[Microbiological and chemical investigations into amelioration of spruce raw humus on phosphorus-deficient sites in the Mittelgebirge (author's transl)]. In spruce stands on quartz-porphyry sites raw humus is formed on strongly acid, calcium and phosphorus-deficient soils which were treated with lime, phosphate, and ammonium nitrate individually and in combined form. The most favourable microbiological and chemical effect was attained by CaNP fertilization, which is suitable for raising the yield of spruce stands with simultaneous amelioration of raw humus. The long-term effect of the phosphate is bound to simultaneous liming which ensures the persistence of phosphorus in the A0 horizon. The nitrification-based nitrate content of the soil is increased in the variants CaNP, CaNP and, to a somewhat lesser extent, also in NP. Simple treatment with N hardly raises the bacteria content, the combinations CaN, NP, and particularly CaNP, on the other hand, gave a favourable effect. Germination number and number of species of actinomycetes are also furthered most effectively by CaNP. The percentage of fungi in the total number of germs is reduced by fertilization without negatively influencing the species spectrum. Liming has a negative effect on the absolute germination number of the fungi, treatment with N gives a positive effect. The metabolism conditioned by microbes in the raw humus is not activated by N, moderately by NP, and strongly by CaNP.


Composition and properties of the actinomycete flora in a ferralitic tropical soil (oxisol)-sugar cane ecological system. Streptomycetes constituted about 46--48 per cent of the total aerobic microflora in the cultivated horizon of the studied ferralitic tropical soil below sugar cane plantation. This streptomycete fraction of the soil microbial community was composed of 13 (or more) species of Streptomyces (S. chromofuscus, S. chromogenus, S. diastatochromogenes, S. flavochromogenes, S. griseolus, S. nigrescens, S. phaeofaciens, S. sterilis, S. violaceus, Streptomyces sp. I--III), and Streptoverticillium (Sv. aspergilloides). None of these organisms did occur, with detectable frequency of occurrence, in the root surface region of sugar cane. Here, in the rhizoplane, we found a numerically small population of streptomycetes (about 5 per cent of the total bacterial flora), composed of two species (Streptomyces sp. IV and S. griseorubiginosus) which were, however, not detected in soil samples.


[The importance of antagonistic soil micro-flora for eliminating soil-born fungal pathogens in intensive corn-growing (author's transl)]. In a sandy soil, the antagonistic bacterial and fungal flora was analysed and their effectivity with respect to corn foot and stem rot was investigated. Measures that promoted total micro-flora in soil (organic fertilization) stimulated, in most cases, the antagonists as well. Different organic substances supported various types of antagonists. In soil with inhibited aeration the antagonists were reduced. A full effectivity of the antagonistic biological soil component presupposes the absence of host plants.


Influence of light on pectic enzymes in root exudates of Trifolium alexandrinum inoculated with Rhizobium trifolii. An in vitro experiment was conduced under bacteriologically controlled conditions to examine the effect of light on the production of pectin methyl esterase (PME) and pectin polygalacturonase (PG) in the root exudates of Trifolium alexandrinum inoculated with an efficient strain of Rhizobium trifolii. The results revealed that PME and PG increased with an increase in the duration of light to which plants were exposed. However, both the enzymes were detected in the root exudates of nonphotosynthesizing plants.


Effect of sulfur application on sulfur-oxidizing bacteria and yield of two leguminous crops. The effect of elemental sulfur application at the rate of 50, 100, 200, and 400 kg/feddan on broad-bean and lentil was tested in field experiments. Sulfur application resulted in increasing the numbers of the autotrophic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria as well as in the concentration of available sulfate in the soil; the increases were proportional to the level of sulfur added. The sulfur treatments neither affected the soil pH nor the nodulation of the leguminous plants tested. The application of sulfur at the rates used slightly increased seed yield and nitrogen content of lentil seeds, but had no effect on broadbean.


[Verification of the plum pox virus (PPV) using the tray test (author's transl)]. A comparison of 6 host plants reacting by local lesion if infected by the Plum Pox Virus (PPV) demonstrated that beside Chenopodium foetidum Schrad. also Nicandra physaloides (L). Gärtner, Nicardra physaloides violacea Bitter and Verbena officinalis L. are pretty well suitable to verify the PPV serving as locally reacting test plants. Using the tray test, the PPV was verifiable by separated leaves of C. foetidum Schrad., N. physaloides violacea Bitter, N. physaloides (L.) Gärtner and V. officinalis L. Applying experimental conditions precisely defined, an abridgement of the period between infections and development of the symptomes by three days was acquired here, compared with the plant test.


[A conbribution to the characterization of asparagus virus 2 (author's transl)]. In host range investigations with 152 plant species of 37 families, 96 species from 28 families proved to be experimentally susceptible to asparagus virus 2 (AsV 2). From these, 82 species of 26 families were systematically infectible and 14 species of 10 families only locally. Most frequently were symptomless systemic infections. Of 86 species, their susceptibility for AsV 2 was unknown before. The number of families that contant experimental hosts of the virus increased from 11 to 33. Transmission of AsV 2 was neither possible with Myzus persicae nor with Cuscuta californica or C. campestris. AsV 2-infected mother plants transmitted the virus by about 40 per cent to their seedings. Open-pollinated plants, not infested by AsV 2, showed 3 to 22 per cent of infected seedings. Mechanical back-transmission of AsV 2 from test plants to asparagus succeeded only in one case. The properties of the virus in vitro were as follows: thermal inactivation point between 64 and 66 degrees C, dilution end point between 10(-3) and 10(-4), stability in sap, stored at room temperature, up to 96 hours. Serological investigations demonstrated no relationship to the virus to numerous other viruses. An antiserum with a titer of 1 to 16 was useful for the detection of AvV 2 in asparagus sap. Electron microscopical investigations proved for the virus isometric particles for the first time. In negatively stained preparations they had a diameter of 27 nm.


Effect of C.C.C. [2-(chloroethyl)] trimethyl ammonium chloride on growth and sporulation in Fusarium oxysporum f. udum (butl.) Sn. et H. In Fusarium oxysporum f. udum sporulation of macroconidia was completely inhibited due to the influence of C.C.C. [2-(Chloroethyl)] trimethyl ammonium chloride). Microconidial proliferation, on the other hand, was adversely affected and with increase in concentration of this compound a parallel and proportional decrease in the amount of microconidia was found. Size of microconidia, too, showed a concomitant decline. Although the size of the chlamydospores was also reduced, a tremendous increase in its population was evident, showing a positive response in favour of C.C.C. addition. Fungal mat accumulation, another important aspect of growth, did not evince any inhibitory pattern, compared to the progressive increase in C.C.C. amoung in younger cultures. In older cultures (15-day old), an initial depressing shock of C.C.C. addition could be seen. However, after stepwise and gradual adjustment to the new environment the same positive response of mycelial growth was discernible, although in a less degree than that of the young cultures.


Effect of some organic phosphorus and carbamate pesticides on Streptomyces scabies. Of all the organic phosphorus and carbamate pesticides, tested on Streptomyces scabies, Thimet, Chlorothion, Dithane M-45, and Karathane, were effective at relatively low concentrations (1, 20, 16, and 115 ppm). Minimal inhibitory concentrations of these pesticides were the same in vitro as well as in vivo. The other organic phosphorus and carbamate compounds tested were less effective under the laboratory conditions of these tests.


[Interdisciplinary cooperation between anaesthesiology and surgery from the surgeon's point of view (author's transl)]. The development of anaesthesiology has brought about a great variety of problems e.g. unforeseen capacities, money, vacancies and equipment. The patients welfare, of course necessitates the establishment of anaesthesiological departments wherever operations are being performed. We believe that in hospitals without anaesthesiologists an experienced physician should devote himself to the above mentioned duties, which should not be allowed to be of less quality. This is the only way to avoid serious complications. Furthermore, the type of operation and selection of patients have to consider these factors. Risky patients should not be operated on in hospitals without an anaesthesiologist. In a single-man-anaesthesia department the surgical colleagues should be temporarily transferred to assist in the anaesthesiologic department. If there is no possibility of using modern anaesthesia, neither through an anaesthesiologist nor an experienced surgeon, the range of surgery should be limited to the more riskless areas of the body or to operations that can be done in local anaesthesia.


[Haemodialysis in patients with pre- andpostoperative acute renal failure (author's transl)]. Treatment and management of patients with renal insufficiency before and after surgery is often complicated. Early interdisciplinary cooperation between intensive care specialist, surgeon, gynaecologist, urologist and nephrologist is necessary. The mortality rate of patients with acute renal failure is still high (50 to 60%). The increase in patients with chronic renal failure who are in need of haemodialysis involves more surgical procedures in this group even in future.


[Gallstone ileus (author's transl)].

[Gallstone ileus (author's transl)]. During the past 30 years 63 patients with gallstone ileus underwent surgical treatment. The mortality rate decreased from 54,5% to 27%, it is mainly caused by the advanced age of the patients and difficulties with early diagnosis. A subsequent cholecystectomy is to be considered cautiously depending on the patient's age.


[Provisional results of intramedullar stabilisation of trochanteric fractures with the Sorg-nail (author's transl)]. Trochanteric fractures occurring predominantly in elder people should be stabilizised as soon as possible by osteosynthesis allowing immediate weight-bearing. We use the Sorg-nail for intramedullary fixation of stable and unstable fractures. In a series of 50 patients we had a mortality rate of 5% and average hospitalisation of 16 days. No infection.


[Nailing of pertrochanteric fractures after Lezius and Herzer (author's transl)]. Out of a total of 297 patients (1967 to 1973) suffering from pertrochanteric fractures, 122 patients underwent operative treatment and were followed up by a questionnaire. The late results do not differ significantly from patients treated conservatively. There is only a decrease of the mortality rate during hospitalisation.


[Synovectomy of the cubital joint in rheumatoid arthritis (author's transl)]. 46 patients underwent synovectomy of the cubital joint for rheumatoid arthritis during the last seven years (1970 to 1977). 38 patients were followed up. The articular function improved in 71%, pain had been eliminated in 55%, no effusion was any longer present in 71%. In advanced stages of the disease resection of the head of the radius generally is performed because it facilitates surgery and improves the articular function later on. Synovectomy is recommended at an early stage.


