Clinical examinations of the ovaries and cervix of the sow. The clinical anatomy and changes in the cervix and ovaries were studied by dissection of five sows and by rectal palpation during oestrous cycles, pregnancy, lactation and in the period after weaning. On 52 occasions sows were examined before laparotomy or slaugher to determine the accuracy of clinical examination of the ovaries. Ovarian structures were correctly identified in 87 of the 104 ovaries examined. In four sows accidental or deliberate rupture of follicles during rectal examination resulted only in an apparent shortening of oestrous in one sow.


Toxoplasmosis in coypu.

Toxoplasmosis in coypu. Serological studies indicate that toxoplasmosis is a common infection in coypus now established in Norfolk. A strain of Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from an animal which had shown a high titre to the dye test for toxoplasma antibodies. This was similar to the many tissue cyst producing strains which are of low virulence for most of the small laboratory animals. Congenital toxoplasmosis was proved in a litter born to one of the coypus during captivity. Superinfection occurred when animals, previously infected with a strain of low virulence, were given a challenge of the highly virulent RH strain, but coypus are so resistant that the latter strain caused no apparent illness even in previously uninfected seronegative animals. Antibodies developed to titres of 1:100,000 or more and, at lower levels, persisted for at least a year.


[Changes in the calcium phosphorus and magnesium content in the blood serum of cows during calving]. A total of 447 cows were investigated during the dry period, the period following calving, and the period of intense lactation, once each time, and other 55 cows were subjected to systemic periodical examinations in the last month prior to calving and up to the tenth day after it. It was found that the content of serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus dropped in the first days following calving in most of the animals. In about 30% of the cows calcium and inorganic phosphorus dropped as low as the lower physiologic threshold. The blood serum magnesium likewise dropped after calving, however, in the greater part of the investigated animals it remained within the normal range. The alkaline phosphatase activity became slightly weaker in the first days after calving, but in some of the cows the level of the alkaline phosphatase was lower in the period post partum.


[Diagnostic value of the allergy test and precipitation reaction for the intravital diagnosis of trichinelliasis in swine]. A total of twenty-two experimentally infected pigs, presenting from 250 to 12000 Trichinellae per kilogram body weight, were studied by the skin allergy test, the tube precipitation reaction, and the double gel diffusion technique after Ouchterlony in the course of one year following infection. Use was made of a Trichinella antigen obtained by the Tanner and Gregory's modified method. Unspecific allergy reactions were observed in 2.04% of 104 control pigs, and 2 of the infected ones did not react to the antigen diluted 1:1000. To decrease the cases of unspecific reactions a suggestion was made to extend the antigen from 1:5000 to 1:10000 and to read the result of the reactions not earlier than the 45th min. after injecting the antigen and the physiologic saline. The precipitation reaction proved positive in a comparatively short period--up to the fourth month of infection, and in sporadic cases up to the 7 1/2 month. Unspecific precipitation was observed in 18.7% of a total of 53 control sera. Ouchterlony's diffusion technique was shown to be specific, revealing trichinellosis in the animals from the 15th to the 365th day after the infection had been carried out. It was most markedly expressed from the 30th to the 120th day. It is suggested to use the skin allergy test on farms with a record of swine trichinelloses, all positively reacting pigs being serologically studied after Ouchterlony.


[Pathomorphological studies of the infections manifested in swine after vaccination with lapinized strain K vaccine against hog plague]. Pigs that had died after vaccination with a lapinized K strain of the swine fever virus at the persistence of another infection showed morphologic and histopathologic changes that were largely similar to those observed in cases of classic hog cholera. The difference consisted in the frequence and intensity of the lesions. Histopathologically essential proved the investigation of the brain. The latter usually presents a prevailing activation and hyperplasia of the capilary endothelium, while in classic swine fever there are lesions chiefly observed in the mesenchymal tissue with the formation of perivascular lymphoid-cell prolierations.


[Thin-layer chromatographic determination of coumarin derivatives]. Described is a thin-layer chromatography method for the demonstration and identification of the cumarin derivatives cumaphos and warfarin. Tested were five solvents and six developers. Best results were obtained by means of Silica gel plates, the toluol-aceton solvent (85:15), and the developer of a diazosalt 0.4% in an alcohol 20% sodiumhydroxide. Warfarin and cumaphos are demonstrated with the appearance of yellow, resp. orange spots on a white background, the RF values being 0.37 and 0.85, and sensitivity as regards warfarin 0.5 microgram and cumaphos 0.2 microgram.


[Study of the taste sensitivity of dairy product tasters]. The study in terms of age, sex, and tobacco smoking has shown that 45% of the experts engaged in the organoleptic evaluation of dairy products more or less manifest so-called gustatory daltonism with regard to the four basic tastes. Non-smokers are shown to percept lower concentrations of the tested solutions, while in older persons and smokers there is certain deadening of the taste sensitivity. Taste organs manifest strongest sensitivity to bitter substances and a weakest one to saulty products, so people participating in the organoleptic evaluation of food should be periodically examined to check their sensory minimum.


[Studies of the chronic toxicity of mold pectinase]. Studied was the action of mould pectinase produced in this country, using Asp. niger. Rats and guinea pigs were subject to the testing through continuous oral treatment. The preparation was mixed with feed at 0.1 and 0.2 ratio percents (1000 and 2000 ppm)--with the rats for a period of 90 days, and with the guinea pigs--in the course of 180 days. It was found that the enzyme preparation stimulates the growth (more strongly expressed in rats), showing no adverse effect on the appetite and behaviour as well as on the tested clinical and biochemical indices of the blood and urine and the structure and development of viscera and the reproductive capacity of the test animals. The positive effect on the growth of animals is explained by the better utilization of the nutrient components of the ration, and the harmlessness of the preparation--by its weak resorption in the digestive tract (resorption index 13) and the fact that it is not able to attack animal tissues having no pectin substances.


[Occurrence and etiology for subclinical mastitis in cows]. Studied were a total of 16,571 cows on 89 farms by means of the Bernburg test. Milk was sampled from the positively reacting quarters of the udder by taking 18,047 samples intended for bacteriologic investigation. The demonstration of mastitis streptococci was carried out on "TKT" agar Merk, of pathogenic staphylococci, hemolytic streptococci, and Corinebacteria--on dextrose agar Oxoid containing 7.5% citrated calf blood. The isolated hemolytic streptococcus bacteria from the two nutrient media were differentiated through the CAMP test as well as serologically by the precipitation agar gel and Difco sera. The pathogenicity of Staphylococcus bacteria, in addition through hemolysis, was tested by the use of plasma coagulase with citrated rabbit plasma. In 53.95% of the cases there were secretory lesions due to Sc. agalactiae (6.23%) to Sc. dysgalactiae (5.69%) to Sc. uberis (8.47%), to Staph. aureus (2.44%), to hemolytic streptococci of the C, G and L groups (0.28%), to Sc. viridans (0.03%), to Corynebacterium pyogenes (0.41%), and catarrhal mastitis (30.4%). Some of the causative agents, such as Sc. agalactiae, Staph. aureus, and others have proved of epidemiologic importance to humans.


Accidental transfusion of blood containing HBsAg or anti-HBs. The presence of HBsAg and anti-HBs was tested in 2,099 surgery patients and in the blood left in 3,157 flasks after transfusion. It was found that accidental transfusion of HBsAg-containing blood had occurred. The 30 patients in which seropositivity correlations between recipients and transfused blood could be established were followed up clinically and serologically at 3, 6 and 12 months after transfusion. Out of the 13 initially seropositive patients 5 showed clinical or subclinical symptoms of viral hepatitis (V.H.). Most of the recipients of HBsAg-containing blood developed a biological response consisting in the appearance of either V.H. or anti-HBs. An increased number of fatal cases was recorded among recipients of anti-HBs-containing blood within 1 to 16 days post transfusion.


The experience of the "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institue of Virology in the preparation of administration of inactivated influenza vaccines applicable by nasal or oral route. Studies conducted for over 20 years allowed the authors to accumulate a rich experience in the production and administration of an inactivated influenza vaccine applicable by nasal and oral route, prepared in the "Stefan S. Nicolau" Institute of Virology. Applied as a monovalent in a single dose of 1000 IU, the vaccine induced seroconversion of 70% of the vaccines and ensured a 2--4-fold decrease in influenza morbidity. Owing to these qualities the vaccine represents one of the most advantageous preparations used in influenza prophylaxis.


[Differential diagnosis between pyometra and tumor of the uterine body after radiotherapy of cervical cancer]. Clinico-morphological data on 25 patients are presented, in whom within the terms from 7 months to 25 years following radiotherapy for cervical cancer an increased size of the uterine body was noted, the latter would practically be induced either by recurrent tumor growth (in 13 patients), or primary-multiple tumor-adenocarcinoma (in 6 patients), or mixed mesodermal tumor (5 patients).


[Incidence of precancerous changes in the hormone-dependent organs of women with ovarian dysfunction]. The authors present the results of studies on the state of the endometrium and mammary glands in patients with three most frequently occurred forms of menstrual cycle disorders (185-with dysfunctional uterine bleeding, 104-with oligo-opsomenorrhea, 104-with secondary amenorrhea). It is found that disturbances in the ovarian hormonal function result in the development of hyperplastic processes in the endometrium in 62.2% of patients, and in the mammary gland--in 55.7%. In dysfunctional uterine bleeding hyperplastic processes develop mainly in the endometrium (94.5%), while mammary glands are more seldom involved in the pathological process (57.6%). In oligo-opsomenorrhea and secondary amenorrhea dishormonal affections more frequently occur in mammary glands (64.5% and 43.6% accordingly) compared with the endometrium, where dysplasia and atrophic changes prevail. The correction of the ovarian function disorders in due course leads to considerable reduction of the incidence of dyshormonal lesions in receptory organs, many of which should be considered as precancer.


[Morphology and histogenesis of ovarian endometriosis as potential precancerous condition]. In the literature, the problems of the histology, morphogenesis and malignant transformation of ovarian endometriosis are being elucidated but rather contradictory. The author's personal study is based on the examination of operative materials from 228 patients. There was found heterogenicity of the microscopic structure of ovarian endometriosis, and its following variants were revealed: a) in relation to the growth-progressive, stable, regressive malignant; b) in relation to the spread-focal, diffuse, unilateral, bilateral, with extraovarian dissemination, without extraovarian dissemination; c) in relation to the morphology-glandular, adenocystic, cystic, stromal. A detailed morphological characteristic is given of malignant transformation of ovarian endometriosis, observed in 26 cases.


