Automated analysis of benzoic acid in food: colorimetric determination after continuous volatilization.

A method is developed to determine benzoic acid colorimetrically with the Technicon AutoAnalyzer. After a selective hydroxylation of benzoic acid by means of hydrogen peroxide and a catalyzing reagent consisting of a buffered solution of cupric ion, catechol and sorbic acid, a reaction follows with 4-aminoantipyrine. The reddish brown reaction product formed is measured at 505 nm. In a distillation unit benzoic acid is continuously separated from the acidified sample stream by volatilization into a stream of nitrogen. With simple manual treatments solid samples can be analysed. Possible interferences caused by naturally present or added compounds in food were investigated. The precision of the method is very good. The coefficient of variation is 0.6% at 50 mug/ml. For several products the recovery was determined with a mean of 98.4%. The working range covered is 0--100 mug benzoic acid/ml.


[Group separation of ethylene oxide 1,2-14c fumigated coca-powder derivatives and their distribution of radioactivity (author's transl)].

A procedure based on extraction, column chromatography and precipitation is described for the separation of ethylene oxide-1,2-14C fumigated coca-powder derivatives in 9 different groups. As it was found in wheat [1], the major portion of radioactivity lies in water extract; in coca-powder the major portion of radioactivity is also found in low molecular components.


[Mercury in fish (author's transl)].

The mercury content of fish was determined. The average mercury concentration of fresh fish muscular was found to be 0.239 ppm in 1400 examinations.


Nonenzymic browning of cauliflower on storage.

The nonenzymic browning of cauliflower homogenate was evaluated during storage at temperatures ranging between 40 degrees and 80 degrees C. In these accelerated tests, the reflectometric measurement was more sensitive and more reliable than the measurement of colour intensity of ethanolic extracts. The browning followed the kinetics of a first order reaction at higher temperatures and that of a zero order reaction at lower temperatures. The activation energy depended considerably on the reaction temperature. The rate of browning was only slightly affected by the addition of ferrous ions both in the absence and in the presence of oxygen. Results of model experiments show that the most important reaction under experimental conditions was probably the reaction of free amino-acids and other amine derivatives with quinones produced by oxidation of natural polyphenolic compounds. Red primary condensation products were transformed into brown pigments by subsequent secondary reactions.


Production of aflatoxin and its partition between the medium and the mycelium of Aspergillus parasiticus during incubation under various conditions.

Spores of an aflatoxigenic strain of Aspergillus parasiticus were inoculated into a glucose-salts medium which was incubated with and without shaking at 28 degrees C for 15 days. Without shaking, maximal production of total aflatoxin and aflatoxins B1, G1, and G2 occurred at 5 days, whereas the maximal amount of B2 appeared after 7 days. Initially approximately 5% of the total toxins appeared in the mycelium but this increased to more than 60% after 5 days. Shaking of cultures during incubation served to reduce production of total aflatoxin and of each of the individual toxins. The maximal amount of total aflatoxin and of toxins B1 and G1 appeared in shaken cultures after 5 days, whereas 8 and 11 days were needed to obtain maximal amounts of B2 and G2, respectively. The mycelium of shaken cultures initially retained approximately 50% of the total aflatoxin and this increased to about 80% as the incubation progressed. Very little aflatoxin was synthesized at 35 and 45 degrees C and production of total aflatoxin and of each individual toxin was less at 15 degrees C than at 25 or 28 degrees C. When the medium contained 0.5 to 50% glucose, maximal amounts of total aflatoxin and of aflatoxins B1, G1 and G2 appeared in the presence of 30% glucose; only 20% glucose was needed to obtain the greatest amount of B2. The mycelium retained approximately 50% of total aflatoxin when the medium contained 5 to 20%. Neither aflatoxin G1 nor G2 were detected when the medium contained 0.05% ammonium sulfate and only B1, B2, and G1 appeared in the medium with 0.1% of the salt. Maximal production of each individual aflatoxin and of total aflatoxin occured with 1% of ammonium sulfate in the medium. The proportion of total aflatoxin retained by the mycelium decreased from 83 to 37% as the amount of ammonium sulfate in the medium was increased from 0,05 to 10%.


[An improved method for detection of diatoms (author's transl)].

An improved method for detection of diatoms in case of drowning is reported. The sample is digested with nitric acid. In order to avoid destruction of diatoms as well as losses by centrifugation etc. the time for wet digestion was reduced and the digest solution is filtered through a membrane filter. Fatty material is removed by alternate washing the filter with 2-Propanol and Petroleum ether. Following the wet digestion of the filter, aliqutos of this digest solution are filtered and the filter is examined microscopically. As the recommended procedure is less time consuming and yields almost complete recovery of diatoms the method has great probative value in case of death by drowning.


[Mesothelioma of the septum interatriale (author's transl)].

Sudden death of a 21-year-old women. The cause of death was mesothelioma situated in the region of the interatrial septum that has been manifested since childhood as a complete heart block. Neither gravidity nor delivery led to the aggravation of her state of health. The cause of this heart lesion, which was the mentioned rare tumor, was discovered only during the autopsy.


[An improved method for the determination of Y chromosomes in blood stains (author's transl)].

A new filter combination for fluorescence microscopy using SWP 440 interfernece filter for excitation and GG 455 as the barrier filter is described. In blind trials examining blood smears of 5 male persons and by examination of 3 weeks old blood stains a better Y chromosome demonstration has been obtained using this new technique in comparison with the "usual" filter combination: BG 12-530. In blind trials of up to 6 weeks old blood stains of one male and one female a reliable sex determination was made using the new technique.


Transferrin variants designated by their relative mobilities in high-voltage agarose gel electrophoresis.

A unified nomenclature for the designation of transferrin variants, based on their relative mobilities in a standardized high-voltage agarose gel electrophoresis, is proposed. This is aimed at improving terminology of Tf variant typing results with reference to the relatively common variant Tf B2.


Studies in breath-alcohol analysis: biological factors.

Various biological factors affecting breath-alcohol analysis were studied experimentally. End-expiratory temperatures in 55 healthy subjects were found to range from 32.41 to 35.69 degrees C with a mean of 34.53 degrees C. Forced vital capacity in the same subjects ranged from 1825 to 6550 ml with a mean of 4038 ml, and maximum exhalation after normal inhalation ranged from 1180 to 4550 ml with a mean of 2730 ml. It was found that 65-70% of available breath must be discarded before the alveolar plateau is reached during expiration. End-expiratory (alveolar) carbon dioxide in 155 healthy subjects was 3.5-8.3% by volume (mean = 6.52). After oral alcohol intake, retained mouth-alcohol in 8 subjects had disappeared after 11 minutes without subsequent water-rinsing of the mouth, and after 8 minutes with rinsing. Water condensation in plastic mouthpieces/saliva traps during breath sampling yielded mean weight gains of 13.0, 8.6, and 4.6 mg., respectively, at initial mouthpiece temperatures of 3 degrees C, 22.5 degrees C, and 34.7 degrees C, respectively.


[Role of the principal and accessory eyes in the photomenotactic orientation of the funnel spider Agelena labyrinthica (CL.)].

The photomenotactic orientation of funnel spiders (Agelena labyrinthica [Cl.]) returning to their retreat was studied by measuring the direction of their course on the horizontal webs. 1. If a lamp was shifted 90 degrees just before the spider caught its prey the mean return course deviated less than 90 degrees from the direction of the retreat. This deviation was not only a function of the azimuth of the light and of the amount it had been moved, but also varied with the course taken when approaching the prey, the duration of the interval without light stimulation while the lamps were changed, the light stimulation experienced while at the retreat, the extent to which vision was experimentally reduced, and the light intensity. 2. Elimination of the principal or of the accessory eyes had little or no significant effect on the photomenotactic orientation. Spiders able to use only the median eye or one principal eye could no longer use the lamp to orient by. 3. Animals with full vision showed an increased (decreased) deviation from the direction of the retreat if the light intensity was abruptly increased (decreased), as did animals without principal eyes or without accessory eyes. The mean return directions were, however, not dependent upon light intensity changes before reaching the prey or after an interruption of web contact. The threshold for photomenotactic orientation using the accessory eyes is 0.366-10(-4) sb; the corresponding value for the principal eyes is 100 times larger. 4. If the lamp was not visible on the outward run the spiders were unable to perform correct return runs by light orientation without optical information from previous runs. If they could see a lamp while at the retreat their return course was shifted in the direction away from the light. Animals without principal eyes did not show this effect. 5. Spiders that had not performed an outward run did not keep to a straight course. Animals with full vision spontaneously showed negative phototactic orientation, those without principal eyes were usually positively phototactic. 6. Animals, whose web contact had been interrupted or animals without principal eyes showed a similar deviation from the correct return direction as did unmanipulated animals.


The responses of one-day old Acomys cabirinus pups to naturally occurring chemical stimuli.

The role of olfactory stimuli in the mediation of the behavior of 26--36 hour old spiny mice (Acomys cabirinus) was assessed through a series of six experiments. The major results of these experiments are: 1. One day old spiny mice showed a preference for soiled bedding from their own home-cage as compared to clean bedding in a simultaneous two-choice preference test. 2. No significant preference was displayed for home-cage bedding vs. bedding from the cage of a conspecific litter and parents. 3. Soiled bedding from the home-cage was preferred over soiled bedding from the cage of a nulliparous adult female conspecific. 4. A reduced mean latency to leave an area of clean bedding was found in comparison to mean latencies to leave soiled bedding from the subjects' home-cage or from the cage of a conspecific litter. 5. No differential activity levels were displayed on home-cage vs. clean bedding. It was concluded that by the second day of life, Acomys pups have developed attachment to chemical stimuli produced by specific classes of conspecifics--and that the early appearance of such attachments is a function of the high degree of sensory and motor precocity of the Acomys pups at birth. The adaptive value of such rapidly developed attachments in precocial as contrasted to altricial species was discussed.


Variation in the temporal characteristics of the vocalizations of bullfinches, Pyrrhula pyrrhula.

