bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preleukaemia: A long‐term prospective study of 326 patients
Authors: Todd William M. , Pierre Robert V.
Published: August 2010

Prospective bone marrow chromosome studies were done on 326 patients who met the criteria for the preleukaemic syndrome. Seventy‐two patients (22 %) had progression to overt acute nonlymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL). Of the original patients, 264 were retrospectively reclassified according to the French‐American‐British (FAB) dysmyelo‐poietic classification as follows: refractory cytopenia (RC), 23 patients; refractory anaeemia (RA), 126; RA with ringed sideroblasts (RARS), 56; RA with excess blasts (RAEB), 27; chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML), 29; and RAEB in transformation (RAEBIT), 3. The survival of patients with RC or RA was significantly better than that of patients with RARS, RAEB, or CMML. The differences in survival among patients with RARS, RAEB, or CMML were not significant. The survival of patients within each FAB classification was better in patients who had normal chromosomes. The presence of cytogenetic abnormalities was predictive of shorter survival and a higher frequency of progression to overt ANLL.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate as a prognostic factor in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Hannisdal Einar , Grøttum Kjell A. , Langmark Frøydis
Published: August 2010

In a follow‐up study, survival data for 62 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), diagnosed in northern Norway from 1974 to 1982, were analysed. 10 patients not reported to the Cancer Registry had a significantly (p < 0.05) better prognosis. In a multivariate survival analysis (Cox's model) anaemia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and 4 or more regions involved at diagnosis were significant prognostic factors indicating high risk patients with short survival. ESR was also a significant prognostic factor in a multivariate survival analysis, together with the classifications of Rai (1) or Binet (2).
Serum levels of lactoferrin and myeloperoxidase in chronic idiopathic and secondary neutropenia
Authors: van der Veen J. P. W. , Venge P. , von dem Borne A. E. G. Kr.
Published: August 2010

In 20 patients with chronic neutropenia, serum lactoferrin (S‐LF) and serum myeloperoxidase (S‐MPO) levels were assessed. By immunofluorescence, granulocyte‐bound immunoglobulins were detected in 12 patients, whereas circulating immune complexes were found in the blood of 8 patients by the 125‐I‐Clq‐binding test (Clq‐BT). In both groups of patients, there was a relative increase of S‐LF and a relative or sometimes absolute increase of S‐MPO. In the latter group, results of the Clq‐BT correlated positively with S‐MPO but negatively with neutrophil counts. No correlations between S‐LF or S‐MPO and the results of the granulocyte immunofluorescence test were found. Our results suggest that S‐LF and S‐MPO levels may be helpful in the further study of patients with chronic neutropenia, to gain more insight into the pathogenetic mechanisms operative in this disease.
Microcalorimetric investigation of cell metabolism in tumour cells from patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL)
Authors: Monti M. , Brandt L. , Ikomi‐Kumm J. , Olsson H.
Published: August 2010

The overall metabolism in tumour cells from 36 untreated patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma was evaluated by direct calorimetry. For 20 patients with lymphoma of high grade malignancy the median value of heat production rate per tumour cell was 3.9 pW and for 16 patients with low grade lymphomas the corresponding value was 2.8 pW. The difference between the two morphclogical groups is significant (p = 0.05). The median value of heat production rate per tumour cell from 13 patients who died within 2 yr after diagnosis was 4.0 pW. The corresponding value for 17 patients who have survived for more than 2 yr was 2.5 pW. The difference between the two groups is significant (p = 0.02). A high correlation was found between heat production rates in tumour cells and survival of the patients (p = 0.006).
Ultrastructural evaluation of periodate‐reactive glycoconjugates in human leukaemia cells
Authors: Eguchi Mitsuoki , Furukawa Toshiharu , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Ishikawa Kohji , Sugita Kenichi , Sakamaki Hisashi , Spicer Samuel S.
Published: August 2010

