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Zusammenfassung Bei zwei Mauselinien, die auf hohes bzw. niedriges Phagozytosevermogen mittels eines Tuscheausscheidungstests gezuchtet worden waren, wurden weitere Versuche angestellt mit dem Ziel zu ermitteln, inwieweit sich die Infektionsresistenz, die Phagozytoseaktivitat der einzelnen Phagozyten, sowie das Antikorperbildungsvermogen gegenuber partikularen Antigenen im Verlauf der Selektion verandert hat. Es zeigte sich, das das relative Leber- und Milzgewicht der Mauselinien durch die Selektion beeinflust worden war, jedoch die Phagozytoseaktivitat der einzelnen Zelle sowie deren Stoffwechselaktivitat wahrend der Phagozytose unverandert geblieben waren. Aufgrund des hoheren relativen Anteils von Phagozyten zeigten die Tiere der hoch selektierten Linie eine erhohte Resistenz gegenuber einer Listeria-Infektion und besasen auch hohere Antikorpertiter im Serum nach einer Primarimmunisierung mit Schaferythrocyten; die Zahl der plaquebildenden Zellen in der Milz, bezogen auf 106 Milzzellen, zeigte keine signifikanten Unterschiede. Summary Further studies on mice genetically selected for high and low phagocytic activity Further experiments were done with two lines of mice, genetically selected for high and low granulopectic activity by means of a carbon clearance test. The following results were obtained: The relative liver/spleen weights differcd in the selected lines, the “high” selected animals having the highest relative liver/spleen weights. The in vitro phagocytic activity of individual phagocytes and their metabolic activity during phagocytosis, however, remained unaltered. Probably on account of the higher relative proportion of phagocytes the mice of the “high” line had obtained an increased resistance to a Listeria infection and showed higher antibody titres after a primary injection of sheep erythrocytes. In the number of plaque-forming cells / 106 spleen cells after injection of sheep erythrocytes no difference among lines was observed. Resume De nouveaux essais chez des souris selection nees sur la base d'un pouvoir de phagocytose eleve et bas De nouveaux essais ont ete entrepris chez deux lignees de souris elevees sur la base d'un pouvoir de phagocytose eleve et bas au moyen d'un test d'excretion dans le but de savoir jusqu'a quel point la resistance a l'infection, l'activite de la phagocytose de chaque phagocyte et la capacite de formation des anticorps vis-a-vis des antigenes particuliers s'etait modifiee au cours de la selection. Le poids du foie et de la rate des lignees de souris fut influence par la selection, alors que l'activite de la phagocytose des cellules prises individuellement ainsi que l'activite du metabolisme sont restes inchangee durant la phagocytose. Les animaux de la lignee hautement selectionnee presenterent, sur la base du taux relativement eleve des phagocytes, une resistance plus elevee a une infection a Listeria et un titre d'anticorps seriques plus haut apres une immunisation primaire avec des erythrcytes de mouton; le nombre des cellules formant des plaques dans la rate, correspondant a 106 cellules de la rate, ne presenta aucune difference significative. Resumen Nuevos ensayos en ratones seleccionados con arreglo a un poder elevado y reducido de fagocitosis En dos lineas murinas, criadas con arreglo a capacidad elevada resp. baja de fagocitosis mediante la prueba de excrecion de tinta china, se llevaron a cabo nuevos ensayos con el fin de poder apreciar en que grado se han modificado la resistencia frente a la infeccion, la actividad fagocitosica de los distintos fagocitos y la capacidad formativa de anticuerpos frente a antigenos particulares en el curso de la seleccion. Se vio que el peso relativo del higado y bazo de las lineas murinas habia sido modificado con la seleccion, mientras que no se habian alterado la actividad fagocitosica de la celula individual ni su actividad metabolica durante la fagocitosis. En vista de la proporcion mayor relativa de fagocitos mostraban los animals de la linea harto seleccionada una resistencia aumentada frente a una infeccion por Listeria, poseyendo ademas titulos mas elevados de anticuerpos en el suero sanguineo tras la inmunizacion primaria con eritrocitos ovinos; no mostraba diferencias significantes la cantidad de celulas formadoras de plaque en el bazo, referida a 106 celulas esplenicas.

