[Amino acid composition of meat proteins in the Arctic reindeer].

Investigations have shown the proteins of the arctic venison to be of a high biological standard, since they contain all the essential amino acids. All the amino acids, except for tryptophan, were assayed with an automatic analyser, model HD-1200E, by following the generally accepted procedure afer an acid hydrolysis. Tryptophan was assayed after alkaline hydrolysis. A total of 17 amino acids were determined in the raw and cooked meat. The content of essential amino acids is as great as 50.7 per cent of the protein weight. Heat treatment does not have any essential effect on the content of amino acids. As regards their amino acids composition the proteins of the arctic vension stands close to that of the beef and horse-flesh proteins.


Differences in the immunogenicity of the HL-A antigens.

Comparing the expected and observed HL-A antibody forming in condition of fetomaternal immunization in 184 pregnant women, some differences in the immunogenic strength of HL-A antigens were investigated. The HL-A antigens were graded in three groups in accordance with their coefficient of immunogenicity as follows: in first group, with a coefficient more than 50 are HL-A2, HL-A7, HL-A5, W22, HL-A13, W27 and W10; in second group, with a coefficient from 25 to 50 are HL-A1, W24, HL-A11, W5, W14 and HL-A12; and in the third group, with a coefficient less than 25 are HL-A3, W25 and HL-A8. The data about the other HL-A antigens are not significant.


[Computer planning of average per capita requirements of the population in nutrients and energy].

The expediency, feasibility and effectiveness of employing computors for multivariant calculations of an average per capita requirement of the population in basic nutrients and energy are substantiated. The prodcedures involved in preparation of the initial information are described and the fundamental parts of the program elaborated in "fortran" language and tentatively tested with an "EC-1020" type computor are discussed. The devised program may be adopted as a standard one.


Cell electrophoretic, membrane sialic acid and quantitative hemagglutination studies on some MN variants.

The group of conditions exhibiting diminished MN antigenicity, increased saline agglutinability, decreased electrophoretic mobility and reduced membrane content of sialic acid includes enzyme-treated cells, the hereditary MNSs variants Mk and Mg, En(a-) and the acquired condition of persistent mixed-field polyagglutinability. Here we report our studies on the above serological, chemical and biophysical properties of Mg, Mk and EnaEn? CELLS AND ON TWO ADDITIONAL HEREDItary variants, Miltenberger III and V, (Mi-III and Mi-V). The latter clearly fits into this group of conditions. On the other hand, Mi-III shows its kinship to the broad group of abnormalities of membrane glycophorin but it deviates from normal in the opposite direction. That is we find evidence of decreased saline agglutinability, increased electrophoretic mobility and of increased sialic acid content. Moreover, in the rare MsMi-III Mk phenotype, the opposing effects evident in the heterozygotes tend to balance out their serologic and physicochemical expressions in the double heterozygote.


Confirmation of K11 and K17 as alleles in the Kell blood group system.

Tests of three new unrelated K:-11 people and their relatives confirm that K11 is allelic to K17 (Wka) and belongs to the Kell system.


A1 weak B phenotypes found in two generations of a Romanian family: A1Bx versus cis AB complex.

Three 'A1 weak B' blood groups found in two generations of a Romanian family were studied with quantitative and thermodynamic assays in order to determine if they derive from 'A1Bx' or from 'cis AB' genotypes, what cannot be achieved by the genetics.


Detection of immune anti-A and anti-B allo-antibodies with groupamatic system.

An inhibition technique using soluble AB group substances for screening of 'immune' anti-A and anti-B allo-antibodies has been set up on Groupamatic. This screening is performed on all blood units of group O, A and B to be transfused. The ratio of potentially dangerous donors in case of non-isogroup transfusion is 2.86% of the total number of screened donors. This detection is performed simultaneously with other immunohaematological and serological tests: ABO and Rh grouping, screening of irregular allo-antibodies, screening of syphilis.


[Activity of intestinal disaccharidases in human aging].

In 59 persons of advanced (60-74 years) and in 17 others of senile (75-89 years) age the activity of disaccharides in the small intestine was studied. In the past history of all the examinees no affections of the gastro-intestinal tract were recorded. As controls 26 healthy subjects aged 20-26 were examined. It was noted that the activity of maltase in the duodenal mucosa declined in advanced age and of maltase, lactase and saccharase - in senility. In jejunal mucosa the activity of maltase and lactase proved less active in persons of senile age. The reduced activity of intestinal disaccharides is attended by atrophy of the jejunal mucosa.


[Immunogenic activity of the influenza virus dependent on ne uraminidase (author's transl)].

The immunity of mice to challenge with influenza virus was studied after immunization with killed influenza vaccine. The results showed the resistance of the animals developing early after one and two intranasal vaccinations to depend not only upon the hemagglutinating properties of the vaccine but also upon its neuraminidase activity. When mice were immunized with a vaccine the neuraminidase of which was blocked with specific antibody or inactivated by heating and formalin, the protective effect against challenge with influenza virus decreased 2-3-fold as compared to that of the vaccine possessing active neuraminidase.


[Electron microscopic study of chicken fibroblasts infected with the Tyuleniy virus (author's transl)].

Uninfected and Tyuleniy virus-infected chick fibroblast cells were examined. Intracytoplasmic type A particles and immature type C particles of oncornavirus were found in uninfected cells. At 48 and 72 hours after inoculation of the cells with Tyuleniy virus a large number of mature C particles and virions of Tyuleniy virus were found in the cell cytoplasm. Possible relationships between A and C particles are discussed and a stimulating effect of Tyuleniy virus on mass maturation of C particles and their release from the cell is suggested.


[Virus-specific syntheses in cells infected with the virions from standard and "defective" populations of the influenza virus (author's transl)].

The structure of influenza virus virions from the standard and "Magnus" populations as well as intracellular syntheses induced by them were studied. Virions of influenza virus were shown to be heterogeneous with respect to the set of fragments in them. This heterogeneity was more marked in virions of the "Magnus" population and consisted in a relatively greater deficiency of large fragments. A marked induction of light RNA fractions in the cell by defective influenza virus was demonstrated. Synthesis of protein and the polypeptide composition of virions were found to be similiar in standard and "Magnus" viruses.


[Heterogeneity of an influenza virus population in the manifestation of biological functions (author's transl)].

In a population of influenza virus, virions have different degree of the functional capacities to produce infectious virus, to induce neuraminidase production and to interfere with infectious virus. Fractions of virus were found which had a poor capacity for production of infectious progeny and a relatively high induction of neuraminidase synthesis as well as induction of heterogenous light fractions of RNA in cells. In the population of defective virus a fraction of particles possessing marked interfering activity in the absence of infectivity was found.


[Experimental study of an antirabies vaccine from sheep brain tissue inactivated by UV rays (author's transl)].

The optimal regimen of sheep brain rabies vaccine inactivation with UV rays has been developed. The immunogenic activity of 22 experimental lots of UV-inactivated rabies vaccine was found to be considerably higher than that of commercial Fermi vaccine. The antigenic activity of the inactivated vaccine in animals was also high.


[The inhibiting action of superhigh-frequency millimeter waves on adenovirus (author's transl)].

Virological and biochemical analysis was employed for comparative studies of the content of protein in continuous cultures of human embryo kidney cells (RH line) infected with adenovirus type 1, intact and irradiated with electromagnetic waves of UHF in the range of 5 divided by 8 mm at the density of power current of the order of 4 mW. When the cells were inoculated with intact virus, a cytopatic effect, a decrease in the content of protein by 4 hours postinfection and further decrease up to 72 hrs were observed. After infection with irradiated adenovirus the development of the infectious process and associated changes in the protein content were observed only by 24 hours and then up to 72 hours there was a delay in the development of virus infection as compared with controls. The experimental data indicate different response of RH cells to infection with irradiated and intact adenovirus, namely, that UHF of the millimeter range (lambda=6.50 mm) exert a specific effect on the infectious activity of adenovirus as manifested by changes in cell metabolism after infection with irradiated virus.


Phencyclidine--states of acute intoxication and fatalities.

Phencyclidine is now one of the most frequently used main ingredients of "street drug" preparations. Its effects are highly dose dependent and three varieties of acute intoxication have been seen clinically associated with different dosages and routes of administration. Most persons using phencyclidine smoke it sprinkled on parsley in low doses. The presence of horizontal and vertical nystagmus associated with hypertension in a patient who is agitated or comatose are diagnostic of a phencyclidine intoxicated state. Sensory isolation and intravenous administration of diazepam in the event of seizure activity have proved effective in the treatment of acute intoxicated states. Phencyclidine has pronounced behavioral toxicity and several deaths due to this agent have now been documented. It is unknown whether seizure activity or respiratory depression is the primary cause of death in pharmacological overdoses.


Xeromammography in the early detection of breast cancer. Community hospital experience and approach.

Community hospitals can do much in the general effort toward earlier detection of breast cancer. Using xeromammography in the department of general radiology of one community hospital, 21 cases of occult carcinoma were detected in 2,392 patients in a two year period. Patients were both symptomatic and asymptomatic. This percentage is comparable to results in previously published series of similar patient populations, and can be expected to be slightly higher than screening populations of totally asymptomatic patients. In 24 percent of cases of occult carcinoma there was axillary node involvement, compared with 42 percent axillary node involvement in cases of nonoccult carcinoma. Early detection efforts are currently centered on improving thoroughness in physical examinations, stressing breast self-examination and identifying patients in high-risk categories. These, together with proper periodic use of mammograms, will yield the highest rate of early carcinoma detection until more sensitive biologic markers are developed.


Principles of drug therapy in patients with renal disease.

