Selection of materials for ventricular assist pump development and fabrication.

A study was undertaken to select 2 of the most promising bladder materials from a list of 8 carefully chosen polymers. The polymers chosen for testing included a wide spectrum of urethanes, as well as a polyester resin and a millable polyolefin rubber. The following materials were studied: Adiprene LW-500, Avcothane 51, Biomer, Hexsyn, Hytrel 4055, Mobay 240313, Pellethane 2103-80 AE, and Tecoflex HR. The selection process was based on a test matrix which was divided into segmented steps, each a logical sequel from its predecessor, and each of increasing technical complexity. Hydrolytic stability, flexure endurance, fabricability, tissue compatibility, hemocompatibility and chronic tissue compatibility were evaluated, forming the basis for the acceptance/rejection criteria. As a result of this search, 2 biomaterials were identified as most suitable for use in conventionally flocked bladders; Biomer and Tecoflex HR. Both Biomer and Tecoflex HR bladders have demonstrated impressive results in circulatory analog loop endurance tests, with Tecoflex bladders surpassing 50 million flexes to date, and Biomer bladders (the longest running bladders) exceeding 150 million flexes. Tests are continuing.


Protracted parenteral drug infusion in ambulatory subjects using an implantable infusion pump.

This study demonstrates the feasibility of ambulatory heparin therapy and its potential for successful treatment of refractory thromboembolic disease. The proven capability of the implantable infusion pump to provide long-term heparin infusion in ambulatory subjects suggests that it may have application in the delivery of other parenteral drugs as well.


Post-permanent access neuropathy.

1. Carpal tunnel syndrome independent of uremic polyneuropathy has been described in 4 patients. 2. Operative findings are consistent with intraneural vascular compression related to the forearm A-V fistula. 3. Intraneural neurolysis results in immediate and almost total symptomatic relief.


Clinical use of a totally heparin grafted hemodialysis system in uremic patients.

1. A totally heparin grafted dialysis system shows great promise in the treatment of chronic uremia associated with bleeding risk. 2. Long-term treatment of chronic uremia with this system has to await: a) Further studies of the chronic toxicity of CPC. b) Evaluation of performance which may be achieved by using a more homogeneous heparin with higher bioactivity. 3. Detailed studies of platelet factor 4 release with subsequent heparin neutralization to determine the importance of this variable in its effect on system performance.


Home peritoneal dialysis. A major advance in promoting home dialysis.

The institution of a home peritoneal dialysis program has allowed us to increase the number of patients with end-stage renal failure entering our home dialysis program from 42.5% to 67.5% of the total population. This represents a 56.5% increase over the rate achieved by home hemodialysis alone. Twenty-four percent of the home peritoneal dialysis patients could have managed home hemodialysis, but 38 could not and this represents 48% of the total patients who entered our home dialysis program, for the period of the study. These patients would have required institutional dialysis which would not have been practical for 52.6% of them because of the distance they live from Toronto. The results of home peritoneal dialysis have compared favorably with home hemodialysis in the 2 concurrent but unmatched series in respect of training time, failure rate, need for in-hospital back-up and patient survival. A long-term study of matched patients randomized to either treatment group such as that described by Blumenkrantz will finally answer the question as to how valid is our contention that peritoneal dialysis compares favourably to hemodialysis for the treatment of end-stage renal failure.


An implantable electromagnetic sound source for speech production.

Our goal is to provide laryngectomized cancer patients with a method of speech rehabilitation as an alternative to esophageal speech when required. With the cooperation of otolaryngologists, biomedical engineers, and speech therapists, an implantable electromagnetic sound source for voice production has been produced. It is biocompatible, durable, and functional in animal experimentation. A small, carefully selected clinical trial will soon begin.


Controlled ultrafiltration (UF) with hemodialysis (HD): analysis of coupling between convective and diffusive mass transfer in a new HD-UF system.

A convertible and versatile dialysis system consisting of a PMMA hollow fiber unit and UFR controller is shown to be useful for evaluating the effect of solute and fluid removal rates on adequacy of dialysis. Post-dilution mode where high UFR is applied to the patient with matching or comparable dilution rate is concluded to be most effective modification for enhancing the clearance for "middle molecules", without sacrificing the removal rates for the small solutes.


Racial factors in the incidence and causation of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

During the years 1973, 1974 and 1975, the average annual rate of new ESRD patients was 50.4/million in a 7-county region of Southeastern Michigan. There were marked differences in the rate of new ESRD cases which paralleled the proportion of black individuals in the population. The ESRD rate for the black population was not significantly different in 3 districts within this region, ranging from 125.4 to 159.4/million. The ESRD rate for the white population ranged from 29.4 to 41.3/million, white individuals in Detroit having a significantly lower ESRD rate than white individuals in the area immediately adjacent to the city. The reason for this difference is not apparent. The data indicate that black individuals are more prone to develop ESRD from glomerulonephritis, hypertension, and diabetic nephropathy. In addition, racial factors are an important consideration in health care planning for ESRD treatment.


A servo controlled transapical left ventricular to aortic assist device with implantable canulae.

A servo controlled transapical LV to aortic bypass system employing a roller pump was evaluated. The pump achieved complete LV decompression with reduction of LV pressure below systemic pressure. The servo control was responsive to LA pressure and allowed stable complete bypass during interventions designed to raise and lower LA pressure. A permanently implantable transapical LV cannula and aortic cannula without obturators was evaluated with and without anticoagulants. The teflon felt surface 'healed' rapidly and developed a multi-layered fibrous pseudointima. Anticoagulants appeared to avoid excessive thrombus formation at the cannula sites and embolization.


The need and use of a phosphate-enriched dialysate during regular hemodialysis.

A disabling osteomalacic syndrome seen only during regular hemodialysis is described. Its features include skeletal fractures, pain, suppression of pre-existing hyperparathyroidism, and failure to improve with any of the vitamin-D metabolites. Phosphate depletion may be an important etiological factor but this could not explain all cases. A trial with phosphate-enriched dialysate and 1alphaOHD3 resulted in sustained clinical improvement in 54% of the patients and healing of fractures in 33%. Other etiological factors independent of 1,25(OH)2D3 deficiency and phosphate depletion must be considered. Current, indirect evidence suggests that accumulation of water toxins including aluminium may be important.


Week long partial pulmonary bypass with an artificial lung pumped by the right ventricle.

Extracorporeal pumping PA-LA perfusions were carried out for 24 hrs in 5 awake, alert lambs by cannulating the main PA and the LA with large bore polyurethane cannulae. A mean of 42% of the basal cardiac was pumped through the membrane lung. When the PA occluder cuff was progressively inflated, up to 80% of the basal cardiac output was diverted to the extracorporeal circuit for short periods. Hemothorax remained a significant problem. Three lambs were electively perfused 12 hrs, 36 hrs, and 8 days without a roller pump, using a low resistance spiral coil membrane lung pumped by the RV. By inflating the occluder cuff, a mean of 55% of basal cardiac output was pumped by the RV through the membrane lung. The 8 day bypass lamb remained healthy and active without any bleeding or gross pathology. We did not observe air emboli, thromboemboli or gross infections in either group. We believe that such a mode of cannulation will eventually allow long-term perfusion of a low resistance membrane oxygenator driven directly by the RV.


A demand diaphragm pacemaker.

A PACO2 feedback control system (demand diaphragm pacemaker) was developed in this laboratory to maintain homeostasis during diaphragm pacing, thus avoiding hypo- or hyperventilation. Application of this system to the research animal made it possible to maintain blood gases and pH within normal limits for up to 15 hrs. Oscillation between maximal tidal volume and apnea that occurred with the amplitude feedback control was eliminated by using a rate feedback control. A possible additional benefit of a feedback control system is the reduction of current applied to the nerve as compared to that in asynchronous pacing, thereby minimizing the fatigue phenomenon.


145 days survival of calf with total artificial heart (TAH).

A calf with a biolized TAH was maintained in reasonably good physiological condition for a major portion of a 145-day experiment as indicated by near normal growth rate and laboratory data. The mechanism for the high CVP and CBV at the beginning and end of the experiment were correlated with protein metabolism. No evidence of thromboembolism was found at autopsy and only modest congestion with minimal parenchymal damage was observed. The cardiac prosthesis itself was free of thrombus, although slight calcification was found on the valves and diaphragms. The pump performance, however, remained satisfactory. In addition, endothelialization appeared to be starting on a portion on the inside of the pump.


Toxicity of aliphatic amines in uremia.

Fifty-three samples in 26 patients were analyzed for aliphatic amines (DMA and TMA), and the levels correlated with 2 neurophysiological tests, choice reaction time (CRT), and electroencephalogram (EEG). A significant correlation was found between TMA and CRT and EEG (p less than 0.001 and 0.003, respectively) and between DMA and CRT (p less than 0.01). These amines reflect part of the spectrum of toxic compounds which accumulate in uremia. Dissociation of neurophysiological functions may be helpful in evaluating various classes of potentially toxic compounds found in renal failure, as exemplified by short-chain aliphatic amines.


Determination of plasticizer levels in serum of hemodialysis patients.

Serum DEHP levels were measured on 27 hemodialysis patients at various time intervals. The following results were obtained: 1) Predialysis levels of DEHP occurred in only one of 22 samples. 2) Postdialysis serum levels reached a mean of 751 nGm DEHP/ml serum. 3) Samples from patients with less than 50 hemodialysis treatments gave a mean of 558 nGm/ml, while those with more than 50 treatments gave a mean of 973 nGM/ml. These numbers were found to be significantly different at a 95% confidence level. 4) No difference in DEHP levels were found for males and females. 5) The appearance of DEHP during dialysis and its disappearance after dialysis were found to be biphasic. 6) No correlation was found between serum DEHP and triglyceride levels in postdialysis serum samples.


An efficient, compact and simple-to-use blood gas exchanger for long-term use.

The CCF folded coil membrane oxygenator has demonstrated a high capability for mass transfer both in vitro and ex vivo. The membrane-gas net interaction currently under investigation has indicated improved transfer with more controlled blood film thickness. The gas net being evaluated at this time in 3 layers: an open weave inner layer and net number 024 as a direct membrane support structure. No serious adverse effects of ex vivo bypass were found in 4 trials, and in long-term experiments, no deterioration of oxygenator performances could be found. The position of the oxygenator on the pump console and the absence of auxiliary frames, motors or pumps simplify operation of this device. It is felt that, following further detail refinement and ex vivo and clinical testing, this device can be presented as a suitable answer to the need for an efficient, simple to use, and versatile membrane oxygenator.


