[Blood glucose and immunoreactive insulin in children with diabetic siblings and diabetic mothers (author's transl)].

The study was designed to examine the behaviour of blood glucose (BG), serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and of the insulinogenic index after an oral glucose load in children with a history of familial diabetes mellitus (D.m). Oral glucose tolerance tests (50 g/m2) were performed both without (OGTT) and after pretreatment with 2 times 5 mg Prednisolon within 12 hrs (CGTT) in 25 children with diabetic siblings (group I) and in 13 children with diabetic mothers (group II). Subjects fitting the criteria for An normal OGTT as established by Fajans and Conn and 5 children with clinical D.m. served as controls. Seventeen children of group I had a normal OGTT, 8 (32%) presented with either latent (N = 4) or asymptomatic (N =4) D.m. Six children (46%) with diabetic mothers (group II) had a normal OGTT, 7 (54%) presented with either latent (N = 4) or asymptomatic (N = 3) Dm. Children of ideal weight and with latent D.m. responded to an OGTT with an either normal or an elevated insulin release, and showed during the CGTT a distinctly increased insulin release when compared with healthy subjects. Insulin secretion in children with asymptomatic D.m. was smaller both upon OGTT and CGTT than that of children with latent D.m. but not significantly different from that of healthy subjects. The insulinogenic index was maximal in healthy obese children, it was normal in latent and in asymptomatic, and lowest in clinical diabetics. In conclusion it appears that in children the initial stage of D.m. (i.e. latent and subclinical D.m.) is not necessarily linked to hypoinsulinemia.


[HbM Erlangen: alpha2beta263(e7) tyr. New mutation with haemolysis and NADH-methaemoglobin reductase deficiency (author's transl)].

Report on a further hemoglobin M variant, discovered in a boy with congenital cyanosis. Chemical analysis of hemoglobin structure revealed indentity with HbM Saskatoon (= beta63 His leads to Tyr). The abnormal hemoglobin is characterized by normal oxygen transport function. The observed slight constant hemolysis is thought to be due to increased instability of the abnormal hemoglobin molecule. In addition to the hemoglobin anomaly, the activity of NADH-methemoglobin reductase was reduced by approximately 40% of normal. None of the parents presented with an abnormal hemoglobin, indicating that the occurrence of hemoglobin M Erlangen is most likely the result of a new mutation.


[Immunohistological findings in diffuse mesangial sclerosis associated with the nephrotic syndrome of infancy (author's transl)].

A 10-month-old infant developed a steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome.  The renal biopsy revealed diffuse mesangial sclerosis of the glomerula. The child died from interstitial pneumonia 3 months after onset of the renal symptoms.  Post mortem, the glomerular changes were diffuse but prominent in certain segments of the glomeruli.  The immunohistological examination showed granular deposits of IgM and C3 in the mesangium and in the subendothelial region of the basement membrane.  These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that diffuseal sclerosis is caused by glomerular deposition of immune complexes.


[Determination of lean body mass by skin fold measurements (author's transl)].

Skin folds were measured on 12 different body sites of 32 boys, aged 9--12, by using the calipers of Best, Lange, Harpenden and Holtain successively.  We compared the measurements of the biceps, triceps, scapula, suprailiaca, abdominal and thigh skin folds.  The results depended on body sites as well as on the type of caliper used.  Therefore, conversion is recommendable only when absolute values of body fat must be taken into consideration, as when investigating population parameters in terms of functional performance capacity.  Moreover conversion is necessary when using those nomograms which are built up mainly by measurements with an unusual caliper.  Conversions must be  omitted when comparing data by means of rank-correlations.


[Simple measurement of skin chloride activity for diagnosis of cyste fibrosis (author's transl)].

Using a chloride-sensitive electrode the chloride activity was measured on the cleaned by unstimulated skin of cystic fibrosis patients.  The 2SD range did not exert 23 mVal in controls and was not lower than 29 mVAl in the patient.  Consequently an estimate chloride value above 25 mVal is regarded as suspective for the disease.  Confirmation of the result by means of a subsequent conventional pilocarpine test is essential.


[Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome with autosomal dominant inheritance (author's transl)].

Sparse, slowly growing hair, a big pear-shaped nose and deformities of the fingers are the main characteristics of the tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome (TRP); dwarfism is a facultative sign.  The cone shaped invagination of the epiphysis into the diaphysis of the fingers and toes causes clinodactyly and brachydactyly.  The typical physiognomy of the TRP leads to the suspected diagnosis which may easily be confirmed by X-ray examination.  In a 13-year-old girl the classical signs of a TRP were found; several members of the family demonstrated some features of the syndrome.  Dermatoglyphic examinations were performed on 9 members of the family.


[Investigations on the utilisation of parenterally administered amino acids by premature and small-for-dates neonates.  II. Investigations of elimination half life time, elimination constants, transfer and clearances of amino acids after short-time infusion of L-amino acid mixtures (author's transl)].

10 ml/kg body weight of a 5% standardized L-amino-acid-mixture was given within the first 25 days to 25 prematurely born infants of 32--37 weeks gestationale and 5 small-for-dates newborns.  We studied the metabolic kinetics of these amino acids in the serum and calculated elimination half life time, elimination constants, clearance and transfer rates of the single amino acids.  The results were correlated with sex, nutritional state and age.  5 additional experiments were performed with 3 prematurely born infants and 2 small-for-dates newborns.  The following results were of special interests: 1. Nearly all amino-acids had half life times between 30 and 50 min.  Ornithine and tryptophane were more (half life time: 70 and about 50 min, respectively) slowly eliminated, while arginine and glutamic acid had half life times of between 5 and 15 min.  2. There was no statistically significant differences between sexes.  3. Eutrophic prematures eliminated the amino acids much faster then the hypotrophic ones.  4. Hypotrophic premature infants showed slow elimination of nearly all amino acids compared with hypotrophic newborns.  5. The elimination of nearly all amino acids studied grew faster with increasing age.  The most significant differences were registered between the 1st and 3rd weeks of life.


[Prehospital phase of myocardial infarct].

After admission to the Coronary Care Unit 101 patients suffering from proved myocardial infarction were inquired about their prehospital phase. In the near future of the acute infarction the patients consulted their doctors more frequently. 73% had prodromi. The longest section of the prehospital phase was caused by the patient's decision time and the time between the call for help and the arrival at the hospital. However the transportation time was only 5% of the prehospital phase. Smoker's decision time was half that of non-smokers. Patients younger than 50 years had a longer decision time than patients of other agegroups. There was no differences in the prehospital phase for different days of the week, but the prehospital phase was longer at night than by day. To shorten the prehospital phase probably the best way is to cut down the decision time by medical advice and public information. In the case of the community of Hannover the advantages of a mobile coronary care unit are questionable.


[Contractility of the surviving myocardium following experimental infarct].

The contractile function of the non-infarcted myocardium was examined in adult cats following myocardial infarction produced by ligation of several branches of the LAD and circumflex coronary artery. Two and seven days following infarction, after determination of intracardiac pressures, papillary muscles were excised from the non-infarcted portion of the right ventricle and transferred into a myograph for analysis of contractile function. One week following infarction, force-velocity relations of the surviving myocardium showed a shift downward and to the left in comparison to sham-operated controls. At the same time, there was a decline in actively developed force at Lmax to be deserved, which appeared to be caused by a decrease in the rate of force development. Two days following infarction, similar changes were to be observed, although to a lesser extent. There appears to be a distinct loss of contractility in the remaining viable myocardium following experimental infarction.


[Congenital mitral stenosis. Report on 33 patients].

Thirty-three patients with congenital mitral stenosis are presented. Congenital mitral stenosis occurs as an isolated malformation and in combination with additional cardiac lesions. A new classification into 5 groups is suggested. It is possible to classify congenital mitral stenosis with and without additional lesions according to these 5 groups. This is of particular clinical advantage. Isolated congenital mitral stenosis is a rare malformation. In combination with additional obstructive left-sided cardiac malformations mitral stenosis occurs more frequently. In infancy and early childhood the so-called parachute valve is a stenotic lesion. According to our experience the parachute valve tends to the development of additional mitral incompetence in older children. This observation is of clinical and diagnostic importance. In patients with additional valvular aortic stenosis the mortality is very high. The operative treatment of congenital mitral stenosis with a parachute valve in combination with other obstructive lesions of the left ventricular outflow tract and the aorta without removal of the parachute valve seems to be unable to improve the hemodynamic situation and the prognosis of these patients. There is not enough experience with artificial valves in congenital mitral stenosis in early childhood.


[Double aortic arch in infancy and childhood].

The diagnosis of double aortic arch was suspected by oesophagography and subsequently proven by angiography in six children. The patients' age ranged from 14 days to 13 years. The diagnostic value of angiography in establishing the existence of two aortic arches is emphasized, which can easily be performed by right heart catheterization. In five patients the aorta descended to the right of the spine; the left arch was hypoplastic and became stenotic or atretic distal to the subclavian artery. In only one case the aorta descended on the left side. In this case both arches had approximately the same size. Four patients were symptomatic immediately after birth and presented with severe inspiratory stridor. The clinical course was so dramatic that surgery was inevitable at the age of four weeks, at 4, 6 and 7 months respectively. The youngest patient died postoperatively. In the other infants the stridor disappeared only months after surgery. One girl had a stridorous respiration occasionally during infancy, later on she complained of dysphagia. She was operated on at the age of 13 years. The double aortic arch was an incidental finding in a girl of 8 years; surgery was not performed.


[Computation of mixed venous oxygen saturation in intracardial shunts and its dependence on age, anesthesia and premedication].

