Auditory brain stem responses in patients with acoustic neuromas. In the continuing search for methods to diagnose acoustic neuromas at an early stage, we have applied the auditory brain stem response examination to 27 patients with surgically verified acoustic neuromas. It is confirmed that the main indicator of retrocochlear versus cochlear disease is the interaural latency difference of the Jewett5 wave, the IT5. Women exhibit significantly lower latency values to J5 than men, approximately 0.25 msec. Age also has some influence, so that the J5 latency tends to increase with age, but in this investigation the trend did not reach statistical significance. We were unable to find a correlation between tumour size and IT5. Even if the audiogram shows a considerable hearing impairment at 2 kHz this technique can be used without any correction factors, when the stimulus is a 2 kHz filtered tone-pip. In the presence of an acoustic neuroma there will often be adaptation of the response and it is preferable to arrange the mode of stimulus presentation so that this phenomenon eventually becomes prominent. One patient came out with a false-negative result. We believe this to have been due to our lack of experience at that time and that today we would have recognized the presence of a tumour. If this correction is accepted, the series contains no false-negatives. Regardless of this it can be concluded that for the time being, out of the functional audiological tests, the auditory brain stem response examination is the most reliable indicator for the presence of retrocochlear lesions.


Stapedial reflex in neonates.

Stapedial reflex in neonates. This paper considers the effect of behavioral responses on stapedial reflex data of neonates. Twenty clinically normal neonates were tested to determine whether repeated acoustic stimulation would habituate the behavioral response, leaving only the stapedial reflex for observation. The results failed to show systematic decline of behavioral response over trials. Stapedial reflex testing indicates a positive response for less than 5% of stimulus presentation. The results are discussed in terms of possible explanation for the apparently low incidence of stapedial reflex in a normal neonatal population.


On the use of click-evoked electric brainstem responses in audiological diagnosis. I. The variability of the normal response. The normal click-evoked BSER was studied in a total of 28 young (aged 12 to 40) normally hearing subjects in regard to wave latencies and amplitude ratios, considered to be (besides wave replicability) the characteristics of major interest from a clinical point of view. Latency means and standard deviations (S.D.), and peak-to-peak amplitude ratios between wave V on the one hand and wave I and III, respectively, on the other were determined in a sample of 20 subjects using unfiltered clicks at 20 to 90 dB SL. The latency averages were compared with those of other reports. Latency S.D.s were found to be generally less than 0.25 ms at levels above 50 dB SL. Medians of amplitude ratios (AV/AI and AV/AIII) were found to be significantly greater than unity. No significant latency differences concerning waves I, III, and V could be established on stimulation with condensation, rarefaction, and alternating clicks in 10 subjects at 80 and 60 dB SL, nor did the peak-to-peak amplitude predominance of wave V change with click polarity. With half-octave filtered clicks (2 and 4 kHz), latencies were found to increase significantly (and the responses to become less precise) at 80 and 60 dB SL in a sample of 12 subjects. Changing the interstimulus interval (ISI) from 80 to 60 to 40 ms (at 80 and 60 dB SL) hardly made any difference in regard to I, III, and V latencies, or wave V amplitude supremacy. Finally, a satisfactory test-retest reliability was established in a sample of 6 subjects, the intersession interval being 6 months.


Thresholds for linear amplitude change of a continuous pure tone. The human auditory sensitivity in detecting linear amplitude change of a continuous pure tone has been studied in normal-hearing subjects. It is shown that for short glide durations (less than 100 ms) the duration of the following plateau exerts a significant influence on the DLI. The average DLI at 1 kHz and 60 dB HL was found to be of the order of 0.8 dB when the intensity glide had a duration of 10 ms and was followed by a much longer plateau. For longer glide durations (greater than or equal to 200 ms) the DLI increased significantly as compared with shorter durations. There was no significant difference between increasing and decreasing intensity change. Significantly larger DLIs were found at 250 and 500 Hz than at 1, 2 and 4 kHz. The sound level was found to have a significant influence on the DLI. At low levels of 40 dB HL, and lower, the increase in DLI for detecting sound levels is highly significant. A falling exponential function offers a mathematical description of the relationship with good fit. It is concluded that an integrating mechanism with an integration time of approx. 200 ms could explain the auditory ability to detect linear amplitude glides of a continuous tone. The results are discussed in relation to previous intensity discrimination data, where pulse pairs, continuous intensity modulation or intensity glides were used as stimuli.


Effect of hearing aids with directional microphones in different acoustic environments. In a number of studies, hearing aids with directional microphones and conventional hearing aids with omni-directional microphones were compared. Listening tests with normal-hearing and hearing-impaired persons as well as objective measurements were performed in rooms differing with regard to reverberation and background noise. Furthermore, a number of hearing-impaired persons were interviewed about their experience of the two types of hearing aid. The results show that hearing aids with directional microphones are superior to the conventional aids in a number of situations. The effect of the directional microphone is of particular significance when listening conditions are difficult because of loud background noise. In situations with reverberation and less background noise the difference is less marked. None of the hearing-impaired listeners had observed any particular disadvantages attributable to the lesser sensitivity of directional microphones to sound coming from the rear and to low-frequency sounds.


A new high-efficiency earmould.

A new high-efficiency earmould. The problems associated with earmoulds currently used by hearing-impaired persons, particularly children, are outlined. A new type of earmould which combines high efficiency with minimal feedback is described and evaluated.


An investigation into the problems involved in producing efficient ear moulds for children. The problems involved in producing efficient ear moulds for children have been examined. It is suggested that materials do exist such that the general quality of ear moulds could be significantly improved. However, manufacturing techniques require modification and a more comprehensive training programme for ear mould technicians is urgently required.


Speech discrimination functions for normal-hearing subjects with AB isophonemic word lists. This paper presents normal speech discrimination curves for both children and adults achieved with Arthur Boothroyd's isophonemic word lists--Southampton recording. 7 groups of normally hearing people, 15 subjects in each group, were tested. One of these groups consisted of adults with a mean age of 28.3 years (range 24-36 years) while the remaining six groups consisted of children, the youngest group being 6-years-olds and the oldest 11-year olds. Testing was carried out in a quiet environment using a close circuit arrangement consisting of the taped material presented to each subject via TDH-39 earphones. The mean discrimination scores obtained exhibited good test-retest reliability and the resulting discrimination curves showed the following characteristics: Curve gradient (10-90% discrimination score) varying from 4.2% per dB for 6-year-olds to 5.1% per dB for adults. The Half-Peak Level(HPL) varied from 32 dB for the adults to 37 dB for the 6-year-olds (the dB values relate to the dial readings on the speech audiometer employed).


Aspects on personal noise protection.

Aspects on personal noise protection. Two groups of noise-exposed workers were compared with respect to their use of ear protectors. One group had a severe, noise-induced hearing loss; the other group had normal hearing. Both groups were composed of workers of similar age and total duration noise-exposure. It was found that those with normal hearing had used ear protectors considerably more than those with severe hearing loss. Interestingly, quite a few workers had normal hearing in spite of working in noise for many years without ear protectors. Also, quite a few workers had a severe hearing loss in spite of frequent use of ear protectors. The reasons for not using ear protectors were analysed as also was the condition of the protectors and frequency with which they were replaced. Plastic ear plugs were preferred by 44%, vinyl foam ear plugs by 26%, fibreglass down by 18%, and ear muffs by 11% of the workers. In general, the condition of the ear protectors was good. Surprisingly, one-third of the workers did not use ear protectors, many of them because they had not realized that the environment they worked in had a noise intensity level above the injury risk level.


Ovarian and hypothalamic response to sequential increases in the amount of clomiphene administered to the same group of oligomenorrhoeic women. Ten patients with oligomenorrhoea were investigated using increasing doses of clomiphene citrate in each cycle. The starting dose was 50 mg on day 1 of the cycle for 5 days and was increased by 50 mg per day for 5 days per cycle, to a maximum dose of 200 mg per day. Urinary total oestrogen concentration was measured on Day 1 to 3, 12 to 14 and on Day 21. Peripheral venous plasma concentrations of immunoreactive LH & FSH on Days 1 to 3 and 12 to 14 and the peripheral venous plasma concentration of immunoreactive progesterone on Day 21 were measured. The response to treatment is discussed in relation to hormone levels in the early follicular phase and to the dose of clomiphene administered. No correlation was found between hormone levels in the early follicular phase and increments in oestrogen and LH concentrations at midcycle. On a low dose regime the increment in FSH at midcycle was significantly greater in patients with a normal FSH concentration in the early follicular phase than in those with a low FSH level at this phase in the cycle. The results of treatment with clomiphene were not changed by an increase in dose from 50 mg to 150 mg but an increase to 200 mg significantly reduced the magnitude of response.


Plasma and semen androgens in normospermic and dysspermic subjects. The seminal and plasmatic concentrations have been examined of testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, and delta 4-androstenedione in normospermic and dysspermic subjects. The results obtained did not provide evidence of significant differences of androgen levels in fertile, hypofertile and sterile men.


A comparison of the properties of the two portion split ejaculate in normal and in oligospermic subjects. The whole ejaculate and a two-portion split ejaculate from each of fifteen normal and seventeen oligospermic men were analysed from sperm density, total sperm population, sperm motility and morphology and seminal plasma fructose. These parameters did not differ significantly between the two fractions. In either group of subjects, although a higher motility was noted in the "normal" samples when compared with the corresponding "Oligo-spermic" samples, the usefulness of the split ejaculate for the purposes of artificial insemination is questioned.


Extraperitoneal translocation of a Copper-T device into the space of Retzius. A case of probable cervical perforation and extra-peritoneal migration of a Copper-T device into the space of Retzius is hereby reported. The mechanism of this exceptional kind of translocation, its outcome and the management of the patient are discussed.