Periodate‐reactive glycoconjugates in human leukaemic cells were examined electron microscopically by the periodic acid‐thiocarbohydrazide‐silver proteinate (PA‐TCH‐SP) method. Granules in ALL cells were classified into 4 types based on PA‐TCH‐SP staining features. Abnormal granules containing glycogen were observed only in children with treatment‐resistant ALL. Cytoplasmic granules in leukaemic cells of patients with AML and acute monocytic leukaernia exhibited moderate reactivity. The distribution pattern of glycogen in the cytoplasm of leukaemic cells was classified into 3 types, one lacking glycogen, one containing small glycogen particles scattered throughout cytoplasm, and one showing clusters of glycogen particles. Cells with glycogen clusters were observed in ALL cells and in erythroblasts from patients with erythroleukaemia. PA‐TCH‐SP reactivity was detected in the rough endoplasmic reticulum in acute promyelocytic leukaemia but not in ALL or other types of AML. Megakaryoblasts in megakaryocytic crisis of chronic myelogenous leukaemia exhibited characteristic PA‐TCH‐SP reactivity similar to that of normal megakaryocytes.
Effects of acetylsalicylic acid on platelet aggregation in male and female whole blood: an in vitro study
Authors: de la Cruz J. P. , Bellido I. , Camara S. , Martos F. , de la Cuesta F. Sanchez
Published: August 2010

We have used the impedance aggregometer to study the in vitro effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) in whole blood (WB) versus platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) using blood samples from 24 male and 24 female healthy volunteers. IC50was calculated from dose‐response curves of ADP‐, adrenaline‐, collagen‐ and arachidonic acid‐induced aggregation. ASA inhibited platelet aggregation in WB with a lower IC50than PRP in male and female samples; the greater differences between WB and PRP inhibitory effect of ASA were in collagen‐ and archidonic acid‐induced aggregation. A higher ASA concentration was needed in order to produce half maximal inhibition of platelet aggregation in female than in male samples with both WB and PRP method, except when ADP was used as the aggregating agent in PRP.
Transient vinblastine‐induced thrombocytopenia during chemotherapy with vinblastine, cis‐platinum and bleomycin*
Authors: Abrahamsen Arne Foss , Klepp Olbjørn , Fosså Sophie Dorothea , Sønstevold Anne
Published: August 2010

An early, transient drop in peripheral blood platelets to a mean nadir value of 49% (range 31–83%) of the pretreatment value was seen in 31 patients during chemotherapy with cis‐platinum, vinblastine and bleomycin (PVB). The mean number of platelets dropped by 22% during the first 24 h after the start of chemotherapy, nadir value was seen after 3 d, with recovery to 107% of pretreatment level on d 14–15. Platelet survival studies during PVB chemotherapy showed shortened platelet survival time and indicated increased destruction of platelets. Identical patterns of early, transient thrombocytopenia were seen in 6 patients treated with vinblastine only. The early fall in circulating platelets did not predict subsequent serious thrombocytopenia. There were no bleeding episodes in the 37 patients studied here, but the early thrombocytopenia seen after vinblastine therapy may possibly be of clinical importance in critically ill patients at risk for bleeding episodes. In rats, an early drop in circulating platelets occurred after a high dose of vinblastine, but not after bleomycin. Addition of bleomycin to vinblastine did not increase the vinblastine‐induced thrombocytopenia. It is concluded that the early drop in peripheral blood platelets during chemotherapy with PVB is due to vinblastine.
Dose response studies using desferrioxamine and orally active chelators in a mouse model
Authors: Kontoghiorghes George J.
Published: August 2010

59Fe excretion studies in response to different doses (4–9 mg) of three N‐substituted 3‐hydroxypyrid‐4‐one chelators, (l,2‐dimethyl‐3‐hydroxypyrid‐4‐one, l‐ethyl‐2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxypyrid‐4‐one, l‐propyl‐2‐methyl‐3‐hydroxypyrid‐4‐one), and desferrioxamine in iron overloaded 59Fe lacttoferrin labelled mice (40 ± 4 g) have shown that the former chelators, when administered intraperitoneally and intragastrically, caused comparable 59Fe excretions to intraperitoneal desferrioxamine of equivalent doses. No apparent ill effects were observed when doses of 300 mg/kg were administered for 24 d.
Inhibition of erythropoiesis by human parvovirus‐containing serum from a patient with hereditary spherocytosis in aplastic crisis
Authors: Takahashi Masuhiro , Koike Tadashi , Moriyama Yoshiaki , Shibata Akira , Koike Ryoko , Sanada Masayoshi , Tsukada Tsuneyasu
Published: August 2010

