Florida's experience with an intrauterine device for the nulliparous patients. During a two-year study (1971-1973), 1,179 nulliparous patients used a small double-coil intrauterine device for a total of 9,750 woman months of exposure. The continuation rate achieved was 70%, and a low number of pregnancies were reported. Expulsions totaled 11%, a highly acceptable rate among nulliparous patients. Of three nulliparous devices evaluated, the small coil was selected as the device of first choice in Florida's public health clinics although other devices are available. Study of nulliparous IUD patients was only a small part of the overall study of devices. Experience with 65,693 insertions of Saf-T-Coil and Lippes Loop showed a low number of pregnancies with no reported serious effects such as fatalities, ectopic pregnancies or septic abortions. The current threat posed to wide-scale use of proven intrauterine devices by inappropriate reporting and poor understanding of current investigations of IUD safety could produce unfortunate side effects, including a large surge of unwanted pregnancies across the country.


Profile of a new low dose combination estrogen and progestogen oral contraceptive: a review of nine clinical studies. A new low dose oral contraceptive containing norgestrel 0.3 mg + ethinyl estradiol 0.030 mg was studied by nine investigators in 1287 women during 11,085 treatment cycles, representing 852 woman-years of usage. The preparation was administered on a cyclic basis -- i.e., tablets were taken for 21 days and then omitted for the last seven days of each cycle. Only one woman conceived, giving a use-effectiveness of 0.12/100 woman-years of treatment. Menstrual irregularities were increased slightly from the pretreatment experience, common side effects usually associated with hormonal therapy were minimal, and the product was highly acceptable to most of the women studied. No drug toxicity was demonstrated, and no malignancy of breasts or pelvic organs, no cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, or renal disease, and no pulmonary emboli or cerebrovascular disease was reported. The incidence of dropout for medical reasons was 8.9%.


The termination of human pregnancy with prostaglandin analogs. The investigational use of prostaglandins to establish a safe, alternative method for the termination of pregnancy has shown significant development in the United States. The introduction of second generation compounds was initiated by chemically attaching a methyl group in the 15 carbon position of prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha. These compounds prevented enzymatic degradation by the enzyme prostaglandin 15 dehydrogenase. (15S)-15 methyl prostaglandin E2 methyl ester administered by intramuscular injection has been used successfully to therapeutically terminate pregnancy in 208 women of gestational age six through 20 weeks. Side effects, not major and considered acceptable by the investigator, were vomiting, diarrhea and temperature elevations associated with shaking and chills. (15S)-15 methyl prostaglandin F2alpha (THAM), administered by intramuscular injection, has been used to terminate pregnancy in 283 women. Efficacy rates under optimal dosage regimens have reached 100% with a complete abortion rate of 96%. Gastrointestinal side effects of vomiting and diarrhea occurred, but temperature elevations with associated shaking and chills were infrequent. The mean time from initial therapy to abortion with both compounds has remained under 16 hours. A route of drug therapy for therapeutic termination of human pregnancy has been explored and developed which avoids invasion of the uterus.


A new ethical approach to abortion and its implications for the euthanasia dispute. Mr Gardner, a practising gynaecologist who is necessarily involved with abortion, suggests a view of the fetus which is between the positions commonly held: the fetus is a mass of cells, the fetus is a person from the moment of conception. He considers that from the moment of conception there is established a maternal-fetal unity. In that state the previable fetus is not an individual but is on the way to that status. The writer goes on to differentiate between the moral positions of the advocates of abortion and of euthanasia. Already legal safeguards for those antipathetic to abortion have been eroded in practice and so likewise would those be if the Euthanasia Bill were to become law.


Self-medication with mood changing drugs. The aim of this article is to examine some of the consequences of the recent advances in neurobiology in terms of the ability of drugs to manipulate the mind. Most laymen are totally ignorant of the general mechanism underlying the brain-mind relationship and therefore of the action of mind-altering drugs. Professor Grahame-Smith considers that one of the intrinsic evils of man's neurobiological make up is that a prime motive of the brain seems to be to bring comfort, security and pleasure for itself. Therefore it is not surprising that drugs - notably the barbiturates and more recently the benzodiazepines (tranquilizers) - have been prescribed to give to the brain that peace of mind that it seeks. However, it can be argued that such drugs cannot replace anxiety with peace of mind or unhappiness or depression with happiness. The action of such drugs upon the molecules of the brain is negative - a placebo effect.


Ionic dependence of sodium currents in squid axons analyzed in terms of specific ion "channel" interactions. Inward sodium currents were measured from voltage-clamped giant axons externally perfused with artificial seawater (ASW) solutions containing various concentrations of sodium and potassium ions. The data was analyzed under the assumption that under a constant membrane potential sodium conductance is determined by a specific ion-channel site (SIS) reaction. The sodium current density values were expressed in terms of SIS-reaction rates which were compared, by means of minimization techniques, with those computed for various saturation reaction mechanisms. The following conclusions were drawn: 1) The dependence of peak inward sodium current on external sodium and potassium concentrations can be described in terms of saturation reactions. 2) The experimental data fit well the kinetics of a positive cooperative homotropic reaction, involving at least two allosteric active sites. One of these sites may be catalytic while the other, either catalytic or regulatory. 3) The inhibitory effect of external potassium on inward sodium current, can be described by a reversible competitive or noncompetitive inhibition mechanism. The values of the dissociation constant of the inhibitor-site "complex" (Ki) were found to be close to the external potassium concentration under physiological conditions.


Uptake of sorbitol by chick embryo heart cells at various stages of development. Sorbitol enters chick embryo heart cells from five days of development on. The rate of sorbitol entry becomes slower as development proceeds and the data suggest this is principally due to an increase in the apparent Km of transport, the Vmax remaining relatively constant. The uptake of sorbitol displays saturation kinetics and is believed on this ground to be carrier-mediated. Sorbitol does not appear to be actively transported since it is not concentrated against a gradient and its uptake is not inhibited by iodoacetate or 2, 4-dinitrophenol. Sorbitol does not appear to be taken up via the glucose transport system since uptake is not stimulated by insulin or inhibited by glucose or phloretin.


Transmembrane electrophoresis of 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate through egg lecithin liposome membranes. Valinomycin has been shown to increase the amount of 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) bound to egg lecithin liposomes and also to increase the maximum fluorescence value, as derived from double reciprocal plots. The assay conditions were such that addition of valinomycin would not produce a transmembrane potential. The formation of a valinomycin potassium ANS complex in the micelle membrane is proposed. This could account for the increase in the maximum fluorescence value and, by acting as an ANS transporter, could also account for the increase in ANS bound. Tributylamine was also shown to increase the binding and maximum fluorescence of ANS. In assay conditions where the addition of valinomycin would produce a transmembrane potential negative inside, the tributylamine-induced fluorescence was reversed. The fluorescense decrease is interpreted as transmembrane electrophoresis of ANS in response to a transmembrane potential.


Patch voltage clamp of squid axon membrane. A small area (patch) of the external surface of a squid axon can be "isolated" electrically from the surrounding bath by means of a pair of concentric glass pipettes. The seawater-filled inner pipette makes contact with the axon and constitutes the external access to the patch. The outer pipette is used to direct flowing sucrose solution over the area surrounding the patch of membrane underlying the inner pipette. Typically, sucrose isolated patches remain in good condition (spike amplitude greater than 90 mV) for periods of approximately one half hour. Patches of axon membrane which had previously been exposed to sucrose solution were often excitable. Membrane survival of sucrose treatment apparently arises from an outflow of ions from the axon and perhaps satellite cells into the interstitial cell space surrounding the exolemma. Estimate of the total access resistance (electrode plus series resistance) to the patch is about 100 komega (7 omega cm2). Patch capacitance ranges from 10-100 pF, which suggests areas of 10(-4) to 10(-5) cm2 and resting patch resistances of 10-100 Momega. Shunt resistance through the interstitial space exposed to sucrose solution, which isolates the patch, is typically 1-2 Momega. These parameters indicate that good potential control and response times can be achieved on a patch. Furthermore, spatial uniformity is demonstrated by measurement of an exoplasmic isopotential during voltage clamp of an axon patch. The method may be useful for other preparations in which limited membrane area is available or in special instances such as in the measurement of membrane conduction noise.


Noise measurements in squid axon membrane. A small area (10(-4) to 10(-5) cm2 patch) of the external surface of a squid (Loligo pealei) axon was "isolated" electrically by means of a pair of concentric glass pipettes and sucrose solution to achieve a low extraneous noise measurement of spontaneous fluctuations in membrane potential and current. The measured "small-signal" impedance function of the isolated patch in seawater was constant at low frequencies and declined monotonically at frequencies beyond 100Hz. It is shown that the power-density spectrum (PDS) of voltage noise, which generally reflects the current-noise spectrum filtered by the membrane impedance function, is equivalent to the power spectrum of current-noise up to frequencies where the impedance decline is significant (Fishman, 1973a, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 70:876). This result is in contrast to an impedance resonance measured under uniform constant-current (internal axial wire) conditions, for which the voltage-noise PDS reflects the impedance resonance. The overdamped resonance in the patch technique is a consequence of the relatively low resistance (1 Momega) pathways through the sucrose solution in the interstitial Schwann cell space which surround and shunt the high resistance (10-100 Momega) membrane patch. Current-noise measurements during patch voltage clamp extend observation of patch ion-conductance fluctuations to 1 kHz. Various tests are presented to demonstrate the temporal and spatial adequacey of patch potential control during current-noise measurements.


