The risk of motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis is different in Estonians and Russians. Data from South Estonia.

Epidemiological studies were performed in South Estonia to establish the prevalence rate of multiple sclerosis (MS) and motor neurone disease (MND). The case finding method included information from the hospital records of the central hospital in the region-the University Hospital (for MS from 1942 to 1989), from all neurologists in the region, from the Estonian MS Society and Association of Muscular Disorders, and from nursing homes in the region. The prevalence day was 31 December 1989. MND incidence was established for the period of 1986-1995. The results demonstrated high prevalence rates of MS among native Estonians (55.3 per 100 000), somewhat lower prevalence among native-born representatives of other nationalities (43.6 per 100 000) and the lowest prevalence rate of MS among non-Estonian immigrants (26.6 per 100 000). The differences were not statistically significant. The results for MND demonstrated the opposite pattern. The mean annual incidence rate of MND for 10 years was statistically significantly higher among people of other nationalities (2.5 per 100 000) and Russians (2.6 per 100 000), and lower in native-born Estonians (1.1 per 100 000). No differences in health care or clinical picture were established. The reasons for the demonstrated differences in MND incidence remain unclear.

Motor neurone disease in South Estonia. Diagnosis and incidence rate.

The current study evaluated the diagnostic standards of MND and epidemiological markers of MND in Estonia. A total of 108 patients were referred to the University Hospital from 1986 to 1995 with the first suggested diagnosis or final diagnosis of amyotrophic syndrome, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive bulbar paralysis (PBP) or progressive muscular atrophy (PMA). In addition neurologists of the region and the National Society of Neuromuscular disorders were contacted. Some 94 patients satisfied the diagnostic criteria. The annual incidence rate in South Estonia and in the city of Tartu ranged from 0.5 to 2.8 per 100,000. The mean annual incidence rate in Tartu is 1.98 and in South Estonia in general 1.3. The highest incidence rate was 8.3 for men in the age group 60 to 64 years and 7.49 in the age group 70-74; among female patients the highest incidence rate -4.6 was in the age group from 65 to 69.

[8 years of the "University of the Veterans of Work" at the Humboldt University in Berlin--experience in offering education for the elderly]. / 8 Jahre "Universität der Veteranen der Arbeit" an der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin--Erfahrungen mit einem Bildungsangebot für ältere Bürger.

The authors analyze the present situation and prospective demands for the learning process in old age, demonstrated by interviews of old age students of "Universität der Veteranen der Arbeit". It is given an answer to the question: is the conception and it's presentation in accordance with meaning of old age students. By 80% of probationers are the lectures one form of continued professional training. The students anticipate to develop their general education and also informations about problems of old age people. 90 probationers mean, that there is a positive effect on their private life, result from visit the lectures of the "Universtät der Veteranen der Arbeit". These results confirm the present form of this educational offer for old age people.

Effect of dimethylaminomethylendiphosphonate on the immobilisation osteoporosis in rats.

The influence of the immobilization on the bone by the resection of the N. ischiadicus has been examined in rats, 130--150 g and 400 g of weight. The simultaneous administration of dimethylaminomethylendiphosphonate uses to lower the differences in respect to osteodissimilation between the immobilized and not immobilized extremity, caused by immobilization.

Bone diseases in advanced and old age: diagnostics, prophylaxis, therapy.

The authors give a short overview on:--Diseases characterized by too small a number of osteoblasts and insufficient osteoid formation--Bone diseases in the presence of osteoid overproduction with concomittant disturbed mineralization can quasi be summed up in two statements as regards ageing and aged people--Diseases associated with excessive resorption due to increased osteoclastic activity--Diseases caused by great resorption of bone in the presence of bone marrow proliferation, their diagnostics, prophylaxis and therapy.

[On the treatment of the osteodystrophia deformans (Paget's disease) with synthetic salmon calcitonin (author's transl)]. / Zur Behandlung der Osteodystrophia deformans Paget mit synthetischem Salm-Kalzitonin (II. Mitteilung).

Sixteen patients with Paget's disease of bone aged from 51 to 80 years was treated daily with 20 micrograms (equivalent to 80 MRCU) synthetic salmon calcitonin. Fourteen patients was observed on a long time. In all cases was observed significant reductions in increased serum alkaline phosphatase. The urinary hydroxyproline excretion was also decreased. Other laboratory dates as serum calcium, serum phosphorus, serum acide phosphatase, urinary calcium and phosphorus excretion was not significantly influenced by the therapy. The treatment produced a clear remission of pain. After treatment of 6 months the dose was reduced (2 or 3 injections subcutaneously of 20 micrograms salmon calcitonin weekly). There was observed a recurrence of pain and an increase of serum alkaline phosphatase, but not until the pretreatment values. These results confirm the effectiveness of calcitonin treatment in Paget's disease of bone.

[The current position in the preparations for active retirement in the socialist society of Schwerin county (author's transl)]. / Derzeitiger Stand in der Vorbereitung auf ein aktives Alter in der sozialistischen Gesellschaft im Bezirk Schwerin.

The authors present a survey of the preparations for active retirement in the socialist society. They report on a model experiment carried out in Schwerin county and its results on the health, mental and social conditions of the participating persons approaching pensionable age.

[Ageing changes in collagen -- in vitro ageing changes in collagen (part III) (author's transl)]. / Alternsveränderungen am Kollagen -- In vitro Alternsveränderungen des Kollagens (Teil III)

In the present three parts of the survey ageing-changes in collagen physical and chemical qualities are discussed at first. Further a summary on questions of the biosynthesis of collagen, changes of the metabolism in the ageing organism and changes of the ripening collagen in the living organism is given. Following in vitro-ageing-changes of collagen and causes of the changes of the ageing organism are described. A summarizing appreciation of the ageing-changes in the collagen finishes the survey.

[Ageing-changes in collagen -- biosynthesis of collagen (part II) (author's transl)]. / Alternsveränderungen am Kollagen -- Biosynthese des Kollagens (Teil II)

In the present three parts of the survey on ageing-changes in collagen physical and chemical qualities are discussed at first. Further a summary on questions of the biosynthesis of collagen, changes of the collagen metabolism in the ageing organism organism and changes of the ripening collagen in the living organism is given. Following in vitro-ageing-changes of collagen and causes of the changes of the ageing organism are described. A summarizing appreciation of the ageing-changes in the collagen finishes the survey.