[Clinical experience with cefoxitin in the field of internal medicine (author's transl)]. 1) Cefoxitin (CFX) was administered to seven patients: two with acute pneumonia, two with acute pyelonephritis, one with pyonephrosis complicated to pyelolithotomy, one with acute cystitis and one with CONN syndrome complicated to liver cirrhosis. 2) Response to the CFX treatment was excellent in three patients, good in three, and poor in one. 3) No side effect was observed in all cases. In two patients in whom CFX and furosemide were concomitantly administered, no aggravation of the renal function was observed.


[A clinical study of PC-904 in pediatric field (author's transl)]. A clinical study of PC-904 was performed and the following results were obtained. 1) PC-904 was intravenously administered at the daily dosage of 20 approximately 120 mg/kg to 13 children; urinary tract infection (10 cases), acute pneumonia (1 case), sepsis (1 case) and purulent meningitis (1 case). The overall efficacy rate was 46.2%. 2) As to adverse reaction, eosinophilia was noted only in 2 patients. One neonate was treated with this drug, but no side effects were observed. 3) It was considered that PC-904 was a useful antibiotic drug for the second choice rather than the first.


[Fundamental and clinical studies of PC-904 in pediatrics (author's transl)]. The following studies were carried out in pediatric patients. 1. Serum levels of PC-904 were examined in 3 patients by 1 hour intravenous infusion of 20 mg/kg, reaching the peak of 22.5 approximately 25.5 microgram/ml at the end of infusion. Half life was 37 approximately 48 minutes. 2. Investigated in only 1 patient, the urinary excretion rate was 12.9% (0 approximately 6 hours). 3. The effect of PC-904 on blood pressure was examined in 1 patient, and no effect was observed. 4. Clinical effects of PC-904 were examined in 9 patients; urinary tract infection (6 cases) and Salmonella enteritis (3 cases). The daily dose was 32.6 approximately 93.0 mg/kg. The overall clinical effectiveness was 66.7%. As to causative organisms E. coli, Klebsiella and Salmonella were isolated. The clinical effects by the organisms were 100%, 0%, and 66.7%, respectively. 5. Slight elevation of GOT and GPT and eosinophilia were observed in each one case but these abnormalities rapidly returned to pre-treatment levels when the administration was discontinued. No other side effects were noticed.


[Fundamental and clinical studies in pediatrics on PC-904, a penicillin with broad spectrum newly developed in Japan (author's transl)]. Fundamental and clinical studies of PC-904, a newly developed penicillin with a broad spectrum, were performed and the following results were obtained. (1) The serum levels of PC-904 after 1.5 hours drip infusion reached the peak at 1 hour or at the end of the infusion and the detectable levels of PC-904 were maintained up to 2 or 3 hours after the end of the infusion. (2) The urinary excretion rates up to 6 hours after the onset of the infusion were 19.2 approximately 25.5%. (3) Forty-one patients were treated with PC-904 and the majority of the diseases were acute respiratory infections. The treatment by the drip infusion of 50 approximately 100 mg/kg/day resulted in good responses to whooping cough, and lacunar tonsillitis, lymphadenitis and staphylococcal scald skin syndrome resistant to the treatment by ampicillin and cephalexin. The satisfactory results were also obtained by the treatment of almost the same dosage in the patients with acute bronchitis, bronchopneumonia and measles pneumonia. (4) Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae were isolated from the sputum culture of the patients with bronchopneumonia and they responded well to the treatment with PC-904. (5) The drip infusion of 60 approximately 70 mg/kg/day for 5 approximately 6 days was shown to be useful in the treatment of urinary tract infection of which the causative organism was E. coli. (6) No side effects were observed except rubella-like eruption in one case. (7) Clinical evaluation was examined in all cases except one patient of which the medication was withdrawn due to eruption, and the overall clinical efficacy was excellent or good in all of 40 cases.


[Clinical study of PC-904 in pediatrics (author's transl)]. Clinical study of PC-904 was performed in 8 children with infectious diseases and the following results were obtained. 1) The patients treated with PC-904 were each one case of acute pharyngitis, lacunar tonsillitis, scarlet fever, phlegmone, acute bronchitis and lung abscess, and 2 cases of bronchopneumonia. 2) The administration methods were drip infusion, one-shot intravenous injection and the combined use of these administrations. The daily dosage varied from 30 to 49 mg/kg in 3 cases and from 50 to 70 mg/kg in 3 cases, and was 227 mg/kg in 1 case. 3) Clinical evaluation was examined in 7 cases and 57.1% of effectiveness was obtained. Out of 2 cases of pneumonia, one case with the causative organism of My. pneumoniae was excluded from the clinical evaluation. 4) No side effects were observed in all 8 cases treated with PC-904.


[A clinical study of PC-904 in pediatrics (author's transl)]. A clinical study of PC-904 was performed in children. The results were as follows; 1) Serum levels of PC-904 after single administration of 20 mg/kg were studied in patients by one-shot intravenous injection or drip infusion for 1 hour or 2 hours. The results obtained in this fundamental study led to the suggestion that the proper dosage in bacterial infections would be 50 approximately 100 mg/kg intravenously in 3 approximately 4 divided doses daily. 2) A clinical study of PC-904 was performed in 16 patients including acute pharyngitis and bronchitis (3 cases), acute bronchopneumonia (3 cases), pertussis pneumonia (1 case), lymphadenitis purulenta (2 cases), acute bronchopneumonia (3 cases), pertussis pneumonia (1 case), lymphadenitis purulenta (2 cases), abscess with chronic granuloma (2 cases) and urinary tract infection (5 cases). About 50 approximately 100 mg/kg of PC-904 were administered in 3 approximately 4 divided doses daily by one-shot intravenous injection. The clinical effects of 2 cases out of 16 were impossible to be evaluated, and thses cases were excluded from the clinical evaluation. Ten cases out of 14 showed excellent or good responses (efficacy rate: 71.4%). 3) The bacteriological examinations were performed and the causative or isolated organisms were determined in 11 cases. The responses were "disappeared" in 6 cases, "decreased" in 2 cases and "not disappeared" in 3 cases. 4) No side effects were observed. Abnormalities of laboratory findings were not also noticed.


[Clinical studies of PC 904 in pediatrics (author's transl)]. PC-904 was administered to 3 pediatric patients with serious infections resistant clinically to other antibiotics (2 cases of sepsis and 1 case of pseudomonal pneumonia). Daily dosage was 100 approximately 150 mg/kg and intravenous infusions were carried out in 2 or 3 divided doses. This drug showed clinically and bacteriologically good response in these patients without any side effect, and was considered to be a useful drug or worthwhile to use in the treatment of the serious infectious diseases such as sepsis or pseudomonal infections.


[Basic and clinical studies on new semisynthetic penicillin, PC-904, in pediatric field (author's transl)]. PC-904 was administered to 16 pediatric patients and the following basic and clinical results were obtained. (1) PC-904 was administered 20 approximately 30 mg/kg. The serum peak level of PC-904 after drip intravenous infusion over 1 hour was 66.7 microgram/ml at 1 hour and T 1/2 of PC-904 was 67.8 minutes. PC-904 was administered 25 approximately 30 mg/kg intravenous one shot injection was 49.4 microgram/ml at 1 hour and T 1/2 of PC-904 was 52.2 minutes. (2) Urinary excretion rate was about 20% up to 6 hours after drip intravenous infusion of 20 mg/kg. In a case of intravenous one shot injection of 25 approximately 30 mg/kg, the excretion rate was 11.9 approximately 19.9%. (3) PC-904 was administered 60 approximately 120 mg/kg/day for 3 approximately 48 days to 5 cases of sepsis and bacterial endocarditis, 6 of pneumonia, 2 of sss syndrome (staphylococcal scald skin syndrome) and 3 of pyelonephritis. Clinical effects were excellent in 11 cases and good in 5 cases, effective ratio being 100%. (4) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus viridans, Acinetobacter anitratus and Hemophilus influenzae isolated from clinical specimens disappeared by the treatment of PC-904, and Hemophilus influenzae isolated from clinical specimens disappeared by the treatment of PC-904. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae reduced. (5) As to the side effect by PC-904, s-GOT and s-GPT were elevated in 2 cases. Anemia, rash and fever were observed in each 1 case out of 16 patients though the causal relation with the agent was unknown.


[Clinical studies of PC-904 in pediatrics (author's transl)]. PC-904 was administered to 24 patients: urinary tract infections (7 cases), bronchitis (2 cases), pneumonia (3 cases), brain abscess (1 case), septicemia and the suspected cases (10 cases), and buttock abscess (1 case). The daily dosage varied from 60 to 223.4 mg/kg and averaged 86.9 mg/kg. The drug was administered three times a day by 1-hour drip infusion, and the duration of the treatment averaged 11 days. Clinical results were obtained as excellent responses in 5 cases, good in 13, poor in 4, and unknown in 2, giving 75% of the clinical effectiveness. Bacteriological responses were excellent in 7, good in 2, poor in 2, and unknown in 13, and the overall effectiveness was evaluated as excellent in 2, good in 17, and unknown in 5. Antibacterial activities against clinically isolated bacteria were examined. MIC values of PC-904 were over 100 mg/ml 1 strain of E. coli and 2 strains of Klebsiella, however excellent sensitivities were observed in 3 strains of Ps. aeruginosa and MIC values varied 1.56 to 3.12 microgram/ml at 10(8) of inoculum size and 0.78 to 1.56 microgram/ml at 10(8). As to side effects, diarrhea was observed in 1 case, rash in 2, lowering ob blood pressure in 2, elevation of GOT in 1, and elevation of LDH in 2. Abnormal elevations of GOT (10 cases), GPT (5 cases), A1-P (1 case), LDH (7 cases), and BUN (1 case) were noticed in other patients, but it was considered to be due to underlying diseases.


Association of atrioventricular valve atresia with single ventricle, truncus arteriosus communis and transposition. A basic reorientation in the approach to the definition of congenital heart defects. A heart specimen is presented which showed a rare combination of atrioventricular valve atresia with single ventricle, truncus arteriosus communis with an anteriorly placed trunk, ie transposition. Because of the problems involved in the classification of this heart, the types of single ventricle are revised with particular attention to the rare cases of atrioventricular valve atresia and single ventricle reported in the literature. Also the rare type of truncus arteriosus communis with truncoatrioventricular valve discontinuity is excluded from the so-called transposition complexes, and properly classified as a form of truncus. The literal meaning of transposition is stressed and it is urged to approach congenital heart defects in a purely anatomic sense with definition of each segment as accurately as possible. Thus the present confusion in terminology and further plethora of new terms are avoided.


