[Cancer of the stump of the stomach].

In analysis of the mortality causes in the patients, previously subjected to gastric resection for ulcerous disease, it was found that the specific weight of the tumor of the remaining gastric portion in females was 2 times as much as in males (19.5% and 10.1% according to the autopsy findings, 10.2% and 6.8% as shown by the followup materials). There were revealed a number of factors causing these differences, the principal of them being: 1) predominance of senile subjects among the female group, 2) a later occurrence of gastroduodenal ulcers in them, 3) predominance of gastric ulcers over duodenal ones, 4) a longer survival in gastrectomized patients.


[Extensive, combined and extensive-combined operations in cancer of the cardial portion of the stomach].

The authors present an analysis of the materials obtained in the clinic during a 21-year period. Among 438 patients subjected to radical surgery for cancer of the gastric cardia in 319 cases extensive, combined and extensive-combined surgical procedures were accomplished, their characteristics being described. The regular feature of cancer of this localization is its lymphogenic spread, and this fact together with esophageal involvement allows a consideration that for cancer of the cardia, in any stage but 1, all resections, as a rule, should be extensive, combined or both. The success of the immediate results of the operation depends on adequacy of an approach, kind of operation and extent of resection combinations in relation to the characteristic of cancer spread according to TNM system and the degree of surgical risk for each individual case. Estimation of the immediate and late results should take into account the motivation for performing extensive, combined and extensive-combined procedures. In cancer of the gastric cardia the analysed surgical procedures are to be referred to a group of conventionally radical interventions.


[Prospects of the development of research into regulating chemical carcinogens in the environment].

The possibility of regulating the permissible quantities of chemical carcinogens in the environment is being substantiated. The ways of determining the threshold amounts of blastomogenic agents are discussed. Some approaches to the regulation of blastomogens are suggested depending on the degree of risk, effective quantities and action time. The main trends of development of researches in the field of regulation of chemical blastomogens are delineated.


[Induction of gastrointestinal tract tumors in rats with N-methyl-N-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG)].

Tumors of the gastrointestinal tract were induced in white non-inbred rats exposed to MNNG in various doses. Gastric tumors appeared in the dosage of 153 mg, with its 2 and 3.3 times increase no change in the frequency of gastric tumors was noted. The frequency of jejunal tumors was higher with increased MNNG dosage.


[Effect of UHF frequency on the growth of sarcoma 180].

Studies performed on mice transplanted sarcoma 180 subcutaneously indicated that the UHF-field of non-thermogenic intensity in multiple (5-10 fold) total irradiation inhibits the tumor growth (T = 60%) and produces a 1.5 times increase of an average survival in tumor-bearing animals. It is suggested that there is a direct relationship between the increased antiblastic function of the body and a stimulating effect of the UHF-field on the immune response in animals.


[In vitro humeral serum cytotoxic reactions in melanoma].

Humoral antitumor cytotoxins were found in most of assayed sera from melanoma patients. The patients' sera can cross-react in cytotoxic reactions in vitro with allogenic cell-targets of melanoma. The sera of healthy donors prove to be cytotoxic for melanoma cell-targets in vitro, the degree of their cytotoxicity being similar to that of autologous sera. The cytotoxic effect of melanoma patient sera (and of healthy donors) on the cells of the primary melanoma focus is found to be reliably higher than their cytotoxic effect on metastatic cells.


[Electron microscopy diagnosis of soft tissue sarcoma].

The results of electron microscopy studies of 20 soft tissue sarcomas difficult to diagnose-fibrosarcomas, malignant fibroxanthomas, leiomyosarcomas, rhabdomyosarcomas and malignant schwannomas, are reported. The tumor elements of each of these neoplasms showed rather typical ultrastructural features enabling us to reliably ascertain their histological origin.


[Mitotic regime of various spindle cell sarcomas and their differential diagnosis].

The mitotic regime was studied in 34 spindle-cell sarcomas of soft tissues, including 11 synovial, 13 low-differentiated fibrosarcomas, 5 leiomyosarcomas and 5 rhabdomyosarcomas. The compared neoplasms were found to differ in the degree of cell proliferation disorders (the mitotic activity, a preponderance of dividing cells at the stage of metaphase, the frequency of pathological mitoses and correlation of their different forms). It is shown that bridges are one of the features of the mitotic pathology for spindle-cell sarcomas, moreover myogenic sarcomas are characterized by a higher incidence of those mitotic disorders which occurrence is conditioned due to damaging of the mitotic apparatus (three group, multiple metaphases, c-mitoses, multipolar and monocentric mitoses).


[Basement membranes in precancerous conditions and neoplasms of the uterine cervix].

By routine histological staining technics and histochemical assays under an appropriate enzymic control the author has studied changes in the basement membranes of the uterine cervix in its precancer and cancer as compared with the normal state. Changes in the basement membranes, revealed morphologically, reflect objectively the status of the epithelium and stroma during the period of tumor origination and growth, and therefore these may serve as a valuable adjunct to the differential microscopic diagnosis of dysplasia, preinvasive cancer and an incipient invasive growth. It is believed that basement membrane neoplasms may develop around mostly differentiated complexes of cancer cells in far-advanced neoplasms and their metastases; this fact is regarded as a tendency to normalization of the relationship between the cancerous tumor parenchyma and stroma with correlations between them being remined even under extremely unfavourable conditions of the tumor growth.


[Diagnosis and surgical treatment of carotid body chemodectoma].

The authors present an analysis of clinical, angiographic and operation finginds in 11 patients showing large chemodectomas with involvement of the common, external and internal carotid arteries and jugular vein. The carotid body angiography was found to be of great diagnostic value. In the presence of a patent internal carotid in 10 cases radical chemodectomy was performed, preserving the patent internal carotid and the vein. In case of a pathologically convoluted internal carotid the common carotid artery was resected with an end-to-end anastomosis. Late results were favourable even in patients with histological signs of an incipient malignant transformation of chemodectomy.


[Cytodiagnosis of endometrial cancer].

Uterine aspiration specimens from 172 females were examined cytologically (cancer in 89, non-cancer process -- in 71, in 12 cases aspiration specimens were obtained in a reproductive period in proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle). It was shown that in a group of histologically verified observations in 45.8% a gynecologist failed to recognize the true endometrial affection. Some cytological criteria elaborated are suggested (dominant, adjuvant and temporary), which combination helped to precisely diagnose cancer cytologically in 93.2%, while various forms of hyperplasia -- in 89.9%.


[Properties of viruses isolated from human fibroblasts culture treated by paraganglioma culture filtrate].

In the human fibroblasts culture, transformed by the material from malignant paraganglioma culture, there was found the RNA- and DNA containing virus synthesis. The RNA-containing virus with a buoyant density of 1.16--1.18 g/ml shows no hemagglutinating activity, it fails to infect newborn Syrian hamsters, and produces no transformation-destruction changes in mammalian tissue culture. The DNA-containing virus with a buoyant density of 1.24--1.28 g/ml would agglutinate the guinea-pig and group 0 human erythrocytes, produces lesions in newborn Syrian hamsters, and cytodestructive changes in the culture of rat and mice embryonal cells and in cells of a transplantable line Vero. In terms of its properties it may be referred to human viruses of the Papova group. A combined action of DNA- and RNA-containing viruses produces a transformation effect on embryonal hamster cells and the cells of a transplantable line Vero.


[Sebaceous gland reaction as a test method in the rapid determination of the blastomogenic activity of chemical substances].

The comprehensive experimental materials have shown that the sebaceous glands response to the action of carcinogenic substances is the most specific one since it develops within a short period of time and is revealed under the action of relatively small doses. Some practical recommendations are given as to the use of the sebaceous glands reaction as a tentative test for rapid detection of carcinogenic substances.


[Surgical treatment of pelvic and femoral bones neoplasms].

The author has reported 42 operations on the pelvic girdle and femoral bones. Two new variants of surgical intervention are suggested: 1) interiliac-pubic-sciatic amputation of a lower extremity, and 2) extended exarticulation of the femur. Des keletization of pelvic bones in both operative procedures renders them more ablastic and radical as compared with routine operations. Interiliac-abdominal resection is felt to be more rational from the rehabilitation viewpoint, moreover it is the author's opinion that resection of the femoral proximal segment should be avoided whenever possible.


[Effect of the supplementary administration of vitamins in the ration on metabolic indices in people under alpine conditions].

It was shown that polyvitamin supplemented diets in which animal proteins had the biggest share and part of malassimilated polysaccharides had been replaced by easily assimilated disaccharides, promoted maintenance of the higher A/G ratio, low blood concentrations of lactic and pyruvic acids, and improvement of the parameters of acid-base metabolism in the people living under alpine conditions. After veloergometric test this group showed a less increase in the blood lactic acid content.


[Role of vitamin B6 in treating children with hereditary metabolic pathology].

Possibilities of vitamin B6 treatment of patients with hereditary pathology of metabolism are discussed. Special attention is paid to the vitamin B6-dependent conditions characterized by elevated pyridoxine requirements. High pyridoxine doses were successfully used for the treatment of patients with hereditary vitamin B6-dependent xanthurenuria under the control of renal excretion of tryptophan metabolites (xanthurenic and kynurenic acids, kynurenin, N1-methylnicotinamide) and 4-pyridoxic acid. Interrelation was traced between the severity of the disease and the necessary pyridoxine doses. Patients with the most pronounced clinical and biochemical changes needed especially high doses of the vitamin (200 mg/day). Use of vitamin B6 in a dose of 100 mg/day in pyridoxine-dependent homocystinuria induced a remission of the biochemical parameters on the 4th day of the treatment. It is noted that the efficacy of the treatment is dependent on the timely starting of the therapy and pyridoxine doses necessary for normalization of the clinical and biochemical parameters in each patient.


[Effect of diets with a varying protein and vitamin D content on the lipid makeup of the liver and blood serum].

Separate and combined effect of D hypovitaminosis and poor protein diet on the parameters of lipid metabolism in the blood serum and liver was investigated experimentally in albino rats. Increased changes in the blood serum lipid metabolism parameters in combined action of the nutrients deficiency as compared with the effect of alimentary factors were demonstrated. The lipid changes in the liver of the test animals in simultaneous deficiency of protein and vitamin D were similar to those in protein deficiency.