Temporal characteristics of the vocalizations of bullfinches were investigated. The calls produced by experimentally isolated bullfinches were subjected to sonagraphic analysis. Within individual, between individual, and local variation in these calls was demonstrated. Several categories of calls were described, of which those termed "sequence calls" contained the greatest amount of information on which individual recognition could be based. Contact calls were individually distinctive in terms of their duration but with the exception of those produced by one female these lacked the structural complexity and information content of the sequence calls.


"Supernormality" in a learning situation.

Four pigeons were trained to peck at a 37-spot stimulus for food. While this training continued, two of the pigeons received extinction training to a 21-spot stimulus and the other two received extinction training to a plain white stimulus. In a subsequent generalization test of stimuli which varied in number of spots, pigeons extinguished on the 21-spot stimulus responded most to the 52- and 69-spot stimuli. This "peak shift" in responding is functionally similar to "supernormality" seen in the egg-retrieval responses of gulls. Possible causes of these two phenomena are discussed and compared.


[Fibrocartilaginous embolia of the spinal cord - a rare cause of myelomalacia (author's transl)].

In a 69 years old female patient a paraplegia originated after a sudden fall on the back. By autopsy a fibrocartilaginous embolia in the arteries of the thoracolumbar cord and an extensive myelomalacia were detected.


[Midline malignant reticulosis (so-called lethal midline granuloma) (author's transl)].

Case report about a 30-year old man with midline malignant reticulosis. Diagnosis was not successful by means of biopsy but given by microscopic examination of autopsy material afterwards. So-called lethal midline granuloma is a clinical term. After excluding specific infections, carcinomas or other rare diseases, it is caused by midline malignant reticulosis or by Wegener's granulomatosis. Frequently diagnosis is made by the pathologist at autopsy.


[Blood group specific antigens in cancer and their significance for the histological tumour diagnosis (author's transl)].

The loss of blood group antigens in cancer has often been demonstrated. Davidsohn and co-workers propose the use of the mixed cells agglutination reaction for the prognostic evaluation and early diagnosis of carcinoma. Our own investigations confirm, that the mixed agglutination reaction can be easily applied to routine diagnosis. It was difficult to demonstrate H-antigen with the blood group O and to detect blood group substances in rectum cancers. The tissue sections could not be assessed by our technique.


[Alcoholic hepatitis (author's transl)].

Among 64 patients with chronic alcoholic liver damage, alcoholic hepatitis was present in 30 cases. Varying degrees of inflammation with a different high amount of polymorphonuclear leukocytes as a consistent finding, hepatocellular necrosis, fatty change in the liver epithelium, hydropic swelling of some cells, liver alcoholic hyalin, bile duct proliferation and portal edema were found to be characteristic features of alcoholic hepatitis. Hepatocellular necrosis and fatty change in the liver epithelium always occurred in alcoholic hepatitis. There was a positive association between the severity of the remaining four histological features and that of the inflammatory basic finding. The characteristic inflammatory changes were often observed to be spotty in distribution.


[On pathology of the diffuse pachygyria (author's transl)].

A case report on a 4 year old boy with physical and mental retardation noted since the age of 7 months is presented. In the 10th month a hydrocephalus internus was diagnosed. The autopsy showed a cerebral dystrophy with diffuse pachygyria presumably caused by a disturbance in the neuroblast migration during the 2nd and the 5th month of gravidity. The 33 cases of diffuse pachygyria hitherto described in the literature are compared with our own one. In more than 80% of the cases pachygyria is associated with oligophrenia or idiotism, resp., and 75% with epilepsy. Paralysis is rarely observed. The average life expectancy is about 5 years. Etiologic factors are intrauterine hypoxemia and infectious diseases during the early pregnancy period as well as hereditary afflictions. In the case described here the teratogenic action of a drug probably was the etiologic factor.


[DNA cytophotometry and diagnosis of malignant tumours (author's transl)].

By means of an integrating scanning microspectrophotometer the extinction of Feulgen-stained histological sections from normal and neoplastic epithelia (skin, larynx, cervix, stomach, colon and endometrium) was measured. The extinction was multiplied with the nucleus area area to get arbitrary units being a relative measure of the DNA content of the nuclei (small lymphocytes were used as diploid standard). A new parameter, the "DNA accumulation index", is introduced (mean value of the cell numbers multiplied with the degrees of ploidy). The results of 652 observations demonstrate the exponential character of the DNA increase in proliferating and neoplastic cells. In precancerous lesions a doubling of the DNA accumulation index was observed whereas in malignant neoplasias a second doubling of the DNA content takes place. The method is recommended for the diagnosis of neoplastic alterations in epithelia.


[Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver (author's transl)].

Authors report a case of operative elimination of a liver tumor of a 26 year old female patient. The histologic diagnosis was benign focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver. The aetiopathogenetic, diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties connected with this rarely occurring disease are discussed.


[Alterations in Fallopian tube biopsies caused by pregnancy (author's transl)].

The clinical significance of decidual changes and inflammation in Fallopian tubes of women undergoing sterilization shortly after the delivery was assessed microscopically in 133 resected specimens. Thirteen excision specimens obtained from non pregnant patients served as controls. Foci of ectopic decidua in the mucosa were found in 14.3% of cases in the first group, whereas none was noted in the control group. An inflammatory reaction consisting of edema, hyperemia, and lymphocytic, histiocytic and occasional granulocytic infiltration was noted in 67.6% of patients ligated after delivery. No significant inflammatory reaction was demonstrated in specimens of the control group. In the post partum group the clinical findings and the gross examination of the tubes at the time of operation did not suggest any inflammatory changes. The microscopic changes observed therefore do not warrant the diagnosis of a salpingitis and are to be considered as a physiological response during pregnancy.


[The evaluation of the postmortem body weight with special reference to the optimal weight (author's transl)].

The investigation was based on 405 men and 482 women. In all cases the optimal weight depending on the metric index and the body weight estimated by means of the Brocaindex was calculated. The comparison of all data revealed the following: 1. Persons deceased have always a lower body weight than living persons of equal age, constitution and sex independant of the method used. That means that diagnosis of generalized adipositas is more difficult in persons autopsied than in persons living. 2. The calculation of the optimal weight and of the Brocaindex does not yield the same results. In the majority of the cases the optimal weight is lower. Therefore, the pathologist must know which method of evaluation of body weight the clinician used. 3. The optimal weight depends on the constitution. This applies to persons deceased as well as living. 4. There is a statistical correlation between postmortem optimal weight and basic disease. For the dicision whether generalized adipositas or extreme cachexia being the cause of death the optimal weight should be considered.


[Postmortem evaluation of constitution types in relation to the metric index (author's transl)].

The comparison of the metric index (by Strömgren) and the Brugsch-index revealed the following: 1. In the present time the frequency of the various constitution types differs from that during the 2nd world war (by Selberg). In men as well as in women pyknics are most frequent. 2. The frequency of the constitution types of living persons - determined by the metric index - corresponds to that of persons autopsied. Therefore the metric index may be applied to persons deceased. 3. A linear statistical correlation exists between the Brugsch- and the metric index. 4. Both indices show correlations to the basic disease: Patients with a malignant tumour are much more often of athletic than of leptosome or pyknic constitution. Persons with arteriosclerotic and hypertensive diseases as a cause of death are more often of pyknic constitution. In practice not only one but several indices should be considered.


[Clinical pathological studies of the microcarcinoma cervicis uteri (author's transl)].

1. In 232 diagnostical cervix-conisations (almost exclusively on account of positive papsmears) there were 119 carcinomata in situ and 17 microcarcinomata. In accordance and in comparison with other investigators the frequency of microcarcinoma - related to carcinoma in situ - runs up to approximately to 14%. Microcarcinoma was found in 6% of dysplasia and in 10% of all carcinomata in situ. 2. For early clinical diagnosis (for instance papsmears and colposcopy) as well as for therapy the topographical distribution of microcarcinoma is of importance; they have been found almost exclusively on the upper part of the uterine orifice. The treatment of microcarcinoma by means of conisation is being evuluated. An individually differentiated operative therapy is aimed at, by no means, however, the so-called "radical cancer-therapy". 3. Observations concerning cancerogenesis of the carcinoma cervicis are not only of theoretical interest. The "oligophasic" cancerogenesis from dysplasia has been observed - about one fifth of all cases of microcarcinomata came into existence that way. Relatively often a cytotest showed in these cases a Papanicolaou group III. The latter fact should be taken into account in our present time for a differential cytology.


[About correlation between sudden unexpected death and otitis media occulta in infancy and childhood (author's transl)].

The upper respiratory tract and the middle ears of 100 suddenly deceased infants and children between 1 month to 6 1/2 years were examinated. Otitis media was found unilateral in 11% and bilateral in 82% of the cases. Comparison with 74 other infants and children showed much less inflammatory processes. One third of the cases of middle-ear inflammation was chronic with exacerbation of the process. Possible correlations between otitis media and sudden unexpected deaths of infants are discussed. Otitis media seems to be important, together with other respiratory diseases. Otitis media alone as a cause of death is seldom. The frequency and the often chronic progress show the importance of the otitis media.


[Morphological aspects concerning a hepatogenic conception of hyperbilirubinemia (author's transl)].

Liver biopsies of 2825 patients with various acute and chronic diseases of liver, gall bladder or pancreas were studied by means of modern techniques of the functional morphology (histochemistry-enzyme histochemistry, electron microscopy). Different icteric forms (prehepatic, hepatic and posthepatic icterus) are associated with distinct structural and functional changes of the hepatocytes and the intrahepatic bile ducts accompanied by a complex of disturbances in the bilirubin metabolism. In the early stage of icterus we found distinct pathogenetic and morphological differences between different forms of icterus. Following secondary alterations of the liver tissue these differences are lost. All steps of the bilirubin metabolism are disturbed now.


[Polysplenia syndrome (author's transl)].

Report of two cases of polysplenia with the typical syndrome of bilateral leftsidedness. Besides the typical findings hallmarking the syndrome in one child esophageal atresia and in the other the atresia of extrahepatic bile ducts were found. The authors point out the possibilities for a clinical premortem diagnosis of the polysplenia syndrome.


