Atlantoaxial subluxation and syringomyelia in Down syndrome: report of one case. Atlantoaxial instability is a relatively frequent finding in Down syndrome, but syringomyelia is a rare symptom. A four-year-old girl with Down syndrome was noted to have one year history of torticollis and progressive motor deterioration presenting with abnormal gait, ataxia or quadriparesis for the past three months. She was admitted because of acute urinary retention. Physical examination showed distended urinary bladder, hyperreflexia, bilateral ankle clonus and the existence of Babinski's signs. The x-ray films of the cervical spine showed widening between the joint space of atlas and odontoid processes. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed C1-C2 subluxation with syringomyelia. After bladder training and cervical orthosis, the symptoms improved.


Rotor's syndrome: report of one case.

Rotor's syndrome: report of one case. Rotor's syndrome is a rare hereditary non-hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia. This report concerns an 11-year-old boy who presented with fluctuant jaundice since birth. Liver function tests showed conjugated hyperbilirubinemia with normal serum aminotransferase and globulin level. The diagnosis was confirmed by laboratory workup which included normal liver histology and oral cholecystography and typical sulfobromophthalein excretion curve.


Pseudo-trisomy 13 syndrome: report of one case. A new syndrome associated with holoprosencephaly, midline facial defects and postaxial polydactyly but normal chromosomes was described. The term "pseudo-trisomy 13 syndrome" was used because of the resemblance to trisomy 13. Only a few cases have appeared in the literature, and this is the first chinese case.


[Preoperative evaluation of respiratory function in thoracic surgery. Do reliable predictive criteria exist in that type of surgery?]. A cautions analysis of the respiratory preoperative study may decrease morbidity and mortality after pulmonary surgery. To search for predictive criteria of respiratory complications following this kind of surgery, 454 patients have been studied retrospectively. Morbidity was defined as the need for postoperative ventilation. Preoperative criteria were divided in clinical (age, obesity, history of pulmonary disease, dyspnea, score of Karnofsky), laboratory (blood gases, spirometry) and surgical (kind of procedure). Three criteria were significant for morbidity (15 ventilated patients) and mortality (27 deaths): age (> 65 years), obesity, hypocapnia (pCO2 < 4.1 kPa-31 mmHg). Analysed spirometric values were no significant.


[Value of sophisticated explorative techniques of the pulmonary function in the preoperative evaluation of respiratory risk]. In order to estimate the preoperative evaluation of the respiratory risk, a well adapted clinical examination associated with a routine pulmonary function test (VC, FEV1) can be sufficient. Although some patients with cardiopulmonary disorders or candidates to lung resection need more complex assessments: the flow-volume loop to detect small airways obstruction (MEF 50%, MEF 25%), measure of bronchial hyperreactivity to predict bronchospasm during anaesthesia, residual volume for the diagnosis of emphysema, diffusing capacity (DCO) to discover lung fibrosis: these parameters disruption always make the pronostic worse. It is also useful to couple together preoperative function test and pulmonary scintigraphy to predict post-operative values after lung resection. But, these criteria for operability are not always a good indicator of post-operative complications. So it is possible to use in addition the results of exercise testing to determine cardio-respiratory performances and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2MAX) which seem better correlated with mortality and post-operative lung surgical complications. Preliminary results of our study concerning thirty patients hospitalized in Besancon-St-Jacques Hospital, agree with the hypothesis that exercise testing is an important criterion in the pre-operative evaluation and to predict post-operative mortality and morbidity of patients candidates to thoracic surgery.


Intestinal malrotation and gastric perforation in a newborn with tetralogy of Fallot: report of one case. Gastric perforation with gastrointestinal anomaly is rare in newborns. A case of Tetralogy of Fallot with both malrotation and gastric perforation is reported. Before operation, malrotation was diagnosed from the x-ray films. Laparotomy disclosed a linear perforation on the posterior wall of the gastric body. Mechanical obstruction might have played a role in this case.


[Choice of respirators for anesthesia].

[Choice of respirators for anesthesia]. Criteria of quality of gases and vapours supply, ventilator, patient's circle circuit and monitoring devices are recalled to help the anesthetist to choose his anesthesia machine. Advantages of compact or modular apparatus are discussed. Four, now wellknown, anesthesia machines (modulus II+, Siemens 900 D+SAC985, Roche Kontron 4300 and Engstrom Elsa) were analysed in clinical controlled ventilation and in simulated spontaneous ventilation to study the imposed work of breathing. Results are discussed with regard to safety rules and to ergonomics, bearing in mind their respective prices. Comparison is made with an original "bisontin" prototype.


[Transtracheal jet ventilation in the operating room]. For the last 40 years transtracheal ventilation has been suggested as a means of bypassing the glottis in emergency in patients unable to be intubated or ventilated by mask. A catheter has been designed to be easily inserted into the crico-thyroid membrane. The outer part of the device, with its dual attachment system, can be connected to conventional resuscitation equipment by its 15 mm male end or to a high-pressure oxygen source by its Luer-Lock fitting. The advantages of transtracheal ventilation are: a clear vision of the operative field, a good gas exchange, an elimination of airway trauma from intubation, a reduction of the hazard of airway fires and a decreased risk of aspiration of blood and debris. Barotrauma is the main danger. However, this method of providing oxygen and/or mechanical ventilation may be extended to the postoperative period, the exit of the insufflated gas mixture being assured at all times.


[Acute scrotal gangrene: report of one case]. Acute scrotal gangrene is a rare urologic emergency that is especially uncommon in children. It is characterized by an abrupt onset in an otherwise healthy individual, rapid progression to gangrene, and ill-defined etiology. A twenty-three-day-old male infant with complaints of irritable crying, fever, and scrotal swelling was admitted to this hospital. Physical examination showed scrotal edematous swelling and skin discoloration. Ultrasound examination, culture of scrotal content and scrotal biopsy confirmed this diagnosis. After surgical drainage and treatment with strong antibiotics, the patient was recovered uneventfully. Acute scrotal gangrene is very rare, especially in early infancy, therefore, it is important to recognize the disease and be careful to make differential diagnosis with other disease, especially testicular torsion, and strangulated hernia to avoid unwarranted, complication or surgery.


Graves' disease associated with myasthenia gravis: report of one case. Exophthalmos occurs in more than half of the patients with childhood Graves' disease, while severe Graves' ophthalmopathy is uncommon in children. Myasthenia gravis is even more rare in association with Graves' disease. A 7-year-old girl is reported; she had ptosis for two years; this was treated irregularly, and she then developed exophthalmos, ophthalmoplegia and thyroid goiter. Her laboratory tests showed T3 496 ng/dl, T4 17.05 ug/dl, TSH < 0.1 uU/ml, fT4 > 4.2 ng/dl. Antithyroglobulin antibody was 1:25600 and antimicrosomal antibody was 1:102400. Myasthenia gravis was confirmed by a positive neostigmine test. Due to allergic reaction to propylthiouracil, she was treated with carbimazole and propranolol. Thereafter the thyrotoxicosis was was well controlled. The ocular-type myasthenia gravis remained stable with minimum medical treatment.


[Early postoperative hypoxia].

[Early postoperative hypoxia]. Disturbances of the oxygenation of a patient during the early postoperative period occur frequently. Their mechanisms are complex. Alveolar related hypoxemia can be distinguished from pulmonary or nonrespiratory related hypoxemias. Those of alveolar origin are characterized by a drop in the alveolar oxygen pressure. Those of pulmonary origin arise mainly due to ventilation perfusion distribution problems or an increase in the intrapulmonary shunt. Those of nonrespiratory origin are mainly caused by a drop in cardiac output or by an increase in the tissular oxygen consumption. Patients showing signs of postoperative oxygenation trouble usually recover rapidly. Severe cases require intensive care treatment.


[Management of failure of loco-regional anesthesia]. Sedation for patients during surgery under local or regional anaesthesia may induce ventilatory depression. All sedated patients must be monitored with a pulse oximeter. Routine administration of supplementary oxygen is necessary. General anaesthesia must be rapidly performed when regional anaesthesia is unsuccessful.


[Automatic measurement of blood pressure: limits of oscillometric technique]. Non invasive blood pressure (NBP) measures are currently used in anesthesiology. The accuracy of this oscillometric technic has been tested with healthy patients, but not often with a wide pattern of pathology. The aim of this study is to point out the reliability of NBP during vascular surgery with patients suffering from arterial disease and atherosclerosis. It compares outcome with simultaneous catheter arterial blood pressure measurement (template technic). In this conditions, oscillometric method underestimates the systolic pressure value, and overestimates the diastolic one. The higher the level of arterial pressure is, the larger is the difference between this methods. It is clear that the automatic oscillometric technic is not so reliable if hypertension or atherosclerosis disease occurs. In order to improve this technic, automatic measures must take in account the degrees of arterial rigidity in its outcome.


[From central venous pressure to SVO2].

[From central venous pressure to SVO2]. The interest and the limits of different hemodynamic parameters are recalled: measure of right arterial pressure and pulmonary artery pressure, continuous measurement of SvO2. Technological and theoretical knowledge are necessary to interpret the results.


Renal cell carcinoma in childhood: report of one case. Renal cell carcinoma is extremely rare in children. A case is reported here of renal cell carcinoma in a seven-year-old boy whose clinical manifestations were fever and right loin pain. Imaging studies revealed a solid mass in the right kidney and a metastatic nodule over the middle lobe of the right lung. Right nephrectomy and middle lobectomy of the right lung were performed. Pathologic examination revealed a renal cell carcinoma with predominance of clear cells. Despite Stage IV, the patient is still alive without chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It should be emphasized that renal cell carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis of pediatric renal solid masses, particularly in older children and adolescents.


[Surgery of the aortic bifurcation and heart diseases: peroperative hemodynamics]. During aorto-biiliac by-pass, patients with heart disease are exposed at many haemodynamic problems. Mixed venous oxygen saturation monitoring help anesthetist along clamping and unclamping periods. This study concerning 13 patients with pre-operative NYHA class II and III congestive heart disease, discusses therapeutic algorithm especially for choosing inotropic or vasodilatator drugs.


