Expression of the ligand-binding nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit D alpha 2 in the Drosophila central nervous system

The D alpha 2 gene encodes a ligand-binding subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) from Drosophila melanogaster. We have studied the distribution of D alpha 2 transcripts and protein by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively, as well as the regulation of D alpha 2 gene expression in vivo using D alpha 2 promoter fragments fused to the Escherichia coli lacZ gene. Transcripts and protein from the D alpha 2 gene were detected exclusively in the central nervous system. Both in late embryos and adults D alpha 2-like immunoreactivity is widely but not uniformly distributed in the synaptic neuropil, suggesting that the D alpha 2 protein is a subunit of a synaptic nicotinic receptor. Its distribution resembles that of ALS and ARD proteins, two other nAChR subunits of the fly. Five different D alpha 2-lacZ fusion gene constructs were introduced into the Drosophila genome by P-element-mediated gene transfer to identity functional elements of the D alpha 2 promoter. All constructs produce a basic lacZ expression pattern that is compatible with the distribution of D alpha 2 transcripts and protein. A 880 bp upstream fragment harbors the cis elements for the expression of a weak but specific basic D alpha 2 pattern. The next 350 bp further upstream significantly enhance beta-galactosidase expression without influencing the pattern of expression. Between 1.7 and 7.3 kb upstream of the transcription start site one or more elements that are required for D alpha 2 expression in optic lobe tangential cells are located.

Cooperative social coordination and aggression: II. Effects of sex and housing among three strains of intact laboratory rats differing in aggressiveness

Pairs of laboratory rats were rewarded with sugar solution for cooperating by means of synchronized shuttling in a rectangular chamber. Learning and performance were compared in males and females of three strains--S3, Charles River, and Wistar--ordered in terms of decreasing levels of aggressiveness. In addition, same-sex pairs of each strain were housed either together or individually. When housed together, males and females of all strains eventually cooperated at comparable levels, with rates of acquisition across strains inversely related to their aggressiveness. Individual housing, in contrast, was associated with severe deficits in males of the S3 and CR strains linked to violent fighting and prolonged freezing by animals who had previously been defeated. All other individually housed groups, including males of the Wistar strain and females of all strains, were able to cooperate, including S3 females whose violent fighting was not associated with immobility by defeated animals. In general, the majority of groups were able to cooperate despite differences in aggressiveness associated with sex, strain, and housing. Possible processes in this accommodation are discussed.

Metabolic flux determination in C6 glioma cells using carbon-13 distribution upon [1-13C]glucose incubation

A mathematical model of mammalian cell intermediary metabolism is presented. It describes the distribution of the carbon-13 isotope (13C) at the different carbon positions of metabolites in cells fed with 13C-enriched substrates. The model allows the determination of fluxes through different metabolic pathways from 13C- and 1H-NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry data. The considered metabolic network includes glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, the citric acid cycle and a number of reactions corresponding to protein or fatty acid metabolism. The model was used for calculating metabolic fluxes in a rat tumor cell line, the C6 glioma, incubated with [1-13C]glucose. After evolution to metabolic and isotopic steady states, the intracellular metabolites were extracted with perchloric acid. The specific enrichments of glutamate, aspartate and alanine carbons were determined from 13C-, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, or mass spectrometry data. Taking into account the rate of glucose consumption and of lactate formation, determined from the evolution of glucose and lactate contents in the cell medium, and knowing the activity of the hexose monophosphate shunt, it was possible to estimate the absolute values of all the considered fluxes. From the analysis the following results were obtained. (a) Glucose accounts for about 78% of the pyruvate and 57% of the CoASAc. (b) A metabolic channelling occurs at the citric acid cycle level; it favours the conversion of carbons 2, 3, 4, and 5 of 2-oxoglutarate into carbons 1, 2, 3, and 4 of oxaloacetate, respectively. The percentage of channelled metabolites amounts to 39%. (c) The pyruvate carboxylase activity and the efflux from the citric acid cycle are estimated to be very low, suggesting a lack of glutamine production in C6 cells. The results emphasize different metabolic characteristics of C6 cells when compared to astrocytes, their normal counterpart.

