Biological induced corrosion of materials II: new test methods and experiences from MIR station.

During previous long-term manned missions, more than 100 species of microorganisms have been identified on surfaces of materials (bacteria and fungi). Among them were potentially pathogenic ones (saprophytes) which are capable of active growth on artificial substrates, as well as technophilic bacteria and fungi causing damages (destruction and degradation) to various materials (metals and polymers), resulting in failures and disruptions in the functioning of equipment and hardware. Aboard a space vehicle some microclimatic parameters are optimal for microorganism growth: the atmospheric fluid condensate with its specific composition, chemical and/or anthropogenic contaminants (human metabolic products, etc.

[Progress of untreated scoliosis following poliomyelitis up to the end of the growth-period (author's transl)].

Further to an earlier paper on progression of untreated idiopathic scoliosis 37 patients with scoliosis following poliomyelitis are reported on. 16 of them could be observed for 2 years or more having had no treatment. Their progression is clearly more extensive than that of idiopathic scoliosis.

[Progression of untreated idiopathic scoliosis up to the end of growth].

110 patients with idiopathic scoliosis are reported on, who had no treatment for 2 years or more before growth stopped. Another 36 patients untreated for 1 year could be observed. The changes in the scoliotic angle were followed up radiologically and entered into a diagram.