Uremic hyperlipoproteinemia: correlation with residual renal function and duration of maintenance hemodialysis.

Our study indicates that in renal failure elevated plasma triglyceride can first be detected when the GFR falls to 50 ml/min. Hypertriglyceridemia is the commonest abnormality found and increases further when the GFR falls below 10 ml/min. Plasma cholesterol levels remain normal even at low levels of renal function. Although plasma growth hormone, glucagon, and insulin levels become elevated when renal function diminishes, there is no definite correlation of their levels and GFR. A decreased incidence of hyperlipidemia observed in patients sustained by maintenance hemodialysis for over 5 yrs may in part be due to the triglyceride lowering effect of growth hormone and glucagon and/or the cholesterol lowering effect of insulin.


Treatment of severe drug overdosage with charcoal hemoperfusion.

Mortality from severe poisoning remains excessively high in patients managed conservatively. In this report, charcoal hemoperfusion was used as a therapeutic aid to active drug removal in 10 patients (9 of whom were in Grade IV coma) intoxicated with a variety of drugs and a further 3 patients poisoned with the highly lethal herbicide, paraquat. All 10 patients who ingested drugs recovered. One of the 3 patients ingesting paraquat survived. The hemoperfusion treatments were associated with demonstrated drug removal. Complications associated with hemoperfusion were minor. Decreases in platelet levels were observed but were not accompanied by clinically important bleeding. The technique of hemoperfusion is simple and provides a therapeutic aid in the care of the severely poisoned patient.


Peripheral vascular effects of glucagon, acetylocholine and dopamine with an implanted total artificial heart (TAH).

Three vasoactive drugs--glucagon, acetylcholine and dopamine were used in calves with an implanted TAH to study their mere vascular effects. We noticed that glucagon, besides being a potent vasodilator, affected the vascular system gradually rather than instantly. Also, it allowed for the gradual recovery of the system, thus avoiding sudden fluctuations in systemic and pulmonary blood pressures. Glucagon was found to have a unique capability of decreasing vascular resistance with only a slight drop in systolic pressure. Acetylcholine action was rather instant, exhibiting a sudden fall in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. In animals with a TAH, dopamine seemed to work differently from that in subjects with an intact natural heart. While many investigators failed to see any change in pulmonary vascular resistance due to dopamine injection in subjects with an intact natural heart, we noticed about 20% increase in pulmonary vascular resistance (with a dose of 10 muGm/Kg). However, at low dosages of dopamine, we did not notice any appreciable change in pulmonary vascular resistance, which suggests that its action is dose dependent. We tend to believe that glucagon offers promising results in controlling the pulmonary hypertension in calves with a TAH. It is, also, our opinion that further investigation on the vascular effects of dopamine would reveal more pertinent and interesting results and solve the existing discrepancies.


Structural correlates of platelet functional damage by physical forces.

Human platelets, which were selectively damaged either in a device designed to impose surface injury or one in which damage is primarily limited to shear forces in the fluid bulk, were examined with the electron microscope in an effort to correlate functional and ultrastructural evidence of injury. Surface injury results in more severe inhibition of platelet adhesion and aggregation, as well as PF-3 and PF-4 activity. These functional effects are accompanied by profound and widespread ultrastructural changes, including membrane defects, enlargement of the open cannicular system, alterations in dense bodies and alpha granules, and the development of globular shapes. Very little serotonin is lost, but there is an increase in the number of abnormal dense bodies. In contrast, the shear injured cells demonstrate few functional defects, despite a lesser but still substantial number of structural changes, at forces up to 10(5) dynes/cm2. At higher shears, both functional and structural evidence of severe injury is present, along with apparently normal platelet aggregation.


Gel-bound resealed red cell membranes: a new type of semi-artificial organ.

A novel type of semi-artificial organ is described, which uses resealed enzyme fille red cell ghosts bound to a matrix as an active metabolizing system. The stability and the selectivity of the system is discussed with enclosed glutaminase and urease as examples.


Treatment of intractable ascites by continuous reinfusion of the sterilized, cell-free and concentrated ascitic fluid.

The new method for continuous reinfusion of sterilized, cell-free and concentrated ascitic fluid is described, and utilized in 72 patients with intractable ascites in both malignancy as well as liver cirrhosis and is described with satisfactory results. The management by repeated ascites reinfusion of patients with benign massive ascites has been possible. This method is capable of being applied to patients with malignant ascites. Symptomatic relief and prolonged survival time is anticipated. The method described in this study is simple and free of adverse effects.


Control and monitoring system for clinically employed pneumatic blood pumps.

Instantaneous position of the flexing member in pneumatic blood pumps is monitored on-line by measuring the electrical capacitance across the gas space within the pump. Monitor output is utilized in closed-loop pump control and for automatic pump shutdown in response to operational abnormalities. Thus, safety and efficacy are enhanced through operational optimization, automatic safety features, and facilitated evaluation.


Advances in electrical assist devices.

Marked improvements were realized in the development of electrically driven left ventricular assist systems. A volume reduction of 46%, a system weight reduction of 63%, and a factor of 2 improvement in overall efficiency (29%) were realized. The system, operating at a pressure of 120 mm Hg with a flow rate of approximately 7 L, requires only 7.5 W of input power. In addition, a unique brushless commutator was designed to replace standard brushes, thus increasing system life. A new polyurethane was synthesized for utilization in the TMS. This material has demonstrated high flex life in addition to being biocompatible. Further improvements in system weight and size, as well as efficiency, will be realized when flat plate pumps are mated to electric drivers.


Biological reactors for renal support.

The goal of this research is to develop systems that may be more nearly psysiologic in the treatment of chronic renal failure. The concept of using specific strains of microorganism to achieve this objective is the subject of this study. Studies to date have concentrated on the selection of appropriate microorganisms based upon the efficiency of removal of nitrogenous metabolites in batch reactors. Appreciable quantities of these substances can be removed in time periods approximating those of the interdialytic period. Results of studies indicate that mixed strains are required and that a unique interdependence among the species may be required and desirable for eventual application. Because of these encouraging results, further studies will concentrate on experiments designed to make applicable the concept or to utilize this concept in combination with other technologies for in vivo use. It is believed that further research could conceivably produce an alternative treatment of chronic renal failure.


The principles and in vivo performance of the Edinburgh pivoted aerofoil-disc prosthetic heart valve.

Prototypes of the Edinburgh prosthetic heart valve, known from previous experiments in vitro to promote exceptionally smooth and undisturbed forward flow, have been shown here in canine experiments to possess hemodynamic characteristics not inferior to those of the Bjork-Shiley valve (a present standard of excellence). In addition, we report a low incidence of valve thrombus deposition among calves in which this prototype valve, fabricated from the conventional materials, Delrin and stainless steel, has been implanted in the tricuspid site for up to 100 days without use of anticoagulants. This suggests that the design of the valve is such as to render it of low thrombogenicity. The new valve is designed for fabrication throughout in vitreous or pyro-coated carbon, materials of very high inherent athrombogenicity. It appears from the results discussed here that the developed form of the prosthesis, composed wholly of these athrombogenic materials, is likely to have both acceptable hemodynamic characteristics and an exceptionally low tendency to form thrombus. The introduction of such valves promises to be very advantageous and the results given here appear to warrant their development as the next stage of this program.


[Status and developmental prospects of a cytological service in the USSR].

To date, the experience obtained evidence that the modern level of cytological diagnostics allows its being referred to as a separate branch of clinical medicine, that can provide morphological diagnosis of malignancies and other pathological processes. Cytological assay, as shown by reports of leading oncological institutes, should be employed in any therapeutic establishment already during patients' primary address to a specialist. A special importance is attached to cytological assay in mass prophylactic examinations as an effective adjunct for prophylaxis and early recognition of cancer of the cervix, stomach, lung, skin. The principles of the organization of special service of clinical cytology in the USSR are substantiated.


[Characteristics of the clinical course and the results of the treatment of patients with regional metastases of thyroid gland cancer].

In the clinic of the P. A. Herzen Research Institute of Oncology, under observation were 227 patients with regional metastases of thyroid cancer. 135 of 227 patients were primarily treated in the clinic. Ninety two patients were admitted to the clinic after nonradical surgical interventions on the thyroid and jugular lymph apparatus. The main groups of regional lymph nodes, where metastases were localized, were as follows: deep jugular group (upper--51.1%, median--80.3%, lower--79.7%); supra-clavicular region--33.8%, paratracheal zone--41.4%. Lymph nodes of the submaxillary region were involved only in 1.3%. Sheath-fascial dissection of lymph nodes and jugular cellular tissue with the removal of paratracheal cellular tissue seems to be the operation of choice for regional metastases. The Kreil operation is indicated only in metastatic proliferation of the internal jugular vein and sterno-cleidomastoid muscle. Such operation was employed in 5 patients (2.5%). 166 patients were followed for 3 years and longer, 117 of them being alive (70.4%). The survival over 5 years was noted in 55 patients (57.9%).


[Effect of interferon on the immune response of mice to immunization with the cells of transplantable leukemias and sarkomas].

The treatment of cells L-1210 and MX-11 in vitro with interferon, prior to their injection to mice, caused an enhancement of specific humoral response and cytotoxic action of immune lymphocytes to Cr51 labelled target cells. The injecting of mice with allogeneic interferon-containing serum against the background of immunization with L-1210 cells produces an enhancing effect upon the immune response. Much more marked enhancing effect was observed when using syngeneic interferon-containing serum. Short-term treatment of lymphocytes, being immune to L-1210 cells, with interferon in vitro leads to the increase of their specific cytotoxicity to Cr51 labelled cells. Pre-treatment of leukemic cells with interferon would enhance their sensitivity to specific antibodies. It is suggested to use an active immunization of acute leukemia patients with allogeneic leukemic cells pre-incubated in interferon in combination with the injection of interferon-containing donor plasma.


[Formation of blastomogenic diphenylamino derivatives as a result of the metabolism of Direct azo dyes].