The outcome of pregnancy in previously infertile women. 212 consecutive pregnancies are reviewed in previously infertile women. 96 had conceived following treatment, 21 in a "rest cycle" after treatment, 60 during investigations and 35 before investigations were started. There were 25 miscarriages (11.8%), 13 following hormone treatment. There were 7 multiple pregnancies, 2 sets of triplets and 5 sets of twins. The multiple pregnancy rate with Clomiphene was 3.9% and with gonadotrophins 30%. Pregnancy after the first trimester was normal, 82 (44%) were induced, 79% laboured for less than 12 hours. Spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred in 107 patients (55%), forceps delivery in 34%, breach 5.6% and caesarean section 6.1%. Only 20 babies weighed less than 2500 grams (10.5%) and 168 (88%) had an apgar score greater than 5. These infertile patients were matched with a control group of our normal obstetric population. There was no significant difference between the control and infertile patients except for a higher induction rate (p less than 0.0005) and higher forceps rate (p less than 0.001) in the infertile patients. We conclude that pregnancy following infertility is associated with a higher spontaneous miscarriage rate, but otherwise is normal.


Scleroderma (progressive systemic sclerosis, PSS); pathophysiological, clinical and pharmacological aspects of the syndrome. Scleroderma is an uncommon complex disease. The onset is slow and the progress is chronic. The main pathophysiological changes vary; they affect blood vessels, connective tissue, collagen fibres, cause fibrin deposition and inflammatory reactions. There may be early oedema and a wide spectrum of organic involvement. Clinically, all the fibril-containing and connective tissue organs can be attacked in various degrees. The most common organ manifestations are the Raynaud's phenomenon in the arms and hands, vascular fibrosis, stiff and hard facial skin, restriction of joint movement by pericapsular hardening, calcium deposition and capsular rigidity. In the gastrointestinal tract muscle atrophy, collagen and connective tissue damage are common, especially at the cardia. Malabsorption may occur. Progressive pulmonary fibrosis leads to cor pulmonale and respiratory insufficiency. The liver, kidneys and the endocrine glands are, however, seldom involved. Therapeutic trials have been performed using many different groups of drugs: vasodilatating agents, corticosteroids, drugs found experimentally to influence connective tissue, thyroxine and a variety of anti-rheumatic agents. In the last decade best short-term clinical results have been achieved with penicillamine, some vasodilators, chlorambucil and in recent years with cyclofenil a potent anti-oestrogen, which has marked connective tissue and collagen metabolism influencing properties. Good therapeutic effects without serious side effects have been achieved.


Influence of tobacco smoking on serum free fatty acid, triglyceride and glucose levels during physical training and post-exertional restitution. Studies were carried out on 60 healthy men aged 20--24 years, divided into three groups. Group A (30 persons) performed work on bicycle ergometer in three phases: 420 +/- 90 kpm/min during 6 minutes, 840 +/- 180 kpm/min during 6 minutes and 1260 +/- 270 kpm/min during 6 minutes. Group B (20 persons) performed the same work after smoking 4 cigarettes. In group C (10 persons) the tests were carried out after they had smoked 4 cigarettes, without work load. In each group the serum FFA, TG and glucose levels were determined. It was found that just after the termination of physical exertion preceded by tobacco smoking (group B) FFA and TG concentrations decreased and glucose concentration increased more than in the control group (P less than 0.05, P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.001, respectively). During restitution, the FFA and TG concentrations were significantly lower (P less than 0.001) and the glucose level was higher (P less than 0.05) than in the group of non-smokers. After tobacco smoking, FFA concentration increased transiently in group C (P less than 0.001); the TG level did not change whereas the glucose level persistently increased (P less than 0.001). The results indicate the better utilization of FFA during physical exertion after previous tobacco smoking.


The distribution of immunoreactive angiotensins I and II extracted from rat brain. A method was developed to measure immunoreactive angiotensin I and II extracted from rat brain tissue. The angiotensin-immunoreactive materials extracted from brain tissue resembled angiotensins I and II in many of their physiochemical properties. The concentration of angiotensin-immunoreactive materials was highest in extracts of pituitary, hypothalamus and thalamus. The concentrations of angiotensin-immunoreactive materials were not decreased in extracts of brain tissue from bilaterally nephrectomized rats. The concentrations of immunoreactive materials in extracts of pituitary far exceed those which could be accounted for by the blood and suggests that these endogenous peptides may regulate the neurosecretion of antidiuretic hormone.


Pancreatic amylase- and protein-concentrations associated with thioacetamide-induced cirrhosis of the liver in rats. In cirrhosis of the liver induced in rats by administration of thioacetamide for 8 months, pancreatic amylase and protein concentration and the number of zymogen granules were found to exceed those of the controls. The finding is attributed to a deficient metabolism of enterohormones. The model seems to provide a suitable approach to the study of the hypersecretory state of the pancreas associated with cirrhosis of the liver.


Acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism in experiment. Comparison of the effect of fibrinolytic and anticoagulant treatment. The authors have created a suitable model of a massive pulmonary thromboembolism with autologous blood clots in 38 dogs. The pathophysiological changes were studied, and the effect of the fibrinolytic and anticoagulation treatments were comparatively evaluated. The evaluation was based on angiopulmography, scanning of the lungs, ECG and postmorten findings. The most efficacious was the fibrinolytic treatment, which led to the cure of 4 out of 6 dogs. The heparin therapy was less efficacious. The spontaneous lysis of massive thromboemboli did not manifest itself within 12 hr. These experimental notions helped the authors to attain success in clinical routine, primarily with the fibrinolytic treatment.


Effect of immobilisation on the catecholamine- and histamine-induced responses of blood pressure and pulse rate in rats adapted to swimming and in controls. Blood pressure and pulse rate responses to noradrenaline, isoproterenol and histamine were studied in restrained albino rats adapted to swimming and in controls. In the early phase of immobilization blood pressure remained stable but fell then abruptly to a lower level. The pulse rate showed a time-related exponential decline which was of lesser degree in the animals adapted to swimming. The amplitude of the response to noradrenaline increased during the four hours of immobilisation, in opposition to the histamine and isoproterenol-induced responses which showed no time-related changes. No differences between the trained animals and the controls were demonstrable for noradrenaline and histamine, while the isoproterenol-induced responses differed also during immobilisation. The comparatively slow decline of pulse rate in the trained animals is primarily attributed to the increased resistance of the trained heart, and the difference in the isoproterenol-induced responses is connected with an enhanced responsiveness of the beta-adrenergic receptors of the trained organism.


[The dependability of noninvasive stroke volume measurements with impedance cardiography]. In 33 patients 110 comparative measurements of stroke volume were performed by the thermodilution method and impedance cardiography during rest and various hemodynamic interventions. Agreement was moderate not allowing accurate estimation of the stroke volume in an individual patient. However, impedance cardiography proved useful in predicting acute changes in stroke volume or cardiac output exceeding 10% of control values.


[Two-dimensional echocardiography--experiences in an internal medicine department of a 750 bed hospital]. Mechanical sector scanning in echocardiography achieves two-dimensional imaging of the heart at a fairly good resolution and at reasonable cost. A few diagnoses can immediately be made off the screen without recording the M-mode. Quantitation of movements is possible, however rather time-consuming without automatic data processing. The experience with the application of the device in a medium-size hospital over 2 years shows that with proper selection approximately 10% of patients in a department of Internal Medicine will benefit from this diagnostic procedure.


[Echocardiographic determination of left ventricular function during isometric muscle exertion and the Valsalva maneuver]. Left ventricular dimensions and function were estimated in 11 healthy volunteers by means of echocardiography during isometric exercise and the Valsalva manoeuvre. Isometric exercise induces a rise of heart rate and Vcf by 14% and of cardiac output as well as of the cardiac index by 12%. Stroke volume remains unchanged. During Valsalva's manoeuvre a marked decrease in left ventricular dimensions is observed. A reduction of the stroke volume by 29% was not compensated by increasing heart rate. However, cardiac output and cardiac index is found 10% below control values.


[Clinical signs, echocardiography and angiocardiography in mitral valve prolapse]. In a review, clinical, phonocardiographic and cardioangiographic findings in mitral valve prolaps syndrome are discussed. Echocardiography is recommended as a noninvasive screening method for the diagnosis of this syndrome.


[Noninvasive determination of myocardial function in infarct patients]. In a prospective study, the regional ventricular function was assessed by cross sectional echocardiography in 22 patients with coronary heart disease. When compared with angiocardiography, cross sectional echocardiography has proven to be a valuable tool for the evaluation of regional ventricular function.


[Diagnosis of extracranial carotid stenoses using the Doppler sonography]. Percutaneous measurements by Doppler ultrasound techniques over the supratrochlear, supraorbital, common carotid and internal carotid arteries may detect the presence of a stenosis in the internal carotid artery between the bifurcation and the branching of the ophthalmic artery. Out of 550 patients examined by Doppler ultrasound 111 patients underwent carotid angiography and the angiographic data were compared with the noninvasive results. The diagnostic accuracy was 91% in cases with stenoses greater than 50% and occlusion; in cases with stenoses of greater than 50% it was 86%. Occlusions could always be verified. Doppler ultrasound is very valuable for follow-up examinations after reconstructive procedures of the internal carotid artery. In 70 patients we were able to document objectively cases by pre- and postoperative examinations.


[Inactivation of implanted demand pacemaker through external stimulation]. External chest wall stimulation was performed in 87 patients in order to overdrive and thereby suppress the implanted pacemaker. The impossibility to inactivate the implanted pacer suggested a disturbed "sensing" function in 12 patients. Marked changes of the escape rhythm were found in 77 patients with suppressable pacemaker when compared with the tracings before pacemaker implantation. Increasing degree of A-V block or marked changes in heart rate were observed in 14 of 35 cases with advanced A-V block. Minor alterations were noted in cases with sick sinus syndrome and atrial fibrillation. Overdrive suppression is a helpful method for the selection of pacemaker dependent patients.