Zusammenfassung An Meerschweinchen wurden nach der Geburt unterschiedlich lange teils ausschlieslich teils als Zusatzkost Rosinen, Erdnuskerne oder die fleischhaltige Hundenahrung Hap® verfuttert. Nach einer Periode, in der die Tiere nur Grundfutter bekamen, wurde im Wahlversuch mit allen drei Zusatzfuttermitteln der Verzehrsanteil der einzelnen Futtermittel am gesamten Zusatzfutterverbrauch gepruft. An eine weitere „neutrale Periode” mit Grundfutter schlos sich ein zweiter Wahlversuch an. An Kontrolltieren wurde nachgewiesen, das eine starke Praferenz fur die fleischhaltige Kost bestand; nur zu einem geringen Anteil verzehrten diese Tiere Rosinen und Erdnuskerne. Alle Gruppen frasen im Wahlversuch einen erheblich hoheren Anteil als die Kontrolltiere von der Zusatzkost, mit der sie vorher gefuttert wurden. Dieser Anteil lag zumeist auch deutlich hoher als der Verzehrsanteil der beiden anderen Zusatzfuttermittel. Um diesen Effekt zu erzielen, der auch in einem spateren Wahlversuch noch anhielt, reichte eine „Pragedauer” von 30 Tagen aus. Bei ausschlieslicher Verfutterung von einem der drei genannten Spezialfuttermittel war die Hinwendung zum bekannten Futter in spateren Wahlversuchen weniger deutlich. Nach vorubergehender Verfutterung einer bisher unbekannten Diat zusatzlich zum Grundfutter konnte in mehreren Gruppen eine Umpragung erzielt werden. Auf die mogliche Bedeutung der Ergebnisse fur die praktische Tierernahrung wird hingewiesen. Summary Food choice in guinea pigs Guinea pigs were fed for varying periods after birth a supplementary diet of raisins, peanut kernels or a meat-containing dog food “Hap”. After a period in which the animals received only their basal diet they were given the choice of the three supplements and the total amount they consumed was determined compared with consumption of total food need. At the end of another “neutral period” on the basal food, a new period of choice was provided. Control animals showed a clear preference for the meat-containing food; they ate very little raisin or peanut kernels. In the choice period all groups consumed much more of the chosen supplement than did the controls — the supplement they had been given previously — and they ate more of it than of either of the other two supplements. To get this effect, which was found again in a later choice period, a “choice duration” of 30 days sufficed. When a single supplement was given exclusively, preference for this supplement in later choice periods was less marked. A passing introduction of a hitherto unknown diet to supplement the basal food resulted in a change of choice in several groups. The possible significance of these findings in practical animal nutrition is discussed. Resume Choix d'alimentation chez les cobayes Des cobayes apres la naissance ont ete alimentes durant une periode variable exclusivement ou en partie avec des raisins, des arachides ou un aliment pour chien contenant de la viande Hap®. Apres une periode dans laquelle les animaux n'ont recu que l'alimentation de base, on a examine a choix avec les trois aliments supplementaires la quantite de chaque aliment consomme par rapport au besoin alimentaire total. A la suite d'une autres «periode neutre» avec un aliment de base, on a procede a une nouvelle alimentation a choix. On a mis en evidence une nette preference pour l'aliment contenant de la viande chez des animaux de controle; ces animaux ne consommerent que dans une faible mesure les raisins et les arachides. Tous les groupes consommerent a choix une quantite nettement plus elevee d'aliment additionnel que les animaux de controle, nourriture qu'ils avaient deja recue auparavant. Cette quantite fut la plupart du temps nettement plus elevee que la quantite consommee des deux autres aliments additionnels. Pour obtenir cet effet qui s'est maintenu dans l'essai de choix suivant, il a fallu une «duree de choix» de 30 jours. Lors d'une alimentation exclusive avec un des aliments speciaux, la preference de l'aliment connu fut moins nette dans les essais de choix suivants. Apres une alimentation momentanee d'une diete jusqu' alors inconnue en plus de l'aliment de base, un retour a ete obtenu dans plusieurs groupes. On evoque la signification possible des resultats pour une alimentation animale pratique. Resumen Cuno alimenticio en los cobayas Se administraron a cobayas, despues del nacimiento y durante temporadas de duracion diferente, en parte exclusivamente, en parte como dieta suplementaria, pasas, cacahuetes o la comida para perros Hap®, la cual contiene carne. Tras un periodo, durante el cual no recibieron los animales mas que el pienso fundamental, se estudio en el ensayo electivo con todos los tres piensos aditivos la parte de consumo de los piensos distintos con relacion al consumo total de piensos suplementarios. A un «periodo neutro» mas con pienso fundamental le siguio un segundo ensayo electivo. Se pudo probar en los animales testigos que existia una preferencia muy grande por la dieta que contenia carne; estos animales consumian solo una cantidad muy reducida de pasas cacahuetes. Todos los grupos comian en el ensayo electivo una parte bastante mas crecida que los animales testigos de aquella dieta suplementaria con la que habian sido alimentados con anterioridad. Esta porcion tambien solia ser mayor que la de los otros piensos aditivos consumidos. Para conseguir este efecto, que perduraba aun en otro ensayo electivo, resulto suficiente un «tiempo de acunacion» de 30 dias. Con la alimentacion exclusiva de uno de los tres piensos especiales mencionados era menos manifiesta la preferencia hacia el alimento conocido en los ensayos de eleccion ulteriores. Despues de la alimentacion transitoria con una dieta adicional, desconocida hasta entonces, al alimento de base, se pudo obtener en varios grupos un cambio en la preferencia. Se razona la significacion posible de los resultados para la alimentacion animal practica.

