[Left ventricular cineangiography and echocardiography in patients with the mesosystolic click-telesystolic murmur syndrome]. Twenty-three patients with the midsystolic click - late systolic murmur syndrome were investigated by right and left heart catheterization, cineangiography and echocardiography. Most had symptoms such as atypical chest pain and arrhythmias. Except in one patient, slight to moderate mitral incompetence was present at rest (20 patients) or during stress testing by the infusion of aramine or rapid atrial pacing (2 patients). In all cases, an abnormal systolic mitral valve motion was found by left ventricular cineangiography. In 14 of 15 technically satisfactory echocardiograms a systolic prolapse of one or both mitral leaflets was observed. A minority of the patients had localized abnormal wall motion in the posterobasal area or moderate generalized hypokinesis.


[Primary hyperparathyroidism and papillary thyroid gland carcinoma]. The case is reported of a 70-year-old female patient with primary hyperparathyroidism and papillary thyroid carcinoma. At the age of 66, the patient had symptoms of hyperparathyroidism and underwent surgery. The operation revealed no adenoma of the parathyroids; instead, by coincidence, a papillary thyroid carcinoma was discovered. The patient was operated on again 2 years later, and only then was a principal cell adenoma of the parathyroids found and removed. Bone biopsies performed at the same time revealed distinct signs of fibroosteoclasia as well as signs of osteomalacia, probably consequent on a former operation of the stomach. Four years after the first symptoms of hyperparathyroidism the patient died of encephalorrhagia due to a brain metastasis of the papillary thyroid carcinoma. Combinations of hyperparathyroidism with thyroid cancers are relatively frequent. In most of these cases the thyroid carcinoma is a medullary (calcitonin producing) carcinoma, whereas papillary carcinomas are rather unusual. It nevertheless seems to be a typical combination, although its pathogenesis is not yet clear.


Cancer by county: new resource for etiologic clues. Mapping of U. S. cancer mortality by county has revealed patterns of etiologic significance. The patterns for bladder cancer in males point to industrial determinants: some are known (chemical manufacturing) but others (automobile and machinery manufacturing) represent new leads for epidemiologic study. By contrast, the geographic clusters of high rates of stomach cancer in both sexes are consistent with ethnic susceptibility.


Diphenylhydantoin: action of a common anticonvulsant on bursting pacemaker cells in Aplysia. A commonly used anticonvulsant, diphenylhydantoin (Dilantin), decreases the bursting pacemaker activity in certain cells of Aplysia. Dilantin decreases this bursting activity whether it is endogenous to the cell or induced by a convulsant agent. The sodium-dependent negative resistance characteristic which is essential for bursting behavior is reduced in the presence of Dilantin.


The need for an ethnomedical science.

The need for an ethnomedical science. Ethnomedicine is an intellectual area which embraces theoretical concerns that are relevant to both the social and biological sciences. The relation which exists between disease, social behavior, and human adaptation constitutes the primary subject matter of ethnomedicine. This relation is examined in terms of man's unique capacities for symbolization and culture. Since ethnomedical generalizations explain how social groups deal with a generic disease, they can be used to examine contemporary problems which involve the organization and practice of medicine as well as problems that stem from relations of the medical system with other subsystems in the group. Recasting contemporary social problems in this way may help to clarify their roots and sources (13,28). In focusing on fundamental properties of disease in man, ethnomedicine  can also help to clarify the effects and meanings of disease and thereby make its control more rational. A theory of disease, an ultimate aim of ethnomedical inquiry, will serve as an explanatory device with wide-ranging applications.


Infrared transmittance as an alternative thermal strategy in the desert beetle Onymacris plana. Elevated elytral transmittance to shortwave infrared radiation is used by the black diurnal desert beetle Onymacris plana to increase heat gain at the beginning and end of the day. Near-infrared transmittance increases the percentage of radiation absorptance at times of low sun angle as a result of the relatively greater attenuation of visible to shortwave infrared radiation by longer atmospheric path lengths. Visible and ultraviolet radiation are absorbed by the insulated elytra, facilitating heat loss by convection at times of high sun angle.


Optical holographic three-dimensional ultrasonography. Three-dimensional ultrasonograms prepared by superposition optical holography improves anatomical orientation and reduces the volume of data needed to study parenchymal organs such as breast, liver, kidney, spleen, and others. An optical hologram makes it possible to simultaneously view multiple planes of observations and see through and around structures without the superimposition of overlying structures. The use of pulse echo ultrasonograms results in better resolution and gray scale and permits multiplane viewing eliminates the geometric distortions present in acoustical holography.


New flow-through centrifuge without rotating seals applied to plasmapheresis. The flow-through centrifuge eliminates complications arising from rotating seals. Preliminary studies on plasmapheresis demonstrated negligible platelet injury and no evidence of hemolysis during 12 hours of operation. Thus the system may provide a broad application to cell washing and elutriation, zonal centrifugation, and countercurrent chromatography.


[Study of viremia in experimental neuroviral infections]. Study of viremia in susceptible experimental animals showed all the blood fractions to take part in the infectious process both in acute diseases and in the chronic course of infections caused by various neuroviruses. Thus in animals infected with human acute encephalomyelitis, tick-borne encephalitis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis viruses viremia was observed throughout the entire short period of infection terminating fatally, as a rule. In such cases viremia was of a mixed character, the viruses being found in all blood fractions. The intensity of viremia and the degree of involvement of plasm and blood cell elements into the infectious process may depend upon the animal species, virus strains, form of the disease (acute, chronic). In chronic encephalomyelitis in rats and guinea pigs infected with human acute encephalomyelitis virus viremia are observed for two years (the observation period). In chronic encephalomyelitis blood cells were more actively involved in the infectious process. Virus was found in leukocytes and erythrocytes more frequently than in plasm, though the total amount of virus in the blood was much lower than that in the acute form of this disease. Sequential multiple passages of AEM virus from the blood to the brain in experiments with some strains resulted in intensive viremia thereby demonstrating the possibility of AEM adaptation to the blood tissue.


[Development of optimal conditions for isolation of rhinoviruses]. When 366 dispensary patients with respiratory diseases were examined in Moscow during the period December 1969--May 1971, 49 strains of rhinoviruses were isolated out of which 21 strains were identified as type 48. Using Eagle's medium with a single set of amino acids and vitamins for isolation rhinoviruses were isolated in 4.7% of cases, empdoying Eagle's medium with a double set of amino acids and vitamins in 16% of cases. Virus isolation experiments were carried out in HeLa-Bristol cell cultures and diploid strain of skin-muscle cells KM-13-70 in the presence of 30 mM MgCl2 and 2% aminopeptide. The isolation rate of rhinoviruses in both the cell cultures was approximately similar. The average duration of time for isolation of rhinoviruses in diploid cells was 13.4 days, in HeLa-Bristol cells 15 days. All rhinovirus strains were isolated within 3 passages. In addition to rhinoviruses, from the same group of patients 25 Coxsackie A-21 strains, 12 adenovirus strains and 2 herpesvirus strains were isolated using Eagle's medium with double set of amino acids and vitamins.


[Pathogenicity of Aedes aegypti L. mosquito densonucleosis virus to larvae of other species of blood-sucking mosquitoes]. Laboratory studies established that A. aegypti mosquito virus of densonucleosis was infectious for larvae of A. caspius dorsalis, A. vexans, A. cinereus and C. pipiens pipiens caught in natural water bodies. Death rates of Aedes and Culex larvae experimentally were 46.3% on the average, while in control groups 19.7%. The external appearance of virus-infected larvae and pathological changes in nuclei of the cells of the fat body were identical to those previously described in A. aegypti larvae affected with densonucleosis.


[Factors determining the antigenic activity of tissue cultures from arbovirus-infected diagnostic specimens]. Formation of arbovirus group A and B antigens is influenced significantly by the number of cells, time of monolayer growth before inoculation, the time of maximum accumulation of hemagglutinins, the infectious dose, the growth and maintenance medium composition, the autointerfering activity of the viruses and their sensitivity to tissue inhibitors. The stability of the hemagglutinating and complement-fixing properties of arbovirus diagnostic preparations does not depend upon the degree of concentration (7-12-fold) and the amount of the stabilizer (2-4%), and storage of group A diagnostic preparations in ampoules under vacuum or in ampoules sealed with air for 2-3 1/2 years (the observation period) does not influence their antigenic activity.


[The HL-A system in cases of disputed paternity with regard to the value of proof (percentage accuracy) (author's transl)]. The practical experience in 33 cases of disputed paternity (34 children; 26 cases with only one accused man, 7 cases with more than one) in regard to the HL-A system to find nonpaternity is compared with 18 conventional hereditary systems used in paternity cases. The high efficiency of HL-A for the biostatistical calculation of the probability of paternity (Essen-Moller formula) is also demonstrated. The mode of inheritance of the HL-A system is well known (maximal error below 1 per cent), which means that the value of proof (percentage accuracy) in disputed paternity cases is 99 per cent. The value of proof, however, is increased if, in a certain case, the nonpaternity is also found in another hereditary blood group system.


[Preparative isolation of A/Hong Kong/1/68 (H3N2) virus hemagglutinin]. Hemagglutinin of A/Hong Kong/1/68 virus was isolated by electrophoresis in acetate-cellulose of a recombinant 12/13 (H3N1) strain destroyed by sodium dodecyl sulphate. Electron microscope examinations were carried out and molecular weights of hemagglutinin polypeptides were determined. A monospecific serum containing no antibody to neuraminidase was prepared.


[Treatment of central diabetes insipidus with a combination of chlorpropamide and carbamazepine (author's transl)]. Three patients suffering from central (=neurohormonal) diabetes insipidus were treated with chlorpropamide and carbamazepine simultaneously. This therapy with a combination of the two drugs was based on the aim of getting a good antidiuretic effect when the centrally-stimulating carbamazepine was combined with the peripherally-potentiating chlorpropamide; it was hoped, too, that the side effects of these two drugs, especially the chlorpropamide-induced hypoglycaemia, could be avoided by administration at low dosage. This combined drug therapy proved effective in all three cases: the good antidiuretic effect of chlorpropamide at high dosage is impaired by hypoglycaemia; the combination of carbamazepine allowed the dosage of chlorpropamide to be decreased without impairment of the obtained antidiuretic effect and with avoidance of hypoglycaemia and other side effects. Hence, the combination of chlorpropamide and carbamazepine seems to be recommendable in the treatment of central forms of diabetes insipidus in childhood.