Patients with reduced renal function commonly require drug therapy for various associated conditions. Most drugs are fully or partially excreted by the kidney; therefore, drug dosage regimens often need to be adjusted in order to provide safe yet effective treatment for patients with renal disease. In addition, certain therapeutic agents have potential nephrotoxicity and pharmacologic actions that may jeopardize already compromised renal function. Understanding of drug pharmacology, the therapeutic dose and the speed of drug elimination in a given patient will lead to correct assessment of the drug regimen.


Guidelines for the interview and examinations of alleged rape victims.

A conjoint effort of the Committee on Evolving Trends in Society Affecting Life, and the Advisory Panels of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pathology, and Psychiatry of the Scientific Board of the California Medical Association.


Positive inotropic action of insulin on piglet heart.

This study was designed to investigate changes in cardiac performance during hypoglycemia produced by the administration of insulin in the newborn piglet. With heart rate, aortic pressure, and aortic flow held constant, the treated group demonstrated a pronounced positive inotropic response manifested by an increase of dP/dt max to 138% of control values. Central nervous system function and beta adrenergic activity were excluded from the preparation by ligation of the brachiocephalic vessels and administration of practolol. For reasons discussed, it is unlikely that the findings can be ascribed to glucagon contamination. Therefore, the increase in contractility presumably resulted from a direct effect of insulin upon the myocardium. Clinical and laboratory data suggest that the resistance of the neonate to hypoxia is modified by glycogen stores. Insulin is known to increase glycogen synthesis, and this effect might be expected to augment myocardial resistance to hypoxia. Under the conditions of these experiments, however, pretreatment with insulin had no demonstrable influence on the rate of deterioration of cardiac function during hypoxia. The mechanism of cardiac stimulation by insulin is unknown but may involve calcium fluxes.


Pregnancy and the syndrome of herniated lumbar intervertebral disc; an epidemiological study.

In a study of the epidemiology of acute herniated lumbar intervertebral discs in the New Haven, Connecticut, area, it was found that the female cases had had more pregnancies resulting in live births than women of similar age without known herniated discs. However, cases had not had more pregnancies resulting in miscarriages than other women of their age. Among women who underwent surgery for their herniated discs, the association between number of live births and herniated discs was found for women with herniations at the L5 level but not for women with herniations at the L3 level.


[Effect of terrazol on the ultrastructure of Mucor mucedo].

Terrazol, a systemic fungicide showing high specifity to oomycetes, inhibits the apical growth of hyphae and promotes at lower concentrations the thickening of the cell wall in Mucor mucedo. As revealed by ultrastructural analysis, particularly the fine structure of some membrane systems is influenced. In the first place the inner membrane of the mitochondria is attacked leading to a complete lysis of mitochondria. However, the sensitivities within a given population are different. The plasmalemma enlarges, forms several invaginations, partly redraws from the cell wall, but remains intact. Only after an extensive treatment with relatively high concentrations of terrazol the nuclear envelope shows vesicles between the double membranes. The mechanism of action of terrazol is discussed.


[Protein crystals and tubuli bundles in yeast cells. II. Isolation, biochemical and electron microscopical characterization].

A purified fraction of crystals stabilized with Cd2+ is prepared from Saccharomyces carlsbergensis protoplasts by means of differential centrifugation. As proved by negative staining the crystals are hexagonal with well preserved surface which in its turn also reveals a hexagonal fine structure. Crystals are digestible by pronase (1 mg/m) in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). The molecular weight of protein subunits is 38000+/-300D. Amino acid composition of the crude crystal protein is similar to that of microtubular protein (MTP) from brain and sperm, except that lysin content is much higher. The crystal protein exhibits more differences, however, after purification by preparative gel electrophoresis. The level of glycine, alamine, and valine is increased, whereas that of glutamic acid is decreased.


Iron bacteria of the genus Siderocapsa in mineral waters.

The occurrence of iron bacteria in mineral waters has been under study. It could be shown that Siderocapsa caronata Redlinger 1931 and S. treubii Molisch 1909 are synonymous, as well as S. eusphaera Skuja 1948 and S. major Molisch 1909, and S. botryoides Berger 1949 and S. monoica 1922. Two new species, S. hexagonata and S. quadrata, have been described. A simplified key for determining the species of the genus Sideracapsa is presented.


[Investigations of chronic bronchitis and bronchial obstruction in miners].

655 ore miners were investigated for detection of a chronic bronchitis, of difficulty in breathing and bronchial obstruction. Dependent on age and period of occupational life there was observed an increase in frequency of abnormal findings. Smoking cigarettes must be considered as a important cause of development of these diseases. On the other hand the importance of occupational influences recedes on conditions that the labour hygiene norms are observed.


[Bronchial obstruction and bronchial hyperreactivity as a cause of difficulty in breathing that depends on burden and weather].

356 male patients (non-suffering from the lungs, recidivity-bronchitis or chronic bronchitis) were interrogated about the presence of difficulty in breathing that depends on burden and weather, and these patients were investigated for detection of a bronchial obstruction and a bronchial hyperreactivity. With the increased degree of a manifest bronchial obstruction a high-significant increase in frequency of load-dyspnea was demonstrated. On the other hand a significant increase of difficulty in breathing that depends on weather can be obtained only in patients with bronchial hyperreactivity. To estimate more differentiated the difficulty in breathing about which the patients pointed out, an investigation by means of the acetylcholine test is necessary.


[Thoracic radiography after combined resections of the bronchi and pulmonary artery with autoplastic vascular sealing. (experimental investigations)].

Changes of the X-ray picture after combined resection of the bronchus and the pulmonary artery in the animal experiment are involved by reason of topographic-anatomical alterations of the intra-thoracic conditions caused by the resection of two lobes of the lung (bilobectomy). Mediastinal hernias and distortions are most common among the alterations. In the animal experiments the circular resection of the bronchus with end-to-end anastomosis does not lead to any stenosis in the area of the anastomosis, neither are found bronchitis deformans and bronchiectasis. After plastic sealing of the arterial defect with a venous Autograft, a good function of the artery can be revealed by angiography. Deformities and stenosis cannot be found in the area of the Autograft if the postoperative course was uncomplicated.


[Respiratory diseases due to noxious agents in agriculture workers].

Better working and living conditions resulted by scientific technical revolution in agriculture. Nevertheless specialization of agricultural labor created a higher risk against inhalative hazards among few professions. Among biological hazards that are for instant zoonoses and ornithosis, Q-fever, tularemia and tuberculosis. A series of allergenic dusts is of vegetable origin. Among chemical hazards pesticides, fertilizers and disinfectants and other hazards are discussed. Among physical hazards in building and in repair shops for agricultural machines single risk is possible by silicosis and asbestosis but dominating are unspecific dusts.


[Laryngotracheoscopic findings before and after closure of a sewed-up tracheostoma in children with special regards to functional results. IIIrd communication (author's transl)].

13 children of all age groups, suffering from a respiratory insufficiency, and treated with a sewed-up-tracheostoma, were examined by tracheoscopies in regular intervals. The patients were followed up for at least two years and six months. 46 bronchoscopies were performed. Very quick epithelization of the transplantate with two typical forms of the transplantate could be found: development of a pad, and a prolaps of the transplantate. The development of a pad could be considered as the more favourable form with regard to the pulmonary function. The bronchological and roentgenological follow-up-examinations revealed good functional results in all cases except one.


Lymphomatoid granulomatosis of the lung associated with active tuberculosis.

A case of lymphomatoid granulomatosis (L. G.) of the lung is presented. The disease had a short course and caused a massive infiltration of the lung with cardiopulmonary decompensation. In addition to LG patient had tuberculosis. The pathogenetic relationship between LG and tuberculosis is shortly discussed.


[Causes of outpatient dropouts in the dispensary care of a chest clinic (author's transl)].

An investigation was made to point out, why 397 of total 2773 patients with 5524 consultations failed the fixed next consultation. 29 patients had died meanwhile. A special invitation was necessary in 368 (= 13%) of 2744 patients. The further behaviour of these patients after suitable advice and the importance of the diagnosis of their diseases in this connection were investigated. Failing of the patients can be diminished by systematical instructions.


[Proposals for inhalation therapy with ultrasonic nebulizers (author's transl)].

With aerosols active substances (drugs) can be transported for treatment. Their effect depends on the choice of apparata, the drugs used, and the procedure of inhalation. The use of electronic nebulizers is effective because a sufficient volume of liquid substances can be nebulized by this way. Bronchospasmolytics, secretolytics, antiphlogistics, and antibiotics may be used. The right connexion of the patient, who should inhale in a closed system is important for an effective treatment. The patient is exposed to some hazards by contamination with inhaled bacteria, by hyperventilation, bronchospasm and by allergic reactions.


[Proteins from hydrocarbon fermentation].

The research work for the culture of yeasts on hydrocarbon substrates has started in 1959 at the research laboratory of Lavera in France, under Champagnat as leader. Its result is the construction and exploitation of 2 industrial plants in France and England, and a new big one is being built in Italy. The paper describes the various hydrocarbon substrates in use or proposed, and the two BP processes. It gives the main characteristics of the yeasts produced. It emphasizes the methods used for the evaluation of the yeasts both toxicologically and nutritionally by independent organizations of international level. A number of tables are given upon the nutritional performances of the yeasts on farm animals. Authorizations of use have been obtained from the hygiene authorities of the main European countries. The use for human consumption is now being considered.


[The microbial flora in the digestive tract of the monogastric and its effect on the nutritional metabolism of the host].

The purpose of the present article is to give a survey of present knowledge of the ecological relationships between the various bacterial populations composing the microflora of the digestive tract of the host animal. Analysis of the relationships can be made with the aid of recent techniques: utilization of axenic animals (germ-free) and of gnotoxenic animals inoculated with known bacterial populations; perfecting of bacteriological techniques for the quantitative differential analysis of the various bacterial populations in the digestive tract, especially in the case of strictly anaerobic species. Some characteristics of the equilibrium between the various bacterial populations in the different segments of the gastro-intestinal tract have been described as well as some of the mechanisms which regulate this equilibrium. These mechanisms either imply interactions between bacteria or the action of the host animal and the environment on the microflora. Lastly, various examples concerning the action of the microflora in the digestive tract on the nutritional physiology of the host animal are given; action on the anatomy of the digestive tract and on the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and vitamins.