[Substantiation of prognosis in cancer of the vulva]. Based on the analysis of clinico-morphological findings in 302 patients with cancer of the vulva, the author pinpoints further the prognostic value of the factors characterizing the peculiar features of primary tumor and its local and regional spread. The 5-year survival was noted in 56.3%. The prognosis is found to be worse in a decreased degree of tumor histological differentiation, its localization in the clitoris region, in endophytic growth, the increased perimeter and infiltration of underlying tissues, and if regional lymph nodes are involved by metastases.


[Diagnostic difficulties in primary extraperitoneal pelvic tumors]. On the basis of the experience of the vascular surgery department of the A.V. Vishnevsky Surgery Institute the author explains some difficulties in the diagnostics of the primary extra-peritoneal pelvis tumours.


[Tumors in BALB C mice after transplacental exposure to N-nitrosoethylurea in progenesis]. In the experiments with transplacental exposure of mice to N-nitrosoethyl urea (NEU) an enhanced carcinogenesis was noted not only in the first but also in the second generation. This effect in mice of the second generation was manifested in earlier development, as compared with control animals, of different neoplasms as well as in somewhat increased frequency of their detection. Postnatal exposure to NEU would enhance carcinogenesis in mice of both experimental and control groups, whereas no enhancement of carcinogenesis was observed in animals exposed to NEU in progenesis, compared with control mice. Postnatal x-ray irradiation also failed to produce enhanced carcinogenesis, compared with control animals i.e. those exposed to NEU in progenesis. While in female mice of the same group, contrary to the control, ovarian tumors under the effect of irradiation did not arise. It is suggested that there is a pathogenic connection between the inheritance of carcinogenic effect by oocytes and the loss by the ovary its capacity to produce neoplasms in response to irradiation.


[Evaluation of the parameters of asymptotic curves of tumor growth]. Formulae are given for estimation of the parameters of mathematical dependencies being equivalent to y=a+bcx (Hompertz equation, logistic function, etc) according to experimental findings. Estimates of the parameters, obtained by means of the formulae involved, meet the requirements of the minimum squares method, their precision closely approximating that of the iteration method for an electronic computer.


[Kinetic study of the effect of N-nitroso-N-alkylurea on the development of leukemia L1210]. A comparative kinetic study of antitumor activity of seven alkyl derivatives of nitrosourea in the process of ascites leucosis L 1210 was undertaken. The efficacy was estimated on the basis of determining the coefficient of inhibition chi and the increase of an average survival of treated mice. The tumor was found to be mostly sensitive to nitroso derivatives containing chloroethyl groups--1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, 1-(2-chloroethyl)-(3-cyclohexil)-1-nitrosourea, 1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(4-methylcyclohexil)-1-nitrosourea. 1-nitroso-1-methylbiuret and 1-nitroso-1-methylurea proved to be highly effective too, while 1,3-dimethyl-1-nitrosourea and 1,3-diethyl-1-nitrosourea were found to be insignificantly effective.


[Immunologic reactions in cervical cancer]. Under study were immunological indices--the reaction of microprecipitation (tumor and embryonal antigens) and HRDT (tumor and tuberculine antigens) in 305 patients with cancer of the uterine cervix. It was found that most patients showed impaired immune responses: an increased number of persons with specific antibodies circulating in blood serum and increased hypersensitivity of of delayed type. The percentage of positive reactions of microprecipitation and HRDT increases as the tumor spreads. The methods of combined therapy generally improve immunological indices, however, the process starts 1-3 years following the treatment.


[Complex analysis of the actual nutrition and nutritional conditions in the GDR]. In the GDR the nutritional balance is characterized by an excessive consumption of fats and also a slight deficiency of some mineral substances and vitamins. The consumption of food products, the calorific intake and that of nutrients depend upon the sociological structure of the society (workers, employees, collective farmers, pensioners) on the socio-economic factors (income, the household size, number of family members) and upon biological parameters. With greater expenditures on alimentation the actual nutritional pattern generally does not improve. In the GDR 20 per cent of males and 40 per cent women suffer from obesity. From among factors influencing the nutritional status subject to consideration are the sex, age, physical activity and body constitution. Model analyses carried out in GDR helped obtain some indications as to the alimentary habits in people with normal and excessive weight.


[Lipid metabolism disorders in white rats following depression of the anticlotting system by an atherogenic diet]. Experiments conducted with adult rats kept on an therogenic diet for 30 and 45 days demonstrated that with depressed function of the anticoagulation system and developing prethrombotic state of the organism there occur changes in the spectrum of the animals blood serum lipoproteids, namely--an increase of the pre-beta-lipoproteids fraction, the appearance of the chylomicrones fraction and a fall-off of the alpha-lipoproteids fraction. The total content of atherogenic lipoproteids (beta- and pre-beta-lipoproteids) rises by as much as 2-4 times. The depression of the anticoagulation function stemming from alimentary lipemia comes as a menace of forthcoming intravascular thrombogenesis.


[Effect of complete starvation on the concentration of vitamin B12 in several tissues of white rats]. The vitamin B12 content in the liver, kidneys and blood with complete fasting was measured. After 2 days of complete fasting the vitamin B12 concentration was declining, rising again by the 7th day. Its highest concentration was registered in the kidneys, both in normalcy and in complete fasting. With the amount of the vitamin calculated to cover the entire organ the foremost was the liver, both in test animals and in controls.


[Effect of saccharose on the intensity of changes in lipid metabolism in the presence of insufficient protein in the diet]. Experiments set up on rats demonstrated that the use of rations in which the protein content is reduced at the expense of increased proportion of carbohydrates leads to an accretion in the liver of total lipids, triacylglycerines, cholesterol ethers and to a drop of the phosphoglycerides level, accelerated synthesis of triacylglycerines, decelerated synthesis of phosphoglycerides and a slower rate of the lipids elimination from this organ. With an unchanged amount of triacylglycerines the blood demonstrated a reduced radioactivity level of triacylglycerines following introduction of 2-C14 sodium acetate with a concurrent fall of the phosphoglycerides level and lower tag concentration therein. Inclusion of saccharose in the protein-deficient ration was found to aggravate the manifestations of protein deficiency and to result in more substantial digressions of the lipids metabolism study figures.


[Use of new products with increased biologic value for nourishment of school aged children]. Rations in which new protein-rich, fat and cultured milk products are included have been worked out. These products made it possible to enrich the rations with a full-value protein, essential fatty acids, mineral substances and vitamins. Under observation were kept 60 schoolchildren, students of specialized and boarding schools aged from 13 to 16 years. The studies covered their health status, the degree of their fatiguability in the course of learning and the state of some factors characterizing metabolic processes proceeding in their organism. The enrichment of the adolescents' ration with products of an elevated biological value had a beneficial influence on the metabolism, physical development and performance capacity. All this justifies recommending wide use of new protein-rich fat and cultivated milk products in the dietary at boarding schools, account being taken of greater academic and teaching requirements.


[Amino acid composition of lactic acid bacteria]. The amino acid composition of summary proteins in the strains 17, 33, 35 of the lactic acid bacteria cultures was studied in a nutrient medium with an automatic amino acids analyzer manufactured by the firm "Hitachi". The qualitative amino acids composition of various strains in the lactic acid bacteria cultures is identical with a total of 18 amino acids definable therein. As concerns the content of leucine, treonine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, methionine, tryptophan, arginine, glutamic and asparagic acids, as well as proline--the strains 17, 33 and 35 of the lactic acid bacteria cultures practically do not differ from one another.


A comparative analysis of methods suitable for detection of platelet alloantibodies: inhibition of 14C-serotonin uptake, 14C-serotonin release and microcomplement fixation. Three HLA-specific antisera were comparatively analyzed by platelet microcomplement fixation and 14C-serotonin uptake and/or 14C-serotonin release studies with platelets. In general, there was a good correlation of HLA antibody specificity exhibited in all 3 test systems. Quantitative differences in the response of platelets to HLA antisera were observed and accounted for by differences in antigen density and different types of antibodies involved. Platelet autoantibodies could not be detected by means of 14C-serotonin release from platelets in plasma.


The incidence of HLA antigens in leprosy. HLA antigens were studied in 36 patients, with leprosy, 20 cases of lepromatous and 16 cases of tuberculoid type. Eleven out of 36 (30.55%) had BW40 as compared to 9.33% of 150 controls. The frequency of BW40 in tuberculoid patients (31.25%) was not different from that in lepromatous cases (30%).


[Alteration of the biologically active substances of a lipid nature during drying of wheat grain]. The influence exerted by the temperature of the wheat grain heating when it is dried in an "elemental" layeron changes in the content of some biologically active lipid-like substances and of the lipids oxidation products was studied. It was made certain that drying at different temperatures of the grain heating tends to produce material changes in the amount of biologically active substances and the lipids oxidation products. There is observed a drop in the content of carotinoids, phospholipids, of the sum-total and individual forms of tocopherols with simultaneous accumulation of the oxidation products. With rising temperature of heating the grain that undergoes drying the said changes become ever more ostensible.


'How frequent is posttranfusion hepatitis after the introduction of 3rd generation donor screening for hepatitis B? What is its probable nature? Third generation donor screening for hepatitis B is not generally efficacious in reducing PTH B except under certain epidemiological conditions. The nature of the remaining cases of PTH varies from region to region and depends on actual epidemiological circumstances. Cases of HB, transmitted by HBsAg-negative but nevertheless HBV-infectious blood, should be considered as well as cases of HB, transmitted by vehicles other than transfusion-blood, but confusingly also classified as PTH. Hepatitis A and hepatitis due to agents not yet identified occurring in blood recipients need further investigation. In such cases it remains an open question too, whether the disease is mainly transmitted with the transfusion-blood or by other vehicles, associated with large and long-lasting wounds or hospital environments as closely as blood transfusions are.


[Fatty acid and phospholipid content of the meat of domesticated reindeer]. Data on the composition of fatty acids in the visceral, subcutaneous and intra-muscular fat and also of phospholipids in the muscular tissue of freshly frozen reindeer meat (venison) are presented. It is noted that the intra-muscular lipids in the meat of the young stock are richer as concerns the qualitative composition of phospholipids and contain more of the linoleic acid, whereas a reduced nourishing of adult reindeers brings with it a fall in the amount of decitins and an increase in the content of the stearic acid.