Potassium-ion conduction noise in squid axon membrane. Spectral analysis (1-1000 Hz) of spontaneous fluctuations of potential and current in small areas of squid (Loligo pealei) axon shows two forms of noise: f-1 noise occurs in both excitable and inexcitable axons with an intensity which depends upon the driving force for potassium ions. The other noise has a spectral form corresponding to a relaxation process, i.e. its asymptotic behavior at low frequencies is constant, and at high frequencies it declines with a slope of -2. This latter noise occurs only in excitable axons and was identified in spectra by (1) its disappearance after reduction of K+ current by internal perfusion with solutions containing tetraethylammonium (TEA+), Cs+ or reduced [Ki+] and (2) its insensitivity to block of Na+ conduction and active transport. The transition frequency of relaxation spectra are also voltage and temperature dependent and relate to the kinetics of K+-conduction in the Hodgkin-Huxley formulation. These data strongly suggest that the relaxation noise component arises from the kinetic properties of K+ channels. The f-1 noise is attributed to restricted diffusion in conducting K+ channels and/or leakage pathways. In addition, an induced K+ conduction noise associated with the binding of TEA+ and triethyldecylammonium ion to membrane sites is described. Measurement of the induced noise may provide an alternative means of characterizing the kinetics of interaction of these molecules with the membrane and also suggests that these and other pharmacological agents may not be useful in identifying noise components related to the sodium conduction mechanism which, in these experiments, appears to be much lower in intensity than either the normal K conduction or induced noise components.


Effects of proteolytic enzymes on ionic conductances of squid axon membranes. The effects of proteolytic enzymes on ionic conductances of squid axon membranes have been studied by means of the voltage clamp technique. When perfused internally alpha-chymotrypsin (1 mg/ml) increased and prolonged the depolarizing after-potential. Sodium inactivation was partially inhibited causing a prolonged sodium current, and peak sodium and steady-state potassium currents were suppressed. The time for sodium current to reach its peak was not affected. Leakage conductance increased later. On the other hand, carboxypeptidases A and B, both at 1mg/ml, suppressed the sodium and potassium conductance increases with little or no change in sodium inactivation. The mechanism that controls sodium inactivation appears to be associated with the structure of membrane proteins which is modified by alpha-chymotrypsin but not by carboxypeptidases and is located in a position accessible to alpha-chymotrypsin only from inside the membrane.


The electrical potential profile of gallbladder epithelium. In this study the relative ionic permeabilities of the cell membranes of Necturus gallbladder epithelium have been determined by means of simultaneous measurement of transmural and transmucosal membrane potential differences (PD) and by ionic substitution experiments with sodium, potassium and chloride ions. It is shown that the mucosal membrane is permeable to sodium and to potassium ions. The baso-lateral membrane PD is only sensitive to potassium ions. In both membranes chloride conductance is negligible or absent. The ratio of the resistances of the mucosal and baso-lateral membranes, RM/RS, increases upon reducing the sodium concentration in the mucosal solution. The same ratio decreases when sodium is replaced by potassium which implies a greater potassium than sodium conductance in the mucosal membrane. The relative permeability of the shunt for potassium, sodium and chloride ions is: PK/PNa/PCl=1.81:1.00:0.32. From the results obtained in this study a value for the PK/PNa ratio of the mucosal membrane could be evaluated. This ratio is 2.7. From the same data the magnitude of the electromotive forces generated across the cell membranes could be calculated. The EMF's are -15mV across the mucosal membrane and -81mV across the baso-lateral one. Due to the presence of the low resistance shunt the transmucosal membrane PD is -53.2mV (cell inside negative) and the transmural PD is +2.6mV (serosal side positive). The change in potential profile brought about by the low resistance shunt favors passive entry of Na ions into the cell across the mucosal membrane. Calculations show that this passive Na influx is maximally 64% of the net Na flux estimated from fluid transport measurements. The C-1 conductive of the baso-lateral membrane is too small to allow electrogenic coupling of C1 with Na transport across this membrane. Experiments with rabbit gallbladder epithelium indicate that the membrane properties in this tissue are qualitatively similar to those of Necturus gallbladder epithelium.


Anion permeation in the proximal tubule of Necturus kidney: the shunt pathway. The effect of foreign anions on transepithelial potential difference and transepithelial input conductance was studied in the isolated perfused Necturus kidney. Two microelectrodes (recording and current-injecting) were inserted into the lumen of single proximal tubules and the peritubular perfusate was shifted reversibly for 30-60 sec from a physiologic Ringer's solution to a test solution in which chloride was replaced isosmotically by a foreign anion. The permeability sequence, obtained by potential measurements, was: lactate less than glutamate less than gluconate less than pyruvate less than benzene sulfonate less than or equal to acetate less than or equal to F less than propionate less than BrO3 less than formate less than ClO3 less than Cl than ClO4 less than I less than or equal to Br less than NO3 less than SCN. Transepithelial conductance decreased when the tissue was perfused with anions less permeable than chloride but the conductance sequence was different from the permeability sequence. Such discrepancies were more pronounced during perfusion with hyperpolarizing anions; ClO4 and I- (both more permeable than chloride) produced an important decrease in transepithelial conductance, followed by incomplete reversibility when the perfusion was shifted again to chloride Ringer's. The results are best explained by the presence of weak positive fixed charges, governing anion permeation, at the shunt pathway of the proximal tubule. An analysis of the data allows tentative estimates of shape and size of the sites.


Electrical properties of the cellular transepithelial pathway in Necturus gallbladder. I. Circuit analysis and steady-state effects of mucosal solution ionic substitutions. Microelectrode techniques were employed to measure the electrical resistance of the cell membranes and the shunt pathway, and the equivalent electromotive forces (EMF's) at both cell borders in Necturus gallbladder epithelium. The cell is, on the average, 57 mV negative to the mucosal solution and 59 mV negative to the serosal solution. The transepithelial potential (Vms) ranges from 0.5 to 5 mV, serosal solution positive. Assuming that the shunt EMF (Vs) is zero with standard Ringer's bathing oth sides of the tissue, both cell membrane EMF's are oriented with the negative pole toward the cell interior and are 39.9 +/- 3.6 mV (apical, Va), and 69.4 +/- 1.8 mV (basal-lateral, Vb)...


Electrical properties of the cellular transepithelial pathway in Necturus gallbladder. II. Ionic permeability of the apical cell membrane. Microelectrode techniques were employed to study the ionic permeability of the apical cell membrane of Necturus gallbladder epithelium. Results obtained from continuous records in single cells, and from several cellular impalements shortly after a change in solution, were similar and indicate that both the apical membrane equivalent electromotive force (Va) and electrical resistance (Ra) strongly depend on external [K]. Cl substitutions produced smaller effects, while the effects of Na substitutions with N-methyl-D-glucamine on both Va and Ra were minimal. These results indicate that the permeability sequence of the apical membrane is PKgreater thanPClgreater than PNa. From the calculated absolute value of PNa it is possible to estimate the diffusional Na flux from the mucosal solution into the cells (from the cell potential and an assumed intracellular Na concentration). The calculated flux is roughly three orders of magnitude smaller than the measured net transepithelial flux in this tissue and in gallbladders of other species. Thus, only a minimal portion of Na entry can be attributed to independent diffusion. From estimations of the electrochemical potential gradient across the apical membrane, Cl transport at that site must be active. At the serosal cell membrane, Na transport takes place against both chemical and electrical potentials, while a significant portion of the Cl flux can be passive, if this membrane has a significant Cl conductance. The changes in shunt electromotive force and in transepithelial potential after mucosal substitutions were very similar, indicating that transepithelial bi-ionic potentials yield appropriate results on the properties of shunt pathway.


The nature of the voltage-dependent conductance of the hemocyanin channel. The electrical responses of individual hemocyanain channels in oxidized cholesterol membranes demonstrate that the voltage-dependent conductance of many-chanel membranes arises from two different mechanisms. These are the voltage-dependent redistribution of channels among several discrete single-channel conductance states themselves. The relaxation time for the discrete conductance changes is of the order of seconds nd the relaxation time of the continuous conductance changes is of the order 10(-4) seconds. As salt concentration in the bathing medium is increased, the single-channel conductance first increases lineary and then saturates. The characteristics of the saturation curves suggest that the  continuous conductance changes occur at the edges of the channel and that the mean time an ion spends in the channel is 4 nanoseconds...


[Cytodiagnosis of central nervous systems tumors: comparative study of cytological (CSF) and histological results (author's transl)]. From a group of 52 tumours of the CNS it was possible to make a study of 35 (10 primary and 25 metastatic) to see if the nature of the neoplasm could be established from an examination of the cells of the CSF, comparing the results with those obtained by histological examination of the tumour tissues. There are very few dependable criteria to be found in the cells sedimented from the CSF (secretory activity; degree of differentiation) so, generally, only a determination as to whether the tumour is primary or metastatic, and if epithelial or mesodermal, can be made. Organ specificity can be identified only as regards the metastatic hypernephromas and thyroid carcinomas.


Carbamylcholine and acetylcholine-sensitive, cation-selective ionophore as part of the purified acetylcholine receptor. Black lipid membranes were formed with oxidized cholesterol in the presence of either the acetylcholine receptor, purified from the electric organ of the electric ray Torpedo californica or its tryptic digest. In both cases, conductance of cations increased and was dependent on the concentration of the receptor protein. Conductance of Ca++ was dependent on the concentration, but addition of carbamylcholine gave no reproducible of consistent effects. Only in the case of the tryptic digest of the acetylcholine receptor did carbamylcholine and acetylcholine consistently induce monovalent cation selective conductance (PNa,K: PCl=4.4). The induced monovalent cationic conductance due to carbamylcholine (10 muM) varied from 10- to over 100-fold. Curare (10muM) prevented the action of carbamylcholine. Na-dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis of the acetylcholine receptor, before and after tryptic digestion, indicated that this mild enzyme treatment hydrolyzed the receptor molecule subunits. Nevertheless, the receptor molecule retained its full binding of [acetyl(-3)H]acetylcholine; and analytical gel electrophoresis indicated that it remained intact possibly through hydrogen, hydrophobic and disulfice bonding.


Effect of ionic polarizability on electrodiffusion in lipid bilayer membranes. Ion-carrier complexes and organic ions of similar size and shape have mobilities in lipid bilayer membranes which span several orders of magnitude. In this communication, an examination is made of the hypothesis that the basis for this unusually wide range of ionic mobilities is the potential energy barrier arising from image forces which selectively act on ions according to their polarizability. Using Poisson's equation to evaluate the electrostatic interaction between an ion and its surroundings, the potential energy barrier to ion transport due to image effects is computed, with the result that the potential energy barrier height depends strongly on ionic polarizability. Theoretical membrane potential energy profile calculations are used in conjunction with Nernst-Planck electrodiffusion equation to analyze the available mobility data for several ion-carrier complexes and lipid-soluble ions in lipid bilayer membranes. The variation among the mobilities of different ions is shown to be in agreement with theoretical predictions based on ionic polarizability and size. Furthermore, the important influence exerted by image forces on ion transport in lipid bilayer membranes compared to the frictional effect of membrane viscosity is established by contrasting available data on the activation energy of ionic conductivity with that for membrane fluidity.