[The triglycerides with medium chains].

Medium chain triglycerides (MCT) (fatty acids with 6-12 C) are absorbed more quickly than long chain triglycerides. Medium chain fatty acids are not incorporated into hepatic triglycerides, but oxidized. If MCT are given alone, they stimulate ketogenesis. Nevertheless MCT are of great interest in the diet of numerous affections of the digestive tract. When long chain triglycerides are not tolerated, MCT can replace them with efficiency.


[Screening and early diagnosis of disorders of the arterial blood supply].

After a short reference to the significance of the screening examinations and early diagnosis for the secondary prevention in disease of the heart and the circulatory system the authors give a survey on the methods of screening examinations and the early diagnosis bening at disposal nowadays in organic disturbances of the arterial bloods supply. Anamnestic, clinical and paraclinical methods are cited, in which cases the paraclinical methods are subdivided into haemostasiological, haemodynamic and biochemical examinations.


[Multiple serial examinations by means of rapid tests in Brandenburg 1974].

In 1974 5,129 inhabitants of Brandenburg took part in a multiphaseal screening which with the help of a combination from anamnestic, clinical and biochemical parameters simultaneously with the mass miniature radiography led to the detection of disturbances of heart and circulatory system, diseases of the kidneys and urinary passage, liver diseases, diabetes and anaemias. The approach as well as the results of these methods which are suitable as action as well as basic examination (internal medicine, general medicine, occupational medicine) are described.


[Mechanocardiography as a screening method in chronic ischemic heart disease].

On 121 patients with ischaemic heart disease mechanocardiographic examinations were carried out on conditions of rest and partly under conditions of ergometric load and were compared with a group of healthy persons. It was shown that in the patients with ischaemic heart disease there appeared a significant shortening of the ejection time (LVETk), prolongation of the frequency-corrected preejection time (PEPk) as well as of the isovolometric contraction time (ICT and ICTk), an enlargement of the quotient (see article) and reduction of (see article) in rest. Under load the differences between healthy persons and patients with ischaemic heart disease became more clearly with regard to the quotients (see article) as well as (see article) and proved as favourable for the judgment of the cardiomechanics. With the help of the above mentioned mechanocardiographic parameters in connection with the usual diagnostic methods according to our opinion patients with ischaemic heart disease may be diagnosed for the greatest part.


[Anamnesis as a screening method for cardiovascular diseases].

In general the anamnesis meets all requirements which are put to a screening method; however, special problems arise when the anamnesis is made by means of a questionnaire. The team which gives the report had projected a questionnaire for 8 cardiovascular groups of diagnosis (ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, functional, inflammatory and pulmonary heart disease, disturbances of the peripheral arterial blood supply, cerebrovascular insufficiency and venous diseases). This questionnaire was reduced and qualified and tested on test persons of a Berlin enterprise. A final judgment concerning the use of the anamnesis as screening method cannot be given at present. However, it limns oneself already that it is possible with its help to establish many endangered persons and patients and to subject them to the primary and secondary prevention.


[Comparison of various screening methods for the diagnosis of chronic ischemic heart disease].

The screening phase of a multifactorial intervention study which is carried out under the direction of the WHO and the aim of which is the influence on mild forms of hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia and slightly disturbed glucose tolerance was supplemented by an electrocardiogram after work under the conditions of screening. The questionnaire contained in the investigation program for the statistical establishment of a typical angina pectoris after work according to Rose and the modified electrocardiographic test after work were tested concerning their evidence in the early recognition of a coronary sclerosis. As reference test served the Watt-step-test recommended by a group of experts of the WHO. An extensive correlation between screening after work and Watt-step-test was found. Questionnaire according to Rose and gradual load, however, had a smaller correspondence. The result of other investigations was that the distribution of the factors of risk does not give any clear reference to the existence of a latent coronary insufficiency.


[Hyperthyreosis and calcium metabolism].

The author adopts a definite attitude to problems of the influence of the activated thyroid gland on the calcium metabolism and on the parathyroidal adaptivity. Own clinical findings plead for indirect thyro-parathyroidal correlations. On certain conditions hyperthroidism induces a hypercalcuria leading to functional hyperparathyroidism. The possible clinical sequelae are discussed, taking especially into consideration the simultaneous hyperparathyroidism. The hyperthyroid hypercalcaemia may be a concomitant phenomenon, but may also indicate a coincident and adenomatous hyperparathyroidism. This recognition contains important diagnostic and therapeutic consequences, which are demonstrated in detail.


[The significance of histological findings for the final clinical evaluation in acute viral hepatitis].

Clinical and morphological findings of 406 patients who fell ill from a virus hepatitis were established according to the data and statistically evaluated to find relations between clinical, serochemical and histological criteria. The results were tested statistically. Clinical and paraclinical findings at the end of the hospital treatment give no evidence concerning the histological degree of cure of the acute virus hepatitis. In normalised clinical and serochemical findings we could morphologically prove an acute hepatitis still in 27.4%. Anamnestic data and severity of the clinical course have no relation to the histological diagnosis at the end of the hospital treatment with clinical and serochemical recovery. Therefore, at the end of the hospital treatment we recommend the liver biopsy as final examination. The most favourable date of the liver biopsy would, however, be between the 6th and 12th week after discharge.


[The spontaneous mediastinal and skin emphysema].

A report is given on four patients with spontaneous mediastinal and skin emphysema. In three cases younger patients from 14 to 21 years were concerned, in the fourth case a 63-year-old patient was concerned. Two of the younger patients revealed a long lasting malnutrition. As favouring or triggering factor, respectively, for the pathogenesis of the mediastinal emphysema in accordance with Macklin an increase of the intrathoracic pressure by retching, pressing or vomiting is regarded. Apart from this a vasoconstriction of the alveolar vessels (due to decrease of the plasma volume) and nutritional disease might be of importance. In all patients the mediastinal and skin emphysema receded under symptomatic therapeutic measures within some days.


[A further case of Wissler's allergic subsepticemia in an adult].

A further case of subsepsis allergica Wissler in a 35-year-old woman is reported. The problems of the differential diagnosis of this rare disease are discussed. In the present case the disease could successfully be controlled using imuran in combination with corticosteroids.


[Demonstration of a non-invasive measurement of the heart minute volume].

With the help of a rapidly indicating oxygen gas analyser and the additional use of the rerespiration of a gas mixture, containing nitrogen and carbon dioxide, we succeed in analysing the partial oxygen pressure in the mixed venous blood and thus establishing non-operatively the minute output of the heart according to Fick's principle.


[Assessment of the functional capacity in arterial occlusive disease of the extremities].

In this paper are explained the principles essential for the judgement of the functional capacity in the arterial obturative disease of the extremities. On the basis of tables and figures the diagnostic and prognostic significance of quantitative measurements of blood supply by means of differentiated methods of occlusion plethysmography of the veins in disturbances of the peripheral arterial blood supply are demonstrated. In these cases the importance of the inclusion of all clinico-angiological findings, especially of the functional capacity of the heart and of the therapy of hypertension in the general judgment is emphasized.


[Angiological criteria of the functional capacity in arterial occlusive diseases of extremities after vascular surgery].

In order to avoid wrong estimations of the functional capacity of extremities with successfully reconstructed vessels in angioorganopathies, the use of reliable angiological measuring sizes in a broad spectrum is needed. Oscillography and longitudinal rheography as well as determinations of the arterial blood pressure deliver such qualitatively reliable parameters. For the judgment of the postreconstructive functional capacity one must not renounce the occlusion plethysmography of the veins which delivers quantitative measuring sizes. Other disturbances of the organs by the vascular basic disease present and concomitant diseases of middle and older age independent on the basic disease must always be taken into consideration in the general judgment.


[Assessment of the functional capacity in the patients with venous diseases].

Acute diseases of the veins, in most cases thromboses, cause inability to work in almost all cases; in profound phlebothromboses hospital treatment is indicated. In the chronic venous insufficiency the functional capacity can be decreased especially bey pains, inclination to swelling and changes of the skin (congestive dermatoses, ulcera). Eventual basic diseases and concomitant diseases render the judgment difficult. Experienced treatment under active collaboration of the patient may improve the functional capacity in most cases. The daily load of the patient by profession and so on, and the often changing course of chronic diseases of the veins must be taken into consideration in the estimation. On the basis of a stage-plan proposed by Kornotzki and coworders the evidence of selected phlebological methods (anamnesis, state, tourniquet-tests, measurement of the venous pressure, functional phlebography) is discussed. It is particularly referred to plethysmographic functional tests of the veins.


[Rapid test for quantitative proof of emphysema].

For the purpose of an aimed diagnostics near to practice of unspecific chronic pulmonary diseases a measuring place was developed, by means of which with simple performance of the experiments and short examination-time the determination of vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, maximal breathing capacity, the measurement of the O2-tension of the arterialised ear blood and the determination of the residual volume are possible. The determination of the residual volume is performed according to the classical O2-N2-gasmixture method using the spirotest device in connection with a bag-box system and the PO2-micro-measuring chamber. On 63 patients the residual volume was determined in this measuring place and compared with the rapid He-re-breathing method. The correlation analysis between the RVbody%TK- and the RVO2% TK-values with a correlation coefficient r = 0,887 ascertains the reliability of the demonstrated method. The results of a epidemiological study on 422 test persons on account of the close correlation between RVHe % TK and RVO2% TK with r = 0.62 prove the usability for examinations of the population.


[Studies on the limitation of the body functional capacity by the pulmonary function in chronic bronchitic patients in the work process].