Aplastic phase serum from a patient with aplastic crisis of hereditary spherocytosis, which was demonstrated to contain human parvovirus, inhibited in vitro erythroid colony formation almost completely. Human parvovirus was resistant to heating for 30 min at 56°C. The suppressive effect of the serum was completely abrogated by adding convalescent phase serum from another patient with aplastic crisis of hereditary spherocytosis. Some normal sera had similar neutralizing ability. The results suggested that aplastic crisis of a patient with hereditary spherocytosis is caused by human parvovirus and that the neutralizing test could offer a tool for predicting the future occurrence of aplastic crisis in the patients with chronic hemolytic anemia.
Reticuloendothelial system Fc‐receptor function in patients with immune thrombocytopenia after treatment with high dose intravenous immunoglobulin
Authors: Budde Ulrich , Auch Dieter , Niese Detlef , Schäfer Gerd , Reske Sven N. , Schmidt Reinhold E.
Published: August 2010

Reticuloendothelial system Fc‐receptor (FcR) function was measured in 4 healthy controls and 9 patients with immune thrombocytopenia before and after therapy with high dose i.v. gammaglobulin (HDIg). Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) was diagnosed in 5 patients. 2 patients with hemophilia A, 1 with acute tuberculosis and 1 with psoriasis vulgaris had thrombocytopenia that clinically resembled ITP. 4 out of 9 patients received prednisone prior to or during the study. FcR blockade was observed only in patients with ITP not receiving prednisone. In all other patients, HDIg did not induce a measurable FcR blockade. However, all except 1 patient (with acute tuberculosis) showed a marked rise in platelet counts for 2 to 12 wk. This is consistent with therapeutic efficacy of HDIg in various clinical settings of immune thrombocytopenia. All platelets were fully hemostatic and clinically no difference could be observed. This indicates that the effect of HDIg cannot be due to FcR blockade alone.
Polymorphonuclear neutrophil function and infections following splenectomy in childhood
Authors: Dahl M. , Håkansson L. , Kreuger A. , Olsen L. , Nilsson U. , Venge P.
Published: August 2010

22 subjects were controlled 3–23 yr after splenectomy due to childhood trauma (10), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (9) or congenital spherocytosis (3). The control comprised a history of infections, physical examination, routine hematologic values, determinations of serum immunoglobulins, evaluation of complement activities, cultivations from throat and nasopharynx and polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) function tests. 14 patients (63%) had increased susceptibility to recurrent bacterial infections (SBI), most often tonsillitis. All these patients also had abnormal PMN function. The other 8 patients with normal susceptibility to infections showed essentially normal PMN function. There were no differences between these groups with regard to indication for splenectomy, age at splenectomy or the time interval after splenectomy. This abnormal PMN function may explain the raised susceptibility to infections.
Cobalamin and unsaturated transcobalamin values in pernicious anaemia: Relation to treatment
Authors: Magnus Erik M.
Published: August 2010

27 patients with pernicious anaemia, followed for a long period, were consecutively treated with 3 different vitamin B12 preparations while, during intervening periods, no therapy was given until signs of B12 deficiency developed. The mean of the vitamin B12‐free period lasted 400 d. Some patients were ‘short‐reactors’ whereas others were ‘long‐reactors’. Some patients repeatedly revealed deficiency signs at cobalamin values > 200 pmol/l and others at values < 50 pmol/l, pointing to individually different cutoff points for appearance of signs of deficiency. Hypersegmentation was the first sign in about 2/3, neuropathy in 1/3 and mucosal changes in about 1/10 of the patients. The same type of deficiency was repeatedly noted in the same patient. The daily decline of plasma cobalamin values decreased during the vitamin B12‐free period. In perorally treated patients the unsaturated transcobalamin values showed an inverse relationship to the cobalamin values. Marked increases in unsaturated transcobalamin I values were noted in 4 of 16 patients treated with B12 injections, resulting in prolonged high cobalamin values and prolongation of the vitamin B12‐free periods.
Oscillating platelet counts in healthy individuals: Experimental investigation and quantitative evaluation of thrombocytopoietic feedback control
Authors: von Schulthess G. K. , Gessner U.
Published: August 2010