[Ultrastructure of the rat gastric mucosal parietal cells in thiamine deficiency].

The effect of the thiamine deficient diet on the ultrastructure and secretory response of parietal cells of the rat gastric mucosa was studied. The control group consisting of fasting animals showed 60% of the parietal cells to be in a presecretory state. Subcutaneous administration of histamine to the control animals was accompanied by secretion of 512 +/- 128 mkekv H+ over 3 hours, with only 18% of the parietal cells remaining not involved in the secretory process. In thiamine-free diets the number of secreting cells in fasting animals amounted to 23%, rising to 35% after histamine administration. At the same time a three-fold decrease in the secretory response (170 +/- 21 mkekv H+ over 3 h) was observed. Thiamine deficiency in the diet is also accompanied by inhibition of the transketolase activity in the gastric mucosa homogenate, which varied from 0.706 +/- 0.032 mcmole (control animals) to 0.344 +/- 0.034 mcmole of sedoheptuloso-7-phsophate/h per 1 mg protein (test animals). Potentialities of the pentose cycle participation in secretion are discussed.


[Effect of ascorbic acid and B group vitamins on the course of subacute acrylonitrile poisoning in rats].

The effect of ascorbic acid and a mixture of pyridoxine and nicotinamide on the process of subacute poisoning with acrylonitrile (AN) in a concentration of 9.7 +/- 2.8 mg/m3 (corresponding to the threshold of a chronic action) was studied in rats. Administration of an additional mixture of vitamins had no significant effect on the course of subacute poisoning in rats. Changes in the physiological and biochemical parameters characteristic of the AN poisoning were noted in this group of animals at the end of the experiment. No significant changes were observed in the poisoning of rats after an additional administration of ascorbic acid either at the stage of the initial reactions, or at the end of the experiment. The results obtained indicate a strongly pronounced elevation of the adaptibility of the organism. This allows one to regard ascorbic acid as an alimentary factor of protective action in repeated subacute AN poisoning of the organism. Ascorbic acid can be recommended as a prophylactic agent for persons in continuous contact with AN under industrial conditions.


[Effect of the technological and culinary preparation on vitamin preservation in fish and in nonfishery products].

The content of vitamins A, E, C, B6, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folacin was studied comparatively in some fish species during their preservation as frozen, salt and smoked products. The thiamine content was found to decrease during preservation of frozen and salt fish, while in smoked fish it preserved better. The uncut salt and smoked fish showed an increased content of vitamin A in its edible part at the expense of redistribution together with fat from the internal organs. The boiling of fish and non-fishery products changed the content of some vitamins. Vitamin losses were due both to their destruction at boiling and passage into the broth.


[Experience in selecting safe heat-sensitive influenza virus A recombinants].

Conditions for genetic recombination and laboratory testing of influenza A virus for rapid production of safe vaccine strains needed in human vaccination were developed. The best donors of attenuation were found to include limitingly attenuated outdated vaccine strains adapted to low temperature and having important differentiating features such as thermosensitivity and reduced optimal temperature of neuraminidase activity. Trials in volunteers of a large collection of recombinants produced by recombination of these donors with various virulent strains circulating in 1972--1976 (A/Victoria/72, A/Port Chalmers/73, and A/Virtoria/75) demonstrated complete safety for man of clones with different combinations of rct/40 and OTNA genetic markers.


[Protective action of remantadine during an influenza outbreak caused by virus A (H1N1) in December 1977].

The protective effect of remantadin during an influenza outbreak in December 1977 caused by A (H1N1) virus was studied. A prophylactic administration of remantadin decreased influenza and ARD incidence by 1.5-fold. A more significant decrease of the incidence (2.5-fold) was observed among the subjects given a combination of remantadin and influenza vaccine (H3N2) a few days before the outbreak, which was apparently due to the interferon-inducing capacity of the vaccine.


[Electron microscopic study of genome homology in 2 clones of the simian adenoviruses type 7].

Homology of the genomes of large-plaque (lp) and small-plaque (sp) clones of simian adenovirus type 7 (SV7) was studied experimentally. Guanidine chloride helped to isolate circular DNA molecules of identical length for both clones within the measurement error (1 = 11 +/- 0.2 micrometer). A heteroduplex SV7lp--SV7sp molecule was found to have two nonhomology sites 0.5 +/- 0.3 mu and 1.0 +/- 0.5 micrometer long located at a distance of 2 and 4 micrometer from one of the ends of the molecules, respectively.


[Properties of a new, oncornavirus D-associated antigen].

Continuous cells of human origin, HEp-2, and mouse L929 cells taken 24 hours after infection with oncornavirus D were labeled for protein with a mixture of 14C-amino acids and 3H-glucosamine. Specific sera obtained from rabbits were used for testing the virus-specific new antigen in cell extracts and for immunoprecipitation of the new antigen. Electrophoresis in polyacryl amide gel showed the virusspecific new antigen, common for human HEp-2 cells and for oncornavirus-D-infected mouse L929 cells, to be a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 98,000--100,000 daltons. By its molecular weight it differs from oncornavirus envelope glycoprotein whose molecular weight is 60,000--70,000 daltons. No similar protein was found in noninfected L929 cells.


[Temperature-sensitive mutants of the Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus studied in the complementation test].

Investigation of 15 ts mutants of Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis (VEE) virus by complementation tests permitted to divide these mutants into 5 complementation groups and to distinguish unclassifiable mutants. Mutants of 2 groups had RNA+/- or RNA- phenotype, i. e. had defects in RNA synthesis. Mutants in the other 3 groups had the RNA+ phenotype, and the temperature-sensitive defect of these mutants was in later stages of virus reproduction.


[Virus-specific RNA synthesis in a cell culture in acute and chronic infection with the tick-borne encephalitis virus].

Virus particles produced in acute and chronic infection of cell cultures with tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBE) and examined by centrifugation in sucrose density gradient had the buoyant density of 1.19 g/ml and sedimentation constant 290 S. Studies of the synthesis of virus-specific RNAs in the cytoplasm of TBE virus chronically infected cells revealed synthesis of all RNA classes typical of TBE virus reproduction in acutely infected cells. The difference was in the high percentage of polyadenylation of intracellular virion RNA in chronic infection (30%) as compared with polyadenylation of virion RNA in acute infection (8%). This fact may be one of the causes of a low infectious virus yield in chronically infected cultures where the level of virus-specific antigen synthesis is high.


[Dynamic changes in the epidemiological patterns of measles in the People's Republic of Bulgaria after mass vaccination and revaccination].

The main epidemiological regularities of measles before vaccination (1960--1968) and at the stage of mass vaccination (1969--1977) were studied. The average annual incidence of measles has been reduced from 423.97 to 279.72 per 100,000, mortality from 0.56 to 0.10 0/0000, and lethality from 0.13% to 0.04%. The dynamical changes of postvaccination immunity were uneven: in 1969 vaccinations covered 30.67%, in 1970 28.82%, in 1971 64.09%, in 1972 53.38%, in 1973 59.61%, in 1974 67.53%, and in 1975 69.04%. The level of herd immunity in those years was lower than the optimal (45.35%, 43.97%, 67.71%, 68.13%, 74.65%, 83.25%, and 84.63%, respectively). In the first part of 1976 a general immunoprophylactic campaign was carried out including vaccination of the unvaccinated children born in 1963--1975 and revaccination of all those vaccinated one year before the campaign. Primary vaccination increased the coverage by 11.25%, and revaccination increased the portion of seropositive subjects by 5.2%. As a result, a sufficiently high level of general herd immunity has been achieved (1976--96.02%, 1977--96.10%) and the incidence decreased accordingly (1976--192.69 0/0000, 1977--9.17 0/0000).


[Effect of prolonged storage times on the infectivity of lyophilized arboviruses].

Lyophilized arboviruses of the following taxonomic groups: alfaviruses, flaviviruses, Bunyamwera supergroup viruses, as well as arenaviruses were used in the study. These viruses had been stored for a long time at --20 degree C. Determinations of the infectious titers in suckling mice showed that in a period of over 10 years (up to 21 years) no complete loss of infectivity occurred in any virus groups.


[Use of the cation detergent, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, in isolating the RNA of the influenza virus].

Isolation of virion RNA of influenza virus by the SDS-phenol method from subviral particles obtained from purified virions by treating them with a cation detergent, cetyl-methyl-ammonium bromide, increased RNA yields approximately 2-fold as compared with isolation of this RNA from whole virions.


[Oligopeptide mapping of the antigenic drift of influenza virus hemagglutinins].

Drift variants of influenza viruses of the groups Hsw1, H0 and H1 including the A/USSR/77 (H1N1) virus. Major subunits of Hsw1, H0, and H1 hemagglutinins having common oligopeptides differ considerably in other oligopeptides. Within the H1 antigen viruses there are differences between the viruses of the early (1947), middle (1950--1952), and late (1956) periods of circulation. The latter (1956) differ markedly from their predessessors. The A/USSR/77 virus is most close to A/Fort Warren/50 virus. Oligopeptide maps of minor hemagglutinin subunits of all the viruses under study differ little from each other. Some suggestions on the causes of the great variability of the HA1 chain and conservatism of the HA2 hemagglutinin chain are given.


Fiberoptic bronchoscopy in diagnosis of opportunistic lung infections: assessment of Sputa, Washings, Brushings and biopsy specimens.

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (washings, brushings and biopsies) was done in 25 cases of proven opportunistic pulmonary infections in compromised hosts. Diagnostic yields of bronchoscopic procedures and expectorated sputum were compared. Sputum examination gave the lowest yield (14 percent). Bronchial washings and brushings were diagnostic in 30 percent and 38 percent of patients, respectively. On transbronchial biopsy of the lung (TBB) pathogens were identified in 75 percent of patients with Pneumocystis carinii infection and 67 percent of patients with other opportunistic infections. The overall TBB yield of 73 percent was superior (P<0.05) to that of either washings or brushings. The yield from combining washings and brushings was greater than from either procedure alone, but combination with TBB did not result in any significant improvement. TBB is recommended as a useful diagnostic procedure in patients with suspected opportunistic pulmonary infections. Morbidity was minimal with this procedure, and the need for thoracotomy was reduced when it was used.