Immunohistochemical localization of a ligand-binding and a structural subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster

The distribution of two subunits of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the developing and the differentiated central nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster was studied. With subunit-specific antibodies raised against the ligand-binding alpha-like subunit ALS and the putative non-ligand-binding subunit ARD, we find both ALS-like and ARD-like immunoreactivity widely distributed in most neuropiles of the optic lobes, the protocerebrum, the deutocerebrum and the thoracic ganglion of the adult fly. With a single exception, namely in the lamina of the visual system, the antigens recognized by the two types of antibodies are colocalized. This observation is consistent with previous immunoprecipitation data indicating that the ALS and ARD proteins are integral components of the same hetero-oligomeric receptor that binds the nicotinic antagonist alpha-bungarotoxin with high affinity. During embryonic development ARD-like immunoreactivity is first detectable in approximately 10 hour old embryos. Both subunits are consistently detected in the central nervous system of the late embryo, the three larval stages, and all prepupal and pupal stages. During metamorphosis the optic stalk is transiently immunoreactive with anti-ARD, but not with anti-ALS antiserum. Although in larvae and adults, immunoreactivity with both types of antibodies is most abundant in synaptic regions, in embryos and pupae strong staining of cortical cell body layers is observed, in particular with anti-ARD antisera. As these developmental periods coincide with strong accumulation of ARD transcripts, the cell body staining may reflect newly synthesized and assembled receptors, while the functional ARD- and ALS-containing receptor may be destined for synapses.

[Compliance of children with bronchial asthma in long-term therapy with theophylline retard preparations]

427 samples of the saliva of 235 children were taken on an outpatient basis to follow up long-term theophylline treatment. 37 samples from 34 children did not reveal the presence of any theophylline. The absolute non-compliance found in this manner is 21% in the 9 to 12 years age bracket and significantly higher than with the children below 9 years and above 14 years of age (8 and 10%, respectively). Better differentiation of compliance and separation from underdosing was achieved in 38 children by comparing the outpatient-controlled theophylline levels with the values obtained on an inpatient basis. For 10 patients this method definitely revealed non-compliance, whereas compliance was doubtful with 12 children and 15 children had strictly adhered to the prescribed dosage regimen. To improve the intake discipline the theophylline levels should be regularly followed up under outpatient conditions and evaluated in cooperation with the patients.

Giant lipomas of the hand and forearm

Giant lipomas of the upper extremity are infrequently reported. They can alter function by restricting motion or producing compressive neuropathies. This report of four cases of giant lipoma in the hand and forearm illustrates these functional losses. The role of MRI and CT in preoperative evaluation of these lesions is discussed and a report of an anterior interosseous syndrome caused by a giant lipoma is presented.

[Oral ciprofloxacin therapy in juvenile patients with cystic fibrosis--results of a prospective pilot study]

Efficacy and safety of oral ciprofloxacin were studied in a prospective study at three cystic fibrosis centres, covering 24 in-patients suffering from cystic fibrosis and acute bronchopulmonary exacerbation. The patients were between 10 and 17 years of age. Pseudomonas infection was present in 75% of these patients. Despite frequent persistence of the pathogens, clinical improvement was noted in 75% of the treated children. A definite increase of the average MIC was not seen in 20 cases of persisting strains. No serious side effects occurred during the 14-day oral treatment course. Ciprofloxacin is a useful alternative to conventional parenteral treatment with antibiotics in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis and infections of the airways.

