Use of stable labelled carbamazepine to study its kinetics during chronic carbamazepine treatment

The kinetics of carbamazepine using stable labelled 15N-carbamazepine was studied in 4 epileptic patients who had been treated with it for at least 6 months. There was a decrease in half-life (12.3 +/- 0.8 h) and an increase in total plasma clearance (58.0 +/- 6.5 ml/min) as compared to single dose studies, which provide further evidence that carbamazepine induces its own metabolism during long-term treatment. Analysis of the urinary metabolites indicated induction of the epoxide-trans-diol pathway. Predicted and observed steady-state plasma levels were in good agreement, thus demonstrating that the use of stable labelled drugs is a useful technique to elucidate changes in kinetics and metabolism which may occur in patients during long-term treatment.

Rabbit corneal allograft survival following topical administration of cyclosporin A

Cyclosporin A (CS-A), selectively inhibited cellular immunity, delayed the skin graft-induced rejection of corneal allografts in rabbits when administered subconjunctivally in the dose of 3 mg/kg/day or in the form of 5% water-soluble drops five times daily for 28 days. The subconjunctival application of CS-A was irritating, whereas the topical instillation of the water-soluble preparation was well tolerated. The corneal grafts were rejected after discontinuation of the therapy. Rejection was confirmed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The mechanism by which CS-A delayed corneal graft rejection seems to depend mainly on the specific and/or the nonspecific effect of topical CS-A on lymphocytes.

[Carcinogenicity test in long-term bioassay of Fermosin-yeast grown on petroleum hydrocarbons]

To test "fermosinR'-yeast grown on petroleum hydrocarbons for carcinogenic potency the product was fed chronically at a dietary level of 15% to male and female rats (Wistar). Animals of the control group received the Institute's stock diet, similar to the yeast diet but without "fermosinR'. Feeding of "fermosinR'-diet did not affect the incidence nor the latency period nor the type of tumors compared with the control rats. Studies in mice (XVII) included two separate experiments. In the first one the dorsal skin of the animals was painted by extracts from yeast twice weekly and treated with the co-carcinogenic agent croton oil once a week. In the second experiment the mice were painted by extracts from pork of animals feed with "fermosinR'. The results obtained in rats and in mice did not reveal any evidence for carcinogenic potency of "fermosinR'-yeast.

Psychological identification of breast cancer patients before biopsy

Fifty-six women admitted consecutively for a breast biopsy were interviewed on the day prior to the operation. Interviewer ratings and blind ratings (audiotapes) allowed a [statistically significant (alpha = 5%)] differentiation of women in whom the biopsy revealed a cancer from those whose tumor was benign. The ratings took into account characteristics assumed to be typical of the women with cancer: (1) being inaccessible or overwhelmed when interviewed; (2) emotional suppression with sudden outbursts; (3) rationalization; (4) little or no anxiety before the operation; (5) demonstration of optimism; (6) superautonomous self-sufficiency; (7) altruistic behaviour; (8) harmonization and avoidance of conflicts. On the basis of the interviews the interviewer and a blind rater predicted the correct diagnosis in 83% and 94% of all cancer patients and in 71% and 68% of all benign cases. This result is also significant (alpha = 5%). The identified psychological syndrome was found in all breast cancer patients but also in a quarter to a third of the patients with benign nodes. We interpret it as a long-standing defensive pattern adopted in the face of extreme emotional stress. A possible etiological significance for the cancerous disease cannot be derived from this study.

[Notes on clinical criteria for the evaluation of tonometers (author's transl)]

The limits of error existing hitherto in verifying the measuring force of applanation tonometers are to be extended in the IOP range above 4.0 kPa (10 mmHg). Relevant ISO proposals submitted by Japan and the Federal Republic of Germany are under discussion. The increase in the amplitudes of pulsations in the eye with increasing intraocular pressure i.e., about 10% per 1.33 kPa (10 mmHg), necessitates a restatement of the limits of error for deviations of individual values around the regression line in clinical control measurements with tonometers whose measuring process terminates in split seconds. Equations for parabolic limits of error are given.

