials have emerged or are emerging between urban and rural women in three factors of crucial importance for population growth: fertility, family planning practice, and family size values. Graphics are used throughout to analyze urban-rural differentials and trends in these factors over time. In addition, two statistical tests, the sign and binomial, are applied to the differentials to provide a tabular summary of results. Part I provides background information on population growth, urbanization, the achievements of the national family planning program, and economic development in Korea since the 1950's. Part II describes both urban-rural differentials in fertility, as measured by mean parity, for married women aged 30-39 between 1966 and 1971; and urban-rural differentials in the proportions of women aged 25-39 currently practicing family planning between 1965 and 1971. Part III analyzes urban-rural differences in ideal family size and ideal number of sons, controlling for number of living children and number of living sons. Part IV attempts to evaluate the impact of the national family planning program on the fertility, family planning practice, and family size values of the rural population by examining the findings on urban-rural differentials in the context of social and economic development, viewing the program as one of a multitude of variables that can affect these factors.


Attitudes toward family planning, marriage, and family size among unmarried women in Korea. Data from the 1973 National Fertility and Family Planning Survey show that young unmarried women aged 18-27 desire small families and support family planning. These women express a lower son preference than did young currently married women surveved in 1973 and earlier. A majority of the respondents approve of the "stop at two" slogen of the family planning association, and they want to obtain more information about contraception before marrying. Unfortunately, survey results show that present sources of contraceptive information, including the schools, have not proved adequate.


Fertility and family planning in Thailand: results from two rounds of a national study. The Longitudinal Study of Social, Economic, and Demographic Change was undertaken during the late 1960s to provide detailed national information on behavior and attitudes related to fertility and family planning in Thailand. Results from the second round of the study indicate that the practice of family planning increased substantially in both rural and urban areas during the three-year interval between the two rounds. During this period, marital fertility registered a decline in the urban areas. This was a result of a small rise in fertility among Bangkok-Thonburi women combined with a sharp decline in fertility among provincial urban women. Because the National Family Planning Program was officially begun at the time of the first round, its role in the increase in contraceptive use is examined. Although the study shows that the desired number of children is substantially below the actual number of children Thai womenhave by the end of their reproductive years, the desired number of children is still well above the number usually considered ideal in developed countries. Nonetheless, changes in reproductive behavior appear to reflect the impact of modernization on Thai society. In urban areas, marital fertility is only moderately high and a substantial proportion of couples practice family planning. Of particular importance over the remainder of the decade will be the reproductive behavior of rural women, who constitute an extremely high proportion of the Thai female population.


The immune response of mice repeatedly injected with allogeneic tumor cells. The development and kinetics of cell-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC), antibody-mediated complement-dependent cytotoxicity (C'DC), and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) were studied in an allogeneic model. Using microcytotoxic assays of 51Cr release from labeled EL-4 tumor cells, C'DC, ADCC, and CMC were measured at 14 intervals during the 77-day course of the experiment. The results obtained demonstrate the oscillating nature of the immune response. The rise and fall of activity was almost synchronous for the three functions studied. A generalized trend of increasing antibody-dependent functions and a simultaneous dampening of CMC was noted.


The numerical development of lymphoid cells during human embryogenesis. We have studied the cellular growth rates in the fetal thymus, spleen, and bone marrow of 12 human fetuses ranging in gestational age from 7 to 20 weeks. In all instances growth rates were linear when plotted logarithmically. However, the spleen had a biphasic growth curve. These data are useful in predicting the cellular yields which can be obtained from human fetal lymphoid organs which are to be used for transplantation in immune deficiency diseases and other clinical conditions.


Effectiveness of prostaglandin E1 and procarbazine hydrochloride in prolonging the survival of vascularized cardiac hamster-to-rat xenograft. The immunosuppressive effects of prostaglandin E1 and procarbazine hydrochloride were compared in a vascularized organ xenograft model. Hamster-to-rat cardiac grafts were used. Both procarbazine hydrochloride and prostaglandin E1 prolonged survival of the xenograft. Prostaglandin E1 had the additional feature of coincident suppression of hemagglutination titer to hamster red cells. Prostaglandin E1 was somewhat less effective than procarbazine hydrochloride.


Thymus transplantation in patients with thymic hypoplasia and abnormal immunoglobulin synthesis. Fetal thymus transplantation was performed in three patients with thymic hypoplasia with abnormal immunoglobulin synthesis, one patient with ataxia telangiectasia, and one patient with immunodeficiency with eczema and thrombocytopenia. All patients received transfer factor before transplantation of a fetal thymus i.p. Reconstitution of cell-mediated immunity occurred in three of five patients. Two of the three patients with reconstitution of cell-mediated immunity also had evidence of improved antibody-mediated immunity. Reconstitution of cell-mediated immunity was characterized as occurring rapidly and being of varying duration, and was unassociated with HL-A chimerism. Successful reconstitution of immunity in these patients may have been related to several factors, including the use of fetal thymus less than 6 hr after abortion, i.p. transplantation, and a synergistic effect of transfer factor.


Constancy of cross reactivity patterns during the anti-HL-A response. Three immunizations yielding cross reacting anti-HL-A antibodies were followed for 1 year or more. The specificities of the antisera obtained at different times were determined from their reactivity against a selected cell panel. Each antiserum was titrated against cells presenting different degrees of cross reaction. An extensive absorption study of each antiserum, diluted to one cytotoxic unit, was also performed. The data obtained suggest that the cross reactivity pattern in each response is rather rigidly established from the beginning and that it has little chance to vary even after secondary stimulation from the same donor.


[Study of the ultrastructural and functional expression of the hepatocyte genome under conditions of prolonged depression of protein biosynthesis by cycloheximide. III]. Dynamics of changes in mtRNA synthesis and mitochondria ultrastructure is strictly dependent on the level of inhibition of biosynthesis of cytoplasm proteins and "soluble" proteins of mitochondria by cycloheximide in hepatocytes: 1-6 hrs later a progressive weakening of protein synthesis is accompanied by a drop in mtRNA synthesis and essential destruction of mitochondria; from 12 to 24 hrs a partial restoration of protein biosynthesis induces the processes of the above-mentioned indexes normalization.


[Study of the inhibition of mitotic activity in the rat liver]. When affecting the rat liver cells by the alkylating agent dipin or X-ray irradiation in combination with genome induction by phenobarbital, a considerable decrease was observed in the mitotic activity of hepatocytes after hepatoectomy. The decrease in the mitotic activity is preserved for 90 days between introduction of mutagene and phenobarbital. When increasing the time interval to 150 days the inhibition in the mitotic activity is not observed.