Immunochemical studies of infectious mononucleosis. VII. Isolation and partial characterization of a glycopeptide from bovine erythrocytes. The major sialoglycopeptide released from bovine erythrocytes by papain has been purified and characterized. The glycopeptide contains 82% by weight carbohydrate in molar ratios of galactose - 5.5:N-acetylglucosamine - 3.6:sialic acid - 2.6:N-acetylgalactosamine - 1.0. The carbohydrate and amino acid composition is quite different from the glycoprotein extracted from bovine erythrocyte stroma with hot 75% ethanol. The glycopeptide is devoid of reactivity with Paul-Bunnell heterophile antibody of infectious mononucleosis - an activity expressed to high degree on the bovine erythrocyte and associated with glycoprotein. The glycopeptide does react, however, with another antibody found in infectious mononucleosis as well as most normal human sera tested.


[Effect of different kinds of heat treatment on the concentration of thiamine and riboflavin in peeled, whole buckwheat]. In all types of treatment thiamine is susceptible to greatest changes. With hydrothermal treatment (HTT) the losses of thiamine amounted to 5.65-8.50 per cent, depending on its variety. The cooking of unground buckwheat originating from such cereals was attended by further losses of thiamine, within the range of 9.07 up to 14.15 per cent, depending upon the variety of the grain. The loss of thiamine was highest in cooking unground buckwheat originating form raw grain, it being within the range of 16.35 up to 19.14 per cent, also depending on the variety of buckwheat. With different procedures in heat treatment riboflavine displayed a greater stability. The HTT was attended by insignificant losses of riboflavine--from 1.09 to 3.96 per cent. The riboflavine losses were found to be highest during subsequent cooking of unground buckwheat of the "Gloria" variety. When cooking groats of raw buckwheat the riboflavine losses are greater than in the case of the grain subjected to the HTT.


Specific antibodies for desialized M and N blood group antigens. Antisera obtained by immunizing rabbits with desialized M and N blood group glycoproteins (M' and N' glycoproteins) agglutinate desialized erythrocytes and precipitate desialized glycoproteins, but they do not react with sialic acid containing erythrocytes or glycoproteins. By absorption of anti-M' serum with N' glycoprotein, and of anti-N' serum with M' glycoprotein, reagents specifically agglutinating M' or N' erythrocytes were obtained. The absorbed anti-M' and anti-N' sera were specifically inhibited by M' or N' glycoproteins, respectively. The results show that sialic acid residues of red cell glycoproteins are not essential for the differentiation of M an N blood group determinants.


Screening of HBs antigen and detection of corresponding antibodies on groupamatic equipment. The widespread utilization of Groupamatic equipment for routine immunohaematological tests has increased the demand for serological procedures that can be performed with this machine. We describe the test method which was developed and with which the detection of HBs antigen has now been carried out routinely for 1 year. It is an automated haemagglutination inhibition reaction which is called GIPHA (Groupamatic inhibition of passive haemagglutination). The sensitivity corresponds to 2 CNTS units, the antigen weight for 1 unit being from 1 to 4 ng. The reproducibility is good; the percentage of false positive reactions is about 0.5% and that of technical problems 0.7%. The additional advantages of the machines are numerous, among which we have the possibility of 11 other simultaneous reactions. One of them is the detection of antibodies against HBs antigen, which is a passive haemagglutination test called PHAG (passive haemagglutination on Groupamatic).


[Determination of folacin in the liver with the use of its enzymes]. A method of instituting hydrolysis by using enzymes of the examined liver is proposed as an adjunct to the formerly elaborated fluorometric procedure of determining folacin in the liver. The fermentative hydrolysis is conducted in two stages. The purpose of the first of them is to split the combined form of folacin under the effect of the examined liver conjugases; the second stage involves transformation of xanthopterin contained in the liver into leucopterin by xanthinoxidase of the liver. When utilizing enzymes of the examined liver the need for producing and application of the enzymatic preparation made of the pig kidneys falls away, this simplifying the fluorometric determination of folacin in the liver and increasing its accuracy.


Osmotic fragility changes in preserved blood: measurements by coil planet centrifuge and parpart methods. The coil planet centrifuge (CPC) can be used to measure the osmotic fragility of erythrocytes. Fragility measured by this method alters when different salts are used. The CPC and Parpart methods were used to measure the changes during storage in red cell osmotic fragility in ACD or CPD blood with or without adenine. More marked changes were detected by the CPC method, especially in old cells. The changes of fragility of erythrocytes during storage seem to occur mainly in old cells. Adenine is effective in preventing such changes.


Blood group A antigen in human erythrocytic membranes and membrane fractions. Erythrocytic membranes from blood group A individuals were assayed for A antigen using a quantitative hemagglutination inhibition technique. The membranes were then extracted for lipid and glycoprotein. Although some A antigen was usually found in the glycoprotein fraction, most of the activity was in the lipid fraction. The sum of A antigen activity in the lipid, glycoprotein, and membrane residue fractions only occasionally was equal to the A activity in the erythrocytic ghosts. However, when certain lipid preparations with little or no A antigen (enhancement factors) were added to the glycolipid fractions, the amount of A antigen demonstrated was usually greatly increased. Under these conditions, the sum of the fractions often was much greater than the A antigen demonstrated in erythrocytic membranes. This suggests that the organization or arrangement of A antigenic determinants in the red cell membrane may not always permit a stoichiometric reaction with anti-A molecules.


Cytotoxins against a granulocyte antigen system: detection by a new method employing cytochalasin-B-treated cells. A method for demonstrating granulocyte cytotoxins using a modified microdroplet dye exclusion technique and cytochalasin-B-treated cells is described. Cytochalasin-B-treated granulocytes were reacted against 223 sera from multitransfused pregnant and renal transplant patients. Incidence of granulocyte cytotoxins was 11.2%. Analysis (2 X 2 contingency tables) of the reactivity of GCT+ sera showed highly significant (p less than 0.001) positive associations among 5 sera and a significant (p less than 0.001) negative association with another serum. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that a granulocyte antigen system is detected by cytotoxins and that granulocyte antigens 'Grl' and 'Gr2' may be products of allelic genes.


BS II lectin: a second hemagglutinin isolated from Bandeiraea simplicifolia seeds with affinity for type III polyagglutinable red cells. BS II lectin, a second hemagglutinin isolated from Bandeiraea simplicifolia seeds, agglutinated the red cells from 11 patients manifesting the 'acquired B' antigen phenomenon. The results of serological studies indicate that this lectin has specificity for the type III polyagglutinable receptors rather than for the 'B-like' antigens present on 'acquired B' red cells. Two other blood samples which did not possess 'acquired B' antigens were also found to react with BS II lectin. Both of these samples were shown to have properties similar to those reported for Tk red cells. The serological characteristics of red cells modified in vitro by a culture broth of Bacteroides fragilis suggest that type III polyagglutinable receptors are identical to those associated with Tk red cells.


ABO blood groups and HBs AG subtypes and titers in healthy carriers. The investigation covered 457 'healthy' HBsAg carriers detected following a screening by CEP. HBsAg in the sera of these subjects were subtyped by ID and titrated by CEP. The results obtained were analyzed according to the cases investigated. Differences were found between the distribution of blood groups among the normal unselected population and among 'healthy' carriers, where the incidence of AB subjects was much higher. The difference was more marked for the carriers of HBsAg/ad.


[Chronic infection of HeLa cells with respiratory syncytial virus]. Chronic infection of HeLa cells with respiratory syncytial virus (HeLa-RS) was produced at a multiplicity of infection of 0.00005 TCD50/cell. During 144 days, 21 passages of HeLa-RS culture were done. The chronically infected cells did not differ from the control culture in the growth pattern and their proliferative activity. The infectious virus was found in the culture fluid with cells at 7 and 14 days after inoculation of the culture. Subsequent attempts at isolation of the infectious virus from the culture fluid and homogenates of the infected cells were fruitless. However, the specific antigen was detected by the immunofluorescence procedure in 17.9-26.0% of cells (6-7 days after cell plating). The number of the infected cells increased after treatment of the culture with 5-iodo-2-deoxyuridine. Passage of HeLa-RS cells in the medium containing specific antibody had no effect on the number of cells containing RS-virus antigen. HeLa-RS cells were moderately resistant to superinfection with RS virus and retained their sensitivity to adenovirus type 3. Out of 9 clones examined 8 were infected. No interferon was found.


[Chronic rabies infection in mice intracerebrally infected with street virus]. Experimental white mice inoculated intracerebrally with street virus developed the clinical form of chronic rabies infection. The duration of clinical manifestations in the animals with the chronic course of the disease was 55 days. In all the cases the disease was fatal. Virological, immunofluorescent and electron microscopic examinations of the brains of these mice have shown that in the chronic form of rabies, in contrast to the acute form, (a) the infectious virus titre is by 4-5 orders lower; (b) the number of fluorescent antigen corpuscules is significantly higher; (c) there is a considerable accumulation of virus "matrices" (aggregates of viral nucleocapsids) in which single virus particles and numerous tubular forms can be detected. No virions of rabies forming on intracellular membranes were found.


[Characteristics of 24S and 35S virus-specific RNA in cells infected with Newcastle disease virus]. The properties of 24S and 35S virus-specific RNAs of Newcastle disease virus were studied after denaturation. It was shown that 60-80% of 24S and 35SRNA consisted of agglomerates of molecules of virus-specific 18S RNA. Undissociable upon denaturation, 24S RNA contained mainly the same components as undenaturated RNA and consisted completely of sequences of virus-specifis 18S RNA. Undissociable 35S RNA contained no "heavy" heterogenous material present in the intact undenaturated RNA and 75% of it consisted os sequences of 18S virus-specific RNA. Some sequences present in undissociable 24S RNA were absent in undissociable 35S RNA. The aggregation of virus-specific na-transcripts and subsequent formation of covalent bonds between transcripts as well as possible formation of "solid" transcripts of the adjacent genes are discussed.