Pathological study of myocardial infarction and coronary atherosclerosis in lung cancer. Pathological findings of coronary heart disease were compared between patients with lung cancer and with cancer in the other organs in male subjects over 55 years of age. Myocardial infarction was found in 13 of 58 subjects with lung cancer and in 5 of 79 subjects with cancer in the other organs (P less than 0.02). The subjects with severe stenoses of major coronary arteries were more frequent in lung cancer group (13 of 58) than in cancer group in the other organs (4 of 79 subjects: p less than 0.01). In 12 of 13 subjects with lung cancer and myocardial infarction the infarction seemed to occur due to coronary stenosis. The subjects with lung cancer had significant increase of heart weight in comparison with subjects with cancer in the other organs.


Metabolic effects of glucose-insulin-potassium in the ischemic myocardium. This investigation was designed to explore the metabolic, hemodynamic, and electrocardiographic effects of glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) solution in a model of segmental myocardial ischemia with significant but incomplete restriction of coronary blood flow. An open-chest anesthetized canine model was utilized including 11 GIK and 6 saline control experiments. The anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was partially occluded causing an average 71% reduction in its blood flow. Thirty min following occlusion GIK or saline was infused for 30 min at 3 ml/min into a femoral vein. Statistically significant effects of GIK included: increased glucose uptake by the ischemic myocardium, reduced arterial free fatty acid (FFA) concentration, reduced myocardial FFA uptake, decreased coronary arterio-venous oxygen content difference, increased myocardial lactate extraction, decreased myocardial potassium egress, and reduced epicardial ST segment elevation. Heart rate, aortic and left ventricular end-diastolic pressures, and developed force in the ischemic area were unchanged. The results indicate a potentially favorable effect of GIK on the metabolism of the ischemic myocardium which may be due to the shift of substrate utilization from free fatty acids to glucose.


Experimental studies and clinical report on the electrical alternans of ST segment during myocardial ischemia. During myocardial ischemia produced in 43 dogs by occlusion of left coronary artery, electrical alternans developed in 34 experiments. The most common was alternans of ST-T complex. Surface and intracellular electrograms were recorded simultaneously from contiguous sites in the ischemic area. The alternans of ST-T complex in the surface electrogram corresponded to that of the rate of repolarization of the membrane action potential. The development of this alternans is localized in 2 relatively small area and transient. This may be the reason why electrical alternans of ST-T is clinically rare. A clinical case showing electrocardiographic changes of electrical alternans of ST-T complex without any change in the QRS complex is reported. Myocardial infarction and hypokalemia is considered as a cause of the alternans. The present results support the hypothesis that the mechanism of electrical alternans will be an alternation of the rate and extent of the ions transported across the myocardial cell membrane.


Effects of optical isomers of verapamil on SA nodal pacemaker activity and contractility of the isolated dog heart. Using 10 isolated, blood-perfused canine atrial, and ventricular preparations, the effects of d- and l-verapamil on SA nodal pacemaker activity and contractility were investigated. l-verapamil and d-verapamil produced dose-related negative chronotropic and inotropic effects in all experiments. l-verapamil was approximately 10 time more potent than d-verapamil both in inotropism and chronotropism. Negative inotropism of either d- or l-verapamil can be reversed by injection of calcium chloride. Not only d-verapamil but also l-verapamil produced a stronger suppression at higher frequencies in both atrial and ventricular muscles.


Changes in ventricular recovery properties during and after temporary coronary artery occlusion. The sequence of localized changes in ventricular repolarization time during and after temporary coronary artery occlusion was studied in 10 open chest dogs. Immediately after the onset of coronary occlusion functional refractory periods (FRPs) prolonged slightly in the ischemic area, then shortened with continued occlusion. Within the first minute following release of occlusion, FRPs underwent a further brief decrease in duration. By varying the period of occlusion from 1 1/2 to 6 1/2 min, evidence was obtained that the post-release shortening of RFPs was temporally related to release of the clamp and not to the onset of occlusion. Ventricular fibrillation occurred in 2 dogs, in each instance soon after release of the coronary artery occlusion. The possible relationship of these experimental FRP changes to waveform abnormalities and arrhythmias in ischemic heart disease is discussed.


A case showing atrial dissociation and other various kinds of arrhythmias. A case is reported in which atrial dissociation occurred after oral isoproterenol administration to increase the heart rate in the presence of complete atrioventricular block. Two types of P wave, one with small upward deflection and the other with deep downward spike-like deflection, were present. The latter wave appeared at a high rate of 300/min, suggesting the existence of atrial flutter in the left atrium alone.


Isolated unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery. Review of the world literature and guidelines for surgical repair. A 10-month-old boy is presented who had isolated unilateral absence of the right pulmonary artery. He suffered from hemoptysis and severe congestive heart failure. The patient underwent prosthetic anastomosis of the right to the main pulmonary artery. Although the hemodynamic response was favorable, his oxygenation did not improve due to diffuse pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae of the affected lung. The patient succumbed 3 months after operation due to massive uncontrollable hemoptysis from the right lung. Isolated unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery is a rare lesion. In our review of the world literature as of November 1976, 47 cases (including this report) of the unilateral absence of the pulmonary artery have been reported. Of these 25.5% had pulmonary hypertension and only 4 cases underwent successful repair of the lesion. Though repair of this defect can be carried out, the result may not be always gratifying. Our experience with this case has led us to consider a lung biopsy before proceeding to the surgical repair of the lesion. If the affected lung shows arteriovenous abnormalities the operation should not be recommended.


Simultaneous determination of circadian rhythms of locomotor activity and body temperature in the rat. Stimultaneous determination of the circadian rhythms of locomotor activity and body temperature was carried out in the rat. Deep body temperature was monitored continuously using a telemetric device. The circadian rhythm of locomotor activity was characterized by clustering of several bursts of activity during the dark period. The circadian rhythm of body temperature was also characterized by bursts of small fluctuations which were well correlated with those of locomotor activity. Correlation between the two functions was such that the regression line expressing body temperature as a function of locomotor activity had approximately the same slope for dark and light periods, but a body temperature for a given amount of locomotor activity was significantly higher during the dark period than during the light one. After a prolonged exposure to constant light, the circadian rhythm disappeared in both functions. Both showed bursts of fluctuations which were correlated with each other. These results indicate that the bursts of body temperature increment were dependent on those of the locomotor activity. However, manifestation of the circadian rhythm per se of body temperature could not be explained as resulting exclusively from the circadian fluctuation of locomotor activity.


Scotopic retinal sensitivity in man as determined with visually evoked cortical potentials. Scotopic properties of the peripheral retina in man was studied by recording visually evoked cortical potentials (VECPs). The intensity required for a criterion latency of the scotopic VECP was compared with the sensory threshold in a number of situations where the stimulating retinal site and the area of the stimulus were altered. With circular spot stimulation, the VECT amplitude attenuated greatly as the stimulus site moved to peripheral 10 degrees and was almost null when stimulation was made outside it. However, within the retinal area from the fovea to peripheral 10 degrees, the VECP sensitivity was found to vary according to the rod distribution, as suggested from the sensory threshold.  Stimulation with annular patterns revealed that the parallelism between the VECP sensitivity and the rod distribution holds good within up to 30 degrees from the fovea. A strong summation was proved to be operative for eliciting VECPs by stimulation of the peripheral retina.


Electrophysiological comparison between the longitudinal and circular muscles of the rat uterus during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. The membrane activities of the longitudinal and circular muscles bundle of rat uteri were recorded with a single sucrose gap method, using animals at various stages of the estrous cycle, pregnancy and after ovariectomy. In the longitudinal muscle during estrus, an initial plateau potential was followed by a slow potential. During diestrus and metestrus, an asynchronized action potential composed of plateau and a slow potential were exhibited. The action potential recorded in uteri taken out of an ovariectomized animal or during early pregnancy was similar to that of uteri during diestrus and metestrus. The circular muscle during estrus gave a plateau potential similar to that of the longitudinal muscle. During diestrus, metestrus, early pregnancy and in the ovariectomized uterus, the membrane activity of the circular muscle was decomposed to produced small plateaus. The spike activity took place in the longitudinal muscle after mid-pregnancy. The slow potential was dominant in the circular muscle during mid-pregnancy, while spikes were progressively generated toward term. Those differences of membrane activity between the longitudinal and circular muscle bundles were discussed in relation to the endogenous change in the sex steroid hormones.


Atropine-resistant excitation of motility of the dog stomach and colon induced by stimulation of the extrinsic nerves and their centers. The atropine-resistant contraction of the alimentary canal, first reported by CAMPBELL (1966) and subsequently confirmed by others, was examined in dog in vivo. The gastric and colonic motor excitations were examined by stimulating the extrinsic nerves, the medulla oblongata or the spinal cord and its roots. Prolonged stimulation of the vagus, medulla oblongata or splanchnic nerve, thoracic cord and its dorsal root produced excitation of the gastric motility even after intravenous injection of sufficient atropine, although the intensity and frequency of peristalsis were slightly reduced. Prolonged latent periods were characteristic of the atropine-resistant excitation in the stomach, the latency being 29.8--49.4 sec as compared to 2.3--14.5 sec in control (without atropine). On the other hand, the colonic excitation induced by the stimulation of the pelvic nerve, or sacral cord and its ventral root was not inhibited by atropine; no prolongation in latency and reduction of peristalsis was observed.


Antitumor agents. II. Effect of 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide on immunological parameters and liver microsomes of tumor-bearing rats. An attempt has been made to clarify immunosuppressive properties of anti-tumor agents by studying the effect of the agents on the thymus, the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) and hepatic drug-metabolizing enzyme activities of tumor (an ascites hepatoma, AH 130 cells)-bearing rats. A drastic decrease in the thymus weight and the total number of the lymphocytes and an enhanced activity of thymus alkaline phosphatase were detected by injecting either 5-fluorouracil (5FU) or cyclophosphamide (CP) (30 mg each/kg weight, i.p.) daily for 5 days to tumor-bearing rats. The agents, however, did not induce any conspicuous damage in microsomal mixed function oxidase system or the RES. The presence of 10-day-old tumor resulted in an extreme decrease in the weight and lymphocytes of thymus and a partial decrease in the microsomal drug metabolizing enzyme activities and the RES. Thus, these antitumor agents may lead to the decline of host-mediated immune mechanism. The multiplication of the tumor cells also appears to depress the immune functions and the host resistance.