Zusammenfassung Auf die Parameter Gesamtbilirubin, Glucose, Gesamtcholesterin, GOT, CK, SDH, GLDH. γ-GT und LDH aus dem Blutserum von 104 klinisch gesunden (Gruppe 1) und 107 puerperalgestorten Kuhen (Gruppe 2) wurde die Faktorenanalyse angewandt. In beiden Gruppen lies sich ein ”Muskelfaktor„ darstellen, der den Zusammenhang zwischen CK, GOT, LDH und Bilirubin aufdeckt. In Gruppe 1 besteht ein ”Leberfaktor„, der durch die engen Beziehungen zwischen SDH, GLDH, γ-GT und den weniger engen zu GOT und LDH gekennzeichnet ist. In Gruppe 2 bleibt der ”Muskelfaktor„ gegenuber Gruppe 1 unverandert, da das gestorte Puerperium kaum Einflus auf die Muskulatur ausuben durfte. Der ”Leberfaktor„ in Gruppe 2 ist deutlich verandert, durch ihn sind SDH, GLDH und Glucose verbunden. Die Enzyme GLDH, γ-GT und LDH, ferner Glucose sind durch einen weiteren Faktor miteinander verknupft. Summary The utilisation of factor analysis in mass diagnosis Factor analysis was carried out for the parameters total bilirubin, total cholesterol, GOT, CK, SDH, GLDH, γ-GT and LDH in the serum of 104 clinically healthy (Group 1) and 107 puerperally disturbed cows (Group 2). In both groups a “muscle factor„ could be demonstrated which embraced the relationship between CK, GOT, LDH and bilirubin. In Group 1 there was a “liver factor” which was characterized by close relationships between SDH, GLDH, γ-GT and to a lesser degree with GOT and LDH. In Group 2 the “muscle factor„ was the same as in Group 1 since the disturbed puerperium would scarcely have an effect on the musculature. The “liver factor” in Group 2 was markedly changed, having a relationship with SDH, GLDH and glucose. The enzymes GLDH, γ-GT and LDH, and also glucose seemed to be related to some other factor. Resume Contribution a l'utilisation de l'analyse des facteurs dans le diagnostic de masse (Communication breve) On a applique l'analyse de facteurs a partir des parametres seriques sanguins suivants chez 104 vaches cliniquement saines (groupe 1) et 107 vaches presentant des troubles de la mise-bas (groupe 2): bilirubine totale, glucose, cholesterine totale, TGO, CK, GLDH, γ-TG et LDH. Un «facteur musculaire» est apparu dans les deux groupes qui a couvert le contexte entre CK, TGO, LDH et bilirubine. Un «facteur hepatique» s'est trouve dans le groupe 1 et a ete remarque par les rapports etroits entre SDH, GLDH et γ-TG et les rapports moins etroits avec TGO et LDH. Le «facteur musculaire» est reste inchange dans le groupe 2 par rapport au groupe 1 etant donne qu'un puerperium pathologique n'a que peu d'influence sur la musculature. Le «facteur hepatique» fut nettement modifie dans le groupe 2 etant donne la relation avec SDH, GLDH et glucose. Les enzymes GLDH, γ-TG, LDH et le glucose furent relies les uns aux autres par un autre facteur. Resumen Contribucion a la utilizacion del analisis de factores en el diagnostico de un rebano (Comunicacion breve) Se aplico el analisis de factores a los parametros bilirrubina total, glucosa, colesterina total, GOT, CK, GlDH, γ-GT y LDH del suero sanguineo de-104 vacas clinicamente sanas (grupo 1) y 107 con puerperio perturbado (grupo 2). En ambos grupos se aprecio un «factor muscular», que descubre las relaciones entre CK, GOT, LDH y bilirrubina. En el grupo 1 existe y «factor hepatico», caracterizado por las relaciones estrechas que hay entre SDH, GlDH, γ-GT y las menos estrechas con GOT y LDH. En el grupo 2 no se ha alterado el «factor muscular» frente al grupo 1, ya que el puerperio perturbado apenas deberi ejercer influjo alguno sobre la musculatura. El «factor hepatico» se halla modificado de forma manifiesta en el grupo 2, estando ligados por el mismo SDH, GlDH y glucosa. Las enzimas GlDH, γ-GT y LDH, ademas la glucosa estan enlazadas entre si por otro factor mas.