[The choice of vaccine for post partum rubella vaccination (author's transl)]. Meruvax vaccine was compared with Cendevax in post partum rubella vaccination. The obstetricians in Vienna routinely use the Cendevax vaccine at present. In accordance with an earlier study on Almevax, the third vaccine available in Austria, the results with Meruvax were slightly better than with Cendevax. However, this is possibly due to a longer period of storage of the vaccine used in mass vaccination programmes. Hence, the three vaccines should be tested under the same practical conditions to decide which vaccine should be used routinely.


[Indications for the surgical treatment of so-called idiopathic spontaneous pneumothorax (author's transl)]. Of 93 patients with spontaneous pneumothorax treated between 1969 and 1974, only 23 cases were managed surgically. The criteria for surgical intervention are discussed and the most important indications are summarized as follows: unsuccessful drainage over 10 to 14 days, recurrence of pneumothorax affecting the same lung, dangerous complications such as haemothorax, incipient inflammation et. The general conformity with examples taken from the literature is demonostrated.


[Operative therapy of ovaria carcinoma (author's transl)]. 125 women with ovarian carcinoma were surgically treated during the years 1968 to 1973. The 5-year survival rate was 39.1%. Operative management is the treatment of choice, whereby complete extirpation of the reproductive organy and the omentum should be attempted. Whilst there is no difference in the survival rate of stage I cases treated by the radical as compared with the partial operative procedure, a significant difference is seen in the remaining stages. A conservative operation should only be carried out provided the "healthy" ovary is simultaneously biopsied. In spite of the fact that the survival rate is dependent on other factors there can be no doubt that the pre-eminence of operation in the treatment of ovarian cancer.


[Studies in the diagnosis of breast disease (author's transl)]. The relative diagnostic accuracy of clinical examination, mammography, thermography and ultrasound was investigated in a comparative study. Mammography proved to be the most accurate diagnostic method, followed by clinical examination, thermography and ultrasound. Whereas in cases of advanced cancer (T2 to T4 tumour diameter greater than 2 cm) the correct diagnosis was made most reliably by clinical examination, mammography  was superior to all other procedures in T1 tumours and in impalpable tumours. In our opinion thermography and ultrasound should be excluded for routine use or as a screening test because of the high false negative results. It is, however, noteworthy, that small intraparenchymal cysts can be detected and localized by ultrasound in a very high percentage of cases.


[Paediatrics--child-psychiatry--"heilpädagogik" (author's transl)]. "Heilpädagogik" is of greater importance in Austria than in other countries: it includes the medical assessment of cerebral and functional disturbances of child behavior but also the mainly pedagogic therapy of the disturbances. In Austria the majority of doctors working in this field are originally paediatricians. A confrontation with child-psychiatry, a mutual exchange of experiences, a comparison of the working methods is aimed at.


[Diagnostic problems in massive adrenal haemorrhage in the newborn (author's transl)]. Massive adrenal haemorrhage in the newborn frequently presents as an abdominal mass and is difficult to diagnose when this is the sole clinical feature. Surgery is indicated for the diagnosis and treatment of those cases in which a malignant tumour cannot be ruled out from the X-ray appearance with certainty. 3 cases are discussed in respect to clinical signs and the differential diagnosis of adrenal calcification in infancy is briefly mentioned in this connexion.


[Congenital Agranulocytosis (author's transl)]. The rare clinical picture of congenital agranulocytosis is described and its differential diagnosis from other forms of chronic neutropenia discussed on the basis of a case report of an infant followed up over a period of 3 years. Characteristic features of the agranulocytosis are inhibited maturation of the neutrophils (only as far as the promyelocyte and immature myelocyte stage), in conjunction with a normal or elevated level of eosinophil granulocytes. Erythropoiesis and megakaryopoiesis are found to be normal; plasmocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes are increased. The consequence of permanent infections is sometimes an excessive hypergammaglobulinaemia. This fact, in combination with the phagocytic activity of the monocytoid cells, enables these children, once out of infancy, to overcome even severe infections much more successfully than would be anticipated from the changes in the white blood picture.


[The neurological investigation of newborn infants as selection criterium in the early detection of infantile cerebral palsy]. The development of 131 infants at risk was followed up at three-month intervals during the first year of life. In mature babies positive neurological findings in the newborn period corresponded closely with the development of infantile cerebral palsy. 89% of the infants who subsequently developed cerebral palsy showed pathological signs in the newborn period. However, abnormal postnatal neurological findings were also observed in 26% of the infants showing normal development. No such correlation was demonstrable in regard to the premature infants. This is probably a consequence of the numerous pitfalls in the neurological evaluation of premature babies. Only those mature babies showing abnormal neurological signs in the newborn period should be alloted to an at-risk group in respect to the development of cerebral palsy. Premature infants should be included, irrespective of the neurological findings.


[Ultrasound B-scan in Splenomegaly].

[Ultrasound B-scan in Splenomegaly]. Examples demonstrate how by combination of transversal and longitudinal sections splenomegaly may be prooved. This is an important help in differential diagnosis of the enlarged spleen.


[Results of the exercise (ergometer) test as a diagnostic screening procedure in children with short stature]. The so-called Exercise Test of Lacey and coworkers (1973) is based on the fact that a functioning pituitary can be stimulated by physical exercise. The test was performed in 28 children of short stature as an out-patient screening test. The results were satisfactory since a growth-hormone deficiency could be excluded in 70% of the cases. The convenience of this test, which entails the investigation of only two blood samples, is stressed in respect to paediatric practice.


[Pharmacokinetic and chemical investigations in children after oral administration of lidaprim (author's transl)]. Lidaprim, a new bactericidal combination of trimethoprim and sulfametrol, was administered to 20 patients of a paediatric surgical ward over a period of 7 or more days. Analytic determination of plasma and urine concentrations of the chemotherapeutic agent showed homogeneous drug levels at the chosen dosage. No cumulation was observed. Drug tolerance was excellent. Only one patient developed urticaria when the substance was given together with penicillin, but it was not necessary to stop medication in this case.


[Results of mammography combined with selected needle biopsy (author's transl)]. A compression tube with holes is used to detect small, non-palpable changes in the breast. The holes show on X-ray of the breast. Densifications of 5 mm, and even smaller at different levels of the gland may be punctured and aspirated with a double canula through the holes of the tube. It is possible to control the correct course of the aspiration needle with an X-ray contrast medium. In the same way the position of a small tumour can be marked with a dye. Amongst 85 carcinomas of the breast there were 5 preinvasive tumours. 3 of these were only diagnosed following X-ray-controlled needle biopsy and cytological examination.


[The diagnosis and surgical treatment of recurrent cervical carcinoma (author's transl)]. A report is presented of 6 surgically-treated cases of recurrent cervical carcinoma. Two of the patients have survived and remained free from gynaecological or urological symptoms or signs for more than four years.


[Serum immunoglobulin levels in women fitted with a copper T intrauterine contraceptive device (author's transl)]. Serum concentrations of the immunoglobulins IgG, IgM and IgA were assayed by single radial immunodiffusion in 37 women before insertion of Copper T IUD and 6 to 12 months subsequently. There was a tendency towards an increase in immuno-globulin levels with the IUD in situ, but the results were not of statistical significance.


[Investigations on the immune status of operated and irradiated cases of cervical and breast cancer I. immune status before and after surgery of cancer of the cervix, stages I b and II a(author's transl)]. 12 patients were investigated in regard to their state of humoral immunity by means of the following determinations: IgG, IgM, and IgA concentrations in the serum, hetero- and isoagglutinins, tetanus antitoxin before and after immunization with toxoid measles antibodies and the percentage of lymphocytes with membrane fluorescence. The cellular immunity was investigated in some patients with determination of the percentage of spontaneously-rosetting lymphocytes, of the DNCB skin-test reactivity before and after sensitization with DNCB and of skin-test reactivity to candida, trichophyton, varidase, OT and staphylo antigen. The functional efficiency of polymorphonuclear leucocytes was investigated by means of the NBT test and Staph. aureus, E. coli and Latex particles. All investigations were performed before, and 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks after surgery. 4 methods only amongst the entire spectrum employed in the investigation proved to give sufficient evidence of signs of decreased efficiency of the immune response in the investigated patients: determination of tetanus antitoxin before and after immunization, a distinct increase in titre being observed only in 5 cases, determination of the sensitization to DNCB, which was positive only in 4 cases and determination of skin-test reactivity to varidase and OT, which was found to be less frequently positive than in controls. However, all these reactions showed no evidence of any correlation to surgical management and appeared merely to reflect characteristic responses of these cancer patients. Moreover, with the exception of the decrease in lymphocytes, no changes were detected in the data obtained by the other methods used in this study which might show some reflection of an alteration in response following surgery.


[Conformity of the crystallization in dried smears of human secretions (authors transl)]. This paper first reviews the relatively abundant literature on crystallization phenomena in human secretions, then our experiments, aimed at artificial imitation, are discussed. Threadlike crystals appear when the inorganic share of the solution shows 530mg% NaCl and 70mg% KCl and the organic one either 34mg% hyaluronic acid or 200 to 500mg% glucose. By overstepping the concentration limit of glucose or human albumin, crystallization can be prevented. The prevention of crystallization by proteins might gain some significance in diagnostic cytology as a primitive method to analyse colloid semiquantitatively.


[Aminolcevulinic acid excretion in women before and after delivery and in their newborn infants (authors transl)]. A report is given on the excretion of variation of-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) as an index of the lead load in pregnant women at term and at one and also at four weeks after delivery in both mothers and the newborn infants. The mean values in women were 7.2 + 3.7 before delivery 9.0 + 4.1 one week and 4.1mg ALA/1 urine four weeks after delivery; mean values of 5.2 + 3.2 one week after birth and 2.2 + 1.0 mg ALA/1 urine four weeks after birth were recorded in the newborn infants, according to the method of Davis and Andelman. Two groups were set up: mothers coming from the rural environs of Vienna and mothers living in the centre of the city. The ALA excretion was 14% lower in the former group (20% four weeks post partum) as compared with the mothers living in the city. When these data are considered against a threshold value of 10 ALA/1 urine (set up by the "Hauptverband der Berufsgenossenschafen", Bonn, West Germany, using the same method) the mean value of 9.0mg ALA/1 urine (with individual values of up to 17.4mg ALA/1 urine) in mothers one week after delivery already seems extremely serious.