[Lorcainid--electrophysiologic examinations of a new anti-arrhythmia agent]. The electrophysiologic properties of Lorcainide (1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg) were studied on 21 patients by intracardiac electrograms and atrial stimulation. A prolongation of the H-V interval, widening of QRS duration but only minor changes in A-H interval were found. The effective refractory period of the atria increased, the effective and functional refractory periods of the A-V node changed variable following Lorcainide. There was a slight increase in heart rate and the sinus node recovery time was longer after 2.5 mg/kg of the drug. The major site of action of Lorcainide in man appears to be the His-Purkinje system. In electrophysiologic terms the new antiarrhythmic agent closely resembles Aprindine.


[Prophylaxis of supraventricular paroxysmal tachycardias on the basis of electrophysiologic examinations]. Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias (PSVT) were classified with regard to electrophysiologic criteria in 12 cases. In 6 patients the reentry circuit of the PSVT involved a concealed accessory connection, in 6 patients the reentry circuit was confined to the A-V node. Different antiarrhythmic drugs were administered orally over a 4 week period, the frequency of attacks and possible side effects were recorded. In patients with accessory pathway metoprolol (n = 3), ajmalin (n = 3), Aprindine (n = 1) and verapamil (n = 1) prevented the occurrence of PSVT. Verapamil, Ro 11-1781, metoprolol and digitalis were effective in A-V nodal reentry. PSVT could be prevented in all but one patient by at least one drug.


[Nuclear medicine diagnosis of lung embolism through the combined perfusion-ventilation scintigraphy]. Perfusion lung scanning has improved the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. Additional ventilation scanning has decreased the number of false positive results, considerably. The incidence of pulmonary embolism, demonstrated by combined perfusion ventilation scanning, in our patients with phlebothrombosis, comprised 54%.


[Clinical importance of liver and pancreas scintigraphy]. The value of liver scanning is evaluated by comparison with computerised tomography and sonographic examination. For differential diagnosis of hepatic and posthepatic ikterus in patients with elevated serum bilirubin levels hepatobiliary scanning with 131 J-Rose Bengal or 131 J-Bromsulphan, is recommended. Pancreatic 75-Se-Methionin scanning, is of limited diagnostic value.


[Scintigraphy of the adrenal glands].

[Scintigraphy of the adrenal glands]. The use of 6 beta-131I-Iodomethyl-Cholesterol as an adrenal imaging agent instead of 131I-19-Iodocholesterol has improved the szintigraphic visualization of the adrenals and radiation safety as well. Best results are obtained with respectively unilateral changes of the adrenals or with steroid producing tumors. Pheochromocytomas are diagnosed by decreased uptake of iodinated cholesterol by the adrenals. Possible therapeutic application of radiocholesterol in steroid producing tumors of the adrenals is discussed.


[Radiation protection of the patient in nuclear medicine]. More emphasis should be put on radiation protection since the use of radioisotope- and X-ray procedures for the patient evaluation is steadily increasing. In adults carcinogenesis is the major risk factor. Because of the high sensitivity of the fetus to ionizing radiation special precautions are necessary for the use of radioisotopes in females in the reproductive age. Careful consideration of the benefit of investigations with radioisotopes is considered as the most effective radiation protection measurement.


[Steroid receptors--their meaning in the treatment of breast neoplasms]. Quantitation of estrogen and progesterone receptors in breast cancer has contributed to a better understanding of the prognosis of hormone treatment. In case of lymph node involvement adjuvant chemotherapy is indicated in estrogen receptor negative tumours. In patients with positive estrogen receptor pattern, hormone treatment eventually combined with chemotherapy is recommended. Comparable results are found after treatment with antiestrogens, side-effects, however, are found less frequently.


[Therapeutic progress in malignant testicular neoplasms]. Besides the progress of surgical and radiological regimens it is a new approach in cytostatic chemotherapy which has improved the prognosis of testicular tumours. Combination chemotherapy results in a 70 to 100% remission rate and a prolonged duration of survival.


[Determination of the tumor cell mass and its significance as a parameter for prognosis and therapy in patients with multiple myeloma]. In 19 patients with multiple myeloma tumor cell mass was determined. In addition the influence of tumor cell number on certain clinical parameters as well as on survival time has been analysed. In some patients the behaviour of tumor cell number in the course of different therapeutic regimen was studied. A close correlation between tumor cell mass on the one side and certain clinical parameters as well es more objective rationale for planning further therapy regimen can be obtained with the application of this method.


[Serum ferritin- diagnostic and clinical significance]. The immunoradiometric measurement of ferritin--a major iron storage protein, in serum, provides a new precise method for determination of storage iron with good clinical evaluation. There is a positive correlation between serum ferritin and other direct or indirect parameters of storage iron. In clinical practice determination of serum ferritin is important in patients undergoing regular dialysis treatment, for rheumatoid arthritis, normal and pathological pregnancy and as controls for therapy in iron deficiency, or iron overload.


[Lung irrigation].

[Lung irrigation]. A segmental bronchus is washed with normal saline solution by bronchoscopy. The lavage fluid is collected by aspiration. Lavage is performed to obtain free cells (lymphocytes, alveolar macrophages) for cell culture and specimens for immunological investigations.


[Determination of maximal aerobic capacity using simple ergometry in various training conditions]. Exercise tests were performed in 21 competition rowers, before and after a 4 month training period. The significance of differences in VO2, VT, and specific ventilation (Sp. V) at equal work loads, were tested. The influence of the relative VO2 Trel VO20 = VO2/kg BW) on the correlation between maximal workload (Wmax) and VO2 max, was investigated. The VO2 at all workloads, showed a highly significant increase after the period of training. Multiple linear regression analysis, demonstrates an increase of the correlation coefficient from r = 0,65 (single) to R = 0,95 (multiple). The precision of estimation concerning maximal exercise, improves considerably when rel. VO2 is taken into account, as well as, Wmax. The rel. VO2max as a parameter for the state of training can be estimated from an exact training history (total amount of training with direct cardiopulmonary influence = endurance type of training). Combined with Wmax this training history can be included into the multiple regression equation VO2max - 1060 + 6.3 Wmax + 57.3 rel. VO2max. By these means, including ergometry and the training history, even a practicing internist can to a fair estent estimate the capacity for sport.


The null allele in the horse esterase (Es) system detected by enzyme assay and rocket immunoelectrophoresis in heterozygous animals. The detection of the recessive null allele of horse serum esterase (Es) is possible in heterozygotes Es+/EsO which by starch gel electrophoresis appear like homozygotes Es+/Es+. Two methods are proposed, the titration of enzymatic activity of esterase and the immunochemical titration of esterase as antigen. These methods can be applied to solve the cases of suspect parentage or in population studies.


Isoelectric focusing of horse serum esterase isozymes and detection of new phenotypes. A new method for separating the isozymes of horse serum esterase is described. The improved resolution has enabled us to detect several previously undescribed phenotypes. This method has also been used to detect two different apparently 'silent' alleles.


Inheritance of adenosine deaminase variants in chickens and turkeys. Blood cell lysates of chickens and turkeys were subjected to starch gel electrophoresis and the gels were stained for adenosine deaminase. Two zones were observed singly or together in the electrophoretic patterns of each lysate. Zones of chicken lysates were analogous in electrophoretic mobility to those of turkeys. An extra zone which appeared in patterns of a sample stored over one month was not detected in patterns of a second aliquot of stored sample treated with a reducing agent prior to electrophoresis. Family data involving 110 chicken progeny and 221 turkey progeny supported the hypothesis that these zones were controlled by two codominant alleles designated ADAA and ADAB. In the two Leghorn strains studied ADAB was much more frequent than ADAA, but the frequency distribution was reversed in the Small White turkey strain examined.


Protein variation in the marine bivalve Scrobicularia plana. Seventeen enzyme loci have been assayed for electrophoretically detectable variation in a population of the marine bivalve Scrobicularia plana. Mean heterozygosity is 0.120 +/- 0.033. In a comparison involving thirteen enzymes there is a significant correlation between heterozygosity in S. plana and Mytilus edulis and a suggestion of lower mean heterozygosity in S. plana. These findings are discussed in relation to current theories concerning the selective significance of protein variation.


Further studies on sheep polymorphic erythrocyte diaphorase. Starch gel electrophoresis of sheep hemolysates revealed anodically faster, polymorphic NADH/NADPH diaphorase (Dia1) and slower NADH diaphorase (Dia2). Frequencies of alleles Dial F and Dial S for six sheep breeds in Czechoslovakia are given and efficacy for parentage control is discussed. A heterogeneity in Dia2 is caused by a prolonged storage of samples.


Contribution and suggestions of the "Istituto Superiore di Sanità" to the sanitary veterinary activity in Italy. The general functions and organization of the "Istituto Superiore, di Sanità" are described. A list of the Laboratories into which the Institute is organized is given together with their functions. Special attention is given to the Veterinary Laboratory, with a discussion on the provisions needed to enable it to perform all its duties.


Identification of the problems: proceedings of the WHO Expert Consultation on Some Veterinary Public Health Problems. The growing development of intensive large-scale animal production units has become an essential and unavoidable trend in both the socialist and non-socialist agro-industries. This in turn has led to an increase in the risks to human and animal health because of the unique characteristics of these units. From the public health point of view surveillance should focus on four major areas: 1) the zoonoses; 2) chemical residues; 3) environmental pollution; 4) occupational diseases. The paper elaborates on these points and discusses practical action to be taken at the planning level to minimize the health risks.


Integrated multidisciplinary environmental approach to the study of taeniasis and echinococcosis. Different factors concerning the integrated multidisciplinary environmental approach to the study of taeniasis and echinococcosis are discussed with special reference to the practical implications in their control, mainly in East Africa.


Notes on the use of animals for monitoring of human health hazards. Motivations and perequisites for the use of animals for monitoring human health hazards are discussed. Tetanus, histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis and fluorine and lead intoxications are reported as examples.