[Contributions to the parasite fauna of local hosts. 10. On the endoparasitic fauna of Felis silvestris]

The investigations based on examination of the internal organs of 25 wild cats of the Harz population died from different causes in the period from 1982 to 1989. 22 animals (= 88%) were positive for parasites. The following species were found: Hydatigera taeniaeformis, Taenia crassiceps, T. martis larv. (spurious parasite), Mesocestoides litteratus, Capillaria plica, Capillaria sp. (aerophila?), Toxocara mystax, Cystoisopora felis. Toxocara mystax and Hydatigera taeniaeformis were the most often diagnosed helminths. Their number ranged up to 247 and 30 specimen respectively. The stated parasite fauna is comparable with findings in run wild domestic cats in rural areas. Voles contained in the stomach content of most of the cats play a role in the epizootiology of wild cat endoparasites.

[A case of an Oslerus osleri infection (nematoda) in a dog]

Nodules had been found in the mucous membrane of trachea and bronchiae of an 8 month old male miniature poodle suffering from dyspnoea. Besides worm fragments one female and one male nematode as well as a number of nematode eggs and larvae were discovered by parasitological examination of tracheal rinse liquid. They could be identified as Oslerus osleri. A literature survey is given on peculiarities in the life cycle, on the epidemiology, the clinical signs, the diagnostic and the treatment of this helminthosis rarely diagnosed in Europe.

Infection patterns in the first intermediate host of Dicrocoelium dendriticum

In order to establish the infection patterns in the first intermediate host of Dicrocoelium dendriticum, investigations were carried out on sheep pastures situated in the eastern part of Brandenburg, Germany, during the grazing periods in 1986, 1987, 1989 and 1990. It was found that the majority of specimens of the first intermediate host, Helicella obvia, become infected in the autumn of their second year of life, when their shell diameter is of medium size. The percentage of snails containing daughter sporocysts was highest in spring. Slimeball output could be provoked only in May and June.

Distribution, propagation, and coordination of contractile activity in lymphatics

The propagation and coordination of lymphatic contractions were studied in the mesentery of the rat small intestine using in situ microscopic observation. Indexes of lymphatic diameter were simultaneously measured at two adjacent lymphangions in spontaneously contracting lymphatics (n = 51). Diameter index, contraction frequency, and the percentage of the intersegmental contractions that were propagated and coordinated (PP) were determined at both sites. The conduction velocity of the contractile activity and the percentage of the coordinated contractions that were propagated both antegrade to the direction of lymph flow and retrograde to the flow stream were determined. The results indicate that 1) 80-90% of the lymphatic contractions in the vessels we evaluated were propagated, 2) the wave of contractile activity propagated both centrally and peripherally, and 3) the conduction velocity of the contractile activity was approximately 4-8 mm/s. We tested the hypothesis that gap junctional communication is responsible for the coordination of the contractile event. To accomplish this, we used the gap junction blockers n-heptanol and oleic acid. PP was 90 +/- 4% under normal conditions and fell to a minimum value of 55 +/- 7% during the gap junction blockade. These results indicate that gap junctional communication played an important role in the propagation and coordination of contractions that occurred in spontaneously active lymphatics.

[Treatment strategy in childhood bronchial asthma]

Although bronchial asthma is the most frequent chronic disease in childhood, not all of the affected children are readily recognised as asthmatics well in time for appropriate treatment. Since most of the children can get rid of the symptoms if all the available treatment methods are made use of systematically, early diagnosis and correct estimation of the disease pattern are essential for good long-term prognosis. New pathogenetic knowledge on the importance of inflammatory processes affecting the bronchial mucosa has definitely shifted the points of emphasis in asthma treatment as is evident from the international consensus recommendations. Focus of drug therapy is on prophylactic antiphlogistic treatment. Only in cases of severe asthma continual bronchodilatory medication is also recommended. The inhalative route is beneficial and feasible for all age groups. Long-term treatment, wherever necessary, also includes continual medical supervision in consultation with a paediatric pneumologist.

