Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in newborn respiratory failure: technical consideration.

ECMO support has been evaluated in 29 newborn infants with respiratory failure. Lung function improved in 16 and 13 surivived. Important technical factors include venoarterial bypass with full support capability, careful measurement and treatment of coagulation and platelet status, and a skilled and experienced team. Detecting high risk infants early in life is important. Intracranial bleeding is the most common cause of death.


Use of an AR-1 resin column to reduce bilirubin-level in modified ascitic fluid.

Intractable ascites has been accompanied by significant jaundice in some patients. In such cases, a newly developed synthetic resin, AR-1, has been successfully employed to reduce excess bilirubin from the ascitic fluid. This resin has proved to be excellent compared with XAD-2, XAD-7 and activated charcoal, for removal of bilirubin from the plasma and ascitic fluid in our experiments. A column containing 100 ml of AR-1 is inserted in the drip infusion line between the modified ascitic fluid reservoir in the Autoascit device and the patient. This method has been used in 7 cases of intractable ascites associated with advanced gastric, pancreatic, hepatic, rectal and ovarian cancers. The column has sufficient capacity to adsorb excess bilirubin from the modified ascitic fluid. Other biochemical parameters were eseentially unchanged from pre-column values.


Removal of bilirubin by hemoperfusion with ion exchange resins.

Removal of bilirubin by hemoperfusion with macroporous resins is suggested to replace exchange transfusion of blood from jaundiced infants. Anion exchangers tested for BIL binding rate and the effects of various system parameters, i.e. particle size, temperature, bed volume, fluid flow rate and particle porosity are reported. The dissociation equilibrium constant K of the BIL-ALB (albumin) complex was determined from the equilibrium adsorption isotherms data, at different ALB concentrations. Increasing ALB concentration decreased the BIL adsorption rate. For a given ALB concentration, the ratio of unbound to total BIL was constant and the initial BIL adsorption rate was independent of total BIL concentration.


Laser Doppler anemometer studies in unsteady ventricular flows.

The laser Doppler technique was employed to obtain intraventricular velocity distributions on the basis of in vivo confirmation of previous in vitro flow visualization predictions. The quasi-steady assumption required for quantification of flow visualization results is unsatisfactory in regions of high acceleration and fluctuating velocities are unavailable via such techniques. Mean and fluctuating velocity profiles were obtained in a pneumatically driven prosthetic ventricle with the laser Doppler anemometer and stress levels estimated. The preliminary data presented here illustrates that the technique can be applied to such flows. The measurement and data reduction schemes are applicable to a wide range of simulated cardiovascular flows. The particular application to prosthetic ventricle design should minimize the number of in vivo experiments required to develop a satisfactory blood pump and aid in tailoring pump actuation protocols for minimum thromboembolic complications.


A wearable artificial glomerulus.

We have shown that hemofiltration can be conducted for 16 hrs/day for more than 3 continuous days by connecting an Amicon 0.2 M2 hemofilter to an arteriovenous shunt. We can produce over 8 ml/min of ultrafiltrate with no external pump, and this ultrafiltrate can be replaced by having the patient drink an electrolyte-glucose solution. Anticoagulation can be attained with heparin, warfarin and cyproheptadine. Each filter can be expected to function at least 48 hrs before it must be replaced.


[Combined osteosynthesis in the treatment of ununited diaphyseal fractures].

The combined osteosynthesis was used in 19 patients with non-united fractures of different localization. The previously introduced intramedullary rod was not removed and a compressing apparatus was used. In all the patient the fragments were united within 1,5-2,5 months.


[Combined autoalloplasty of the Achilles tendon].

A method of combined alloplasty of old injuries of the Achilles tendon is described. The method is based on the use of the allogenic Achilles tendon and autotransplant cut from the tendinous strained musculus gastrocnemius. Operations were performed in 22 patients. The results were good in all the cases. This method is recommended for the treatment of fresh and old ruptures of the Achilles tendon with a big diastasis between its ends.


[Therapeutic tactics in spontaneous pneumothorax].

The observation of 107 patients with spontaneous non-specific pneumothorax has shown that more active surgical tactics should be used. In 48 patients treated for spontaneous pneumothorax during the last three years 27 operations were performed which completely cured the patient. There were no relapses.


[Kallikrein as a stimulator of the acid-forming gland reserve in stomach diseases].

A comparative estimation of the acid-formation with commonly used stimulators of secretion and kallikrein-depot was performed in 146 patients (84 with gastritis, 26 with gastric ulcer and 36 patients with duodenal ulcer). It has been established that kallikrein-depot is a powerful stimulator of secretion and may be used for studying the reserve of acid-formation in gastric diseases.


[Clinico-morphological characteristics of acute cholecystitis].

The clinical picture and morphological changes of the bile cyst were compared in 120 patients operated for acute cholecystitis. In 9% of cases no agreement was observed between the clinical picture of the disease and morphological changes of the bile cyst wall.


[Incarcerated calculi of the major duodenal papilla - a problem of biliary tract surgery].

Strangulation of the stones of the great duodenal papilla is found in almost every fourth patient with a benigh mechanical jaundice. A radical method for removing the stones from the ampulla of the papilla is the transduodenal papillosphincterotomy. The 1-1,5 cm dissection of the papilla is followed by an external drainage of the hepatocholedochus after Holstead or Carr. The nearest results of such operations with strangulated stones are favourable.


[Hemoperfusion through adsorbents as a method of preoperative preparation of patients with severe form of mechanical jaundice].

The method of haemoperfusion through the ion exchange resin and active carbon was used 15 times in 13 patients with heavy forms of mechanical subhepatogenous jaundice. The haemoperfusion was used as a method of preoperative preparation for reduction of hyperbilirubinemia and cholemic intoxication and for prevention of possible postoperative complications. One patient recovered. One patient died of progressing hepatic insufficiency. The rest of the patients were subjected to surgical interventions for the main disease.


[Possibilities of complex radioendoscopic examination of the pancreatoduodenal zone after choledochoduodenostomy].

A complex examination of 76 patients subjected to choledochoduodenostomy has shown that unsatisfactory results of the operation were due to various pathological alterations of anatomical structures and the created anastomosis. The state of distal parts of the cholangiopancreatic system should be necessarily studied by means of endoscopic pancreaticocholangiography when investigating the reasons of unsatisfactory results of choledochoduodenostomy.


[Combined internal and external drainage of pancreatic cysts].

The results of combination of the internal and external drainage of pancreatic cysts in 9 patients are presented. Four variants of the external drainage of cysts after cysto-gastrocystojejunostomy are described. A prolonged washing of the cyst in early postoperative period results in the rapid diminishing of the cyst and in prevention of complications and recurrence of the disease.


[Causes of mortality in strangulated ventral hernia and methods of its reduction].

Strangulated abdominal hernias were operated in 654 patients, 40 of them died (6,1%). Most of those who died were aged and senile patients. Some means are proposed to reduce the postoperative mortality.


[Difficulties of diagnosis and treatment of Richter's hernias].

For the recent ten years 108 patients with strangulated hernias were observed 9 of them (8,3%) having Richter's hernia. One patient died who had non-diagnozed parietal hernia in the obturator foramen.


[Treatment of acute thrombophlebitis of the lower limbs with long-term intraosseous drug infusions].

Under analysis are the results obtained in 62 patients with acute thrombophlebitis of lower extremities treated by prolonged intraosseous heparin-penicillin blockade. The acute inflammatory phenomena along the veins subsided within 2-6 days. The complete cure was observed 1,5-6,5 days earlier in cases with superficial thrombophlebitis and 4-15 days earlier in profound thrombophlebitis as compared with control.


[Rehabilitation of patients with complicated forms of paronychia].

The experience of the treatment of 108 patients with complication forms of panaritium (osseous, tendinous, pandactylitis) is described. Complete rehabilitation of the hand function after the treatment was observed in 25% of cases.


[Use of pervomur for irrigation of purulent cavities].

Experimentally it has been shown that diluted Pervomur (1:3) may be used for the intraoperation washing of the pleural cavity. The use of the diluted drug during the operations for acute purulent diseases of the lungs and pleura made it possible to prevent postoperative pleural empyemas and suppluration of soft tissue wounds in most patients.


[Current method of improvement of stump functioning after amputation of the upper limbs].

The article presents the results of formation of the skin-muscular canal in 49 patients (60 operations) for handling prostheses with external energy sources. Helpless patients after the surgical treatment and prosthesing could fulfil actions for selfservice and a number of labor movements.


[Diagnosis and treatment of nonspecific spontaneous pneumothorax].

The authors analyze the treatment of 74 patients with non-specific spontaneous pneumothorax. Relapses were observed in 6.7% of cases. The authors have shown that a partial pneumothorax should be treated actively and conservatively. By this method in 61 of 74 patients (82,6%) the lungs were expanded. Operations were performed in 13 patients. The surgical treatment is indicated in complete pneumothorax complicated by stable collapse of the lung, continuous intrapleural hemorrhage and suppuration of the pleural cavity.


[Respiration disorders after severe mechanical trauma].

The external respiration has been studied in 221 patients. The disorders in pulmonary gas exchange subsequent to an injury are due to decreased ventilation volumes, delayed diffusion of inhaled gases and disturbed blood circulation in the lungs. Functional disorders are often aggravated by pulmonary complications.


[Emergency relaparotomies].

The authors generalize the experience with 172 repeated operations carried out for severe, dangerous to life complications. Among the latters the most common were peritonitis, bleeding, early adhesive intestinal ileus, eventration etc. The authors believe that a timely diagnosis is possible, almost without exception, in case of a dynamic observation over patients after the first operation.


[Novocaine blocks in the overall treatment of acute cholecystitis, cholecystopancreatitis and pancreatitis].

The authors used paranephric, vagosympathetic and vagoganglionic blockade in 253 patients with acute cholecystitis, cholecystopancreatitis and pancreatitis. The universally adopted methods were used for the estimation of the results with the recording of electrogastrogram before the blockade, immediately after novocaine injection and on hour later. The arrest or subsiding of pain syndrome occurred after paranephric blockade in 78.8% of patients, after vagosympathetic blockade in 95.2% and after vagoganglionic blockade in 92.6%. 20 patients were operated upon.


[Experimental basis for cryogenic and laser destruction of a part of the cirrhotic liver for stimulating regenerative processes].

