[Relations between the fungi Gaeumannomyces graminis and Phialophora radicicola when growing together outside the host (author's transl)].

In laboratory model experiments, numerous hyphal adhesions were found to take place between a severe wheat pathogen, G. graminis var. tritici, and a weak wheat pathogen, P. radicicola var, radicicola, and therefore the linear growth of the both fungi is inhibited. When both fungi occur concurrently side by side on celophane, the hyphae of one fungus do not occupy the place colonized before by the other fungus, due to mutual contact. It can be presumed that also direct interaction between hyphae of both fungi participates in cross protection mechanism of the take-all fungus G. graminis with P. radicicola.


[The spreading of Agrobacterium strains in soft-agar (author's transl)].

In a diluted synthetic medium solidified by 0.17% agar populations of Agrobacterium spread with a velocity of 0 to 20 mm/24 hours. This spreading is a consequence of chemotactic movement and cell division. Different bacterial strains spread with a characteristic velocity each. Loss of the TI-plasmid leaves the spreading behaviour unimpaired. It is changed after the introduction of virulence by Kerr transfer or after prolonged culture in D-amino acids.


[Studies on growth of the fungus strain Mucor circinelloides (1 M). I. Forms of the growth (author's transl)].

The fungus strain Mucor circinelloides (1 M) grew polymorphic with the three forms hyphae, gemmae, and budding cells in nutrition substrate with glucose or n-alkanes as C- and energy source. The forms of the growth were differentiated in the size and colour of the cells and in the mode of formation of biomass. The results were discussed.


[Results from the Central Laboratory for Streptococci Research in Kiel from 1965 to 1977 - a survey (author's transl)].

At the Central Laboratory for Streptococci Research at the Institute for Hygiene of the Federal Dairy Research Centre in Kiel a data bank has been established which comprises as well bibliographical data (until now more than 8000 titles out of the international literature concerning streptococci) as laboratory data of all strains which have been identified since 1965. For this present publication as a survey the total material covering 34,935 strains was analyzed and interpreted. Besides a short introduction describing the general examination procedure for streptococci and the encoding of results for the data bank the material is condensed in different tables considering the incidence of pathogenic species occuring mainly in man and animals. In addition findings of enterococci and lactic streptococci are presented. 41.8% of the strains examined were isolated from human specimens, 46.7% from cattle and the remaining ones from pigs, horses, dogs, laboratory animals and others. Only 2.0% of all cultures could not be identified as one of the known species. Remarkable observations are - the high incidence of group B-Streptococci in man - the unexpected frequency of typical "human" streptococci as those of group F and G and also Sc. milleri and Sc. MG in different animals - the possible interrelation of group L- and P-streptococci in pigs and cattle - the overlap of Sc. faecalis and Sc. faecium in man and animals showing no typical distribution as it is postulated in the literature - the high percentage of unidentifiable streptococci from pigs and laboratory animals as an eventual indication for some new species. In consecuting papers some problems emerging from the presented material and own experiments will be discussed as - interrelation of group B-Streptococci in man and cattle - incidence and importance of enterococci in humans, animals and foodstuffs and - classification of species not to identify by serological grouping.


[Season-related incidence of Yersinia enterocolitica in fecal material of healthy slaughterhouse pigs (author's transl)].

In the period July 1976 to June 1977 a total of 1358 fecal specimens and 165 mesenteric lymphnodes of healthy slaughterhouse pigs were examined for Yersinia enterocolitica (Y.e.). The animals originated from 215 farms in 86 localities of Northern Bavaria. Y.e. was found in fecal specimens of 371 pigs (27.3%). A total of 408 strains was isolated including 35 double and one triple infections. Most cultures belonged to serogroups O:6...(186 strains), O:7...(78 strains), and O:5...(71 strains, Table 3). The serogroups O:3 and O:9 which in Europe are most frequently associated with human disease were isolated from 26 animals (1.9%). Lymphnodes were positive in two instances only (1.2%). Besides aerobic subculture on SS-agar after cold enrichment in phosphate buffered saline anaerobic incubation was performed simultaneously during the last 8 months of the study. This method rendered more than twice as many isolations due to an effective inhibition of environmental bacteria with oxidative metabolism (mainly Pseudomonas spp.; Tables 3 and 4). The incidence of asymptomatic infections was markedly related to season. The lowest incidence was observed during the summer months (August 1976:0%) but increased steadily to a maximum in April 1977 (71.2%; Table 4). With one exception the serogroups O:3 and O:9 were only isolated during October to December (Fig. 1). Despite the frequent occurrence of Y.e. in healthy pigs the significance of these animals for human yersiniosis remains to be clarified. Especially the frequency of disease in infants and young children would not suggest porc meat as an important vehicle of transmission. It is imaginable that the human pathogenic serogroups O:3 and O:9 might be simultaneously adapted to several hosts with independent cycles of infection. Future investigations will mainly have to consider the elucidation of the hitherto unknown mode of transmission of human yersiniosis.


Sensitivity patterns of bacteria and antibiotic usage at the National Hospital of Norway in 1976 and 1978.

During the first three months of 1976 and 1978 the sensitivity patterns of bacteria and the antibiotic usage at the National Hospital of Norway was recorded. The computerized results showed that bacteria isolated at the department of pediatrics was more resistant to penicillins. Isolates from two other departments did not differ very much in their sensitivity patterns. Comparing the sensitivity patterns, a tendency of increased sensitivity to antibiotics from 1976 to 1978 was seen. Exception was the increasing resistance to gentamicin. Furthermore, tobramycin was found less effective than gentamicin on our isolates. The antibiotics most widely used at the hospital are the penicillins which account for more than 50 per cent of the usage. From 1976 to 1978 the usage of antibiotics increased about 30 per cent. A more extensive use of penicillin V and G, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim was responsible for most of the increase. No clear cut relationship between the antibiotic usage and the changes in sensitivity patterns of the bacteria from 1976 to 1978 was seen. Our work confirms, the usefulness of using "daily defined doses", as recommended by WHO, for estimating the antibiotic usage in a hospital.


Comparison of three methods of susceptibility testing of bacteroidaceae, peptococcaceae and other anaerobes to doxycycline.

The in vitro activity of doxycycline against 147 strains of gram-positive and gram-negative anaerobes was determined by broth dilution, agar dilution and agar diffusion tests. The strains were isolated from clinical specimens in 1977. Saccharolytic Bacteroides strains (39 B. fragilis, 6 B. thetaiotaomicron, 4 B. vulgatus) showed broth dilution MICs of less than or equal to 0.0625-4.0 microgram/ml after 5 h incubation and MICs of less than or equal to 16 microgram/ml after 15 h incubation at 37 degrees C. With strains of B. oralis, B. melaninogenicus ss. intermedius, B. corrodens, Veillonella sp. and Megasphaera elsdenii the broth dilution MICs were less than or equal to 0.0625-32 microgram/ml after 15 h incubation. Peptostreptococcus spp., Propionibacterium acnes, Eubacterium sp., Bifidobacterium sp. and Clostridium sp. had broth dilution MICs of less than or equal to 2 microgram/ml, whereas Peptococcus spp. were inhibited by less than or equal to 0.0625 to greater than 32 microgram/ml. With the great majority of strains tested, MICs were 2 to 256 times higher in agar than in broth dilution tests. Clinical and experimental studies seem to be needed to determine which of the in vitro data are correlated to the outcome of doxycycline therapy. Several groups and species were separately considered for statistical analysis of the relationship between zone size and MIC. With gram-positive anaerobes, correlation was poor between broth dilution MIC and zone size (correlation coefficients r = - 0.168 for Peptococcaceae, and r = - 0.108 for P. acnes). When calculating the regression lines for agar dilution MICs and zone diameters, a higher correlation was found (r = - 0.9 for Peptococcaceae; r = - 0.397 for P. acnes). With B. fragilis and other Bacteroides species correlation coefficients were r = - 0.807 to r = - 0.891 for broth and agar dilution MICs and zone size but stochastic linearity was lacking.


[Experiments to improve the oncolysis-effect of clostridial-strain M55 (author's transl)].

Decreasing the oxygen in the respiration-air of animals to 11-12%, it was possible to increase the oncolysis-effect of the Clostridial-Strain M55 significant (macroscopical complete oncolysis in comparison with the usual application: Ehrlich-Solid-Tumour +62%, Harding-Passey-Melanom +64%). In nearly 30%, Tumours cured completely.


[The dynamics of the immunocytoadherence test with Trichinella spiralis-antigen in the experimental rabbit trichinellosis (author's transl)].

The authors analysed the dynamics of the immunozytoadherence test in experimental trichinellosis. The evaluation was carried out by mixing the lymphocytes of the infected rabbits with sheep erythrocytes encoated with antigen Trichinella spiralis. In three groups of infected rabbits (group I - 15 000 larves per rabbit, group II - 20 000 larves per rabbit, group III - 30 000 larves per rabbit) the examinations were performed 3, 6, 10, 20, 47, 82, 110, 140, 170 and 230 days after infection. It was observed that the maximum percentage of rosette occurred 10 days after infection. In the course of the observation the percentage demonstrated a tendency to decrease. The observed dynamics of the immunozytoadherence test indicates its value in diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of trichinellosis.


The validity of the TTC-test for dehydrogenase activity of activated sludges in the presence of chemical inhibitors.

Dehydrogenase activity of activated sludges coming from a laboratory plant, has been evaluated by the TTC-test in the presence of some chemical toxics. The results obtained have shown that, for all inhibitors tested, there exists a range of concentrations in which the dose-response relationship is linear. As far as the comparison of the inhibition data from the TTC-test and from the Oxygen-respiration rate is concerned, the results obtained show that the inhibitors tested may be divided into three groups: (i) inhibitors which inhibit the Oxygen-respiration rate more than th Dehydrogenase activity (Zn2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Hg2+, Zn(CN)4(2-), Cd(CN)4(2-)); (II) inhibitors for which there are no significant differences in the inhibition value obtained by the two methods (CN-, C6H5O-, C6Cl5O-, C6H3ClO-, Hg(CN)4(2-)); (iii) inhibitors which inhibit the dehydrogenase activity more than theoxygen-respiration rate (Cu2+, CrO4(2-), Ni(CN)4(2-)). The inhibition data obtained by other authors evaluating by direct methods (COD reduction, turbidity of the final effluent etc.) the performance of pilot or laboratory plants in the presence of some of the toxics used in the present research, are in sufficient agreement with the dehydrogenase inhibition data obtained in this work.