[Virus-specific poli(A)-containing RNA-transcripts in cells infected with Newcastle disease virus]. The techniques of chromatography on poly (U)-cellulose and sedimentation and electrophoresis analysis were used to study poly(A)-containing virus-specific RNA of Newcastle disease virus. The poly(A)-containing molecules were shown to be present in approximately similar amounts (60-80%) in 18S, 24S, and 35S RNA. No poly(A)-containing molecules capable of interaction with poly(U) sepharose were found in 50S RNA. In 18S RNA there are 6 individual poly(A)-containing RNA-transcripts with molecular weights well correlating with those of virus proteins. The average size of poly(A) for 18S and 24S RNA is 60-70 nucleotide residues. In the sedimentation analysis of poly; A)-containing 24S and 35S RNA eluted from poly(U)-columns, some of the material sedimented in the zone of 18S RNA. The presence of complexes of two or several molecules with the sedimentation coefficient 18S in these RNA's is suggested.


[Antigenic drift of current influenza A viruses]. The results of virological and serological study of the influenza epidemic of 1976 revealed a further antigenic drift of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase in current influenza A viruses. One of the features of the A/76 epidemic strains was a marked weakening of antigenic relationships with viruses of the A/Port Chalmers group and a marked relation to chronologically more remote ancestor of the current epidemic subcycle, A/Victoria/72 virus. This gives grounds to consider the new viruses to be the progeny of the latter and not of A/Port Chalmers/73 viruses. The strains of influenza A virus isolated 1 1/2-2 months before the outbreak (November-December, 1975) were typical members of the A/Port Chalmers group and differed markedly from the agents in the epidemic of 1976. This evidence indicates the exogenic, imported origin of the causative agents of the influenza epidemic in 1976 in the USSR.


[Differentiating markers of virulent and attenuated (cold-adapted) strains of influenza A virus]. A high sensitivity of influenza virus to replication at a high temperature and a reduction of the temperature optimum of the neuraminidase activity are important genetic markers correlating with the degree of attenuation for the man. Cold-adapted variants of influenza virus produced in the course of passages at a low (25-28 degrees C) temperature are thermo-sensitive. The passage of the viruses at the optimal temperature (32 degrees C) does not change the range of thermal sensitivity even in variants, harmless for adult persons. The interfering activity of influenza viruses with different levels of human virulence was studied. A considerable portion of the examined cold-adapted strains differs from the original virulent strains in the capacity to interfere with the challenge virus in chick embryo fibroblast cell culture. However some thermosensitive variants as well as original strains do not react in interference tests. This indicates the lack of complete correlation between the interfering activity, thermal sensitivity and human virulence of influenza virus.


[Comparative study of plaque formation by freshly isolated and laboratory strains of rubella virus]. The plaque-forming properties of 8 freshly isolated, 2 attenuated strains, RA 27/3 and Cendehill, and Sp-2 strain adapted to BHK-21/13C cell culture were studied. The concentration of sodium bicarbonate in the agar overlay influenced significantly the plaque production by rubella virus. Its optimum concentration was 0.22%. At higher (0.45%) and very low (0.11%) concentrations of sodium bicarbonate all the strains produced a smaller number of plaques. The strains were found to be sensitive to inhibitors in agar, the sensitivity being manifested in a smaller size of the plaques and reduction in their number. The strains were found to differ in the size and pattern of the plaques produced. Both among fresh isolates and attenuated strains, large-plaque (S+), small-plaque (S-) and S+/- strains were found. The S marker in combination with other markers may be used for differentiation of rubella virus strains.


[Dynamics of accumulation of infectious West Nile virus and viral antigens in experimental infection of mice]. The appearance of the hemagglutinating (HA), complement-fixing (CF) and soluble (S) antigens and infectious virus in the blood and brain of suckling mice inoculated with various doses of West Nile virus was studied. The infectious virus was isolated from the blood and brains of mice as early as 24 hours after inoculation. Its titres increased in parallel in the brain and blood reaching maximum levels by the end of infection. The HA antigen was detected only in the brain at 2-3 days after inoculation. The CF antigen was detected in the blood in a low titre only in the terminal stage of infection; in the brain the CF antigen was detected within 24 hours after infection with a low dose and within 48 hours with a high dose. The S antigen was isolated only from the brain tissue, and in higher titres after infection with a large dose. This may be associated with excess synthesis of the S antigen at a high multiplicity of infection.


[Use of a simplified atomic absorption method for the prophylactic study of manganese in the blood serum]. Manganese content in blood sera of healthy subjects fluctuates within the interval of 0.008 mkg/ml to 0.032 mkg/ml--hence the requirement of especially sensitive methods for manganese determination. Atom-absorption methods are very suitable in this case because a minimal preparation of the sample is required. The authors intended the elaboration of a direct atom-absorption method, tracing manganese content in blood and urine. Manganese content in blood serum is rather close to the detectable minimum for manganese in its determination with the applied two-beam atom-absorption spectro-photometer. In the present work, the results from the prophylactic examinations of workers are presented, being in occupational contact with manganese (occupational-pathological screening) as well as from a control group of practically healthy volunteers--blood donors. Values in the interval 0.1017--0.032 mkg/ml with a standard deviation of 0.003 mkg/ml were obtained for the control group. The group of the workers examined, being in contact with manganese aerosols has an average value of 0.034 mkg/ml. Eighty eight per cent of all examined are in the interval from 0.01--0.05 mkg/ml. The rest 12 per cent work in shops where manganese elimination is higher. The method proposed is productive (up to 100 manganese determinations in diluted 1:1 serum per hour).


[Reproduction and interferogenic activity of togaviruses]. A comparative study of the correlation between reproduction and the interferon-inducing activity of viruses in chick embryo fibroblast cultures was carried out with members of different groups of togaviruses: alphavirus (Venezuelan equin encephalomyelitis viru, VEE) and flavivirus (Saint Louis encephalitis virus, SLE). The correspondence between cycles of accumulation of intracellular and extracellular viruses and the dynamics of interferon production the synthesis of which began early in the stage of exponential virus growth and correlated with the dynamics of their reproduction, was determined. Reproduction of the viruses was found to be directly dependent upon the multiplicity of infection; optimal infecting doses for the induction of the largest amounts of interferon were established. The calculations of the reproductive activity of VEE and SLE viruses showed their yield per one cell to be approximately 10,000 PFU and 1,000 LD50, respectively. Partial thermal inactivation of the viruses resulted in decreased yields of the infectious virus and interferon production. The regimen of thermal inactivation at which infectivity was lost completely, but the interferon-inducing capacity was retained probably due to residual synthesis of viral RNA was established for VEE virus. From the fact that the pattern of realization of genetic information is similar for both viruses, a similar mechanism of interferon synthesis induction is assumed.


[Comparative study of the antiviral activity of rimantadine and bonafton]. The results of the study on toxicity and the antiviral activity of bonaphthone and rimantadine are presented. A high toxicity of bonaphthone for developing chick embryos was demonstrated, the maximum non-toxic dose of bonaphthone being about 10 microgram/embryo, while for rimantadine it was above 1000 microgram/embryo. In white mice, however, the toxicity of these two drugs was approximately similar. The minimal single lethal dose for mice by the oral route was 400-500 mg/kg for rimantadine and bonaphthone, by the intraperitoneal route 65 mg/kg for bonaphthone and 125 mg/kg for rimantadine. Bonaphthone had a slight prophylactic activity protecting mice inoculated with A2/Bethesda/63 influenza virus. The index of effectiveness of bonaphthone was about 40%, that of rimantadine under similar experimental conditions over 90%. Bonaphthone had no therapeutic effect. It inhibited multiplication of A2/Hong Kong/68 influenza virus in the lungs of mice inoculated with minimal doses of the virus, but was inactive in case of infection of mice with A/Port Chalmers/73 virus. Thus, the comparative study of bonaphthone and rimantadine revealed no superiority of bonaphthone.


[Anatomical and functional evaluation before and after the operative treatment of mitral stenosis via echocardiography]. A confrontation was made of the echocardiographic data and the operation findings in 33 patients with "pure" mitral stenosis confirmed by catheterization and intraoperation. A significant correlation was found between the decelerated movement rate of the diastolic part of the anterior mitral cusp (E--F) and the mitral stenosis degree. The not negligible diagnostic value upon the position of the posterior mitral cusp during diastole is stressed--forward of the horizontal, passing through point C of the mitral closing, as well as upon the size of the left ventricle. The correlation between the valvular calcinosis, established by the echocardiogram and that, established at the operation proved to be poor.


[Electron microscopic study of the structure of cholera bacteriophage serotype II]. The methods of electron microscopy and optic difraction were used to determine the main parameters of the structural organization of cholera bacteriophage of serotype II. The virions of the phage under study were found to consist of a capsid of icosahedral shape and 77.4 X 66.1 nm in size, formed of 252 morphological subunits and having the cavity volume of 76.3 X 10(3) nm3. A process of 94.8 nm in length adheres to the capsid, with a shell capable of contractions, of 85.6 nm in length, 20.6 nm in width, containing 60 morphological subunits. The shell covers the central core of 8.9 nm in diameter. The optic difraction revealed the helical type of symmetry of the process structure and its main parameters.


[Effect of exogenous interferon on the course of latent oncornavirus infection of J-96 cells]. The effect of exogenous leukocyte interferon on the course of chronic oncornavirus infection of lymphoblastoid J-96 cells chronically producing type B virus was studied. By means of radio-isotope analysis and electron microscope examinations it was shown that upon long-term passage of the cells (18-34 passages) in the presence of interferon (10 units/ml) the process of virion formation in the cells was inhibited 2.0-4.4-fold and virus budding to a lower extent (1.6-2.7-fold). Interferon exerted no inhibiting effect on the formation of intracytoplasmic virions of type A. The employment of KC-test showed the oncornavirus produced by J-96 cells in the presence of interferon to have retained its biological activity, being able to induce synthesis of the indicator KC cells. Examination of the cell membranes by electrophoresis in polyacryl amide gel showed that interferon contributed to accumulation of glycoproteins with high molecular weights (115 000, 100 000 and 68 ooo daltons) in this cell fraction. Simultaneously the experimental cells were found to have 2-3-fold increased amount of inter-species group-specific antigen of Mason-Pfizer virus. The mechanism of action of interferon on multiplication of J-96 cell oncornavirus is discussed.