Background: Sudden hearing loss is a result of various factors. Most therapies aim to improve the cochlear microcirculation but effectiveness is not sufficiently documented. Methods: 741 patients were included into the non-interventional observation thus far and analyzed with regard to various therapies and time progressions. The main outcome measure consisted of hearing threshold difference before, immedi- ately after and 90 days after therapy. Results: In a summary of all evaluable patients (n=630), a hearing increase of 14 dB was shown after therapy. Evaluation of remission rates regarding time between occurrence and therapy (n=547) showed hearing increase of 14 dB (n=444) if therapy was started within 2 days, 12 dB (n=56) between day 2 and day 7, 13 dB (n=18) between 1 and 2 weeks, 6 dB (n=23) between 2 and 6 weeks, and 13 dB (n=6) after more than 6 weeks. In consideration of the total hearing loss, an im- provement of hearing loss from 29 dB to 16 dB was obtained after therapy with HES (n=115) immediately after therapy, remaining constant up to day 90. After sole therapy with cortisone (n=33), hearing loss improved from 31 dB to 17 dB with constancy on day 90. If patients were treated with combination therapy consisting of HES and cortisone (n=206), an improvement from 31 dB to 18 dB after termination of therapy and of 17 dB after day 90 was shown in the consideration of total hearing loss. Discussion: Idiopathic hearing loss is a heterogenic illness; evaluation of different therapies in different forms of hearing loss will have importance in the future. The retrospective assessment is not limited by time and will use its large case numbers to identify subgroups of hearing loss which can be used to define criteria for a more specific and differential therapy.

Disturbances of cochlear microcirculation are among the most discussed causes of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Increased levels of cholesterol and fibrinogen seem to act as risk factors for inner ear disorders. Fibrinogen/LDL apheresis greatly reduces the concentration of plasma fibrinogen thus leading to improved cochlear blood flow. In a retrospective case series remission rates of 152 patients suffering from sudden sensorineural hearing loss and resistant to former treatment were investigated after treatment with a single apheresis. Complete remission was reported in 11% of patients, partial remission in 43%. 37% had no change of hearing threshold and 2% reported a decrease in hearing. Rates of complete remissions decreased from 22% within the first 2 weeks after onset of hearing loss to 14% after 6 weeks. In the same period of time rates of partial remissions decreased from 33% to 13%. The present study shows that apheresis achieved complete or partial remission in 54% of patients even after unsuccessful treatment with another therapy and the therapeutic window lies by approximately 6 weeks.