In the experiments with the model of cirrhosis of the liver in 167 white rats new methods of stimulation of regeneratory processes through the use of cryogenic and laser technique versus a partial resection of the liver were devised. It has been found that cryognic destruction of a part of the parenchyma of a cirrhotic liver produces a pronounced effect upon the inverse development of the connective tissue and functional restoration of the organ.


[Importance of the terminal portion of the ileum in digestive compensation after extensive intestinal resections].

The long-term results of extensive intestinal resections with the removal of various organs of the ileocecal angle, carried out for acute intestinal ileus and malignant tumors, were studied in 88 patients followed up for 1 to 15 years. The experiments were carried out on 42 dogs observed within 3 years. On the grounds of clinico-experimental data it has been found that the terminal portion of the ileum about 25 cm long constitutes a "bioenergetic zone", playing an important part in the digestion, and at extensive intestinal resections the removal of this portion should be strictly justified. The caecum with the Bauhin's valve should be considered as another important zone of the ileocecal angle.


[Patient preparation for operations for colonic cancer].

On the grounds of surgical treatment of more than 800 patients with cancer of the colon a new system of the preoperative management was devised. The constant participation of therapist, urologist, endocrinologist and other specialist in this management proved to be expedient. Attention is drawn to the peculiarities of the preoperative management expecially in patients with intestinal ileus manifestations. The importance of psychological preparation of the patients is emphasized, mainly, in cases when colostomy is suggested.


[Surgical, combined and comprehensive treatment of malignant soft tissue tumors].

According to the authors' data the total 5 years' survival among 444 cases, subjected to radical operations for malignant tumors of the soft tissues, constituted 51.6% and proved to be practically the same both in primary and recurrent tumors. The improvement of the 5 years' results of the combined treatment (surgery and radiotherapy) of soft tissue sarcoma was noted, even when taking into account the stage of the disease and cellular differentiation of the tumor.


[Overall treatment of trophic ulcers of the lower extremities].

The authors have analyzed 114 patients with venous trophic ulcers and came to a concluion of their having chronic autoimmunization. To confirm the clinical observations the laboratory determination of the serum autoantibodies by A. I. Nikolaev's reaction of precipitation was performed. In the blood of 52 patients antibodies to the paravenous fat, skin and varicosely dilated subcutaneous and communicating veins were found. These investigations helped to choose a pathogenetically based complex of curative measures, with the autoimmune agression taken into account.


[Anatomical and physiological assessment of the collateral circulation in experimental femoral artery ligation in venous insufficiency].

Peculiarities of collateral circulation following isolated and combined ligations of the femoral vessels were studied in experiments on 62 dogs through physiologic and anatomic investigation methods. It has been shown that the ligation of the vein prevents the exsanguination of the limb, arising from an injury to the main artery, favours an accelerated anatomic reconstruction of the arterial collaterals, but increases microcirculatory disturbances, aggravates tissue ischemia and disorder of the acid-base balance, which as a whole evidences a detrimental effect of concomitant venous insufficiency upon the process of the restoration of the circulation in the limb.


[Peripheral macro-and microcirculatory changes in acute arterial obstruction with papaverine and trental administration].

The effect of myotropic spasmolytic drugs--papaverine and trental was studied in 54 patients with acute arterial obstruction. After intravenous injections of papaverine 55.8% of the patients developed impairment of peripheral macrohemodynamics and 52.9%--of microcirculation. The injection of trental was followed by an improvement of peripheral macro-and microcirculation in 75% of cases.


[Clinical characteristics of sepsis today].

Two sources of septic toxemia--microbial and metabolic--were found in a detailed analysis of 37 patients with pronounced symptoms of sepsis. The proposed three-degrees classification of septic toxemia based upon the degree of clinical signs and humoral reactions, gives sufficient information, partically useful for a more objective estimation of the patients' state, to choose a purposeful therapy of sepsis and real ideas of the prognosis. In addition to the active antimicrobial therapy with using powerful antiseptics (sulfamilon, chlorophilipt, gentamycin, ceporin etc.) the authors insist on hemotransfusions (direct hemotransfusions included) in order to liquidate progressing anemia and to perform nonspecific detoxication by means of forced diuresis or peritoneal dialysis according to the techniques developed by the authors.


[Hyperbaric oxygenation in the overall treatment of diffuse peritonitis in children].

From 245 examined children with diffuse appendicular peritonitis hyperbaric oxygenation was used in 127 children in the complex treatment during the postoperative period. The comparative evaluation of the efficiency of the complex therapy of peritonitis with the use of hyperbaric oxygenation and without it shows a high therapeutic effect of such combination. The patients quicker get the better of a grave postoperative state and have less complications. The mortality is lower. The patients spend less time in the intensive therapy room and at the hospital.


[T-shaped anastomosis in treating acute intestinal obstruction in newborn infants].

Newborns with the ileus caused by developmental defects of the digestive tract have, as a rule, suprastenotic dilatations of all the intestine or a considerable part of it higher than the ileus zone and a great difference in the width of the lumen of the intestine portions left after resection of the injured area. In the Center of Developmental Defects of Newborns 190 patients with ileus have been treated for the recent 10 years. In 37 cases T-shaped bypass anastomosis was used which has considerable advantages over "dead" anastomosis. T-shaped ileostomy allows unloading the dilated adducting part of the intestine overfilled with the contents in early terms after operation and simultaneously fulfilling "the feeding" into the abducting part of the intestine.


[Inferior heminephrectomy in children].

For the recent 15 years 286 children with surgical diseases of double kidney have been under observation in the Clinic of Children Surgery of the Leningrad Pediatric Medical Institute. In 62 of them the inferior major segment of the organ was injured. In 34 cases the loss of the functional capacity of the inferior segment and atrophy of its parenchyma were revealed which served as an indication for inferior heminephrectomy. The vesicouriteral reflux into the main ureter (21 children) or both ureters (3 children) was found to be the most frequent cause of the injury of the inferior segment of the kidney. The subcapsular inferior heminephrectomy in children may be technically fulfilled and does not make problems in the separate blood supply of the segments. It is not expedient to leave a very small accessory segment of the kidney. The inferior heminephrectomy performed after strict indications gives favourable remote results.


[Early surgical intervention in acute hematogenic osteomyelitis of the long tubular bones in children].

The work generalizes the experience of 57 decompression osteoperforations with the through drainage in acute hematogenic osteomyelitis of long tubular bones in children. The authors believe that this operation as a method of choice in the complex treatment of patients gives comparatively better near and late results, considerably shortens the duration of the disease; practically escaping the chronic stage such children have real possibilities to escape the period of long invalizidation. The early operation in the complex of intensive therapy, to the authors' mind, provides also a considerable economic effect of the treatment.


[Characteristics of the organizational and therapeutic procedure in the prehospital therapy of burn shock].

The work deals with general principles of the prehospital therapy in burn shock such as urgency, prevention, adequacy, succession and evacuation of the patients according to the purpose of the further treatment. The tasks and volume of help to the patients at different stages of the treatment before admission to the hospital are determined. It is emphasized that all the recommendations have been tested for many-years clinical experience.


[Gunshot pellet wounds of the major blood vessels].

The treatment of 14 patients with small-shot wounds of large blood vessels is analyzed. The specific features of such injuries are described and reasons of diagnostic errors at the stage of evacuation to a specialized department are found out. The use of reconstructive operations favoured the recovery of adequate arterial flow in 10 patients. Two patients were subjected to amputation of the extremities and one patient died due to a great small-shot injuries of vessels and nerves from a close distance.


[Treatment of multiple and combined injury to the locomotor apparatus].

The authors believe that the means and methods of the restorative treatment as well as the technique of their application should be dependent on the character of injuries, their severity, period of the disease and individual features of the patient. In the complex treatment of multiple and associated traumas it is expedient to use the HBO-therapy which decreases the tissue hypoxia and stimulates reparative processes.


Observations on ostertagiasis in young cattle over two grazing seasons with special reference to plasma pepsinogen levels.

The epidemiology of ostertagiasis in south west Scotland was studied in groups of cattle grazed through two successive grazing seasons separated by a period of winter housing. Towards the end of the first grazing season (September) the numbers of infective larvae (L3) on the pasture had increased to high levels (up to 24,000 L3 per kg) which resulted in high faecal egg counts, worm burdens, plasma pepsinogen levels and the occurrence of clinical ostertagiasis in the calves. By late spring (May) at the onset of the second grazing season, there was an almost complete mortality of the overwintered L3 on the pasture followed by the appearance of moderately high numbers of a new population of L3 in September (up to 9000 L3 per kg). The latter increase in the numbers of L3 was reflected by negligible faecal egg counts, low worm burdens and a moderate elevation of plasma pepsinogens in the second year animals. It therefore seems that although young cattle acquire a good immunity to Ostertagia ostertagi after one season at grass the small infections established in the early part of the second season are capable of contaminating the pasture to levels which could be dangerous for susceptible stock. An allergic reaction in the abomasal mucosa could be the basis of the elevated pepsinogens present in the second year animals.


The effect of a preparturient fenbendazole treatment on lactation yield in dairy cows.

Studies carried out on nine farms in north-west England indicated that fenbendazole treatment of adult winter calving dairy cows in the dry period caused an overall increase of 173 kg in their subsequent lactation yield. There was some evidence to suggest that a correlation existed between pasture Ostertagia ostertagi larval burdens and subsequent serum pepsinogen and milk yield responses post treatment. Marked interherd and regional differences existed in the milk yield response to anthelmintic treatment and possible reasons for such results are discussed.


[Enzymatic profile of bovine organs].

The activity of nine enzymes in the liver, lung, heart, muscles, kidneys and rumen's walls of 12 cows was studied. In accordance with their content in the named organs the enzymes are divided into the following groups: 1. Enzymes present in highest quantity in the liver (GLDH, SDH, OCT, ICDH, CH and guanase). It is established that these enzymes can be used with success as an indication for the functional state of the liver's cell. 2. LAP, which has highest content in kidney parenchyma. 3. Aldolase, which is specific for skeletal muscles. 4. MDH, which has a high content in many of the studied organs and is of no definite diagnostic importance as individual enzyme if not included in an enzyme constellation.


[Effect of trichlorfon on the blood resorption and elimination of radioactive vitamin B1 in cocks].