[Preliminary physiological and psychological results under various electroclimatic conditions (author's transl)].

Before the start of a research project which was to stretch over a period of several years, characteristics of the control space were to be defined. Therefore the influence of spherics and 50 Hz-alternating fields in the unscreened control space were studied.--Pupils (Foster children) were the test subjects. Each test subject was subjected to the conditions of the control space as well as the testing space.--Two classes of parameters were studied. Blood sugar, blood pressure and pulse rate were recorded as physiological dimensions. Short-term memory, powers of concentration as well as the subjective well-being were the psychological parameters.--As to the parameters examined, no significant difference between testing and control space conditions was recorded. In order to examine whether the climatic factors of the control space have an antagonistic effect on the variables in question, their influence was studied separately in two further investigations. In order to clarify this problem, spherics-impulses in the 10 Khz range were given in screened space ("Vorversuch 2"/preliminary experiment 2), then--in, "Vorversuch 3"/preliminary experiment 3 - a 50 Hz-alternating field was applied. For each of the climatic factors under examination the influence on each single parameter was negative. The assumption of an antagonistic effect which would hinder the definition of standard spatial conditions was thereby shown to be incorrect.


[The influence of electric 50 Hz fields on humans (author's transl)].

The investigations concerning the influence of supply-frequent electric fields on man have been carried out on 12 subjects in 24 single trials. A field intensity as it occurs in the height of the subjects' head under a 380 kV high voltage transmission line was used. Some physiological parameters like ECG, EEG, blood pressure, blood gas and reaction time have been recorded and analyzed. The parameters were both analogously recorded and digitally stored as indicated in Fig. 2. Some of the investigations were carried out under mental load of the subjects and showed that the changes in the heartrate due to this load cover the switch-off effect of the heartrate. For the other parameters like EEG, reaction time, blood gas and blood pressure no influence of the investigated field intensity on man could be found.


[Experiences and results of medico-meteorological investigations in Vienna and suggestions for a further programme of measuring (author's transl)].

Meteorological parameters represent under different effects of the complex environment a part which is measurable by means of physical techniques. The correlation with physiological functions or the biological system all together--this will be discussed by examples according to own investigations--need above all continuous measurements in the systems and for parameters according to the question. The gravity of further investigations may be a working model in which the biological parameters are directly registered e.g. telemetrically and correlated with these recorded meteorological parameters in the investigation field.


[Studies in medical meteorology at the "Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie und Geodynamik" at Vienna (author's transl)].

Weather situations connected with small pressure gradients show a statistically significant correlation with the liability to heart-attacks. Changes from cyclonic to anticyclonic situations with descending air-motion lead to a rise of the number of heart-attacks in summer. In winter the change from anticyclonic to cyclonic pressure distributions seems to be critical.


[The evaluation of the thermal environment of man (author's transl)].

Many problems in bioclimatology require an accurate knowledge of the variations of all meteorological parameters which influence the thermal environment of man (i.g. short- and long-wave radiation, air temperature, wind velocity and air humidity). In addition to that a method for determining this thermal environment by a biometeorological index has to consider thermophysiologically relevant factors so as activity level and thermal resistance of the clothing. By means of the comfort equation (Fanger, 1970) it is possible, for any activity level and clothing to calculate all combinations of meteorological parameters, which will create optimal thermal comfort. The parametrization of the fluxes of short- and long-wave radiation permits to applicate this equation to outdoor conditions (Jendritzky, Sönning and Swantes, 1977). Examples for calculating some given conditions (i.g. street in the city, cross-country kinesitherapy, special land-use areas within a city) are demonstrated.


[Animal model of acute respiratory insufficiency by HCl aspiration in Lewe mini-pigs].

Acute respiratory insufficiency or adult respiratory distress syndrome is a common medical emergency in intensive medicine complicated by high mortality. To study the acute respiratory insufficiency under standardized conditions an animal model in Lewe-mini-pigs has been developed. This model is based on aspiration pneumonitis produced by intrabrochial atomisation of 0.2 N hydrochloric acid. General anesthesia was performed by neuroleptanalgesia. In all animals the profound changes in gas exchange, pulmonary mechanics and hemodynamics as well as quasi-static volume-pressure relationships after hydrochloric acid aspiration were described. The results suggest that this model is suitable to outline the profound changes in pulmonary function in this type of acute respiratory insufficiency.


[Iodoamino acid distribution and weight of the thyroid gland, T4 serum level and T4 metabolism in relation to diet, body fat content and age of rats].

Rats were rendered obese by feeding them a fatty diet (HFD, fat: 50% of weight). At the end of the experimental period the animals were divided, also the control rats, which were fed a low-fat diet (LFD, fat: 3% of weight), in light and heavy weight groups. The heavy and obese HFD groups showed, unlike the light LFD-animals, equal absolute but significantly lower relative thyroidal weights. The absolute thyroidal weights of light and heavy animal groups, which received in each case the same diet, were identical, the relative thyroidal weights of the heavy rats on the other hand decreased significantly. The iodoamino acid distribution in the thyroid of rats showed no variation in animals fed various diets and differed in body mass and fat content. The T4 serum levels of the HFD-, in comparison to the LFD-animals increased significantly. Between light and heavy animals in equal diet groups no differences were obtained for the T4 serum values. The serum T3 levels of LFD- and HFD-rats were also equal. The heavy HFD- showed in comparison to the light LFD-animals a significantly lower T4 clearance and in the higher age groups a significantly extended T4 half-life time. The HFD- and LFD-rats with approximately equal body mass and body fat content showed no differences in T4 half-life time and T4 clearance rate depending on diet. A relation between higher body fat content and increased serum T4 levels as a possible adaption to obesity in heavy HFD-rats is discussed. By the comparison of younger and older rats in the most investigated diet and weight groups the older animals showed a decreasing tendency for K and TD/100 g KM and a significant decrease in the clearance rate and in the TD for T4, related to body mass. An influence of diet, body mass or fat content on the decrease of the T4 metabolism of rats with increased age is not evident. The T4 serum levels were not different in dependence on age, but the free T4 serum level was significantly lower in the older rats.


[Effect of the phosphonic acid derivatives ethephon and trichlorphon on the incorporation in vivo of (14C)-acetate into cholesterol and other lipids in rats].

The effect of the phosphonic acid derivatives Ethephon and Trichlorphon on the incorporation of 14C-labelled acetate into lipids especially cholesterol was investigated. Adult Wistar rats were fed for 7 days diets containing 50 and 500 ppm, respectively, of the phosphonic acid derivatives. Both compounds caused a significant increase of the 14C-activity in lipids of serum, liver, heart, and brain. The effect of Ethephon was significantly more intense than that of Trichlorphon. The important finding was the Ethephon-induced increase of the [14C]-acetate incorporation into cholesterol which continued across all the tissues studied.


Binding of complement by complexes between antibodies to nucleic acid constituents and short oligodeoxyribonucleotides.

Oligodeoxyribonucleotides act as inhibitors of the complement fixation caused by complexes between antibodies to defined oligodeoxyribonucleotides and denatured DNA. At concentrations higher than 50 micrograms oligodeoxyribonucleotide/ml complement fixation occurred in the absence of antigen. The extent of complement binding depends on the specificity of the antibodies as well as on the composition of the oligodeoxyribonucleotides. Complement fixation is observed most strongly with antisera to oligodeoxyribonucleotides and to denatured DNA, which belong predominantly to the IgM class. With two LE-sera, containing antibodies to denatured and to native DNA, no complement fixation was found. It is supposed that specific interactions of the oligodeoxyribonucleotides with amino acid residues closely neighbored to the antibody combining site lead to conformational changes in the antibody molecules and to an activation of the complement binding site.


[Rapid method for the quantitative determination of haptoglobin (hemoglobin binding capacity) in serum].

An automatical method for the determination of the haptoglobin (haemoglobin-binding capacity) of serum is described. The method based on the separation of free and bound haemoglobin by gel chromatography. By use of a short column with sephacryl-S200, a varioperpex pump and the measurement of the optical density in the flow-out the determination needs ten minutes only.


[Energy metabolism of the rat renal cortex, as measured by incubation in various substrates].

Different substrate mixtures were investigated for their effect on energy metabolism using sections of the rat renal cortex. Simultaneous determination of adenine nucleotide concentrations and determination of the damage quotient of oxidative phosphorylation proved to be appropriate parameters for selecting substrate mixtures that have a favorable effect on energy metabolism. A mixture of albumin (1 mM) and octanoate (5.6 mM) with electrolytes proved to be adequate. The extent of oxygen consumption (60%) and 14CO2 formation (75%) argues in favor of the metabolization of this mixture; a damage quotient of 23% and general constancy of the concentration of high-energy compounds render prospective their testing in animal experiments. Addition of dicarbosylic acids increase the antimycin A resistant oxygen consumption without any energy conservation being demonstrable. Therefore, these substrates should not be used for conservation.


RNA-primed DNA synthesis by an enzyme preparation of calf thymus containing highly enriched RNA polymerase B and DNA polymerase.

RNA polymerase B and DNA polymerase alpha were highly enriched simultaneously from calf thymus. It was shown that the preparation exhibits RNA-synthesizing activity, which is able to stimulate in vitro DNA synthesis by DNA polymerase alpha by its preceding RNA synthesis. A part of the DNA was found to be covalently attached to RNA in Cs2SO4 equilibrium gradients after denaturation by formamide.


[Alterations of the volume and surface of liver cells of male rats during postnatal development].