Under study was the urine from 22 workers being in long-term contact with direct azo dyes (direct black 3, direct diazo black, direct pure blue, direct light fast KU). Benzidine was found in the urine of 8 workers and dianisidine--in 3. Consequently, there occurs metabolic decomposition of the dyes concerned to free blastomogenic agents.


[Gonadotropic functions of the hypophysis in the induction and suppression of the development of testicular tumors in rats].

The work was carried out on 1379 mature rats. The content of gonadotropic hormones (TSH, LH, LBH) in the hypophysis was studied during the induction of specific testicular tumors. The development of germinogenic tumors (teratomas and serminomas) of testes was shown to proceed against the background of continuous enhancement of follicle-stimulating function of the hypophysis, while the occurrence of neoplasms from interstitial cells--against the background of persistently increased luteinizing function of the hypophysis. Suppression of FSH or LH production would prevent tumors development.


[Method of computing the effective doses and concentrations of chemical blastomogenic agents].

It is suggested to use the method of probit-analysis in Litchfield and Wilcockson modification for calculating effective blastomogenic doses and concentrations (BD16, BD50, BD84) of chemical blastomogenic agents belonging to different classes of chemical compounds, which carcinogenicity was studied experimentally on animals. The values of BD16, BD50 and BD84, functions of the angle of inclination of "S" and "tgalpha" are given for 8 chemical blastomogenic agents.


[Detection and dispensary care of groups of persons at increased risk of bronchogenic cancer disease in Czechoslovakia].

Epidemiological and clinical studies organized by the Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Research Institute, Prague, revealed that the main high-risk factors associated with the incidence of lung cancer in Czechoslovakia are as follows: are and sex, heavy cigarette smoking, persistent cough, expectoration and other symptoms of chronic respiratory disease, and lung lesions of tuberculosis or probably tuberculosis origin. The methods used in Czechoslovakia for lung cancer detection include photofluorography, which has been combined in some investigations with a standard questionnaire eliciting smoking habits and symptoms of respiratory disease. Cytological sputum investigation in suspicion to lung cancer was found to be a useful contribution to the diagnosis. The systematic dispensary control of persons with bronchogenic carcinoma or at high risk for this disease is provided by polyclinic Departments for Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases of the District Institutes of National Health in collaboration with general physicians, oncological and other specialized departments. Further studies on methods for detection and dispensary control of lung cancer high-risk groups represent an important research task.


[Ways of studying the role of the nutrition factor in the development of malignant diseases].

The results of using the dietary regimen, suggested by F. K. Men'shikov and coworkers in 449 patients with pretumor lesions and in 192 patients with malignancies receiving radio- and chemotherapy as well as in 398 patients prior to and after radical surgery for cancer have demonstrated that the diet somewhat improves the efficacy of other medicoprophylactic antitumor measures. The latter contributes to a decreased incidence of pretumor lesions and their less tendency to malignant transformation, to a fall in the intensity of glycolysis processes and enhanced tissue respiration, a lower level of lactic acid and cholesterol in blood. It somewhat suppresses the intensity of malignancies development, reduces the percentage and makes longer the terms of recurrence appearance and contributes to longer survival in oncological patients as well.


[Biopsy in rectal cancer recurrences].

The design of a modified needle for trephine biopsy in rectal cancer recurrence in the perineal region is described. The needle design is simple and can be readily manufactured in a mechanic shop. The biopsy material obtained is large enough to type the tumor histologically. The technic of biopsy is not complicated and requires no special skill. Trephine-biopsy for rectal cancer recurrences may substitute completely knife biopsy, being a safe maneuvre in the complex diagnosis of rectal cancer recurrence.


[Interaction of immune and normal macrophages with the influenza virus].

The interaction of macrophage cultures from immune and non-immune animals with influenza A/PR8/34 virus was studied. Significant differences were demonstrated between immune and normal macrophages. Influenza virus could be found in immune macrophages for a considerably shorter period than in normal macrophages. In immune macrophage cultures as compared with normal macrophages the synthesis of V- and S-antigens occurred only in a small number of cells. The study of the hemadsorbing capacity of macrophages showed the number of cells adsorbing erythrocytes to increase in normal macrophage cultures in contrast to those of immune macrophages. When macrophage cultures were inoculated with influenza virus, it exerted a cytopathic effect on normal macrophages at a lower multiplicity of infection whereas much greater infectious doses were required to produce the CPE in immune macrophages. The experimental results suggest that in infection or immunization certain changes occur in macrophages which may play a role in elimination of influenza virus from the body and in immune response.


[Significance of the heterogeneity of an influenza virus population in the cytopathology of influenzal infection].

Separation of the allantoic cultures of influenza A/Hong Kong/68 and A/England/72 viruses on DEAE-Sephadex-A-50 with 1/15 M phosphate buffer solution containing 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 M NaCl (I, II, and III stages of elution, respectively) produced structurally (in size) and functionally (immunologic properties and invectivity for chick embryos) different subpopulations of influenza virus. When white mice were infected with the virus of the Ist and IInd stages of elution, marked proliferation and desquamation of alveolar cells, their hypertrophy and atypism were observed at 10-30 days, with moderately normal blood supply to the lung tissue. In the lungs of mice infected with virions of the IIIrd elution fraction there was no interstitial reaction and marked hemorrhagic component was observed. Virus persistence up to 6 months in the lungs was observed in mice infected with virus from the Ist and IIIrd elution fractions. The observed differences in the quality of influenza virus populations must be taken into account in evaluations of strain evolution at the expense of certain subpopulations and their implications in manifestations of infection and long-term persistence of virus.


[Proteolytic enzymes and their inhibitors in experimental influenzal infection].

The evidence has been obtained indicating an increase in proteolysis in the lungs of mice within 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 hours and on the 2nd day after inoculation of the animals with 1X10(5)-1X10(6) LD50 of influenza AO/32 virus, whereas on the 5th day in the affected organ proteolysis was significantly reduced as compared to the controls. No significant differences in the levels of cateptic activity at pH 5.0 in the lungs of infected and noninfected animals were found at any intervals of the study. At 1 1/2--2 1/2 hours and 5 days postinfection the antitryptic activity of the serum was found to be increased. The increased proteolysis early in infection is considered to be a virus-induced process, while its decline on the 5th day postinfection may be of protective nature. The participation of the system of proteases and their inhibitors in influenza virus--sensitive cells interaction as well as in the pathogenesis of influenza pneumonia is suggested.


[Interrelationship of alphavirus-Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus reproduction and oncornavirus type D production with the metabolism of the infected cells].

A comparative study of the reproduction of an alphavirus. Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis virus (VEE), in chick embryo fibroblasts (CEF) and oncornavirus type D (OV-D) produced spontaneously by human continuous cells (HEp-2) was carried out. The differential index of reproduction of both viruses was the yield of RNA-containing virus structures released from the cells. For VEE this index increased in the course of infection 100-150-fold. For OV-D the index changed little during long-term cultivation of the cells and was only 0.2%--1%. The effect of inhibitors, ethidium bromide and cycloheximide, on the RNA synthesis and production of virus structures was studied. Ethidium bromide was shown to inhibit reproduction of both the viruses considerably, whereas the effect of cyclohemimide on them was dissimilar: its effect on VEE virus depended on the time of its addition, while OV-D virus production did not depend on the time of its addition and was even stimulated in the presence of cycloheximide.


[Electron microscopic study of the usual and "minimal forms" of oncornaviruses in human embryonic lung cells cataminated with mouse cells].

Electron microscopic examinations of KLChKM (human embryo cells spontaneously contaminated with mouse cells) cell cultures revealed extracellular oncornaviruses of A and C types and intracisternal virions of A type which in their submicroscopical organization and morphogenesis were identical to oncornaviruses of mouse L cells. Also "minimal forms" (MiF) of oncornaviruses of A and C types the diameter of which was 30--70 nm were found. MiF of oncornaviruses were found to be formed in the process of budding through the cytoplasmic membrane or membranes of intracellular vacuoles.


[Multiple malignant tumours in gynaecology (author's transl)].

At the radiotherapy unit of the Ist Department of Gynaecology, University of Vienna, 8500 malignant tumours were observed in the years 1950-1975. Multiple primary neoplasms were recorded in 204 of these cases (2.4%). In 76 women (37.2%) the double neoplasms were situated in the genital region (local multiplicity), whilst in 128 cases the second neoplasm was situated in a distant organ, with cancer of the breast predominating (61 cases = 29.9%). A third of the multiple neoplasms were diagnosed simultaneously, whilst in the remaining two thirds a peak occurrence in the first year before or after the diagnosis of the gynaecological neoplasm is observed. Seven cases of triple neoplasms are presented as a separate group. Our observations are compared with the appropriate literature.


[Dysgerminoma of the ovary during pregnancy (author's transl)].

A report presented of a case of giant dysgerminoma which initiated an acute abdomen necessitating surgical intervention during the mid-trimester of pregnancy. Two months later the patient was delivered of a healthy baby by Caesarean section. Repeated follow-up examinations of the patient have so far confirmed the favourable prognosis based on the pathological findings and intra-operative assessment.


[The place of the subclavian catheter in the treatment of severe psychotic patients (author's transl)].

The insertion of a central venous catheter in the treatment of psychiatric patients is discussed on the basis of the therapeutic results obtained in 102 cases admitted to a psychiatric intensive care unit. Psychiatric indications and contraindications are now added to the known general indications and contraindications under other circumstances. Hypercaloric solutions, insertion technique into the subclavian and external jugular veins, duration of catether-aided nutrition and incidence of complications are discussed. The groups of psychiatric patients in whom the diagnosis is likely to lead to catheterization are defined. Two well-known catheter systems are discussed.


[Fluorimetric determination of urinary norepinephrine and epinephrine: assessment of the aluminium oxide-trihydroxyindole method and improvement by the analysis of fluorescence spectra (author's transl)].

A method is reported for the fluorimetric determination of urinary catecholamines. This method is essentially based on the classic aluminium oxide-trihydroxyindole procedure, but certain modifications have been introduced. A detailed investigation of all relevant parameters provides evidence of the reliability of the method. In cases of questionably increased catecholamine excretion values, the additional analysis of both excitation and fluorescence spectra is recommended in order to distinguish specific from non-specific fluorescence.


The metabolism of cyclohexanecarboxylic acid in the isolated perfused rat liver.