[Hemodynamic complications during the recovery period after anesthesia]. In the postoperative period the alterations of blood pressure are the main hemodynamic complications. Hypotension or hypertension may compromise the coronary circulation and increase the metabolic demand of the myocardium. Pulmonary oedema is the most frequent manifestation of heart failure. The aim of its treatment is to increase myocardial contractility and decrease the metabolic demand. Myocardial ischemia is mostly silent and is an important correlate of adverse cardiac outcomes. The treatment of these hemodynamic events starts during the peroperative period by prevention of their risk factors.


[Postoperative analgesia by intrathecal morphine and respiratory depression: value of low doses (apropos of 285 cases)]. Morphine at very low dose gives a good post-operatory analgesia without major secondary effects. This study analyses retrospectively 285 spinal anaesthesia with hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine 0.2 mg.kg-1 and morphine 0.25 mg in adult urologic surgery. The analysis of enquiry in analgesic during the post-operatory period shows that in most cases (72%) the patients have supported the first 24 hours without any complementary analgesia; 28% of patients needs a complementary analgesia realized with 1 g of paracetamol. Intravenous morphinics have never been necessary in post-operative period. The analgesia was adequate for the patient's comfort, and it never mask a surgery complication. No respiratory complication appeared, even in 13 patients who needed intravenous morphinics in per-operative.


[Controlled hypotension? Watch the capnograph closely!]. During the surgery of the middle ear, a profound general anaesthesia associated to the monitoring of arterial hypotension may obtain a fiel of operation free of any blood. The patient surveillance needs the modern techniques of monitoring. SaO2 is altered only for severe falls of mean arterial pressure. PetCO2 reflects three factors: the cellular metabolism that is stable under general anaesthesia, the ventilatory conditions which are controlled and haemodynamic conditions. The cellular metabolism and the ventilatory being stable, PetCO2 modifications reflect mean arterial pressure variations. We have observed minimal falls of PetCO2 (2-3 mmHg) accompanying falls of mean arterial pressure. Monitoring mean arterial pressure every 5 minutes neglects periods of time. On the contrary capnography allows a constant haemodynamic survey. The capnography seems to be a precious help during the technique of controlled arterial hypotension.


[What kind of monitoring for what patient?]. This study assesses theoreticals indications of cardiovascular monitoring in adult non cardiac surgery. These purposes are depending on patient's preoperative evaluation, operative and anesthetic risk, like current technical possibilities.


High-level aminoglycoside resistance in enterococci. In recent years enterococci have been isolated with increasing frequency in association with serious infections. Suitable therapy for empirical treatment can only be chosen on the basis of susceptibility studies. The synergistic effects obtained by the combination of aminoglycosides with penicillin or vancomycin disappear in strains that show high level resistance (HLR) to the former. This highlights the importance of correct identification of the species of Enterococcus (especially Enterococcus faecium, a particularly resistant species), and of studies designed to examine HLR in severe infections. The preferred methods are dilution in solid or liquid medium with 2,000 micrograms of aminoglycoside per ml, or diffusion in solid medium from discs impregnated with 120 micrograms of gentamicin (which also predicts the microorganism's susceptibility to tobramycin and netilmicin) or kanamycin (which also predicts the response to amikacin), and 300 micrograms of streptomycin, for Enterococcus faecalis. The reliability of automated systems for the prediction of HLR to aminoglycosides has yet to be assessed.


Determination of plasma delta-aminolaevulinic acid levels. Applications. Determination of plasma delta-aminolaevulinic acid levels is of interest for the diagnosis of disorders of heme biosynthesis. We describe a reliable method for the determination of this parameter, based on a modification of the original method of Mauzerall and Granick. Analytical criteria are defined and the reference range used, established using data from 40 subjects, was 0.30 to 1.20 mumol/l. Results in patients with porphyria or lead poisoning and in those treated with haemodialysis or anticonvulsants indicate that this determination could be used principally in the diagnosis and management of acute porphyrias and in the early laboratory diagnosis of lead poisoning.


Gel-test: interpretation and value of a new technique for the detection of irregular antibodies. Here we report on our experience with the use of a 'Gel-Test' (DiaMed-ID Micro Typing System) technique for the detection and identification of irregular antibodies in a general hospital. This easy-to-use, standardized technique poses the question of the impact of its sensitivity on the specificity of the results. Of the 10% of observed positive reactions, 3.7% were irregular antibodies, 3.8% papain auto-antibodies, 1% cold antibodies and 2% not elucidated. Two hundred and eighteen irregular antibodies identified and titred with the 'gel-test' system were tested in parallel by 'tube' method. Sixty-three of these antibodies (29%) were not detected by the 'tube' method. While anti-Kell was always detected by both methods, we found the following false natives with the tube method: 15% anti-D, 32% anti-E, 42% anti-Cw and 58% anti-Lea. 68% of these false negatives had a low titre. The immunoglobulin class of the anti-E was studied; the sensitivity of the 'gel-test' system was associated with IgM in the anti-E. The sensitivity and standardization of the 'gel-test' technique guarantee greater safety in blood transfusion and increase efficiency in the prevention of foeto-maternal stimulation of anti-D.


[The role of ultrasound technique in blood group typing]. The work presented here concerns the study and fabrication of a robot. This tool allows one to bring out the enormous potential represented by the interaction of ultrasounds with globular suspension. The traditional hemagglutination techniques employ the systematic use of a centrifuge and mechanical suspension. The advantage of these processes is the acceleration of reactions, however, the major inconvenience remains in the difficulty of automating these tests completely, especially when microplaques are used. Our study demonstrates that the force of the ultrasonic radiation created in an atmosphere of suspension is susceptible to replacing all mechanical movements. In a stationary ultrasonic field the erythrocytes in suspension assemble towards the pressure points. This phenomenon is characterized by a faster rate of sedimentation favoring agglutination as well. Under certain conditions the ultrasonic bundle produces small whirlwinds in the bowl. The result of this process is the homogenization of the suspension which permits the differentiation between the positive and negative reactions. With these observations in mind we developed a programmable robot prototype, the goal of which was to provide us with a means of greater investigation. The originality of this technique necessitated the realization of a high frequency ultrasound captor with large range and power. For supplying the necessary energy to the transducer we developed an electronic force based on the principle of commutation. The automation is controlled by a programmable microsequensor. This instrument will allow a standardization of a protocol primarily for tests of the group ABO. The results obtained are very encouraging; the next step is to further advance experimentation in more delicate tests.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Immuno-metabolic factors in schistosomal hepatic fibrosis modulating atherogenesis. Clinical expression of atherosclerosis is infrequent among patients with schistosomal hepatic fibrosis (SHF), besides, the latter disease is a disease with many immunological expressions. The aim of the present work was to search for a possible immunological and metabolic interaction which would modulate atherogenic mechanisms. The study was carried out on 31 patients with SHF and 20 non-schistosomal subjects (10 with evident clinical atherosclerosis and 10 without). All investigated subjects were males aged above 40 years, and were subjected to the following: serum lipoprotein pattern, total cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, ApoA, ApoB, IgG, IgM, IgA, C3 + circulating immune complexes (CICs) and passive haemagglutination using S mansoni adult worm antigens. The results showed low levels of blood lipids in patients with SHF especially in those with porto-systemic collaterals; serum levels of IgG and IgM were significantly increased in all patients with SHF, while IgA was only increased in patients with collaterals who in turn showed the least incidence of clinically evident atherosclerosis; serum C3 was increased in patients with clinical atherosclerosis, both schistosomal and non-schistosomal. CICs have been higher in patients with SHF without atherosclerosis while decreased in atherosclerosis patients, both schistosomal and non-schistosomal. Our results may consolidate the view of a protective role of liver affection against atherogenesis as well as the important contribution of the immune mechanisms in this context.


[Polymerase chain reaction: general methodology]. The polymerase chain reaction method (PCR) is extremely sensitive and needs a precise control of the different steps and analytes of the reaction. In this article, we described the principle of the method and the characteristics of the main enzyme, the Taq polymerase. The concentration range of the analytes is reviewed to optimize the amplification of the nucleic acid sequence.


Polymerase chain reaction and other methods to detect hot-spot and multiple gene mutations. Gene mutations responsible for main genetic diseases as Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy or cystic fibrosis, and involved in more important diseases like cancer or cardiac diseases have been identified. Direct DNA tests can now be performed for these disorders. However, despite the knowledge of the exact alteration of the DNA sequence in these diseases, incorporating DNA analysis into large screening programs has been hindered by technical difficulties since each different mutation requires a different probe to be detected. To overcome these problems the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) has been proposed. Multiplex PCR procedure is possible and consists of simultaneously amplifying several separate DNA sequences (the upper limit of the number of multiplex reactions that can be executed at one time is not known; eight or nine separate DNA sequences amplified have already been described). Another approach is to directly sequence the gene mutations generally concentrated in 'hot-spot' regions. This way it is possible to identify numerous mutations using only one micro-sequencing reaction (50-100 nucleotides). New generations of very sophisticated systems like capillary electrophoresis or non-isotopic, but very sensitive, microsequencing systems should allow in a near future to withdraw the use of PCR for this purpose.


[Detection of nucleic acid sequences by bioluminescence. Importance of an internal reference system for qualitative and quantitative analysis]. Various luminescent detection systems were used to detect and quantify simultaneously several probes. For quantitative analysis, one probe was used as an internal standard to evaluate the amplification yield and the others to quantify the amplified target. After using hybridization in solution, accurate results were obtained. For a qualitative analysis, amplified sequences were hybridized to specific oligonucleotides which were labelled or immobilized. To compare amplified fragments to products of known sequences, we developed a more efficient technique based on DNA strand exchange occurring during hybridization in solution. This method allowed to detect a single base substitution in DNA fragments of 280 base pairs.


Standards and controls in DNA assays.

Standards and controls in DNA assays. Automated methods are described that begin to standardize genetic analysis at the DNA level. These new methods complement existing automation such as DNA extraction, liquid-handling robotics, thermal cycling and computer information management systems. Using electrophoresis, several independent genetic loci can be analyzed simultaneously using multi-color fluorescent gel scanning detection where DNA segments labeled with up to four different fluorescent dyes are analyzed within a single electrophoresis lane. The amounts and molecular lengths of PCR products are determined with high accuracy and precision by co-electrophoresis with a uniquely colored internal standard. These new methods have the potential of minimizing variations in results among different laboratories.