Pharmacological studies on experimental nephritic rats (2). Antinephritic effect of various drugs on Masugi's nephritis. Masugi's nephritis was induced in rats by a single i.v. injection of antikidney serum from rabbits immunized with the homogenate of rat whole kidneys. The antinephritic effect of drugs was evaluated through determination of biochemical parameters such as contents of protein and enzymes excreted into the urine and serum cholesterol content by the preadministration and intermittent administration tests. In the preadministration test, of test drugs, betamethasone (0.2 mg/kg +/- 3 p.o.) and azathioprine (25 mg/kg +/- 3 p.o.) showed an antinephritic effect. Betamethasone in particular resulted in normalization of urine and serum parameters. In the intermittent test, all drugs tested were effective. Significant recovery effects were observed with betamethasone (0.1 mg/kg +/- 6 p.o.),, prednisolone (5 mg/kg +/- 6 p.o.), azathioprine (30 mg/kg +/- 6 p.o.), tranexamic acid (200 mg/kg +/- 6 i.p.) and cetraxate (100 mg/kg 6 i.p.) on urinary protein excretion and with all test drugs including indomethacin (5 mg/kg +/- 6 p.o.) and cyclophosphamide (2.5 mg/kg +/- 6 p.o.) on urinary exzyme excretions. Serum cholesterol levels reverted to normal levels after administration of betamethasone. Using this nephritic model, the antinephritic effect of drugs could be tentatively evaluated.


Drug-induced adrenaline release and blood glucose in rats: DL-1-methyl-2-(beta-naphthyl)-aziridine. Effects of 1-methyl-2-(beta-naphthyl)-aziridine (250059-S), which possesses characteristic tranquilizing actions on levels of blood glucose and liver glygogen, and on adrenaline release from the adrenal gland were studied in rats. While there was no elevation of blood glucose, a decrease of liver glycogen was detected after an s.c. injection of 250059-S (5 or 25 mg/kg). Marked decrease of adrenaline content in adrenal glands was observed 2 hours after subcutaneous administration of 50 mg/kg of this compound. This result is consistent with the marked adrenaline secretion from the adrenal gland into adrenal-venous blood after injection of 25 mg/kg or more of 250059-S. In splanchnicotomized rats, however, 250059-S-induced adrenaline release was not clearly observed. Pretreatment with 250059-S, prevented adrenaline-induced hyperglycemia. 250059-S, at doses of 10 and 25 mg/kg, elevated the plasma insulin level to about twice that of the control. The 250059-S-induced depletion of liver glycogen was not completely blocked by adrenal demedullation, although it completely disappeared with pretreatment with 10 mg/kg of propranolol. In conclusion, 250059-S causes hypersecretion of adrenaline from the adrenal glands through excitation of the splanchnic nerves, though it causes no elevation of blood glucose, mainly because of its direct or indirect blocking action on adrenaline hyperglycemia.


Enhancement in vivo of drug oxidations following administration of benzphetamine, acetone, metyrapone and dimethylsulfoxide. Effects of benzphetamine, acetone, metyrapone and dimethylsulfoxide administration to rats on the metabolism of drugs by liver 9,000 x g supernatant fraction were studied herein. Activities for aniline hydroxylation and phenacetin O-deethylation were increased while ethylmorphine and benzphetamine N-demethylations were unchanged by the single administration of acetone, metyrapone or dimethylsulfoxide. Increase in aniline hydroxylase activity by about 53.4% and in phenacetin O-deethylase activity by about 44.4% were observed at 30 min after the single administration of benzphetamine whereas ethylmorphine N-demethylase activity was slightly decreased. NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase activity and cytochrome P-450 content were unaltered until 12 hr after the single administration of benzphetamine. Aniline hydroxylation was increased by the addition of benzphetamine to the incubation mixture and the increase in aniline hydroxylation caused by benzphetamine could be reversed by washing the microsomes.


A device for recording left ventricular contraction and electrocardiogram in nonworking isolated perfused rat heart. Using the isolated Langendorff rat heart preparation perfused at a constant flow rate (about 6 ml.min-1 pro heart) with a modified Krebs-Henseleit solution, methods for recording left ventricular cavity pressure and electrocardiogram (ECG) changes were devised. Stable levels of mechanical activities were reached 60--90 min after start of perfusion and were maintained for at least 4 hr. When either norepinephrine (0.05--0.15 microgram) was injected into the aortic bulb of the heart, sensitive changes in the measurable cardiac parameters were observed and changes in ECG patterns were particularly characteristic. Our results indicate that this experimental model may be useful for evaluating numerous functions of the isolated heart.


A modulating role of taurine on release of acetylcholine and norepinephrine from neuronal tissues. Effects of taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) on the uptake and release of 14C-acetylcholine (14C-ACh) and 3H-norepinephrine (3H-NE) in the superior cervical ganglion and cerebral cortex of the rat were studied. Taurine suppressed high potassium evoked release of 14C-ACh and 3H-NE from the rat superior cervical ganglia and cerebral cortical slices, while the drug did not modify per se the uptake and unstimulated (spontaneous) release of 14C-ACh and 3H-NE in these tissues. Furthermore, taurine inhibited the release of 3H-NE from the crude synaptosomal (P2) fraction of the rat brain without affecting the uptake. These results suggest that taurine may act as a modulator of neuronal activity, possibly by stabilizing excitable membrane and by suppressing the release of neurotansmitter at synapses.


Pharmacological studies on experimental nephritic rats (3). Changes in the connective tissue components of renal cortex in the modified type of Masugi's nephritis. Using a modified type of Masugi's nephritis, quantitative changes in several connective tissue components of renal cortex during the process of nephritis were compared with those of the contents of urinary protein and serum cholesterol. Levels of urinary protein and serum cholesterol were highest 10 days after anti-kidney serum injection and nearly normal levels were reverted to on the 30th day. The levels of sialic acid, uronic acid and hydroxyproline in the renal cortex of the nephritic group significantly increased from the 1st, 5th and 10th days, respectively compared with the normal group. The sialic acid content reached a peak with an increase of approx. 40% on the 15th day, reverting to almost the normal level on the 30th day, while the uronic acid and hydroxyproline levels continued to increase slowly after the 15th day, reaching rates of approx. 70% and 40%, respectively on the 30th day. The hexosamine content reached a maximum of 20% on the 20th day. Quantitative changes in connective tissue components of the renal cortex due to nephritis appear to reflect the degree of the repair of injured renal tissue.


Relationship between cerebral energy failure and free fatty acid accumulation following prolonged brain ischemia. Prolonged ischemia by bilateral carotid artery ligation in rats resulted in cerebral edema with a reduced energy state. Mitochondria isolated from the ischemic brain showed an impairment of oxidative phosphorylation. The ischemic brain was also characterized by remarkable accumulation of free fatty acids known to have properties as an uncoupling factor. The major components of increased free fatty acids were palmitic, stearic, oleic and arachidonic acids. The analysis of saponified myelin and mitochondrial lipids from the ischemic brain showed a decrease in fatty acid contents. The main components of decreased fatty acids in these subcellular fractions corresponded to those of free fatty acids accumulating in the ischemic brain. These results indicate that cerebral energy failure in the ischemic brain is related to the accumulation of free fatty acids, which are derived from endogenous brain lipids.


Influence of surgical sympathectomy on gastric secretion and ulceration in rats. The influences of sympathectomy on gastrointestinal mucosa, gastric secretion, acute or chronic gastric ulcers were studied in rats. Uncer ether anesthesia, sympathectomy was performed by surgical removal of the celiac ganglion. Surgical sympathectomy per se produced no pathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract as determined by macroscopical observation 3, 10 or 20 days after operation. The volume of gastric juice and pepsin output were not influenced by the sympathectomy but gastric acid output was significantly increased in pylorus-ligated rats. The sympathectomy worsened the stress- and the indomethacin-induced ulcer and delayed the healing of chronic gastric ulcers a little but not significantly, and had no deteriorative influence on the reserpine-induced ulcers. In contrast, Shay ulcers, aspirin- or secrotonin-induced ulcers were significantly aggravated by sympathectomy. The loss of H+ ions and gain of Na+ ions in the gastric juice of pylorus-ligated and aspirin-treated rats were not affected by sympathectomy.


Treatment of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis with cholestyramine resin. Pseudomembranous colitis (PMC) is an infrequent but serious complication of oral and intravenous antibiotic therapy. Twelve patients with antibiotic-associated PMC, documented by sigmoidoscopy and rectal biopsy, were treated with cholestyramine resin. The mean time from the institution of therapy to cessation of diarrhea was 2.1 days. The response interval bore no relationship to the time symptoms were present prior to therapy. Complete resolution of sigmoidoscopic and histologic evidence of PMC usually accompanied or followed cessation of diarrhea. Obstipation was reported in 5 of 12 patients as a side effect of cholestyramine treatment. Therapy should be continued for up to five days after cessation of diarrhea to prevent recurrence of active PMC. Cholestyramine resin is shown to be an effective treatment for antibiotic-associated PMC.


[Personality characteristics and the late prognosis of myocardial infarct (results of a 5-year follow-up)]. Prospective five-year follow-up of patients with ischemic heart disease who had suffered from macrofocal myocardial infarction between the age of 29 and 54 and who had been previously examined by a psychologist was conducted. Within the five-year period, myocardial infarction recurred in 29 patients (it was fatal in 10), sudden death occurred in 13 patients. Total mortality was 25.5%. The incidence of recurrent myocardial infarction, the frequency of sudden death, and the total mortality of ischemic heart disease were 3, 2.3 and 3 times higher, respectively, in patients classed according to the personality features as type I which is close to type A (63 persons) than in patients (27 persons) possessing premorbidly personality features close to type B (type II). The importance of premorbid personality features in the remote prognosis in myocardial infarction is suggested.