1. Cyclohexanecarboxylic acid in isolated perfused rat livers was eliminated from the perfusion system by a first-order process. 2. After 6 h, 16% was excreted in bile as cyclohexylcarbonyl beta-D-glucuronide. The remainder was present in the perfusate as unchanged cyclohexanecarboxylic acid (10%), hippuric acid (50%), hexahydrohippuric acid (2%), 3,4,5,6-tetrahydrohippuric acid (2%), cyclohexylcarbonyl-beta-D-glucuronide (2-4%) and benzoic acid (1-2%). Six per cent of the dose was associated with the red blood cell present in the perfusion medium. 3. Unlike the whole animal, the isolated rat liver produced no detectable benzoyl glucuronide. 4. The identity and kinetics of production of the metabolites are consistent with a metabolic pathway previously proposed for cyclohexanecarboxylic acid and shikimic acid.


The metabolism of primidone in non-pregnant and 14-day pregnant mice.

1. Non-pregnant and day-14 pregnant mice treated with a single dose of primidone (5 to 150 mg/kg) by gastric intubation were bled at 1 and 4 h after dosage, and the plasma analysed for primidone, phenobarbitone and phenylethylmalondiamide (PEMA) by g.l.c. 2. Marked differences in the rate of metabolism were observed between the non-pregnant and day-14 pregnant mouse. Plasma levels of primidone and PEMA, but not phenobarbitone, were much lower in the day-14 pregnant mouse than in the non-pregnant animal.


Plasma level studies of primidone and its metabolites in the mouse at various stages of pregnancy.

1. Mice were treated with a teratogenic dose of primidone (100 mg/kg) by gastric intubation at three different times during pregnancy, viz. days 6-14, days 12-14 on day 14 only. Blood samples were taken on day 14 at 1, 4, 8 and 24 h after dosage. Primidone and its metabolites phenylethylmalondiamide (PEMA), and phenobarbitone, were assayed by g.l.c. 2. There was no accumulation of the parent compound or the metabolites after repeated administration of primidone; each of the substances was cleared from the plasma within 24 h. 3. The rate of metabolism of primidone increased with prolonged treatment. The peak concentration of the metabolites was higher in the two multiple-dose groups than in the single dose group. 4. The concentration of PEMA exceeded that of primidone between 3-8 h and then began to decrease in the multiple-dose groups, a similar pattern was established for phenobarbitone also, although the concentrations were lower than those of PEMA.


Fate and distribution of the herbicides 2,4-dichlor-phenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) in the dogfish shark.

1. The urinary and biliary excretion, tissue distribution and metabolism of 14C-labelled 2,4-dichloro- or 2,4,5-trichloro-phenoxyacetic acids (2,4-D or 2,4,5-T) were measured in dogfish sharks, Squalus acanthias. 2. Both herbicides are extensively metabolized (greater than 90%) to the corresponding taurine conjugates, and are excreted predominantly via the urine, where ca. 70% of the administered dose appears within 4-6 days after treatment. 3. The highest tissue levels of 2,4-D or 2,4,5-T were found in liver and kidney. Penetration of both herbicides into the CNS was restricted. 4. Plasma elimination was rapid and the 0.5 for either phenoxyacetic acid was less than 45 min. Similarly, rapid clearance as seen from renal tissue. Final t0.5 values for muscle were about 2-3 days while the major organ showing 2,4-D or 2,4,5-T retention was the liver, where t0.5 values were about 5 days for both the herbicides. 5. The overall pharmacokinetics in the dogfish shark for these herbicides resembled those seen in some mammals.


Effect of piperonyl butoxide on disposition of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate by rainbow trout.

1. Piperonyl butoxide in vitro inhibits the oxidation and hydrolysis of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, and the hydrolysis of the butyl ester of 2,4-dichloro-phenoxyacetic acid by liver homogenate fractions and serum from rainbow trout. 2. The rates of oxidation and hydrolysis of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate by liver homogenates from rainbow trout pre-exposed to piperonyl butoxide (1 mg/l) were considerably lower than those by liver homogenates from control trout. 3. Disposition of di-2-ethylhexyl [14C]phthalate in rainbow trout in vivo was modified by pre-exposure to piperonyl butoxide. The piperonyl butoxide-treated trout had lower levels of 14C in bile and higher levels of 14C in blood and muscle than control trout. 4. Muscle of control and piperonyl butoxide-exposed trout showed similar concentrations of mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate but the concentration of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate in muscle from piperonyl butoxide-exposed trout was three times the control value.


The disposition and metabolism of 3',4',7-tri-O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)rutoside and 7-mono-O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)rutoside in the mouse.

1. Following intravenous administration of 3',4',7-tri-O-(beta-hydroxy[14C2]ethyl)rutoside or 7-mono-O-(beta-hydroxy[14C2]ethyl)rutoside to male mice, 68% of the dose of each is excreted in faeces as the corresponding hydroxyethyl-quercetin within 72 h of dosage. Mean urinary excretions of mono- and tri-hydroxyethylrutosides in 72 h were 27 and 21% respectively. Unchanged rutosides and their glucuronides were detected in urine. 2. In biliary-cannulated animals, the mean biliary excretion of both tri- and mono-hydroxyethylrutosides was 71%, in 24 h of dosage. In both cases most 14C was excreted in 3 h, as unchanged rutosides and glucuronide conjugates. 3. Fall of blood 14C concn, was rapid for both compounds. Neither compound was detected in brain but there was short-term accumulation in liver and kidney, and 2--3 h after dosage, most 14C for both compounds was associated with the gastro-intestinal contents. 4. Animals killed 72 h after dosage of either compound contained less than 7% of dose, mostly in the colon and caecal contents. 5. Foetuses removed 3 h after dosage of either compound to the dams did not contain 14C; foetuses removed 5 min after dosage contained low levels of 14C, substantially below the maternal blood level and equiv. to less than 0-1% of dose in each case. No 14C was detected in amniotic fluid.


[Effect of diabetes therapy on the lipid parameters in blood].

In diabetics with different therapy indications the effect of the treatment on the lipid parameters of blood was examined. We estimated the change of the triglycerides, the cholesterol, the free fatty acids and the glycerol depending on the duration of the therapy. We used a combined stimulation test (combination of 100 g glucose, 1.0 g tolbutamide and 1.0 g glucagon in temporary coupling) as method for characterization of the type of diabetes. At the beginning of the therapy the fat parameters mentioned did not differ in patients with exclusively dietetic treatment and in SuH-patients. After longer duration of the therapy in exclusively dietetically compensated patients the fasting glycerol values decreased, were, however, statistically not significant. There were also no essential changes of the triglycerides, the cholesterol and the values of the free fatty acids in the two forms of treatment. The improvement of the carbohydrate tolerance could not be explained with changes of the insulin secretion. The results plead for the fact that the improvement of the diabetic metabolism develops by an increase of the peripheral insulin effectivity. The behaviour of the lipid parameters is not sufficient for an explanation of the carbohydrate tolerance.


[Psychological studies on adipositas].

The obesity belongs to the diseases with a great socio-medical importance. 75 patients with obesity were examined by means of the psychopathological short-time method issued by Hennig and Mehl, which was developed from Kincannon's mini-mult. Here in 30 obese patients (ca. 40%) increased values in at least one clinical scale appeared, which may be estimated as a reference to a neurotic mode of behaviour. Thus, neurotic modes of behaviour seem to appear more frequently in patients with obesity than in the average population (10%), however, more infrequently than in essential hypertonics (70%). Neurotic (Broca index + 30 kg) and non-neurotic (Broca index + 29 kg) patients with obesity had on an average the same overweight.


[Epidermiologic studies on nutritional behavior of adipose subjects].

In 1,000 obese persons and 250 persons with normal weight detailed anamneses of nutrition concerning the average daily intake of calories, carbohydrates, protein, fats, cholesterol, saturated and manifold unsaturated fatty acids were made. Obese persons ingested less food than persons with normal weight, - findings which on the one hand are explained with the different habits of eating in the dynamic phase (the hyperalimentation takes place above all in this phase) and the stationary one of obesity, on the other hand a further differentiation in hypophages, normophages and hyperphages should be performed. Finally frequency and structure of the meals are of importance. Tendencies of age did not occur in females, whereas all nutrients in males, beginning with the fourth decade of life, were ingested in a smaller degree than in adolescence. Longitudinal studies on the behaviour concerning nutrition are desirable.


[Significance of fatty tissue hypertrophy for the metabolic risk].

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia rised with the weight index until Broca = 1,2; at higher degrees of obesity it remained constant or even slightly decreased Dresden Study). The subcutaneous adipose tissue of the abdomen exhibited against controls an excessive hypertrophy in subclinical diabetics, maturity onset-diabetics and hyperlipoproteinemics of types IIb, IV, and V. With this respect, between these groups there were no significant quantitative differences. Juvenile onset diabetics had abnormal small as well as large fat cells.


[Therapy of obesity--effectiveness of calorie-reducing diets with various basic nutritional relations].

Within the research project nutrition and performance on altogether 80 test persons during a three weeks' test period the problem was examined, whether the relations of the basal nutrients have an influence on the effectiveness of a diet with an only moderate reduction of calories. The relations of the nutrients were tested in four variants. The daily caloric intake orients at the optimum weight of the test person: 30 kcal/kg optimum weight a day. It was shown that the so-called optimum weight caloric diet led to a sufficient continuous decrease of weight without disturbances of the general state of health. The variation of the relations of the basal nutrients had no decisive influence on the effectiveness.


[Discriminatory function of serum proteins in liver and biliary tract diseases].

In 104 patients with acute virus hepatitis, chronic hepatitides, cirrhoses, fatty livers and biliary diseases with partial and complete obstructive jaundice, respectively, IgG, IgA, IgD, beta1A- and beta1E-globulin, cholinesterase, total protein, and albumin, in 45 of these patients additionally prealbumin, retinol binding protein, thymol turbidity test were determined as well as an electrophoretic separation of the serum was performed. 11 persons with healthy liver served as control group. According to the results of univariate and multivariate variance analyses with following test of redundance (test for indispensability) and analysis of discriminance with calculations of reclassification IgD, beta1E-globulin and retinol binding protein were identified as not evident or redundant. Electrophoresis and thymol turbidity test give sufficient basis informations and can further be recommended for orienting examinations. Immune globulinogrammes from IgB, IgA and IgM are suitable as so-called mesenchyma tests particularly for controls of the course. Prealbumin and cholinesterase prove to be the most sensitive parameter of synthesis, whereas albumin and beta1A-globulin possess a high prognostic evidence.