[A case report of caesarian section carred out under electroanasthesia (authors transl)]. The case is reported of a 19 year-old patient in whom Caesarian section was successfully performed under combined method of anaesthesia. Square waves, which consist of high frequency impulses were transmitted to the cerebrum, and in addition, a 50:50 nitrous oxide and oxygen gas mixture was administered to the patient. The intraoperative condition of the patient was satisfactory. No reactions to pain were seen, as judged from constant observation of the blood pressure, pulse rate, colour of the face, pupils and the condition of the body extremities.


[The detection of the carcinoma in situ of the cervix of the uterus and of the invasive carcinoma of the cervix of the uterus (author's transl)]. Report of the detection of 203 cases (87 of a carcinoma in situ of the cervix of the uterus, 116 of carcinoma of the uterus) out of 7769 cytologically examined patients at the ob.-gyn. deptm. of the Hospital Vienna-Lainz (Austria). The accuracy of cytology with respect to the detection of the carcinoma of the cervix: 95%. The importance of a gynecological examination performed at least once a year together with a cytological test and the examination of the breast is hereby stressed.


[Ectopic ureterocoele and its treatment (author's transl)]. An ectopic ureterocele is a congenital ballooning of the submucosal part of an extopic ureter in the bladder. It is a relatively common anomaly, usually presenting in childhood. The anatomy, functional pathology, and the clinical symptoms of this disease are described. The authors present a series of 15 cases seen over a 4-year period, 3 patients being adults. Diagnostic and therapeutic problems of this anomaly are discussed in the light of the reported cases.


[Placental function and foetal lung maturity (author's transl)]. The placental function and foetal lung maturity were simultaneously assessed before delivery in 48 high-risk pregnancies, the actual time varying from case to case. A statistically significant correlation was found between placental function and foetal lung maturity. Since the actual time of investigation often lay back several weeks before delivery, no significant connection was detected between the state of foetal lung maturity at the time of amniocentesis and the clinical picture in respect to lung maturity of the infant at birth. The discrepancy is tabulated and possible causative factors are discussed.


[Isolation of a third human urokinase (S0 type)]. By means of gel diffusion on Sephadex G-150 and isoelectric focusing, a third type of urokinase (S0 type, molecular weight 22,000) was isolated from a commercial urokinase preparation. This urokinase of low molecular weight can be found in the free state or in form of a complex with the S1 type (molecular weight 32,000) thus yielding the S2 type (molecular weight 54,000). By isoelectric fucusing, the latter type can be split into the S0 and S1 types.


[Fundamental problems on the care of patients with permanent artificial pacemaker therapy]. In the GDR the number of patients with pacemakers increases with about 900 new implantations each year. The further decentralisation of the care of patients with pacemakers proposed by the team pacemaker therapy demands the inclusion of more physicians into the care of these patients. The pacemaker systems used at present in the GDR are described as well as the practical approach in the control of the function of the pacemakers is discussed. In the figures typical electrocardiographic pictures of various models of pacemakers are demonstrated.


[Program for the calculation of several contractility parameters on a micro-calculator]. In order to determine the valency of different parameters of contractility, these shall be compared on certain conditions in the animal experiment. For this is necessary the evaluation of a large number of pressure curves of the left ventricle. When a micro-calculating-machine is present, this can carry out the evaluation, the course of the pressure which is to be evaluated is only to be given into the calculating machine punctually. The paper describes a programme for the hp-micro-calculating-machine 9810 A.


[The clinical value of the hydroxyproline excretion in 24 hour urine compared to other laboratory diagnostic parameters in ankylopoietic spondylarthritis]. Hydroxyproline provable in the urine of man is regarded as indicator of the collagen metabolism. In 40 patients with ankylopoietic spondylarthritis the excretion of hydroxyproline in the 24-hour-urine was determined with the help of Stegemann's method. With 27.5 mg for the total hydroxyproline and 2.6 mg for the free hydroxyproline in the group of patients statistically significantly higher values were established than in a comparative group of 52 persons (20.1 or 0.6 mg, respectively). In patients with higher activity of the process (anamnestically, clinically) the excretions were larger than in patients with lower activity. That in this reflects also the temporary factor is to be concluded from the higher excretion rate in patients with a shorter duration of the disease and a low rate with a longer course. In comparison to the insignificant diagnostic relevancy of other acute-phase-reactions (BSR, CRP, number of leukozytes, blood protein fractions) from this results the conclusion that the determination of hydroxyproline may be used for the diagnostics of activity and also for the early diagnostics. By the temporary and technical-material expenditure, however, its use is limited in the routine practice.


[Permeability enhancement by exudates: 1. Demonstration of high-molecular substances in the animal model]. By means of ultracentrifugation, gel chromatography and polyacryl amide electrophoresis the peritoneal exudates of the rabbit, which increased the permeability of animal membranes, were separated. Among the highly molecular fractions two regions were found, which possessed an activity increasing permeation. Following the chromatographic separation of exudates of the rabbit, which did not reveal an activity increasing permeation, were also found two regions with an activity increasing permeation. The cuases for the activation during the separation process are discussed.


[Alanineaminopeptidase excretion in the urine and osmotic neophropathy. Studies on the diagnostic meaning and pathophysiology of elevated alanineaminopeptidase excretion after use of radiologic contrast media for the kidneys]. In patients with several internal diseases the percental change of the excretion of the alanine aminopeptidase with the urine 18--20 hours after intravenous injection of the X-ray contrast medium Visotrast going through the kidneys correlates with the change after infusion of Mannitol (r = 0.98, p less than 0.001) and of Dextran (r = 0.82, p less than 0.01). The osmotic nephropathy is to be regarded as a common cause of an increased enzyme excretion, which appears after application of hypertonic solutions especially in preexisting renal diseases. While the excretion of alanine aminopeptidase in persons with healthy kidneys changes only unessentially, in patients with diffuse nephropathies after the application of these drugs there appear diagnostically relevant increases of excretion.


[Toxoplasma gondii infection in the inhabitants of the city of Dresden]. After a description of modern knowledge of the biology and epidemiology of toxoplasma gondii the author enters into the affection in Dresden inhabitants. Males as well as females at the age of 16 to 60 years are infected on the average at 74%. The most frequently affected age groups are the 41-year-old to 50-year-old persons. IFAR-titres to 80 are very frequently to be found in clinically healthy probands and, as a rule, plead for the existence of a latent toxoplasma affection. Titre values of more than 80 should always give rise to repeated examinations.


[Differential diagnosis of the aortic arch syndrome]. With the aid of the complexes of principle signs of the pulseless disease, the cerebrovascular insufficiency and the ischaemic-brachialgiformous symptomatology the different basic diseases, which are to be taken into consideration differential-diagnostically in a large number can clearly be recognized. With the cerebrovascular insufficiency compete intracranial organic processes and reductions of the volume of the cardiac output. In the brachialgiformous ischaemic syndrome further angiopathies, neurovascular syndromes of the shoulder girdle, nervously caused pain in the arm and a series of other very different starting-points must finally be taken into consideration. By means of a good interdisciplinary cooperation a clarification can be achieved also in difficult situations.


[Transient infarct-like ECG findings in cholecystectomy]. It is reported on the appearance of transient infarction-like electrocardiographic changes in a 49-year-old female patient which developed during a cholecystectomy after cardiac arrest due to a considerable loss of blood. The ECG normalised within 7 minutes, neither accompained nor followed by any pathologic ion displacements in the systemic blood or by enzyme changes (GOT, GPT).


[A contribution to acute glutethimide (Elrodorm) intoxication]. Following a short discussion of hitherto known facts about glutethimid intoxications, two own cases are described. In these cases minimal amounts (2.5 and 5 g) caused haemorrhagic diatheses and acute insufficiency of the liver, which in one case were combined with acute renal insufficiency. Possible causes are discussed.


[Studies on plasma lipids as affected by oral hormonal contraceptives]. In 75 fertile women with healthy metabolism the influence of the oestrogen-gestagen-combination preparation ovosiston on the lipid fractions free fatty acids and free glycerin was tested. In a highly significant increase of glycerin an excessive amount of the free fatty acids could not be ascertained statistically.


[A comparative follow up study about intellectual and motoric development of breech presentations (author's transl)]. 75 breech- and 71 cephalic deliveries between the years 1965-1970 at the University Clinic, Mannheim, were later examined in their 3 rd. to 7 th. years of life with respect to intelligence and motor developments. Mean intelligence quotient (IQ) of breech deliveries was 109, cephalic deliveries 110. The IQ was correlated with following other criteria: lie, age and parity of the mother, EPH-Gestose, methods of delivery, course and duration of labor, first Apgar score, weight of infant, bilirubin concentration, suspect cerebral damage and morbidity between discharge and recall for examinations. No significant differences in intelligence or motor development were found between the two groups of children.


[Ultrasound in obstetrics. Marking sheets, documentation, programming of summative data. Translation of code into full text (author's transl)]. Report on system of documentation and electronic data analysis of results of ultrasound examinations as used for 5 years at the obstetric department of Bonn University. Special marking sheets were used for primary data collection. Storage and analysis were handled with the author's own programming language SEQAS (Voigt, 1971). The system has worked well. 4 types of sheets used for coding are shown and program examples given.


[Assays of placenta-iso-enzyme of alkaline serum-phosphatase with disk-elektrophoresis (author's transl)]. Alkaline serum-phosphatase may be subdivided with disk-electrophoresis in 7% poly-acrylamid gel into the iso-enzymes: liver-cell, bone- and ileum-phosphatase. In the 7% gel liver-cell and placenta phosphatase move together. Separation of these two can be achieved by raising the gel-concentration to 10%. The method is suitable for quantitative densitometric evaluation.


Primary ovarian carcinoma in pregnancy--case report. A case of primary ovarian carcinoma associated with pregnancy is reported. The symptomatology, diagnosis and treatment in relation to pregnancy are discussed.


