Changes in serum T4, T3 and TSH concentrations in newborns and infants with congenital goiter from the Mazovia region.

Thyroid function was investigated in a group of 61 newborns with congenital goiter before starting the therapy with thyroid hormones. The group included 19 girls and 42 boys, of which 27 were of age not exceeding one week (group I), 19 were between the first and the second week (group II), and 15 were between the second week and the third month of life (group III). The concentrations of the thyroid hormones were determined by radioimmunoassay. The values obtained have been compared with the local reference range obtained for the newborns of the Mazovia region. The values remaining outside the reference range were found in 47.5% of the newborns studied. The elevated values of TSH were observed mainly in group I newborns (12 from 27); among group II newborns there was only one with the elevated values, and none among the newborns of group III. thyroxine (T4) values were lowered in 14 among 27 newborns of group I, and in 2 among 19 newborns of group II; all T4 values were normal in group III. The percentage of the elevated values of triiodothyronine (T3) was higher in older newborns (group III). The elevated level of T3 accompanied by the lowered level of T4 with the normal or moderately elevated level of TSH is characteristic for the adaptation to the deficiency of iodine. There is preferential secretion of T3 aimed at maintaining euthyreosis. The elevated levels of T3 found in 30% of newborns with untreated goiter suggest an intrauterine deficit of iodine as a cause of the goiter appearance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Migration inhibition test with thyroid membrane antigen in Graves-Basedow disease and nodular goiter].

The evaluation of the migration inhibition test with thyroid membrane antigen was carried out in 20 patients with Graves' disease, 13 patients with neutral nodular goiter and 13 healthy subjects. A significant inhibition of migration by thyroid antigen as compared to the control group was demonstrated only in the patients with Graves' disease (the value of the migration index was 0.57 +/- 0.07). The respective value was 0.79 +/- 0.16 in patients with nodular goiter and 0.85 +/- 0.11 in healthy subjects. The results obtained indicate the practical value of the migration inhibition test in diagnosing the thyroid diseases having an autoimmune background.


[Association of primary autoimmune hypothyroidism with Addison's anemia].

Intestinal absorption of vitamin B12 as measured by the Schillin test was studied in 50 patients with primary hypothyroidism of autoimmune origin. The impaired absorption of vitamin B12 was found in 24% of the patients studied, and in 6% a clinically evident form of pernicious anemia was diagnosed. The patients with hypothyroidism and simultaneous defect in absorption of vitamin B12 were characterized by more frequent occurrence of the high titer of antithyroid microsomal antibodies, higher blood serum concentration of TSH and lower blood content of hemoglobin as compared with hypothyroid patients having normal intestinal absorption of vitamin B12.


[Behavior of thyrotropic, triiodothyronine, thyroxine and cortisol hormone levels in blood serum of patients with duodenal ulcer treated with ranitidine].

Blood serum concentrations of thyrotropic hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and cortisol have been measured in 50 patients with duodenal ulcer. The determinations were repeated after a specific time of treatment with ranitidine: in 45 patients after 3 weeks and in 37 after additional 30 days of treatment. During the first period of treatment ranitidine was administered at a dose of 300 mg divided into two daily doses and during the second period of treatment at a single daily dose of 150 mg. A small but statistically significant changes, an increase in T3 and a decrease in TSH concentration, were observed before the treatment. No changes concerning these two parameters were found as an effect of the treatment. A decrease in the concentration of T4 was found, on the other hand, after three weeks of ranitidine administration. This decrease persisted after further 30 days of chronic treatment with ranitidine. No significant changes concerning blood serum cortisol concentration were found in any of the studied groups.


[Effect of nifedipine treatment on the renin-aldosterone system and secretion of cortisol and growth hormone in patients with essential hypertension].

The effect of treatment of hypertension with nifedipine on plasma renin activity, blood serum level of aldosterone in the course of renin test, and cortisol and growth hormone concentrations after stimulation with insulin hypoglycemia was followed during two weeks of treatment in 40 patients with essential hypertension. No significant differences in the secretion of the hormones studied, as compared to the patients with the normal arterial blood pressure, were found. After nifedipine treatment no significant changes in the secretion of aldosterone, cortisol and growth hormone were observed despite a significant fall in the arterial blood pressure while there was a moderate stimulatory effect on renin secretion. The results obtained indicate that nifedipine has only small effect on the hormonal system of patients with essential hypertension.


[Level of estradiol and progesterone in blood serum during the menstrual cycle in woman with acute hepatitis b].

The study was aimed at the determination of blood serum levels of the ovarian hormones (estradiol and progesterone) in women during the first menstrual cycle occurring in the course of hospitalization because of the acute viral hepatitis of type B, and in the same women during the first menstrual cycle occurring in the course of early convalescence after leaving the hospital. The observed group consisted of 20 women of age between 18 and 35 years treated because of acute hepatitis without coexisting diseases including gynecological ailments. All the women had a regular 28-day menstrual cycle. Twenty healthy women served as a control group. The blood serum concentrations of estradiol and progesterone were determined in all the subjects on 6-th, 12-th, 14-th, 18-th and 22-nd day of the menstrual cycle by RIA method using the ready made reagent kits. A significant decrease in the mean value of estradiol was found in the group of sick women as compared to the control group and to the same group of women in the course of early convalescence. On the other hand the value obtained during the first menstrual cycle after discharge from the hospital did not differ from that observed in healthy women. Mean value of blood serum progesterone concentration was higher in sick women than those in the control group and in the same women during convalescence all the time except on the 22-nd day of the cycle. These values did not differ significantly when comparing the group of sick women during convalescence and the control group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[State of lipid metabolism in children and adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes. I. Evaluation of lipoprotein (A) behavior in children and adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes].

The level of lipoprotein Lp(a), one of the risk factors of atherosclerosis, was determined in 91 children and adolescents of age ranging from 3.3 to 22 years suffering from insulin-dependent diabetes. The changes in Lp(a) were analyzed in relation to the group of patients, the duration of diabetes, possible genetic factors, other factors predisposing to early onset of atherosclerosis, and occurrence of obesity in the analyzed group. The relation between the level of Lp(a) and other parameters of lipid metabolism (total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, HDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein B) as well as a degree of metabolic normalization of diabetes (as assessed by the determination of glycosylated hemoglobin and fructosamine) was studied in addition. No relation between Lp(a) and the factors mentioned above, with exception of glycosylated hemoglobin and fructosamine concentrations, could be demonstrated. The elevated level of Lp(a) in children and adolescents during the period of poor metabolic control of diabetes may constitute an additional risk factor for early onset of atherogenic changes.


[Level of calcitonin in blood serum of children with insulin dependent diabetes].

Calcitonin concentration (CT) was measured in 52 children with insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM). All the patients studied were divided into three groups. The first group consisted of children with freshly diagnosed diabetes remaining in the condition of ketonemic acidosis. The second group was composed of children with the well controlled diabetes during the first two years od duration of the disease. The third group included the patients with poorly controlled diabetes of the duration longer than ten years having the accompanying vascular complications. The control values were determined in children without metabolic disturbances of either diabetic or other origin. CT concentration was significantly elevated both in the patients of the first group and those of the third group. In the second group the concentration of this hormone was close to normal. It is known that calcitonin participates in the homeostasis of calcium and is an important regulator of insulin secretion. The results obtained suggest that calcitonin may play a role both in the pathogenesis of diabetes and in developing of diabetic osteopenia.


[Behavior of granulocytic receptors for Fc IgG fragment and C3 component of complement in patients with diabetes].

The count of peripheral neutrophils having the superficial receptors for Fc IgG fragment (FcR) and C3 component of the complement (CR) was determined in diabetic patients by using the rosette tests EA and EAC according to the modified Buescher method. A significantly lower percentage of neutrophils with FcR and CR receptors was found in patients with both insulin-dependent and noninsulin-dependent diabetes. The lowest values were found in noncompensated diabetes; in compensated diabetes they were higher but still significantly lower than in the controls. The difference was significant in both tests used. The results obtained suggest that the observed fall in the percentage of neutrophils with FcR and CR receptors is caused by metabolic disturbances associated with diabetes.


[In vitro culture of fibroblasts from pubic skin of women in diagnosis of androgen hypersensitivity].

Intracellular metabolism of testosterone was studied in in vitro cultured skin fibroblasts obtained from women with idiopathic hirsutism. A significantly higher rate of conversion of testosterone into 5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone was found in these women (4.78 +/- 2.08 fmol/microgram DNA/hour) as compared to that obtained for skin cultures of women without symptoms of androgenization (0.98 +/- 0.37 fmol/microgram DNA/hour). These results demonstrate that fibroblast culture may be useful in diagnosing the causes of hyperandrogenization in women with normal androgen secretion.


[Excretion of vanillic acid and homovanillic acid and tissue distribution of catecholamines and their metabolites in mice with various levels of pigmentation].

Studies concerning metabolism of catecholamines in mice differing with respect to the degree of pigmentation were based on determination of daily excretion of vanillylmandelic and homovanillic acid and tissue content of epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine and their methoxy derivatives. It was found that pigmented mice excrete more homovanillic acid, the metabolite of dopamine, than do albinotic mice. Tissue studies have shown that the brain of albinotic mice contains more dopamine and kidneys more epinephrine, norepinephrine and their methoxy derivatives than the respective organs of the pigmented mice. The probable reasons of differences in the rate of inactivation of catecholamines in albinotic and pigmented mice have been discussed.


[Immunoenzymatic method for determining thyroglobulin levels in human blood serum].