[Cellular immunoreaction in alcohol-induced liver damage].

Of 231 patients with alcohol-induced liver diseases of different degrees of severity 170 patients had a pathological result of the migration inhibition test, when autologous homogenate of the liver was used as antigen. Of them in 25 cases a stimulation, in the other patients an inhibition of the migration of leucocytes was present. With increasing degree of severity of the liver lesion the number of cases with migration inhibition increased. These findings refer to a cellular immune reactivity in alcohol induced liver diseases.


[Catamnestic studies on the prodomal phase of myocardial infarct].

In a retrospective study by means of a half-standardized method of interview in 154 patients with acute myocardial infarction and in a control group of the same age (n = 100) anamnestic data were established, particularly taking into consideration the preinfarction phase. 27% of the patients were surprised by an acute myocardial infarction without prodromal symptoms, in 32% the first occurrence of complaints of angina pectoris was during the last two months before the infarction. 41% had a preexisting angina pectoris which usually showed a crescendo-course with increasing approximation to the infarction. More than half of the patients reported on physical activity or/and emotional stress as causal factors of the preinfarction complaints. The correlation with the localisation of the infarction showed above all an occurrence of the prodromal symptoms in infarctions of the anterior wall and in lesions of the myocardium which in most cases could be ascertained only enzymatically. A greater accumulation of the prodromi was furthermore found in younger patients, in hypertension and preexisting restriction of the heart function. 70% of the patients with warning symptoms consulted a physician because of their heart complaints. In the control group 22% of the persons reported on heart complaints.


[Therapy of uremic pericarditis].

An uraemic pericarditis can appear as complication of a haemodialysis in different stages. At the beginning an uraemic pericarditis is still to be referred to the uncompensated retention or to adaptation processes in the cellular mineral metabolism. An uraemic pericarditis in the later course of the dialysis nearly regularly is connected with an underdialysis syndrome which can be evoked by fistula or shunt complications or by infections of different genesis (sepsis, hepatitis, virus infections). - It is reported on own experiences in the dialytic treatment of uraemic pericarditis. In the period from 1970 to 1976 among 83 patients who were in chronic dialytic treatment an uraemic pericarditis was observed in 21 cases. In 3 patients developed haemorrhagic effusions with tamponade. The longest survival time of a patient with uraemic pericarditis and acute cardiac arrest in the early stage of the dialytic treatment is up to now 5 1/2 years after transplantation of a kidney of a corpse. - The possibilities of an operative exonneration of the heart from pericarditic changes are discussed.


[Blood viscosity measurements in coronary infarct patients].

In 63 patients with myocardial infarctions happening longer ago as well as in 17 patients with acute myocardial infarction the viscosity of blood was measured and compared with the values of a control group of 34 healthy persons which was compiled after exclusion of known factors effecting on viscosity, such as hyperfibrinogenaemia or increase of hematocrit. The viscosities of the patients with infarction were significantly higher in all degrees of severity than those of the healthy persons. The hematocrit value, the fibrinogen and cholesterol level which were significantly higher in patients with infarction than in healthy persons were regarded as an explanation for this. Apart from this there existed an increase of the factors of risk total lipids, triglycerides and uric acid in the serum in cases with infarction. The increased blood viscosity may be regarded as a factor of risk for the myocardial infarction, according to our investigations.


[Diagnostic value of LDH-isoenzyme determination in the urine].

In patients with chronic pyelonephritis (n = 17), nephrotic syndrome (n = 7) and hyperthyroidism in comparison to a reference group of healthy persons (n = 17) total activity and isoenzymes of the lactate dehydrogenase in the urine were determined. Only in patients with pyelonephritis is not regularly increased activity of the total lactate dehydrogenase a clear increased excretion of the isoenzymes IV and V is established. The isoenzyme pattern shows a dependence on the content of leucocytes in the urine and normalizes in renal infections only in a therapeutic effect.


[Pathophysiology and diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria].

Apart from the determination of preporphyrin and porphyrin in the urine recently enzymatic methods entered the diagnostics of the acute intermittent porphyria. Of particular importance is the decrease of activity of the uroporphyrogen-1-synthetase in the manifest disease as well as in the clinically healthy carriers of genes. Since the clinical picture as well as the values of chemical laboratory examinations in the acute intermittent porphyria are extraordinarily variable, a long-term control of diagnostics and therapy is necessary.


[Erysipelas at the dermatological clinic in Mannheim 1960-1975].

From 1960-1975 528 patients suffering from erysipelas were treated at the department of dermatology in Mannheim. The relative as well as the absolute incidence of erysipelas increased markedly during this period. There was also a considerable rise in the number of more seriously diseased, therapy-resistent cases. Microbiological studies must be conducted to find an explication for these phenomena.


[Verrucous malignant melanoma (spontaneous regression and simultaneous development of a secondary tumor)].

A 59 years old woman who was admitted in our hospital had developed two primary melanomas at the lower leg during an interval of 15 years. The histologic diagnosis was a verrucous lentino maligna melanoma for both tumors. The differentiation from superficial spreading melanoma may be difficult. Interestingly enough, in our patient the formation of the new primary melanoma occurred simultaneously with the regression of the older one. In consequence, it seems that regression of a melanoma may not prevent from progression of the disease or from formation of a new primary melanoma.


[Leukocyte migration inhibition test in lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis].

The Leucocyte-Migration-Inhibition-Test was performed to examine 10 patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), 10 patients with Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) and 4 patients with Dermatomyositis for evidence of cell-mediated immunity to RNA, DNA, human muscle antigen and collagen human type I. Our results support, that cell-mediated immunity plays a pathogenic role in both diseases. Patients with SLE show a correlation between activity of disease, Leucocyte-Migration-Inhibition to DNA and DNA-binding-activity of serum. Muscle-antigen is an obvious relevant partner of reaction of cellular immunity in patients with Dermatomyositis.


[Vertical diameter (thickness) and prognosis of malignant melanoma].

By means of an ocular micrometer the maximal vertical thickness of 100 stage I melanomas was measured in mm. Depths of invasion were classified into five categories of patients, whose survival rates were compared. A correlation was found to exist between the thickness of the tumour and the prognosis. 92% of patients with lesions less than 0,70 mm thick survived more than 5 years; 68% of patients with lesions between 1,41 and 2,10 mm thick survived more than 5 years; and only 31% of patients with lesions more than 2,80 mm thick survived 5 or more years.


[Detection of organophosphorous pesticide residues in food at the ppb level with open tubular column gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (author's transl)].

The application of the combination open tubular column gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-computer for the detection and identification of organophosphorous pesticide residues in food was demonstrated. 23 of the most frequently used organophosphorous pesticides in Germany were separated on a 20 m SE-54 glas capillary column with the exception of the pair phosphamidone/fenchlorphos. Detection and identification of the individual pesticides were performed by chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CI) with isobutane and computerized background subtraction. In an example 10 of these substances were detected in cherries at a residue level of 0.45 ppm by comparison of CI mass spectra.--Mass fragmentography with single and multiple ion detection allowed the unequivocal identification of these 10 pesticides at the 40 ppb level in cherries. The detection limit of the pesticides examined in this study was found in the lower ppb region in food extracts using CI with isobutane. The application of an integrated computer system allowed the determination of all 10 pesticides in a single gc run.--Comparing electron impact and chemical ionization with isobutane in mass fragmentography of organophosphorous pesticide residues in food a considerable lower detection limit was observed using the chemical ionization procedure.


[The reaction of holo-, apo- and coenzyme of the peroxidase to heating (author's transl)].

The thermal reaction of the two components of the horseradish peroxidase--the apoenzyme and the prosthetic group--with that of the holoenzyme were compared. From this we conclude that the thermal inactivation of the peroxidase in aqueous solution is not caused by a change of the apoprotein alone, but rather by participation of the entire three-dimensional structure including the prosthetic group. Spectrophotometric studies of the inactivation process in the holoenzyme revealed that the absorbance of the Soret band changes parallely to a reduction of the enzyme activity during heating. Since it has been found that the Soret absorption increases again during storage and simultaneously the enzyme activity regenerates, the change of the Soret absorption during heating can be regarded as the result of both reversible and irreversible denaturation processes.


[The quantitative composition of natural and technologically changed aromas of plants. II. Aroma compounds in oranges and their changes during juice processing (author's transl)].

After enzyme inhibition with methanol the original volatile compounds of the fruits were investigated in order to compare the quantitative composition of the aroma substances in orange fruits and juices. Aroma compounds of fresh, flash pasteurized and pasteurized juices were analysed. After aroma enrichment by liquid-liquid extraction, prefractionation of the flavor compounds by column chromatography on silicagel 56 flavor substances in the fruits and in the different juices were identified and determined by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. In comparison to their content in the fruits only 10% of the terpenic hydrocarbons and about 30-66% of the esters were found on average in the fruits. Among the secondary flavor substances, which were not present or present only in traces in the fruits, but showed in juices concentrations up to 0,2 ppm,  were 4-terpinenol, carveol and tr-2,8-menthadien-1-ol. After a thermic treatment also 3-hydroxy-2-butanone and 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol were identified.


[Isolation and identification of flavon(ol)-O-glycosides in caraway (Carum carvi L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), anise (Pimpinella anisum L.), and coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), and of flavon-C-glycosides in anise. I. Phenolics of spices (author's transl)].

The flavonoid constituents of various spices were separated by means of chromatography on cellulose colums, and the following compounds were obtained crystalline: Quercetin 3-glucuronide from caraway, fennel, anise, and coriander; isoquercitrin from caraway and fennel; rutin from fennel and anise; quercetin 3-O-caffeylglucoside and kaempferol 3-glucoside from caraway; quercetin 3-arabinoside from fennel, and luteolin 7-glucoside, isoorientin and isovitexin from anise. Other constitutents which were however not obtained crystalline, but which could be identified by the usual procedures were kaempferol 3-glucuronide and kaempferol 3-arabinoside in fennel, apigenin 7-glucoside and a luteolin glycoside in anise, and isoquercitrin and rutin in coriander. The glycosides contained in the fruit of the four spices also occur in the leaves. Leaves of caraway and fennel in addition contain isorhammetin glycosides in low concentration.