In patients with an intracardiac shunt, the oxygen saturation of the mixed venous blood cannot be measured, but it must be estimated from the oxygen saturation in the superior and in the inferior vena cava. We have evaluated the results of patients who had definitively no shunt and who had been catheterized for other reasons. Based on statistical principles we developed formulas to calculate the oxygen saturation of the mixed venous blood. We examined three group of patients: a) Children up to 11 years catheterized during general anaesthesia (58 patients) b) Children up to 11 years catheterized after premedication but without general anaesthesia (53 patients) c) Adults catheterized without general anaesthsia (59 patients) We found that the formulas from the patients who had been catheterized during general anaesthesia were quite different from those without anaesthesia. In the patients without an anaesthesia the superior vena cava was coupled with a much higher factor than the inferior vena cava; in patients with anaesthesia, the contribution of the inferior vena cava was stronger. The age of the patients had no significant influence on our formulas.


[Quantitative evaluation of coronarographic findings using a point scoring system].

For the quantification of pathologic changes of the coronary arteries a score system is shown which consists for each stenosis of two factors. One for the degree of the stenosis and one for the localisation. The latter is adjusted according to the perfusion type (right dominant), balanced, left dominant coronary perfusion). The left ventricular score also consists of two factors. One for the quality of dysfunction (hypokinesia, akinesia, paradoxical pulsation) and one for the localisation (seven segments of left ventricular wall).


[Methodical aspects of pneumatic segment plethysmography. I. The problem of posture and distal venous occlusion].

Pneumatic segment-plethysmography was used to investigate the influence of the position and of distal venous occlusion on the arterial inflow to the calf and on the pressure-dependent venous capacity. It was demonstrated that (1) two of three investiaged positions have no significant influence on the arterial inflow to the calf; (2) the pressure-dependent venous capacities, however, show statistically significant differences related to position of the leg. The following reasons for these results were discussed: the varying tension of the surrounding tissue of the vessels, the basic volumes and the relation of intravenous pressure and the flexibility of the vessels. (3) It could be shown that the arterial inflow at rest measured without distal venous occlusion is significantly higher than the flow measured with distal venous occlusion. (4) On the contrary distal venous occlusion is of no importance in reactive hyperemia after 3 minutes of arterial obstruction. The arterial inflow to the following distal tissue was assumed to be the reason of these findings.


[Methodical aspects of pneumatic segment plethysmography. II. The problem of cuff width and cuff-pressure].

Pneumatic segment-plethysmography was used to investiage the influence of different cuff-widths and cuff-pressures on arterial inflow to the calf. It was demonstrated that 1. using consistently 80 Torr for the small respectively 50 Torr for the wide cuff no significant difference for small suprapatellar thigh-circumferences was found. On the contrary for large suprapatellar thigh-circumferences there was a statistically significant difference of the arterial inflow; 2. using both cuffs for all thigh-circumferences, a confirmity of arterial inflow was found if a coupling-factor was individually calculated in each case from upper arm- and thigh-pressure; 3. the arterial inflow to the calf did not differ at pressures of 42 Torr and 50 Torr, whereas at 70 Torr arterial inflow was significantly diminished.


[A new apparatus for finger occlusion plethysmography. Disucssion of the method and diagnostic possibilities].

Based on the principles of an apparatus for the venous-occlusion plethysmography of the finger, which was developed by Goetz in 1934 and which was adapted for clinical usage by the authors of this article in 1971, a largely improved apparatus, which is also suitable for the usage in hospitals, is now presented. The various clinical methods of examination for the diagnosis of acrale bloodflow disturbances are discussed. Angioneuropathies (as for instance the Raynaud-syndrome) of diseases, which are connected with injuries of vessel-walls and stenosis resp. occlusion (M. Raynaud), can be differentiated with great certainty by means of the temperatures (15 degrees C and 32 degrees C), the quotient and the partial analysis of the volume-pulse form.


[Orbital pulse analyses in healthy subjects and patients with cerebral arteriosclerosis].

81 normotensive persons were examined with the ophthalmodyamographic method. The measuring device was fixed with a constant, hypodiastolic pressure, and orbital volume pulses were registered and analysed according to qualitative and quantitative pulse criteria. Pulse criteria of younger persons were compared to those of older patients, pulses of persons with a normal vascular system were compared to pulses of persons suffering from cerebral vascular sclerosis. The most important results can be summarized as follows: 1. In old age pulses with arciform ascent or deep-seated anacrotic inflection are found more often. 2. The applanation of the dicrotic wave is seen  more often in older patients and most often in patients with cerebral arteriosclerosis. Yet it is not specific for regressive changes of the arterial wall. 3. Pulses of the peripheral type with decrement of the incisura are found more often in younger persons with unimpaired blood vessels, presumably because of the more viscous-plastic properties of the vascular wall. 4. The quotient of dicrotism increases in old age. 5. The mean value of pulse wave transmission time, as a rule, diminishes in older persons, but non-hypertensive patients with cerebral arteriosclerosis have an increased pulse wave transmission time when compared to persons of the same age group without vascular changes. 6. Concerning the diagnostic value of differences between left and right it is important to notice that physiological differences of pulse criteria are considerable as far as amplitudes and height of discrotism are concerned; they are less prominent as to the period of rapid ejection (time between beginning of steep ascent and primary peak) and practivally below the measurable range as to semi-amplitude time (time that passes until half of the maximum amplitude is reached) and pulse wave transmission time. That means: measurable differences in regard to semi-amplitude time or pulse wave transmission time are reliable diagnostic criteria whereas differences in amplitudes and height of discrotism may bring false positive results.


[Influence of canrenoate potassium (aldactone pro injections) on hemodynamics and myocardial ischemia in experimental myocardial infarct].

The effects of the positive-inotropic drug Canrenoat-Kalium (CRK) on the extent and severity of myocardial ischemic injury and on hemodynamic parameters were studied in 17 dogs following coronary occlusion. Acute myocardial infarction causes depression of left-ventricular function. There eas a significant decrease in dp/dtmax, stroke volume and cardiac output; average values for mean arterial pressure were reduced, but not significantly. There was a significant increase in left-ventricular enddiastolic pressure. Heart rate was unchanged. In the healing phase of myocardial infarction a significant elevation of left-ventricular enddiastolic pressure and a significant decrease of arterial pressure persisted, but the other parameters had returned toward normal. Intravenous administration of CRK (20 mg/kg) one hour after coronary occlusion causes a significant increase in left-ventricular dp/dtmax, cardiac output and stroke volume, but no significant change in arterial pressure, heart rate and left-ventricular enddiastolic pressure. Four days after myocardial infarction administration of CRK causes also a significant incrrease in left-ventricular dp/dtmax and -n 4 out of 5 animals an increase in stroke volume. Heart rate, arterial pressure and left-ventricular enddiastolic pressure are unchanged. There is a continuous deterioration of all hemodynamic parameters in the control group 1 hour and 96 hours after experimental myocardial infarction. This spontaneous deterioration has to be taken into consideration estimating the effect of CRK in experimental conditions. 120 epicardial electrocardiographic recordings were used to assess the extent and severity of myocardial ischemic injury. The average ST-segment elevation and the number of sites with abnormal ST-segments were significantly reduced 20 min after CRK administration. The study suggests a beneficial therapeutic role for CRK treatment of left-ventricular failure in the acute and healing phase after myocardial infarction.


[Acoustic diagnosis of accessory lung].

The diagnosis of a pulmonary sequestration is suggested by a continuous murmur over the back combined with recurrent infection of the lung. In the reported case the murmur grew in the beginning and then disappeared spontaneously.


[Modern differentiation possibilities of angiocardiography in childhood].

1. Angiocardiography plays an irreplaceable method of investigation in the diagnosis of cardiac diseases in infancy and childhood. In many cases it is the "crown" of the diagnosis. 2. Cine-angiocardiography is indispensable in paediatric cardiology. In infancy, in rapid heart rates and in complicated malformations of the heart, only a movie film (35 mm) can register completely all the anatomic and haemodynamic details. 3. In certain cases the serial angiocardiography is also necessary in childhood. Today two methods of radiography can be made use of: the direct recording by means of rapid film changers on full size X-ray films and the indirect method on 70- or 100-mm size films. 4. According to our experience, the serial angiocardiography recordings on 70-mm size films have more advantages than the usual full size films (35 x 35 cm). In the interpretation of the 70-mm-size films there is no loss of information, and the radiators dose is 1/10 lower than in AOT-size.


[Electrophysiological effects of the antiarrhythmia agents disopyramide and propafenone on human heart conduction system].

The effect of Disopyramide and Propafenone on intracardiac conduction and refractory periods was tested by means of His bundle electrography and atrial stimulation. Disopyramide (1,7 mg/kg) was administered in 10 patients. There was no significant change of heart rate and conduction time within the atrium and the AV-node. The conduction velocity within the His-Purkinje system was significantly slowed by 13% of the control value. The ERP of the atrium as well as the ERP and FRP of the AV node were prolonged. Propafenone (1,7 mg/kg) was tested in 18 patients. The heart rate was significantly slowed by 13% of the control value. The conduction velocity within all compartments of the heart was depressed uniformly. The all-over-all prolongation of the HBE-intervals was 15%. Furthermore the results are in favour of a prolongation of the ERP of the atrium and the ERP of the AV node. The results can only partially explain the antiarrhythmic effect of the drugs. However, the data are important for assessing the possible side effects during antiarrhythmic treatment especially in patients with disease of the conduction system.


Reticulo-tubular structures in endothelium of vascular ansa of kidney glomeruli in children.

In the presented cases, paramyxoviral-like reticulotubular structures were found in morphologically different forms of primary glomerular diseases in children. On the basis of the data obtained it seems likely that the diagnostic significance of these structures during the course of systemic lupus erythematosus and other collagen-related diseases must be carefully evaluated.


Changes in the structure of wool fibers with particular reference to the first year of life.

Summing up the above results, we may say that the differentiation of cells is a continuous function and proceeds together with the growth of the animal, but, probably it does not involve all fibers at the same time. It also depends on the type of bulb the fiber grows out of, and on the time of the fiber's growth. The results obtained may be treated as preliminary. The extension of the investigations must take into consideration the differences in fiber diameter.


Binding of concanavalin A by the cell membrane of a unicellular organism, Paramecium aurelia.