[Changes in sinoatrial node function in ischemic heart disease]. Seventy-nine patients with ischemic heart disease were examined. Weakness of the sinus node was suspected in 32 patients according to the clinical findings and the ECG; diagnostic atrial stimulation was conducted. Sinoatrial node potential was registered in the form of a spike in patients with ischemic heart disease. Direct stimulation from the region of the sinoatrial node was performed. The stimulator impulse was followed by a distinct potential of the sinoatrial node in the form of a spike which was continuous with the wave of atrial depolarization. The time of sinoatrial conduction (from the onset of the sinoatrial) node potential to the first atrial spike) was determined in 47 patients with ischemic heart disease. It was determined that under the effect of nitroglycerin the time of sinoatrial conduction becomes significantly shorter (reduced from 29 +/- 10.6 to 20 +/- 8.3 msec).


[Surgical treatment of occlusive lesions of the aorta and major arteries]. Operations were performed on 262 patients with occlusive lesions of the abdominal aorta and major arteries. In 41 patients a lateral venous autograft was applied after endarterectomy, in 42 an autovenous shunt was created after open endarterectomy, 26 patients underwent eversion endarterectomy. Prosthetic alloplasty of the aorta and major arteries was conducted on 63 patients and an allograft shunt was formed in 41. Lumbar sympathectomy was carried out on all patients as a rule after reconstructive-restorative operations. Nineteen patients died after the operation. Complications developed in the postoperative period in 41 patients. Marked improvement or the disappearance of the symptoms of the disease was noted in the immediate postoperative period in 231 patients (95%).


[Rheological properties of the blood in ischemic heart disease]. The rheologic properties of blood were studied in 40 patients with ischemic heart disease both with affected and with intact cardiac coronary arteries (according to the findings of angiography) and in 13 persons with cardialgia due to vegetovascular dystonia. Significant hemorheologic pathology according to all values was revealed in patients with ischemic heart disease. It was noted that the growth of the fluidity threshold depends on the developing pathologic erythrocyte aggregation which is not associated with changes in the concentration of plasma fibrinogen. The importance of disorders in blood rheology in the origin of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction is discussed.


[Rheological properties of the blood and paroxysmal disorders of cardiac rhythm]. Blood viscosity, platelet and erythrocyte aggregation, venous hematocrit, and blood free fatty acid, fibrinogen, and glucose content were studied in dynamics in 63 patients with paroxysmal disorders of cardiac rhythm. During an attack of arrhythmia, the viscosity of blood, aggregation of erythrocytes, and the concentration of free fatty acids and glucose in blood were significantly increased, while the degree and rate of the reversibility of platelet aggregation were reduced. The reversibility of platelet aggregation increased after the attacks had been arrested with drugs and slightly decreased after electroimpulsive therapy. This may underlie the development of thromboembolic complications and postconversion arrhythmias after electropuls therapy. Increase in the rate of erythrocyte aggregation immediately after the arrest of an attack by an electric discharge was also revealed. The authors believe that deterioration of the blood rheologic properties is one of the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of cardiac arrhythmias.


[Effect of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation on regional blood circulation]. The effect of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC) on the volume blood flow in the descending branch of the left coronary artery and in the vertebral, renal, and femoral arteries was studied in dog experiments by means of an electromagnetic flowmeter. Resistography was applied to appraise the regulatory changes in the resistance to the blood flow in the vascular regions mentioned during IABC. It is shown that the increase in the coronary and cerebral blood flow during IABC is not associated with the reflex dilation of the resistant vessels of the heart and brain and is mainly due to a rise of diastolic pressure in the aorta. The volume blood flow in the kidney and hind extremity is maintained during IABC at a level close to the initial level due to regulatory decrease of the resistance of the vessels of these organs.


[Clinical aspects of circulatory disorders in the vertebral arteries and the possibilities for their surgical treatment]. Experience in the follow-up of 84 patients who underwent operation for transient cerebral vascular insufficiency in the vertebro-basilar bed is summarized. It was found that most patients with abnormally tortuous or anomalously branching vertebral arteries had transient disorders of the carciac rhythm or increased arterial pressure. Operative treatment of such patients contributes to correction of the neurologic symptoms and leads to normalization of the cardiac rhythm and arterial pressure.


[Importance of radioisotope angiography in the diagnosis of vascular diseases]. Radioisotope angiography demonstrates successfully occlusion of the abdominal aorta, aneurysms of the thoracic and abdominal aorta, and occlusion of the iliac and femoral arteries. In occlusion of the renal artery this method supplements contrast vasography of the kidneys providing a quantitative concept of the functional peculiarities and dynamics of the renal blood flow. The results of radioisotope angiography were in full agreement with the clinical picture of the disease and the findings of contrast X-ray angiography in 81.7% of cases; in 11.3% they coincided partly and only in 7% of cases the results were dissimilar.


[Diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolisms]. The article is concerned with the methods used in the diagnosis of thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery. It is based on the experience in the examination of 160 patients admitted to the clinic with suspected pulmonary embolism, in 134 of whom the diagnosis was confirmed. The diagnostic possibilities of noncontrast X-ray examination of the lungs, electrocardio- and rheopneumography, catheterization of the heart and angiopneumography, and perfusion scan of the lungs are appraised.


[Pulmonary embolisms as a complication of acute arterial obstruction of the lower extremities]. This is an analysis of 130 cases with embolism of the pulmonary artery with a lethal outcome, which had developed in patients suffering from occlusion of the lower extremities. It is noted that the origin of embolism of the system of the pulmonary artery depends on the severity of ischemia of the tissues of the affected extremity and pointed out that this menacing complication develops both in the stage of ischemia and in the postischemic period. For the prevention of pulmonary embolism in patients with severe ischemia or gangrene of the lower extremities, it is recommended that operative treatment (corrective operations on the arteries or amputation) should be combined with inspection of the major veins.


[Chronic abdominal ischemia syndrome].

[Chronic abdominal ischemia syndrome]. The article analyses 303 cases with affection of the visceral branches of the abdominal aorta. In 210 cases it was caused by atherosclerosis, in 67 by nonspecific aorto-arteritis and in 26 by extravasal factors. In 190 cases there were no clinical manifestations of occlusive lesions. The abdominal syndrome was found in 113 patients. The main symptoms were abdominal pain (in 94 patients), intestinal dysfunction (in 84) associated with the intake of food, and in severe stages of ischemia, progressive loss of body weight (in 46 patients). On grounds of the case history, the presence of a murmur in the epigastrium, and symptoms of involvement of other arteries it may be assumed that the abdominal abnormalities are of vascular origin. The principal diagnostic method is angiography which makes it possible to identify and record the affection of visceral branches of the abdominal aorta.


[Current status of the diagnosis and surgical treatment of the postthrombophlebitic syndrome of the lower extremities and pelvis]. The clinical, phlebographic, and hemodynamic signs of the postthrombophlebitic syndrome were studied. In 99.3% of patients the disease was found to be attended with edema of the extremities, in 100%--with the pain syndrome, in 64.2%--with pigmentation, in 59.7%--with tissue induration, and in 53.6% of patients--with trophic ulcers. A study of microcirculation revealed a significant increase of the time of tissue resorption. The venous pressure proved to be increased; the degree of its normalization is an objective test for the success of the operation. The volume blood flow in the affected extremity was 1.8 times that in the normal extremity. Contrast X-ray examination of the veins showed phlebographic signs of the disease. Reconstructive operations on the deep veins were performed in 109 patients; 85.4% had good remote results. Linton's operation was performed on 29 patients, Cockett's operation--on 17, and Felder's operation--on 8 patients; good remote results were noted in 75.7% of cases. For determining the tactics of the treatment and its prognostication, a classification of the postthrombophlebitic syndrome is suggested.


["Chronic thrombophlebitis" and its modern problems]. The most urgent problems of the terminology, diagnosis and treatment of the post-thrombophlebitic syndrome are discussed. The author believes, in particular, that clinical tests and methods which do not require any special expensive equipment constitute a diagnostic complex that is quite sufficient in the practice of health care. Phlebography should be undertaken when there are definite indications. From experience in the performance of more than 500 operations by Linton's method, the author claims that this operation is most indicated in the post-thrombophlebitic syndrome of the lower extremities; in localization of the pathologic process in the ilio-femoral segment, plastic surgery is indicated, autovenous shunt of the type of Palm's operation in particular. In some cases Palm's and Linton's operations may be combined. Patients with the post-thrombophlebitic syndrome require rehabilitation after surgery.


[Restorative vascular operations in treating severe ischemia of the lower extremities in arteriosclerosis]. On the basis of their personal experience in the treatment of 266 patients with severe ischemia of the lower extremity the authors believe it to be expedient under threat of amputation to perform reconstructive vascular operations on the aorto-iliac and femoral-popliteal segments. Repeated revascularization of the extremity for reocclusion in the late periods after the first reconstructive operation was conducted on 116 patients. The frequency of amputations and mortality in vascular reconstructive operations are considerably lower than those in non-operative treatment and in primary amputation of the extremity.


[Errors, hazards and complications in treating acute obstruction of the aorta and major arteries of the extremities]. Errors made at various stages of the treatment of patients with acute thrombosis and embolism of the aorta and major arteries of the extremities were determined from the analysis of 476 clinical observations. Insufficient orientation of physicians in the problems of acute pathologic conditions of the vessels was the main cause of the errors at the prehospital stage. At the stage of specialized treatment, assessment of the degree of ischemia of the extremity, the severity of the patient's condition, and the viability of the extremity proved most difficult.


[Surgical treatment of major vascular injuries]. The results of surgical management of persons suffering from injuries with damage to the major vessels are discussed on the basis of 155 cases with due account for the encountered difficulties and errors. With the accumulation of experience in the treatment of these patients, the authors were able to reduce mortality (from 8.7% in 1968--1969 to 2.4% in 1976--1977) and the number of limb amputations (from 21.7 to 2.4%, respectively). The outcome of the operation is greatly determined by the choice of the operative method which depends on the character, localization, and extent of damage of the vessel, contamination of the wound, the presence of concomitant injuries, the character of first aid applied at the place of the accident and during transportation, and the surgeon's skill.