To characterize the postnatal development of hepatocytes of male rats quantitative, morphometrical investigations of male rat livers were carried out at the following times: day of birth, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th day as well as 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th month. Several methods were used to determine the cell volumes and surfaces as a whole, the nucleus, and the sinusoidal (supranuclear), lateral, and bile cancliculi-near cellular zone, as well as the sinusoidal, lateral, and bile canaliculi-near plasma membrane. The cellular volume increases from the day of birth (5,775.9 +/- 545.5 micrometer 3) till the 6th month to 11,494.2 +/- 1,241.6 micrometer 3. At the same time, the liver cell surface increases from 1,900 micrometer 2 to 3,191.7 micrometer 2. The number of microvilli of the sinusoidal plasma membrane increases from 1,074.4 to 2,170.0, and of the plasma membrane limiting the bile canaliculi their number changes from 248.9 to 340.2. The values of the liver volumes and surfaces of adult animals differ from those in the literature, as they are based on mononuclear cells only (i.e., the about 30% binuclear cells are not taken into account) and a smooth surface without considering the existence of microvilli. The nuclear volumes increase from 412.7 +/- 28.2 micrometer 3 (birth) to 549.5 +/- 440 micrometer 3, whereas the relative percentage decreases from 7.14% to 4.78%, which corresponds with the findings of other authors. The proportion of the 3 zones of the cytoplasm changes in the following way : day 0 (birth) : sinusoidal zone: 2,224 micrometer 3 = 36.8%; lateral zone: 1,473 micrometer 3 = 25.9%; bile canaliculi-near zone: 1,017 micrometer 3 = 17.7%; end of 6th month : sinusoidal zone: 4,000 micrometer 3 = 34.8%; lateral zone: 4,724 micrometer 3 = 40.0%; bile cancliculi-near zone: 1,345 micrometer 3 = 12.1%. Taking into account other findings our investigations suggest that the postnatal development of the male rat liver can be definitely characterized by determining the parameters at the following dates: day of birth, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 14th, and 28th day, 3rd and 6th month.


Phagocytosis-stimulating mediators in insects.

The ability of insect blood cells to ingest all kinds of synthetic particles and also a wide range of microorganisms in a very short time after injection has up to now been regarded as a phagocytic function without any humoral mediators. In a phagocytosis model with latex beads and nonhagocytosable cells of Bacillus thuringiensis subtoxicus, we are able to demonstrate the existence of lymphokine-like factors, which intervene in cellular defence reactions of insect. The following results were obtained: 1. Immediately after injection of latex beads, normally non-phagocytosable cells of Bacillus thuringiensis subtoxicus are phagocytosed. 2. Cell-free haemolymph of larvae of Galleria mellonella previously injected with latex beads, stimulates in new larvae phagocytosis of Bacillus thuringiensis subtoxicus after transfusion. 3. The fractionation of homogenates of latex-treated larvae on Sephadex G 50 shows two fractions which stimulate phagocytosis. We suppose that the appearance of these phagocytosis-stimulating factors is the result of a successful recognition of foreign material.


Inhibition of proliferation of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo by halogeno analogues of long chain acyl- and alkylglycerols.

A series of halogeno (chloro or fluoro) analogues of phospholipid precursors has been checked for their cytostatic activity both in vitro and in vivo. The compounds included monoacyl-, diacyl-, monoalkyldeoxyhalogenoglycerols and other acylhalogenoalkanols. Analogues of monoacylglycerols or monoalkylglycerols were found to have a strong inhibitory activity on the proliferation of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells in suspension culture. The compounds were also effective in vivo. Tolerable doses (e.g. 1/10 of the LD50) given i.p. only once on the first day after transplantation of EAC cells reduced the cell number on day 7 by 99% or increased the survival time about 4-fold. The in vivo efficacy or the ether derivatives was higher than that of the corresponding esters. However, most of the compounds so far investigated had no effect on the survival time or cell number after s.c. application. Moreover, there was no prolongation of the survival time of leukemia L1210 or L184 bearing mice. This shows that the systemic effects of most of the compounds are low and that they have to come into direct contact with tumour cells during application in order to be active. It is discussed whether theese compounds interfere more with the structure of the membrane than with membrane biosynthesis. However, at least in comparison to Tween 80 (which is of poorer cytostatic activity) they show only very low lytic effects on red blood cells.


[Action of acetylcholine on the mammalian auricle influenced by verapamil].

The action of acetylcholine (ACh) and verapamil (VePa) on the action potential (V(t)), phase plane trajectories of V(t) (dV/dt--V(t) -- plot) and isotonic contractions were investigated using an isolated vegal innervated preparation from rabbit atrium (method I) and investigating action potentials from atrial trabeculae by means a modified sucrose gap technique (method II). If the VePa-concentration increases to 4 mg/1 the duration of the action potential decreases at 20 and 90% repolarization (driving frequencies 2 s-1). In the VePa-solutions phase plane trajectories of the action potential did not change significantly. ACh application favours the disappearance of a region in the repolarization phase plane plot showing anomalous rectification (d(--dV/dt)/dV less than 0) both by control conditions and verapamil. The electrotropic ACh-and vagal effects will be unchanged by verapamil. The inotropic ACh-and vegal action (method I) increases by VePa (2 mg/1). The action of ACh and verapamil will be analysed using a mathematical model for reconstructing the repolarization phase of mammalian atrial myocardium action potentials.


[Electrotropic acetylcholine action on the mammalian auricle by means of the "phase plane" trajectories of the action potential].

A single sucrose gap techniques has been used to study action potentials and phase plane trajectories of them in atrial trabeculae of the rabbit. Using polynomial representations of current-voltage relationships a model of membrane action potential of atrial myocardial fibres is described and allows an interpretation of recording data from the phase plane trajectories. Our findings show: 1. Increasing extracellular calcium concentration increases a potassium conductivity of the atrial membrane. 2. An anomalous rectification concerning repolarizing currents in atrial fibres decreases with increasing extracellular calcium. 3. Acetylcholine (3.10(-4) g.cm-3) abolishes the anomalous rectification. These results are discussed in relation to previous electrophysiological studies of negative electrotropic effects of acetylcholine in cardiac muscle.


[Quantitative description of a calcium induced potassium conductance of the rabbit atrial myocardium by variation of the Ca++ concentration].

Action potentials of trabeculae from the left rabbit atrium were studied using a modified sucrose gap method. A mathematical treatment of the action potential time course and the phase plane trajectories gives an approximation of a potassium conductance of gK.GK increases be action potential shows a maximum at 1 s.gK reaches a steady state level after 40 s. The experimental findings are interpreted by means a mathematical model of a Ca++-induced K+-conductance.


Decreased erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity in multiple sclerosis.

The mean activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in erythrocytes of 22 Israel-Jewish patients with multiple sclerosis (19.3 +/- 4.5 U/gHb) was significantly lower than in a control group of 30 Jewish patients with various neurological disorders (24.3 +/- 5.1 U/gHb). This observation confirms a similar finding of a decreased activity of GSH-Px in erythrocytes of multiple sclerosis patients in Denmark (Shukla et al. 1977). These results are discussed in relation to the possibility of selenium deficiency and to the recently described genetic polymorphism and ethnic variation of GSH-Px activity in human red cells. It is concluded that additional investigations are required in order to elucidate the cause of the decreased activity of this enzyme in red cells of patients with multiple sclerosis.


Clinical features and risk factors in stroke in young.

A total of 251 young patients (less than 40 years) with stroke were admitted during a 7-year period and investigated. These constituted 30% of the total stroke patients admitted to this hospital. Among the young, 63% of strokes were of nonembolic occlusive group. Hemorrhagic strokes were observed in 26% cases. This study revealed that concurrent infection, nonspecific arteritis, diabetes mellitus and hypertension contribute very little to the stroke in younger population. However, cholesterol, beta-lipoproteins, triglycerides, platelet adhesiveness and platelet aggregation were significantly increased in some of the clinical groups.


Composition of free amino acids in brain tumors.

The composition of the free amino acid pools in various brain tumors and in normal brains obtained at surgery or at autopsy is determined with an automatic amino acid analyzer and the results statistically evaluated. The tumors have lower ratios of GABA in the pools than the normal brain; tumors with higher GABA ratios are found in those which are in close contact with and have an invasive nature to brain tissue. In gliomas, the more malignant a tumor becomes, the more different the composition in that tumor is from that in normal brain tissue. But conversely, the ratio of GABA is highest in glioblastoma. The composition of the pool in oligodendroglioma is not significantly different from that in the normal brain. Metastatic brain tumors show the highest ratios of phenylalanine, tyrosine and methionine in the pool among the tumors and the normal brain. From the viewpoint of the composition of the free amino acid pools, like from that of the histological aspects, brain tumors seem to be classified into four groups: glioma, neurinoma, meningioma and metastatic tumors.


Dogs, distemper, and multiple sclerosis in the United States.

Geographic distribution of multiple sclerosis (MS) was defined by case/control ratios for state of pre-illness residence for US white male veterans "service-connected" for MS. The Veterinary Medical Data Program of the National Cancer Institute receives diagnostic information from most of the university veterinary medical centers in the US (and Canada). The Center for Disease Control had carried out a 2-year surveillance program for human bites by animals. State distributions for MS were compared with those for the proportion of admissions for canine distemper (CD), the ratio of CD cases to the human population, and human bites by dogs per unit of population. There was no evidence that any of the CD risk indices was positively correlated with that for MS. These results suggest that CD, exposure to dogs, or dog bites are unlikely to be involved in the etiology of MS.


Serum immunoglobulin levels in multiple sclerosis in Orkney.

Serum levels of immunoglobulins A, G and M in the population of multiple sclerosis patients in Orkney were generally similar to those in series of contiguous and discontiguous controls, and in the normal first-degree relatives both of patients and controls. There is a slight elevation of mean log IgE in patients, and this is due mainly to elevation in the rural patients. Factors possibly responsible are sought, but none can be clearly identified.


Calcium distribution and exchange in the pregnant and post partum rabbit uterus.