Background: At the beginning, cochlear tinnitus seems to arise from a dysfunction of cochlear outer hair cells. Similar to other inner ear disorders a disturbance of cochlear microcirculation is one of the most frequently discussed reasons. Animal studies and clinical evidence show a negative effect of high cholesterol and fibrinogen on hearing function. Acutely lowering serum LDL and fibrinogen by means of LDL and fibrinogen apheresis increases cochlear blood flow and has been proven to be effective in treatment of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Therefore we aimed to determine whether acute reduction of plasma fibrinogen and serum LDL is effective for treatment of subacute tinnitus. Methods: Between January, 2004 and December, 2006 we included patients of 18 through 80 years of age suffering from subacute cochlear tinnitus between 3 to 12 months on one or both ears and having serum LDL-cholesterol between 130 and 190 mg/dl. Tinnitus was evaluated using a standardised questionnaire designed by Goebel and Hiller. Patients meeting inclusion criteria were provided with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor simvastatin 40 mg once daily for 3 months. This procedure was done due to ethical reasons to reduce cholesterol and LDL non invasively in a first step. After 3 months tinnitus was re-evaluated and patients were excluded from the study if severity fell by more than 20 on the tinnitus score. 27 included participants were randomly assigned in a one to one ratio either to triple fibrinogen/LDL apheresis or triple sham therapy. Differences between tinnitus score on the day of randomisation and after 12 weeks were used as main outcome measure. Development of tinnitus score after every treatment, differences in loudness and frequency of tinnitus (masking and matching) after every treatment and after 12 weeks and the development of hearing thresholds after 12 weeks were used as secondary outcome measures. Findings: Main outcome measure tinnitus score 12 weeks after first therapy showed no significant differences between the groups. Though, there was a strong tendency towards an relieve of tinnitus in the apheresis group (p = 0.069 for the difference of the baseline value and the 12 weeks value between apheresis vs sham-therapy). Neither pure tone thresholds after 12 weeks, nor tinnitus masking and matching after every therapy and after 12 weeks showed significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: In our study, all patients suffered from subacute tinnitus and tinnitus score was stable or slightly worse in the placebo group over time. The improvement of tinnitus score in the apheresis group – although not statistically significant – is therefore a remarkable observation. For a more conclusive evaluation of this observation further studies with a larger number of patients should be conducted.

Disturbances of cochlear microcirculation are among the most discussed causes of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Increased levels of cholesterol and fibrinogen seem to act as risk factors for inner ear disorders. Fibrinogen/LDL apheresis greatly reduces the concentration of plasma fibrinogen thus leading to improved cochlear blood flow. In a retrospective case series remission rates of 152 patients suffering from sudden sensorineural hearing loss and resistant to former treatment were investigated after treatment with a single apheresis. Complete remission was reported in 11% of patients, partial remission in 43%. 37% had no change of hearing threshold and 2% reported a decrease in hearing. Rates of complete remissions decreased from 22% within the first 2 weeks after onset of hearing loss to 14% after 6 weeks. In the same period of time rates of partial remissions decreased from 33% to 13%. The present study shows that apheresis achieved complete or partial remission in 54% of patients even after unsuccessful treatment with another therapy and the therapeutic window lies by approximately 6 weeks.

In the setting of the Salmonella monitoring programme of the Federal Republic of Germany the sampling plan does not take into account prevalences occuring in reality. Hence, in most farms the testing effort will increase. This particularly applies to pig farms up to 100 fatteners, for which the proportion of animals to be tested is too high. Besides, the threshold values determing the allocation to the three quality categories, less than 20%, 20-40%, and more than 40% Salmonella positive fatteners, are also chosen too high.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) is thought to be of various origins. Disturbances of microcirculation, autoimmune pathology and viral infection are among the most likely causes. Acute reduction of plasma fibrinogen and serum LDL positively influences hemorheology and endothelial function and might thus be an effective therapy for SSHL.To test the hypothesis that fibrinogen/LDL-apheresis is as effective or superior to conventional therapy with plasma expanders and prednisolone in the treatment of SSHL.controlled, prospective, randomized, multicenter trial.201 patients were recruited from 01/2000 to 6/2001 at the University Clinics of Munich, Berlin, Hamburg and Bochum. Inclusion criteria was sudden sensorineural hearing loss of unknown origin within 6 days of onset.Single fibrinogen/ LDL-apheresis infusion of prednisolone (250 mg, tapered by 25 mg daily), hydroxyethyl starch (500 ml, 6%) and pentoxifylin (400 mg/day).Improvement of pure tone thresholds 48 h after onset of therapy.Over all improvement of pure tone thresholds in the fibrinogen/ LDL-apheresis treated patients is slightly but not significantly better than in the standard therapy group. After 48 h, 50% speech perception in the fibrinogen/ LDL-apheresis group (21.6+/-20.1 dB) is significantly (p0.034) better than in the standard group (29.3+/-29.4 dB). Patients with plasma fibrinogen levels of more than 295 mg/dl have a substantial and significantly (p0.005) better improvement of speech perception (15.3+/-17.3 dB) than standard treated patients (6.1+/-10.4 dB).Fibrinogen/LDLapheresis is at least equally effective compared to prednisolone treatment in sudden hearing loss. Selected patients with plasma fibrinogen of more than 295 mg/dl improve significantly better when treated with fibrinogen/LDLapheresis.

