Santorini's Duct--an insignificant variant from normal or an important overflow valve?

In a retrospective examination 250 consecutive pancreatograms obtained by ERCP were controlled on the existence of a D. Snatorini. Starting from the genetic development of the pancreatic ducts the question is investigated whether a second open pancreatic duct is responsible for a better drainage of the pancreas. Thus this duct may prevent hyperamylasemia and hyperlipasemia following ERCP. From an etiological point of view the elevation of these pancreatic enzymes is insufficiently understandable. If a D. Santorini is detectable the results demonstrate a reduction of the increased pancreatic enzymes in a statistically significant manner. A valve mechanism of the D. pancreaticus minor with volume or pressure reduction is postulated.

[Osmolality problems]. / Osmolalitätsprobleme

This is a survey about all factors influencing the osmotic pressure. The actual osmotic pressure in the plasma of healthy individuals is regulated essentially by the natrium ions and the corresponding anions. The one exception is the dysfunctioning diabetes mellitus with distinctly advanced hyperglycaemia. Syndromes with an accompanying azotemia demonstrate a seeming hyperosmolality as long as the osmotic pressure is measured or calculated by the customary method. The real and present osmotic condition can only be calculated when the blood urea concentration is no longer considered. It is proposed that the term "corrected osmolality" be used for the values determined in this manner.

[Geographical distribution of leukemia. Study on the urban/rural relationship]. / Zur geographischen Verteilung der Leukämie. Eine Studie über die Stadt/Land-Relation

The geographical distribution of leukemia 69 soldiers of the German army died of leukemia between 1957 and 1970. Investigations were made with regard to their geographical distribution, in comparison to 1500 healthy soldiers. The percentage of leukemia patients, who lived in rural areas (villages up to 500 inhabitants) was 2.1 times higher. With regard to the birth-place this "rural provenance" was even more significant (3.6 times higher). This means: every fifth soldier, who died of leukemia, originated from a little village (of the control-group: every sixteenth). A local incidence ("clusters") was not found. The professions were of no particular significance. These findings raise the question if there exist risk factors in rural environment (domestic animals?).