Peripheral platelet counts of 5 healthy women and 5 healthy men were studied over 54 to 100 d to assess whether statistically significant fluctuations could be detected. Low amplitude fluctuations were found in 7 of the 10 individuals with mean periods of 28.3 ± 3.4 d, using autocorrelation analysis. To understand the origin of such fluctuations, a simple linear feedback model of thrombocytopoiesis was formulated and quantitatively analyzed. This model, together with literature data on platelet‐turnover in healthy individuals and patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), predicts states in which oscillations are likely to occur and explains these as a result of optimum tuning of the feedback system to respond quickly to disturbances in the platelet pool. Both in healthy individuals and patients with cyclic thrombocytopenia, the typical periods of the fluctuations predicted by the model of about 25 d are in good agreement with the data.
Treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura in homosexual men
Authors: Costello Christine , Treacy Marilyn , Lai Leslie
Published: August 2010

Over the past 3 yr we have treated 6 homosexual men (age 22–55 yr) with immune thrombocytopenic purpura. 4 of the 6 have antibody to HTLV‐III in their serum, 1 of these patients has the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), 1 has AIDS‐related‐complex (ARC), and a 3rd has persistent generalised lymphadenopathy (PGL). The platelet count at presentation was between 2 and 35 times 109/1 and in each case a bone marrow confirmed active platelet production. Antiplatelet antibodies were demonstrated in 3 of 4 patients tested. 3 of the 6 patients showed a partial response to prednisolone, 2 showed little or no response and the 6th showed a good response. 2 patients received high dose i.v. immunoglobulin ‐ 1 had an excellent response prior to splenectomy, the other showed no response. 5 of the 6 patients had a splenectomy. 3 had a lasting remission (12–27 months after splencctomy), 1 of these has HTLV‐III antibodies; 1 had a remission lasting 1 yr, followed by fluctuating thrombocytopenia (21–130 × 109/1) and 1 showed no response.
Intra‐cytoplasmic crystalline inclusions in acute myeloid leukemia: A rare event
Authors: Felman Pascale , Morel Dominique , Bryon Paul‐Andre , Espinouse Daniel , Coeur Pierre
Published: August 2010

Unusual intracytoplasmic crystal‐like inclusions within granulocytic precursor cells from a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are described. Based upon their cytochemical and immunochemical properties, the possible composition and origin of these inclusions are discussed. They represent a rare event in leukemic cell metabolism since, to our knowledge, only 1 case with identical characteristics has previously been reported.
Relationship of plasma lactoferrin content to neutrophil regeneration and bone marrow infusion
Authors: Baynes R. D. , Bezwoda W. R. , Khan Q. , Mansoor N.
Published: August 2010

Plasma concentrations of lactoferrin were measured in immediately separated EDTA samples from 5 subjects who had received HLA identical bone marrow transplants for leukaemia or aplastic anaemia and from 7 subjects who were leucopenic as a consequence of chemotherapy for a variety of malignant conditions. Plasma lactoferrin concentrations were found to closely parallel the leucocyte count and were not found to either predict or to antedate leucocyte regeneration. Serial measurements of plasma lactoferrin in a subject with no circulating neutrophils who received a bone marrow graft revealed that the clearance of lactoferrin followed an exponential pattern and had an initial half time of 2.2 h.
Severe reversible autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia associated with diclofenac therapy
Authors: Kramer M. R. , Levene C. , Hershko C.
Published: August 2010

Severe immune haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia developed in a 71‐year‐old female within 10 d of starting diclofenac (Voltarol®) therapy. These complications resolved within 3 weeks of discontinuation of the drug and corticosteroid therapy. A warm autoantibody of the IgG type together with C3 was found in the direct antiglobulin test of the patient's RBC. The patient's serum and RBC eluate contained a warm autoantibody which reacted with all commercial panel cells without the addition of diclofenac, and gave a negative reaction with Rh null and ‐D‐ RBC. This pattern of interactions is similar to haemolysis associated with alpha‐methyldopa, indicating the presence of autoantibodies directed against structural components common to all Rh antigens. The coexistence of immune thrombocytopenia and immune haemolytic anaemia is suggestive of an autoimmune disease caused by modified T‐cell regulation. Although immune haemolytic anaemia is a rare complication of diclofenac therapy, our observations illustrate the severity of haemolytic anaemia in the occasional patient and stress the need for increased awareness of such a development.
Flow cytometric characterization of the lymphocyte composition in a variety of mucosal tissues in healthy rhesus macaques
Authors: Schultheiss Tina , Stolte‐Leeb Nicole , Sopper Sieghart , Stahl‐Hennig Christiane
Published: August 2010