[Postoperative self-training after surgery of the hand (author's transl)]. By means of a training box the patient is enabled to train his hand by himself. The training materials can individually adapted to the programme.


["Tension band"-osteosynthesis (author's transl)]. This report deals with the early results of the tension-band-osteosynthesis in 365 patients. With this simple method functional stability can be achieved even in fractures where the implanation of plates, screws and so on is impossible (near a joint, fractures of hand and foot, some fractures in children).


[Follow-up results of reconstructing the knee joint with ligaments of Lavasan (author's transl)]. Recommendation of synthetic material for reconstructing the knee joint ligaments. 15 years experience in 262 patients (sportsmen, ballet dancers, circus artistis,. The Lavasan implant was used in isolated as well as in combined injuries of the ligaments. The long-term  results (13 years) yielded satisfactory results in 91%.


[Conservative treatment or surgery of Colles fracture? (author's transl)]. In Colles fracture good functional results can be achieved by conservative treatment. Surgical procedures should only be performed in rare cases of comminuted fractures.


[Severe irradiation injury due to insufficient diagnostics (chronic osteomyelitis--Ewing-sarcoma) (author's transl)]. The differential diagnosis between Ewing-sarcoma and chronic osteomyelitis can only be established by scintigraphy, angiography and histological specimen. Treating such a case by irradiation only under suspicion of an Ewing-sarcoma is hazardous and will be followed by severe damage of the body.


[Image intensifiers in Osteosynthesis a danger for the team? (author's transl)]. Three years' examination of X-ray load when working with the X-ray image intensifier have led to the conclusion that with a tolerance basis of 100 mrem per week a fluoroscoping time of about 1 hour is tolerable without lead protection with an average fluoroscoping time of 5 minutes for one osteosynthesis. The operating surgeon can carry out about 10 osteosyntheses per week. For the other members of the operating team the X-ray load is significantly lower and, therefore, there are no limits in practice. It must be noted that an exact record of the fluoroscoping time and dose measurements is absolutely necessary.


[Deadly brain injuries (author's transl)]. Among 503 deadly brain injuries 71% have been caused by traffic accidents. In 93 patients the brain injury was not the direct cause of death. Total observations included: 170 intracranial haemorrhages; 106 smashes of the skull and 104 contusions. In patients with subdural and epidural haematomas angiography and trepanation were used in few cases.


[Death due to craniocerebral injuries (author's transl)]. From 1970 to 1976 2741 patients with craniocerebral injuries were treated. Overall mortality rate was 3,7% to 2,6% by direct sequelae. Operative treatment was necessary in 2,1%.


[First aid in head and brain injuries (author's transl)]. In the last 7 years were observed 945 patients with head injuries in our emergency care. First aid is aimed to stabilize respiration and cardiovascular system and to avoid secondary posttraumatic lesions.


[Operative treatment of frontobasic fractures (author's transl)]. The number of fractures of the scull especially of its fronto-basic portion is steadily increasing. So the general surgeon is more and more confronted with the problem of indication concerning oeprative procedures. He should be trained to take care of these injuries.


[Computerized tomography in head injuries (author's transl)]. Computerized tomography permits the registration of minimal density differences of cerebral tissue. The information obtained by this method is comparable to gross neuropathology. Demonstration of intracranial bleeding and other posttraumatic complications does not present any serious problem. Most of all, it permits for the first time to demonstrate directly parenchymatous lesions of cerebral tissue after a head injury. The treatment nowadays can depend largely on the results gained by computerized tomography. So the care of the patient will be influenced largely by the demonstration of lesions affecting the survival of the patient.


[Prevention of infections in surgical clinics (author's transl)]. Infectious risks in surgical clinics are demonstrated. Directions for prophylaxis of hospitalism are given. According to own examinations of the following things are often contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms: appliances for sucking off, handbrushes, instruments, beds, clinical clothing, washing basins, bath tubs and floor sinks.


[Some details concerning hospitalism (author's transl)]. The authors discuss problems of hospitalism especially room and skin disinfection. The percentage of disturbed wound healing in clean surgical cases is dealt with.


[Massive infection of odontogenic origin (author's transl)]. 2565 patients with infections of odontogenic origin are reported. In only 34,8% of the cases the correct diagnosis was established. Purulent inflammations of the submaxillar area mostly occurred (49,9%) followed by the pharyngeal area (19,9%). Early signs of the spreading of the inflammation must be the indication to send the patient to the hospital to avoid complications.


[Integration of a university clinic for women into a complex university hospital]. Commonly with all special surgical branches of sciences from a medical university-sphere the hospital for gynäcology and obstetrics from the university will be placed in a "surgical orientated centre". The process--structure is underlieing the project for such a centre (summary from equal activities with equal claims to buildings, fitting and out hygiene). The singular spheres from the hospital of gynäcology and obstetrics will be coordinated to the equivalent central functional spheres of the "surgical orientated centre". The obstetrical--ward with an acute--praepartal--sphere will be commonly with the neonatological-sphere collected to a functional group on the inside of the central surgical-ward. The perceptions by the projection of a "surgical orientated centre" shall be a stimulation for the planning and the construction for medical university complexes and universal hospitals.


[Incidence of abortive ova among spontaneous abortions]. 345 spontaneous abortions of the period 1975/76 are investigated histologically. 174 of them content chorionic villi (100 per cent). Among these we have found 91 abortive ovas (52.3 per cent), 7 hydatiform moles (4.0 per cent) and 35 histological regular abortions (20.1 per cent). Furthermore, 41 cases are suspicious of abortive ova (23.6 per cent) and, 22 cases show signs of early disturbances of placental maturation (12.7 per cent). In all groups there is inflammation of the maternal side and of the endometrium. Regressive changes of the villi are particularly severe in abortive ovas and in the suspicious cases. On the base of our own study of legal abortions as well as this material of spontaneous abortions we estimate the frequency of abortive ovas among all the pregnancies for about 15--25 per cent.


[Experiences with the preventive use of heparin in septic abortion]. Report on 62 cases of septic abortion with prophylactic use of heparin. In two cases during this prophylactic therapy shock develops with simultaneous decrease of blood level of fibrinogen as sign of disseminated intravascular coagulation. The generally accepted value of prophylactic medication of heparin in cases of septic abortion is not diminished by these casuistic observations. Examinations of the coagulation system are necessary at intervals.


[Intra-uterine pressure measurements during early pregnancy using endoradioprobes]. The intrauterine pressure was determined by means of endoradiosonde in 42 pregnant women before induced abortion. It was measured the tonus and after stimulation with oxytocin the liminal value the basic tonus and the highest increase of pressure. The values of pressure were higher after artificial rupture of the amnion than before. Telemetering of intrauterine pressure is an advantageous method.


[Effect of atropine on fetal heart rate]. The effect of atropine on the foetal heart rate (FHR) was examined in 56 normal pregnancies. 40 mcg/kg atropine was administered. According to the results of the examinations the FHR was not effected by atropine in the 8.--13. weeks of gestation. The FHR was effected by the applied dose of atropine only after the 17th week increasing over the physiological oscillation. In the course of pregnancy FHR was increased by atropine in every case it nearly raised to FHR values observed in the 8.--13 weeks still not effected by atropine.


[Cardiovascular effect of 15(S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F2alpha]. The reaction of the cardiovascular system on one intramuscular injection of 250 microgram 15-methyl-prostaglandin F2alpha was examined in 14 normotensive healthy pregnant women between 7th and 11th weeks of gestation with the method of quantitative sphygmometry with unbloody graphic recording of arterial blood pressure and direct electronic determination of velocity of aortic pulse wave. The tests were done in 10 patients in intervals of 5 minutes for one hour and in 4 subjects for 12 hours in intervals of one hour. Systolic blood pressure remains nearly constant, but diastolic blood pressure increases and then decreases significantly. Heart rate decreases significantly. Aortic pulse wave velocity decreases in a characteristic manner. Analogous to the biphasic behaviour of blood pressure cardiac output decreases significantly, but then increases insignificantly. The inverse changes of total peripheral resistance are insignificant. Comparing these reactions with the cardiovascular effects of prostaglandin F2alpha or E2, 15-methyl-prostaglandin F2alpha shows the smallest circulatory alterations.


[Oral labor induction with PGE2-tablets]. Orally administered PGE2 in tablet form was used to induce labour in a prospective trial on 57 patients. The prostaglandin was given in separate-hourly-dosis of 0,5 to 1,5 mg. The success rate of this oral induction was 93%. Frequency of acidotic and/or clinically depressed newborns and the incidence of active delivery reflected the unselected population. A precipitant labour was noted in one patient, while 23% showed symptoms of gastrointestinal side effects which were seen to be dosage dependent.


[Premature births with special reference to delivery management]. The 1055 premature births of the last 10 years in the Altdöbern women's hospital with a centre for premature births have been summarized and analysed in groups with regard to the distribution of birth-weight, the obstetric measures and the perinatal mortality. A change of the operative procedure at the premature birth together with a marked increase of the frequency of the operative deliveries from 28,7 p.c. (group I) to 55,1 p.c. (group III) has been compared to the uncleaned mortality of the premature children of 20,0. p.c. (group I) and 16,4 p.c. (group III). The importance of the large prophylactic measures and of the improved birth-supervision and maintenance of premature births are emphasized in connection with it. Inferences for a further reduction of the perinatal mortality are drawn.


[The giant-child in the obstetrical material of district hospital of Stralsund (author's transl)]. A clinical report is given about the giant-children (so-called big-babies) observed in the years 1945 to 1975 at the departement of obstetrics and gynecology of the district hospital of Stralsund. We have found 103 children within a birth-weight greater than or equal to 5000 g among 422229 newborns (= 0.24%) in this period. The obstetrical importance of the giant-children is shown by the advanced frequency of operations and the higher perinatal mortality. The maternal adipositas seems to be related to the intrauterine overgrowth of the fetus.