[Substrate basis of the adhesion of the adenohypophyseal and diencephalic cell layers and cell anlagen in chick embryos]. At the 16-18th stages of development of the chicken embryos adhesion of cell layers of the adenohypophysis and diencephalon anlages is provided with a submicroscopically regulated complex of neutral and acid polysaccharides, bivalent kations and probably proteins. The mechanisms of cells contact in each of the layers with this complex are different.


[Radiological study of the topography and morphology of pulmonary cancer]. This study proposes a radiological, topographical and morphological classification of primary carcinoma of the lung based on a large radiographic case-series of the National Cancer Institute of Milan checked anatomopathologically. The aim is to standardise the X-ray findings and so make for easier understanding and more rewarding cooperation among those engaged on the diagnosis and treatment of this tumor. The classification of lung cancer into central and peripheral only is felt, in the light of present knowledge, to be inadequate. It is therefore suggested that central lung cancers be divided into purely endobronchial, endoperibronchial and exobronchial, taking into account both the repercussions on ventilation and extracentral spread. For peripheral lung carcinomas more detailed morphological and topographical features are considered in order to pinpoint the tumor and its hilomediastinal spread, especially in the case of paracentral tumors. A brief reference is made to the more relevant radiodiagnostic procedures.


[Topical ampicilin and local infectious complications in oncological surgery]. 420 consecutive patients having clean surgical operations were studied: 210 of them, selected at random, received 0.5-1 g of ampicillin into the wound before closure, the remainder being controls. Patients were examined for wound infection during the first postoperative week, in line with the opinion that topical antibiotic treatment can afford significant protection against wound infection caused by peroperative contamination. Wound infection has been defined as a local inflammation (redness and hyperthermia), usually with fever and/or discharge of pus. In some doubtful cases, a longer observation period was necessary to obtain a correct interpretation. Four out of 210 clean wounds (1.9%) became infected in the patients receiving ampicillin compared with 12 out of 210 (5.7%) in the control group. The difference could have arisen by chance less that one in a hundred times (p less than 0.01). It is our opinion therefore that after clean operations, the higher the risk of local infection, the more effective the topical use of antibiotics.


[Diagnostic problems in adenocarcinoma of the endometrium in women less than 40 years of age]. Endometrial adenocarcinoma in women under the age of forty presents a different course according to its histology. Adenocarcinomas of the endometrium may be classified into 4 main types: type 1, homologous or endometrioid; type 2, fallopian-like; type 3, cervical-like; type 4, unclassifiable. The majority of homologous adenocarcinomas have a relatively benign course, whereas the other types are definitely malignant. There is no room for doubt between adenocarcinoma and atypical endometrial hyperplasia in women under forty unless the histological pattern is of the homologous or endometrioid type, because the other patterns are definitely malignant.


[A case of pseudosarcoma of the esophagus (author's transl)]. Pseudosarcoma of the esophagus previously has been described and documented in only 13 patients. Our case, after a successful total esophagectomy with esophagogastroplasty, is physically well without any symptoms of recurrence to date (18 months postoperative).


[Reliability and value of diagnostic lymphography in carcinoma of the sigmoid, rectum and anus (author's transl)]. From 1963 to 1973, 253 patients with cancer of the sigmoid, rectum and anus underwent diagnostic lymphography at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan. In 218 patients lymphography was performed as part of the intial diagnostic work-up, while in 35 it was done during the follow up period, after surgery. The accuracy of radio-histological correlation was 95%. This confirms the reliability of diagnostic lymphography and its clinical usefulness. In view of these results, this diagnostic tool is essential in the initial evaluation in patients with carcinoma of the anus, because lymphography was superior (28%) to the clinical inspection (6%) in the evaluation of the inguino-iliac lymph nodes. Lymphography is also useful in rectal cancer since it permits, in case of nodal metastases, selection of a group of patients in whom the therapeutic program should be revised. The exam is useless in cancer of the sigmoid. In the small group of patients who had lymphography in the follow up period, this technique was the only to show, in symptomatic patients, the presence of pelvic and/or para-aortic nodal metastases. Lymphography is also useful in these patients for the evaluation of the results of the radio/chemotherapy on involved nodes.


[A case of thyroid metastasis from hypernephroma (author's transl)]. The literature on the subject is reviewed and a case of isolated thyroid metastasis from hypernephroma is presented. Although isolated metastases are very rare, the possibility of long survival justifies aggressive surgery.


[Content of N-acetyl-alpha-l-aspartyl-l-glutamate in bird brain in ontogenesis and under hyperoxia]. Distribution of N-acetyl-alpha-l-glutaminic peptide (NAAG) and N-acetyl-l-aspartic acid (NAAA) in brain of different age chickens was studied in norm and under hyperoxia. The content of NAAG in the chicken brain during the first four weeks of life is more than 6 times as high and that of NAAA-4.3 times as high as their level in newborns. After the effect of a high pressure of oxygen (3.25 atm. on birds for 60 min) the content of NAAG lowers considerably in the brain of 14-, 21- and 30-day chickens, that of NAAA in them increases.


[Effect of heavy mechanical trauma on content of lactic and pyruvic acids in rat brain]. The content of lactic and pyruvic acids in the brain was studied as affected by heavy mechanical trauma. It was established that under the trauma effect the content of lactic acid in the brain tissue increases and phase changes are observed in the content of pyruvic acid and in the value of the lactate pyruvate ratio. Lactic acid accumulates most intensively in the cerebellum, cortex and subcortical areas of the brain, and less intensively--in medulla oblongata and spinal cord.


[Effect of yeast mannans on aldolase of rat blood serum]. The activity of aldolase in rat blood serum was studied in experiments in vitro and in vivo as affected by extracellular mannan of Rhodotorula rubra. It was established that in vitro the polysaccharide has an inhibitory effect in the enzyme and in vivo, vice versa, activates it. The maximal activation is observed against a background of the V increase and Km decrease. By the preparative electrophoresis in 7.5% polyakrylamide gel seven isoenzymes of aldolase are obtained. After introduction of the polysaccharide the activity in the individual isoforms of the enzyme increases.


[Antiprotease activity of the inhibitor from dog submandibular salivary glands]. The influence of trielin, an inhibitor from dog submandibular salivary glands, was studied as applied to the activity of elastase, trypsin and chemotrypsin determined by their degrading action on protein and synthetic substrates. The inhibition constants were calculated for the enzymes. The inhibitory effect of trielin was especially developed on the trypsin when using N-alpha-benzoyl-arginine-p-nitroanilide as a substrate. On the basis of inhibition constants the affinity of different substrates to elastase trypsin and chemotrypsin was shown.