Experimental studies on the effect of trichlorphon (neguvon) on the rate of vitamin B1 resorption in the alimentary tract and elimination by the blood in 12 cocks were carried out. Oral or intravenous application of 35S thiamin in the form of hypotonic and physiological solution was used for the previously treated per os with a neguvon water solution (40 mg/kg weight) cocks. As check the same cocks were treated three weeks before trichlorphon application by the radioindicator only. The birds' blood plasma was radiometrically studied (imp/min) after the "thin layer" method. It was established that as a result of trichlorphon solution treatment the radioactive vitamin B1 was immediately resorbed by the alimentary tract and its elimination by cock blood was reduced. The factors taking part in the mechanism of the observed phenomena are discussed.


[Diagnostic titers in neorickettsiosis in sheep, cattle and swine].

Investigations were carried out after a micromethod for RCB formulation and standardization proposed by the authors used as the basic method of neorickettsiosis diagnositcs. In the course of 4 years 3614 serums of healthy animals and 289 serums of sheep, cattle and swine suffering from neorickettsiosis were investigated. It was established that the titre of complement binding antibodies in neorickettsiosis is stable. Variations are rarely observed and they are of low titre grade. Specific neorickettsiosis titres in sheep, cattle and swine are considerably high (1:128 to 1:256 and 1:512). The diagnostic value of low titres is in correlation with the phase of the infection process development and can be assessed only by following the dynamics of complement binding antibodies.


[Effect of different types of rations on the digestive and metabolic processes in steers].

Investigations on the physiology of the digestive processes in steers fed by varying in type rations were performed. Differences in regard to time of food consumption, rumination, rest, etc. were established also. Differences in lung ventilation and gas metabolism were observed too. The animals daily digested and consumed varying quantities of the ration's dry matter (differing by 15.4%). It was established that when the animals got accustomed to a definite type of ration from an early age a sharply differentiated and functionally resistant digestive activity is produced in them, which is adapted to the respective type of ration.


[Effectiveness of levamisole and oxyclozanide in paramphistomiasis in sheep and cattle].

The antiparasitic effectiveness of Levamizole and Oxyclozamide in the control of paramphistomatosis in sheep and cattle was studied. Experiments were performed in the 1975--1978 period with 1880 sheep and 132 cattle naturally invaded by P. microbothrium. The two drugs were administered orally in the following doses: Levamizole -- 7.5 mg/kg, Oxyclozanide -- 15 mg/kg for sheep and 10 mg/kg for cattle. A part of the experimental animals were treated by the combined drug Nilzan and received the above mentioned doses of both chemico-therapeutic means. Results were scored by ovoscopic investigation on the 10th and 15th day post treatment and by helminthological investigation on a part of the animals. Egg deposition was followed on 1415 sheep in the course of 4 months. A comparatively low effectiveness of Levamizole was established, namely U = 15--50%, IU = 81.56--99.40% and a good effectiveness of Oxyclozanide application, namely -- U = 30--80%, IU = 73.94-- 99.40% for sheep, and U = 0--50%, IU = 74.84--89.97% for cattle. Highest effectiveness was observed following the application of the combined drug Nilzan -- U = 47.7--92.0%, IU = 89.07--99.98% for sheep, and U = 20--73.20%, IU = 99.32--99.96% for cattle. The enhanced effectiveness of Nilzan application is considered by the authors as a result of synergism of the two chemico-therapeutic means.


[Cell content and bacteriological findings in individual cow's milk samples].

Hundred thirty seven milk samples were investigated by the mastitis test "Sofia" after the "Breed" method for the assessment of cell content and by inoculation on 5% blood agar for bacteriological findings. A certain correlation between reaction degree and number of cell elements was established. The better expressed the test reaction the larger was the number of cell elements, but not always a full coverage was evident. A correlation existed between the number of cell elements and the bacteriological findings also. The stronger the reaction resp. the larger the number of cells, the more samples had positive bacteriological findings. The percentage of samples with positive bacteriological findings having a cell number of 500 thousand to 5 million cells per 1 cm3 of milk ranged within 70.83 to 96.30%, while for samples having a cell content above 5 million it was 100%. In the samples with positive reaction the bacteriological investigations established 38.48% staphylococci, 52.28% streptococci, and 10.74% various other microorganisms.


[Induction of synchronized labor on commercial swine farm complexes with the synthetic prostaglandin F2 alpha analog, cloprostenol].

Experiments were carried out under conditions existing in industrial swine complexes with two groups of experimental sows: I group -- consisting of 17 sows injected on the 108th and 109th day of pregnancy with 175 g cloprostenol, and II group -- consisting of 145 sows injected on the 110th, 111th, 112nd and 113th day of pregnancy. On 125 sows of 110--111 day of pregnancy a reduced single dose application of 150 g cloprostenol was tested. Studies were performed on the period to farrowing following cloprostenol injection, the duration of farrowing, the changes in physiological behaviour, the number of viable and unviable new born piglets, the results following weaning of offspring at the age of 28 days and on the economic evaluation of the technology of forced synchronized and programmated farrowing in industrial swine complexes. It was established that the synthetic analogue of prostaglandine F2L (cloprostenol) applied once by intramuscular injection at a rate of 175 g per sow on the 110--113th day of pregnancy has a luteinizing effect and leads to forced synchronized farrowing of 75--80% of the sows, 27 +/- 5 h post treatment. Similar results were obtained by a reduced rate of 150 g cloprostenol. Synchronized farrowing provides an opportunity for simultaneous weaning of equated piglet groups and contributes for better labour organization and veterinary service. Shortening the pregnancy period below the 110th day is not feasible physiologically and economically.


[Microfloral study of beef in refrigeration and storage].

The changes in surface microflora quantity and composition on cattle carcasses cooled and preserved in various ways were studied. It was established that immediately after production beef meat has only a small number of microorganisms on its surface -- log10 3.74 on the average.The surface microflora on slowly cooled meat increases comparatively quickly and on the eleventh day reaches the number log10 7.22. In case of fast meat cooling a considerable reduction in the total number of surface microflora is observed during the first days. Its reproduction is slowed down and the number of log10 8.00 is reached only on the 40th day. The studies were not restricted only on total number of microorganisms, but covered also some other important meat microflora groups -- psychrophyls, coliform bacteria, moulds and yeasts.


[Nutritive antibiotics and biostimulant preparations in the rations of swine for fattening].

Two experiments were carried out with sows for fattening having a body weight of 20 to 100 kg. The following nutritive antibiotics were tested -- bacipharmin -- 10% (PRB), zinkbacitracin -- 10% (UFRJ), vitamycin 3 (USSR), nitrovin (Peizun, USA) and mekadox -- 5% (USA). It was established that the stimulating effect of these antibiotics was manifested during the first fattening period -- up to 60 kg body weight, when the average daily increment of the experimental groups treated with bacipharmin, zink bacitracin and nictrovin in the I experiment was 7--15% higher and in the II experiment in which zink bacitracin, vitamycin 3, nitrovin and mekadox were added -- 8--14% higher as compared to the control groups. During the second period of fattening (60--100kg) no effect of the same nutritive antibiotics was observed, with the exception of the vitamycin treated group. In both experiments an economy of combined fodder per 1 kg body weight was realized in the experimental groups. Application of nutritive antibiotics and biostimulators during the second period is economically unexpedient. The antibiotics tested have no negative effect on carcass slaughter characteristics and on the chemical composition of meat. No residual substances of the nutritive antibiotics tested were detected on the second day following slaughter in the meat group treated with mekadox, since no sows of this group were slaughtered.


Activity of IgG and IgM ABO antibodies against some weak A (A3, Ax, Aend) and weak B (B3, Bx) red cells.

The IgG and IgM anti-A and anti-B activities from several immune and non-immune O, A and B sera were tested against a panel of weak (A (A3, AX, AND Aend) and weak B (B3 and Bx) red cells. In all cases it is the IgM which agglutinated optimally Ax (or Bx) cells, while IgG and IgM anti-A (or anti-B) reacted similarly with A3 and Aend (or B3) cells. The agglutinating activity of all these ABO antibodies was found straightly related to their association constant for the A (or the B) receptor.


Current problems and results in testing microaggregate filters.

Most in vitro studies on microaggregate filters focus on the mechanical retention of microparticles. Data are based on bulk techniques such as differential dry weight and screen filtration pressure measurements or single-particle counting using resistance measurement (Coulter principle). Errors in measurements may result from various steps in sample handling, interaction of the sample with the environment and inborn errors of different techniques. High-speed laser cytometry has been applied and was found to diminish the number of possible errors. The results of these measurements are compared with conventional techniques.


[Simian adenovirus type 7 (SA7) DNA fragmentation by specific R.Bgl II and R.Hind III endonucleases].

The effect of restricting R. BgIII and R. HindIII endonucleases on the genome of simian adenovirus type 7 (SA7) was studied. The R. BgIII endonuclease has 5 restriction sites on SA7 DNA and produces 6 fragments with molecular weights of 10.0 X 10(6), 5,3 X 10(6), 3.6 X 10(6), 1.8 X 10(6), 0.6 X 10(6), and 0.5 X 10(6) daltons. R. HindIII, having 3 restriction sites, hydrolyses SA7 DNA into 4 fragments with molecular weights of 7.6 X 10(6), 5.9 X 10(6), 5,2 X 10(6), 3,1 X 10(6) daltons. The R. BgIII and R. HindIII fragments are arranged in the SA7 genome in the following order: B-A-C-E-D-F and C-D-B-A.


[Antiviral activity of anomeric 5-substituted 2'-deoxyuridines].

The inhibiting effect for herpes and vaccinia viruses of 2'-deoxyuridine derivatives containing the substitute in the position of 5-pyrimidine ring was studied. Anomeric 5-isopropyl-2'-deoxyuridines were shown to produce a marked inhibiting effect in chick embryo fibroblasts infected with herpes virus and to have no effect on vaccinia virus replication, that is, to be specific antiherpetic agents. The alpha-anomer of 5-isopropyl-2'-deoxyuridine showed antiherpetic activity in vitro comparable with that of beta-anomer. Fifty per cent toxic doses and chemotherapeutic indices of the drugs under study were determined in comparison with those of 5-iod-2'-deoxyuridine.


[Influenza virus neuraminidase and its role in anti-influenzal immunity].