[Relationship between manifestation of hyporeactivity (tolerance) in interferon production and the presence of a viral interferon inductor in the cells of the tolerant animal]. Experiments revealed parallelism between the duration of the main manifestations of the hyporeactivity phenomenon (tolerance) in interferon induction and the duration of detection of a masked infection with the inducer virus (Newcastle disease virus) in peritoneal exudate cells of tolerant mice. It was also shown that after contact of chick fibroblasts with a dose of interferon which completely inhibited replication of vesicular stomatitis virus infecting the cells this virus was found in the cells in the masked form. Persistence of a virus interferon inducer in the masked form appears to play a significant role in the mechanism of tolerance as well as creation in the interferon-treated cells of conditions for masking viruses infecting these cells.


[Atypical hypoxic changes in the T wave]. Three patients with clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction are described, whose cardiograms are characterized by a transitory positivation of the negative T-waves. The confrontation of those changes with the clinical picture reveals that the transitory positivation of the T-wave coincides with the clinical and paraclinical signs of intensification of the myocardial hypoxia (pain, collapse, enzyme positivation). The possible electrophysiological mechanisms are discussed that could explain the transitory positivation of the negative T-waves, as a manifestation of the intensified ischemia.


[Ischemic heart disease as a cause of death in occupational groups of workers]. The authors studied the ischemic heart disease spread as a lethality cause in 5673 workers, retired due to a disease (general, occupational disease and accident). The workers in 2.9 per cent were found to die of ischemic heart disease with a 15 years length of service and at the age of 60. The miners die in 0.2 per cent of ischemic heart disease, teachers--in 5.1 per cent, drivers--8.9 per cent, engineers (management personnel)--in 13.5 per cent etc. The deceased of ischemic heart disease in 2 per cent have worked in favourable working conditions, in 13 per cent--in contact with poisons, in 20 per cent--with unfavourable microclimate, in 41 per cent with mental work etc. The work in unfavourable working conditions and nervous-psychic strain was proved to appear as a risk factor for the origination of ischemic heart disease.


[Cardiocirculatory complications and ECG changes in patients operated on for severe deformations of the anterior chest wall]. After a brief literature review on the indidence of these diseases, the authors present a comprehensive analysis of a group of 117 patients, operated and treated by them, for the period from 1968 t0 1975 includ. They discuss in details the cardiocirculatory complications and ECG changes in those patients undergone operations for severe deformities of the anterior chest wall. Their observations and results obtained are well illustrated in three tables. Furthermore, they try to explain why those electrocardiographic changes do no disappear after the carried out operation treatment. Finally, they propose the inclusion of a new stage in the operation treatment of these patients, being a significant contribution to the operation treatment and the definite elimination of ECG changes.


[Nephroptosis in the etiopathogenesis of vasorenal hypertension]. Forty three patients with nephroptosis, complicated by hypertension were examined (4 males and 39 females), aged from 18 to 60. Permanent hypertension was found in nine of them (21%), and renovasographically--organic renal-arterial stenosis at the nephroptosis side was established. After the failure of the conservative treatment, those patients had all the indications for operation. Seven of the patients underwent the operation and only in one woman patient--nephrectomy was performed, and in all the rest six patients--reconstructive revascularization and nephropexy. The follow-up of the operated patients so far reveals a very favourable effect upon the hypertension syndrome after the operation.


[Carcinoplacental alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes in malignant neoplasms]. A screening method for carcinoplacental alkaline phosphatase (CPAP) has been developed on the following principle: following the inactivation at 56 degrees C for sixty minutes, the sera with a residual activity are incubated in the presence of 5 mM L-phenylalanine. In case of L-phenylalanine inactivation by more than 60 per cent the serum is considered CPAP positive. Of 184 cancer patients 28 or 15.2 per cent were CPAP positive in the following order of malignancies: colon (46%), ovary (33%), liver (30%), stomach (16%), rectum (11%) and lungs (5.6%). By additional inhibition with 1 mM EDTA and acrylamide electrophoresis the "variant" of AP Regan was disclosed in two patients with primary and secondary cancer of the liver, respectively.


[Histological, histochemical and x-ray angiographic studies of the blood circulation in the myocardium in cardiac infarct]. The hearts of 11 necropsy cases--nine with myocardial infarction and two with pulmonary embolia were investigated--histologically, histochemically and roentgenoangiographically. The author recommends, for the complete investigation of myocardium blood circulation, a successive filling of the heart vascular system, first of all with Indian ink-gel mass--for to follow up the microcirculation state and then--with roentgen-contrast mixture of Hauch and Tolgskaja--for to establish the changes in the large arterial vessels. Severe microcirculation disorders in the cardiac muscle were found in acute myocardial infarction, involving all heart segments, manifested with focal phenomena of stasis with ischemic changes in myofibres. With the establishment of a similar microcirculatory picture in pulmonary embolia, the author explains the differential-diagnostic difficultes in those two states. The thromb-formation in small arterial and venous vessels in those regions, developing on the background of a blood stasis with a consequent hypoxy of the vessel wall is stressed to be of importance for the intensification of the changes in the ischemic zone and for the widening of the necrotic area in case of fresh myocardial infarction. These observations support the application of anticoagulants and fibrinolytics as an important prophylactic measure against myocardial infarction in stenocardiac paroxysms and against the extension of the necrosis in an already developed infarction. The poor vascular, especially microcirculatory, network in the area of the postinfarction cicatrices is admitted to be the most likely cause for the frequent development of repeated infarctions in the preserved among and around them myofibres.


[Study of the proliferative activity of the bone marrow cells in hypoplastic anemia and acute leukemia]. Autoradiographic investigations were carried out on bone marrow cells with thymidine H3 in patients with hypoplastic anemia and acute leukosis in hypoplastic phase. In all patients with hypoplastic anemia a considerable decrease of the labelled cells per cent was observed and in four of the patients in a period of exacerbation, two--in remission--no labelled cells were found. In patients with hypoplastic phase of acute leukosis the proliferative activity was absent. The injury of the bone marrow in case of hypoplastic anemia is supposed to occur at the different stages of hemopoesis.


[Urea determination in biological fluids with diethylglyoxime]. A method of urea determination in biological fluids is presented--dimethylglyoxim variant of carbamide-diacetyl reaction of Fearon. The simple procedure, the good reproducibility (s--0.66--0.96; V--2, 68--3,71%) and accurary (L=0.079, p greater than 0.05), the high detectability of the substance added (98.3%--100.6%) and the correlation with the method of Ceriotti-Spandric (r=o, 0,9572--0,9901; t=0,0393, p greater than 0,10) are good characteristics, allowing to be recommended to the clinical diagnostic laboratories.


[Possibility of studying the specific stimulation-conduction system of the heart]. The author carried out a survey on a new method for functional diagnostics--recording of the Hiss bundle potentials. The investigation method is described as well as the normal values of electrogram of the Hiss bundle. The clinical significance of the most important indications for the investigation are discussed, namely: 1. Various forms of atrio-ventricular and ventricular disorders of the stimulation-conductivity process. 2. Indistinct rhythm disorders. 3. Diagnostics of the paranodal stimulation conductivity. 4. Pharmacological studies.


[Immunological indices in chronic liver diseases]. The study aimed at the confrontation of the results from the investigation of the immunoglobulines G, M, and A (IgG, IgM and IgA), the test for spontaneous rosette formation and the determination of Australian antigen (HBsAg) in 110 patients with chronic liver disease (liver steatosis, chronic persisting hepatitis,  chronic aggressive hepatitis and liver cirrhosis). The diagnosis was morphologically confirmed and some of the patients were repeatedly examined. No significant interrelations among the three main classes of immunoglobulines were established in the majority of the groups of chronic liver diseases, speaking for the individual information, carried by the separate immunoglobuline classes. Correlation was established between IgG and IgM in chronic active hepatitis. The mean values of IgG and IgM are considerably higher in cases with splenomegaly. IgG is more often increased when the patients are carriers of HBsAg, being in agreement with the contemporary concepts about the differences in immune pathological mechanism in chronic liver diseases, with and without HB5-antigenemia.


[Diagnostic problems of viral hepatitis]. The diagnosis of viral hepatitis was not confirmed in 2976 (22.79%) out of the admitted to the hospital patients for a period of 15 years. What impresses is the percentage growth for the last several years, reaching to 30. This, on one hand is associated with the greater exigence of HEI and with the strong fear of that disease as well as with the improved diagnostic possibilities of the infectious diseases wards on the other. In fact, almost all patients with icterus were admitted to infectious diseases wards, where the differential diagnosis of icterus was made. The first place among the false diagnoses is occupied by liver-bile diseases, progressing with icterus-50.81%, (cholelithiasis-29%, carcinoma-11%, cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis, steatosis, cholangiohepatitis, pancreatitis, etc-10.8%). Second, according to incidence, come the gastrointestinal diseases-13.51%, grippe and grippe-like diseases-13.44%, lung diseases-5.21%, blood-3.80%, heart-3.16%, toxic hepatitis 3.26%, etc. Thirty cases of infectious mononucleosis with icterus are reported as well as 17 patients with liver etzymopathies, syndrome of Dublin--Johnson--6 and Gilbert--Meulengracht syndrome--11. Viral hepatitis diagnosis is not always easy and in many cases it requires a complex of laboratory and other investigations and many years of experience. However, the false diagnosis could be reduced with more than a half with the careful consideration of the epidemic situation, anamnestic and clinical data.


[Gastric secretion in diabetes].

[Gastric secretion in diabetes]. Gastric secretion was investigated in 26 patients, mainly with mature age diabetes and mixed type after a maximal stimulation with pentagastrin (6 microgram/kg). No significant difference was established as compared with the healthy subjects. Hypo- and achlorhydria were found in 19.2 per cent of the patients and hyperchlorhydria in 15.4 per cent. Diabetes duration over 5 years, hyperglycemia over 200 mg%, late degenerative syndrome and insulin treatment reduce significantly the majority of the indices of gastric secretion.