Background  Rhesus monkeys play a central role in model studies on human infectious diseases, and often mucosal organs are affected by these pathogens, e.g. HIV. However, a comparative investigation into lymphocyte composition from different mucosal tissues is still missing.

Methods  Lymphocyte composition of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, vagina, cervix, uterus and bronchoalveolar lavage from healthy rhesus monkeys was characterized in detail by flow cytometry. Moreover, we compared the lymphocyte proportions from intestinal biopsies with resections.

Results  All mucosal tissues exhibited higher values of CD8+, CD4+ CCR5+ and CD45RA− memory T cells than blood, but similar levels of total T cells. Especially within the four gut sites, the lymphocyte composition varied significantly. The relative proportions of lymphocyte subsets from duodenal and colonic biopsies compared to resections differed.

Conclusion  The lymphocyte composition highly varies between different mucosal sites, and data obtained from biopsy and necropsy samples were mostly not comparable.
A laboratory study to determine the effects of universal and rotating ultrasonic inserts on wrist movement and scaling time efficiency of dental hygienists
Authors: Hawn CC , Tolle SL , Darby M , Walker M
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if differences existed in range of wrist movements and scaling time efficiency of dental hygienists using a rotating ultrasonic insert when compared with a standard universal insert. Methods: A convenience sample of 32 consenting experienced dental hygienists who met inclusion criteria was invited to participate. Using a cross‐over research design, the 32 participants were randomly assigned to one of the two subgroups. Subgroup A (n = 16) used the rotating universal ultrasonic insert on a typodont, rested for 15 min and the standard universal insert on a different typodont. Subgroup B (n = 16) used the standard universal ultrasonic insert on a typodont, rested for 15 min and the rotating universal ultrasonic insert on a different typodont. Each participant used the rotating and standard universal ultrasonic scaling inserts to remove 2 cm3 artificial calculus from two different typodonts for up to 15 min per insert. Scaling time efficiency was determined using a Modified Volpe–Manhold Calculus Index, measuring the amount of artificial calculus remaining after ultrasonic scaling. While scaling, each participant wore the WristSensorTM goniometry gloves, which determined changes in wrist movements (flexion and extension and ulnar and radial deviations), measured as a deviation from the neutral position. Results: A paired t‐test (P = 0.05) using 30 subjects with useable data, revealed no statistically significant differences between the two different inserts in terms of wrist movements and scaling time efficiency. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed no statistically significant differences in the percentage of time dental hygienists were in high, medium or low‐risk posture categories while using the rotating ultrasonic insert compared with the standard universal insert. Based on the results of this laboratory study, dental hygienists using a rotating ultrasonic insert appear to experience no ergonomic advantage in terms of wrist postures or timesavings over a standard insert.
Inter‐individual variation in the plaque formation rate of young individuals
Authors: Aleksejūniene J , Scheie AA , Holst D
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Objectives The aim of the present study was to describe the inter‐individual variation in the plaque formation rate of 38 young adults. Methods The plaque formation rate was estimated by employing a quantitative plaque percent index (P% index). A substantial inter‐individual variation in the plaque formation rate was observed. The possible contributions of stimulated salivary flow rate, buffer capacity, diet and smoking to the variation in plaque formation were estimated by regression analysis. Results The control variables explained only 2.5% of the variance in the plaque formation rate. Neither associations nor the total model were significant. The present method of measuring plaque presented as a simple and time‐effective procedure. Conclusions It is suggested that the observed variation in the plague formation rate between the young individuals can be regarded as a biological function which is possibly an inherent individual characteristic. Studies with larger sample sizes are required to confirm the findings of the present study.
Attitudes of South African oral hygienists towards compulsory community service
Authors: Bhayat A , Yengopal V , Rudolph MJ , Naidoo U , Vayej A
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Compulsory Community Service (CCS) was introduced into the health service by the government to address the shortage and maldistribution of health professionals within the public sector. The aim of this study was to assess the perceptions of oral hygiene (OH) students, registered in 2004 at the five dental universities regarding the introduction of a 1‐year‐long CCS.