[Metastases of lung cancer within benign tumours (author's transl)].

Two cases of malignant tumours metastasizing to benign ones are presented. In one case a bronhial cancer of microcellular type has metastasized to a cavernous hemangioma of the pons cerebelli, and in the other case an anaplastic cancer of the lung was found to have metastasized to a liver adenoma. It is not clear wether such tumour metastases occur accidentally or certain special reasons are underlying. None of the existing hypotheses can explain that phenomenon sufficiently.


[The morphology of the CNS in carbon tetrachloride poisoning. 6. Histology of spinal ganglia in the lumbosacric region (experimental studies) (author's transl)].

As a further report on our investigations concerning the effects of carbon tetrachloride intoxication the histological findings in lumbosacric ganglia of 48 rabbits are presented. The substance was applied perorally as well as a subcutaneously to 24 animals in each group. Detectable alterations were weak and consisted of pathobioses and pathonecroses of the ganglion cells and, partly as a consequence of these lesions, of an activation of glial elements. In most of the test animals as well as in 10 of the 11 controls cytoplasmic vascuoles were found. From the pathogenetic point of view the impairment of elementary cell functions by anoxemia both with primary and secondary hepatorenally caused lesions may be of major importance.


[A contribution to the intravascular coagulation in cerebral malaria (author's transl)].

It is reported about a 56 years old woman returned from Mombaza, who was brought into hospital with high fever, jaundice and somnolence and died forty hours later in coma, anuria und hematemesis. The diagnosis of cerebral malaria resulted from autopsy. By the histological examination numerous microthrombi were observed exceptionally in certain cerebral areas, which are more vulnerable by hypoxia as other regions of the brain and other organs. The pathophysiology and the clinical importance of this correlationship are discussed.


[Tumour frequency in autopsy cases. II. The malignant tumours of the stomach (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 22255 autopsies (12212 males, 9943 females) of adults (15 years and upwards) were registrated in the period from 1950 to 1966. 1153 malignant tumors of the stomach (15.5% of autopsies and 5.2% of all tumors) were observed. The cases are distributed among 1129 epithelial and 24 mesenchymal malignant tumors. Malignant epithelial tumours of the stomach were observed in 1129 cases (5.1% of autopsies and 75.2% of all tumours); 713 males and 416 females. The frequency difference is distinct. Malignant mesenchymal tumours of the stomach were observed in 24 cases (0.1% of autopies and 0.3% of all tumours); 14 males and 10 females. Their is no difference in frequency. Age distribution, sex distribution, frequency and localization of metastases are presented. At least the agreement of clinical diagnoses and pathological findings is discussed.


[Gestation in patients with heart disease].

A brief report of the special management of pregnant women suffering from heart-disease has been given. There were 188 (0,72%) of all together 26233 deliveries in 170 women with heart-failure. Cesarean section by cardiological indications as a matter of course will be carried out only in few special cases. The management tends to vaginal delivery with shortening the last period by operating. In comparison with the period from 1946 to 1962 the mortality of the mothers decreased from 7,8% to 0,5% the mortality of the infants from 9,8% to 3,2% and the prematurity by weight from 25,5% to 8,5%.


[Correlation of antenatal cardiotocogram and amnioscopy in the management of pregnant women with prolonged pregnancy].

In 125 women whose pregnancy continued for more than the calculated date of delivery 171 CTG were written and the parameters were analysed quantitatively. The lead of the CTG involved an amnioscopy in each case. The findings were compared with each other and with the condition of the newborn. The results show: 1. The normal value for the density of fluctuation-types (given by Rüttgers [15]) exceed in our cases. 2. A significant increase of density for the silent fluctuation-type was demonstrated well overdue of the calculated date. 3. There is no close correlation between the findings of the amniotic fluid and the characteristerics of CTG in excess of the fixed birthdate, even if the newborns show symptoms of overmaturity. The combined application of amnioscopy and prenatal CTG are considered as valuable methods to recognise the fetal risk early in post-term birth.


[Fetal growth in pregnancies complicated by placenta praevia].

Intrauterine growth of neonates born from 167 pregnancies complicated with placenta praevia has been analysed. Growth in 22,7% of the total neonates was retarded as compared to fetal age. About half of these newborns died (18 out of 38). The authors draw the attention prematures with retarded growth. The total perinatal mortality amounted to 25,7% (purified percentage: 23,5). The placental coefficient value was consistently higher than the values obtained in normal pregnancies. This may be explained with the disturbed function of the placenta owing to its abnormal adherence. The retarded growth of the fetus seems to play an important role in the still high perinatal mortality rate of neonates born from pregnancies complicated with placenta praevia.


[Effect of pregnancy on the biotransformation of aminophenazone].

During delivery there was found a prolongation of the halflife-time of Aminophenazon in comparison with a group of non-pregnant women. Thinlay-chromatography investigations of the metabolitspektrum show, that the cause of this fact is a changed biotransformation in pregnancy. The placental share in metabolism of Aminophenazon is very small. The influence of gestagens concerning the biotransformation is discussed.


[Partusisten in obstetrics].

Thanks to a tocolytic agent we are no longer helpless against the premature onset of labour. We have achieved very good therapeutic results with the tocolytic agent Th 1165 a (Partusisten). No harmful effects have been observed in mother or child during short- or long-term treatment with Partusisten. Betasympathomimetics are today one of the most important groups of drugs in use in the delivery room. The therapeutic results were considered satisfactory in 152 pregnant women.


[Studies on the kinetics of sulfaclomide and the effect of sulfaclomide therapy on p-aminohippuric acid clearance in pregnancy].

After a single oral dose and after 11 day repeated administration of Sulfaclomide elimination half-life of Sulfaclomid was not different in pregnant and in nonpregnant women. The initial serum concentrations of Sulfaclomid are lower in pregnant than in nonpregnant persons. Nearly all Sulfaclomid measurable in serum exists from unchanged sulfonamide. This rate does not change during treatment. By treatment with Sulfaclomid elimination half-life of p-aminohippurate (PAH) is shortened, renal excretion of p-aminohippurate is significant increased.


[Appendicitis as a pregnancy complication].

The special problem of appendicitis in the gestationperiod and its management according to the 7 principles recommended by Möbius has been discussed. From 1960 to June 1974 in the gynaecological hospital of Jena University appendectomy must be performed in 44 pregnant women and in 2 cases after delivery. In relation to 32849 deliveries at the same period there was an incidence of 0,14 per cent. Out of them 8 appendectomies were necessary in connection with ectopic pregnancies and in 5 cases with interrupting the gestation. Of 32 pregnant women one had an abortion and in 8 cases with simultaneous cesarean section two infants died. There were no maternal deaths.


[Effect of the depot estrogen ethinyl estradiol sulfonate on the composition of human milk].

56 healthy mothers were treated orally with an oestrogen (3 mg ethinyloestradiol-sulfonat) for inhibition of lactation. We found no effect on milk constituents (12 parameters). These results are discussed.


[Modern magic and medicine].

In a paper presented on the occasion of the 5th Congress of gynecology in the GDR the author discusses in details the phenomenon of modern occultism and quackery. Preferably he examines the so called parapsychology and declares that this is a field without any scientific value. Therefore the course of action of parapsychologists is not to be accepted without resolute reply.


[Cytogenetic studies in primary amenorrhea].

Cytogenetic analysis in 125 women with primary amenorrhea consisting of determinations of sex chromatin and karyotype, and in some cases of autoradiography were performed. On the basis of clinical, endocrinologic and cytogenetic criteria, the women were divided into ten clinical groups. In Turner's syndrome 45,X monosomie was observed only in 9 patients and in the remaining 12 cases varies types of mosaicism or of structural aberrations of the X chromosome. In pure gonadal dysgenesis, the patients exhibited 46,XY karyotype have the tendency to malign tumors of the gonads. In all cases with male pseudohermaphroditism the karyotypes 46,XY were observed. The remaining patients with primary amenorrhea exhibited 46,XX karyotype and belonged to the cases with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kustner syndrome, with adrenogenital syndrome, with hypoplasia of the ovaries, with primary amenorrhea of uterine or pituitary origin or at last with pubertas tarda.


[Treatment of anovulatory sterility using clomiphen].

74 patients with anovulatory sterility were treated with clomiphene for 5 consecutive days starting on the 5th day of the cycle. The dosage was in the first course of treatment 50 mg daily. The patients, who did not conceive after this dosage, were treated with higher doses of clomiphene (100 and 150 mg daily). In 66% of the cases ovulation and in 32% (49% of induced ovulation) pregnancies were achieved. In the first treatment cycle with 50 mg/day for 5 days ovulation was obtained in 27 out of 74 patients. 14 patients, who failed to ovulate after this dosage, did ovulate after they were treated with 100 mg/day in the second treatment cycle. In 8 cases was a third treatment cycle with 150 mg/day needed to chieve a positive result. The conception rate per ovulatory cycle decreased with increasing dosage. The ovulation as judged on the basis of the temperature curve and pregnandiol excretion occured between the 4th and 25th day of treatment, whereas ovulation which were followed by pregnancy occured only between the 11th and 25th day.


[Prostaglandins in the reduction of fertility].

Prostaglandins are important components of the semen and favour the transport of sperma. Among 40% of married men of wedded couples, who have a barren matrimony for years and, in the first instance, no pathologic parameters by clinic investigation, reduced Prostaglandin-E-parameters could be constated by an accurate investigation. This defect can be equalised for the homologic insemination by a stipulated supplements.


[Liver function tests after a 6-month deposiston therapy].

18 women were treated with Deposition (4th, 11th and 18th cycle day each 1 mg 17alpha-Ethynyl-3isopropylsulfonyloxy-Estradiol, 25th cycle day 10 mg norethisterone acetate). When these medicines were taken the activities of aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and alpha-amylase, the contents cholesterol, total bilirubin and proteins of the serum and the paperelectric solution, TTT and indocyanine green half worth time. A little significant decrease of the activity of alaninamino-transferase (GPT) was to be stated. Whereas at the end of the 6th cycle the TTT as well as the contents of total proteins and albumin, showed a little significant decrease and the contents of alpha2-globulin, beta-globulin as well as cholesterol were statistically shown to grow. The indocyanine green elimation was longer at the end of the 6th cycle without any pathological worth from clinical point of view being proved.