[Rheumatoid arthritis among the rural population of southern Bulgaria (transitory morbidity established using the Rome and New York diagnostic criteria)]. Examinations of 5021 subjects (2779 females and 2242 males) were carried out with a view to rheumatoid arthritis. En masse examinations of the population over the age of 20 were carried out in eight villages of South Bulgaria. Making use of the Roman diagnostic criteria, rheumatoid arthritis--probable form, was found in 1.47 per cent of the males and 1.40 per cent of the females (mean for both sexes-1.43%), confirmed form (including the classical) in 0.80 per cent of the males and 1.12 per cent of the females (a total of 0.98% for both sexes). With two positive New York diagnostic criteria are 1.12 per cent of the males and 1.30 per cent of the females (a total of 1.21% for both sexes). With three and four positive New York criteria are 0.45 per cent of the males and 0.76 per cent of the females (a total of 0.62% for both sexes). Only 60 per cent of the subjects with confirmed (including the classical) rheumatoid arthritis are with three or four New York diagnostic criteria. The Roman diagnostic criteria define sometimes subjects with polyarthritis as patients with rheumatoid arthritis, whereas New York criteria fail to detect the cases with rheumatoid arthritis with asymmetric joint involvement.


[Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase in epidemic hepatitis]. The carried out investigations on 70 patients with epidemic hepatitis, 52 of them treated with prednisolon and 18-symptomatically revealed the following: the normal alkaline phosphatase, established prior to the treatment, was elevated with the applied prednisolon treatment and showed no significant alteration in the patients without cortico-therapy. No correlation was found between leukocyte alkaline phosphatase and serum alkaline phosphatase transaminase, serum bilirubin and thymol test. No relationship was found between the severity of the ailment course and the leukocyte alkaline phosphatase.


[Study of thyroid function and glycemia in Klinefelter's  syndrome]. Twenty six patients with Kleinfelter syndrome were examined with the following tests being made use of: 1. J131 cumulation in thyroid gland. 2. Glycemia prior to and post loading with 100 g glucose at the 0 minute, 60th minute, 120th minute and 180th minute. 3. Dosage of protein conjugated iodine in blood. 4. Perchlorate test. 5. Dosage of thyroid hormone of blood level by radioimmunologic method. The results correlate withthe normal values of iodine cumulation and protein conjugated iodine as well as with the negative perchlorate test. The thyrotropic hormone level shows a tendency towards moderate elevation, without significant statistical correlation. No carbohydrate disturbances were found in any of the patients examined. Finally, the results obtained could be said to provide evidence for a euthyroid state and absence of disorders in carbohydrate metabolism in case of Kleinfelter syndrome.


[Urinary hydroxyproline in hyperthyroidism]. the total hydroxyproline excretion in urine was investigated in 82 patients with hyperthyroidism without data fro a concomitant disease, 50 clinically healthy subjects with euthyroid struma, 10 patients with non endocrine froms of osteoporosis, 4 diabetics with not stable diabetic compensation and 4 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. The average hydroxyproline values, in the patients with active thyreotoxicosis in 24 hours urine are 56.01-6.03 mg and 16.74 +/- 7.38 mg, after reaching the therapeutic remission. The excretion is with an average of 17.52 +/- 6.03 mg in the patients with euthyroid struma. In patients with primary hyperoparathyroidism-121.60 +/- 18.2 and in patients with diabetes mellitus-51.10 +/- 3.11, in the subjects with osteoporosis-25.83 +/- 10.88 mg. The differences between the patients with active hyperthyroidism and euthyroid struma, as well as after coming to a terapeutic remission are statistically highly significant.


[Determination of the specific gravity of the urine using a refractometer]. A method is proposed for urine specific gravity determination by urine refractometric index reading. Only two-three drops are required. Abbe refractometer is used. The urine specific gravity is determined by the formula: (formula: see text), where y = urine specific gravity, x = the refraction read. The method could not be used in cases with glucosuria and ketoniria as well as in case of a considerable proteinemia. The author's results correlate with the results of some foreign authors.


[Program for the study of lipids and lipid groups in human biological fluids and tissues]. A brief survey of the well known and used methods for separate determination of lipids and lipid groups is presented. A systematic course for lipid analysis is proposed. It has two advantages--lipid extract is used and chromatographic technique is applied. The reliability and accuracy of the analytical results are guaranteed. A scheme is presented for the respective links in the systematic course as well as for their practical application in the clinical practice in obtaining maximal information about the lipid state. A comparison is made between the methodical links included in the systematic course (author's own elaboration) and the methods cited in literature.


[Studies of the results of the surgical treatment of severe forms of constipation in 5 patients]. A small percent of the population in our country suffer chronic constipation, manifested in various degrees. To surgical treatment are subjected patients with severe decompensated forms of constipation, resulting in a general state deterioration, when the systematic conservative treatment failed to give an effect. In five patients, ileosigmoanastomosis below Balli sphincter was performed thus interrupting the pasage through the large intestine. All cases, followed for a period of one to three years, reported regular daily defecation. The results from the carried out control clinical, laboratory, X-ray, endoscopic and microbiological investigations are reported. The author's opinion is that the surgical treatment must be given consideration in thoroughly examined and selected patients with severe forms of chronic constipation.


[Hydrocalyx (Fraley's syndrome)].

[Hydrocalyx (Fraley's syndrome)]. Fraley syndrome was observed in 14 cases out of 137 vessel compressions, i.e.--compression of the cranial calix neck, disturbances in urine transport, hydrocalix development with consequent complications. One case with Fraley syndrome is presented and analysis of the clinical progress of the syndrome in ten patients is carried out.


[Idiopathic osteoporosis at an early age]. Two males, aged 33, with progressive pains in the spine are described as well as with high degree osteoporosis, compressive fractures of several vertebrae and a rapid evolution of the changes. The values of serum calcium and phosphorus as well as alkaline phosphatase proved to be normal. Excretion of calcium and hydroxyproline in urine were also normal, whereas phosphorus excretion was increased. It was concluded that the case concerned idiopathic osteoporosis in early age, with unknown pathogenesis. The carried out treatment with vit. D and sodium fluoride in the course of one year impeded the evolution of the bone changes in the second patient, while the anabolizing treatment in the first patient was without any effect.


Informed consent in California. Latent liability without 'negligence'. Informed consent is a legal obligation due from a physician to his patient, an obligation which may not be met by the physician's skillful treatment of his patient. It may only be met by the treating physician obtaining from his patient knowing authorization for carrying out the intended medical procedure. The physician is required to disclose whatever would be material to his patient's decision, including the nature and purpose of the procedure, and the risks and alternatives. The disclosures should be made by the physician to his patient, and not through use of consent forms which are not particular to individual patients. To minimize any subsequent claim by the patient that there was a lack of adequate disclosures, the physician should record in the patient's chart the circumstances of the patient's consent, and should not rely on the patient's unreliable ability to recall those circumstances.


Communicating with hearing-impaired patients. ONE ASPECT OF ESTABLISHING EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PHYSICIANS AND PATIENTS HAS NOT RECEIVED ADEQUATE ATTENTION: the special needs and challenges presented by patients with impaired hearing. In this article the term "hearing impaired" is generic and is applied to both those persons who are commonly labeled "deaf" and those labeled "hard of hearing" as a result of a bilateral hearing loss. The general skills, both verbal and nonverbal, that a physician must have in order to communicate successfully with a hearing-impaired patient are in essence the same as those required for a hearing patient. Where the divergence occurs is not in the basic skills (empathy, probing and the like) but rather in the means of applying them. Communicating with a hearing-impaired patient makes the use of some combination of the following necessary: speech, hearing, speechreading (lipreading), writing, visual aids, visual language systems and the assistance of an interpreter.


Refractory sideroblastic and nonsideroblastic anemia: a review of 27 cases. A study was done with 27 patients who met the following criteria: (1) anemia, (2) cellular bone marrow not diagnostic of leukemia, (3) absence of underlying disease that could account for the hematologic abnormalities at time of initial study and (4) absence of iron, B(12) or folate deficiency. Of the 27 patients, 13 had ringed sideroblasts and 14 did not. Eleven patients received corticosteroids, 18 received folate, 23 pyridoxine and 12 androgens. Two partial responses occurred in the sideroblastic group and were attributed to androgen therapy in one patient and pyridoxine therapy in the other. In the nonsideroblastic group, two partial responses occurred which were attributed to prednisone therapy. Transfusions were required in 23 patients. Leukemia developed in six patients. It is concluded that currently used treatments have little effect on refractory anemia and that in most patients continuing transfusions are required. In a small percentage of patients, there is transformation to leukemia.


Cerebrospinal fluid shunts.

Cerebrospinal fluid shunts. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt technology has undergone rapid advances in the past two decades. As a result, pediatricians and other primary care physicians are being asked with increasing frequency to provide care for persons with CSF shunts. Familiarity with the more common shunts is a prerequisite to intelligent management of shunt related problems. Physicians providing daily care must have carefully documented hospital records and operative notes available to them as well as information detailing the safe evaluation of shunt patency and function if they are to manage patients with CSF shunts properly. In addition, parents and guardians must be alerted to signs and symptoms related to shunt malfunction.


[Concordant medullary thyroid carcinoma in identical twins with discordant phaeochromocytoma (Sipple syndrome) (author's transl)]. The first case of Sipple syndrome in identical twins is reported. It is concluded that the concordant medullary carcinoma of the thyroid is the result of a germinal mutation, whilst the discordant solitary phaeochromocytoma is caused by a somatic mutation according to the two mutation model. The practical conclusion to be drawn from this report is that if one identical twin develops carcinoma of the thyroid or a phaeochromocytoma, the other twin should be throughly investigated and surgical exploration undertaken, even in the absence of clinical evidence of disease.


[Problems in the diagnosis of breast disease following mammaplasty (author's transl)]. 25 patients were followed up after reduction mammaplasty over varying periods of time. The aim was to evaluate the accuracy of postoperative clinical, mammographic and thermographic findings in the detection of breast cancer. In 7 patients who were operated on according to the technique of Lexer-Gohrbandt, the evaluation of the breast findings was practically undisturbed by operative changes. However, in none of the 18 patients operated on by Pitanguy's technique, was a satisfactorily safe interpretation of either the clinical or the mammographic findings possible; only the combination of clinical examination, mammography and thermography, together with a basic understanding of the operative technique allowed the differentiation between iatrogenic tissue changes and spontaneous pathological processes. The detection of breast cancer does not seem to essentially more difficult after plastic surgery for breast hypertrophy so long as all three of the above-mentioned methods of examination are used and carefully evaluated.


