[Yersinia enterocolitica--a still infrequently isolated pathogen in Austria (author's transl)]. Yersinia enterocolitica--recognized as a distinct taxonomic entity in 1964--belongs to the family of enterobacteriaceae. It has been isolated with increasing frequency from human and animal sources as well as from food and non-chlorinated water. Yersinia enterocolitica can produce enteritis in man, accompanied or followed in adults by erythema nodosum, arthralgia and/or acute arthritis. Rarely, septicaemia with a high mortality rate has been encountered. A cold-temperature enrichment method was used to examine 1135 faecal specimens; 11 were positive for Yersinia enterocolitica. Symptoms of enteritis were reported by all 8 patients whose faeces contained the bacterium; a brief description is given of the course of illness in each patient. Biochemical and serological properties of the isolates are discussed with special reference to some unusual results obtained with the commerical API-20 E system for identification of enterobacteriaceae when incubated overnight at 35 degrees C.


[Bicycle spoke injuries in children (author's transl)]. 140 typical bicycle spoke injuries in children were seen during two years in the Pediatric Surgical Hospital of the University of Graz (Austria). 15% of the patients had bone fractures. In order to prevent such accidents satisfactory child seats, special foot supports and protective canvas over the upper half of the wheel are necessary.


[Early diagnosis of cancer of colorectal carcinoma by rectosigmoidoscopy (author's transl)]. The colorectal cancers in greater part grow out of polyps, which can be looked upon as optional precancerosis. Own results together with literature-reports show a distinct increase of the frequency of polyps beyond the age of fortyfive. The only digital palpation of the rectum is insufficient; it leads to the diagnosis of a rectum polyp only in 15.5%, to the diagnosis of a cancer in 13% of cases. With the rectosigmoidoscopy however the diagnosis is successful in 70% of cases. The percentage of precancerous polypous alterations detected by rectosigmoidoscopy is approximately the same in medical check-up as in directed examinations of patients with anorectal discomfort. A restriction of rectosigmoidoscopy to the last-named group of persons is not any longer justified. The polypectomy in the rectum is a real cancer-prevention.


[Subacute idiopathic autoimmunehemolytic anemia with prolonged aplastic phase and erythremic reaction (author's transl)]. A case of idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia with subacute onset and peculiar course is reported. In the beginning of the disease there was a long lasting severe aplastic phase, during which numerous blood transfusions were required. The low antiglobuline test titre compared with the severe hemolytic activity and the ineffective erythropoesis suggested first of all the presence of pure red cell anemia. Later on blood regeneration with erythroblastosis started and resembled the picture of erythremic myelosis. The transient course of the disease with full normalisation of all blood values and continuous remission lasting now for more than one year is a peculiar variant of idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia.


[Age at correction and postoperative hypertension in isolated coarctation of the aorta (author's transl)]. A follow-up study of 46 cases of isolated coarctation of the aorta (age at surgical treatment 1 to 48 years) is presented. The late postoperative blood pressure was the higher the later surgical treatment was carried out. When surgical treatment was carried out at an age of more than 14 years, an increase of the residual hypertension rate was observed. A relatively low rate of residual hypertension can be expected after correction at about 6 to 10 years. Surgical treatment in infancy does not seem to have beneficial effects since according to other reports correction at this age does not reduce the residual hypertension rate essentially. Apart from the elevated residual hypertension rate surgical treatment at an advanced age generally has a lowering effect on blood pressure values.


[Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy-18-fetus of two women with chromosomal aberrations (author's transl)]. In two pregnant women a prenatal diagnosis was performed because of their advanced age. In both cases trisomy 18 was found. The mothers had chromosomal variations, not known until then. In one woman a structural aberrant chromosome No. 9 was found, the other woman had a gonosomal mosaic. In connection with the advanced maternal age these chromosomal findings possibly induced the trisomies in the children.


Comparison of rate of hepatic metabolism in vitro and half-life for antipyrine in vivo in three species. 1. A radiometric assay for the total metabolism of antipyrine in vitro by hepatic microsomal preparations has been developed. 2. Apparent Km and V values for the process were determined in rats, rabbits and in a marsupial (the quokka; Setomix brachyurus). Km values were similar in rats and rabbits (3.5 and 5 mM respectively) but were somewhat lower in quokkas (1.4--1.5 mM). Estimates of V ranged from 49--64 nmol/mg microsomal protein/10 min and were similar in all three species. Pretreatment of rabbits with phenobarbitone significantly increased V without change in Km. 3. Studies in individual rabbits and quokkas showed a good correlation between rate of hepatic microsomal metabolism of antipyrine in vitro and its half-life in vivo.


The metabolism of benzyclane [1-benzyl-1-(3-N,N-dimethylaminopropoxy)cycloheptane] in rat and man. 1. Two metabolites, isolated from the urine of rats dosed with bencyclane fumarate, were characterized as cis-1-benzyl-1-(3-N,N-dimethylaminopropoxy)-4-hydroxycycloheptane (metabolite I) and 1-benzyl-1-(3-N,N-dimethylaminopropoxy)-4-oxocycloheptane (metabolite II). 2. Bencyclane and the two metabolites were determined in the urine of rats and volunteers by g.l.c. Metabolite I was a major metabolite in men, being excreted in urine to the extent of 23.5% dose in the first 24 h.


Metabolism of beclamide, N-benzyl-3-chloropropionamide, in man. 1. Following oral administration of [14C]beclamide to human subjects there was almost complete elimination of radioactivity in the urine within 48 h. 2. Less than 1% of the administered dose was excreted unchanged. 3. The major metabolites were (a) N-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-3-chloropropionamide, (4-hydroxybeclamide; c. 56%), which was eliminated to a small extent in the free form and as a sulphate but mainly as a glucuronide, and (b) hippuric acid (c. 20%). 4. Six minor metabolites were also detected, of which the following were identified: benzoic acid (up to c. 7%), N-(4-hydroxybenzyl-3-chloro-2-hydroxypropionamide, (dihydroxy-beclamide; c. 2%, mostly as a glucuronide) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (c. 0.6%, partly as a glucuronide).


Metabolism of chlorodiphenyl ethers and Irgasan DP 300. 1. In the rat chlorodiphenyl ethers are metabolized via two routes. The predominant reaction is aromatic hydroxylation; scission of the ether bond is a minor metabolic process. 2. In all cases, primary hydroxylation takes place ortho and meta to the ether bond. Ortho-hydroxylation leads to the formation of 'predioxins' in cases where the parent compounds contain a chlorine atom in one of the ortho positions in the second ring. 3. 5-Chloro-2-(2,4--dichlorophenoxy)phenol (Irgasan DP 300), a compound that meets the structural requirements of a predioxin, did not yield chlorodibenzo-p-dioxins or hydroxylated derivatives thereof. 4. Irgasan DP 300 is excreted unchanged in faeces and urine (partly conjugated) but is also hydroxylated to five different monohydroxy metabolites which were found in urine; three of these were also present in faeces. As a result of scission of the ether bond 2,4-dichlorophenol occurred in urine and faeces, and 4-chlorocatechol in urine. 5. Neither in the case of Irgasan DP 300, nor in that of chlorodiphenyl ethers with an ortho chlorine atom, could metabolic cyclization to chlorodibenzofurans or their hydroxylated derivatives be detected.


Biotransformation of alprenolol in dog, guinea-pig and rat liver microsomes. 1. Metabolites of alprenolol were isolated and identified in dog, guinea-pig and rat liver microsomes by means of g.l.c.-mass spectrometry and comparison with synthetic reference compounds. 2. The compounds were chromatographed as n-butylboronate derivatives, giving a series of diagnostic ions in the mass spectral fragmentation, which was elucidated by using stable isotopes. 3. Alprenolol was metabolized by aromatic ring hydroxylation, oxidation of the allylic function, and degradation of the isopropylaminopropanol side-chain. Alprenolol and four metabolites were quantified by h.p.l.c. and batch extraction techniques based on radioactivity measurements. 4. Five metabolites were detected in rat and guinea-pig liver microsomes and four in the dog. A species variation in the biotransformation of the allyl function in alprenolol was observed. The metabolite formed by oxidation of the allyl double bond was detected in significant amounts in the guinea-pig, and was also formed in the rat but could not be detected in dog liver microsomes.


Identification of urinary and biliary metabolites of alprenolol in the rat. 1. After oral administration of alprenolol to rat, 12 metabolites were isolated and characterized as trifluoroacetyl, trimethylsilyl and n-butylboronate derivatives, using a g.l.c.-mass spectrometry-computer system. Fragmentation pathways of derivatives in the mass-spectrometric analysis are discussed. 2. Metabolic reactions involved are oxidative degradation of the propanolisopropylamine side-chain, aromatic hydroxylation, oxidation of the allyl group, and conjugation. A method for direct analysis of epoxide functions in the allyl group is described. 3. In comparison with metabolism of alprenolol in vitro, more polar metabolites are formed in vivo but the same principal metabolic pathways are valid. Structural features for biliary excretion are discussed.


[Reference values of the residual volume for the rvo2-method (author's transl)]. Residual volume and the relative RV/TLC (total lung capacity) were measured in 632 men and 191 women aged 15 to 70 years. The residual volume showed a significant correlation to age and body height, but not to the relative body weight (Broca-Index). The values of RV/TLC showed a correlation to age and Broca-Index, but not to the body height. The regression formular to calculate the normal range are given; they comply with the data of other authors.


[Theophylline therapy--foundations and possibilities (author's transl)]. Theophylline is one of the best drugs for the therapy of bronchial asthma. There is no great difference between therapeutic and toxic concentration. Several endogenous and exogenous factors influence the pharmacokinetics. Changes in a short time are possible in situations complicated by further diseases. Estimations of the theophylline concentration in plasma or serum are necessary for optimizing therapy. The frequency is depending on the individual situation.


[Dispensary care of persons suffering from non-tuberculous respiratory diseases in czechoslovakia (author's transl)]. In Czechoslovakia phtisiology was enlarged into the specialization of tuberculosis and respiratory diseases by a decree of the Ministry of Health in 1966. The dispensary care of pneumophtisiological institutions aims--besides tuberculosis control--especially at the following groups of patients suffering from non-tuberculous respiratory diseases: 1. cases having tendency to deterioration or with a complicated course, 2. cases with functional disorders of the respiratory system, 3. cases in conditions which may influence unfavourably the respiratory disease. When patients with non-tuberculous respiratory diseases are in the care of other physicians, the pneumophtisiologists render necessary consultations and decide which patients will be taken over into the dispensary care of pneumophtisiological department.