[Findings of combined ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy in children with abnormalities of the bronchi, the lung and lung blood vessels]

Combined ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy with 133Xe/99mTc-HAM was performed within the framework of bronchological diagnostics in 38 children suffering from malformations of the bronchi, lungs and pulmonary vessels, and in 9 children after surgery of hernia of the diaphragm. The findings in stenoses, cysts in the bronchial system and in children with pulmonary vessel malformations, in one child with pulmonary agenesia and in a few other malformations, are presented. The significance of these findings in bronchological diagnosis in case of pulmonary malformations or clinical follow-up is discussed. Combined ventilation/perfusion scintigraphy is a valuable contribution to preliminary diagnosis and in follow-up of children with pulmonary malformations.

[Risk for humans and animals by excretion of helminth eggs]

In presence of large human and animal populations on a small area potential danger is given for frequent occurrence of helminth infections. Important helminthosis of men and animals in Middle Europe are represented, particularly the correlations between hosts and parasitic agents in epidemiological point of view. The represented helminth species are such of man as final host which are dangerous for men and animals, and such of animals which are dangerous also for both man and animals. On the one hand there is a lot of new scientific findings, on the other hand there are gaps in knowledge, concerning species of nematodes, cestodes and trematodes with reference to living expectancy, reproduction potential, duration and dynamic of elimination as well as resistance of exogenous helminth stages and finally methods for proof of pathogens in the biotope as a requirement for purposeful control with ecologically acceptance.

Refined algorithm and computer program for calculating all non-negative fluxes admissible in steady states of biochemical reaction systems with or without some flux rates fixed

A refined algorithm together with a computer procedure for determining the complete set of non-negative, steady-state fluxes in biochemical reaction systems of any complexity, with or without some flux rates fixed, is given. It is shown that this set is a convex polyhedron, which may or may not be bounde. The algorithm is illustrated by several examples; one of them concerns intermediary metabolism. A computer code in standard C is presented.

A new simulation approach for the determination of the error of parameters of biological importance describing the growth of the Ehrlich ascites tumor of the mouse

Some aspects of the growth of the Ehrlich ascites tumor of the mouse can be described by the logistic function. The parameters used are fitted to the experimental data in a nonlinear way. It is important to determine the error of these parameters of biological importance in order to discriminate between different consequences induced by various experimental situations by means of statistics. But often there is a gap between the data that are available and the stronger assumptions necessary for statistics. We propose a simulation approach which also works in a much larger range of similar situations to close this gap.

[The modification of Helicella obvia by Dicrocoelium parthenitae]

During the pasture period in 1990 the snail species Helicella obvia, collected in a dicrocoeliosis area in the east of Brandenburg, was investigated for Dicrocoelium sporocysts. Simultaneously in adult snails the condition of albumen gland was examined. Investigations showed that Dicrocoelium infection in the snail host impairs their reproduction ability and life expectancy. The term "parasite caused sterilisation" is suggested for changes which lead to infertility in the case of parasite infection.

Budd-Chiari syndrome as the primary manifestation of a fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma

An 18-year-old female patient was admitted with ascites, right upper abdominal tenderness and peripheral edema. Angiography showed complete occlusion of the vena cava inferior up to the level of the right atrium. By open heart surgery, masses of thrombotic material were pulled out of the v. cava inferior/vv. iliacae which histologically contained tumor cell populations consistent with a hepatocellular carcinoma. Celiacography showed a highly vascularized tumor in the right hepatic lobe. Histologically, it proved to be fibrolamellar subtype hepatocellular carcinoma.

Factors influencing the metacercarial intensity in ants and the size of Dicrocoelium dendriticum metacercarial cysts

During the 1990 grazing season, ants found attached to plants were collected from sheep pastures at monthly intervals and examined for Dicrocoelium metacercariae. The species Formica pratensis and F. rufibarbis showed average metacercarial intensities of 76 and 38 respectively. In addition to the ant species, the intensity of infection was found to be dependent on the length of the ant. The volume of metacercarial cysts was influenced by the intensity per ant relative to ant length but not by the ant species or the time of ant collection.