It is reported on first experiences (18 patients) with investigation of the breathing mechanism during ergometry for the quantification of the respiratory dyspnoea on exertion. The oesophagus-pressure-method is recommended as suitable method. The stopping of the load on account of dyspnoea in the number of patients which above all consisted of obstructive bronchitics was carried out at values for the total breathing capacity (Wtot) of 5 kpm/min and more.


[Heridity of progressive chronic polyarthritis - study of the course].

In an analytic epidemiological study 30 relations of patients with progressive chronic polyarthritis with positive rheumatoid factor and 127 relations with negative rheumatoid factor were after-examined concerning their clinical and serological behaviour 6 years after the primary recognition with the aim of an evidence concerning the hypothesis of an hereditary causal factor in progressive chronic polyarthritis. It was revealed that only in 14 of 30 persons with positive primary rheumatoid factor the rheumatoid factor could further be proved, on the other hand 14 relations who had at first a negative rheumatoid factor now, however, reacted with a positive rheumatoid factor. It could be confirmed, that the seropositive forms of the progressive chronic polyarthritis have a stronger hereditary trend to the formation of the rheumatoid factor than the seronegativeones and that after the 50th year of life there exists a significant persistence of the seropositivity. In the group of relations who were seropositive 6 years ago developed a definitive and probable progressive chronic polyarthritis each as well as a further probable progressive chronic polyarthritis in the group of relations who became seropositive only in the period of observation. On account of the changing seropositivity and the only rare appearance of a progressive chronic polyarthritis on the basis of this investigation of hypothesis of the rheumatoid factor as first (premorbid) symptom of a progressive chronic polyarthritis is to be refused.


[Practical experiences in the intra-articular treatment of chronic rheumatic diseases].

Local instillations of various medicaments with the aim of a so-called chemical synovectomy are compared with the experiment of a possible causal therapy by operative synovectomy. Under this aspect corticosteroids are used still relatively frequently also for the intraarticular treatment. They diminish transiently the inflammation of the pannus, but they do not remove it. On the basis of its good local compatibility in relapsing effusions of the large articulations, mostly of the knee-joints, which appeared in the course of a chronic progressive rheumatoid arthritis of Bechterew's disease, cyclophosphamide was applied intraarticularly and was compared with the results after injections of prednisolone. Apart from the clinical findings cytological and biochemical examinations of the synovial membrane, which more exactly than clinical parameters allow an objective estimation of the local inflammatory activity, were used for the judgement of the success. With the help of intraarticular treatment of cyclophosphamide within a complex chemotherapy an improvement of the findings and a stabilisation of the process can be achieved. Local applications of prednisolone often lead to a rapid, however, in most cases not remaining reduction of the activity at the joint. In uninfluencable high local activity of the process, objectified by examinations of the synovial membrane, an early synovectomy is indicated for the prevention of the formation of irreversible chondropathies.


[Late fate of patients with pernicious anemia].

In a retrospective study is reported on 271 cases of pernicious anaemia which were observed for 30 years. 2 groups of patients could be significantly differed. In the first group the disease appears familiarly and/or is combined with a diabetes mellitus or a disease of the thyroid gland. Its manifestation is 7 years earlier than in the 2nd group, in individual cases without genetic relation. In this a heterologous etiology of the pernicious anaemia is to be seen. On principle in therapy was treated only parenterally and relatively small quantities of vitamin B12 were given. In these cases the results were good. Recidivations appeared only quite infrequently. The life expectancy obtained is altogether high, but it is, however, somewhat under the average of a healthy population of the same age. Despite careful control and early operation the gastric carcinoma more frequently appeared as cause of death than in the average population of the same age, whereas all other tumours were more rarely found.


[Changes in the munber of 60-year old and older internal patients during a period of 10 years].

In 273 persons, of them 76 with ischaemic heart disease, 46 with non-coronary heart diseases (vitia, hypertension, chronic cor pulmonale, cardiomyopathy) and a control group of 115 healthy persons, during and after submaximal load under bicycle ergometry the ECG after work was recorded, in which case indication and contraindications of the WHO were taken into consideration. Especially investigated were the degree and the morphology of the ST-T-changes in differential-diagnostic respect in ischaemic heart disease and functional disturbances of the repolarisation. Apart from this the disturbances of rhythm and conduction system were analysed, which appeared under stress. The highest diagnostic evidence was under a load of 400-600 kmp/min and a pulse rate of 130-150/mim.


[Experiences of 15 years in the screening of ischaemic heart diseases and arterial hypertension].

A survey concerning 15 years' experiences with the screening of the ischaemic heart disease and the arterial hypertension in selected male age groups in Prague is given. Here the authors entered an international study, in which the possibilities of the primary prevention of the ischaemic heart disease and its complications were investigated by means of clofibrate. As a preliminary result a reduction of serum cholesterol, which was increased over 279 mg/100 ml, by 13% and in values between 279 and 260 mg/100 ml by 8.8% could be established. With the help of screenings not only the incidence and the prevalence of the examined disease in the population, respectively, were established, but at the same time factors of risk were found, the elimination of which may shift the beginning of the disease or fully prevent its development.


[Clinical aspects and therapy of Sheehan's syndrome and its special forms].

Sometimes the Sheehan-syndrome appears in form of a partial insufficiency and sometimes also with atypical symptomatology. From this result diagnostic and therapeutic consequences, the peculiarities of which are exhibited. The acute form of the course is dangerous. It makes necessary the use of a specific emergency treatment, whereby the result of the highly threatening condition depends on its consequent application. When a competent therapy is carried out the life expectancy of female patients suffering from the Sheehan-syndrome is no more to be regarded as reduced.


[Treatment of hypertension with propranolol in combination with other antihypertensive agents].

In two separated treatment groups of 18 and 30 hypertensive patients of the clinical degrees of severity II and III after insufficient propranolol monotherapy a combined propranolol/hydralazine or propranolol/hydrochlorothiazide treatment, respectively, was performed during several months. Under the combination therapy on average a clear increase of the effect of the beta-receptor blocker on the systolic as well as on the diastolic blood pressure is achieved. There were no essential side-effects. In accordance with modern opinions in the therapy of hypertension the combination of propranolol with a peripheral vasodilator and/or a salidiuretic should find a wide area of use, above all in hypertensive patients who are diastolically more difficult to be stabilised. The production of an adequate combination preparation is to be taken into consideration.


[Misplaced implantation of a pacemaker electrode in a coronary vein].

The wrong implantation of pacemaker electrodes into a coronary vein is in most cases accidentally diagnosed when thoracic X-ray pictures are made in two planes. It is to be excluded not with certainly in the sagittal ray-path of the thoracic X-ray picture and in the ECG of the extremities. The diagnostic criteria for the recognition of a false position are the end of the electrode which is in the frontal ray-path directed dorsally to the spine and a right bundle branch block in the ECG existing since implantation. Pacemaker-synchronous contractions of the diaphragm as well as an increased already at the time of implantation stimulus threshold may be references. Description of an own observation with an up to now long-term stimulation through a coronary vein without complications lasting 15 months, in which a correction of the position is not regarded as necessary due to the regular function of the pacemaker.


[Simple prescription for double-contrast presentation of the stomach].

The prescription of a barium sulfate suspension suitable for the purposes of the double contrast radiograph of the stomach is reported. All chemical substances necessary for this may be got in every pharmacy. The method of the radiological examination inaugurated by Shirakabe is described with a slight methodical change. It is suited for all kinds of diagnoses (hiatal hernias, diverticula, ulcera, benign and malignant tumours, changes of the relief of mucosal foulds and so on) does not serve only for the early recognition of gastric cancer.


[Some considerations on forceps delivery with excenter handle (author's transl)].

The introduction of electronic monitoring techniques in delivery increasingly has lead to the use of vaginal surgery in delivery. Vacuum and forceps extraction, in our view, do not compete with each other. Years ago forceps extraction was decisively improved by introducing the axial traction forceps. However, we believe that this technique has not been given due attention and is not applied widely enough. In vacuum extraction and in forceps deliveries without axial traction considerable part of the force is exerted in the direction of the symphysis. When using the excentric handle forceps, it is necessary in addition to the traction and pressure components to include the lever action. This is a so-called couple of forces. The additional torque involved in the use of an axial traction forceps shifts the fetal head during extraction in the direction of the hollow of the sacrum. The force needed for this shift and the progression of the head is many times less than that required for conventional forceps extraction. This is due to the absence of the component directed at the symphysis which impedes delivery. The axial traction forceps may also be used in case of the infant's abnormal positioning of the head. In case of a transverse position of the fetal head, a special fastener on the forceps makes it possible to use an excentric handle on the traction hook of the Kielland forceps and thus render possible rotation of the fetal head from the transverse position. The extentric handle in forceps extraction is optimal in order to overcome increased mechanical resistance to delivery. Adjustment of the handles to all types of forceps being used today is possible. From the results mentioned it is clear that the use of the axial traction forceps constitutes a valuable contribution toward declining perinatal mortality rates.


[Pharmacokinetic investigations of the transfer of antibiotics into amniotic fluid. Part III: Oxacillin (author's transl)].

After intravenous administration of 2 g of Oxacillin to 12 gravidae at the end of their pregnancy short-interval tests were made of the Oxacillin levels in the mothers' serum and -- intra-amnionic catheter in position -- in the amniotic fluid. The following pharmaco-kinetic data were determined: fictitious initial Oxacillin level (79 mcg/ml), elimination constant (1,044 h-1), half-value of elimination (39,88 min), fictitious distribution volume (25,31), distribution coefficient (0,3617 ml/g), total clearance (26,431 l/h) and invasion constant (0,0084 h-1). All given data were statistically confirmed. For the para-placental passage of Oxacillin a permeability factor (chi) of 0,0084 was found. This factor indicates how easy Oxacillin passes trough the fetal membrane into the amniotic fluid. Ampicillin diffuses about 43 times and Cephalotin diffuses about 2,4 times better trough fetal membrane -- permeability factor 0,357 or 0,02 --, probably because of its weaker link to serum albumin. Under our conditions the amnionic levels reached 12 mcg/ml on the average. With 8-12 g Oxacillin daily bactericidal levels in the amniotic fluid are reached.