Cost analysis of wildlife rabies and its control in Europe. Within the WHO/FAC Coordinated Research Programme on Wildlife Rabies, a comprehensive survey of all costs involved in wildlife rabies and its control was carried out from 1972 to 1974 by the Government of the Land Nordrhein-Westfalen with the support of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and in collaboration with the World Health Organization. For extrapolation of data, administrative costs at the level of the State government and the provinces are considered as relatively constant figures, whereas all other cost components appear to depend largely on the local epidemiological conditions in counties and communities, e.g. administrative costs at county level, cost directly related to rabies cases in animals as well as costs of medical services for episode investigation and post-exposure treatment. The economic burden of wildlife rabies was estimated for the whole Land in 1974 to be in the order of DM 4.02 million. Of this amount, DM 0.77 million concerned costs of control measures in wildlife (intensified hunting and gassing operations for fox control). Assuming use of the most efficient measures according to newer concepts of wildlife rabies control in infected areas, the total expenditure for rabies control in wildlife would have been DM 1.36 million. These costs could be paid by the savings of less than one rabies-free year. This saving in the whole Land would be in the order of DM 1.9 million under the assumption of rabies being prevalent in adjacent "Länder". The paper contains guidelines for the extrapolation of the different cost factors to other periods and European areas for comparative analyses.


Enhancement of hemolytic and cytotoxic activity of staphylococcal alpha-toxin in vitro by incubation with cultured fibroblasts. Brief communication. Staphylococcal alpha-toxin (alpha-toxin) was incubated with 3T3 or SV40-virus transformed mouse 3T3 fibroblasts during 2 hrs at room temperature. This resulted in about a two-fold increase in the hemolytic activity of alpha-toxin toward rabbit RBC. The concentration of alpha-toxin causing 50% hemolysis of rabbit RBC was lowered from about 120 ng/ml to about 65 ng/ml. Release of 86Rb from labeled RBC and isolated rabbit vagus nerves also occured at lower concentrations of alpha-toxin after preincubation with fibroblasts. The enhancement of hemolytic activity of alpha-toxin was still exerted by cultured fibroblasts preheated to 56 degrees C, but fibroblasts exposed to 100 degrees C were ineffective. The hemolytic activity of alpha-toxin toward rabbit RBC was also slightly enhanced by leucine aminopeptidase (5--20 microgram/ml) and aminopeptidase M (30--300 IU/ml).


Serotypes of Nag Vibrios isolated from clinical and environmental sources. Nag Vibrios isolated in two districts in Romania were typed with the 38 "O" Nag antisera prepared in our laboratory. Nag serotype O:5 was found to be prevalent.


Characterization of a new strain of leptospira isolated from surface water in India. A new strain of Leptospira, isolated from surface water in India, is studied and classified. It shows, in the biological tests, a behaviour like that of saprophytic leptospirae; further serovar it represents a new serovar which we named poona.


Electrophoretic characterization of bovine mycoplasma and acholeplasma reference strains. Phenol-acetic acid-water extracts of 13 recognized mycoplasma and acholeplasma reference strains of bovine habitat were subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A characteristic electrophoretic profile was obtained for each strain and the relative mobility (Rm) values of the major protein fractions were determined. All examined strains had a common protein band of 33.3 Rm value. Comparison of electrophoretic patterns obtained from different reference strains revealed 2 to 7 protein bands with the same Rm values in a number of strains. A possible correlation with antigenic relatedness is discussed.


[On micromorphological changes of bradyzoites of toxoplasma cysts in cerebral tissue after storage under freezing at--20 degrees C (author's transl)]. Toxoplasma bradyzoites in cerebral tissue are no longer infectious and able to replicate after 24 hrs of storage under freezing at--20 degrees C. No intact bradyzoites could micromorphologically be demonstrated in the cysts. Clear changes in the structure and lesions of the cell walls and basic substance of the cysts, and of the bradyzoites are held responsible for the destruction of the parasites being surrounded by host tissue.


Studies of antigenic variants of leptospira isolated from experimentally infected mice. Antigenic variants were isolated from mice inoculated with a virulent strain of Leptospira interrogans serotype copenhageni by cultivating the kidney cortex in the liquid or the solidified serum media containing the immune serum against the parent strain. The variants, which were isolated from the mice from 7 to 113 days after infection, were found to be antigenically different from the parent by the agglutinin-absorption test, precipitin-absorption test in gel and guinea pig protection test. The variants were antigenically stable and different from the 18 serotypes of the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup. The significance of antigenic variants of leptospira which appear in vivo is discussed.


[The value of postoperative dimer-X myelography]. After preceding lumbar intervertebral disk operations, 88 Dimer-X myelographies were carried out. The examinations were performed with the patients in a lying position; if required, function pictures were taken in a sitting or standing position. Only in three cases the X-ray findings were unconspicuous. The findings included 12 prolapses at other levels, 6 prolapses, 5 massive scars, one pronounced osteophytosis, two cases of serious reticulitis, two meningoceles and one neurinoma outside the field of operation. The dorsal or lateral narrowing of the contrast band typical of prolapses found in the first dimer-X myelogram were only produced by scars in the renewed operation. The authors warn against pantopaque myelography for lumbar intervertebral disk diagnosis because of proven arachnoidal adhesions. The necessity of surgical procedures avoiding as far as possible tissue damage leaving scars and adhesions is stressed.


[Bacteriostatic behavior of the tissue adhesive Fimomed (n-butyl-alpha-cyanoacrylate]. The tissue adhesive Fimomed (made in GDR), which is supplied in a non-sterilised form, was tested for its bacteriostatic behaviour. No such behaviour was found for Gram-negative bacteria, so that in view of the typical microorganisme occurring in hospitals sterilisation of the adhesive by means of gamma rays or an aseptic filling by the manufacturers is suggested.


[Criteria for the operability and inoperability of malignant tumors in the cerebral hemispheres among children]. At the Moscow Burdenko Institute, 128 children with malignant tumours of the cerebral hemispheres were operated on within 10 years: 87 total removals, 28 subtotal resections, 13 biopsies and explorations. Lethality of the first 10 days: 7. Size and extent of the tumours do not yield any contraindications for surgery. Rapid section examination does not give sufficient information about the postoperative course. Some patients with histologically malignant tumours have been under after-observation for 10 to 15 years. Only the intraoperative macroscopic findings permit a decision with respect to operability and the further course will enable a prognosis. Only neoplasms without any signs of brain pressure which are clearly located in or on the brain stem are considered to be contraindications. All other tumours are treated surgically.


[Significance of the anterior falcial artery]. The author describes origin and course of the anterior falcial artery under physiological conditions. In the carotis communis arteriogram without using the subtraction technique it can be recognised in about one per cent of the cases. Of pathophysiological importance is a dilated anterior falcial artery serving as a collateral artery in occlusions of the carotis interna and as an affluent artery in falcial menigiomas, which is demonstrated in an example. The combination of an a. primitiva trigemini with a homolateral traumatic dural arteriovenous shunt and dilated anterior falcial artery is shown in another patient.


[Diagnostic classification of intracranial meningiomas in the serial angiogram]. On the basis of 70 serial angiograms of surgically and histologically reliably diagnosed intracranial meningiomas and the appertaining general radiographs of the skull the following was found: 48.5 per cent of the general radiographs showed reactions, 7.1 per cent showed tumour calcifications. Basal meningiomas of the anterior and medium cranial fossae and meniogiomas of the wings of the sphenoid bone are supplied by the a. carotis interna, that is to say, they are also diagnosed by the internal carotid angiography. In serial angiograms, classification was possible in 74 per cent. The other supratentorial meningiomas require angiographies of the external or the common carotid. Infratentorial menigiomas were diagnosed in 50 per cent of the angiograms. The "early vein" is no reliable sign of malignity of the menigiomas. The same applies to "apthologic vessels", "shunts", etc. Staining does not give any secure indications of histological structures.


[Traumatic carotid aneurysm in the region of the base of the skull with life-threatening hemorrhage into the nasopharyngeal space]. The author reports on a typical case of a traumatic aneurysm of the internal carotid artery with life-threatening bleeding which could be cured. Picture of the disease, diagnosis, and possibilities of treatment are discussed.


Applied X-ray photogrammetry in neurosurgery. The introduction of X-ray stereophotogrammetry into neurosurgery permits the exact localisation of metal-dense foreign bodies, the spatial representation of cerebral tumours and their blood supply. The determination of the target point in stereotactic operations is carried out after adjustment of the reference points on the X-ray picture directly by the computer, the seat of the probe can be seen in the X-ray picture in its spatial relations. For intracranial aneurysms, the position, the size, and the topographic situation of the neck of the aneurysm can be determined, and thus the placing of the clip during the operation can be pre-planned and made simpler and safer. A description of the photographic technique and the interpretation by means of the new stereocomparator of Messrs. Zeiss is given.


Immunological barrier of the central nervous system in neurosurgical diseases. The immunoelectrophoresis in cerebral tumours, craniocerebral injuries and cerebral haemorrhages showed antibodies against the pathologically changed cerebral tissue, especially in the case of severe traumata and malignant cerebral tumours. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid of 85 patients were examined. Eight of them showed positive results with antibodies (4 gliomas, 1 craniopharyngioma, 3 severe cerebral contusions with disturbance of consciousness).


[Comparative evaluation of modern intraoperative diagnostic methods in malignant gliomas of the brain]. The following methods were employed: Intravital staining with bromphenol blue (70 patients), radiometry with P 32 (127 patients), echo encephalography (12 patients,) puncture biopsy (18 patients), rheometry (96 patients). Bromphenol blue is injected into the a. cerebri media or the supraclinoidal a. carotis interna and stains the periphery of malignant tumours and the entire tissue of benign tumours. Radiometry also serves for the intraoperative finding of tumour remainders which must be located at least 20 to 22 mm below the cortex of the brain. Tumour biopsy was carried out with a sharp cannula to avoid deformation of the tissue cylinder. Rheometry proved to be very useful when avoiding the mixing with blood, liquor, and cyst fluid at the measuring tip.


[Cerebral macroangiography under hypocapnia and moderate arterial hypertension in the diagnosis of intracerebral tumors]. As angiography with the usual X-ray tubes only permitted the demonstration of vessels of up to 600-800 micron, more efficient X-ray tubes have been developed permitting vascular demonstrations of up to 100 micron. Since the possibility of demonstrating small and very small vessels under hypocapnia is improved by hyperventilation and a slight increase in arterial blood pressure by ephedrine (30 mg I.A.), 46 patients were examined by employing this combination. Normal vessels contract, tumour vessels remain large. In this way, size and extent of the tumour are better demonstrated, the boundaries become clearer, differential diagnosis safer. Also the venous outflow can be seen earlier and clearer. Insults can be better differentiated. The risk is diminished by an increase in the resistance of the cerebral vessels. The information obtained by this method is a true improvement for diagnostics, indication, and surgical intervention.