[Effect of immunoglobulin G in the blood serum from cancer patients on glycolysis]. The activity of reconstructed glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase reactions was studied as affected by immunoglobulin G of blood serum from patients with cancer and protein positively reacting in sedimentation test for cancer which is one of its subfractions. Addition of the protein under study to the sample is shown to inhibit the glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase reaction but activates the lactate dehydrogenase one. On the basis of the data obtained a conclusion is made that the effect of immunoglobulins G in the glycolytic systems is connected with the reactions of hydrogen transfer.


[Solubilization of sarcolemma acetylcholinesterase with Triton X-100 and KCl]. It is shown that simultaneous treatment with sarcolemma with triton X-100 (0.1-1.0%) and KCl (0.6-1.2 M) solubilizes about 60% of acetyl cholinesterase, however its specific activity in the intact sarcolemma and in the obtained fractions is the same. A considerable part of lipids (about 90% of phospholipids and 50% of cholesterol) may be removed by treating sarcolemma with 0.1% triton X-100; it may be fixed in the membrane by hydrophoric bonds. Other phospholipids and cholesterol are bound with sarcolemma proteins more strongly and, probably, form the protein-lipid complexes. In the composition of phospholipids strongly bound with sarcolemma proteins a relative content of sphingomyelin increases and that of lysolecithin decreases.


[Effect of ischemia on content of acid-soluble nucleotides in rat liver]. A drop in the acid-soluble nucleotide concentrations was studied in the rat liver following different periods of ishemia as well as the resynthesis of these compounds 2 and 24 h after re-establishment of blood circulation. After 5 min ishemia sharp drop was found in the amount of nucleoside triphosphates, UDP-glucose and UDP-glucuronic acid. After 30 to 60 min ischemia the available quantities of acid-soluble nucleotides remained unchanged, then a tendency to a subsequent slight reduction in their amount was observed. All acid-soluble nucleotides the quantity of which dropped noticeably during ischemia were resynthesized to a great extent 2 hours after re-establishment of blood circulation in 30- and 60-min ischemic livers; the synthesizing ability of the 120-min ischemic liver cells was considerably weaker than that of 30 and 60-min ischemic cells, particularly in the later periods after cessation of ischemia.


[Study of peptide composition in serum albumin in patients with thyroid gland dysfunction]. Trypsin hydrolyzates of blood serum albumin of healthy people and patients with diffuse thyrotoxicosis and hypothyreosis were studied by the cellulose thin-layer electrochromatography. All the patients were found to have changes in the peptide composition of albumin trypsin hydrolyzate which resulted in disappearance of some peptides as well as in the appearance of new ones. Simultaneously conducted measurements of dispersion of optical rotation detected some changes in spectropolarimetric characteristics which provide the evidence for disperalization of its molecule. The found changes in albumin are determined by the disorder of normal protein biosynthesis and possible metabolic damage of protein.


[Content of pentoses in erythrocytes of patients with Erb's myopathy]. It is established that in erythrocytes of patients with Erb's myopathy the total content of carbohydrates is considerably decreased and the content of pentoses is increased. After administration of ATP and cocarboxylase for 28-32 days in patients with inconsiderable atrophies the content of pentoses of the adenylic system increases and in the group with the developed atrophies the level of phosphorylated pentoses increases. The data obtained make it possible to consider metabolism of glucose in erythrocytes with Erb's myopathy transfers to the embryonic level.


[Methylation of rat liver tRNA under different experimental conditions]. The primary biochemical and conformational changes in tRNA of the albino rat liver were studied under conditions of X-ray irradiation and under the effect of prozerine and nicotinic acid. Under the effect of these factors the rate of the liver tRNA methylation increases by 45, 103 and 112%, respectively. The melting point of the tRNA control preparations is 61 degrees C, under the the effect of irradiation--57 degrees C, under the prozerine and nicotinic acid effect--52 degrees C. Hyperchromia of the tRNA control and experimental preparations is equal to 28, 30 and 34%, respectively. No changes were found in sedimentation coefficient of the tRNA control and experimental preparations.


[Content of total and esterified cholesterol in liver tissue and blood with chronic protein-choline deficiency]. Serum and liver total cholesterol and cholesterol esters were studied in rats of different stages of pathological process induced by a prolonged protein and choline deficiency. Depending upon the time of its application the protein-choline deficiency produced in rats a moderate fatty infiltration, a developed lipohepatosis, fibrosis and nodular liver cirrhosis. Application of the diet resulted in an increase in total cholesterol starting from the first days of developing fatty degeneration of the liver. This increase in total liver cholesterol is at the expense of the increase in cholesterol esters, accumulation of which appeared to be maximum at the stage of the cirrhosis development. In choline-deficient rats the concentration of serum total cholesterol proves to be similar to that in control animal receiving the basic diet, and the content of serum cholesterol esters is considserably decreased. The addition of choline to the cirrhosis-producing diet prevented the development of fatty infiltration, but could not avert disorders in cholesterol metabolism which resulted in an increase in serum total cholesterol with the free cholesterol fraction and a decrease in the cholesterol esters fraction with some accumulation of cholesterol esters in rats liver.


[Some peculiarities of skin metabolism with vitamin A deficit]. The paper deals with studying the effect of vitamin A deficit in the rat organism on the incorporation of the C14-labelled asparaginic acid serine-3-C14 and glycine-2-C14 into different fractions of skin proteins, with determining the content of glycine cycle components (glycine, glycolic acid and glycolic aldehyde), activity of phosphatases and succinate dehydrogenase in the skin as well as the quantity of mucopolysaccharides and seromucoids in the skin and blood serum. It is established that with vitamin A deficit the intensity of the incorporation of labelled asparaginic acid and serine into the skin total proteins decreases and the incorporation of glycine-2-C14 into the total proteins and the fraction of soluble non-collagen proteins of skin increases. The intensity of the incorporation of the labelled asparaginic acid into the skin soluble collagen falls by 40% but almost twice as high into the soluble non-collagen proteins. A 47% decrease of glycine, 22% fall of glycolic acid and almost two-fold increase of glycolic aldehyde are observed in the skin of the animals with A-avitaminosis. Skin extracts manifest a higher activity of alkaline and acid phosphatases, but a lower activity of succinate dehydrogenase in comparison with control.