"Arabidobrassica": Chromosomal recombination and morphogenesis in asymmetric intergeneric hybrid cells

A somatic hybrid cell line, cloned from an individual protoplast-fusion product between Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica campestris, gave rise to formation of numerous plants differing drastically in morphology. Analysis of these various regenerants, all of which originated from one and the same heterokaryon derived from the fusion of two cells, shows the unspecific elimination of chromosomes of both parental species during the callus growth phase. Whereas the parental cells have so far not been sucessfully regenerated into plants, several of their different asymmetric hybrids are capable of morphogenesis. Furthermore, chromosomal analysis indicates extensive recombination. Most of the plants are predoinantly morphologically regular. Abnormalities are mostly limited to the flowers which tend to undergo phyllody. The results demonstrate that remote somatic hybridization may have applications although true amphidiploids may not be obtainable. The transfer of small units of genetic material between distantly related species by protoplast fusion seems to be a more realistic approach than the combination of complete, highly diverse genomes.

Valproic acid disposition in epileptic patients during combined antiepileptic maintenance therapy

A previously developed mass spectrometric method was used to measure, in the presence of the unlabeled drug, the fate of pulse dose of tetradeuterated valproic acid given to epileptic patients. By this means the disposition of valproic acid (VPA) was studied in several epileptic patients on maintenance therapy with VPA and at least one other anti-epileptic drug. For 6 patients with 6 different anti-epileptic drug combinations, the mean VPA half-life was only 6.2 h, as compared to about 15 h after a single dose. The mean plasma clearance in those patients was 16.4 ml/min. The volume of distribution was 0.14 l/kg, which did not differ from values found in single dose studies. The clinical relevance of these findings is pointed out.

[Breast cancer in context - results of a prospective study and implications for therapy]

56 patients admitted to the surgical clinic for a breast biopsy were interviewed on the day of their admission. The interviewer recorded his impression of the conversation in eight rating scales. The assessments were repeated by an independent rater from edited tape recordings of the interviews. There was a statistical difference between breast cancer patients and patients with a benign node in all eight scales used and the diagnosis cancer was predicted by the interviewer and rater in 80-90% of all cases. A specific mode of therapeutic procedure is discussed in which the cancer is seen as the final link in a chain of similar occurrences, and in which inclusions of the surrounding field is more conclusive to success than working with the individual alone. The basic idea of this approach has for a long time played a part in the work with "difficult" patients: it very positively sanctions the behavior exhibited as a survival feat in an extremely difficult situation and it accepts that for the time being any other behavior is hardly possible. Thus, a paradoxical effect often ensues: the families begin to offer resistance to the doctor's one-sided representation and at the same time call their own behavior into the question.

Selfcompatibility in microspore-derived doubled-haploid rye lines and single grain selection for alkylresorcinol content

From a total of 138 green androgenetic rye lines, 25 were fertilized and examined in field tests: 7 were heterozygous and 18 were homozygous. Of the homozygotes, 4 turned out to be selfincompatible, while 14 set seed after selfing. Four characters were analyzed in detail: 100 kernel weight, plant height, ear length, and alkylresorcinol content. Here we present the first approach in prescreening selfcompatible androgenetic doubled-haploid rye plants with the single grain procedure. The usefulness of this method was confirmed by quantitative resorcinol determination in the following generation. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that all the homologues of the alkylresorcinol were equally reduced. For all characters the means of the different anther derived lines exceeded the means of the controls in both directions, to the positive as well as to the negative side. The incorporation of such a haploid breeding step into breeding programs is discussed.

"Arabidobrassica": A novel plant obtained by protoplast fusion

Using somatic hybrid cell lines Arabidopsis thaliana+Brassica campestris, obtained by cloning individual protoplast-fusion products as starting material, shoots and flowering plants have been regenerated. Cytological, biochemical, and morphological analyses indicate that genetic material of both species is present in the resultant plants. Shoots and plants obtained from different lines and different regeneration events differed morphologically and genetically. Most regenerants show morphological abnormalities and unusual organizational patterns. Flowering forms have so far been sterile. "Asymmetric" hybrids (i.e., hybrids bearing most genetic material of one of the parent species and only few chromosomes of the other) were more regular in morphology. The results represent the first case of intergeneric-intertribal hybridization of flowering plants.

"Arabidobrassica": Evidence for intergeneric somatic hybrid nature from electron microscopic morphometry of chromatin

The new method of species and hybrid characterization and determination by quantitative morphometry of chromatin texture in ultra-thin sections of nuclei was applied to the somatic hybrid "Arabidobrassica" and its parents, Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica campestris. The somatic hybrid exhibits the average amount of condensed chromatin, if compared to the proportion of condensed chromatin in nuclei of the parent species. This result corresponds to similar findings in natural allopolyploids and is consistent with the assumption that "Arabidobrassica" is a true intergeneric hybrid.