[Determination of cobalt in small samples of tissues and organs of the rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) by flameless atomic-absorption-spectroscopy (author's transl)].

In order to increase our knowledge about the distribution pattern of the trace mineral cobalt in fish, cobalt contents of tissues and inner organs of rainbow trout were analysed. Cobalt determinations were performed by flameless atomic-absorption-spectroscopy with a heated graphite analyzer after digestion of the organic material with concentrated nitric acid in a closed system under pressure (pressure decomposition). In order to concentrate and separate the trace cobalt quantities from the main matrix constituents a micro-solvent-extraction system with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDC) as heavy metal chelating reagent and toluene as extraction solvent was developed. The extraction procedure yielded a recovery of more than 95% as determined the use of an isotope method (radiotracer experiments with Co-57). Results (calculated on wet weight basis) showed that the element under study was mainly accumulated in the kidney (0.195-0.449 microgram/g). Smaller amounts were found in blood (0.038-0.090 microgram/g), spleen (0.015-0.078 microgram/g, and liver 0.015-0.068 microgram/g). The values for skeletal and muscle tissue were low and ranged from 0.007 to 0.014 microgram/g a 0.002 to 0.007 microgram/g respectively.


[Isomeric trihydroxy-octadecenoic acids in beer: Evidence for their presence and quantitative determination (author's transl)].

Evidence is presented that beer contains the following isomerric trihydroxy acids: 9,12,13-Trihydroxy-10 trans-octadecenoic acid (G1), 9,10,13-Trihydroxyl-11 trans-octadecenoic acid (G2), and 9,10, 11-Trihydroxy-12 trans-octadecenoic acid (G3). The compounds were isolated from a CHCl3: MeOH extract of beer by column chromatography and their structures determined by comparison of their mass spectra, Rf-values (TC) and retention times (GC) with the data obtained with the reference compounds G1, G2, and G3 prepared by enzymic oxidation of linoleic acid with barley flour. For the quantitative determination a CHCl3: MeOH extract of 100 ml acidified beer was methylated, silylated and separated by GC. Depending on the specific beer source, the beer contained 4.7--9.0 mg/1 G1, 1--2.4 mg/1 G2 and 0.4--0.7 mg/1 G3. The mechanism of the formation of these compounds from linoleic acid is discussed as well as their possible contribution to the stale flavor of beer which develops upon prolonged storage.


[Determination of the ethyl esters of long chain fatty acids in wine distillate, brandy, and wine. II. (author's transl)].

Free fatty acids are able to interfere the determination of the ethyl esters by gas chromatography on Carbowax 20 M. Therefore series of tests were made to remove the fatty acids. Sodium hydrogen carbonate was found to be more suitable than sodium carbonate. A method is described to determine the ethyl esters of fatty acids of caproic to stearic acid and of the unsaturated fatty acids with 16 and 18 carbon atoms.


Flavonoid glycosides and hydroxycinnamic acid esters of blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum). Phenolics of fruits 9.

The major flavonol glycosides of ripe blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum cv. Silvergieters Schwarze), myricetin 3-beta-D-glucopyranoside, rutin, and isoquercitrin, have been isolated in crystalline form. Analysis by thin-layer chromatography confirmed the occurrence of the 3-rutinosides and 3-glucosides of cyanidin and delphinidin. No free flavonoid aglycones could, however, be detected in the fresh berries. The major constituent fluorescing blue under ultraviolet light on paper and cellulose thin-layer chromatograms, was isolated and characterized as 1-O-caffeyl-beta-D-glucopyranose. Also isolated were 1-O-ferulyl- and 1-O-p-coumaryl-beta-D-glucopyranose. The occurrence fo hydroxycinnamyl-D-glucoses in blackcurrants does not appear to have been recognized previously.


[Methods for determination of vitamins by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). I. Determination of vitamin D in vitamin concentrates, vitamin mixtures and mineral feedstuffs].

A method is described for the determination of vitamin D in vitamin-concentrates, -mixtures, and mineral feedstuffs. After saponification of the sample, vitamin D is extracted and purified on two columns. Vitamin D is separated by HPLC and determined photometrically.


[Residues of 1-14C-acrylonitrile in fumigated dry food (author's transl)].

Ten different kinds of dry food were fumigated with 10 g/m3 of 1-14C-Acrylonitrile (AN, 24 h, 20 degrees C). Residues of 0--19 mg/kg AN were found by Liquid-Scintillation-Spectrometry. The values become smaller as the density of the material increases. 30--70% of this agent are metabolised within two months.


[Relationships between structure and sweet taste of amino acids (author's transl)].

90 amino acids, derivatives of amino acids and other related compounds were tested for their taste quality. The taste thresholds of 35 sweet compounds were determined. From these data some relationships between structure and taste are derived. Essential for sweet taste are the ammonium and carboxylate groups as a bipolar (nucleophile/electrophile) contact unit. The intensity of taste depends on length, shape and polarity of the side chain. Definite conditions in respect to the relative position of the groups to each other must be fulfilled. It is shown by superposition of the steric formulas of selected amino acids, that the binding site of the receptor probably is a hydrophobic tube with a bipolar contact point at one end.


Toxicity of mycotoxins and other fungal metabolites to Artemia salina larvae.

We investigated the toxicity of 32 different mycotoxins, 7 macrolides, not 3 other fungal metabolites to Artemia saline (Brine Shrimp) larvae. We modified the known procedures of testing mycotoxins to A. salina larvae and found the latter to be a convenient model for comparing the toxicity of mycotoxins and other secondary metabolities. Results obtained were evaluated by the probit analysis.


[About the influence of frost periods upon the serological detection of Prunus ring spot viruses in cherries (author's transl)].

During three years serological tests (latex test) were run from Novemeber till April to detect Prunus ring spot viruses in forced buds of Prunus avium L., P. avium L. var. avium, and P. cerasus L. It was found that Prunus necrotic ring spot virus (NRV) could be detected reliably during the winter in all infected trees. In contrary the detection of Prune dwarf virus (PDV) was affected by temperatures below zero. In 1971 a low percentage of positive reacting trees was pointed out after the frost periods in January and March. This result was started after the low temperatures in January 1972. The mild winter 1972/73 hardly influenced the reliability of the PDV-test.


Studies on protein production by yeasts. I. Isolation, identification, and screening of efficient strains.

A collection of yeast strains was isolated from different fresh fruits and foodstuffs. Isolates were purified and completely identified up to the species. The ninety isolated yeast strains were screened according to their yield and total nitrogen content, using molasses medium as an available cheap raw-material for yeast propagation.


A correlation between the dissipation of insecticides and rhizosphere microflora of Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.

A study to understand the relationship between the dissipation of aldicarb and disulfoton in the rhizosphere region of bhendi and the microbial population revealed a negative correlation between the fungal and Azotobacter population and the residues of both insecticides. However, no definite correlation could be recorded between the populations of bacteria and actinomycetes and the residues of the insecticides.


Studies on the rhizosphere and rhizoplane microflora of common-bean and barley.

Both broad bean and barley plants stimulated bacteria (total), N-fixing clostridia, Azotobacter ammonifiers, and aerobic cellulose-decomposers in their rhizosphere zone. The rhizosphere effects were generally positive until the 8th week of either plant growth. However, the rhizosphere effect differed according to type of plant, growth phase of each single plant, and type of micro-organism under study. The presence of high numbers of micro-organisms in the rhizoplane samples (washed ruptured roots) of each plant supports the evidence that roots of these plants are colonized with soil micro-organisms.


Influence of salts on the microbial activity in arid and simi-humid soils.

The influence of salt mixtures consisting of Ca (H2PO4)2, trace elements, CaSO4, CaCO3, Na2CO3, NaCl, and K2SO4 in different combinations on the nitrifying power, evolution of carbon dioxide, and the total number of bacteria was studied in arid soils (sandy and alluvial) and semi-humid ones (chernozem and rendzina). Salt mixtures comprising either monocalcium phosphate or sodium chloride showed highly inhibiting action on the studied microbial activities in sandy, alluvial, and chernozem soils, while monocalcium phosphate stimulated the heterotrophs of rendzina. Trace elements favoured the autotrophs of the caly soils. The other different salt mixtures acted according to the salt combination and nature of the microbial activity.


[Comparing studies on biochemical characteristics for pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance of staphylococci (author's transl)].

735 strains of staphylococci obtained from routine material were examined for biochemical characteristics claimed by BAIRD-PARKER (Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology, 1974) to be pathogenic features); the behaviour of the strains showing these properties was then compared to that of 12 antibiotics. Thereby, 237 of the 735 strains (32.2%, tab. 2) were positive for the combination of pathogenic features as proposed by BAIRD-PARKER (aerobic and anaerobic mannitol fermentation, beta-haemolysis, and positive coagulase reactivity), with approx. 30% of the Staphylococcus strains showing white pigmentation and 70% of them showing yellow pigmentation. The number of strains showing the combination of aerobic mannitol fermentation, beta-haemolysis, and positive coagulase reactivity was significantly higher: 341 out of 735 strains (46.4%, tab. 2). A comparison of the resistance to 12 antibiotics with the combination of pathogenic features of BAIRD-PARKER (Tab. 4) showed that he white Staphylococcus strains with this combination exhibited a significantly higher resistance to 6 of the tested antibiotics than the white Staphylococcus strains not showing these characteristics. Such a correlation between biochemical characteristics and resistance behaviour could not be demonstrated in the yellow Staphylococcus strains. The value of biochemical characteristics as features of pathogenicity and the resistance behaviour of staphylococcal strains to antibiotics in vitro for their pathogenic behaviour in vivo is discussed in relation to comparable results reported by other authors.


Stimulation of reticuloendothelial system and toxicity to macrophages of Staphylococcus aureus cell wall, peptidoglycan, and teichoic acid.