[Content of free and bound phenols in hair follicles of sheep skin]. The content of phenols combined with sulphuric and glucoronic acids as well as the influence of vitamin A, sulphur and insulin hormone on the quantity of phenol were studied in the hair follicles of sheep skin. The presence of free and bound phenols in the hair follicles was established. An addition of vitamin A in a dose of 3500 i. u. per head a day to the ration of sheep causes an increase in the content of conjugated phenols, especially of phenolsulphates. A still more noticeable increase in the number of conjugated phenols may be observed under influence of vitamin A, insulin and sodium sulphate.


[Antigenic composition of prealbumin fraction of bull brain water-soluble proteins]. The antigenic composition was studied in the fraction of prealbumins obtained by preparative electrophoresis in the agar hel of proteins salted out from the aqueous extract of bull cerebral hemispheres with amminiom sulphate within saturation limits of 60-100% (fraction 0.6-1). The chickens antisera immunized with the fraction of bull brain prealbumins were used in the experiment. One organospecific and species-nonspecific antigen called the antigen D is found by the method of immunoelectrophoresis in the components of the prealbumin fraction by means of the antisera obtained. This antigen is detected in water-soluble proteins of the bull great cerebral hemispheres and optic nerve. The antigen immunologically identical to that of the bull is contained in the aqueous extract of the rabbit and rat brain and is not found in the chicken brain.


[Effect on growing conditions on protein content and amino acid composition of acinetobacter calcoaticus]. The protein content and amino acid composition of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus were studied as dependent on the stages of development and different hydrocarbon sources. The protein content was always the greatest at the logarithmic stage and decreased approaching the stationary stage. When cultivating on different hyrocarbon sources only an insignificant differedce in the content of protein was observed. A relative amino acid composition of Ac. calcoaceticus remained practically constant during the growth up to the stationary stage. When using different sources of hydrocarbon no changes were found in the relative composition of amino acids as well as in the total content of protein.


[Sterols of horse erythrocytes].

[Sterols of horse erythrocytes]. Sterols of the whole erythrocytes, hemoglobin, membranes and their protein fractions were studied. Erythrocytes and their components were established to contain, besides cholesterol, other substances of the sterol nature. Cholesterol, 7-dehydrocholesterol and other substances of the cholesterol series are practically completely linked with the lipoproteid fractions of the erythrocyte membrane whereas all sterols found in the native erythrocytes in negligible amounts are bound with hemoglobin.


[The effect of surface-active drug on properties of trypsin monolayers]. When the monolayers of trypsin are compressed on the surface of the medicinal substances solution they remain mixed even when high pressure is applied. The experiments on reversibility also indicate that certain medicinal substances remain in the monolayers. An increase in the surface pressure causes partial (dimedrol, barbamyl) or complete (analgin, amidopyrin) displacement of medicinal substances out of the trypsin monolayer. This proves that there is no strong interaction between them. Unlike proteins, the monolayer of acetyl alcohol is less penetrable and indicates the absence of interaction with dimedrol where the mature of the monolayer is of great importance.


[Denaturation stabilization of alpha-amylase from Aspergillus oryzae]. Denaturation of alpha-amylase from Aspergillus oryzae was studied under the effect of heating urea and some other denaturating agents. Inhibition in the enzyme denaturation, deviation from the first order equation and, consequently, establishment of the false equilibrium in the system are shown. The values are calculated for the reaction rate constants of alpha-amylase denaturation under the effect to heat (40 degrees C) and urea. A method is developed for isolating native amylase stabilized by heating at 40 degrees C during the period of inactivation slowing down and preservation to the 50-70% activity in the system. It is shown that in the presence of calcium ions the stability of the isolated native enzyme is 13.0 +/- 2.5% hihger on the average to heating up to 40 degrees C, 28.4 %/- 7.2% higher - to the effect of 5.5 M urea and 18.4 +/- 3.6% higher - to 18% alcohol.


[Transformation of glucose-1-phosphate by hemolysates of sheep erythrocytes]. Transformation of glucose-1-phosphate (G-1-P) by hemolyzates of sheep erythrocytes was studied depending on its concentration, dilution of erythrocytes, manganese ions and time of incubation. MgC12 in a concentration of 5-25 mM is shown to produce a two-fold intensification of G-1-P transformation and formation of fructose. A further increase in MgC12 concentration results in a gradual and at last, complete inhibition of the phosphoglucomutase reaction. A two-fold rise in the content of erythrocyte hemolyzate protein increases respectively the utilization of G-1-P. Transformation is 4 mM and time of incubation 60 min. The sum of sugars in the process of incubation does not change essentially, that evidences for inconsiderable transformation of G-1-P up to lactic acid. An increase in the pentoses content is observed with low concentrations of the substrate only.


[Enzymatic transformation of O-heptyl-O-orthonitrophenylmethylphosphonate--a cholinesterase--blocking agent in rat tissue homogenates]. The study of enzymic transformations of O-heptyl-O-orthonitrophenylmethylphosphate in homogenates in the liver, kidney, brain and in blood serum of rats revealed the hydrolysis of aryl-phosphate bound only. Certain data are obtained illustrating identity of the enzyme under study to paraoxonase. The results of the experiments showed that IP-optical isomers of O-heptyl-O-orthonitrophenylphosphonate are likely to exist, the hepatic and renal enzymes possessing the pronounced stereospecificity and destroying preferably the dextrorotatory isomer.


[Changes in the functional state of rat liver and kidney mitochondria under the effect of electromagnetic fields]. Oxidative phosphorylation and optical density of the rat liver and kidney mitochondria were studied under the effect of UHF and SHF electromagnetic fields of different power and duration of the action. It is established that a single action of these fields induces changes in the functional state of the mitochondria. The action by the UHF and SHF fields of 30W for 10 min increases the activity of respiration and phosphorylation in the liver and kidney mitochondria. The actions of the SHF electric field of 50 and 50W and UHF fields of 80W induce the splitting of oxidation phosphoryation, in the mitochondria. In this case there arise a considerable swelling of the mitochondria, which is evidenced by a decrease in their optic density.


[Content of glycoproteins in rat blood in experimental hypothyreosis]. The data are presented of parallel studies of the effect of different "thyreostatic" remedies as applied to concentration of certain glycoproteid components of blood in rats. Dynamics and correlation of disturbances were studied between the changes in the content of the glycidogram fractions and blood carbohydrate-containing glycoproteids. An essential change in glycoproteid blood metablolism is established. It is characterized by a significant decrease in the concentration of albumin alpha2- and gamma-globulin factors of the glycidogram and creuloplasmin as well as by a simultaneous rise in the level of alpha1- and beta-globulin fractions, hexosamine, haptoglobin, transferrine and L-fucose in the animals under experiment. The value of changes in the blood serum glycoproteid tests under study is determined as dependent on the type of the "thyreostatic" remedy, dose and duration time of the thyreostatic preparation administration. The maximal tine was established for an increase in the content of certain glycoproteids during the experiment and in different periods after it. An attempt is also made to explain the reasons affecting the disturbances of glycoproteid metabolism in blood with hypothyreosis in rats.