Meat samples from diaphragm pillars were randomly taken from 3,048 pigs of 52 Bavarian herds after slaughtery. Meat-juice was collected and tested for salmonella antibodies in an indirect ELISA. The number of samples was calculated according to the annual production of slaughter pigs of a farm outlined in the "Leitlinien für ein Programm zur Reduzierung des Eintrags von Salmonellen durch Schlachtschweine in die Fleischgewinnung" from February 05th, 1998 (100 slaughter pigs: 45 samples, 100-200 slaughter pigs: 50 samples,200 slaughter pigs: 60 samples per year). Salmonella antibodies were detected in 48 carcasses (1.6%) of 12 farms (23.1%). However, 33 (68.8%) of these carcasses were originated from a single farm which had to be classified into category III (prevalence of40% in the samples). No bacteria could be isolated from this farm in a follow up examination. The 51 other farms (98%) were classified into category I (prevalence of20% in the samples). Farms with in/out-management showed a higher degree of reagents (2.1T%) than farms with continuous stabling (0.8T%). In a pig experimentally immunized with LPS-antigen preparations of Salmonella typhimurium it was shown that antibodies induced were nearly at the same level in all meat samples and even in selected organs (liver, kidney, parotis, mesenteric lymph nodes).

The guidelines of the German Ministery of Food, Agriculture and Forestry outlining a Salmonella surveillance programme, "Leitlinien für ein Programm zur Reduzierung des Eintrags von Salmonellen durch Schlachtschweine in die Fleischgewinnung" (February 5th, 1998), provide a staggered spot-check size depending on the annual production of slaughtery pigs. A classification of farms into three quality categories (20%, 20-40%, and40%) is performed by salmonella antibody levels detected in meat samples using ELISA. Beside a fundamental inquiry into the salmonella status, the programme ought to lead to a decreased burden on slaughtery pigs and finally to a reduced salmonella entry into meat handling and processing companies. The spot-check plan is based on an unfavourable initial position and does not consider the real situation of salmonella load in pig fattening farms. For many farms the procedure will lead to an unjustified expenditure of examinations. In simple model calculations it is shown how a significant reduction of testing amount can be reached and statistical reliability is guaranteed, too. At the same time, we attempt to find a compromise between optimal spot check size and practicability. For reasons of free enterprise, an additional category would be desirable containing farms without any positive antibody titres in the samples. The results achieved so far indicate that a large number of German slaughter pig producers would fall into this category, without the necessity of a higher examination effort.

In a group of 237 hypertensive male and female physicians, a placebo-controlled randomized double-blind, cross-over trial was performed to investigate the effects of the ACE inhibitor captopril on blood pressure and well-being. A thoroughly tested standardized measurement of well-being was employed. On the basis of the multivariate linear model, differences in the response to treatment (t-tests for cross-over differences) were investigated in terms of the seven parameters of well-being measured. In comparison with placebo, captopril (50 mg once daily) had a significant effect on five of the seven parameters. Thus, mood, general well-being, work performance, regeneration and quality of sleep all improved under treatment. It was also found that these improvements were not an immediate consequence of blood pressure reduction. The standardized evaluation employed here thus proved to be an informative additional evaluation criterion of antihypertensive therapy.

35 consecutive patients were studied prospectively with respect to echocardiographic left ventricular size after anterior myocardial infarction. In 25 patients sufficient follow-up was possible. Another 57 patients and volunteers were examined to prove accuracy in comparison to angiocardiography and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and reproducibility as well as to define normal values. While two-thirds of all patients did not develop left ventricular dilation, one-third showed marked dilation with left ventricular size being 41% above mean normal value. All patients who subsequently developed congestive heart failure or died were in this group. Two-thirds showed no left ventricular dilation and had an uneventful follow-up. Mean left ventricular dilation for all infarcts was 22% within 4 weeks and 26% within 6.3 months, but some patients showed marked left ventricular dilation beyond 4 weeks. We conclude that serial echocardiography is very useful for stratification of risk for CHF after myocardial infarction, and left ventricular dilation is a major risk factor for CHF.