The application of spectrophotometry in the investigation of amniotic fluid by amnioscopy. part I. development of the technique.

A method for the incorporation of spectrophotometry to amnioscopy for the colourmetric estimation of amniotic fluid is presented. The spectrum of light reflected from the object under examination was measured using narrow-band interference filters, and a siliceous PIN light diode as the detector. A graphical representation of the spectrum was obtained using an automatic recorder. The preliminary measurements were performed using papers of various colours, clear amniotic fluid and green fluid as well as two patients in late pregnancy who required amnioscopic investigation. Measurements have shown that the apparatus can reliably distinguish different colours from each other and the authors consider that the apparatus may be used in connection with amnioscopy in order to estimate the colour of the amniotic fluid. The possible future use and development of such a technique is discussed.


The application of spectrophotometry in the investigation of amniotic fluid by amnioscopy. part II. A clinical study.

A spectrophotometric method is presented for use during amnioscopy for the estimation of the colour of amniotic fluid. The application of five different filters was tested; and a ratio of the results obtained using filters with mean wave-lengths of 621 nm and 589 nm was found to be the most reliable parameter for the detection of green coloured amniotic fluid. Preliminary results are so promising that further examinations and a development of the method are indicated. Various improvements to the method are also discussed.


[Experiencing fetal movements. A psychologic investigation of 386 pregnant and recently delivered women (author's transl)].

During the first half of pregnancy fetal movement can be quite well assessed with the ultrasound technique. In the second half, however, one depends largely on the subjective comments of the women. Which are the factors influencing the experience of fetal movements? 386 pregnant women and those after delivery were sent a questionnaire including psychologic data. First fetal movements were clearly observed by about one third, weakly by about two thirds of patients. The intensity of this experience depended on the level of intelligence and the personality factor neuroticism. About three quarters of the women judged the first fetal movements to be very important, one quarter of only medium or minor importance. How significant these signs of pregnancy were for them, depended inter alia on their age, personality dimension extra-or introversion, the experience of gynecologic happenings, their attitude towards pregnancy, relations to their partner, attitude towards sexuality and their role as women. The results showed that registering and experiencing fetal movements depended too much on external social factors and on the personality of the women to be of use in assessing the fetus during the second half of pregnancy. They were tested for significance with the X2-method.


[Obstetric diagnosis and patterns of behavior in labor (author's transl)].

Obstetricians, so far mainly interested in mechanics, have lately understood that innervation and interplay of the propelling and retaining structures also depend on the affects and impulses acting during delivery. There is normal and pathologic obstetric behavior. The obstetric situations demanding action from the obstetrician are not rarely correlated or due to pathologic behavior at birth. This disturbed or disturbance-producing behavior at birth, however, is by no means always directly related to anxiety, in the sense of the generally accepted anxiety-tension-pain syndrome. Disturbed behavior at birth may also be related to many other affects which often, but not always, are secondary to anxiety or designed to defend against it: retentive, annoyed, perfectionistic, poor in contact, worried, inactive or confused behavior at birth. In practice knowledge of such affect-constellations aids the preventive efforts of the obstetrician. Theoretically the origin of this subgroup of functional disturbances of birth is interesting. Interpersonal psychiatry after Harry Stack Sulivan sees in the non-organic psychic disturbances and symptoms an interpersonal process and not any more characteristics of an isolated individual. Since the functional disturbances of obstetric physiology are in part related to, in part due to, affect-constellations and behavior, they confirm this concept of interpersonal psychiatry. Medicine likes to study physiologic processes as if they represented a closed system within the limits of an isolated organism. In fact, the course of many physiologic processes is determined by simultaneously active affects i.e. the concrete interpersonal situation. This view, increasingly accepted for the physiology of libido and functional sexual disturbances, also applies to part of the functional disturbances of birth.


[Perinatal psychohygienics -- importance and chance of a primary preventive medicine by the gynaecologist (author's transl)].

Qualitative or quantitative deficiency of maternal "primary love" in the critical period of the first years of life very often leads in later years of life to severe psychosomatic disorders or psychopathologic states as depression, suicide, addiction, criminality, social disorders and psychosis. A Preventive Care Passport with a date program for the pregnant woman and young mother and a standardized program for the gynaecologist is proposed in connection with all necessary perinatal preventive methods and integration of psychohygienic investigation and treatment. Perinatal psychohygienics could be practiced by questionnaires to find out maternal pathogenic conflicts, by social workers in order to avoid unnecessary maternal work in the first years of her child's life and group discussions after a 16-mm-film or an information paper about the normal psychic development of a child. Further tasks are granting the presence of the father at childbirth "rooming-in" with "self-demand", early adoption within the first eight weeks of life, group discussions of parents about conflicts with their children, hospitalization of infants -- only in cases of vital indication -- together with their mother and psychological preparing for medical manipulations and social benefits for the young mother or parents. The recommendations of the WHO for the application of psychohygienics could be integrated in this program.


[Perinatal deaths associated with paracervical anesthesia (author's transl)].

Two infants' death associated with paracervical anesthesia are reported. In both cases a severe fetal bradycardia which developed 5 and 10 minutes, respectively, after paracervical injection of 10 ml of 0.5% Bupivacain, was the reason for Caesarean section. The clinical signs of the infants were similar: low Apgar score, primary apnea, grey colour, flaccidity, no reactions; after a few hours, however, general muscular hypertonus, and repeated attacks of tonic seizures. Accidental injection of Bupivacain into the fetus cannot be excluded in both cases. -- The fetal risks through paracervical anesthesia are being reviewed.


[Studies on the treatment of male infertility with kallikrein].

70 subfertile patients were given oral (600 K.U./daily) or parenteral (3 X 40 K.U./weekly) Kallikrein-treatment for seven weeks. Statistical evaluation of the findings yielded positive changes (level of significance alpha less than 1%) in cases of reduced spermatozoa count, motility, and morphology. In respect to clinical diagnosis the most satisfactory effects were achieved in cases of the vegetative congestion syndrome, which includes functional disturbances of the epididymis, the testicular outlet of spermatozoa, and the last phase of spermatid maturation. In cases of testis parenchyma disorders a true effect was not noted. Probably Kallikrein influences the function of epididymis and SERTOLIcells, which can be concluded by the results of the spermatological examinations in the course of the treatment. Because of the short duration of treatment, it is impossible to decide, wether the proliferation of the germinal epithelium is increased as well. A negative effect was observed in cases of chronic inflammations of the genital tract, the inflammatory process being activated by Kallikrein, which was not unexpected.


[Diffuse normolipemic plane xanthomatosis].

The case of a diffuse plane normolipaemic xanthomatosis in a 74-year-old woman is reported which has developed since about 5 years. There was no sign of any disease of the reticulhistiocytic system. With regard to the prognosis the arterial hypertension is of particular interest.


[The influence of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate on the temperature relationships of aspartate aminotransferase isoenzymes].

The relationship between temperature and the behaviour of aspartate aminotransferase was investigated in the presence of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. The addition in vitro of pyridoxal 5'-phosphate caused an increase in the activity and altered the thermal behaviour of aspartate aminotransferase. In choosing the temperature for the determination of enzymic activity, the concentration of the coenzyme must therefore also be considered.


[Simultaneous column chromatography for the automatic determination of hormones (author's transl)].

The automatic determination of hormone levels in serum by column chromatograhoic methods using a 25 channel peristaltic pump, allows the simultaneous chromatography of 25 samples. The different volumes which are necessary for the successive elution steps are set by the tubing size of the pump and by a preset switch clock. The eluates from the 25 columns are collected simultaneously in fractionated volumes which are also determined in the same electronic clock device. The assays so far adapted to this principle are reviewed: Serum thyroxine (competitive protein binding assay), T3-uptake test (dextran gel filtration), triiodothyronine (radioimmunoassay) and cortisol (competitive protein binding assay or radioimmunoassay). The main advantages of this procedure are increased frequency, improved specificity and standardization at lower costs for these methods. The principle of simultaneous column chromatography appears to be most suited for assays, which require various extraction steps prior to the determination of the hormone, since it allows extraction, specific protein binding and bound/free separation on only one column.


[Free fatty acids and hydrocarbons in cerebrospinal fluid (author's transl)].

Initial experiments on the constant appearance of unesterified fatty acids and hydrocarbons in cereborspinal fluid are presented. With the present method of analysis, these two groups of substances can always be detected in cerebrospinal fluid. The constitution of the unesterified fatty acids as well as the hydrocarbons was determined using gaschromatography linked to mass spectrometry. There is no evidence that the unesterified fatty acids are derived from the blood, or that they are breakdown products of other lipid classes of the cerebrospinal fluid. The origin and significance of the hydrocarbons are not yet known, and remain the subject of further investigations.


[Enzyme kinetic glucose determination by the glucose dehydrogenase method. Enzyme kinetic substrate determination using competitive inhibitors, II (author's transl)].

The sensitivity of enzyme kinetic substrate determinations can be improved with the aid of competitive inhibitors. As an example, the determination of glucose dehydrogenase in the presence of potassium thiocyanate is described. The method has the advantage of rapid operation with satisfactory precision.


[Concentrations of amino acids in the blood of different vessels of patients with cirrhosis of the liver during and after the introduction of a porto-caval anastomosis (author's transl)].