[Investigations into the hormonal regulation of the corpus luteum function in the human (author's transl)]

In estradiol micro-crystalline suspension was injected into the ovary containing the corpus luteum in women who underwent hysterectomy. The same complete luteaolysis is in women who did not have hysterectomies was obtained. The conclusion is drawn that the prostaglandins which are formed in the uterus have no influence in man on the regulation of the survival of the corpus luteum. As far as we know to date the high excretion of estradiol from the corpus luteum during the maturation of the corpus luteum forms an internal shuttle mechanisms for the survival of the corpus luteum which inhibits the biosynthesis of progesterone by estrogen and blocks the effect of the gonadatropins on the granulosa cells.

Direct infection of embryogenic tissue cultures of haploidBrassica napus with resting spores ofPlasmodiophora brassicae

A direct infection of cultured tissue with resting spores of the obligate endoparasitePlasmodiophora brassicae has been made possible by using stem embryo cultures of haploid rape. The fungus develops and completes its lifecycle in the cultured cells. The results are discussed in connection with the possibility of using this system to select for resistance to the pathogen.

[Seasonal fluctuations in the sex ratio of new borns and the influence of the declining birth rate on the sex ratio (author's transl)]

Seasonal fluctuations in the sex ratio of new borns are investigated. The largest predominance of male deliveries over female deliveries was found to be during the conception months May-June with an almost constant number of deliveries. The highest value was in June. Seasonal maximum of the male to female sex ratio is concomitant to the seasonal maximum of conceptions. The investigation of the yearly sex ratio from 1958-1978 showed changes in the secondary sex ratio concomitant to the increase or decrease of the delivery rate. When the delivery rate decreased below 10 deliveries by 1000 population a reverse in the sex ratio was noted and the lowest number of male deliveries was found. This occurred although the number of first deliveries increased further with the decrease of multiparities. The reasons for this reverse trend in the sex ratio are discussed and a possible relationship to preceeding oral contraception is mentioned.

[Osteo-keramo-keratoprosthesis (author's transl)]

A high percentage of plastic keratoprosthesis is rejected again or intraocular infections occur because there is a cleft-like open junction between anterior chamber and lacrimal film. Only the ketratoprosthesis by Strampelli (1970) settles firmly in the cornea without the above risks, because the autogenous transplanted bone unites well with the grafted labial mucosa. 5 years of investigation have confirmed that glass ceramic Ceravital unites firmly with bones (Blencke et al. 1973, Strunz et al. 1977c, Bunte et al. 1977). For the osteo-keramo-keratoprosthesis Ceravital is used the same location as Dentin for the osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis. The new surgical method has the advantage that 1. toothless patients can be operated, 2. the anterior chamber cannot flatten because the ceramic disk has the same shape as the corneal surface, and 3. broader optical cylinders can be used, by which a widening of the visual field is achieved.

[Cross-stitch suture in perforating keratoplasty (author's transl)]

50 perforating keratoplastic operations were performed with cross-stitch suture in about 1 1/2 years. In 10 patients, the cornea was directly transplanted from the eye of the donor to that of the patient; in 40 cases, the cornea of the donor had been preserved for a short time. 49 patients had a clear transplant at the time of discharge about 3 weeks after the operation.

Mathematical consideration of aqueous outflow after trabeculo-electropunture (TEP)

The obtainable postoperative intraocular pressure following a TEP in a glaucoma patient with an intraocular pressure of 30 mm Hg is calculated in accordance with the concept that there is no outflow of aqueous humor along Schlemm's canal. If aqueous humor reaches all collector channel openings in the surgical area without resistance, the postoperative intraocular pressure reads 14.75 mm Hg. This intraocular pressure is obtained at a point when a collector channel of 1 mm length and of 32 mum in diameter or two collector channels of 27 mu in diameter or five collector channels of 22 mu in diameter establish connection with the trabecular opening.