As demonstrated by electron microscopy, Concanavalin A receptors exist on the cell membrane of Paramecium aurelia. The interpretation of the cytochemical detection of Con A binding is not very precise because of a slight, unspecific peroxidase adsorption.


[Studies on the Sexual Behavior of Cyrtophora cicatrosa (Stolíczka)(Araneae, Araneidae)].

Courtship and copulation behaviour of the tropical spider Cyrtophora cicatrosa were observed in the laboratory.  They are described and compared with the behaviour of C. citricola.  Emphasis is placed on  the roles of pheromones and web tapping, and on the species' different ways of overcoming the problems resulting from extreme sexual dimorphism.


[Heterotopic glia in the brain developmental malformations.  A histological study (author's transl)].

The authors carried out the histological examination of the heterotopic glia and distinguished 5 architectonic structures: 1. isolated glial formations, 2. mixed: glia-mesenchymal formations, 3. semiinsular formations on the brain surface that the brain warts resembled.  The remaining formations (4. and 5.) were heterotopic low differentiated glial and ependymal formations within the white matter.  The authors suggest that isolated glial and mixed formations seen above the surface of the brain may derive from the inner cells of primary meninge which preserved the ability to multipotential differentiation, so that these formations couldn't be the result of the disturbed migration of neuroglia.


[Light and electron microscopic studies on spontaneous calcifying medial sclerosis of the rabbit (author's transl)].

Of 223 histologically examined aortas of rabbits 24 showed spontaneous calcifying medial sclerosis.  Spontaneous lesions found in the aorta of rabbits are histologically similar to those in other mammals and experimentally induced lesions following the action of vitamin D, adrenalin and orthostatic collaps as well as lesions of the arteriopathia calcificans infantum.  Pathogenetically, it is reasonable to assume that primary media cell necrosis and secondary malregeneration of smooth muscle cells account for spontaneous medial sclerosis in the rabbit.  Electron microscopical examination of the lesions showed the cells within the area of the lesions to represent forms of transformation of the smooth muscle cell.


[Primary malignant melanoblastoma of the esophagus (author's transl)].

Clinical and morphological aspects based on the observation of one case of oesophageal melanoblastoma are discussed.  We want to point out that the characteristic morphology of the tumor enables us to exclude melanoma metastases and thus give an exact diagnosis.  The importance of oesophagoscopy for the preoperative diagnosis is emphasized; radical resection is recommended for therapy.


[Tumor frequency in autopsy cases.  I: frequency, age and sex distribution, primary localization (author's transl)].

The analysis is based on the catalogue of neoplasms notifiable in the German Democratic Republic (ICD-Code Nrs. 140-209, 210.2, 211.3, 211.9, 225, 226.2, 226.3, 253.0, 253.2, 702, 757.2). At the Medical Academy of Erfurt 22,155 autopsies (12,212 males, 9,943 females) of adults (15 years and upwards) were registrated in the period from 1950 to 1966. 7,533 malignant tumours (34.2%) were observed. 99 cases were eliminated because of an unknown localization of the primary tumour. The remaining 7,442 cases (33.6%) are distributed among 3,987 males (326% of males) and 3,455 females (34,7% of females). The frequency difference based on the autopsy frequency of males or females, is distinct. Malignant epithelial tumours were observed in 5,559 cases (253% of autopsies; 752% of malignant tumours); 2,945 males and 2,654 females. The frequency difference also is distinct. Malignant nonepithelial tumours were observed in 1,843 cases (83% of autopsies, 24.8% of malignant tumours); 1,042 males and 801 females. There is no difference in frequency. Age and sex distribution as well as the relative curve of age distribution (Dormanns 1933) are presented for all the tumours, epithelial and nonepithelial neoplasms. The frequency of primary tumour-localization is reported for males and females, too. In males the frequency is in the following order: lung, stomach, hemopoetic-lymphatic system, colon and central nervous system; in females: sex organs (without mamma), stomach, colon, hemopoetic-lymphatic system and central nervous system.


[The evaluation of organ weights by means of multiple regression equations (author's transl)].

The investigation is based on the weights of 570 livers, 648 spleens, 200 right and left lungs, 559 right and 556 left kidneys of 364 male and 360 female persons over 20 years of age being autopsied in our Institute from 1969 to 1972.  In both sexes these weights were set in relation to age, body weight, body height, breast width, breast depth and circumference of chest.  By the application of higher statistical methods and under computerusage it was made possible to state, that there is a marked relationship between the organ weight on one hand and the body weight and in women the body height on the other.  The relationship between the organ weight and various constitutional sizes and age is less marked.  In practice these relations should be considered.  This can be done by multiple regression equations, which enables us to evaluate the weight of spleen, lungs, kidneys and female livers, but not the weight of the male liver.  It must be considered, that the estimated weight of spleen and kidney of both sexes is more inaccurate than that of the lungs of both sexes and of the female livers.  The multiple regression equations are tabulated for both sexes (table 4).


[Clostridium novyi type A bacteriophages (author's transl)].

In the culture fluids and on the cells of two toxigenic strains of Clostridium novyi type A, bacteriophages were detected and confirmed by electron microscopy (Fig. 1 and 2). The heads of the bacteriophages are hexagonal and 500 A in diameter. The tails have a length of 1400 A and a diameter of 60 A. Reproduction of the bacteriophages was not yet possible owing to the lack of sensitive indicator strains.


[Hematological investigations in rats experimentally infected with m. arthritidis (author's transl)].

Hematological investigations were carried out regularly during the course of an experimental M. arthritidis-infection in rats. The alterations observed in the peripheral blood were essentially those usually found in infections. In addition, a moderate thrombocytosis and a depression of the parameters of the red blood count could be seen. In lymphnodes and spleen phagocyting RES-cells were increased 4 days post inoculationem (p.i.) and vacuolized makrophages could be observed 7 days p.i. On the 10. day p.i. very immature cells could be seen in these organs, morphologically resembling hemohistioblasts. Mature cells as well as precursors of this type of cell were found to be increased 2-3 weeks p.i. Bone marrow and thymus have been found normal during the whole period of investigation.


Growth inhibition of seven strains of bovine mycoplasma on solid and semisolid media.

Using the growth inhibition test on semisolid media, the inhibition of mycoplasma growth could be demonstrated even with those antisera that failed to give clear inhibition on solid media under suboptimal growth conditions. The test requires no elaborate equipment and can prove useful as an alternative of , or a supplement to, the growth inhibition test on solid media.


The growth cycle of influenza viruses as studied in touch preparations of the allantoic layer of chick embryos. 2. The morphology of allantoic cells infected by influenza A virus.

The morphology of allantoic cells infected by influenza A virus was studied in touch preparations of the allantoic layer from 11-day embryos inoculated by the intra-allantoic route. Two comparative doses were used: 10(9) ID50 or large inocula (multiplicity: 100 ID50 to 3 cells) and 200 ID50 (multiplicity: 1 ID50 to 150,000 cells) or small inocula. The allantoic layer from 11-day eggs is an epithelium consisting of at least two strats: a superficial stratum and a deep one. Both with the large and the small inocula, a total and irreversible destruction of the superfifial stratum (cells having free facets in ocntact wit- allantoic fluid) was produced, while the profound one (a layer underlying the surface stratum, with cells normally not having any contact with the allantoic fluid) remained essentially intact. Three successive stages were observed. 1. Incubation period: The cells of both strata exhibited a normal appearance during the first 10 hours with the higher multiplicity, and for the first 15-17 hours with the lower multiplicity. 2. Necrotic period: The cells of the superficial stratum exhibited degenerative changes (the chromatin breaks up into numerous irregular and deeply stained fragments) followed by desquamation into the allantoic fluid within the next 10 hours (from 10th to 20-22th hour after inoculation) with the large, and the next 17 hours (from 15th-17th to 32nd-34th h.) with the small inocula. No morphological changes were observed with the profound cells. 3. Post-necrotic period: The profound stratum with cells of sound appearance, some of whoch showed giant nuclei (polyploid cells?) REMAINED UNTIL THE DEATH OF THE EMBRYos which occurred within a maximum of 6-7 days after inoculation. Occasionally, throughout this period, degenerated deep cells were found (about 1-5% in quantity) which, with the aid of immunofluorescence procedure, are believed to be related to a minor cycle of virus multiplication.


[Toxigenesis of Clostridium onvyi type A. 1. Communication: production of alpha-toxin in vitro (author's transl)].

The production and excretion of alpha-toxin in vitro was studied with two pathogenetically different strains of Cl. novyi type A. During the exponential phase of growth nearly all alpha-toxin produced by strain 955 was concentrated within the cell, while only small amounts of toxin could be detected in the culture medium. On the contrary, alpha-toxin produced by strain Fö during the exponential phase of growth was found in equal parts (240 DLM/2 times 10(8) cells) within and outside the cell. During the stationary phase of growth 50 to 75% of the intracellular alpha-toxin was released into the culture fluid. The different rates of excretion of alpha-toxin may be the reason for the differing phenomena in gas gangrene of guinea pigs infected with Cl. novyi.


Socio-economic and environmental factors and human health example of cholera El Tor in Manila.

The environmental health factors relevant to the occurrence of cholera in an urban milieu (Manila) have been studied. Cholera has been found to be a disease significantly more prevalent in the areas with lowest environmental condition. Association have been found between the disease incidence and several socioeconomic variables: population density, water and sewer connections each per 1000 population and squatter/slum dweller density. The correlation between cholera incidence and population density was found to be statistically significant at 5% level. A multiple regression analysis showed that the variations in cholera incidence were explained to the extent of 53.23% by the three variables-population density, water and sewer connections. In a check, using data for several years, positive correlations were found between incidence rates and the number of persons per sanitary facility, overcrowding, and density per square kilometer. The association between cholera and the low levels of socioeconomic conditions has been examined in a detailed study of a sample of 711 patients during the cholera season 1971-72. The socioeconomic profile of the sample places the patients in the least affluent part of the community. - The paper points out the need for priority of urban redevelopment in areas of maximum health risk.