The direct relationship between immunogenicity of H3N2 formolvaccine and neuraminidase activity was established. A single intranasal immunization of mice with the vaccine having a titer of hemagglutinin 1:20,000-1:40,000 in 0.5 ml with active neuraminidase increased the resistance of the animals to the challenge with mouse-adapted influenza A/USSR/053/74 (H3N2) virus almost 5-fold. A vaccine with the same hemagglutinin titer but with neuraminidase inactivated by physico-chemical factors or blocked by specific antibody exerted a protective effect 2.5-3 fold weaker than the vaccine with the active enzyme.


[GC-pair distribution in the DNA of simian SA7 and human type 6 adenoviruses].

The buoyant density values in cesium chloride of DNA fragments of simian adenovirus SA7 obtained with restricting endonucleases of R. EcoRI, R. BamHI, R. SalI and human adenovirus type 6 DNA fragments obtained with restricting endonucleases of R. EcoRI and R. BamHI were determined. On the basis of the buoyant density values for these fragments the content of GC pairs in them was calculated. Using the known position of the fragments in the physical map of these DNAs, the distribution of GC pairs along the examined DNA molecules was constructed.


[Strain specificity of the antineuraminidase antibodies of influenza virus serotype N2 strains in convalescents].

Antineuraminidase antibody was determined in the subjects who had suffered influenza during the epidemics of 1970-1975 in the GDR. As early as 1970 the highest titers of antibody (greater than or equal to 1:60) were found not only to the prototype A/Hong Kong/1/68 strain but also to its subsequent drift variants A/England/42/72, A/Port Chalmers/1/73. Some subjects had antineuraminidase antibody to avian influenza virus.


[Embolic cardiac infarct].

One case with embolic cardiac infarction is described, that had developed in a patient with mitral-aortic valvular defect with auricular fibrillation and simultaneous embolic dissemination in the right middle cerebral and superior mesenteric arteries. The patient developed hypertension with the embolic incidence, explained by the increased production of catecholamines during the stress state.


[Clinical characteristics of primary myelofibrosis].

The authors followed-up five patients with primary myelofibrosis in the course of 4 years. The diagnosis, in all cases, was confirmed via histologic investigation of trepenation biopsy material of bone marrow and bone. The clinical and hematologic variety, observed by the authors, provided grounds for the formation of the following variants of the primary myelofibrosis: myelemic-anemic form, form with leucosis transformation, form with sarcomatization, myelofibrosis with immune hemolytic anemia and myelofibrosis in aplastic state. The establishment of transitory forms between the myeloproliferation and dysanaplastic blast processes allows the presumption that the pathogenesis essence of primary myelofibrosis is manifested in clonal lesion of the stem bone-marrow cells.


[Classical fowl plague virus reproduction in the body of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes].

The results of the studies on fowl plague virus (FPV, Rostok strain) reproduction in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are presented. The virus-containing allantoic fluid was inoculated intrathoracally in volumes of 0.1 and 0.2 microliter. The virus was isolated in chick embryos and could be detected at 5--14 days after inoculation. After inoculation of 0.1 microliter of virus it could be detected in doses of 0.5, 2.0, 1.75 Ig2 ID50, after inoculation of 0.2 microliter--in doses of 5, 1.5, and 0.5 Ig2 ID50.


[Kisemayo virus, a representative of the Bhanja antigenic group].

Previously unknown Kisemayo virus first isolated in 1974 from Rhipicephalus pulchellus ticks collected in Somali shows antigenic relationship with Bhanja virus in HI tests, however, is readily differentiated from the latter in this test. No cross relations between these agents are demonstrable in CFT, agar gel diffusion and precipitation test or neutralization test. These results suggest formation of a new antigenic group including Bhanja and Kisemayo viruses among arboviruses.


[Effect of alcohol on pancreatic exocrine secretion].

Pancreas exocrine secretion was studied in 10 patients viapancreocymine-secretin test, determining the volume of pancreatic secretion, concentration and quantity of the secreted bicarbonate and total quantity of secreted pancreas amylase and lipase. Acute effect of alcohol was studied in the same patients and two-three days after the first determination of pancreatic secretion, a second pancreocymine-secretin test was performed, with 150 ml 40 per cent alcohol being introduced into the stomach prior to pancreocymine stimulation. The results prior to and post alcohol loading were compared in each patient. A statistically significant inhibition of pancreas bicarbonate and enzime secretion developed under the effect of alcohol. The probable pathogenetic mechanisms of alcohol effect upon pancreas are discussed.


[Etiological study of the fatal cases in the period of the influenza A epidemic of 1977-1978].

The etiology of the disease, the age structure of fatalities, the time of death were studied in 34 fatal cases in the period of influenza A (H1N1) epidemic in December 1977-February 1978 and in 33 fatal cases during influenza A/Victoria/3/75 (H3N2) epidemic in January-March, 1975 (data from some autopsy offices of Kiev). The results of the investigation of the etiology by immunofluorescence and the histological methods were mostly similar. The polyetiological structure of the diseases in the influenza epidemic of 1975 and rather monoetiological one in the influenza epidemic of 1977-1978 were observed. In 1975, fatal cases were found mostly in 2 age groups: infants under 1 year and adults over 20, in 1977-1978 in 4 age groups: infants under 1, children of 1-3, over 9, and adults. In both epidemics the maximum number of fatal cases coincided with the beginning of a decline in the epidemic wave and subsequently they were registered evenly for over one month. A high infection rate with a new influenza A virus variant (H1N1) was found among normal subjects in all age groups.


[Echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricular function in ischemic heart disease (IHD)].

A comparison was performed between the echocardiographic (EchoC) indices for the pump and contraction function of left ventricle and the stage of left-ventricle insufficiency, determined according to clinical criteria of 82 patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD)--old myocardial infarction and (or stable angina pectoris without left-ventricle infarction and for stable angina pectoris without left-ventricle aneurysm. With IHD, regardless of the considerable asynergy of left ventricle, some of the functional EchoC-indices were established to preserve their diagnostic values and definitely to differentiate the majority of the cases with, from those without, cardiac insufficiency, objectivizing the determination of initial left-ventricle insufficiency. The most significant diagnostic value of EchoC-assessment of left-ventricle function in IHD has the following complex of EchoC-indices: diastolic extent, left ventricle index resp, expulsion fraction (EF), shortening fraction (FS), average velocity of circumferential fibres (VCF), distance between point E of mitral echogram and interventricular septum (S-E distance), telediastolic interval A-C of mitral echogram and extent, index of left auricle, resp.


[Planimetric analysis of ventricular depolarization on Frank's corrected orthogonal electrocardiogram in healthy hearts and in patients with ventricular loading].

Nineteen planimetric indices of 110 cardiac healthy subjects, 141 patient with left ventricle loading and 136 patients with right ventricle loading are analyzed. On the base of the variation analysis and determination of statistically significant differences, it was established that in right-ventricular loading the following indices deviate from the norm: ASX, AQZ, AQRSX, AQRSz, SAQRSx, SAQRSy, SAQRSz, SAS, SAQRSg, whereas in left-ventricular loading -- ARx, ARz, AQRSx, AQRSz, SAQRx, SAQRSy, SAQRz, SAR, SAQRSg. At a second stage, the sensitivity of the separate indices from the groups with left ventricular and right-ventricular loading was amalyzed, as well as the separate subgroups (pulmonary stenosis, aortic stenosis, mitral stenosis, interauricular defect, arterial hypertension, mitral or aortic insufficiency. The results were compared with those of axial indices, obtained from another investigation of the authors. The planimetric analysis was established to be more complex than the axial and the index SAQRSg to be with the best sensitivity in the cases with hemodynamically lightly loaded musculature.


[Diseases of the circulatory organs among the rural population in Sliven District].

The basic principles of the methods used in the study of the total morbidity rate of the rural population of Sliven district are described in the present paper and the same time morbidity rate of the diseases of the circulation organs are analyzed. The level of the morbidity rate of the diseases of circulation organs, according to the visits of the rural population in the district was established to be 30236% 000. With the complex medical examination of the physicians' brigade of the representative sample from the population observed a latent morbidity rate was established to the extent of 12658% 000, i.e. the actual morbidity rate of rural population of the diseases of the circulation organs in the district was 42 895% 000. The morbidity rate according to age-sex groups and nozological forms was analyzed in the present paper.


[Frequency, etiological factors and the morphological characteristics of myocardial infarct in youth].

Examinations were carried out on 827 deceased with myocardial infarction (MI), 27 (3.26%) out of them being at a rather early age (26-44). The average age of those examined with MI at that early age is 39. The males are affected more frequently than females -- ratio 3.5:1. In 89 per cent of the examined the coronary insufficiency was manifested clinically and morphologically before the age of 40 and two or more MI, with a different duration were established. The most frequent causes of the development of MI are coronary atherosclerosis in 48.15 per cent, rheumatism (coronary embolism) in 14.81 per cent, endarteritis obliterans in 7.14 per cent and leutic coronaritis in 3.70 per cent. In 25.93 per cent of the examined only lipoidosis or completely intact coronary arteries were established. Almost in all of the examined cardiac hypertrophia was present, the average weight of the heart being 434 g. In a part of the examined, morphological changes in microcirculation were observed -- namely -- formation of microthrombosis, manifested intimal cushions, fibrosis of the walls and perivasal fibrosis of the muscular arteries and arteriols.


[Benign course of focal-segmental glomerulonephritis due to antibodies to the glomerular basement membrane].

The authors describe a patient with focal-segmental glomerulonephritis with a benign progress, induced by antibodies to glomerular basement membrane. Clinically the disease advanced in the course of 10 years with painless macroscopic hematuria and persisting microscopic hematuria during the intervals. Histologically, a focal-segmental glomerulonephritis was established, with crescents in certain glomeruli and immunomorphologically with linear depositis of IgG, C3 and febrin.


[Serum zinc dynamics in chronic renal insufficiency treated with periodic hemodialysis].

Serum zinc concentration and the effect of dialysis was followed up in 35 patients with chronic renal insufficiency, included in the programme dialysis treatment. Zinc level, at the end of dialysis was established to be elevated, being explained by the high zinc concentration in fountain water, with which the dialysis solution was prepared. Owing to the fact that the elevated values of serum zinc are included in the normal region, the authors think that no deionization of water is necessary aiming at the reduction of zinc concentration in it.