Health implications of increased coal use in the Western States.

The National Energy Plan proposed by President Carter provides for the rapid development of coal resources in the United States, particularly in the West. The potential consequences for health of this development were considered by the Advisory Committee on Health and Environmental Effects of Increased Coal Utilization, reporting to the Department of Energy. Their report recommended rigid adherence to pertinent existing regulations, improved environmental monitoring, expanded research in selected relevant topics and development of procedures for selecting the sites of new coal-fired power plants. Although the report was a major exercise in technology assessment, it is fundamentally a cautious document that proposes no new solutions or approaches. A review of occupational and community health problems associated with coal mining and coal utilization suggests that lessons from past experiences, especially in Appalachia, cannot be applied to the West uncritically. The two regions are fundamentally different in scale, topography and social development. In the West, future problems related to coal are likely to derive from unknown risks associated with coal processing technologies, land reclamation and water quality at the sites of power generation, and extensive social and demographic changes at centers of industrial activity that may have secondary effects on health. Additional considerations should supplement the recommendations of the Advisory Committee report.


Continuing education: a medical school responsibility?

A survey of medical school deans sheds some light on current attitudes and practices regarding continuing education. The role of medical schools as leaders in continuing medical education should be clarified.


High altitude medical problems.

Increased travel to high altitude areas by mountaineers and nonclimbing tourists has emphasized the clinical problems associated with rapid ascent. Acute mountain sickness affects most sojourners at elevations above 10,000 feet. Symptoms are usually worse on the second or third day after arrival. Gradual ascent, spending one to three days at an intermediate altitude, and the use of acetazolamide (Diamox) will prevent or ameliorate symptoms in most instances. Serious and potentially fatal problems, such as high altitude pulmonary edema or cerebral edema, occur in approximately 0.5 percent to 1.0 percent of visitors to elevations above 10,000 feet-especially with heavy physical exertion on arrival, such as climbing or skiing. Early recognition, high flow oxygen therapy and prompt descent are crucially important in management. Our knowledge of the causes of these and other high altitude problems, such as retinal hemorrhage, systemic edema and pulmonary hypertension, is still incomplete. Even less is known of the effect of high altitudes on medical conditions common at sea level or on the action of commonly used drugs.


[The biological classifications of malignant thyroid tumours (author's transl)].

Carcinomas of the thyroid gland display large pathological and clinical variation. Favourable prognostic factors accompary well-differentiated tumours, whereas poorly differentiated or anaplastic carcinomas tend to invade early and are usually rapidly fatal. Experience has demonstrated the difference in rate of growth, subsequent recurrence and late spread even in identically well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas. Biological difference must be the underlying reason for the clinical difference in behaviour of histologically similar cancers. This report demonstrates the correlation between in vivo radioactive iodine uptake, tumour staging and recurrence-free interval in 30 thyroid carcinomas. The uptake by well-differentiated carcinomas staged T2N0M0 is significantly higher than that by tumours staged T3N1M0, whereas the latter show a higher uptake than those tumours staged T3N1M0. A high tumour uptake rate is correlated with long recurrence-free interval (up to 24 months) within all groups of staging and vice versa.


[Extra-anatomical bypass grafting in high-risk patients (author's transl)].

Extra-anatomical grafting (axillo-femoral and femoro-femoral bypass) seems to present a possibility of saving the lower limbs from amputation in high-risk patients with severe decompensation from arterial occlusive diseases of the legs. A case description is given of 20 patients, in whom 21 bypass procedures were carried out. The results with axillo-femoral bypass proved satisfactory and this method of intervention can be recommended as an emergency operation in high-risk patients.


[Endoscopic polypectomy in the colon (author's transl)].

A report is given on the endoscopic removal of 81 polyps of the colon by means of high frequency diathermy. This procedure proved to be without risk to the patient and has largely replaced surgical removal by laparotomy as the method of choice today. Total removal of the polyp with subsequent histological examination is naturally imperative to avoid unnecessary subsequent radical surgical procedures. Since most colonic carcinomas arise in the base of a polyp, polypectomy represents a true prophylactic measure and, in some cases, a therapeutic one.


[Pathological fractures of long medullary bones due to malignant tumours: indications for osteosynthesis (author's transl)].

51 cases of pathological fracture, mostly due to metastatic malignant tumours, are reviewed in respect to the methods and results of operative treatment. These results are compared with those of other authors. It is found that resection of the tumour and osteosynthesis combined with the use of bone cement is the best way of treatment to relieve the patients of pain, mobilize them as soon as possible and improve the quality of their short, remaining lifespan. Despite the positive approach towards operative treatment there are some limiting findings which indicate that an operation should not be undertaken in those patients whose estimated survival time is less than the time of recovery and mobilization.


A multi-dose study on the human metabolism of amylobarbitone.

1. The metabolism of amylobarbitone has been investigated in two healthy male volunteers, and the urinary excretion of unchanged drug, and the products of omega and omega-1 oxidation, quantitatively determined for four days after each of three doses to each volunteer. 2. In contrast to observations with butobarbitone, amylobarbitone was shown to have little effect on the rate of its own metabolism. 3. The t 1/2 for urinary excretion of the parent drug was 16.3 h while that for the two metabolites was 22.2 h.


Some factors involved in the N-oxidation of 3-substituted pyridines by microsomal preparations in vitro.

1. Pyridine-N-oxides have been identified as metabolites in vitro of several 3-substituted pyridines. 2. Factors affecting the metabolism of these pyridines in vitro have been studied, and conditions which give the most metabolism have been established. 3. 'Pyridine-N-oxidase' activity resides mainly in the hepatic and pulmonary microsomal fractions. 4. A species difference was evident with 'pyridine-N-oxidase' activity decreasing in the order hamster, rabbit, mouse, guinea-pig and rat. 5. A sex difference in 'pyridine-N-oxidase' activity was also established in rats and mice. 6. The appropriate kinetic factors, Km and Vmax for the N-oxidation of pyridine, 3-methylpyridine and 3-chloropyridine are reported.


The effect of various potential inhibitors, activators and inducers on the N-oxidation of 3-substituted pyridines in vitro.

1. The N-oxidation of pyridine, 3-methylpyridine and 3-chloropyridine was inhibited by SKF525A and DPEA. The C-oxidation of 3-methylpyridine was also inhibited by these compounds. 2. The N-oxidation of these pyridines was also inhibited by various other nitrogenous substrates including n-octylamine. 3. Incubation in an atmosphere of carbon monoxide resulted in inhibition of both C- and N-oxidation of 3-methylpyridine. 4. Any treatment of microsomes which resulted in a reduction of cytochrome P-450 also produced a concomitant fall in N-oxidation of the pyridines. 5. Pretreatment of animals with phenobarbitone resulted in an increase in the N-oxidation of the pyridines. Pretreatment with 3-methylcholanthrene had no appreciable effect on the N-oxidation of the pyridines in vitro.


Metabolism of budralazine, a new antihypertensive agent, III.

1. [14C]Budralazine (I) administered orally to normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats showed no significant difference in metabolic fate between the two groups. 2. Peak plasma levels of 14C were 3.6 microgram equiv. of I per ml in both normotensive and hypertensive rats. Approx. 5% of total 14C in the plasma consisted of I within 4 h, but thereafter the parent drug was not detected. Approx. 15% of 14C in the plasma consisted of 1-hydrazinophthalazine within 16 h after the administration. 3. 45% and 37% of the dose of 14C was excreted into urine and faeces within 24 h, respectively. 4. A high retention of 14C in the aorta wall was found and the time course of 14C in the aorta wall was compatible with that of the reduction in blood pressure. The radioactive materials retained in the aorta wall were likely to be I or 1-hydrazinophthalazine, probably the latter, following macroautoradiography in hypertensive rats.


Biliary and urinary excretion of drug conjugates: effect of diuresis and choleresis on excretion of harmol sulphate and harmol glucuronide in the rat.

1. Harmol (7-hydroxy-1-methyl-9H-pyrido [3,4b] indole) is converted to harmol sulphate and harmol glucuronide in the rat in vivo. Harmol sulphate is excreted mainly in urine, while harmol glucuronide is excreted about equally in bile and urine, when harmol is given intravenously. 2. In rats with ligated kidneys, only choleresis produced by glycodehydrocholate and dehydrocholate caused enhanced biliary excretion of harmol sulphate; harmol glucuronide was unaffected. Several other bile salts had no effect. 3. Mannitol diuresis markedly increased urinary excretion of harmol sulphate, and decreased its biliary excretion. Harmol glucuronide was much less affected. 4. Nafenopin pretreatment increased liver weight and bile flow, and enhanced biliary excretion of harmol sulphate at the expense of its urinary excretion. 5. For harmol sulphate, urine and bile are compensatory pathways of elimination that can be influenced by urine and bile flow changes through diuresis and choleresis.


The metabolism of 3-amino-1-chloropropan-2-ol in relation to its antifertility activity in male rats.

1. The metabolism of 3-amino[36Cl]chloropropan-2-ol (III) was studied in male rats. Three urinary metabolites were isolated and identified as alpha-chlorohydrin (I), beta-chlorolactic acid (V) and oxalic acid (VI). Much of the administered aminochloropropanol was excreted unchanged in the urine; 63% within 72 h, 75% over 250 h. 2. Monoamine oxidase is capable of converting aminochloropropanol to beta-chlorolactaldehyde (IV) which, by processes of either reduction or oxidation, suggests that the metabolic pathway is IV leads to I and IV leads to V leads to VI. 3. As assessed by the diuretic activities of the isomers of aminochloropropanol, oxalate appears to be produced by the (+)-isomer but not by the (-)-isomer. A difference in metabolic rate or route of the isomers may account for their differing physiological activities. 4. (+)- and (-)-aminochloropropanol exhibited identical in vitro inhibitory activities on the glycolytic enzymes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and triosephosphate isomerase, and were substrates for monoamine oxidase to equivalent extents.