[Automobile driving studies to determine alcohol-induced driving insecurity after dark]

To further elucidate the question whether the criteria for assessing alcohol-induced unfitness to drive should be stricter for night-time than for day-time driving (cf. Schewe et al., 1977) 64 test persons performed automobile driving tests in daylight and in darkness while being sober and while under the influence of alcohol. The first set of tests was done in daylight. A test course of approx. 600 m involving six everyday driving maneuvers had to be covered, first in the sober state and then at blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) of 1.1 g % and 1.4 g %. The driving tests in the dark were performed on the same test course, first in the sober state and then at a BAC of 1.1 g%. In both test series the errors were counted and the driving times measured. Statistical evaluation of the test results was done parametrically (t-test for dependent random samples) and distribution-free (Wilcoxon's test for paired comparison). In the sober state 2.1 errors were made on average during the day and 3.2 errors, i.e. one error more, at night. At 1.1 g %, 4.3 errors occurred during the day but 8.0 errors at night (i.e. 3.7 errors more than during the day). The differences were statistically significant. With 8 errors during night-time driving at 1.1 g % the number of errors was still higher than the average number of 6.8 errors made during day-time driving at 1.4 g %. The average driving times required in the sober state were 241 s during the day and 256 s at night. At 1.1 g %, 243 s were needed during the day and 272 s at night, i.e. on average 17 s more than for day-time driving at 1.4 g % for which 255 s were needed. For an orienting comparison of driving performance it can be assumed that "performance" in the sense meant here is reciprocally proportional to the number of errors and reciprocally proportional to the time required, i.e. on the whole reciprocally proportional to the product from number of errors and time. The deterioration of performance can be illustrated best by assuming performance in the sober state during the day to be 100% and relating the other "performances" thereto.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Radiotherapy and breast reconstruction: clinical results and dosimetry

Immediate or delayed reconstruction using implants or autologous tissue transfer is increasingly offered to women undergoing mastectomy for breast cancer. Some patients require radiotherapy for prevention of local/regional relapse, and some for post-surgical local/regional recurrence. Others with augmented breasts may opt for conservative surgery and irradiation. At Washington University, 70 breast cancers were irradiated in 66 patients following mastectomy with reconstruction (N = 61) or wide local excision of an augmented breast (N = 5). Two patients elected to have a second reconstruction after an unsatisfactory initial result. Thus, 72 breasts were evaluated after radiotherapy for tumor control, complications, cosmesis, and patient satisfaction. Locoregional failure occurred in only five patients, one following adjuvant radiotherapy after mastectomy with reconstruction and four following radiotherapy for recurrent breast cancer within a reconstructed breast. Grade 2 or 3 complications occurred in 34 patients (51%). The complication rate was highest in autologous tissue transfer reconstructions. Cosmetic results were evaluated good/excellent in 49% by physicians and 67% by patients. Immediate reconstructions had fewer good/excellent physician evaluations (32%) compared with reconstructions performed at least 6 weeks after radiotherapy (55%). Transverse rectus abdominis flaps had the best cosmesis scores, followed by permanent silicone prostheses, tissue expanders, latissimus dorsi, and gluteal flaps. Only 48% of patients would choose to have the same reconstructive procedure again. Phantom interface dosimetry with a parallel plate chamber and TLD measurements was performed. Radiotherapy and reconstruction are not incompatible, but careful consideration of their relative timing and technique appear to be important in optimizing cosmesis while minimizing complications.

[Results of specific hyposensitization in children with pollinosis]

Hyposensitization was carried out in 120 children aged 5 to 15 years with proven sensitivity to various pollen for 3 to 5 years before the start of the season. By reason of the results of intracutaneous tests 90 patients were treated with mixed pollen allergen and 30 patients with grass pollen allergen. A retrospective study was undertaken on the base of a questionnaire. Every year after the season duration and severity of symptoms as well as consumption of medicine were registered. The total success of hyposensitization amounted to 70.8% and this result varied on the one hand in dependence of the duration of disease on the other hand in dependence of the duration of treatment. A more inconvenient result was seen in those children who suffered from asthmatic symptoms exclusively compared to patients with hay fever. Local side effects resulted sporadically in 71.5% and systemic side effects in 15.7% by subcutaneous injection of depot-pollen allergen. Despite of extensive and not indifferent mode of treatment, hyposensitization should be performed in a correct way as soon as possible after exact indication.