Respiratory disease mortality in an institutionalised mentally retarded population. Mortality from respiratory diseases has been described in a large institution for the mentally retarded, from 1958 to 1973. Pneumonia continued to account for a large proportion of deaths (around forty per cent), when underlying causes of death were analysed. Age-specific death rates from pneumonia (underlying or contributory cause of death) showed little or no decline for ages five to sixty and over. Autopsy reports on 237 persons revealed high frequencies of bronchopneumonia, pulmonary congestion, pleurisy and aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration and its sequelae (aspiration pneumonia, lipid pneumonia) appears to be a major problem in this population, upon which prevention programmes could concentrate. Some risk factors associated with aspiration were also identified.


A profoundly mentally handicapped woman with a ring chromosome 22. A small thirty-eight-year-old profoundly retarded woman is decribed who has a ring chromosome identified by banding techniques. Details are given of her behaviour, anthropometry, dermatoglyphics, karyotype and biochemistry with extensive investigations of her blood proteins and enzymes. Other described cases of ring 21 and 22 are reviewed. There is so much variability among the ring 22 chromosomes that it is not considered justifiable to speak of a ring 22 syndrome.


Dermatoglyphics in Prader-Willi syndrome. The finger-, palm-and sole-prints of thirteen patients with Prader-Willi syndrome have been analysed. Some information has also been obtained from another case. The topological classification has been used for describing palms and soles. Frequencies of finger pattern types, data on finger ridge-count and maximal atd angles are included. Relevant published data has also been considered in making assessments. It is concluded from the evidence available that the dermatoglyphics of patients with the syndrome differ little, if at all, from those of the normal population. Pattern intensity on hands, and particularly feet, is low. Dermatoglyphics, therefore, are not a useful criterion in the diagnosis of the syndrome.


Asymmetrical, reciprocal translocation (45,XX,tdic(9;17) (p21;p12). A nine-month-old girl with dysmorphic features, congenital heart disease and chromosomal mosaicism is reported. Approximately one-half of the cells (lymphocytes and fibroblasts) showed a normal karyotype 46, XX, the other half a dicentric translocation chromosome. Using the G-band technique, the dicentric chromosome was identified as a 9/17 translocation chromosome. Both centromeres of the translocation chromosome could be stained to the same degree, using the C-band technique. The centromere region of chromosome No. 9 was in addition demonstrated, by using the Giemsa 11 technique.


The evolution of fraction i protein during the origin of a new species of Nicotiana. The polypeptide composition of Fraction I protein from Nicotiana digluta, a synthetic species which arose by chromosome doubling following the interspecific hybridization of N. glutinosa and N. tabacum, has been examined by isoelectric focusing. The composition of the protein from N. digluta, which was identical to the protein from the infertile F1 hybrid N. glutinosa x N. tabacum, showed 3 polypeptides in the large subunit and 4 polypeptides in the small subunit. The large subunit polypeptides were identical to those from N. glutinosa, the maternal parent in the original hybridization, whereas the small subunit polypeptides were a composite of the small subunit polypeptides from both N. glutinosa and N. tabacum. This analysis demonstrates how the polypeptide composition of Fraction I protein evolves during the origin of new species of Nicotiana.


Intestinal parasites in University of Dacca students. Nine hundred and thirty three students of Dacca University were examined: mean haemoglobin levels were 80.5 per cent for men and 70.0 per cent for women. Five hundred and thirty three (57.3%) of the students had single or multiple intestinal parasitic infections, of which Ascaris lumbricoides (366), Entamoeba histolytica (113) and Trichuris trichiura (99) were the commonest. It is suggested that chronic nutritional deficiencies are compounded by these parasites, leading to low weights, and low haemoglobins.


Duodenal ulcer in rural Haiti I. Clinical features. II. Gastric secretory studies. I. In a study of 100 duodenal ulcer patients in rural Haiti, pyloric obstruction was present initially in nine per cent, but later developed in an additional 20 per cent. This high incidence of obstruction is similar to that observed in other tropicla populations in Africa and India. II. Standardized tests for basal and stimulated acid secretion in a small group of duodenal ulcer patients in rural Haiti were not elevated. The implication of the study is that either the test must be modified for different populations or the role of acid secretion in the pathogenesis of the disease questioned.


Echinococcosis in Egypt: IV. Serology on patients with chest problems. Patients complaining of chest disorders were clinically and serologically examined for evidence of echinococcal infection. Serologically, the patients were screened by the indirect haemagglutination test and reactors were confirmed by the bentonite flocculation and/or latex-agglutination tests. Of 755 patients 6.2 percent had echinococcal antibodies in their sera. Of 393 patients given a chest radiography one patient (0.25%) had distinct pulmonary hydatid cysts. The bentonite flocculation technique picked more of the positives (91.5%) than did the latex-agglutination (14.9%) technique. Females were more exposed to echinococcal infection (8.4%) than males (2.3%). Among positives, 71-75 per cent were below thirty years old. Prevalence of infection was higher among individuals having direct contact with dogs (4.6%) than among individuals with no direct contact with dogs (3.2%). Evidently cross-reactions between the echinococcal antigen and antibodies of some bacterial and parasitic infections including schistosomiasis interfere with the haemagglutination test results.


Pattern of bladder cancer in the Sudan and its relation to schistosomiasis: a study of 255 vesical carcinomas. Two hundred and fifty five vesical carcinomas in Sudanese patients are analysed as regards frequency, age, sex, local geographical distribution, morphological features and association with urinary schistosomiasis. The findings are compared with those from other series. It is concluded that the pattern of bladder cancer in the Sudan in general conforms to that reported from regions endemic for schistosomiasis and differs significantly from that seen in non-schistosomal regions. The limitations in the study are noted.


Histiocytic medullary reticulosis (malignant histiocytosis) in Zambia. Fifteen cases of histiocytic medulary reticulosis are reported from Zambia, Africa. The importance of liver biopsy in the diagnosis is stressed. Forty cases have now been described from East and Central Africa suggesting a much higher incidence than in other parts of the world. It is thought that this may be due to prolonged stimulation of the reticuloendothelisl system.


Hepatic circulation in acute hemorrhage with reference to renal circulation. Studies were made on the hemodynamics in the liver and kidney during hemorrhage and retransfusion, using 20 dogs with or without hepatic periarterial nerve plexus, anaesthetized with sodium pentobarbital. The results were as follows. In 14 dogs in which the hepatic periarterial nerve plexus was left intact (Group A), the averages of the hepatic arterial flow (HAF), portal venous pressure (PVP), portal venous flow (PVF), and flow in the right renal artery (RAF) decreased significantly to 38, 64, 35, and 25%, respectively of the control levels when the abdominal aortic pressure (ABP) fell to 40 mm Hg (36% of the control level) during hemorrhage. At the same time the portal venous resistance (PVR) and the right renal vascular resistance (RVR) increased greatly and the hepatic arterial resistance  (HAR) either increased or decreased in different dogs. During retransfusion the ABP and vascular resistance returned to nearly the control levels, the PVF increased beyond the control level. In 6 dogs in which the nerve plexus was resected (Group B), the decreases in the HAF and RAF during hemorrhage were not significantly different from those in Group A. These results may suggest the following. The decrease in the HAF during hemorrhage seems to be mostly a passive change resulting from decrease in the systemic blood pressure. Neurogenic regulation may be a little. Further, the existence of the humoral regulation and autoregulation in the HAF were suggested in some cases. While, the responsibilities to hemorrhage and retransfusion appear to be different among the examined three vessels, i.e. the hepatic artery, portal vein, and renal artery. No definite interrelation was seen between the hepatic and renal circulations.


Effect of pulmonary circulation on coronary flow and ventricular performance of isolated heart. Left ventricular performance and coronary flow in isolated dog hearts were observed for to discuss whether lungs have any nonrespiratory function. The results of our experiments showed the fact that pulmonary circulation seemed to have some metabolic functions to prevent the increase in coronary flow and the decline in ventricular performance. And it was also suggested that isolated lungs removed a factor responsible for coronary vasodilation and the decline of ventricular performance. But it could not be fully negrected that the pulmonary circulation added a factor which prevents the increase in coronary flow.


Cardiopulmonary dysfunctions caused by intravenous collagen-induced release of ADP and ATP from platelets. Bovine tendon collagen suspension (4.5 mg/kg) was injected rapidly into the femoral vein of 14 normal (untreated) and 8 busulfan treated rats. Trasient effects included decreased platelet counts and arterial PO2, increased central venous pressure, apnea, bradycardia and variable A-V block. These findings were most prominent within 1 minute after injection and subsided or disappeared by 10 minutes. During this period, ADP and ATP in platelet-free plasma from carotid arterial blood were measured in a liquid scientillation counter using the firefly luciferase assay. In normal (untreated) rats, collagen injection was followed by increases in plasma ADP and ATP, a rise in plasma hemoglobin and minimal changes of fibrinogen and hematcrit. Pathological observations indicated the platelet emboli in pulmonary vessels. In contrast, rats made thrombocytopenic by intraperitoneally infected busulfan prior to collagen injection had minimal or no change in platelet count, plasma ADP, ATP, hemoglobin, fibrinogen, or cardiopulmonary functions following collagen injection. These findings suggest that collagen injection causes release of ADP and ATP from platelets; released ADP induces platelets to form aggregates which lodge in the coronary and pulmonary microcirculations and elsewhere, resulting in thrombocytopenia and the cardiopulmonary dysfunction, in the presence of shear, of red cells with vessel surfaces altered by platelet aggregates.