Occupational diseases associated with animal industry with special reference to the influence of the techniques of animal maintenance. The health problems which may involve farm workers are discussed and classified as: 1) diseases of mechanical origin; 2) diseases of environmental origin; 3) infection diseases (a) contracted from the environment; (b) contracted from animals); 4) social and psychological problems. The transmission of diseases from farm workers to animals has been outlined. The AA. conclude by stressing that the techniques that assure good farm profit coincide with the prevention of occupational diseases in farm workers.


Problems associated with the coexistence of man and animals in urban areas. The different aspects of the coexistence of man and animals in towns are discussed. The animals living in urban areas are classified as: a) Pets; b) Synanthropic, appreciated by man: c) Synanthropic, disregarded by man; d) Synanthropic, disliked by man. The detrimental effects are: a) Transmission of diseases; b) Bites, scratches and other lesions; c) Animal wastes; d) Noise; e) Use of feeds, medicines, etc.; f) Abandoned animals. The positive effects are: a) Ecological balance; b) Animals and mental health; c) Other positive aspects. A positive solution of the problem is sought which avoids both the zoomaniac and the zoophobic attitudes.


Health risks associated with animals in different types of urban areas: present status and new ecological conditions due to urbanization. For different reasons urban areas are colonized by numerous animal groups. From the aspect of the incidence of zoonoses the following animal groups are primarily significant: 1) food-producing animals; 2) pets; 3) synanthropic mammals; 4) synanthropic birds; 5) synanthropic arthropods. Certain species live in central parts of urban areas which the A. attempts to classify, and particularly in suburban areas which serve for recreation of town inhabitants. From the aspect of the occurrence of different animal species the A. points out the significance of various parts of urban agglomerations.


Special problems of zoonoses connected with urban areas. The following items are discussed: 1) Zoonoses with an urban cycle: a) Salmonellosis; b) Dermatophytozoonoses; c) Toxoplasmosis; d) Larva migrans visceralis; 3) Flea and tick infections; f) Zoonoses of cities located on lakes, rivers and the sea. 2) Animalization of the urban environment. 3) Zoonoses which may be transferred from the rural to the urban environment: a) Rural zoonoses transmitted to urban animals; b) Rural zoonoses transmitted to man in cities. 4) Zoonoses which may be transmitted from the urban to the rural environment.


Naturally infected dog droppings from public parks and playgrounds as a possible source of infections with Salmonellae and helminths. In two periods (spring/summer and autumn/winter) investigations for salmonellae and helminths were made with 300 naturally infected dog droppings each. In the first period 10.33% of the collected fecal samples had been infected with salmonellae of 10 different serovars. Eggs of Taxascaris leonina were found in 3.33%, eggs of Toxocara canis in 4.33%, taeniid eggs in 1.67% and Ancylostomatides in 3.33% of examined droppings. The investigations in the autumn/winter period showed 9% fecal samples infected with salmonellae of 11 different serovars. 5% fecal specimens contained eggs of T. canis, 2% eggs of T. leonina, 0.33% eggs of Taenia spp. and Ancylostomatidae made up to 2%.


Veterinary public health activities aimed at prevention of intoxications by chemical residues in foods of animal origin. Suggestions for inspection programmes. Practically all today's raw agricultural products have been treated or exposed to one or more agricultural chemicals or veterinary products, in order to increase food production. A tremendous amount of work has been done by veterinarians in coping with diseases and health risks due to microorganisms, parasites and other agents of biological origin. There is no doubt that veterinary services, research and educational institutions have a long and successful tradition also in dealing with problems of chemicals associated with animal and food production, processing, transportation, storage and distribution. Due to the increasing quantity and large numbers of chemicals now used in animal production and related fields, it has however become indispensable to broaden and intensify the education and training of veterinarians, as well as to ensure their participation in all sectors of this field. Veterinarians should be fully involved in the surveillance, prevention and control of intoxications by chemical residues. They are well qualified to do this. They are working continuously in the areas where exposure to animals and food may occur, possess adequate knowledge of the routes of entry of such chemicals into food chains, the fate of their residues, the health hazards involved, as well as of the toxicology, pathology, pathophysiology, and food hygiene and technology. Residues present an enormous challenge for surveillance, prevention and control in agriculture, food processing and related activities.


Veterinary public health activities aiming at prevention of chemical and other residues in food of animal origin. Action at the processing level. The present situation regarding chemical residues in food products of animal origin is discussed. Some suggestions are given for sanitary judgement of such products and for preventive actions to be taken by the veterinary services.


The occurrence and importance of residues in meat and their evaluation within official meat inspection. Food of animal origin is an important factor in protecting the consumer from health risks emanating from the environment. This is why chemical and drug residues in food animals have been included in the Meat Inspection Act in the Federal Republic of Germany. The following substances are subject to regulation: Drugs; Feed additives; Pesticides; Toxic substances from the environment. While drugs may give rise to resistance of infective agents to them, feed additives may accumulate in the organism and have a toxic effect. Pesticides themselves may not be harmful in the amounts, which accumulate in meat, however, their metabolic products in the human body may be toxic. Radioactive substances and radioactive fall-out as well as cadmium and mercury are dangerous when accumulating in meat. Therefor, fixation of tolerance levels for defined residues has been started to be set according to the new Foods Act, including their toxicological evaluation. Condemnation of organs of slaughter animals in which these chemicals accumulate is obligatory.


Self-inhibitory dopamine-receptors and central effects of apomorphine. Apomorphine, a central dopamine-receptor agonist, is well known to produce excitatory effects in animals. However, low doses exert depressant effects as hypomotility, sedation and sleep. The mechanism of these effects are discussed in terms of a stimulation by apomorphine of DA-receptors, different from the post-synaptic ones, provided of an inhibitory effect on DA-synthesis and on the firing of dopaminergic neurons.


Apomorphine as a preferential stimulant of self-inhibitory dopamine receptors in man. In man, non emetic doses of apomorphine elicit a series of behavioural, neurological and psychological changes which are difficult to ascribe to the stimulation of postsynaptic dopamine receptors. Since similar effects are elicited by neuroleptic drugs, the functional changes induced by apomorphine in man might be interpreted as being the result of a decreased dopaminergic activity. The sedation and sleep, the improvement of choreic movements and the antipsychotic effect induced by non emetic doses of apomorphine are prevented by specific dopamine receptor blockers. These responses therefore are mediated through a stimulation of dopamine receptors leading to a decreased dopaminergic transmission. This new type of receptors might be identified with the so called "self-inhibitory" dopamine receptors.


Regulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid metabolism in different brain structures by cholinergic and adrenergic drugs. The influence of cholinergic and dopaminergic drugs has been studied on the metabolism of GABA by measuring the levels of GABA and glutamate and the activity of glutamic acid decarbosylase and GABA-aminotransferase in mouse and rat brain and in some rat brain regions. Muscarinic agonists (oxotremorine, arecoline) induce a rapid decrease of GABA level and an increase of its destruction, indicative of an increased activity of GABA synapses in basal ganglia and brain stem. Minor changes in GABA metabolism are observed in cerebral cortex and cerebellum. On the other hand, hemicholinium-3 and the muscarinic antagonist amizyle reduce the activity of GABA structures. Amizyle also abolishes the influence of muscarinic drugs on GABA metabolism. Most dopaminergic drugs (apomorphine, L-DOPA, CB-154, fusaric acid, 6-hydroxydopamine, haloperidol) fail to influence GABA metabolism in whole brain and in basal ganglia. However, amantadine decreases GABA metabolism and clozapine inhibits its destruction and increases its level (like aminooxyacetic acid). These data indicate that cholinergic neurons have a stimulant influence on the functional activity of GABA neurons.


Benzodiazepines are synergic with gamma-aminobutyric acid. Microiontophoretic evidence. By means of microiontophoresis chlordiazepoxide (CDP) was applied to the neurons of rabbit sensorimotor cortex. CDP decreased the frequency of spontaneous electrical activity of all the neurons studied in a dose-dependent manner. During simultaneous CDP and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) application an additive effect of the agents was observed. No antagonism between CDP and GABA was found. Probable reasons for contradictory data obtained by different AA. dealing with benzodiazepine effect on GABA-ergic inhibitory processes are discussed.


[Somatic disorders and depressive states]. Somatic disorders in depression can be separated into two main categories. The first comprises those which are true side effets of drug-therapy; the other includes somatic symptoms of the depression itself, which are subsequently considered as apparent side effects. Under the same treatment true side effects occur much more frequently in psychogenic depression, especially if the patient has a personality disorder. During the course of the treatment the disappearance of somatic complaints is noticed more easily by the physicians than the appearance of true side effects (schulterbrandt). The relative frequency of symptoms of depression as compared with all other symptoms seems to be higher in manic-depressive psychoses than in other varieties of depression (Watts). The other somatic disorders might either be symptoms of organic illness with secondary depression, the psycho-somatic equivalents of depression, or finaly the only symptoms of a masked depression.


[Pathogenesis of diabetic microangiopathy. Fluoroangioretinal observations during monocomponent insulin therapy]. Current theories on the pathogenesis of diabetic microangiopathy and their effective therapeutical implications are reviewed. The possible role of insulin antibody production in insulin-treated diabetics concerning development and progression of retinopathy is particularly discussed. Thus the opportunity of a monocomponent (MC) insulin treatment in all newly diagnosed insulin-dependent diabetics is considered. The authors have carried out fluorescein angiography in two groups of subjects with JOD comparable for age, sex, diabetes duration (5-7 years), insulin requirement, metabolic control, absence of diabetic heredity as well as of clinical (ophtalmoscopic) signs of microangiopathy (retinopathy). The first group had been treated from the beginning with MC porcine insulin (Monotard) only; the second one with conventional Lente only. Early fluoroangiographic signs of retinopathy ("pre-retinopathy") as increased capillary filling, ischaemic areas, alterations in capillary permeability, microangioaneurysms, "primary exudation" had to be detected. In 2 out of 10 cases in the first group one isolated sign was found; one or more signs were found in the second group. In the first group the insulin antibody titer (IB) was under or nearly above the detection limit; in the second group insulin antibody titer was significantly positive. These preliminary findings suggest a larger prospective study.