[Abiogenic nucleoside synthesis in the presence of phosphorus salts]. By means of UV-spectroscopy, gel-filtration, ion-exchange and thin layer chromatography it has been shown that the action of ionizing radiation on the mixture of dry preparations of adenine and deoxyribose in the presence of the K, Na and Ca phosphates results in the formation of nucleoside-like substances. The phosphates catalyze or inhibit the nucleoside synthesis but they are not phosphorylating agents. The data obtained indicate the reality of abiogenic synthesis of nucleoside-like substances from the mixture of dry preparations of adenine and deoxyribose in the lithosphere during chemical evolution.


[Ultraviolet irradiation and repair--possible factors determining the evolution of DNA structure]. It is suggested that DNA in first organisms on the Earth was enriched by GC-pairs due to intensive solar UV-irradiation. In the course of progressive evolution, nucleotide composition of DNA shifted to the favour of AT-pairs. This shift to higher photosensitivity became possible because of the development of reparation systems and screening of DNA in cells. The latter phenomenon is better revealed in higher organisms, accounting their stable TA-type of DNA. In lower forms, peculiarities of their habitats provided some conditions for variability of nucleotide composition. High content of GC-pairs remained in those of them which are subjected to the influence of solar irradiation. Parasitic microorganisms and those safely protected from solar radiation developed towards the AT-type of DNA. Both in higher and lower organisms, AT-pairs are richer in those zoms of DNA which are presented by several copies and in which mutations are less significant for the organism therefore being permissible. Structural genes exhibit heterogeneous nucleotide composition which provides for higher variability of the synthesized proteins.


[Lipid composition of the muscles and liver of Mediterranean fish]. Studies have been made on lipid composition of the liver, white and red skeletal muscles in 9 species of Mediterranean fishes (Scomber scomber, Scomberesox saurus, Trachurus trachurus, T. mediteraneus. Sprattus sprattus, Engraulis engrasicholus, Diplodus annularis, Gadus merlangus, Scorpaena porcus). Lipids were fractionated by means of thin layer chromatography. It was shown that the content of lipids in red muscles is significantly higher than in white ones. Muscles of highly active species are richer in lipids as compared with those in species which are characterized by lower functional activity. In fishes with high muscle activity, lipids exhibit a higher triglyceride content. Tissue concentration of lipids is closely related to the degree of maturity of gonads. Ecological and physiological peculiarities of fishes significantly affect lipid characteristics of their tissues.


[Fractional composition of serum proteins in Amur sturgeons and its evolutionary significance]. By means of polyacrylamide gel disc-electrophoresis studies have been made on a serum proteins of the kaluga Huso dauricus and Amur sturgeon Asipenser schrencki. High electrophoretic heterogeneity (18--23 components) of serum proteins of both species was demonstrated together with ecological peculiarities of fractional composition of these proteins as compared to those in Caspian sturgeons. The described high heterogeneity of serum proteins in the ganoid fishes is particularly interesting from the standpoint of evolution of fractional composition of proteins in vertebrates. Presumably, high heterogeneity of serum proteins in the ganoids (practically comparable to that in higher vertebrates and man) is necessary for successful work of the most important biochemical system of the blood at all stages of evolutionary development of vertebrates, being of rather ancient origin.


[Corticosteroid hormones in the blood and adrenals of the aurochs Bison bonasus]. Using thin-layer chromatography, studies have been made on corticosteroids in the aurochs Bison bonasus. Hydrocortison, corticosteron, aldosteron, 11-dehydrocorticosteron and 11-deoxycorticosteron were found in the suprarenals. Besides these hormones, the blood of the aurochs contains cortison, 17-oxy-11-deoxycorticosteron ("S" compounds) and unidentified fraction. Compounds revealed in the blood of the aurochs were also found in the bison and ox. The ratio of hydrocortison to corticosteron together with 11-dehydro- and 11-deoxycorticosteron is equal to 0.42 +/- 0.06 in the suprarenals and to 0.34 +/- 0.01 in the blood.


[Reactions of the directionally sensitive optical interneurons of insects to movement of a two-dimensional pattern]. The reactions to movements of two-dimensional patterns with the same average spatial period were compared in electrophysiological experiments. Directionally-sensitive neurons in connectives of dragonflies (fam. Libellulidae) were 1.5--2 times more sensitive to movement of "dissected" patterns (checkerboards, lattice of circles, stochastic pattern) than to vertical stripes. The power of optic signal in high-frequency domain in dissected patterns is 1.4--1.8 times higher, than in a striped pattern. It is assumed that high-frequency spatial filtering in dragonflies is provided by strong lateral inhibition in retinotopic projection. Dissected and striped patterns elicited identical reactions in directionally-sensitive neurons of the dronefly Eristalis tenax; the same was stated for the locomotory optokinetic reaction of the earty-boring dung beetle Geotrupes stercorosus.


[X-ray microanalysis of the fundamental composition of the hemolymph of the mollusk Mytilus edulis]. X-ray microanalysis of the content of Na, K, Cl, Ca, P, S and Mg has been made in ultrasmall samples of haemolymph of the mussel Mytilus edulis living in habitats with lowered salinity. It was shown that the content of potassium in the haemolymph is higher than in the environment, both natural and artificial. Coefficient of potassium accumulation in relation to the environment increases with the decrease of external salinity.


[Study of the chemoreceptor membrane of identified neurons of the gastropod mollusk Planorbarius corneus with different technics of applying chemicals]. Changes in the membrane potential caused by acetylcholine or gamma-aminobutyric acid when added to the perfusion fluid were compared with those induced by their local application to the neuron soma membrane from the micropipette (diameter 100-300 mu). With equal drug concentrations, the responses were found to be of similar amplitude with either method of application. The rate of changes in the membrane potential proved to be however several times higher in the case of local application. Using voltage--clamp technique and local drug application, the dose-response relationships were studied during selective activation either of two kinds of cholinoreceptors available on the identified neuron membrane. The saturation of the muscarinic receptors was shown to be attained at smaller agonist concentrations, the absolute value of maximal response being at least one order of magnitude lower than in case of nicotinic cholinoreceptors of the same cell.


[Catecholamine concentration in the brain and adrenals during the ontogenesis of mammals with different levels of motor activity]. In dogs and squirrels which in natural environment reveal high level of muscle activity, the content of norepinephrine in the brain stem and total content of epinephrine and norepinephrine in the suprarenals are lower than in rabbits and albino rats which are characterized by a lower muscle activity. Differences in norepinephrine content of the brain stem between dogs and rats originally appear in the period of realization of the standing posture. At this time, norepinephrine content of the brain stem in dogs becomes maximal, decreasing on further development of animals, whereas in rats it continues to increase up to the 4th month of postnatal life. In rats which were bred from the age of 1 month under the conditions of intensive muscle exercise, norepinephrine content of the brain stem at the age of 7 months is lower than in control animals.


[Amino acid composition of chicken serum albumin]. Studies have been made on the amino acid composition of electrophoretically homogeneous albumin and its main isoelectrically homogeneous fraction in two strains of hens and their hybrid. Serum albumin of hen and hybrid is characterized by higher total content of Asp and Glu residues as compared with that of the cock (137, 121, and 116 respectively) and lower content of Lys (59 against 66). The acidity of albumin increases in the line cock-hen-hybrid. With respect to its amino acid composition, the maternal serum albumin stands close to the hybrid one.


[Hemoglobin oxygen affinity in Mesocricetus auratus hamsters of different ages]. Studies have been made on the amino acid composition of electrophoretically homogeneous albumin and its main isoelectrically homogeneous fraction in two strains of hens and their hybrid. Serum albumin of hen and hybrid is characterized by higher total content of Asp and Glu residues as compared with that of the cock (137, 121, and 116 respectively) and lower content of Lys (59 against 66). The acidity of albumin increases in the line cock-hen-hybrid. With respect to its amino acid composition, the maternal serum albumin stands close to the hybrid one.


[Perception of chemical and temperature stimuli by the ampullae of Lorenzini in in skates]. Recording impulse activity in single nervous fibers, studies have been made on the effect of chemical and thermal stimuli on the activity of Lorenzini ampullae in the rays Dasyatis pastinaca and Raja clavata. Application of the diluted sea water to the opening of ampullary canal increases the discharge rate of the receptors resulting into subsequent adaptation, whereas the increase in water salinity causes opposite changes. Threshold changes in the salinity of sea water amount 1--2%. Thermal transient in the sea water at the vicinity of the opening of ampullary canal did not affect the activity of the receptors. A decrease in temperature at the vicinity of receptor cells resulted in a transient rise of the firing rate of the receptors, while the increase of temperature decreased the activity of the receptors.


[Avidity of sera-neutralizing snake venom]. Avidity of antivenom sera used for the treatment of snake bites was studied. Sera against the venom of Vipera libetina obtained from producers immunized with crude venoms were more avid than analogous sera obtained to anavenoms. In studying the avidity of polyvalent serum neutralizing the Vipera libetina, echis and cobra venoms showed the serum obtained in immunization with the mixture of crude venoms to be highly avid to all the venoms composing the antigen; besides, it bound the venoms of Vipera libetina and echis more rapidly and more stably than the corresponding monovalent sera.


[Enteropathogenicity of hemolysing El Tor Vibrios]. The authors studied the enteropathogenic properties of 11 strains of hemolysing E1 Tor vibrios, of which 8 in enteric administration to suckling rabbits caused no death of the animals, and 3 caused the animal death with the phenomena of diarrhea, but without any typical cholerogenicity syndrome. In case of administration with mucine the pathogenic properties were revealed in 6 strains more. Use of strains grown on media with starch for the infection led, in individual cases, to the manifestation of enteropathogenic properties. Consequently, the strains of hemolysing E1 for vibrios under study should be regarded as weakly virulent, and some--as avirulent ones.