In patients with liver cirrhosis the concentrations of amino acids were measured by ion exchange chromatography in the serum of blood samples taken from various vessels during and after the performance of a porto-caval anastomosis. Statistical evaluation was carried out with a nonparametric test. In three female and eight male patients, amino acids were determined intra operationem in blood samples of the following vessels (n = number of blood samples): arm vein (n = 8), arteria femoralis (n =2), vena cava (n = 7), vena portae (n = p) and aorta abdominalis (n = 5). With exception of ornithine (aorta abdominalis versus vena cava), no statistically significant differences in the concentrations of amino acids were observed in the various blood vessels. One to three years after the introduction of the porto-caval shunt, amino acid concentrations were measured in blood from the arm vein and arteria femoralis in four female and five male patients. The concentrations of glutamic acid, phenylalanine and lysine were significantly higher in blood from the arm vein than in blood of the arteria femoralis. The concentrations of valine, leucine and isoleucine were markedly lower in patients with liver cirrhosis than in normal persons. On the basis of the present findings and of the results obtained with normal subjects, it may be concluded that porto-caval anastomosis does not exert a noticeable effect on the metabolism of amino acids in patients with liver cirrhosis.


[Determination of fluoride in bone samples from human iliac crest with an ion-specific electrode (author's transl)].

A simple potentiometric method for the determination of fluoirde ion in human bones is described. The bone samples were taken from a definite position in the iliac crest. The samples are prepared for analysis by ashing at 550 degrees C, dissolving in HNO3 (4 mol/1) and adjusting the pH with NaOH (4 mol/1)  and Total Ion Strength Adjustment Buffer, Absolute values are derived from a calibration curve based on aqueous NaF-buffer solutions. The calibration curve is linear in the range 5.2-10(-3)-1.0-10(-5) mol/1F-. The minimum limit of measurement is 5.2 X 10(-6) mol/1F-. The method has an accuracy of 96.1 % or 92.3% with a series precision based on the Pearson variability coefficient of 1.68%. The normal mass fraction of fluoride in human bones was found to be between 69 and 1740 - 10(-6) F-/ash.


[The determination of chloride in plasma and serum (mercury(II)-thiocyanate method) with the Greiner Electronic Selective Analyzer GSA II (author's transl)].

1. A mercury(II)-thiocyanate method for the determination of chloride in plasma and serum was adapted for the Greiner Electronic Selective Analyzer GSA II. A sample blank value and a partial reagent blank value were determined by omitting thiocyanate from the control system. 2. The course of the reaction was investigated. For a reaction time of 350-500 s, the response was linear between 30 and 130 mmol/l. Between 90 and 110 mmol/l, the deviation between the actual and the theoretical value is less than 1%. 3. The calibration must be checked and, if necessary, restandardized; this is probably due to variable contamination of the reagents with chloride ions. 4. Haemolysis, lipaemia and bilirubin do not interfere. Protein has no effect on the course of the reaction. 5. At concentrations around 100 mmol/l, the in series precision, expressed as the variation coefficient (%), is 0.3-0.6% for aqueous solutions, 0.4-0.8% for liquid control sera, and 0.8-1.5% for lyophilized control sera. 6. No carry over was detectable from samples containing 150 to those containing 10 mmol/l.


Thin layer chromatographic screening test for urinary 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylene glycol; results from cases of secreting neuroblastoma.

A thin layer chromatographic screening test is reported for the determination of urinary 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylene glycol. The concentration in any sample is estimated by visual comparison with a range of 10 standards of different concentrations. The urines of five children with positively diagnosed hormonally active neuroblastoma showed values of 19.0-32.4 mg 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylene glycol/g creatinine, whereas control urines contained only 0.4-1.7 mg/g creatinine.


[Errors, resulting from storage, in the determination of 11 parameters in heparinized whole blood and plasma (author's transl)].

Eleven parameters in heparinzed whole blood and plasma samples were investigated for storage-dependent changes. Samples were stored at +25 degrees C, and analyses were performed with the SMA 12/60 at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after sampling. In whole blood, the following parameters increased significantly during storage: potassium calcium, phosphate, total protein. The following decreased: chloride, CO2, uric acid and bilirubin. In plasma samples, analogous effects were observed for: calcium, CO2, total protein, uric acid and bilirubin.


Desmosterol accumulation in rats with experimental myotonia.

Desmosterol is found in various organs of rats that show signs of myotonia in their skeletal muscle as a result of treatment with 20.25-diazacholesterol. The amount of desmosterol depends on the time of treatment, and is different in different organs and different kinds of muscle. The increase in desmosterol is much lower and the rats do not show any signs of myotonia when fed a cholesterol rich diet in addition to treatment with 20.25-diazacholesterol. Treatment with triparanol also causes desmosterol accumulation but in these rats myotonia is rarely observed. Our results suggest that in the experimental animals myotonia becomes manifest when every second cholesterol molecule of the muscle cell membrane is replaced by desmosterol. This is easily achieved in animals fed with 20.25-diazacholesterol but rarely occurs with triparanol.


[Geometric changes of the left ventricle during the isovolumic contraction in healthy people and patients with coronary disease].

Biplane cineventriculograms of 5 normal and 12 patients with coronary artery disease were analysed in order to determine the dimensional changes of the left ventricle during the isovolumic phase of contraction. In postero-arterior projection the ventricular diameters in both groups decreased by an average of 3-6%, the wall thickness increased by 5-10%, In lateral projection there were no significant changes of geometry. The changes in regional diameters showed significantly greater maximal differences in diseased than in normal ventricles. Using ventriculographic data of enddiastole instead of aortic valve opening for determination of ejection phase parameters resulted in an overestimation of the mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening by an average of 10-20%, of the stroke volume of 5-15% and of the ejection fraction of 5%. These results indicate that ejection phase indices can only be determined exactly from cineventriculograms when aortic valve opening and closure is considered.


[Sinus node automaticity and sinoatrial conduction].

In 64 patients so-called sino-atrial conduction time (SACT) was calculated by means of the extrastimulus technique. The normal value of this parameter was 82 plus or minus 18.7 ms (20 patients). Plotting SACT versus heart rate in all patients no correlation could be found. However, in 4 patients with spontaneous variations of the sinus cycle length a short SACT was calculated after long spontaneous intervals and vice verse. These results may indicate that SACT ist frequency-dependent. However, it is not clear whether the behaviour of the postextra-systolic pauses in these patients is due to changes of SACT or due to spontaneous variations of sinus node automaticity. The measurement of the first spontaneous interval (A3-A4) after the postextrasystolic pause revealed a prolongation of 30 ms (mean value) in comparison to the basic cycle length (A1-A1) after resetting the sinus node. If the stimulus was elicited late in diastole without premature depolarisation of the pacemaker cells, no significant difference between A3-A4 and A1-A1 intervals could be found. These results indicate that sinus node automaticity may be influenced by the premature stimulus. Therefore, the calculation of SACT is burdened by unresolved methodological problems.


[Atrial re-entry tachycardia].

By means of coupled atrial stimulation short bouts of atrial tachycardia could be elicited in a 61-year-old patient. As an explanation for this unusual response to stimulation a reentry phenomenon within the atria is postulated.


[The bundle of his electrogram in ebstein-s anomaly of the tricuspid valve].

His-bundle electrograms were recorded in four patients with Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve. In two of the patients His potentials could only be demonstrated in the atrialized portion of the right ventricle while in the other two patients they were recorded in the right ventricle proper. The demonstration of His-potentials only in the atrialized portion of the right ventricle suggests that the origin of the free portion of the septal tricuspid valve leaflet is significantly displaced downward into the right ventricular cavity. The prolonged atrioventricular conduction time in two patients is due to conduction delay proximal to the bundle of His.


[Functional studies in rest and during exertion in children and adolescents with ventricular septal defects and pulmonary hypertension].

7 children from 7-15 years of age, who had a large VSD with pulmonary arterial hypertension, were investigated on a bicycle ergometer during stepwise increasing load. In 5 cases a pulmonary artery banding had been performed earlier in spite of distinctly increased pulmonary vascular resistance. In two cases with Eisenmenger-syndrome no operative measures had been attempted. The measurements, which were carried out at rest and during two submaximal loads, comprised beside determination of oxygen uptake and heart frequency also the arteriovenous oxygen difference as well as mean arterial pressure in the pulmonary and the systemic circuit so that flow and resistance could be calculated for both circuits. During exercise a linear increase of flow in the pulmonary circuit was achieved in all cases, accompanied by a distinct rise of the mean pulmonary arterial pressure. The pulmonary vascular resistance stayed, however, generally constant. Systemic vascular resistance, on the contrary, decreased to about one third of the resting values so that the ratio of pulmonary arterial to systemic vascular resistance increased considerably. The result was a progressive increase of the right to left shunt during exercise, and in 3 cases with predominant left to right shunt at rest in spite of the band, a reversed shunt resulted, partially due to the effectiveness of the band, but substantially brought about by the undiminished high pulmonary vascular resistance. The results show that ergometric investigations in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension may contribute to clarify the indication for surgery, but they also confirm that generally a final operation is not possible in children whose banding-operation has been performed at the age of more than 2 years.


[The vessel-mechanics of the common carotid artery in arterial hypertension].

The pressure-diameter relationship of the intact common carotid artery was studied in each of 36 normotensive and hypertensive patients of the same age. The diameter and its changes by pulse pressure were measured using an ultrasound echo-ranging device. The arterial blood pressure simultaneously was determined by the auscultatory method...


Circulatory effects of vagal inflation reflex in man.

In five patients studied during cardiopulmonary bypass, lung inflation had no effect on heart rate or on total peripheral resistance. Changes of heart rate could be induced my manipulation of the right or left atrium.


[Methods for the postmortem determination of the size of distribution areas of individual coronary arteries].

A method is described which permits the exact delimination of coronary supplying areas and the quantitation of the amount of myocardium supplied by a single coronary artery. The size of error of the method is discussed.