Schlemm's canal after trabeculo-electropuncture (TEP)

The Schlemm's canals of two patients were examined histologically and electron-microscopically. The first patient had a tumor of the choroid. An electroprobe was inserted into the Schlemm's canal and then removed. In this eye, nearly all septa and almost the entire endothelial layer of the lumen were destroyed in the area of the inserted probe. The second tissue sample came from a patient who had had TEP surgery 2 years earlier and whose intraocular pressure had increased again. The preoperative gonioscopic examination showed an opening in the trabecular network, with blood evading from Schlemm's canal. Histologically, an opening approximately 50 micron wide, lined with endothelium, was found in the trabecular network. The lumen of the canal existed only in a section approximately 500 micron long. Elsewhere the inner and outer walls of the Schlemm's canal adhered to each other. In the area of this 500 micron long section of the canal, only one collector channel could be found. Thus, the insufficient decrease in intraocular pressure after operation can be explained by the side-effects of the insertion of the electroprobe into the Schlemm's canal.

Trabeculo-electropuncture in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca irus)

Trabeculo-electropuncture (TEP) was performed in one eye of ten cynomolgus monkeys. In five control eyes, the TEP probe was inserted into Schlemm's canal and withdrawn without causing a spark discharge. In another five control eyes,a scleral window was produced and the canal was opened, but no probe was inserted. The gross facility of outflow was determined prior to the operation and 2, 6, and 18 weeks postoperatively. TEP had no longlasting effect on the facility. Gonioscopy five months after the operation revealed marked changes in the anatomy of Schlemm's canal in treated eyes and in control eyes subjected to probe insertion. Control eyes without probe insertion appeared normal. Six months postoperatively three monkeys were killed and the eyes investigated. Light and electron microscopy indicated that insertion of the probe with or without spark discharge resulted in the formation of dense bridges between the inner and outer walls of Schlemm's canal. At the sites of TEP, the trabecular meshwork was replaced by dense scar tissue containing irregular, fine fibrillar material, elastic fibres and large amounts of curly collagen. There were no intertrabecular spaces in the scar tissue. In one eye, one lesion was covered by a thin endothelium resting on a basal membrane. The results indicate that the failure of TEP in monkey eyes was due to the formation of dense scar tissue occluding the openings initially produced by the spark discharge.

Increased induction and chromosome doubling of androgenetic haploid rye

Further progress of studies aimed at increasing production of androgenetic Secale cereale plants via the culture of anthers is described. Two culture media initially developed for rice and wheat anther culture have been shown to have pronounced influence on rye. It has been possible to increase the average percentages of responsive anthers (i.e. those producing embryoids or calluses) from 0.26% to 10% with a maximum in certain experiments of over 40 %. Of nearly 400 plants produced in 1976, 1/4 are green and can be grown further by transfer to potting compost; 3/4 are albino. Stable green haploid lines were present amongst the plants, and after vegetative propagation of the lines representative samples have been treated with colchicine resulting in diploid, triploid and tetraploid plants. The influence of the genetic background of the donor plants on the success rate of anther culture and on the percentage of albino formation is discussed.

A single grain screening technique for breeding alkylresorcinol-poor rye

A quick and simple semi-quantitative method of selecting single seeds of rye for their content of 5-alkyl-resorcinols is presented. The resorcinols are extracted from whole, intact caryopses with acetone. Under the conditions described the germination rate is hardly decreased. The single grain method offers especially striking advantages when selffertile inbred lines are used.

[Suture technique for perforating keratoplasty (author's transl)]

The usual suture techniques in connection with perforating keratoplasty and the pulling direction of the threads are described. Especially unfavorable are the verticle factors with relation to the radial and diagonal continuous suture, which necessarily lead to a gaping of the inner and outer wound fissure. The double continuous diagonal suture (cross-stitch suture) seems to come closest to the goal of attaining as uniform a sealing of the wound fissure as possible with as small an amount of suture material as possible. This suture technique is therefore recommended for perforating keratoplasty.

[Seasonal variations in the birth rate and conception rate within the last 200 years (author's transl)]

The monthly variations and the mean daily conception rates of 136,828 deliveries from 1803 to 1970 within the same population area are reviewed. It was found that the conception rate during the first half of the 19th century showed a rapid increase from its low during the winter to its maximum in May and that this pattern became much less pronounced in the 20th century. During the second half of the 20th century, the highest conception rate shifted for the first time to the summer and the third quarter of the year. In contradistinction to this development, the low of the conception rate during the winter from January to March is much less pronounced during the first half of the 20th Century and remains constant with the lowest conception rate in February into the second half of the 20th century. The importance of the influence of nature during the spring and winter and of the working and living patterns as well as the influence of family planning and recreational activities on the intensity of procreation in the human within the last 200 years is discussed.