Calcium content and distribution of the 25-day pregnant (PR) and post partum (PP) rabbit uterus was studied by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and 45Ca determination. Total Ca content [2.28 +/- 0.28 (PR) and 2.19 +/- 0.12 (PP) mM/kg wet wt] extracellular [1.21 +/- 0.09 (PR) and 1.25 +/- 0.11 (PP) mM/kg wet wt] cellular [1.07 +/- 0.08 (PR) and 0.94 +/- 0.09 (PP) mM/kg wet et], total exchangeable [1.86 +/- 0.11 (PR) and 1.84 +/- 0.09 (PR) mM/kg wet wt] and inexchangeable [0.43 +/- 0.05 (PR) and 0.35 +/- 0.04 (PP) mM/kg wet wt] Ca fractions were identical in the two extreme endocrinological conditions. In contrast compartment size and rate constant of different exchangeable Ca fractions determined by kinetic analysis of 45Ca desaturation "urves (curve-peeling tecnique and computer method), revealed significant differences between PR and PP uteri. Two exchangeable phases could be identified in both endocrinological states. The rate constants of both phases of efflux were significantly higher in the PP (alpha 1 = 0.173 +/- 0.02 min-1; alpha 2 = 0.023 +/- 0.001 min-1) than in the PR uterus (alpha 1 = 0.099 +/- 0.01 min-1; alpha 2 = 0.018 +/- 0.01 min-1). Compartment size of phase 1 (fast component) was significantly higher in the PR (1.13 +/- 0.1 mM/kg wet wt) than in the PP uterus (0.77 +/- 0.06 mM/kg wet wt). In contrast, compartment size of phase 2 (slow component) was significantly smaller in PR than in PP uterine strips (0.74 +/- 0.06 and 1.08 +/- 0.11 mM/kg wet wt). The last portion of desaturation curves represents efflux from one homogenous compartment. The present results suggest that endocrinological control of the rabbit myometrium is linked to the regulation of the binding of a superficial exchangeable Ca fraction.


Simulation of the ionic mechanisms of molluscan neurons under pentylenetetrazol-induced effects.

Some effects of the convulsant drug pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) on molluscan neurons were simulated. The calculations were based on the voltage clamp results of Connor and Stevens as well as Williamson and Crill. The normal repetitive state and the PTZ-controlled state were compared and threshold phenomena shown by prolonged depolarizations were studied by injection of hyperpolarizing currents into the first segment of the cable model, which is a widely used description of electrical spread in neuronal membranes. The potassium leakage (concentration per unit area) occurring simultaneously with the fluctuations of the ionic components was also evaluated. It is concluded that the PTZ-controlled state may alter the profile of the potassium leakage both quantitatively and dynamically. The hyperpolarizing and depolarizing current sequences may be functionally related to the intracellular epileptiform discharges.


Species differences in the response of sugar and amino acid transport.

Transport of xylose, glycine and leucine at six different concentrations (1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 25.0 and 50.0 mM) has been studied in Ophiocephalus punctatus and Heteropneustes fossilis. With the increase in the concentration of the compounds in the filling solution, a corresponding increase is brought about in the transport rate. On a further increase in the concentration of the compounds transport rate is reduced. The transport of these nutrients has also been determined at 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 min intervals. Absorption is significant even at the 15 min stage. At low concentrations of the sugars and leucine, the process was more active in comparison to higher concentrations. Variations in the transport of nutrients were noted in the two fishes.


Effect of mepacrine on gastric motility in the rat.

Mepacrine given orally to rats inhibits gastric motility; its blocking effect is comparable to that of chloroquine, papaverine, and drotaverine, but less expressed than that of bencyclane. Similarly as the delayed gastric emptying induced by chloroquine, the effect of mepacrine is antagonized by acetyl-beta-methylcholine in a dose-related fashion, while that of papaverine, drotaverine, and bencyclane remains unchanged after treatment with the cholinomimetic drug.


Hyperaldosteronism in the sodium depleted rat: effect of a low sodium diet or diuretic treatment on steroid output by the superfused adrenal zona glomerulosa.

The effect of chronic and acute sodium depletion on the function of the adrenal zona glomerulosa was examined by means of superfusion of adrenal capsular glands. The glands were removed from rats kept on a low sodium diet for 7 days or from dexamethasone-pretreated rats 30 min after administration of the diuretic drug furosemide. Chronic sodium depletion brought about a high initial output of aldosterone followed by a rapid fall in output. The initial rate of corticosterone output did not differ significantly from that by control glands but exhibited a more rapid decline with time. Aldosterone: corticosterone ratio, an indicator of the rate of conversion of corticosterone to aldosterone, was much higher in the sodium depleted group throughout the whole superfusion period. Acute sodium depletion was followed by high initial and rapidly falling aldosterone and corticosterone output, without any significant change in the ratio of aldosterone to corticosterone output rate. The above dynamic patterns of steroid output indicate that a sodium deficient diet evokes hyperaldosteronism by increasing the formation of aldosterone from corticosterone (not excluding the possibility of increasing the formation of corticosterone as well) while diuretic treatment stimulates aldosterone secretion by acting on the formation of corticosterone only.


Human fetal and adult spleen phospholipids and their fatty acid composition.

Total phospholipid contents and the individual phospholipid components of human adult and fetal spleens from 17--18 and 23--24 week's pregnancies composition of sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylserine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidic acid studied in human adult, 17--18 and 23--24 week fetal spleens.


Alterations in plasma sexual steroid concentrations in the collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) during the sexual maturation and reproduction cycle.

Plasma progesterone (PROG), testosterone (TEST), oestrone (E1) and 17 beta-oestradiole (E2) concentrations were determined in collared doves living under natural conditions in young as well as sexually inactive animals further in different phases of the reproduction cycle; measurements were made by radioimmunoassay following Sephadex LH 20 chromatography. Sexual steroid plasma concentration in young and sexually inactive male and female birds were essentially the same characterized by relatively high PROG (3--400 pg/ml), and lower and similar TEST and E2 levels (2--300 pg/ml). In males, high TEST (2092 +/- 1074.9 pg/ml) and low E2 (89.4 +/- 57.3 pg/ml) levels were characteristic during the courting phase. In hatching males, although the weight of the testicles were not altered. TEST level markedly decreased 498 +/- 132.9 pg/ml) while E2 level significantly increased (469 +/- 90.1 pg/ml). "Lactating" males were characterized by similar sexual steroid plasma concentration levels, however, the weight of the testicles was greatly reduced. In female doves high PROG (1057 +/- 430.7 pg/ml) and low E2 (96.5 +/- 79.9 pg/ml) levels were found during the growing period of the follicles. In birds with ovaries having large follicles PROG level were depressed (487.7 +/- 255.6 pg/ml), while that of E2 increased (337 +/- 140.2 pg/ml). In periovulating birds high PROG (2972.5 +/- 1134.9 pg/ml) and low E2 (73 +/- 82.4 pg/ml) levels were detected. Both PROG (478.5 +/- 98.4 pg/ml) and E2 (101 +/- 45.5 pg/ml) levels were low in hatching and lactating females. Throughout the maturation and the sexual cycle PROG remained unchanged in males, TEST was not altered in females, while E1 levels remained unaltered in both sexes.


The effect of prostaglandin E1 on acetylcholine release from the cat brain.

Cerebral ventricular perfusion with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1, 1.4 X 10(-8) M) reduced the release of acetylcholine (ACh) into the ventriculo-cisternal perfusate of the unanaesthetized cat's brain. The samples of effluent were assayed on the isolated guinea-pig ileum. Neither a halving (1.07 X 10(-3) M) nor a threefold rise (6.45 X 10(-3) M) in the calcium concentration of the perfusate had any effect on the spontaneous release of the cholinergic transmitter. The action of PGE1 was counteracted by decreasing and potentiated by increasing the extracellular calcium concentration. Polyphloretin phosphate (PPP, 10(-4) g/ml) in itself did not significantly affect the ACh outflow. Preperfusion however, with this drug readily antagonized the depressant effect of PGE1. Ouabain (2.0 X 10(-5) M) added to the perfusion fluid increased the ACh output from the cat brain, and PGE1 prevented this effect of ouabain. A single intraventricular injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (1 mg) counteracted the inhibitory effect of PGE1 on spontaneous ACh release. A perfusion with the potent PG synthesis inhibitor suprofen (3.8 X 10(-7) M) did not influence change the mean output of the transmitter. Our data indicate that PGE1 reduces ACh release in the CNS via a pre- or postsynaptic modification of monoaminergic neurotransmission.


Influence of x-ray irradiation on the effects of apomorphine and L-dopa with respect to the dopamine level in rat brain and corpus striatum.

The influence of X-ray irradiation on the dopamine level in brain and in corpus striatum of male albino rats is studied. The changes in the influence of the dopaminergic agonists apomorphine and L-DOPA, applied independently and in combination, on the dopamine level in brain and striatum, are established comparatively (in non-irradiated rats and in rats on the 72nd hour after irradiation with 900 R). Apomorphine is found to have no significant influence on the dopamine level in brain and striatum of non-irradiated rats, while L-DOPA and its combination with apomorphine raise this level. On the 72nd hour after irradiation with 900 R there is no essential change in the dopamine level in brain and the striatum; apomorphine raises the dopamine level in brain and striatum; the effect of L-DOPA and its combination with apomorphine is potentiated with respect to the increase of the dopamine level in brain and striatum.


Pharmacological studies of a group of semi-synthetic structural analogues of glaucine.

Glaucine and the newly-synthesized compounds possess some general properties conditioned by the common apomorphine structure - inhibition of the central nervous system, brief decrease in blood pressure and spasmolytic action. At the same time the changes in the structure of glaucine lead to quantitative or qualitative changes in some of its effects. Substitution of hydrogen in 3rd position with -CH2. NH-group reduces glaucine toxicity 3.5 times. Still greater decrease in the toxicity (7.5-10 times) is found in the case of N-oxidation or dehydrogenation of glaucine. The extension of the methyl group in 3rd position with a hydroxy group or with an amide residue of the benzoic acid, as well as the dehydrogenation and N-oxidation of glaucine, lead to intensification of the inhibitory action on the central nervous system. With the exception of 7-methyl dehydroglaucine which has antitussive action similar to glaucine, the other glaucine structural analogues do not possess this property. Both glaucine and its structural analogues exercise a bronchoconstrictor effect. 3-Aminomethyl derivatives preserve the spasmolytic activity of glaucine, and their several-fold lower toxicity makes them more promising spasmolytic agents than glaucine. Dehydrogenation and N-oxidation of glaucine reduce considerably its spasmolytic action.


Influence of the acute intoxication with salts of some heavy metals on hexobarbital sleep and hexobarbital metabolism.