A case of anomalous pulmonary venous drainage from the entire left lung associated with complete heart block. A 22-year-old female patient presenting complete atrioventricular block and giant P waves in electrocardiogram had anomalous pulmonary venous drainage from the entire left lung. There was normal drainage from the right lung and no associated atrial septal defect or other intracardiac abnormalities. After a permanent pacemaker was implanted, she manifested signs and symptoms of heart failure. Although the anomalous pulmonary vein was anastomosed to the left atrium, intractable heart failure continued. She died six months later after surgical intervention. Postmortem examination revealed diffuse interstitial fibrosis throughout the myocardium.


Complications of valvular surgery--5 cases report with special reference to the conduction system--. Five interesting autopsy cases of post-valvular replacement death are reported and discussed with special reference to disturbances of the conduction system. The most important acute changes are hemorrhages; the significance of a venous hemorrhage is emphasized. Chronic changes are collagenization of conduction system. One case of mycotic valvulitis, probably due to aspergillus, and one case of dissecting aneurysm probably related to previous valve replacement surgery are included.


Serotypes of Vibrio parahaemolyticus from clinical and environmental sources in Togo (West Africa). Serological analysis of O and K antigens was performed on 343 strains of Vibro parahaemolyticus isolated from clinical and environmental sources in Togo. Only two strains were not typable by the available O antisera. K untypable strains were found in 4.8% of isolates from gastroenteritis patients, in 11% from healthy carriers, and in 47% and 46% of isolates, respectively, from water and fish samples. Thirteen serotypes identified in Togo are not considered in the Japanese antigenic scheme. The suitability of the Japanese typing scheme for geographic areas outside of Japan is discussed and its extension is suggested.


[The advance and regression of the cataract operation]. In modern cataract surgery the introduction of akinesia, the corneal incision, the intracapsular extraction with forceps or cryo-stick, the zonulolysis and measures against complications and the optic correction of unilateral cataract with contact lenses can be seen as definite advances. Critically seen, the use of the operating microscope for senile cataract is not necessary, as the binocular loupe is fully sufficient. In the same way the selective use of zonulolysis - but not after the age of 55 - and of the cryo-stick - only on a stretched lans capsule is advised. Also the artificial pupillary lens is not recommended because of the excellent functional results of the contact lens. The same argument applies to emulsification of the crystalline lens. Also, from our experience, the routine use of antibiotics is not necessary. As well as the actual operation methods, including premedication, the methods used to avoid complications are finally and thoroughly discussed.


[Results of surgical treatment in dislocated lenses. II. Intracapsular lens extraction in adults (author's transl)]. 40 subluxated and dislocated lenses were extracted intracapsularly between 1970 and 1974. In 6 cases there was a displacement into the vitreous; in 4 an acute secondary angle-closure glaucoma was present (3 times due to dislocation of the lens into the anterior chamber). Surgical extraction with a corneal incision was undertaken under general anaesthesia after attachment of a flieringa ring to the globe. In 16 eyes a transpupillary vitrectomy was necessary. The morphological and functional results were satisfactory: decrease in visual acuity due to surgical intervention did not occur, and in 32 eyes vision was considerably improved.


[Results of A-scan ultrasonic scanning of the orbit (author's transl)]. 119 patients who were believed to suffer from orbital tumors were investigated by A-scan ultrasonic studies. 67 turned out to have significant signs of an orbital tumor, 52 were found to be unsuspicious. In all of the 32 surgical procedures, which were additionally performed, the ultrasonic diagnosis could always be verified. Moreover 13 ultrasonic studies led to certain pathological specifications of the tumor and 10 of them could be proved true by histology later on. This paper discuss the advantage of the A-scan ultrasound investigations of the orbit. The efficiency concerning an ultrasonic specification of the tumorous tissue is to be emphasized.


[Initialphase of dark adaptation, sensibility to dazzling and diabetic retinopathy (author's transl)]. In the early stages of development the diabetic retinopathy often causes disturbances of initial-phase of the dark adaptation even if other functional defects are not evident. In a group of eyes with normal vision of 153 diabetics (296 eyes), only 55% of the cases reached results, which correspond to the norm of nyktometry.


[Lid basaliomas with malignant courses (author's transl)]. 3 cases of lid basalioma with malignant course are described - in the first case with destruction of the eye-lids, in the second destruction of the orbit and nearby sinuses, and in the third with infiltration of the brain. Hence the necessity of early active treatment is shown. The diagnosis of the tumor and the degree of infiltration into healthy tissue must be made histologically - this is as important as the life-long follow-up of tumor patients.


[Classification of nonparetic vertical strabismus related to vertical rectus surgery (author's transl)]. Results following vertical rectus muscle recession and classification of vertical strabismus due to the field of action of the vertical recti. 100 cases of vertical squint underwent surgery of the vertical recti (recession of the superior rectus muscle in 92 cases). One third achieved binocular functions partly based upon microtropia. It may be of special interest that 5 of 19 patients with "dissociated" alternating deviations could be cured by bilateral recession of the superior rectus. The authors try to give their own modification of the difficult classification of the different clinical types of vertical squint, since the results following the treatment of the various types were quite different.


[Balloon cell nevi of the conjunctiva (author's transl)]. The clinical and histological features of three cases of conjunctival balloon cell nevi are described. This peculiar form of nevus is very rare in the conjunctiva. The findings are compared with the descriptions in the literature of dermal balloon cell nevi. They demonstrate, that the conjunctival and dermal tumours are of idential histological structure. The proliferations of the conjunctival epithelium often found in conjunctival nevi do not modify the balloon cell nevi. These can not be diagnosed clinically. The problems of the pathogenesis of the balloon cell nevi are discussed.


[Electromyographic examinations in exo-deviations (author's transl)]. On the basis of EMG-examinations in various forms of exo-deviation as classified by Burian, the authors conclude, that these show also various innervation disturbances, and that also histological differences can be proved. The practical sense of these observations would be in narrowing the indications for exotropia operations.


[The status of vitrectomy at present (author's transl)]. Besides vitreous suction, vitrectomy gains an increasing method in vitreous surgery. Regarding the access to the vitreous cavity, the open sky vitrectomy and the vitrectomy via pars plana have been introduced. The principles of the various instruments for simultaneous cutting and suction of the vitreous body are discussed. From the published results some conclusions can be made concerning the actual indications of vitrectomy. Finally the prospects and limitations of the operation are ventilated as far as it can be done in the present state of development.


[Lidswelling in a case of Melkersson-Rosenthal-syndrome (author's transl)]. Report on a case with extreme swelling of the upper- and lowerlids, which recurred repeatedly for thirteen years, with unsettled etiology and which did not respond to every conservative therapy. Surgical excision and biopsy showed histological changes similar Melkersson-Rosenthal-syndrome. But it must have been an abortive form, as other symptoms, were missing.


[Postchoroidal retinoschisis].

[Postchoroidal retinoschisis]. In the past literature only 8 cases of postchoroidal retinoschisis have been described. Their characteristic finding is a cystic protrusion of the inner retinal layers within an area of post-choroiditic scarring. The lesion is unilateral, and usually located in the temporal or upper fundus periphery; no retinal defects are present, the vitreous is intact, and there is no tendency toward progression. The etiology appears to be different according to age: in patients under age 40, alterations of the glia may contribute to the cyst formation, in older patients, however, the combined damage of the choroidal and retinal vascular bed seem to lead to a retinoschisis.


[A simplified procedure in the treatment of the hypotony-syndrome (author's transl)]. A report on a hypotony-syndrome which developed after cyclodialysis in an aphakic eye. Closure of the split was performed with intra-scleral diathermy-coagulation and episcleral buckling using lyophilisated dura mater material.


[Mesopic vision with spectacles and contact lenses (author's transl)]. A comparative study of the mesopic vision of spectacle and contact lense wearers is given. The 182 subjects were divided into three groups according to their photopic V.A. with spectacles. The V.A.s achieved with spectacles and the V.A.s with contact lenses are compared. In the mesopic vision range the subjects' responses to the various tests differed between the individual groups. These differences are discussed with the aid of graphical diagrams.


[A new microscopic rig (author's transl)]. A new microscope rig is proposed. It allows the microsurgeon a considerable freedom of movement and effortless change of positions whereby the focus of the microscope on the operating field is constantly maintained.


[A new type of eye speculum (author's transl)]. A new type of eye speculum is described. It has the following advantages: it does not hamper the surgeon in his work, it has no projecting parts on which sutures may get caught, and it enables spreading of the eyelids to be controlled.


[The new polaroid positive/negative film type 105 for ophthalmology (author's transl)]. Description of the new Polaroid positive/negative film type 105. This film produces within 30 seconds a brilliant positive and a negative for high quality prints. The new camera-back 405 for the use of 8.5 x 10.5 cm Polaroid packfilms fits to any 4 x 5 inch cameras with international back.


[Macular pucker after retinal detachment surgery (author's transl)]. A report is given on 6 cases of macular pucker after retinal detachment surgery. Two of these 6 patients were found only by a check up of 145 detachment patients one year after surgery. In accordance with the literature presumbly causative factors were present in 5 of the cases: vitreous hemorrhage (4), reoperations (3) vitreous loss (1). A 6Th case with very unusual centrally located retinal breaks was operated on with a silicone explant and was seen with a macular pucker 6 months later.


[A communication on the treatment of the hypotony syndrome after trabeculotomy (author's transl)]. The authors report on 3 cases of the hypotony syndrome following trabeculotomy in young patients. 2 of these patients had glaucoma chronicum, the third had a clinical picture resembling pigment glaucoma. All 3 patients had before the operation a wide anterior chamber angle. Thy hypotony syndrome was treated conservately with atropine in the first two cases. Under this treatment a temporary increase in intraocular pressure was noted, by which the hypotony syndrome disappeared. In this state gonioscopy showed a cyclodialysis gap. In the third patient the cyclodialysis gap and an obvious leakage cushion occurred together with the hypotony syndrom. Because of this finding an operation against the hypotony syndrom was performed, by which however, the intraocular pressure could not be sufficiently increased and the hypotony syndrome up till now could not be removed.