[Ontogenic properties of ketone body metabolism in pig tissues]. When incubating the liver slices of pig fetuses in the Krebs-Ringer phosphate buffer without substrates and with addition of butyrate and acetate a considerably lesser amount of ketone bodies is formed than with incubation of the liver slices of adult pigs. Therefore, a higher level of the ketone bodies in blood and tissues of the fetuses as compared to adult pigs is not due to ketogenesis in their liver, but is a result of their entering from the mother or formation in the placenta. When incubated in the above-mentioned medium the fetus skeletal muscle slices utilize exogenous acetoacetate in a significantly more quantity than the muscle slices of the adult animals. The liver and skeletal muscle slices of the fetuses reduce endogenous and exogenous acetoacetate into beta-hydroxybutyrate more intensively as compared to slices of the same tissues of the adult animals.


Electrocardiographic changes during the first few seconds after cardioversion of atrial fibrillation and flutter. Electrocardiograms were registered with a special technique during attempts at cardioversion in 22 patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter. The registrations permitted analysis of the electrocardiogram 0.1-0.5 s after the electrical discharge. Mean values indicate that there is no compensatory pause after the d.c. shock. After 29 of the 42 synchronized d.c. shocks the first QRS complex was aberrant.


[Biochemiluminescence of tissue lipids under hormonal cancerogenesis]. The chemiluminescence of ovarian tumours tissue lipids was studied at various stages of hormonal cancerogenesis. With the growth of the ovarian tumour the biochimiluminescence intensity decreases and becomes minimal in the period of granulous cell formations. The inverse relationship is observed when studying biochimiluminescence of common liver lipids in tumour-bearing animals, which is explained by migration of bioantioxidants from the liver to the tumour. The changes in the biochimiluminescence intensity at various stages of hormonal cancerogenesis is connected with the processes of tumour cells proliferation.


[Galascorbine structure, studied by nuclear magnetic resonance]. The chemical structure of a galascorbine molecule was studied by the nuclear magnetic resonance NMR technique. On the basis of the obtained NMR spectra a conclusion was drawn than galascorbine is ester ascorbic acid and tannin hydroxycarbon acids. This finding was confirmed by the results of independent studies in the products of interaction between ascorbic and gallic acids.


[Content of ubiquinone and ubichromenol in rat liver at various levels of vitamin E saturation of the body]. Ubiquinone and ubichromenol content was studied at different levels of organism supply with vitamin E. The content of these substances in the albino rat liver with vitamin E-deficiency is shown to decrease by 16 and 23%, respectively. The intravenous administration of alpha-tocopherol to the vitamin E-deficiency rats causes a gradual 45% increase in the ubiquinone content 4h after which remains at the same level for 8 h; the ubichromenol content 2 h latter is 1.7 times as high and then it lowers gradually up to the level in the avitaminous animals.


Effects and interactions of oxygen and prostaglandins on the tone of the isolated human umbilical artery. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) were found to be equipotent contractors of the isolated human umbilical artery (HUA) in the concentration range 0.2-40 mug/ml. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) relaxed HUA at 0.1-3.0 mug/ml, whereas at 10-50 mug/ml contraction occurred. PGE2 was significantly more potent at a PO2 of 102 mmHg than at 27, 48 and above 400 mmHg. An increase in PO2 per se (27- greater than 400 mmHg) resulted occasionally in minor increases in the tone of the HUA. Such effects of oxygen had a lag period of 10-15 min. It is suggested that an increased formation of prostaglandins in the umbilical artery at birth is a more likely cause of the closure of the vessel than an increase in PO2.


[Generation and transport systems of restored equivalents in rabbit brain tissue under experimental atherosclerosis]. Distrubances are found in the shuttle transport systems of extramitochonidral hydrogen in the brain of rabbits with experimental atherosclerosis, the catalytical function of glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrohenase being preserved. A decrease in the activity of cytoplasmatic glycerophosphate dehydrogenase was observed parallel with an increase in the content of glycerophosphate. Deviations from the norm in the malate-aspartate shunt are pronounced in a considerable activation of mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase, inhibition of aspartate amino transpherase, accumulation of oxaloacetate and exhaustion of the malate stock. Beta-Oxybutyrate dehydrogenase activates sharply, the content of acetoacetate increases. The total activity of hexoxokinase in cytoplasm and mitochondria remains practically unchanged.


[Effect of ATP and glutaminic acid on carbohydrate-energy and nitrogen metabolism in the rat brain and liver under the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field]. Oxidative phosphorylation, content of lactate, creatine phosphate, ammonia and glutamine were studied as affected by ATP and glutaminic acid in the brain and liver of rat subjected to the action of the pulsed electromagnetic field of 7 kHz frequency (72 kA/m, 15 seances). ATP (1 mg per 100 g of weight) was found to have a normalizing effect on the processes of nitrogen metabolism in the rat brain, ATP increasing the intenstiy of the oxidative phosphorylation in the tissues of intact rats, has no analogous influence on the irradiated animals. With administration of glutaminic acid (5 mg per 100 g of weight) the processes of oxidative phosphorylation and nitrogen metabolism, disturbed under the effect of the pulsed electromagnetic field are normalized.


[Immobilization of trypsin on polyurethane matrix]. A method is developed to bind trypsin with the polyurethane matrix. At the first stage the reaction between trypsin and toluylendiisocyanate (TD1) was performed. At the second stage polyisocyanate obtained on the base of TDI-trypsin was sewn with polyoxypropylene glycol with a molecular weight of 1500. 2,4,6-Tris(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol served as an accelerator of the reaction. The polymer obtained is fine-porous and high-elastic. The chemical interaction of trypsin with the polymer is confirmed by the method of IR-spectroscopy and a decrease in the amount of free isocyanate groups. It is shown that the enzymic activity of trypsin chemically bound with the polymer is preserved at a room temperature for several months. When the polymeric net is formed from macrodiisocyanate in the presence of trypsin under conditions when the chemical interaction between the polymer and enzyme activity is also preserved, its value in this case being dependent on the relative content of the enzyme in the polymer -- it is higher in the case when the relative content of the enzyme is less, that may indicate the role of the polymer as a heterogenic cocatalyst or activator. The value of the proteolytic activity of the polymer with the chemically added trypsin is practically constant with its washing off in the column for 24h with 0,05 M veronal buffer whereas under these conditions the polymer with "free" trypsin loses completely the enzymic activity.