[The problem of modifying X-chromatin frequency using hormonal contraceptives].

The ability of the sexual steroids to induce extragenital organ-effects is set in connection to the preovulatory decrease of x-chromatin frequency during the regular menstrual cycle as found by Schmidt and coll. [11]. Under modified techniques of investigation and exact criteria of selection, reproducibility of the results and the behaviour of the x-chromatin-frequency in the artificially controlled anovulatory cycle are checked. The absence of preovulatory decrease shows that a hormonal influence may be assumed.


[Ultrasonic studies in gonadal dysgenesis].

Authors studied the internal genital organs of patients with gonadal-dysgenesis by ultrasonography. Streak gonads confirmed by laparotomy and histology have characteristic signs with ultrasonogram as follows: In the middle of the screen, or a little laterally, deeper than the normal uterus used to be, there is a small echo-free territory, which indicates the rudimentary uterus. On both sides in some cases Fallopian tubes were detectable. They give a centrally pointed echo-free pattern with a few mm in diameter, and a tube-like shape. On the place where one usually finds the echo-free outline of the normal ovaries, a zone of multiple echo's is visible. On base of their experiences, authors regard ultrasonic technique as a useful additional diagnostic procedure in cases of gonadal-dysgenesis.


[Early abdominal second interventions following gynecologic surgery].

Relaparotomies in the early postoperative period had to be performed after abdominal gynaecologic procedures in 1,180/00 after vaginal operations in 0,180/00 and after caesarean sections in 3,910/00 of all cases. The indications for the reoperation were: intestinal obstruction (6), hemorrhage (4), paralytic ileus (3), defect of the uterine wall after caesarean section (1) and after enucleation of a fibroid (1), acute appendicitis (1) and peritoneal shock (1). After the 2nd operation 2 patients died; 1 relaparotomy could have been avoided if a septic thrombosis of the right ovarian vein would not have been mistaken for an acute appendicitis.


[Histochemical studies on fetus and placenta during early pregnancy in maternal diseases].

As a contribution to the aetiology of insufficiency of placenta carbohydrate-histo-chemical investigations of the kyema were per-formed from the 10 th to 14 th week of pregnancy. The studies were carried out on pregnancy products of women with affection of kidneys, circulatory failures, and under cytostatic therapy. For comparison purposes, cases were used where the pregnancy was without organic diseases of the pregnant women. The investigations performed did not prove evidence of an essential alteration of the regulation of carbohydrates in the kyema by maternal disorders or cytostatic treatment during early gravidity.


[Changes in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in the human placenta during pregnancy].

Changes of G-6-PDH activity was studied in the human placental tissue during various stages of gestation. Enzyme activity diminished progressively at the end of pregnancy. Our observation indicated that the G-6-PDH activity of placental tissue is highest in the term pregnancy as activity in other tissues.


[Semi-quantitative evaluation of isotope nephrograms in normal pregnancies].

By means of isotope nephrograms of a total of 31 renally healthy pregnant women of the different thirds of pregnancy, the changes of renal function are investigated. The semiquantitative assessment is done according to zum Winkel. The results are discussed referring to the literature. The isotope nephrography proves to be a good screening test for the separate estimation of the function of both kidneys also in pregnancy.


[Practical significance of umbilical cord complications for the management of delivery].

In the Gynecological Hospital of the Academy Erfut, the deliveries of the year 1973 were analysed prospectively in regard of the frequency of umbilical cord complications and their effects to the fetus. At a frequency of 39.3%--i.e. every 5th delivery--, umbilical cord complications became a menacing factor to the fetus. The clinical symptoms of fetal threat are discussed in regard of their influence and importance to taking controlling obstetrical measures.


[Treatment of perforation of the large intestine due to illegal abortion].

Because of perforation of the uterus, lesion of the recto-sigmoid and diffuse peritonitis after illegal abortion, hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed; the colonic defect was not closed primarily but walled off from the peritoneal cavity; a transverse colostomy was done for fecal deviation and the true pelvis drained vaginally. After the defect had healed smoothly the colostomy was closed.


[Sex chromatin frequency and hormonal crisis in the newborn infant].

Sex chromatin frequency was investigated in nuclei from epithelial cells of the oral mucosa in 20 healthy, mature newborn females in the first 10 days of the neonatal period and compared with the hormonal state of the infant. From the analysis of the results obtained it was evident that sex chromatin incidence of the newborn female fluctuated in the neonatal period in values similar to those of healthy, nonpregnant woman. However, a specific correlation was disclosed between the alterations of the sex chromatin frequency and the hormonal crisis of the newborn infant.


[Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and pregnancy].

The clinical aspects of pregnancy, parturition and childbed in a young primigravida, who had the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, are reported. The whole course was without complications, contrary to other bibliographies. A survey of the family gave no evidence, that the characteristic was familial. Possibilities of danger are showed.


[Results of standard-value determinations in newborn infants in the German Democratic Republic. II. Head circumference, biparietal and fronto-occipital diameter].

Using the measurements taken from 6645 male and 6381 female newborns from the GDR-population the normal values from head circumference, fronto-occipital and biparietal diameter are reported. The results were given in relation to duration of pregnancy (31. to 44. week of pregnancy) expressed in percentile tables. Head circumference and fronto-occipital diameter were larger in males than in females. The head circumference values are compared directly and in their relation to birth weight and length with the data reported by other authors.


[Prenatal brain damage in maternal, untreated phenylketonuria].

Several reports in literature exist about mentally retarded non-phenylketonuric offspring from untreated phenylketonuric mothers with normal intelligence. One additional case is added who was detected after screening of about 1600 pregnant women. Biochemical investigations of the mother identified her as "classical phenylketonuria". Column chromatographic analysis of amino acids in amniotic fluid revealed a very high pheylalanine level and the diminution of the other, especially essential amino acids. The estimated amino acids in fetal brain also revealed a very high phenylalanine level. Routine screening for phenylketonuria by means of the Guthrie's test is recommended for all pregnant women at the first visit of the counseling.


[The role of magnesium in premature labor].

The authors have applied i.v. magnesium sulphate treatment in 161 valuable cases at older than 20 weeks threat partus immaturus respectively at partus praematurua. Efficiency of the treatment was 92,5%. The value of serum magnesium has been determined in 96 cases before and after treatment. Before the treatment the average was lower 1,87 mg%) than at the normal gravida 2,14 mg%). By appiance the magnesium the average increased to 2,07 mg%. Both the clinical experiences and the laboratory analysis veryfied the effect of the treatments.


[Clinical experience with Dilatol therapy in EPH-gestoses].

An information about the experience with DILATOL-treatment of 11 patients suffering from EPH-gestosis with hypertonia as the main symptom, is given. In all cases it was possible to reduce the systolic and diastolic blood-pressure. In long-time treatment an increasing resistance to therapy was noticed. In any case the treatment has to be combined with a frequent medical control of the gravidity with respect to the foetus and the placenta, to determine the right moment of the premature finishing of the gravidity, which is often necessary. Although no child of our 11 patients, died, it wasn't possible to prove the fact, that the perinatal mortality in the case of heavy EPH-gestosis after treating with beta-adrenergic substances is reduced. There weren't noticed any detrimental consequences to mother and child after treating with DILATOL within a space of time up to 4 weeks up to a total amount of 500 mg.


[Morphometric examinations of the uterus in puberty, pregnancy and climacteric].

The text deals with morphometric examinations of histological specimen of cervical and corporal parts of the uterus in puberty, pregnancy and menopause. The results show the different relations between muscular and connective tissue elements in corpus and cervix and point to significant differences in the composition of specific layers of uterine wall.


[Morphometric examinations of placenta in stillbirth].

A total of 10 placentas was examined morphometrically following fetal death in utero. In 8 placentas a reduced fetal vascular surface could be observed. In 2 cases the cause of death could be revealed neither clinically nor patho-anatomically, while morphometric investigations demonstrated considerable restrictions of the vascular surface of the villi. In addition to the usual histological placental diagnostics, the morphometric assessment of placentas is recommended.


[1st results with a new suction curettage system].

The point is a self-developed Suction-curette-system, consisting of a suction-curette of diametres of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 und 8 mm, a cervicometer and a filter. Effectivity and histological evidence of 1. Suction-curettage after hysterectomy 2. Suction-curettage before hysterectomy in full-narcosis 3. Suction-curettage without full-narcosis were examined. Advantages of this method are discussed.


[Epidemiological aspects of corpus carcinoma].

In a case-control-study an epidemiological investigation of cancer of the endometrium was carried out. 407 patients with cancer of the endometrium were compared with a control group of 450 women. The patients with endometrial cancer differed from the control group in the following manner: Significantly higher incidence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Overweight could not be printed out reliably, but there are so many corresponding statements in literature about a higher degree of overweight that there could be no doubt about it. Furthermore the patients with carcinoma of the uterine corpus had an earlier menarche, a later menopause, a smaller number of deliveries and more menstrual abnormalities. They were more exposed to radiation in the pelvis, the incidence of malignant tumors was higher in their families. So factors of high risk related to cancer of the endometrium could be defined.


[Clinical studies on the use of neuroleptanalgesia in Wertheim's abdominal radical surgery].

The application of the Neurolept-Analgesia to great gynaecological operations was tested in 50 Wertheim-radical-operations with removal of the glands, in comparison to a group of 50 patients whose operations were executed under the usual narcosis. There were controlled: blood-pressure, pulse, respiration, common dosing of the narcotica, dosing of the analgetica, and the patients' post-operative condition. Under NLA, the course of the operation was characterized by stability of circulation and a considerably reduced post-operative recovery, the comparative group, however, did not show so favourable results that can be proved mathematically. The application of the Neurolept-Analgesia as described thoroughly in this paper, has to be considered as especially suitable for executing gynaecological operations.