The metabolism of the anthelmintics clioxanide and resorantel and related compounds in vitro by Moniezia expansa, Ascaris suum and mouse- and sheep-liver enzymes.

1. Clioxanide and related compounds were deacetylated by the cestode Moniezia expansa, the nematode Ascaris suum, by enzymes prepared from these species and by mouse- and sheep-liver homogenates. Deacetylase activity was found in the cytosol of cestode proglottids throughout the strobila, and in the cytosol of nematode intestinal cells and reproductive tract. 2. The O-deacetylases from both helminths showed similar pH optima of about 7.0. Activity was enhanced by Ca2+ and low molecular weight thiols. Cu2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Zn2+, and La2+ inhibited the deacetylation of clioxanide. 3. Resorantel and clioxanide were not hydrolysed at the amide bond by helminth or mammalian enzymes. 4. Resorantel was hydroxylated by mammalian microsomal enzymes, but helminths did not modify the molecule.


Structure and function of the conidiospore pigments of Penicillium cyclopium.

The cell wall of mature, green condiospores of Penicillium cyclopium Westling contains at least two pigments: A green chromoprotein which is extractable by means of formic acid or liquified phenol and a black insoluble pigment. Both fractions after long term treatment with boiling conc. HCl leave black amorphous residues which, due to their chemical and physico-chemical properties, belong to the group of melanins. The chemical structure of these melanins is still unidentified. No degradation products typical for indol-type or catechol-type melanins have so far been detected. During spore maturation parallel to an increase of pigmentation (determined by remission), the melanin residue left after acid hydrolysis of spores increases. The mature, dark green spores of the wild type strain contain about 40% melanin, the yellow-green spores of the mutant aux-glu 1 about 36%. The unpigmented spores of mutant res-eth 1 possess a melanin content of only about 5%. This value is nearly the same as that found in hyphae, which in all strains are yellowish-brown. The heavily pigmented condia of the wild type strain are about 100-times less sensitive to UV-radiation compared with the unpigmented spores of the mutant res-eth 1. The reduced sensitivity indicates that, as with other microorganisms, the conidia pigments of P. cyclopium are protective components of the spores.


[Electron microscopic studies of the insertion of pili in the newly isolated hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium 2K1].

Cells of the hydrogen-oxidizing bacterium 2K1 exhibited numerous pili of varying length, with a diameter of 7--8 nm as measured from negatively stained samples. At the basis of each pilus, a cell wall differentiation was observed appearing, in face-on-view, as a ring-like structure made up of subunits, and in side-on view as a hollow cylinder penetrating through the cell wall. It is assumed that these ring-like structures are in direct relation with the presence of the pili. As the number of ring-like structures per cell was higher than the number of pili per cell, rings without associated pili might either be sites of polymerizing pili, or "dead" pilus channel complexes out of function due to pilus break-down.


[Effect of polyene antibiotics and their perhydrovderivatives on intact cells and protoplasts of yeast Candida guilliermondii].

Perhydroderivatives of polyene antibiotics have a much lower activity against eukaryotic cells than the polyene antibiotics itself. Bacterial cells are normally resistant against most polyene antibiotics and their perhydroderivatives. In earlier experiments with wall less L-form cells of Escherichia coli we have shown that the bacterial cell wall may be responsible for the resistance of the intact bacterial cells against polyene antibiotics and their perhydroderivatives by masking internal target sites. In the present paper we studied the effect of polyene antibiotics and their perhydroderivatives on intact cells and protoplasts of Candida guilliermondii. Our experiments have shown that most of the perhydroderivatives studied had a lower activity against intact cells as well as protoplasts than the corresponding polyene antibiotics. This means that in the case of eukaryotic cells the cell wall as a penetration barrier cannot mainly be responsible for the low activity of perhydroderivatives. The results are compared with those obtained previously with intact cells and protoplast type L-form cells of E. coli.


[Inhibitors of platelet aggregation in the therapy of arteriosclerosis obliterans].

The central role of the thrombocytes in the initial atherogenesis and the secondary formation of the thrombus on sclerotically changed walls of the vessels is the basis of all experiments to perform a primary or secondary prevention of the atherosclerosis with thrombocyte aggregation inhibitors. Of the numerous thrombocyte-inhibiting substances acetyl salicylic acid, dipyridamol and sulfinpyrazone proved most suitable for clinical purposes. Apparantly for methodical reasons experiments of a primary prevention of the atherosclerosis with aggregation inhibitors have hitherto not be performed. On the other hand, in numerous quantitatively very different studies on patients with manifest cerebral, coronary and peripheral arteriosclerosis the influencibility of the course of the disease was tested by thrombocyte inhibitors. Since correct prospective studies are connected with enormous organisational expenditure and must extend for a longer period many extensive examinations have not yet finished. In the present survey the hitherto existing reports from literature are critically summarized, taking into particular consideration the per ipheral angioorganopathies and first informations on an own study concerning the prophylaxis of the diabetic angiopathy with Micristin are given. The present state of knowledge allows the conclusion that the well founded theoretical concept is apparantly confirmed by practice. However, the successes observed could be statistically ascertained only in individual cases, so that at present a final estimation of the prophylactic value of these preparations is not yet possible.


[Vascular complications in primary hyperlipoproteinemias (HLP) with special reference to changes in the eye fundus].

The distribution of the types of hyperlipoproteinaemias revealed 2 peaks of frequency, i. e. in the types IIa and IIb corresponding 41% and in the types IV and V corresponding 55%. Weight indices and disturbed glucose tolerance are in the types III-V significantly higher than in the types IIa and IIb. The risk factor hypertension was registered in 34% in the investigation material. The highest prevalence rates for myocardial infarctions were in the patients of the types IIb and III, for PAD in the type III. The addition of hypertension and diabetes mellitus to hyperlipoproteinaemia reveals an exacerbation of the vascular risk. Changes of the fundus oculi, which correspond to the picture of a fundus hypertonicus cause to think of the presence of a hyperlipoproteinaemia in all patients with normotension.


[Autoantibodies in arteriosclerosi and endangiitis obliterans].

10 of 14 patients with obliterating endangiitis and 2 of 17 patients with obliterating arteriosclerosis had in the serum immunoflorescence-optically provable low titre antibodies against different constituents of smooth musculature (once cross-reacting with transverse and cross striation of the myocardium). Further antibodiies against brush border of proximal renal tubuli, parietal cells, cardiac sarcolemma, cytoplasm of the liver and distal renal tubuli were found. Antibodies against nuclear material, skeletal musculature, further typical antibodies against mitochondria, ribosomes and membranes of the endoplasmatic reticulum as well as so-called pemphigus and pemphigoid antibodies could not be proved. The proof of low titre antibodies against constituents of smooth musculature is in this case regarded as an unspecific marker of an (often) viral inflammation.


[The value of thoracoscopic sympathectomy in the treatment of Raynaud's syndrome].

On the basis of a follow-up period lasting at least 6 years concerning 23 patients, in whom on account of a Raynaud-syndrome a thoracoscopic sympathicotomy in the region Th 2-5 was carried out in most cases bilaterally in two sessions, in comparison with the sympathicectomy performed in major surgery can be established:no mortality, no serious complications, duration of stay in hospital 5-7 days, no absolute healing. In a follow-up period of the same length in an approach of major surgery absolute healings are possible, but only in 35%. This gain is loaded by a longer stay in hospital of at least 10 days and a mortality of 4.3% as well as by a complication rate of 6-41%, to which in 8-13% of the cases a Horner-syndrome comes. Therefore, before an approach in major surgery a thoracoscopic intervention is to be tried. The thoracoscopic operators should strive for a sympathectomy with destroy of the ganglia Th 2 and 3 instead for a sympathicotomy.


[Morphology of acute and chronic pancreatitis].

The pathological anatomy of pancreatitis is treated, based on a classification in acute haemorrhagic necrotizing (tryptic), acute serous (interstitial), acute purulent, chronic sclerosing (primary) and chronic relapsing (tryptic) pancreatitis, in which case is referred to the problems of such classifications. Among the individual forms etiologic and pathogenetic points of view are briefly discussed, among others also questions of the autoimmune pancreatitis and of the key positions of the acinus cell in the development of the necrotizing pancreatitis, taking into consideration experimental result. Further paragraphs deal with the special forms as well as with the course and the complications of pancreatitis, taking above all into consideration morphologic aspects and actual problems.


[The contribution of ERCP to the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis].

A survey is given of the present state of the ERCP in the diagnostics of the chronic pancreatitis. The ERCP is not suited for the proof of early changes in the chronic pancreatitis; it does not allow an exclusion diagnosis. The value of the ERCP in the chronic pancreatitis consists in the fact to render the indication to operation by the proof changes which should be operated on, or to precise it, respectively, and to prevent unnecessary test laparotomies. For this reason the ERCP is indicated above all in the ascertained chronically relapsing pancreatitis and in the persistence of symptoms after an acute inflammatory attack. The most comprehensive information about the morphologic state of the pancreas is got by the combination of the ERCP with methods which reflect the size and the external form of the organ and give evidence concerning the structural changes (sonography, computer tomography).


[Surgical treatment of acute and chronic pancreatitis].

The acute haemorrhagically necrotizing pancreatitis demands, as a rule, an operative sanation of the local complications. The partial or total pancreatectomy during the first days for preventing the late local complications is loaded with an operation mortality from 35 to 60%. If the early operation is limited to the removal of recognizable and demarkated necroses, the mortality decreases to 30 or 35%. In principal preference of a retarded date of operation and in consequent sanation of local changes, if necessary in repeated interventions, the mortality is between 20 and 33%. The surgical treatment of the chronic pancreatitis shall concerning indication to operation, tactics and kind of intervention always take into consideration an existing abuse of alcohol. Long-term controls revealed that the most essential life-limiting factor is a further existing alcoholism. The more parenchyma is removed in operation the higher is the late mortality.


[Hepatological aspects of surgical interventions in the stomach].

By means of quantitative-biochemical and histomorphological methods after vagotomies changes of the liver could be proved to a smaller extent than after resections of the stomach (Billroth II). Among the bionomic operation methods the supra-selective proximal vagotomy without pylorplastics is superior to other methods under the aspect of the change of the liver.