[Ultrastructural and autoradiographical investigations of early changes in experimental lung fibrosis (author's transl)]. Electron microscopical, autoradiographical and histochemical investigations were carried out in experimental lipid pneumonia, 6 weeks after exposure to mineral oil. In the lungs developed granulomatous changes with fibroblasts, some macrophages and leucocytes. With the aid of electron microscopy an increased number of fibroblasts with predominantly extracellular localized collagen fibers were visible in the granulomatous foci. Autoradiograms with 3H-Thymidine show an six-fold increase of number of radioactive labelled nuclei of fibroblasts in the granulomatous areas. This two methods--electron microscopy and autoradiography--appear sufficient for early detection of changes in experimental lung fibrosis.


[On the problem of radiation damage caused by roentgenography of the thorax (author's transl)]. The risk factors for radiation induced cancer (no dose threshold) given by UNSCEAR and ICRP are discussed. Under the (uncertain) supposition of the validity of these values for the roentgendiagnostic the number of cases induced by the mass screenings (VRRU) are estimated (lung and breast cancer, leukaemia). For 30 radiophotofluorographs of the thorax per person during the whole life there may be induced about 180 cancer of the lung, 5 of the breast and 27 leukaemias each year. These numbers are compared with the cases per year of lung tuberculosis and lung cancer found by VRRU. The connection between the cases of cancer and the irradiation cannot be validated statistically.


[Contribution to aetiology by the primary pulmonary sarcoma in comparison to the pulmonary carcinoma (author's transl)]. On 41 primary pulmonary sarcomas in the years 1957 till 1974 and on 192 pulmonary carcinomas in the year 1969 cancerogene noxes and endogene factors were analysed, compared and discussed with literature. Smoking of cigarettes, chronic bronchitis and radioactive radiation at underground mining are also significantly accumulated in our study and are recognized as cancerogenes. There is no correlation between pulmonary sarcomas and these exogene factors. The constant frequency in the last decades, the non-existing sex disposition, the ten till fifteen years lower sarcoma manifestation with a continuous increase already in the second decade of life and the protected position of the mesenchyme do not suggest a causal connexion between exogene cancerogene influence and pulmonary sarcoma formation. Rather make us suppose an endogene tumour disposition. Pulmonary sarcomas correlate as to localisation, sex relation and not provable exogene cancerogena with the adenocarcinoma of the lungs. The causal connexion between trauma and sarcoma formation in a thoracotomy cicatrice as well as the possibility of a sarcomatous degeneration are discussed.


Two cases of anomalies of the bronchi combined with cancer in the lung. Two cases of right-sided bronchus anomalies are described. These represent two groups, stated in the literature to be the commonest anomalies, viz. displaced apical bronchus and bronchus cardiacus superior. The first case was combined with an epidermoid carcinoma localized to the displaced apical bronchus and was found during surgery. In the second case, the anomaly was diagnosed by bronchoscopy and verified by thoracotomy with bilobectomy for adenocarcinoma. Anomalies of these types should be borne in mind in the bronchoscopic assessment of the operability and treatment of benign and malignant pulmonary disease.


[The situation of tuberculosis-beds in GDR (author's transl)]. The development of the Chest Hospitals and Sanatoria in GDR is discussed and compared with data on the trend of tuberculosis beds in the world given by BULLA (WHO). The density of beds of about 1 per 10 000 of the population for diagnostics and treatment of patients with pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis is very low. This results from a planned tuberculosis control with a steady decrease of tuberculosis incidence and a continuous diminishing of the duration of hospital treatment in favour of ambulatory therapy. Other indices representing the effectivity of hospital care (beds accomodated, duration of stay, costs and working power per hospital bed and hospitalized patient in the last 5 years are discussed.


[Fundamentals of antithrombotic therapy]. The physiological and biochemical reactions leading to intravascular clot formation are reported on as far as their representation is required for an understanindg of the pathogenesis of thrombosis and its pharmacological control.


[Experience in thrombosis prevention and treatment in operative medicine]. Thromboembolic diseases are frequent sequelae of surgical interventions. On account of the possible severe effects an aimed prophylaxis of thrombosis in operative medicine is necessary. The classical anticoagulants may be used in surgery, if the adequate possibilities of control are present. The use of heparin in low dosage reduces the expenditure of control. Experiences with an own variant of the heparin treatment are reported in which heparin is applied intravenously. The use of tetracyclines as well as the control of the factor XIII level and, if necessary, substitution of the factor XIII are recommended. When thrombosis in the venous system appeared the conservative methods in comparison to operative thrombectomy are preferred.


[Prevention and treatment of leg vein thrombosis in obstetrics and gynecology]. After a short introduction concerning the pathophysiology of thrombosis and the historical development of the anticoagulant therapy the indications and the clinical experiences of the antithrombotic therapy in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology are described. The treatment of the thrombosis of the femoral veins and the methods of the therapy control are described.


[Pharmacology of oral anticoagulants].

[Pharmacology of oral anticoagulants]. The present view on the mechanism of vitamin K-dependent synthesis of the clotting factors II, VII, IX and X in the liver and its inhibition by 4-hydroxycoumarine and 1,3-indandione-type anticoagulants is given. The discovery of gamma-carboxyglutamyl residues in intact clotting factors and the role of this amino acid as the calcium-binding principle is pointed out. After general considerations on the pharmacokinetics of coumarine-type anticoagulants detailed information on the pharmacokinetics of phenprocoumon, almost exclusively used in the GDR, is presented. The importance of pharmacokinetic aspects for control of oral anticoagulation is emphasized. As a possible tool for evaluation of individual pharmacokinetic parameters during already ongoing medication the additional administration of a single dose of radioactively labelled anticoagulant is proposed. Toxic effects in case of overdosage, untoward reactions and interference with oral anticoagulants by comedication are described.


[Hepatitis B and chronic lymphadenosis]. It is reported on a 79-year-old female patient who died from coma hepaticum. As evoking cause an immunesuppressive treatment with cyclophosphamide or prednisolone, respectively, on account of chronic lymphadenosis with excessive thrombocytopenia is discussed. An accessible preliminary lesion of the liver after an infectious jaundice with persistence of the HBs-antigen from which the patient formerly suffered is probable. It is referred to the combination of the chronic aggressive hepatitis with malignant systemic diseases and immunopathy, taking into consideration the decision of therapy.


[Fine needle percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC)]. The percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography with thin needle was performed in 40 patients for the diagnostic clarification of epigastric complaints after cholecystectomy and of a cholestasis syndrome. A successful demonstration of the duct was achieved altogether in 80%, in an extrahepatic obstruction in 93.3%. The only complication was a choleresis into the free abdominal cavity, which could be operatively treated without any sequels. By the percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in the majority of patients pathologic changes were diagnosed, which remained latent when up to now usual methods were performed and which had therapeutic consequences. The high exactness, the slight load of the patient, minimum cost and unproblematic sterilisation are essential advantages of the percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography which justify a broader use. The complication rate may be kept low by the slight calibre of the needle and by suitable investigation technique.


[Percutaneous transhepatic--versus endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in the differential diagnosis of cholestasis? (author's transl)]. Since the introduction of the Chiba needle the percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) became an established method in the differential diagnosis of cholestasis beside the endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC). From the clinical point of view it is sometimes difficult to decide which of these two techniques should be preferred. In case of absolute or relative contraindications or in case of failure of one of the two methods ERC and PTC can be used alternatively. In all other cases we feel that the PTC by means of the Chiba needle is superior because of easier technical handling and higher success rate. In addition PTC is less trying for the patients. However on the basis of our own experience is should be stressed, that even by using skinny needles there is danger of bile leakage, which necessitates an immediate surgical intervention in the presence of biliary obstruction.


[Anatomical distribution of a CCK-oktapeptide like substance in the human brain (author's transl)]. Using Gastrin 14-17 as immunogen it was possible to raise an antiserum, which showed a high sensitivity for the C-terminal octapeptide of CCK in a radioimmunoassay with 125J-gastrin as tracerhormon. High immuno-reactivity could be demonstrated in the grey and white matter of the human cortex as well as in the putamen and nucleus caudatus using this assay. By comparing the unknown brain substance with different peptides in different physico-chemical systems, the brain substance was shown to be homogenous and being similar to CCK-8.


[Studies on drug metabolism in obese men and mice (author's transl)]. In 7 obese patients with an overweight of 53 +/- 19% of Broca we found a 2-fold enlarged apparent volume of distribution and a nearly 2-fold prolonged elimination halflife of hexobarbital; the hexobarbital plasma clearance however, which is nearly identical with the metabolizing capacity of the liver for hexobarbital, was not decreased. Phenobarbital induced the microsomal drugmetabolizing enzyme system in the fatty liver of genetically obese mice in the same way 2-3-fold as in the non-fatty liver of the lean littermates.


[Colon carcinoma pathogenesis. An epidemiological study (author's transl)]. The mean incidence age for rectal carcinoma in women rose significantly in the township of Karlsruhe between 1971-1975 from 61,5 to 70,9 years, while the incidence age for colon carcinoma in men decreased significantly from 67,5 to 65,0 years. In the world incidence statistics of colon carcinoma in males, Karlsruhe ranks  16th (13,2 cases per 100 000 inhabitants), whereas the city ranks second for rectal carcinoma in males (18,5 cases/100 000). Prevalence patterns of gastric, colonic, and rectal carcinoma differ between individual districts of Karlsruhe. Time-related pathogenetic influence factors are discussed in extenso.