[Official inquiry into the presence of salmonella in frozen slaughtered poultry on the German market (author's transl)].

Between the period of August 1973 and May 1974, 553 roasting chickens, soup chickens, ducks, and geese from seven different countries were examined for the presence of Salmonella. In 284 (= 51,4%) specimens 23 various Salmonella serotypes were discovered. Out of 475 Salmonella isolates 244 (= 51,4%) were resistant to streptomycin, the sulfonamide complex or their combination whereas 195 (= 41,0%) were sensitive to all eight tested antibiotics. Of greater importance for nutritive and therapeutic application of antibiotics is, however, the resistance of 36 (= 7,6%) Salmonella strains to tetracyclines, ampicillin and kanamycin, 28 (= 5,9%) of the salmonellae showing resistance exclusively to tetracyclines. The water tested from 10 thawed specimens 2 of which contained diphosphates, produced dubious results with the general inhibitor test. Regarding the bacterial yield, both the selenite and tetrathionate enrichments were of equal value. Nevertheless with each individual enrichment the isolated partial amount of the entire collection of positive samples was not identical so that the highest yield of Salmonella was obtained from a combination of both methods. Incubation of the selenite enrichment at a maximum of 43 degrees C definitely produced a higher percentage than at 37 degrees C. A selenite enrichment proved to be superior to that of tetrathionate for the isolation of Salmonella serotypes which rarely occur in fowl. The excellent selectivity of the Brilliant-green Phenol-red Lactose Sucrose Agar, as repeatedly described in the literature, is also confirmed by these tests.


Investigations on the carcinogenic burden by air pollution in man. XII. Early pathological alterations of the bronchial epithelium in syrian golden hamsters after intratracheal instillation of benzo(a)pyrene.

The ultrastructural alterations occurring in the bronchial epithelium of Syrian golden hamsters treated once weekly for life with 0.63 mg BP were examined during the first 20 weeks of treatment. It was demonstrated that epithelial cells penetrated the basement membrane thus finally forming small bronchogenic tumours (adenomata) composed of ciliated, nonciliated and a few basal cells. No squamous metaplasis occurred.


[Investigations on the combined effect of zinc and lead (author's transl)].

The effect of zinc and the combined effect of zinc and lead on the Ala-D of the erythrocytes were experimentally followed in vivo and vitro. It was demonstrated that the zinc effect on the Ala-D is a function of the zinc-concentrate in blood. It was hence traced that ZnCl2 dosis up to 500 mug/ml blood raises the activity of Ala-D. Higher levels of ZnCl2 on other side leads to supression of the Ala-D activity. The experiments demonstrated further zinc exerts a dosis dependent antagonistic effect on the lead suppression of the Ala-D. Possible explanations of the effect of zinc on the Ala-D, and the antagonistic zinc effect after lead applications are still in discussion.


[Air pollution due to the burning of thermoplastics II (author's transl)].

Following on from the first publication, (12) concerning the burning of plastics, another 13 chemical pure polymers were burnt in an electric oven to determine the level of solid and gaseous air pollution caused by their stackgases. All 13 polymers are highly combustible but require different burning temperatures (300-900 degrees C) in order to be burnt completely (i.e. without ashrest). With the exception of PMMA and PTFE, all plastics leave a very heavy tar- and soot deposit after burning. At the other end of the scale, burning at low temperature (300 degrees C) gives rise to high concentrations of alipathic aldehyds. The pH of the exhaust-gases, dissolved in water, is neutral to strong acid (PTFE), and will cause a severe corrosion. The nitrogen-containing polymers pollute by forming cyanides, nitrogenoxides and ammonia. PTFE gives off high concentrations of fluorid into the air. PMMA decomposes in its monomer methylmethacrylate and forms large amounts of aliphatic aldehyds. ABS and SBR cause a styrene pollution.


[The determination of phenols in water: gas chromatographic identification by means of the electron affinity (author's transl)].

The electron affinities for 98 phenolic compounds have been determined using an electron capture detector (ECD) and a flame ionisation detector (FID). The signals of the two detectors were registered simultanously on a two channel recorder by splitting the gas stream at the column outlet for the ECD and the FID (1:1). The peak areas were corrected for equal concentration and instrument parameters and the relation peak area (ECD)/peak area (FID) was used as a measure of electron affinity. The values thus measured are given in a table. Among the phenolics found in water there are several groups with high or very high electron affinity, e.g. dichlorophenols, trichlorophenols, tetra- and pentachlorophenol; the values of these compounds are about 10(2), 10(3), 10(4), and 3 times 10(4) times higher, respectively, than that of phenol itself and its alkyl derivatives. For the mono- and dinitrophenols the corresponding figures are between 10(2) (o-nitrophenol) and 5 times 10(3) (dinitrophenols). A comparatively high value was measured for salicylic aldehyde: about 2.5 times 10(2) compared with phenol. The application of these values in the identification of some peaks in the gas chromatogram of a river water extract is demonstrated.


[The detection of spores of the bacillus species within the scope of the hygienic control of water pollution (author's transl)].

Due to their differentiated nutritional requirements the species of the genus Bacillus found in large number in the waste matter and the upper layers of the soil and consequently in the surface water cannot multiply in biotopes of low nutritive content. However, they are spread to these areas as spores and are of extraordinary tenacity if not eliminated. Consequently, in the ground water and within the range of its utilization they represent an indicator of the degree of purification or contamination of the water with waste products or surface impurities; their number does not depend on the phase of self-purification (as e.g. the number of colonies) in the sense of the degradation of remaining substances still utilizable by pseudomonads. The concentration of spores of the Bacillus species in the surface water ranges from 1000-10000 per 50 ml of water. In undisturbed ground water 0-5 per 50 ml are found; in filtered ground water from near the banks and in such water that has been exposed to surface contamination 1000 per 50 ml have been found or even more; in the direction of infiltration - proportionate to the purification effect in the ground - decreasing numbers of spores of the Bacillus species are detectable. In "areas of subsequent germination" of the water supply and water utilization no multiplication of spores of the Bacillus species has been observed - provided no additional contamination occurs.


Variola minor in Braganca Paulista County, 1956. Flow of the epidemic through the schools of the county.

The characteristics of the 10 elementary, teachers, business and high schools operated in the city capital of the Braganca Paulista County, state of São Paulo, Brazil, during the 1956 epidemic of variola minor (alastrim) are presented. Also shown are the numbers of students with variola and of students without variola but with homemates with variola, by grade and school. Of the total 131 cases recorded among students, 128 occurred in the 4 elementary schools. Of the latter cases, 101 occurred among the students of the JG School and the JT School. The distribution of these cases by age, sex, previous immunity status, school grade and clinical severity of the disease (typed according to Dixon's classification) were remarkably similar in these two schools. Only the ratio of students introducing the disease into their households to students having secondary cases in their households suggestively varied, the JT School having more introductory cases. No student with a previous attack of variola showed any clinical manifestation in any school. Only 2 of the total 101 cases from the JG and JT Schools occurred among students with a previous successful vaccination. Moreover, those two cases apparently resulted from within-household contacts rather than from contacts at the school. No student with current variola showed a severe type (Dixon's types 1 to 5). More than half of the cases typed showed the typical, medium-severity type (Dixon's type 6). More than 2/3 of the cases occurred among students aged 6 to 9 years, particularly among those 7- to 9-year old. The number of cases reached a maximum in the first grade and gradually and definitely decreased with increasing grade.


Investigations on the carcinogenic burden by air pollution in man. XI. About the effect of aluminiumhydroxid upon the benzo(a)pyrene carcinogenesis.

Recent publications point towards a probable influence of trace elements on the cancerogenicity of chemical substances. On the basis of these reports we chose Al(OH)3 as trace element in our experiments, trying to clarify the influence of some adjuvants of vaccines on oncogenesis as described by several authors. To female NMRI-mice we applied subcutaneously 10 mug, 50 mug, 100 mug benzo(a)pyrene respectively in 0,5 ml tricaprylin-Al(OH)3-gel mixture and compared it with similar doses of benzo(a)pyrene in 0,5 ml tricaprylin-NaCl solutions. Results of experiments: 1. Al(OH)3 considerably reduced the tumor formation in the groups, treated with 10 and 50 mug benzo(a)pyrene; even tumor rates in the 100 mug benzo(a)pyrene group were diminished but much less than by the lower doses. 2. After ninety weeks the amount of tumors in the groups treated with 10 or 50 mug benzo(a)pyrene + Al(OH)3 was significantly lower than that of their control groups. At the highest doses (100 mug) a significant difference could not be noted. 3. Mean periods of tumor induction within all groups treated with benzo(a)pyrene-Al(OH)3 were significantly prolonged in comparison to controls. 4. In experiments with subcutaneously treated mice the doses-effect-relationship is changed when Al(OH)3 corresponds to the results of experiment with atmospheric dusts or exhaustion condensates. It is still pending whether adsorbtive or other processes make this effect.


Mitotic activity and nuclear/cytoplasmatic ratio of the lachrymal and Harderian glands of the rat during postnatal life.

The authors performed a study of the mitotic activity and the nuclear/cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio during postnatal life of the lachrymal and Harderian glands of the rat. Based on the results, they concluded: (1) during the first days of postnatal life the development of lachrymal and Harderian glands was characterized by an intense mitotic activity and a low N/C ratio; (2) the period prior to eyelid disjunction was characterized by a diminished mitotic activity and a progressive and slow increase of the N/C ratio; (3) after eyelid disjunction, mitotic activity was reduced and an abrupt increase of the N/C ratio occurred, more evident in the Harderian gland; (4) during the final period of postnatal life studied mitotic activity was absent and the N/C ratio presented a higher, more constant level, which was always higher for the Harderian gland.


[Fine structure of venules and lymphatics of the dog thyroid gland].

The endothelial cells of the venules (collecting venules) of the thyroid gland of the dog are very thin and show fenestrations. In their wall, however, more 'primitive' smooth muscle cell layers are recognizable. The endothelial cells in the lymphatic vessels are also thin, but continuous. They have all known morphological characteristics of these vessels. The fenestrae of the venules' endothelium could facilitate hormone passage from the interstitial tissue into the blood stream.