[Histological examination on disks obtained by goniotrephining with scleral flap (author's transl)]. Histological examination with serial sections of 26 disks obtained by goniotrephining with scleral flap showed in three cases only lamellas and Descemet's membrane. Twenty-three disks contained trabecular meshwork, fourteen of these Schlemm's canal. In three disks excision reaches as far as the ciliary muscle. In three of the twenty-six eyes the intra-ocular pressure was not regulated after the operation. It seems that in goniotrephining with scleral flap the opening of Schlemm's canal has no important influence on the postoperative regulation of the final intra-ocular pressure.


[Biotoxic effects of aqueous humour-a unifying pathogenetic theory, based on certain hypothetic biotoxic factors in aqueus (author's transl)]. A hypothesis is proposed attributing a number of biotoxic effects to aqueous humor (ABC equals Aqueous Biotoxic Complex). Under normal anatomical and physiological conditions aqueous humour is contained in the anterior and posterior chamber reservoir and the ABC effects remain silent because the boundaries of the aqueous humour reservoir are resistant to these biotoxic factors. These factors are biochemically undefined but fall in the category of collagenolysins and anti-vascular enzymes (Prostaglandins?). Outside the normal reservoir these biotoxic effects result in a specific pathology such as corneal edema, subconjunctival edema, lens fiber edema, macular edema, papilledema and chorioidal edema.


[Legal questions in ophthalmology after head injuries (author's transl)]. After a short review of the literature the reduction of earning capacity on the common labour market in cases of decrease of fusion, convergence and accommodation caused by head injuries is discussed and percentual values are proposed. Hereby not only the single reduction of one of these functions but also combined occurrence is allowed for and values for the total reduction of earning capacity are considered.


[Anterior-cleavage-syndrome (author's transl)]. The authors report on local and general changes in dysgenesis mesodermalis iridis et corneae Rieger on the basis of own observations and literature survey. This genetically caused inhibitory deformation is outlined with regard to the differential diagnosis of other anomalies in the angle part of iris. The conservative and surgical therapeutic experiences of other authors are contrasted with our own.


[On malignant melanoma of the cornea and its treatment (author's transl)]. A report is given of an amelanotic malignant malanoma of the cornea without previous changes in the cornea and without any connection with the limbus. Treatment was by simple removal after cauterisation of the nutrient vessels coming from the conjunctiva. Histologically, alongside naevoid cell structures were seen epithelioid to anaplastic cells a striking wealth of plasma cells, which were in places so numerous as the melanoma cells and diffusely or like streets infiltrated them.


[Examination of stereoscopic vision with the phase-difference haloscope (author's transl)]. The authors report on the possibilities for examination of the stereoscopic vision at 2 or 4 meters by the phase-difference-haploscope. Besides a gross-qualitative test, methods of estmating realdepth acuity are described. There is a great variability of test-conditions for special scientific problems. During the routine examintion of disturbed binocular vision it is possible to test the stereo acuity, even if there is squint or aniseiconia.


[Clinical experiences with radionuclide dacryocystography (author's transl)]. In 105 patients, the clinical experience with radionuclide dacryocystography is reported, a scintiphotographic demonstration of the efferent lacrimal ducts. After application of 50 muCi of 99m Tc pertechnetate in 10 mul of normal saline into the conjunctival sac, the flow of the radionuclide through the efferent tear ducts is observed. This method is a valuable complement for the diagnosis and localization of dacryostenoses. A differentiation between a relative and an absolute stenosis is not possible with this investigational method alone. The kinetic of the tear flow can be investigated by means of so-called time-activity curves. Our studies show that the flow dynamics depend on the volume of the amount of fluid applied. We believe that statements on the flow dynamics under physiological conditions cannot be made as is indicated by other authors with a volume of 10 microliters. Under application of 50 muCi of pertechnetate, the exposure of radionuclide dacryocystography amounts to 15-25 mR for the lens and is far below the exposure by scull radiography.


[The effect of Actihaemyl on epithelial regeneration (author's transl)]. After well-defined chemical and mechanical removal of the corneal epithelium of 40 rabbit eyes 20 eyes were treated with Actihaemyl-Augengel 4 times daily. The epithelial regeneration was compared with the untreated contralateral eye. Under Actihaemyl treatment the healing rate was not accelerated. The well-known healing effect of Actihaemyl on different corneal diseases does not seem to come from improving the epithelial regeneration but is probably the result of a general improvement of corneal metabolism.


[Clinical use of ultrasonic distance measurements for close-to-wall foreign bodies in the eye (author's transl)]. The X-ray localization of intraocular foreign bodies is based on an average-sized schematic eye. Whether or not a foreign body only reached or penetrated the rear wall of the bulbus often cannot be decided safely - even if X-ray checks included other than straight forward gaze directions. By means of ultrasound it is possible. 1. to measure exactly the real dimensions of the patients eye and to alter the X-ray localization scheme (W. Comberg's scheme) correspondingly. This improves the accuracy of the X-ray localization technique. 2. To localize the foreign body directly and exactly by presentation of its echo. Simultaneous presentation of the bulbus rear wall echo permits determination of the foreign body position. - A case record is given.


[Chiasma lesions in sport accidents (author's transl)]. With reference to a chiasma contusion, proved at autopsy, sustained by a football player after a temporal impression fracture due to contact of a knee with his skull, the pathological mechanism causing chiasma injuries in blunt head injuries is explained. Finally, from our own experience we report on 2 water-sports accidents sustained by young men (a jump from the trampoline, and a fall during water-skiing) where chiasma-lesions were diagnosed from typical field defects.


[Changes of the fundus by pheochromocytoma during pregnancy (author's transl)]. A patient with pheochromocytoma of the adrenal gland which produced a severe pfropfgestosis is described. The course of disease over more than 1 1/2 years after successful operation is shown by a detailed photographic documentation. The case is discussed in relation with the literatur of ocular changes by pheochromocytoma and by gestosis as well as the clinical findings in the combination of pheochromocytoma and gestosis and a short description of the clinical signs of pheochromocytoma.


[Mycotic obstruction of lacrimal sac (author's transl)]. A report is given of a case with a mycotic process of the lacrimal sac, the course of which covers a period of 20 years until final cure. Symptoms, diagnosis and therapy are discussed.


[Converging squint in severe hypermetropia (author's transl)]. The valuation of 541 cases of convergent squint occuring together with a hypermetropia of more than +5 dpt showed that, the stronger the hypermetropia was, the higher was the proportion of primary microstrabismus to full-accommodative strabismus convergens. In patients who had hypermetropia of more than +8 D, the proportion of primary microstrabismus was 46%. Here the squint was always one-sided, so a high proportion of amblyopia could be expected. In 10% of the cases there was a spontaneous change from convergent to divergent squint - the angle reduction was up to 23 degrees, and could occur at any age. Factors, which seem to favour the appearence of a consecutive divergence, are: high hypermetropia of more than +8 D, increased ACA-ratio, onesided exclusion and vertical divergence. The measuring of the ACA ratio should be done at all orthoptic examinations.


[Experiences with the automatic refractor "Dioptron" (author's transl)]. The consistency of values obtained by the automatic refractor "Dioptron" was evaluated by testing one subject repeatedly. The consistency was found so be significantly better than that given by subjective refraction. In about 20% of 140 eyes visual acuity found by the "Dioptron" - refraction was lower than that found by subjective refraction. Thus the results of the "Dioptron" should be controlled by a subjective refraction. The apparatus was also used in 15 children 5 to 12 years of age without problems.


[Ocular symptoms in Rubinstein-Taybi-syndrome (author's transl)]. Report of 2 cases of Rubinstein-Taybi-syndrome. Description of the well known symptoms: Mental and somatic retardation, broad thumbs and toes, highly arched palate, retarded bone age, fine hair on limbs. Besides that there were eye abnormalities: Antimongoloid slant, strabismus, ametropia, monolateral ptosis, papillatrophia, latent nystagmus. Discussion of the differential diagnosis.


[Cure of scleromalacia perforans manifesting in the course of rheumatoid arthritis with d-penicillamine and fascia lata-autograft (author's transl)]. A new treatment of a case of scleromalacia perforans, complicating rheumatoid arthritis is reported. To save the eye fascia lata was transplanted, preoperatively prednisolone and d-penicillamine was started, and this therapy was continued for one year thereafter. The effect was favorable, as pains vanished, and the grafted fascia remained whole. Cure of scleritis of the other eye hitherto unresponsive to local treatment was attained. Advantages of the combination of both immunosuppressive and surgical therapy is emphasized.


[The acute phase of leber's optic nerve atrophy (author's transl)]. Optic atrophy and typical visual field defect were found in two brothers some months following a rapid decrease in visual acuity. The optic disc was hyperemic and edematous, furthermore microangiopathy, hemorrhages, and papilloedema were present in the ocular fundus of the third brother some days after an acute loss of central vision. In the present study the pathogenic and differential diagnostic significance of the acute phase of Leber's optic neuropathy is discussed. Considering the fundus changes in the acute phase and the course of the disease, the authors tend to reject the idea of a hereditary systemic disease of the nervous system. The hereditary factors should be searched neither in the nerve tissue nor in the ectodermal system.


[Aicardi-syndrome (author's transl)].

[Aicardi-syndrome (author's transl)]. The main features of Aicardi's syndrome are infantile spasms, defects of the corpus callosum, chorioretinopathy, mental subnormality, characteristic EEG changes, vertebral anomalies, microphthalmos and colobomata. The disease affects only the female sex. 2 cases are described from our own experience.


[Innovations by ophthalmo-surgical instruments (author's transl)]. A demonstration is given of a cornea and sclera forceps for macro- and microsurgery, a sharp spatula for cyclodialysis, a modified blunt cone-shaped Bowman's probe, and a combined speculum forceps for perforating injuries.


