Biological induced corrosion of materials II: new test methods and experiences from MIR station.

During previous long-term manned missions, more than 100 species of microorganisms have been identified on surfaces of materials (bacteria and fungi). Among them were potentially pathogenic ones (saprophytes) which are capable of active growth on artificial substrates, as well as technophilic bacteria and fungi causing damages (destruction and degradation) to various materials (metals and polymers), resulting in failures and disruptions in the functioning of equipment and hardware. Aboard a space vehicle some microclimatic parameters are optimal for microorganism growth: the atmospheric fluid condensate with its specific composition, chemical and/or anthropogenic contaminants (human metabolic products, etc.) all are stimulating factors for the development of bacteria and mould fungi on materials of the interior and equipment of an orbital station during its operational phase(s). Especially Russian long-term missions (SALYUT, MIR) [correction of SALJUT] have demonstrated that uncontrolled interactions of microorganisms with materials will ultimately lead to the appearance of technological and medical risks, significantly influencing safety and reliability characteristics of individual as well as whole systems and/or subsystems. For a first conclusion, it could be summarized, that countermeasures and anti-strategies focusing on Microbial Contamination Management (MCM) for the International Space Station (ISS, next long-term manned mission) at least require a new materials test approach. Our respective concept includes a combined aging/biocorrosion test sequence. It is represented here, as well as current status of MCM program, e.g. continuous monitoring (microbiological analyses), long-term disinfection, frequent cleaning methods, mathematical modeling of ISS, etc.

[Progress of untreated scoliosis following poliomyelitis up to the end of the growth-period (author's transl)]. / Die Progredienz der unbehandelten Skoliose nach Poliomyelitis bis Wachstumsabschluss

Further to an earlier paper on progression of untreated idiopathic scoliosis 37 patients with scoliosis following poliomyelitis are reported on. 16 of them could be observed for 2 years or more having had no treatment. Their progression is clearly more extensive than that of idiopathic scoliosis. But like them it is at a peak during the prepubertal spurt of growth. It also is more obvious the earlier it is recognized. The prognosis of post-poliomyelitic scoliosis is particularly bad when it starts shortly after onset of the paralysis.

[Progression of untreated idiopathic scoliosis up to the end of growth]. / Die Progredienz der unbehandelten idiopathischen Skoliose bis Wachstumsabschluss

110 patients with idiopathic scoliosis are reported on, who had no treatment for 2 years or more before growth stopped. Another 36 patients untreated for 1 year could be observed. The changes in the scoliotic angle were followed up radiologically and entered into a diagram. The average progression of these scolioses during one year were calculated. Progression was always most pronounced between the 10th and 15th year and coincided with the prepubertal increase in growth. This has to be expected 2 years later in boys than in girls. The degree of progression definitely depended on the site of the primary curve. Thoracic and S scoliosis showed most pronounced progression, followed by thoracolumbar and lumbar scoliosis. Progression was worse the earlier scoliosis was diagnosed.