[Forum: dermopigmentation or medical tattooing. Needles and ink]. Tattooing has been performed since ancient times. It has survived religions, development of education, wars and all forms of repression. Tattooing has gained a new lease of life at a time when this practice appeared to be dying out; why? In reality, tattooing corresponds to a need to be different, to make oneself attractive and to see oneself as a unique being and the age of uniformity in which we live is a very important factor for requests for dermography. Techniques have progressed together with conditions of asepsis and sterilisation. Until the profession of tattooist is officially recognised, it will always be associated with the idea of sordid techniques in makeshift quarters. The very survival of this artistic profession requires serious training and standards of hygiene. Failure to recognise this profession would result in its prohibition in the short-term, leading to clandestine activity in which standards would obviously not be respected.


[Forum: dermopigmentation or medical tattooing. History of tattooing]. Tattooing has been performed all over the world since prehistoric times, as indicated by numerous ancient relics. The significance of tattoos has differed at times and in different civilisations (means of communication, social identification mark, religious origin). Today, it is performed by real artists who have inspired its medical applications. Medical dermopigmentation was initially used in the context of breast reconstruction (nipple areola complex) and, with subsequent refinements, its indications have been extended to the treatment of residual scars and to the permanent make-up.


[Forum: dermopigmentation or medical tattooing. Brief notes on technical aspects of dermopigmentation]. Tattooing is a very old procedure widespread throughout the world. Recently dermatologists and plastic surgeons have applied this procedure for medical dermography. Incarcerating a pigment in the depth of the dermis has caused no problems for professionals and aestheticiens performing tattoos. Medical ethics oblige us to specify the nature of the pigment used. The instrument used for injecting the pigment should be well adapted for safety, technically, ergonomically and for asepsis.


[Forum: dermopigmentation or medical tattooing. Dermopigmentation with an esthetic aim. Apropos of 420 cases]. 420 cases of chromatic skin corrections for medical or aesthetic reasons have been documented over the last 1-5 years. The author analyses cases based on local anatomy classification, so that good and poor results of the technique are clearly revealed. Results are then regrouped in a synthetic study, without distinction of anatomical area. This synthesis establishes a check list of defects inherent in the technique: pain or discomfort, poor smoothing-out of skin defects, far from natural chromatic variations of the skin, dull lacklustre colours, short-lasting pigmentation, and chromatic instability of dyes. All these pigmentations were performed using basic techniques and medical pigments. The author suggests that in the future these defects should be corrected by: more systematic use of dyes used by tattoo artists, addition of a gloss in the dyes, transparent technique, anaesthetic skin cream.


[Forum: dermopigmentation or medical tattooing. Dermopigmentation and reconstruction of the nipple-areola]. The use of pigmented grafts for nipple-areola reconstruction of amputed breasts is disappointing because of frequent depigmentation. Dermopigmentation is an easy, quick and effective means to ensure restoration of the nipple-areolar complex. This technique is presented as a two-step reconstruction under local anesthesia, on an outpatient basis. The final nipple may be obtained, at the second stage, by silicone prosthesis implantation under the previously pigmented mammary skin.


[Forum: dermopigmentation or medical tattooing. Dermography in cancerology. Apropos of 220 clinical cases]. Based on a series of 220 cases of reconstruction (63 cases) or correction (67 cases) of the nipple-areolar complex and various extramammary procedures (tattoo scar revision, lips, eyebrows, eyelashes) (90 cases), the authors present their 2-year experience of medical dermography in a cancer centre. Dermography allows breast reconstruction to be completed in a large number of patients who had initially refused to complete their reconstruction. This minimally aggressive outpatient technique which reconstitutes the areolo-nipple complex with sufficient quality, is now part of reconstruction protocols and is gradually replacing surgical techniques.


[Forum: dermopigmentation or medical tattooing. In practice ... how to perform medical tattooing?]. Dermopigmentation is now part of the therapeutic armamentarium of plastic surgeons. In good indications and when applied according to a few simple rules, every surgeon can obtained reliable and reproducible results with medical dermography. This therapeutic procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, usually in several sessions; subsequent revisions are always possible provided certain basic errors are avoided. The authors describe each step of this technique.


[Surgical treatment of myopathic ptosis. Apropos of 20 surgically treated cases]. Twenty cases of severe progressive ophthalmoplegia (Myopathic ptosis) with significant ptosis were treated by various procedures, including levator resection with blepharoplasty or frontalis suspension using temporalis fascia. Surgical indications were generally limited to cases with poor or absent levator function. The results are analysed after an average follow-up of 6 months. The particular problems concerning surgery of myopathic ptosis are discussed.


[Assembly of free osseous fragments in the treatment of injuries of the external orbital area]. The good long term results obtained following the remodeling of the frontal bandeau in craniosynostosis have demonstrated the viability of large bony segments following total periosteal stripping. In this present study, this concept has been applied in the management of acute midfacial fractures and their sequelae. To try to answer the fundamental questions of how wide of an exposure is needed for the treatment of these fractures, how denuded can bone segments be and expect to survive, and above all, how frequently is primary bone grafting needed, the author resorts to the complete detachment and removal of the fractured segments and their reassembly on a side table. This, theoretically, accomplishes the following: the best exposure of fragments, the best anatomical reduction, an accurate assessment of segmental loss and the need for immediate bone grafting, a normal topographical reconstruction. Bone scans have indicated long term perfusion in every case in which they were obtained. Except in cases of post traumatic deformity correction, bone grafts were not needed. The free segment reassembly fractured facial bones is but one additional technique gained from craniofacial surgery. Much, however, remains to be learned about large free segment revascularization and healing.


[Free radial antebrachial flap. A retrospective study of 48 cases. Practical applications]. The authors have studied 48 chinese forearm free flaps operated since 1982 at St-Louis, Hospital Paris. Analysis of early complications and failures shows that the few problems that occurred seem to involve hemodynamics more than technical problems. The results support the hemodynamic theory about radial forearm free flaps: low-flow flap which contrasts with the wide diameter of the radial artery. This kind of free flap may not support interpositional vein graft for arterial bridging (stasis, distension of the graft then thrombosis), which must be taken into account in the operating procedure. When the radial artery needs to be lengthened, we therefore systematically reduce the risk of thrombosis by re-establishing radial artery outflow for safety: either by distal radial artery anastomosis, or with an arteriovenous shunt.


["Reposition-flap" technique in amputation of the finger tip. Apropos of a series of 21 cases]. The authors review 21 cases of a so-called "reposition-flap" technique for finger tip injuries consisting of simple reposition when no vessels can be found for replantation. This technique is combined with palmar soft tissue excision and advancement of a local flap to cover the bone providing blood supply and good sensitivity. The mean age in the 19 patients was 34 years. The Weber test was an average of 6 mm in the 17 patients with more than 2 years of follow-up. A moderate nail hook deformity was noted in 24% and cold intolerance in 28.5%.


[Treatment of incisional hernia of the abdominal wall by the skin lacing technique. Apropos of 30 cases]. The treatment of large incisional hernias is often difficult, as reflected by the many surgical techniques proposed and the high recurrence rate. Since 1983, the authors have used a skin lacing procedure in these large hernias which frequently tend to recur. This report was based on the study of 30 consecutively patients operated by this method between 1983 and 1989. The objective results evaluated clinically in terms of the quality of the abdominal wall after more than two years of follow-up appear to argue in favour of this little known technique which combines simplicity, rapidity and reliability. Based on their experience, the authors believe that this method has a place in the therapeutic arsenal for abdominal wall repair as, in some cases, it can resolve the difficult problem of treatment of large, recurrent incisional hernias regardless of the patient's age.


[Free-tissue transfer in plastic surgery (emergencies excluded). Apropos of a 10-year experience]. Over a period of ten years the authors have performed 176 elective free tissue transfers. Flaps used were 99 latissimus dorsi, 46 chinese forearm flaps, 12 fibula, 6 toes, 5 omentum, 4 parascapular, and 4 others flaps. Recipient sites were lower limbs in 106 cases, head and neck in 50 cases, forearm and hand in 13 cases, thorax, abdomen, and buttocks in 7 cases. The overall failure rate was 5.7 per cent. Analysis of these failures taught us some original principles. Among these principles, the risk of vascular thrombosis is very important when a venous graft is performed on one end of the artery of a low blood flow flap such as chinese forearm or fibular flaps when the other end of this artery is ligated. When such a graft is done we think that the best way to avoid thrombosis is to suture the other end of the flap artery to a recipient vessel which can be even the distal end of the flap vein itself. Pretransfer expansion of a latissimus dorsi flap was successfully performed in 4 cases. Migrating semi-free flap method, in which the vascular pedicle of a flap is temporarily sutured to recipient vessels located far from the defect, was performed in 12 cases, in most cases on lower limbs where this method constitutes a modern variant of the cross-leg. Folded free-flap method, in which a flap is folded on itself during some days before excision of the recipient site, was performed in 14 cases. Analysis of this series also allowed us to review in detail our usual strategic principles for vascular anastomoses in the head and lower limbs.


Effect of immunization with anti-idiotypic antibody to melanoma antigen on lung metastasis in mice. To determine whether the pulmonary metastases of melanoma cells could be inhibited, C57BL/6 mice were immunized with an anti-idiotypic antibody, 7C4, corresponding to a mouse melanoma antigen. Three groups of mice were compared: 1) 7C4-immunized group which received an injection of 100 micrograms of 7C4 in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) subcutaneously on day -21 followed by intraperitoneal injections of the same dose on days -14 and -7,2) adjuvant-treated control group administered with only FCA, and 3) untreated control group. On day 0, 5 x 10(5) of BL6 cells were injected into the caudal vein of all mice. Two weeks later, they were sacrificed and their lungs were removed. The number pulmonary metastatic colonies present on the lung surface were counted and compared among the groups. The length of survival days was also compared. The 7C4-immunized group showed an average of 166 +/- 44 colonies as compared to more than that of 300 colonies in each control groups, and a significant difference was observed (P < 0.01). The immunized group survived significantly longer than the control group (Greenwood's formulation) on day 23 (P < 0.01). Thus the immunization with 7C4 effectively inhibited lung metastasis of melanoma cells. These findings suggest that vaccination with anti-idiotypic antibody to tumor antigen is effective on inhibiting tumor metastasis.


