Structures of surfactant films: a scanning force microscopy study.

The alveolar lining layer is thought to consist of a continuous duplex layer, i.e., an aqueous hypophase covered by a thin surfactant film which is a monolayer with dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) as its most important component. Findings obtained by electron microscopy and results from in vitro experiments suggest, however, that the structure and hence the structure-function relations of surfactant films are more complex. In order to better define their structures films of surfactants were studied by scanning force microscopy. Four different surfactants were spread on a Langmuir-Wilhelmy balance, and then transferred onto a solid mica plate by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, under various states of film compression. Imaging of the films by scanning force microscopy was performed in the contact (repulsive) mode in air. The scanning force micrographs revealed that surfactant films are not homogeneous, but rather undergo phase transitions depending on the surface pressures. Even at comparable surface pressures different surfactants show quite different surface patterns. Differences in surface structure can even be observed in films containing surfactant proteins (SP)-B and SP-C. These observations give further evidence that the widely accepted hypothesis of a regular monolayer of phospholipids governing the surface tension probably does not hold true, but that the structure-function relationship of surface active surfactant films is even more complex than hitherto thought.

[Effectiveness of local treatment using a PVP-iodine compound for retained placenta in cows]. / Untersuchungen zur Wirksamkeit der lokalen Behandlung mit einem PVP-Jodpräparat bei der Nachgeburtsverhaltung der Kuh.

106 cattle with retained placenta were treated either with Vetisept-bolus or Tetran-bolus (controls) after an attempt to remove fetal membranes. Uterine involution judged by rectal palpation on the 28th day was the same in both groups, but more treatments were necessary for cows of the experimental group. Cows treated with Vetisept came in heat nine days earlier than controls (p < 0.05). The pregnancy rate of the controls (91.6%) was better (p < 0.05) than in the experimental group (60.7%). No significant differences between the two groups were encountered for pregnancy index, total index, and service period. Of 82 cows after single calving 50 got pregnant again. In 18 of the remaining cattle another pregnancy was not attempted. The other 14 were bred but did not conceive. Treatment with tetracycline seems to be slightly superior and safer than the treatment with PVP-iodine. It is uncertain, whether the higher (p < 0.05) losses of animals in the experimental group than in the controls is due to the different treatment, for most of the cows had been slaughtered because of insufficient milk production. Therapy with iodine is a recommended alternative to the treatment with tracycline for certain indications.

Dose-finding study with bopindolol in arterial hypertension.

Bopindolol is a new beta blocker with a long duration of action which exerts antihypertensive effects at very low dosage. The aim of this study was to define the optimal dosage of bopindolol in outpatients with mild to moderate hypertension and to compare it to atenolol in term of tolerance and efficacy, both administered once daily. Forty physicians (the Swiss Cooperative Study Group) participated as investigators in this study. They had recruited 257 hypertensive patients whose diastolic blood pressure was between 95 and 105 mm Hg (age 19-69 years; mean +/- SD, 49.3/49.9 +/- 10/11) in a multicentric double-blind study. After a 2-week placebo period patients were randomized to one of four treatment groups: bopindolol 1 mg, bopindolol 2 mg, atenolol 50 mg, and atenolol 100 mg. After 4 weeks of active treatment, if diastolic blood pressure was above 90 mm Hg, the dosage was doubled. A detailed evaluation was performed after 8 weeks of active treatment. If necessary, a diuretic was then added and patients were followed for the next 10 months in an open study. Compared to placebo, blood pressure was significantly lowered in the four treatment groups. At 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 months, there was no significant difference between the blood pressures of the treatment groups. Bopindolol was as well tolerated as atenolol. Bradycardia was more common with atenolol. During this 12-month study, bopindolol 1 mg per day appeared to be an effective and a safe antihypertensive treatment. With the exception of the lower incidence of bradycardia, bopindolol is indistinguishable from atenolol in terms of side effects pattern and frequency.

[Curative-pedagogic aspects of mental deficiency]. / Heilpädagogische Aspekte der geistigen Behinderung.

Curative pedagogy is nothing else but a theory on education and teaching of the mentally handicapped. The author presents the following seven thesis: 1. Mental deficiency is not a definite state. It should be considered as a "relative" state, bound to its origins but with possibilities of change. It is thus to be considered as a state that can be influenced, modified and within the reach of education. 2. The notion that every child can be educated is inherent to pedagogic theory. The mentally deficient child forces us to examine, more often, our teaching methods. 3. It is only when the doctor and the pedagogue seriously collaborate that it becomes possible to elaborate early developmental programmes. 4. The pedagogue does not remain centered on diagnosis, but allows himself to be directed by the developmental possibilities of the child. 5. Pedagogy is not only concerned with the impairment of intelligence, but seeks a global approach in which the affective relationship is taken into account. This global approach is possible only with a multidisciplinary team. 6. Pedagogy takes into account the parents as well as the child in order to assist them and help them accept the situation. 7. Pedagogic help should not terminate with the end of official schooling, but should remain a permanent support which should be continuously improved.