[Sequential degradation of p-cresol by photochemical and biological methods].

Sequential photo- and biodegradation of p-cresol was studied using a mercury lamp, as well as KrCl and XeCl excilamps. Preirradiation of p-cresol at a concentration of 10(-4) M did not affect the rate of its subsequent biodegradation. An increase in the concentration of p-cresol to 10(-3) M and in the duration preliminary UV irradiation inhibited subsequent biodegradation. Biodegradation of p-cresol was accompanied by the formation of a product with a fluorescence maximum at 365 nm (lambdaex 280 nm), and photodegradation yielded a compound fluorescing at 400 nm (lambdaex 330 nm). Sequential UV and biodegradation led to the appearance of bands in the fluorescence spectra that were ascribed to p-cresol and its photolysis products. It was shown that sequential use of biological and photochemical degradation results in degradation of not only the initial toxicant but also the metabolites formed during its biodegradation.

Clinical physiological study of the therapeutic effects of phenytoin in acute alcohol withdrawal and the asthenic-autonomic syndrome in patients with chronic alcoholism.

The effects of diphenylhydantoin [phenytoin (PHT)] on both the acute withdrawal syndrome (AWS) and the asthenic-autonomic syndrome associated with chronic alcoholism were evaluated in a single-blind, controlled, clinical, and comprehensive multiparameter psychophysiological and neurophysiological study. Twenty-four patients were treated with PHT (100 mg, PO, tid) and our standard detoxification therapy (intravenous fluids and vitamins as an antihistamine and a vasodilator; cognitive psychotherapy; and occupational therapy) and their progress was compared to that of 12 patients receiving only our standard detoxification therapy. The use of PHT and standard detoxification therapy resulted in an amelioration or cessation of the main symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal within a mean of 3 +/- 1 days. Vital fear, psychomotor excitation, sense of shortness of breath, pronounced chill-like state, and pronounced perspiration disappeared within 3 days. In the control group, the same improvements were found in a mean of 11 +/- 3 days. After the acute withdrawal period, PHT (50-100 mg, bid-tid) was continued in all 24 patients of the PHT group to evaluate its effects on the asthenic-autonomic syndrome. PHT's most marked therapeutic effects (improvements in mood, aggression, ability to react appropriately to surroundings, attention, active vigilance, and autonomic parameters) were seen in eight patients with the sympathetic-adrenal type of autonomic disorders. Dynamic EEG and infraslow physiological processes showed confirmatory improvement. A reduction in alcohol craving and longer alcohol-free remission times were also seen. Although there were some benefits in the 16 patients with the parasympathetic type of autonomic disorders, they were smaller and less stable. There were no beneficial effects of PHT or standard therapy in a group of five young patients with a malignant, rapidly progressive form of alcoholism. We conclude that PHT is useful in acute alcohol withdrawal and in the treatment of the asthenic-autonomic syndrome (during the rehabilitative phase) in patients with sympathetic type of autonomic disorder. Further clinical evaluation and use of PHT in alcohol withdrawal and rehabilitation are indicated.

[Computerized tomography of spinal injuries]. / Komp'iuternaia tomografiia pri povrezhdeniiakh pozvonochnika.

The authors have presented their experience of computer roentgen tomography application in 127 patients with complicated and noncomplicated spine damages, attained during 1987-89 in the clinic of the Byelorussian research institute of traumatology and orthopaedics. Computer tomography examinations allowed to determine spine fractures in 12 patients for the first time, reveal additional damages of the spine frontal sections in 35 patients and of the rear support complex in 30 patients. The causes of neurological disorders have been defined more precisely in 74 observations. Computer tomography possibilities as to the spine and spinal cord damage diagnosis are represented in the offered observations with demonstration of pictures obtained with/without subarachnoid space contrasting, in different hardness modes, formed according to the assigned programs.