[Spontaneous and DL-penicillamine-induced renal copper excretion in liver diseases (author's transl)]. The levels of cupriuresis before and after DL-Penicillamine have been investigated in 168 cases. The mean copper excretion before Penicillamine in chronic activ liver disease, chronic persistant hepatitis, cirrhosis and in transitional cases of aggressiv chronic hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis ranged from 29 gamma to 48 gamma/24 hr.; however, in some cases the daily copper excretion exceeds 100 gamma, as well in subjects with liver disease as in normals too. After ingesting 900 mg DL-Penicillamine the mean values of cupriuresis ranged from 500 gamma to 600 gamma/24 hr. Abnormal results were found in about 15% of those subjects with liver diseases; in only two of 20 cases with hypercupruria after Penicillamine Wilson's Disease was established.


[Gastric emptying in patients with ulcus ventriculi (author's transl)]. The half life time (T 1/2) of gastric emptying was measured in 53 patients suffering from atrophic gastritis or gastric ulceration, by use of a radiolabelled standardized test-meal. In healthy controls the T 1/2 was 58.8 +/- 9.1 min (median 59 min). In 35 gastric ulcer patients the T 1/2 of median 85 min was significantly slowed if compared to the normal value (2 p less than 0.01). After healing of the ulcer in 12 patients this value returned to normal. In 8 patients with diffusely atrophic gastritis the T 1/2 value was slowed significantly (median 123 min), if the gastritis was confined to the antrum, gastric emptying was accelerated (median 48 min).


[Complaints after gastroscopy and their cause (author's transl)]. The various complaints after gastroscopy and the acceptability of the procedures are verified by a questionnaire in 300 consecutively examined patients with or without gastric lesions. The extent of psychic lability, neurosis and extraversion was determined by the Maudsley Personality Inventory test of Eysenck. The time necessary for the passage of the instrument (swallowing time) and the time taken by gastroscopy were registered on each patient. More than half of the patients complained of sore throat lasting more than 1 day. Less than a quarter had abdominal dyspepsia. The intensity of the sore throat was correlated with the swallowing time but not with the extent of neurosis or gastroscopy time. 98% of the patients consented to a control examination. The necessity of a gastroscope with less diameter and a non mucosal damaging top is stressed.


[Small bowel biopsy as a cause of pseudomonas aeruginosa septicemia in a patient with intestinal lymphoma? (author's transl)]. A patient with intestinal lymphoma developed a gram-negative septicemia 48 hours following a peroral biopsy of the small intestine. The bacteriological examination of the instrument proved the same bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) which was the cause of septicemia. On the basis of our observation and of other reports it seems reasonable besides gassterilization or effective disinfection of the instruments to carry out cultural examinations of the instrument before and following endoscopic and bioptic investigations of patients with impaired resistance; it would then be possible to start an appropriate antibiotic treatment in case of a septic complication.


[Chenodeoxycholic acid therapy and colorectal carcinoma--an experimental approach (author's transl)]. With respect to the potential significance of bile acids in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer the effect of continuous oral administration of chenodeoxycholic acid--which is used for conservative therapy of radiolucent gallstones--on the rate of colonic tumors was examined. In rats treated with chenodeoxycholic acid a higher incidence of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine induced adenocarcinomas was detected. On the basis of these results it is postulated that all patients treated with chenodeoxycholic acid due to gallstones are registered systematically in order to gain definite information about its possible role as tumor promoter.


[The influence of chenodeoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid on the hepatic structure of the rat (author's transl)]. Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) dissolve cholesterol gallstones in man. Since CDCA has caused liver damage in animal experiments we have tried to elucidate the question whether such alterations could occur due to UDCA therapy as well. CDCA and UDCA were fed orally in doses of 20, 90, 150, 250 and 1000 mg/kg body-weight daily to female Wistar-Rats (CDCA: 75 animals; UDCA: 75 animals). After 5, 30 and 60 days we examined the liver by means of light- and electronmicroscopy. After 30 days all animals treated with 1000 mg/kg CDCA had died, whereas there were no pathological findings in the UDCA treated group. By means of electronmicroscopy we detected in the CDCA-group already with 20 mg/kg/day microstructural alterations of the liver that increased with elevation of the dosage and duration of treatment. With UDCA therapy liver tissue showed minimal changes only with 1000 mg/kg. The difference is explained by the decreased rate of transformation of UDCA to lithocholic acid and the lack of toxicity of UDCA in the hepatocyte.


[Comparative radiological and morphological study of the human pancreas. III. Morphometric investigation of the major pancreatic duct (author's transl)]. A ductographical and histological study was carried out in 70 human pancreata postmortem. The diameter, the thickness and the length of the major pancreatic duct were measured. The obtained data were evaluated statistically. The autopsy revealed in 7 cases an acute or a mild chronic pancreatitis, in 20 cases a disease of the bile duct system, in 4 both an acute pancreatitis and a bile duct disease, while the other patients showed no inflammatory or neoplastic diseases of the pancreas or the bile ducts. The relative wall thickness of the duct increases with growing distance from the papilla, while the real thickness of the wall decreases. The inner and outer diameter of the duct steadily rises with aging. The relative thickness decreases with aging, but in a considerable less degree. The length of the duct growths with aging. All these relations were expressed in mathematical equations. In acute pancreatitis, in mild chronic pancreatitis and in disease of the bile duct system no statistically significant differences of the outer and inner diameter, of the length and the relatative thickness of the wall were found in comparison to normal pancreata.


Influence of exogenous glycosaminoglycans on growth and glycosaminoglycan synthesis of cultured human diploid fibroblasts (WI-38). Human diploid fibroblast (WI-38) in monolayer culture were treated with exogenous glycosaminoglycans for short (up to 4 days) or long (several weeks and months) periods, and the effects on growth and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, as measured by the incorporation of 35S-sulfate and 14C-glycosamine into cell-bound and cell-released (medium) glycosaminoglycans, were determined. Short- and long-term exposure to chondroitin-4-sulfate, chondroitin-6-sulfate, dermatan sulfate or hyaluronic acid at concentrations up to 100 microgram/ml did not affect cell growth, while heparin (between 20 and 100 micrograms/ml), heparan sulfate (above 100 micrograms/ml) or hyaluronic acid (2500 micrograms/ml) exerted significant growth-inhibitory effects. While short-term or long-term influence (each at 100 micrograms/ml) of chondroitin-4-sulfate, chondroitin-6-sulfate and hyaluronic acid resulted in a slight inhibition of incorporation of both radioactive precursors into cell-bound glycosaminoglycans, heparin (between 20 and 500 micrograms/ml) or heparan sulfate (at 100 or 500 micrograms/ml) significantly stimulated 14C-glycosamine incorporation into cell-bound glycosaminoglycans, what appeared to be predominantly into the hyaluronic acid fraction. Following long-term treatment with heparin at 20, 50 or 100 micrograms/ml, incorporation rates of both 14C-glucosamine and 35S-sulfate into both cell-bound and cell-released (medium) glycosaminoglycans were elevated, suggesting a general stimulation of glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Possible mechanisms for the action of these compounds (especially heparin) were discussed, e.g. an interaction with specific cell surface-associated sites.


Free-flow electrophoresis for the separation of malaria infected and uninfected mouse erythrocytes and for the isolation of free parasites (Plasmodium vinckei): a new rapid technique for the liberation of malaria parasites from their host cells. After aggregation of erythrocytes from malaria infected mice, the parasites (Plasmodium vinckei) could be set free using gentle mechanical forces. The mixture of freed parasites, infected and non-infected erythrocytes, and membraneous material was separated by free-flow electrophoresis. The free parasites produced were very pure and infectious. Morphological and enzymatic data on the separated fractions are presented. Free-flow electrophoresis also allowed the separation of infected and uninfected erythrocytes.


Further studies on the compatibility between s. intercalatum from cameroun and zaïre and species of bulinus. The results from the infection experiments with Schistosoma intercalatum from Cameroun and from Zaïre and the intermediate hosts, belonging to B. forskalii and B. globosus, could be divided into groups according to the degree of compatibility with the schistosomes. This was indicated by the total cercariae production per 100 exposed snails (TCP/100 exp. snails). B. forskalii from Kinshasa, Zaïre were the snails which were most compatible with S. intercalatum from Cameroun, and B. globosus populations tested were refractory. The TCP/100 exposed snails was about 300,000 for the populations of B. forskalii from Kinshasa compared with the low production for B. forskalii from Cameroun of 125,000. B. wrighti from South Arabia produced 155,000 cercariae per 100 exposed snails. B. cernicus from Mauritius could be separated into two types according to the compatibility with S. intercalatum from Cameroun, the TCP/100 exposed snails was 31,000 and 267,000, respectively. B. globosus from Kinshasa, Zaïre, was very compatible with S. intercalatum from Zaïre and the TCP/100 exposed snails was very high, and 300,000. An albino strain of B. globosus from Rhodesia was the most compatible snail having a TCP/100 exposed snails of 2.4 million cercariae. Other strains of B. globosus from Cameroun and Togo were refractory and less susceptible. It was also possible to infect B. africanus and the two tested populations from Kenya and Tanzania, producing 15,000 and 179,000 cercariae per 100 exposed snails, respectively.


Schistosoma mansoni: activity responses in vitro to praziquantel. The effects of praziquantel, a novel antischistosomal compound, on the activity of adult Schistosoma mansoni (Liverpool strain) in vitro were investigated. Worm activity was modified at all concentrations of praziquantel. High concentrations (above 0.5 microgram/ml) produced rapid paralysis, whilst low concentrations of praziquantel stimulated worm activity. It is concluded that such activity modification could lead to worm displacement in vivo.


[Age-dependent gene induction in the quail oviduct. VIII. A survey of experimental data]. 1974 we introduced the biological model of the progesterone-caused avidin biosynthesis in the quail oviduct for studies in the field of molecular gerontology. Using this model it is possible to determine quantitatively the biochemical events of the age-dependent reduction of the progesterone-caused gene-induction. In a series of experiments it was found that the main parameters of the age dependent reduction might be found on the level of transcription and post-transcription. Therefore the enzymic processes involved in the transcription of genetic information from the DNA to the heterogenous nuclear RNA as well as those processing this RNA species to mRNA are studied. During the progress in this field we could isolate and purify some enzymes (poly[A] nucleases) which are involved in the age-dependent "maturation" of mRNA. On the basis of the interrelation between the poly(A)-binding proteins and the specific poly(A) nucleases, an explanation of the age-dependent reduction of the progesteron-caused mRNA synthesis seems to be possible.