Objectives:  To determine: (a) the students’ socio‐demographic profile and (b) their attitudes towards CCS.

Methods:  A self‐administered questionnaire was hand delivered to all OH students who were registered during 2004 at the respective dental universities.

Results:  The study yielded a response rate of 70% (109) with the average age of participants being 21.4 years. Most students were female (94%) and more than half were White (52%). More than half (53%) did not want to perform CCS even though 75% acknowledged its’ importance. The most common concern for not supporting CCS was security (89%). Ninety per cent (90%) indicated that their preferred tasks would be to engage in clinical work and oral health promotion.

Conclusion:  Although the majority of participants supported the principles of CCS, a significant number were against the introduction citing security as their main concern. Most of the students preferred to perform clinical work and preventive programmes during their CCS.
Evaluation of a 7‐year school‐based community dental hygiene programme in Portugal by high school teachers
Authors: Assunção VA , Luis HS , Bernardo MF , Martin MD , Leroux B , DeRouen TA , Leitão JM
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Objectives:  To obtain high school teachers evaluation of a Community Dental Hygiene programme, developed as part of a clinical trial designed to assess the safety of low‐level mercury exposure from amalgam restorations.

Methods:  A questionnaire to assess programme evaluation, personal opinion on programme relevance and satisfaction with activities was distributed among teachers. It had a total of 22 questions organized into three groups.

Results:  A total of 25 questionnaires were obtained from teachers who participated in the programme. Ninety‐two per cent of the respondents had a positive opinion concerning the existence of the programme. Eighty‐eight per cent of the teachers believed that the programme changed student’s knowledge about dental hygiene. Ninety‐two per cent of teachers supported the existence of the programme and 88% of them disagreed with a statement that participation in the programme was a waste of time. Teachers who did not collaborate actively with dental hygiene activities indicated belief that the programme affected school activities (P = 0.003). Teachers who actively participated in the programme believe that dental hygiene activities were important for students (P = 0.005).

Conclusions:  Teacher evaluations of this kind of programme are critical for the development of school‐based Dental Hygiene Education programmes. Teachers believe that Dental Hygiene Education is crucial for students’ well‐being.
Craniofacial cephalometric morphology in children with CATCH 22 syndrome
Authors: Heliövaara A , Hurmerinta K
Published: August 2010

Structured abstract

Authors – Heliövaara A, Hurmerinta K

Objectives – To evaluate cephalometrically the craniofacial, pharyngeal and cervical morphology in children with CATCH 22, and to compare and quantify the findings with age‐ and sex‐matched controls.

Design – A retrospective case–control study.

Setting and Sample Population –Forty‐one children (20 girls) with CATCH 22 were compared with age‐ and sex‐matched controls from lateral cephalograms taken at the mean age of 8.5 years (range 5.8–12.9). The deletion of 22q11 was verified by fluorescencein situhybridization techniques. Thirteen of the children with CATCH 22 had palatal clefts.

Outcome measure – Linear and angular measurements were obtained from lateral cephalograms. A Student'st‐test and a paired Student'st‐test were used in the statistical analysis. Standard deviation scores (SDS) were calculated to quantify the variation.

Results – Children with CATCH 22 had obtuse cranial base angles and long anterior cranial bases. Their faces were long with increased facial convexity. The maxillae were long but both jaws were retrognathic and the lower jaws posteriorly diverged. The pharynges were wide in the nasopharyngeal area and narrow in the hypopharyngeal area. The development of the hyoid bones was delayed, and hyoid bone and atlas lengths were reduced. The morphology of the children with CATCH 22 with and without a palatal cleft was similar. Despite several statistically significant differences between the children with CATCH 22 and the controls, the SDS did not exceed ±2 for any of the measurements.