[Differences in the thermostability of aminoacyl-mRNA-synthetases from intact and denervated rabbit muscles]. The stability of alanyl-tRNA synthetase and valyl-tRNA synthetase from the intact and denervated for 30 days rabbit skeletal muscles towards the inactivating effect of heat (42 degrees for 10 min) has been studied. The activity of the enzymes was measured in the supernatant fraction obtained by centrifugation of muscle homogenates at 105, 000 g for 1 h. The stability of both alanyl- and valyl-tRNA synthetases from the denervated m. soleus and m. gastrocnemius was shown to be considerably decreased as compared with the enzymes from the intact muscles.


[Effect of stimulation of the sensomotor cortex on the activity of the lumbar motor center in rats during ontogenesis]. In rats ageing up to 3 weeks, studies have been made on the reactions of the spinal motor center to long-lasting rhythmic stimulation of sensorimotor cortex. It was found that in 5-day old rats specific periodic pattern of the activity may be recorded similar to the autorhythmic spontaneous activity described in our earlier papers. In older animals periodic pattern of reaction can also be observed, but it may be modulated by stimulation. Beginning from the 12th day, periodic pattern of reaction is transformed into aperiodic one typical for adult animals. From the 3rd week of life, the inhibitory effect of motor cortex stimulation on locomotor activity could be observed.


[Effect of sulfide water from natural springs on the properties of Vibrino cholerae]. The authors studied the properties of E1 Tor cholera vibrios isolated from sulfide water of the natural sources. There was demonstrated under experimental and natural conditions the influence of ecological conditions of sulfide water on such vibrio properties as cholerogenicity, sensitivity to diagnostic and typing phages, hemolytic activity and the value of the hemolysin-destructive factor. A short-liver stay of cholera vibrios in sulfide water was accompanied by some reduction of their virulence.


[Substrate specificity of multiple forms of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in Misgurnus fossilis loach embryos]. Studies have been made on substrate specificity of electrophoretically different forms of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (D-glucose-6-phosphate: NADP+-1-oxidoreductase; EC 1.1.1.49). 2-Deoxy-D-glucose-6-phosphate produced by enzymic synthesis was used as a substrate analogue for G-6-P DH fractionated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The data obtained indicate that two forms of G-6-P DH of the loach blastoderm differ with respect to their substrate specificity.


[Pharmacologic analysis of the biphasic postsynaptic potentials of an identified neuron of the mollusk Planorbarius corneus]. Identified neuron in the left pedal ganglion of the mollusc P. corneus responds by biphasic postsynaptic potential (BPSP) to nerve stimulation. The depolarizing phase of both the BPSP and the response to acetylcholine is abolished by tubocurarine, whereas the hypopolarizing phase is blocked by tetramethylammonium. The results obtained suggest that BPSP is due to activation of two kinds of cholinoreceptors in the neuronal membrane.


[Phagocytability of Pseudomonas pseudomallei]. Experiments were conducted on the cell culture of macrophages of animals significantly differing by the extent of resistance to melioidosis; the presence of correlation between the extent of the animal natural immunity and the intensity of dying of the microbes in the test system was demonstrated. The causative agent of melioidosis proved to be more resistant to phagocytosis with guinea pig macrophages than E. coli. Ps. aeruginosa and A. mallei. It was impossible to establish any relationship between the efficacy of phagocytosis by animal macrophages and the virulence or morphology of the colonies in the Ps. pseudomallei species.


[The content of gonadotropic hormones in commercial immunoglobulin preparations]. The authors carried out a comparative quantitative and biological determination of gonadotropins in 32 batches of immunoglobulin preparations made of the abortive, placental, and donor blood sera. The maximal amounts of gonadotropins were contained in preparations obtained from the abortive blood serum. It was shown that purification by Kohn's method (variant B) led only to the partial purification of immunoglobulins from the gonadotropin admixtures.


[Insulin activity of blood serum of rabbits immunized with tick-borne encephalitis- and western-equine-encephalomyelitis viruses]. Administration of brain suspension of intact albino mice during the 1st, 3rd and 7th days after a single, double and prolonged (5-cycle) immunization of rabbits produced no significant changes in the functional condition of the insular apparatus. A single use in the capacity of an antigen of the brain tissue containing the tick-borne encephalitis or western horse encephalomyelitis viruses also led to no marked shifts in the blood serum insulin activity. In reimmunization with the virus-containing material the value analysed decreased on the 7th day in comparison with the 1st and the 3rd days after the antigenic stimulation. A suppression of the hormonal function of the insular apparatus of the pancreas during the 1st and the 7th days of study was noted after the hyperimmunization with the virus-containing brain suspensions.


[The role of lemmings in natural tularemia foci of arctic regions]. The presence of Taimyr of independent natural tularemia foci of tundra type was revealed on the basis of isolation of tularemia causative agent from lemmings and the objects of external environment and detection of a specific antigen in the pellets of birds-myophages and mummified cadavers of animals. Possible ways of circulation of the microbe in the lemming population are discussed.


[Increased invasiveness as one of the manifestations of phenotype variability of the plague microbe in fleas]. Experimental studies conducted on genetically connected virulent subcultures of Y. pestis showed that the death of albino mice infected by flea bite occurred earlier than in the animals infected by a syringe subcutaneously. A high invasiveness of Y. pestis subcultures isolated from fleas (in comparison with the initial strains and subcultures from the animals) persisted for 2--3 passages in their cultivation on artificial nutrient media.


[Detection of the etiologic structure of generalized and localized forms of meningococcal infection using the passive hemagglutination test]. Preparations of formalin-treated erythrocytes sensitized with meningococcus polysaccharides of serological groups A, C, X, Y, and Z were used for the purpose of examination of patients with meningococcus infection; these preparations were highly specific in the tests of precipitation, hemagglutination and hemagglutination inhibition. Indirect hemagglutination test with the sera of 99 patients suffering from generalized forms of meningococcus infection was conducted with the mentioned preparations in Moscow and Novosibirsk in 1974--1975 when a stable morbidity decline was noted in these towns after an epidemic rise. The diagnostic value of this test was confirmed: it permitted to diagnose meningococcus etiology beginning from the 5th day of the disease and to decipher it from the aspect of individual serological groups. As shown, the incidence of cases caused by serological group A, reaching 87% at the height of the epidemic rise, fell to 49.5% at the stage of decline. Cases caused by group Y which was not encountered formerly were revealed in 16.2% of the patients. Among 127 patients with miningitis of nonmeningococcus etiology meningococcus antibodies to groups A and Y were revealed with the same frequency (in titres of not over 1 : 20--1 : 80), but the leading role of serological group A in the etiology of the manifest forms permitted to draw a conclusion on the presence of a higher invasiveness in the strains of group A.


[El Tor vibrios with different enteropathogenicities]. The authors summed up the results of study of enteropathogenicity of 270 strains of the El Tor vibrios isolated the last 11 years. Over 2 000 nursling rabbits were used. El Tor vibrios were divided by their enteropathogenic properties into three categories: 1) the highly enteropathogenic (cholerogenic) ones causing the death of all the biotest nursling rabbits with a characteristic syndrome of cholerogenicity, and failing to lyse sheep erythrocytes; 2) enteropathogenic ones, causing death of some of the biotest animals without any characteristic cholerogenicity syndrome, but with the intestinal lesions; strains of this category are hemolytic; 3) nonenteropathogenic, causing no death of the animals even when their high doses are administered; these bibrios are hemolytic (cause lysis of sheep red blood cells).


[Characteristics of several epidemiologic features of suppurative-septic diseases of staphylococcal etiology in obstetric institutions]. The authors studied the frequency of the purulent-septic diseases in puerperants and neonates and the percentage among them of affections of staphylococcus etiology, their seasonal incidence and nidality. The phage-type reference of the strains of staphylococci circulating at the maternity home, and their connection with the staphylococcus carrier state among the personnel and the extent of spread of the purulent-septic diseases was determined. There was revealed an interrelationship between the incidence of recording of the purulent-septic diseases at the maternity home and the level of staphylococcus carrier state among the medical personnel. The sum total positive culture percentage in serous mastitis, endometritis and in case of suture disjunction due to purulent complications was 63.5, and in case of purulent-septic diseases of neonates -- 55--65. Strains belonging to the "epidemic" phage types are widespread at the maternity homes.


[Lung tissue alterations following experimental infection of mice with acholeplasmae isolated from simians with hematosarcoma]. This paper is devoted to the study of pathogenic acholeplasmae potencies. Two strains of acholeplasmae isolated from the blood and organs of Papio hamadryas suffering from hemoblastosis and a standard Ach. laidlawii A. strain were subjected to the comparative study with the use of a "pulmonary model" in experiments on mice. Morphological investigations showed affections of the pulmonary tissue characterized by stage-by-stage inflammatory-destructive changes analogous to the lesions found in "mycoplasmosis of the lungs". Prolonged inflammatory changes in the pulmonary tissue were maintained by a long-term persistence of acholeplasmae in it. A conclusion was drawn that acholeplasmae isolated from monkeys suffering from hematosarcoma had marked pathogenic action on the pulmonary tissue of mice. Strain differences in the pathogenic activity of the strains under study were revealed.


[Suppressive effect of normal lymphoid cells on manifestations of immunologic memory]. The authors studied the influence of the cells of normal lymphoid organs on the level of immunological response in the recipients of splenic cells from the suppressed animals. The organ cells were mixed with the suppressed ones and were administered to the recipients together with the reimmunizing dose of the antigen. Cells of the spleen, of the lymph nodes, the thymus or of the bone marrow suppressed the capacity of the memory cells to the realization of the immunological response to sheep red blood cells and egg albumin. The spleen cells of one and a half month old mice were more active than the cells of young or old animals. The suppressor activity persisted after the administration to donors of various doses of cortisone or heating of the cells transferred at 56 degrees C. Treatment with T-antiserum or heating at 80 degrees C led to reduction of the suppressor action of normal cells.


[Effect of hyperimmunization with tick-borne encephalitis virus on lipid metabolism]. Prolonged administration to rabbits of the brain tissue of albino mice and of the cell culture of chick embryo with and without the tick-borne encephalitis virus was accompanied by the changes in the qualitative fatty acid composition in the blood serum in the direction of increase of the polyunsaturated compounds; iodine number increased in the liver. A five-cycle immunization with the virus-containing material and with the brain tissue led to the rise in the content of blood serum beta-lipoproteins. The noted deviations were more pronounced in using the tick-borne encephalitis virus. Hyperimmunization with the virus-containing antigen promoted elevation of the lipolytic activity of the blood serum and of the liver tissue.


