The statistical evaluation of the results obtained by kymographic registration of antihelminthic action on the isolated helminth preparation is discussed. The statistical unit was assumed to be a mean reaction magnitude expressed by the surface (calculated planimetrically) limited by the kymographic curve. divided by the length of the time segment. The results should be given in terms of concentrations leading to 50% of maximal reaction to standard drug; the concentrations are calculated by means of regression equatiom or graphically. A method for calculation of standard concentration error is given. A „universal" topologic test is recommended for the evaluation of results which fail to fulfill the requirements of Student's test. The importance of the coefficient B from the straight regression equation as a measure of action rate of antihelminthic drug is stressed.
An enzyme with anti-peptic and anti-tryptic action was obtained from the body cavity fluid of Ascaris lumbricoides suis by means of frastionated alcohol precipitation in acid medium, at reduced temperature (Z. Wojciechowska). The anti-enzyme solution in 0.85% NaCl was added to oxalated human venous blood or guinea pig blood taken from the heart. After 5-minute stay at room temperature it was transferred to water bath at 37° and the blood coagulation time was determined after recalcination. The coagulation time was calculated in ralation to that of control samples taken as 100. The active concentration of the anti-enzyme was computed by means of straight regression equation. It was found that the Ascaris anti-enzyme brings about an increase in the coagulation time of man at the concentrations higher than 48.1 mg%; the concentration of 109.8 ± 24.6 mg% protracts the coagulation time by 50%. Similar action of the anti-enzyme on the guinea pig blood was observed at the concentrations higher than 27,9%.; the concentration, leading to 50% increase in the coagulation time, amounts to 135.2 ± 11.1 mg%. It is believed that the inhibition of blood coagulation, induced by Ascaris fluid, might be of biological importance, for instance during the migration of the parasite in the host organism.
The chaos theory in parasitology. Fundamental ideas of the chaotic non-linear dynamical systems and their application in parasitology (e.g. Cephalomyia populations, Trichomonas vaginalis invasions, Homo-Plasmodium systems) are discussed.