[Healing of the severed sciatic nerve in the rabbit : morphological aspects of an optimal nervous repair (author's transl)]. In best conditions, the severed sciatic nerve in the rabbit as well as in the rat heals by forming new perineural sheaths which facilitate the regeneration of nervous fibers. THis type of nervous repair is first obvious in the proximal stump, later it continues to a lesser extent in the distal stump. Three aspects with a spatio-temporal pattern are described and discussed.


[Cytophysiology of the prothoracic gland of the cricket Acheta domestica L. during the penultimate instar nymph and during the cycle of regeneration (author's transl)]. The cellular kinetic of the prothoracic gland is counted during the penultimate instar nymph of Acheta domestica L. and during the cycle of regeneration, under standard breeding conditions. These experiments show a cycle in the glandular cells in good correlation with the hormonal cycle. Regeneration involves a recovery of phenomenons during the wound-healing and an intense proteosynthesis during the first period of intermue.


[Subsurface cisterns of adult rat hepatocytes in primary monolayer cultures (author's transl)]. Primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes are a good model for the study of SSC, because they appear in a great number of cells when these form trabecular structures in the culture. The SSC seem to be multifunctional features. They have not only one and the same function in the variety of cells in which they exist. Their localization in the hepatocytes point to an implication in cell adhesion mechanisms. The images also suggest a possible participation in cell membrane repair phenomena. The SSC are a differentiate portion of endoplasmic reticulum for the repairment of cell membrane portions damaged in the isolation of hepatocytes.


[Septicemic infection by spore forming bacteria in Crustacea, Isotopa]. A new type of disease localized to haemolymph has been discovered and studied in the oniscoid Armadillidium granulatum. The infection is due to a bacterium showing particularities of shape, and sporulating form structures, of nutritional requirements and of very slow but lethal pathogenic effect in visceral cavity of isopods.


[Lernaepodidae, copepod parasites of Tunisian Sparidae]. On the gills and branchial arch of eleven sparidae species, from different tunisian lagoons and sea, nine lernaeopodidae species (copepods parasites) have been taked. These copepods are belonging to three genera. A study of their morphology, illustrated by plates is realised.


[Symptomatologic value of skin evaporimetry]. Skin significantly contributes to water turnover excreting 300-600 ml/Day, this aliquot being under the control of several factors, including psychologic factors. The cutaneous evaporimetry offers semeiological parameters useful to study water balance. Our work is an extension of the classic experiments of G.E. Nilsson and coworkers. In the present report evaporimetric measurements are related to 15 normal subjects at ours climatic conditions.


[Effect of the degree of short stature on the type of response to tests of pituitary growth hormone reserve]. Two HGH (insulin and L-Dopa) stimulating tests were performed at time interval on 65 subjects with short stature (SDs between -2 and -4.5 according to Tanner) and on 18 control subjects, in order to study the influence of short stature degree on the HGH behaviour during the stimulating tests. The results obtained show that: 1. Statistically the short stature degree does not affect the response to HGH stimulating tests. 2. Two tests are necessary to avoid erroneous diagnosis of dwarfism caused by lack of HGH. 3. No response to HGH stimulating tests in subjects with normal stature may prove a discrepancy between the hormone measured radioimmunologically and its biological action.


[Effects of isometric exercise on the pulmonary circulation in aortic patients]. The hemodynamic changes of the pulmonary vascular system in patients with aortic stenosis, has been evaluated during isometric exercise (handgrip). Heart rate, left ventricular sistolic pressure and pulmonary artery sistolic pressure, increase significantly while pulmonary vascular resistences are uneffected. In conclusion, the pulmonary response to handgrip olso in patients with aortic stenosis shows the same.


[Quantiative determination of radiopaque contrast media by means of HPLC. I. Determination of diatrizoic acid, iothalamic acid and iodamide]. A rapid method for the quantitative analysis of radiopaque contrast media HPLC is described. Method can greatly help in solving problems of clinical and forensic interest.


[Analysis of meglumine in pharmaceutical products by means of high pressure liquid chromatography]. A method for the quantitative analysis of methylglucamine in pharmaceutical products by high pressure liquid chromatography is described. The suggested procedure overcomes every preliminary treatments of the sample and does not suffer of interferences due to excipients and other active substances.


[Influence of the age on 5'-nucleotidase activity associated with the rat liver plasma membrane]. The influence of age on the isothermic and temperature-induced kinetics of the plasma membrane 5'-nucleotidase was studied in rat liver. The apparent Km values increased with age, while the Vmax, the temperature discontinuity and the Ex above and below the max break were unaffected.


[Preliminary microbiological findings in evaluation of pollution from Darsena petroli]. The Concentration Factors (F.C.) of Coliforms, Enterococci, and Coliphages evaluated in Ciona intestinalis from Darsena Petroli are directly proportional to the relative residence-times into the sea water, stated as T90.


[Adenosine deaminase activity of lymphocytes during typhoid fever (preliminary data)]. Adenosine deaminase activity has been measured in the peripheral lymphocytes of 12 patients suffering from typhoid fever. The mean activity was found to be significantly higher (P less than 0,001) when compared with normal controls.


[Adenosine deaminase activity in peripheral lymphocytes during acute viral hepatitis (preliminary data)]. Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity was determined in peripheral lymphocytes of 6 patients with HBsAg positive acute viral hepatitis (AVH), 8 patients with HBsAg negative AVH and 12 normal controls. The average of ADA activity in these three groups was 25, 25 and 21 nmoles/min/mg prot. respectively without significance for statistical analysis. However high ADA values (40, 32 and 39) were observed in the peripheral lymphocytes of three patients with AVH.


[Ultrastructural study of the median eminence of the cat]. The electron microscopic study of the median eminence in cats sacrified during the growth period (36 hours to 30 days after-birth) and in adult cats leads to the following conclusions: 1) The external infundibular zone of newborn kittens (36 hours postpartum) shows very few capillary loops and it lacks a palissade appearance. On the seventh day a palissade layer and penetrating capillary loops are observed. 2) There are no myelinated fibers in the fibrillar layer of the median eminence external infundibular zone during the growth-period. The number and size of Herring bodies increase after the seventh day. In adult cats, Herring bodies may be 50 microns long and some show myelinic sheaths. 3) In adult cats, the nerve endings which surround the capillary loops penetrating into the median eminence, are in direct contact with the lamina basalis, while the nerve endings of the palissade layer are always separated from the capillary space of the hypophyseal portal plexus by glial cell prolongations.


[Mean osteoplastic surface in zones of plexiform neo-osteogenesis compared with mean osteoplastic surface measured on the fetal bone]. In some pathologic cases, areas of woven bone can be observed in and around human adult bones. This plexiform neo-osteogenesis looks like fetal bone. The mean osteoplastic surface was quantified in these different kinds of bony tissues. The formation of this plexiform neo-osteogenesis is discussed.


Localization of hydrolysis and transport of dipeptides in the mucosa of the small intestine (established on the basis of the anoxic criterion). The influence of anoxia on the hydrolysis and transport of certain dipeptides by the rat small intestine in vitro was investigated. It was shown that in most cases, during anoxia there is virtually complete inhibition of active transport, whereas the hydrolysis of dipeptides, both by the intact intestine and by homogenates of the mucosa, is unchanged. These data suggest an important role of membrane hydrolysis at the concluding stages of peptide digestion in the small intestine. The interrelationship of the two types of peptide hydrolysis: membrane and intracellular, is discussed on the basis of the data obtained.


[Significance of the haversian number].

[Significance of the haversian number]. The aim of this work is to show that the measurement of the haversian number, i.e. the number of haversian canals per unit surface in transverse sections of compact bone, is not suffisantly accurate to determine the degree of compact bone remodelling. At the beginning of adult life, the aspect of the interstitial bone indicates that one haversian canal can correspond to one to four osteons (fig. 1). With increasing age, the diameter of the osteons decreases (fig. 2) and, consequently, for a same remodelled surface of bone the number of haversian canals varies greatly. In the elderly, the dissociation between osteon production and that of haversian canals increases (fig. 3). Moreover, the presence of large, irregular cavities which are difficult to assimilate to one or more haversian canals tends also to diminish, in terms of remodeling, the significance of the haversian number.


[Arterial vascularization of human bones]. Analytical study of the arterial vascularization of bones in man. In practice, all the bones were studied with the exception of the skull. It is an original study using micro-angiography with micropaque. This study is of value in diagnosis of the pathogenesis of certain bone conditions and in traumatologic and orthopaedic therapy. A number of problems remain, in particular venous vascularization, micro-circulation in cartilage or in the sub-chondral zone and, lastly, the dynamic aspects of this type of bony circulation. Further research will be directed towards these fields.


[Deep femoral artery. Anatomoradiological study]. After a double study (anatomical--50 dissections--and radiological--100 arteriograms) the following points can be stressed: the femoral tripod is only found in 38 per cent of the cases. One or several nutrient arteries of the thigh originate often separately (62% of cases). Their origine is situated highup in a number of cases (at 3 cm below the inguinal ligament). The collateral network develops from each of the arteries forming a complete "profunda femoris system". Two surgical consequences deserve to be underlined: 1. The approach to all the branches is possible by a transverse incision in the fold of the groin. 2. Surgical revascularisation must concern the whole of the "profunda femoris" network.


Microbiological 1,2-dehydration of microcrystalline epihydrocortisone and its 21-acetate. A method is described for obtaining epiprednisolone and its 21-acetate by means of microbiological 1,2-dehydration by a culture of Mycobacterium globiforme 193. The substrate, epihydrocortisone or its 21-acetate, is added in the form of a microcrystalline suspension at a concentration of 25-100 g/liter medium.