[Ultrastructure, metabolism and performance of white blood cells during development of the immune response and the effect of glucocorticoids on it. I. Effect of immunization on the number and submicroscopic structure of lymphocytes and monocytes in the blood of rabbits]. As a result of immunization and reimmunization with bovine serum albumin there was a change of the number and correlation of various morphologically identifyable species of lymphocytes in the blood of rabbits. Regular submicroscopic changes in the nucleus and organoids of the cytoplasm pointing to increased functional activity of these cells were revealed at the ultrastructural level in many circulating lymphocytes belonging to various populations.


[Qualitative features of erythropoiesis in rabbits following multiple antigenic stimulation]. Experiments were conducted on rabbits; a study was made of the influence of multiple antigen stimulation on the indices of erythropoiesis. Isotonic physiological saline was administered daily in control rabbits. The erythroid bone marrow series responded in the same direction both to the antigen and to the non-antigen stimulation. There was noted an increase of the percentage content of macrocytes, coinciding in time with reticulocytosis in the immunized animals at the second stage (the 50th day). Normalization of the character of the erythrocyte distribution occurred in the control group at this period. In case of empolyment of the antigen stimulation, the second stage can be regarded as the compensatory-regenerative response to the damaging action of the antigen.


[Enzymatic activity in the lung cells to the intrapulmonary administration of antigen]. Histochemical study of the activity of the redox and hydrolytic enzymes in the immunocompetent cells of the lungs of guinea pigs following intratracheal immunization with complete typhoid antigen demonstrated that following a single immunization at the initial periods elevation of the activity of AP, LDH, NAD- and NADP-diaphorases was seen in the macrophages; later GDH, G-6-PDH and AP was activated in the plasma cells. Double immunization was followed by an earlier and more intensive increase of the enzymatic activity in the cells under study.


[Study of a collection of Shigella strains of provisional serovars (cultural and biochemical properties)]. The author studied 17 standard and local strains of shigellae of provisional serological variants (3873-50, 2000-53, 3341-53, 3615-53, 2710-54, 1621-54). By a number of biochemical signs (alkalization of citrate agar of Christiansen and Molke's lacmus, the growth on acetate medium, utilization of soluble starch) and resistance to the genus-specific dysentery bacteriophage the cultures of serological variant 2000-53 possessed no properties of shigellae and were escherichia according to the general characteristics. The enzymatic and cultural properties of the rest of provisional serological variants corresponded to the characteristics of bacteria belonging to Shigella genus.


[Quantitative test for evaluating immunoreactivity in vaccinated mice with coccidioidosis]. The interaction between hypersensitivity of delayed type and the severity of infection was studied in albino mice vaccinated and survived after the intranasal infection with 100 LD50 of Coccidioidosis immitis (pulmonary model of coccidiasis). The method of determination of the weight of the lungs and edema of the paw pads after the administration of the specific antigen permitted to assess the intensity of immunity quantitatively. There was an inverse correlation between the weight of the affected lungs and edema of the limbs, and in case of pregressive development of coccidioidosis--between the weight of the body and the lungs. A formula for determining the immunoreactivity index in the vaccinated mice infected with the causative agents of lung infections, in the mechanism of whose defence the prevailing role was played by cellular immunity, is suggested.


[Pathogenicity of the Shigella isolated from wild and game animals of the Far North of the USSR]. Experiments were conducted on guinea pigs. A study was made of the pathogenicity of brucellae culture isolated from various wild and Game animals of the extreme North of the USSR (wolf, polar fox, ermine, glutton). The majority of the cultures under study proved to be highly pathogenic. Observations carried out led to the conclusion that brucella cultures circulating between the wild and domestic reindeers and migrating to other species of animals presented definite danger to the health of man.


[Assessment of the degree of antibody avidity in food toxinfections of salmonellal etiology using the indirect hemagglutination inhibition reaction]. The authors studied the avidity of antibodies in the sera obtained from 56 patients suffering from salmonelloses, the causative agents of which were referred to groups B, C1, C2, E. Determinations were carried out in the indirect hemagglutination inhibition test. It was shown that the mentioned test could be used to assess the extent of the serum antibodies avidity. Age-specific avidities of the serum antibodies were revealed in patients suffering from salmonella infections during the infectious process. There was found an insignificant prevalance of the antibody avidity in the patients with the forms of the disease of moderate severity and severe. In the patients with salmonelloses of group B the antibodies proved to be the most avid.


[Participation of conditionally pathogenic enterobacteria in the processes of intestinal dysbacteriosis]. The presence of a number of conditioned-pathogenic enterobacteria (Klebsiella, Citrobacter, Enterobacter) in patients with intestinal dysbacteriosis, and also their detection in derangement of normal intestinal biocenosis in patients with chronic intestinal disturbances with clinical manifestations of this condition, even in the absence of known bacteriological indications of dysbacteriosis was revealed. Results of investigations led the authors to the conclusion on the participation of a number of conditioned pathogenic enterobacteria in intestinal dysbacteriosis, and permit a suggestion on the necessity of proper assessment of the fact of presence of these bacteria as a possible dysbacteriosis indication.


[Biological properties of the Escherichia of serological group 06 isolated in acute intestinal diseases of undetermined etiology]. The authors describe new serological and biochemical types of escherichia belonging to serological group 06, isolated in group and sporadic cases of sickness, from the affected children. Circulation of seven serological types was revealed--partial composition of the O-antigen proved to be serologicaly nonhomogeneous. Escherichia of a single sero-anzymatic type (06a6b: K13: H1) were isolated in a group affection.


[Production of staphylococcal alpha-hemolysin in a nutrient medium free of ballast substances]. A highly-active staphylococcus alpha-hemolysin was obtained in a synthetic nutrient medium containing inorganic salts, vitamins, glucose and casamine acids, with fractional addition of glucose, histidine, and NaHCO3 solutions into the medium during cultivation. The intensity of alpha-toxin production was directly proportional to the initial concentration in the medium of casamine acids (within the range of 0.2--2.0%). The presence of lecithin in the medium (0.04%) accelerated the appearance of alpha-hemolysin, and then suppressed its production.


[Local experimental infection caused by S. epidermidis sensitive to penicillin under the action of the antibiotic and acridines]. S. epidermidis D-5/48, D-5/240, and S. aureus 209 P caused a local infectious process with an analogous course in intrascrotal infection of male albino mice; this process was characterized by the changes of the relative weight coefficient of the affected tissues, positive staphylococcus culture, and exudative inflammation. This confirmed the role of epidermal coagulase-negative staphylococci in the infectious pathology. Benzylpenicillin treatment of local staphylococcus infection proved to be ineffective, although the staphylococcus strains used for the infection were sensitive to this antibiotic. This treatment led to the selection of the antibiotic-resistant forms of the microorganisms and to the aggravation of the infectious process, suggesting greater virulence of the antibiotic-resistant strains. The minimal suppressive acridines concentrations prevented the development of penicillin resistance and selection of resistant staphylococci, increased the therapeutic efficacy of this antibiotic.


[Brain stem lesions in acute cranio-cerebral injury]. The authors analyzed the results of clinical and angiographical studies of 120 patients with acute severe brain traumas. In 76 cases brain stem lesions were diagnosed during life and in 22 cases diagnosed as a primary lesion. The postmortem data confirmed primary lesion of the stem structures only in 11 cases. The conclusion made by clinicians of the primary stem lesion was based mainly on an impetuously developing picture of stem disturbances during the first hours following trauma. The angiographical data demonstrated that each type of stem lesion in an acute brain trauma has a certain angiographic symptomatology. For a more correct diagnosis the authors recommend to perform cerebral angiography even in a typical clinical picture of primary stem lesion.


[Immunoglobulins in patients with traumatic lesions of the spinal cord]. The author studied dynamically the content of immunoglobulins in the blood of 40 patients with traumatic lesions of the spinal cord. In 11 of the studied patients there were lesions of the cervical part, in 25 cases--of the thoracal and in 14 cases--of the sacro-lumbar part of the spinal cord. It was established that traumatical lesions of the spinal cord are constantly accompanied by changes in the content of immunoglobulins in the blood, (especially immunoglobulin g). The level of these changes are in a direct correlation with the expressivity of infectious complications (decubitus, pyelonephritis, sepsis), which as a rule complicate the development of the disease.


[Neurodystrophic lesions of the osteoarticular apparatus and their importance in assessing the trophic function of the spinal cord]. An analysis of neurodystrophical lesions of the bone-joint apparatus of spinal etiology permitted to establish some general regularities and their expression and to detect their interrelation between disturbances of the spinal trophical functions as well. Neurodystrophical lesions should be considered as indices of disturbed spinal trophical functions and secondary inadequacy of the locomotor system.


[Forced imitative synkinesis as an approach to rehabilitation in central hemiparesis]. With the aid of EMG registrations the author investigated the possibility of using imitational synkinesia (from the normal hand to the affected) in a rehabilitative training of patients with postapopleptic hemiparesis and hemiplegia. A total of 50 individuals were studied (20 normals and 30 patients with hemiparesis). After bioelectrical activity registration in an attempt to make a maximum voluntary flexion or extension of the paretic hand the examinec were to make a combined attempt of voluntary movements at a command and pathological synkinesia of the same type. This synkinesia was forced, i. e. called by a maximum by strength muscular contraction of the normal hand (against resistance). EMG permitted in some cases to overcome the global synkinesia (a posture-statical and nonadaptive by character) by imitational (kinetic). If this effect was not seen the use of this method was considered purposeless. The proposed method is desinhibition of structures with a deficit of excitation, a contralateral alleviation and a new organization of movements, appearing as a result of conditioned combinations.