A cold precipitable fibrinogen complex in the plasma of cattle dying from infection with Babesia argentina. Plasma from cattle dying from infection with Babesia argentina formed a cold precipitable gel when stored at 4 degrees C. Immunodiffusion and electrophoresis showed the soluble phase of the gel to consist mainly of a fibrinogen-like protein with small amounts of other plasma proteins. Gel filtration and specific clotting assays demonstrated a wide molecular weight spectrum of fibrinogen-like proteins, most of which appeared to be soluble fibrin in either monomer or complex forms. The possibility that proteolytic enzymes might be responsible for the formation of the gel is discussed.


Penetration of host IgG molecules into hydatid cysts. Host IgG was detected in 15 out of 18 peritoneal hydatid cysts obtained from experimentally infected gerbils and in 18 out of 61 mouse hydatid cysts which had been implanted into the peritoneal cavity of gerbils for periods ranging from one day to two years. A wide variation in host IgG concentration was observed among the different cysts in which these immunoglobulins were found. These findings are discussed in terms of the possible manner by which macromolecules may enter into the hydatid cysts.


Incorporation of calcium into the soft tissues and calcareous corpuscles of larval Taenia taeniaeformis. Larval Taenia taeniaeformis in vivo accumulates 45Ca2+ in soft tissues and calcareous corpuscles. Radioactivity was demonstrable in the corpuscles six months after a single dose of 45Ca2+ was administered to the host by means of a stomach tube. Ca2+ also was taken up by isolated larvae. Accumulation in vitro was more rapid then in vivo and was correlated with the external Ca2+ concentration. Temperature variation, oxygen availability, and metabolic inhibitors had little effect on the Ca2+ uptake, indicating that active transport of Ca2+ is unlikely in this parasite. Variations in the external Pi concentrations had no effect on Ca2+ accumulation or on its distribution. Addition of 5% CO2 increased the uptake of Ca2+ by the calcareous corpuscles under anaerobic conditions. Radioactivity from NaH14CO3 also was accumulated in soft tissues and corpuscles of T. taeniaeformis. Assuming that the 14C taken up by the corpuscles was in the form of 14CO3(2-), the ratio of Ca2+ to CO3(2-) accumulation in the corpuscles approximates the ratio of these constituents in dolomite: CaMg(CO3)2.


[About insurance medical evaluation of psychoreactive disturbances (author's transl)]. Results arising from injuries within the valid field of the statutory Accident Insurance and of the Federal Law Governing Pensions and Grants can only be recognized as such and give rise to financial compensations if bodily or psychic damages within the legally protected Risk Area are made "probable", and if a connexion between these injuries and the unbiased finding of the actual health disorders prove to be "substantial". The assessment of the damage must bear in mind the individual conditions of the victims. Symptomatology, differential diagnosis and medical insurance estimation of the "neurosis in the true sense", of the personality alteration brought about by selfexperienced hardships (concentration camp neurosis) and the psychogenic breeding of symptoms with a final view to having an ailment recognized, are discussed with a special bearing on the phenomenons which cause the will to express itself.


A specific G. C. method for the determination of carbamazepine in blood. Carbamazepine is extracted with dichloromethane from whole blood. After a rinsing procedure the residue is gaschromatographed partly in methanol, where two peaks occur, and partly in a methylating reagent, where the same two peaks are seen, the heights of these now being reversed. This reversal is used as a means of identification. Recovery was found to be 94 +/- 12 %. Blood analysis from 12 patients being treated with carbamazepine gave values from 0.6 - 6.5 mg/kg.


[The significance of the settling of blood into dependent and soft tissues as evidence for death by throttling and choking (author's transl)]. 14 fresh cadavers of adult persons were placed with the head or body tilted in atypical positions 3 to 65 hours after death. The persons concerned were neither asphyxiated nor had they suffered cranial trauma. Hypostasis in the head and neck occurred more rapidly and intensively the deeper the cranial parts of the body were placed. In the simulated cadaver positions, artificial ecchymoses were observed in only a few places, mainly in the eyelids, the conjunctiva, the galea and the temporal muscles except when the head was vertically downwards. Just as with the postmortem haematomas, the hypostatic settling to the plane of the heart was decisive.


Chlorobutanol poisoning. Report of a fatal case. A fatal chlorobutanol intoxication is reported and a gas chromatographic method for the determination of this drug in human fluids and tissues is described. Analytical findings for blood, urine, stomach contents, bile, liver, kidney, spleen, and brain are reported.


[Concerning survival time in primary hematomas of the brain-stem (author's transl)]. The autopsy on a 54-year old man, who had a motorcycle-accident 17 days before and suffered a head injury, showed a large traumatic hemorrhage in the oral pontine region. The lesion must be considered primarily traumatic because of the brain-stem symptoms which appeared immediately after the accident (immediate unconsciousness, extension spasms, miosis) the macroscopic and histological findings (proliferation around the hemorrhage, hematoidin in the centre of the hemorrhage) and the biomechanical circumstances (impact on the occiput). Furthermore, considering the clinical findings and the autopsy results, pathogenetic factors which might have produced secondary hemorrhage seem to be unlikely. It seems as if the timing of death after traumatic hemorrhage in the oral pontine region depends less on the direct lesion in these areas, but on the extension of the hemorrhage to the caudal brainstem with concomittant edema. For the differentiation between primary and secondary brainstem lesions the duration of the survival time is therefore only of relative significance.


[Observation on the pathogenesis of severe urinary tract complications in female genitalia prolapse]. For the urologist the prolaps of the uterus and the descensus of the vagina are a serous problem, since patients in an advanced state frequently die of renal insufficiency. Earlier reports of formation of hydronephrosis in patients with genital prolaps are considered, the existing views of the pathogenesis are arranged and discussed. The own view is presented. Important is the conclusion, that the decision to correct a descensus or prolaps is not only dependent on subjective symptoms but also on the i. v. pyeolgraphy.


[Falibaryt as a contrast medium].

[Falibaryt as a contrast medium]. Report about the employment of a sterile 35% barium sulphate (Falibaryt)-suspension for cystography in course of preoperative examination for correction of urinary stress incontinence. The Falibaryt-suspension was found to be an eminently suitable, harmless and cheap medium in 928 examinations. In one case the authors observed a unilateral vesico-renal reflux. By osmodiuresis with intravenous infusion of 200 ml mannitol 15% the contrast medium was removed out of the ureter and kidney's pelvic in a short time. The authors give references to make provision for retrograde instillation of barium sulphate suspensions. By consideration of these provisions the use of barium sulphate (Falibaryt)-suspension is harmless and recommended.


[Radical surgery in unseccessfully irradiated cervix carcinoma?]. When radiological treatment in carcinoma of the cervix has failed radical operation may still be technically feasible in certain cases. They are, however, always prone to complications resulting from tissue damage due both to radiation and surgery. Among the 6 cases described there was one double-sided necrotic fistula of the ureters and two vesical-colonic-vaginal fistulae. In two patients we observed extended necroses of the pelvic tissue 5 and 7 weeks respectively after the operation with preceding telecobalt therapy; in one case this resulted in bleeding to death. There was only one case without any complications. This had been treated before by contact therapy only without additional percutaneous radition. From this we would like to draw the conclusion that one should refrain from secondary radical operation after telecobalt therapy. The question remaine to be discussed whether in these cases ultra-radical exenteration can be successful.


[Experience with radical surgery for tumor persistence or recurrence after primary irradiation of cervix neoplasms]. At first the general problems of operations in the x-ray treated tissue are discussed. After that 11 cases of patients, who were x-rayed, were demonstrated. With these patients we carried out a radical operation, because the cancer of cervicis was insufficiently affected by a primary radiological therapy. The bad turn of disease could not be stopped at 6 cases. The women patients got either uretero-vaginal-fistulae (2) or recto-vaginal-fistulae (2) or combined vesico-recto-vaginal-fistulae (1) and in less than one year they died of recidiv of cancer. Two women patients are still tended on account of their vesico-recto-vaginal fistulae. Only three women had been cured satisfactorily and they are till now free of recidivs for 4 to 7 years.


[Influence of hormonal contraceptives on the incidence of urinary tract infections]. In our ambulance 703 women using oral contraceptives were repeatedly tested of urinary tract infections since november 1973. 18 of them (2,56%) showed urinary tract infections. There is no reason to accept an ince rase of urinary tract infections by oral contraception. The relations to the duration of the application, to the age and to the urological anamnese of the patients are discussed.


[Significance of dermatoglyphics and palmar furrows for genetic and clinical problem formation in gynecology and obstetrics]. After having described the bases of dactyloscopy, the authors report on the clinical importance of this method in gynecology and obstetrics. Own results about Turner's syndrome and first experiences of the dactyloscopic examination of mothers of malformed infants are discussed. The patients with XO Turner's syndrome in our series have a ridge count of 181, comparable to the value of 178, 6 observed by Penrose. Mothers of infants with congenital malformations have no different dactyloscopic features in comparison with the controls.


[New methods for the diagnosis of edemas in pregnancy]. Edemas in the course of gravidity are not rare. Their presence is revealed also by changes of the ridges on the bulb of the fingers. Owing to the tumescence the distance between two characteristic points of the finger increases. These changes are observed and measured. The results of the examinations preformed in 900 cases fully agree with those of earlier ones previously published. The method proves to be most appropriate for the early recognition of cardiac, renal, or vascular edemas, also in the non pregnant stage.


[Evaluation of the causes of habitual abortion and malformation in children based on cytogenetic examination of parents]. Chromosomal investigations of lymphocytic cultures in 26 couples and 11 women with repeated miscarriages or children with congenital anomalies have been performed. In 5 cases chromosomal aberrations and in 3 cases chromosomal lesions have been found. These results are helpful in genetic consultation and aetiological investigations.


[Vaginal fluor in relation to diseases of the uropoetic system in girls]. In this paper we have pointed at the coincidence of vaginal fluor with uroinfections. We undertook examinations and observations on girls from the age of 3 to 15 in 130 cases and have come to the result that the disease of one tract is nearly always connected with some affection of the other one. So both of them are in any case to be examined and--as our cases proved--also to be treated.


[Cavernous hemangioma of the umbilical cord]. A case of a cavernous haemangioma of the umbilical cord not far from the stillborn infant of 30 weeks gestation is reported. Autopsy revealed no intrauterine growth retardation, malformation and fetopathia. The placenta shows disorders of vasculartiy.