[The gastroduodenal artery and its variations. Study of 100 arteriographies]. The gastro-duodenal artery, whose study has been based on a series of one hundred digestive arteriographies, is visualized in all cases. Its variations of origine are directly connected to the different possible dispositions of the hepatic arterial supply. The analysis of the results confirms the literary data: each time there is a middle hepatic artery, it gives the gastro-duodenal artery.


[Anatomical study of double urethra in the child. 2 cases]. The supernumerary urethrae can be defined as supplementary channels of muscular structure, whose mucous lining is of the excretory urinary type. The present classification enables us to define three main types of supernumerary urethrae: the duplicated, the bifidated, the blind ducts with external or internal opening. It appears rather difficult to link the sum of these malformations with a common embryological anomaly. The origin of the bifidated may be explained by an anomaly of the closing of the urogenital gutter. On the other hand, a prolongation of the process of separation of the urorectal septum would be at the origin of the duplicated urethrae.


[Effect of sodium chloride on the secretory activity on the kidney juxtaglomerular cells and on the adrenal glomerular zone in the adult male rabbit]. Experiments were carried out on the adult male rabbits. The animals were divided in three experimental groups and one control group. The animals of all experimental groups were given NaCl, through different ways. The degree of granularity of juxtaglomerular cells was evaluated by counting the JGI (juxtaglomerular index) according to HARTROFT. In all experimental groups, the JGI was lowered. The lowest was found in the first experimental group, that was given NaCl drinking fluid. The width of the zona glomerulosa was measured microscopically on the adrenal gland tissue colored by HE. It was smaller in all experimental groups. The smallest was in the first experimental group of animals. The diminution of the zona glomerulosa corresponds with the decrease of granularity of juxtaglomerular cells.


[Epithelium of the human fallopian tube under a scanning electron microscope]. The changes of the human fallopian tube epithelium in the different phases of the menstrual cycle, during tubal pregnancy and in the postmenopausal period have been studied by scanning electron microscopy. During sexual life, the most evident modifications occur in the nonciliated cells. After ovulation they show dome-shaped apices covered by secretory material which partly masks the microvilli.


[The first stages of the appendix development in the human embryo]. The cecoappendicular area of 14 human embryos with a length ranging from 6 to 17 mm from vertex to coccyx (28 to 48 days old; Carnegie stages 13 to 19) was studied. The appendix is not an atrophic remain of the caecum, it develops at the same time as the caecum. The first morphological anlage of the organ is observed in human embryos from 6 to 10 mm (28 to 37 days of age; Carnegie stages 13 to 16) in the form of an elevation covered with coelomic epithelium, constituted by the mesenchyme which surrounds the anlage of the caecum. In later stages, on human embryos of 11 to 16 mm (37 to 44 days of age; Carnegie stages 16 to 18), the mesoblastic anlage of the appendix is more evident, but it is not invaded by the entoblastic cells which come from the caecum on embryos of 12 to 13 mm. On embryos of about 17 mm (48 days old; Carnegie stage 19) the entoblastic anlage of the appendix has invaded the original mesoblastic anlage. The formation of the appendix by two anlage one earlier, mesoblastic, and another later, entoblastic, is similar to that of other lymphoid organs like the sack of Fabricius in birds.


[Remarks on the international histological nomenclature]. An analysis of the international Histological Nomenclature (Nomina Histologica 1970 and 1975 revision) shows that its latin terms are of an heterogeneous origin and of non-uniform value. Some understanding of the difficulties met with its practical use, is to be obtained in this way. The suggestion is offered that, while retaining the latin nomenclature as the international standard, the establishment of two english and french official versions would be very useful and a valuable means of spreading the knowledge of the international nomenclature. The rejection of eponyms is presently less rigid than before, which is in accordance with settled habits and may contribute to improve the precision, and sometimes the conciseness, of certain latin terms of the Nomina HIstologica. The opportunity for the inclusion of a number of terms of interest for veterinary histologists, another feature of the 1975 revision, seems to be questionable.


[Non-recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve (15 operative cases)]. During surgery on the right thyroid lobe, 15 cases of non-recurrence of the inferior laryngeal nerve were observed, among which two types of equal frequency. Embryologic data explain why this abnormality is always associated with an abnormal origin of the right subclavian artery, directly from the aortic arch. The right subclavian artery generally passes behind the oesophagus in these cases. These 15 cases represent 0,79% of the 1889 cases studied during a short period (1971-1978).


The heart of what's the matter. The semantics of illness in Iran. Our understanding of the psychosocial and cultural dimensions of disease and illness is limited not merely by a lack of empirical knowledge but also by an inadequate medical semantics. The empiricist theories of medical language commonly employed both by comparative ethnosemantic studies and by medical theory are unable to account for the integration of illness and the language of high medical traditions into distinctive social and symbolic contexts. A semantic network analysis conceives the meaning of illness categories to be constituted not primarily as an ostensive relationship between signs and natural disease entities but as a 'syndrome' of symbols and experiences which typically 'run together' for the members of a society. Such analysis dirests our attention to the patterns of associations which provide meaning to elements of a medical lexicon and to the constitution of that meaning through the use of medical discourse to articulate distinctive configurations of social stress and to negotiate relief for the sufferer. This paper provides a critical discussion of medical semantics and develops a semantic network analysis of 'heart distress', a folk illness in Iran.


Psychiatric sequelae of Amok.

Psychiatric sequelae of Amok. The authors present evidence of an indigenous diagnostic system by which Malay culture defines Amok, and of the disparate relations between individual conceptualization, behavior, and tradition which contributes to the labeling process. Amok is viewed as a cultural prescription for violent behavior in response to a given set of conditions. It is not a disease but rather a behavioral sequence, perceived as illness, that may be precipitated by various etiological factors. Finally, evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that traditional forms of Amok are being replaced by new variants in which psychopathology is increasingly evident.


Puerto Rican spiritism. Part I--Description and analysis of an alternative psychotherapeutic approach. Spiritism is a multifunctional institution which serves in the Puerto Rican community as a religion, a voluntary organization, a way of ordering social relationships, a source of personal identity, and a form of psychotherapy. This paper, based on participant observation in 79 Puerto Rican households and 6 spiritist centros in a low-income area of New York City, describes this institution and examines its contributions to a broader understanding of psychological healing as well as its practical implications for community health. In discussing spiritist psychotherapy, the paper outlines the conditions which lead clients to consult spiritists and examines its system of diagnosis and treatment. A comparison of the therapeutic goals of spiritism and mainstream psychiatric therapies reveals fundamental premises in both that provide the symbolic means by which certain behaviors may be bracketed off and rendered ego-alien for clients. While spiritism distances the client from unwanted behavior by attributing it to intrusive spirits and then removing the spirits, many psychiatric therapies accomplish distancing by attributing behavior to remote social causes which are then relearned or 'worked through'. What spiritism accomplishes symbolically by removal in space, psychiatric therapies handle through removal in time. The practical import of spiritist psychotherapy for community health is examined under the following rubrics: (1) spiritism as a treatment of choice, (2) implications of spiritist procedures for psychiatric treatment, and (3) interrelations between spiritists and community health programs.


Disease and illness. Distinctions between professional and popular ideas of sickness. The dysfunctional consequences of the Cartesian dichotomy have been enhanced by the power of biomedical technology. Technical virtuosity reifies the mechanical model and widens the gap between what patients seek and doctors provide. Patients suffer "illnesses"; doctors diagnose and treat "diseases". Illnesses are experiences of discontinuities in states of being and perceived role performances. Diseases, in the scientific paradigm of modern medicine, are abnormalities in the function and/or structure of body organs and systems. Traditional healers also redefine illness as disease: because they share symbols and metaphors consonant with lay beliefs, their healing rituals are more responsive to the psychosocial context of illness. Psychiatric disorders offer an illuminating perspective on the basic medical dilemma. The paradigms for psychiatric practice include multiple and ostensibly contradictory models: organic, psychodynamic, behavioural and social. This mélange of concepts stems from the fact that the fundamental manifestations of psychosis are disordered behaviours. The psychotic patient remains a person; his self-concept and relationships with others are central to the therapeutic encounter, whatever pharmacological adjuncts are employed. The same truths hold for all patients. The social matrix determines when and how the patient seeks what kind of help, his "compliance" with the recommended regimen and, to a significant extent, the functional outcome. When physicians dismiss illness because ascertainable "disease" is absent, they fail to meet their socially assigned responsibility. It is essential to reintegrate "scientific" and "social" concepts of disease and illness as a basis for a functional system of medical research and care.


The cross-cultural study of emotions.

The cross-cultural study of emotions. The problems encountered in cross-cultural research are detailed and the way they affect the study of emotions is discussed. They include: obtaining samples of subjects in developing countries that are comparable to samples studied in the West: constructing tasks and writing and translating questions that are meaningful for subjects from a variety of cultures; dealing with subjects to whom the experimental method appears strange; and attempting to eliminate ethnocentric bias from the design of studies, the perception of subjects' responses, and the interpretation of data. Psychiatric studies of emotional disorders and psychological studies of the perception of emotion across cultures are reviewed in relation to these problems. It is concluded that this area of study is in its infancy, and guidelines for future development are laid down.


The health seeking process: an approach to the natural history of illness. Anthropological research on health-related behaviors in the United States has tended to emphasize folk illnesses among particular subcultural groups, obscuring the heterogeneity of popular culture health beliefs and practices in the lay health system. The development of theoretical models for this complex society will require research that stresses similarity as well as diversity within and between population groups. The health seeking process is proposed in this paper as a means to document natural histories of illness in any subculture. Concepts from medical anthropology and medical sociology are related to five components of health seeking -- symptom definition, illness-related shifts in role behavior, lay consultation and referral, treatment actions, and adherence. Illustrative propositions to guide further research are proposed.