Carotid body of Camelus dromedarius.

The carotid body of the camel is located between a mass of loose connective tissue at the point of separation of the internal carotid artery from the carotid trunk. A capsule-like connective tissue sheath sends strands in between the parenchyme of this organ and separates lobes and lobules, making it disseminated in type, as in man and in the horse. Two distinct types of cells were found in the parenchyma. Type I cells with specific electton-dense, cored vesicles, and type II cells with protoplasmic extensions. Unlike the previously reported arrangement in the carotid body of some species, the type I cells have direct contact with the basement membrane of glomi and capillaries. Synaptic contacts were seen on both cell types.


[Topographic and histological study of the sinoatrial node in the Jaffarabadi buffalo (Babalus bubalis Linnaeus, 1758)].

A topographic and histologic study of the sinuatrial node was made in the hearts of 12 buffalo of the Jaffarabadi breed, 8 adults (5 females and 3 males) and 4 term fetuses (3 female and 1 male). The nodal tissue was localized at the junction of the vena cava superior with the right atrium, occupying, more precisely, the entire extent of the terminal groove, the dihedral cavoatrial angle and the first part of the auricular surface of the junction, which is contiguous with this angle. This structure contains cells with single or double nuclei, round or oval in shape, surrounded by a light halo, with scattered chromatin and a well-defined nucleolus, acidophilic cytoplasm containing, in comparison with the common myocardium, few sinuous myofibrils with transverse striations and a larger amount of glycogen. We also observed arteries of small and medium caliber, with veins and nerves accompanying the nodal mass, while the nerve ganglia were situated opposite the sinuatrial node.


[Storage of human bone marrow at - 196 degrees C].

The paper contains a description of the method of human bone marrow storage at -196 degrees C using DMSO and glycerol as cryoprotective agents. In the light of determinations of the count of nucleated cells, their viability, myelograms and blastic transformation of lymphocytes it was found that DMSO is a more effective cryoprotective agent than glycerol for storage of human bone marrow at low temperatures.


[Role of human spleen in the release and sequestration of white blood cells].

In 21 patients during operation blood samples were obtained from splenic vein and artery immediately before splenectomy for determination of qualitative and quantitative composition of white blood cells to establish the role of the spleen in their release and sequestration. It was found that the spleen released into circulation mononuclear cells whose number, size of nucleus and glycogen content of the cytoplasm varied individually in various cases. Besides that the spleen releases and sequestrates granulocytes, most probably as a result of intravascular shifts in the marginal and circulating cell pools induced, among others, by contractions of the spleen.


Quantitative evaluation of sensory nerve endings in hypertrophy of labia minora pudendi in women.

The authors studied the types of sensory nerve endings in hypertrophic labia minora pudendi in women aged between 18 and 69. The nervous tissue was impregnated with silver nitrate by Lavrentyev's modification of the Bielschowski-Gross method. The sensory nerve endings were divided into the following groups: free endings and arborizations, spray-like endings, seven types of clew-like nerve endings, and Pacinian corpuscles. It is the clew-like endings that absolutely predominate, they were 2,027 in number. The arborizations and spray-like endings found were 105 in number and only 4 of Pacinian corpuscles were found. As compared with normal labia there are no principal differences among the types of sensory nerve endings. The main difference consists in the rate of occurrence (89.6 as against 57.8) and in the thickness of the capsule, while the nerve clew proper does not grow in diameter. Therefore, we are of theopinion that a more frequent occurrence and larger size of the capsule is associated with local changes in the organ (especially with hypertrophy of the connective tissue). We observed no differences due to age either in the occurrence of the individual types or in the thickness of the capsule. Great individual variability in both directions was seen. The findings corroborated again the rare occurrence of meissner's endings in the labia minora in woman. Therefore it may be assumed that it is rather a random finding and that it is a type of clew-like nerve ending. Finally, we presume that the individually varying rate of occurrence of the nerve endings in the external genitals could also affect general sensitivity in this region, including sexual sensitivity.


[Behavior of zinc and magnesium in stored blood].

An analytical method was elaborated for determination of blood zinc and magnesium based on previously known methods. Blood zinc and magnesium were determined in whole stored blood, plasma and erythrocyte mass. The results obtained by this method were compared with the results of spectrophotometry of atomic absorption (SAA). They showed a rise in the plasma zinc and magnesium levels in blood stored with ACD at +4 degrees -- +6 degrees C. during three weeks.


Morphological study on the human anterior cardiac veins, venae cordis anteriores.

The way in which the anterior cardiac veins end in the right atrium is very inconstant; separate opening is very rare and course and situation also changes a lot. We found the vein of Galen in about 90.59% of the cases and its ending differs from the usual. We found the anterior ventricular veins in about 91.45% of the cases; there is only one such vein in 57.00% of the cases, two in 33.64% and three in 9.34%; their origin and opening vary greatly. We saw the vein of Cruveilher in 68.37% of the cases, a lower percentage than that found by other authors. It also differs in its origin, course and opening. The vein of Zuckerkandl was found in 47.00% of the cases, lesser percentage than that found by other authors. The common canal is very important and very frequent in our cases. It opens into the right atrium by one orifice in 27.68% of the cases, by two in 63.93% and by three in 8.19%.


[Effect of stroma-free hemoglobin solution on oxygen consumption in some tissues].

50 cc of a 6%, oxygenated or non oxygenated stroma-free heamoglobin solution was transfused in rabbits after previous removal of about one third of the circulating blood volume. The experimental investigations were carried out on animals under barbiturate anaesthesia. Oxygen consumption was determined using a Warburg microrespirator. Posthaemorrhagic hypotension developing after bleeding caused a significant increase in oxygen consumption by liver tissue. Transfusion of non oxygenated stroma-free haemoglobin solution caused a further increase of oxygen consumption, while transfusion of oxygenated stroma-free haemoglobin solution slightly decreased oxygen consumption compared to the values observed during the post haemorrhagic hypotension.


Postnatal development of the respiratory system of the opossum. II. Electron microscopy of the epithelium and pleura.

At birth, the opossum lung is remarkably primitive and consists of a system of branching airways that end in a number of terminal air chambers. From the newborn through the 10 cm stage of development the conducting portion of the lung predominates. The air chambers, which represent portions of the conducting system modified for respiration, are in a constant state of evolution since they are destined to become part of the expanding bronchial system. The airways are devoid of cilia and goblet cells at birth, and are lined by columnar epithelial cells which contain two types of cytoplasmic granules: an electron-dense form and a heterogeneous form. The latter exhibits an electron-dense core surrounded initially by a large halo of flocculent material. This type of granule is not seen beyond the 8 cm stage. The terminal air chambers of the newborn and later stages are lined type I and type II alveolocytes that appear identical to the alveolocytes lining alveoli in the adult. By the 2.5 cm stage, scattered cilia are present in the trachea and bronchi and bands of smooth muscle have differentiated in relation to bronchial epithelium and to proximal areas of the terminal chambers. Citiated cells are separated by ridges composed of light and dark cells which are without cilia and which contain scattered electron-dence granules. Throughout the postnatal period numerous alveolar macrophages and mast cells are noted in relation to the conducting system and pleura. Differentiation of the pleura also occurs during the postnatal period. In the newborn the pleura is simple squamous mesothelium. Later stages develop a thick connective tissue lamina between the pleural mesothelium and lung parenchyma. A large band of elastin is interposed between the mesothelium and underlying bundles of collagen.


Volumetric and histochemical studies of the adrenal medulla of mouse after reserpine administration.

The effect of single and consecutive doses of reserpine on the morphology and cellular and nuclear sizes of adrenaline and noradrenaline cells in the adrenals of mice were compared with the normal controls receiving saline injections as a placebo. Adopting micrometric measurements for apparent cellular and nuclear diameters, the pooled mean volumes of adrenaline- and noradrenaline-secreting cells and nuclei were calculated. Normal controls, subjected to consecutive daily saline injections for a period of 2 weeks, presented an increase in the intensity of the chromaffin reaction and higher values of cellular and nuclear sized of both cell types than those receiving single saline injection. These findings are believed to be a result of increased cell activity due to the stress of repeated, regular daily handling and injections. The increased measurements of cellular and nuclear sized of both types of adrenomedullary cells are believed to be due to hypermetabolic activity of the cells, thus exceeding action of reserpine shown by the decreased intensity of chromaffin reaction. Mice receiving daily consecutive reserpine injections showed a decrease in the intensity of chromaffin reaction as well as cellular and nuclear sizes compared with their controls. This is attributed to a decrease in the catecholamine content of the adrenal medulla.


Effect of adrenalin and acetylcholine on the hypothalamic neurosecretory system in the garden lizard, Calotes versicolor.

Injection of adrenalin or acetylcholine led to enhanced elaboration and release of neurosecretory materials (hyperactivity) in the hypothalamic neurosecretory system of the garden lizard. The hyperactivity apparently came down to the control level of activity at the 120 h stage of the experiment.


Vegetative innervation of the esophagus. II. Intraganglionic laminar endings.

The intraganglionic laminar endings in the esophagus of the cat and the rhesus monkey show absolute equivalence between the results in both species from the morphological standpoint. The different types of apparatus found are described, with their location in the esophagus and their percentage distribution in relation to the different portions of its wall. The osmium tetroxide-zinc iodide technique gives pictures equivalent to those using silver impregnations, with the added advantage that the former brings out the morphological details more clearly, to the point of showing up the peculiar characteristics of the edges with their thorn-like protrusions. The complete independence of these structures within the ganglion is confirmed, and evidence is provided for rejecting the possibility that they might be dendritic prolongations of the neuronal elements composing the intramural ganglia. A possible afferent function is proposed, which, however, must be considered an open question, pending the results of further experimental investigation.


[Studies on the distribution of glycogen phosphorylase and succinate dehydrogenase in the humeral epiphysis of various-age rats].