Conclusion – Children with CATCH 22 have several minor distinctive morphological features in the craniofacial, pharyngeal, and cervical areas.
OPSONIZING AND BACTERICIDAL EFFECTS OF SERA FROM GNOTOBIOTIC AND CONVENTIONALIZED RATS ON 32P‐LABELLED E. COLI.
Authors: Midtvedt Tore , Trippestad Arne
Published: August 2010

Using an in vitro system based upon radioisotope technique, the opsonizing and bactericidal effects upon E. coli of sera from germfree, E. coli and B. subtilis monocontaminated, and conventionalized rats, were investigated. Sera from the germfree animals were found to possess opsonizing as well as bacteriotoxic properties. The opsonizing activity was highest in sera from rats monocontaminated with E. coli, and lowest in sera from germfree animals. The bactericidal activity was lowest in sera from germfree rats. Specific and unspecific monocontaminations as well as conventionalization increased the serum bactericidal activity against the strain of E. coli used.
HOST‐CONTROLLED MODIFICATION AND RESTRICTION OF FOREIGN CHROMOSOMAL AND PLASMID DNA IN SHIGELLA FLEXNERI STRAINS
Authors: Kétyi J. , Ørskov F.
Published: August 2010

The hsp gene (the genetic determinant for host‐controlled restriction and modification) was transferred from an E. coli K12 strain into a Sh. flexneri strain, and in reverse the same gene from a Shigella strain was introduced into E. coli K12. The presence of the heterologous hsp gene was tested by phage T5. It was demonstrated in interrupted mating experiments with the hybrids as recipients that the hsp hybrids had acquired changed recipient characters resembling those of the strains from which the hsp originated.
CAPSULAR MATERIAL AND MORPHOLOGY OF SOME AMPICILLIN SENSITIVE AND RESISTANT STRAINS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI K12
Authors: Steele Barbara , Boman Hans G. , Bloom Gunnar D.
Published: August 2010

In a previous genetic study of a highly ampicillin resistant mutant of Escherichia coli it was observed that certain classes of recombinants always showed smooth colony morphology. The present work was undertaken in order to investigate a possible correlation between ampicillin resistance and capsule production, giving smooth colony morphology. Two methods for preparing capsular material were compared: ethanol precipitation and negative pressure concentration. Chromatographic examination of these preparations indicated that the negative pressure concentration method gives a more native product with a larger molecular weight than was obtained by the ethanol precipitation procedure. We have compared the amount of capsular material produced by seven different strains, two rough and five smooth. Large variations were observed in the amount of capsule produced but there was no obvious correlation between capsule production and ampicillin resistance. The surface structure of five of the strains was studied by electron microscopy. The smooth strains showed two types of structures closely adhering to the outermost layer of the wall, small vesicles of the order of 40–150 mμ in diameter and minute lamellated units measuring from 80 to 400 Å in length. The rough strains showed very few of these structures. When capsule producing strains were grown at room temperature more capsular material was produced and more of these extra‐surface structures were observed. It is suggested that the small vesicles and minute lamellated units may represent cell wall material produced in excess amounts.
REISOLATION OF MICROCOCCUS MUCILAGINOSUS MIGULA 1900
Authors: Bergan Tom , Bøvre Kjell , Hovig Berit
Published: August 2010

In cultures from the pharynx, one frequently observed Gram‐positive, catalase positive cocci with characteristic transparent to grayish white colonies with a coherent consistency. These often adhered firmly to the agar surface. Eighteen such strains, including one from bronchial secretion and three from blood cultures, were subjected to detailed biochemical, serological and pathogenicity studies. They were also examined for lysostaphin sensitivity and the DNA base composition was determined. All the strains appeared as members of the same species. On the basis of a careful review of the literature, we found that this species had been named Staphylococcus salivarius Andrewes & Gordon 1907 and was reisolated by Gordon (19). However, the per cent (G + C) of these strains, their lysostaphin resistance and lack of anaerobic glycolysis are compatible only with the genus Micrococcus. The strains are not identical to Gaffkya tetragena, Diplococcus crassus, Micrococcus hyicus, or M. freudenreichii. On the other hand, they possess all the properties of M. mucilaginosus Migula 1900 which is therefore the earliest available epithet for this species and must be adopted. Micrococci have been reported to be typically novobiocin resistant. Neither the strains of M. mucilaginosus, nor those of M. freudenreichii examined by us adhered to this concept. M. mucilaginosus is important for its frequency of occurrence in cultures from the human pharynx, mostly without clear relation to disease. The possibility of potential pathogenicity in man cannot be decided.
INFLUENCE OF INTESTINAL STRANGULATION FLUID FROM RATS ON THE SERUM SENSITIVITY OF E. COLI
Authors: Trippestad Arne , Midtvedt Tore
Published: August 2010