An inexpensive enzyme immunoassay method was designed for the determination of thyroglobulin concentration in human blood serum. The range of concentrations of thyroglobulin which can be measured by the method is between 6 and 800 ng/ml. The sensitivity of the method is comparable to that of the commercial test kits. The values of thyroglobulin concentration obtained with the use of the described method are strongly correlated (r = 0.946) with those obtained by using the reference method (IRMA kit of Byk, Sweden). The intraassay coefficient of variation ranged from 5.5 to 10.2% and interassay coefficient of variation from 9.5 to 13.2% depending on the thyroglobulin concentration. The upper limit of blood serum thyroglobulin concentration in healthy subjects was 70 ng/ml. The results of thyroglobulin determination obtained with the described method are falsely lowered in the presence of antithyroglobulin antibodies; simultaneous determination of these antibodies is thus necessary in such a case. It seems that the described method may be used for monitoring the patients after surgical treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer aimed at early detection of metastases.


Radioimmunoassay of cortisol in saliva.

A direct (without extraction) radioimmunoassay of cortisol in saliva has been developed. The samples of saliva were subjected to four freezing-thawing cycles in order to decrease viscosity which may interfere with the determination. The method is simple, has good specificity and reproducibility. The determination in saliva has also the merit of noninvasiveness, and besides, the level of cortisol in saliva reflects the free, biologically active fraction of the hormone in blood serum. The volume of saliva required does not exceed 25 microliters per tube and the range of concentrations is between 0.6 and 15 nanograms per milliliter (1.5-40 nmol/l).


The relation between the results of determination of fructosamine and glycosylated proteins of blood serum.

Fructosamine concentration (measured by NBT reduction method) and the concentration of glycosylated proteins (measured by a direct UV spectrophotometry upon separation from nonglycosylated proteins by means of affinity chromatography, have been determined simultaneously in 52 samples of blood serum obtained from 42 children with diabetes mellitus and 10 children without metabolic disorders. A highly significant positive correlation (r = 0.96, p < 0.001) was found between the two parameters. It was concluded that fructosamine determination by NBT reduction test reflects the true concentration of glycosylated proteins of blood serum, provided that the proper correction factor derived from the equation of linear regression is used as shown in the following equation: Concentration of glycosylated proteins of blood serum in milligram = 2.78 x (fructosamine concentration in mmol/l + 1.26).


[Effect of tolbutamide on lipolytic processes in blood and fat tissue of rats maintained in normothermic and hypothermic conditions].

The effect of tolbutamide administered in vivo or added to the incubation medium on lipolysis in adipose tissue and in blood has been studied in rats. Tissue lipolysis was lowered by 118 to 156% in groups of rats receiving tolbutamide in vivo. The addition of tolbutamide directly to the incubation medium caused an increase in the lipid mobilizing activity, while the addition of insulin inhibited lipolysis in each case. The effect of tolbutamide administered in vivo may be indirect through an increase in insulin binding and/or the drug may influence directly the permeability of cell membrane for ions and glucose. An increase in the lipid mobilizing activity observed in experiments consisting in the addition of tolbutamide to the incubation medium may be linked to the low glucose level and greater demand for free fatty acids or to the low level of insulin in the incubation medium.


An additional restriction fragment length polymorphism at the thyroglobulin gene.

The study was aimed at the screening of human chromosomal DNA for restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) at the human thyroglobulin (hTg) gene locus. The RFLP screening was performed in a typical way. As hybridization probes were used 5 Pst I fragments of hTg cDNA of the total length 5.1 kb pairs cloned in pBR 322. One not described polymorphism was found by using the probe hTg 10, (nucleotides from position 4830 to 5810 in the 3' flanking region of hTg). Restriction enzyme Msp I identified a single two allele polymorphism: A1: 3.5 kb and A2: 2.5 kb. Of 32 unrelated healthy individuals two were homozygous for 3.5 kb, one was homozygous 2.5 kb and 29 were heterozygous for both 3.5 kb. and 2.5 kb. Thus, the frequencies of the 3.5 and 2.5 kb Msp I alleles were 0.52 and 0.48 respectively.


[Effect of propranolol on electrophysiologic features of the heart in patients with hyperthyroidism].

The effect of increasing doses of intravenously administered propranolol on electrophysiological features of heart was studied in 17 patients with untreated hyperthyroidism by using the transesophageal stimulation method. A positive and dose-dependent effect of propranolol on the studied parameters was found with the normalization of the majority of disturbances taking place after the administration of 6 mg of propranolol. This dose was safe and well tolerated by the patients. The sensitivity of the auriculo-ventricular junction to propranolol was less pronounced during the stimulated rhythm than during the sinus rhythm.


[Determination of antithyroid antibodies by an immunoenzymatic method; an adaptation for expressing results in international units].

Solid phase immunoenzymatic methods (ELISA) have been developed for the determination of antithyroglbulin (ATG), antimicrosomal (AMc) and antimembrane (ATMA) antibodies in blood serum. The results have been expressed in international units (IU). The level of nonspecific reaction was determined on the basis of 30 samples of blood serum obtained from healthy donors. The double standard deviation values amounted to 8 IU for antithyroglobulin antibodies, 17 IU for antimicrosomal antibodies and 53 IU for antimembrane antibodies at the serum dilution of 1:100. The values of double standard deviation obtained for the healthy donors correspond to the borderline between the positive serum samples and those containing no autoantibodies. The level of autoantibodies in patients with autoimmune diseases of the thyroid varied considerably ranging from complete absence to several thousand units per milliliter in single cases. Antithyroglobulin antibodies were determined simultaneously by using the described method and the commercial kit (Walker, Cambridge) and the results obtained by the two methods were compared. A linear correlation with the correlation coefficient r = 0.93, p < 0.001 was obtained. A good but nonlinear correlation was demonstrated with the methods expressing the results in titre values.


[Activity of angiotensin converting enzyme in women with hypothyroidism].

Serum activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) has been measured in 13 women (mean age 43.1 years) with primary hypothyroidism by spectrofluorometric method of Friedland and Silverstein. The mean enzyme activity was significantly lower in hypothyroid patients than in healthy persons. There is no significant correlation between ACE activity and thyroid hormones concentration.


[Radioimmunologic determination of pituitary autoantibodies in patients with Addison's disease].

The occurrence of pituitary autoantibodies was investigated in 34 patients, 25 females and 9 males, with Addison's disease of autoimmune origin and in 10 patients with tuberculous etiology of the disease. In both groups adrenal autoantibodies were also determined. Autoantibodies were determined by radioimmunoassay using solid phase technique in tubes coated with proteins of human adrenal and pituitary microsomal fractions. Pituitary autoantibodies were detected in 28 of 34 patients (20 females and 8 males) with autoimmune Addison's disease but only in 3 patients (2 females and one male) with nonimmune etiology of the disease. Both antipituitary and antiadrenal antibodies remain present in the circulation for many years as they were detected in autoimmune Addison's disease even after 10 or more years after the onset of the disease. There was a close relationship between the occurrence of pituitary antibodies and adrenal autoantibodies: they both appeared in the same patients and high titres of pituitary autoantibodies were associated with high titres of adrenal autoantibodies. This suggests a close similarity or identity of pituitary and adrenal autoantigens.


[Effect of phenothiazine derivative on adrenal cortex response of sheep to repeated emotional stress].

The study was aimed at the evaluation of propiopromazine (Combelen, Bayer), a derivative of phenothiazine, as an agent lowering in sheep the response to stress. The stress of emotional origin was induced in sheep by the isolation from herd lasting 1 hour. The isolation experiments were repeated 6 times on the same group of sheep, first three isolations (1-3) in daily intervals and next three (4-6) in weekly intervals. Propiopromazine was administered before each isolation experiment. The reaction of sheep to the isolation stress was weaker after propiopromazine administration. This was suggested by smaller increase in blood serum cortisol and glucose levels when compared to sheep subjected to isolation but not receiving the drug. Such effect was especially conspicuous during the course of the first isolation experiment; during the next experiments the difference concerning the reaction to stress between the sheep isolated from the herd receiving and not receiving the drug was gradually diminishing. It was shown in addition that propiopromazine administration to the sheep not subjected to stress caused an increase in cortisol level by 125 per cent and that in glucose level by 35 per cent. These results suggest that propiopromazine administration protects the organism against the effects of emotional stress only partially. Moreover, the effect of its administration gradually weakens with repeating of the stress inducing experiment, and propiopromazine itself may act as a stress inducing factor. It seems therefore that the use of propiopromazine and similar compounds as anti-stress agents may be questionable.


[Level of erythropoietin and parathormone in blood plasma during acute rejection of kidney transplant].

The acute rejection of kidney transplant is accompanied by kidney ischaemia which in turn is a triggering factor for erythropoietin (EPO) synthesis. It was shown, on the other hand, that during the rejection an increase in blood serum parathormone (PTH) concentration takes place. The present study was aimed at answering the question what is the effect of acute rejection of kidney transplant on blood serum concentrations of EPO i PTH. Seventeen patients with kidney transplant participated in the study. In all the patients the investigations were carried out four times: 1--few days before rejection, 2--after ascertaining that kidney transplant is being rejected, 3--immediately after rejection, and 4--few days after completing the anti-rejection therapy. High doses of methylprednisolone were used as anti-rejection therapy. Control group consisted of 16 healthy persons. Acute rejection of kidney transplant was accompanied by a significant increase in blood serum concentrations of EPO and PTH. After methylprednisolone therapy, normalization of EPO and decrease in PTH concentration were observed in kidney transplant patients. Significant positive correlations were found between EPO and PTH concentrations in blood serum. It was concluded that acute rejection of kidney transplant is characterized by a significant increase in blood serum concentrations of EPO and PTH. Despite the existence of a significant positive correlation between blood serum concentrations of EPO and PTH in patients with kidney transplant, any pathogenic relation between the observed disturbances of secretion of the two hormones seems to be of little probability.


[Calcitonin test in patients with bone changes during the course of myeloma].