[Early diagnosis of diabetes mellitus--studies on the effectiveness and value of diabetes screening actions].

Actions to found out cases of diabetes, which exclusively worked with a proof of glucosuria using the biophan-test stripe, were always loaded by a high percentage of falsely pathologic, but also by a not insignificant number of falsely negative investigation results. -- Therefore a multiphasic screening was carried out in 5,424 persons at the age of 20 and more years, which tested the problems mentioned and judged the possibilities of an improved diagnosis.


[Diagnosis of malignant non-Hodgkin lymphoma on the basis of the Kiel-classification].

In short form a survey is given concerning the division of the malignant non-Hodgkin-lymphoma according to the classification of Kiel. The subdivision in stages and a proposal for a comprehensive clinical and laboratory investigation programme complete the compilation concerning the diagnostics of the malignant non-Hodgkin-lymphomas.


[Experiences with fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland].

It is reported on 155 fine needle aspiration biopsies of the thyroid gland which above all were performed in cold nodes. In 81.9% of the cases unconspicuous cell pictures or cystico-regressive changes were present. Of the 17 findings suspicuous of malignoma (11%) hitherto 2 could histologically be diagnosed as carcinomas and 3 as adenomas with considerable regressive changes. The additionally established frequency of nodular strumas and cold nodes in 547 scintigraphically examined patients had the results of 54% nodular strumas and 48.4% of cold nodes in the total material. In 90.2% the nodular strumas revealed cold nodes. The rate of malignomas of all preparations of operations of the thyroid gland was altogether at 2.9% subtracting the secondary malignant processes 2.4% were found. These findings as well as the positive data from literature give the fine needle aspiration biopsy an important role in supplementing the morphologic diagnostics and the early recognition of malignomas of the thyroid gland.


[Eye fundus pathology in chronic terminal kidney failure].

On 75 patients with chronic renal insufficiency the relations between renal hypertension due to volume expansion and findings of the fundus of the eye were investigated. In compensated renal insufficiency in 20 of 23 patients a hypertension appeared, hypertensively conditioned changes of the fundus were observed only in about one third of the cases. When the functional disturbances progressed into the stage of the chronic terminal renale insufficiency on the other hand in 27 of 38 patients retina findings conditioned by hypertension were stated. Among 38 haemodialysis patients by regulation of the fluid balance 11 times a normal fundus and 15 times an improvement of the findings of the fundus of the eye could be revealed. In 13 patients the findings of the fundus generally improved after successful renal transplantation. Also our examinations call the usual stage subdivisions after Thiel and Keith and co-workers, respectively, in question.


[Occupational respiratory tract allergies].

Professionally conditioned allergoses of the respiratory tract (BK 41) can occur in all industrial regions. The allergoses conditioned by organic dusts of vegetable or animal origin (regions food production, plant production and animal keeping) predominate. Since 1976 the BK 41 has been on the 10th rank of alases, 1977), above all conditioned by an improved establishment. Among the diagnoses bronchial asthma is in the first place. The high proportion of allergoses by cereal constituents is to be led back to the, as a rule, unproblematic allergologic clarification diagnostics. One may conclude that difficulties of the recognition in other allergens condition a considerable dark number, particularly in chemical working materials. The allergoses by cereal constituents are followed by the constituents of the animal epidermis (above all hair of laboratory animals). The remainder -- without any importance of the succession -- belongs to moulds, mites, plant pollen, parasubstituted aromates, chrome and rare allergens. Apart from the slight number of alveolitis diseases the allergoses conditioned by organic dusts belong to the type of early reaction (characteristic representatives: baker's asthma). Problematical are the allergoses of the type of the late reaction. Chemical substances of the hapten type are above all in question (characteristic representative: chrome asthma). Here is most cases expressed irritation effects are present so that this pathogenetic factor is frequently determining without proving any immune-specific effects. The report is based on forgiven criteria of decision.


[Diagnostic problems of tuberculosis in old age].

Among the present epidemiologic conditions postprimary tuberculoses gain importance due to the exazerbation of latent foci. The particularly concerns the generalised senile tuberculosis. The clinical picture of a generalisation tuberculosis deviates in comparison with the course which was formerly regarded as typical. It shows a protracted, at first undramatic phase with slowly progressing development, appears intermittently, is characterized by rich, variants with regard to form, course and localisation, withdraws from radiological demonstration for a long time and thus progresses occult in general. The 35 cases should remind of diagnostic basic patterns and should take into consideration the peculiarities of exacerbated generalised tuberculoses at old age. The observation of symptomatology and paraclinical findings, bioptic examinations of the liver, bacteriologic or histologic findings of the adequate substrate, the exclusion of other organic diseases and an experiment of an antituberculotic treatment when tuberculosis is supposed may become successful measures of making the diagnosis. Even nowadays tuberculosis must be included in the differential diagnosis of several organic diseases.


[Pleural asbestosis in dock workers].

During the last three years 29 patients with asbestosis of the pleura were examined. 21 of them were exposed to dust on wharfs as joiners, locksmiths, transport workers, isolators and in other trades. The beginning of the exposition was at least 15 years age, the duration of the exposition was 5 to 25 years. Two bronchial carcinomas and one mesothelioma of the pleura among our patients emphasize the increased risk for malignoma of the patients with asbestosis. For this reasons an early recognition and a regular medical control of the patients as well as a reducthe long time of latency between the beginning of the exposition and the appearance of morphologic changes it is recommended to employ older colleagues in the working places with dust exposition.


[Asthma caused by analgesics].

Asthma, caused by analgesics, a relatively frequent phenomenon in bronchial asthma conditioned by infection, often remains unrecognized and is then sometimes a danger of high degree for these patients. Pathogenetically, the asthma caused by analgesics perhaps does not underlie an immunological mechanism, but an induced by analgesics prostaglandin-E-synthesis inhibition. For this speak the results of skin tests, of the LTT with analgesics and of IgE concentration measurements. Concomitant phenomena of the asthma caused by analgesics are: initial rhinirrhoe, alcohol intolerance, polyposis nasi and NNH affections. Among the evoking noxae the pyrazolones (regard: pyrazolone containing asthma mixed preparations!) are of greatest importance. Since already the smallest doses of analgesics may evoke considerable asthmatic reactions the indication to the exposition test should be made cautiously. In an anamnestic suspicion on asthma caused by analgesics a strict avoidance of analgesics, antirheumatic drugs and antipyretic drugs is necessary. Salicyl amide does not cause in vitro a prostaglandin synthesis inhibition. Still further clinical examinations are necessary, whether it amy generally be recommended as a possible alternative of analgesics in asthma caused by analgesics.


[Functional peripheral ischemia].

The terminal circulation which plays an important role in the thermoregulation particularly at the periphery of the extremities is not infrequently irritated by false multifactorial regulations. As their sequela an increased tonus of vasoconstrictors and pathological vasodilatation lead to idiopathic and symptomatic functional angiolopathies. Transitions into organic vascular processes are no rarity. From the extreme functional behaviour patterns complaints and symptoms of the individual angiolopathies may be derived. Clinic, differential diagnostics and therapeutic possibilities of the angiopathic reaction position, of the acrocyanosis and its variants, of the intermittent functional acrosyndromes and of the erythromelalgia are treated from practical points of view. In contrast to the secondary functional angiolopathies, in which the basic disease is of decisive importance in questions concerning expertise, the idiopathic forms alone are scarcely of high significance concerning the restriction of the physical function.


[The clinical significance of blood viscosity in degenerative angiopathies].

During an examination of a group of 63 patients with chronic ischaemic heart disease and condition after myocardial infarction the viscosities measured with the help of a rotation viscosimeter lay clearly above the values of good reference persons. There were positive correlations of the blood viscosity to the haematocrit value, fibrinogen level, globulin content as well as to the total protein, total lipid and cholesterol level. In the transition to the logarithm of the viscosity the measure for the linear dependence with the exception of the total protein level became smaller. A formation of partial correlation coefficients by means of the exclusion of the haematocrit in every case resulted in increasing coefficients r for the investigated parameters of the lipid metabolism cholesterol, total lipids and triglycerides.


[Ultrasound diagnosis in arteriosclerosis obliterans].

From the standpoint of the clinical angiology the ultrasound Doppler method is of great diagnostic evidence. By means of this method depending on physico-technical and apparative prerequisites we succeed in judging the movements of blood in the non-invasive way. Of particular relevance is the sonographic investigation after Doppler of the extracranial part of arteries supplying the brain. In the region of extremities the poststenotic pressure measurings after Doppler give the possibility to establish early clinical stages and to objectify the degree of compensation of arterial circulatory obstructions.


[Systolic time intervals during sequential ultrafiltration and hemodialysis].

The effects of a forced withdrawal of fluid by ultrafiltration and the influences of a connected haemodialysis on the period of isometric contraction of the heart were recorded by periodical registration during the treatment. A statistically certain decrease of the LVET (-19.2%) and an increase of the PEP (+ 11.1%) were found. Since at least in the period of the isolated ultrafiltration several essential parameters of the interior milieu do not change decisively, as cause for the changes observed of the systolic intervals of the heart period the decrease of the preload is discussed. During the period of ultrafiltration on an average 15.3 +/- 3.3 ml of plasma water were taken per minute.


[Theoretical viewpoints of coronary hemodynamics relative to the localization of arterial stenoses and the collateral function with special reference to the so-called steal effect].

1. On a simple branched model of the vascular system is deduced that the restriction of the reserve of blood supply (coronary reserve) occurring in arterial constrictions depends not only on the degree of constrictions, but also on their type of distribution, by means of which peculiarities of the univascular diseases in contrast to the multivascular diseases are the result. 2. Constrictions further the formation of the collateral circulation, the size of which in the same initial pressure increases with the degree of constriction and the decrease of the peripheral resistance. 3. The effects of the collateral circulation are fully different for proximally and distally localized stenoses. Proximal stenoses lead the collateral circulation in direction to the narrowed area, peripheral narrowings of the circulation, however, to the counter-direction. 4. A Steal effect is possible only in peripheral narrowings of the circulation. Its haemodynamic conditions are described in detail. 5. As haemodynamic explanation for the positive dipyridamol test the hypothesis arises that it might refer to remarkable peripheral constrictions. 6. The application of vasodilators is from the haemodynamic point of view indicated above all in proximal constrictions, when distally from this there are interarterial anastomoses. Repression is necessary in peripheral narrowings, when their reserve of blood supply is already consumed by vasodilatation. In these cases is to be reckoned with a Steal effect.