Attempts to immunise rats and mice against infection with fasciola hepatica using antigens prepared from taenia hydatigena. Attempts were made to immunise rats and mice against infection with F. hepatica by oral dosing with T. hydatigena eggs, or by vaccination with various T. hydatigena antigen preparations. These antigens included extracts from T. hydatigena cysticerci and cyst fluid, and antigens collected during short-term (48 h) and long-term (14 days) in vitro cultivation of larvae. Immunity was assessed by the numbers of F. hepatica recovered from the challenge infection in rats, and the mortality rates of infected mice. None of the immunisation regimes with T. hydatigena antigens induced consistent, significant immunity. This was in contrast to the high level of immunity shown by rats dosed orally with F. hepatica metacercariae four weeks prior to challenge infection.


[Diaplacental transmission of microfilaria of the species, Brugia pahangi, in the cat]. Eight kittens born of two Brugia pahangi infected cats have been studied for transplacental passed microfilariae. In the peripheral blood microfilariae could not be demonstrated at any time. However, in the lung of a young cat killed two days post partum ca. 30 microfilariae have been found (microfilaremia of the mother 90 mf/20 mm3). Histological studies suggested two possibilities of transplacental passage--by blood and by secretion of the uterus glands.


[Age-dependent changes in transverse sections of muscle fibres from the exterior eye muscles in man]. Muscle fibers of extraocular muscles (M. rectus internus, M. rectus externus and M. rectus inferior) from 27 patients ranging in age from birth to 83 years were measured planimetrically in cross sections between the origin-, insertion-, and middle-thirds of the muscle length. In all the muscles the middle third of the muscle possessed fibers with an average thickness greater than in the third of the muscle at either end (origin or insertion). This observation was, however, dependent on the age of the patients. This difference in muscle fiber thickness was most constant in patients in the age groups 20 to 30 and 40 to 50 years. On patients 60 years and older, the muscle fibers in all portions of the muscle were thicker; however, the M. rectus externus and especially the M. rectus internus also possessed a larger number of thinner fibers. The percent of thin fibers in the M. rectus internus was even greater than that found in one year-old patients. These observations are most likely explained by a decrease in the accomodation capacity in older patients and a correlative reduced convergence activity of the muscle fibers that are only active during convergence, resulting in decreased demand on the muscle fibers and their consequent atrophy.


[Similarity in the behavior of insects and vertebrates in solving difficult visual tasks]. Field experiments on elaboration of conditioned differentiation reflex in melliferous bees led the authors to the conclusion on convergent similarity of some characteristics of insects' and vertebrates' behaviour while solving difficult visual tasks. The similarity is expressed in phenomena of 1. "unlearning", or transition to choices at random, during repetitive difficult differentiations; 2. return of behavior from the acquired program to the innate one--the authors named this phenomenon "reversion of behaviour control". Both the phenomena protect the CNS from overstrain when the animals encounter a difficult sensory task.


[Rhythmic activity in a neuronally isolated strip of rabbit cortex]. To test the ability of the neocortex to generate rhythmic potential oscillations, the composition of summary electrical activity of neuronally isolated necortex strip in the background and following rhythmic electrical stimulation of the strip was studied by means of computer in chronic experiments on rabbits. In the strip background activity oscillations appear in delta-, theta- and alpha-ranges which in some cases represent regular-rhythmic processes. Along with endogene activity rythmic theta-activity may be recorded which penetrates passively from the hippocampus (when it generates a regular high-amplitude theta-rhythm). It was found that the strip activity followed the stimulation rhythm and reproduced it during several seconds after the end of the stimulation. Driving was easier when the stimulation frequency was of 5 -- 7 c/s. Besides driving response, rhythm rearrangement often occured following stimulation manifested in appearance of rhythmic oscillations within theta-range independently on the frequency of the preceding stimulation.


[Role of several subcortical nuclei in the conduction of visual afferentation during early ontogeny]. Characteristics of EPs in different areas of the visual cortex elicited by stimulation of subcortical nuclei (LGB, posterior thalamic nuclei and superior colliculi) were studied in cat's fetuses during the last 10 days of their antenatal development. It was shown that both in the striate and in accessory visual areas the EPs are negative oscillations with a small initial positivity. Latencies of the EPs to stimulation of the thalamic nuclei make from 18 to 25 msec in different cortical areas and those to the stimulation of the superior colliculi--from 40 to 45 msec. Laminar analysis of EPs elicited in the occipital cortical area by the stimulation of LGB revealed two foci of depolarization; the one with shorter EP latency is localized in the depth of the cortex. The role of the extrageniculate ascending system and of different groups of fibers of the geniculocortical system in the formation of the main EP components in the visual cortex in early ontogenesis is discussed.


[Analysis of the stability of rabbit visual cortex neuron spike responses to light flashes]. The stability of neuronal responses in the rabbit visual cortex to diffuse photic flashes presented in series with sufficiently long time intervals between them was studied in acute experiments. Three types of neuronal responses with different degree of stability were singled out. The stability was judged by the mean coefficient of correlation between post-stimulus histograms of spike activity. Negative correlations were found between the mean correlation coefficient and mean square deviations of latencies of primary and secondary activation and the pause in impulse activity in neuronal responses to a photic flash. Positive correlations between primary activation latencies and mean square deviations of other response parameters suggest a greater stability of responses with a short latency.


[Binocular interaction in the visual cortex during changes in the intensity of monocular stimuli in different directions]. The characteristics of binocular interaction in the visual cortex were studied in rats and cats in conditions of dichotic presentation of monocular stimuli changing in intensity in opposite directions. Different combinations of stimuli intensities produced in intact animals a predominance of facilitation of binocular EPs. Depression of EPs was seen in rats subjected to weak contralateral and strong ipsilateral stimuli. After callosotomy EP facilitation in cats was less pronounced. In rats both effects of binocular interaction were enhanced and were recorded in conditions of photostimulation opposite to preoperational ones. It was found that the differences in the effects of binocular interaction before and after callosotomy resulted from changes in occlusional interrelations and elimination of transcallosal influences. An assumption is made that the effects of binocular interaction are largely responsible for specific characteristics of the formation of interhemispheric asymmetry in binocular vision.


[Interaction of the somatosensory and auditory systems in awake cats at the level of the cortical projection zones]. A comparative study of somato-acoustic interactions has been brought out by EP method in the auditory area A1 several projection areas of S1 and in S2 of non-immobilized cats with chronically implanted electrodes. Single cutaneous stimulation of the contralateral fore-leg with an intensity equal to 1.5 to 3 thresholds of EP appearance elicits in S1 and A1 three types of EPs differing in latencies and number of components. Preliminary rhythmic somatic stimulation has a predominantly facilitating effect on EPs appearing in response to tonal stimuli in the areas A1, S2, S1. Optimal conditions for facilitatory influences involve intervals of 250 to 500 msec, frequencies of somatic stimulation of 3 to 10 c/s and its intensity which does not elicit animal's motor reaction.


[Effect of interrupting hippocampal connections on the neuronal activity of several midbrain nuclei]. Experiments were performed on unanaesthetized rabbits with intact brain and with septo-hippocampal disconnection depriving midbrain structures of descending hippocampal influences. General characteristics of neuronal reactions in midbrain raphe (MR) and ventral tegmental nucleus (VT) did not change following deafferentation. The level of reactivity increased in VT and decreased in MR. The mean latencies of on-responses in MR became longer (15,5 msec for auditory stimuli versus 10,5 msec in intact brain); in VT they became shorter (14,5 msec versus 17 msec). Habituation of reactions, normally present in about half of neurones, disappeared. Neurones with incremental responses gradually increasing in strength and duration were observed. Complex functional relations between the hippocampus and unspecific midbrain structures are discussed.


[Responses of hippocampal neurons during prolonged posttetanic potentiation]. Unit responses to stimulation of septo-fimbrial area or fascia dentata were recorded in hippocampus of unanaesthetized rabbits with extra- and intracellular microelectrodes. Neuronal discharge index was found to increase or latency to decrease in 10 out of 28 neurones recorded as long as 3 min to 2.5 hours after tetanization (20/sec, 10 sec). Posttetanic increase in amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP) was fo-nd in 8 of 24 neurones recorded intra- and quasi-intracellularly. EPSP latencies were as short as 2 msec in two of these neurones suggesting the monosynaptic origin of the EPSPs. Decrease in excitability was found shortly after tetanization in two neurones tested with intracellular current injections. A tendency to long-lasting posttetanic hyperpolarizing shifts was noted. Thus a long-lasting post-tetanic potentiation (PTP) was revealed at the level of hippocampal single neurone responses. Intracellular analysis suggests an increase in effectiveness of excitatory synapses as a main mechanism of the PTP. No significant adequate changes at the postsynaptic level were found to explain the long-lasting hippocampal PTP.


[Effect of mental work on the efficiency and reliability of voluntary motor activity]. By means of reflexometry 200 students were divided into three groups -- with high, medium and low work efficiency (WE) and mobility of cortical processes (MCP) and into three initial variations within each group. After studies WE and MCP change in the direction opposite to the initial in extreme variations and remain at the initial level in the mean variation. Direct correlation between WE and MCP and work reliability (WR) is found which is independent of the degree of their pronouncement. MCP is the decisive factorial parameter of WE, and WR--a significant one. In its turn MCP is in an inverse significant correlation with WR determined by the intensity of the internal inhibition. The latency and duration of motor reflexes are in weak correlation with MCP and WE.


[Cortico-subcortical systems of conditioned reflex activity]. Experimental data are presented on dynamic rearrangment of corticofugal influences on subcortical structures during conditioning and conditioned performance, as well as data on the transition of diffusive influences, to selective ones. The mechanisms of plastic rearrangment of subcortical influences in the course of consolidation of the conditioned reflex are discussed on the basis of cortical-reticular and cortical-striate interactions. The significance of subcortical interactions in the integrative brain activity and in the organization of behaviour is discussed. Facts are presented on synchronization of several rhythms in rhythmical activity in the strio-thalamo-cortical system in the process of achievement of conditioned reflexes.