[Qualitative analysis of the binding of fibrin in organic tissue (author's transl)]. The binding energy (EB) of oxygen, sulphur and nitrogen was determined in highly concentrated fibrin, collagen, liver parenchyma and muscle tissue using photoelectron spectrometry. Fibrin was mixed with the collagen, liver or muscle homogenisate, with or without substitution of clotting factor XIII or additional inhibiton of fibrinolysis and the EB was determined again. Changes in the binding energy arise from an alteration in chemical binding. The present investigation showed that fibrin builds up new linkages in liver parenchyma and in collagen using nitrogen bonds and, additionally via a sulphur bond. After addition of fibrin stabilizing factor a new chemical link appeared between fibrin and collagen again through a nitrogen bond and, additionally via a sulphur bond. The inhibition of fibrinolysis produced a new oxygen linkage in all the examined substances (fibrin-tissue).


[Experimental cholestasis by dibucaine and harmaline: effects on bile flow and hepatic transport of bile acids, ethacrynic acid and ouabain (author's transl)]. For further confirmation of the hypothesis that bile-salts independent bile flow depends on transepithelial Na+ fluxes, the effect of dibucaine (0.5 to 1.6 mM) and of harmaline (1.7 to 4.0 mM) on bile formation was studied in the isolated rat liver. Both compounds, which are known to inhibit passive Na+ entry into tissues other than liver, inhibit bile secretion in a dose-dependent fashion. Measurements of oxygen consumption and examination of liver tissue by electronmicroscopy exclude unspecific damage to liver cells as the cause for secretory failure. Cholestasis induced by dibucaine and harmaline is reversible upon wash-out of the drugs from the perfusion system. Simultaneously added choleretics, such as taurocholate, cholate, ethacrynic acid or ouabain, fail to elicit a secretory response. Since harmaline is an inhibitor of Na+-dependent transport processes, its effect and that of dibucaine on Na+-linked uptake of these choleretics by the isolated liver was determined. Harmaline and dibucaine reduce taurocholate transfer to the extent of the Na+-independent fraction only, but completely inhibit active entry of cholate, ethacrynic acid and ouabain. It is concluded that drug-membrane interactions primarily on the sinusoidal surface but possibly also at the canalicular pole of the hepatocytes are responsible for the impairment of basal and stimulated bile secretion.


[The influence of dopamine on the regional blood volume in liver, abdomen, chest and extremities (author's transl)]. The influence was studied of 3 and 6 gamma/kg/min. dopamine on the blood volume in the liver, abdomen, chest, arms and legs in ten volunteers with healthy livers, and a comparison was made between the effect of dopamine and the blood volume changes caused in these body regions by inflatable whole-leg boots at a pressure of 40 mm Hg. Regional blood volumes and any induced changes were studied by means of 99 m Tc labelled autologous erythrocytes. A gamma camera with a pinhole collimator and a small computer was used, the field of vision of the camera being 148 cm in diameter. Changes in regional activity reflect changes in the regional blood volume. 1. Whole-leg compression at 40 mm Hg led to an increase in the blood volume of the liver, abdomen and chest, but to a reduction in the legs, while no significant change was observed in the arm blood volume. 2. On infusion of 3 gamma/kg/min. dopamine for 15 minutes no significant change occurred in the blood volume of the liver and abdomen. The chest blood volume increased, while the blood volume of the upper and the lower extremities showed a statistically significant decrease. 3. On infusion of 6 gamma/kg/min. dopamine for 10 minutes no significant change occurred in the blood volume of the liver, while the chest blood volume continued to rise and that of the upper and lower limbs continued to fall. 4. Ten minutes after the end of the infusion there was no significant change in liver and abdominal blood volume as compared with the last value measured during infusion of 6 gamma/kg/min. dopamine. By that time the chest blood volume had already fallen and the blood volume of the arms and legs increased. The possible action mechanisms via dopamine-specific and other catecholamine receptors are discussed in this paper.


[Polygraphic studies on ergotropic and trophotropic attacks (a contribution to the question of hyperactivity of the central sympathetic system) (author's transl)]. A multi-channel recorder has been employed for the simultaneous recording of various neuro-physiological parameters such as EEG, respiration, tremor, ECG, PGR, pulse-tracing and EMG. The present pilot study shows that of all parameters only EEG, pulse-form, PGR and EMG are of high diagnostic value. The importance of these records, in conjunction with neuro-clinical findings, in the differential diagnosis of ergotropic and trophotropic forms of attacks, as well as their differentiation from epileptic fits is pointed out. The pulse-form described in detail, particularly the characteristics of the "ergotropic pulse-form". The special advantage of the present method lies in its non-aggressive nature. Operational details are given in order to facilitate comparisons.


[Demonstration of clusters in nasal polyps a light and electron microscopic investigation (author's transl)]. Numerous functional studies have shown that lymphocytes and macrophages cooperate during the immune response. Cell clusters, consisting mainly of macrophages and lymphoid cells, were found in nasal polyps in humans, especially the oedematous type. Within the clusters the cells showed close physical contact brought about by microvilli of varying length, suggestive of cellular cooperation. These cell clusters resemble the formations found in vitro and in vivo during immunization procedures.


[Recurrent purulent meningitis in traumatic lesions of the ethmoid (author's transl)]. A report is presented of two cases of recurrent meningitis (mainly pneumococcal meningitis with different serotypes). The different possible causes of recurrent meningitis are discussed. The key to diagnosis in recurrent meningitis caused by forgotten traumatic fracture of the ethmoid bone is X-ray investigation including tomography of this region. The prognosis is poor in infancy, but improves with increasing age of the child and is dependent on early diagnosis of the underlying causative process.


[Human placental lactogen and chorionic gonadotropin in diabetic pregnancies (author's transl)]. Serial determinations of serum HPL and HCG levels were carried out in 68 diabetic women during the whole course of pregnancy. In diabetic pregnancies of the type B--D according to White's classification, HPL levels were significantly lower than control values from the 10th to the 22nd week. In diabetic pregnancies of the type White A, HPL levels were significantly lower than the normal controls at the 10th and the 38th week, otherwise there was no significant difference between the two groups. A decrease in HPL level occurred in the 37th week in normal pregnancies and in the 34th week in diabetics. Integrated values of HPL over each trimester of pregnancy (which give a measure of the overall hormone production), were all significantly lower in the diabetic pregnancies than in the normal controls. Peak levels of HCG were found from the 8th to 12th week in normal pregnancy; subsequently a continuous fall was observed until the end of pregnancy. HCG levels were significantly higher in diabetic than normal pregnancies following the 30th week and generally rose to the end of pregnancy. The integral HCG values, in diabetics of all White groups, were significantly lower in the first trimester and significantly higher in the third trimester than in the normal controls. There was no difference in integral hormone production between diabetics and controls in the second trimester. A sudden drop in the level of both hormones is a signal of fetal distress.


[Diabetic retinopathy: onset in pregnancy (author's transl)]. Retinopathy appeared during pregnancy, mostly in the last trimester, in 20 female diabetics. In some cases the retinopathy reappeared during the subsequent pregnancy, whilst in other cases it skipped one or two pregnancies. The retinopathy was mostly of a mild form and, in about half the cases, disappeared spontaneously post partum. In the remaining cases it remained stationary or subsided to a great extent, but certainly did not become progressive. Forms of angiopathy other than retinopathy remained in the background. No toxicoses, and no other complications were seen during pregnancy. Hence, pregnancy promotes or accelerates the onset of diabetic retinopathy, its influence on the course of the disease being favourable rather than harmful.


The metabolism of amphetamine in vitro by rabbit liver preparations: a comparison of R(-) and S(+) enantiomers. 1. Incubation of R(-), S(+) and RS(+/-) amphetamines with rabbit liver 9000 g supernatant indicated that R(-) was metabolized at a faster rate than S(+), but that racemic amphetamine was metabolized at the same rate as S(+) during one hour incubations. 2. N-Hydroxyamphetamine and 1-phenyl-2-propranol were the major compounds detected in both R(-) and S(+) amphetamine incubations. 3. Phenylacetone oxime was detected in significant quantities after 3 h incubations of R(-) amphetamine, but only in minor quantities from S(+). 4. A fall in the amount of N-hydroxyamphetamine present in R(-) amphetamine incubations after a 3 h period as compared to a 1 h incubation, paralleled by a rise in the amount of phenylacetone oxime during 3 h suggested that the oxime was derived as a secondary metabolics from N-hydroxyamphetamine. 5. R(-) and S(+) N-hydroxyamphetamines were both metabolized to phenylacetone oxime by rabbit liver 9000 g supernatant, but the R(-) enantiomer was converted at a faster rate than S(+).


Cardenolide analogues. VI. The metabolism of the prodrug diacetylcymarol in the rat. 1. Diacetylcymarol is an acetylated glycoside which is better absorbed than the parent glycoside, cymarol. 2. Diacetyl[19-3H]cymarol was rapidly metabolized and excreted by the rat following intraperitoneal administration. 3. The drug was metabolized extensively to polar compounds with the principal pathway involving loss of the C-19 acetyl group and probable demethylation of the sugar. 4. The bulk of the radioactive material was excreted in the bile and there was little reabsorption. 5. The results show that acetylation was successful in converting the poorly absorbed glycoside, cymarol, into a derivative that was rapidly absorbed from the peritoneal cavity. 6. Following or during absorption, the biologically inactive diacetylcymarol was converted to polar derivatives with potential therapeutic activity. However, subsequent elimination was so rapid that little therapeutic benefit could be expected.


The fate of the herbicide flamprop-isopropyl (barnon) in rats and dogs. 1. [14C]Flamprop-isoppropyl (BARNON) administered orally to rats and dogs is excreted mostly via the faeces (90-5% and 76-3% in male and female rats respectively and 53% in dogs). Elimination was rapid from both species, and greater than 96% of the dose of 14C was excreted by rats 0-48 h after dosing. Distribution of 14C between urine and faeces was different in male and female rats, but the same for dogs of either sex. 2. The predominant metabolic pathway in both species was loss of the isopropyl group; the resulting carboxylic acid was excreted free and as the ester glucuronide. 3. Aromatic hydroxylation occurred at the para- and meta-positions of the N-benzoyl ring; the presence of a 3,4-dihydroxybenzoyl metabolite (but no dihydrodiol) suggests that arene oxide formation is involved. However, direct hydroxylation at position 3 cannot be precluded. Aromatic hydroxylation occurred with the following facility (0-48 h); male rat, 18%; female rat, 13%; dog (either sex), 2%. 4. Hydroxylation occurred readily in the isopropyl side chain yielding mostly a propan-1,2-diol ester in the dog. In the rat, this metabolite was mostly oxidized to yield a 2-lactyl ester.