[Thermoregulation in prolonged antiorthostatic hypokinesia]. By means of daily thermometry in the axillary area, a study of skin thermotopography in 10 symmetrical points of the body and a study of the Shcherbak thermoregulational reflex the author assessed the function of thermoregulation during a 49 day antiorthostatic (-4 degrees) hypokinesia. The study included 32 male volunteers from 25-39 years of age. It was demonstrated that signs of temperature discomfort appeared shortly after an antiorthostatic position was taken and was due to the initial period of blood redistribution. At the end of the first and beginning of the second month hypokinesia developed and gradual disturbances of thermoregulational dynamics progressed. They were characterized by changes of oral-caudal and proximal-distal correlations of the skin temperature (due to the drop of temperature in the distal parts) and hyporeactivity, areactivity or inversion of thermoregulational processes during the study of the Shcherbak thermoregulational reflex.


[Repercussive symptoms in the postinfarct period]. The paper contains observations of repercussive symptoms in 118 patients, who had infarctions and stenocardia. The repercussive symptoms were expressed in sensorial disorders, motor and vegetative-trophical disturbances in the shoulder girdle and upper extremities. The authors analyse the clinical data, ECG, EMG and X-ray examinations. The results of such studies demonstrate that in some cases in the postinfarction period the picture of a repercussive syndrome prevails. Timely diagnostic methods and treatment makes it possible to safeguard the patients from signs of repercussive pathology, promote the removal of secondary reflectory influences in the coronary circulation, which in its turn prevents the development of repeated myocardial infarctions and significantly improves the prognosis in the postinfarction period.


[Neurologic disorders in acute dichloroethane poisoning]. The paper deals with a study of the nervous system in 121 patients with acute poisening with dichlorethane. Among the studied contingent there were 110 males and 11 females. According to the severity of the intoxication the patients were divided into 3 groups: mild--23 cases, moderate--11 cases, severe--87 cases. The following 6 neurological syndromes were distinguished: comatose, convulsive, atactic, extrapyramidal, psychotic and asthenic with vegetative-vascular insufficiency. Morphological studies detected the following: congestion plethora, vascular dystonia, microfoci hemorrhages, acute swelling of the nervous cells with signs of chromatolyses, shrunk cells, severe and ischemic change of the nervous cells. The treatment consisted in an accelerated elimination of dichlorethane from the organism and symptomatic therapy. The results of these studies demonstrated that in poisoning with dichlorethane there were diffuse, mainly dystrophic changes in the cells of the brain and spinal cord, which clinically may be expressed by symptoms of a lesion of many systems and may be qualified as toxic encephalomyelopathy.


[Possible role of genetic factors in increasing the serum neurotropic activity of schizophrenic patients]. The authors studied the accumulation of individuals with an increased neurotropic blood serum activity among the relatives of schizophrenic patients. In order to evaluate the degree and character of the genetical determination of the biological indices 2 independent approaches were used: the method of a sequential search of genetical significant threshold values of signs (within the framework of a poligenic Falkoner-Edwards model) and the method of a partition of the total phenotypic variance into main compounds on the basis of intrafamilial correlations. It was demonstrated that the studied signs are characterized by a very high degree of a genetical determination. It is assumed that the small amount of specific loci (major genes) with the effect of intraloci dominance or intraloci epistatic interaction are responsible for the given biological marker.


[Impressibility of schizophrenic patients]. The authors studied the abilities to identify emotional states according to the acustico-phonetical symptoms of speech in 160 schizophrenic patients and 80 normals. These studies were performed with the aid of a specially elaborated tape recorder test. It was established that difficulties in accomplishing these tasks were found in schizophrenic patients with paranoid symptomatology. Patients with other clinical states, including sufficiently expressed specific disturbances in the emotional sphere, extremely subtly differentiated the emotional state of the announcers. These data are considered as proof of preserved impressive abilities in the majority of schizophrenic patients. The significance of these factors for the organization of psychosocial influences are discussed.


[Interhemispheric relations in the process of visual perception in schizophrenic patients]. The purpose of the performed study was to compare the time of visual stimuli perception for different hemispheres in normals and in schizophrenic patients. In normals there was a certain asymmetry in the speed of perception of letter stimuli between the right and left hemispheres. It was established, that in the right hemisphere there was a more rapid perception of the letters as compared to the left one. In schizophrenic patients there is no interhemispheric differences in the time of perception, owing to the fact that the right hemisphere loses the advantage in speed of processing visual information. The author makes an assumption of the possible role of disturbed activity of the right hemisphere in the psychopathological symptomatology.


[Premorbid personality traits and features of the onset of schizophrenia in families with a hereditary predisposition]. The report covers a group of schizophrenic parents and their children (219 patients from 101 families); the author studied variants of premorbid personality traits, the patient's age at the onset of the disease, the duration of the initial period, its syndromes in the descending generation. Comparing signs in the pairs of parents-children the author detected the most stable signs in transmission to the descending generations. The following signs were attributed to such stable traits: schizoid personality traits, a short initial period, a psychopathlike syndrome in the initial period. Special tables were formed permitting to prognosticate the appearance of some signs in children when some signs were known in parents.


[Clinical picture of continuous paranoid schizophrenia in the light of long-term catamnesis in old age]. A total of 100 patients with continuous paranoid schizophrenia who had lived to an old age were studied. It is revealed that a significant part of these patients (about 80%) display good social adaptation, do not require hospitalization and preserve this state in the long-term absence psychopharmacological treatment as well. It relates to the fact that in paranoid schizophrenia in old age signs of a decrease of progression of a morbid process and a tendency towards stabilization of clinical manifestations prevail. In other cases progression of a morbid process retains.


[Clinico-psychopathologic features of remissions and work capacity among schizophrenic patients with a continuous of shift-like progressive course]. The author describes 5 clinical variants isolated during clinico-psychopathological analysis of 102 schizophrenic patients with a continuous and attacklike-progressive course of the disease. The indices of socio-labor rehabilitation in patients with affective, asthenical and psychopathlike remissions were rather good. And on the contrary, in cases of residual productive and apathic remissions there were only single cases of satisfactory sociolabor rehabilitation.


[Methodology of comparative epidemiologic research and features of the distribution of schizophrenia in different regions of the country]. In order to study the reliability of the methodology in a syndromological identification of schizophrenic patients, the authors accomplished the following study of schizophrenic patients in one of the districts of Moscow where the disease lasted for more than 30 years. A verification of the epidemiological material, convened according to a common programme and the method of identification was made in separate districts of Ivanovo and the Andizhan Region. The results of these studies detected a relatively high unanimous evaluation of the mental state by different psychiatrists on the syndromological level, not only at the moment of examination, but in a retrospective analysis of the clinical signs of the disease during different stages of the disease. Using schizophrenia as a model the authors demonstrated the effectiveness of a syndromological identification in patients and the method of comparative-epidemiological analysis for the studies of the prevalence of mental disorders and detection of factors (including border-line pathology) influencing the indices of prevalence, clinical content and formation of different types of the disease.


[Schizophrenia in students (results of a clinico-epidemiologic study)]. The authors studied the prevalence, clinical state and socio-labour adaptation of schizophrenic patients studying at multiprofile institutes, within a large student campus. Among the students of technical faculties schizophrenic patients were registered 7 times less than among the students of the physico-mathematical faculty and 4 times less than among the students of humanitarian faculties. Half of the students with schizophrenia successfully enough continue to study and graduate from the institutes. The degree of socio-labour adaptation of the sick students did not depend upon the profile of the faculty, but was due mainly to the progressiveness of the schizophrenic process and the rehabilitative programmes. The authors recommend a perfection of mental health services to the students, a wider inclusion of clinical indications and individual approaches to the admittance and possible studies of schizophrenic patients, at establishments of higher education.


Activity and polymorphism of the cobalt-activated acylase in tissues of rodents during development. The activity of cobalt-activated acylase, measured towards N-chloroacetyl- and N-butyryl-gamma-L-glutamyl-beta-naphthylamide, was found in all tissues of the adult animals. In the kidney, liver and small intestine of adult guinea-pig and rat two fractions differing in electrophoretic mobility (fractions 1 and 2) were present. The early foetus contained fraction 2, sometimes accompanied by fraction 3 which later disappeared; on further development of the foetus, fraction 1 appeared. Fraction 1 was distinctly activated by cobalt ions; fractions 2 and 3 were strongly inhibited by deaminated leucylphenylalanine. In the guinea-pig, the molecular weight of the three fractions ranged from 43000 to 59000.


The effect of sulfhydryl reagents on the activity and stability of yeast ribosomes. By titration with N-ethylmaleimide (MalNet) and p-chloromercuribenzoate (pCMB) of native yeast ribosomes, 40-43 SH groups were found, which represent about one third of the total SH groups present in these ribosomes. The reaction with pCMB proceeded fast, and that with MalNet was slow. The SH-blocking reaction led to inhibition of the ribosome activity. The activity of the MalNet-treated ribosomes in the polymerization reaction decreased concomitantly with the decrease of their activity in the enzymic and non-enzymic binding of phenylalanyl-tRNA and N-acetylphenylalanyl-tRNA. pCMB completely inactivated the ribosomes which seems to indicate that this reagent modified some SH groups which were not accessible to MalNet. The ribosome stability was affected by the blocking of the SH groups; in the buffered 0.5 M-KCl solution a significant portion of protein was detached from the modified ribosomes. Thus it appears that the SH groups of ribosomal proteins play some role in maintaining the ribosome structure.


Nucleotide sequence of the anticodon region of barley embryo phenylalanine transfer RNA. Highly purified tRNAPhe from barley embryos was completely digested with pancreatic ribonuclease and T1 ribonuclease. The digestion products were separated using DEAE-cellulose chromatography. The Y base-containing fragment of the anticodon region of tRNAPhe has the following nucleotide sequence: Cpm2(2)GppsipCpApGpApCmpUpGmpApApYpAppsipCpUpGp, i.e. the same as in the anticodon region of wheat germ and pea tRNAPhe.


Isolation and properties of the main isoleucine trnas from lupinus luteus seeds. RPC-5 chromatography of [14C]isoleucyl-tRNA shows the presence of 5 tRNAIle species in lupin seeds. The two major species have been isolated using RPC-5 and Sepharose 4B chromatography. The acceptor activity of the purified tRNAs ranges from 1350 pmoles (tRNA2Ile) to 1510 pmoles (tRNA1Ile) of isoleucine per one A260 unit of tRNA. The two tRNAs have similar thermal denaturation profiles but differ in the composition of the major and minor bases, 3'-terminal nucleotide sequences, and the titration curves with MgCl2. It is concluded that the two major tRNAIle species are coded for by different genes.