[Autonomic-somatic components of motor responses to direct and verbal stimuli in children]. Negative induction influences of one (prevailing) signal system on another (functionally weaker) were studied on the model of effector vegetative-somatic components of motor conditioned reflexes to direct (sound) and verbal ("a whistle is blowing") stimuli in the children of different age (4-5 and 6-7 years) after the activation of the first or second signal systems. It was found, that one of the informative cues of intersystem negative induction is the impairment of functional interconnections in the complex of vegetative components, providing for the adaptive activity of the organism. Negative induction influences of the first signal system on the second were found in younger children (4-5 years old) and that of the second signal system on the first one -- in the senior group (6-7 years).


[Role of the hippocampus in conditioned reflex activity]. The role of the hippocampus in animals' conditioned activity was studied in experiments on rats and cats with ablated hippocampus. It was shown that in rats the ablation leads to a statistically significant slowing down in learning of the avoidance reaction. The effect becomes stronger in stress situation. The process of learning and optimization of choice reaction in the maze with alimentary reinforcement if sharply impaired in rats with bilateral ablation of hippocampus. The bilateral ablation of the hippocampus in cats in experiments with choice of the side of the alimentary reinforcement prolonged the latencies and sharply increased the number of erroneous reactions. The obtained data are analyzed in terms of fronto-pallido-hippocampal system, which selects, compares and integrates sensory information at the stage of the afferent synthesis.


[Textile fibres under the prepuce--criminalistic proof for a sexual assault (author's transl)]. 1. One day after a sexual assault the male suspect was investigated by a physician who found yellow textile fibres on his penis. 2. The police secured yellow fibres from the bed-cover, the socks and the panties of the victim. 3. At the laboratory the four kinds of fibres were analyzed. The fibres from the bed and the penis gave identical results by six different methods.


[Age and features of different properties of the higher nervous activity type of dogs]. Age changes in typological properties of the nervous system were studied with alimentary and defensive reinforcements in 55 dogs: from one to two months old, three to four and twelve months old. Of these, 26 were annually examined up to the age of two to four years. The degree of similarity of each typological property, with both kinds of reinforcement, was determined in one and the same animal. The presence or absence of partiality was estimated for each typological property of the nervous system. In all the one to four months old puppies the excitatory process was estimated by both methods as strong or medium; without partiality. By the age of one to two years the partiality increases due to enhanced excitation in the defensive system. Partiality of the nervous processes equilibration is observed already in one to four months old puppies, though decreasing with age. Partiality of nervous processes mobility becomes more pronounced with age.


[Apparently contradictory homozygosity of gc- and esd-markers in three generations (author's transl)]. In a paternity case we found contradictory blood group antigens in the serum- and enzyme-polymorphisms Gc and EsD of the child, her mother and grandparents. A possible accidental exchange of the child could be excluded by biostatistical calculations of the probabilities of motherhood, fatherhood and parenthood, and the descent from the parents was proven in both generations. The serological findings may be explained by the concurrent existence of silent genes or of genes that cannot be determined as yet. The genetic information Gc degrees descended from the grandfather and that for EsD degrees from the grandmother. Both were transmitted from the mother to the child. Thus, the case could be cleared by statistical considerations only.


[Inhibition of the behavioral responses of cats after discontinuing electric stimulation of the caudate nucleus]. A prolonged suppression of behavior occurs in free-moving cats after disruption of low-frequency stimulation of the caudate nucleus head. Its outward manifestations and EEG-pattern look like those of natural sleep. However, unlike sleep, during caudate suppression motor functions are more affected, the activation response to presented test-stimuli is shorter, and the emotionality of animals is weaker. The suppression is most pronounced following the stimulation of rostro-medio-dorsal parts of the nucleus head. In small doses the neuroleptic haloperidol enhances, and the psychostimulant d,l-amphetamine decrease the caudate effect. It is suggested that the trace response triggered by the stimulation of the caudate nucleus is closer to behavioral suppression than to sleep and that it depends on the activity of the dopaminergic mechanisms.


The significance of drug analysis of sweat in respect to rapid screening for drug abuse. Morphine and methamphetamine, which are excreted in the sweat, are detected by the use of routine serological and physicochemical techniques for urinary examinations. Screening for drug abuse can be done with the same accuracy of that of urine. Rapid excretion of the drug via kidney (within one day) is followed by a slow but steady excretion of the sweat gland. Methamphetamine given orally in a dose of 10 mg is excreted in the sweat at a constant rate (1.4 microgram/ml). No significant difference of the amount excreted by both systems is found. Alveolar lining seems to prevent the elimination of the volatile methamphetamine via respiration. Not only narcotics and stimulants, but also many alkaloids and barbituarates are excreted in the sweat and detected quantitatively by the same principles. The toxicological analysis of the sweat promises a new scope of forensic investigation.


[Relationship between the ability to extrapolate and the level of cerebral excitability]. In the experiments with self-stimulation of limbic brain structures on the rats of KM line an improvement in solving of extrapolation problems was observed. Self-stimulation of the limbic pathways is more effective than that of nuclear structures. It seems to be due to a more powerful afferentation caused by stimulation of the pathways that excites practically the whole visceral brain and the larger part of the neocortex. Increased excitability level of the central nervous system is an important condition for elementary reasoning activity; one of the criteria of such activity is the ability to extrapolate the direction of the movement of a meaningful stimulus.


[Histo-morphological findings at the chiasma opticum in cases of craniocerebral trauma (author's transl)]. 36 cases with pituitary haemorrhages were found histologically in 52 cases of lethal craniocerebral trauma. Simultaneously we found primary and secondary traumatic changes of chiasma opticum in 10 cases. The genesis and significance of the results are discussed.


[Impairment of the formation of conditioned avoidance reactions following destruction of the ventral amygdalofugal pathway]. Formation of conditioned "passive" avoidance reaction was studied in rats with one-time pain reinforcement after electrolitic destruction of mesencephalitic part of the central gray substance (CGS). The destruction of CGS ventral nuclei at the level of the midbrain rostral part led to a decrease in emotional reaction of "fear" and to disturbance of avoidance formation. The participation of midbrain limbic structures in learning and memory is discussed.


[Frequency of positive diazepam-screening in post-mortem examinations (author's transl)]. The post-mortem blood specimens of 389 forensic autopsies were analyzed for diazepam. The age of the cases investigated was above 10 years and the survival time was less than 12 hours. Eighteen samples corresponding to 4.6% were found to be diazepam-positive. These 18 samples were distributed equally between men and women. The proportion of diazepam-positive samples was increased in the groups of suicide and poisoning (alcohol and opiates). The association between diazepam intake and poisoning was statistically highly significant. No correlation was found between diazepam intake and age. Alcohol was found to occur significantly more often in the group of the diazepam positive cases as compared to the diazepam negative group.


[Coma dépassé: toxicological-diagnostic and forensic aspects of a fenetyllin (captagon) intoxication (author's transl)]. In a case of intoxication by Fenetyllin (captagon) with succeeding coma dépassé it can be shown, that toxicological-diagnostic conclusions can be drawn from the disproportional concentrations between brain and body organs. It may be possible to reveal an unknown intoxication case after autopsy or to contribute to recognition of causality of narcotic incidences after a possible overdose.


[Morphological findings after tracheotomy and laryngeal intubation (author's transl)]. 4 fatal cases after tracheotomy and 35 cases after endotracheal anaesthesia were examined taking pathomorphological aspects into consideration. In long-period intubation mucous membrane necroses occurred as of the 4th day. After 6 days' intubation skeletizations of the tracheal rings were established in each case. Infections of the decubial ulcers and errosion haemorrhages from the necrotically altered tracheal wall were frequent complications. Faulty intubation of the oesophagus and the right bronchus, aspirations and reflex-related circulatory failure during intubation as well as hypoxic damage as a result of the windpipe opening being impaired are discussed from the morphological point of view.


[Mechanical tolerance of tentorium cerebelli (author's transl)]. In some cases of accidents primary traumatic brain stem hemorrhages are seen in conjunction with lesions of the tentorium cerebelli. In order to decide, whether accelerations of the infra- or supratentorial brain tissue are actually capable of causing tentorium lesions, burst and teartests of tentorium tissue were conducted. The mean dynamic biaxial tearing force was found to be about 4 bar. This value supports the hypothesis that a main injury causing factor of the tentorium in cases without skull fracture could be the relative motion between the tentorium and the brain hemispheres. The mass of the cerebellum however seems to be insufficient to cause such injury producing deceleration forces on the tentorium.


[Impairment of performance by alcohol and diazepam (author's transl)]. An investigation was carried out on the effect of the intake of diazepam and alcohol on simple performance tests. The combined administration of diazepam and alcohol led to an increase of the plasma diazepam concentration as compared to that obtained after diazepam without alcohol. Furthermore, after combined intake of diazepam and alcohol a decrease of performance was observed, that was significantly higher, than the effects obtained after either alcohol or diazepam alone. This impairment was especially noticeable duirng the first hour of the experiment, i.e. until the plateau of the diazepam plasma concentration was reached, while afterwards a correlation between diazepam plasma concentration and impairment of performance could not be established. The relevance of these findings for the interpretation of diazepam plasma concentrations in relation to the impairment of performance are discussed.


Lethal orphenadrine intoxication: report of a case. A case of lethal orphenadrine intoxication is reported. Included are the anatomical and toxicological findings. Most conspicuous histologically was the centrilobular necrosis of the liver.


Effects of androgens and oestrogens on the behaviour of chicks in an imprinting situation. The behavioural effects of testosterone propionate (TP), 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and oestradiol benzoate (OB) were investigated in day-old chicks during imprinting sessions to a duck model. TP increased the duration of peeping while inhibiting the following reaction and the twitters. DHT had more or less the same effects while OB induces the reverse behavioural changes. The behavioural effects of hormone injections agree with behavioural sex differences observed in non-injected animals: males peep more than females which on the other hand produce more twitters. This could be related to sex differences in the hormonal status of the birds at hatching, as it is known that during incubation male chick embryos have higher plasma testosterone levels than females of corresponding ages.


[Displacement of electrodes in pacemaker patients (author's transl)]. The implantation of special electrodes is indicated by right ventricular dilatation and especially by electrode displacement. For this purpose the MIP 2000 has been used with good results. It is the electrode preferred currently, but it may be replaced in future by the screw electrode which is now being clinically tested. Because of the danger of uncontrolled ventricular perforation the indication for operative myocardial implantation of pacemaker electrodes should be restricted especially in cases of myogenic dilatation of the heart.