[Analysis of the causes of death in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

The post-mortem examinations performed from 1943 to 1977 in Tartu were examined for the frequency of rheumatoid arthritis as cause of death. Here was the result that since 1968 in increasing number this clinical picture was observed and that during the last five years it appeared in 1.4% of the cases. As cause of death in patients whose basic disease was rheumatoid arthritis most frequently and uraemia was found either on the basis of an amyloidosis of the kidneys or of a chronic glomerulonephritis. Also the number of fatal complications among a long-lasting glucocorticosteroid therapy is not unconsiderable.


[Radiological methods in arteriosclerosis obliterans].

Of the X-ray methods for the demonstration of disturbances of the blood supply only the angiography is of practical importance. The proof of vascular calcium on so-called X-ray pictures of the soft parts informs about wall processes, but says absolutely nothing about a disturbed flow. The diagnosis of an obliterating vascular disease is still successful on the extremities with the help of the simple clinical means of pulse palpation, auscultation, measuring of the blood pressure with comparison of the sides, particularly when load methods are included. But the angiography is the only diagnostic method which makes recognizable localisation, extension and degree of obliterating changes intra vitam. Nevertheless it stands at the end of a diagnostic chain and, as far as the ischaemia of the extremities is concerned, it is absolutely indicated only as preoperative method. The development of newer therapeutic methods by means of the saving catheter technique for the restoration of the vascular system is described in short and outlined in its tendencies.


[Conservative treatment of arteriosclerosis obliterans].

The conservative therapy of the arteriosclerotic obstructive disease demands a complex approach. The basis therapy, the symptomatic treatment of the haemodynamics of the extremity with ill vessels, the pathogenetically oriented therapy as well as the treatment of other localisations of the arteriosclerosis should be used combined. At stage III and IV additional measures, such as combat against pain, therapy with antibiotics and local treatment of tissue lesions are necessary. The results of the therapy should be critically tested not only on the basis of the clinical picture, but also on the basis of the course of the vascular processes.


[The effect of Ca++ on gastrin output and LESP before and after antrectomy (author's transl)].

Previous investigations show that calcium infusion stimulates gastrin output in healthy volunteers, whereas after antrectomy calcium does not cause any significant change of IRG levels. Both healthy volunteers and antrectomized patients (B II) show a continuous increase of LESP, reaching a maximum after 120 minutes. These results suggest a direct interaction of Ca++-ions and gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells.


[Portal hypertension in idiopathic haemochromatosis (author's transl)].

In contrast to hepatic and alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver, the life-threatening portal hypertension seen in idiopathic haemochromatosis (IH) responds well to therapy. With the aid of laparoscopic transhepatic manometry, we determined the pressures in the branches of the portal vein and the hepatic vein in four patients presenting with IH, and compared the values obtained with clinico-chemical and histological parameters. Three patients who had been suffering from the disease for periods varying between two and ten years, responded well to therapy. The fourth patient, who presented with the highest pressure in the portal vein (26.5 mm Hg) died, three months after the initial establishment of the diagnosis of advanced IH, in consequence of unmanagable haemorrhage from oesophageal varices.


[Cervical ripening in late pregnancy and at term].

Cervical ripening before labors is not an exclusively passive process by uterine contractions. On the contrary, we can find a lot of highly active processes in the cervical connective tissue with changes in metabolism of the cells leading to changes in the ground substance and the organisation and structure of collagenous fibres. We do not as yet know the trigger mechanisms of the prepartum cervical rpiening. Probably prostaglandins and relaxin are such triggering substances. At present, our new understanding of this active cervical process does not help the obstetrician. There is no laboratory test up to now. Cervical ripeness can only be examined on the basis of clinical criteria: length, consistency, position, and dilatation of the cervix uteri and station of the fetal head. The most usual score of cervical ripeness is Bishop's Pelvic-score. A high scoring excludes failures of induction of labor. But the rate of wrong prognosis, concerning efficiency of induction and time of labor is relatively high in cases with low rating of cervical ripeness. A more differentiated scoring of some of the criteria and some weighing of these seems to lead to better prognosis. On the other hand, recent clinical experiences with prostaglandins lead us to expect that we will be able to induce cervical ripeness.


[The influence of highly purified hCG on the immunocompetence of human lymphocytes and DNA repair system].

PHA-stimulation of human T-lymphocytes, a parameter of cellular immunocompetence, can be suppressed by highly purified human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a dose-dependent manner. This was shown spectrophotometrically and by the mitosis index. Our results are in agreement with H3-thymidine incorporation studies. We further investigated the DNA repair system in UV-light- and hCG-explsed lymphocytes. It could be shown that DNA repair-replication is disturbed by hCG. Such repair disturbances may cause reduced H3-thymidine incorporation in PHA-stimulated and hCG-treated lymphocytes. It is probably on this molecular level that hCG influences the immunocompetence of human lymphocytes.


[The pre-ejection-period of the humen fetal heart: significance of base-line alterations in perinatal period].

The Pre-ejection period of the cardiac cycle, fetal heart rate and uterine contractions were monitored in a series of 115 unselected fetus sub partu. A new one-line technique permits a continuous registration of PEP patterns simultaneously with the CTG. Any change in base-line of the PEP war related to heart rate, acid-base-status and gestational age. The average value of PEP in fetus was 72,93 +/- 7,9 msec. The base-line of PEP increased paralelly with gestational age of fetus and decreased rapidly beyond normal values after the 41. week of gestation. Within normal values alterations in base-line of the PEP were negativly correlated to alterations in base-line of the heart rate. Abnormal high and low base-lines of the PEP were observed in fetal acidosis, hypoxemia, and in uteroplacental insufficiency. The prolonging or shortening of the PEP base-line seems to signalize an acute injury of the utero-feto-placental unit in perinatal period.


Selection criteria for antenatal cardiotocography.

The present report considers two questions: 1) Which patients should be monitored routinely and 2) the interpretation of antenatal cardiotocography. During 26 months 812 patients with risk pregnancies were monitored with antenatal CTG. Most of them were daily registered. One hundred and seventeen (14.5%) showed pathological CTG changes. The CTG patterns were put into four classes according to the degree of seriousness. A comparison between high risk and low risk pregnancies showed that nearly all abnormal CTGs occurred in the high risk group. Within the high risk group, patients with essential hypertension and intrauterine growth retardation had pathological CTG changes in 20--30%. The study shows that high risk pregnancies should be monitored regularly at short intervals to allow early diagnosis of fetal distress. The value of routine CTG in low risk pregnancy can be questioned.


Vaginal prostaglandin E2 for interruption of pregnancy and management of intrauterine death.

Vaginal suppositories containing 20 mg prostaglanding E2, administered at 2-5h intervals, are very effective in interrupting second-trimester pregnancy and in inducing labor in case of death in utero. However, side effects are common and make the treatment unpleasant to most patients. Premedication with an maintenance of a potent anti-emetic (e.g. haloperidol) and an anti-diarrheic (e.g. loperamide) considerably reduce the frequency and severity of these side effects.


[Plasma levels of PGE2, PGA2 and PGF2 alpha during spontaneous labour].

Plasma levels of PGE2, PGA2 and PGF2 alpha were determined by radioimmunoassay in maternal venous blood during different phases of uterine contractions. Mean prostaglandin levels during labor were: PGE2 = 2,25 +/- 1,3 ng/ml (mean +/- SD), PGA2 = 2,86 +/- 1,55 ng/ml and PGF2 alpha = 0,58 +/- 0,37 ng/ml. The approximate ratios between the prostaglandin concentrations were: PGE2:PGA2: PGF2 alpha = 1:1-3:0,3. No changes of PGE2 levels were found in the course of concentrations during the first and second stage of labor. At delivery and at the contraction followed by the expulsion of the placenta, PGE2 concentrations rose from the beginning of the contraction (2,21 +/- 0,07 ng PGE2/ml) to the maximum of the contraction (4,31 +/- 0,56 ng PGE2/ml). PGA2 levels did neither show a correlation to the course of contractions nor to the different stages of labor, but were considerably different between patients during the first stage of labor (e.g. 1,9 +/- 1,1 ng PGA2/ml) and during the second stage of labor (3,36 +/- 2,8 ng PGA2/ml). Mean PGF2 alpha concentrations were between 0,21 +/- 0,12 ngPGF2 alpha/ml (1st stage) and 0,81 +/- 0,11 ng PGF2alpha/ml (highest value obtained, 1st stage of labor, too). There was no correlation between PGF2 alpha concentrations and the course of contractions during the different stages of labor.


[Serumprolactin and lactation in a case of placental sulfatase deficiency].

In a pregnancy with placental sulfatase deficiency very low serum concentrations of estrone and estradiol-1 7 beta are found. Estriol is not detectable. In spite of this serum concentrations of prolactin were in the normal pregnancy range. There was no premature lactation in pregnancy. Lactation in puerperium was unsatisfactory.


[Unilateral hyperplasia of mammae during pregnancy].

The article reports on a case of marked unilateral hyperplasia of the mammae during pregnancy. Literature references show that this is a rare occurrence. The possible complications require an intensive control. Although malignant degeneration has not been reported, the authors believe that diagnostic clarification is mandatory.


[Naevus spongiosus albus mucosae. Review and personal observations].

White sponge nevus of the mucosa is a rare, mostly verifiable hereditary ectodermal dysplasia of the mucous membranes. Because associated symptoms of the skin are missing, it is classified as a distinctive disease among the congenital leukokeratoses. In the most cases the symptomless mucosal lesions are detected by dentological examination though they are present at birth or appear in the first years of life. On the basis of three own observations clinical appearance, histopathology, electronmicroscopy and differential diagnosis are discussed.