The localization and some properties of the N-deacetylase of Ascaris lumbricoides var suum. 1. Hydrolysis of acetanilide by the nematode Ascaris lumbricoides var suum occurred in the cytosol of the intestinal epithelium and to a lesser degree in the cytosol of the reproductive organs. Cuticle and mesenchyme fluid showed no measurable activity. 2. The molecular weight of the enzyme responsible for hydrolysis was estimated to be about 90 000. 3. Hydrolysis of N-acetyl compounds occurred optimally at pH 7-4 at 30-35 degrees and at a substrate concentration of 10(-2) M. 4. The reaction was inhibited 50% by Cu2+, Zn2+, n-ethylmaleimide or p-chloromercuribenzoate at 10(-4) M. The anthelmintic organophosphates inhibited N-deacetylation by 50% at 10(-7) M. Dithiothreitol enhanced the reaction rate but glutathione and thioglycollic acid were without effect.


Pollicization.

Pollicization. Congenital absence or traumatic amputation of the thumb is a major disability profoundly disturbing the function of the hand, as the thumb represents an estimated 50% of total hand function. The methods for thumb reconstruction utilizing the index finger were developed some twenty years ago, and progress has been made in the last several years with emphasis on intrinsic muscle reconstruction as emphasized by Buck-Gramcko. The method, technique and anatomy of index pollicization is discussed, and representative cases presented for congenital absence of the thumb and for traumatic amputation of the thumb.


[Chronic nonspecific lung diseases in the Estonian SSR (author's transl)]. Report on chronic nonspecific lung diseases (CNLD) in the Estonian SSR basing on the data of the ministry of health. The statistical incidence of chronic nonspecific lung diseases has increased from 59.7 new cases per 10 000 inhabitants (1967) to 93.7 in 1974 (100.2 in males and 88.1 in females). This increase is resulting from a real increase of new cases but also from the improvement of diagnostics and better coverage in the degree as tuberculosis has diminished. Cases of tuberculosis among adults decreased to 1/8 and among children to 1/100 of that 20 years ago. Among CNLD the portion of chronic bronchitis amounted to 48%, of chronic bronchitis to 35.9% and bronchial asthma to 16.1%. CNLD is rather frequent among children. In persons older than 40 years CNLD becomes more common, more in males than in females. Not all persons notified with the diagnosis chronic lung disease need treatment. In epidemiological surveys 5.5 to 9.3% of the population corresponded to the definition of chronic airway disease. A systematic dispensary care of CNLD is going to be organised since 1969. It is the task of all therapeutists in the medical districts. More and more the tuberculosis clinics are integrated into this system.


[Hemodynamics in chronic cor pulmonale during exercise (author's transl)]. 1. In patients with chronic cor pulmonale there is a regression dependence between the amount of exercise-induced increase in pulmonary arterial pressure and the level of resting value. 2. Hemodynamics during exercise are influenced by the patient's position in a certain degree. 3. The exercise-induced increase in pulmonary arterial pressure in chronic cor pulmonale is not influenced by the patient's age. 4. The time course of pressure fall during recovery depends on the amount of pressure increase during exercise, it depends less evidently on the level of the resting values. 5. Tachycardia is not a compulsory symptom of chronic cor pulmonale.


[Scanning electron microscopic pattern on normal and pathological nasal mucosa (author's transl)]. Nasal mucosa from animals and men were investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The findings resulting from normal nasal mucosa and mucosa chronically alterated by inflammation (rhinitis chronica hyperplastica, rhinitis allergica, rhinitis chronica atrophicans, and nasal polyps) were compared. The patterns of the surface-behavior of the mucociliary apparatus and the structure of the epithelium--as well as the findings were discussed. The three-dimensional observation of mucosal surface structure completes the light and electron microscopic examination procedures allowing further insights into morphology and physiological function of the mucosa in the upper respiratory tract.


Immunoglobulins A and G and lysozyme in the bronchial secretions of children with acute respiratory tract infections. The amount of immunoglobulins A and G and lysozyme in bronchial secretions of children with pneumonia was higher than in ones of bronchitis and infected asthma patients. Immunoglobulins levels increased also with the age of patients.


[The rare case of a intrapulmonary hamartochondrosarcoma (author's transl)]. Case report of a rare primary intrapulmonary hamartochondrosarcoma in a 56 years old man. The patient on whom a resection of the upper lobe and then a x-ray therapy was performed, died two years after operation of liver metastases. A review of the literature, of pathogenesis and characteristics of this disease are given.


[Therapy of chronic bronchial foreign bodies in children (author's transl)]. During infancy bronchoscopic removal of a foreign body firmly embedded in the granulation tissue sometimes causes considerable difficulties so that surgical procedures (bronchotomy) must be envisaged. On the basis of 4 observations, the distinct influence of daily prednisolone inhalations (25 mg of prednisolone) and antibiotic therapy on the retrogression of endobronchial granulation tissue has been proved: resulting in a spontaneous expectoration of the foreign bodies or in enabling the bronchoscopic removal of the foreign bodies. If chronic foreign bodies cannot be removed immediately and especially before undertaking surgical measures, treatment by prednisolone inhalation should be tried.


[Fibre optic bronchoscopy in children (author's transl)]. Since 1974 the authors have used fibre optics of Olympus, Tokyo, particular the models BF Type 4B and BF Type 3A applicable for children. Even in children, tube bronchoscopy can not at all be replaced by fibre optic bronchoscopy. By fibre optic bronchoscopy diagnostics may by improved considerably. Laryngotracheoscopy proved to be of special advantage in newborns with the sign of stridor. Fibre optic bronchoscopy should be used as a supplementary procedure in bronchological centres for children.


[Amoxicillin and its excretion into bronchial secretion (author's transl)]. Various dates on amoxicillin (resorption, distribution, elimination, tissue passage, urinary excretion) are presented. The bacterial spectrum is more fully discussed. Amoxicillin is compared with ampicillin. Dosage and therapeutical results are presented. Within repeated bronchoscopic examinations necessary on account of bronchopulmonary affections determination of germs were done in 88 children. At the same time examination of ampicillin levels in bronchial secretions were performed after amoxicillin therapy with different high doses (3 x 125 mg to 3 x 750 mg) for 7 days. It could be shown that good antibiotic levels could be found in secretion specimens above all obtained 2 to 4 hours after the last amoxicillin administration. They could be found too, if there did not exist any purulent secretion or stronger inflammation. There are relations between the amount of dosage, the level in secretion as well as the influence on germs.


[Dispensary control and rehabilitation of surgically treated patients with bronchial carcinoma in the region of Berlin (author's transl)]. Among 1813 persons with bronchial carcinoma in the years 1970-1974 475 were treated with surgery; more than 85% being older than 60 years. 299 of these patients had a survival time of at least 12 months. 64.9% of them received a cardiac treatment, 7.7% were only followed up. Bronchial infections were more common in these patients than in the average Berlin population. Among the 207 patients who had a survival time of more than 12 months at the end of 1974 56 were working; 41 from the 74 patients belonging to the age group younger than 65 years, 15 from the 133 patients belonging to the age group older than 65 years (pensioners). General recommendations concerning systematic controlled care should be given for persons resected for bronchial carcinoma. Systematic cardiac treatment should be provided.


[Disablement, invalidity and vocational rehabilitation after surgical treatment because of bronchial carcinoma (author's transl]. Results of vocational rehabilitation of 1033 patients, treated with surgery because of bronchial cancer are reported. We compared persons with and without a 5 year survival rate. Persons with a survival rate of five years showed the best results; 52% were reemployed for full time or part time on year after surgery, 30% of them at their former working place. Rehabilitation for a full time or only a part time job depends among other factors on the extent of resection. Persons with partial resection (61 %) have, compared with pneumonectomies (29%), a better chance of reemployment in a full time or part time job. Within the five postoperative years 44% of all patients got fit for work. An precipitant invalidisation is not advisable.


[Gradual programme of cardiopulmonary function diagnostics after lung operations (author's transl)]. Pulmonary function testing, indicated in each phase after lung surgery, is investigated on the base of the pathophysiological conditions. Its results are important for an effective drug treatment and an adequate training therapy.


[Late results after pulmonary middle lobe resections in childhood (author's transl)]. 15 of 19 children with typical middle-lobe syndrome were reinvestigated 4 to 10 years after surgical treatment. Morphological and functional alterations as a result of middle-lobe resection are of minor importance. The treatment of choice in childhood is the pulmonary lobe resection. Late effects of bronchiolitis follicularis are important because multifocal spread of infection seems to be possible.


[Thorax deformity after lung resection during childhood (author's transl)]. Report on a follow-up of 38 children treated with surgery for bronchiectasis during the last 10 years at the Department of Paediatric Surgery at the Dresden Medical Academy. 25 patients could be followed-up. In 17 of them a thoracotomy was performed in an age below 10 years. Besides some minor changes like narrowing of the intercostal spaces several cases with scoliosis of the vertebral column could be found. The importance of early controls and intensive physiotherapy for these cases is stressed. A case with rib osteomyelitis after surgery, which made thoracoplasty necessary is discussed.


[Postural drainage and breathing gymnastics--conditiones sine qua non-before lung resections for bronchiectasis (author's transl)]. Report on 150 lung resections in 143 patients with bronchiectasis in the period of 1958-1974. The intensive preparation of the patients before surgery is of highest importance for a small risk and rare complications after operation. Postural drainage and breathing gymnastics are able to increase significantly FEV1 and VC and to reduce RV in the preoperative phase. The complication rate amounted to 8%, lethality after surgery to 1.3%.


[Diagnosis and frequency of pneumothorax in neonatal age (author's transl)]. Between 1971 and 1975 in a prospective study of 2211 chest radiographs of newborns with cardiorespiratory insufficiency a pneumothorax was found in 1.5 percent. In relation to all newborns of Erfurt during this period this rate is 0.2 percent. In all cases of cardiorespiratory insufficiency in newborns the immediate x-ray-examination of the thorax is necessary.