[The number of nuclei and the thickness of the media and intima of the coronary arteries of normal hearts in the second and third decades of life and in hearts with coronary sclerosis and hypertension].

The number of nuclei in the cells of smooth muscle of the media, and the thickness of the media and intima of coronary arteries were investigated by histometric measurements with regard to their behaviour in different stages of life In normal hearts and in hearts altered by disease. Seven normal hearts in the second decade of life, 7 normal hearts in the third decade, 5 hearts with coronary sclerosis (average age 33 years) and 5 hearts with hypertension (average age 47 years) had been examined. After fixing the coronary arteries under a pressure of 110-130 nm Hg and postmortem coronary angiography, the anterior descending and circumflex rami of the left coronary artery and the right coronary artery were cut into blocks of tissue 1 cm long from which frozen sections were made after embedding in gelatine and HE staining. The number of cell nuclei and the thickness of the media and intima were determined micrometrically along 8 radii of each cross-section. From the quantitative findings for the 3 arterial branches in the individual case, a mean value was obtained for each parameter, and from these, a mean value for each group. In normal hearts and in coronary scelrosis, the number of cell nuclei decreases steadily towards the periphery of the cross-sections. In hypertension, in which the highest numbers of cell nuclei are found, hyperplasia of the cell nuclei right into the periphery is marked. The mean number of nuclei/100 mu thickness of media remains the same in all cross-sections of normal and pathological hearts alike. The average number of nuclei in the first 4 cross-sections of the three arterial branches increases from the second to the third decade, through the casses with coronary sclerosis to the cases with hypertension in the proportions 5.6 : 6.7  : 10.7 : 11.7. The difference between the third decade and coronary sclerosis decreases from the first 4 cross-sections to half, while between the coronary sclerosis and hypertension it increases. Hypertrophy and atrophy of the muscle fibres are not taken into account in these measurements. The thickness of the media in the groups behaves like the number of nuclei: in hypertension with the highest values, there is no significant decrease as far as the 8th cross-section, while in the coronary sclerosis and third decade groups the values come closer together after the 6th cross-section. The difference in the middle and peripheral vascular sections are more distinct than in the proximal sections for coronary sclerosis and hypertension. The thickness of the media increases from the second decade to the hypertensive group in the first 4 cross-sections from 70 mu through 106 mu and 131 mu up to 167 mu. The thickness of the intima increases distinctly more rapidly in comparison to the media from 52 mu through 95 mu, 203 mu to 279 mu in hypertension. The media of the coronary arteries in coronary sclerosis and to a greater extent in hypertension, undergo an increase in functional material through hypertrophy and hyperplasia.


E1A calculating unit for the determination of the peak measured contraction velocity of the contractile elements.

An analog calculating unit is described, which is able to differentiate the left ventricular pressure and divide dP/dt by P, where P is the absolute pressure value. The parameter dP/dt/P is called the peak measured velocity (Vpm) with the dimension s(-1). The unit has an appropriate accuracy for division, three ranges and easy to handle calibration steps. The time constants for the various ranges are 40, 8 and 4 ms.


[Coronary disease. I. A correlative study on hemodynamics and contactility in 110 patients].

Hemodynamics measures and indices of myocardial contractility were determined in 110 patients with coronary heart disease. In comparison to a normal group (n=20) right heart pressures (right ventricle, arteria pulmonalis) were increased in coronary heart disease by 48-71%. Systolic aortic pressure was increased by 20-22%. Left ventricular enddiastolic pressure was consideraibly increased by 130%, dependent on the severity degree of coronary artery disease. Cardiac output and cardiac index were decreased at comparable heart rate by 20-33%, dependent on an effective decrease of stroke volume. Isovolumic indices of myocardial contractility (dp/dtmax, t-dp/dtmax, dpmax/IP) WERE REDUCED IN CORONARY HEART DISEASE PARALLEl to the severity degree of coronary artery stenosis. All the hemodynamic chances were most pronounced in a group with left ventricular aneurysm. The results demonstrate that myocardial performance in coronary heart disease is characterized by decreases of pump function and contractility in correlation with the severity degree of coronary artery stenosis.


[Coronary disease. II. Analysis of diastolic pressure-volume correlations and left ventricular elasticity in 110 patients].

Left ventricular pressure-volume relationships as well as diastolic compliance were determined in 110 patients with coronary heart disease during routine right and left heart catheterization, coronary angiography and ventriculography. 1. Enddiastolic and endystolic volume of the left ventricle were increased in severe coronary heart disease dependent on the degree of coronary stenosis; left ventricular ejection fraction was consecutively reduced. 2. Left ventricular enddiastolic pressure, diastolic pressure difference and diastolic rate of pressure rise were increased in corrleation with coronary artery stenosis. In contrast, last diastolic volume inflow into the left ventricle was nearly the same in all groups. Left ventricular stiffness, expressed as dP/dV, was significantly increased dependent on the severity degree of coronary artery disease. 3. Diastolic pressure-volume relationships revealed greater steepness in coronary artery disease, significantly dependent, on the corresponding severity degree. 4. Hemodynamic measures (stroke volume, cardiac index, ejection fraction) were decreased parallel to the increased left ventricular wall stiffness. The results demonstrated decreased left ventricular compliance in coronary heart disease. There was a striking correlation between the severity degree of coronary heart disease and the decrease of left ventricular compliance. Validity and limitations of the techniques of estimating left ventricular compliance from diastolic pressures and volumes as well as the effects of a decrease of left ventricular compliance on cardiac mechanics are discussed.


[Postmortal coronarography by means of a roentgen double contrast method].

In the conventional postmortem coronary angiogram and vessels are illustrated by a "compact" filling with contrast medium. In the case of the double contrast technique, a thin film of contrast medium is brought about the inner surface of the arteries. Gas injected under controlled pressures into the vessels acts as a further control against the surrounding media. The method is suitable for a more precise illustration of the subepicardial and large intramural coronary arteries. Of particular advantage is the high transparency of the x-ray pictures and the possibility to make the coronary ostia visible. The evaluation of x-ray pictures produced at different controlled pressures permits conclusions about pressure-volume relations of defined vessel sections, which then can be analysed histologically.


[Vectorcardiographic study on the right hypertrophy diagnosis in complete right bundle branch block].

Vectorocardiograms were led and interpreted by means of quantitative and qualititive criteria in 100 children with a complete block of the right bundle-branch occurring after correcting surgery of tetralogy of Fallot or isolated defect or the ventricular septum. The results are discussed after demonstrating the pathophysiological patterns of excitation associated with right ventricular hypertrophy and complete block of the right bundle-branch. After a survey of the literature a precise summary of the results is given in order to distinguish clearly by differential diagnosis necessary for postoperative observation of the vitiae cordis mentioned above, between complete block of the right bundle-branch and right ventricular hypertrophy. 4 vetorcardiograms were selected out of the total number of loops for demonstration of the defined criteria for right ventricular hypertrophy associated with complete block of the right bundle-branch.


[Catheterization of the artery originating from the left ventricle by means of flow-directed catheter. A new technic].

The described heart catheterization technique with the Swan-Ganz-flow-directed catheter allows the catheterization of the aorta or, in transposition of the great arteries, the pulmonary artery, from the left ventricle via a venous entrance form the saphenous vein if an interatrial connection exists (patent foramen ovale, atrial septal defect). With the help of a stiff steel guide wire rail it is possible in the apex of the left ventricle to bend the catheter sharply toward the outflow tract. This technique was used on 51 children. Every catheterization attempt was successful . It is possible by avoiding the retrograde arterial catheter technique carry out to the complete examination of the left heart and the great artery via a venous entrance.


[Changes in the ECG caused by electrolyte changes in primary hyperparathyroidism].

The development of cardiac arrhythmias in a case of primary hyperparathyreoidism is described. The arrythmias (sino-auricular block and ventricular ectopic beats) were observed preoperatively in the presence of a raised serum calcium. Postoperatively with a fall of serum calcium to subnormal values the arrhythmias ceased while serum magnesium was very low. The electrophysiological basis of these findings is discussed and the importance of serum calcium- and magnesium estimation in cases of unexplained arrhythmias is stressed.


Heart volume determination with phase synchronization in normal subjects and postinfarct patients.

The authors investigated the influence of the systole-and-dyastole cycle upon the cardiac volume measured radiologically with ECG phase synchronization in prone subjects. Measurements were made in 30 healthy subjects and 27 patients with a history of myocardial infarction, all of them ambulatory. As expected, the mean cardiac volume relative to body surface was greater in postinfarct patients than in normal subjects to a high degree of statistical significance. Conversely, the differences between end-systolic and end-diastolic cardiac volumes fell short of statistical significance both in healthy subjects and in postinfarct patients. Accordingly, radiological measurements of cardiac volume without phase synchronization seem justified in the functional evaluation of postinfarct patients.


Baropacing of the carotid sinus nerve for treatment of "Intractable" hypertension.

The authors applied with success the electrical stimulation of the carotid sinus nerve in the case of a hypertension of long duration which was refractory to antihypertensive drugs. For the stimulation of the carotid sinus nerve a Medtronic "Barostat" device was implanted. Since the implantation- or rather since its usage- the blood pressure of the patient decreased to a great extent, and her complaints disappeared. According to the haemodynamical investigations on the effect of the stimulation of the carotid sinus nerve, besides the diminution of the blood pressure there could be observed a decrease of the cardiac index, the total peripheral vascular resistance and the velocity of the blood circulation.


E1The question of stress cardiac insufficiency in hypertension.