[The properdin titer in women with labor pathology or gynecological disease and the role of this titer in the prognosis].

Properdin-titers of 1350 women were determined to appreciate the properdin-system in obstetrics and gynaecology. At first the means of properdin of healthy pregnant women (separated to three months-terms) and blood donors were determined. Then the quantities of properdin-system of pregnant women, parturients and lying-in women with pathologic processes and extragenital diseases and of patients with gynaecologic diseases were explored. The properdin-titer of healthy women at the end of gestation was increased. With a level of 99,6 units the central properdin-titer of these women was lower than the central titer of female blood donors with a level of 109,6 units. During delivery the properdintiter of healthy women decreased, in the period after childbirth it increased again. The determination of properdin of pregnant women, parturients and lying-in women with rheumatic heart defects and gestosises is of great importance. The properdin-titer was low in cases with severe heart diseases and a long issue. The prognostic significance of the test demonstrates the good event of pregnancies, deliveries, post partum periods and late gestosises of women with high properdin-titer regardless of the severity of the pathological state. In comparison with the titer of healthy lying-in women attention is to be directed to the slow rising of the properdin-titer of lying-in women after complicated pregnancy. In cases of gynaecological diseases the determination of the properdin-titer has three purposes: The control of the severity of the disease, the control of the effectiveness of the therapy and the evidence of the prognosis. This is especially conclusive for inflammatory diseases of the genital organs. The worse the turn of the inflammatory disease, the more was the decrease of the properdin-titer and the slower was the activation of the properdin-system in the organism. In cases of septic diseases the importance of the properdin level for prognostic assertion must also be pointed out. The remaining low properdin-titer and its further decrease is characteristical for most of these patients, who show in spite of modern therapeutical methods a long turn of the disease, new septic metastases and a considerable reduction of the general state of health.


[Dependence of the contractility of the non-pregnant human uterus from the perfusion pressure of the vascular bed during the menstrual cycle].

The relation between the contractile activity of the isolated non-pregnant human uterus and the perfusion pressure of its vascular bed has been investigated. Experiments have been carried out on 35 isolated human uteri obtained at operations from various phases of the cycle. It has been found that the contractile activity of the non-pregnant human uterus is characterised by the lack of contraction coordination in the course of the sexual cycle with particular attention to this property in the midcycle. Regularly coordinated contractions have been recorded in the period of menstrual bleeding only. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that there is a close relation between the quality of the contractile activity and perfusion pressure in the vascular bed of the isolated human uterus, i.e. contractions with a small amplitude (4 to 8 mmHg) have as a rule no influence on the perfusion pressure whereas contractions with a higher amplitude (over 15 mHg) influence very distinctly the perfusion pressure in the vascular bed of the isolated human uterus. Obtained results have been discussed with reference to the physiology of the contractile activity basic processes of the nonpregnant human uterus.


[Combined labor induction in the small hospital].

Authors report about 504 oxytocin infusions after amniotomy or spontaneous rupture of membranes without possibility of cardiotokography. The rate of success by a 12-hour-limit is 91,9 per cent, by a 24-hour-limit 95,2 per cent. It was observed a superior rate of obstetric operations, post-partum haemorrhages and 3 cases of uterus rupture following hypersensitivity. Intravenous oxytocin infusion reduced the time of delivery. After combinating induction of labour childrens have an acceptable general condition, recorded by Apgar-score. Simultaneous induction of labour by oxytocin infusion is a high-risk proceeding in obstetric hospitals without possibility of cardiotokography. However, a renunciation of this method in default of alternatives is not accept.


[The begetting of a boy or of a girl respectively].

The sex-ratio was established on the basis of the fertility index (F.I.), i.e. the total number of forwards motile and morphological normal spermatozoa in ejaculate. It was stated that the fecundation of a boy needed a higher F.I. The age of the father was not interesting. The F.I. was lower after hormonal treatment, this means: a higher fertilizing capacity on the basis of the treatment. This fact explains, why it is possible to fecundize with lower F.I.


[Results of a standard value determination concerning newborn infants in the German Democratic Republic. III. Morphologic assessment of maturity].

A simple technique for estimating of maturity in 15589 newborns without technical expense were performed in connection with the examination of birthweight, length, head circumference and head diameters at a gestational age of 31st to 44th week in 21 women's clinics in the GDR. The estimation of maturity is based on the gradual assessment of 8 external physical characteristics. The coefficients of correlation is not differed between characteristics of maturity, measures of newborns and duration of pregnancy. It is not possible to make an accurate statement of duration of pregnancy by this score of maturity than by measures of the newborns.


[Body measurements and morphological signs of maturity in newborn infants after hyperemesis gravidarum].

Birth weights from 128 males and 139 females born between the 39th and 42nd week of pregnancy whose mothers suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum were compared with normal groups of newborns. In the hyperemesis group, the females were on an average 97 g (p less than 0,05) and the males 61 g (p greater than 0,05) heavier than in the control groups. Birth lengths and cephalic measures differed not in both groups. The morphological maturity score was decreased in the hyperemesis groups.


[Proposal for definition of the birth injury].

We recommend to define the "birth trauma" as all influences, which injure the fetus under birth in any pattern. These birth traumatical agents we divide in the group of predominant mechanical agents and in the group of predominant metabolic components (hypoxia). This definition is explained and justified in a matter-of-fact way. We discuss the advantages of its application in practice.


[Importance of the fetal skull presentation during labor: current points of view].

In face of the simplified performance of the mechanical course of birth in the manuals of obstetrics, in reality the conformations of the mechanical course are immense. This we found also in our investigations. But mere an alteration from the classical form of the course of birth is not an indication of intervention. The mechanical course of birth is, however, of much interest for determination of a possible localisation of an injuring mechanism in a brain damaged infant. It should be noticed exactly in the obstetrical journal.


[Trans-isthmicocervical intra-amniotic instillation of hypertonic sodium solutions for termination of pregnancy after the 1st trimester].

The author informs about a modification of Wagner's method of termination of pregnancy after the first trimester. All 100 women aborted without major complications. Antibiotics were given prophylactically. A stimulation with an Oxytocin perfusion was necessary only in 3 cases. It is pointed out, that the transisthmicocervical intraamniotic way of injection of the saline solution is to be preferred in some aspects to the usual transabdominal way.


[Uterine rupture and infant mortality].

The paper reports on nine metrorrhexes corresponding to a percentage of 0,056 in the overall number of births. The respective obstetrical anamneses and diagnoses are discussed. Perinatal mortality amounts to 66,7%, maternal deaths did not occur. It is concluded that metrorrhexis has not lost its risks in view of child prognosis, but today's importance of prospective obstetrics enables us to exclude factors causing a rupture to a high degree.


[Unusual case of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformations of the lung with hydrops universalis].

In the literature 47 cases of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the lung are reported. The case here described, is remareable because of two lung lobes being affected and the resulting hydrops fetalis. The possible developing mechanisme of the hydrops is being discussed.


[Intra-amniotic administration of prostaglandin F 2 alpha, 12-methyl-prostaglandin F 2 alpha and hypertonic sodium chloride solution for induction of abortion in second-trimester pregnancy].

The authors had performed comperative studies of the effect of the induction of abortion in late pregnancy according to the medical indications by intra-amniotic injection of 20% hypertonic NaCl saline in 26 pregnant patients, of 25 mg prostaglandin F2alpha with 6 hours' intervals in 25 patients, a single dose injection of 40 mg PGF2alpha in 27 cases and single dose injection of 2,5 mg 15-me-PGF2alpha given to 25 patients. The highest success rate was obtained with the single dose injection of 2,5 mg 15-me-PGF2alpha and the lowest success rate was obtained with 25 mg prostaglandin F2alpha with 6 hours' intervals. Despite of rather high procentage of success rate in using the hypertonic NaCl saline, this method is more dangerous in the moment of the injection of saline and complications during the abortion (water intoxication, necrosis of tissue, coagulation defects and other). The most frequently incountered side-effects in using PGs were vomiting and diarhea. Histologic examinations of the placenta revealed massive bleedings, at frequency rate being the same for prostaglandins and the hypertonic saline. The degree of isoimmunisation was lower with prostaglandins than with hypertonic NaCl saline, despite of the late dates of pregnancy termination. The intro-amniotic injection of the small volume solution of 15-me-PGF2alpha or PGF2alpha is more simpler and easier from the technical point of view than any methodic recommended for using saline and at the same time it is more effective.


[Labor induction by intra-amniotic administration of prostaglandin F 2 alpha].

A report of intraamniotic application of prostaglandin F2alpha in 40 cases is given. There were 13 primiparous and 27 multiparous women. In 97,5% (39 cases) the artificial abortion or the opening of the cervical channel, which is necessary for the evacuation of the uterus, could be achieved. The average dose of prostaglandin F2alpha was 28,8 mg, the mean time for induction was 16 hours 14 minutes. The intraamniotic application of prostaglandin can be applied successfully for abortion in the second three months' time.


[The Arias-Stella phenomenon and its diagnostic value in ectopic pregnancy. Studies of 86 cases with review of literature].

The role of the pathologist in the diagnostic of an ectopic pregnancy is mostly limited. Nevertheless, out of 59 tubaric pregnancies, in which endometrial curettage previous surgery, in 64.4% an ectopic pregnancy was predicted, on 30,5% there was a typical "Stella Arias" reaction, mean while on 33,9% there was a decidual-like reaction. The authors also make a revision on morphology and pathogenesis of "Stella Arias" reaction.


[Behavior of serum magnesium level during abortion].

Double determinations of whole blood- and serum magnesium levels were according to a complexometric method as described by Schwarzenbach (Hôlasek and Flaschka's procedure) in 134 females (66 healthy pregnant women, 68 abortions). Further, hematocrit was determined in these women. By aid of these values we were able to calculate Mg-concentrations/100 ml erythrocytes in all cases. Serum magnesium levels were depressed in the same relation in abortions and normal gravidae. Therefore, we do not confirm the results of other authors (22) asserting a typical significant decrease of serum-Mg in abortions. We warn against excessive differential-diagnostic interpretation of depressed serum magnesium in abortions. Magnesium concentrations in 100 ml erythrocytes were found significant increased over in abortions against women going through a successfully pregnancy. The cause of this magnesium increase is believed in reactive increased pouring out young partly immature erythrocytes containing high magnesium concentrations caused by losses of blood.