[Experimental studies on proteolysis of hyaline membranes in vitro (author's transl)]. The incubation of lung tissue from premature infants with pulmonary hyaline membranes in fibrinolysis activating or fibrinolytically active solutions gave the following results. With streptokinase it was not possible to dissolve hyaline membranes (verification of the physiological lack of plasminogen in premature infants). The mean content of membranes after 24 hours showed to be 18.14 +/- 12.43% which almost corresponded to the control value of 20.24 +/- 10.54% after incubation in NaCl-solution. In comparison, solutions of plasmin, plasmin-activator or activator prepared from proactivator-plasminogen through activation with streptokinase led to a clear reduction in the membrane content, i.e. 11.00 +/- 6.50, 13.89 +/- 9.72, and 13.63 +/- 8.94%, respectively. A decrease in membranes equally strong to that after plasmin appeared after incubation for only 12 hours in trypsin (11.09 +/- 8.62%). Plasmin, plasmin-activator, and activator, but not streptokinase alone, caused also a considerable nonspecific proteolysis of the lung parenchyma which was equal to the trypsin effect, for example, with an only half as long incubation time. Since the lungs of premature infants contain the tissue activator of fibrinolysis we discuss the suggestion of Ambrus et al. (1974) to administer an injection of plasminogen to premature infants immediately after birth so that a spontaneous fibrinolysis can be favoured for developing hyaline membranes.


Prostaglandins in cerebrospinal fluid of patients during various infectious diseases. Concentrations of prostaglandins of the E and F series were estimated by radioimmunoassay in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 30 febrile patients (infants and adults) and of 19 afebrile, adult patients. In CSF of all feverish patients with meningitis, pneumonia, or pyelonephritis, concentrations of prostaglandins of the E series were about twice higher than those of the afebrile subjects. In contrast, concentrations of prostaglandins of the F series remained largely unchanged during fever. In accord with the results of animal experiments prostaglandins of the E series seem to act as mediators of fever during infectious diseases also in man.


Increased serum urate in galactosemia patients after a galactose load: a possible role of nucleotide deficiency in galactosemic liver injury. Five galactosemic and 5 normal children received an oral load of galactose under standardized conditions. The maximal blood galactose level after 1.5 hours was 12.6 +/- 2.0 (S.D.) mmol/l in individuals with a deficiency of uridylyl transferase (EC2.7.7.12) as compared to 5.8 +/- 1.2 (S.D.) mmol/l in the controls. The concentration of serum urate in galactosemics increased to 155% of the fasting level (P less than 0.005); no rise was detectable in the controls. The elimination of urate with the urine was augmented by the same amount in both groups. Our studies provide evidence for an increased catabolism of hepatic nucleotides. This may lead to a deficiency of nucleotides which is proposed as a cause of galactosemic liver injury.


[Oxygen metabolism in the body during substitution of nitrogen by helium in the air]. The total gas exchange, body temperature, content of free oxygen in the quadriceps muscle and its changes upon oxygen inhalation of a known dosage (oxygen test) were measured in the Wistar rats during their one-hour exposure to a helium-oxygen atmosphere (21%) at 25 degrees C. In this atmosphere the animals displayed a 1.8 degrees decline in the body temperature, a 20.5% increase in the gas exchange and a 26% decrease of oxygen in the muscular tissue as compared with the respective parameters in the air. After the experiment during the first 20 min exposure to the normal atmosphere oxygen tests were 10-15% lower than before the experiment. These findings give evidence for an increase of oxygen exchange in the muscles of animals exposed to the helium-oxygen atmosphere at a temperature below the comfortable level.


[Dynamics of biochemical indices of dog blood serum at high altitudes and on return to low altitude]. The transfer of male dogs from lowlands to an altitude of 3370 m was accompanied by hypoproteinemia and reduction of albumins and beta-globulins, stable increase of activity of alanine aminotransferase, decrease of activity of alkaline phosphatase and content of phosphate. This can be interpreted as a manifestation of adaptive changes of metabolic processes to altitude hypoxia. The return of dogs to lowlands was accompanied by the normalization of the changes during the first 20 days.


[Effect of a constant magnetic field on the antidiuretic activity of blood plasma and hypothalamic extracts]. During an exposure of animals to a constant magnetic field of 1000 and 4500 ersted changes in the hypothalamic-hypophyseal system were noted. The changes were dependent on the field intensity and the length of the exposure.


[Radiobiological characteristics of chilled seedlings as an object for inflight experiments]. It is recommended to use for experimentation cooled plant seedlings in the stage of delayed growth. Cooled seedlings have a high sensitivity to the environmental effects and can be used in long-term (up to 1-2 months) experiments. The influence of suboptimal temperatures on the radiosensitivity of seedlings, the development of radiation injury and maintenance of the radiobiological effect is described.


[Method of mathematical description of the dynamics of cell population density]. The paper presents a method of building a mathematical model of the time dynamics of the cell population density and mitotic index which allows the prediction of the population growth as related to the cultivation conditions. The process of mammalian cell division has been shown to delay noticeably with a decrease of the cultivation temperature from 36 to 30 degrees C and an increase of the initial population density. The curve of the population density has a typical sigmoidal pattern.


[Reorganization of human temperature periodicity following life rhythm inversion in isolation]. The diurnal dynamics of body temperature of four male test subjects was studied before and after inversion of their sleep-wakefulness cycle in the anechoic chamber. One test subject showed rearrangement of the temperature rhythm in accordance with the new cycle which was completed by the 11th day of confined life. The other test subjects displayed only a partial adaptation of body temperature to the new sleep-wakefulness cycle during the 34 experiment.


[Tolerance of +Gz accelerations in chronic compensated cardiac muscle disease]. The functional potentialities of the cardiovascular system were investigated during an exposure of people with compensated chronic diseases of the cardiac muscle to acceleration (+Gz). The test subjects were exposed to acceleration of 3 and 5 g for 30 sec with an interval of 5 min. The parameters of hemodynamics, ECG and visual perception were recorded. The systolic blood volume, cardiac output and specific peripheral resistance were derived from the Bremser-Ranke formula. Seventy one subjects with heart diseases and 23 healthy subjects were examined. The subjects with myocardiodystrophy and myocarditic cardiosclerosis (12+/-16) showed a reduced tolerance to accelerations. During an exposure the subjects with atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis showed a higher pressure in vessels of ear conch than the healthy subjects. The myocardiodystrophic subjects frequently (20%) exhibited an inversion of electrocardiographic T2. The subjects with heart diseases (27-33%) showed extrasystolic disturbances. The results may be used in medical expertise of pilots.


[Relation of the autonomic components of the orientation reaction in pilots to the nature of incoming information]. The influence of the pattern of the information (certainty and significance) which reaches the pilot on the physiological parameters of his orientation reaction (skin-galvanic reflex, heart rate, electromyography) was examined. Two experimental series -- on the simulation stand and in real flight -- were carried out. The obtained data show that the pattern of the orientation reaction is related to the information certainty and significance. The responses of physiological parameters to significant elements of the situation are shown to be phasic.


[Effect of cystamine on the performance of human operators]. The performance of the man-operator was evaluated by means of an electronic recorder of tracking processes during administration of cystamine at a dose of 1.2 g. Capacity for work varied during 24 hours: it decreased by 25% at 12.00--14.00 (i.e. on the 2nd--4th working hour). Cystamine did not influence the pattern of reference variations of capacity for work and slightly increased the decline of the quality of the operator's work. An analysis of changes in the scattering of tracking errors showed that the adverse effect of cystamine on work capacity strongly influenced the mode of operation with the control system in which the scattering of tracking errors increased 3-fold.


[Color perception following intensive photic stimulation]. After a monocular effect of a short-term intensive light stimulation (of 80 mksec in duration with illuminance of 1600 cdl. sec) which followed complete dark adaptation, test subjects showed disorders in color perception. They included lowered decrease in the acuity of color discrimination measured in the AN-59 anomaloscope and significant distortion of the subjective evaluation of different color stimuli. The spectrum of an experimental intensive light effect was varied; it was thus shown that disorders in the color perception were associated with a nonuniform decrease of the sensitivity of color perceiving systems of the optic analyzer. The pattern and duration of these disturbances depended on the spectral composition and intensity of the light stimulus.


[Effectiveness of pharmacological preparations in physical exertion]. The effect of some drugs used as stimulants of physical performance was measured. The effectiveness was assessed in animals (mice) by means of the Kiplinger swimming procedure and in humans with the aid of the PWC170 test and physiological parameters (respiration rate, pulse rate, oxygen consumption, oxyhemogram, blood flow rate, rate of oxygen consumption by skin -- Epstein constant). Ephedrine, strychnine, indocete and eleuterococcus were used as stimulants. In animal and human experiments the best results were obtained from the use of an ephedrine-strychnine mixture; the dose for mice -- 0,03 and 0.01 mg/kg, for men -- 0.3 and 0.0015 mg/kg twice a day per os for 10-15 days.


[Gas metabolism in hypercapnia with different oxygen content]. Upon a slow development of the hypercapnic state aggravated by a lowered oxygen content in the breathing air the oxygen supply of the human body decreases noticeably. This occurs at rest as well. An increase in the oxygen content in the breathing air to 20-22% alleviates the adverse hypercapnic effect and, consequently, improves gas exchange parameters.


[Changes in human evoked potentials during altitude decompression]. In order to evaluate the functional state of the optic analyzer during altitude decompression, the method of recording evoked potential to the light stimulus was used. Changes in the latent periods and energies of evoked potential waves were noted during different decompression regimes. It has been, therefore, concluded that the functional state of the optic analyzer alter before bends; during bends it changes more significantly; the response to a short-term effect of painless decompression and to painful symptoms of the disease is different.


[Increasing human heat tolerance by means of muscle training]. The experiments carried out on 129 athletes (gymnasts, weight-lifters and boxers) and 153 non-athletes have shown that sports training increases substantially the general and specific physical performance and elevates 2-2.5-fold the human resistance to thermal effects. The relationship between the signs of physical fitness of sportsmen and the values of their thermal resistance has been established. The procedure and scale of evaluating the thermal resistance of man have been developed.


[Change in hemoglobin mass during prolonged hypokinesia]. The total hemoglobin mass was measured by the carbon monoxide method in 33 male test subjects, 21 of whom were exposed to 30-day bed rest and 6 of whom were exposed to 100-day bed rest. The hypokinetic test subjects showed a decrease in hemoglobin mass by 11-24%. During readaptation the test subjects who had a noticeable reduction of hemoglobin displayed a 2.7-fold increase of the reticulocyte count. It is suggested that the gravity decrease during bed rest and antiorthostatic hypokinesia results in a reduced rate of hemoglobin synthesis in bone marrow.