Studies on cerebrovascular stroke. I. Epidemiology of first-time strokes in persons under 70 years of age. The present investigation was carried out to study the incidence of new cerebrovascular strokes (cerebral haemorrhage, cerebral infarction and cerebral embolism) in people under the age of 70. SUCH INFORMATION HAS HITHERTO BEEN LACKING. The material comprises all cases from Uppsala county occurring between 1967 and 1971. The incidence was found to be 36/100,000 inhabitants. Of the total number of strokes, 25% were recurrences. During the period of study the incidence showed a moderate but significant decrease. It is assumed that this decrease is due to an extended and improved treatment of hypertension. It was observed that there were 6 females below 40 years of age. All had been on oral contraceptives at the time of the stroke. There was a high incidence of diabetes and symptoms of cardiovascular impairment (hypertension, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), cardiosclerotic disease) in the series. A high incidence of myocardial infarction was found among the parents of the cases of cerebral haemorrhage. A high incidence of strokes was found among the parents of those having cerebral infarctions.


Stroke before fifty. Experiences from a five-year study. Thirty-seven patients below the age of 50, with an acute first-time cerebrovascular lesion have been studied. Some form of predisposing factor was present in nearly all cases. There was a remarkably high incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease among the parents of the stroke victims. Only 50% of the patients with hypertension known prior to the stroke had received adequate treatment. There were six females on oral contraceptives. The immediate mortality, i.e. within one month, was 35% essentially caused by a very high initial mortality among patients with cerebral haemorrhage. The patients were checked after 30 months. At this time, 16 patients were still alive and 11 able to perform some sort of work. Among the survivors there was a high incidence of diabetes and impaired glucose metabolism, to judge from intravenous glucose tolerance tests. The chances of survival and vocational rehabilitation seem to be fairly good, compared with higher age groups, thus urgently calling upon the resources of the community for active therapeutic measures and training. Individuals with hypertension and impaired glucose tolerance, with heredity for vascular disease and diabetes seem to be especially at risk for early stroke. Health surveys should be directed to tracing these subjects early.


The influence of calcium on the electrical and mechanical activity of the guinea pig ureter. Low calcium concentration in the external medium depolarises the membrane of smooth muscle cells of the ureter and their excitability diminishes. The Ca++ dependent oscillations of the action potential disappears, while the plateau component is more resistent. Analogous reactions are observed by the addition of Ca++ antagonists such as Lantanum or Verapramil. A high Calcium concentration produces a slight hyperpolarisation, which stabilises the membrane and enhances the spike component while decreasing the plateau component of the action potential. It is possible that several drugs act indirectly on the ureter by changing the relationship between the calcium concentration of the external versus the internal medium.


The influence of potassium on the electrical and mechanical activity of the guinea pig ureter. Increase of the external K+ concentration depolarises the ureteral muscle membrane and induces, after a transient period of increased spontaneous activity, a tonic contraction. Tetraethylammonium, in concentrations normally required for ganglion blocking activity, does not influence the ureteral activity, but in higher doses it prolonges the duration of the action potential several times and increases the intraluminal pressure. Ouabain has only an inhibitory effect on the guinea pig ureter.


The influence of sodium on the electrical and mechanical activity of the ureter. In Sodium-deficient solutions both the electrical and mechanical activity of the ureter are reduced. The plateau component of the action potential in the smooth muscle cell of the guinea pig ureter is more affected than the oscillations. Tetrodotoxin, which blocks the action potential in nerves, does not influence activity or conduction in the ureter. This is an important argument for the myogenic conduction of activity in this tissue.


Concentration of antibiotics in renal interstitial fluid: an experimental model. In a new canine experimental model the time concentration relationship of cephalothin in serum, urine, soft tissue interstitial fluid (STIF) and renal interstitial fluid (RIF) were compared simultaneously. Antibiotic concentration in RIF was less than urinary levels but exceeded the serum concentration. Urinary antibiotic concentration does not necessarily reflect concentration in the renal interstitium. This model helps to understand the basic pharmacokinetics of antibiotics in the renal interstitium where pyelonephritis occurs.


Compensatory renal hypertrophy. I. Following unilateral nephrectomy. An experimental study in dogs. The compensatory renal hypertrophy and hyperfunction following unilateral nephrectomy have been studied in dogs over a two-year period. It was found that a sharp increase in function and volume of kidney tissue takes place during the first two weeks. CCr and volume of kidney tissue continue to increase reaching average values after two years of 88% and 92% respectively of those for two kidneys. CPAH and TmPAH remain almost stable at 65% and 57% respectively after an initial increase during the first two weeks. All values are expressed in percent of the function of two normal kidneys before unilateral nephrectomy. The filtration seems to be increasingly efficient and the functional integrity of the nephrons is preserved, although a glomerular predominance is encountered two years following unilateral nephrectomy.


Compensatory renal hypertrophy. II. During contralateral hydronephrosis. An experimental study in dogs. Compensatory renal hypertrophy and hyperfunction during contralateral chronic hydronephrosis was investigated. It was found that graded impairment of the function in hydronephrotic kidneys causes proportional compensatory hypertrophy and hyperfunction in the contralateral normal kidney. The functional pattern both "per kidney" and "per nephron" was the same in the kidneys investigated here and in kidneys where contralateral nephrectomy had been performed, but whereas a decreased ability to concentrate the urine maximally and to reabsorb sodium was encountered in the latter, this could not be detected in this study. On the other hand, a decreased COSM in the diseased kidney did not stimulate a corresponding increase in the contralateral kidney as did unilateral nephrectomy. Adaptive and growth dependent changes in compensatory renal hypertrophy are discussed.


The reabsorption of creatinine from the rabbit bladder. Using a radioisotope technique the reabsorption of creatinine from normal, inflamed and chronically obstructed bladders of rabbits was investigated. The reabsorption of creatinine from normal bladders was minimal. Chronic obstruction lead to a rise of the reabsorption rate. The most marked reabsorption however was found with the inflamed bladders. This difference of creatinine reabsorption is statistically significant and it was detectable in the 14C-creatinine content of the blood, 14C-creatinine content of the renal pelvis urine and in the activity loss in the bladder urine. The vesical reabsorption of creatinine corresponds in principle with the urea reabsorption which was investigated earlier by the same method. The extent of reabsorption is however different and urea is reabsorbed to a substantially greater extent.