[Role of the fibrin stabilizing factor (factor XIII) in early placental abruption].

The control of plasma levels fibrinstabilizing factor (factor XII) by women with abruptio placentae early resulted evident values under mean values. The cause of factor deficiency is still unclear. Supposed connections must still cleared up.


[Gestosis index and perinatal mortality].

After a detailed presentation of the new nomenclature and classification of EPH gestosis defined by the gestosis organization, this paper analyzes the gestosis index according to Goecke. The significance of the latter as a part of the symptomatic classification is determined and critically studied. The investigation is based in 934 cases of EPH gestosis comprising 40 perinatal deceased for which a correlation can be established between the cause of death and the gestosis of the mother. The investigations confirm the relevance of the gestosis index for the assessment of perinatal mortality risk. Repetitive determinations of the gestosis index can be of essential importance for controlling the development of EPH gestosis and assessing the fetal prognosis.


Studies of the infection of the cockroaches (Blattella germanica[L.]) with Bac. thuringensis.

The results of an experimental infection of the cockroaches Blattella germanica (L.) with some trade preparations containing Bac. thuringensis spores are presented. Biological studies supported by bacteriological and histological examinations of the excised intestines of the above insects have shown that the microorganisms studied are pathogenic for the cockroaches. This effect might be eventually applied as a biological method of eradication of the cockroaches in such environments, where chemical preparations can not be used or this disinfestation method would be complementary to the other method of disinfestation.


[The influencing factors of selection of collective upon the assessment in epidemiological studies in the example of blood lead levels in children (author's transl)].

In a study of blood lead levels in 1719 children from 2 industrial areas, both with high but differing lead pollution, it is shown how the selection of the collective can influence the results of an epidemiological study. A representative statement on the lead exposure for all children living in a circumscribed area, is not possible if the children are selected according to previous diseases or, for that matter, according to medical criteria of any kind. Also, a selection only upon voluntary basis stemming from parental decision, does not bring correct results. The time chosen for the investigation must also be taken under consideration. The authors suggest a random choice, for example according to date of birth.


[Epidemiology of salmonellae and fertilizing of grasland with sewage sludge (author's transl)].

Our investigations prove that sludge contains Salmonellae in more than 90% of samples. The maximum number of organisms reached 10(7) per liter. One of our most important findings was the fact that neither aerobic stabilization nor anaerobic digestion significantly reduces the contamination with Salmonellae. Moreover we found that Salmonellae in sewage sludge spread on grass may survive up to 72 weeks. Fertilizing with unsanitized sludge may therefore lead to transmission from plant to animal. The increasing number of Salmonella carriers among our herds of cattle and their striking accumulation during the grazing period demonstrate that such transmission represents a growing danger. Sanitizing of sludge to be used as fertilizer is therefore urgent. We have investigated the sanitary effect of pasteurisation and of gamma irradiation on sewage sludge. After a proper pasteurisation in 5 plants (70 degrees C for 30 minutes) 98-100% of tested sludge samples contained less than 10 Enterobacteriaceae per gramm. The application of 300 krad resulted in a percentage of 97.2% of samples with less than 10 Enterobacteriaceae per gramm.


[The destruction of parasitic resistant stages in sludge by irradiation with low accelerating voltage electrons (author's transl)].

The destroying effect of ionizing radiation on parasitic resistant stages in sludge has been tested. Suitable for that process is an electron beam accelerator which will be provided with energy from the electric power supply network which can be switched on and off according to the requirements. Such modern utilities have an enormous beam capacity and a high operating safety. The process is working according to the continuous flow principle and at room temperature. In a series of 13 experiments the effect of different doses has been tested. A dose of 480 kRad (accelerating voltage; 400 kV, beam current; 10 mA, irradiation time: 24 sec.) can easely obtained in practical work and is economically acceptable. By these means approximately 97% of the following parasitic stages have been destroyed: undeveloped eggs of Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Fasciola hepatica and gastrointestinal strongylids of pigs, embryonated eggs of Capillaria obsignata and probably of Taenia spec. A few third-stage larvae of Oesophagostomum (Strongylidae) of pigs survived even 108 sec of irradiation; however, they did not develop to maturity in the definitive host. Approximately 25% of the sporulated oocysts of Eimeria renella were still infective after 108 sec of irradiation.


[Relationships between immissions of plumb and zinc and the levels of plumb, zinc and cadmium in blood, urine and hair in children (author's transl)].

In children from an industrial area with a high degree of lead, zinc and cadmium pollution, the lead levels in blood and hair increased with increasing lead fall-out, and the cadmium concentration in the urine increased with increasing zinc fall-out. Children from the center of town presented significantly higher lead values in the blood and hair samples and, significantly lower urine lead concentration than those children investigated, living in the peripheral districts of the industrial town. The lead content of blood and hair samples corresponded to the various lead immission levels encountered. The results give rise to the supposition that biological cadmium interactions are influenced by simultaneous lead uptake.


[The influence of electrostatic fields on osmolality and concentrations of neutral fat and cholesterol (author's transl)].

Rats were exposed to electrostatic fields of different intensities and exposure times, after which the osmolality of the serum and the concentration of neutral fat and cholesterol in the serum were measured. The triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations of the sera were independent of the strength of the electrostatic field and independent of the length of exposure of the animals in the constant field or Faraday cages. They always lay within normal limits, but moved according to the conditions of the constant field: the neurtal fat concentrations to the upper, and the cholesterol concentrations to the lower limit. The differences compared to the controls could be confirmed statistically.


[Meteorotropic activity of the weather conditions and their role in suicide epidemiology. I. Communication (author's transl)].

On days when there are multiple weather fronts, the number of suicides per day rises significantly, especially when the multiple fronts appear. With a disturbed high pressure, this correlation appears on the following day. With an impending depression and an occluded front, this correlation also falls on the day after these meteorological conditions, but it is weaker. The daily number of suicides rises considerably higher on a day when three meteorotropically active weather conditions prevail at the same time. The greatest number of suicides were committed in the spring. The number of suicides occurring in individual seasons or months assumes different levels, but without forming a biological annual rhythm.


[Thoughts upon the construction of requirements of disinfection procedures concerning contaminated hands - an analysis (author's transl)].

The construction of detailed test methods for the evaluation of disinfection procedures has primarily to be based upon requirements which have to be formulated in advance. A recently proposed test model is being discussed on the basis of 5 conceivable formulations of possible requirements. Essentially, they may be allotted to two types: the one implies the comparison of the disinfection procedure to be tested as against an hypothetical procedure. The other makes use of the simple comparison with a concrete standard procedure and is preferable to the first possibility for several reasons. The presented, mathematical formulations of the structure describing the proposed model represents a first approximation in order to permit the comparison of disinfection effects on the hands under assistance of probabilistic  methods and eliminating other effects inherent ot a test method.


[Tetanus immunity during senescence (author's transl)].

The circulating concentrations of antibodies directed against tetanus toxoid were determined by means of the mouse protection test in the serum samples of 2554 patients with an age between 60 and 98 years. Additionally, a part of the sera was tested by a radioimmunologic procedure. Immunity (neutralizing antitoxin titer greater than or equal to 0.01 International Units/ml serum) was only demonstrable in a small percent of the samples (15.3%). Compared to women, a larger percentage of men were found to be protected. Active immunization of aged persons (60-93 years old) resulted in the finding that usually also during senescence powerful immunity may develop following suitable vaccination.


[Levels of carcinogenic, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in human and animal tissues. IIIrd communication (author's transl)].

(1) The mean content in benzypyrene (bp) of human pulmonary tissue amounts to 0.2 mug./100 g. of dry substance. As in all other organ tissues, however, the content differs with the age of the individual: in infants, we find maximum concentrations, in the medium age groups the levels decline and rise once more with increasing age. (2) No increase in the 3,4-benzpyrene levels (average: 0.2 mug./100 g. of dry substance) will be found in tissues with high cellular proliferative activity, such as exocrine and endocrine glands (pancreas, testicles, thyroid gland, adrenals, mammary glands, as well as bone marrow). (3) In human adipose tissue, as well as in that of pork and beef, the 3,4-benzpyrene levels are found to be exceedingly low. With values of 0.1 mug./100 g, the average concentrations lie markedly below the organ tissue levels. Hence, this class of noxious substances in not stored in the adipose tissue. (4) Both in man and in animals (pig, fowl), the 3,4-benzyprene concentrations consistently exceed the average values during early postnatal life. (5) This relatively high concentration of bp in early infancy is due to exogenous factors and is not the expression of biogenous synthesis, as has been demonstrated in examinations of the environmentally influenced embryonic development of the chick. Throughout the entire development of the embryo within the hen's egg, the benzpyrene levels remain constant. Only when the chickens have been hatched out do the benzyprene levels rise significantly. Thus, the low 3,4-benzpyrene levels detected in all human and animal organ tissues prove to be the result of the interplay of exogenous environmental loading and individual capability of eliminating this substance.


[Current status of classification, diagnosis and therapy of the preliminary and early stages of cervix carcinoma].

The present state of classification, diagnostics and therapy of preinvasive and early stages of cervical carcinoma has been demonstrated by means of literature and own experiences. In order to avoid damages caused by treatment the necessity of differenciated therapy is proved. A clear classification and the subtil histological investigation performed by a pathologist experienced in gynecological histology has to be regarded as an indispensible precondition in this neccessary differentiated treatment in early cases of cervical cancer.


[Precancerous conditions in the cervix uteri in young women].