Summary Comparative studies on the immunostimulating (paramunizing) effectiveness of BCG, levamisole, Corynebacterium parvum and preparations of pock viruses in various in vitro and in vivo tests There are 3 classical immunostimulants: BCG, levamisole and C. parvum. For some years in veterinary medicine two immunostimulants from pock or parapock viruses have been employed as paramunity inducers with success (PIND-AVI, PIND-ORF). In order to explore in detail the functional bases of the above preparations, they were compared by the following tests: 1. In 2 infection models (vesicular stomatitis and Aujesky virus; 2. In a tumour model (radiation induced osteosarcoma in the mouse); 3. The chromium 51 test to demonstrate spontaneous (natural) cytotoxicity; 4. An indirect plaque reduction test to detect stimulation from interferon; and 5. The lymphocyte transformation test. The results showed that the effect of the individual immunostimulants can vary very widely. Both paramunity inducers were effective in all the 5 tests and were harmless. PIND-AVI, however, activated above all the lymphocyte, whereas PIND-ORF had NK (natural mouse spleen killer cells) activity and was the only one of the 5 immunostimulants which also stimulated interferon production. C. parvum, BCG and levamisole were significantly less effective and they were also pyrogenic and in some cases also toxic. The main point arising from the study is that when using immunostimulants it is essential to know precisely how they act and also the damaging effects of the individual agents if the desired effects are to be achieved without harm to the patients. The 5 test systems which we used seem to be the ones of choice for the purpose. Special attention is directed to preparations of pock viruses which act as harmless but effective immunostimulants. Zusammenfassung Es gibt drei klassische Immunstimulantien: BCG, Levamisol und C. parvum. In der Tiermedizin werden seit Jahren 2 Immunstimulantien, die aus Pocken- bzw. Parapockenviren hergestellt werden, als sog. Paramunitatsinducer mit Erfolg verwendet (PIND-AVI, PIND-ORF). Um die funktionellen Grundlagen obiger Praparate detailliert erfassen zu konnen, sind sie in folgenden Testen vergleichend untersucht worden: 1. in 2 Infektionsmodellen (Stomatitis vesicularis-, Aujeszky-Virus), 2. in einem Tumormodell (strahleninduziertes Osteosarkom der Maus), 3. im Chromium 51-Test zum Nachweis der spontanen, naturlichen Zytotoxizitat, 4. im indirekten Plaque-Reduktions-Test zum Nachweis der Stimulierung von Interferon und 5. im Lymphozyten-Transformationstest. Die Untersuchungsergebnisse weisen darauf hin, das die Wirkung der einzelnen Immunstimulantien sehr unterschiedlich sein kann. Die beiden Paramunitatsinducer waren in allen Testen wirksam und unschadlich. Trotzdem unterschieden sie sich. PIND-AVI aktivierte vor allem die Lymphozyten, wahrend PIND-ORF besonders die NK-Aktivitat und, als einziges der 5 Praparate, auch die Interferonbildung stimulierte. C. parvum, BCG und Levamisol schnitten wesentlich schlechter ab, waren zudem pyrogen und in bestimmten Konzentrationen auch toxisch. Als Fazit der Arbeit ergibt sich, das beim Einsatz von Immunstimulantien genaue Kenntnisse uber die Wirkungsmechanismen und die Unschadlichkeit der einzelnen Praparate notwendig sind, um sie wirksam und gezielt anwenden zu konnen. Die von uns benutzten 5 Testsysteme scheinen sich hierfur gut zu eignen. Auf die Herstellung von unschadlichen Immunstimulantien aus Pockenviren mit einer breiten Wirksamkeit wird aufmerksam gemacht.

The genetic effects on the length of post-insemination return cycles (RC) were studied by means of 241,808 RC records from Israeli Friesians and 190,989 RC records from Bavarian Fleckvieh. No effect was found of the mating sire on the frequency distribution in various parts of the RC. As for the effect of the sire of the cow, heritability values of 6—15% were found in the relative frequency of returns between 22 and 31 days post insemination. There were indications that the delayed returns were preceded by early embryonic death. It was suggested that the effect of the mating sire was on the rate of fertilization, especially in inseminations at an early stage of the estrus, and that, on the other hand, the genetic effect of the cow and of the sire of the cow was on the rate of implementation of the conceptus in the second week post fertilization. A plan for further investigations was presented.

