Effect of pantothenic acid and ascorbic acid supplementation on human skin wound healing process. A double-blind, prospective and randomized trial

This study aimed at testing human skin wound healing improvement by a 21-day supplementation of 1.0 g ascorbic acid (AA) and 0.2 g pantothenic acid (PA). 49 patients undergoing surgery for tattoos, by the successive resections procedure, entered a double-blind, prospective and randomized study. Tests performed on both skin and scars determined: hydroxyproline concentrations, number of fibroblasts, trace element contents and mechanical properties. In the 18 supplemented patients, it was shown that in skin (day 8) Fe increased (p < 0.05) and Mn decreased (p < 0.05); in scars (day 21), Cu (p = 0.07) and Mn (p < 0.01) decreased, and Mg (p < 0.05) increased; the mechanical properties of scars in group A were significantly correlated to their contents in Fe, Cu and Zn, whereas no correlation was shown in group B. In blood, AA increased after surgery with supplementation, whereas it decreased in controls. Although no major improvement of the would healing process could be documented in this study, our results suggest that the benefit of AA and PA supplementation could be due to the variations of the trace elements, as they are correlated to mechanical properties of the scars.     

Immunocytochemical studies on endocrine cells of alimentary tract of the pig in the embryonic and fetal period of life

The study aimed at immunocytochemical analysis of alimentary tract endocrine cells between 20th day of embryonal life and 105th day of fetal life of domestic pig. In the pancreas, presence of endocrine cells was detected already in 20th day and, at the time, the cells comprised around 3/4 all cells in primordia of the organ. Starting at that time, numerous endocrine cells produced insulin and glucagon and individual cells synthesized somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide. In the 20th day, stomach and duodenum contained single endocrine cells but hormone production was not detected until days 27 and 30. Beginning from this days, both organs manifested rapid increase in the number of gastrin-producing cells. In each of the three organs, the number of somatostatin-producing cells exhibited most extensive changes.     

Composition of approximated body-surface-potential-maps by utilizing a common 12-lead-ECG device

A procedure is introduced that allows approximations of body surface potential maps (BSPM) to be obtained by utilizing commonly available digital 12-lead-electrocardiogram (ECG) systems. These Pseudo-BSPMs contain most of the averaged spatio-temporal information for a single characteristic beat. The underlying signal processing is described in detail. The algorithms including an online method verification may easily be added to the software of commercial 12-lead ECG devices.     

Die Bestimmung des Wasserstoffgehaltes von flüssigem Stahl

Beschreibung der Probenahme von Stählen mit Eisengehalten größer als 95% aus Strangguß- und Blockgußkokillen und einer Apparatur zur Bestimmung des Wasserstoffgehaltes. Entnahme durch geschütztes Tauchen von Quarzgutrohren. Füllen in Tiefen bis zu 250 mm mit ferrostatischem Druck. Umgehung der Probenahme aus oberflächennahen Schichten des Stahlbades zur Vermeidung von Verlusten durch das bisher übliche Einsaugen des flüssigen Stahles in das Quarzgutrohr. – Wasserstoffbestimmung durch Warmauslagerung der Proben im Stickstoffträgergasstrom mit einer Wärmeleitfähigkeitszelle. Elektronische Integration der Meßspannung einer Thermistorbrücke über die Entgasungszeit der Probe.