In the chondrocytes of the humerus epiphysis of newborn and 8-, 30- and 60-day-old albino rats, glycogen phosphorylase and succinate dehydrogenase activity was found. The enzymatic pattern of glycogen phosphorylase and succinate dehydrogenase diverges significantly within the age groups. In the chondrocytes of cartilage epiphysis of newborn and 8-day-old animals glycogen phosphorylase is distinctly present. The enzyme is reduced in 30- and 60-day-old rats. The initial moderate reactions of succinate dehydrogenase in the column cartilage and in the proximal hypertrophic cells demonstrate an additional activity from 30-day-old animals. The osteoblasts of the metaphysis demonstrated a strong reaction.


Studies on dentin. 2. Vestigial lacteal incisor teeth of the rat.

The presence of a vestigial, lacteal incisor tooth is described in the laboratory rat. This tooth is felt to belong to the same dental generation as the other functional teeth. Accordingly, the rat is described as having a monophyodont, first dentition containing two incisor teeth in each quadrant. These vestigial teeth are then compared with other similar mammalian teeth and are defined as transient, partially formed and non-functional. As such, they are differentiated from other transient teeth. The examination of the fossil record suggests that tooth loss is a general phenomenon in rodents, but that this vestigial tooth probably represents a condition present in forms antecedent to rodents. A critical literature review strongly suggests that the teeth of the recent rat are members of the first dental generation. The presence of such a vestigial tooth and of the postincisive diastema in the rat is felt to be an example of phylogenetic reduction and progressive retardation in the sense of de Beer's concepts. These same two phenomena were analyzed with respect to the field theory of Butler and of the Zahnreihen theory of Edmund. Placed within the context of recent data on epithelioectomesenchymal interactions, both theories were supported, and both the vestigial teeth and anodontic diastema were shown to be explicable within these conceptual frameworks.


Comparative study of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the Egyptian desert rodent Gerbillus pyramidum and the albino rat.

The hind limb muscles of the Egyptian desert rodent Gerbillus pyramidum and the albino rat were studied macroscopically and microscopically, using ordinary and histochemical techniques. The results revealed a relatively long hind limb and a relatively long tendon of the gastrocnemius group in G. pyramidum as compared with the albino rat. The dark fibres (red) were dominant in the muscles of the former animal and its spindles similarly contained more dense intrafusal fibres than the spindles of the albino rat. The correlation between these findings and the frequency and power of movement of the hind limbs in G. pyramidum was discussed.


Contribution to the ultrastructural study of microglia in the cerebral cortex.

The author studied the ultrastructural characteristics of the microglial cell in the cerebral cortex of the adult rat and rabbit, admitting the identity and independence of this glial type in relation to the other cells of the nervous tissue. He also discussed the microglial nature of the pericytes ("pericytial microglia").


Intrinsic innervation of the gall bladder in the dog.

The gall bladder of eight dogs 3 months old were extracted and studied by the Holme's and Gross-Bielschowsky techniques. The nerves were found to form an extensive network within the wall of the gall bladder. However, 5 plexuses were identified and their arrangement was similar to that in the wall of the intestine. Nerve cells were only found in relation with the myenteric plexus. Moreover, knob-like terminals and circular type of nerve endings were noticed on the muscularis. The findings of the intrinsic innervation of the gall bladder of the dog were compared with that of man, monkey and guinea pig and the significance of that innervation was discussed.


Connections of the cerebellar grains with neuroglial and vascular structures. Interpretation of the grain as a modified neuroglial element.

Using the slightly modified method of Golgi-Valenzuela we studied the cerebellum of 2-week-old dogs. We noted a close anatomical relationship between the cerebellar grains and blood vessels. We found this similar to those of other neuroglial elements. We have described contacts between dendrites of the grains, similar to those of known synaptic junctions. We consider the cerebellar grains as a possible evolutionary form of astrocytes. In this respect, the author would like to interpret them as a possible basis for pathogenetic interpretation of neurological disorders such as ataxia-telangiectasia syndrome, an ontogenic bond between undifferentiated blood elements, astroglia, oligodendroglia and cerebellar grains.


Histological and histochemical study on the ependyma of Bradypus tridactylus.

Histological and histochemical aspects of the whole encephalic ventricular system of eight specimens of Bradypus tridactylus were studied. After anesthesia and perfusion, the encephalons were obtained by craniotomy. Transverse serial sections of the encephalon, stained according to Azan (Heidenhain's method) or Kluver-Barrera for nerve cells and myelinated nerve fibers; silver impregnation was carried out according to Cajal-De Castro's or Palmgren's methods. The following histochemical reactions were used: PAS (McManus), metachromasia, acid phosphatase (Gomori), Brachet's and Gomori's trichromic reaction (modified by Bargmann for neurosecretion). Histologically, different characteristics of the ependymal cells in different areas were observed, which would be related to functional peculiarities of each area of the encephalic ventricles. The ependymal cells showed discrete apical basophilia due to the presence of RNA which disappears after treatment with crystalline ribonuclease. The PAS reaction indicated the presence of a small quantity of PAS-positive substances in the apical zone of the ependymal cells and the subependymal tissue. These substances disappeared after the salivary amylase test, indicating the presence of glycogen. The acid phosphatase reaction was negative.


Cyclic changes in the pituitary gland in correlation with the testicular cycle in a hill-stream teleost, Schizothorax richardsonii (Gray and Hard).

In Schizothorax richardsonii, the pituitary gland has been studied in correlation with the phases of the testicular cycle. The cyanophils of the proximal pars distalis show hypertrophy, hyperplasia, granulation, degranulation and vacuolisation in concurrence with the spermatogenic cycle. Secretory activity of the cyanophils controls the maturation of testes, which indicates that these cyanophils are gonadotrops. The formation of sperm mother cells, however, does not appear to depend on the secretory activity of the pituitary. During spawning and regression phases, the azocarminophilous granules in the cytoplasm of the cyanophils show quantitative variation. The migratory chromophil cells show numerical variation, suggesting their involvement in the reproductive cycle. Neurosecretory material also appears to play some part in reproduction.


DNA synthesis in the thymus of the adult newt Notophthalmus viridescens.

Lymphocytic activity was examined in thymuses of adult newts by studying the number, location, morphology and fate of cells within thymuses which had been processed for autoradiography 15 min, 2 and 4 h, and 2, 4, and 10 days subsequent to the injection of tritiated thymidine. Results of this study indicate (1) that the adult thymus is a highly proliferative organ, (2) that large and medium-sized lymphocytes present in the peripheral parenchyma give rise to smaller lymphocytes which move centrally and emigrate from the thymus, and (3) that many thymocytes leave the thymus within 2-4 days after they have been produced. The significance of these findings is discussed.


Contributions to the anatomy of the cervical spine. Functional and pathogenetic significance of certain structures of the cervical vertebrae.

Following the investigations carried out on about 350 macerated vertebrae by the dissection of 120 human cadavers, a number of structural pecularities of the cervical vertebrae are described, with special emphasis on their functional and pathogenetic significance. The most specific structures of the cervical vertebrae -- the transverse, unciform, and articular processes, and the vertebral pedicle -- embody from the ontogenetic, the morphofunctional and the pathogenetic point of view, a unity named the uncotransversoarticular complex. The components of this complex delimit the spinal nerve groove, the intervertebral canal and participate in the cervical locking mechanism, in this way contributing to the protection of the vasculonervous formations passing through the cervical spine. The osteovasculonervous relationships at the level of the intervertebral canal, the anatomical variants of the intervertebral canal as well as certain possibilities of the occurrence of a cervical locking deficiency are described.


Renographic evaluation of renal excretion in hydronephrosis of pregnancy.

The functional significance of renographic delay in excretion observed in connection with chiefly unilateral "physiologic" hydronephrosis of pregnancy was analyzed in 10 cases, The delay was found to be entirely or predominantly due to the reservoir effect of the dilated urinary tract. A moderate reduction of urinary flow on the affected side was suggested to contribute to the impairment in only 3 of the 10 cases. Interpretation of the degree of urinary obstruction as judged by renography should be cautious. This applies especially to the assessment of complete obstruction, which should be diagnosed only after considering the reservoir effect of the dilated tract.


Progesterone therapy in pre-eclamptic toxaemia.

Progesterone was the principal therapeutic agent used in 40 cases of pre-eclamptic toxaemia. It was also given to 10 normal pregnant women who served as a control group. A significant fall in both the systolic and diastolic blood pressures was observed in 80% of the toxaemic patients. In all cases there was a marked increase in the 24-hour urinary output with an apparent loss of weight. Serum uric acid showed a significant drop and the urea clearance values also improved. The serum sodium showed an apparent decline while the serum potassium did not show any marked variation. The serum uric acid, urea clearance, blood urea, serum sodium and serum potassium remained unchanged in the control group.


Physiological role of meconium during delivery.

Women with green amniotic fluid (N = 495) delivered more quickly after membrane rupture (mean 2.7 h) than 495 controls with normal-coloured amniotic fluid (mean 4.6 h) whereas the labour in the first group lasted longer prior to membrane rupture. This difference was not caused by active treatment, difference in the gestational or size of the infants. In the light of our previous findings of immunoreactive oxytocin in meconium, our results may suggest that meconium serves as a fetal reservoir of biologically active compounds emptied into the amniotic fluid to expedite the termination of labour in fetal distress.


Plasma levels of progesterone and oestrogens in women treated with an oral contraceptive of low oestrogen content (Ovostat 1375).