Combined therapy of a cephalosporin, Shiomarin and a new potent protease inhibitor, E3123 in rat taurocholate-induced pancreatitis. The role of infectious factors in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis and the protective effect of combined therapy with a new potent synthetic protease inhibitor, E3123, and a new potent synthetic cephalosporin, Shiomarin (SM) were examined in rat acute pancreatitis. Sodium taurocholate injection into the pancreatico-biliary duct of rats caused severe pancreatitis with a high mortality rate, characterized by hyperamylasemia, high amylase activity in ascitic fluid, and hyperendotoxemia and a high serum level of fibrin degradation products (FDP), redistribution of cathepsin B from the lysosomal fraction to the zymogen fraction. In rats with E3123 infusion almost all parameters were improved, including mortality rate, serum and ascitic fluid amylase levels, plasma endotoxin and serum FDP levels, and distribution of lysosomal enzyme. But combination therapy with E3123 and SM was significantly more protective than E3123 therapy alone. These results indicate that infection plays an important role in the development of severe pancreatitis and that combination therapy with a new synthetic protease inhibitor and a new potent antibiotic may be useful in the treatment of severe pancreatitis.


"Cocktail" therapy for acute pancreatitis: combined therapy of protease inhibitor, xanthine oxidase inhibitor and platelet activating factor antagonist in rat caerulein-induced pancreatis. A supramaximal dose of caerulein (5 micrograms/kg.hr for 3.5 hours) caused an acute pancreatitis with marked hyperamylasemia and intense interstitial edema in rats. In this model of pancreatitis, the redistribution of lysosomal enzyme in acinar cells as well as the increased lysosomal and mitochondrial fragility were also observed. The combined therapy of a low molecular weight protease inhibitor, FOY, a synthetic platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist, CV 6209, and a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, allopurinol produced more significant improvements in all the parameters examined than the therapy of any only one of these three agents, each only one therapy exerting a partial significant protective effect. These results indicate that several factors, such as unknown proteases activities, PAF and oxygen-derived free radicals may be involved in the pathogenesis of pancreatic injuries in this caerulein-induced pancreatitis. These results also suggest that such a combined therapy of different kinds of agents, whose therapeutic mechanisms are also different, is useful in the clinical treatment of acute pancreatitis.


A new bioabsorbable material for rat vascular cuff anatomosis: establishment for the long-term orthotopic liver transplantation model. Rat vascular anastomosis was performed using a newly synthesized bioabsorbable material (LA-GA copolymer) cuffs and the ordinary polyethylene cuffs. The LA-GA copolymer cuff which anastomosed the portal vein and the inferior vena cava were patent and developed no collateral veins even after 6 months, keeping the transplanted liver normal. By contrast, the polyethylene cuff anastomosed portal vein was completely occluded and the collateral veins were highly developed, with the transplanted liver showing the fatty degeneration of hepatocytes and numerous regenerative nodules. It is concluded that the LA-GA copolymer cuff is a suitable material for the short and long term study of rat orthotopic liver transplantation.


The influence of parathyroid hormone-related protein on hepatic IGF-1 production. Four young milk-fed calves were fitted with catheters chronically implanted in the mesenteric, portal and hepatic veins and in the hepatic artery. Electromagnetic blood flow probes in the portal vein and hepatic artery allowed continuous measurement of hepatic IGF-1 production. In accordance with a latin square design these calves received iv mesenteric infusion (for 60 min) of calcium (Ca, 0.125 mmol.kg body wt-1), the synthetic human parathyroid hormone-related protein (1-34) fragment (PTHrP, 1 nmol.kg body wt-1), the synthetic analogue [tyr]34-bovine PTH-(7-34) NH2 (2 nmol.kg body wt-1) and PTHrP (1 nmol.kg body wt-1) or solvent alone (1.2 ml.kg body wt-1). Hypercalcaemia observed following Ca infusion had no significant effect on hepatic IGF-1 production. PTHrP induced a slight but significant increase in plasma Ca and IGF-1 concentrations measured in the hepatic vein, without changing blood flows measured in the hepatic artery and portal vein. Thus PTHrP increased hepatic IGF-1 production (15.1 +/- 2.7 nmol.6 h-1.kg body wt-1 vs 4 +/- 1.3 nmol.6 h-1.kg body wt-1 in controls; p less than 0.05). These effects induced by PTHrP were inhibited by the synthetic analogue [tyr]34-bPTH-(7-34) NH2.


Human parathyroid hormone-related peptide-(107-111) does not inhibit bone resorption in neonatal mouse calvariae. Recent analysis of the structure-function relationship of human PTH-related peptide (hPTHrP) has led to the discovery that its direct inhibitory activity on osteoclastic bone resorption resides fully in the 107-111 sequence of the peptide, as assessed by a bone resorption assay using isolated rat osteoclasts. Here we report that hPTHrP-(107-111) is inactive in neonatal mouse calvariae in culture. hPTHrP-(107-111), at doses of 10(-12)-10(-6) M and incubation periods up to 96 h, did not affect either basal or agonist-stimulated 45Ca release from prelabeled neonatal mouse calvariae, while salmon calcitonin was a potent and powerful inhibitor of both basal and stimulated 45Ca release from bone. Moreover, salmon calcitonin, but not hPTHrP-(107-111), inhibited the increase in osteoclast number in hPTHrP-(1-34)-treated bones. Furthermore, hPTHrP-(107-139) also failed to inhibit 45Ca release and the hPTHrP-(1-34)-induced increase in osteoclast number in this organ culture model when tested under conditions identical to those for hPTHrP-(107-111). The addition of indomethacin to hPTHrP-(107-111)- or hPTHrP-(107-139)-treated bones was without effect, excluding the possibility that the direct inhibitory activity of these peptides on osteoclasts is ablated by a prostaglandin-mediated mechanism. Although the mechanism underlying the apparent inability of the carboxyl-terminal PTHrP fragments to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption in neonatal mouse calvariae is unknown, it may involve the complex microenvironment of osteoclasts in intact bone, which contains a large variety of cell types other than osteoclasts.


[Chagasic infection in blood donors from hospitals in endemic regions of Chile (1982-1987). Epidemiological impact of the problem]. Chagas' disease, produced by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by hematophagous triatomine bugs, exists in the Western Hemisphere from the south-western United States to central Chile and Argentina. It exists in rural and periurban sections of the northern half of Chile, with a prevalence of 16.9%. Constant rural-urban migrations have contributed to its spreading to urban sections. In order to investigate the impact of these migrations on the population susceptible of being blood donors and the probable increasing of the risk of T. cruzi transmission by blood transfusion, epidemiological surveys were carried out in donors from 22 hospitals located in the northern half of Chile. By means of an indirect hemagglutination test for Chagas' disease 16,841 blood donors were examined, arising a 2.7% of positivity, percentage that permitted to estimate that 126,477 potential blood donors infected with T. cruzi should be in the urban sections studied. These facts strengthen the need that serology for Chagas' disease must be routinely performed in endemic regions of the country, to adopt or reinforce the pertinent preventive measures.


[Serologic longitudinal follow-up of surgically treated patients for hydatidosis]. Beginning with the register of human hydatidosis cases, kept by hydatidosis struggle programs of Rio Negro Province, was done the serologic longitudinal follow-up in patients operated on in the period 1980-1987, in the influence area of Ingeniero Jacobacci, Rio Negro, Argentina. The local Supervision Program obtained blood samples of 36 patients during 1990 (59% of them were operated on in the considered period), five patients died corresponding the remaining to persons to whom did not live in Ingeniero Jacobacci or to whom were not possible to evaluate. The blood samples were studied by DD5, confirming the disease immunologically in 18 cases (50%). In this work are evaluated possible causes of reinfection: surgery technic, individual susceptibility, immunological factors.


[New metacercariae of the genus Tylodelphys (Trematoda, Diplostomatidae) in lacustrine populations of Galaxias maculatus (Teleostei, Galaxiidae)]. Metacercariae of three new species of Tylodelphys (Trematoda, Diplostomatidae) were found in the brain of Galaxias maculatus (Teleostei, Galaxiidae), at the Meliquina Lake, Neuquen Province, Argentina. These metacercariae are morphologically described as Tylodelphys argentinus n. sp., Tylodelphys barilochensis n. sp. and Tylodelphys crubensis n. sp. This is the first time that a stage of genus Tylodelphys is mentioned parasitizing Galaxias maculatus. Metacercariae of T. barilochen sis n. sp. were also found in G. maculatus brain at the Perito Moreno Lake, Rio Negro Province, Argentina.


Porrocaecum muraenesoxi n. sp. (Nematoda: Heterocheilidae) from the intestine of marine eel fish Muraenesox talabonoides (Bleeker). A new species of the nematode genus Porrocaecum Railliet et Henry, 1912 obtained from the marine eel fish Muraenesox talabonoides (Bleeker) from Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) is described. The specimens do not agree with the description of known species of the genus Porrocaecum, hence a new species Porrocaecum muraenesoxi has been established to describe these nematodes. The new species is distinguished by body size, location of nerve ring, length of intestinal caecum, number and arrangement of caudal papillae, spicules length, and tail conical in both sexes. Rectal glands present.


[Histotropism and pathogenicity of Trypanosoma cruzi in albino mice (NHI) isolated from triatomines in Nuevo Leon, Mexico]. The neolonese strain of Trypanosoma cruzi was obtained from deyections of nosed bugs (Triatoma gerstaeckeri) which were caught in General Teran and Dr. Coss, Nuevo Leon. This strain was kept alive for passing it from mouse-triatomines and vice versa. Posteriorly, nests of amastigotes were found in skeletal and myocardial muscle fibers from albinous mouse Mus musculus NHI by using light microscopy and electron microscopy. In consequence, the parasitic element was classified as a myotropic strain, although it was observed in less amount in liver, kidney and spleen. Main pathological changes observed were intersticial inflammation, disruption of muscle fibers, myocarditis, mitochondrial alteration and cytoplasmic vacuolation.