[Therapeutic results of colposcopically controled collection of cervix tissue in atypical smears of women up to the age of 35 years]. The case series consists of 106 women consecutively collected during 1968 to 1973 from those with a vaginal smear belonging to Papanicolou's groups III and attending the gynaecological department in Umeå. Probably the series is a fair random sample of the population (congruent to 150,000 people) of the area served by the clinic. The extension of the colposcopically delimited atypical transformation zone (with its upper bordèrline against normal cervical villi) in most cases being small, the surgical procedure--a small cone congruet to ring biopsy--was accordingly insignificant. In 9 cases only a large conization was performed. As only a small part of the cervical tissue was usually removed it is probable that the enzymatic and mechanical properties of the cervix as well as its capacity as a sperm reservoir could be preserved. The median of the observation time is 26 months, range 3 months to 5 years. At the follow up the colposcopic and histological picture has so far shown no sign of atypia in 91 subjects. The same applies cytologically to the patients subjected to a large conization. Two women have moved away from the district. A relapse occurred in 4 patients, who after a large conization have remained cytologically negative. Throughout the investigation the term a typia has been used to characterize the cytological, colposcopic and histological changes, the degree and extension of this atypia being taken into considertion. Thus the abstruse nomenclature in common use is avoided. Cytological atypia is cellular in character, while histologically it includes the degree of structural derangement of the epithelial architecture as well. Colposcopically the angioarchitecture and the capillary distance seem to be the most important features. The correlation between the colposcopic and the cytological and histological findings is high when the degree of atypia is marked. It is inferred, therefore, that the descriptive term atypia should replace the superfluos bulk of terms in the fields in question.


[Viewpoints and studies on epithelial regeneration in the cervix uteri]. After a review of historical and present opinions about the physiological alterations of the portio vaginalis uteri results on investigations by the author about regeneration are reported. The alterations of reserve cells of the mucous membrane of the cervix during pregnancy demonstrate the hormonal influence on regeneration and allow conclusions on indirect metaplasia under other conditions.


[Problems in the indication for hysterectomy post conization]. The importance of histo-pathological diagnosis after conisation of the Cervix uteri in view of hysterectomia post conisation is discussed (94 Carcinomata in situ, 53 cases of dysplasia and 13 microcarcinomata). If there is a modern technique of coldknife-conisation, an intensive histo-pathological diagnostic regime and the possibility of cytological and colposcopical control, hysterectomia is not necessary in cases of complete removal of carcinoma in situ by conisation.


[Cytogenetic studies in infertility].

[Cytogenetic studies in infertility]. 10 TO 15% of all married couples are undesired childless. New investigations show the tendency of a wider increase. Infertility is a possibility caused chromosomaly. In married couples carriers of balanced translocations causing repeated spontaneous abortions in a rate of ten times more than in the normal population. Every 50 married partner is a carrier. Chromosomal cause of infertility should be excluded before an operative therapy is planed and gives a base for genetic counseling.


[Possibilities in the diagnosis of male fertility disorders]. The identification of men's fertility troubles is based upon a modern spermatogram. This procedure comprehends a laboratory action which contents the strict following of the examination requirements, and the preparing of a so-called simple (or, if necessary, an "extended") spermatogram. Then comes the genital, somatic examination, which discovers the possibly existing shortages of this field. In special cases it is also desired to clear up additionally the endocrine, hormonal state of the patient. So the results of the analyses will not only give information about the grade of fertility, but they also give a prognosis, and show the possible ways of therapy, in the same time. If reasonable, the testisbiopsy should be made. This could give some valuable datas to discover the shortages in the parenehyma, and to obtain a right prognosis. In case if both parties in the marriage can be considered as fertile, but yet, no sign of the pregnancy appears, the matter will belong to the immunologist, even regarding the sperma-autoimminulogy. Nowadays the genetist is to be initiated, too, if early, of habitual abortions happen, which can not be explained within the field of gynecology, or if any anomalies of evaluation appear at the offspring. Since these examinations neither cause uncomfortabilities, nor risici to the men, it is reasonable to the men to prepare the andrological clear-ups first. Their results mostly can provide the gynecologists searching the origin of sterility with important depending points.


[Demonstration of harmlessness of hormonal contraceptives for subsequent pregnancies]. A possible negative influence of anticonceptional steroids on various stages of reproduction is discussed. Theoretically an action of antifertility drugs on mutagenesis, the segmentation period, embryogenesis, foetogenesis or somatic and sexual development behaviour is conceivable. In accordance with the results reported by other authors, our own statistical data yield no increase in the frequency of infants with congenital malformations or with chromosomal anomalies. Nevertheless, careful prospective studies should be undertaken.


[Carcinoid metastases in a uterine myoma]. For the first time carcinoid metastases in a uterine myoma with unsuspicious adnexes is described. In the reported case a carcinoid syndrom did not exist; the excretion of 5-hydroxyindolacetic-acid appeared to be within normal limits. In cases of a carcinoid within the female genital tract total hysterectomy with bilateral adnectomy is always advised, even if it requires repeated laparotomy.


[The problem of the measurement of relative humidity in the disinfecting dryceaning process (author's transl)]. One of the most important conditions for obtaining reproducible microbiological results by disinfecting drycleaning is a control of the relative humidity of the drycleaning bath. An apparatus called "Wasserkontroller" (see Fig. 1) had been recommended as a device for the determination of the relative humidity. It consists of a special cylindrical casing into which the sensor of a hair hygrometer has been introduced. In contrast to electric instruments, this apparatus has the advantages of rigidity, simple adjustment, and above all of a low cost price. In practice, however, the "Wasserkontroller" proved to be a failure, since it indicated false values at times. In the studies published and discussed in the present paper, the causes for the malfunction of the hair hygrometer, in the device mentioned were determined. It could be observed that a malfunction of the hair hygrometer mainly occurred when the hairs fixed in the sensor were moistened by the drycleaning bath or by the drycleaning solvent (perchloroethylene), respectively. Then the hair hygrometer is no longer capable of reacting sufficiently to the fluctuation of the relative humidity of the bath. On the basis of the experimental results obtained instructions are given for the employment of hair hygrometers in drycleaning and for the design of the device casing: 1. The hair hygrometer has to be protected inside the device casing against a contamination by the bath or the condensing drycleaning solvent. 2. The inlet pipes to the device casing and the casing itself have to be protected against loss of heat as well as against the influence of heat sources. Temperatures of drycleaning bath and device should be balanced. 3. The inlet pipes to the device should be provided with a flowmeter or a flow detector, respectively. 4. The outlets of the device should be connected directly with the drum filled with the drycleaning bath. 5. The device has to be constructed in such a way that no infiltrated air may be sucked in. 6. The hair hygrometer has to be cleaned and to be adjusted at suitable time intervals. Provided that the technical requirements are met, hair hygrometers may also be considered as reliable measuring instruments in the practice of drycleaning.


[On bacterial aftergrowth in drinking and industrial water. II. Apparative and processing influence upon the growth and the possibility of disinfection of ion exchange resin filter systems (author's transl)]. The comparative examination of numerous ion exchange resin filter systems for discontinuous water softening on the market revealed that apparative and processing characteristics are of great influence upon the aftergrowth of bacteria in the water of ion exchange resin systems. Within the examination it was taken into consideration that on the end-delivery-tube of the water pipe with regard to the colony count the conditions were more unfavourable during the long standstill over a weekend (table 1) than during the week (table2). The less favourable conditions have therefore been examined separately. The work has been divided in six test series. In the first one 5 ion exchange resin systems the types A-E are simultaneously tested with regard to the colony count in the water at the inflow to the apparatus and after the passage of it; regeneration twice a week with sodium chloride. The data ascertained in the course of several weeks (without first data on mondays) and the separated mondays data are examined according to logarithmic transformation with the assistance of variance analysis and the Newman Keuls-test for differences. The results show (tab. 4 and 5) that apparative parameters and such relevant to the technical process (tab. 3) have an influence upon the bacterial after growth of the water. The most favourable ion exchange resin filter is type E because it shows more favourable values than all other systems and the tapwater. In the second test serie the systems A-E have been regenerated with 1% Chloramin T containing sodium chloride. The results show again the type E as the statistically significant most favourable system in comparison with the others and the tapwater. In the third test serie it has been examined whether the long period of standstill of the brine in the resin bed which has probably been responsible for the good results of the type E would lead to values just as favourable if transferred to another type of apparatus. ...


[Nitrate and nitrite in prepared meals in relation to the nitrate concentration of drinking water (author's transl)]. The nitrate and nitrite content of prepared foods was investigated in four areas in Rhineland Palatinate. The nitrate content of the drinking water was different in each area, the first region always having less than 1 mg NO-3/litre, the second an average of 19.5 mg NO-3/litre, the third an average of 35.6 mg NO-3/litre and the fourth 130 mg NO-3/litre. The samples were restaurant food which had been served without previously informing the maker. They were separately analysed according to soup, meat and gravy, carbohydrate accompaniments, vegetables and salad. It was shown that, in the four areas (in the above order) an average of 46, 67, 45 and 65 mg NO-3/main meal was ingested, which corresponds to a ratio of 1:1.5:1:1.4. For nitrites, the figures were 1.4, 2.0, 1.5, and 2.8 mg NO-2/main meal, corresponding to a ratio of 1:1.4:1.1:2. The nitrate excess consumed by the population in the principal meals in areas with a drinking water concentration of 130 mg/1 is consequently only 1.4 times higher than in an area where the water supply is free from nitrate. Under the same conditions the nitrite content is doubled. However, the levels at 2 and 1 mg NO-2/kg are altogether very low and are not likely to be of any importance hygienically for the public at large. The concentrations of nitrate in potatoes and carbohydrate accompaniments (94 mg NO-3/kg), vegetables (99 mg NO-3/kg) and salads (109 mg NO-3/kg) show average levels which are double those of soups (50 mg NO-3/kg) and meat dishes (58 mg NO-3kg). An effect of the nitrate content of drinking water on these figures is only seen in soups and meat, an increase by a factor of 4 occurring between the area with nitrate-gree drinking water and the area with 130 mg NO-3/1). Contrary to expectation, the nitrite levels show the reverse relationship. They are highest in soups (4.7 mg NO-2/kg) and meat dishes (3.5 mg NO-2/kg) to salads (1.4 mg NO-3/kg). The values obtained may be considered representative for the average population, because the present day cooking habits of the private household is largely equivalent to that of the restaurant industry as a result of the use of tinned foods, ready-cooked soups and ready-made gravies.