The author presents the increasing securing of various degrees of atypiae of the epithelium in the uterine neck including carcinoma in situ, and even carcinoma invasivum in young females in connection with preventive examinations being extended even on young females without age limit. In the years 1961 to 1973 only in the district Hradec Králové and its environment, a total of 181 females with a pathological finding in the cervix was found. Out of them in 19 females carcinoma in situ with with the onset of invasion was observed, in 13 females progressive carcinoma invasivum was found. Mutual relations are shown in Table I and Table II. In Table III the author wants to show that all preventive examinations in all females coming to the prenatal consulting centre for the first time are worth being carried out thoroughly. Thus 51 females--very young--with a finding in the cervix were discovered. The performance of preventive examinations as late as after the thirtieth year of age is considered to be incorrect. When searching for precanceroses of the uterine neck it is not possible to state any limits. The sooner and the more frequent the prebioptic examination methods are employed, the more probably the changes which may be, however, reversible, but which never exclude any possibility of malignant development may be found.


[Behavior of the immunoglobin level in the serum of patients with ovarian neoplasms].

In 18 patients with the histological proved Ca ovarii we have examined the level of serum immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM in blood during the combined therapy by two cytostatics (Cyclophosphamide, Cytembena) in a week's intervals. The serum immunoglobins IgG, IgA, IgM was followed by the simple radial immunodiffusion technic by Manchini in 2% agar gel with the standard fa Sevac (CSSR). The level of IgG sank at least 10% in 10 patients, the level of IgA and IgG in 9 patients. We have also followed every month the level of the serum immunoglobins at the long times administration of several peroral doses of Cyclophosphamid in 9 patients. At this long times administration the serum immunoglobins IgG and IgA were found responsible in their reduced synthesis than the IgM.


[Determination of the nucleolar coefficient in lymphocytes in chemotherapeutically treated patients with ovarian carcinoma].

At the total evaluation of the base values of lymphocytes in the patients with Ca ovariorum a lower number of lymphocytes was found than in the healthy population. At the same time the lymphocytes in the patients with Ca contained a lower number of nucleoli which are capable of the synthesis RNA (i.e. nucleoli ringsingers and active) and a higher number of nucleoli irreversible unable of the synthesis of RNA, i.c. micronucleoli. So the value of the nucleolar coefficient was rised, too, in these patients. It seems, that the described changes were dependent of the clinic condition of our patients, in some cases they preceded the state. This method is utilised at the IInd Obstetric Gynaec. Clin. in Prague for the long time cytostatic therapy.


[Fetal placental antigens in the serum of tumor patients].

With the anti-placente rabbit serum three different placente antigens could be demonstrated in the serum of pregnant women and new borns, in ascites hydropic new borns and in liquor ammin. These fetal antigens could be also demonstrated in the serum of women with malignant and benign tumors. There was no identity with alpha1-fetal protein or C-reactive protein. It is discussed either the tumor cells synthesize fetal proteins directly or they produce substances which stimulate the organism for production of these antigens.


[A rare case of cancer en cuirasse in an untreated breast carcinoma of 24 year's duration].

This 70 year old patient presented with a 24 year history of untreated breast cancer (histology: carcinoma solidum simplex) that had developed to a cancer "en cuirasse" with disturbances in both breast glands, carcinomatous infiltration of the barrel-shaped deformed thorax and superficial bleeding from a large area of ulcerated tissue. Until this time no definate distant metastases had been confirmed in the lungs, liver or bony skeleton. The point of interest here is the striking improvement obtained from local symptomatic treatment, with regeneration of skin over previous ulcerating and necrotic areas.


[A computer program for the implicit regression of the Hill equation].

A computer program for implicit regression of the Hill equation. The fundamentals for the regression of implicit functions following the Gauss method are dealt with. Basing on these fundamentals a program for the regression of the Hill equation is described. The binding constant, the Hill coefficient and end extinction can be estimated. The mean errors of parameters were calculated in the linear model. The program was written in ALGOL 60 for the computer Robotron 300. The program is available on request.


[Studies on the magneto-optical rotation of porphyrins, hemins and methemoglobin compounds].

Using the method of magneto-optical rotation (MOR) various porphyrin derivatives, hemin and heme compounds, and a number of methemoglobin complexes were investigated. The spectra were recorded from 450-600 nm; with methemoglobin also in the Soret region. 1. The metalfree porphyrin derivatives (deutero-, meso-, hemato- and protoporphyrins) were measured in strongly acidic aqueous solution. The derivatives thus present as di-cations yield highly resolved MORspectra, where the Q-bands (Oo leads to; Oo leads to 1) originated from the pi-pi transitions of the porphyrin display the curve shape characteristic of an A-term, this proving the presence of the D4h symmetry. An exception is the protoporphyrin, in which the pi-electron system of the porphyrin is perturbed by the influence of pi-electrons of the vinyl group, causing poor resolution, line broadening, and shift of the Q-bands into the lower-energy spectral region. 2. With iron porphyrins (hemin, heme and their complexes) the charge of the iron and the nature of axial ligands determine the position and intensity of the O-bands in the MOR spectrum. Low-spin complexes have a higher symmetry than the high-spin complexes. Whereas with hemin (S = 5/2), the iron located outside the heme plane strongly disturbs the porphyrin pi-system, the high symmetry of porphyrin is greatly retained in the case of heme. This can be explained by the enhanced binding distance between the bivalent iron and the porphyrin to great for a strong coupling between the microsymmetry of the iron and the macrosymmetry of the porphyrin pi-system.


[NMR spectroscopic characterization of deuterohemin complexes in aqueous media].

1H-NMR measurement and NMR susceptibility measurements were carried out with deuterohemin complexes in aqueous solution. The hydroxyaquo complex of deuterohemin, which is dimeric in weakly alkaline medium, turns into a low-spin dicyano complex on addition of cyanide. This reaction proceeds in two steps: whereas in the first, slow step a dimeric low-spin hydroxycyano complex is formed, in the second step the latter is converted quickly into the dimeric dicyano complex. The pK values for the overall reaction, the first and the second step were measured to be 23.25; 0.39 and 22.86, respectively. The values of free energy variation obtained therefrom suggest that conformational changes are decisive in the liganding of methemoglobin.


[Molecular and complex-chemical studies on methemoglobin from Chironomus thummi thummi and various isolated fractions].

1. Six different hemoglobin (Hb) fractions were isolated and characterized from the larvae of Chironomus thummi thummi using column chromatographic procedures. 2. Chromatographic and sedimentation-analytic studies (sedimentation coefficients of 2.0 +/- 0.2 (S)) have shown three Hb fractions to exist basically in a monomeric form. The molecular weight of component M-2 was determined by sedimentation equilibrium technique to be 15,470 +/- 400. The dimeric Hb was found to have sedimentation coefficients of 3.0 +/- 0.1 (S) in the weakly acidic pH region. In alkaline milieu, the reversible dissociation proceeds into the monomeric molecules (S20, W = 1.9 +/- 0.1 (S)). Molecular weights vary between pH 5.7 and 9.8 not only with hydrogen ion concentration, but also with protein concentration in correspondence with a dissociation-association equilibrium consisting of monomers and dimers. 3. For the Hb fraction M-2, a friction ratio of f/fo = 1.03 was calculated, suggesting an almost spherical shape of this protein. In contrast, the dimeric component appears to have a much more asymmetric structure (f/fo = 1.19). 4. The indivdual MetHb fractions bind the ligands: fluoride, imidazole and azide with different affinities.


[The supramolecular organization of oxyhemoglobin in erythrocytes. A small-angle x-ray scattering study].

From X-ray scattering diagrams of concentrated solutions of hemoglobin the pair-correlation function of the molecules is calculated. At a concentration of 324 g/l the distance between neighbouring molecules amounts to 65 A. The number of direct neighbours of one molecule is 9. The pair-correlation function cannot be described by the assumption of a lattice-cell-model; therefore, a lattice-vacancy-model with fluid order is proposed.


[Brain transections for the localization of tremorigenic brain regions in the rat].

In rats transections of the brain have been carried out to localize tremorigenic centres. Ablation of cortical and diencephalic brain areas caused moderate reduction of oxotremorine induced tremor. A makred decrease of tremor intensity has been observed after transections eliminating the tegmental parts of the formation reticularis. We found in caudal sites of transections a shift of the tremor frequency to lower values including changes of distribution as well as the appearance of spontaneous tremor. Both the intensity of oxotremorine induced tremor and the appearance of spontaneous tremor was found to depend on body temperature. Harmine-induced tremor was influenced in opposite direction by ablation of the rostral brain areas.


[A statistical study of the interspike-interval distribution of cortical neurons].

Spontaneous activity was recorded extracellularly by glass microelectrodes from 54 neurons of the Gyrus sigmoideus posterior of unnarcotized and gallamine-immobilazed cats, and the sequential and nonsequential interspike-interval histograms were determined using the multi-channel analyzer CAT 400 C. The interval distributions were characterized by graphic criteria, and it was attempted to describe these distributions mathematically by four biparametric distributions, the Weibull, lognormal, gamma and normal distributions. 80% of the frequency distributions of type I (exponential), II (left skew, gamma-similar) and IV (almost symmetrical) could be assigned to these distributions, namely 43% of the lognormal distribution, 32% of the Weibull distribution, and 5% of the gamma distribution. The interval histograms of the type III (left skew, steep) and V (bimodal) could not be described by any of the distributions selected.


[A method for the objective determination of tremors in the rat].

Two methods for determining tremors in the rat, acceleration pick-up and electromyogram, including electronic evaluation by impluse rate and frequency are described technically, and the results obtained with either method are compared. Both methods allow quantitative analysis of the drug induced (arecoline) tremor. Electromyographically, the tremor effect can be recorded already after lower doses compared with the electro-mechanical method. Besides, the EMG can be employed on immobilized animals.


[Tremor following intracerebral carbachol injection. 1.Carbachol sensitivity of various brain structures].

Tremor produced by intracerebral injection of carbachol. I. Susceptibility of different brain areas to carbachol Microinjections of carbachol into the lateral ventricle of rats caused tremor depending on dose. Intensity and duration of motor effects after injection of carbachol (30 mug/3 mul bilateral) into different brain areas were found to depend on localization: strongest tremor was elicited by injections into the nucleus caudatoputamen and cortex cerebri, moderate tremor by administration into the substantia nigra reticularis, globus pallidus and thalamic brain regions. Target areas of mean sensitivity were demonstrated in more rostral and caudal parts of the formatio reticularis. The injection of carbachol into the nucleus ruber, nucleus linearis and substantia nigra compacta brought about lowest tremor values. Ablation of the site of injection from the remaining brain abolished tremor induced by carbachol contrary to the tremor induced by oxotremorine.