[Immunohematological problems in blood transfusion with patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia].

The immunologic problems of blood transfusion of patients with antoimmune hemolytic anemia are discussed on the base of the authors' observations. They emerge and are mainly conditioned by the character and serological characteristic of autoantibodies (AAB) as well as by the presence of free iso-antibodies (erythro-, leuko- and thrombocyte-). The cold AAB conditioned the difficulties in blood groups determination, direct compatibility test and rarely of RH, where as the warm ones -- impede the determination of Rh and the selection of compatible blood for transfusion. The emerging of iso-antibodied complicates further the immunologic status of the patients. Owing to the characteristic specificity of AAB (against the widely found antigens -- nl, w, I, Pr, etc), the finding of compatible blood for transfusion proved practically to be extremely difficult. The forces hemotransfusion to be turned to only in case of vital indications.


The description of structural and temporal characteristics of tonic electrophysiological activity during sleep.

The structural and temporal characteristics of tonic variation among electrophysiological measures during sleep are examined from the point of view of sleep stage scoring procedures and the digital quantification and statistical analysis of these measures. Sleep stage scoring procedures are nominally scaled and therefore less able to index structural and temporal characteristics than are measures derived from digital methods of quantification having the properties of interval or ratio scales. These arguments are illustrated using principal components analysis to describe the structure of tonic covariation among 36 variables derived from the computer analysis of EEG, EMG, and EOG. Three components resulting from the analysis are tentatively named 'slow-fast', 'hemispheric-shift' and 'eyes-activation'. They appear across variations in experimental manipulations such as night time awakenings and also across differences in age and species. The periodic characteristics of the vectors associated with the three components are specified by means of the Fast Fourier transform in combination with digital low pass and band pass filtering. Cycles are found which are both slower and faster than the paradigmatic 90 min ultradian rhythm. These results indicate that currently available techniques of digital and statistical analysis provide new possibilities for research on the electrophysiology and psychophysiology of sleep.


Hypersynchronisation and sedation produced by GABA-transaminase inhibitors and picrotoxin: does GABA participate in sleep control?

Systemic administration of GABA-transaminase inhibitors, gamma-acetylenic GABA (100 mg/kg) or gamma-vanylic GABA (1200 mg/kg) produces behavioral picture of somnolence accompanied by EEG hypersynchronisation reminiscent of electrographic signs of petit mal epilepsy. Similarly, systemic administration of GABA antagonist, Picrotoxin (3--4 mg/kg) produces a short lasting period of sedation preceding the development of myoclonic jerks which is also accompanied by Wave-spike discharges. The role of GABA in sleep control is discussed. Although the area is not ready for firm conclusions, the results suggest that hyperactivity of GABA-ergic system as well as its hypoactivity could mediate pathological somnolence associated with different forms of epilepsy.


[A study of a swimming training programme in the rehabilitation of patients following myocardial infarction (author's transl)].

A special swimming programme was initiated during the course of rehabilitation of patients after myocardial infarction with additional disturbances of the musculoskeletal system. Allowance was made for aspects of individual training requirements. Patients were divided in two groups according initial values of physical working capacity: One group contained patients with less than 80% of the normal work capacity, the other those with borderline normal values. The first group showed an average increase of 35% in the initial values during a one-year period of swimming training once a week. The other group with practically normal initial values showed only a slight or negligible increase. Serum lipid levels were unchanged in both groups. No serious side effects were encountered in more than 3000 patients hours. However, no prediction of the risks of this type of training as compared to other forms of physical exercise in patients recovering from myocardial infarction can be made from this study.


[Experiences with Pirenzepin in the therapy of peptic ulcers (author's transl)].

21 patients with peptic ulcers were treated with 2X25 mg Pirenzepin daily. A decrease in basal and Pentagastrin-stimulated HCl-secretion was found. Patients with duodenal ulcers (n = 12) or gastric ulcers (n = 9) became painless within 6 to 11 days. 18 ulcers healed under treatment with Pirenzepin. Patients with duodenal ulcer showed recovery sooner than patients with gastric ulcer. One year later recurrent ulcers were observed in 4 cases. Side-effects of Pirenzepin did not occur.


[Synthetics and metals in the middle ear (author's transl)].

A short review of synthetics and metals, which are used in middle ear surgery, is given. The own proceeding in otosclerosis and tympanoplasty is described. Special attention is drawn to the use of ventilating tubes for the treatment of sero-mucous otitis.


[An unusual suicidal attempt (author's transl)].

Report on an unusual suicidal attempt by a separating disc (grinding disc). The patient inflicted himself incisions on both wrists, the occiput and the throat between the hyoid-bone and the thyroid cartilage. The hypopharynx was severed up to the posterior wall and the left jugular vein was cut completely. Due to the immediate care by the physician, the patient survived.


Alterations of nucleic acid and protein syntheses in vivo in the chick embryo mediated by captan.

1. The objective of this investigation was to measure the effects of captan on DNA, RNA and protein biosyntheses in limbs of developing chick embryo, in vivo. 2. Captan (12p.p.m.) was injected into the egg on day 4 of incubation and macromolecular syntheses were measured on days 8--14. 3. Total DNA content was unaffected by captan, but incorporation of [3H]thymidine was inhibited over the entire time range; the period of peak specific activity (day 11) was inhibited in treated samples to 67% of control. 4. Total RNA content was reduced in the earlier days but returned to normal by day 14, whereas incorporation of [3H]uridine was lowered throughout the period. The timing of peak specific activity for RNA synthesis was delayed by 2 days in treated eggs and was inhibited by 32% when peak days were compared. 5. Total protein concentration was slightly lowered by captan treatment in the mid-range of the days measured and the incorporation of [3H]valine was retarded in the early days; peak periods of synthesis were similar in magnitude but were shifted from days 9--10 in control to day 11 in treated embryos.


N-Formylation of an aromatic amine as a metabolic pathway.

1. Feeding 2-aminoanthraquinone (2-AAQ) in the diet to Fischer rats led to nephrotoxicity in females, caused by deposits of crystalline material in the kidney tubules. 2. This material consisted of 2-AAQ, N-acetyl-2-AAQ and N-formyl-2-AAQ. N-Formyl-2-AAQ was also identified in the ether extract of urine of rats fed 2-AAQ. 3. This represents the first case of identification of the N-formyl derivative of a primary aromatic amine as a metabolite in vivo.


Some aspects of the pharmacology of diphenyleneiodonium, a bivalent iodine compound.

1. Previous studies have established that diphenyleneiodonium binds to and inhibits the respiratory enzyme NADH dehydrogenase and also catalyses an exchange of Cl- for OH- across membranes. 2. The hypoglycaemia produced by diphenyleneiodonium was confirmed and shown to be reversible at a dose of 4 mg/kg in starved rats. 3. The lethality of diphenyleneiodonium in mice was cumulative. 4. Presumably as a result of the Cl-/OH- exchange, diphenyleneiodonium-treated rats excreted less Cl- than controls in the first 12 h after administration. However, the swelling of erythrocytes observed in vitro did not occur in vivo. 5. When [125I]diphenyleneiodonium was administered to rats and rabbits, its distribution did not appear to be governed by its binding to NADH dehydrogenase. Reasons for this are discussed. 6 Over 90% of the radioactivity excreted in the faeces of rabbits could not be extracted with boiling water or with dil. HNO3.


Mixed-function oxidase activity in a desert rodent, Notomys alexis.

1. The levels of enzymes associated with the hapatic mixed-function oxidase system, and the rates of oxidation of three substrates, are compared in the desert rodent, Notomys alexis, and the laboratory mouse, Mus musculus. 2. In general, the activity of the mixed-function oxidase system in Notomys alexis is greater than in Mus musculus. 3. Previous reports of the low rates of elimination of lipophilic compounds in the desert rodent are therefore not explicable by differences in metabolism. It is suggested that the lower rates of urine production is a more likely explanation. 4. The production of small volumes of concentrated urine is suggested to result in the longer retention of some foreign compounds.


Metabolic studies of ornidazole in the rat, in the dog and in man.

1. Ornidazole, labelled with 14C in the imidazole ring, administered orally to rats, dogs and men was largely excreted in the urine, predominantly as metabolites, with less than 4% of the drug being excreted unchanged. Free and conjugated metabolites were found in the ratio of approx. 1 : 2. 2. The pattern of free ornidazole and metabolites was different in the three species: while ornidazole predominated in man, ornidazole and metabolite M1 in the dog, the most extensive metabolic pattern was found in the rat. 3. The following metabolites were identified: M1, 1-chlorlo-3-(2-hydroxymethyl-5-nitro-1-imidazolyl)-2-propanol; M2, 2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole; M3, N-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl)acetamide: M4, 3-(-2-methyl-5-nitro-1-imidazolyl)-1, 2-propanediol; M5, acetamide. 4. The formation of metabolite M3 and M5 indicated cleavage of the imidazole ring between N-1/C-5 and C-2/C-3. Other ring scissions were not observed. Metabolites carrying a free amino group were not detected. On the basis of the structures identified, a scheme is suggested for the metabolism of ornidazole.


Effects of essential fatty acid deficiency on various functions of the rat erythrocyte membrane.

Various membrane transport functions have been studied in erythrocytes from essential fatty acid (EFA) deficient rats in order to determine whether or not functional abnormalities induced by documented EFA-deficiency of the membrane could be demonstrated. No differences were found between EFA deficient and control cells with respect to mean values for osmotic resistance or intracellular sodium and potassium concentrations. However, uptake of leucine by EFA deficient erythrocytes was significantly greater than that of control erythrocytes. Kinetic studies suggest that EFA deficiency enhances the passive diffusion component of this transport.


The rapid response of ovarian and uterine veins of mice to sex hormones.

Subcutaneous injections in sesame oil of testosterone and estradiol-17 beta into ovariectomized and ovariectomized-hysterectomized young adult mice were followed in six hours or less by significant increases in the diameters of the ovarian and uterine veins as compared to the same vessels in sesame oil-injected controls. The circumflex iliac, femoral, and superior mesenteric veins and inferior vena cava failed to respond. The results demonstrate the specificity and speed of response of ovarian and uterine veins of mice and the control of the response by sex hormones.


The effect of dietary psyllium hydrocolloid and lignin on bile.

