Automated system for recording galvanic skin reaction parameters

Since variations in the electric skin impedance delta R depend on an instantaneous value R, parameters of the cutaneogalvanic reaction should be assessed in the scale of the natural logarithm lnR. Such methodology allows an adequate comparison of results obtained in many patients or in a single patient during a long-term period.     

Mortality in the workers in the tire industry]

The article is concerned with a study of the mortality rates among the workers engaged at a tire-producing plant, for the 1950-1979 period. In comparison with the control population group, the contributors revealed increased mortality rates caused by cardiovascular diseases, malignant neoplasms, accidents, intoxications and traumas. Analysis of the labour conditions proved the influence of the unfavourable occupational factors on the mortality rates and mortality causes, excepting the indices of mortality caused by accidents, intoxications and traumas.     

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase deficiency in a patient with severe psychomotor retardation

A 13-year-old girl who had severe brain damage due to unknown prenatal cause presented rhabdomyolysis triggered by a mild viral infection. Her muscle biopsy revealed mild variation in fiber size and type 2 fiber atrophy without excess lipid storage. Biochemical analysis of the biopsied material showed decreased carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) activity (15% of the control). Serum and urinary carnitine levels were normal. Skeletal muscle CT scanning showed multiple low density spots. The patient was diagnosed as having CPT deficiency. She recovered from rhabdomyolysis without renal failure after a month with conservative therapy. CPT deficiency is usually found in young healthy persons. This is the first case report of CPT deficiency which presented severe psychomotor retardation since neonatal period.