The plasma levels of progesterone and oestrogens were measured during treatment with an oral contraceptive containing 37.5 mug of ethinyl oestradiol and 1 mg of lynestrenol (= 3-desoxy-17alpha-ethinyl-19-nortestosterone) (Ovostat 1375, Organon, Oss, Holland). Blood samples were taken every day during 9 complete cycles in 5 healthy women. The plasma levels of progesterone were in the range of those found during the early follicular phase of the normal women. No ovulation seemed to have occurred. The mean plasma levels of oestrogens (oestradiol and oestrone) during treatment were below those found during early follicular phase of 34 normal cycles although overlapping of values occurred. The ratio between oestradiol and oestrone during treatment was 1:2 vs. 1:1 during the early follicular phase of the normal cycles. In two cycles treatment was started during the midcyclic rise of oestrogens. No rise of progesterone indicating corpus luteum formation was found. Despite the low amount of oestrogen in the drug the ovaries appeared to secrete minimal amounts of sex steroids. The lynestrenol content is likely to be partly responsible for the inhibition of ovulation and the additional suppression of steroidogenesis.


Site of ovulation and ectopic pregnancy.

In a study of 130 tubal pregnancies the relationships as to location of the corpus luteum, the implantation site, and the gross findings of the non-pregnant fallopian tube were analyzed. A contralateral corpus luteum was found in 20% of the cases. Hydrosalpinx, peritubal adhesions and/or thickening of the tubal wall were observed in 33% of the non-pregnant tubes. Grouping by implantation site--ipsilateral or contralateral corpus luteum--showed no statistical differences. The incidence of chronic pelvic inflammatory diseases was no greater in the subjects above 30 years of age and those having had more than 2 pregnancies. The results suggest that "tube locking" of the ovum, sometimesa result of previous tubal inflammatory disease, sometimes a result of supposed insufficiency of tubal peristalsis. was the major cause of tubal gestation. External migration of the ovum alone may not be an important factor in the genesis of tubal pregnancy.


An improved method of epidural analgesia with reduced instrumental delivery rate.

A detailed study on a modified technique of epidural analgesia (EDA) for pain relief in obstetrics has been performed. The aim of the modifications was to reduce the number of instrumental deliveries and at the same time to make the delivery as smooth as possible for the baby. This was achieved by the use of an anaesthetic with a favourable ratio between neonatal and maternal plasma levels (Bupivacaine) in low concentration (0.25%). A special technique of injection enabled us to limit the extent of the blockade. An epidural catheter was inserted between L2 and L3 and moved upwards 20 cm into the epidural space. 8-10 ml of the solution was then injected after a test dose. The blockade was continued by the repeated injection of smaller doses. As judged by the skin anaesthetic zones and by obstetric examinations, the patient was gradually positioned, during labour, from supine to half-sitting. The catheter was withdrawn at the end of the first stage of labour so that the lower sacral segments could be blocked. A group of 100 patients treated with the technique described was followed. The number of instrumental deliveries in the present series (15%) was significantly lower in similar series reported in the literature. The group of 100 patients treated with modified EDA was also compared with 100 control patients who received only conventional treatment without EDA. There was no differences in the number of abnormal presentations, while the number of caesarean sections and cases of atonic post-partum bleeding was insignificantly lower in the EDA group. The difference in the number of instrumental deliveries-although somewhat higher in the EDA group-was not statistically significant. The total length of labour was prolonged in the EDA group but EDA was not necessarily responsible for this undesired effect. The clinical status of the babies was found to be better after EDA than in control group, as judged from Apgar score. Furthermore, fetal bradycardia was significantly reduced with EDA. It is concluded that EDA, as used in this study, not only is a preferable way of achieving pain relif in the mother but also offers a means of facilitating the birth process for the infant, reducing the incidence of pre- and post-natal asphyxia.


Studies in cholestasis of pregnancy. III. Fatty acid composition of serum phosphoglycerides.

The influence of cholestasis of pregnancy (CP) on liver lipid synthesis as reflected by the composition of serum phosphoglycerides was studied in 28 pregnant women in the last trimester by means of gas-liquid-chromatography (GLC). All patients complained of pruritus and had immunologically detectable lipoprotein-X (LP-X) in serum. Twenty women with uncomplicated pregnancies served as a control series. In lecithin, low palmitic acid (16:0) and high oleic acid (18:1 (n-9)) were found which appear to be characteristic for CP. The increased oleic acid suggests an enhanced liver lecithin synthesis through the cytidine-diphosphate diglyceride pathway. Measurement of the concentrations of lecithin from the gas-liquid-chromatograms was made possible by the use of an internal standard fatty acid added, which gave a linear relation to direct determination of lecithin. For further studies of influences of cholestasis of pregnancy on the relative fatty acid composition, lecithin was chosen because differences between lecithin (PC) and phosphoglycerides (GPL) were found, evidently due to mutual variations among the three components in GPL (lecithin, cephalin and lysolecithin).


[Exteroceptive reflex control of the levator palpebrae muscle in man (author's transl)].

Exteroceptive periorbital stimulation is reported to evoke an early and a late bilateral pause in the activity of the m. levator palpebrae. The early levator pause appears at lower threshold than the blink reflex components in the m. orbicularis oculi. It is suggested that antagonistic muscles at papebral level are subjected to a differential exteroceptive reflex control.


Uterine size measured by ultrasound during the menstrual cycle.

In the following study changes in the size of non-pregnant uterus were measured by B-scan ultrasonography. Uterine size in different stages of the menstrual cycle was measured ultrasonically in 16 women, whose periods were confirmed to be ovulatory, both by basal body temperature (BBT) and by the radioimmunological measurement of plasma estradiol and progesterone. It was established that the size of the uterus grows significantly towards the end of the menstrual cycle. In addition to the above mentioned, the examination was performed on a woman of child-bearing age with disturbances in her menstrual cycle. Hormone measurements indicated that her period was anovulatory. No typical uterine growth characteristic of ovulatory cycles could be observed.


[Autoradiographic study of proline incorporation into cerebral proteins. The influence of learning and of asparaginase administration. (author's transl)].

The distribution of labelled proteins in the brain after the injection of tritiated proline into the third ventricle was studied after autoradiography. In discrete areas, the incorporation proceeds at a faster rate after an avoidance training. The difference between trained and resting animals is much more evident after the injection of 100 units of L-Asparaginase. It is suggested that L-Asparaginase impairs long-term memory through the inhibition of protein synthesis.


Dysmenorrhea in industrial workers.

In two Norwegian industrial companies 234 women of menstruating age were examined by the industrial nurse with regard to menstrual complaints. Every second woman experienced pain, 23% had consulted a doctor previously, about 30% had to stay in bed, and about 30% had been absent from work recently due to dysmenorrhea. Although pain was prevalent in all age groups, there were age-specific differences in other complaints, such as headache and depression, which were more frequent among the older women. In a selected group of 32 women with severe complaints, the history and gynecological examination indicated secondary dysmenorrhea in only a few cases. Hormonal assays and endometrial biopsy indicated anovulatory cycles in 4 out of 12 women, in spite of dysmenorrhea.


The significance of oral contraceptives in causing chromosome anomalies in spontaneous abortions.

The significance of oral contraceptives in causing chromosome aberrations in the fetus was studied in 246 non-selected spontaneous abortuses using Q-banding technique. No significant difference in the frequency of abnormal karyotypes or in the sex ratio was found between 124 abortuses of women who had taken oral contraceptives in comparison with 122 abortuses of women who had never used oral contraceptives. The study did, however, show that women who had used oral contraceptives were significantly younger than women who had not used these pills. In addition, the gestational age of the chromosomally abnormal abortuses was on the average 6 days longer in the group of women who had used oral contraceptives than in the group who had not. The difference was significant only with regard to the karyotype 45,X.


Studies in normal pregnancy. I. Serum lipids and fatty acid composition of serum phosphoglycerides.

Elevated serum lipids in normal pregnancy have been confirmed by the present study. In normal pregnancy the relative fatty acid composition of serum lecithin was characteristically high in palmitic acid (15:0). From the present knowledge of lipid metabolism in pregnancy there is no obvious explanation for this finding. Furthermore, the serum lecithin relative fatty acid composition mirrored a possible dietary influence with a decrease in the essential fatty acid, linoleic (18:2) and arachidonic (20:4) acids and of the sum of the fatty acid of the linoleic acid series (n-6). This expression for a relative deficiency in essential fatty acids might be due to changes in dietary habits during pregnancy, e.g. an increase in particularly refined carbohydrates. Reciprocal changes in oleic (18:1) and linoleic (18:2) acids further support this suggestion. An expected increase in serum lecithin containing arachidonic acid (20:4)-due to estrogen influence on liver lecithin synthesis-could not be verified in week 34 of the normal pregnancy.


Frequency and management of urological and some other complications following radical surgery for carcinoma of the cervix uteri, stages I and II.

A series of 202 patients with stage I and II carcinoma of the cervix uteri is presented. Radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection was performed in all cases and most patients received radiotherapy in addition. The condition at 5-year follow-up of all patients is reported and the facts associated with operative complications are analysed. Special attention was paid to the urological condition by performing urographies as a routine study both pre- and postoperatively. There was a strong correlation between the pathological postoperative urologic finding in regard to poor prognosis and permanent complications. Urinary tract infections occurred frequently and were difficult to handle. The operations performed for urological complications are listed. It is concluded that the treatment of carcinoma of the cervix uteri should be concentrated on clinics with a well-trained staff. At every stage of treatment intensive teamwork is most important. The rate of complications can be reduced by intensifying studies especially in the postoperative period. New diagnostic procedures and prophylactic measures should be tried andintroduced into routine practice if proved valuable. It is important that major surgery, such as radical hysterectomy, be performed in a teaching hospital for gynecologists.


Hyperparathyroidism and pregnancy. Report of a case and review of the literature.

A 28-year-old gravida III, with a history of two unsuccessful pregnancies, was admitted with hyperemesis gravidarum and was found to be suffering from hyperparathyroidism (HPT). She was treated surgically and was later delivered of a wellformed, premature girl. The literature is reviewed and the histories of 40 females (including the patient of this case report) with a minimum of 93 pregnancies while suffering from HPT shows, that HPT during pregnancy is a serious condition for the fetus as well as for the mother. There was an increased incidence of spontaneous abortion, perinatal death, premature birth and neonatal morbidity. The mothers suffered from increased episodes of renal calculi and hyperemesis gravidarum. The exacerbations nearly always occurred in the first and second trimesters or post partum.