Hypocalcemic response following the administration of 160 units of porcine calcitonin was investigated in 14 patients with bone lesions caused by myeloma and in 9 control subjects. Significant decrease in blood serum calcium level was found in 85 per cent of myeloma patients, both in those with osteolytic bone lesions and those with generalized osteoporosis. Moreover, in all the patients a significant positive correlation was found between hypocalcemic response and the initial blood serum calcium concentration. Calcitonin administration did not cause any changes in blood serum phosphate level in myeloma patients.


Lipid disturbances in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Small but detectable disturbances concerning blood lipid levels manifested by somewhat higher concentrations of LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides as well as higher values of atherogenic indices expressing the ratio of cholesterol present in atherogenic lipoprotein fractions to that present in atheroprotective HDL fraction have been shown to exist in 36 women with polycystic ovary syndrome. HDL-cholesterol concentration was lower in women with polycystic ovary syndrome than in healthy women. The disturbances described above were more pronounced in obese patients. No correlation was found between the disturbances in lipid levels and hormonal disturbances particularly hyperandrogenemia.


[The effect of postural changes on functional characteristics of the left ventricle in nonpregnant women].

To evaluate the potential influence of positional changes on left ventricular performance and some hemodynamic parameters the systolic time intervals were measured in 90 healthy women aged 19 to 40 years. It was observed the prolongation of total electromechanical systole and left ventricular ejection time, while the preejection period was shortened in left lateral position. These changes were in accordance with significant decrease in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure in the same position. Heart rate, calculated stroke volume, cardiac output and ejection fraction did not alter with positional changes.


[Dental pulp in carious teeth].

Various etiologic causes lead to dental pulp changes ranging from inflammation to necrosis. The most frequent changes, however, are caused by bacterial activity and toxins from carious process. According to the opinion of various authors and on the basis of our investigations the conclusion can be made that all the forms of dental pulp changes can be developed as the sequela of the disease of supporting apparatus. Pathohistologic examination of dental pulp of cariously damaged teeth showed that the occurred changes are mostly the sequela of inflammation and regressive and progressive changes are found as well.


[Pseudarthrosis of the tibia treated by the Ilizarov method].

21 (50%) patients suffering on pseudoarthrosis tibia were treated by ilizarov method, from total of 42 discussed in the paper. The ilizarov method in combination with Judet method was used with 21 patients (50.0%) suffering on pseudoarthrosis tibia. Plastic procedures were performed with 12 (28.6%) covering the skin and soft tissues defects, while 10 (23.8) by myocutal lobes. The non-infectious hypertrophic pseudoarthrosis cases were treated only by ilizarov method 14 (33.3%), while the atrophic ones (39.1%) by ilizarov Judet and spondioplastics. Prior infected contact pseudoarthrosis was performed with 9 (64.3%), 6 (66.6%) only by the ilizarov method, while 3 (33.3%) by ilizarov, Judet and spongioplastics were performed with 3 cases (60.0%), while 2 (40.0%) lifting graft. Healing cases (92.9%), but we did not with 3 cases (7.1%). An average time of treatment was three weeks and joints rehabilitation lasted 7 weeks.


[ECG in patients with hemorrhagic fever].

We analyzed 128 electrocardiograms (ECG) of 43 patients with haemorrhagic fever associated with kidney syndrome (HFKS) during an epidemic in 1989, region around Sarajevo. The greatest number of alternations was noticed in toxic phase, and the smallest number in invasive phase of disease. All alternations were transient. Extended QT interval was dominant, and was found in 19 patients (45%). Tall and peaked T wave in the case of 17 patients or in 40%, during toxic and recovering phase, was the second by its frequency. As the third by its frequency, there was U wave manifestation. We found this kind of alternation in the case of 13 patients or in 31%. Incomplete right bundle branch block was the most frequent find during invasive phase of HTKS and it was found in 3/7 of all patients. The same thing was found in 6 patients more, during toxic phase, so in total it was 21%. First degree AV block was presented in 8 patients or 19%. Other finds, ischemia, P-pulmo, arrhythmia etc. had frequency less than 10%.


[Speech development in children of mothers who used hormone preparations during pregnancy].

The exposition to sex hormones during pregnancy and their effects on fetus and newborns growth and development has been the subject of numerous researches. The former researches pointed out that the sex hormones used during pregnancy may have the negative effects on fetal growth. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the hormones used during pregnancy on the growth and development of children until the age of seventh year. The study includes 528 children; 235 of them have been exposed to hormones during pregnancy and the others 293 who have not been exposed to hormones "in utero". The selection of the newborns and their mothers has been made according to the hormonal exposures during pregnancy and the delivery term. The results indicate that the average values of children's weight and length on the delivery in hormonal group have been lower than in the control group. The children in the hormonal group had the earlier development of the speech and less number of disorders. The assessment of various growth factors and children's development represents a special methodological and evaluation problem, because many factors have influence on the development of speech in children.


[Significance of exposure of workers in the tanning industry and the prevalence of upper respiratory tract diseases].

Respiratory diseases are in prevalence under the other diseases in industry of leather. The exposition to the chemical irritances like bensen and toluene is very important, because a short exposition gives early symptoms. We found in 54% of examined population pathologic ORL cases in a sense of hypertrophic and atrophic forms rhinitis and pharyngitis. Bacterial flora is pathologic in 20% of examined workers and comparing positive bacteriologic form between nose and pharynges we found infections of mucose of nose more frequent than the throat. The occupational atmosphere and its microclime is very important in pathology of upper respiratory diseases. It is etiological factor in morphological changes of the respiratory mucosas. At the end, we can say that the ordinary monitoring which contains monitoring of working place, and biologic monitoring which means ORL, bacteriological, biochemical and toxicologic examinations must be regulated.


[Diagnosis and therapy of systemic necrotizing vasculitis].

Through the presentation of the case of Leucocytoclastic vasculitis of a young man we enlighten the problems of diagnosis, differential diagnosis, ethiology, development of disease, and therapeutic approach. We presented the new knowledge in the patogenesis of changes in the vessel wall and possible correlation with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.


[Family medicine--now and in the future].

In this work we present our experience in providing family health care in certain areas of the city. This work was carried out by teams of medical doctors and nurses (polivalent). After 10 years of experience and the obvious positive effects, we can say that a general practitioner may enjoy the confidence of citizens in that he takes care of the whole population of certain microregion, or by the way, of protection families with the accent on promotion of health and prevention. The health of families is protected through emphasis on promotion a good health and prevention of disease.


[The significance and role of medical information in decision-making in health care].

The resolving of medical problems and medical decision making can not be imagined without information which have to be qualitative, on time and correct. These information, in essence, are high grade material that come from different sources. Health, respectively medical information are generated within health system as the result of every day doctors' activities. The most frequent sources of medical information are: medical documentation, reports about the work of medical staff, reviews, registers, reports about demographic and vital statistics, reports about medical activities etc. In the article we describe classification of medical information, and their most important characteristics, as the relevance and value of medical information. We emphasize the economic aspect of medical information as well.


[Consequences of abuse of inhalants].

The work reviews large scale of serious somatic and psychic damages resultant from chronical, but also the acute, intoxication with various solvents. It gives the brief description of the most frequent somatic damages that have been already sorted as the specific and special entities, such as the Fankony's syndrome, "hufer's" neuropathy and further to the characteristic psyhoorganic syndrome or bone marrow aplasia. Regardless it is only a simple erytheme or a serious liver and kidney damage appearing as a result of the solvents abuse, it is constantly emphasized that out of all chemical solvents, the toluene has the most pathogenic effect. However, the most important part of the study reviews the detailed description of the sniffers' sudden death syndrome. That has not been even mentioned in our literature so far, but in practice we have also met often this tragic end of the younge solvents takers.


[Medical manuscripts at the Oriental Institute in Sarajevo].

The Manuscript Collection of the Oriental institute was one of the richest collections of Oriental manuscripts on the Balkans. Among numerous manuscript from different fields, the field of medicine and the disciplines related to it contained 101 papers, out of which 61 were from the field of medicine, 13 from pharmacology, 19 from hygiene and 5 papers from the field of sexology. Those manuscripts were written over centuries in the wide areas of the East to serve as life manuals for the people all over the world. None of those medical manuscripts from that collection was preserved after a barbaric setting fire on the Oriental Institute. That is why this memory of the manuscripts that do not exist any more should serve as memento for future generations.


[The dynamics of the microbiocenosis in the burrows of the little suslik].

Microbiocoenoses being formed in burrows of little souslik have been investigated. Microbiocoenoses of sloping burrows have most simple organization. Comparative analysis of the fauna and functional structure, conducted during the spring-summer period, has not shown the existence of any directed process in the development of microbiocoenoses of sloping burrows. On the contrary, microbiocoenoses of vertical nest burrows can be regarded as biocoenotic systems dynamic in space and time. Here in the period of rodent's vital activity occurs a constant construction of underground passages and periodical change of nests. In this case the fauna of new nests is formed largely at the expense of migration of nidicols along free or obstructed with loose earth underground horizontal passages. Microbiocoenoses in burrows of different types are not connected between each other by morphoprocess and their development is of independent character.


[Plant smells---important determinants in the behavior and rate of development of ixodid disease vectors].

Experiments with nymphs of Ixodes persulcatus and Dermacentor marginatus have shown that the rate and degree of engorgement, dropping off from the mouse, metamorphosis longevity and weight of emerging imagoes change under plant odour influence. The influence of acetone extract vapours of pepper, poplar buds, linden and aspen was tested. Under the influence of the vapour, acting as an attractant for the adults, engorgement weight of their nymphs and the weight of imagoes emerging from them increased; attractants change the nymph-imago metamorphosis duration as well. Repellent acting odours, as a rule, produce an opposite reaction. The phenomenon of the inversion of the infected D. marginatus reaction to the odour is proved in nymphs. Attractant for naive adult ticks (poplar buds) increased the time of feeding and weight of nymphs in comparison with the control. Just the opposite: nymphs infected with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus produce an opposite reaction--weight decrease under influence of poplar buds as the repellent. Importance of the above phenomena for the ticks distribution and TBE epizootiology is discussed.