The effect of acute intoxication with salts of ten heavy metals on hexobarbital sleep and the dependence of this effect on the time of application and the dose of the heavy metal are studied in experiments on male albino rats. Two hours after subcutaneous injection of toxic doses, only cobalt nitrate significantly prolongs hexobarbital sleep. Significant prolongation of the sleep is observed at the 24th hour in intoxication with CuSO4, CdSO4, Co(NO3)2, Pb(CH3COO)2, ZnSO4, NiSO4, while As2O3, HgCl2, Bi(NO3)2 and SnCl2 do not change it. All heavy metals (with the exception of NiSO4) prolong significantly hexobarbital sleep 96 hours after the intoxication. At the 24th hour after intoxication with salts of heavy metals, the hexobarbital level in the blood serum at the 30th min after its administration is significantly higher for Co(NO3)2, CdSO4, NiSO4, and it tends to be higher for CuSO4 and Pb(CH3COO)2. This, together with the significant inhibition of the hexobarbital-oxidizing enzyme system in the case of Cu, Co, Cd and Pb, suggests that in the case of these heavy metals potentiation of the hexobarbital sleep is largely due to inhibition of the hexobarbital metabolism. No significant prolongation of hexobarbital sleep or changes in hexobarbital metabolism are found in intoxication with Hg, As, Bi and Sn salts. The definitely lower hexobarbital level in the blood serum and brain at the waking moment, as well as the lower threshold hypnotic doses, suggest the interference of pharmacodynamic mechanisms at the level of the central nervous system in the prolongation of hexobarbital sleep after acute intoxication with CuSO4, CdSO4 and NiSO4.


Neuropharmacological activity of new derivatives of 3,3-diethyl-2,4-pyridinedione. IV. 1-alkyl derivatives of 3,3-diethyl-2,4-pyridinedione.

Neuropharmacological screening of five 1-alkyl derivatives of 3,3-diethyl-2,4-pyridinedione was performed on male albino mice. The substances studied manifest very good analgesic effect in the test involving intraperitoneal injection of glacial acetic acid. 1-Alkyl derivatives have no hypnotic effect. They potentiate hexobarbital anaesthesia (with the exception of 1-/4'-/2''-hydroxyethyl/-piperazinylpropano/-3,3-diethyl-2,4-pyridinedione). 1-/2-morpholinoethyl/-3,3-diethyl-5-hydroxymethyl-2,4-pyridinedione and 1-/2'-morpholinoethyl/-3,3-diethyl-5-/3',4',5'-trimethoxybenzoyloxymethyl/-2,4-pyridinedione inhibit the amphetamine-stimulated motor activity. The newly-synthesized substances have no anticonvulsant action in corazol convulsions. 1-Alkyl derivatives are found to manifest a central depressive action, differing from that of diethylpyridinedione.


Reduction of Cu2+ by isolated rat liver mitochondria.

The present work provided evidence that isolated rat liver mitochondria reduce the larger part of the added CU2+ and that the reduction is of important for copper accumulation in mitochondria. The process is rapid, energy-independent and affected by steric factors. Both mitochondrial thiols and cytochrome c could participate in the Cu2+-reduction. Blocking of these mitochondrial components decrease sharply but does not abolish the reduction ability of mitochondria. Copper ions undergoing reversible reduction and oxidation in the presence of cysteine and ferrocytochrome c lead to the formation of O2- and H2O2. Superoxide radicals arise only from reoxidation of Cu+.


Somatosensory evoked potential of the stretch-reflex (T-reflex).

Averaging of EEG recorded monopolarly from C3, contralateral to the activated limb, in the stretch reflex shows the presence of somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) with characteristic shape: four constant waves--P29, N84, P202 and N294, and four inconstant waves--N31, P74, P99 and N123. Comparison of this SSEP with the SSEP in children, evoked in the stretch reflex, shows shorter latencies of the waves in adults. On the basis of data from the different series of experiments, it is assumed that kinesthetic signalization plays a dominant role in the genesis of SSEP of the T-reflex. Studies have shown that SSEP of the T-reflex is succeptible to habituation upon long repetition of the stretch reflex.


Method for simultaneous investigation of feeding and drinking behaviours and renal excretory function in small animals.

A new construction of individual metabolism cage for small laboratory animals with recording devices for registration of feeding and drinking behaviours is described. Using this metabolism cage, the method is elaborated with the following advantages: 1. Simultaneous studying of food and water intake and renal excretory function; 2. Twenty-four hour registration of feeding and drinking for investigation of their circadian rhythms and their efficiency as behavioural acts; 3. Collection of urine samples non-contaminated with food and faeces. The metabolism cage and recording devices are inexpensive, easy to prepare and to handle.


Morphological and mechanical properties of small mesenteric arteries and veins in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Segments of small mesenteric arteries(approximately 150 micrometer lumen diameter) and of corresponding veins were taken from 5-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR) AND FROM AGE MATCHED Wistar Kyoto (WKY) controls. The segments were mounted on a myograph which enabled their mechanical and morphological parameters to be investigated simultaneously. Compared with the WKY arteries the lumen diameter of the SHR arteries was smaller while the media thickness and active wall tension response were greater. On the other hand there were no differences between the corresponding veins from SHR and WKY animals although, compared with the arteries, the veins had a greater lumen diameter, a smaller media thickness and a smaller tension response. The findings suggest that the morphological and mechanical differences seen in arteries from SHR are not found on the venous side.


Firing behaviour in a stochastic nerve membrane model based upon the Hodgkin-Huxley equations.

A nerve membrane model with a two-state pore system was investigated by computer simulation in the uniform (space-clamped) case. Both sodium and potassium conducting pores were modelled, each pore having four independent gates which switched randomly between the open and the closed position, governed by the assumed rate constants. Each pore conducted only when all the gates were open. The model was based upon the Hodgkin-Huxley equations for the giant axon in squid, and in the limit of an infinite number of pores it was identical to these. The firing behaviour of this model as a function of the number of pores and the injected current were investigated. The mean firing frequency and the distribution of interspike intervals were mainly used in the presentation of the results. It was found that for pore numbers less than about 20 000 the main effects due to a finite number of pores were a lowering of the current threshold for firing and a more linear frequency current relationship relative to that of the original H-H equations. For higher pore numbers an increase in the current threshold and a pronounced burst firing close to the threshold were found.


[Attitudes concerning military duty and personality structures. Clinical, psychometric and projective study of Jehovah wittnesses and conscientious objectors (author's transl)].

Refusal of military duty appearing to be a deviant social attitude, the authors have investigated the relationship between this behaviour and personality. They hypothesize that the rigid attitude of the Jehovah Wittness, refusing military duty and civil service, would be linked to paranoïd structure, and conscientious objectors to border-line states. A triple approach (clinical, Rorschach and aggressivity inventory of Buss and Durkee) was used; representative groups of these two populations were compared to control military recruits. Rorschach protocoles did not differentiate the Jehovah and control group, both being characterized by poor items and retraction. The authors interpret there data by possible absence of motivation in controls, or a rigid psychological organisation, which could be related habits in life and spirit of our societies. For the objectors, these are richer and more open. Five out of twelve appear to have a border-line organisation.


[On the ontogenic character of the "Pierre Marie-Behague's test" and its utilization in the study of spatial orientation by patients with senile dementia (author's transl)].

This study is part of a series of researches conducted since some fifteen years in the geriatric department of the "Clinique Psychiatrique Universitaire de Genève". Its purpose is to investigate how and why old people are oriented/disoriented in space. In addition to the methods generally used in similar works, i.e. observation and questionnaires, the authors are preoccupied in understanding the mechanisms: in order to better define the concept of orientation, on the one hand, and to help the patients' adaptation, on the other hand. The results a) show that the Pierre Marie - Behague's Test of direction evince patterns of behaviour that correspond to developmental stages; b) permit the authors to give typical descriptions of patients with senile dementia. The analysis was qualitative rather than quantitative and similar to that used in genetic psychology. The results demonstrate that this approach is fruitful when adapted to geriatric research.


[The PRM test (memory profile). Results in a situation of posttraumatic examination (author's transl)].

Study of caracteristics of 50 protocoles of the PRM test obtained in "old" cranial traumatism. A comparison with the standards of Rey and various groups of results obtained for patients with traumatism (Rey, 1966; Crochelet, 1970) permits to situate our cases on a real scale of severity of memory deficit.


[Detection of simulation in posttraumatic expertises (author's transl)].

The test PRM, used in examinations of posttraumatic deficits, has allowed the elaboration of a score globalizing anomalies in this protocole, for this type of examination. This score, called "Score Fi", permits to detect doubtfull protocoles. The use of this PRM in a psychiatric hospital permits the hypothesis that the score Fi can also have value of an index of organicity. A study on this topic is in progress.


Perceived value-orientations toward premarital virginity of female virgins and nonvirgins.

Various studies have suggested an increase in the incidence of premarital intercourse among women with a corresponding decline in premarital virginity. The present study was conducted in an attempt to determine perceived value-orientations toward premarital virginity of female virgins and nonvirgins. It examined the possibility of different orientations for different virgin or nonvirgin classifications and motivations. Results suggested significant differences between female virgins and nonvirgins among ten value-orientation criteria.


Classification and grading of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

In 155 patients with invasive squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix malignancy point grading was based on histologic examination of pretreatment biopsies. The observation time extended over 10 years. All patients received similar radiologic treatment. Tumour cell population and tumour-host relationship were estimated separately using eight parameters graded from 1 to 3. A fairly sharp border is distinguishable at 16 points, but an overlap occurred in both directions. The curable recurrences had 16 points or less. The necessity of deep biopsies for adequate grading was demonstrated.


Laryngeal carcinoma. III. Treatment results in relation to microscopic score.

Long term treatment results for 254 patients with laryngeal carcinoma, primarily treated by irradiation, have been analysed according to a microscopic score, indicating the degree of malignancy. Deaths from carcinoma are significantly correlated to the microscopic score. It is strongly indicated that such correlations also exist for local recurrence/residual tumour and regional lymph node metastases. Therefore it is concluded that the microscopic grading system is a valuable prognostic factor supporting, and additional to, the T.N. classification. Larger series are needed in order to obtain correlations in subgroups, and accordingly primary therapeutic consequences can only be suggested, in doubtful cases.


Psycho-social variables of female rapees not reporting and reporting the first incidence of rape.