[Should thrombendarterectomy of the superficial femoral artery still be practiced? (author's transl)]. 112 subintimal dissections are follwed up over a period of 3 years. The results (67,6% patent at the end of the third year) come up to those of the saphenous vein bypass. The rate of secondary amputations (8%) is low, the mortality rate comes up to 3,6%. In our opinion thrombendarterectomy has satisfactory late results. There is no reason to abstain from it in favour of the vein bypass procedure.


[Surgical treatment of renovascular hypertension (author's transl)]. Renal artery stenosis was corrected in 50 patients suffering from renovascular hypertension. In 32 cases hypertension returned to normal, 11 patients were improved and hypertension was unchanged in seven cases.


[Early detection of bronchial carcinoma by annual mass X ray screening (author's transl)]. Further investigations of the study group for the early detection of lung cancer in the GDR have confirmed previous conclusions that annual x-ray screening of the chest significantly improves the results of surgical treatment of cancer of the lung. The study now covers 15,336 cases operated upon between 1949 and 1976. Two thirds of all cases treated surgically in the period from 1963 to 1972 were detected by roentgenologic screening. In the screening group the 5-year survival rates after resection were more favourable than in the clinical group: 36% in 1,915 screening cases and 29% in 785 clinical cases in the period from 1965 to 1968. The percentage of peripheral lesions which were treated by lobectomy was significantly higher in the screening group. Since the introduction of a biannual mode of screening, the overall results have worsened because the number of cases detected by x-ray screening has decreased.


[Bronchial carcinoma; late results (author's transl)]. In the last 20 years 482 patients underwent surgery for bronchial carcinoma: mortality rate 5,8%. Pneumonectomy was performed in 172--, bilobectomy in 24--, lobectomiy in 254-- and segmental resection in 32 patients. 5 year survival rate is 36,0%. The late results depend on the size of the tumour, presence or absence of metastases and histology of the malignoma. In undifferentiated forms complex treatment (operation plus chemotherapy) is recommended.


[Dislocation of the os lunatum and associated injuries (author's transl)]. 234 cases of dislocation of the lunate and its associated injuries taken from literature are statistically examined. The outcome shows that the number of false diagnoses is still high. With immediate reduction the late results are good, whereas the treatment of old dislocations is not satisfactory.


[Disease of metalgrinding workers (author's transl)]. It is a specific clinical picture with extensive soft tissue gas and swelling of the forearm. Usually, the clinical course is without any other symptoms. Therapy is not necessary because gas disappears in few days. The etiology of the disease is not clear. Gas can be generated by the chemical reaction between a metallic foreign body and tissue fluid. Spread of benzine evaporation has been considered as a possible source as well. The disease is very rare and its knowledge is important in differential diagnosis of gas gangrene.


[The value of irreversible contraception]. 8 years after sterilization was in force in GDR it is stated, that this way of female healthy protection was different performed in the varions countries of GDR. The portion of the country Rostock amount to 56,6%. --85,3% of the women were elder than 30 years. 60% of the applicants have had legal abortions. 66,8% of the propositions were based by medical indication. --The rate of complications and failures amount to 0,3%. --By reason of the results it is recommended to regard the sterilization as the adequate method of contraception, if reproduction is finished.


[Results of testicular biopsy in azoospermia]. The causes of male infertility generally fall into three categories: pretesticular, testicular and posttesticular causes. The pretesticular causes are extragonadal endocrine disorders, such as those originating in the pituitary or the adrenals, which have an adverse effect on spermatogenesis. The testicular causes of infertility are conditions in which the primary defects reside in the testes. The posttesticular causes of infertility consist mainly of obstructions of the ducts leading away from the testes. Testicular biopsy is an important method in the diagnosis and management of male infertility.


[Imitation of acute adnexa processes through a small intestine ileus]. Under the picture of acute inflammatory events of adnexa there may be sometimes be hidden diseases of the intestines. Out of them acute state of ileus is of utmost importance. State post appendectomy, atypical anamnesis and antiinflammatory treatment without effect is suspect of an ileus. An early laparotomy presents a low risk in such cases.


[Management of functional sterility using clomiphene. A clinical experience report]. 121 patients are reported who underwent Clomiphen treatment for functional sterility in the Frauenklinik des Bezirkskrankenhauses Karl-Marx-Stadt from 1. 1. 1974 to 31. 12. 1977. Monophasic cycles (66 patients), corpus luteum insufficiency (41 patients) and secondary amenorrhoea (14 patients) were the indications for the Clomiphen therapy. 54 pregnancies (44,6%) were the result; in 18,5% gravidity was terminated by abortion or initiated interruption (1,9%). The clinical data are stated.


[Morphology of the tubal drainage angle of the human uterus and of the pars intramuralis of the tuba uterina]. The morphology of the pars intramuralis of the fallopian tube has been histological examined in 500 uteri which were exstirpated in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of the University of Kiel in the years of 1972 to 1973. It was found that the interstitial pars of the endometrium changes regularly during the menstrual cycle. In the same way the endometrium in the interstitial part of the tubal canal suffers from an atrophy if patients were treated with gestagens. The adenomatous hyperplasie or the polypes of the endometrium which are often found near the utero-tubal junction are to be considered as the matrix of the carcinoma of the endometrium; continuous changes between the adenomatous hyperplasie and the carcinoma of the endometrium can be observed. The frequency of precancers near the utero-tubal junction underlines the demand for an accurate curettage in this region of the cavum uteri. The histological examination of the region of the utero-tubal junction after the extirpation of the uterus is absolutely necessary and has to be generally to be asked for.


[Successes in the diagnosis and therapy of sterility at a regional hospital. Contribution on the organization of a sterility counseling service]. On base of diagnostical and therapeutical possibilities of a district hospital the results in the treatment of the sterility with 194 female patients were analysed. In 36,6% of all cases the treatment ended successfully. Except the general and special gynaecological examinations there were diagnostical arrangements as the simple check of the ovarial function and of the passage of tube, as well as fertility estimation of the sexual partner. In addition to the general medical advice there were therapeutically carried out vaginal sanitation, hormone therapy and the pertubation as well as ovulation induction. By experience there will be worked out a first draft for carrying out sterility hours of consultation. After this a "basic diagnostic" and a "basic therapy" will be made in the bounds of possibilities of the district hospital. Indications for the transfer of patients to special hospitals for further treatment are represented.


[Nosogeography of viral hepatitis in the Ukraine over the last 25 years (1952-1976)]. For 25 years of observation the morbidity rate of viral hepatitis in the Ukraine was irregular. In individual regions the morbidity level fluctuated within 2 to 3-fold range. Regions with invariably high or low morbidity levels for viral hepatitis were distributed over the territory of the republic not chaotically, but in zones: a zone with invariably high morbidity rate (western), a zone with morbidity rate corresponding to the average level for the republic (south-western), and a zone with an invariably low morbidity rate (north-eastern). The expediency of dividing the territory into epidemiological areas in respect of viral hepatitis on a regional or republican level is discussed.


[Use of the indirect hemagglutination reaction in studying ornithosis infection. III. The diagnostic value of the IHR with an ornithosis erythocytic diagnosticum]. In both experimental and clinical conditions the passive hemagglutination test (PHAT with the use of an ornithosis erythrocytic diagnostic preparation was found to be sufficiently sensitive and specific as compared with the complement fixation test (CFT), a routine testing method. The study of the dynamics of immune response in infected animals and ornithosis patients allowed to regard the PHAT as a comparatively early method of serological analysis. Hemagglutinins were also found to circulate in the patients' blood sera only for a short time (on the average for 1 1/2--2 months). The CFT and the PHAT with erythrocytic diagnostic preparation, used in combination, will make it possible not only to diagnose ornithosis in patient more effectively, but also to differentiate between the cases of infection and anamnestic reaction.20


[Seasonality of toxoplasmosis].

[Seasonality of toxoplasmosis]. The indices of seasonal changes in the proportion of population allergopositive to toxoplasmosis were determined by analyzing the results of intracutaneous tests made in 61,324 pregnant women in Novokuznetsk between 1964 and 1974. Indices exceeding the average monthly level were registered in March-July and in September-October. Taking into account the modal term during which allergization develops in a patient from the moment of toxoplasmic invasion, a high risk of toxoplasmosis infection is likely to be present mainly during winter and spring (December-May), as well as summer (July-August) periods. Researchers should pay attention to the nature of the seasonal prevalence of the epidemic process of toxoplasmosis.


[Use of a cryoultramicrotomy method for the purpose of studying chlamydial ultrastructure]. The method of cryoultramicrotomy was adapted for the study of the ultrastructure of HeLa and McCoy cells in monolayer cultures infected with Chlamydia, obligatory intracellular procaryotic parasites, the causative agents of ornithosis (strain Loth) and paratrachoma (strain LB 1). The cryosections were obtained by the fixation of the monolayer with 2.5% glutaraldehyde, by the gradual infiltration of precipitated cells with sucrose (0.6--1.2--1.8--2.3 M) prior to freezing in liquid nitrogen, and by the treatment of sections with 1% aqueous methyl cellulose solution before drying. This method ensured good preservation of both Chlamydia, in intracytoplasmic inclusions and host cells, as well as regular reproducibility of the results. Ultrathin sections showed a considerable polymorphism in the vegetative forms of Chlamydia, which was probably due to the structure of their cell walls. Chlamydia, were found to form small vesicle-like structures in the cavities of inclusions. The cell walls and granules inside the elementary bodies of the causative agent of ornithosis were stained with the use of phosphotungstic acid--HCl, pH 0.5.


[Effect of Mycoplasma arthritidis on mouse and rat lymphoid cells in experimental Mycoplasma infection]. Early stages of mycoplasma infection of mice and rats were accompanied by suppression of the populations of rosette- and plaque-forming cells. Later the character and dynamics of the immune response to M. arthritidis differed in mice and rats. In mice mycoplasma infection was accompanied by stimulation of rosette-forming cells with some suppression of the plaque-forming cells from the 7th to the 36th day of infection. In rats by the 7th day the number of plaque- and rosette-forming cells decreased in comparison with control, and the immune response was restored by the 15h day; at later periods the immune response of the infected rats exceeded the normal level considerably. The cellular and humoral immune reactions proved to depend on the mycoplasma dose.