Tubal pregnancy treated by salpingectomy using operative culdoscopy.

A case of unruptured Ampullary pregnancy in the 7th postmenstrual week is presented, which was diagnosed and treated at the same time by operative culdoscopy. The indication and advantages of this method are discussed.


Diffuse vaginal adenosis. Three cases combined with imperforate hymen and haematocolpos.

Diffuse vaginal adenosis is a rare disease presenting severe symptoms and difficult to treat. It has not previously been described in the Scandinavian literature. Three typical cases are reported, two in children of 14 years and one in a women of 20 years, who were all treated for imperforate hymen and haematocolpos. None of the patients had been subjected to oestrogen treatment in utero. The colposcopic findings are very characteristic and are described in relation to the histological examination. The pathogenesis, treatment and risk of malignant transformation are discussed.


[University crisis and student psychiatric service].

This paper briefs a research on the influence of stressing environmental factors upon mental health conditions of university students. The study was undertaken at the Student Psychiatric Service, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia. Three equal periods are compared. The first is a normal one; the others are disorderly and riotous, up to the point of foreing the discontinuance of academic activities for several months. As compared with the period of academic stability, the rates of mental disturbances show a steep rise in the periods of agitation. Schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, all kinds of difficulties in interpersonal relations, and somatic disturbances, are sharply increased, whereas complaints of less severe disturbances, like transient situational disorders, level up or decrease. Another significant rise is registered in the use of drugs for therapeutic purposes. The study leads to the conclusion that stress due to environmental disorders or social upheavals is an important factor in the aethiology of severe mental disturbances.


[The method of personal interaction laboratories applied to groups of married couples].

The aim of Personal Interaction Laboratories is not to overcome or to solve any marriage problem or maladjustment. They provide an intense, quick experience, in which the participants get a rare chance to examine the way they are interacting with each other's partner, and the degree of mutual adaptation. A peculiar atmosphere of trust and reliability is usually created in the group, and grows steadily according to the increasing willingness of all members to share a higher degree of intimacy. This climate allows for deep emotional exchanges through which persons and couples gain a fresh view of themselves, allowing a long lasting drive for improving their life patterns. This report briefs the results of four Laboratories for married couples sponsored by the Human Welfare Foundation ("Fundación para el Bienestar Humano"), at Medellín-Colombia, in 1971 and 1972; they included 8, 10, 6 and 12 couples, that is, 36 in all. Participation in the Laboratories was set on a strictly voluntary basis; information was provided to personnel of the main industrial and commercial corporations, and interested prospective candidates applied for admission. The couples were selected according to their socio-economical level (medium and lower-medium), their educational background (at least two years of high school), and their lack of apparent mental symptoms. A special country resort was selected for the Laboratories, in order to guarantee adequate isolation for the group and no possible contacts with the familiar environment. Sessions were started on Wednesdays at 8 pm and closed on Sundays at 1.30 pm. The available time was completely devoted to Laboratory activities, allowing only short breaks for meals. T-group sessions took most of the time. They were given special attention, being at the core of group development. Each session was 90 to 120 minutes long; a total of nine were programmed. There were complementary activities, such as lectures on marriage counseling, group discussions on texts previously studied, role-playing on specific familiar situations, and related subjects. The participants were also to complete several forms: before, during and after the experience, the last one being delivered several months later.


[Behavior therapy. Bases and criticism].

Our first concern is a general characterization of behaviour therapy. It cannot be produced by means of the description of its methods and techniques, since it includes a wide gamut of them, ranging from systematic desensitization to assertive training and aversive conditioning. It is necessary then to resort to the theoretical basis common to the different methods and techniques. The reciprocal inhibition principle, as stated by John Wolpe, is likely to provide a sound starting point. To Wolpe's mind, a neurosis is an anxiety response deeply rooted through conditioning. Most behaviour therapists share this conception. The therapist task is, according to it, to unchain the circuit between anxiety producing stimulus and neurotic responses. In order to achieve the disjunction, an antagonistic response is used, that reciprocally inhibits the anxiety response. Systematic desensitization based on relation is a typical application of the reciprocal inhibition principle. Nevertheless, other usual techniques, such as negative practice (used by Yates for the treatment of tics) or Skinner's operant conditioning are not based on that principle. A wider basis is thus required. Behaviour therapists claim that the theoretical basis is to be found in learning theory laws. The reciprocal inhibition principle is the counterpart of the counter-conditioning law, the negative practice principle is similar to the extinction law, and so on. However, there is not one single learning theory, but several ones, mutually contradictory. And they are not fit to provide the needed theoretical basis. That disagreement can be overcome looking for the common principle of all learning laws, namely, that the need is to create definite circuits that can operate in front of adequate stimulus. Still another set of criticisms to behaviour therapy comes from dynamic psychology and psychoanalysis. The fact is stressed that suppressing symptoms does not modify structural maladjustments. Behavior therapists acknowledge their treatments are kept at symptom level, but they claim it is the right approach, since the symptom is the neurosis, according to their conceptions.


[Current status of the clinical evaluation of psychotropic drugs].

This paper deals with the analysis of different research conceptions and designs, according to different areas: I. Human Pharmacology and Toxicology; II. Therapeutic prescriptions; III. Therapeutic effects; IV. Thorough clinical testing. There is a strongly felt -eed of universally acknowledged rating scales for the assessment of the effects psychothropic drugs have on mental diseases. The lack of experimental models, together with the wide span of psychodinamic conceptions, overemphasizes the need of such an instrument for evaluative purposes. A review is made of Patient Data Inventories, Side Effects Detection, Overall and Gorham Psychiatric Scales, Hamilton Depression Scale, Zung Self-Testing Scale, Wittenborn Psychiatric Scale, Eysenck Personality Inventory, Taylor Anxiety Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Scale, the "100 mm" Test and "d2" Test. Some remarks are made on the usefulness of non-parametrical statistical techniques in comparison with parametrical ones, requiring a normal distribution of frequencies and being unfit to operate in case of nominal and ordinal scales. The author emphasizes the need to avoid automatic translation of results pertaining to one population into another different one. Likewise, standardized classification scales obtained by the physician through interviews should be linked to self-evaluation scales simultaneously used by patients.


[Combination of tricyclic antidepressants and MAOI in the depressions].

This study was aimed at the assessment of therapeutic and side effects of simultaneous administration of tricyclic antidepressants and MAOI. The sample consisted of 122 patients with depressive syndromes, treated at the "Centro de Psicología Médica San Martín de Tours" (period 1970/1973), with Isocarboxazide and Trimiprimine. All patients received both drugs three times a day. The average daily dose was 20 mg of Isocarboxazide together with 125 mg of Trimiprimine. The average treatment was 70 days long. The study lead to the following conclusions: 1. There were no serious side effects. 2. The scarce side effects registered were not very different from those of the other anti-depressants. 3. The therapeutic doses were lower than those required when each drug is used alone. 4. The speed of action was higher than for each drug separately. 5. The overall percentage of improvement in patients was higher than the percentage obtained for each drug alone. 6. The lack of side effects for a theoretically risky combination of drugs is likely to be attributed to the neuroleptic action of Trimipramine.


[The being ill of the schizophrenic approached from existential analysis].

Schizophrenia is one of the most pervading and obscure mental deseases. No scientific explanation--either somatogenic or psychogenetic--has attained, so far, a comprehensive grasp of schizophrenic ways of experiencing the world. Not that the valuable research made in many branches of Psychiatry is to be belittled because of being parcial or single-oriented: it is necessary a completely different approach--from a phenomenological standpoint-- provided by Daseinanalyse, to encompass the richess and complexity of schizophrenic experience. In that view, "being-ill" is, for the schizophrenic, a basic impairment of the capacity of "being-open-to" the human environment, and a correlative lack of "feeling-of-the-self", an incapability to be what one really is. The consequence is a loss of freedom, a basic difficulty to face the world and to reach its meaning together with the meaning of one's own life. Three cases are discussed, in which the patients are overwhelmed by other's actions and thoughts, and cannot tell apart what pertains really to their own inner world. They are even absorbed by inanimate elements, or by ordinary objects of everyday life. Everything is a threat to their nonexisting beings. Once such a grasp of the complexities of schizophrenic "way-of-being-in-the-world" is attained, it is possible to work towards the development of the patient's own self, to help to expand and strenghthen the individual inner "roots" in order to gain a higher level of individual entity that enables the patient to face the world without the risks and perils of being engulfed in its maelstroms.


[General considerations on psychiatric interconsultation].

This paper attempts to follow the evolution of some general ideas on Psychiatric Interconsulting. It is the result of six years' work at Ramos Mejía Hospital, Buenos Aires. Progressive transformations were imposed by daily practice on our team's theoretical and technical conceptions. We started with an individualistic-phenomenical approach, and we were forced to switch to a dynamical-situational one. The general working model we use at present is briefly summarized, emphasizing the important role played by Psychiatric Interconsulting in the change of the medical cultural patterns prevailing at present in our milieu. Two main factors for the role of privilege played by the Interconsulting team are set forth: one is conceptual, the other is pragmatic. From a conceptual standpoint, the theoretical basis of Psychiatric Interconsulting is much broader than those of other specialities, like clinical practice or surgery, for it includes, besides Biology, the Psychological and Socio-Historical determinants of the disturbance the diseases man suffers. From a pragmatic standpoint, the boundaries of human and physical fields within which Psychiatric Interconsulting is operating, go beyond the scope of daily medical practice. Their place could be located in between formal traditional wefts, relating to institutional structures as well as to specific medical practice. Professionals working at Interconsulting are usually required at general wards, at consulting offices, at emergency wards, in corridors, or even at the bar. They are interested not only in specific medical problems; they encompass the whole range of personal and institutional framework, and consider the whole situation in a comprehensive approach. Knowledge acquired in this widened professional field, together with actual experience in dealing with people in distress, are the main sources for theoretical conceptualization of new activities, as well as for building pragmatic tools to modify the official medical model of thinking.