[Occupational hygiene in industrial assembly work].

Data on occupational hygienic characteristics of industrial-assembly work are reported, which have not been subject upto now to such studies. Complex hygienic evaluation of the basic physical and chemical factors of the working environment is performed as well as physiological and ergonomic characteristics of the principle professional groups, analysis of the occupational diseases and diseases with temporary disability and clinic and laboratory examinations on the workers. The following peculiarities of occupational hygienic aspect are established: 1. dynamic and multiform professional itinerary of the industrial-installing workers; 2. large variability in the characteristics of the physical and chemical factors of the working environment, most frequently surpassing the admissible norms and requirements, as well as the duration of exposure to them; 3. considerable working engagement (from 63 to 78% operation time), connected with heavy physical loading (dynamic and static), exceptionally unfavourable, compulsory and fixed working posture, possibilities of prolonged working day, high rate of involvement of the psychomotor sphere, analyzers and attention, great professional responsibility and nervous and emotional stress; 4. occupational and general morbidity of workers, adequate to the already established by the authors occupational noxa--acute poisoning with smoking gases, injury of the hearing, diseases as a result of overpressure of the locomotor apparatus and the nervous system.


[An experimental evaluation of the acute and chronic oral toxicity of the antibiotic Bactericin for plant protection].

In relation to the future implementation of the antibiotic bactericin in agriculture are carried out acute, subacute and chronic oral experiments on 128 male white rats and 88 female. In order to determine the parameters of acute oral toxicity, doses (200, 120, 80, 60, 50, 40 mg/kg) of the preparation dissolved in polyethylene glycol are applied. In the subacute--1/10 and 1/20 LD50, and in the chronic (four months)--1/50 and 1/100 LD50. The bactericin, meant for treatment of tomatoes before sowing, in rate of acute oral toxicity falls in class II of very toxic pesticides. The acute oral LD50 for male white rats is 73.0 (48.6-109.5) mg/kg-1 and for female--58.0 (39.9-84.0) mg/kg-1. In conditions of subacute (30 oral applications for 45 days) and chronic (four months) experiments no cumulative properties are proved as well as hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic and neurotoxic effect. On the basis of the complex study could be accepted, that the dose 1/100 LD50 (0.7 mg/kg-1) for male rats and 0.4 mg/kg-1 for female) is not active at chronic oral introduction.


[The origin of parasitism in trombiculid mites (Acariformes: Trombiculidae)].

On the basis of literary data and original investigations some phylogenetic, ecological and morphological aspects of the origin of parasitism in trombiculid mites are carefully considered for the first time. It is shown that parasitism in this group of trombidiform mites is a relatively young historical phenomenon and was formed after their ontogenesis had differentiated into active and quiescent stages. Therefore, in the life pattern of trombiculid mites the character of individual development, that defines their biotopical restriction, is much more important than the phase parasitism. Primitive organization of the digestive system and extraintestinal digestion, so characteristic of this group, are one of the main reasons of the origin of their parasitism. Under pasture conditions trombiculid mites, that initially were predators-entomophages with bite-sucking mouth parts, pass easily to parasitism on vertebrate animals and become primary lymphophages. They use the vertebrate host's organism exclusively as a source of food and by the extent of polyphagia are very close to free-living blood-sucking insects. Stylostome, that develops during feeding of trombiculid larvae and some other closely related groups of trombidiform mites, is a universal structure for achieving a large amount of food on a wide range of animals during a relatively short period of time and reflects wide host-parasite specificity of these parasitic mites. From the historical view the larvae of trombiculid mites did not pass from one group of hosts to the others, but owing to morphological preadaptation to parasitism passed in a definite historical period, not earlier than Paleogene, to parasitism on all classes of terrestrial vertebrates, especially on mammals, their primary hosts.


[The ontogenetic variability of the morphometric traits of 2 species of ixodid ticks in the genus Rhipicephalus].

Variability of 10 morphometric characters at all phases was investigated on laboratory cultures of R. turanicus and R. bursa. It has been shown that variability increases from phase to phase. R. turanicus nymphs of both sexes differ in the length of gnathostoma and length of the 1st tarsus. In nymphs of R. bursa sexual dimorphism manifests itself on 8 characters, in all cases sizes of organs are greater in female nymphs. Besides, engorged female nymphs are reliably greater than male ones in length and mass of the body. Mature females and males of R. bursa also reliably differ in the total body length as well as in sizes of all examined structures. Females and males of R. turanicus do not differ in body length but differ in 9 other morphometric characters. Correlation analysis of characters was carried out individually for each phase and sex. Correlation coefficient between characters are most low in larvae. In R. turanicus male and female nymphs the coefficients are close. In R. bursa female nymphs correlation coefficients are noticeably lower than in male ones. The level of independence of characters in female nymphs defines the degree of manifestation of sexual dimorphism at this phase: the closer the links between characters, the lesser the number of characters revealing sexual differences. Coefficients of correlation of characters coincide in males of both species. In females of R. turanicus they are lower than in males that determines the strengthening of sexual dimorphism at the phase of imago.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[An evaluation of the genotoxicity activity of the microbial preparation bulmoscide].

The genotoxic activity of the microbial preparation bulmoscid "in vivo" for somatic cells of mammals is studied by micronucleus method in marrow of mice. The experiments are performed on inbred mice C57BL6 of both sexes at unrepeated oral introduction of the preparation in two doses: 2200 mg/kg-1 (2.64.10(10) cells kg-1), and 1100 mg/kg-1 (1.32.10(10) cells kg-1) presenting 80% and respectively 40% of the unrepeated maximum tolerable dose of "Bulmoscid" for mice (2750 mg/kg-1). The genotoxic index, frequency of micronuclear polychromatophilic erythrocytes (MPE) in marrow is determined in dynamics on the 24, 48 and 72 hour after the introduction of the preparation. The data of the performed cytogenetic analysis in marrow of C57BL6 mice of both sexes point out that the preparation "Bulmoscid" possesses no clastogenic activity for mammals. The data received are extrapolated also in direction of absence of genotoxic potential for germinative cells.


[Soluble metabolic antigens of Trichinella spiralis: their isolation and characteristics].

Cultivation of Trichinella muscular larvae, purified by centrifugation in 20 ... 50% saccharose density gradient, in protein--free nutrient media at a dosage of 3.5-.10(3) lar./ml in the presence of insulin has made it possible to obtain a soluble antigen of Trichinella. It has been shown by means of electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel that the soluble (secretory-excretory) antigen has three protein fractions while the somatic Trichinella antigen has 18 fractions. It has been shown that the soluble (secretory-excretory) antigen can be used for immobilization of erythrocytes on the surface that enables the sensitivity and specificity of serological methods for diagnosis of trichinellosis to be increased.


[The acute toxicity of the microbial preparation bulmoscide].

The acute toxicity of a new Bulgarian microbial preparation bulmoscid on the basis of Bacillus thuringiensis H-14 in the conditions of oral, dermal, inhalation and intraperitoneal introduction in experimental animals is determined. The assessment of toxicity is made by using toxicometric, integral, hematologic, histologic and microbiologic methods in accordance with Bulgarian and international criteria and standards. It is established, that the preparation bulmoscid introduced orally in dose 5500 mg.kg-1 (6.6.10(10) cell kg-1), applied dermally in dose 6000 mg/kg-1 (7.2.10(10) cells kg-1) and in concentrations 18 mg.m-3 (2.2.10(8) cells m-3) for 14 day inhalation exposure, provokes no lethal exit and symptoms of intoxication and leads to no changes in the integral, hematologic and histologic investigations on experimental animals. The preparation belongs to the practically nontoxic substances. The studies of the acute toxicity show, that the microbial preparation bulmoscid offers no danger for appearing of oral, dermal and inhalation poisonings when observing the regulations for its production and use.


[The hematological and biochemical changes in workers exposed to benzol].

The study embraces 122 workers from two productions, where the leading chemical noxious in the working environment is benzol. The workers are distributed in groups according to the calculated index of exposure in view of looking for dependence dose-effect. Routine indices of peripheral blood are examined as well as the activity of myeloperoxidase and alkaline phosphatase in leucocytes. An organ-orientated screening, most frequently used for assessing the state of the liver was used. In a large group of workers (mainly from those with high index of exposure) are established early changes in leucocytes: neutropenia, toxic granules, strongly inhibited alkaline phosphatase in the granulocytes and tendency to leukopenia. It was confirmed, that the strongly inhibited alkaline phosphatase, find, which is established also in other workers with benzol exposure, is an early sign for myelotoxic effect of benzol. The biochemical study of workers gives no data for deviations in the functional status of the liver. Single changes in the indices are found characterizing lipid metabolism in workers from Ist risk group of both productions.


[The effect of elevated amounts of ascorbic acid on the status of the vitamin and lung disorders in guinea pigs inhaling styrene].

An inhalation intoxication with styrene is performed on guinea pigs--600 mg.m-3, 5 hrs daily, 5 days weekly for a period of 4 weeks. The animals are put on regime lacking vitamin C. Ascorbic acid is introduced orally on 3 levels: 20 mg.kg-1 body mass (control) and with increased quantities 60 mg.kg-1 and 240 mg.kg-1 body mass. On the third day the content of ascorbic acid in some biochemical parameters of the lung is determined. Histochemical examinations of the lung tissue are made. The styrene causes decrease in the ascorbic acid content in the lung, considerable increase of the studied enzymes (lactate- and glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase, alkaline and acidic phosphatase) and the concentration of the total protein in the lung. There are inflammatory, dystrophic and obturation changes. The raised intake of ascorbic acid 60 mg.kg-1 body mass doesn't effect the negative influence of styrene. The high dose (240 mg.kg-1 body mass) provokes increased activity of the examined enzymes. At inhalation with styrene this dose of ascorbic acid increases the styrene effect on the enzyme activity, especially of LDH and glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase, without invigorating the pathomorphological disturbances in the lung.