[Surgical treatment of incarcerated toe-nail. Operative technique and results (author's transl)]. A new surgical technique has been used to treat incarcerated nails in the Military Hospital of Soest, first described by J.P. Dubois. The technique deals with the soft tissues around the nail. A retrospective study of 192 personal cases shows that this technique, which was used 73 times, is followed by twice less recurrences than the classical simple resection of the nail or of the nail bed. Follow-up of 36 classical operations showed 19 recurrences while Dubois technique only showed 1 out of 29 operations. However this technique is followed in 18% of the cases by a minor infection of the wound that heals after 10 days. There were no painful neuroma of the interdigit nerve.


[Thoughts about 20 cases of hyperparathyroidism (author's transl)]. The analysis of 20 personal cases of parathyroid hyperplasia or adenoma suggest the following conclusions: 1. The importance of dosage of the parathormone is a decisive factor of the diagnosis and yields data: a) in relation with the volume of the adenoma; b) that return to normal 24 hours after resection; c) that constitute the proof of complete resection. 2. The little utility of the diagnosis of location bij means of elaborate paraclinical exams. The authors show false positive angiograms. Only the inspection of the four parathyroids and of the main heterotopic areas is a valid means of disclosing the lesions responsible of the hyperparathyroidism. It is essential to operate with a skilled pathologist who will read frozen sections.


Hypophosphatemia in severe burns. A prospective study. In 33 severely burned patients, who were followed for two weeks after injury, a transient hypophosphatemia was registered with the decrease in serum phosphate occurring on the second to tenth day after injury. When a previous retrospective study was combined with the present one, there were 50 patients in all. Seven patients died and, of these, five showed very low values of serum phosphate (S-P) at the time of their death. Simultaneous reduction of urinary phosphate excretion indicates that the depletion of phosphate is mainly prerenal. However, studies of fractional excretion of phosphate demonstrates that renal losses of phosphate might contribute to the hypophosphatemia. A remarkable finding was a general, marked rise in serum calcitonin (S-h-CT). The relationship between the rise in S-h-CT, the increased catecholamine secretion and the hypophosphatemia remains to be further clarified.


Intestinal lesions caused by incorrectly placed seat belts. Employment of seat belts reduces the number of fatal accidents and alters the pattern of lesions. However, seat belts themselves can produce serious lesions, particularly if incorrectly placed. Three cases of traumatic intestinal perforation are mentioned. Intestinal perforation often produces few initial symptoms. The diagnosis is difficult and is frequently established late. If marks are present on the abdomen from the seat belt, the patient should be admitted for observation. The possible pathogenesis of the intestinal lesions are mentioned. The seat belt should be correctly placed in order to obtain optimal effect. Reasons for incorrect placing are mentioned. It is important that the seat belt is adjusted to the passenger employing it.


[A major visceral anomaly from malrotation of the primitive digestive tube (author's transl)]. Report of a case of major anomaly of the primitive digestive tube. Due to gastric malrotation the stomach was located to the right, behind the right lobe of the liver and the duodenum ran upward and to the left, passing behind the major biliary tract (mirror image of the normal gastroduodenal structure). The small intestine having undergone a normal rotation, the splenic flexure did not exist, while the ileum and colon gave an image of inversed "Mesenterium commune" (absence of the transverse colon, the ascending colon to the right and all the small intestine reassembled to the left). The patient, who presented with a choledocholithiasis underwent an Oddian sphincterotomy in an unusual position.


Parathyroidectomy in chronic renal failure. During the period 1971-1976, subtotal parathyroidectomy was performed on 34 patients with chronic renal failure, representing 8% of all uraemic patients treated on the Renal Ward. Preoperative treatment of renal failure was conservative therapy in 6, haemodialysis in 20 and renal transplantation in 8 patients. The operation was indicated by grave clinical symptoms (pruritus, bone pains and mental disturbances), gastric ulcer and radiological abnormalities (osteoporosis, fractures, subperiosteal resorption and metastatic calcifications). The serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone was determined in 13 cases, and the value was elevated in all. The serum calcium level was elevated in 8 out of 34 cases. Less than 500 mg of parathyroid tissue was removed in 12 cases, between 500 and 6000 mg in 19 and over 6000 mg in 3. Nodular hyperplasia was present in 11 patients, diffuse hyperplasia in 23. Postoperatively marked falls in serum parathyroid hormone and serum calcium values were observed. The bone pains, pruritus and mental disturbances were alleviated, and the general condition was favourably influenced. The operation had a lesser and more retarded effect on the radiological changes. Complete recovery was only achieved with successful renal transplant. Parathyroidectomy often had a favourable effect on the grave symptoms and may, therefore, be considered in some cases of severe hyperparathyroidism secondary to chronic renal failure.


Influence of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on parathyroid activity in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid morphology and blood chemistry were studied in five patients with primary hyperparathyroidism treated with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-DHCC) for 2 to 11 days before planned operation. Before the institution of treatment all patients were hypercalcemic, whereas the serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentration either was elevated or normal. During the treatment the urinary phosphate excretion was significantly increased, whereas the calcium excretion and the serum concentrations of calcium and phosphate were unaffected or only slightly changed. Serum iPTH decreased during the first days of treatment, but returned then to increased levels close to the pretreatment ones. The treatment was tolerated well by the patients. Light and electron microscopy of the removed parathyroid glands disclosed one adenoma in each of the five patients, the other glands exhibiting either a slight hyperplasia or a normal appearance. Both the adenomatous and the non-adenomatous parathyroid tissue showed a predominance of dark chief cells and three of the adenomas exhibited a varying number of atrophic and oxyphil cells. The non-adenomatous glands were composed of atrophic and dark chief cells. Signs of low functional activity were ultrastructurally observed in the parathyroid parenchymal cells. It is suggested that 1,25-DHCC treatment of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism inhibits parathyroid hormone secretion.


Repair of hiatus hernia by an abdominal semi-fundoplication technique. The results of an anti-reflux operation are reviewed. The procedure is similar to the Belsey Mark IV operation, a semi-fundoplication, but performed via an abdominal approach. Forty-five patients were operated upon between 1971 and 1977, 41 had a sliding hernia and 4 a para-oesophageal hernia. Two patients died during the observation period. The follow-up of the remaining 43 patients includes clinical, radiological and manometric examinations. The length of follow-up averaged 35 months (7--70 months). There were 6 anatomic recurrences or persisting sliding hernia and one recurrence of paraoesophageal hernia. Three of the patients with recurrence had been subjected to parietal cell vagotomy and hernia repair, and one was a primary technical failure with persisting hernia. In 32 technically successful repairs of sliding hernia performed as a primary procedure without concomitant PCV, there was one recurrence. Subjectively, 93% (40/43) of the patients considered the operative result excellent or good. Manometric studies showed a significant rise in the lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, from a median value of 6.5 mmHg preoperatively to 12.5 mmHg postoperatively (p less than 0.05) (median value in normal controls, 15.3 mmHg).


[The surgery of peripheral nerves. New perspectives in treatment by the microsurgical techniques (author's transl)]. The author describes the different techniques of reconstructive surgery of peripheral nerves and the failures that marked these trials until the advent of microsurgical techniques. After stressing the importance of the biology and physiopathology of a traumatized nerve and its stem cells, the author detailes the regeneration stages of the nerve cell when ideal conditions of axonal alignment are established by microtechniques. Considering the different notions of biology and pathology in relation to the time delay between the traumatism and referral to the surgeon, the author insists on the absolute necessity of operating during the period of full regeneration of the nerve cell, i.e. within the first 6 months.


[The place of surgery in the treatment of testicular tumors other than seminoma (author's transl)]. Surgery plays an important part in the treatment of non seminomatous testicular tumors. An oncologically correct technique of orchidectomy is the first essential if the better prognosis of these tumors, noted in the past decade, is to be further improved. The testis should be removed through an inguinal approach. Radical retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy is gaining more favour at the present time. This operation, routinely performed in the US. is being performed more frequently in Europe. The justification for this major operation with a definite morbidity is to be found in the better survival rate achieved in patients undergoing surgery as compared to that achieved using other treatment modalities. A description of the operative technique delineates the magnitude of the surgery but also shows that, working methodically the operation is feasible.


Non-operative management of splenic rupture. A splenectomized patient is at a significant increased risk of serious infection. Consequently, it is mandatory to avoid splenectomy whenever possible. In selective trauma cases this is feasible, either by surgical repair of the ruptured spleen or by non-operative management. Nine typical cases of splenic rupture diagnosed by scintigraphy were successfully treated non-operatively.


ATP-induced release of vasopressin from isolated bovine neurohypophyseal secretory granules. Dependency on chloride and effects of analogues of ATP. Secretory granules isolated from bovine neurohypophyses released vasopressin in the presence of a buffered medium containing ATP, Mg2+ and KCl. Substitution of K+ in the medium with Na+ or choline did not affect the release. Substitution of Cl- with either sucrose, sulphate or acetate strongly reduced the release. Analogues of ATP, substituted at the beta-gamma anhydride bond with methylene or imido groups caused a smaller release which was not related to a very small breakdown of analogues that occurred. It is suggested that at least part of the ATP induced release is due to a physicochemical action.


Liver cirrhosis and oestrogen metabolism--perfusion studies with cirrhotic rat livers. 1. Radioactive oestrone and oestradiol-17 beta were perfused through normal and cirrhotic livers of rats. Liver cirrhosis had been induced by a combined application of carbon tetrachloride and azathioprine. 2. The hepatic uptake of both oestrogens by cirrhotic livers was reduced; the uptake of oestrone was more affected than that of oestradiol-17 beta. 3. The pattern of oestrogen metabolites indicated a reduction of the sulphotransferase activity in cirrhotic livers. The activity of other enzymes of oestrogen metabolism were similar in normal and cirrhotic livers. 4. The amount of oestrogen glucuronides excreted into the bile was significantly less in cirrhotic livers although the bile volume was larger in cirrhotic than normal livers. 5. The release of oestrogen metabolites into the circulating medium was considerably higher during perfusion of cirrhotic livers. From the findings presented here it is concluded that the turnover of oestrogens is slower in cirrhotic than in normal livers. Moreover, it may be speculated that the distribution volume of the oestrogen metabolites is smaller in rats with liver cirrhosis, due to a disturbed enterohepatic circulation. This results in higher oestrogen concentrations in extracellular fluids, thus supporting the concept of hyper-oestrogenism in liver cirrhosis.