[Indications for cutaneous ureterostomy. Experience with 117 cases (author's transl)]. 74 cases of cutaneous ureterostomy and 22 cases of in situ fistula of the ureter are reviewed. Cutaneous ureterostomy was mostly carried out as a palliative procedure in cases of far advanced bladder or gynecological cancers. 13 patients had complications that required surgical intervention (7 ureteral stricture, 6 cases of pyonephroses caused by stone formation). The in situ fistula mostly served as temporary urinary diversion before definitive reconstructive surgery of the urinary tract was feasible. All patients had chronic urinary tract infection. We consider ureterostomy in situ and cutaneous ureterostomy as safe, rewarding procedures for this type of patients.


[Comments on problems of uretero-ileo-cystoplasty (author's transl)]. Referring to six cases of our own we comment on indication and operative procedures with uretero-ileo-cystoplasty. Postoperative complications as stone-formation, urinary infection, stenosis of anastomosis etc. are discussed. In spite of vesico-renal reflux with every case longterm-results seem rather sufficient in four of our cases.


[Antireflux procedures in advanced pyelonephritic kidneys. A modification of the grégoir-operation (author's transl)]. Kidneys in which pyelonephritic scars can already be observed radiologically are very sensitive to the dilatation, almost regularly following antireflux procedures: deterioration of renal function and progressing scarring may follow. - For these difficult cases a modification of the Grégoir Operation is proposed: 1 or 2 cm above the entrance of the ureter into the bladder wall the ureter is incised and a splint of small size introduced up to the renal pelvis. This splint is meant to remain as long as an uninhibited flow of urine through the operation site (the submucosal channel) can be consistently registered by image amplifier. - The described procedure has been executed in 12 cases without serious complications. In no case a postoperative dilatation of the upper urinary tract had to be registered. Further and longtime results will be reported.


[The position of the renal pelvic axis in the infant (author's transl)]. The position of the longitudinal axis of the renal pelvic system is of special significance in the diagnosis of renal pelvic reduplications, horseshoe kidneys and space occupying processes of the kidney. The present study of 143 normal infant urograms shows that the angle between the axis of the renal pelvis and the axis of the vertebra is dependent on age. While in the newborn a negative angle is a common finding, during adolescence the axis approaches the position we usually find in the adult.


[The new iglesias resectoscope (author's transl)]. The new Iglesias resectoscope with continuous irrigation has been described. Advantages of this instrument include: no interruption of the TUR, better endoscopic vision, decreased and equally strong intravesical pressure, shorter operating time, less bleeding, easier teaching and performing of transurethral resections.


[The transurethral electroresection with continuous waterflow through a new resectoscope (author's transl)]. We report on the experiences of more than 100 resections of the adenoma of the prostata gland with a new resectoscope is made known. This offers the advantages of the continuous waterflow by maintaining physiological bladder pressure. The possibility of permanent resection leads to 1. a considerably shortened operation time and 2. abolition of the TUR syndrom 3. The requirement of electroresection is facilitated.


[The retropenitoneal fibrosis (septennial observation of a female patient) (author's transl)]. It is reported on a septennial observation of a 43 year old woman, who was admitted to the hospital in 1968 with at first unclear symptoms and who developed an azotemia within a few days. The infusion pyelogram showed a hydronephrosis with enlargement of the upper part of the ureter; the lower part of the ureter was normal. After displacement of the ureters out of the fibrotic clasping into a duplicate of the peritoneum, the urine flow has normalized. After 7 years the patient is now healthy and able to work. The cause of the urinary stasis was histologically cleared as retroperitoneal fibrosis.


[Mucouria in urachal adenoma (author's transl)]. Recurrent macrohematuria and massive mucous flow from the urethra have been observed in a 81-year-old woman. Cystoscopy reveals a tumor of about pea-size in the apex of the bladder, which is histologically classified as an urachal adenoma. Clinical aspects and pathogenesis are discussed.


[Presentation of the distal border-line in TUR resection of the prostate (author's transl)]. A method is described by which TUR of the prostate safely can be performed without endangering the external sphincter. A fold proximal to the external sphincter can be induced by digital pressure in the rectum determinating the distal borderline of the resection.


[Immune histological representation of uromucoid in the kidney of man and rat (author's transl)]. Uromucoid of the rat shows cross reactions with antihumanuromucoid serum. Localisation of this protein in the kidney of rat in comparison to the kidney of man was carried through by immune histological technique with a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated antihumanuromucoid globuline. Results show that in rat and man synthesis site of Uromucoid are the distale tubules.


[Permanent stop of renal circulation by embolisation with microspheres. Preliminary report (author's transl)]. The risk of tumor cell dislodgement during operative removal of carcinoma of the kidney is reduced by preoperative occlusion of the renal arteries. After the intraarterial injection of 250 mu microspheres a complete blockage of the intrarenal circulation was found in all three experimental animals for at least 2 hrs. In the other two dogs the blockage remained unchanged over 24 hrs. Subsequent experiments shall demonstrate that the simple embolisation technique using microspheres is more stable than other methods.


[The bladder neck stenosis following prostatectomy. The various types and their treatment]. Twenty patients with contracture of the vesical neck following prostatectomy and with Marion's disease were successfully treated with Y-V plastic operation and posterior wedge excision. One patient had to remain in cystotomy catheterization because it was not possible at operation to detach the wall of the bladder from the os pubis. Five of eight patients were treated successfully by transurethral resection. The remaining three patients developed a recurrent contracture and underwent Y-V plastic operation. A stenosis at the site of anastomosis following radical retropubic prostatectomy may sometimes be managed by a Y-V operation using a simple retropubic approach. This was the procedure in one case. However, when the stenosis lies too deep in relation to the os pubis, one can always gain access via a pubectomy. Chiefly, contracture of the vesical cervix postprostatectomy is discussed, as well as the degree of obstruction, the characteristic symptoms, and the risks associated with wrong diagnosis. A new theory on the etiology is briefly described.