Rape statistics are difficult to assess due to differential definitions of the crime, the ratio of arrests resulting from reported complaints, and the extent of the numbers of unreported rapes, especially those regarding the first incidence of the crime. The present research was conducted to determine: 1. specific psycho-social variables associated with female rapees not reporting and reporting the first incidence of rape, and 2. a comparison of the similarities and/or differences of each, as well as 3. their influences on the women leading them to develop not reporting and reporting positions. Results suggested sixteen different variables important to female rapees not reporting and reporting the first incidence of rape. There were significant differences regarding which of these tended to be associated with either the women not reporting or reporting the rape act.


[Haschish and heroine: considerations on interviews with drug addicts (author's transl)].

The author analyzes the phenomenological experience of drug in 48 drug addicts with haschisch or heroïne. The choice of the drug is linked to the severity and the type of suffering and the relationship between the drug addict and the drug is not necessarily self-destructive.


[Neuropsychology and psychological testing: boundaries and proximity (author's transl)].

The psychological testing is briefly described and we present the fields of proximity between neuropsychology and psychometry (psychosurgery and aphasiology. Yet it appears that usefulness of psychometry in neuropsychology is only limited to practical aspects. The main limitation arises from two problems: non-neuropsychological goal of psychometry and non-functional and quantitative studies of behavior. A specific "neuropsychometry" is presented and examples are suggested from studies of italian, soviet (Luria's school) and swiss (Piaget's method) researchers; applications in clinical neuropsychology are discussed. In conclusion, neuropsychology must produce a functional analysis of behavior and conceive this behavior as a reorganisation rather than a deficit or a loss.


Treatment of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. Value of calcitonin as tumour marker.

Changes in immunoreactive serum calcitonin were measured in 11 patients with medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, before and after surgery, external high-voltage irradiation, 131I therapy, and chemotherapy. Measurement of serum calcitonin concentration was found to be a useful method for evaluating tumour mass and function during treatment. Contrary to previous reports, treatment with 131I resulted in a positive effect on serum calcitonin and diarrhoea, and in one patient with bone metastases these disappeared. No response was found following chemotherapeutic regimes. Calcitonin was found to be more sentitive than palpation, radiography, and scintigraphy for determining the amount of tumour tissue, but a definite correlation between this amount and the concentration of serum calcitonin was not found.


Clinico-pathologic correlation in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. III. Biologic significance of a modified Lukes and Collins classification.

With a modified Lukes & Collins classification of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas applied retrospectively to a patient series the biologic and clinical implications of some microscopic features were analysed. It was found that, based on this classification, proliferation, dissemination and differentiation could be explained in a comprehensible way.


Low frequency vibration dilatation of the uterine cervix.

Dilatation of the uterine cervix by low frequency vibrations has been carried out before intra-uterine irradiation with 60Co by the afterloading technique. No complications or technical difficulties occurred. The method seems to be easy, safe, rapid and usually without unacceptable discomfort to the patient. The need for sedatives or general or local anaesthesia was reduced.


Prognostic factors in pyriform sinus carcinoma.

In the 48-month survival analysis of 76 evaluable pyriform sinus carcinoma cases, nodal stage and size played the most significant prognosis-affecting roles. N3 stage and node greater than 3 cm decreased the survival fourfold and threefold, respectively, at statistically significant levels. The difference between the 35 per cent preoperative radiation therapy and 3 per cent radical radiation therapy cumulative 48-mouth survivals was significant at p less than 0.01. Complication rates were 6 per cent with radical radiation, 35 per cent with preoperative radiation and 43 per cent with curative surgery.


Malignant lymphoma of the testis.

The clinical features and the results of treatment in 12 cases of malignant lymphoma of a series of 280 consecutive cases of testicular tumor are reported. The tendency of these neoplasms for bilateral involvement and the association with skin and upper respiratory tract lesions, reported in the literature, were confirmed. Long survival of a few cases after orchidectomy or regional treatment only (2 in the present series) suggests the existence of malignant lymphoma of the testis as a primary condition, although in most cases a lymphomatous involvement of the testis must be considered as a local manifestation of disseminated lymphoma.


Photochromogenic and scotochromogenic mycobacteria: their clinical significance.

In the period 1973--1977, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated by cultivation in 4408 cases from the clinical specimens of patients with positive X-ray findings. On the basis of atypical colony morphology or pigment formation, 263 other mycobacterial strains were identified: of these 23 were photochromogenic and belonged to Mycobacterium kansasii. The strains were cultured on several occasions from the specimens of 4 patients with broncho-pulmonary mycobacteriosis. The strains were resistant to isoniazid and streptomycin, sensitive to ethambutol and rifampicin. A total of 18 scotochromogenic isolates cultured from 14 patients with positive X-ray findings were identified as Mycobacterium aquae (M. gordonae) and its variants: strains showing slow Tween hydrolysis and 1 strain of rapid growth. In 5 cases M. tuberculosis was also obtained, indicating the presence of a mixed mycobacterial population. All scotochromogens were resistant to isoniazid and sensitive to ethambutol, with the exception of two strains sensitive to rifampicin.


Interactions between two spatially separated letters presented in succession.

The interactions between two letters presented in succession to neighboring regions of retina were investigated. The interstimulus intervals were: 0, 20, 60, 250 ms, 2.5 s. In control trials single letters were presented in two positions corresponding to the positions of letters in pairs. The recognition of a letter presented as the first element of pairs with either simultaneous presentation or with 250 ms delay of the second element was significantly better than the recognition of single letters. On the contrary, the interstimulus interval 20 and 60 ms yielded an increase of errors made in the recognition of the first letter. The results are interpreted in terms of inhibitory interactions between transient and sustained channels, and in terms of hypothesized excitatory connections between the cortical cells responding to visual elements forming more complex patterns.


Quantitative anatomical and behavioral analyses of regeneration and collateral sprouting following spinal cord transection in the nurse shark (ginglymostoma cirratum).

The spinal cord was transected at the mid-thoracic level in 32 nurse sharks. Four animals per group were sacrificed at intervals of 10, 20, 30, 40, 60 and 90 days postoperative. Two groups of fish underwent a subsequent spinla1 cord retransection at the same site at 90 days and were sacrificed 10 and 20 days later. Three sections of spinal cord were removed from each shark for histological analysis. Behaviorally, timed trials for swimming speed and a strength test for axial musculature contraction caudal to the lesion site were performed at 5 day postoperative intervals. Histological analysis showed little regeneration (9-13 percent) of two descending tracts 90 days following the lesion and no return of rostrally controlled movements caudal to the lesion. However, synaptic readjustment did occur caudal to the lesion. This phenomenon was attributed to local segmental sprouting of adjacent, intact nerve fibers. A close correlation was shown between this synaptic readjustment and the strength of uncontrollable undulatory movements seen caudal to the lesion site following spinal cord transection. The relationship of regeneration and collateral sprouting to quantitative behavioral changes is discussed.


Alimentary instrumental responses and neurological reflexes in amygdalar cats.

Lesions in ventromedial part of amygdala impaired neither alimentary instrumental reflexes nor food intake, but impaired predatory behavior. Lesions localized in the more dorsal and lateral part of the amygdala produced disorders in instrumental performance and food intake without changes in predatory attack. Both kind of lesions did not impair neurological reflexes, therefore the abolishment of predatory attack after ventromedial amygdala damage was not caused by sensory-motor disturbances. It is concluded that predatory behavior is based on specific mechanisms separate from both alimentary and instrumental ones.


The effects of imipramine treatment on the unconditioned alimentary behavior and classical conditioned salivary reactions in dogs.

In Experiment I the effect of imipramine treatment on the unconditioned food intake in dogs was tested. In Experiment II imipramine was injected in dogs in which classical conditioned salivary reflexes had been previously elaborated. Both conditioned and unconditioned salivation were decreased. The differentiation of conditioned salivation to CS+ and CS- was disturbed during the imipramine treatment, due to the prominent decrease of conditioned salivary reflexes to CS+ and also increase of reactions to CS-. Imipramine treatment produced only a slight decrease of food intake. In most dogs of both groups the increase of general arousal and improvement of social contact was observed. The variability of the imipramine effect on particular parameters of alimentary behavior depended on the individual characteristics of each dog. It is concluded that in the evaluation of the effect of imipramine one should take into consideration its differential influences on various motor, autonomic and emotional, central as well as peripheral components of alimentary behavior and characteristics of the individual subjects.


The light-dark relation in maintained discharge of collicular neurons of the cat.

In dark-adapted state, neurons of superior colliculus showed higher frequency of maintained discharges than un light-adapted state. Among the active cells two types of interval histogram distributions were registered, uni- and bimodal.


[Present changes in age of menarche in Görlitz born girls (author's transl)].

In former studies we could show, that the menarche of Görlitz-born girls accelerated from annual-set to annual-set between 1944 and 1953. The annual-sets 1954 to 1958 have constantly a mean-age of menarche from 12 years and 3 months. In 1959 and 1960 born girls we find now, that they have a menarche-mean-age of 12 years and 10 months. Also there are some girls, which had her menarche first again after ending her 15. year of life.


[Sport therapy for children and young people with bronchial-pulmonary disease (author's transl)].

Bronchial-pulmonary disease is of great importance during infancy. Additionnal to common methods the advantages of sport therapy are pointed to. Experience and hints for its application are explained. In pediatrics sport therapy should be used to a greater extend than before.


[State of health in graduates (author's transl)].

Results of an inquiry about individual development and state of health during education at univerisities. From graduation to begin of professional work a diminuation of disorders of health is to be found. Only 20% feel their state of health more disturbed. General stabilization of health is accompanied by more resistance to psychical stress. Especially important are the following factors: fellowship in team work, social integration (partner, friends, neighbours), long-termed overdosage of work, missing success (partially because of an inadequate claim). So this inquiry leads to the result: education at universities is a period of psychical stress. Therefore psycho-hygienic points of view must be considered in planning the studies.


[Sexual experience and family planning among freshmen (author's transl)].

In the last few years, the number of freshmen who experienced their first sexual intercourse prior to college has increased. This is due to the first occurrence of sexual intercourse at an earlier age even among prospective students. The proportion of university students wishing to get married and to have children during their university years has substantially increased.


[Questionaire tests to assess student's troubles in general practioner's and psychologist's advisory centres (author's transl)].