[LEOPARD syndrome].

Three cases of LEOPARD-syndrome are presented. A review of literature is given. Among the symptoms of the syndrome lentigines, ECG-abnormalities, pulmonal-stenosis, retardation of growth and deafness show the strongest penetrance and are most constantly found.


[Prediction of the effects of client-centered psychotherapy on the basis of an indications interview].

Several effects of client-centered therapy were predicted on the basis of a short intake-interview divided into two parts: an exploration-phase and a quasi-therapy-phase. Elements of the international behavior and elements of the intrapersonal exploration of the client were rated by neutral observers and served as predictor variables as well as ratings of the experiences in the two interview situations by the client himself. Our population were 29 out-patients of a psychiatric clinic. We could demonstrate, that on the basis of an 45-minutes intake-interview it is possible to make a rather good prediction of the therapy outcome -- measured by several clinically relevant personality scales -- though therapists and interviewer were not identical and though there was a waiting period of several weeks between the interview and the start of therapy and though the therapists were rather unexperienced.


[Ideology and education (influence): notices on the pseudo-question on medical and non-medical psychoanalysis].

Argumentations pro or contra "medical" or "non-medical" psychoanalysis are rarely free from ideologies. Only in the stage of psychoanalytical self-cognition the question becomes another one. It must be differentiated between the educational background and training of the psychoanalyst. It is just the educational background (academica finally examination in medicine, psychologie, theologie etc.) which produces attitudes, which can form (influence) the training in a wrong way. Such discussions become easily a pseudo-question because of a narrow class-arrogance. The urgency of using psychoanalytical concepts and methods in the social field should help to reconcile contrasts.


[Why has psychotherapy failed in its social mission?].

The following are the principal reasons why psychotherapy has not lived up to expectations in respect to its social task: its misunderstanding of itself in that it strives to be a science or a teaching of cure, whereas it can and should be the teaching of adequate address and reply; its fatal mistaking of materialism for substantiality; its submission to the pressure of public opinion and its slogan: I am good, because I am well. I am well, because I am good; Its ambition to know the person ("I know who you are"), instead of aiming to understand him ("I know what you mean"); its conception rigidly set on alternative -- and antipodal thinking; its equation of good equals healthy; its rigidly one-sided stance in the matter of fees, in the matter of financial problems in general and towards the insured and insurance; its isolationism and its exclusivity.


[The relationship between mental health, socialization and creativity].

It is shown, that there are two traditions of thought in research as well as in psychotherapy which foster different assumptions about the relationship between a persons creativity and his mental well-being and between his creativity and the child-rearing practice of his parents. One tradition suggests that most creative people have experienced more intense suffering during childhood than others. The other tradition takes the opposite position, that a permissive, non-authoritarian home environment is most conducive for later creativity. Results of empirical research relevant to this questions have been contradictory, partly due to considerable methodological difficulties, and partly due to the ideological biasis of the experimenters and reviewers. Our own research on the child rearing practices and attitudes related to creative/non-creative 12-year old children of both sexes, as measured by questionnaires and observations of mother-child interaction, opposes the latter tradition. We have observed that mothers of high creative children behave more active and evaluating when engaged in dyadic problem solving situations with their children, and this pattern is symmetrically reflected in the behavior of their children. Mothers of low creative children, however, interact in a more guarded and cautious manner, yet with more visible demonstrations of positive affect. Questionnaire data on the fathers' attitudes on child-rearing seems to oppose the belief that creative children have permissive, non-authoritarian fathers.


[Reality in the sciences of humans].

The claim of science, which concerns directly human living, to be "objective" and "universal" culminates in the belief, scientific methods could represent reality. Such a science puts men in a couple of scientific laws and suppresses the moment of active doing (accepting or refusing) as a sufficient preassumption of reality. In an alternative way we are looking for a science where reality means invitation to perform own doing.


[Statements of a patient concerning his writer's cramp].

The spontaneous statements a patient with writers' cramp made in analytic psychotherapy about the relatively slight motor disorder of his right hand were recorded. This immediate presentation of the relations between the patient's person and his disorder were compared with investigations and reports about patients with writer's cramp in psychotherapy. Similarities and differences in the views of the patient and of the therapists about the relation between person and symptom were shown. This was done under special evaluation of the categories of interpersonal communication, developed by D. Wyss in his "integrative psychotherapy".


Clinical and histologic observations of actively induced resistance to Eimeria ferrisi Levine and Ivens, 1965 (Protozoa: Eimeriidae) in the mouse (Mus musculus).

Actively induced resistance to Eimeria ferrisi was studied clinically and histologically in Mus musculus. Results indicated that a partial resistance to challenge was obtained. Initially infected animals had severe symptoms of coccidiosis but the symptoms diminished as the infections progressed. Previously infected mice had only slight symptoms of infection when challenged. Challenge doses produced severe coccidiosis in the non-immune controls although none died. Six mice died at peak patency during the immunizing inoculations. Histologic examination indicated that parasite numbers were reduced in resistant animals. The reduction appeared greatest during late sexual development. Tissues from resistant animals showed little evidence of damage and appeared to contain an increased amount of lymphoid tissue. Tissues from non-immunized mice killed after challenge were heavily infected and contained extruded blood, mucous, and cellular debris in the gut lumen. Considerable destruction of host epithelial cells occurred. The observations are discussed and compared to other coccidial immunity studies.


The relation between skin histamine concentration, histamine sensitivity, and the resistance of cattle to the tick, Boophilus microplus.

Cattle with different degrees of resistance to Boophilus microplus have responses to tick allergen which correlate with their resistance level. The total amount of histamine in the skin also correlates with both resistance and the immediate hypersensitivity reactions, but the sensitivity to injected histamine does not. Treatment with the antihistamine drug mepyramine maleate suppresses the cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. The results suggest that the main pharmacologically active agent in these reactions is histamine, and that the total amount of it available locally in the skin may have a role in the resistance to this parasite.


[On Cheyletiella infestation in domestic cats (author's transl)].

Two Persian cats kept in common, 3 months and 2 years old, presented a heavy infestation with Cheyletiella mites. The cats showed itching and loss of hair. The animals' owners suffered from severe itching and redish papulae, particularly on those parts of the body which frequently got in contact with the cats. After three treatments with Alugan powder (Hoechst) the cats were freed from the mite infestation. The owners' skin affection disappeared soon without any treatment. This is the first recovery of Cheyletiella mites on cats in Austria. The mites were identified as C. blakei, although obvious differences between the first description and our material were encountered. C. blakei could be primarily separated from C. parasitivorax according to the female tectum and the peritremata. Typically the sense organs on the genua of the first pair of legs are ovoid in shape. This feature, although morphologically variable, could be used as a diagnostic aid, if enough adult specimens are available.


[Dynamics of the statistical indices of evoked potentials in modally specific brain structures during the formation of defensive reflexes].

Interdependence of integrative processes in the relays of the analyzers of signal stimuli (auditory and visual) was estimated by EP parameters (latency, amplitude, and duration) of the first positive and negative components. It has been shown that the significance of the coefficients of correlation between EP parameters in the studied structures is determined by the stage of the behaviour formation; it also depends on the EP component chosen for the analysis. Significant correlation coefficients are timed to the active period in the formation of defensive conditioned reaction. In this period significant correlation coefficients for the parameters of the first positive EP component are established in various fields of cortical projection zones and between the parameters of the negative component in all relays of the analyzer. The data are treated from the viewpoint of adaptation of the analyser activity to the organism's needs at each stage in the formation adaptive behaviour and of the role of motivational influences in the organization of intraanalyzer integrations.


[Effect of serotonin injected into the amygdaloid complex on conditioned and unconditioned alimentary reflexes and electrical brain activity in cats].

The effect of 5-OT injection into the basolateral area of the amygdala complex on conditioned and unconditioned alimentary reflexes and on the concomitant amygdala electrical activity was studied in cats. 5-OT in 100 to 200 mcg doses inhibited the reproduction of conditioned reflexes only, not affecting the unconditioned ones. Under the influence of 5-OT, generation of high-frequency burst activity by the amygdala was blocked; spatial synchronization between the visual and sensorimotor cortex, between the neocortex and the hippocampus was reduced. It is suggested that the basolateral area of the amygdala participates in the organization of conditioned reflexes, and that the serotoninergic system is involved in the neurochemical mechanisms of the inhibitory influence of this structure on the reproduction of conditioned reflexes.


[Restoration of instrumental movements in cats after section of spinal cord afferent pathways].

Instrumental fore-leg movements (pedal pressing) were studied in the course of recovery of motor functions after section of the posterior columns and the spino-cervical tract at the cervical level. Recovery of supporting-locomotor functions reached a high level. Instrumental reactions connected with inborn forms of motor activity (running etc.) were being restored parallel to the locomotion restoration. Complex instrumental movements were restored slower and didn't reach a high degree of accuracy. A more simple instrumental movement (pressing on the open pedal) had a more rapid and more complete recovery. It is concluded that the possibilities of substitution of different channels, transmitting afferent somatic impulses to the sensorimotor cortex, are very limited for elaborated instrumental movements.


[Conditioned reactions elaborated on the basis of reinforcement by hypothalamic stimulation].

The possibility of elaboration of conditioned emotional reactions on the basis of the stimulation of the hypothalamus, was studied in cats. Reinforcement of a sound (500 c/s) by electrical stimulation of the hypothalamus, which produced reactions of undirected rage, of fear with avoidance, of food search, led to the formation of a conditioned passive defensive reaction, analogous to that based on pain reinforcement. Elaboration of conditioned emotional reactions were blocked by switching off of the sensorimotor cortex by cold. A conclusion is made that during stimulation of the hypothalamus, the state of fear serves as the reinforcing factor and that the sensorimotor neocortical areas participate in the estimation of biological significance of the conditioned signal.


[Conditioned reflex analog of sensomotor cortex neurons to acetylcholine microinjection].