Animal experiments suggest that supplementing the diet with either psyllium seed husk or lignin alters the ratio of deoxycholic acid to chenodeoxycholic in bile. In this study dosages of psyllium seed husk or lignin acceptable to patients with gallstones do not appear to alter the relative amounts of cholesterol, or individual bile acids in the bile.


Pediatric osteomyelitis and septic arthritis: the pathology of neonatal disease.

The morphologic and histologic examination of over fifty-five foci of metaphyseal/epiphyseal osteomyelitis and eleven septic joints from five cases of neonatal osteomyelitis and joint sepsis are described in detail. The severity of the bone and joint involvement varied considerably, allowing a better understanding of the pathophysiologic sequence of events in the disease in the neonatal time period. Of particular importance were (1) the multifocal nature of the disease, (2) the highly variable destruction of the growth plate (physis) by several discrete mechanisms, and (3) the invasion of the chondroepiphysis through the cartilage canal systems. Two of the cases died from respiratory complications several months following presumed successful treatment of their skeletal infections. S&pecimens showed significant growth plate damage continuing beyond the neonatal period. These findings support the need for rapid diagnosis and drainage, whenever feasible, to prevent long-term skeletal growth damage. The severity of involvement also should emphasize that this disease, especially in the neonate, is not an innocuous condition, as a recent review suggested.


Deficiencies of essential fatty acids and vitamin E in cystic fibrosis.

In 25 children (13 male; 12 female) with cystic fibrosis aged 6 months to 16 years and 24 matched controls total serum vitamin E levels and fatty acid patterns of serum cholesterol esters, phospholipids and triglycerides are demonstrated. Compared to controls (1.02 +/- 0.24 mg/dl) the total serum vitamin E levels are significantly decreased in patients with cystic fibrosis (0.30 +/- 0.26 mg/dl) (p less than 0.01). There is no significant difference comparing the fatty acid patterns of the serum ester fractions of both groups. Differences can be seen best in the cholesterol ester fraction. In this fraction linoleic acid shows a trend to be decreased in the cystic fibrosis patients compared to the control group. A possible influence of height velocity on the levels of essential fatty acids is discussed.


Medical maxims: two views of science.

Clinicians are beings with finite minds and thus need to use simplified models of the world in making decisions [1]. However, these models need not be oversimplified, as are the models encouraged by the prevalent view of science, the Mechanistic Paradigm, which are articulated as rigid maxims. A more current view of science, the Probabilistic paradigm, encourages more complex models, which can be articulated as the more flexible maxims used with insight by the wise clinician.


[Sodium chloride and hypertension (an additional, temporary hypothesis)].

Around the turn of the century it was observed that low dietary salt consumption is frequently associated with reduction in blood pressure in essential hypertension. It has not been established whether this is a specific effect of NaCl or whether it is an unspecific consequence of the weight loss frequently accompanying low salt intake. Changes of the Renin-Angiotension-Aldosterone system do not seem overly important for the understanding of the original lesion in essential hypertension. Hemodynamic studies demonstrate that increased peripheral (arterial) resistance is characteristic for the disease. It was possible to breed a rat strain with an "anlage" for hypertension which could be unmasked by salt supplements. In humans, essential hypertension is associated with increased salt preference suggesting a genetic factor. This increased desire for salt induces a high salt content of the body including the arterial wall. The hypothesis is being discussed that the stimulating effect of NaCl leads to contraction of the arterial wall inducing increased peripheral resistance - the hallmark of essential hypertension.


Regional brain studies on indoles and tyrosine in Mongolian gerbils during nutrition with artificial mixtures high in branched chain amino acids compared to a protein rich diet.

Up till now evidence is lacking regarding the regional distribution of indoles, like tryptophan (TRP), serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) as well as tyrosine (TYR) in the brains of Mongolian gerbils. Therefore using a microdissection technique and pooling regional brain samples, it can be shown that there is a regional distribution of 5-HT and 5-HIAA in the brain of Mongloian gerbils which is highest in the raphe + reticular formation system followed by the rest of the brainstem and lenticular nuclei. A longterm fast (22 hours) increases TRP and 5-HIAA but not 5-HT, indicating an increase in the turnover rate of 5-HT. Brain TYR and TRP are only slightly increased after a protein rich diet, whereas 5-HT and 5-HIAA are not changed. Artificial nutrition with amino acid mixtures highly concentrated with branched chain amino acids lead to a decrease of TYR and TRP as well as 5-HT and 5-HIAA. Competing amino acid as well as inhibition of 5-HT synthesis is suggested to be responsible for these effects. Mongolian gerbils show higher brain values of TRP and lower ones of TYR in comparison with other species of mice. In peripheral organs, specially in the liver and lung, similar effects are observable. However, the changes are only mild in comparison to that observed in the brain. Moreover, TYR and TRP are significantly increased in peripheral organs after a protein rich diet.


Hepatic metabolism in ethanol-treated young rats.

Dams of a Wistar-derived OETI strain were offered a 15% aqueous ethanol solution as drinking-fluid immediately after delivery until weanling. Their offsprings also received the same drinking-fluid from weanling (Group A). Another group of rats received the 15% aqueous ethanol solution only after weanling (Group B). In response to ethanol treatment the retardation of growth was the most marked in Group A, but the growth of rats in Group B was also decreased significantly as compared to that of controls. Hepatic glycogen content was diminished in all of the ethanol-treated groups. Triglyceride content was increased in the livers of female rats in Group A. By comparing earlier results with the present findings the authors point to the importance of strain and sex in experiments when parameters for hepatic metabolism are studied in response to ethanol.


[Unusual skin manifestation in undifferentiated cell leukemia].

In undifferentiated cell leukoses of adults cutaneous manifestations are relatively rare. Therefore the casuistics of a 20-year-old patient with a subleukaemic undifferentiated cell paraleukoblast leukosis is described which is characterized by a cutaneous manifestation in form of cherry-stone-sized papules, the leukotic genesis of which could be histologically ascertained. An initial cytostatic polychemotherapy with Vincristin, Alexan and Daunoblastin did not show any effect concerning the marrow conditions as well as the skin changes which still increased in size. An associated combination therapy with Methotrexat and Daunoblastin led to a diminution and paling of the skin infiltrations, which by a subsequent Methotrexat-monotherapy fully disappeared, apart from pigmented residual spots. In the bone marrow took place a full remission of the acute leukosis as certained by biopsy of the iliac crest.


[Endoscopy of the esophagus, stomach and duodenal bulb].

The authors report on the position of the endoscopy of oesophagus, stomach and duodenal bulb within the diagnostic endoscopy. The therapeutic endoscopy including polypectomy remains widely not taken into consideration. They particularly deal with the endoscopic-bioptic diagnosis of the stenoses of the oesophagus, the gastric ulcers and the early carcinoma of the stomach. It is referred to the importance of the endoscopy for the diagnostics of varicose veins of the oesophagus and of duodenal ulcers. For the clinician references to the clinical elaboration of the endoscopic and bioptic findings are given.


[Deep duodenoscopy and ERCP].

The deep duodenoscopy serves for the endoscopico-bioptic clarification of radiologically unclear findings distally from the bulb (niches, sockets, stenoses) and of the positional relations between diverticulum and papilla. As a rule, it is connected with an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP). The endoscopic retrograde pancreaticography is indicated in relapsing chronic pancreatitis for proving or excluding of changes needing operation which are taken into consideration as partial factors of the relapsing course as well as in suspicion to a local pancreatitis complication and carcinoma of the pancreas. The endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is a decisive aid for the differentiation of the cholostatic icterus. It improves the diagnostics of complaints after operative interventions at the system of the biliary ducts, facilitates the diagnosis of the papillary stenosis and is indicated in insufficient conventional contrasting the biliary ducts. The complications (pancreatitis, cholangitis, cystic infection) have become rare with increasing experience. Contraindications are the florid pancreatitis and cholangitis.


[Bicycle ergometric testing in the acute phase of liver disease with particular reference to changes in serum enzymes].

It is reported on 20 patients (17 women, 3 men) who had undergone a bicycle-ergometric load in the acute phase of virus hepatitis (an average at the 16th day after admission to hospital). Among the significant changes of the activity the slight increase of SGPT 30 minutes after the end of the load as well as the clear decrease of the enzyme activities of SGPT and SGOT below the initial value 48 hours after load are particularly to be emphasized. LDH and CPK exhibited only insignificant changes of activity. It remains open to what extent there exists a connection between the ECG-changes proved in about half the women and the virus hepatitis as a cyclic infectious disease. In the 20 patients examined a clinically recognizable deterioration in the course of the disease by the load examination did not appear.


[Progressive necrotizing otitis externa in an elderly diabetic with cranial nerve paralysis].

On the basis of an own observation the rare clinical picture of an external otitis with pareses of the brain nerves is casuistically described. Up to now it was observed only in elder persons with diabetes mellitus. The pathogenic agent is always Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The inflammatory process, issuing from the external auditory passage and under circumvention of the tympanum, spreads to the skull base and according to the localisation causes adequate pareses of the brain nerves. Early operation and aimed antibiotic therapy is the therapy of choice.


[Electron microscopic studies in ulcerative colitis].

In 26 patients with the classical clinical picture of an ulcerous colitis and in 8 healthy control persons in the course of a rectoscopy in about 15 cm depth tissue was taken bioptically and underwent an electron-microscopic investigation. Moreover, enzyme-histological examinations were performed. Summarizingly, clear references to immune-pathological processes for development and course of ulcerous colitis are the result.


Does dopamine predispose to gastroesophageal reflux?

In the American opossum dopamine causes a dose-dependant fall in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure. The effect in man is unknown. Therefore, the effect of two dosages of dopamine (1 mcg.kg-1 body weight.minute-1 and 5 mcg.kg-1 body weight.minute-1) was studied in ten healthy volunteers by pullthrough manometry. The results show that neither dopamine nor normal saline solution as a control changed LES pressure which is an important determinant of gastroesophageal sphincter competence. Thus, dopamine in clinically used doses does not appear to predispose to gastroesophageal reflux.


[Report of a new technique to remove foreign bodies from the stomach using a magnet (author's transl)].

The extraction of foreign bodies by means of a magnet often failed, because the field strength of the used magnet was not sufficient. Using a Vacomax -magnet we were able to remove a little battery of a photographic flash-light from the stomach. We recommend this method for further experimental use.