[Oral elimination of strobila segments of Taenia saginata]. Within a 14-24 hours lapse after gynecological operative surgery, a 27-year-old woman eliminated with vomit two large taperworm pieces, measuring 3 and 2 meters respectively. At the laboratory they were identified as Taenia saginata strobila with immature, mature and gravid proglottids. The patient informed that she liked to eat raw beef. Treatment consisted in a single dose of praziquantel: 15 mg/kg body weight. Parasitological controls (two series of three fecal samples each), performed three months later, resulted negative for Taenia eggs.


[Epidemiological and diagnostic aspects of human Cryptosporidiosis in Chile]. Cryptosporidium sp. infections have been reported in different Chilean localities, both in healthy individuals and immunocompromised patients. Among the first, hospitalized and ambulatory children less than 3 years old are the age group more affected reaching frequencies from 3.1 up to 19.3%. In pre-school children, school children and adults the prevalence rates have been 1.1, 0.2 and 0.3% respectively. According to the epidemiological studies carried out, the routine laboratory diagnosis of this parasitosis should be emphasized in the parasitological stool examinations in children under 3 years of age, and selectively in the older ones.


Description of a new species of Kathlania Lane, 1914 (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) from the intestine of the marine fish Trichiurus muticus (Griffith). Kathlania sprentii n. sp. is described from the intestine of a marine fish. Trichiurus muticus (Griffith) from the South coast of Indian Ocean, India. The new form differs from other known species of the genus in the presence of two rounded teeth-like structures in the buccal capsule, spicule ratio 1:4 and rod-shaped gubernaculum with bifurcated distal end.


[Laboratory study on the immediate and persistent insecticide activity of the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin on nymphs of IV instar Triatoma infestans]. Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) is a new broad-spectrum synthetic pyrethroid insecticide with efficient immediate and persistent activity against a great variety of arthropods harmful both to human and animal health and to vegetal production. In many countries this insecticide has been successfully used in the control of infectious diseases vectors, such as mosquitoes, triatomine bugs (transmitters of Trypanosoma cruzi, agent of Chagas' disease) and other arthropods. In order to test the immediate and persistent activity of LCT under laboratory conditions (27 degrees C and 75-80% humidity) on laboratory reared Triatoma infestans--the most resistant instar of this insect to the commonest insecticides used--a series of six experiments was performed in 1-year period. Previous to experiments, the interior surface (400 cm2) of 36 specially manufactured cardboard boxes was uniformly sprayed with 2 ml of the following substrates: 12 with 0.6% LCT suspension, 12 with 1.0% LCT suspension and 12 with water (controls). Twenty four hours, 30 - 90 - 150 - 270 and 360 days later, in two pairs of each six boxes, lots of 10 T. infestans IV nymphs were deposited inside of them. In each of the six experiments, daily observations of the conditions of the insects (unaffected, affected in terms of various grades of progressive uncoordination, or dead) after exposure to the insecticide were performed to end with the register of these conditions 96 hours later. Moreover, after 7 and 10 days of exposure in the immediate and persistent effect of LCT respectively a 100% of mortality was verified.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[First report on Neotoma micropus (Rodentia) as a reservoir of Trypanosoma cruzi in Mexico]. Using xenodiagnosis, two (8.0%) of 25 woodrats Neotoma micropus were found infected with tripanosome parasite in Vaquerias, a village in Nuevo Leon State, Mexico. The triatomine species developing infective metacyclic trypanosomes at week 12th were Triatoma pallidipennis, T. infestans and T. gerstaeckeri. Experimental infections using infected dejections were successfully conducted on laboratory mice (CD1 strain) confirming the vertebrate cycle of Trypanosome cruzi. The biological characterization of T. cruzi strains was demonstrated based on: 1) Triatomine developmental cycle. 2) A vertebrate host parasitic period up to 25-33 post-infection days, and. 3) Typical morphology of bloodstream trypomastigotes and amastigotes from myocardial nest. This is the first report of T. cruzi biologically characterized in Nuevo Leon, as well as a new report of N. micropus, increasing the list of reservoir hosts in Mexico.


[Intestinal amebiasis in Antofagasta, Chile]. In January 1989--December 1991 period we verified 35 cases of symptomatic intestinal amebiasis in Antofagasta, the main city of the North of Chile. Out of the total number of studied patients 23 were adults (77.1% males and 22.9% females) and all of them were permanent residents of Antofagasta. E.histolytica was frequently detected in association with other parasites and/or commensals, and observed alone in only seven cases. The clinical and epidemiological aspects of these 35 cases are discussed.


Intraperitoneal reaction in Wistar rats after inoculation with several components of a human hydatid cyst. Fifteen male Wistar rats were inoculated intra peritoneally with material obtained from a human hepatic hydatid cyst with 20% viability and previously inactivated with 20% NaCl. When the animals were sacrificed six months later, hydatid granulomas surrounding parasitic remains were detected in the peritoneum.


[Current status of knowledge on Chagas' disease in the Mexican Republic]. A thorough review of the medical literature is made regarding Chagas' disease in Mexico and elsewhere since 1939, when Trypanosoma cruzi was first reported in this country, until 1991. The location where human cases, non human reservoirs and vectors have been found and are pointed out by means of tables and charts. Comments are made regarding the results reported. The importance of increasing the studies of Chagas' disease in Mexican Republic is stressed.


[Histopathology of Kingiella chilenica (bivalvia, cyamiidae) parasitized by rediae and cercariae of the Gymnophallidae family]. Gonadal and digestive gland tissues of Kingiella chilenica specimens, which were infected with trematode larvae, were examined to determine the organs that are normally invaded by these parasites. Rediae containing cercariae of this digenetic trematod, appeared exclusively restricted to the tissues of the digestive gland. Consequently, no damage or alterations were observed in the gonad or other related tissues of the infected specimens. This, linked to the fact that parasitized females may also appear with brooded embryos, supports the conclusion that the reproductive activities of the bivalve mollusc are not affected by the presence of these infecting larvae.


[Clinical considerations on 2 cases of hepatic fascioliasis. Importance of the imaging examinations]. Two cases of hepatic human fascioliasis, both with antecedents of eating watercress, hepatobiliary symptoms and high eosinophilia are described. In the first one (42 year-old male), at the beginning the abdominal ecotomographical and computed tomography images suggested an hepatic tumor, but afterwards, the finding of Fasciola hepatica ova in feces and the observation of numerous typical images of the fluke in the choledochus by means of an endoscopic cholangiography, plus lesions related to a Löffler syndrome detected in a chest radiography, lead to the diagnosis of hepatic fascioliasis. The patient was treated with dehydroemetine. In the second case (52 year-old male), presented pain in the upper right abdominal quadrant; in an abdominal ecography three cystic lesions in the right liver lobe were found. Nor in the feces neither in the bile F. hepatica eggs were observed. Serological tests for fascioliasis and hydatidosis resulted positive. The endoscopic cholangiography was normal. With the presumptive diagnosis of fascioliasis the patient was treated with dehydroemetine. But as his disturbances remained during the following six months, and raising the possibility of a suppurated hydatid cyst or hepatic abscesses, he was submitted to surgery, finding F. hepatica eggs in the chocolate-like hematic liquid. In the wall and in a liver mass resected a grunuloma with eggs of the parasite was detected. The patient was treated again and cured with dehydroemetine. The existence of subcapsular hematomata and granulomas in hepatic fascioliasis, which can give raise to a diagnosis confusion due to their aspect in the ecotomography and computed tomography are commented. The cholangiographic aspect of the affection is discussed.


[A case of massive ascariasis in the riverside sector of the Riñihue lake, Chile]. A case of massive ascariasis in a three and a half years old girl who eliminated 104 worms after treatment with mebendazole is reported from a riverside sector of Riñihue Lake, Chile. Chilean literature about intestinal massive ascariasis is reviewed. Worms showed 12-29 cm of length and 0.2-5.5 g of weight. Total worms weighted 155.8 g.


[Usefulness of the ELISA-IgG test in sera and filter paper blood eluates in the Chagas disease immunodiagnosis]. An ELISA-IgG test using a soluble extract of Trypanosoma cruzi antigen has been developed. One hundred and seventy eight sera (74 healthy people, 44 chagasic patients with positive xenodiagnosis and 60 with clinical symptoms), and 64 paper filter blood eluates (35 healthy people, 10 chagasic patients and 19 with clinical symptoms) were tested by ELISA-IgG and an indirect hemagglutination test. Both types of methods presented an overall average concordance of 98.3% and 100.0% with sera and filter paper blood eluates respectively. A cut off (average of optical density plus 3 standard deviations) of 0.365 and 0.379 for sera and eluates was found. The use of ELISA-IgG in Chagas' disease clinical diagnosis and seroepidemiological studies is discussed.


[Absorption of human serum antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii using Tachyzoites from the RH strain]. Absorption experiments to determine the number of T. gondii tachyzoites to extract the anti-Toxoplasma antibodies present in the human serum were carried out. The antibodies titer from each serum (n = 4) was determined by means of the Sabin-Feldman test (dye test). Ten millions of tachyzoites were sufficient to absorb the antibodies from sera presenting titer 1:16, 1:64 and 1:256. On the other side, the absorption of a 1:512 positive serum with 10 x 10(6) T. gondii decreased the titer to 1:64 and the dye test became negative when using 50 x 10(6) tachyzoites.


[Electrocardiographic alterations in persons with a positive serology for toxoplasmosis]. To each of 11,161 randomly taken people from urban and peri-urban localities of the first seven regions of Chile (geographic area of distribution of Chagas' disease in the country), with negative serology for Chagas' disease, an indirect hemagglutination test (IHAT) for toxoplasmosis and an EKG were practiced. The IHAT for toxoplasmosis resulted positive in 3,519 individuals (31.5%). The EKG showed alterations in 10.9% of the IHAT positive individuals and in 7.9% of the IHAT negative ones. This difference between the proportion of altered EKG in IHAT positive people and altered EKG in those with negative IHAT is statistically significative with p < 0.001. These results suggest the convenience of considering toxoplasmosis as a cause of chronic myocardiopathy in epidemiological studies on Chagas' disease, since not discard the presence of Toxoplasma gondii infection should overvaluete the magnitude of the impact of Trypanosoma cruzi in the genesis of such a myocardiopathy.