In a group  of 91 patients with hypertensive vascular disease without any clinical symptoms and signs of cardiac insufficiency following pressures were measured at rest and during supine bicycle ergometer exercise: right atrial pressure, pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCP). Cardiac output was measured by thermodilution at rest and during exercise. In 47 patients out of these 91 PCP was found to be normal and did not exceed 20 mm Hg during exercise, the remaining 44 patients developed pathologically raised PCP during exercise. The average cardiac output was normal at rest und during exercise. Those pathological PCP during exercise, which could be demonstrated in nearly 50% of all investigated hypertensive patients, reflect an elevation of left ventricular filling pressure, the reasons of which are briefly discussed.


The location of Taenia pisiformis, Taenia ovis and Taenia hydatigena in the gut of the dog and its effect on net environmental contamination with ova.

Autopsy of dogs 56 days after infection with either T. pisiformis, T. ovis or T. hydatigena showed that these worms could be found attached at any point along the length of the small intestine, but were most commonly in the anterior half. The mean relaxed lengths of T. pisiformis, T. ovis and T. hydatigena were 107 cm, 156 cm and 177 cm respectively. Attached gravid proglottides contained a mean of 41 000 eggs each in T. pisiformis, 31 000 eggs in T. hydatigena and 95000 eggs in T. ovis, whereas proglottides free in the gut contained means of only 1370, 500 and 1400 eggs respectively; therefore, the majority of eggs were released into the gut before segments passed out into the faeces. It was shown that eggs of all 3 species of worms hatched and activated in the small intestine of the dog, especially in the anterior half. Eggs of T. pisiformis which had been passaged through the intestine of the dog and stored in the faeces for 5 days were poorly infective for  rabbits compared with eggs only stored in faeces. It was concluded, therefore, that during taeniid infections of dogs the point of apolysis in the gut plays a significant role in determining environmental contamination with eggs. Puppies which had been fed 10000 T. ovis eggs daily for 6 weeks prior to infection with T. ovis cysticerci showed no difference in susceptibility to the infection when compared with untreated puppies.


Gas content of swim bladder of Wallago attu and oxygen consumption in Isoparorchis hypselobagri (Trematoda).

The swim bladder gas of Wallago attu contains O2 (22-58 mm Hg) and the presence or absence of Isoparorchis hypselobagri does not influence the O2 content of the swim bladder. Glucose increases the O2 consumption of I. hypselobagri by 50%. With the passage of in vitro culture time, the rate of O2 consumption gradually decreases to the extent of 64% on the 40th day. The optimal temperature for O2 consumption is 30 degrees C beyond which the rise in temperature is detrimental to the fish trematode as manifested by the decrease in their O2 consumption.


[Electron microscope study of spermatogenesis in two cestodes acanthobothrium filicolle benedenii Loennberg, 1889 and Onchobothrium uncinatum (Rud., 1819) (Tetraphyllidea, Onchobothriidae) (author's transl)].

The spermatogenesis, spermatozoon differentiation and fine structure of Acanthobothrium filicolle benedenii Loennberg, 1889 and Onchobothrium uncinatum (Rud., 1819) were studied by means of light and electron microscopy. Spermatogenesis in both species is of the rosette type. During sperm differentiation, the five following stages have been distinguished: (1) formation of arching membranes and differentiation zone; (2) nuclear elongation; (3) formation of two flagella with a median cytoplasmic process; (4) flagellar rotation; (5) fusion of two flagella with the median cytoplasmic process induced by the migration of nucleus into the latter. The mature spermatozoa of both species are threadlike structures about 250 mum long. They consist of two axonemes of the platyhelminth type (9+1 pattern), elongated nucleus and cortical microtubules embedded in a cytoplasmic matrix containing numerus beta-glycogen particles. The body which appears on cross-sections as crest, lateral with respect to the axoneme, is present in both species. Such a body is reported for the first time in Cestode spermatozoa. There is no mitochondrion in the two Onchobothriidae sperms studied.


[Cultivation of the warble-fly Oestromyia leporina pall. (Diptera, Hypodermatidae) and its biological prerequisites (author's transl)].

The warble-fly Oestromyia leporina was cultivated for four generations in the laboratory. In the present paper the technic of laboratory mating and the modus of experimental infection of the host are described. The fertility of females is tested by experiments and by dissections. It is shown how the diapause of the puparia can be shortened and how it can be omitted. The successful infection of several species of small mammals demonstrates that O. leporina can be colonized not only on the natural host but also on some common laboratory animals like mice and rats.


[Differential sensitivity of the kinesthetic and visual sensory system during complex motor activity in man].

Sportsmen of different specialities were examined by the A. V. Zavyalov method (1962) for differential sensitivity of their kinesthetic and visual analysers. It has been shown that the characteristics of differential sensitivity of the analysers are dissimilar in representatives of different kinds of sport. For example, pentathlon and basketball sportsmen exhibit in their kinesthetic analyser the greatest number of minimum increases of sensation, namely 30.2 and 21.4 respectively, while those not engaged in any sport, 15.0. The characteristics of intersensory optico-kinesthetic relationships has been established. Closest correlation has been recorded among pentathlon sportmen, volley-ballers and fencers. The dynamics of differential sensitivity of analysers is differently manifested, depending on the subjects' age.


[Mechanisms of recognizing geometric figures and their elements--angles in fish (Cyprinus carpio)].

A study was made of the mechanisms of discrimination of geometrical figures and their angles by fish and of the influence of repeated presentation of stimuli on recognition time. The experiment was made by the conditioning method with the use of two variants of food-procuring technique: simultaneous and successive choice of stimuli. It was shown that discrimination of geomentrical figures is achieved at the fist stage by the mechanism of selection, and after long training, by the mechanism of camparison with a chosen standard. The selection mechanism is also used for recognition of angles by their size. Certain combinations of angles differentiated not by size, but by orientation of their sides, are recognized by the mechanism of comparison with a standard.


[Sensory characteristics of the cortical input to the hippocampus: the entorhinal cortex].

Sensory reactions of neurones in the medial entorhinal area were investigated in unanaesthetized rabbits. 54% of the units were multimodal. Different stimuli evoked various response patterns with complex on-off components. Differential coding of pure tones was observed in many cells, which were also sensitive to other sensory modalities. Complete habituation of responses was virtually absent; only partial reduction of the late components was observed in some cases. In 71% of units reactions were stable or incremental (gradual development and increase). It may be concluded that from the entorhinal cortex the hippocampus receives highly differentiated signals of "associative" type, which do not habituate and are of a stable or incremental nature.


[Manifestation of integrative activity in the neuronally isolated cortex].

By the slow bioelectrical activity parameter, with vector representation of experimental data, an attempt was made to reveal elements of integrative activity in the neuronally isolated cortex at early stages after its isolation from subcortical formations. Animals with an intact cerebral cortex were used as controls. It has been found that in spite of isolation of the cerebral cortex from synaptic influences of the subcortical structures, it possesses even at early stages after isolation (10--17th day) its own mechanisms of integrative activity, providing for the organization of background and evoked activity which are gradually normalized by the 30th to 40th day, without however reaching the level of activity of the intact cerebral cortex.


[Electrographic registration of metabolic changes in the cerebral cortex evoked by sensory stimuli].

In chronic experiments on rabbits, sensory stimuli from platinum electrodes, located on pia mater in different parts of the cerebral cortex, may produce negative changes of the electrode potential or bioelectrochemical potential (BEChP) lasting from one to dozens of seconds with an amplitude from tenths of millivolts to several millivolts. Sometimes the amplitude of BEChP changes amounted to dozens of millivolts. When recorded from dura mater the changes were much smaller, and in the bone they could not be detected. The evoked BEChP changes appeared only against the background of high initial negative values of the electrode potential (2-3 mv and more) and when the electrodes were not polarized by the amplifier input. A low resistance at the amplifier input contributed to the appearance of evoked BEChP changes. The BEChP change is a complex phenomenon. On one hand, it involves a change of the electrode potential proper which proceeds from shifts in the redox systems (it is recorded both on platinum and golden electrodes) and from changes in the metabolites' content (to which platinum electrodes alone are selectively sensitive). On the other hand, the participation of polarographic processes is also probable. The BEChP changes differ by their latency and by their pattern from the shifts of the DC potential level; this possibly shows that the two kinds of nervous activity manifestaions are related to different aspects of brain tissue activity.


[Spatial perception of stimuli during unilateral exclusion of the temporal portion of the neocortex by cold].

Behavioral reaction of twelve cats were studied in conditions of inactivation by cold of the temporal area (AI, AII, Ep and partly I-T) of one hemisphere. A typical vestibular ataxy was observed: deflection of the cats when walking, circular movements in the direction of the inactivated temporal area. Orienting reactions both to acoustic and photic stimuli persisted, but their spatial localization was completely lost. In every case the animals exhibited a clear orienting reaction towards the inactivated hemisphere, regardless of the localization of the source of signal. Reactions ot pain and olfactory stimulations likewise proceded in one direction. such a one-sided perception of sounds in the case of inactivation by cold of the temporal neocortex of one hemispheres is apparently due to the functional elimination of contralateral auditory structures. Disturbance of adequate spatial perception of photic, pain and olfactory stimuli under similar conditions results from a sharp drop in the tone predominantly of the ipsilateral hemisphere.


[The influence of early experience on the development of cleaning responses in rabbits during ontogenesis].

A comparison was made of the number of spontaneous cleaning reactions (washing, scratching, licking and shaking) in young rabbits from the seventh to 42nd day of life in different conditions: in the home cage, when first placed in the experimental chamber, after several repeated (daily) stays in the chamber, and after handling. It has been found that when first placed in the chamber the rabbits perform there significantly fewer cleaning reactions than in the home cage; while those which have repeatedly been in the experimental situation, perform considerably more cleaning reactions in the chamber than the intact rabbits of the same age in the home cage. The handled rabbits when they first get into the chamber, also exhibit more reactions than in the cage. This activating influence of early experience goes on for two to three weeks and is followed by habituation, and the number of cleaning reactions in the cage and in the chamber becomes equal. The results are discussed in terms of novelty of the environment, sensitization and habituation.