Lysine tRNAs from cytoplasm, chloroplasts and mitochondria of the lupin seedling cotyledons. 1. The lupin cotyledons contain two cytoplasm-specific lysine tRNAs, one chloroplast-specific, one mitochondria-specific species, and three species common to all the cell compartments investigated; the lysine tRNAs were separated by reversed-phase chromatography (RPC-5). 2. The two cytoplasmic lysine tRNAs are predominant in the tRNALys isolated from the whole tissue. Their level and relative ratios change during germination (Augustyniak & Pawełkiewicz, 1978, Phytochemistry, 17, 15-18). 3. The organellar tRNA constitutes about 20% of the total tRNA in the cotyledons of 7-day-old lupin seedlings.


[Use of the echotomography in the exploration of aneurisms of the abdominal aorta (author's transl)]. Twenty-six cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm were shown by echotomography, at of a series of 80 subjects in whom a pulsatile abdominal mass was perceived clinically or suspected. There seems to exist an excellent correlation between the results echotomography and arteriography concerning either the lesion itself or the ocasional complications such as partial thrombosis, dissection and rupture.


[Plain film findings and contrast enema in colon ischemia (author's transl)]. We describe our observations on abdominal roentgenograms without preparation in two cases of segmental colon infarct and eighteen cases of ischemic colitis. In both infarct cases a colic ileus was noted. In one patient the infarcted loop appeared as gas contrasted. In the ischemic cases there were, in addition to the bowel ileus: a colectasis in two patients, a collapsed segment in thirteen and a gas-filled segment in three. When associated to a significant clinical situation the two latter images have some diagnostic value. In the majority of patients, the contrast enema made possible a diagnosis of ischemic colitis; in three it shaved the sigmoid narrowing responsible for the ischemia.


[Anatomical basis of abdominal cavity radiology (author's transl)]. The interpretation of the blank abdominal roentgenogram is made easier by the knowledge of radiological aspects of limits between peritoneal and retroperitoneal compartments. This knowledge rests on the images, often faintly contrasted, provided by ligaments, mesotheria, fascias and boundary muscles defined by opposition to the fatty layers that frequently stress their contours. In this work, we have defined the inferior (pelvis) and lateral (paracolic sinuses) contours of the abdominal cavity, some singularities of the compartments above and below the mesocolon and also mesenteric connexions. The importance of these structures for differential diagnosis of fluid or gas collections and abscesses (origin, location, propagation) is illustrated. The normal and pathological radiological aspects of the three retroperitoneal compartments (perirenal, pararenal anterior and posterior) and their projection area on the film were demonstrated. As the radiological demonstration of all these structures depends on the conditions of the investigation, we have tried with a material comprising 300 cases, to define the technical conditions and plan of observation that appear most favorable.


[Acute abdomen in pediatric roentgenology (author's transl)]. In vue of the successes of modern surgery, correct roentgenology in acute abdominal conditions of the infant and child is of utmost importance. History is very incomplete in children so that the most crucial question is when and how should X-ray investigation start? The answer is difficult to provide because of the necessity of early surgery which, in addition can be hindered by an unnecessary roentgenography. Often this cannot be repeated because of worsening in the patient's condition. Knowledge of specific pathology and of congenital malformations is necessary. One must be careful in using contrast medium in acute abdomens as it may worsen the situation. Hypertonic solutions can heavily modifie the fluid and electrolyte balance, especially in dehydrated children. Technical aspects deserve attention, for instance for treatment of invagination, or in congenital megacolon. The authors illustrate these problems with a few cases.


Propulsion and mixing of small bowel contents during exogenous gastrin infusion. An experimental study in rat. The effect of intravenous infusion of Synthetic Human Gastrin I (SHG) on the propulsion and mixing of small bowel contents was studied quantitatively in conscious rats. Radioactive test substances were infused continuously through a permanent duodenal catheter for totally five hours. Two differently labelled, but otherwise identical, test substances were used and one of them (125I-PVP) was infused during the first three hours, the other (131I-PVP) during the remaining two hours. The activity distribution of each isotope along the excised bowel specimen was measured immediately after the end of the infusion. The bowel length passed by the transition point between the nuclides and the region of overlap in the border zone between them were taken as measures of propulsion and mixing, respectively. A significant increase of the serum gastrin level during infusion of SHG was verified by radioimmunoassay. The total small bowel transit time was significantly prolonged during gastrin infusion secondary to a retarded propagation velocity in the distal small bowel. The slower transport rate during gastrin infusion was coupled to a significant increase of the mixing of small bowel contents. These changes in small bowel motility were not apparently due to a concomitant increase of gastrict acid secretion, since pretreatment with a potent H2-receptor blocker, cimetidine, did not abolish them.


Propulsion and mixing of small bowel contents in rat during varied levels of endogenous gastrin. The propulsion and mixing of small bowel contents were studied in conscious rats 14 days after antral resection, antral exclusion and gastroentero-anastomosis in order to evaluate the influence of hypo-, hyper- and normogastrinemia, respectively, on the net result of small bowel muscular activities. The quantitative measures of propulsion and mixing did not differ significantly between the groups. There was, however, a significant correlation between high serum gastrin and increased intestinal mixing after antral exclusion and gastroentero-anastomosis. This finding supports earlier studies on gastrin effects on the small bowel obtained by exogenous gastrin infusion.


Pneumoperitoneum associated with perforated appendicitis. Perforated appendicitis is sometimes accompanied by pneumoperitoneum, often localized beneath the diaphragmatic dome. This may lead to very dangerous diagnstoic errors, which every roentgenologist and surgeon should be aware of. A historical review is followed by three case reports.


Aortic rupture in a patient with elastosis perforans serpiginosa (Lutz-Miescher). A case of aortic rupture in a 30-year-old women with a rare skin disease, elastosis perforans serpiginosa, is presented. Skin lesions are characterized by marked elastic tissue changes. Multiple large arteries and the distal part of the aorta were thinwalled also with aneurysm-like dilatations. Focal fibroelastosis and degenerative changes were present in the vessel walls. The changes in the aorta made the surgical treatment difficult.


Appendico-cutaneous fistula. A case report. Fistula formation between the appendix and adjacent organs is a rare condition. Cutaneous fistulas occur even more seldom. In this paper a case will be described where a fistula was formed between the appendix and the right buttock.


Pre-operative peroral zinc supplementation. 37 adult surgical patients were given peroral pre-operative zinc supplementation and changes in serum zinc concentration were followed for the first five post-operative days. The serum zinc level increased from 15.5 +/- 2.2 mumol/l to 18.7 +/- 2.9 mumol/l (p less than 0.001) after preoperative zinc treatment. It was found that the magnitude of the post-operative fall in serum zinc did not decrease, but that the mean serum zinc concentration post-operatively did not fall below the pre-operative serum zinc level in the average population. The effect of pre-operative supplementation was less pronounced in elderly patients, expecially after transvesical prostatectomy.


Electrolyte changes in muscle tissue and plasma in tourniquet-ischemia. The effect of long-term tourniquet ischemia on electrolyte levels in muscle tissue and plasma during and after occlusion was investigated in man. Muscle tissue electrolytes were studied in nine patients using a percutaneous muscle biopsy technique. The estimation of the intra- and extracellular electrolyte content was based on the determination of the chloride space. In another similar group of patients (n=11) plasma electrolytes were investigated by taking blood samples from fine plastic catheters inserted into both femoral veins and one radial artery. Capillary blood flow was measured using the 133Xenon-clearance technique. During occlusion there were no significant changes in muscle tissue or plasma electrolytes. After release of the tourniquet an increase in plasma potassium of the operated leg and arterial plasma were observed. Maximal muscle blood flow and maximal potassium values occurred at the same time giving a pronounced potassium release from the operated leg. The osmol release from the occluded leg showed a maximum 1 min after tourniquet release. The total and intracellular content of potassium and sodium in the muscle tissue did not significantly alter after release of the occlusion. A moderate increase in extracellular water was found after tourniquet release.


Leg blood flow and central circulation at varying blood volumes. An intra-operative study of nine patients undergoing a femoro-popliteal vein bypass graft. Common femoral arterial and bypass blood flows, cardiac output, brachial arterial and central pressures were measured in nine patients undergoing a femoro-popliteal vein bypass graft for intermittent claudication. The measurements were performed during neuroleptanesthesia before the operation, after the operation before blood substitution and then after transfusions of 450,900 and 1350 ml of blood. The leg blood flows were measured before and during local vasodilatation induced by intra-arterial injection of bamethane (Vasculat). The bypass flow was only 55 ml/min before blood substitution but was increased to 215 ml/min after the blood transfusions. The corresponding values for the common femoral artery were 100 ml/min and 430 ml/min, respectively. The maximal flow in the bypass vein during vasodilatation with bamethane (Vasculat) was 145 ml/min before blood substitution and 270 ml/min after the transfusions. This implies that the flow response to vasodilatation was more pronounced before than after blood substitution. The leg blood flow increased proportionally more than cardiac output on blood substitution. It is concluded that leg blood flow is very sensitive to hypovolemia and can be increased considerably by adequate blood substitution. The flow response to local vasodilatation is proportionally higher during hypovolemia.


Thyroid disease and function in breast cancer patients and non-hospitalized controls evaluated by determination of TSH, T3, rT3 and T4 levels in serum. Investigations concerning a possible influence of thyroid disease and function on the risk for breast cancer have given contradictory results--although a slight hypothyroidism was repeatedly suggested and supported by increased thyrotropin concentrations and exaggerated TRH-responses. The selection of proper controls was stressed and in this study 179 consecutively diagnosed breast cancer patients were compared with 179 age-matched controls chosen from a computerized population register. The prevalence of thyroid disease and thyroxine treatment showed no differences between the groups. Slight but significant differences were found in the patient group--with a higher mean value for thyrotropin, reverse triodothyronine and T3-resin uptake and a lower mean value for triiodothyronine. No difference was found concerning thyroxine. This pattern of changes was inconsistent with a hypothyroidism, but has recently been found in many non-thyroidal diseases. It is suggested that it may represent a secondary and probably extrathyroidal metabolic change, most likely due to an altered peripheral conversion of the thyroxine.