Using a computer color-matching system in color reproduction of porcelain restorations. Part 1: Application of CCM to the opaque layer. The reproduction of natural tooth color using porcelain restorations is quite cumbersome, for it is difficult to select, communicate, reproduce, and evaluate color objectively. The present process of color reproduction lacks precision and is primarily dependent on the individual efforts and abilities of the dentist and ceramist. The computer color-matching system, aided by a spectrophotometer and computer, can be an excellent method for reproducing specific colors of various objects. This paper reports application of the system to reproduce various opaque colors used for metal ceramic restorations.


Differences in color between fired porcelain and shade guides. The inaccuracy of premixed porcelain shades may cause errors when color matching porcelain crowns. Most brands of porcelain are labeled to match shades of the Vita shade guide, but produce slightly different colors from this guide upon firing. The purpose of this study was to quantify in CIE delta E* units the color differences between the Vita shade guide colors and four commercial porcelains for metal ceramic crowns. Two operators prepared shade-guide teeth from six shades of four brands of porcelain. Opaque, body, and incisal layers were fired in the form of shade-guide teeth on Vita ceramic carriers used for making custom shade-guide teeth. The colors of these teeth were measured with a Beckman spectrophotometer with an integrating sphere. The average delta E* values for the differences between the colors of the Vita shade guide and the fired porcelains for each of the brands were 3.1, 2.9, 4.1, and 2.0, respectively, for the first operator and 4.1, 2.6, 2.8, and 1.6, respectively, for the second operator. The color difference between the custom shade-guide teeth and the Vita master shade guide were significantly affected by both brands and shades. The overall average error resulting from the differences in colors between the Vita shade guide and fired porcelains was 3.0 for the first operator and 2.8 for the second operator. The mean delta E* between the teeth prepared by the two operators was 3.6. The color difference between the teeth made by the two operators was not significantly affected by brands or shades.


Shear bond strength of textured opaque porcelain. Textured opaque porcelains have been introduced to improve the appearance of metal ceramic restorations by increasing light refraction. This investigation compared the shear bond strength of a textured opaque porcelain with that of a conventional opaque porcelain. Opaque and body porcelains were fired onto six different alloys and the specimens were loaded to failure by applying shear force at the alloy-porcelain interface. No significant differences in bond strength were found between the textured and conventional opaque porcelains for any of the alloys tested.


Comparisons of tactile thresholds between implant-supported fixed partial dentures and removable partial dentures. This study compared the tactile sensitivity of splinted abutment and denture teeth of 16 fixed partial dentures (FPD) supported by blade implants and 16 removable partial dentures (RPD) in patients with Kennedy Class I and Class II edentulous conditions. No significant differences were noted between the tactile thresholds of the natural abutment teeth and artificial teeth in the FPD and RPD groups. The splinted abutment teeth required 45.4 g, or 5.4 to 5.8 times higher occlusal loads than did those needed for the comparable nonsplinted teeth, to detect the stimulus. A further increase of 54% in thresholds with the FPD and over 100% with the placement of the RPD indicated the superiority of the RPD in terms of load distribution as a result of the cross-arch splinting and mucosal support. Moderate positive correlations (r = 0.37 to 0.46; P < .05) between tactile thresholds and masticatory performance were found, signifying that reduced tactile perception was not responsible for the incomplete restoration of the masticatory function with RPDs or FPDs but might be contributing to increased masticatory performance within both treatment groups.


Patients with atrophic mandibles: opinions regarding the benefit of preprosthetic surgery. This paper follows a previous report of an investigation regarding treatment of patients having atrophic mandibles. These patients either had surgery and received new dentures or received new dentures only. This paper reports the opinions of the patients concerning their treatment after an average of 6.5 years. The results showed that the patients in the group with atrophic mandibular ridges that were surgically treated were more generally satisfied with their dentures in comparison with the group of patients with atrophic ridges that were not surgically treated. The attitudes of the latter did not differ from the control group of patients having normal ridges.


[Current prevalence of trichinosis in Santiago, Chile (1992). A study on 500 corpses]. In August-December 1992, 500 diaphragm muscle samples taken at random from people who were autopsied at the Santiago Medico-Legal Service, were submitted to phototrichinoscopy to search for encysted larvae of Trichinella spiralis. For each sample seven small pieces were examined. Three hundred and eighty nine (77.8%) cadavers corresponded to males and one hundred and eleven (22.2%) to females. Ages ranged from 1 to 90 years. Ten (2.0%) of the individuals examined resulted positive, the higher frequencies corresponding to individuals over 20 years of age. The prevalence rate of T. spiralis infection found is rather similar to those detected in 1966-1967, 1972 and 1982, with percentages of 2.2, 3.4 and 2.8 respectively.


Estimation of parameters of allometric equations. Accurate parameter estimation of allometric equations is a question of considerable interest. Various techniques that address this problem exist. In this paper it is assumed that the measured values are normally distributed and a maximum likelihood estimation approach is used. The computations involved in this procedure are reducible to relatively simple forms, and an efficient numerical algorithm is used. A listing of the computer program is included as an appendix.


The effect of polishing porcelain laminates on induced I-Bar wear. Partial-coverage porcelain laminate restorations may successfully be used to create undercuts for removable partial denture abutment teeth. If recontouring of such restorations becomes necessary after placement, surface polishing would be necessary prior to removable partial denture fabrication. In this study the wear of luted porcelain laminates, which received a polished surface treatment and contacting I-bar clasps, was quantified over a simulated 2-year period when subjected to removable partial denture placement and removal. Scanning electron photomicrographs and computer imaging were used for wear measurement. These data were compared to previously recorded data on wear of I-bar tips against human enamel and glazed, luted, porcelain-laminate restorations under the same experimental conditions. No measurable wear was observed on any of the laminate specimens. I-bar clasps tested against the glazed laminate restorations exhibited the greatest mean wear, and those tested against the polished laminates exhibited the least mean wear.


Clinical evaluation of resin-bonded prostheses. Resin-bonded prostheses were clinically evaluated following a mean period of 41 months. The abutment teeth were minimally prepared, and one groove was placed on the surface approximating the edentulous space. Retainers were treated using the Silicoater technique. Thirty-four prostheses were made for 32 patients. Four patients were lost from the study and 30 units were re-examined. Two prostheses had debonded. The results suggest that resin-bonded prostheses can be successful if meticulous attention is given to the procedures outlined.


Study of lipid changes in freeze-dried fish during storage. I. The interaction of relative humidity and tissue lipids. Several studies on lipid stability of freeze-dried fish pointed out the relationship between relative humidity (RH) and autoxidation of highly unsaturated fatty acids. The present study shows the changes of tissue lipids in two different fish, freeze-dried and stored under various RH conditions. Fillets of Scomber scomber L and Sardina pilchardus sardina were freeze-dried and stored for 1, 3, 6 and 9 months. periodically, the sample of both fish were analyzed to evaluate the autoxidation of lipids. The results show that the autoxidation of lipids is quicker during 1st-3rd month of storage, while in a high humidity environment the tissue lipids change slower. According to these results both time of storage and relative humidity must be controlled to maintain the nutritive value of freeze-dried fish.


[Characterization of plasma glycosaminoglycans in hemodialysis patients]. Glycosaminoglycans are heteropolysaccharides composed of disaccharide repeating subunits, each one containing a uronic acid component (glucuronic or iduronic acid) and a hexosamine (N-acetyl-glucosamine or N-acetyl-galactosamine, which may be differently sulphated). The presence of GAGs in human plasma has been demonstrated in several studies; they are bound to plasma proteins through non-covalent linkages. However, very little is known about either their origin or their physiological role. Due to their anionic charge, they may influence some metabolic processes, such as blood coagulation, and they could also have a role in urolithiasis and atherogenesis. Moreover, they may be important in modulating the metabolism of some lipoproteins by affecting the rate of their catabolism. Modifications of GAG pattern have been described in a few pathological conditions such as mucopolysaccharidosis, connective tissue diseases and kidney diseases. A high frequency of accelerated atherosclerosis has been observed in haemodialysis patients (HD), probably associated with the altered lipoprotein profile, which is often described in these subjects. Since GAGs may play a role in lipoprotein metabolism, we isolated and characterized plasma GAGs from a group of HD patients and a group of normal matched subjects. Quantitative analysis of plasma GAGs showed a significant increase of these polysaccharides in the HD group. Circulating levels of GAGs were 8.21 +/- 1.89 micrograms/ml in control subjects, and 15.08 +/- 3.13 micrograms/ml in the HD group (p < 0.0001). The isolation of plasma GAGs by ion-exchange chromatography produced two uronic acid containing families: a low-charge (peak I) and a high-charge (peak II) species. Both of these contained GAGs associated with plasma proteins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


The effect of crown length on the fracture resistance of posterior porcelain and glass-ceramic crowns. This in vitro study measured the changes in the fracture resistance of posterior crowns as a function of crown length. The crowns, 10 for each group, were made of a feldspathic porcelain (Ceramco), a glass-ceramic material (Dicor), and an alumina-reinforced glass (In-Ceram). Three different crown lengths were tested on acrylic resin dies. The restorations were fractured in a testing machine using a steel ball, 12.7 mm in diameter, that contacted the occlusal surface at three distinct points. Statistical analysis was performed using the Weibull distribution. The fracture resistance increased significantly with increasing crown length for all crown materials.


Accuracy of the acrylic resin pattern for the implant-retained prosthesis. An in vitro study was conducted to determine the accuracy of fit of the acrylic resin pattern for the implant-supported prosthesis to the implant abutments. A master model containing five Nobelpharma titanium implants was fabricated using Ivocap acrylic resin. Using this model, five standardized acrylic resin patterns were fabricated from the three test dental acrylic resins. The fabricated patterns remained on the master model for 24 hours before removal and subsequent measurement. To compute the accuracy of each pattern, three special measuring points were firmly attached to each gold cylinder prior to pattern fabrication and the x, y, and z coordinates of these measuring points were determined. Measurements were made prior to pattern fabrication, with the cylinders on their respective abutments and after pattern fabrication, when the pattern had been removed from the master model. The results of this study showed that there was a significant difference in accuracy between the test acrylic resins and that none of these materials was completely accurate.