The correlations between the ENR-test (Brengelmann and Brengelmann) and the VELA-test (Fahrenberg) result in a highly significant coincidence of the dimensions neuroticism and anatomic instability with the categories A until F or Kühn's questionnaire test of student's troubles (QST). The ENR- and VELA-tests are suitable as a screening for mass examinations. In therapeutic institutions engaging not especially with the problems of student's troubles and failness, these tests should be preferred, but in special psychological advisory centres for students Kühn's QST is indispensable.


Effects of stimulation of acupuncture loci Ta-Chuei (Go-14), Nei-Kuan (EH-6) and Tsu-San-Li (St-36) on thermoregulatory function of normal adults.

The effects of acupuncture stimulation on the Ta-Chuei (Go-14), Nei-Kuan (EH-6), and Tsu-San-Li (St-36) loci on thermoregulatory function were assessed in normal adults. Stimulation of acupuncture locus Ta-Chuei produced hypothermia. The hypothermia was brought about by a decrease in metabolic rate, an increase in cutaneous circulation (the back region) and perspiration. On the other hand, acupuncture stimulation of either the Nei-Kuan or Tsu-San-Li loci produced a slight hyperthermia. The hyperthermia was due to a decrease in cutaneous circulation. The data indicate that each acupuncture locus may have its own function with special reference to body temperature regulation.


Ultrastructural studies on the effects of Korean Panax ginseng on the theca interna of rat ovary.

An investigation was conducted to delineate the fine structure of steroid-producing ovarian theca interna cells following administration of Korean Panax ginseng to rats for 60 days. The cytoplasmic changes were observed in the ginseng-treated theca interna cells, increased number, size and density of the mitochondria, and increased size of the smooth surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, the rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. The nucleus and nucleolus were slightly enlarged and increased numbers of dense bodies were seen whereas lipid droplets were decreased in number. The changes may result from hyperfunction of the steroid-producing cells. Morphologic changes seen may represent stimulating effects on the steroid-producing cells of the theca interna in ginseng-treated animals.


Can an extract of deer antlers alter cardiovascular dynamics?

Ten (10) dogs were maintained under 0.75% halothane anesthesia while 11 cardiovascular parameters were studied before and following intravenous administration of an extract prepared from deer antlers. The eleven variables including cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, pulse pressure, central venous pressure, total peripheral resistance, pH, PaCO2, PaO2 and base line deficit were studied. Stroke volume was consistently elevated during the period of observation and significantly elevated at two time intervals. Other values were not altered significantly. Extract from deer antlers does not appear to have a great acute effect on the cardiovascular system of this animal model.


Successful use of Chinese medicine and corticosteroid for pemphigus erythematosus (Senear-Usher syndrome).

Chinese medicine was used in the treatment of a patient with pemphigus vulgaris in combination with corticosteroid (bethamethasone). Results indicate that the use of Chinese medicine in combination with corticosteroid is a highly effective treatment method for pemphigus erythematosus.


Simple low cost stimulator for electroacupuncture.

A simple low cost stimulator for electroacupuncture is described. The stimulator can be used with needle electrodes or with surface electrodes.


Inspection of back surface aspheric contact lenses.

Two methods of clinically inspecting and verifying rigid back surface aspheric contact lenses were investigated. A modification of the Radiuscope was found to be an accurate method for making such measurements. Measurement data of a number of aspheric lenses obtained by using this procedure are presented.


Human visual acuity assessment through linear extrapolation to threshold of bar grating VERs.

Visual evoked responses (VERs) were obtained from seven normal eyes, using high contrast square-wave gratings of varying bar size on an 8 degrees or 24 degrees stimulus field. VER amplitude was plotted as a function of bar size. These plots, called square wave transfer functions (SWTFs), have one or more peaks when generated by a 24 degree field. In some individuals, the small bar size extreme of the function can be fitted well with a straight line for purposes of extrapolation to the visual acuity bar size. However, interindividual differences in the shape of the 24 degree field SWTF invalidates any a priori assumption of what bar sizes may be included in the extrapolation. Results from three subjects, using an 8 degree field, suggest that a more uniform single-peaked triangular SWTF with a peak near 5 min arc may be assumed for extrapolation purposes. The interindividual SWTF differences obtained with the 24 degree field were not random, the subjects falling into one of two groups on the basis of SWTF shape. This SWTF shape dichotomy may be correlated with the presence or absence of strabismus.


Reaction and response times for accommodation.

Using an infra-red dynamic optometer, a qualitative comparison of the accommodation responses of two observers to step changes in target position showed marked differences in their  ability to accommodate correctly. Measurement of reaction time (or latency) gave results comparable with those of other workers and independent of target position. Measurements of response time showed for one observer that the response time was dependent on the extent of the accommodative change required; this was not true of the other observer. Possible reasons for the intersubject differences and the role of the instructions given to the observer are discussed.


Use of horizontal prism to correct vertical fixation disparity.

By noting the direction of gaze in which the vertical phoria is largest, one can determine where binocular discomfort is likely to be greatest. Treatment of the discomfort is then based upon prescribing horizontal prism for the horizontal phoria. The recommended amount of horizontal prism is that amount which reduces the vertical fixation disparity to zero. Although the fixation disparity can change in different directions of gaze, in most instances, the prescribed amount of horizontal prism is determined in the primary position of gaze.


Further investigation of hydrogel lens power changes due to flexure.

Measured values for ametropia-correcting powers and front surface radii of lenses on the eye are compared to values which would be expected, using the Equal Change Hypothesis and the Invariant Normals-Constant Arc Hypothesis. Photographs of various lenses on the eye, with large molecule fluorescein instilled, are presented and show no noticeable tear lens of a finite power. These photographs and our data indicate that the Equal Change Hypothesis is not valid for predicting lens power changes due to flexure. In contrast, the Invariant Normals-Constant Arc Hypothesis appears to closely predict lens flexure effects. A clinical application of this study would be to note that thin minus hydrogels correct slightly more ametropia in their flexed state than in their unflexed state. Thin plus hydrogels correct slightly less ametropia in the flexed state than in the unflexed state.


Jerk nystagmus: some new findings.

Eye movements in a subject with jerk nystagmus were recorded during a variety of tracking tasks using a photoelectric method. New findings included ability to reduce nystagmus amplitude and frequency when instructed "to hold the eye steady" rather than "to fixate" in the presence of a visible target, changes in nystagmus characteristics and visual acuity as a function of head position which related to overall retinal-image motion, marked variability of nystagmus especially during reading, and necessity of a prolonged period of visual feedback for generation of nystagmus to approach a "steady-state" level. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed, including use of the "hold" command during ophthalmoscopy in patients with nystagmus.


Reflectance of visual acuity screens.

The luminance of the background and of the target (visual acuity letter) was measured for five commonly used visual acuity screen materials. Most materials were found to be highly nonlambertian. A greater than threefold difference in reflectance normal to the surface was found for the respective screens tested. The percent polarization maintained by each screen material, using American Optical Vectograph systems, was measured. The relative illuminations generated by eight projector systems were compared. A discussion of the factors and recommendations for improvements related to projected chart visibility are made.


Hand-held slit lamp with a lid opener.

During ocular examinations, it often is necessary for the doctor to both inspect and treat the eye simultaneously. An instrument has been developed which makes this process considerably simpler.


The quiet carrier of beta-thalassemia.

Heterozygosity for beta-thalassemia is usually characterized by hypochromia, microcytosis, mild anemia, and increased percentage of Hb A2, and normal or mildly increased Hb F. We have studied an unusual type of beta-thalassemia with typical morphologic abnormalities but normal levels of Hb A2 and Hb F, with diagnosis confirmed by globin synthesis studies. The results indicate that globin synthesis studies may be necessary when the cause of hypochromia and microcytosis cannot be clearly determined by hemoglobin quantitation and electrophoresis and other standard clinical tests.


Antioxidant relationship between selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase and tocopherol.

Glutathione peroxidase, a selenium-dependent enzyme, and tocopherol interact and may, indeed, compensate for deficiencies of one or the other. Iron-supplemented, "tocopherol-sufficient," low-birth-weight premature infants fed (selenium-poor) formulas rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid (greater than 35% of fat as PUFA) develop severe hemolysis secondary to erythrocyte phosphatidyl ethanolamine loss. By further increasing tocopherol supplementation one can prevent the clinical expression of a relative tocopherol and an absolute selenium--glutathione peroxidase deficiency. Selenium-poor cow's milk preparations containing 12--15% of fat as polyunsaturated fatty acids, trace amounts of iron, and 12--15 mg/liter of tocopherol are sufficient to maintain proper nutrition without risk of increased peroxidation.


Adriamycin cardiotoxicity amelioration by alpha-tocopherol.

Adriamycin has become a potent member of the cancer chemotherapeutic program. However, the full utilization of adriamycin is limited by its cardiotoxicity. In experimental animals, alpha-tocopherol has been shown by some to ameliorate or prevent cardiac dysfunction without impairing antitumor effectiveness. During adriamycin therapy, future clinical research should consist of biochemical measurements of vitamin E in plasma, lipoperoxidation in red cells and platelets, while cars to indicate deficiency, should be considered as one method of ameliorating toxicity.


Coagulation problems relating to vitamin E.

In the studies outlined in this report, normal dogs receiving megadoses of vitamin E displayed no abnormalities in their coagulation mechanisms. However, when made mildly vitamin-K-deficient by using warfarin, the introduction of vitamin E produced a profound coagulopathy. This coagulopathy was characterized by a further reduction in the vitamin-K-dependent coagulation factors and did not influence the levels of the non-vitamin K coagulation factors. Only one human case has been described to date, and this particular patients was vitamin-K-deficient at the time he was receiving vitamin E. Further studies are necessary to ascertain the usefulness of this vitamin in trombotic disease and to define the possible hematological toxicity in those patients with concomitant vitamin K deficiency.