[Morphometric analysis of an Anoplocephala perfoliata population]

An Anoplocephala perfoliata population isolated from the caecum of a dead horse was analysed morphometrically. Besides the number of segments, length and width of strobila, the width of scolex and the last segment, in adult tapeworms the number of eggs per segment was counted. By the aid of these data the population was divided into 4 categories. The length of fixed tapeworms varied between 5.46 and 41.53 mm. There was an direct relation between length of the strobila and number of segments. Only 42 of 440 investigated tapeworms contained mature eggs in the uterus. The number of eggs varied between 125 and 4482. The beetle mite Scheloribates latipes could be infected successfully, 9 cysticercoids were isolated from their body cavity.

Minimization of intermediate concentrations as a suggested optimality principle for biochemical networks. II. Time hierarchy, enzymatic rate laws, and erythrocyte metabolism

The multiobjective problem of minimizing all intermediate concentrations is solved for a model of glycolysis, the pentose monophosphate shunt and the glutathione system in human erythrocytes. It turns out that one solution out of four obtained corresponds qualitatively to the real system. Furthermore, it is shown that for any reaction system, the mentioned optimality principle implies distinct time hierarchy in that some reactions are infinitely fast and subsist in quasi-equilibrium. Finally, the relationships to the standard method of deriving enzymatic rate laws are discussed.

Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: a clinical and radiological study of eight cases

Four patients with benign serous cystadenoma, one with mucinous cystadenoma, and three with mucinous cystadenocarcinoma treated in the university hospital of Göttingen between 1985 and 1988 were investigated. The main initial symptoms of these cystic tumors were abdominal pain (7/8), weight loss (3/8), maldigestion (3/8), and palpable abdominal mass (3/8), while laboratory investigations revealed nonspecific alterations (elevated ESR, mild hypochromic anemia). CA 19-9 was elevated in two patients, one of whom had cystadenocarcinoma; CEA also was elevated in this patient only. In all cases size, localization, and cystic character of the tumors were shown clearly by sonography and computed tomography; fine needle biopsy helped to distinguish between serous and mucinous cystadenoma in four of six cases. Because of their malignant potential, total extirpation of mucinous cystic tumors is the treatment of choice, while serous cystadenomas are benign and therefore may be treated conservatively in uncomplicated cases or high-risk patients.

Prenatal development of mesencephalic and diencephalic dopaminergic systems in the male and female rat

Previous results had suggested mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons in cultures of gestational day (GD) 14 rat embryonic brains to be characterized by an early maturation and acquisition of sex-related differences in transmitter uptake. Therefore development of dopaminergic systems was reexamined in the rat in vivo with special emphasis on the prenatal period, mesencephalo-hypothalamic relationships, and possible sex differences. Perfusion-fixed brains of GD 14, 17, 20, 21 and newborn rats were sectioned or processed as whole-mounts and immunostained for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Total numbers of mesencephalic TH-immunoreactive cell bodies as assessed by a stereological method rose between GD 14 and 17 and fell again between GD 17 and 21. As early as GD 14, a prominent mesencephalo-hypothalamic projection was observed coming off the medial forebrain bundle and terminating in the retrochiasmatic region. Two additional TH-immunoreactive fiber bundles leaving the medial forebrain bundle, one rostral and one caudal to the former, and terminating in the paraventricular and premammillary region, respectively, were noticed on GD 17. Careful examination of developing TH-immunoreactive neurons in the lower brainstem ascertained that there was no interference from ascending catecholaminergic fibers other than dopaminergic of mesencephalic origin during this early prenatal period. All 3 mesencephalo-hypothalamic projections had largely disappeared by GD 20 and were no longer detectable as distinct fiber bundles thereafter. There were subtle sex differences in numbers and distribution of both mesencephalic and diencephalic TH-immunoreactive neurons present at GD 17, which thus occurred prior to manifestation of other well-known sexual dimorphisms of the rat brain.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Initial experiences with "Oranienburg" slow-release theophylline in asthma therapy of children and adolescents]