[Surveys on the occurrence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus on fish caught in the Southern Central Baltic Sea in comparison with other European results (author's transl)]. Presence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in European marine environments, including Western Baltic Sea, was ascertained by several scientists. -Our surveys had in view to find out whether fish of the Southern Central Baltic Sea area was contaminated with this microorganism. -In the periods of June - September 1973 and June 1974, 541 fish of 7 species had been tested. Two different technics of isolation were applied. From among 820 colonies picked up for further identification none happened to be Vibrio parahaemolyticus.


Insecticides and soil microorganisms. III. Fate of 14C-labelled Dipterex as affected by two nodule-forming rhizobium spp. and roots of their respective leguminous host plants. Chromatographic analysis led to the identification of monomethyl- and dimethyl-phosphates as metabolites resulting from the enzymatic degradation of 14C-labelled Dipterex in the buffer solutions and root tissues of broad bean and clover plants, as well as in the culture media of rhizobium leguminosarum and Rhizobium trifolii. The formation of 14CO2 from rhizobial cultures containing radioactive Dipterex suggests that some of the liberated methanol groups (during breakdown of Dipterex) are oxidatively degraded by the two Rhizobium spp.


A new direct lead technique for histochemical demonstration of alkaline phosphatase activity. A lead method for demonstrating alkaline phosphatase is described. The method is based on direct precipitation of lead as lead phosphatase at pH 9.5, the pH optimum of the enzyme. Stable incubation medium was achieved by using tartrate, instead of maleate, as chelating for lead. The method was found to be suitable for visualization of alkaline phosphatase in different types of tissues.


Effect of mechanical means on the restoration of the limb regenerative ability in metamorphic stages of Bufo regularis Reuss. Limbs of Bufo regularis REUSS metamorphic stages No. 57, 63 and 66 were transected at the thigh level. Removal of the apical skin cover on the third postoperative day, followed by traumatization after further two days in the limb stumps, was more effective in the enhancement of the regenerative ability than when each one of these procedures was performed independently. Better results were achieved in cases of the preclimactic stage (No. 57) where about 30% of the cases (Series III) developed heteromorphic limb outgrowths having more distal structures as the shank ending with or without toes. Normally, after transection at the same level, the limb stumps of this stage could restore part of the thigh region only.


Synaptosomal fractions of cat cerebral cortex after hypo-osmotic and detergent treatment. Different synaptosomal fractions were prepared by subcellular fractionation from cat cerebral cortex. The seperated nerve ending fractions differed in both density and osmotic sensitivity. Synaptosomal ghosts were obtained by hypo-osmotic treatment. In the synaptosomal ghost fractions the synaptic areas seemed to be intact morphologically. The morphology of the "synaptic triad" (pre- and postsynaptic membranes and the synaptic cleft) was not affected even by treatment with Triton X-100 non-ionic detergent (0.6%). The solubilizing effect of different concentrations of the detergent was checked in the supernatants and in the insoluble residues. The homogeneity of various subcellular fractions and the effect of the osmotic and detergent treatments are discussed.


Effect of carbon-tetrachloride and mercuric chloride on the tocopherol and ubiquinone content of liver and kidney. Authors examined changes in the total ubiquinone and tocopherol contents of livers and kidneys obtained from rats acutely poisoned by carbon-tetrachloride and mercuric-chloride. Following administration of carbon-tetrachloride after 48 h the liver ubiquinone content per 100 g tissue decreased from 11.80 +/- 2.44 mg to 7.24 +/- 2.15 mg, while the kidney ubiquinone content changed from 14.16 +/- 3.96 mg to 5.98 +/- 2.93 mg. The total tocopherol content remained unaltered. Fourty-eight hours after administration of mercuric-chloride, the liver total tocopherol and total ubiquinone contents showed no changes, the tocopherol content of the kidney dropped from 6.16 +/- 2.10 mg to 3.16 +/- 1.48 mg, while the total ubiquinone content remained unaltered.


Structural basis of cation exchange, complex formation and redox properties in chloragosomes. Components of chloragosomes isolated from Octolasium transpadanum ROSA were separated by fractional extraction. The chemical composition of the fractions was determined and their effect on the anion- and cation-binding capability and on the lipophilic property of chloragosomes was studied. The acid-alcoholic extract of chloragosomes contained, among others, metalloporphyrins with 2 or 4 free -COOH groups; the residuum consisted of basic proteins. The metalloporphyrins and phosphatides gained by extraction with chloroform-methanol neutralize the basic groups of the chloragosome proteins, thus, an excess of free acidic groups develops, which is responsible for the polyanionic nature and cation exchange of chloragosomes. The apolar groups of phosphatides and carotenoids are responsible for the lipophilic nature of chloragosomes. Under experimental circumstances both in vivo and in vitro, organic cations were bound to chloragosomes, partially by a cation-exchange mechanism and partially by formation of more stable complexes. A small amount of anions may be absorbed by the bound cations. The diluted acidic extract of chloragosomes predominantly contain organic cations, in the present study riboflavin, flavin nucle0tide and thiamine were determined. Chloragosomes, owing to their structure, form complexes of varying stability with anions, cations and hydrophilic compounds equally. This feature explains their capability of cumulating trophic and toxic substances, while their redox activity is explained by their metalloporphyrin, flavin, thiamine and carotene content.


Hypothalamic responsiveness to oestrogen in hypothyroid rats. When 50 iu of PMS is given at 28 days of age, ovulation occurs on day 31, in thyroidectomized rats receiving PMS at 28 days of age, ovulation appears on day 30 and 31. PMS treated thyroidectomized rats were given 0.5 mug oestrogen at 9 a.m. on day 29 or 30. Injection on day 29 increases ovulation, but the injection of day 30 has no effect. Injection of 1.0 mug oestrogen on day 29 reduces activity, however, 1.0 mug on day 30 increases ovulation. These results infer than the hypothyroid state in PMS-treated rats significantly alters hypothalamic responsiveness to oestrogen.


Formative effects of morphactin on the shoot apical meristem of flax (linum usitatissimum L.). The effect of a morphactin -- CF1 -- (2-chloro-9-hydroxyfluorene-9-carbocylic acid-methyl ester) on the morphogenesis of shoot apical meristem was studied on L. usitatissimum L. at three levels of supply. CF1 at 10 and 100 parts/10(6) induced repeated gamophylly resembling a concentric cupulate structure. GA3 superimposed at two levels viz. 10 and 100 parts/10(6) did not reverse this effect. The effect of CF1 is dose-dependent and reversal to normal behaviour occurs when the effect of CF1 wears off.


Effect of cadmium chloride on testis and epididymides of dog. A biochemical study. Male dogs were successfully sterilized by a single subcutaneous injection of cadmium chloride. Cadmium chloride is highly toxic to cells of the seminiferous epithelium and to the proximal end of the caput epididymidis. Shrinkage of the seminiferous tubule and shortening of Leydig cells' nuclear diameter was conspicuous. Cadmium chloride caused drastic changes in the biochemical composition of testes and epididymides. It caused a reduction in RNA and sialic acid concentration of the testes and caput epididymidis. Testicular cholesterol and total lipids were increased significantly. The increased level of cholesterol would indicate a decreased production of androgen by the testis. Decreased androgen production was also reflected in reduced nuclear diameter of Leydig cells.


[Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm. Clinical experience (author's transl)]. The increased number of automobile casualties increases the frequency of traumatic rupture of the diaphragm. Because of associated serious lesions, diagnosis is easily overlooked. The authors report on 11 cases and give an appraisal of the literature. In 6 patients, diagnosis was made late. The authors discuss the physiopathology, symptoms, clinical data and means of diagnosis. Roentgenography is very important. Surgical cure is always recommended because of the danger of delayed strangulation of the hernia.


[Reimplantation of fingers (author's transl)]. Three fingers have been reimplanted at present, bij means of microsutures of digital arteries and veins. The help of the surgical microscope is essential to this technique. In case of traumatic amputation of many fingers, with a neat minimal section, the chances of success are particularly good with a low risk of infection.


Severe and fatal reactions to rheomacrodex. Primary idiosyncrasia against dextran does really exist and is to be taken into account. It may even be more frequent than is usually accepted because in many cases an other cause than the infusion may be obvious. The shock develops at the first milliliters of the infusion. When dextran is to be administered for the first time, a doctor is to be present and all equipment for resuscitation must be available. For any reaction occurring during the infusion, the dextran must be withdrawn.


[Surgical repair of a congenital cervical lung hernia in a baby (author's transl)]. Case report of a congenital cervical lung hernia causing serious feeding and respiratory problems in a 5 1/2 months old baby. Surgical repair of the endothoracic fascia defect with a MARLEX mesh. As far as we know the first report of a surgical repair of a congenital cervical hernia in an infant. Review of frequency, signs and therapy of lung hernia in literature. Analysis of the anatomic situation of a lung hernia in the cervical region.


Incorporation of ALA-14C in circulating bilirubin and hemoglobin heme of hepatectomized dogs. After intravenous injection of delta amino-levulinic acid-14C (ALA-14C) (50 muCi) in hepatectomized dogs, bilirubin-14C reaches a peak after 3-6 hours and then slowly falls. During this time radioactivity of hemoglobin heme is much lower and rises sluggishly. Bilirubin specific activity is several hundred times that of hemoglobin heme. Incorporation of isotope is also much greater for bilirubin. This difference between bilirubin-14C and hemoglobin heme-14C provides evidence that bilirubin is produced outside the liver by a mechanism other than breakdown of hemoglobin. In intact dogs with cannulated common duct, intravenous injection of ALA-14C produces similar results but the rise of bilirubin-14C produced in 9 hours in the hepatectomized dogs is about 12% of the total blood bilirubin-14C of non hepatectomized animals with cannulated common duct. If we include bile bilirubin-14C produced in the same time by intact animals with cannulated common duct, nonhemoglobin bile production is only 4.2% of the total.