The cytotoxic effects of denture base resin sealants. Previous studies have shown that light-polymerized denture base resins have a cytotoxic effect on oral epithelial cells. The purpose of this in vitro study was to examine the effects of two denture base resin sealants when used on three light-polymerized denture base resins. Sample disks were examined for their effect on protein synthesis. Results indicate that one sealant protected the cells against toxic effects of the materials (P < .05), while one sealant enhanced toxicity up to 88% above that attributed to the resin alone.


[Lipid and lipoprotein profile in psoriasis]. Psoriasis is a common relapsing dermatosis characterized by an increased epidermal cell proliferation. In this work we studied the lipid and lipoprotein pattern in 17 patients affected by long-standing psoriasis and in 20 normal controls. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and Apolipoprotein AI and B levels were measured; VLDL, LDL and HDL chemical composition was assessed by preparative ultracentrifugation. Plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels were significantly lower in the patient group; chemical analysis of the main lipoprotein classes showed compositional abnormalities consistent with an accelerated turnover of these particles. We believe that epidermal cell proliferation can play a role in determining these changes.


[Evaluation of an immunoenzymatic method for determining TSH and establishment of reference values]. In the present work we reported the results of the valuation of IMx Ultrasensitive hTSH assay which is a Microparticle Enzyme ImmunoAssay (MEIA) for quantitative determination of human stimulating hormone (hTSH) in the human serum or plasma. We have determined the method's precision, within run and between run, sensitivity and recovery. This method has been compared with another one (Immuno RadioMetric Assay). Also reference values have been calculated in the "normal" male and female population and shortly commented.


Comparison of three different methods for evaluation of Helicobacter pylori (H.P.) in human dental plaque. Helicobacter pylori (H.p.) is a microorganism involved in peptic ulcer disease. To clarify the role of human dental plaque as a reservoir of H.p. and to compare different methods of investigation the authors studied 20 patients, 17 males main age 56 +/- 12 and 3 females 52 +/- 7, gastro-duodenal H.p. positive. The trial was carried out by cultural, biochemical and microscopical plaque analysis. Cultural and microscopical method were H.p. positive in 80% patients, urease in 100%, alkaline phosphatase in 80%, gamma glutamyltransferase in 70%, nitrate in 70%. To minimize the possibility of false results in H.p. plaque analysis it is necessary to use the three methods simultaneously. Further trials both on human plaque and on food and beverages will be useful to clarify the role of H.p. in human pathology.


[Tubo-ovarian transplantation in the treatment of sterility. Experimental research]. Microsurgical transposition of fallopian tube and ovary has the potential of being an efficient therapeutic treatment in patients with tubal sterility. The Authors present their experience of microsurgical adnexal transplantation in rabbit by two different techniques: the first procedure by microvascular anastomosis of the ovarian vessels, the second one without vascular pedicle. Function is evaluated at various time after grafting by: exploratory laparotomy on day 30 to establish whether circulation to the grafts was still maintained; macroscopic and microscopic examination of ovaries and fallopian tubes. The microvascular techniques prove highly reliable in terms of immediate vascular patency rate but it is disappointing that 50% of the autografts has failed with blocked vessels by day 30. Perhaps this is due to the difficult techniques in anastomosing the ovarian vessels of small caliber. In spite of these outcomes the vascularized autografts were viable and functional after transplantation in contrast with the non-vascularized tubo-ovarian grafts which all failed. This experience encourages to believe that the microsurgical technique could be employed for homograft transplantation in woman with extensive ovarian and tubal damages.


[Action of retinol on viable cell recovery and clonogenic potential of HTC cells after in vitro hyperthermia]. The aim of this study was to investigate if the association of both hyperthermic and Retinol treatment of HTC hepatoma cells could be useful in antitumor therapy. Treatment with 5 microM Retinol was carried out before or after hyperthermia (42 degrees C or 44 degrees C, one hour; in the latter case it was performed in cells already thermo-selected. We took into consideration two parameters, i.e. the number of the collected vital cells (evaluated by the trypan blue-exclusion test) and the clonal efficiency of these cells (calculated as number of colonies obtained from 250 cells cultured for 5 days). Thermal treatment alone caused a decrease of the number of the collected vital cells and of their clonal efficiency only in the cell cultures incubated at 44 degrees C. Instead the control thermo-selected cells, both at 42 degrees C and at 44 degrees C, showed both decreased clonal efficiency and yield of the vital cells. Compared with the control cultures treated with 0.1% Ethanol, used as vitamin A solvent, only cell cultures treated with Retinol before hyperthermia showed a decreased number of collected viable cells, nevertheless their clonal efficiency was unchanged.


[Effect of hyperthermia and retinol treatment in vitro on HTC cell adhesiveness to laminin and fibronectin]. Since cell adhesiveness is very important in the metastatic process and because both hyperthermia and treatment with Retinol can modify the fluidity of the lipid components of the plasma membrane (and therefore its receptor distribution), we investigated if a hyperthermic treatment (at 42 degrees C or 44 degrees C, for one hour) of HTC hepatoma cells, preceded or followed by treatment with 5 microM Retinol, could alter cell adhesiveness to Laminin or to Fibronectin-coated substrata. Hepatoma cells, after such treatments, were collected and processed by Auerbach's method. In the control cells thermal treatment alone caused a decrease of adhesiveness to Laminin but no change in that to Fibronectin. When treatment with Retinol was carried out before hyperthermia, the cells showed an increased adhesiveness to Laminin and a decreased adhesiveness to Fibronectin. Instead, when treatment with Retinol was performed in cells previously thermo-selected, a decrease of adhesiveness to both tested ligands was observed.


[The use of the optimal control method for correcting lipid metabolism]. The paper discusses an optimal artificial control of lipid metabolism which is the most important element of human life. The fact that the solution of this problem contributes to a decrease in risk of developing some diseases in the pilots and cosmonauts and an increase in human adaptive potentialities is particularly emphasized. An approximated algorithm of solving an assigned model problem and the results of computational experiments are presented.


[The prediction of the work capacity of flight operators with different levels of anxiety]. It was shown that due to a high body reserve potential the fatigue in low anxious flight operators (LA) occurs only by the 5th-6th post-leave months and in highly anxious flight operators (HA) it develops already by the 3rd post-leave month. Such pattern of developing the fatigue in flight operators enables one to conclude that the "critical months" for flight safety can be the 3rd and 5th post-leave months in HA and LA flight operators, respectively. It is just these months during which the flight operators should be rehabilitated at the preventorium. The recovered body reserves are determined from such criteria as the return of working capacity (based on correction test data), arterial hemodynamics and especially erythrocytes resistance to the baseline levels during the first post-leave month.


[Human social activity under conditions of relative social isolation]. The differences in using a "social isolation" concept in the psychological literature are presented. The term of "relative social isolation" is clarified. A relationship between human adaptation to the relative social isolation environments and the development of his social qualities and social activities is presented. The "social context", dictating motivation attitudes of a man to the isolation situation, emotional experiences, self-appraisal of activity is of crucial importance for evaluating the real environments of relative social isolations. Social activity of a personality is studied as the relations of a man with the conditions of his activity. The results of studying the dynamics of the psychic state of a man during individual and group isolation are compared. It is concluded that social activity of man and his functional state are interrelated. The particular manifestations and direction of the changes in the social activity of the subject depend on the duration of isolation and are determined first of all by social significance and meaningful and balanced work for a person as well as by the amount and frequency of direct and mediated social contacts under specific conditions of relative social isolation.


[The giant multipolar neurons of the reticular formation in the rat brain stem after a 14-day space flight]. The effect of a 2-week space mission on the geometry parameters of giant multipolar neurons of the brain stem reticular formation in the rats flown on board Cosmos-1887 and -2044 are studied. Compensation for a deficiency of vestibular informations from the trigeminal nerve system at the cost of an decreased length of the dendrites oriented toward primary sensory nucleus and from the vestibular system through an increase in the length of the vestibular sensory nuclei-oriented dendrites is discussed.


[An experiment with Chlamydomonas reinhardtii on the Kosmos-2044 biosatellite]. Space experiment with Chlamydomonas reinhardtii demonstrated that the microgravity effects were noted in Chlamydomonas at both cellular and population levels: in space the cell size is increased, stage of active growth of the culture is extended, it contains the juvenile vegetative motile cells in greater quantities. Ultrastructural analysis indicated that in microgravity the changes in shape, structure and distribution of intracellular organelles and in volume ratio of organelles and cytoplasma are absent. Chlamydomonas data are in line with the results of the Infusoria and Chlorella experiments.


[Bone mineral density in cosmonauts after flights lasting 4.5-6 months on the Mir orbital station]. A technique of quantitative digital roentgenography (QDR) being a current modification of dual photon absorptiometry (DPA) was used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) in the crewmembers of the 6-9th expeditions onboard Mir orbital station after space missions of 132 to 176 days in duration. Total mineral losses were, on average, 0.4% of a preflight level, and in the most test subjects the postflight BMD of the skull, ribs and arms increased and that of lumbar vertebrae, pelvis and legs decreased. The most marked local postflight mineral losses occurred in the proximal femur bone (the femoral neck and the greater trochanter--up to 14%). The observed changes did not depend on flight duration. These findings are being compared to the results of similar studies conducted during the 120-day (NASA) and 370-day (IBMP) hypokinesia experiments. The possibility of existing the general mechanism of modifying mineral status of the skeleton due to different situation related deficiency of musculoskeletal load.


[The morphofunctional parallels in rat ovaries after 40-day hypokinesia]. An effect of a 40-day hypokinesia produced by the stay of the white mongrel female rats in the small cages on their reproductive system was studied. The data being indicative of the involvement changes in the ovaries which appear as the decreased mass of an organ and qualitative alterations of its structures (depletion of germinate stroma, decrease in volumetric part of the follicles) have been obtained with the use of radioimmunologic technique, light-optical methods and quantitative analysis of tissue specimens. In this case, the yellow bodies become dominant structures in the ovary. A comparison of structural changes with progesterone and estradiol concentrations revealed a pronounced hormonal insufficiency of the follicles and yellow bodies.