[Mechanisms of the hemodynamic disorder in embolisms of the major arteries of the extremities and the ways for their correction]. The main mechanisms of hemodynamic disorders are discussed and the means of correcting disturbances in homeostasis developing in embolism of the major arteries of the extremities are planned. It is shown that activation of the sympathico-adrenal system is the principal trigger mechanism of homeostasis disorders during acute occlusion of the vessels. This leads to the development of cardiac and pulmonary insufficiency. The restoration of circulation in the affected extremities is attended with the progression of cardiac, vascular, and pulmonary insufficiency. The different outcomes in the correction of 6- and 12-hour occlusion of the terminal aorta are mostly due to the different functional state of the cardiovascular system prior to correction.


Pathogenic mechanisms in early norepinephrine-induced acute renal failure: functional and histological correlates of protection. The present study investigated the protective effect of acute volume expansion (25%) with isotonic saline, isotonic mannitol, and hypertonic mannitol in a model of unilateral norepinephrine-induced acute renal failure (ARF). Three hours following a 40-min intrarenal infusion of norepinephrine (NE) (0.75 microgram/kg/min), inulin clearance had fallen from a control value of 54.1 +/- 6.5 to 1.3 +/- 1.3 ml/min in untreated dogs and fell similarly (P = NS) to 3.3 +/- 1.5 ml/min in animals preexpanded with 0.9% saline (0.75 ml/kg/min). In contrast, as compared to the untreated animals, inulin clearance 3 hr post NE infusion was significantly greater in dogs preexpanded with 5% mannitol (9.2 +/- 2.5 ml/min, P less than 0.01), or 20% mannitol (16.6 +/- 3.9 ml/min, P less than 0.01). The protective effects of 5% and 20% mannitol were not statistically different from each other. Recovery of renal excretory function in all groups, expressed as 3-hr post NE inulin clearance, correlated with the magnitude of pre NE solute excretion rate (r = 0.612, P less than 0.001) and osmolar clearance rate (r=0.593, P less than 0.001), but not with pre insult inulin clearance (r = 0.233, P = NS) or renal blood flow (r = 0.249, P = NS). In the presence of a profound fall in inulin clearance, proximal tubular (PT) pressures in untreated dogs 3 hr post NE infusion achieved a value equal to control (26 +/- 11 vs. 25 +/- 2 mm Hg). In contrast, pretreatment with isotonic mannitol produced a rise in PT pressure both before (45 +/- 4 mm Hg, P less than 0.05) and 3 hr post NE infusion (38 +/- 5 mm Hg, P less than 0.05). In all groups of animals, at both 3 and 24 hr post NE, tubular injury was observed but glomerular architecture remained normal by light and electron microscopy. Conclusion. the protective effect of mannitol in this reversible model of ARF did not correlate with inulin clearance, renal blood flow, extracellular fluid (ECF) volume, ECF hypertonicity, or renal histologic changes but did correlate with the solute excretion rate. The increased PT pressures with mannitol both before and after the NE insult could contribute to the protective effect of attenuating any relative intratubular obstruction.


Hyperlipoproteinemia in experimental chronic renal insufficiency in the rat. Lipid metabolism was studied in experimental uremia. Uremic (U) rats were compared with sham-operated, pair-fed (PF) controls and with ad-lib-fed (AL) controls. In U animals, fasting glucose concentrations were normal, immunoreactive serum insulin (IRI) levels were decreased, and immunoreactive glucagon levels were increased. A significant increase in the serum concentration of all lipid classes was observed: triglycerides were elevated 10-fold above the values in PF and AL controls; phospholipids, twofold; total cholesterol, threefold; and free cholesterol, sixfold. Cholesterol concentration was increased in beta- and pre-beta-lipoproteins and even more so in alpha- and pre-alpha-lipoproteins. There was an increase in the ratio of free cholesterol/total cholesterol. The fatty acid composition of serum lipoproteins was unchanged. Concomitantly, in liver tissue, there was no change in lipid content (triglyceride, cholesterol) and fatty acid composition. These findings argue against glucose- or insulin-mediated changes in hepatic de novo fatty acid synthesis, chain elongation, or poly-desaturation. In U animals, the HMG-CoA-reductase activity of liver microsomes was slightly, but not significantly, reduced as was tritiated water incorporation into cholesterol in isolated perfused liver preparations. In adipose tissue, there was a decrease in triglyceride content. The results provide evidence against insulin-mediated hepatic overproduction as a major cause of hyperlipoproteinemia in this model of experimental renal insufficiency and point to peripheral under-utilization of lipoproteins.


Prolonged lifespan and high incidence of neoplasms in NZB/NZW mice treated with hydrocortisone sodium succinate. This study investigated the effects of prolonged corticosteroid therapy on the course of spontaneous autoimmune disease and oncogenesis in NZB/NZW mice, an animal model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Twenty young female NZB/NZW mice were treated until death with low-dose hydrocortisone sodium succinate (3.3 mg/kg/day), and 21 mice received high-dose hydrocortisone (10 mg/kg/day). Fifteen control mice were injected with saline. Long-term therapy with either dose of hydrocortisone effectively prevented renal disease and prolonged lifespans in NZB/NZW mice. Fifty-six percent of low-dose treated animals developed neoplasms, and 38% of mice in this treatment group died with renal disease. Neoplasms caused death in 76% of mice receiving high-dose treatment. Long-term hydrocortisone therapy was associated with a predominance of sarcomas, which appeared in aged mice after a long period of treatment. In earlier studies conducted in this laboratory, cyclophosphamide treatment prolonged life in NZB/NZW mice. Ninety-seven percent of cyclophosphamide-treated mice developed neoplasms; most tumors were lymphomas or carcinomas. It was concluded that neoplasms occur commonly in old NZB/NZW mice with lives prolonged by immunosuppressive or antiinflammatory drugs. Nevertheless, the specific therapeutic agent used in each study influenced the types of neoplasms appearing in treated mice.


Phlorizin stimulation of p-aminohippurate uptake in rat kidney cortex slices. Phlorizin, 0.5 mM, increases the uptake of tritiated p-aminohippuric acid (PAH) in rat kidney cortex slices in vitro. Phlorizin also diminishes the rate of 3H-PAH washout from preloaded slices into PAH-free medium. At higher concentrations, phlorizin (5.0 mM) reduces slice uptake of 3H-PAH following short incubations but increases 3H-PAH accumulation after more prolonged incubations. Section freeze-dry autoradiography demonstrates that phlorizin inhibits secretion of 3H-PAH from cell to lumen in proximal tubules. Consequently, the increased 3H-PAH uptake and delayed washout induced by phlorizin may be attributed to effects at the antiluminal cell membrane. Phlorizin stimulation of PAH uptake occurs despite inhibition of secretion across the luminal membrane. Intracellular accumulation of 3H-phlorizin, demonstrable by autoradiography, provides direct evidence that cellular accumulation affords the glycoside access to both the luminal and antiluminal membrane in proximal tubules. These interactions between phlorizin and PAH suggest shared features of the membrane transport systems for secretion and reabsorption of sugars and organic acids in kidney.


Norepinephrine-induced acute renal failure: a reversible ischemic model of acute renal failure. The present study has defined conditions whereby a reversible form of ischemia-induced ARF can be produced in the dog. Unlike previous studies [9-11] which examined the acute phase of NE-induced ARF, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using the model for the longitudinal study of ARF. Such a model may be useful in studying the pathologic and physiologic changes which occur during different phases of ARF. Perhaps most important, this model should also provide a setting in which treatment measures, either prophylactic or therapeutic for ARF, can be examined.


[Normosensorial essential late convergent strabismus, a clinical entity (author's transl)]. A group of 50 patients is presented to discuss this clinical entity. Late onset of squint. Sometimes accompanied by diplopia, normal retinal correspondence, absence of serious sensorial and refractional defects are the characteristics. Differential diagnosis is discussed. Early operation together with prisms is the treatment of choice. A real cure can be achieved in these cases.


[Examinations of aminoacids in aqueous humour after intravitreous injection of ascorbic acid (author's transl)]. The ascorbic acid concentration of the vitreous of rabbits was experimentally increased to about 20 times the normal value. 24 h after the intravitreal injection of ascorbic acid 13 out of 16 free amino acids were decreased, only Glutamicacid, Glycine and Alanine were increased. 48 h after the injection 13 amino acids were lowered. On the fourth day 8 amino acids were decreased in relation to normal values. After 4 weeks the concentrations of 5 amino acids were raised further compared to the normal values, but 10 amino acids were concentrated lower than the normal values. Also Glu-acid, Gly and Ala had fallen down to the range of the normal values. The total amino acids include the free amino acids and the amino acids, which we find after 6 h hydrolysis. On the first day 11 amino acids showed elevations, 7 amino acids were decreased. After 4 weeks Taurin, Lysine and Histidin were higher than the normal values, 15 amino acids were lower. In single cases the differences were statistically significant. We suppose, that the changes of amino acids are caused by the ascorbic acid or their derivates. There is an anterior drainage after intravitreal injection. We come to the conclusion, that there is a reversible disturbance of the diffusion and active transport of amino acids by ascorbic acid.


[Leber's optic atrophy - an interdisciplinary study (author's transl)]. Clinical-neurological, electrocephalographic, ophthalmological and genetic observations of a family with related persons with Leber's optic atrophy is described. 6 male subjects of the altogether ca. 100 members of the family tree stretching over 4 generations were manifestly affected relatives - that is possible carriers, an unusually large number of EEG's were abnormal, and, less often, colour vision disturbances were seen. The results suggest that Leber's optic atrophy is a hereditary neuro-ophthalmological systemic condition, whose most striking symptom is the optic atrophy. The genetic factors of the condition are also discussed.


[On the proof of late sequelae of bulbal and orbital contusion (author's transl)]. Contusion cataracts may develop long time after injury, without visible lens changes in the interval. The lens opacities appear like those known in senile cataracts if the eye was injured after the 45th year of age. Demonstration of other traumatic changes becomes then very important for the evaluation of the role of the accident as a cataract cause. As late sequelae of eye (and orbit) contusion, enophthalmos and supersensitivity of the pupil to adrenergic drugs can be found. Ultrasound exophthalmometry proved to be more accurate for checking the former than Hertel's optical exophthalmometry alone. The pupil was studied by the reaction following local instillation of one drop of 1% adrenaline solution (comparison with other eye). The results found in 2 patients are described.


[Oxyphil-cell adenoma (oncocytoma) of the caruncle (author's transl)]. By histological examination of 42 caruncle tumors we found 5 oncocytomas. All the patients were women older than 63 years. The clinical and histological findings are described and the pathogenesis of these tumors discussed.