The differential diagnosis between intrahepatic cholestatic jaundice and viral hepatitis during pregnancy. Clinical and laboratory findings from 15 patients with icteric viral hepatitis during pregnancy (VHP) and from 22 patients with intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy (CJP) were evaluated statistically in order to find out which parameters might help in order to find out which parameters might help in differentiating the two diseases. Diagnosis was established by needle liver biopsy in all cases. The following data were considered: history, physical examination, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) serum cholesterol, prothrombin time, total serum bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, serum alkaline phosphatase, serum protein, serum flocculation tests, BSP blood clearance and serum HB Ag. Vomiting, high GOT and GPT serum levels, and serum HB Ag positivity suggest VHP diagnosis. Otherwise a severe itching with scratching lesions, high ESR, elevated total cholesterol and serum alkaline phosphatase values mainly if occurring in the later stage of pregnancy are consistent with CJP diagnosis. When clinical and laboratory data from a jaundiced pregnant female do not allow diagnosis, this can be established only on the basis of needle liver biopsy.


Osteoarticular pains and changes in Wilson's disease: a radiological study in fourteen patients in nine Turkish families. A series of 14 patients with Wilson's disease were evaluated in order to determine the characteristic bone changes found in this metabolic disorder. The following radiologic and clinical findings deserve to be summarized: (1) Osteoarticular pains as first manifestations of Wilson's disease were found in six patients. (2) In all but 2 of our patients, minor or moderate or even severe bone abnormalities characteristic for Wilson's disease were observed. (3) There were three groups of sibs. Among these sibs, the lesions were not only similar in type but were also acquired approximately at the same time, showing the influence of the different genes responsible for this metabolic disorder.


The rate of drug biotransformation reactions and cellular viability in the livers of patients with biliary diseases. The cytochrome P-450 level, the rate of o-amino-phenylglucuronide synthesis and the oxygen consumption of liver slices from female patients with various gall bladder disease were determined. The cytochrome P-450 level showed a decreasing trend in patients with chronic cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis or obstructive icterus when compared with those with uncomplicated gall bladder stones. The rate of o-aminophenylglucuronide synthesis was markedly increased in patients with obstructive icterus when compared with other groups. The oxygen consumption was also enhanced in this group. The enhanced rate of glucuronidation is suggested to be caused by endogenous induction of increased bilirubin level or by accumulation of bile acids in the liver cells. The present study proposes that the drug hydroxylation and glucuronidation activities are under separate control mechanisms.


Influence of phospholids on liver damage. I. Carbontetrachloride poisoning and alterations in amino acid uptake, peroxidation, sialic acid content, and lysosomal enzymes. Changes in peroxidation, amino acid uptake [alpha-amino isobutyrate (AIB)], sialic acid content and lysosomal enzymes were followed in rats after carbon-tetrachloride enzymes were followed in rats after carbontetrachloride poisoning and treatment with phospholipids (EPL). Uptake and retention of AIB by liver and brain increased after CCI4 poisoning. EPL had no effect on these changes. EPL diminished markedly, however, the excessive peroxidation caused by CC14.


On the pathophysiology of peptic ulcer formation. Peptic ulcer in man characterized by its rarity, singularity and chronicity coupled with a tendency to recidivate. Its rarity suggest the presence of protective mechanisms. The mucus barrier, cell regeneration and blood flow might be mentioned here. The singularity and chronic nature of this disease, together with the observation of varying lesion healing following polypectomy and gastric freezing, point to the probability of a vascular factor. The connecting link between an impaired protective mechanism and a vascular factor is the back diffusion of acid. A "weakened" mucus barrier opens up the way for an attack by the hydrogen ions on vessels in the regions of the stomach which manifest only a poorly developed vascular plexus. To such regions belongs, in particular, the lesser curvature. For the therapy, the following consequences derive from these pathophysiological condiserations: 1. Attenuation of the aggressive gastric juice by anticholinergics and antihistamines of the H2 receptor blocker type and secretin. 2 Distraction of the aggressor by a diet capable of producing a buffering effect, antacids, antipepsins and alkaline pancreatic secretion stimulated by secretin. 3. Strengthening of the mucus barrier by the administration of carbenoxolone. 4. Reduction of the vascular susceptibility to the formation of thromboses.


Quantification of physiological changes in gut endocrine cells: immunocytochemical and radioimmunoassays of secretin cell function. A model experiment involving the response of secretin cells to acid perfusion of the duodenum has shown that, with suitable sampling methods, quantitative immunocytochemistry using Image Analysis provides results which closely match those obtained by the application of radioimmunoassay to tissue extracts.


Studies on the calcemic effect of intravenous secretin in humans. In healthy controls (n = 7), patients with duodenal ulcer (n = 7), primary hyperparathyroidism (n = 7), and 1 case of excluded gastric antrum the effects of intravenous secretin ("Karolinska"; 3 U/kg/h for 90 min) upon serum calcium fractions, total protein, and the integrated response of gastrin and glucagon were investigated. In all groups total calcium, total protein, and protein-bound calcium fraction rose significantly but the inonized calcium fraction remained stable. Since serum concentration of gastrin and glucagon could not be altered in any of the groups a direct interference of these hormones with calcium homeostasis during secretin infusion can be ruled out. Hyperparathyroid patients had higher baseline glucagon values (209 +/- 30 pg/ml) than normals (127 +/- 6 pg/ml) and ulcer patients (138 +/- 11 pg/ml) and maintained a higher hormone output throughout the experiment. Together with data on the patient with excluded antral parts it is concluded that the hypercalcemic effect of secretin is not mediated by calcium-regulating hormones but must be of an unspecific nature.


[Primary tubulopathies].

[Primary tubulopathies]. 1. Defects in transport systems of renal tubules are caused by partial tubular dysfunction without preceeding renal disease. There is a well delineated disturbance for the reabsorption of certain substances. Most commonly the defects in transport of renal tubules are genetically determined. 2. Symptoms are due to secondary renal dysfunction and nephrolithiasis or extrarenal disturbances. Primary defects in transport systems of renal tubules, therefore, should be considered for differential diagnosis. 3. There is no therapy for the genetic defect. However, in case of early detection a symptomatic treatment is mandatory. This prevents clinical symptoms and sequelae.


[Pyelonephritis].

[Pyelonephritis]. Chronic pyelonephritis is, by definition, a chronic interestial nephritis due to immediate or late effects of bacterial infection of the renal parenchyma. The main diagnostic criterion is recurrent or permanent bacteriuria. As a rule, bacteriuria follows as a secondary symptom a primary renal disturbance such as malformations of the urinary tract, stones, gout, analgesic abuse, diabetes mellitus or pregnancy. It is most important to eradicate predisposing factors, if possible, for successful antimicrobial therapy. In some cases, permanent intensive chemotherapy might be more harmful to the patient than untreated chronic bacteriuria, in itself.


[Sulfametrol-trimethoprim in the treatment of chronic urinary tract infections]. Thirtyeight patients with a chronic urinary infection (definitions see methods) were treated for 3 months with Trimethoprim-Sulfametrol. During therapy in 19 (70%) out of 27 patients without obstruction in the urinary tract infection could be eliminated. In 3 (27%) out of 11 patients with obstruction in the urinary tract infection was also eliminated. In 2 (18%) of these 11 patients the causative organisms changed to resistant strains. In 2 patients (10%) resp. in one patient without obstruction and one with obstruction in the urinary tract the infection recurred within the follow up of 3 months.


[Effect of dopamine on the portal pressure]. 1. An infusion of 3 gamma/kg/min dopamine causes a significant increase in the renal plasma flow and the glomerulum filtration rate. This dosage does not cause a change of the mean systolic and arterial pressure. This effect may also be observed in patients with hepatic cirrhosis. 2. The wedged hepatic vein pressure, an indicator for the portal pressure, only shows a slight increase (9,46 +/- 9,41%) as compared to the initial pressure produced by the mentioned dose. Measurements of the spleen pulpa pressure, which likewise indicates the portal pressure, showed an increase of pressure up to 100% due to pressing or coughing. 3. If in the case of bleeding oesophageal varices acute renal failure might develop, the advantage of the effect of dopamine in stimulating the blood flow through the kidneys may be considered more important than the minute danger of a slight increase of the portal pressure, which might provoke haemorrhage.


[Serum concentration of triiodothyronine in autonomous thyroid gland adenoma]. Serum Concentration of T3 was measured  in 14 patients with autonomous thyroid adenoma using a chromatographic method. 9 patients had increased levels of T4, 5 were normal. In both groups serum-T3-concentration was significantly elevated. In patients with normal T4-values hypertriijodothyroninemia seems to be the biochemical base for clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. The pathogenetical importance of elevated T3-levels is discussed for T3-secretion and T4/T3 conversion.


[Infantile form of Hallervorden-Spatz disease (author's transl)]. The authors report the evolution since birth of a third patient belonging to a sibship affected by the infantile form of Hallervorden-Spatz disease. The diagnosis has been histologically proven in each case. Due to a lack of full clinical reports in the available literature, the emphasis has mainly been placed on the complex extrapyramidal syndrome characteristic of this disorder and illustrated by our own cases. We stree here the occurrence of extrapyramidal fits with exceptionally severe hemiballic movements and torsion spasms. Moreover the clinical signs and their succession in time are strikingly similar in our three patients. Our main purpose is to document accurately the early stages of this disorder; they are characterized by a non-specific spastic diplegia associated with mental retardation. There is a progressive but incomplete improvement during the following years. Thereafter the extrapyramidal syndrome appears. It is to early to decide whether all the infantile cases of Hallervorden-Spatz disease do indeed present a diphasic evoluation because our third patient is the only one to have been followed up since birth; relevant data are scarcely available in the other reported cases. On the other hand, it is correct to state that a spastic diplegia with mental retardation under the age of two--provided a perinatal anoxic excephalopathy has been ruled out--can lead to a wide range of conditions from normality to a neurological disorder as severe as the one reported here.