[A new species of Blastocystis anseri (Protista: Rhizopoda) from domestic geese].

A new species, Blastocystis anseri, was found in domestic goose. Sizes of blastocyst in culture are 7.5-46.2 x 7.5-46.2 m. Method of cultivation of Blastocystis anseri on biphase egg medium was worked out. Liquid phase can be made of Hank's solution or 199 medium with an addition of 30-40% hen or bovine serum. Optimum temperature for cultivation is 39 +/- 0.5 degree, ph 7.0-7.2.


[Changes in the activity of mixed-function oxidases in workers in an artificial silk plant].

The carbon sulfide effect on the oxidase mixed function activity (OMF) is studied in 172 workers from plant producing artificial silk, distributed in 5 groups, according to index of exposure, defining the strength and duration of the toxic effect. The OMF activity is evaluated by giving aminopyrine and determining its metabolites in urine. The exposure to carbon sulfide effects the OMF activity. It is expressed by inhibition of OMF, manifested most frequently in quality controllers and transporters (31%) and heads of shift and section foremen (25%). In the remaining groups the OMF inhibition, estimated after the first aminopyrine metabolite, varies from 16% to 21%. Even more significant are the changes in the excretion of the second metabolite, where the deviation of the referent values reaches 56% for IInd group, 55% in IIIrd group and 45% in Ist group.


[Atmospheric pollution in the city of Ruse and its effect on the health of the population].

The atmospheric air pollution in the town of Ruse and the related with that changes in the health status of the population has been studied. As a result of the transference from Giurgiu (Romania) hydrogen chloride pollution is observed. Immediate changes in the morbidity of respiratory diseases is determined on the days of pollution. There is also a durable tendency for deterioration of the health status of children and adults, as well as lag behind in the physical development of schoolchildren and aggravated functional lung indices.


[Toxicokinetic exposure tests for chromium].

In cases of occupational exposure to chromium, very often in the organism enters increased quantitatively or six-valent form of metal, possessing high toxicity, cancerogenic and allergenic effect. Concentrations of the element in urine (CrY), erythrocytes (CrE) and nails (CrH) are chosen as suitable tests for evaluation of the exposure. The studies are performed on 151 exposed and controlled persons. The results received are assessed in view of their accuracy and application for biological control. CrY is appropriate test for evaluation of the near in time exposure. CrH detects the cases of occupational CrH--of increased exposure and deficit. On the basis of the proved dependences dose (CrB)--effect (CrY, CrE, CrH) in exposed workers are recommended BMAC (MAC for Cr = 0.02 mg/m3): CrY-2.3 micrograms/l, CrE-3.6 micrograms/l CrH-2.2 micrograms/g.


[A hygienic study of new fabrics and models for ordinary work clothing for healthy workers].

Of the basis of literature information for the experience of other countries, data from the Institute of Hygiene and Occupational Health on the hygiene of textile materials and clothes, results from inquiry and additionally performed investigations new work-clothes for health workers are proposed, which have good hygiene and exploitation properties and suitable functioning.


[Lipid and mineral metabolism and morbidity with temporary loss of work capacity in miners].

Examination is performed on 87 miners from mine for copper production subject to intensive local vibrations with average rate of increase (K) of the norms for the individual octave frequencies 2.4 times for 3 h exposure of the working shift, as well as to intensive noise--113-115 dB/A equivalent level, general dust--23 mg/m3, fine dust--3.5 mg/m3 and fine quartz--0.43 mg/m3. There are data for vibration effect--changes in the cold test, vibration sensoriness, ultra sound sonometry, in all miners. In a significant part of them are established dyslipoproteinemia--increase of triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, values beyond reference (mainly above the norm) of 10 electrolytes and microelements in blood serum (blood). An extremely high prevalence of the cases and the days of total morbidity with temporary disability (respectively 189.7 and 2935 per 100), with predominance in its structure of diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems, hypertension disease, etc. The importance of vibrations for disorder in the metabolic processes in the organism and development of temporary diseases are underlined.


[Morbidity with temporary loss of work capacity in the workers of the Belmeken-Sestrimo hydroelectric cascade].

The present work presents the results from the analysis on the morbidity with temporary disability from cascade "Belmeken-Sestrimo" (n = 94, men 73, women 21). By means of personnel method are studied the cases of morbidity with temporary disability and defined the basic and enlarged number of indices, analysed in sex, age, length of service, nosological structure and dynamics for a period of 3 years (1987-1989) for the 3 sites of hydroelectric cascade "Belmeken-Sestrimo", water-power station "Momina Klisura", hydroelectric station "Sestrimo" and water-power station "Belmeken". The results point out to low and average levels of morbidity with temporary disability, with traditional arrangement of their nosological affiliations (diseases of the upper respiratory ways, cardio-vascular system, nervous system etc.). The relative part of "frequently and long suffering persons" is low, but to this group as potential source for increase of the level, structure and dynamics of morbidity with temporary disability is necessary to apply purposeful undertakings.


[A clinical observation of vinyl chloride-induced disease].

Analysis is performed on the observed clinical picture of vinyl-chloride disease in 12 persons, developed at concentrations of toxic substance about MAC after exposure from 5 to 34 years. After enlarged clinical test on individual organs and systems the authors establish that the most frequent result of chronic poisoning with vinyl-chloride is the combination of peripheral neurovegetative symptoms with toxic hepatitis on the background of neurosis-similar (astheno-vegetative) manifestations. In the cases, observed by the authors, the poisoning takes a light course affecting the neurovegetative structures and prevailing of the vegetovasal forms of polyneuropathy ending with Raynaud-similar syndrome, or affecting the distal parts of the peripheral nerves with early electromyographic find. The Raynaud-similar syndrome and the bone changes ad specificity to the clinical picture, but are not constant manifestation of poisoning and can be developed at more continuous occupational exposure. The authors propose a discussion on the legality of the appelation vinyl-chloride disease in the cases, when not all classical clinic symptoms are present.


[The interaction between lead, cadmium and essential trace elements (an experimental study)].

An experimental study is performed on 120 white male Wistar rats with average weight 180-210 g. The animals are distributed in 4 groups. I group--control; II group--animals treated with aqua solution of cadmium sulphate; III group--animals treated with aqua solution of cadmium sulphate and lead acetate simultaneously and IV group--animals treated with aqua solution of lead acetate. The toxic substances are introduced per oral in dose 1/40 of LD50 and for a period of 90 days. The animals are killed by decapitation on the 2, 4, 15, 30 and 90th day from the beginning of treatment. An increased content of cadmium in blood, urine and liver is registered in II and III group of animals, and of lead--in III and IV group animals. The zinc content in liver in group II is increased in comparison with the control group, while in group III and IV remains unchanged. The concentration of zinc in blood in animals from II and III group is increased. There is no deviation in group IV. The copper content in liver is decreased in II, III and IV group. There are no significant deviations in the content of copper in the blood of the examined groups of animals. The level of manganese in liver in II, III and IV group of animals is reduced. No changes in the content of manganese in blood are registered in the examined groups animals.


[Toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic indices in persons exposed to lead and manganese].

Subject to examination are 161 workers (118 men and 43 women) in professional contact with manganese and lead of the agglomeration production of Kremikovtsi. A complex of toxicokinetic (content of manganese in blood, urine and hair) and toxicodynamic indices is applied. Increased levels of manganese are established in the examined biological media. No plumbemia above 2.88 mumol/l is registered. The excretion of 5-amino-levulinic acid in urine is increased at a low rate. There are no considerable deviations in the clinic and chemical indices.


[Toxic lesions in workers in the pharmaceutical industry].

Clinical studies are performed on 15 workers from the chemical and pharmaceutic plant "Stanke Dimitrov". Seven of the workers are with acute poisoning from aniline and phenylhydrazine, and eight are exposed to a chronic combined effect of a large group of organic solvents. The clinic and laboratory examinations aim at clarifying the liver and kidney functions, the state of the blood and nervous systems. The tests embrace also blood test morphology and osmotic resistance of erythrocytes, iron, correlation of haemoglobin types, electrolytes, transaminase, GGTP, lipid metabolism, iron-binding capacity. Moderately increased transaminase activity is found in 2/3 of the examined. In four of the workers is registered expressed anaemic and lung syndrome. The following diagnoses are accepted: chronic combined effect of organic solvents--in 3 workers; chronic poisoning with aniline and other solvents--in 1; toxic hepatitis--in 4, with no data for poisoning--in 7. The leading clinical syndromes in acute and chronic combined effect of organic solvents are discussed.


[The incidence of paraprofessional diseases in employees of the Research Institute of Ferrous Metallurgy in Kremikovtsi].

The health status of 200 workers from the Institute for Ferrous Metallurgy is studied in view of the harmful effect of the unfavourable factors of the working environment (noise, microclimate, toxic aerosols, gases and vapours). Internal examinations are also performed. A number of laboratory indices are determined in order to assess the liver and kidney functions. A complete blood test and lipid metabolism are examined. Lead and manganese are determined in blood by atomic-absorption spectrophotometry. In 23.5% of the examined are established data for arterial hypertension; with diseases of the gastric-intestinal tract are 22%. The influence of the toxic aerosols and the nervous and psychic loading of the examined workers on the higher prevalence of the paraoccupational diseases are discussed.


[The effect of atmospheric pollution in the city of Srednogorie on the health of the population].

