Separation and characterization of humic acids and metal humates by electrophoretic methods.

A modified buffer for the separation of humic acids (HA) by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) was studied. The addition of hydroxycarboxylic acids to borate buffer makes a more efficient separation of HA possible. Two sharp peaks are obtained. Preparative isolation of these two fractions can be reached by applying the conditions used in CZE to free-flow electrophoresis (FFE). The fractions obtained were characterized by repetition of the CZE procedure. Also metal complexes of HA were investigated by electrophoretic methods. In the presence of metal cations, HA form stable complexes of different electrophoretic mobility. These complexes can be separated by free-flow isotachophoresis (FF-ITP). The different fractions are analyzed by CZE, ultraviolet-visible and atomic absorption spectrometry. Significant changes in both the ITP-pattern of the FFE and the 'humic hump' in CZE demonstrate the influence of complexation on the macromolecules.

[2-frequency artificial respiration--a new therapeutic concept]. / Die Zweifrequenzbeatmung--ein neues Therapiekonzept.

A new respiration system is described. The system has been developed for the therapy of very ill newborn and premature infants (RDS stage IV, gestation age less than 28 weeks, severe pneumonia etc.). The special feature of the new respiratory device is an alternating between cycles with low frequencies and relatively high amplitudes, and breathes with low amplitudes and relatively high frequencies.

[Effect of increased feeding of oligosaccharides on serum bilirubin levels in newborns (author's transl)]. / Untersuchungen zur Wirkung verstärkter Kohlenhydratzufuhr in Form von Oligosaccharid-Lösung auf den Bilirubinspiegel des Neugeborenen

Previous trials to improve bilirubin elimination in newborns by increased feeding of breastmilk, formula or carbohydrate, especially glucose, gave different if not controversial results. Oligsaccharide solutions with low osmolarity and therefore good compatibility nowadays allow the administration of comparatively high amounts of carbohydrates to term and preterm newborn babies. With this mind a prospective study in 55 newborns, 26 males and 29 females, with birthweights ranging between 1980--3800g, was started. 30 infants got 25% solution of oligosaccharides (DEXTRO neonat), 50 ml/kg and day, during the first 6 days after birth, in addition of normal milk formula. 25 control infants got 5% solution of glucose instead of the oligosaccharide solution. Development of weight (Table 1) and haematokrit (Table 2) of both groups showed (perhaps interesting but) no significant differences. The oligosaccharide group showed significant elevation of blood glucose at the 2nd and several other days (Table 3), and significant lowering of serum bilirubin at the 4th, 5th and 6th day (Table 4, Fig. 1). Changes of amount or distribution of body water are (see Table 1 and 2) not likely for explanation. Other possible explanations are discussed. Further investigations would be of interest. Prophylactic and therapeutic use in postnatal hyperbilirubinaemia seems possible.

[X-Ray diagnosis of hepatic rupture in a newborn (author's transl)]. / Röntgenologisch dargestellte geburtstraumatische Leberruptur eines Neugeborenen

Presumably due to trauma during birth newborn infant had a hepatic rupture and intraabdominal haematoma, which was diagnosed by injection of contrast solution into the umbilical vein catheter. Radiographically the haematoma was seen in the left upper abdomen (perhaps in the omental bursa). Besides additional birth injuries the infant suffered from fetopathia diabetica, asphyxia, meconium aspiration syndrome, mediastinal emphysema and pneumoperitoneum.

[Studies on cerebrospinal fluid diffusion of trimethoprim in children]. / Untersuchungen zur Liquorgängigkeit von Trimethoprim im Kindesalter

Full quantitative fluorometric analysis of TMP in serum and cerebrospinal fluid in 91 infants and children (all anyhow designed for lumbar puncture for other reasons) 1/2 - 12 hours after i. v. injection of TMP in a single dose of 4 mg/kg (73 cases, tab. 1-2, fig. 1) or 12 mg/kg (18 cases, tab. 3, fig. 2). TMP in serum and cerebrospinal fluid showed regularly high plateaus for the whole time investigated, i.e. 12 hours after i. v. injection (fig. 1-2). The c.s.f./serum ratio for TMP (2-12 hours after injection) was 30-40%(fig. 1). After a dose of 12 mg/kg the ratio was even 50% and more (fig. 2). There were - in our material - no differences of the ratio according to c.s.f. state (normal - tab. 1, or pathological-tab. 2), or age. Considerating published data on enteral resorption of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and c.s.f. diffussion of SMZ together with our results, we can expect a very intensifying proportion TMP: SMZ near 1:10 in cerebrospinal fluid after intake of officinal TMP-SMZ (Co-trimoxazol). This might have diagnostic and therapeutic consequences.