[Biopsy of small intestine in Crohn's disease of terminal ileum and/or colon; a histoligical and electron microscopical study (author's transl)].

Jejunal suction biopsies of 41 patients suffering from Crohn's disease of terminal ileum and/or colon were studied histoligically. No typical alteration induced by Crohn's disease were found by light microscope. In order to detect minimal alteration specimen of 7 patients were also examined by electron microscope. The substructure of epithelial cells, cellular conjunctions, basement membranes, nerves and vessels showed no remarkable changes. Only an increased infiltration of lymphocytes and plasma cells were observed.


[Correlation between hepatic vein pressure and diameter of portal vein and spleen as determined by ultrasound tomography in patients with liver disease (author's transl)].

The diameter of the portal vein and the transversal diameter of the spleen on the ultrasound scan were significantly greater in 15 patients with chronic active hepatitis than in controls and in 43 patients with cirrhosis of the liver than in patients with chronic active hepatitis. In patients with cirrhosis of the liver there was a significant correlation between the diameter of the portal vein and both spleen size and wedged hepatic vein pressure. In many cases ultrasound tomography is a reliable method for detecting portal hypertension.


[Intravenous and oral galactose loading of rats suffering from galactosamine hepatitis and ANIT-cholestasis; comparison of the kinetics in vivo and the galactose metabolism in the liver in vitro (author's transl)].

Different groups of rats suffering from galactosamine hepatitis or ANIT-cholestasis received 200 mg galactose either by 5 minutes intravenous infusion or via a gastric tube. Blood galactose concentrations were measured for a time period of 1.5 hrs. after intravenous administration and the galactose elimination capacity (GEC) was calculated. After oral administration the galactose blood concentrations were determined for a period of 3.5 hrs. and the oral galactose clearance was estimated. After termination of both types of galactose loading the activity of the galactokinase (EC 2.7.1.6.) was determined in total liver homogenate and compared either to the GEC or to the oral galactose clearance in vivo. Galactokinase activity in the liver increased in the group of animals with experimental cholestasis and was significantly reduced in the galactosamine treated group. In vivo these changes could  be estimated much better by the GEC than by determination of the oral galactose clearance.


[Localized retroperitoneal xanthofibrogranuloma simulating a pancreatic tumor].

The diagnosis of xanthofibrogranuloma is difficult. This is examplified by observations in a 46-year-old man with a palpable tumor in the left upper abdomen. Even modern diagnostic procedures like ultrasound, angiography and ERCP were unable to clarify the diagnosis. Only when laparotomy demonstrated a circumscript tumor, 7 x 7 x 10 cm in size, below the pancreas which was enucleated, the suspicion of a pancreatic tumor could be dismissed. The different clinical pictures of xanthofibrogranuloma ware discussed. Etiology is still unknown. Therapy as a rule should be surgical.


[Recurrence in ulcerative colitis following colectomy?--Only what may be, can be (author's transl)].

A 19 year old patient developed signs of a "prestomal ileitis" 5 1/2 years following proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. A reoperation was necessary because of "toxic megaileum"; these signs were explained by recurrence of ulcerative colitis involving the terminal ileum. A first report from 1976 must be revised because of further observation of the patient: 1 1/2 year following this complication Crohn's disease in this patient could be proven by endoscopic and bioptic examination. This diagnosis was not possible at the time of first report: findings by x-ray, endoscopy and microscopy were lacking typical signs of Crohn's disease.


[Effect of duodenal acidification on plasma secretin and pancreatic polypeptide in man (author's transl)].

Plasma secretin and pancreatic polypeptide has been measured in 10 normal volunteers before and after intraduodenal acidification. Secretin rose rapidly from 1,4 +/- 0,44 to 11,2 +/- 1,24 pmol/l (+/- SEM). PP also rose significantly from 39,0 +/- 3,0 to 52.3 +/- 5,8 pmol (paired p less than 0.01) but much slower and to a lesser extent than seen after a meal. This supports the conclusion that acid plays no important role in control of postprandial PP release.


[Hepatic extraction of taurocholate and indocyanine green in patients with liver disease (author's transl)].

Bile acids are increasingly used as test substances for the estimation of liver function and it has been postulated that radioactive labeled bile acids have advantages over indocyanine green (ICG) for measurement of hepatic blood flow. Therefore, the hepatic extractions of 14C-taurocholate and ICG were compared in 23 patients with liver disease and correlated with various parameters of hepatic function. The hepatic extractions of 14C-taurocholate (mean: 42 +/- SD 17%) and ICG (mean: 35 +/- SD 18%) were similar. The correlations with galactose elimination capacity and BSP plasma disappearance were closer for ICG than for 14C-taurocholate extraction. Hepatic blood flow measured with 14C-taurocholate (mean: 1.45 +/- SD 0.51 l/min) correlated well (r = 0.81) with the respective values obtained with ICG (mean: 1.17 +/- SD 0.49 l/min), but was about 22% larger. This study does not provide evidence that 14C-taurocholate is superior to ICG as an intravenous test substance for measurement of hepatic function or blood flow.


[Combined chemotherapy of herpes simplex infections of the skin].

It was possible to prolong the herpes free intervals with combined chemotherapy with 0,3% Ethyl-desoxyuridine (EDU)-Gel during the acute phase and continued application of 0,2% Jodo-desoxyuridine (IDU)-ointment with 1,8% DMSO. The combined chemotherapy did not improve the effect of the treatment with EDU alone in respect of the duration of skin lesions. In 5 out of 8 patients with recurrent cold sores and in 3 out of 10 patients with genital herpes further immunotherapeutical measures were not necessary. The results indicate that beside the chemotherapy of the recurrences with monotherapy a continuous chemoprophylaxis can be successful in patients with recurrent herpes simplex.


[Accuracy of the clinical diagnosis in malignant melanomas].

Histologic findings and clinical data of 411 patients with malignant melanomas treated in 1952 up to june 1977 reveal an improvement of diagnostic accuracy. Within the last years, fewer patients were referred to the clinic with extensive tumor growth or with metastases. A change from the levels of invasion V and IV to III is evident. Further improvement to level II and I with a corresponding smaller tumor thickness is appearing in outlines.


[Attempt at applying statistical methods to delimit melanoma types].

By means of the "multivariate variance analysis" ("MANOVA"; Friedrich and Olfert, 1977), we tried to differentiate the histologic types of malignant melanomas also by quantifiable criteria. The investigation depended upon data from 411 patients. Difficulties arose from incomplete data material. But in principle, the indication of this method is given in such problems. If the number of cases could be augmented, the method would be helpful as a support for diagnostic quality control.


Changes in the main submandibular salivary duct of rabbits resulting from ductal ligation.

Normal submandibular ducts from rabbits have been examined by mucosubstance histochemistry, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The results were compared with the appearances of ducts removed 4...6 weeks after ligation. The normal ducts were composed mainly of columnar "light" cells and basal cells but, in addition, some "dark" cells and scattered goblet containing sulphated mucins were always present. The luminal surface of the ductal cells possessed numerous microvilli protruding into the lumen, and a rim of negatively charged mucin was present on this surface of these cells. After ligation the ducts became greatly distended by their fluid contents which remained under pressure until the duct was incised. The epithelial cells were flattened and appeared to contain less cytoplasm per cell; "light" cells, basal cells and "dark" cells were still recognisable. Goblet cells were much more plentiful than in the control ducts and often protruded into the lumen despite the increased intraluminal pressure. The development of a number of ciliated cells had also occurred and they were often situated close to goblet cells. Lymphatic vessels were more prominent around the ligated ducts. Luminal microvilli were less numerous than in the control ducts but the rim of negatively charged mucin on the luminal surface of ductal cells was more conspicuous. Mixed inflammatory cells were present within the lumina of ligated ducts especially in those parts adjacent to the ductal cells. No inflammatory cell has been observed passing through the wall of a main duct and the possibility exists that these cells had entered lumina within the gland and migrated from there to the main duct. The above findings may serve to help our understanding or physiological events in the ducts.


Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of intraventricular dendrite terminals of hypothalamic cerebrospinal fluid contacting neurons in Triturus vulgaris.

A scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) study of the ventricular wall of the hypothalamus of Triturus vulgaris was performed with special regard to the intraventricular dendrite terminals of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contacting neurons of the preoptic area (magnocellular and parvocellular preoptic nuclei), the infundibular lobe (anterior periventricular nucleus, infundibular nucleus), and the paraventricular organ. In the preoptic area and infundibular lobe, the terminals were knob-like or club-shaped, of various sizes (diameter about 0,5 to 3,0 micrometer) and located immediately above the ependyma. Ultrastructurally, they may contain dense-core vesicles of varying sizes. The CSF contacting dendrite endings of the paraventricular organ built up a supraependymal labyrinthic layer which could be divided into a rostral crest-like part and a caudal flat and broad division. In both parts, three main types of terminals of various size and shape could be distinguished: a) ramifying, b) elongated, and c) bulb-like dendrite endings which also differed by their TEM structure. The bulk-like terminals, first of all the small ones, originated from the distal part of the nucleus of the organ (nucleus organi paraventricularis) while the other two types took their origin from its intra- and subependymal part. In all areas investigated, each intraventricular dendrite ending gave rise to a solitary cilium (type 9 X 2 + 0). It differed from the ependymal kinocilia by both SEM and TEM characteristics. In the paraventricular organ, the neuronal cilia were hidden inside, or below the supraependymal layer of terminals. There were intraventricular axons which formed synapses on CSF contacting dendrite endings of both parts of the paraventricular organ. Free intraventricular neurons, further ependymal areas heavily or scarcely ciliated, were described. The CSF contacting dendrite terminals were predominantly present near ventricular recesses and in regions where the ependyma was scarcely ciliated.


[Morphological changes in the central canal of the cat after kaolin injection into the cisterna magna].

40 adult cats were made hydrocephalic by intracisternal injection of 200 mg Kaolin. 34 survived between 24 hours to 4 months. In 19 cases a ventriculostomy was carried out, whereby in 13 animals a contrast filling of the central canal occurred. The contrast medium injected into the ventricles entered the external CSF-space in the lumbo-sacral junction of the filum terminale. Light- and electron-microscopic studies showed adaptive structural changes of the central canal epithelium in the early stages. In later stages massive destructions of ependyma and spinal cord parenchyma were found.