[The characteristics of the reparative process in the muscles when deprived of their functional loads]. The time course of repair process in the tonic soleus and phasic gastrocnemius muscles of the head-down tail-suspended rats being traumatized directly prior to suspension or immediately after it. During first, suspension, the animals have been studied on the 17th suspension day and in the second 14-day suspension they were tested on the 14th and 17th post-traumatic days. It was indicated that the suspension results in muscle atrophy with a severely affected m. gastrocnemius loosing more than 40% of its mass. Under the effect of atrophy-induced factors in both muscles there equally occurred an inhibition of both the formation of connective stroma of repair field and the isolation of myoblasts from dedifferentiated muscular fibers due to which an extremely small-size repair field with the irregularly oriented muscular fibers and myoblasts has been originated.


[The effect of space flight on metabolism: the results of biochemical research in rat experiments on the Kosmos biosatellites]. Cosmos biosatellites research program was the unique possibility to study the metabolic features influenced by space flight factors. Based on the existing ideas about relationships between some metabolic responses, the state of metabolism and the systems of its control in the rats flown in space was evaluated to differentiate the processes occurred in microgravity, possibly under effect of this factor and during first postflight hours. The biochemical results of studying the rats exposed to space environments during 7, 14, 18.5 and 19.5 days and sacrificed 4-11 h after landing (Cosmos-782, -936, -1129, -1667, -2044 flight) are used. The major portion of data are in line with understanding that after landing when the microgravity-adapted rats again return to 1-g environments they display an acute stress reaction. A postflight stress reaction is manifested itself in a specific way as compared to adequate and well studied model of acute and chronic stress and dictates subsequent metabolic changes. Postflight together with the acute stressful and progressing readaptation shifts the metabolic signs of previous adaptation to microgravity are shown up. In the absence of engineering feasibility to control or record the state of metabolism inflight it can only presupposed what metabolic status is typical of the animals in space environments and that its development is triggered by a decreased secretion of the biologically active growth hormone. This concept is confirmed by the postflight data.


[The energy metabolism of the liver under the action on the body of different durations of hypokinesia]. Studies of tissue respiration and oxidative phosphorylation of homogenates in the liver of white rats indicated that the 3-day hypokinesia is associated with a decreased rate of endogenic respiration and an increased amythal-resistant respiration. On the 10th day, there occurs a sharp increase of the oxidation rate of the endo- and exogenic substrates and the separation of oxidative phosphorylation takes place. During 30-day immobilization, the homogenate respiratory activity again decreases while on the 70-140th days of an exposure the oxidation rate of endo- and exogenic substrates increases with an increased effect of endogenic succinate on the hepatocyte energy metabolism. The possible mechanism disturbances in the liver of immobilized animals are discussed.


[Human biochemical status and its relation to body resistance to exposure to acute hypoxic hypoxia]. Fourteen airworthy men, aged 19-20 yrs., participated in the experiments aimed at studying a prognostic significance of biochemical and hormonal parameters in evaluation of human tolerance to acute hypoxic hypoxia. Altitude chamber experiments were performed to study the tolerance to hypoxia by "ascending" the test subjects to an altitude of 6 to 7 km. It is found that under extreme hypoxic environments, of particular significance is an individual strategy of the adaptive responses and primarily an activity and adequacy of mobilization processes of energy resources in the preliminary and initial stages of an exposure. Of great value are the potential causes for maintaining the vascular tone. The use of a proposed discriminant function analysis for evaluating and predicting the tolerance to hypoxia is recommended.


[Experimental high-altitude pulmonary hypertension in rabbits]. In lowland (760 m above sea level) and highland (3200 m above sea level) of Tien Shan, the measurements of blood pressure and blood flow in the large vessels as well as the mass of heart ventricles of 75 rabbits have been made. In highland, the significant changes in hemodynamics of pulmonary circulation, appeared as elevations of pulmonary arterial pressure, pressure of wedging pulmonary artery, total and arterial pulmonary vascular resistance, have been noted. Besides this, adaptation to a highland staying was associated with an increased mass of the right ventricle of the heart. The pulmonary hypertension and hypertrophy of the right ventricle incremented during the first 2 weeks of the rabbits staying in highland and stabilized at achieved high level within succeeding 1.5 months of a tested period of adaptation. Because cardiac output and cardiac index starting from the end of 2nd week of adaptation did not differ significantly from control values, it can be said with confidence that an increase of pulmonary pressure in highland is dependent on a rise of pulmonary vascular resistance. In this case, the arterial pulmonary vascular resistance elevated to a greater extent than venous one. In highland, there revealed only the mean value of correlation relationship between the level of pulmonary blood pressure and a severity of right ventricle hypertrophy. The mass of left ventricle, systemic arterial pressure and total peripheral resistance did not significantly altered in a highland environment.


[A mathematical model of the critical body tissue supersaturation during decompression]. The paper deals with a permissible level of gas supersaturation (SS) of the body fluids and tissues used on the calculations of the decompression profiles on the basis of the features of a group set of superficially active substances skin-stabilized gas nuclei containing in the fluids. Based on the biophysical laws, there developed a criterion and relation of critical SS of the body fluids and tissues which is a specific case of an allowable SS for prolonged decompression and for that one following excursion and repeat dives. The comparison of a computed cubic relation of critical SS has of ambient pressures with linear and quadratic dependences as well as with continuous SS revealed greater adequacy of the cubic relation over a wide range of pressures.


[The effect of alcohol (ethanol) on the reactions of the vestibular system]. The influence of ethanol upon dynamics of rotatory (RN) and post-rotatory nystagmus (PRN), trunk pose-tonic reflexes and their vegetative (cardiac, respiratory) components was studied in chronic experiments on rabbits with the help of electronystagmo- and electromyography. Ethanol was administered once intra-abdominally (1 g/kg) and one time a day during 30 days. Alcohol concentration in blood was determined by gas-and-fluid chromatography. The animal which were given isotonic solution of sodium chloride in the same doses and quantities served as a control group. It was established that vestibular oculomotor reflexes are mainly facilitated in an acute period of ethanol administration, then their inhibition occurs. Besides, the changes of PRN are stronger expressed than those of RN. Labyrinth pose-tonic reflexes are more often inhibited under the influence of ethanol; their strongest depression was observed during the first hour after ethanol administration and on the 15th day of chronic alcoholization. In alcoholization the changes of vestibular-vegetative reaction occur; primary short-term weakening of vestibular influences upon cardiac rhythm and respiration with their subsequent increasing.


[The dynamic indices of human thermal status during overheating exposures]. The thermal state of 7 naked test subjects on a 25 min of work (325 J/s) at 40 degrees C and 85% humidity of the ambient air has exceeded the acceptable limits. The thermal protecting garment having high thermal resistance indices was tested near a fire source. The subjects performed the 254 J/s and 403 J/s work so long as they were able to do it. Time of work was, on average, 17 and 12 min, respectively. By the end of work, thermal state of the subjects approached to a "limiting" value: heart rate and rectal temperature were, on average, 160-170 beats/min, and 38.3 degrees C, respectively. Three patterns of dynamics of core temperature of the body measured immediately after terminating the work have been observed. In the most experiments during first 5 min after leaving a fire zone there occurred a further temperature rise (by 0.2-0.5 degrees C). The conditions and levels of physiological indices at which there was a postwork incremental hyperthermia which is of prognostic significance have been determined. Among reasons of this phenomenon there can be a delay of thermal production from an increased oxygen consumption under conditions of ergothermal load, a reduced circulation and a surface-to-core heat transfer.


[The reversibility of the action of solar UV radiation on the growth of and on the level of growth regulators in barley plants]. Effects of UV radiation on a growth regulators activity of barley plants were studied in the West Pamir at 2.320 m above sea level. Inhibition of plant growth in a highlands environment was discussed. Inhibition appears as either a change of stimulating for inhibitory activity or an increased activity of the growth inhibitors. The plant growth inhibition during a bush phase which is a more sensitive period of growth in barley plants is reversible.


[The treatment and prevention of ischemic heart disease in stress states by using laser radiation and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation]. An effectiveness of treatment and prevention of ischemic heart disease (IHD) using laser rays and transcutaneous electroneurostimulation (TENS) in 144 patients who underwent myocardial infarction and in whose clinical characteristics of a disease there prevailed chronic painful syndrome, was studied. An analgesic effect of TENS was achieved by an application of TENS to cardiac area and Zakharin-Head's zones. Low-intensity laser rays were applied for both irradiating projections of the heart and the large vessels and irradiating the biologically active points using unique procedure. All patients had a positive clinical effect resulted from applying laser and TENS which appeared as a decreased number of stenocardia attacks, an increased tolerance to exercise and as positive ECG dynamics. Duration of remission in the main group of patients exceeded the remission length in the control group in 2.7 times which is indicative of the effectiveness of using laser therapy and TENS as a tool of urgent medical aid under stresses induced by the development of life-threatening states. Small-size laser and TENS apparatuses are proposed for use as an onboard medical equipment.


[The assessment of the public health status of flight personnel]. A set of the objective quantitative parameters characterizing a pilot health status in a generalized form is required to manage the medical examination system. The medical and statistical data are proposed to be used. The major indices of health status of a group of pilots (public health) are: 1. Probability estimation of threat to space mission safety due to a sudden incapacitation of a pilot; 2. Evaluation of medical disqualification rate per mile of pilots tested; 3. Flying longevity of the pilots evaluated as an average duration of forthcoming flying activity; 4. Prevalence of diseases and factors of their risk determined from the standardized criteria. The methods of obtaining the mentioned and some other quantitative data on pilot personnel of the former Soviet Civil Aviation are discussed. It is indicated that at present the level of health threat to flight safety conforms to the general safety standards.


[The experience of using therapeutic and diagnostic manipulations under ultrasonic control for the purposes of medical flight expertise]. The paper deals with an experience in application of diagnostics and treatment of 28 pilots with the use of medical manipulations under ultrasound control. The procedure of the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space organs is covered in detail; an effectiveness of such type of surgery is shown. A wide use of these invasive methods of diagnostics and treatment for the purpose of aeromedical certification is recommended.