[Studies on the lymph drainage of the eye 5. Quantitative registration of the lymph drainage from the subconjunctival space with a radioactive tracer (author's transl)]. In 7 rabbits the drainage from the subconjunctival space to the cervical lymph nodes was observed after subconjunctival injection of 99mTc-micro-colloid. Measurements of the activity distribution were made in vivo with an Anger type camera (pho-Gamma-IV Hp, Searle Nuclear Chicago) and in vitro after dissection with a sodium iodine crystal well counter (Clinimat-200, Picker). 6 hours after the injection into the subconjunctival space of the right eye an average of 53.7% of the applied activity had drained off. A significant accumulation of activity could constantly be registrated in the cervical lymph nodes. Its amount was generally up to 2.08% of the applied total activity per animal, with a large individual spreading. In detail, activity was found in all 7 cases in the right superficial cervical lymph node, in 5 cases moreover in the right mandibular lymph node, additionally in 2 animals in the right or left deep cervical lymph node respectively and in one animal as well in the right as in the left deep cervical lymph node. Besides, in all cases high activity was registered in the right retrobulbar and subconjunctival spaces just as in the right eye. A small activity in the right optic nerve could be pointed out in three of our seven cases.


[Cotton thread method for measuring lacrimation (author's transl)]. Instead of filter paper, a fine cotton thread was used. One test consists of 3 or more consecutive measurements. Six patients with Hunt's syndrome were tested with this new method. All of the six showed lacrimal deficiency on the involved side.


[The histological structure of peripheral cystoid degeneration in senile retinoschisis (author's transl)]. In peripheral cystoid degenerations as the precursor of senile retinoschisis basement membrane material and collagen fibrils are formed; after retinal splitting this newly formed material together with ruptured tissue columns build up a layer on the inner surface of the outer wall of the retinoschisis which tends to shrinkage. This mechanism leads to hole formation in the outer wall; the holes consequently enlarge by a curling inward of the edge of the defect.


[On the aetiology of coloboma of the lens (author's transl)]. The contrast is described between two different types of coloboma of the lens: congenital and traumatic origin. The former is combined with epicanthus, unilateral coloboma of iris, retina and choroid. There seems to be a close relation between coloboma of the lens and a defect of the zonule at least during growth of lens.


[Observations and results of photodocumentation of retinal thromboses treated with Colfarit (author's transl)]. A report is given on 41 patients (6 prethromboses, 14 central veinthromboses and 21 branch vein thromboses), who were treated with acetosalicylic acid (Colfarit). The retinal charges were continuously documented by Polaroid photographs. Comparison of over one thousand pictures resulted in the following findings: All 6 prethromboses and 7 of the central vein thromboses were reopened within 8 weeks, even in the most advanced cases. The age of the patient was not a factor. The highpoint of the Colfarit effect was clearly identified in the photographs as occurring in the 5th week. No results with Colfarit were noted in the branch vein thromboses, in fact bleeding recurred in almost every case in the fifth week, when Colfarit was given for longer than 4 weeks in the dosage of 3 times 0.5 g daily.


[Fixing the time and date of photograph (author's transl)]. A system is described to obtain on photographs and slides an automatic printout of patient number, eye and time. The time is recorded in minutes, seconds and tenth of seconds or in minutes and seconds. The time-recording can be switched off if only patient and eye identification is needed.


[Glaucoma surgery with insertion of silicone catheters. A study based on animal experiments (author's transl)]. 10 rabbits have been submitted to thermosklerostomy and insertion of a silicone catheter. The tube exhibiting an inner diameter of 0.5 mm and an outer diameter of 0.94 mm, respectively the total length measuring 5 mm, and projecting about 1.5 mm in the anterior chamber. Fixation of the tube has been accomplished at its distal end to the underlying sclera by 2 X 10-0-nylon sutures, and of the proximal end with two more sutures to the corneal lip of the wound taking a bite through total corneal thickness. Within the observation period of 2-8 months no migration of the catheter has been detected; in addition no erosion of the conjunctiva, and no inflammatory reaction or occlusion of the catheter lumen occurred. In 5 cases the intraocular pressure has been measured between the 2nd and 4th postoperative month; in all cases a reduction of the intraocular tension compared to the non operated fellow eye has been found, hypotonic values were not encountered.


[Choice of technique in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (author's transl)]. If not complicated by vitreous- or retinal traction the rhegmatogenous retinal detachment has an extraordinarily good chance to be healed surgically. The principle to safely seal the retinal hole by a circumscribed and controlled plombage from the outside of the eye - successfully developed as a surgical method by Custodis - appears now to be accepted everywhere. Nowadays the mayor modifications of this principle are widely used in retinal detachment surgery. The author outlines different clinical pictures patients may present with before surgery. He points to the surgical ways adequate to the given situation. The pros and cons of each approach are discussed. Generally spoken, the author prefers episcleral implants placed whether radially or circumferentially as the case may require. However, other techniques such as intrascleral implants are considered to have also their indications.


[The best spectacles for vehicle drivers (author's transl)]. Spectacles worn by vehicle drivers should fulfil the demands set down by DIN 58 216 standards and should furthermore be constructed in such a manner that the binocular field of vision is impaired as little as possible. In this connection, the nasal parts of the frame are particularly important. The external and internal rear-view mirrors of automobiles should be positioned within the binocular field of vision.


[Forty years' contemporary retinal detachment surgery (author's transl)]. A survey is given on the evolution of retinal detachment surgery during the past four decades. Contributions of the ophthalmological school of Vienna are particularly considered. The review includes simple diathermy-coagulation with subretinal drainage, the undermining operation of Lindner and his eye ball shortening procedure, the combined operation (sealing of retinal breaks by diathermy plus scleral resection), and vitreous tamponade using sodium hyaluronate. All these methodes have been widely replaced during the past years by cryopexy with plombage, and by encircling procedures. Though the rate of success could not be definitely increased, the introduction of the modern methods implies technical facilities for the eye surgeon, and advances for the treated patients. The evolution of retinal detachment surgery is not yet terminated, and further progress can be taken as granted. Retinal detachment surgery with very short hospitalization may become practicable in near future.


[Therapy of retinal detachment with minimal intervention (author's transl)]. Two personal observations of a cure of retinal detachment with minimal intervention are presented: photocoagulation of a retinal tear and prolonged forced immobilization. As shown by E. Custodis, the closure of the retinal tear remains essential whereas the drainage of subretinal fluid is accessory.


[The polyviol implant (author's transl)]. It can be confirmed still today the polyviol implant occupies an outstanding position as a kind of material for implants used within retinaoperations refering to Custodis. The polyviol implant sets an example that in ophthalmology it is the best way to test synthetic material on monkey's eye before really introducing them. As far as the sclera is concerned, the histologic cut of the conjunctival covering allows a conclusion on physiologic compatibility of the implant material.


[The surgical removal of epiretinal macular membranes (macular puckers) (author's transl)]. In 6 patients with macular puckers (3 spontaneous puckers and 3 puckers after retinal detachment procedures), the epiretinal tissue was surgically removed by pars plana vitrectomy and membrane peeling. 5 patients had visual improvement initially, 3 permanently. Cataract and retinal detachment were observed as complications. No recurrence of the macular pucker occured.


[On the binocular function after surgery for detached retina (author's transl)]. Oout of 380 patients operated on because of retinal detachments we have analyzed 106 unselected cases as to their binocular results. The check-up reveals that only 3% of the patients complained of diplopia. After a general analysis of the Custodis-procedure in retinal detachment operations the possible reasons for the stated binocular results are discussed.


[The transcutaneous electrostimulating anaesthesia--the results of patients with retinal and vitreous surgery (author's transl)]. The clinical results of 50 patients with retinal and vitreous surgery performed in combined electrostimulating anaesthesia are reported. Premedication consisted of a barbiturate such as medomin and of atosil, ordered the evening before surgery. 1/2 hour preoperatively 1.5--2 ml thalamonal and 0.5 mg atropine were administered intramusculary. All patients were intubated and controlled respirated; stimulation starting about 5 minutes following intubation procedure. During continuous intermittent relaxation anaesthesia was maintained by a mixture of nitrous oxide/oxygen 1:1 and electrical stimulation at the dermatoms of N. trigeminus I, II and Plexus cervicalis 3 and 4. For the first time stimulation of the dermatoms during anaesthesia was done by self adhesive electrodes. So we were able to eliminate the circumstantial and not even harmless invasivity of the needle technique. The main advantages of the new method we see in a good circulatory stability and in good postoperative cooperation of the patients. Especially in old and poor risk patients the results of transcutaneous electrostimulating anaesthesia are excellent.


[Experience with the vitrector in the treatment of secondary cataract (author's transl)]. As a new method of surgical treatment of secondary cataract the excision with a vitrector by Klöti is recommended. This method avoids the disadvantages inevitable in discision with a knife or scissors. It proved to be successful in 36 eyes during the observation period. Three examples, chosen because of different indications, are discussed.


[Management of the occluded pupil following intraocular lens implantation (author's transl)]. With the use of the artificial lens dense membranes are often formed in the pupil with subsequent occlusion. A technique for removal of these membranes by pars plana vitrectomy is described.


[The therapy of Mooren's rodent ulcer (author's transl)]. Mooren's ulcer has not yet been treated successfully with drugs. Cautery, cryocoagulation, surgical diathermy, lamellar or perforating keratoplasty, and conjunctivoplasty usually have no or only little success. We have been able to cure our last five cases of Mooren's ulcer by an extensive and deep thermocoagulation both of the ulcer, the swollen corneal margins and the bordering conjunctiva. Then followed dilatation of the conjunctival vessels with Dionine and Priscol ointments.


[Visual field defects and fluorescein angiography in acute anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (author's transl)]. Typical visual field defects were found in 86 acute anterior ischemic optic neuropathies occurring in 71 patients. These field defects suggest a separate vascular supply of the upper and lower half of the disc and of the maculo-papillar bundle. A sub-division into four sectors can be inferred in the upper half of the disc. Fluorescein angiography showed sectorial differences of the capillary filling and leakage in some cases. This pattern was however poorly correlated with the localisation of the field defects.