Ultimobranchial body of Notopterus notopterus in relation to calcium and sodium rich environments.

The UBB of Notopterus notopterus is a paired structure situated between the oesophagus and sinus venosus. Both right and left lobes of the gland are enveloped by a common thick connective tissue which gets constricted between the lobes and separates them. Numerous follicles of varying sizes are encountered in each gland. In N. notopterus the effects of hypercalcaemia (caused by keeping the specimens in 0.5% of CaCl2 solution and by injecting 4000 I.U. of vitamin D2 on alternate days) on UBB has been observed. The effects of NaCl rich environment (created by keeping the fish in 0.5% NaCl solution) on this gland has also been studied. In the UBB of N. notopterus the activity of the gland is observed in terms of: 1. increase in the blood supply of the gland and the dilation of the blood vessel, 2. increase in the height of the follicular epithelium, 3. cytoplasmic hypertrophy resulting in the increase in secretory processes, 4. appearance of pseudostratified epithelium in place of single layered cuboidal follicular epithelium and 5. nuclear and cellular hypertrophy. According to these characteristics it is evident that the gland from group II shows gradual activity from the 2nd day onwards and is maximum on the 6th day. From 8th day to the close of the experiment gradual inactivity of the gland is discerned--follicles get atrophied and the cells appear in clumps. The gland from group III shows a good response to its environment and is more hypertrophied as compared to that of group II. The activity of the gland closely parallels serum sodium levels which increase up to the 8th day when UBB shows the maximum activity. The serum sodium level rises from a normal of 110 m eq/l to a peak of 180 m eq/l on 8th day. After 10 days onwards the gland shows gradual inactivity and degeneration. The serum sodium level is 130 m eq/l on 12th day. These observations support the view that the main role of UBB in N. notopterus lies in sodium metabolism and it is only partially responsible for calcium regulation.


The ultrastructure of sensory corpuscles in the skin in the hedgehog snout.

The ultrastructure of sensory nerve endings was examined in the snout skin in 3 adult hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus). The material was taken intravitally under total anaesthesia and processed in a usual way for the electron microscopy. The corpuscles were evaluated in the individual sections and series sections made through the whole corpuscle. In the superficial layers of the dermis simple sensory corpuscles and free endings were found. The simple sensory corpuscles can be divided into three types. a) Corpuscles containing a greater number of lamellae in the inner core, the lamellae are arranged regularly and are separated by two opposite clefts. The capsule is formed by only several lamellae undoubtedly of fibrocytic origin. b) Corpuscles containing a smaller number of wider lamellae in the inner core situated often at random. The clefts are also irregular and are often closed in the superficial layers of the inner core. The capsule is quite simple mostly formed by a single lamella of fibrocyte which often fails to form a continuous coat of the corpuscle. c) The third type is typical of its inner core being formed by few lamellae arranged irregularly. These corpuscles have no connective tissue capsule and are separated from the environments only by the basement membrane of superficial lamellae of the inner core. The corpuscles of the second type resemble considerably the developmental stages of simple sensory corpuscles as described in the literature in the cat. They are the same in size or smaller than the corpuscles of the first type. The free nerve endings occurred in two forms. a) Flattened (lanciform) nerve terminals. The axon is rich in mitochondria. The sides of the flattened terminal is lined with one to three wide lamellae while the axon reaches as far as the surface of the formation which is covered only with the basement membrane. b) Typical free endings rich in mitochondria which are embedded in the cytoplasm of Schwann cells or occasionally are covered only with the basement membrane. The lanciform endings which are not linked up with the hairs here may represent a transition from free endings to simple sensory corpuscles.


[Enzyme histochemical study of the brain of Chthonerpeton indistinctum (Gymnophiona, Amphibia)].

In the brain of the Caecilian species Chthonerpeton indistinctum the following enzymes have been demonstrated by means of histochemical techniques: acid phosphatase, alpha-naphthylacetate esterase, acetylcholin esterase. Acid phosphatase occurs in the cytoplasm of the neurons in 4 different types of localization. Its activity in the ventral parts of the brain is markedly higher than in the dorsal ones. Of particularly high activity are: the motor neurons in the tegmentum, the nucleus mesencephali trigemini, individual large neurons in the marginal zone of the grey matter of the telencephalon, which seems to be a special character of the Caecilians among the Amphibia. The ependyma exhibits local differences in respect of acid phosphatase activity. alpha-Naphthylacetate esterase marks in particular the secretory neurons of the hypothalamus, the large perikarya of the nucleus mesencephali trigemini and the motor neurons of the tegmentum. In the telencephalon the alpha-naphthylacetate esterase activity corresponds to that of acid phosphatase. Acetylcholin esterase marks--with certain restrictions--cholinergic neurons. These predominate in Chthonerpeton in the caudal parts of the brain. In the telencephalon amygdala, septal area striatum and the mitral cells are of comparatively high activity. The neurosecretory neurons of the hypothalamus are particularly rich in this enzyme. As an anurans the cholinergic fasciculus retroflexus as asymmetric. The tectum opticum is of secondary simplicity and does not exhibit a clearly recognizable stratification.


Metabolism in the protozoon Allogromia laticollaris Arnold.

The foraminiferan Allogramia laticollaris, deprived of its natural food, Chlorella, incorporated and metabolized D-glucose added to culture fluid; L-glucose and inulin were not taken up. Fructose 6-phosphate and ATP were also incorporated, probably in a non-degraded form, and metabolized. Equal distribution of radioactivity of [gamma-32P]-ATP added to the medium was observed within 10 min. Intracellular glucose concentrations, and rates of respiration, glucose phosphorylation, and glycolysis were determined. Glucose utilization was stimulated with increasing concentrations of glucose, whereas respiration remained constant. The respiratory quotient increased in accordance with the higher contribution of glucose to energy supply. A. laticollaris can, then, be used for experimental studies of substrate utilization of a synthetic medium.


Anatomy and morphometry of the olfactory organ of the wels Silurus glanis L. (Siluridae, Pisces).

The anatomical structure of the olfactory organs, nerve tracts and brain was described in Silurus glanis. The changes connected with aging were considered. The olfactory lamellae are thin and tightly set in a rosette. In the 1 year old individuals there are 48...51 lamellae in a single rosette. This number increases gradually with age and in the 9...10 year old welses reaches 150. The surface area of the lamellae of a single rosette also indicates an increase: in the 1 year old specimen it equals 117 mm2, while in the adult individual (5...6 year old)--1040 mm2. This is due to the increase in both the size of each lamella and the number of the lamellae. The obtained results are discussed with regard to other author's data. It has been found that the dynamics of the increase of the surface area of the olfactory epithelium in fish are closely related to the way of life and not to the systematic affiliation of the species.


[Scanning electron microscope study of the lung epithelium of the rabbit during ontogenesis].

The development of the bronchial and alveolar epithelium was observed in rabbits from the 15th day post conception until the time of birth with the scanning electron microscope. In the pseudoglandular phase, primitive bronchi proliferate in the mesenchyme. The epithelial cells are not differentiated and have single cilia. After retraction of these single cilia cell differentiation begins. Flat cells densely populated with cytopodia can be recognized on the 22nd day, ciliated cells on the 23rd day post conception. Both are located in the bronchi near the hilus. In the canalicular phase of development, the differentiation of the mucoid cells and the Clara-cells begins. The interstitial connective tissue develops more and more capillaries. The alveolar phase begins around the 26th day p. c. The lung capillaries reach the alveolar epithelial cells and arrange themselves directly beneath the epithelial basement membrane. This "alveolarization" of the lung tissue starts in the centre of the lung lobules and proceeds to the periphery. After the 26th day post conception the alveolar epithelial cells retract their single cilium and at the same time become type I or type II pneumocytes. The undifferentiated entodermal stem cell of the alveolar epithelium is the pneumoblast.


The transformation of cytoplasmic microtubules into helices and paracrystals by halothane in the foraminifer Allogromia laticollaris Arnold.

After treatment of cells of the foraminifer Allogromia laticollaris Arnold (protozoa, rhizopoda) with the volatile anesthetic halothane in concentrations of more than 1 mM no cytoplasmic microtubules are demonstrable. In place of microtubules, other tubulin polymers that are helices or paracrystalline structures, with the same ultrastructure as seen after treatment with vinca alkaloids, can be identified. Below 1 mM halothane, besides loosely arranged paracrystals, single helices, microtubules and transition stages between microtubules and helices can be seen in close juxtaposition. Reasons for the transformation of microtubules and the involvement of microtubules in narcosis are discussed.


[Determination and plasticity in the pre- and postnatal development of the brain].

One--sided theories about deterministic or plastic events during development of the central nervous system must be refused for the sake of new experimental and analytical concepts. The most common categories during brain development are chance (random events) and necessity, the basis of phylogenesis and ontogenesis.


Light and scanning microscopy of the taste organs and vascularization of the tongue of the spotted salamander, Salamandra salamandra (L.).

The mucosa of the spotted salamander tongue and its taste organs were investigated by means of light and scanning electron microscopy. The most striking feature of the salamander tongue is an almost complete lack of papillae which are replaced by long, radially disposed folds with linear arrays of taste organs along their ridges. In respect of morphology, the taste organs of the salamander occupy an intermediate position between the taste buds of Urodela and taste discs of Salientia. Scanning electron microscopic examination of microcorrosion casts of the blood vessels of the tongue has revealed that the structure of subepidermal capillary network reflects the topography of the tongue surface and the distribution of its taste organs. In the core regions of the folds the capillary loops accompanying gustatory receptors empty via their shorter, descending arms into the draining vessels, the initial segments of which retain a course parallel to that of the folds. In the few fungiform papillae the capillary vessels form single loops whose distal ends come to lie in the vicinity of taste discs.


Tubulin paracrystals in intermitotic nuclei of the foraminifer Allogromia laticollaris Arnold after treatment with vinblastine.

Electron microscopic investigations on the foraminifer Allogromia laticollaris showed that after treatment with 10(-3) M vinblastine tubulin paracrystals can be demonstrated in intermitotic nuclei. As these paracrystals are either membrane coated or lie free in the karyoplasm, and as in the perinuclear cytoplasm, membrane coated paracrystals can be demonstrated as well, it is assumed that the cytoplasmic tubulin which is composing the intranuclear division spindle can transverse the intact nuclear envelope via vesicle transport.