High corticosteroid levels in plasma of adult and foetal Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddelli). Pregnant and non-pregnant Weddell seals and foetuses were found to have very high plasma concentrations of corticosteroids (1--7 mumol/l) that were unaffected by stress. Cortisol comprised most of the corticosteroid in the adult but only 50% of that in the foetus. The affinity constant (4.30-5.53 x 10(7) l/mol) and specificity of CBG and the MCR (4.5 l/d/kg lean body mass) in adult seals were similar to those of Man. The binding capacity of CBG (1.48--1.86 mumol/l) which is approximately three times that of Man contributed to the high plasma corticosteroid concentrations but the main factor was the cortisol turnover rate of 3670 mumol/d (1.3 g/d) which is the highest value reported in any species.


Progesterone-independent avidin induction in chick tissues caused by tissue injury and inflammation. Progesterone was administered to oestrogen-treated and untreated chicks, or inflammation in the abdominal cavity was caused by intestine and liver injury or intraperitoneal actinomycin D administration. Local injury to the pectoral muscle was also carried out. Chicks were killed 24--26 h after the treatment and the biotin-binding egg white protein, avidin, was assayed in a number of tissues using a [14C]biotin-binding method and radioimmunoassay. Ovalbumin was also assayed with a radioimmunoassay. Avidin was not found in the tissues of control chicks. Progesterone induced avidin only in the oviducts of oestrogen-treated chicks. After intestine and liver injury avidin was found, however, in all the tissues of oestrogen-treated and untreated chicks studied except for the brain. The concentrations were highest in the oviduct, lung, intestine and bursa of Fabricius. Actinomycin D (200 microgram/kg) caused ascites and subcutaneous oedema in 40--60% of the chicks, and avidin was found only in the tissues of these inflamed animals. Avidin production caused by the local muscular injury was restricted to the injured area. Tissue injury and inflammation did not induce ovalbumin in any tissue. The study shows that avidin can be induced besides the oviduct also in non-oviductal chick tissues, and it is proposed that there are both progesterone-dependent and -independent avidin induction mechanisms.


[C-14 serotonin uptake by turkey thrombocytes]. Centrifugation technique of thrombocytes through silicone oil permits rapid separation of cells from plasma with simultaneous measurement of plasma trapped between the cells in the pellet. This technique was used for determination of 5-HT uptake by turkey thrombocytes. The volume of trapped plasma proportional to the number of thrombocytes was measured using 125I-human serum albumin as a marker. The uptake of 14C-serotonin by thrombocytes was measured as the difference between total radioactivity and that of the trapped plasma. It was shown that turkey thrombocytes like mammalian platelets are able to take up great amounts of serotonin.


Fine structure and origin of interstitial tissue in the ovary of the pregnant rat. Interstitial cells of the rat ovary during pregnancy have been studied by electron microscopy. They show the characteristic fine-structural features associated with steroid-secreting cells. The findings have shown the presence of transitional intermediate stages between theca externa cells and interstitial cells, indicating the possible participation of the theca externa in the formation of interstitial cells.


[Topographic anatomy and fiber diameter of the human vagal trunk]. The vagal trunci of a series of 31 males and females were investigated and quantitative measurements of vagal fibers were also made from human vagal nerves. Most of the nerves contained fibers of the visceromotor, secretory and sensible type. The posterior vagal nerve contained somatomotor fibers.


Effect of cyproterone acetate on the reproductive system of the female rat. A histological review. Effects of cyproterone acetate, a synthetic steroidal compound, on the reproductive organs of female rats have been investigated. This agent caused reduction of ovarian weights indicative of suppression of pituitary gonadotrophins. Oestrogenic nature of cyproterone acetate was investigated in intact and ovariectomized rats taking uterine weight and vaginal keratinization as an index of oestrogenicity. Cyproterone acetate in ovariectomized animals induced vaginal keratinization and increased the uterine weights. These effects were parallel to the effect of oestradiol dipropionate in ovariectomized animals, thus indicating oestrogenic activity of cyproterone acetate. We may conclude that the above compound caused antifertility effects due to its oestrogenic nature at the dose level of 2 mg/alternate day in rats when the compound was administered subcutaneously.


Electron-microscopic study of the secretion of the ependymal cells in the domestic cat (ependymin-beta cells). We have studied, by electron microscopy, the ultrastructural aspects of secretion (neurosecretion) of the ependyma of the third ventricle of the domestic cat. We have found cytoplasmic protrusions and isolated masses of cytoplasm, some with homogeneous cytoplasm and others with very dense granulation (protein-beta?). Axons, synaptic terminals and free secretory granules in the ventricular lumen were also seen. The existence of ependymin-beta cells (ependymocyte-beta) and axohormonal buttons is suggested. The ependymal cells are classified into seven types: (1) covering ependymocytes, (2) tanycyt ependymocytes, (3) secretory ependymocytes, (4) ependymocytes-beta, (5) neurosecretory ependymocytes, (6) neurosensorial ependymocytes (crown-like) and (7) supraependymal microgial ependymocytes. A neurohormonal hypothesis and the possible existence of one or more cerebral hormones (neurohormones) are suggested. These hormones would flow into the CSF through some of the ependymal cells (by microapocrine secretion, liberation of neurosecretion granules, or by axohormonal buttons): this could be the most important link in the endocrine system, assuring the functional unity throughout the ventricular system of the cerebrospinal axis which it winds through, although its basic influence is exercised) on the hypophysis level as a vertex of the classical endocrine system.


Histological and histochemical observations on the forestomach of goat during pre-natal life. Non-keratinized, stratified squamous epithelium lined the mucosa of the fore-stomach. The mucosal appendages in the form of ruminal papillae did not develop in the rumen during this study, however, omasal laminae and reticular ribs were evident in groups I and II, respectively. Cytoplasmic accumulations were evident in the middle layer of the epithelium, which is characteristic of this region. The thickness of the epithelium increased constantly in the rumen and reticulum, but in the omasum it remained constant with the increase in the size of the fetus. The corial papillae in the rumen, reticulum and omasum appeared at the 12.7-, 11.5-and 14.6-cm CVR stage, respectively. The muscularis mucosae appeared in the omasum at the 14.6-cm CVR stage in the first-order laminae. The tunica muscularis consisted of spirally arranged muscle fibre bundles. Cross-cut muscle fibre bundles below the tip of the omasal laminae descended downward with the increase in the size of the fetus and continued with the inner circular layer. Acid and alkaline phosphatases and fat could not be observed. The concentration of glycogen in the epithelium was maximum in group III and minimum in group II.


Changes in laser-irradiated retina in the first 24 h after irradiation. Retinas of laser-irradiated mice were studied in the first 24 h after irradiation. Decrease in Na+ and K+ concentrations and in phagosome number and increase in pyknotic cells were observed several hours after irradiation.


The epididymal region of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The epididymal region of the Japanese quail was studied histologically. The organ consists of the extratesticular portion of the rete testis, the ductuli efferentes proximales and distales, the ducti conjugentes and ductus epididymidis. Distinct tubuli recti link the seminiferous tubules with the rete testis. The non-ciliated cells of the ductuli efferentes proximales and distales show, between them, certain internal structural differences which were highlighted. In 40% of the birds, the ductus deferens showed dark-grey pigments, regarded as melanin. The epididymal region was generally similar in structure to that of the domestic fowl, turkey and duck.


Histochemical study on the innervation of the heart of Pteropus giganteus. Histochemical study of the innervation of the heart of the Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus has been made using Coupland and Holmes' technique for cholinesterase. Distribution of nerve plexuses in the heart wall has been described. Nerve cells, nerve endings and various types of synapses have been reported. Specialized muscle fibres are found to contain less nerve fibres and conduction of the impulse of contraction is reported to take place through muscle fibres.


[Fiber analysis of human ventral and dorsal roots on the basis of different acetylcholinesterase activity]. Marked differences in the AChE activity of myelinated nerve fibers of ventral and dorsal roots could be established in human post mortem material. After a fixation time of 3 h and a critical incubation period of 24 h, in the mean 96% of the myelinated ventral root but only 4% of dorsal root fibers showed reaction product, detectable by the light microscope. The percentage of stained fibres varies, to some extent, in the different segments. Groups of very thin myelinated fibres within the ventral roots between the segments C-8 and L-3, showing a conspicuous high enzyme activity, are interpreted as pre-ganglionic sympathetic fibres; similar elements in the sacral ventral roots may represent parasympathetic fibres. The method of Karnovsky, applied under conditions established in this study, can be used for analysis of fibre types in a given human peripheral nerve.


Microdensitometry of acetylcholinesterase in subfields of the hippocampal pyramidal layer and fascia dentata. A quantitative acetylcholinesterase enzyme-histochemical study was performed with microdensitometric methods in the hippocampus of the rat in order to correlate this enzymatic activity with the different zones of the hippocampal pyramidal layer. Higher values of acetylcholinesterase activity were found in the CA3 pyramidal zone. CA1 and CA4 showed the same activity, while the stratum oriens at CA3 showed the highest values among the hippocampal layers studied. The results were correlated with differences in septal afferences.


Micro-indentation hardness studies on human bones. Bones from different portions of human skeleton are polished and cut to suitable sizes and then subjected to micro-indentation at various loads using Vicker's diamond pyramidal indenter. The Vicker's hardness number is found to differ slightly from portion to portion of the skeleton. Interferometric studies of the indentation reveal that the applied stress of indentation causes a 'pile-up' of material near the corners of the pyramidal indents.


Effect of X-rays on Xenopus tadpoles.

Effect of X-rays on Xenopus tadpoles. Irradiation of Xenopus tadpoles may cause precocious metamorphosis related to deprivation of food caused by gut damage. This makes the interpretation of the effects of X-rays on individual organs systems, such as the gonads, difficult.