Group differences in the structure of illness. The paper reports an attempt to study in a naturalistic and quantitative fasion the features of illness episodes. Such episodes, as perceived and reported by lay persons, constitute a basic datum in ethnomedicine. Yet, they have rarely been the object of systematic research for theoretical and methodological reasons. The paper discusses ways in which illness episodes have significance in ethnomedicine and in health services research generally, and describes a method which can be used in field situations to study them. The content, internal structure and organization which illness episodes have are given attention by analysing and measuring the components of illness in a panel of adult females who reside in the highland state of Chiapas in Southeastern Mexico. Comparisons are undertaken in the two most dissimilar subgroupings of the region. Some commonalities and group differences in the duration of symptoms and in the way symptoms interrelate are described. An interpretation of these differences is offered, with principal emphasis given to the social circumstances and to the (cultural) meanings of illness in the two groups. The procedure employed, which is consistent with the way in which vital signs are recorded in the hospital, lends itself to field studies of the way symptoms and signs of disease unfold in the individual across time. The idea of a language of illness, which is introduced and developed in the paper, is used to draw emphasis to the communicative and symbolic features of illness.


Cultural adaptability as an attribute of therapies: the case of Morita psychotherapy. Morita psychotherapy, a form of therapy developed in Japan some sixty years ago, has survived extensive changes in Japanese society, and is now enjoying popularity in the United States. This gives us an opportunity to look closely at the concept of 'cultural fit' between an important therapeutic technique and its social milieu, and to speculate about recent changes in American culture that may account for the growing popularity of Moritism. In contrast to Western style 'talking therapies' like psychoanalysis, Morita psychotherapy is relatively group-centered, ritualistic, and behavioristic. On would expect to find these features in a Japanese therapy, but their acceptance in America suggests that previously popular Western techniques may not be optimum for handling certain problems of the post-industrial American. McLuhan, Peacock, Douglas, and others have suggested some emerging traits of Western character that might shed some light on this question.


Regional localization of patterned spontaneous discharges during maturation in culture of fetal mouse medulla and spinal cord explants. Development and regional localization of patterned spontaneous bioelectric activities, recorded extracellularly, were studied in cultures of frontal sections of spinal cord and medulla, explanted from 13- to 15-day-old fetal mice. Spontaneous single- and multi-unit tonic and phasic spike discharges were recorded after 4-21 days in vitro. Stereotyped slow waves with positive or negative polarity, and durations up to several seconds, often occurred concomitant with spike burst discharges. Microelectrode mapping demonstrated regional localization of spontaneous activity patterns in these cross-sectional central nervous system explants, which were oriented so that dorsal and ventral borders could be regularly identified. Phasic discharges were widely distributed throughout the explants, whereas tonic discharges were located primarily in the dorsal region of the medulla; negative slow waves were generated in central and ventral regions of spinal cord and medulla explants, whereas positivities were located in the peripheral regions of the explants. Phasic discharges were often synchronous when recorded at two symmetrical regions of an oriented explant, as early as 4 days in vitro. The major developmental change in spontaneous activities of these explants was a progressive shortening of both burst and cycle durations of the phasic discharges.


Interruption of the maintenance phase of established hypertension by ablation of the anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) in rats. Ablation of tissue surrounding anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) was studied in three models of hypertensive rats. Lesions were placed in the AV3V at one and six weeks following the initiation of one kidney Grollman renal hypertension. At one week the rise in blood pressure was arrested and water intake was reduced; at six weeks arterial pressure returned to prehypertensive levels in animals surviving the post-lesion hydrational crisis. In two kidney (one clip) Goldblatt animals lesioned two weeks post-clip, arterial pressure was significantly reduced but did not become fully normotensive. Finally, the AV3V was also lesioned in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-Okamoto strain) with established hypertension. The lesion did not reduce arterial pressure in adult SHR although characteristic initial adipsia and weight loss occurred. Ablation of the AV3V thus altered the course of maintenance of renal hypertension; however, the arterial pressure of SHR was not affected.


Molecular forms of acetylcholinesterase in the ciliary ganglion and iris of the chick. Developmental changes and effects of axotomy. Four molecular forms of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) have been observed in extracts from ciliary ganglion and iris by gel electrophoresis followed by Koelle's reaction and densitometry on gels. Forms I, II, and III (order of anodic migration) are present in the 'soluble fraction' (SF) while forms II, III, and IV appear in the 'membranous fraction' (MF). 10 days after postganglionic axotomy in young chickens, the relative proportions of the membranous forms were changed in both the ciliary ganglion and iris, with a marked reduction of form IV occurring. A characteristic evolution of both the soluble and membranous forms of AChE was evident through different developmental stages (10th day of incubation; 2nd, 11th and 56th day posthatching). In the ciliary ganglion the faster components were reduced in favor of form IV. Conversely, the relative proportion of the faster components was increased in the iris. The observed changes in the AChE forms are compared with changes in the structure and function of these organs known to occur in the conditions under study. Evidence is presented which suggests a junctional localization for the form IV in both the ciliary ganglion and iris.


The effects of salt and meclofenamate administration on the hypertension of spontaneously hypertensive rats. The effects of prolonged (3 mos) high sodium intake and meclofenamate were studied in 2 groups of male SHR. Group 1 (6 rats) received 1% NaCl in tap water and Group 2 (8 rats) received 1% NaCl in tap water plus 50 microgram of meclofenamate per ml of drinking fluid. Renal metabolic and hemodynamic studies in the unanesthetized unrestrained state, showed that the meclofenamate treated rats had higher arterial pressures (p less than .005), left ventricular weight (p less than .05) and renal vascular resistance (p less than .005); lower glomerular filtration rate (p less than .005) than the control rats. The hematocrit and right ventricular weight were similar in the two groups of rats. This study has demonstrated that the combination of high sodium intake and meclofenamate have a greater damaging effect on the arterial pressure and renal function of SHR than salt alone.


Incorporation of stearic acid into brain lipids in the developing brain: blood-brain relationships during development. The blood-brain relationship for stearic acid varies during development. Subcutaneously injected [1-14C]-stearic acid is taken up by brain. Age-related changes in the metabolism of stearic acid have been determined in mouse brain from birth to maturity. Total lipid radioactivity reaches a maximum at 18 days of age and decreases afterwards until adulthood. However, specific radioactivity presents the highest value at 1 day of age and declines from then on. At any age, the injected acid is taken up and partly metabolized in the brain, either by elongation or by degradation in situ and resynthesis of new fatty acids; it is also desaturated, and the oleic acid thus formed is eventually elongated. The labeled stearic acid is incorporated into brain lipids with a different pattern according to the age of the injected animal.


Stimulatory role of glial cells on the differentiation of dissociated chick embryo encephalon cells. Dissociated cells from chick embryo encephalon of 36 h of incubation have been cultivated on fibroblast, meningeal cell, or glial layers. Within the first 24 h of cultivation, cells adhered to the preformed layers more firmly than to plastic or collagen surfaces. After 48 h of cultivation, the brain cells cultured on meningeal cell or fibroblast layers behaved very similarly to those cells cultured on plastic surfaces. But when cultured on glial layers for 3 days, the brain cells differentiated into characteristic neuroblasts, as demonstrated by specific neuronal stainings. These results support the hypothesis of a stimulatory role of glial cells in neuronal differentiation. The possible causes of this stimulatory action are discussed.


Vascular reactivity to angiotensin and noradrenaline following nephrectomy in rats. Angiotensin II (AT II), but not noradrenaline (NA) provoked greater pressor effects in anaesthetized rats which have been bilaterally nephrectomized for 24-48 h than in control animals which underwent the same surgical procedure 2-3 h previously. Perfused hindquarters and isolated portal veins derived from bilaterally nephrectomized rats did not exhibit supersensitivity to AT II or NA. Aorta strips removed from rats nephrectomized 48 h before showed a selective decrease of sensitivity to AT II. The results of these in vitro assays suggest that the well known increased pressor effect to AT II, observed in nephrectomized rats cannot be accounted for by an increased sensitivity or large arterial and venous vessels or of the femoral vascular bed.


Multiple forms of monoamine oxidase in developing chick brain. The developmental change in the multiplicity of monoamine oxidase (MAO) forms of chick brain was studied with regard to substrate specificity and inhibitor sensitivity. The developmental pattern of MAO activity towards beta-phenylethylamine was generally similar to that of MAO activity towards 5-hydroxytryptamine. The inhibition study showed that the ratio of type A MAO to type B MAO in chick brain increased during development. This is quite different from results obtained in mice, rats, guinea pigs, and humans, and is not consistent with the idea that in immature brain type A MAO predominates.


Incipient histopathological lesions in citral-induced microphthalmos in chick embryos. Microphthalmos was indeed experimentally in 3-day-old chick embryos by intraamniotic injection of citral. Various degrees of this particular microphthalmic syndrome were observed. Severe cases were always accompanied by destructive changes in the ipsilateral part of the head. The corneal epithelium lost its continuity and the lens showed, even in the early stages, severe degenerative changes with spherophakia. The neural retina seemed to be affected later and showed hyperplasia and fold formation, while the retinal pigment epithelium was only mildly affected. The mesenchyme behaved differently according to its location: the superficial corneal and ciliary mesenchyme underwent hyperplasia, while the deeper choroidal mesoderm showed edematous changes only. This temporal and spatial distribution of pathological changes in the eye structures favors the assumption that citral acts locally. The experimental microphthalmic syndrome is not only due to the direct effect of the exogenous teratogenic factor on the ocular anlagen but is also the result of subsequent adaptive changes of these structures to the new environmental condition.


S-100 protein in guinea pig brain during prenatal development. Nervous tissue-specific S-100 protein was quantified immunologically in maturing cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem of guinea pigs during prenatal development. It was found to accumulate in its membrane-bound (pentanol-extractable) form concomitant with the accumulation of the water-soluble S-100 during development, indicating an ability of membranous structures to incorporate S-100 already during development.