Conditioned responses to time were studied in neurones of the sensorimotor cortex in alert rabbits using fixed time interval (2 min) combinations of sound stimuli with microionophoretic injection of acetylcholine in the recorded cell's area. Conditioned responses to time were elaborated in 26 out of 50 recorded cells (52%), both of activation (21 cells) and inhibitory (5 cells) types. They appeared after 10--30 pairings and were reproduced during 10--15 consequent omissions of the signal which points to persistence of the conditioned trace responses. It is assumed that the reinforcing effect of acetylcholine is basically due to the increased excitability of the neurone during application of the drug.


[Correlation between rate of avoidance reaction elaboration and catecholamine levels in rat brain].

The dependence of parameters of elaboration of avoidance reaction in a shuttle box on the level of noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) in the brain was studied in 39 male rats of Wistar line with body weight of 200--250 g. The animals that on the first day of learning had different number of errors also showed different levels of brain NA and DA. A great number of errors correlated with a low level of DA in the whole brain and a high level of NA in cortical-striate brain area. It was shown that the errors characterized the process of learning itself and were not due to motor activation.


[Role of the cholinergic and monoaminergic systems of the brain in dissociated learning].

Rats placed in an experimental chamber, were trained to perform two dissociated reactions; the one--in a normal state, the other--after administration of physostigmine. Then the animals were divided into 10 groups and in each group the performance of the elaborated conditioned reflexes was tested after administration of the substances influencing cholinergic and monoaminergic brain systems. It is shown that the dissociation state after physostigmine administration is due to the influence of this substance on the cholinergic brain system. The increase of biogenic amines content in the central nervous system leads to the appearance of dissociation after a smaller dose of anticholinesterase. This seems to reflect a modulating influence of monoaminergic brain systems on the cholinergic system during performance of the dissociated reactions.


[Effect of destruction of the amygdaloid complex on the cardiac and motor components of a conditioned defense reaction].

The effect of bilateral ablation of the amygdala complex basolateral part on heart and motor components of conditioned defensive reaction was studied in chronic experiments on rats. After 10 presentations of the tone during habituation procedure the elaboration of conditioned reaction in operated and control animals was achieved in one session (10 pairings of the tone with electrical pain stimulation in a minute). The analysis of the changes in the heart rate of amygdalectomized rats immediately after the elaboration revealed a shorter time of retention of the heart rate tachycardiac changes elicited by aversive stimulation. In tests one hour and 24 hours after the elaboration, the operated animals showed no conditioned bradycardiac reaction to the tone. This fact suggests a severe impairment of the conditioned emotional reaction of fear. The absence of the emotional component of the conditioned reaction seems to result in the disturbance of reproduction of its motor component.


[Correlation between the retention of defensive conditioned reflexes and rat brain acetylcholinesterase activity].

The comparison of the characteristics of temporary connection retention (repeated elaboration) with the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) of the motor, visual cerebral cortical areas and hippocampus was done at different time (1, 2 and 4 weeks) following elaboration of defensive conditioned reflexes (CR) in rats in a chamber of two-way avoidance with electrified floor. The maximal retention of CR was observed 2 weeks after the initial elaboration. The dynamics of AChE activity on the whole doesn't correspond to the changes in CR retention. Pronounced AChE activity decrease in the motor and visual cortex was observed during CR reproduction 4 weeks after elaboration. Significant differences by this parameter were observed between trained animals and the rats, presented with non-paired photic and electrical stimuli (active control).


[Effect of ablation of the basolateral and corticomedial portions of the amygdala on the performance of food-getting conditioned reflexes in rats].

In experiments on 66 albino rats an electrolytic coagulation of the basolateral amygdala caused facilitation while that of the corticomedial amygdala caused inhibition of alimentary conditioned reflexes. The corticomedial amygdala forms a part of the excitatory and the basolateral amygdala--of the inhibitory system of the rat's brain. In intact rats the basolateral amygdala function dominates over the corticomedial amygdala activity in feeding behaviour.


[Conditioned reflex to time in grape snails].

Tactile stimulation of the snail's mantle evokes unconditioned avoidance reflex of pneumostome closure. After 3--4 experimental sessions (10 stimuli per session, a session per day) of rhythmical stimulation (interstimulus intervals 1, 2, 4 min) with some stimuli missed, the pneumostome closure occurs at the time when the missed stimulus had to be delivered, i. e. expectancy learning takes place. Arhythmical stimulation does not produce such a result. When the stimulation is stopped only two or three conditioned responses are recorded.


[Formation of a conditioned motor food-getting reaction with a two-way connection in grape snails].

Tactile stimulation of the snail's skin normally evokes avoidance reactions; however after 150--300 reinforcements by food placed in a definite spot, this stimulus began to elicit food-searching reactions of the animal with its turning towards usual food position. The conditioned reflex was stable and reappeared spontaneously following active extinction. It could be recorded 6 weeks after the end of the training. Presentation of food evoked avoidance reactions in 35--60% of cases, but this feedback connection appeared irregularly.


[Relationship between the slow potentials of the human EEG, the cutaneous galvanic potential and the electrooculogram].

The paper deals with the possibilities of cross-correlational analysis as a control to revealing slow components of non-brain origin in human EEG, superimposed on the brain potentials. Such control is necessary in the study of low-frequency (2 c/s and lower) EEG manifestations ("expectancy waves", shifts in the level of the constant potential etc.). It is shown that EEG may include as slow components electrooculogram and SGR, both peripheral (hand) and that of the scalp (temporal and frontal). The share of the responses depends on the functional state of the healthy subject.


[Readiness potential during tracing movements].

Readiness potential (RP) has been defined in EEG recorded in the sensorimotor human cortex during tracing movements. RPs which appear prior to the tracing of different programmes, differ in the time of their appearance, duration and amplitude. Dependence has been established between the RP amplitude and tracing movements latency: movements latency is lower at higher RP amplitudes, and vice versa.


[Effect of catecholamines on the motivational and reinforcing effects of self stimulation zones].

A study has been made of the influence of disulphiram--a drug that lowers the level of norepinephrine and DOPA which restores its content in brain tissues,--on motivational and reinforcing effects caused by the action of a gradually increasing current on the self-stimulation (SS) zones. It has been shown that disulphiram, while suppressing motivational reactions does not exert such an effect on SS reactions. A half of the studied animals showed in these conditions an increased SS frequency. During disulphiram action (on the second day) DOPA restored motivational reactions and inhibited SS reactions. It is assumed that norepinephrine is involved in the mediatory system activating goal-directed motivational behaviour, but it does not constitute, as it seems, the major mediator of the reinforcement system.


[Character of functional connections between sensomotor cortex neurons during isolated and combined stimulation of thalamic nuclei].

In experiments on curarized cats pronounced transformations of the "excitatory" component of the "inhibitory-excitatory" dependence of two close neurones in the sensorimotor cortex were found following multiple isolated VPL and VL stimulation. The effects of repetitive stimulation of thalamic nuclei were opposite to each other: VPL stimulation mainly weakened the "excitatory" component of the "inhibitory-excitatory" connection, whereas VL stimulation generally enhanced it. In the course of combined stimulations of both nuclei the character of interneuronal relations, established under the influence of isolated stimuli, showed further changes. Modifications of interneuronal dependence, resulting from thalamic stimulation, could last for several minutes after cessation of all stimulations.


[Effect of coagulation of the reticular formation in the region of the NRP and NRT nuclei on the spread of brain biopotential synchronization in rabbits].

The influence of coagulation of NRP and NRT nuclei on the level of spatial synchronization of bioelectrical activity in the visual and motor cortical areas was studied in chronic experiments on alert rabbits. It was shown that elimination of these structures from activity diminishes the correlation of processes in the studied zones. The degree of the coagulation effect depends on the volume of destruction and on the degree of synchroneity of the background neocortical biopotentials. Destruction of the nuclei is attended with dominance of delta-frequencies in the power spectra and a drop of coherence function in the theta range. It is assumed that the NRP and NRT nuclei are functional links of the integral system which controls the level of spatial synchronization of bioelectrical processes in the rabbit cerebral cortex.


The amylase-producing microflora of semi-preserved canned sausages: identification of the bacteria and characterization of their amylases.

Thirteen strains of amylase-producing bacteria were isolated from semi-preserved canned sausages and their ingredients. All belonged to the genus Bacillus, and could be separated into 4 different groups. Two groups were different strain of B. subtilis, one was B. amyloliquefaciens and the last was B. macerans. The identification of the different bacteria species was supported by disc gel electrophoresis of the supernatant culture fluid, after growth. The amylases were characterized with regard to temperature optimum, pH optimum and thermostability. Although some of the amylases appear to be quite thermostable, the only explanation for starch degradation in semi-preserved foods seems to be the amylase production from outgrowing spores which survived the heat treatment.


[Somatic parameters in patients with urinary calculi and their relationship to age, sex and kind of calculus].

In the present investigation in 515 carriers of nephroliths (311 males and 204 females) age, sex, type of constitution, body weight, physical load and blood pressure are set in relation to the various kinds of calculi. Here it was revealed that males more frequently fall ill with nephrolithiasis than females, that there exist certain age peaks, the pycnic typ of constitution preferredly appears in female carriers of calculi and the athletic type in male ones, the majority of all examined patients had in comparison to the normal an increased body weight, and a very large proportion of persons with only insignificant physical load is found among the carriers of calculi. The result of the relations of blood pressure was that only half of all patients with urolithiasis examined had a normotonic blood pressure.


[A modified method for the quantitative determination of urinary oxalic acid].

The present paper describes a modified method of the quantitative determination of oxalic acid in the urine which is based on the reduction of oxalic acid to glycolic acid and on the transformation with chromotropic acid to a colorimetrically well measurable complex of colours. The method ascertains a good reproducibility and is simply to be performed in every clinico-chemical laboratory.


[Indication for operation in acute kidney obstruction caused by urinary calculi].

We like to discuss the comment of our clinic: In case of an acute stone-conditioned renal blockage complicated by fever we immediately perform a decompression by means of elevation of the ureter catheter and the antibiotic therapy. A shivering attack accompanied by fever we regard as a threatening sign of pyelonephritis apostematosa and possibly after the first or second shivering attack we perform an opening. Apart from emphasizing the importance of the shivering attack we still might refer to the fact that for the establishment of the therapy of choice the complex evaluation of the clinical picture is necessary.