Staphylococcus aureus cell wall possesses several biological activities. It is removed from the blood by reticuloendothelial system (RES) and persists there for a long time. The influence of cell wall components on RES cells in vivo and in vitro was investigated. RES activity was studied in mice by carbon clearance method. Intravenous injection of 10 microgram of cell walls or peptidoglycan caused early stimulation and subsequent suppression of RES activity, while teichoic acid was inactive. Four hundred microgram of peptidoglycan caused RES stimulation with maximum after three days, whereas 400 microgram of cell walls caused no such stimulation. Viability of mouse peritoneal macrophages was studied after four days of culture in the presence of cell walls, peptidoglycan, and teichoic acid. Fifty microgram/ml of cell walls or peptidoglycan caused death of all or 68% of macrophages respectively. Teichoic acid was inactive, exhibiting toxic effects at 400 microgram/ml level.


[Phage-typing and tetracycline resistance in Salmonella panama strains of animal origin in the Federal Republic of Germany (1969-1975) (author's transl)].

505 out of 1369 S. panama strains isolated mainly from animals, foods, and feedstuffs from 1969 to 1975 were phage-typed. 41% (= 207) of the S. panama isolates examined originated from swine, 26% from cattle and calves, 15% from dogs, and 13% were from other animal species and materials. 465 strains (=92%) showed typical reactions. 23% were specified as phage-type A, 24% as phage-type B and 36% as phage-type G. Phage-types D, E, and F did not occur. In swine, being the most frequent carriers of S. panama, phage-types A, B, and G had nearly the same shares. In dogs, phage-type G predominated to which nearly one half of the examined S. panama isolates from this species belonged. 205 (=41%) out of 505 strains examined for their resistance to antibiotics proved to be tetracycline-resistant. All 123 strains of phage-type B were tetracycline-resistant, all 35 strains of phage-type C were tetracycline-sensitive. 5 strains of phage-type A exhibited transferable tetracycline-resistance determinants.


Q-fever soluble vaccine effects in Coxiella burneti sensitized humans.

A Q-fever soluble vaccine (phase I C. burnetitrichloro-acetic acid extract) was administered in a single dose to 28 persons formerly immunized with the same soluble vaccine one year before and to other 28 persons which had naturally been infected with C. burneti one or two years ago. All these persons were skin-tested with the same but diluted vaccine 48 hrs before vaccination. Mild local and general reactions were found only in the C. burneti previously infected vaccinees (local reactions in 9 cases and general reactions in 6 cases). Serological conversion was obtained in 92.8% (complement fixation test) and in 89.3% (mouse protection test) of the previously immunized individuals and in 96.4% (CF test) of the formerly Q-fever infected persons.


The effect of sulfomethoxypyrazine-pyrimethamine therapy on the fine structure of Toxoplasma gondii-cysts in the brain of Mastomys natalensis. Scanning and transmission electron microscopical investigations.

Two month old chronically infected Mastomys natalensis, which had been treated for ten days with sulfomethoxypyrazine-pyrimethamine, were utilized for testing the effect of chemotherapy on the fine structure of Toxoplasma cysts (strain ALT). After completion of the therapy, cysts were examined from the brains of killed animals in scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The scanning electron microscopic experiments revealed no or only slight morphological differences between the cysts of the untreated controls (Fig. 1) and the treated animals (Fig 2). In transmission electron microscopic studies the cyst membrane appeared less rugged (see Fig. 3,7 and the untreated control Fig. 6). The cyst basic substance often produces an optically empty space (Fig. 3,4). The pellicle of individual parasites display an unusual affinity for the pellicle of neighboring parasites (Fig. 3,5,7). In direct contrast to the untreated cysts no endodyogeny could be observed on the treated cysts examined to this point.


[Investigations on the effect of an electrostatic field free of residual waves on the motility of the mouse (author's transl)].

Comparative investigations were carried out concerning the influence on the motility of mice of different electrobioclimatic conditions (electrostatic field with a residual wave component of 1% and a field strength of 4.500 V/m; pure residual wave component: 32 Vs/s, field strength 120 V/m/ss; electrostatic field established by batteries: initial voltage 900 V, field strength 4.500 V/m; shielded from ambient atmospheric electrical fields: damping efficiency at 99%). The Faraday condition represented the control as absolutely objective physical magnitude. All experimental chambers were positioned under Faraday shields. Following a 20 day period of acclimatization to the unaccustomed surroundings for the animals (adaptation period), we established the previously described electrophysical conditions in the cages for a further period of 20 days (experimental period). The lowest values measured during the daily readings were found in the Faraday cage, resp. in the pure electrostatic field, the highest in the DC-field with residual wave component resp. in the residual wave component alone. We draw the following conclusion from the findings: the pure DC-field apparently does not possess those bioclimatologically decisive importance that has been and is being postulated from several sides. Many of the stimtng effects observed and attributed to the electrostatic field are most probably due to the residual wave component resulting from the high-voltage generators employed.


[The development of methylcholanthrene-tumors in mice under the environmental influence of various electrobioclimatological conditions (author's transl)].

Comparative analyses of the development rate of a slow Tumor (Methylcholanthrene) in mice were undertaken under conditions of a) an electrostatic field (Field strength 200 V/m, Residual sinus component 0.1%), b) a Faraday cage (Shielding effectivity on atmospheric electrical disturbances: 99%) and c) a laboratory, climatized with conventional methods. The tumor was initiated in each case following a 6-week acclimatisation period to the unaccustomed surroundings. Following this, we observed the appearance rates over a period of 8 months at 14-day intervals. Under customary laboratory conditions these were perceptibly higher than in the electrostatic field or in the Faraday cage. No difference was apparent between the two latter conditions. Any variations in the electrobioclimatological environment can lead to stress reactions resulting in familiar consequences to various defense mechanisms. This allows us to find an explanation for the results otherwise difficult to interpret; for both in the electrostatic field and under shielding from external electrical influences the neoplastic activity was obviously reduced in comparison to normally climatized laboratory conditions. We are continuing the experiments.


[Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in agricultural soil (author's transl)].

The discussion about the possible consequences from the agricultural use of composted sewage sludge; which contains considerable amounts of polycyclic, aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), caused us to investigate the normal concentrations of these substances in soil from agricultural land. In 50 soil samples, mainly from various parts of the Federal Republic of Germany the following 6 PAH were determined: fluoranthene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(ghi)perylene, indeno(1.2.3-cd)pyrene. In 74% of the samples benzopyrene concentration was between 2 and 50 microgram/kg, and the sum of the 6 compounds between 50 and 500 microgram/kg. No smaller values were found, and higher concentrations in most cases could be connected to some source of pollution.


[Investigations of some chemical compounds produced by the incineration of old tires in the open air (author's transl)].

The chemical compounds which are discharged from the site at which old tires are incinerated in the open air roughly corresponded to those of waste water. In the smoke "mushroom" above the site of incineration, at a height of 31 to 40 metres, many types and large quantities of polycyclic aromatic and also cancerogenic hydrocarbons were found adsorbed on soot particles.


Ecological investigations on arsenic dietary intake and endemic chronic poisoning in man: dose-response curve.

The city of Antofagasta (northern Chile), is an area of endemic chronic arsenic poisoning due to arsenic-polluted drinking water. In order to explore the possibility of a dose-response relationship, a dietary survey was carried out in 1972 in that city for measuring the daily fluid intake in the various age groups. The sample (N = 220) included 13 males and 13 females in each age group, except the 81-90 year-old group with 6 males and 6 females. A linear relationship was found between arsenic dose (mg/kg body weight/day) and age for males being P less than 0.001 (slope) and r = -0.6712; and for females P less than 0.001 (slope) and r = 0.6667. Age-specific prevalence rates per 100,000 population (both sexes combined) for chronic arsenic poisoning in Antofagasta Commune for the 1968-71 period, were plotted against mean arsenic doses (mg/kg body weight/day) by age group. A dose-response curve was computed, being F = 83.19, d.f. = 1,7 and P less than 0.01 (slope). The correlation coefficient was + 0.9604.


[Disposal of aerobic treated swine waste by refeeding to finishing swine (author's transl)].

Simple aerobic treatment of swine waste did not increase the production of microorganismprotein (pure protein). Addition of available energy resulted in a small increase of pure protein: During continuous aerobic treatment 20 g pure protein were produced by 100 g starch, during discontinuous aerobic treatment 10 g pure protein by 100 g organic matter from molasses (mean values). Comparative feeding trials with 90% resp. 80% feed restricted finishing swine without and with added swine waste (continuous treated without supplements resp. discontinuous treated with addition of yeasts and molasses) had as results no improvement in body-weight-gain but a 12% resp. 17% deterioration in feed conversion with 13% less bodyfat formation. Weight gains of both groups with restricted feed (without and with added swine waste) was 22% less in comparison to full fed swine. Losses at slaughter of swine in the group with feed restriction and added swine waste were partly due to higher intestine contents higher than that of swine with feed restriction and without added swine waste. Higher weights of livers and kidneys in swine of the "waste group" counts for a possibly higher metabolism-stress.


Age distribution and serological reactivity of viral antigen in brains of mice infected congenitally with LMC virus.

In continuation of previous studies on the age distribution of viral antigen in spleen and kidneys of mice infected congenitally with LCM virus, the brain was subjected to a similar investigation since it participates to some extent in "late onset disease" in such animals. The antigen curve obtained differed from that for the spleen but resembled the curve for the kidneys in that an initial decrease of the antigen content in young mice was followed by a continuous rise later in live. Cerebral antigen titers in newborns and in old mice were considerably higher in carriers of the "neurotropic" strain "WCC" than in those infected with the "natural" strain "W". In old carriers of these strains there was a clear correlation between the cerebral antigen titer and the frequency and intensity of nervous symptoms which, in general, were not very striking but clearly recognizable to an experienced observer. In young congenital carriers cases of "early onset disease" characterized by spastic symptoms were observed. The latter were missing in old mice. "Early onset disease" and the temporary decrease of the cerebral and renal antigen titers in young animals are attributed to an abortive cellular immune response not strong enough to eliminate viral antigen completely from the organs. Specific antibodies, demonstrable by indirect CF in 43% of the mice reaching the age of 6-7 months, were likewise ineffective in this respect. In quantitative direct CF tests, immune sera from non-tolerant mice and, to a lesser degree, an immune serum from guinea pigs reacted better with brain extracts from congenitally infected mice than with extracts of spleens or kidneys in spite of the lower antigen content of the brain. This result seems to indicate a qualitative difference between the respective antigens.


Measurement of rapid changes in cardiac stroke volume. An evaluation of the impedance cardiography method.