[Urinary tract manifestations of ruptured infrarenal aortic aneurysms (author's transl)]. 18 patients were admitted from 1969 to 1973 to the Surgical and Urological University Clinic in Mainz with ruptured infrarenal aortic aneurysms. Three patients died immediately following the operation and three during surgery from internal hemorrhage. Eight patients died later following prolonged shock. Four patients survived surgery. The classical symptoms of shock, abdominal pain and pulsating tumor was only present in three patients. The diagnosis was only made in seven patients at admission, from the clinical findings. Urological symptoms were also prominent such as unilateral flank pain, colic, dysuria, anuria and tenderness over the kidney. There is no typical clinical picture of ruptured aortic aneurysm. Acute urological symptomatology in cases of acute abdomen with unclear etiology and in connection with shock could indicate a ruptured aortic aneurysm. There is absolute indication for immediate operative intervention. The aneurysm is removed and replaced by a vascular prosthesis. Early diagnosis is important since prolonged shock and anuria will result in a poor postoperative prognosis. Abdominal exploration is therefore also indicated when a ruptured aortic aneurysm is only suspected.


[Spermatological and histological findings in patients with varicocele (author's transl)]. In 31 patients with unilateral idiopathic varicocele it was sought to correlate spermiogram and morphology of testis, particularly germinative epithelium, interstitial connective tissue and blood vessels. In both testes of all of 12 patients with pathological sperm striking morphological changes were found, from depletion of germinative cells to Sertoli-cell-only syndrome and including fibrosis of the interstitial tissue, reduction and occasionally diffuse or nodular hyperplasia of the Leydig cells as well as typical vascular changes. Due to alterations to the vascular walls the germinative epithelium had degenerated, this accounting for sub- and infertility, In the prophylaxis of fertility disturbances, the findings indicate that the same aspects apply to both varicocele and undecended testis.


[Hemolysis in not the cause of the TUR-syndrome. The use of non-hemolytic solutions does not prevent its occurrence (author's transl)]. The TUR-syndrome has an acute and a delayed toxic modality. It occurs during the resection of large prostatic glands with long operative times and by perforation of the prostatic capsule. The TUR-syndrome is not caused by hemolysis by but disturbances of the serum electrolytes.


[Pararenal pseudocyst. A rare sequela following blunt abdominal trauma (author's transl)]. On the basis of an organ preserving operative case, the patho-physiological postulation of the origin and the diagnostic difficulty of this rare clinical picture are discussed. Out of the only 30 cases known in the world literature, 26 nephrectomies had to be made. Decisive for the formation are the grave concomitant injuries which mask the local symptomatology of the ureter tear. The duration of the interval trauma - therapy influences decisively the chances of organ preservation (from many weeks to 37 years is unknown).


[Macrohematuria as initial symptom in two cases of renal hamartoma. Case report (author's transl)]. Two patients with bleeding renal hamartoma are presented. The diagnosis of angiolipoleiomyoma and hemangioma was made by angiography. The literature is reviewed and the differential diagnoses are discussed. The difficulties concerning differential diagnoses from neoplastic disease is emphasized.


Dynamic visual field testing using the Amsler grid patterns. An economical and time-sparing technique of dynamic visual field testing employing the Amsler grid patterns and the Berens test targets has been developed. This method accurately detected field loss in all 38 patients and all 63 eyes with neurologic defects tested. In a group of 212 glaucomatous eyes, field defects were determined with 97% specificity.


The human fovea after sungazing.

The human fovea after sungazing. Three patients who had malignant melanomas of the uvea and normal foveas agreed to look at the sun for one hour before enucleation of the eyes. Two of the patients sungazed with an undilated pupil, and 24 hours later, recovered their preexposure visual acuity with no detectable scotoma. One of the patients looked at the sun with a partially dilated pupil, and 24 hours later her visual acuity dropped from 20/20 to 20/25. After sungazing, all three eyes exhibited a prolonged recovery time from the photostress test. Fluorescein angiography in two patients showed that there was leakage of dye in the fovea. Fluorescein angiography done two days earlier had revealed no abnormalities. The foveas of all patients were studied by light and electron microscopy. Two patients showed sloughing of necrotic RPE into the subretinal space at the fovea. Degenerative changes and loss of melanin granules were obsered in the RPE in the fovea of the third patient. This study shows that in spite of the minimal subjective visual impairment, leakage of fluorescein from the choroidal vasculature and histologic changes in the fovea could be demonstrated after exposure to the sunlight.


The punctum plug: evaluation of a new treatment for the dry eye. The problem of a chronic dry eye was approached with the idea of conserving the basal state of tears by inserting a plug to block the lacrimal outflow. The involved anatomy, punctum plug design, method of insertion, and postinsertion instructions were discussed. The results of three patient groups were given and failures discussed. Success in the test group fell between 50% to 75%. Successful insertion and acceptance of the punctum plug should probably exceed 75% in clinical practice.


Genetic counseling of families with Best macular dystrophy. We have examined 233 members of eight families with BMD. Of these, 169 were also examined with EOG. Sibships wherer greater than or equal to 80% of members were examined clinically and with EOG totaled 39. The results established both the validity and reliability of EOG testing in detecting people genetically affected with BMD. Hyperopia is established as an important manifestation of the disease. The visual prognosis of BMD is described.


Ophthalmic injuries: handbook of initial evaluation and management. Initial management of ophthalmic injury in the combat zone of guerrilla warfare has been discussed primarily from the vantage points of paramedical personnel and the physician nonophthalmologist. Details of surgical management have been greatly abbreviated and many areas not discussed at all, since they lie beyond the scope of this report. Continuing improvement and innovations in this report. Continuing improvement and innovations in this sphere require constant familiarity with current ophthalamic literature. Most, if not all, of the methods of examination and treatment described in this paper are as applicable to civilian trauma as to wartime injuries. The improved salvage rate of traumatized eyes and the conspicuous absence of sympathetic ophthalmia among US battle casualties since World War II are encouraging. If similar methods are used to evaluate, treat, and evacuate civilians inflicted with traumatic eye disease, the results should be similar.


Traumatic "pseudoprolapse" of orbital tissues into the maxillary antrum: a diagnostic pitfall. Orbital trauma may result in what we term "pseudoprolapse" of orbital tissues: a subperiosteal, submucosal, or intramucosal hemorrhage which creates a balloon-like elevation of periosteum or maxillary sinus mucosa or both associated with a nondisplaced fracture or in some cases no fracture of the orbital floor. This occasionally causes an erroneous radiographic diagnosis indicating a blowout fracture with prolapse of orbital tissues, resulting in unnecessary surgery.


Treatment of comminuted fractures of the anterior sinus wall. A method of treatment of comminuted fractures of the anterior sinus wall is described utilizing a Foley catheter to splint the fragments and drain the sinus.


A modified pharyngeal flap operation.

A modified pharyngeal flap operation. A modification of the standard, superiorly based, pharyngeal flap operation is presented. The results of this procedure are given for 27 patients and they appear to be superior to those reported by the author for the standard operation.