Diagnostic imaging in head and neck disease: current applications of ultrasound. Diagnostic ultrasound has become firmly established as a key imaging modality in obstetrics and gynecology. Its role in abdominal and retroperitoneal disease is also well known and continues to expand. Although usage of ultrasound in the head and neck had its beginnings many years ago, the advent of newer high-resolution transducers has allowed for further investigation of diseases in this area. Of particular interest are the thyroid gland and the extracranial carotid arteries. This review summarizes the current utility of gray-scale and real-time ultrasound in evaluating head and neck disease, and discusses potential future applications of the modality.


Mucosal melanomas of the head and neck.

Mucosal melanomas of the head and neck. Mucosal melanoma of the head and neck is a rare condition. This study presents a review of 26 patients with such tumors, followed up at a minimum of 5 years. The 5-year survival rate in this group was 38%. Recurrences with a fatal outcome, however, have been encountered up to 12 years after initial diagnosis. Primary radical surgery offers the best chance for local control. Nasal-cavity lesions seem to be associated with a better prognosis than oral-cavity tumors. Analysis of pathologic features by microstage measurement showed that the majority of tumors were of considerable thickness. This factor may partially explain the poor prognosis associated with mucosal melanomas in comparison to their cutaneous counterparts. Local recurrences and distant metastases were the principal causes of treatment failure. A persistent treatment policy, however, may still substantially prolong survival in such cases. Regional lymph-node metastasis did not pose a significant problem in the management of these tumors. Recognition of the nature and significance of the appearance of oral melanosis is stressed.


Squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus. At the Roswell Park Memorial Institute, 111 patients were treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus over a 15-year period. Treatment modalities included surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination of both. A retrospective study was carried out to determine how these treatments, used singly or in combination, affected the cure rate. TNM clinical staging and recurrence patterns were studied, and a high tendency for distant metastases was documented. The five-year survival figure in this study was 29% (28/97).


Dysmorphology: an approach to diagnosing children with structural defects of the head and neck. In dealing with a child with a structural defect, an overall diagnosis must be formulated. Such a diagnosis makes it possible to provide genetic counseling for the parents and an accurate prediction relative to such a child's future development. Because there are a great many abnormalities involving the head and neck, it is hoped that the approach set forth in this article will allow for a systematic narrowing of the diagnostic possibilities. Nomenclature is established. Prenatal-onset defects are described, including both single primary defects (malformations and deformations) and multiple malformation syndromes (chromosomal abnormalities, genetic disorders, defects resulting from teratogenic factors, and disorders of unknown etiology). Genetic and environmental factors of postnatal developmental problems are also discussed.


Disability and rehabilitation in head and neck cancer patients after treatment. In an effort to obtain quantitative and qualitative information regarding the extent of disability sustained following definitive treatment for head and neck cancer, 51 patients--28 who had had laryngectomy and 23 who had had other major surgery--were interviewed. Also examined were the types of rehabilitation measures taken. In all cases, the following areas in which disability could occur were identified and explored: physical appearance, speech, deglutition, mastication, salivation, sensory deficits, cranial motor-nerve deficits, pain, nutrition, activities of daily living, psychosocial functioning, vocational status, environmental parameters, and delayed complications. Where appropriate, ratings and delineations of severity were compiled. Nine methods of rehabilitation were assessed with regard to frequency of utilization: surgical reconstruction, dental-maxillofacial prosthetics, speech therapy, physical therapy, rehabilitation nursing, occupational therapy, vocational rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, and social service. Our conclusions were that half of the patients studied had sustained significant disability in three to four areas, while 43% had moderate or severe disability in five to nine areas. Additionally, the head and neck surgeon was found to have used surgical reconstruction and dental-maxillofacial prosthetic measures, as well as the services of seven categories of allied health professionals, to provide rehabilitation.


The pathology of head and neck tumors: salivary glands, part 1. The surgical pathology of the head and neck is perhaps the most demanding of all subdivisions of pathology. It is demanding both for the pathologist and for the head and neck surgeon--who, as a team, must provide optimal patient care. Beginning with this issue of HEAD & NECK SURGERY, a series will be presented dealing with the clinicopathologic aspects of head and neck tumors. The authors have chosen to begin with the salivary glands, and in this report they present a concept of histogenesis and classification as well as an analysis of (1) salivary-gland tumors in children, (2) the relationship between breast carcinoma and salivary-gland carcinoma, (3) the status of radiation induction of salivary-gland tumors, and (4) the clinicopathologic aspects of tumors of the salivary oncocyte.


Neurilemoma of the larynx: a case study. Neurilemoma of the larynx is not common. Thus far, 86 cases have been described in the literature. In this study, another case, occurring in a 67-year-old woman, is discussed. The potential danger of the lesion is emphasized. The most common nerve of origin is thought ot be the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. Removal via a lateral pharyngotomy is advocated for larger tumors.


On the body composition of obese children and in particular, sexual, age, and regional differences of skinfold thickness. Recently in Japan, it has been observed that the physical dimensions of schoolboys and schoolgirls, specifically stature and body weight, are increasing year by year, and that spurts in increase in dimensions tend to happen earlier. The phenomena of accelerated growth are resulting in more obesity and leanness in childhood. Skinfold thickness, body density, body fat and lean body mass estimated from body density, creatinine excretion in the 24-hour urine, and muscular volume calculated from creatinine excretion were studied in obese children and normal children of 10 and 11 years of age, and the difference in the skinfold thickness by sec, age, and district in school children in five districts in southern Kyushu (1,002 boys and 931 girls) were examined. Reference was then made to the skinfold thickness of some of experienced and new sumo wrestlers of the Japan Professional Sumo Association whose nutrition intake is high and who show high ratios of diabetes mellitus and cardiac diseases. The results of the present study were also compared with the results of skinfold thickness measurements of children in Ghana and Kenya and those of the skinfold thickness and body composition measurements of Czechoslovakian children.


Sex differences in the relationship between strength, endurance and limb morphology. Studies were carried out to examine methods of measuring leg densities and to learn whether physical activity affects the composition of the leg. Sixty five female college students were tested to determine the center of mass of the leg and then the leg weight was determined using a single or double scale method. The center of mass was found to fall 43% of the distance distal from the trochanter. This was below the upper patella landmark used in the single scale method. It was indicated that the more dense the leg, the higher the center of mass. A second study measured the changes in leg densities and size following a five week training period. Seven males and seven females used a strength training apparatus. The results showed strength and girth changes occurred with females reducing the girth and both males and females increasing strength. The habituation to exercise may have played a part in the changes. Strength increases change much faster than size or weight. Females changed strength at a faster rate than males and subjects exercising very little had similar leg compositions when compared to heavy exercisers.


The effect of air temperature on physical working capacity. Measurements were taken in ten healthy young male subjects, ages 20 to 25, under air temperature conditions of 5, 20, 35, and 50 degrees C. The relative humidity was maintained at 50% throughout all the air temperature conditions. Maximum work loads were obtained by treadmills. The first work load was 95 m/min 0 degrees grade; this was increased by 1 degree every one minute until the subjects reached a self-imposed maximum. The heart rate and expired air sample during the last 30 sec work was used for statistical analyses. The analysis of variance confirmed a significance effect of air temperature factor in the cases of the endurance time until the exhaustion, maximal oxygen uptake, maximal carbon dioxide production, heart rate, respiratory exchange ratio, and oxygen pulse. The regression analyses disclosed the following relationships between maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) or heart rate (HR) and air temperature: VO2 max = 2472 + 29.5Ta-0.6Ta2(ml. STPD), HR = 173 + 2.0Ta-0.09Ta2 + 0.001Ta3, where Ta shows air temperature in centigrade. The physiological mechanism underlying the changes in maximal oxygen uptake in heat is discussed.


Index for the assessment of heat tolerance. Heat tolerance was assessed by magnitude of strain induced in the body as a whole by heat load. The strain was represented by a combination of relative water loss, relative rise in rectal temperature and relative salt loss, using those critical values of the three factors which cause heat stroke (40.6 degrees C), water depletion heat exhaustion (7% of body weight) and salt depletion heat exhaustion (0.75 g per kg of body weight). As this numerical heat tolerance index is defined as the degree of disturbance induced by heat exposure concerning thermal regulation, water and electrolyte metabolism, the magnitude of the index is inversely proportional to that of heat tolerance. Our studies showed that adaptive changes in heat tolerance of unacclimatized subjects during short-term heat acclimatization could be followed up by this heat tolerance index and that superior heat tolerance of residents in subtropical zone and athletes could by reasonably evaluated by the index. Thus, it might be said that this numerical heat tolerance index is a reliable index for the assessment of heat tolerance.


Experimental studies on the sexual and seasonal differences of the optimal thermal conditions. Four male and four female students stayed for 90 min in a climate chamber with relative humidity of 60% and air velocity of less than 20 cm/sec at 16-24 degrees C effective temperature (E.T.) in summer and in winter. Measurements during the last period of exposure were used for the analysis. The neutral thermal sensation and the most comfortable sensation in sitting posture were obtained for both of males and females at 24 degrees C E.T. nude and 22 degrees C E.T. clothed both in summer and in winter. Light sedentary work, an addition test using a calculator, did not influence the relation between room temperature and the metabolic rate or the weighted averaged skin temperature, but the neutral point of thermal sensation and the most comfortable sensation were found at 20 degrees C E.T., 1--2 degrees C lower than at rest. Neither sexual nor seasonal differences was detected for the light work conditions. When the subjects performed light muscular work of 10 min of stepping up on and down from a 6 cm-high platform twice during the 90 min period, the relationship between room temperature and the metabolic rate or the weighted averaged skin temperature did not change by the work and the neutral thermal sensation and the most comfortable sensation were given at 18 degrees C E.T., 4 degrees C lower than at rest. Sexual and seasonal differences were not observed.