Experiences in 50 patients show that Theophyllin retard Oranienburg (280 mg theophylline) could be used as an effective bronchospasmolytic drug on conditions of mono- and combination-therapy. Advantages of this preparation are improvement of the compliance and an undisturbed night-sleep in patients. However an optimum dosage is hardly maintained in children by the present dose of a single tablet of 280 theophylline content. The effectiveness in therapy of childhood asthma could be improved by stronger sustained release effect and different doses of tablets.

Pancreatic calcifications in patients with normal pancreatic function

This is a report on five patients who had acute attacks of pancreatitis (three cases complicated by pseudocysts). They all showed pancreatic calcifications on plain abdominal X-ray (n = 5), computed tomography (n = 3), or at postmortem examination (n = 1). Despite calcifications, the exocrine pancreatic function, as tested with the secretin-pancreozymin test and fecal fat analysis, was either normal or returned to normal. The conclusion is that pancreatic calcifications do not indicate severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and the necessity for pancreatic enzyme substitution. Calcifications are not necessarily a sign of chronic pancreatitis. They may result rather from scars following acute pancreatitis.

[Verminous pancreatitis in Anas platyrhynchos]

9 helminth species were found in a young mallard by helminthological dissection of its alimentary tract. The severe pathological alterations in the gut were caused by Filicollis anatis. One female acanthocephalan had entered the pancreas with its proboscis via one of the efferent ducts and caused an inflammation.

[HIV tests as preventive responsibility of public health offices]

4,382 blood samples were examined for HIV antibodies between August 1985 and the end of December 1988 at the Public Health office of the city of Augsburg. The prevalence of positive tests was 0.57% (n = 25). The rate at which various consultation offers were made use of was calculated for 1988. From 1985 to 1988 approximately 200 registered female prostitutes were regularly tested for HIV. It was only in 1985 that the HIV antibody test was positive in two women. Compared with 1984-1986 as basis there was a marked drop in the incidence of gonorrhoea to 71.7% and in 1988 to 6.5%.

Mathematical modelling of metabolic pathways affected by an enzyme deficiency. Energy and redox metabolism of glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase-deficient erythrocytes

The effects of various forms of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency on erythrocyte metabolism have been studied on the basis of a complex mathematical model which comprises the main pathways of this cell: glycolysis, pentose pathway, reactions of the glutathione and adenine nucleotide metabolism. The calculated flux rates through the oxidative pentose pathway with and without methylene blue are in good accord with experimental results. The degree of deficiency as predicted by the model on the basis of calculated upper oxidative load boundaries, as well as of maximal methylene blue stimulation, correlates with the individual clinical manifestation of the metabolic disease. Therefore, the model allows one to judge the degree of metabolic disorder in the presence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzymopathies if the kinetic properties of the defect enzyme are known. Experimentally accessible parameters for an assessment of the oxidative load capacity of cells in vivo are proposed. It is pointed out that the threshold of tolerance as to energetic load is drastically reduced in the case of severe glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

[Finding Setaria equina in horses]

For the first time findings of Setaria equina (Abildgaard, 1789) in horses are reported from the German Democratic Republic. The nematodes, located in the peritoneum, were discovered in the course of autopsy. Based on a thorough analysis of the international literature, the paper discusses geographical distribution, morphology, cycle and diagnosis of this nematode as well as clinical symptoms mainly caused by the stages of the larvae.