The town of Srednogorie is one of the ecologically endangered districts of Bulgaria because of environmental pollution by the copper works. The morbidity of the population is studied in relation to the atmospheric air pollution. Basic pollutants are: sulphuric compounds (sulphur dioxide and sulphuric acid) and to a lower rate--lead and arsenic. The tendencies of air pollution are favourable, save lead pollution, the concentration of which increases during the last years. The structure of the morbidity of the population point out that there is an increase of the relative part of diseases, which could be related to the systematic effect of heavy metals and arsenic (malignant neoplasms, diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular system, diseases of the kidney). More frequently are observed acute and chronic cases of diseases of the respiratory tract.


[The hygienic assessment of the organization of the vocational study practice of students training for the job of power-generating unit operator].

The study is carried out with schoolchildren from the educative and industrial complex of energetics (two classes with total 60 students) at the age of 17-18, from the Technical College of Energetics "V. Pick"--Sofia. They are trained for the profession "operator on power aggregates". The investigation is performed during the educative and industrial practice of the students in the Heat Power Station "Tr. Kostov" and the Heat Power Station "Sofia", as well as in the training shop of the technical college. Studies are made on: the functional adaptation of the organism through the reactivity of the CNS, some analysers, the cardiovascular system and the sympathetic-adrenal system, haemopoiesis; the factors of the educative and industrial environment; working/professional maturity of the students; health status of the adolescents. The results of the examination show low effectiveness of the education and industrial training in the Heat power station or low daily and annual exposure, leading to monotony, hypodynamia especially when working in second shift. It is recommended the education and industrial practice in the secondary special schools and technical colleges to be carried out in training shops, educative and industrial workshops and at standardization of the environmental factors and organization of rational regime of work and rest.


[The readiness of the young teacher for the job].

The study aims at studying the professional readiness of the young teachers concerning their psychic state. It includes subjective-individual determinants--attitude to the profession, professional choice and steadiness, professional skills and satisfaction. The investigation is part of a broad complex study. The method used is directed first of all to self-estimation of the teacher concerning the structural system of the pedagogic activity which embraces supplementary questionnaire, revealing the motivation side of the scales for self-estimation. The subject of the examination are teachers from primary schools with length of service one to five years--time for completing their adaptation to the profession. The investigation includes 40 teachers from the cities of Sofia and Burgas. A general conclusion could be made, that there is professional readiness of the young teacher to be up to the requirements. His/her self-estimation corresponds to the adaptive behaviour and the choice of profession has a considerable effect on the professional steadiness. The general low satisfaction is not a sign for dysadaptation, but this low level presupposes lack of stimuli for personal development and perfection.


[The effect of living conditions in a student town in Sofia on mental illness morbidity].

The effect of the factors of the living environment on the health and more specifically on the psychic health of young people is multi-indicated and essential. The present profound investigation of the psychic morbidity of the students in Sofia during 1986/1987 according to data of the dispensary registration at the student polyclinic shows reliably higher values in students living in the student's town, especially in those of male sex. These higher values are due first of all to the diseases with leading psychic and social factors in the etiology. In spite of the possible contribution of "paranosological" factors, the effect of the unfavourable psycho-social factors result of the conditions of life in the student's town, according to our opinion, is essential.


[The nutritional characteristics and the eating regimen of students].

A study is performed on the state of the daily nutrition of 82 students (40 men and 42 women). There are considerable deviations from the requirements for rational nutrition in both groups. The input of energy in men (2748 kcal) (11.5 MJ) responds to the physiological norm, while in women it is insufficient (1907 kcal) (7.97 MJ). The balance of the basic nutritive substances is disturbed. The relative part of the energy of proteins is an average 12.8%, of fats--43.5% and of carbohydrates--43.8%. The ratio calcium-phosphorus is 1:1.8 in men and 1:1.7 in women. The deficit of vitamins from group B and especially from group C is significant. The index for consistency of nourishing nutrients used by the authors gives possibility for evaluating the qualitative side of nutrition on different energy levels. It is of special importance in the low energy regimen of nutrition. Recommendation is given for further investigations of nutrition and the health status of students in the specific conditions in our country at present.


[The health aspects of the ecological problem in Bulgaria--the territorial settlement characteristics].

In the conditions of denaturated natural environment, quite complicated ecological conditions and constant deterioration of the health and demographic status, the material represents: a new methodical approach for assessing the interaction "environment-health", giving a picture of its multifactor stimulation; the basic features of the characteristics of the local health and demographic potential of the population of Bulgaria in territorial settlement aspect and underlined the negative tendencies and their changes, observed in dynamics; backed with arguments necessity for introduction of health and demographic criteria and conducting a policy for determination of the ecological risk and solving the problems, related to the evaluation and promotion of the environmental settlements conditions. Without formulation and introduction of criteria there will be no result in the ecological development of the environment of settlements, for they will make possible the evaluation and control of the effectiveness at taking into consideration the health interest of the population.


[The evaluation of the nitrate content in river waters].

The present work gives the possibility to quality the waters of Maritsa, Iskŭr, Danube, Struma, Ogosta, Yantra and Tundzha rivers according to nitrate index, on the basis of monthly investigations for a period of 10 years, after the Unified national system. The rich content of the results and the sufficient period of time give grounds to calculate and draw the direction and rate of the tendency in the nitrate content changes, for this period, for the separate rivers--favourable for Struma, Iskŭr and Danube; with no changes for Ogosta and Yantra; pessimistic for Tundzha.


[Changes in the thyroid and other internal organs of experimental animals exposed to a drinking regimen with a high nitrate content].

A 3-month experiment was carried out with 24 sexually mature white male rats, approximately the same age, "Wistar" breed, distributed in control and experimental groups, each of 12 rats. The experimental group received "ad libitum" drinking water with average nitrate content 104.3 +/- 2.5 mg/l, and the control group--drinking water with nitrate content 12.0 +/- 2.0 mg/l. Both groups received standard food special After the expire of the experimental time the animals were killed and some organs--thyroid gland, liver, kidneys, spleen and brain were macro- and microscopically examined. There were microscopic changes in the thyroid gland of the experimental group of animals, expressed in thyroid activity with rearrangement of the colloid and formation of vacuoles in the periphery of the folliculi. In the liver and kidneys parenchymatous granular dystrophy was observed.


[The effect of chronic combined exposure to nickel and lead on the enzymatic indices in body uptake with the drinking water].

A toxicological experiment on white male rats was carried out for one year. They received simultaneously per os nickel in doses 0.005 mg/kg and lead in doses 0.0025 mg/kg, equivalent respectively to the recommended by CMEA norms for nickel and hygienic norm for lead in drinking waters, as well as nickel and lead in doses 0.015 and 0.01 mg/kg, 0.015 and 0.1 mg/kg surpassing 3 and 4 times and 30 and 40 times the above mentioned norms or only nickel in doses 0.015 mg/kg, after which their effect on some enzyme indices was studied. Tests were made on: free sulfhydryl groups in blood serum, heart and liver; catalase activity of blood; cholinesterase activity and creatinphosphatase in blood serum; cytochromoxidase activity in liver and heart. It is established that in combined per os effect of nickel and lead in doses respectively 0.15 and 0.1 mg/kg and 0.015 and 0.01 mg/kg, as well as during independent effect of nickel with doses 0.015 mg/kg, occur disorders in the tissue breathing and oxyreduction processes. Nickel and lead in doses, equivalent to the hygienic norms, lead to no changes according to all studied indices.


[Changes in the pulse variability of operators on a 12-hour work shift regimen].

Studies are carried out on 51 workers from the state works "D. Dimov"--Yambol on the changes of the pulse variability in the course of 12-hour day and night shift work and subjective evaluation of the psychosomatic complaints, in view of assessment the work load and strain. This investigation is performed because the workers have lodged a complaint against the introduction of 12-hour shift regime of work. It is done twice--during the day and during the night shift. No changes giving indication for considerable over pressure of the physiological systems and decrease of the working capacity have been established during the working process. The conclusion is that this type of working activity--12-hour shift schedule endangers neither the health status of the workers, nor the security and reliability of the system "man-machine-environment" therefore its introduction is not in contradiction to the physiologically well-grounded norms for the organization of the working process.


[The assessment of the general functional status and of the psychosomatic complaints of workers at hydroelectric power plants].

Evaluation of the general functional status and psychosomatic complaints of 61 workers from the hydroelectric power stations is made. The following methods are used: 1. Assessment of the general functional state, by means of computer analysis of the cardiac variability, analysing the changes in the values of the following indices: average value of the cardiac intervals (X), their standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), amplitude of the mode (AMO), index of stress (IS), index of the vegetative balance (IVB), homeostatic index (HI). The last 3 indices serve for determination of the complex evaluation of chronic fatigue and work adaptation (ChFWA). 2. Evaluation of the psychosomatic complaints, by the use of a questionnaire for the subjective psychosomatic complaints. 3. Studying the systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The average values received in workers from HPS were compared with the average values of the population of the country and with the average values of a similar working activity of a group of operators from the thermal power station HPS. In conclusion it could be noted that concerning ChFWA the received values in workers from HPS are not more unfavourable generalized values from that measured in workers, occupied with similar type of work in other industrial branches of the country. However, they are with more unfavourable data in comparison with the workers from HPS. The subjective evaluation of the operators concerning their psychic and body health status is moderately worse, both in comparison with the values of the index for the country, and in comparison with those of the operators from HPS.


[Changes in the auditory threshold of workers exposed to the combined action of noise and local vibrations].

Study is performed on the effect of noise and local vibrations during a combined effect and independently on the auditory threshold for 4 kHz. The audiometric data of 1242 workers from the textile industry, coal- and ore production are analysed. On the basis of precise assessment of the noise level and occupational exposure to noise and local vibrations are formed 4 groups: exposed to independent noise effect with intensity 90 and 100 db (spinners and dressmakers); exposed to combined effect of noise (91 and 103 db) and local vibrations, surpassing the maximum admissible norms respectively 2.5 and 3.5 times (miners of coal- and ore production). In view of the occupational exposure and standardization concerning age and length of service the audiograms of 248 persons are examined. The following is established: different rate of increase of the auditory threshold for 4 kHz depending on the intensity of the factors noise and local vibrations in conditions of independent and combined effect: positive correlation with the length of service in the changes of the auditory sensoriness; dynamics in the increase of the auditory threshold for 4 KHz.