Length of open period affected annualized yield [(total lactation yield/calving interval) 365]. Yield was maximum with more days open for low, as opposed to high, peak production and for primiparous, as opposed to multiparous, cows. Interactions with days open were not found for mean herd production or cow production relative to the herd mean. Number of days open for maximum yield was similar for milk, fat, and economically fat-corrected milk [.67 kg milk + 10 kg fat]. Correction factors were derived by smoothed least square means of days open classes. Additive adjustment factors were more appropriate than multiplicative adjustment factors. Records adjusted for days open were not able to predict the following lactation yield significantly better than unadjusted records. Cumulative yield of current and following annualized lactations, including the contribution of the calf expressed in units of milk production, was greatest at 117 and 98 days open for primiparous and multiparous cows. For cows with high peak production maximum yield was with 12 to 14 fewer days open than for cows with moderate peak. Conception prior to 2 mo postpartum had an adverse effect on cumulative yield.

An open, randomized, multicentre, comparative trial on 2128 patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension, treated with so-called perceived best therapy or a combination of captopril plus hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), was conducted over a period of 10 weeks. Both regimens lead to significant blood pressure reductions within the initial 6 weeks, with a difference of 3 mmHg systolic and 2 mmHg diastolic in favour of the captopril plus HCTZ regimen as compared to the perceived best therapy. Both an increase in the daily dose of captopril in uncontrolled patients receiving initial treatment with captopril plus HCTZ and treatment with captopril plus HCTZ in uncontrolled patients receiving the perceived best therapy was followed by improved blood pressure control. There were more withdrawals mainly due to side effects and non-compliance in the captopril plus HCTZ group as compared to the perceived best therapy group. By contrast, there were fewer side effects and a tendency towards a more pronounced improvement of complaints and general well-being in the captopril plus HCTZ group. The study has yielded no clear evidence of an increased number of side effects known to be associated with captopril. Changes of the treatment regimen and dosages according to diastolic blood pressure during the study are difficult to achieve in a study of this type and size.

Extension factors for annualized lactation yields [365 (total lactation yield)/-days between calvings] were computed by generating 747,904 partial lactations from complete lactation records of 105,379 Israeli-Holstein cows with one to three lactations. Factors included in the model were last test yield, days pregnant, days in milk, farm type, calving season, and days remaining in the lactation. Both linear and quadratic effects were assumed for the first three factors. Primiparous and multiparous cows were analyzed separately for milk, fat, and economically fat-corrected milk [.67 (milk) + 10 (fat)] yields. Adjusted coefficients of determination computed for this model were .04 higher for fat and .01 higher for milk and economically fat-corrected milk than for an alternate model in which remaining yield was predicted as a linear function of last test yield and remaining days in milk. Correlations between actual and predicted lactations for partial lactations of less than 4 mo in milk computed by the first model were .03 higher for fat but were nearly identical to those computed by the second model for milk. Although last test yields was the most important factor in predicting annualized yields, inclusion of other factors increased accuracy of annualized fat yield prediction.

The efficacy and tolerance of misoprostol a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analogue-and of cimetidine were evaluated in the treatment of duodenal ulcer following a double blind multicenter design. A group of Swiss gastroenterologists recruited 119 patients with endoscopically proven acute duodenal ulcer. They were enrolled and treated according to a uniform protocol either with misoprostol 4 X 50 micrograms daily, with misoprostol 4 X 200 micrograms daily or with cimetidine 4 X 300 mg daily. Patients who were healed after 4 or 8 weeks were followed during 6 months. Cumulative healing rates at 4 weeks in groups receiving misoprostol 200 micrograms, misoprostol 800 micrograms or cimetidine 1200 mg daily were 42%, 58% and 71% respectively. Patients treated with cimetidine showed a more rapid improvement of symptoms than patients treated with misoprostol. Symptomatic recurrences after ulcer healing occurred in almost 40% of the patients within 6 months, irrespective of the type of acute ulcer treatment. Risk factors for slowed healing and increased rate of recurrence were evaluated in the present study, and the results were compared with the results of two previous trials performed according to a similar protocol. Smoking appeared to slow healing and to favor relapses. Moderate consumption of alcohol appeared to decrease the relapse rate. In the present trial, ulcer size was associated with ulcer pain but not with ulcer healing.

Correlations between growth-rate, weight for age, body measurements and rate of veterinary aid as well a rate of stillbirths are positive and significant. Correlations between performance test results and gestation period are not significant.

There is a continuous variation in the immune response to sheep erythrocytes in inbred and outbred strains of mice. In animals of equal age strain-specific differences are the most important cause of the variation. Female animals are on the average superior to the male ones. Especially in the 7 S response the crossbreds showed positive deviations from the mid-parent values, thus suggesting the existence of non-additive gene effects. In one crossing experiment maternal influences could be shown.