One hundred and twenty-nine simultaneous measurements were carried out on seven patients, 67 at rest and 62 during the Valsalva manoeuvre, in order to compare impedance cardiography with the thermodilution method, during rapid changes in cardiac stroke volume and pulmonary blood volume. A coefficient of correlation of 0.86 was found following linear regression analysis of the whole material. Analysis of the individual patient showed that the mean coefficient of correlation was 0.94 (range 0.91-0.97), and that the slope of the regression lines was 0.41 to 1.82, and further that the mean intercept was 0.2 ml. It is concluded that impedance cardiography can be employed for measuring the relative intraindividual changes in cardiac stroke volume during the Valsalva manoeuvre, and it is suggested that it may be of use in other situations, such as during haemorrhage or continuous positive pressure ventilation.


Anaesthesia for short-stay varicose vein surgery.

The study was undertaken in order to elucidate the suitability of four different types of general anaesthesia and of epidural block in short-stay varicose vein surgery. Special consideration was given to recovery after anaesthesia. The series consisted of 230 female patients subjected to varicose vein surgery of one lower extremity. The patients' recovery after surgery was observed through tests measuring visual-motor coordination and through questionnaires. The general anaesthesias used were halothane-nitrous oxide-oxygen anaesthesia with spontaneous respiration (Ha), relaxant-dominated combined anaesthesia (Re), analgesic-dominated combined anaesthesia (An), and analgesic-dominated combined anaesthesia with hyperventilation (Hy). Of the general anaesthesias, halothane nitrous-oxide inhalation anaesthesia gave the fastest recovery, although there were no major differences between it and analgesic-dominated combined anaesthesia. In contrast, immediate recovery was prolonged after hyperventilation and after relaxant-dominated anaesthesia. Epidural blockade provided a good alternative to general anaesthesia.


A comparison between the influence of halothane or fentanyl and droperidol anaesthesia on the adrenergic receptor response in human adipose tissue in vitro.

A comparison was made between the adrenergic receptor response in vitro in human adipose tissue obtained under halothane and neuroleptanaesthesia. In both groups the net release of glycerol was significantly stimulated (P less than 0.01) by the combined alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonist, 1-noradrenaline. In the halothane group, the lipolysis was further increased by the addition of phentolamine (an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent). No such effect could be demonstrated in specimens from the fentanyl/droperidol group. This difference in response was most probably explained by the fact that droperidol had quite a long-lasting alpha-adrenergic blocking property, which totally obliterated the effect of another alpha-adrenergic blocking agent. The findings stress the importance of using a standardized procedure, including the choice of anaesthetic agents, when human adipose tissue is sampled for metabolic studies in vitro. The results also indicate the possibility of a difference in metabolic effects in vivo between the two procedures.


Prolonged succinylcholine-induced paralysis in connection with caesarean section. A case report.

A prolonged succinylcholine-induced paralysis was observed in connection with a casearean section in an otherwise healthy, 25-year-old female. Her serum pseudocholinesterase was analysed and found to be pathologically low, displaying in addition an atypical dibucaine number. Ten individuals related to her were also studied as regards pseudocholinesterase in serum. She had two brothers, one displaying the same pattern as herself, while the other had a normal pattern. Both of the parents had ordinary dibucaine numbers, while the father had a slightly decreased pseudocholinesterase activity. Possible mechanisms underlying the disorder are discussed.


Glomerular filtration rate during halothane anaesthesia and epidural analgesia in combination with halothane anaesthesia.

Pre- and peroperative determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was performed in nine patients operated during light halothane anaesthesia (group A) and in nine patients operated during epidural analgesia in combination with light halothane anaesthesia (group B). In group A, the mean GFR decreased insignificantly by 7% and the mean arterial blood pressure increased significantly by 10%. In group B, the mean GFR decreased significantly by 19% and the mean arterial blood pressure decreased significantly by 15%. It is suggested that the difference in change in GFR between the two groups was caused by differences in mean arterial blood pressure.


Parenteral use of diazepam in an emulsion formulation. A clinical study.

A recently described injection formulation for diazepam, consisting of an oil emulsion where the drug is dissolved in the oil phase, has been found to give a lessened degree of side reactions than commercially available preparations. This emulsion formulation was compared to Valium inj. as premedication in patients undergoing operation for hernia or varices under epidural anaesthesia. The effects, measured as the degree of drowsiness according to an arbitrary scale, were found to be equal for the two formulations. Neither was there any difference in blood concentrations in the two application groups, respectively, between the preparations used. The propylene glycol content of Valium inj. is said to cause a delayed release of the drug from the injection site after i.m. application, and this is briefly discussed, as well as the possibility of administering the diazepam emulsion continuously, diluted with Intralipid, without the risk of precipitation.


Spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine and tetracaine in sheep.

Spinal anesthesia was performed in sheep in order to compare hyperbaric solutions of 0.375 and 0.75% bupivacaine and tetracaine. There was no significant difference between the two compounds in the duration of sensory analgesia in the anal regions nor, at 0.75% in the time required for complete regression of the block. However, at 0.375% the duration of sensory analgesia and motor block in the hind limbs and the time required for complete regression were shorter with bupivacaine. In addition to exhibiting a higher incidence and a longer duration of motor block in the hind limbs, the sheep that received tetracaine were unable to stand on the hind limbs even after complete regression of block had occurred. Although further studies are required to establish the cause of this phenomenon, we suggest this may reflect a block of proprioceptor fibers.


The 600 gram CO2 absorption canister: an experimental study.

Model investigations were performed on a canister containing 600 g of Sodasorb indicator soda lime in a transparent lime compartment used in the Hafnia circle. The CO2 input was 300 ml per min. Carbon dioxide will be efficiently eliminated from the gas mixture conveyed to the patient connection in this system for at least 4 h, irrespective of the rate of fresh gas flow. There was proportionality between the fresh gas inflow and the duration of effective CO2 elimination. The relative efficacy of the CO2 absorption was investigated at different levels in the canister. The temperature in the axis of the lime compartment was 43-52 degrees C, and the temperature of the gas mixture conveyed to the patient attachment 30-35 degrees C. The colour shift in the lime charge was a reliable indicator of the efficiency of CO2 elimination. The canister should be replaced when the colour shift has progressed to 2/3 of the lime charge. The canister contains no disposable parts except for the lime charge. All the components of the circle system should be taken apart and cleaned after each anaesthesia.


Defect of cerebellar Purkinje cell histogenesis associated with type I and type II renal cystic disease.

The cerebellar vermises from a 1 day old child who died with cystic dysplastic kidneys (Potter Type II) and from a 28 day old who died with infantile polycystic kidneys (Potter Type I) were studied by the Golgi silver method and electron microscopical procedures. Golgi stains showed that Purkinje cells from both cases had the following abnormal characteristics: (1) they retained perikaryal processes even at 37-42 weeks after conception although these processes are normally absent from the cerebellar vermis after 34 weeks of gestation; (2) The Purkinje cell dendrites had dilations at their numerous branchpoints. Ultrastructural studies indicated that climbing fibers remained in contact with the perikaryon of the Purkinje cell in both cases although they are not normally present on the perikaryon after 33 weeks gestation. The 1 day old child (Type II) had unusual synaptic structures of the dyad and serial type. The concurrence of cerebellar and kidney cell maldevelopment in this and a variety of other conditions suggests that there may be a pathogenetic and causal relationship between the two.


Intrauterine brain death. Neuraxial reticular core necrosis.

Report is given on the first example in which the clinical and electrographic criteria of brain death were obtained at birth. Global destruction of the central nervous system of a type seen only with anoxia and circulatory failure had occurred in utero without appreciable disturbance of maternal health. Neuropathologic reaction in fetal tissues was identical with that which has been observed in the child or adult in the brain death syndrome. Functional disturbance of cerebral spinal circulation of sufficient degree to destroy neuronal tissue had happened without change in maternal circulation and without demonstrable lesions in the placenta or the cardiovascular apparatus of the fetus.


Spindle-shaped, cross-banded structures in human peripheral nerves.

Fusiform, cross-banded structures (fibrous long-spacing collagen, or Luse bodies) were found in a nerve contained in the perivascular connective tissue of the short saphenous vein and in the sural nerve in man. The periodicity of cross-bandings was 140-170 nm and there was no intraperiod striation. The banded structures were found either isolated in the endoneurial spaces or contiguous with the surface of Schwann cells or fibroblasts. The nature, origin, and pathological significance of structures of this type in peripheral nerve are briefly discussed.


Splanchnic preganglionic neurons in man. I. Morphometry of preganglionic cytons.

The thoracic sympathetic preganglionic outflow is important in the maintenance of postural normotension in man. Normative data on the intermediolateral column (ILC) neuron cell bodies is lacking. Counts and measurements on the right ILC cytons have been performed on the T6, T7 and T8 segments of 12 spinal cords of man obtained within 4-6 h of death. A methodology was employed which has been optimized to prevent shrinkage of cytoplasm from the neuropil and which mathematically corrects the number of cytons of neurons and their frequency distribution for split cell error. The mean cyton counts for T6, T7 and T8 spinal cord segments were 5002, 5004 and 4654 respectively. No significant sex difference was shown. Most cytons ranged in diameter from 8-23 micrometer; the major peak in the size histogram is at 12-13 micrometer and a smaller peak is seen at 16 micrometer. There is a progressive reduction of ILC cytons with age. In adult man approximately 370 cytons (approximately 8%) are lost per decade. This reduction in ILC cytons with age may be a morphological basis for postural hypotension of the aged.


Ultrastructural localisation of sterols in ethylnitrosourea-induced Schwannomas.

Malignant schwannomas of the trigeminal nerves were induced transplacentally by a single intravenous injection of 30 mg of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea per kg of body weight into pregnant BD-IX rats on the 15th day of gestation. These neoplasms consisted of a pleomorphic population of Schwann cells and occasional fibroblasts. In order to preserve sterols the tumours were fixed in a digitonin-containing aldehyde solution. The electron microscope investigation of the tissues so treated revealed various structures: lamellar, tubular and complex formations were all observed. In addition, the unit membranes, including those of various cytoplasmic organelles, showed areas of increased contrast. The abundance of these fine structural configurations indicated the high sterol content of ethyl-nitrosourea-induced schwannomas.