[A case of uveitis and meningo-myelitis (author's transl)]. The authors describe a patient, suffering from recurring uveitis, buccal aphthous ulcers and meningo-myelitis. The diagnosis of Behcet's disease accounts for the whole clinical picture and has been confirmed by a cutaneous hypersensitivity to scratching. The authors stress the similarity between the neurological aspects of Behcet's disease and multiple sclerosis not only on the clinical side but also concerning the CSF composition (lympho-mono-plasmatocytic meningogram, increase and fractionation of gammaglobulins). The authors present a critical review of the evidence in favour of a viral aetiology. They put forward the clinical and experimental data in favour of an auto-immune aetiopathogeny. Treatment with corticosteroids associated with immunosuppressive drugs proved beneficial.


Central pontine myelinolysis and its arterial blood supply. A case of central pontine myelinolysis is described. The clinical, angiographic and post mortem findings suggest that among the associated disorders the oligemic shock combined with a local decreased flow in the basilar artery was the most important cause of this patholigical entity. The angioarchitecture findings in the brain stem, compared to these in 26 normal brains, confirm this hypothesis.


[Neurological complications of anticoagulants (author's transl)]. During a course of therapy by anticoagulants, 16 intracranial haemorrhages and 10 cerebral infarctions, were observed over a period of seven years. The intracranial haemorrhages include 11 subdural haematomas (four acute, seven chronic) and ive intracerebral haemorrhages, one of which resulted from the rupture of an arterial aneurysm. The anticoagulant therapy lasted in 12 cases for more than two years, and in four cases between twenty-four hours and two months. Monocoumarinics are most often the cause of the haemorrhages. The subdural haematomas are unpredictable and a traumatism was only observed in four cases. Three out of four patients with acute haematomas died, as well as two out of seven patients with chronic haematomas. Three out of four intracerebral haemorrhages occurred after ischemic cerebral accidents. The existence of a cerebral infarction counter-indicates the use of anticoagulants. The cerebral infarctions occurred five times during the anticoagulation therapy, and five times after  stopping the treatment (from within a few days to a few weeks). Anticoagulation therapy, apart from infarction, is in general well supported and well supervised during the first weeks. Used for a long time, it may lead to very serious and often fatal complication, and must therefore be weighed against the advantages of the treatment.


[Pathological findings in a case of normal pressure hydrocephalus (author's transl)]. Pathological findings in a case of normal pressure hydrocephalus are reported with a review of the literature.


The pseudo-rhythmic electroendephalogram after cardiac arrest. Five cases are presented showing on the EEG pseudo-rhythmic discharges appearing on almost flat lines, after reanimation of a cardiac arrest. The morphology of the complexes is quite similar, except in the period immediately preceding death, where they are more disformed. All patients died within the following days, except one. In four of the five cases myoclonic jerks occurred, consisting of brief convulsions over the whole body, especially in the arms and the face. A literature survey shows that this EEG pattern after circulatory arrest, is not rare. It is almost always followed by death. Myoclonic jerks may or may not be present and are not necessarily synchronous with the EEG discharges. The electrogenetic origin is not yet elucidated, although it seems that the pattern may appear at a state of complete loss of cortical function.


[Psychiatric epidemiology in an underdeveloped country]. An epidemiological study of the "Serer" of Senegal has been performed. This work was aimed at studying the problem of stress of "acculturation" in an underdeveloped country by comparing general health and mental health in two groups of Serer, one having migrated to Dakar and the other having remained in a traditional rural milieu. No difference in health was observed between the two groups. This research also shows that the popular equation: primitive and rural milieu = tranquillity and urban milieu = stress is to simplistic. Our work has resulted, in light of the Serer experiment, to bring some modifications to this equation.


[Some problems related to the automatic interpretation of recordings of bioelectric activity in man]. The automatic interpretation of recordings of bioelectric activities in man represents a certain number of difficulties which are discussed more specially insofar as the analysis of automatic polygraphic recordings of sleep. A system of analysis specifically utilising "passe bande" filters has been used to obtain interesting results on many recordings. The interpretation itself is obtained with the help of a small computer coupled to a system of measurement and digitalisation.


[Stress, psychological characteristics, and respiratory variables]. This study compares the respiratory reactions of 40 normal subjects and 40 coronary patients. The respiratory measures are taken under stress and under normal situations. The psychological features of the eighty subjects are known; they are drawn from a test battery implementing the MMPI, the ABV and the DS. The study is meant to identify the interaction between the psychological and bioclinical measures. The bioclinical measures comprise several respiratory parameters: they are taken under mental and physical stress.


[The language of the unconscious].

[The language of the unconscious]. The concept of consciousness, separate from that of vigilance, can be defined as the immediate knowledge of motor-perceptual activities on the cognitive assimilation of the real duration. The linguistic theories distinguish in the language first of all linguistic competence, it is grouping of signs or linguistic knowledge of the group, which one can compare to phenomenon of automatism, and secondly the spoken language or linguistic performance, a creative individual and voluntary act. The observation of aphasics and of a certain partial temporal epileptics permits to dissociate these two forms of language. That of the consciousness linked to the immediate observation of the self by ones' self could only be the creative word. The unconscious listener, separated from real time, without real creative ability, could only be the "-echo-souvenir" of the conscient person.


[Some reflections a propos of an experiment in family therapy]. A social assistant in conjonction with a multidimensional team in child psychiatry followed the progress of family therapy over a few years. The reason for this family therapy was based on the difficulty the parents had in expressing their conflicts through oral communication. It is chiefly by actual encounterances and a sub-verbal dialog that this experiment was carried out. This project was able to be investigated by having great freedom of openness by elaboration of each structure and with transferential attitudes. This experiment was carried out on 40 cases; however only 4 are described to illustrate the method.


[Evaluation of disulfiram treatment in chronic alcoholism]. Disulfiram is an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of chronic alcoholism as long as certain conditions are maintained; the patient realises that he is ill, the patient is motivated to be treated and that alcohol withdrawal be maintained chiefly during the first year where there is periodic uneasiness. Disulfiram therapy must only be prescribed in the phase where the chronic alcoholic accepts the treatment and not in the phase where he negates it.


Effect of histamine H2-receptor and beta-receptor blockade on histamine-, orciprenaline- and prostaglandin-stimulated frequency of the isolated guinea-pig atrium. For the oxyntic cell of the stomach the hypothesis was forwarded by Grossmann and Konturek [1] that, if one of its three receptors is blocked, the physico-chemical properties of the two others are changed in such a way that they respond less sensitively to their specific stimulation. This hypothesis was tested for the heart by studying the effect of histamine-H2-receptor- and beta-receptor-blockade on the orciprenaline-, histamine-, and prostaglandin E1-stimulated frequency of the spontaneously beating isolated guinea-pig atrium. Therefore cumulative dose response curves were established for orciprenaline, histamine and prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) alone or in the presence of metiamide or pindolol. (1) The beta-blocker pindolol inhibited the effect of orciprenaline in a competitive manner, without having an effect on histamine- and PGE1-stimulation. (2) The histamine H2-receptor blocker metiamide inhibited the histamine response competitively. (3) In contrast to pindolol, metiamide inhibited the PGE1-stimulated rise in atrial frequency, most obviously non- or uncompetitively. From these results it is evident that in the heart the particular inhibitors, at least at the receptor site, act rather specifically without affecting neighbouring receptors and that metiamide influences the PGE1-response in a way different from the receptor site.


The Arthus reaction in guinea-pig knee joints. A test for anti-inflammatory drugs. A reversed passive Arthus reaction was produced in guinea-pig knee joints by intravenous injection of ovalbumin and intra-articular injection of homologous anti-ovalbumin antiserum or specific IgG2 antibody. The optimum response was obtained by varying the concentration of antigen while keeping the amount of antibody constant. Joint swelling, leucocyte infiltration in the synovial fluid and joint pathology were measured 4-6 hours and 24 hours after initiation of the reaction. The RPA lesions were almost completely inhibited by complement or polymorphonuclear leucocyte depletion. The effects of a range of drugs on the 4-6 hours response were investigated following intraperitoneal or oral administration. Cyproheptadine hydrochloride, Trasylol, indomethacin, aspirin, phenylbutazone, prednisolone sodium phosphate, chloroquine diphosphate, SKF36914 (gold triethyl phosphine), cyclophosphamide, ketoprofen, sudoxicam and naproxen all reduced one or more of the symptoms of inflammation. However, cyproheptadine was only active at high and probably non-specific dose levels. D(-)penicillamine hydrochloride and mepyramine maleate were inactive.


Platelets, Arthus-type reactions and inflammatory mediators. The release of inflammatory mediators and the appearance of necrohaemorrhagic lesions induced by subcutaneous implantation of sponges containing antiplatelet serum globulins were studied in control and thrombocytopenic rats. In thrombocytopenic animals, antiplatelet globulins caused a greater release of prostaglanding-like material and 5-hydroxytryptamine as well as larger inflammatory lesions. Thus, platelet integrity is not necessary for the induction of lesions by antiplatelet globulinrom leucocytes or damaged tissues. Mast cells seem not to be involved in the production of 5-hydroxytryptamine in this inflammatory reaction. It is suggested that in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) an Arthus-type hypersensitivity reaction, rather than the thrombocytopenia itself, is the cause of the vascular lesions and their manifestations.


Irritancy of cyclophosphamide-derived aldehydes (acrolein, chloracetaldehyde) and their effect on lymphocyte distribution in vivo: protective effect of thiols and bisulphite ions1). (1) A strategy is described for investigating agents such as N-acetylcysteine or penicillamine that might be used as adjuvant therapy with cyclophosphamide, to lessen the toxic side-effects of this latter drug caused by some of its metabolites. (2) The toxic effects of acrolein and chloracetaldehyde were determined by (a) their effects on lymphocyte circulation and (b) their oedemagenic activity in rats. (3) Stable thiols and bisulphite ions antagonised this aldehyde toxicity/irritancy; thiosulphate ions did not. (4) Thiosulphate and bisulphite ions antagonised the irritancy/toxicity of a mustard, mechlorethamine (HN-2). (5) The possible relationship of intrinsic irritancy to anti-inflammatory activity is discussed briefly.


Correlation of serum aspirin esterase activity and half-life of salicylic acid. An inverse correlation was found between the serum aspirin esterase activity in human subjects and the biological half-life of salicylic acid in serum and a direct relationship between the values of the elimination rate constant and the activity of this enzyme. The rate of acetylsalicylic acid breakdown may be one of the factors which influences the biological half-life of salicylates in the organism and may participate also in determining the individual response to the administered drug.