Protein content of liver lymph in patients with portal hypertension secondary to hepatic cirrhosis. Protein content of liver lymph was measured in 14 patients with portal hypertension secondary to advanced hepatic cirrhosis. An abnormally low concentration was found in each patient, averaging 52% of plasma levels. This finding reflects a decreased sinusoidal permeability to protein, the possible effect of "capillarization of the sinusoid" and may bear on development of portal congestion.


High concentration of bilirubin in post-nodal lymph associated with red blood cell catabolism in lymph nodes of the sheep. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of post-nodal lymph of the sheep has shown that the distinct yellow colour of this fluid pool is due to the presence of relatively large amounts of bilirubin. In efferent lymph from thepopliteal, prefemoral, prescapular, renal and intestinal lymph nodes total bilirubin concentrations were 3-8 times higher than the corresponding concentrations in blood plasma. In contrast the total bilirubin concentrations in afferent lymph from the lower leg and kidney were less than the corresponding concentrations in blood plasma. Histological examination of several popliteal and mesenteric lymph nodes revealed the presence of free iron and bilirubin in the cytoplasm of cells located near the lymphatic sinuses of the node. In addition, the concentration of bilirubin in efferent lymph from the popliteal node was observed to increase following an induced rise in the number of red blood cells reaching the node by way of the afferent lymphatic duct. These latter observations suggest that the bilirubin in post-nodal lymph is associated with the catabolism of extravascular red cells by reticulo-endothelial cells within the lymph nodes.


[Method of complex assessment of an operator's performance on trainers]. A method of an integral evaluation of the performance of man-operator based on a unified system of specific and integral criteria of the quality and strain of the work is presented. Experimental results of an application of this method for studying the effect of velocity indicators on the human performance during manual control are given.


Failure of intestinal lymphatic block to prevent experimental hypercholesterolemia. Intestinal lymphatic blockade was produced in dogs by ligating the individual lymphatics and then obturating them with an acrylic solution. Despite meticulous technique a complete and lasting lymphatic block could not be produced. Extensive collateral channels developed via the omental, the colonic, the renal and the retroperitoneal lymphatics. Some of the vessels recanalized. Absorptions studied using C-14 octanoic and H-3 oleic acid suggested that although the lymphatic blockade was partially successful in lowering the content of oleic and octanoic acid in the lymph, direct lymphovenous transport compensated for the lymphatics' obstruction. The cholesterol values of the lymph blocked dogs were not lower than those of the controls. Intestinal lymphatic obstructions does not appear to be a practical approach to the prevention or treatment of hypercholesterolemia.


The effect of anaesthesia and surgery on lymph flow, protein and leucocyte concentration in lymph of the sheep. Anaesthesia and the trauma of surgery, associated with the cannulation of lymphatic ducts in various regions of the body of the sheep, had a profound effect on lymph flow, protein concentration and leucocyte concentration of lymph. In general lymph flow was depressed and the protein concentration elevated in lymph collected at the time of cannulation, or within the first 24 hours of recovery from surgery. The changes in protein concentration in lymph draining the peripheral regions of the body appeared to be due to surgical interference in the region of drainage. The greatest changes in lymph flow were observed in lymph draining peripheral regions (skin, tendon, muscular areas) while lymph draining soft tissues in central regions (kidney, liver) was less affected by the anaesthesia and surgical stress. A neutrophilia was observed in venous blood collected under anaesthesia while the overall numbers of lymphocytes in three sources of efferent lymph were depressed. It is suggested that corticosteroid hormones may play a role in the changes in leucocyte migration observed during anaesthesia and surgical stress. Changes observed in the cellular content of afferent lymph appeared to be due to a low grade inflammation associated with surgical interference in the region of lymphatic drainage.


Studies on the immunochemical composition of human thoracic duct lymph of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and polymyositis. Analysis of immunoglobulins, autoantibodies and third component of complement was carried out on the thoracic duct lymph of 6 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 2 patients with polymyositis. It was found that the distribution of these immunoproteins between lymph and serum reflected the distribution of total protein and did not appear to be dependent on molecular size. There was no significant difference in the distribution of the macromolecule IgM as compared to the other immunoglobulins. IgD was an exception with an unanticipated and unexplained lower concentration in lymph and higher serum to lymph ratio when compared to the other immunoglobulins.


Selective staining of fibrous connective tissue capsules and lymphatics: an evaluation of "interstitial" fluids. Ringer's solution containing ferrocyanide ion was infused into the arterial system of lumbs. Some of these ions filtered across the blood capillary wall into the adjacent extracapillary fluids, from which diffusion caused these ions to enter the wall of the enclosing epimysial capsule. Ringer's solution containing ferric ion was then injected into the parenchyma (not intravascularly). In muscles, the intensely blue ferric ferrocyanide (Prussian blue) precipitate appeared on the walls of the fibrous connective tissue capsules that enclosed each small cluster of muscle cells, and in the lymphatics of the extracapsular clefts. No Prussian blue appeared inside the capsules. These results indicate that "interstitial" fluids are divided into two discrete pools: (a) an intracapsular pool of capillary ultrafiltrates, and (b) an extracapsular pool in the trabecular clefts. Certain implications concerning the mixing of the tissue fluids,  the estimate of capillary filtration rates and some of the functional differences between intravascular and intramuscular injections are discussed.


Impeded interstitial fluid movement: a factor in pancreatic oedema. Pancreatic oedema was induced by physiological saline infused into the superior pancreatico-duodenal artery of 34, chloralose anaesthetized dogs. Both lymph flow from cannulated pancreatico-duodenal lymphatics and intralymphatic pressure in the non-transected ones increased significantly. The increase in pressure may be due to the regional lymph nodes obstructing increased lymph flow. The development of gross pancreatic oedema preceded the peak values of pancreatico-duodenal lymph flow and pressure. This suggested impeded fluid movement along tissue interstices and from tissue interstices into the pancreatic lymphatics. The progression of the oedema ran roughly parallel with the increase in fluid pressure measured by a perforated capsule implanted two weeks earlier into pancreatic tissues supplied by the artery. The results suggest that both the rise in lymph flow and pressure during the development of oedema in lobular organs like the pancreas are rather the consequences and not the causes of oedema.


Sex differences in the fate of N-methyl-14C-pethidine in rats. N-Methyl-14C-labeled pethidine was administered intravenously to male and female rats at a dose of 1.25 mg per kg body weight. The amount of 14CO2 (originating from the N-methyl group) in the expired air of female rats was approximately a half of that expired by males. The amounts of radioactive metabolites (probably mainly deesterified products) in the excretions was higher in females. Pethidine levels in liver reach their maximum later, but attain substantially higher levels in females. The shapes of the curves relating pethidine levels to time are identical for blood and brain, but the brain levels are approximately ten times higher. Their course approximates a simple exponential curve in females, but a curve composed of two exponentials in males. Using the COMANSL computer programme and the data for blood levels, a three-compartment model has been established consisting of a central compartment 1, into which the drug was administered, a rapidly exchanging ("shallow") compartment 2, which is in equilibrium with 1, and a slowly exchanging ("deep") compartment 3, from which it is eliminated. Rate constants computed for the entry into and the exit from 1 were similar (0.23 and 0.22) in males; they could not be determined in females (possibly since they were too high). The passage from 1 to 3 was faster in males (0.07) than in females (0.04), the elimination from 3 was substantially faster in males (1.97) than in females (0.33). Faster demethylation in males is attributed to higher demethylation activity of male liver, known from in vitro experiments and faster rate of alternative pathways in females to higher substrate concentration in the liver. Attention is drawn to the considerable sex differences in the distribution of the drug.


Influence of combined administration of ethyl alcohol with caffeine and hydroxyzine on cardiac minute volume and stroke volume in rabbits. The effect of combined administration of ethyl alcohol with caffeine and hydroxyzine on cardiac volume and vascular resistance was studied. Combined administration of these compounds diminished cardiac stroke volume and minute output and increased general vascular resistance. Simultaneous administration of ethanol with caffeine and hydroxyzine exerts an unfavorable effect on haemodynamics of circulatory system.


The influence of glucagon on the blood supply of the heart and kidneys in rabbits. In experiments with rabbits, glucagon prolonged the half-period of absorption of sodium iodide 125J in the left ventricular myocardium. Regitine prevented acceleration of the heart rate and impairment of capillary flow after glucagon. In healthy rabbits hippurate 125J clearance was unaffected by glucagon. After injury of the heart muscle by injection of silver nitrate solution into the left ventricular wall and depression of blood pressure, glucagon partly normalized renal clearance of hippurate 125J.


Influence of various drugs on excretion and distribution of chromium-51 in acute poisoning in rats. Excretion of chromium-51 was studied in rats poisoned by intramuscular injection of chromium chloride. CaNa2EDTA, BAL, Thioctacid, D-penicillamine and diphenylcarbazide used as detoxicants failed to increase excretion of chromium in the urine or stools.


Application of the isotope technique in pharmacodynamic analysis of penetration of drugs into parasites. Penetration of piperazine adipate into Ascaris lumbricoides var. suum L. was studied by scintigraphy andautoradiography. The results indicate that anthelminthic drugs, including piperazine, penetrate into the parasite mainly through the mouth or other natural orifices, and only slightly through the cuticle, and that the amount of piperazine that penetrates depende on its concentration in the solution.


14CH3-N-pethidine  biotransformation in the rat and rabbit isolated perfused liver during the pathological process. The demonstration of decreased hydrolysis and demethylation of pethidine in the liver subcellular fractions in the course of acute radiation sickness was not verified under the conditions of perfusion of the isolated liver. An attempt was made to interpret the discrepancy in the findings by a change in the intensity of uptake of pethidine and its metabolites in liver tissue after irradiation.


Regulatory role of prostaglandins in the vascular system. It is reported that noradrenaline-induced vasoconstriction initiates generation of prostaglandins of the E series by vasculas walls. These endogenous prostaglandins attenuate the vasoconstrictor effect of noradrenaline. Inhibitors of prostaglandin biosynthesis (indomethacin, mefenamic acid) abolish acute tolerance to noradrenaline infusions and counteract hypotension which is induced in cats by injection of endotoxin or by injection of rat blood.