[Experimental investigations on the mode of action of alcoholic liquor on the intra-ocular pressure (author's transl)]. The reasons for the decrease of intraocular pressure after drinking of alcohol were examined. The dose of alcohol was 2 ml 38% Weinbrand per kg body weight, which corresponds to 53 ml pure alcohol for a person of 70 kg body weight. The tonographic data gave no correlation between the blood-alcohol level and the changes of intraocular pressure. The antidiuretic hormon also had no correlation to the intraocular pressure changes. Tonometry with the same frequency as in this study but without alcohol showed no alteration of intraocular pressure. It is suggested that alcohol acts probably by a decrease of secretion of aqueous humour by central actions.


[Cyclofusion measurements for assessing the function of the oblique eye muscles (author's transl)]. In free space a random-dot-stereogramme for the determination of the extent of cyclofusion is used with the help of a haploscope. In the normal person orthophoria with regard to rolling to within +/- 1 degrees is found not only in the primary position but also in the secondary and tertiary positions and with head tilt. From the fact that with circular rotation of both eye images against each other pseudostereoscopic effects occur, it is deduced that the cyclofusion seen here occurred sensorially. The testing of the area of cyclofusion gives a very good basis for determining the indication for operation on the superior oblique muscle. It is shown with examples that simply tucking this muscle when old trochlear nerve paresis is present without provable excyclotropia is not favorable. Instead one must tuck the muscle asymmetrically in such cases--the fold should be markedly smaller at the anterior border of the muscle which acts more as a rotator, than at the posterior border.


[Epibulbar superficial spreading melanoma (author's transl)]. A report rarely a case of superficial spreading melanoma of the conjunctiva bulbi in a 40-year-old woman. As this kind of tumor is very found at this site, the unusual localisation rendered the differential diagnosis more difficult and delayed the radical operative therapy. After orbitectomy the patient has been free of local metastatic deposits for two years. She is fully rehabilitated by a good epithetis. The course of diagnosis in our case illustrates the necessity of uniform application of the nomenclature of cutaneous forms of melanomas and naevi in ophthalmology.


[Retinographic alterations in different forms of congenital cataracta (author's transl)]. In a follow-up study of patients suffering from congenital cataract, particular attention was paid to the electroretinogram. Besides hereditary lens opacifications and rubella embryopathy, galactosaemia and spontaneous idiopathic hypoglycemia occurring in children and infants were examined. The question, how much biochemical factors can influence the ERG, is becoming more important.


[Computerized evaluation of cataract extractions (author's transl)]. The evaluation of large series of cataract extractions is most feasible using a computer. We have computerized the details of 7503 cataract extractions (performed in the years 1961-1975). The analysis is based on a new computerreadable form. Its application is shown in two examples for comparing surgical results: 1. cataract extractions by forceps, suction cup or cryoprobe, the surgeon wearing magnifying-goggles; 2. cataract extractions by cryoprobe using the surgical microscope. The evaluation of results had been done separately for residents and experienced surgeons. In experienced surgeons the percentage of uncomplicated extractions increased considerably with the cryoprobe (86.5%) as compared to 77% using the suction cup. The surgical microscope in that series have no significant increase of the success rate (cryoprobe 88.4%). Residents had more advantages from both technical aids: no microscope, suction cup: 73.5%, cryo: 82.5%, with microscope, cryo: 90.3%. Their results compare well with those of the experienced surgeons, since they are given straight-forward cases only and they operate under the strictest supervision of an experienced surgeon.


Streptokinase and concomitant oral anticoagulants in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis. Fourty-four patients with deep venous thrombosis of the leg diagnosed by phlebography and not more than five days old were treated with streptokinase. Oral anticoagulant therapy was started at the same time. Complete lysis of thrombi was obtained in 6 cases and partial one in 25 cases. Lysis of proximal thrombi was better than that of distal ones. The age of the thrombi had no effect on the lysis. Urticaria and anaphylactic reactions occurred in 8 patients and treatment was discontinued. Haemorrhagic complications were present in 8 cases but remission was obtained by dicontinuing streptokinase infusion. Commencing oral anticoagulant therapy simultaneously with streptokinase reduces duration of treatment without increasing the risks and the results of lysis are equally good as with earlier studies. The use of streptokinase is recommended in the treatment of proximal deep venous thrombosis. This treatment offers a possibility of preventing a postthrombotic syndrome. The frequency of various complications should however be borne in mind.


[Age dependence of immunological methods for detecting an immunodeficiency state (author's transl)]. Cell-mediated and humoral immune responses were studied in 43 healthy volunteers aged between 15--77 years. Besides various skin tests with the antigens candida, trichophyton, mumps, streptokinase-streptodornase, tuberculin, DNCB and KLH  also in vitro experiments measuring the immunoglobulin- and complement concentrations, the antibody production to KLH, the lymphocyte transformation rate to PHA, Pokeweed, Con A, PPD were done nearly in all patients. The responsiveness of lymphocytes to PHA and Con A and the sensitization of the skin with DNCB declines in the aged humans, beginning already at the 4th-5th decade. The skin tests with candida, trichophyton were not significantly different in the various age groups. The number of persons with positive skin reactions to the antigens mumps and streptokinase-streptodornase decreased also with advancing age. Lymphocyte transformation and skin test with PPD or tuberkulin were markedly increased beyond the age of 30. Serum levels of immunoglobulins, complement components, the antibody production to KLH, and the lymphocyte transformation rate to Pokeweed were not significantly different in the age groups. Correlation between the tests within each person could not be detected. We made the experience that only a few tests are not enough for the evaluation of an immunodeficient state, but that several tests, a so called TEST BATtery", are necessary.


[Purine nucleotide synthesis in human liver an its influence by benzbromarone (author's transl)]. 5-Phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate amidotransferase and the hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferases (H-PRT, A-PRT) were assayed in human liver cells and some of the properties of these enzymes were determined. The Michaelis-Menten constants of both H-PRT and A-PRT for phosphoribosylpyrophosphate are at least an order of magnitude lower than for human PP-ribose-P amidotransferase. At the enzyme level the higher specific activities of phosphoribosyltransferases would, in effect, give precedence to purine salvage in human liver. In addition, no effect of benzbromaronum on enzyme activities could be demonstrated.


[Protein fractions and their enzymatic activity in the rat myocardium after a flight on the Cosmos-690 biosatellite]. Gamma-irradiation of rats in the ground-based experiment decreased the activity of aspartate aminotransferase of sarcoplasmatic proteins of the myocardium and increased the activity of adenosine triphosphate of myosin of the myocardium 1 and 26 days post-test. Gamma-irradiation of flight rats also reduced the activity of aspartate aminotransferase of sarcoplasmatic proteins of the myocardium; however, the activity of ATPase of myosin of the myocardium was lowered both 1 and 26 days postflight. It is suggested that irradiation-induced inhibition of synthetic processes delayed the synthesis of myosin with a normal activity and diminished the protein content in the T fraction of myocardium on the 1st postflight day.


[Recovery of hemopoiesis in rats irradiated in space]. Repair regeneration of hemopoiesis of rats exposed to gamma irradiation with doses of 220 and 800 rad in space flight was studied. There was an insignificant difference in the dynamics of the most blood and bone marrow formed elements. It can be concluded that myelopoiesis in space flight was more active than on the Earth. Irradiation of animals with 800 rad aboard the biosatellite Cosmos-690 induced more pronounced hemopoietic changes than the ground-based exposure (on the 1st-2nd post-flight day the count of myelokaryocytes and lymphocytes in bone marrow decreased). The Most hematological parameters returned to the norm on the 36-37th post-irradiation day (on the 26th postflight day).


[DNA radiation injuries in the liver of rats irradiated in flight on the Cosmos-690 biosatellite]. It was found that space flight factors enhanced radiation-induced DNA lesions in the liver of rats flown aboard the biosatellite Cosmos-690. Two weeks after irradiation of animals at a dose of 200 rad characteristic viscosity of native and denatured DNA decreased by 17 and 38%, respectively, as compared with the control. The radiation effect was also increased after an exposure to 800 rad.


[State of spermatogenesis in rats exposed on the Cosmos-690 biosatellite]. A morphological examination of sex glands of 30 male rats flown aboard the biosatellite Cosmos-690 was carried out on the 1st-2nd and 26-27th postflight days. A combined exposure to the 20-day space flight and prolonged gamma-irradliation with doses of 220, 800 and 955 rad brought about a significant decrease of the weight of testes, postradiation death of spermatogonia and essential structural changes in the spermatogenic epithelium whose level depended on the radiation dose and the postirradiation time. A comparison of weights and histologies of testes from the flight and synchronous rats did not reveal a modifying effect of weightlessness since no statistically significant differences in the testicular weight, quantitative assay of the occurrence of individual elements of the spermatogenic epithelium and time of manifestation of reparative processes were observed.


[Histological and histochemical study of the liver of rats exposed on the Cosmos-690 biosatellite]. Liver samples of 12 rats flown aboard the biosatellite Cosmos-690 and irradiated with a dose of 800 rad and of 12 rats from the synchronous experiment were examined histologically and histochemically. On the 2nd and 27th postexperimental days the following morphological changes were detected; nuclear polymorphism of hepatocytes, a significant increase in the number of binuclear cells, and lipid accumulation in central lobes. The changes were more expressed on the 2nd day. These changes were induced by prolonged irradiation in space flight and synchronous experiment: they were not detected in the untreated animals.


[Changes in the sugar content in the blood of dogs during 6 years of chronic gamma irradiation]. The paper presents the results of a many-year investigation of the sugar content in dogs irradiated with total doses of 125, 370, 720, 750, 1130 rad. During the first year the sugar content tended to increase and later to decrease. Irradiated and untreated animals showed different reactions to additional loads (running, thermal exposure, acute irradiation). The differences included the direction and level of changes in the sugar content. There was no correlation between the changes and the dose rate. The changes returned to normal after termination of the exposure.


[Compensatory reactions of the kidneys to orthostatic effects]. Studies of orthostatic effects on the renal hemodynamics and excretory function of the dog showed an increase in the heart rate, a fall in the arterial and venous pressure and a decline of the Na and K concentrations in the urine. The studies demonstrated that changes in the renal excretory function were a compensatory hemodynamic reaction to the gravity effect associated wtih an alteration of the body position in space.