[An automated system for the collective protection from harmful exposure to the Veneta superhigh-frequency electromagnetic field of military units and the civilian population].

In the up-to-date exploitation of electromagnetic field generators more and more clearly stands out the problem for radiation protection of people from the biological effect of microwave radiation. In order to solve this problem an automatized system is developed, with the purpose to define according to numerical methods the areas of standardized radiation, where the stay depends on the exposure. On the basis of the developed product are statistical data of the values of the ionized radiation parameters and the algorithm for radiation and hygienic guarantee the exploitation of products emitting superhigh frequency magnetic fields, the average power and strength of the energy flow of which are determined by the impulse power of radiation and measurement in the so called "free area". The system is a first stage for group protection from superhigh frequency electromagnetic field, which afterwards to be approbated by means of apparatus dosimetric examinations.


[Body thermal status under low-temperature conditions in brewing production].

The purpose of the present study is to trace the thermal state of workers exposed to low temperatures in brewery production, establishing the heat loss and the stress of thermoregulation. The investigations are performed in the departments for fermentation, deposit, cask washing and filling of 3 brewery plants. In order to characterize the microclimate methods of thermometry, psychometry and catathermometry are used. The heat state is controlled by methods of subjective heat perception, skin temperature, average skin temperature, temperature gradients, oral, rectal and average body temperature and the thermal content. The results of the physiological examinations point out to significant loss, which affects not only the periphery but also the deep tissues. There is an expressed risk of supercooling of the organism. The data of the heat deficit impose a correction of the working clothes and limitation of the exposure.


[Endoscopic study of the uterine cavity. Diagnostic and therapeutic hysteroscopy. I. General aspects].

We present our experience in the first 236 hysteroscopic procedures in Pontificia Universidad Católica of Chile. 219 were performed as part of infertility study and 17 were performed for other reasons. The surgical technique, type of anesthesia, distension procedures and complications are described. The correlation between hysterosalpingographic diagnosis and endoscopic vision is established. The preoperative diagnosis was confirmed in 82% of the uterine cavity synechiae, 72% of the cervical synechiae, 67% of polyps and/or myomas, and in 100% of uterine malformations. Myomas and/or polyps were found in 12% of normal appearing hysterosalpingograms.


[Endoscopic study of the uterine cavity. II. Hysteroscopy in uterine adhesions].

The hysteroscopic study and treatment of 136 infertile patients with synechiae of the uterine cavity and/or cervix is presented. The preoperative diagnosis was established by hysterosalpingography. The correlation between the diagnosis by hysterosalpingography and hysteroscopy was 72% for synechiae of the cervix; 73% for mild synechiae; 83.3% for moderate synechiae and 75% for severe synechiae of the uterine cavity. All findings of synechiae were treated hysteroscopically. The history of abortion and puerperal infection were among the most commonly found amnestic data related to the genesis of synechiae. The pregnancy rate was 70%, and 87.5% delivered term pregnancies in patients who did not have other associated factors of infertility.


[An intraoperative anatomicopathological study of myometrial penetration in endometrial cancer: its usefulness in making decisions on extending the primary surgical treatment].

The accuracy of frozen section biopsy was evaluated determining the deep of myometrial invasion in 30 samples of hysterectomies performed because of endometrial cancer. Results were compared with the definitive biopsy. Two sections were performed guided by the site of largest lesion seen when the uterus was sectioned in a frontal plane. The diagnosis of myometrial invasion was well determined in 29 cases with a 96.6% of accuracy. We conclude that frozen section is an exact and low cost method to determine intraoperatively, deep of myometrial invasion. This method helps the surgeon to decide the extent of surgery, specially if lymphadenectomy is necessary, during staging laparotomy.


[Endometrial carcinoma. The experience of the Hospital San Juan de Dios].

Since april 1957 to april 1986, the Gynecologic Oncologic Unit of San Juan de Dios Hospital, Santiago, registered 255 cases of endometrial carcinoma. 48 cases where clinically etapified because of no previous pelviabdominal surgical exploration in: Stage I: 27 cases (56.3%); II: 6 (12.5%); III: 7 (14.6%); IV: 1 (2.1%). The remainder 207 cases were surgically etapified: I: 155 cases (74.9%); II: 10 (4.83%); III: 31 (14.92%) and IV: 11 cases (5.32%). Fourteen patients of the first group and 2 of the second one received palliative therapy. Primary therapy was performed with curative intention in 237 cases (34 clinically etapified and 203 surgically etapified). Stage I: 181 cases (76.37%), (26 clinical, 155 surgical); Stage II: 16 (4.92%). (6.10); Stage III: 31 (14.33%), (2.29) and Stage IV: 9 cases (4.4%), (0 + 9). Four different kinds of therapies were performed: A: only surgery in 153 cases (65%); B: surgery plus radiation in 49 (21%); C: radiation plus surgery in 20 cases (8.44%) and D: only radiation in: 15 cases (6.33%). Five years survival with no evidence of disease (SNFD) in 116 cases (70.04% of the 237 patients), and 58 cases (24.47%) died by endometrial cancer; 11 (4.64%) by intercurrent disease and 2 (0.84%) were lost from follow up. Survivor's distribution was: Stage I: 140 (77.34%); II: 12 (75%); III: 14 (45.16%). Five years survival according to therapy: A: 114 (74.51%); B: 36 (73.5%; C: 15 (75%); D: 1 (8.66%). In Stage I distribution of survivor was: A: 83.1%; B: 74.2%; C: 81.25%; and D: 10%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[Percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty during pregnancy].

The mitral valve stenosis is the most frequently valvuloplasty in pregnant patients. When it carries a significant risk of mortality for both mother and fetus, it can be performed a surgical commissurotomy, with a high risk for the fetus. We report our experience in percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty (PMV) in 3 patients during the third trimester of pregnancy with severe mitral stenosis. In this cases, we performed PMV in NYHA (New York Heart Association) CF III patients refractory to medical treatment. We used the transseptal double balloon technique protecting the abdominal wall using a lead apron. The mitral areas increased from 1 to 2 cm2, without a significant development of mitral regurgitation. In all cases, the infants delivered at term without complications and with normal weight. The PMV arise like an ideal intervention for the treatment of mitral stenosis during pregnancy.


[Insulinoma and pregnancy. A clinical case].

A case of pregnancy and insulinoma is presented. The diagnosis was confirmed by surgery and histopathology repeated episodes of hypoglycemia was the main clinical manifestation. The pregnancy ended, by cesarean section. A female was born of 2.890 g, and evolutioned in good conditions.


[The imperforate hymen. A clinical case].

A clinical case of imperforate hymen is presented. The echography rule is emphasized.


Positive control of gene expression in procaryotes.

In procaryotes three types of control network are involved with the regulation of gene expression: global control networks, operon/single gene specific regulation and temporal control systems. The mechanisms used for positive control include the use of new components of the transcription apparatus such as new RNA polymerases and sigma factors, the use of activator proteins and the use of transcription antitermination systems. For the second two mechanisms, secondary negative control systems may also operate to regulate the activity of activator proteins and transcription antitermination factors. Thus, only very rarely is regulation achieved by just a simple positive control system. Positive control circuits allow tight regulation of gene expression that is fail-safe, in that most mutant changes will lead to the system becoming non-inducible rather than lead to constitutive gene expression.


Monoclonal antibodies: harnessing the potential.

Antibody molecules help fulfil the mandate of the mammalian immune system to discriminate between the body's own proteins and the foreign antigens of infectious agents. The exquisite specificity they exhibit for their target molecules has lent itself to exploitation both in the laboratory and clinical medicine. Nevertheless, the early reliance on polyclonal antisera as a source of antibodies, has highlighted problems of homogeneity and reproducibility between immunizations. The advent of monoclonal antibodies displaying a single predefined specificity has, therefore, revolutionised many areas of the biomedical sciences. Eighteen years after their first description, it is, however, pertinent to ask whether monoclonal antibodies have yet fulfilled their true potential.


Pattern and control in bacterial colony development.

As we learn more about bacterial life in the laboratory and in nature, we increasingly appreciate that they are highly sensitive and sophisticated organisms. One of the principal new insights has been the appreciation that bacteria are interactive and form organized, differentiated multicellular communities. Colonies produced on laboratory media by the standard research bacterium, Escherichia coli, are excellent examples. The organization of these colonies can be visualized in the microscope, by macrophotography, and by the use of special dyes and genetic engineering techniques to reveal patterns of differential gene expression. Observation of the dynamics of colony growth, and the response of colonies to experimental disruptions of normal development, indicate that control systems work to produce the regular patterns observed. The effects of obstacles and of other colonies on gene expression patterns indicate that non-linear responses to chemical gradients in the substrate play an important coordinating role in colony development.


Chromosome structures.