[Studies on the mechanism of action of peptide attacking smooth muscle. II. Differentiation of biologic activity of tachykinins in affinity and intrinsic efficacy].

Under the condition of receptor blockade produced by continuous presence of an agonist in the organ bath, it was attempted to determine the dissociation constants for C-terminal partial sequences of the substance P at an isolated guinea pig ileum, by analogy with the method involving irreversible antagonists, and to compare them with the biological activity at the guinea pig ileum and the rat colon (ED50 values). Differentiation of the biological activity at the guinea pig ileum into affinity and "intrinsic efficacy" allows one to explain quantitative differences in determining the biological value on both isolated organs, and to reveal the contribution of the individual amino acids to affinity and "intrinsic efficacy".


[Studies on the mechanism of action of peptides attacking smooth muscles. III. The effect of N-azylation on the activity of C-terminal partial sequences of eledoisin, physalaemin and substance P on the guinea pig ileum].

C-terminal pentapeptides of eledoisin, physalaemin, and the substance P, when N-substituted with acetyl, halogenacetyl and other acyl residues, are increased in their action more than  100fold, reaching the activity of acylated hexa- and heptapeptides. The effect found with a number of compounds is interpreted as the influence of predominantly hydrophobic substituents upon the peptide sequence essential for the action. Polar groups in the acylic residue seem to cause additional increase in action.


[Interactions between prostaglandins E2 and F2alpha and isoprenalin in the dog heart in situ].

The effects of PGE2 and PGF2alpha on the isoprenaline induced elevation of myocardial contractility were studied on hearts of anesthetized dogs. The steady state effects were determined after single or simultaneous infusion of the substances. Two indices of contractility were used for the quantification of inotropic effects. PGE2 but not PGF2alpha showed positivinotropic effects. PGE2 significantly inhibited the inotropic responses induced by isoprenaline (p less than 0,01); whereas PGF2alpha was without any effect in this direction. The results are discussed with respect of a postjunctional action of PGE2.


Unusual increase in mitochondrial glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase activity in primary cultures of rat liver cells.

Primary cultures of neonatal rat liver cells show an increase in the activity of mitochondrial glycerolphosphate dehydrogenase between the second and tenth day of cultivation. At the end of cultivation the activity level exceeded that of liver tissue in vivo. Replacement of normal serum by hypothyroid serum or addition of triiodothyronine to the medium did not influence significantly the enzyme activity in vitro, in contrast to the very marked effects of thyroid hormones observed in vivo.


[Stimulation of the renal excretion of p-aminohippuric acid by repeated application of phenobarbital].

The rate of renal excretion of p-aminohippuric acid can be accelerated by repeated administration of phenobarbital in adult rats. This stimulation could not be observed in newborn and young rats.


[Serological identification of spectrin in the 2 dimensional immunoelectrophoresis].

Using polyvalent antisera directed against solubilized human erythrocyte ghosts in the immunoelectrophoresis we obtained some precipitation arcs. Antisera against the purified spectrin allowed the identification of spectrin in the crossed immunoelectrophoresis.


The use of antigen-coated protein beads as immunoadsorbent for the purification of antibodies.

A procedure is described using antigen-coated beads of calf serum as immunadsorbent for the purification of antibodies against ferritin and against leukemia-sarcoma virus-induced antigens.


Fluorescence and chemical reactivity as empirical indices of matrix-induced alterations in immobilized enzymes.

The fluorescence emission and chemical reactivity of soluble and Sepharose-bound leucine aminopeptidase and carboxypeptidase A were investigated and the results compared. Both natural fluorescence and the fluorescence of fluorescein-labeled enzymes were utilized. The front-surface viewing technique enables us to measure the apparent fluorescence quantum yields and the rotational relaxation times of fluorescent groups within native unbound and carrier-fixed enzymes. The chemical reactivity was probed with Ellman's reagent and iodoacetic acid. Both types of methods were found to be useful in detection and quantitation of matrix-induced alterations in immobilized enzymes.


[The effect of diffusion, electric transport and convection on heterogeneous enzyme catalysis].

The consideration of electric and volume transport additionally to diffusion leads to the dependence of concentration profiles in heterogeneous enzyme catalysis on additional parameters (e. g. electrical field strength, convection velocity) which are valuable for influencing and optimizing these systems. For autocatalysis the local periodic concentration profiles are influenced essentially by these phenomena (change of onset and wavelength). When diffusion is negligible equations are given to determine the kinetic parameters vmax and KM from transport measurements.


[Tying with thread of the rat coronary arteries, a method for the production of experimental coronary stenosis].

A method is described for producing a localized coronary artery stenosis by tieing two threads around the Ramus descendens of the left coronary artery, which produces progressive cell proliferation of the vascular wall. Studies on 102 male Wistar rats (70 experimental and 32 sham-operated control animals) have shown coronary artery stenosis narrowing the lumen by more than 50% (up to and exceeding 90%) to develop after 7 days in 30% of the animals, after 14 days in 75%, and after 21 days (postoperatively) in 100%. In about one-third of the cases subtotal infarction in the supply area of the left coronary artery occured as a result of post-operative damage to the coronary artery with obturating thrombosis. The induction of effective coronary stenosis limiting the coronary reserve offers possibilities for further experimental studies on the role of relative coronary insufficiency in the pathogenesis of myocardial infarction.


[Coronary flow measurements on the isolated rat heart following experimental coronary artery stenosis].

A stenosing proliferation of the vascular wall was produced by exposing the Ramus descendens of the rat's left coronary artery to continued mechanical stimulation. Two weeks after the operation the hearts were perfused according to a modified Langendorff method, and the flow rate was measured under aerobic conditions and following short-time anoxia. Under either experimental conditions, the flow rate proved to be significantly decreased.


[Determination of local brain blood flow by means of switched heating].

It is demonstrated by model experiments that the determination of stationary and instationary data (amplitude and shape of the heating signal) allows the two components of local brain perfusion (flow rate and volume flux) to be measured separately. Since perfusion and temperature are measured at the same site, the convection data are free of variations of the local brain temperature. The dependence of the amplitude of the heating signal on the flow rate is described by the equation Ao = a - e-bv + c, with the parameters a, b, c being represented as a function of the convection-free space around the sensing probe. It is shown by animal-experimental data that the magnitude of the convection-free space around the sensing probe is variable. A tentative algorithm is proposed for practical application of the method.


Transfer of maternal plasma free fatty acids into the rat fetus.

The amount of maternal plasma free fatty acids passing to the fetus has been determined to be 0.09 mumoles fatty acids per min per each litter. Taking account of the increase of the total fetal fatty acid pool due to the fetal growth (0.2 mumoles fatty acids per min for each litter) we conclude that the maternal circulation is the source of about half of fetal fatty acids on day 21 of pregnancy.


Studies on the metabolism of free fatty acids of the plasma in non-pregnant female and pregnant rats.

In non-pregnant female and pregnant rats the concentration (0.41 mumoles/ml and 0.49 mumoles/ml), the turnover time (0.6 min and 0.8 min), and the irreversible disposal rate (8 mumoles/min and 7 mumoles/min) of plasma free fatty acids (FFA) were determined. The results indicate that there are no major differences in the metabolism of the plasma FFA between non-pregnant female and pregnant rats.


[Blood pressure behavior and pathomorphology in the rat following application of high doses of depot angiotensin].

In 55 rats, not accustomed to the process of blood pressure measurement and given daily doses from 1.25 - 10.0 mg angiotensin in depot form for up to 3 days, as much as 70% of the animals died of circulatory failure. Blood pressure increase was either absent or was very low after low doses. Histologically, the myocardium revealed focal destruction of muscle fibres with mesenchymal cell proliferation in many places; the epithelium of numerous renal tubuli was changed hydropically; the liver showed focal necroses of the parenchyma; the adrenal cortex showed stress reactions, and the arterioles of the splanchnic area -- changes of the plasmatic vasculose from the 3rd day of experiment. By contrast, in 51 rats accustomed to the measuring process prior to the experiment and given high doses of angiotensin, only moderate blood pressure rise and scattered cases of death (4%) occurred, low doses caused a strong blood pressure elevation. With otherwise equal histologic organ diagnoses, liver necroses were absent, except for two cases. This differential response of the two animal groups to varying angiotensin doses and the pathogenesis of the changes observed are discussed.


[Biphasic effect of angiotensin II on conditioned reflectory reaction patterns in albino rats].

40 male albino rats were used to investigate the influence of one single i. v. dose of 10 ng/kg Angiotensin II upon established and stabilized conditional-reflectory response pattern (two-dimensional conditional-reflectory decision process and periodicities of conditional-reflectory processes). At normotonous blood-pressure values, Angiotensin II exerted a biphasic action on the conditional-reflectory response pattern. In the first phase of action (up to 30 min after injection) there prevailed centralnervous inhibition processes, while the second phase of action (30-70 min after injection) was marked by a general centralnervous excitation, which is reflected by extremely short times of response, and a pronounced sensitivity to optic, acoustic and tactile stimuli. The decision capacity of the animals was considerably reduced in both phases. The periodicities of conditional-reflectory processes (duration of periods in the minute range) are strongly disturbed in the first phase of action, and tend to normal in the second phase. Furthermore, Angiotensin II was found to have a selective, hierarchically ordered influence with regard to the duration and intensity of action. Thus, the information processing activity of the CNS underwent most pronounced changes. The centralnervous regulatory functions were less affected; the blood pressure regulation showed little and transient influence by Angiotensin II. In the discussion, the neurotropic and algogenic action of Angiotensin II, and the relation of the octapeptide effect with pathogenetic mechanisms of experimental neurotically induced hypertonia are dealt with.