Absorption, distribution in tissues and routes of excretion of preparation IF-ROM-196 administered to rats orally. The metabolic fate of a new coronary vasodilating derivative of ethylenediamine (ROM--196) labeled with 14C has been studied in Wistar rats. Dynamics of absorption of the preparation, its distribution in tissues and excretion in urine, feces and bile and expiratory air were investigated. The preparation is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and readily penetrates to the tissues. It is excreted mainly in the stools and urine.


On the mechanism of tachyphylaxis to histamine in guinea pig seminal vesicle. Repeated administration of high concentrations (10 muglml and above) of histamine produce tachyphylaxis in the seminal vesicle of guinea pig. Acetylcholine partially restores the response to histamine after development of constant tachyphylactic response. No tachyphylaxis occurred (in few experiments) in which the preparation is atropinized. Prior eserinization potentiates the response to histamine. After development of tachyphylaxis to histamine, increasing doses of histamine fail to produce log dose increase in the response. The results suggest that tachyphylaxis to histamine involves, desensitization of the receptors and further, a decrease in the release of acetylcholine may also contribute to the development of tachyphylaxis.


Delayed type allergy in patients with ulcerative colitis. III. Allergic reactions evoked in colonic mucosa by autologous leukocytes and their extracts. In 36 patients with ulcerative colitis hypersensitivity reactions induced in the colonic mucosa by autologous leukocytes and their extracts were studied. In 77% of cases reactions developed at the site of leukocyte injection and in 69% of cases at the site of leukocyte extra injection. The time of reaction appearance and the character of histological changes suggest that the reactions were of the cell-mediated type. The results of the investigations indicate that cell-mediated reactions may be an important pathogenic factor in ulcerative colitis.


Advances in the knowledge on placental thyrotrophin. The author discusses the problems of hormonal functions of normal placenta with particular reference to thyrotrophin of chorionic origin. The chemical structure and physiological activity of chorionic thyrotrophin are described and clinical syndromes caused by thyrotrophin secretion by pathologically changed placenta are discussed.


Immunogenicity of inactivated influenza vaccine, purified by adsorption chromatography on porous glas. A chromatographic process has been developed for a mass purification and concentration of influenza virus. The final virus suspension, purified some 400 times, is characterized by its antigenic properties and protein content. The virus was killed by UV-light and the resulting vaccine tried on 345 people. The immunity level is 8 times higher than the control. In mice which were infected after immunization with a homologous and heterologous influenza virus strains a high protection index was found (10(6) EID50 for homologous and 10(4) EID50 for heterologous strains).


Water contents of various regions of the feline nervous system. A systematic analysis of the regional water content of the feline nervous system was made. In general, areas rich in grey matter contained about 10-15% more water than white matter areas. Percentage water values were lowest for cranial and peripheral nerves and highest for cerebral cortex, cerebellar cortex, olfactory bulb and other grey matter regions. Values for cerebral cortex varied from about 81.5% for suprasplenic gyrus to over 84% for frontal gyrus. It is suggested that the effective concentrations of dissolved substances in various regions of the nervous system might be influenced greatly by these differences in water content.


Plasma tryptophan transport in normal and depressed subjects. Depressed patients have a delayed clearance of i.v. injected labelled 1-tryptophan. A high affinity binding for the amino acid and a derangement of transport or distribution to tissues in the depressed are suggested as possible mechanisms.


The metabolism of azidomorphine in the rat. The metabolism of [7,8-3H]azidomorphine and the in vivo stability of the azidogroup in azidomorphine and 14-hydroxyazidomorphine was studied. Asidomorphine conjugates with glucuronic acid, and is N-demethylated by rat liver microsomes. Detection by means of infrared spectroscopy proved that the azidroup in azidomorphine and 14-hydroxyazidomorphine strongly resists biotransformation in the rat.


[Bile and stress ulcer in the rat (author's transl)]. The influence of bile on the ulcer formation under "restraint stress" condition was studied in rats with direct choledocho-gastrostomia resp. bile duct ligation. After 9 hrs. of immobilisation in plaster cuffs the animals with unrestricted bile flow via the choledochosstress gastrostomia showed as many ulcers as the sham-operated controls. There was no difference in the ulcer localisation, the region of the bile duct anastomosis was without any ulcer. After bile duct ligation the ulcer frequency was reduced to the half. These results are explained by a massive bile reflux under stress condition, of which the pathogenetic role in stress ulcer formation is discussed.


[Indications for reconstructing injured veins in associated arterial lesions (author's transl)]. The authors have organized therapeutic measures in simultaneous bullet injuries to the arteries and the veins of the extremities on the basis of experience attained in 26 cases. 1. Simultaneous reconstruction of an injured artery and its satellite vein must be aimed at in all instances; 2. even the smallest injuries to the arterial intima favour acute arterial thrombosis, if the satellite vein has been tied up simultaneously; 3. acute arterial occlusion is not caused by the isolated ligature of the vein but by the deep, extended venous thrombosis building up on it; 4. where a main vein is ligated, anticoagulant therapy must be initiated immediately to prevent deep venous thrombosis; 5. simultaneous reconstruction of both the arterial and the venous flow systems must be maintained by postoperative anticoagulant therapy. The paper goes into details of thrombectomy, the technical details of vein reconstruction, the question of whether the establishment of a temporary arteriovenous anastomosis is indispensable,, and injuries to veins associated with fractures and dislocations.


[Functional and metabolic changes of the mucosa during the occlusion of the small bowel of the rat (author's transl)]. In this study we investigated the function of the obstructed small bowel of the rat, the behaviour of the mucosal enzymes, the metabolic changes of the small bowel wall and the morphology of the mucosa. We found a decrease of passive transport of 3H-Antipyrine which was equal after 24 and 48 hrs. The active transport of 14C-Glucose was found to be progressively inhibited after occlusion. The metabolic enzymes SDH, G-6-PDH, and GOT remained unchanged, LDH was increased after 48 hrs, which can be explained by enzyme induction. The lactate-pyruvate ratio in the tissue of the obstructed bowel was 3 times as high as in the controls. The brush-border enzymes maltase and especially the alkaline phosphatase are decreased with progressive obstruction, which probably is caused by diffusion into the lumen. By electron-microscopy there are no changes in the brush-border membrane but a swelling of mitochondria which is caused by hypoxia.


[Some methods of assessing the work of automatic analytical systems under clinical biochemical laboratory conditions]. The use of automatic facilities at clinical biochemical laboratories involves a change in the technological pattern of the analysis. In the course of the analysis the samples pass through the same automatic devices. A transfer of a volume of the substance from a preceding sample into a vessel containing the next one gives rise to systematic errors. A procedure for measuring a volume of the substance at different stages of the analysis is proposed. Experimental data derived from an investigation of the transfer of a volume at the stages of proportioning the biological liquid and reagents when handling various types of foreign-made automatic devices are presented.


[Device for measuring the acoustic impedance of the middle ear]. There exists a direct proportional relation between the acoustic impedance of the tympanic membrane and static pressure in the external acoustic duct. This relation forms the basis of the UM-01 device which enables the acoustic impedance to be determined and allows it to judge from its magnitude on the condition of the sound-conducting sector of the auditory analyser. The device is simple to handle and does not require any balancing of the measuring portion in the circuit.


[Pressing problems in the organization of mass prophylactic examinations utilizing an automated system for examining the population]. Mass prophylactic examinations are of great importance for purposeful implementation of health measures and come as the first stage of treatment on the dispensary level. At the same time, medical examination absorb huge funds and tie up many staff workers with their efforts proving insufficiently effective. The rates of putting into practice an all-round dispensary treatment may be accelerated only by a wide application of automated systems and complexes. To achieve a proper functioning and an effective practical utilization of automated systems it is proposed that an All-Union scientific-coordination centre should be set up, whose task will be to methodologically work out forms and methods for the operation of prophylactic departments provided with automated complexes, as well as the ways of their further improvement.


[Mass prophylactic examinations of the population and scientific and technical progress]. To ensure an early recognition and subsequent active dynamic observation and treatment of patients a further improvement of the forms and methods of prophylactic medical examinations of the population is necessary. One of the forms of organizing such examinations is construction and application in the medical practice of automated systems for mass examination of the population, in which efficient diagnostic methods are used.


[Pneumatic medical splints made of polymeric materials for immobilizing the extremities]. For rendering temporary medical aid in various kinds of traumas pneumatic medical splints are of an ever wider use. These are inflated double-layer air-tight filmy chamber-like sheathes forming a slip-cover around injured limbs of the victims, or around their cervical vertebrae. A review of the existing foreign and Soviet-made specimens of the splints has shown that, as regards their functional purpose and film material employed, they form several types, including uni- or multisectional, shaped, split and solid, reinforced and non-reinforced, etc. The pneumatic splints have a number of advantages, the one of them being the fact that can be quickly used for rendering help or self-help in the field.


[Experience in utilizing ultrasonic compound scanning in obstetrics]. A promising method of ultrasonic diagnostics is compound or multiple scanning. Its application in obstetrics makes it possible to more distinctly define the contours of the structures studied. Results subsequent to an examination of 750 pregnant women showed that by using this method it becomes possible to determine the position of the fetus, biparietal diameter of its head, the size of the placenta, abnormalities in the development of the fetus, etc. The advantages of compound scanning are particularly spectacular in estimating the growth of the fetal head during early periods of gestation.


[Device for the experimental local application of cold to organs and vessels of the abdominal cavity]. A study of the action produced by local freezing on the esophageal and gastric mucosa under conditions of acute hyperemia, on the veins and arteries of various diameter - for preventive stasis of the blood flow along them and on the nerve: carrying sheaths of major arteries made it possible to construct a cryosurgical instrument of a simple design and easy to handle. The working end of this instrument that acts on the organ undergoing operation is cooled down to -185 degrees. The instrument ensures a sufficiently effective utilization of the coolant and its low consumption during surgery.