Chromosomes are large subcellular structures, visible in the light microscope, that are found in the nuclei of most eukaryotic cells. Each chromosome consists of a single very long DNA molecule that has been compacted approximately 10,000-fold by interactions with proteins, such that the resulting chromosome structure fits within a typical eukaryotic nucleus of only 10 microns in diameter. Several levels of structural organisation are involved in the formation of chromosomes. Most chromosomal DNA is wrapped in left-handed superhelical turns around protein 'spools', called histone octamers, to form nucleosomes. Arrays of these nucleosomes, or 'beads on a string', are further compacted into solenoidal structures, called 30 nm chromatin fibres. The chromatin fibres are, in turn, compacted approximately 250-fold to form topologically independent 'looped' DNA domains, each loop containing about 20,000-100,000 nucleotide pairs of DNA extending from a proteinaceous central scaffold. Some chromosomes, such as lampbrush and polytene chromosomes, can be seen in certain specialised cells during interphase. Metaphase chromosomes, which can be stained to reveal characteristic banding patterns, are formed in most eukaryotic cells during mitosis. Formation of chromosome structures and the nuclei that envelop them involves discrete steps of nucleosome assembly, scaffold assembly, and nuclear envelope assembly, and can be carried out in cell-free extracts of animal eggs. Centromeres, the regions that mediate attachment of a chromosome to a meiotic or mitotic spindle, and telomeres, the natural ends of chromosomes, are structures that ensure that the correct number of full length chromosomes are maintained during the cell cycle. Most chromosome structures (nucleosomes, chromatin fibres, and scaffold loop domains) form from virtually any DNA sequence, but centromeres and telomeres are both composed of specific DNA sequences complexed with specific binding proteins. Recently, complete DNA sequences of entire chromosomes have been determined, and our rapidly emerging knowledge of chromosome structures is beginning to provide insights into the molecular basis of human disease.


Bacterial motility and chemotaxis.

Bacteria swim using the only rotary motor identified in biology. The membrane bound motor uses the gradient of protons set up across the cytoplasmic membrane to drive the rotation of a semi-rigid protein helix, the flagellum. Free-swimming bacteria randomly change direction every few seconds, but if a gradient is encountered the direction-changing frequency can be biased to move the bacterium in a favourable direction. Bacteria respond to changes in chemical concentration, oxygen levels, pH, the intensity or wavelength of light, temperature and in some cases even the Earth's magnetic field and integrate the signals to move towards or maintain the cells in optimum conditions for growth and division. They also adapt to the changes, leaving them free to respond to any subsequent stimuli. Therefore bacteria have something akin to a primitive nervous system, with a sensory system which can respond and adapt to changes and integrate physical and chemical signals. Chemotaxis and motility are involved in infection, both positive (rhizobia) and negative (pathogens) and an understanding of the unique nature of motility and chemotaxis in bacteria may make it possible to control infection. This review will give a brief general overview of current knowledge of bacterial motility and chemotaxis but for more detailed analysis readers are referred to some more specific recent reviews.


Microbial life at high pressures.

Deep-sea environment have selected for the evolution of unusual bacterial extremophiles which are adapted to life at high pressures. This review briefly characterises barophilic bacteria; compares and contrasts high pressure effects on cellular and biochemical processes in both barosensitive and barophilic bacteria; and presents molecular and genetic approaches which have been used to examine the basis of high pressure sensitivity in terrestrial barosensitive bacteria, or to dissect barophilic processes in deep-sea bacteria.


Chemical anatomy of antibiotic resistance: chloramphenicol acetyltransferase.

The evolution of mechanisms of resistance to natural antimicrobial substances (antibiotics) was almost certainly concurrent with the development in microorganisms of the ability to synthesise such agents. Of the several general strategies adopted by bacteria for defence against antibiotics, one of the most pervasive is that of enzymic inactivation. The vast majority of eubacteria that are resistant to chloramphenicol, an inhibitor of prokaryotic protein synthesis, owe their resistance phenotype to genes for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), which catalyses O-acetylation of the antibiotic, using acetyl-CoA as the acyl donor. The structure of CAT is known, as are many of the properties of the enzyme which explain its remarkable specificity and catalytic efficiency. Less clear is the evolutionary pathway which has produced the different members of the CAT 'family' of enzymes. Hints come from other acetyltransferases which share structure and mechanistic features with CAT, while not being strictly 'homologous' at the level of amino acid sequence. The 'super-family' of trimeric acetyltransferases appears to have in common a chemical mechanism based on a shared architecture.


[The diagnostic significance of clinico-laboratory indices in mushroom poisoning].

Data are reported on the observation and treatment of 111 patients with mushroom poisoning. In 36% the poisoning was of severe and average severe degrees. Nine patients (8.9%) died. The main cause of death was hepatic failure. Attention is paid to the prognostic significance of low values of the prothrombin index for determination of the severity grade of liver involvement and outcome of the disease as well as incongruity in several cases between the blood bilirubin level, transaminases and severity of the patients' condition. It is emphasized that mushroom poisoning may be characterized by polyorganic insufficiency but in the absolute majority of cases hyperazotemia may have a productive and not a retention character and is not related to renal function decompensation.


[The function of the free-radical oxidation system in computer workers using video display terminals].

Programmers working with video-display terminals showed essential disorders of the functional state of the free-radical oxidation system indicating an essential overstrain of this system, presence of its latent insufficiency characteristic of activation of the lipid peroxidation. Chronic overstrain of the free-radical oxidation system may lead to decompensation and formation of a free-radical pathologic process. Prophylactic measures for this category of workers are recommended.


[The intravital diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension].

The authors present a case of during-life diagnosis of primary pulmonary hypertension in a 30-years-old woman. The disease had a two-years history. The peculiarities of this case were incoordinance of asphyxia, cyanosis, hypertrophy of the right heart with the level of pulmonary insufficiency. As to the pathogenetic type this is an acquired plexogenous variant of primary pulmonary hypertension.


[Compression-ischemic peroneal neuropathy].

The clinical picture is described of 4 patients with the syndrome of lesion of the peroneal developing during fixation of some physiological postures (squatting position etc.). The pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease are discussed. The authors report a characteristic monotypical clinical symptom complex of compression-ischemic peroneal neuropathy.


[The incidence of multiple sclerosis and the content of cobalt, boron, zinc, manganese and molybdenum in the arable soils of different climatic zones of Ukraine].

An analysis of material on the incidence of multiple sclerosis among the population of different soil-climatic zones of the Ukraine (steppe, forest-steppe, woodlands) related to the content in arable lands of movable forms of cobalt, boron, manganese, zinc, molibden, allowed to conclude that inhabitants of steppes suffer less frequently of multiple sclerosis than inhabitants of forest land. The arable land of steppe showed a high level of cobalt content as well as boron and manganese while the forest lands revealed a deficit in the mentioned microelements.


[The epidemiological characteristics of the health of the population in Ukraine].

The following results are summarized: 1. Integral approach to assessment of population health based on the concept of standard intensive values according to regional signs allows to realize differentially the cause and effect relations between disease and factors forming this disease. 2. Establishing leading aggressive factors that form disease in the regional aspect may become the essence of complex and regional medical programs and scientific approach during their formation. 3. Financing health programs should not include only per capita principles but should consider regional peculiarities of health. 4. Epidemiological aspects of population health is an important problem which requires further detailed investigation.


[Experience in using computers to study the health status of the population of Ukraine].

The authors describe computer-processed materials on the health status of the population of the Ukraine in connection with the 1989 census. This may help in prognosticating studies of the health of the population up to 2010.


[The average life expectancy of the population: the regional social hygiene determinants].

Results are reported of a socio-hygienic study of a very important biometric parameter--reproduction of the population on a regional level. Changes are analyzed of the average life span (ALS) during the period of three postwar censuses. The ALS in women tended to increase as compared with men and was more pronounced in the rural localities. The main causes of mortality are analyzed. Reduction of ALS due to circulatory diseases which tended to increase during the intercensus periods. Recommendations are given for optimization of population reproduction and increase of ALS.


[Neuroendocrine disorders at long term in persons exposed to ionizing radiation after the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station].

Endocrinous and metabolism disorders were studied in the remote period in persons subjected to the effect of ionizing radiation after the Chernobyl atomic station accident. Results of the investigation revealed: disorders of the synthesis of sex hormones with small radiation doses; serotonin in increased concentration produced at the level of the hypothalamus a modulating effect on the pituitary-adrenocortical system causing its functional tension; persisting functional changes in the central regulation link--the hypothalamus.


[The results of a mass examination of the children of Ripkyns'kyĭ District, Chernigov Province, for thyroid status].

Mass screening of children revealed that the locality of Ripky, Chernigiv region showed to be a low-endemic goiter region. It was found that team screenings are effective.


[The results of studies of the peripheral blood from children in Polesie District, Kiev Province and in the city of Kiev 4 years after the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station].

The peripheral blood of 2200 children (age: from 2 to 16 years) inhabiting the Polessye District of Kiev Province and the city of Kiev 4 years after the Chernobyl atomic station accident was studied. An analysis of results revealed the presence of hematologic changes that may be interpreted as sequels of the effect of ionizing radiation on the body, while other changes may be considered as reactive and may in most cases accompany different somatic diseases of infectious-inflammatory character.


[A cerebral syndrome appearing after the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station].

Sixty participants of liquidation of the sequels of the Chernobyl atomic station accident were examined. All of them were subjected to the effect of different doses of ionizing radiation. A complex of symptoms is described characterizing the cerebrosthenic syndrome with vegetative paroxysms and intellectual-mnestic disorders. In accordance with this, approaches to treatment and rehabilitation of these patients are discussed.


[Iridodiagnosis in the system of the follow-up of the health status of the population living in an area contaminated by radioactive substances].

The authors substantiate the practical employment of the iridodiagnosis screening-test using a system of archiving and visualization of the iris at the first stage of prophylactic medical examination and management. The economical and medical efficacy of the method has been established. Use of iridodiagnosis improved the detectability of pathologic conditions as compared with complex medical examination. Many specialists were freed from mass medical screening. The expenses for prophylactic medical examination became ten times less.


[The structural-functional status of the myocardium and the electrophysiological indices in patients with atrial fibrillation].

A study is presented of 100 male patients with paroxysmal forms of atrial fibrillation (age: from 16 to 66 years). It is concluded that the determinant substrate of formation of atrial fibrillation is not limited to functional, electrophysiologic and morphologic state of the atria but encompasses the entire conduction system and structure of the myocardium both on the atrial and ventricular level. The frequency of paroxysms of atrial fibrillation and their severity are in direct dependence not only on the electrophysiological values but also on the degree of structural changes of the myocardium.