A possible role of vitamin E in the prevention or amelioration of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a significant cause of chronic pulmonary disease following mechanical ventilation of newborn infants. Although the exact pathogenesis of BPD has yet to be elucidated, high concentration of supplemental oxygen delivered by positive pressure through an endotracheal tube is thought to be a major predisposing factor. The only reported clinical trial of the administration of an exogenous antioxidant as vitamin E (20 mg/kg/day I.M.) to premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome who were receiving supplemental oxygen greater than 40% showed a shorter exposure to all levels of supplemental oxygen when compared to a control group. No roentgenographic changes of BPD were noted in any vitamin-E-treated infants. Vitamin E may modify the development of BPD, but until further clinical trials demonstrate a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of BPD, efforts should be made to minimize exposure to any of the associated factors in the pathogenesis of BPD.


The relationship between fibrinogen degradation products and cryofibrinogen.

Cryofibrinogen obtained from four children with inflammatory diseases was invesitgated for immunoglobulin and FDP activity. It is concluded that the potential for fibrinogenolysis is present in cryofibrinogen but it is not necessary for its formation. The proteins in the cryoprecipitates that migrate electrophorectically with the alpha-, beta- and gamma-globulins represent immunoglobulins and, perhaps, some FDP.


The multiple hematologic manifestations of neuroblastoma.

The hematologic manifestations of neuroblastoma are numerous and varied. Bone marrow invasion by tumor cells may cause leukoerythroblastic changes or depression of one or more of the cell lines in the peripheral blood; occasionally bone marrow involvement may be so extensive that tumor cells may be released into the peripheral blood and lead to an erroneous diagnosis of leukemia. Anemia in neuroblastoma patients may result not only from bone marrow involvement, but also from bleeding into a tumor mass or from the hemolysis accompanying a consumption coagulopathy. A specific morphologic abnormality, the cogwheel erythrocyte, has been reported in patients with neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma may also be associated with elevation of the platelet count or a hypercoagulable state. Recognition of these protean hematologic manifestations may facilitate diagnosis in children with atypical presentations of this highly malignant tumor.


Clinical and laboratory diagnosis of hemostatic disorders in newborn infants.

We describe a microtechnology for the study of the coagulation system in newborn infants. Interpretation of results demands an understanding of the techniques used and the nature of the control population from which normal values are drawn. We have examined two syndromes which represent the majority of hemostatic disorders of sick newborn infants. The first is thrombocytopenia resulting from bacterial infections in which there are minimal changes in the levels of blood coagulation factors and little tendency to bleed. The second is a syndrome of disseminated intravascular coagulation in which there is a profound disturbance in the coagulation mechanism, relatively little change in platelet counts, a severe hemorrhagic diathesis, and widespread ischemic necrosis.


Platelet function in the neonate.

Impairment of platelet function is well recognized in the neonate. The abnormalities include a reduction in platelet factor 3 activity and availability, a reduction in the release of nonmetabolic storage pool ADP and ATP, and platelet factor 4 following stimulation, decreased adhesiveness, and impaired aggregation with ADP, epinephrine, collagen, and thrombin. Whether the cause of the platelet abnormality and the impairment in platelet secretion is due to a "storage pool deficiency" or an "aspirin-like defect" has been unclear. However, recent data suggests that the neonatal platelet possesses neither a significant deficiency in prostaglandin synthesis nor a significant decrease in storage pool adenine nucleotides. The abnormalities noted appear most likely to be due to a membrane-related phenomenon.


Refusal of treatment: a new dilemma for oncologists.

Thirteen cases of childhood malignancy are described in which treatment was refused. Four groups are presented: 1) the parents refused treatment for a child with a good prognosis, 2) parents refused treatment for a child with a poor prognosis, 2) the patients refused treatment, and 4) child abuse or neglect occurred in conjunction with refusal of treatment. Parents refused treatment on the basis of religious grounds, seeking unproven methods of treatment, a conviction that treatment was worthless, or a feeling that treatment of the child interfered with the parents' life-style. Children refused treatment because they did not like the therapy side effects, did not like painful procedures, or felt the disease was hopeless. Some families refused treatment at  one point, then later asked to resume treatment. Management of these cases depends, to a great extent, on prognosis. Those children having a good prognosis can be called to the attention of the juvenile court on the basis of medical neglect. In children with a poor prognosis, recourse to the juvenile court is not indicated. In all cases, frequent communication with the families is extremely important even when treatment has been refused.


Zinc deficiency in children with sickle cell disease.

Zinc status was studied in 47 children with homozygous sickle cell disease (SCD). Decreased hair and plasma zinc was demonstrated in these children and hyperzincuria was found in the older patients. This study indicates that zinc deficiency in patients with SCD is probably due to hyperzincuria.


Evolution, maturation, and regression of lesions of psoriasis. New observations and correlation of clinical and histologic findings.

The evolution, maturation, and regression of lesions of psoriasis were studied histologically. The earliest histologic changes in pinhead-sized macules of psoriasis consist of a superficial perivascular infiltrate of lymphocytes and histiocytes and dilation and tortuosity of the blood vessels in the dermal papillae. Some lymphocytes move upward into the spinous zone of the epidermis and slight intercellular edema develops. Above these slight spongiotic foci, and after the granular layer disappears, the cornified layer becomes compact, and parakeratosis and epidermal hyperplasia develop. Only then do neutropils move through the epidermis into the mounds of parakeratosis. These changes, initially focal and episodic, become more confluent and constant, resulting in formation of clinical plaques. In spontaneously resolving lesions, inflammatory cells disappear first, the other changes next, and tortuosity of blood vessels in the dermal papillae last.


Fibrous papule of the face. An electron-microscopic study of two cases.

Fibrous papules on the nose from two patients were examined by electron microscopy. In each, the large characteristic dermal cells had ultrastructural features of fibroblasts, and there was no evidence of either melanocytic or Schwann cell differentiation. Banded structures (long-spacing collagen) were present in one case.


Fibrous papule of the face. A study of five cases by electron microscopy.

The stellate-shaped and multinucleated cells in fibrous papule of the face from five patients were studied by electron microscopy and found to be fibrohistiocytic cells.


[Human phrenic nerve: analysis of nerve fibre types on the base of their acetylcholinesterase activity (author's transl)].

As marked differences in the Acetylcholinesterase (ACHE)-activity of myelinated nerve fibres of ventral and dorsal spinal roots can be found also in human post mortem material (ZENKER et al. 1978), the Karnovsky-method for histochemical demonstration of ACHE-activity has been used for differentiation of motor and sensory fibres in the human phrenic nerve. In cross sections of the phrenic nerve 1--2 cm above its entrance into the diaphragm, after an incubation period of 24 hours, 86% of the medullated nerve fibres displayed a high enzyme activity and therefore were classified as motoric. The histogram of these stained fibres revealed a large group of fibres with a peak at 9--10 micron in diameter which were interpreted as A-alpha fibres and a small group of fibres with a peak at 2--3 micron which were classified as A-gamma fibres. The mean diameter of the A-alpha group fibres is smaller than the mean diameter in a "typical" muscle nerve. Furthermore, the number of A-gamma fibres in the phrenic nerve, as compared with a "typical" muscle nerve is strikingly small. This seems to be in accordance with the small number of unstained fibres (14% only) which were interpreted as sensoric. In this group no fibre was found larger than 9 micrometers in diameter. This could mean a complete lack of primary afferents within the human phrenic nerve.


[Local variation of brain structures related to C. T. reference line (author's transl)].

Median sagittal sections of the cranium of 18 males and 7 females aging from 42 to 74 years were investigated. The distance of brain structures from the skull varied about 11 to 22 mm if the orbitomeatal line is used as reference. A correlation coefficient below 0.5 is found between distances on the outside of the skull and on the median sagittal section as well in horizontal as in the vertical direction. The statistical deviation of the outline of the brain is less extended with an intracerebral reference line than with reference points on the outer surface of the skull. The localization of several telencephalic parts are correlated with the inclination angle of the brain stem. The long axis of the brain stem therefore appears to be the best reference line for localization of brain structures.


[Helping factors of the occlusion and oppening mechanisms of gastric cardiac region in opossum. Comparative study to the man (author's transl)].

The morphological factors that should work to help the cardial occlusion (esophageal and gastric mucosal folds) and are arranged to cooperate for the cardial oppening (smooth muscle fibres of the longitudinal layer of esophagus and stomach) are described in opossum (Didelphis albiventris), comparatively to the man. Also are comparatively discussed the anatomical disposition of diaphragm, esophageal hiatus of diaphragm, gastrophrenic ligament and phrenosophagical membrane.


The hematology of mrigal, Cirrhina mrigala (Ham.) (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).

Hematological parameters of a carp, Cirrhina mrigala, are reported here. Haematocrit ranged from 29.0 to 44.0%. The range of hemoglobin was 7.06 to 11.86 g/100 ml of blood, and the total number of erythrocytes varied from 1.7 to 3.0 million/mm3 of the blood, both hemoglobin and erythrocyte concentrations being higher in males than in the females. Mean ESR was 1.88 mm/h, with higher ESR in females (2.05 mm/h) than in the males (1.67 mm/h). The clotting time in males (41.0 seconds) was lower than in the females (63.5 seconds). Hematological values varied with the size and weight of the fishes. Variations in hematological parameters with season and in fishes of different maturation states were quite apparent.


[Correlative relations of spondylometric features and the height of the body in the Lower Silesian children and adolescent's process of growth (author's transl)].

The author has carried out an analyzis of correlative relations of spondylometric features and the height of the body in 1197 children and adolescents aged 3 up to 16. He has stated individual segments of vertebral column to show slight correlative tendencies or complete lack of them. The length of the vertebral column segments is positively correlated with the length of the vertebral column as well as with the boys and girls body higt - in the process of growth and especially in puberty. A stabilization of proportions of spondylometric features as well as of those and the height of the body takes place in the period of pubescence. That process is more distinct in girls than in boys.


[Microbiological monitoring of embalmed cadavera during dissection courses (author's transl)].

Microbiological monitoring of normal anatomical specimens was done in order to evaluate results which were obtained in a investigation of decay of embalmed cadavera. The process of decay was characterized by massive colonisation with enterobacteria and aerobic sporeformers. Under normal conditions mainly germs from skin and air are cultivated from surfaces of anatomical specimens, but only in small numbers. The number of germs is increased after periods of intensive preparative work. The results show that the main criterion for the microbiological quality of embalmed cadavera is resistency against external germs during course work. This is to be achieved by consequent preventive measures in the dissection laboratory.