Heterozygous microspore-derived plants in rye

In a particular experimental series involving anthers from F(1) hybrid plants of Secale cereale L., it was possible to induce the formation of 68 microspore-derived plantlets of which 61 were albinos and 7 green. 6 of the albino plants were haploid, whereas most of the others were diploid. All green rye plants were directly diploid and, after extensive screening, proved to be heterozygous. Evidence is presented suggesting that these latter plants arose from unreduced microspores. The significance of this finding is discussed.

[Dendritic lesions in herpes simplex infection of the cornea. Scanning and transmission-electron microscope findings (author's transl)]

Thirty rabbits were divided into 10 groups of 3 animals. In the case of each animal 1 drop of Herpes virus hominis suspension (HVH) was applied to the intact cornea of the right eye. Within the period between the 2nd and 20th day after infection occurred, three animals were killed each time and the corneae were examined by scanning- and transmission-electron microscope. Circular foci and dendritic lesions were observed starting with the 4th day. After the 12th day, dendritic lesions could no longer be observed. Circular foci and dendritic lesions possess a width of about 200 mu which remains unchanged during the entire observation period. The areas of ulceration are obscured by lateral epithelium migrations. The observation that epithelial lesions do not change their demensions over an extended period of time, speaks for an approximate time balance between cellular damage caused by the viruses and the migratory speed of the epithelium. This mechanism is disrupted in the neighboring circular foci. The cytotoxic effect is predominant. Circular foci are confluent. The dendritic lesion so characteristic for herpes simplex infection of the cornea is explained by the confluence of several circular foci which are accidentally positioned next to each other.

Side-effects of local anesthetics on the corneal epithelium of the rabbit eye

The toxic side-effects of 0.4% Novesine and Chibro-Kerakain were investigated by scanning- and transmission electron microscopy in 15 rabbit corneae each in intervals of 3, 6, 10, 15 and 60 mins. The lesions following Kerakain were larger and occurred earlier. After 60 mins, the specimens after Novesine application showed an almost complete repair process, whereas after Kerakain the epithelial surface appeared to be functionally impaired.

Scanning electron microscopy in ophthalmology

In the context the technique of the scanning electron microscopy is described and the results are shown gained by the scanning electron microscope in ophthalmology. It is pointed out that questions specific to surface can be answered quicker and easier, if superificial microscopy together with the scanning electron microscope is used an additional source of information. Scanning electron optical pictures are very useful for ophthalmologic science.

[Pigment glaucoma. Scanning-electronmicroscopic findings. (author's transl)]

In case of a patient suffering from pigment glaucoma trabeculectomy was performed on both eyes. In one trabecular section the outer wall of Schlemm's canal, and in the other the trabecular framework were investigated by scanning-electronmicroscopy. The intertrabecular spaces were largely blocked by pigment granula, which, in some places, were stored in the clump cells of the iris. Even the outer wall of Schlemm's canal was dotted with pigment granula. The scanning-electronmicroscopic findings revealed the pigmental drainage blocking of the aqueous humour and explained the acute pressure rise in the pigment glaucoma with wide iridocorneal angle by an acute obstruction of the already largely blocked intertrabecular spaces.

[Herpes Simplex Keratitis under the Scanning lectron Microscope(author's transl)]

In 12 rabbits a dendritic keratitis could be provoked by applying a suspension of herpes viruses (Herpes virus hominis -- HVH type 1) onto their previously both uviolised and non-uviolised corneae. 4 days later ophthalmectomy was performed and the corneae were examined by the scanning electron microscope. Macroscopically, both in the uviolised eyes and the control eyes punctiform lesions of the corneae were observed. After short ray-treatment (3 min) no differences were present between the uviolised and non-uviolised eyes. At longer time of exposure (7--15 min), however, a more distinct alteration occurred in the uviolised eye. The scanning-electron-microscopical picture showed the dendritic lesions to be composed of numerous circular foci of 100 to 200 mu. There were no differences in the lesions of the uviolised and non-uviolised corneae. The fact that after ultraviolet ray-treatment a great part of the epithelial cells is sloughed off, but, nevertheless, the same dendritic lesions develop, contradicts the assumption of a morphological substrate of the epithelial cells being the inducing factor.