[Clinical immunological observations of persons in a period of prolonged hypokinesia and the readaptation thereafter]. In order to study the role of autoimmune processes in the origin of changes occurring during prolonged bed rest, 9 young male test subjects were examined during 30-day and 21--49 day bed rest experiments and recovery periods. No antibodies to antigens of the heart, liver, and kidneys were found. Ten out of 21 test subjects at the end of bed rest and 12 test subjects during recovery showed a high titer of the circulating cardiac antigen. Electro-, mechano, and polycardiographic stadies demonstrated that the subjects with the circulating cardiac antigen displayed more marked changes in the ECG T-wave and the contractile function of the myocardium. These changes were accompanied by activation of the enzymes ALT, ACT and LDH.


[Effect of vibration and noise on the work capacity indices of the crews of the MI-4 helicopters]. The study of certain parameters of performance of crewmembers of MI-4 helicopters revealed their significant changes after a working day. The percentage of errors in the reproduction of a preassigned muscular tension increased, the percentage of precise reactions to the moving object decreased, the critical frequency of light flickering decreased, the number of contacts during static tremometry increased. In  the control group consisting of crewmembers of the aircraft Yak-40 these parameters varied insignificantly. This allowed the conclusion that the changes in the performance of MI-4 crewmembers were induced by vibration and noise. The intragroup analysis demonstrated more pronounced changes in the functions of commanders and flight engineers of MI-4 helicopters. This may be associated with a greater level of work and responsibility of these crewmembers.


[Effect of endogenous factors on the process of gas bubble formation in the body in decompression]. Animal experiments were carried out to study the effects of a feeding regimen and diet composition on the intensity of post-decompression bubble formation as well as to establish a correlation between this process and previous decompression, increased and decreased muscle work, and physico-chemical and morphological blood parameters. There was a correlation between the rate of bubble formation during decompression and the above factors.


[Brain tissue respiration after exposing rats in hyperoxic helium-oxygen mixtures at atmospheric and increased pressure]. Experiments on Wistar rats showed that their 5-hour exposure to He-O2 atmospheres (at comfortable temperature) did not affect metabolic rates in the mitochondria of the brain cortex. In this case the partial pressures of oxygen were 0.21 and 0.40 kg/cm2 at a normal and elevated (40 kg/cm2) total pressure. Further increase of pO2 to 0.60 kg/cm2 induced of mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation. The rat exposure to 100% O2 atmosphere at a normal pressure resulted in a decrease of metabolic rates and uncoupling of respiration and oxidative phosphorylation processes. The rat exposure to He-O2 atmospheres at an elevated total pressure (40 kg/cm2) with the partial pressures of oxygen of 0.21 and 0.30 kg/cm2 did not alter mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation. However, the exposure to higher partial pressures of oxygen--0.40 and especially 0.60 kg/cm2--inhibited the above processes.


[Decreased activity of the palladium catalyst during the processing of vital activity wastes]. The effect of water vapors on the palladium catalyst activity during complete oxidation of organic compounds was studied. The catalyst activity was essentially unaltered when the vapor content in the vapor-gas mixture was below 50 mg/1. The effect of hydrogen sulphide on the palladium catalyst activity during oxidation of organic compounds was investigated. In order to reduce catalyst activity by 80%, 2 mg hydrogen sulphide in the oxidized gas mixture were needed. Catalyst activity was not restored after hydrogen sulphide removal from the gas mixture. It was also demonstrated that the use of a barium-alumovanadium catalyst as a forecontact eliminated the effect of palladium catalyst poisoning and provided a high degree of convesrion during oxidation on this contact.


EMG biofeedback in the treatment of hyperfunctional voice disorders. In this study, six patients who were judged to produce speech with excessive laryngeal tension participated in 14 30-min biofeedback training sessions. The EMG signal, measured by bipolar surface electrodes placed over the cricothyroid region, was amplified, integrated, and used to control the output of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and a noise generator. A voltage comparator was used as a threshold device. Thus, the noise generator was activated when the EMG activity exceeded the value selected on the comparator, and the VCO was activated when the EMG signal was below threshold. The results demonstrated that three of the subjects reduced the laryngeal EMG activity used during speech production with a concomitant improvement in voice quality. The voice quality of the three remaining subjects was unchanged. Suggestions are made for modifying the equipment and procedures used in this study for routine clinical use of EMG biofeedback.


A comparison of three methods for obtaining articulatory responses. This study compared speech-sound productions of 18 children with articulation errors obtained with three different speech-sampling methods. The same 20 stimulus words were elicited by each of three sampling methods: (1) Continuous Speech Task, (2) Modeled Continuous Speech Task, and (3) Spontaneous Picture-Naming Task. Subjects performed differently on each of the speaking tasks. Statistical treatment of the mean score data revealed that significantly more errors were elicited with the Continuous Speech Task than with the Modeled Continuous Speech Task or the Spontaneous Picture-Naming Task. In addition, significantly more errors were elicited with the Modeled Continuous Speech Task than the Spontaneous Picture-Naming Task. The Continuous Speech Task required the greatest amount of time to administer, followed by the Modeled Continuous Speech Task, and finally the Spontaneous Picture-Naming Task.


Verbal information gathering strategies: the child's use of language to acquire language. Recent investigations suggest that normally developing infants are active participants in a language-transmission partnership with the mature speakers in their environments. In a recent paper, (Snyder, McLean, 1977) we noted that available data suggest several specific language acquisition strategies exhibited by children in these interactions. While the earlier paper focused on a set of posited nonverbal strategies, this sequel focuses on two broad types of early verbal behavior that function as effective strategies for the language-learning child. These posited verbal acquisition strategies are referred to as selective imitation and metalinguistic utterance production. The conflicting theory and data on the role of early verbal imitation are reviewed, and it is concluded that selective imitation is most functional at specific stages of the language acquisition process. A hierarchy of metalinguistic utterance types is suggested, ranging from those reflecting the highest apparent intentionality (that is, interrogative utterances) to those reflecting the least (referred to as evocative utterances). Suggestions for future research are offered and implications for language intervention are discussed.


Consonant errors and remediation in sensorineural hearing loss. An analysis of consonant errors for hearing-impaired subjects in a multiple-choice format revealed that about 14 consonants caused most of the difficulty in consonant recognition. For a given consonant, error probability was typically lower in the initial position of the stimulus word than in the final position. When errors were made, the substitutions were limited typically to two or three other consonants, with a greater variety occurring for consonants in the final position. Substitutions tended to be the same over a wide range of pure-tone configurations. Place errors were predominant, but manner errors also occurred. In only a few instances did specific relationships occur between particular stimulus consonants and pure-tone configurations. With knowledge of the error consonants and typical substitutions, auditory recognition of consonants can be improved by programmed instruction methods. Shaping can be accomplished by a manipulation of the response foils (choices). Since it has been shown that visual recognition of consonants can also be improved, advantage can be taken of both the visual and auditory modalities in remedial procedures. Frequency of usage in the language should be considered in the ordering of consonants for retraining purposes. Work in consonant recognition should be beneficial to the hearing-impaired patient as part of a total rehabilitation program.


Relationship of acoustic gain to aided threshold improvement in children. Aided threshold improvement obtained by 12 hearing-impaired children was compared to the acoustic gain of their hearing aids using both the traditional 2-cc coupler and a variable volume coupler designed to approximate real ear volume in children. Results indicated that acoustic gain determined in the 2-cc coupler underestimated aided threshold improvement by approximately 8.7 dB. Use of the variable volume coupler to determine acoustic gain, however, adequately predicted aided improvement at comfort setting. Use of the variable volume coupler in hearing-aid fittings for children is discussed with special emphasis on preventing over-amplification.


Articulatory abnormalities in athetoid cerebral palsy. This report presents cinefluorographic data on the articulation of isolated vowels, VCV nonsense utterances, and short sentences by five subjects with athetoid cerebral palsy. Articulatory abnormalities were identified from tracings of vocal tract shapes and from displacement-by-time plots of articulatory events. The most frequent abnormalities were large ranges of jaw movement, inappropriate positioning of the tongue for various phonetic segments (especially because of a reduced range of tongue movement in the anteroposterior dimension), intermittency of velopharyngeal closure caused by an instability of velar elevation, prolonged transition times for articulatory movements, and retrusion of the lower lip. The speech disorder associated with athetosis is considered with respect to a model of motor learning.


Speaking fundamental frequency characteristics associated with voice pathologies. This study investigated the relationship between pathologic and normal speaking fundamental frequency characteristics (SFF) in a group of 80 male subjects. The subjects were divided into four groups of 20 (1) vocal fold paralysis, (2) benign mass lesion, (3) cancer of the larynx, and (4) normal. The results of this study indicate that SFF standard deviation and semitone range of SFF are significantly reduced for patients with vocal fold paralysis as compared with normals. The parameters of mean SFF, number of frequency shifts, and age failed to separate the normals from the three groups of pathologic subjects.


Syntactic maturity of spontaneous speech and elicited imitations of hearing-impaired children. Two language measures, designed for normal-hearing children, were applied to a sample of 52 severely and profoundly hearing-impaired children between four and 15 years of age. The Developmental Sentence Analysis (Lee, 1974) was used to assess their spontaneous language and the Carrow Elicited Languate Inventory (Carrow, 1974a) to assess imitated language. The correlation between scores on the two measures was similar to that found by Carrow (1974b) for normal children (r = .75). However, there was little relation between either measure and reading achievement in hearing-imparied children. A subsample of children retested one year later showed those who remained in a school for the deaf showed greater improvement in their ability to imitate while those who had been integrated into school with normal-hearing children improved most in spontaneous language. Over half of the hearing-impaired subjects scored below normal hearing three-year-olds on both measures. Caution is advised, however, in applying these norms to hearing-impaired children. The spontaneous language of these children differed from that of younger hearing children who received similar overall scores in the normative sample. The hearing-impaired subjects tended to use more mature constructions but used fewer correct structures per utterance.


Stuttering therapy: the relation between attitude change and long-term outcome. Previous research has indicated that attitude change generally follows behavior change in operant stuttering therapy programs. This study sought to examine the longterm therapy outcome of stutterers whose communication attitudes were not substantially normalized after fluency establishment and generalization. Posttransfer attitude scores of 20 stutterers were used to classify them into one of two groups: those whose communication attitudes had been modified to show less abnormality than the mean level for normal speakers, and those whose attitudes had not. Follow-up interviews with the 20 stutterers one year later indicated that those whose posttransfer attitudes were not substantially normalized stuttered significantly more. Theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.