The results presented indicate that substances with different activities on E. coli are present in exudate produced in rats during the later stages of intestinal strangulation obstruction. The sterile filtered exudate contains substances which inhibit the bactericidal activity of normal serum on the bacteria. These substances do not appear to be adsorbed to the bacteria. Other substances in the filtrate stimulate the deleterious effect of serum on E. coli. These substances are probably adsorbed to the bacteria.
PURIFICATION, ANTIBODY ACTIVITY AND ULTRASTRUCTURE OF SECRETORY AND HIGH‐POLYMER IgA
Authors: Blotii Björn
Published: August 2010

Simple methods for the purification of secretory and high‐polymer serum IgA are described. Gel filtration on exceptionally tall agarose columns was an essential step in these purification procedures. The presence of s‐IgA‐albumin complexes was noted in some colostrum samples. These complexes could be dissociated by mild reduction. Colostral IgA and high‐polymer serum IgA from individuals vaccinated with poliovirus contained virus‐neutralizing antibodies in modest titres. The ultrastructure of secretory IgA resembled a wishbone and the mean dimensions of the molecule were approximately 125 Å x 30 Å. The ultrastructural findings are compatible with a molecular model in which two IgA monomers are superimposed upon each other in a close‐packed state with the secretory piece inserted in the constant region of the α‐chains. The high‐polymer serum IgA studied was made up of four filamentous structures joined at a central point. The total span of the molecule was approximately 100 Å and the dimensions of subunits protruding from the centre were 50 to 55 Å x 20 Å.
STUDIES ON THE POSSIBILITY OF OBTAINING LEUKOSIS‐FREE EGGS FROM COMMERCIAL POULTRY FLOCKS, WITH REFERENCE TO CURRENT LABORATORY METHODS
Authors: SANDELIN K. , ESTOLA T.
Published: August 2010

The possibility of obtaining leukosis‐free eggs from commercial poultry farms was investigated by following up the leukosis status of two chicken flocks. It was also determined whether serologically negative and positive dams were equally good producers of leukosis‐free eggs. The leukosis status was investigated by testing the embryos for leukosis virus, and the yolk and serum of the laying chickens for antibodies to Rous sarcoma virus. The results obtained warrant the conclusion that the individual leukosis status of adult laying hens in an infected flock can vary considerably with time. The leukosis status of chickens from commercial flocks of this kind, must therefore be checked continually if their eggs are to be considered free of leukosis virus. The necessity for all these controls makes it more laborious to obtain virus‐free eggs from a commercial flock, than to maintain and check a leukosis‐free flock kept in strict isolation. The safest method of establishing a leukosis‐free flock seems to be to use RIF‐negative embryos from dams without antibodies. The MIT and COFAL tests are the most useful way of checking the leukosis status of a flock on a large scale because they are easy to perform, and genetically determined resistance does not interfere with the results.
METABOLISM OF THALIDOMIDE IN PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA NCTC A 7244
Authors: MIDTVEDT TORE , LINDSTEDT GÖRAN
Published: August 2010

Thalidomide was found to support growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCTC A 7244 when cultivated in a minimal medium containing thalidomide as sole source of carbon and nitrogen. Phthalic acid was found to be a metabolic end‐product. No evidence for hydroxy‐lation of phthalic acid was obtained. Glutarimide was utilized as sole source of carbon and nitrogen whereas 2‐(o‐carboxybenzoylamino) glutarimide, 2‐phthalimidoglutarate, and 2‐(o‐carboxybenzoylamino) glutarate did not support growth. Phthalimide could serve as source of nitrogen. Phthalate and its monohydroxyderivatives did not support growth with ammonium chloride present as nitrogen source.
PULSE‐RNA‐DNA HYBRIDIZATION BETWEEN RODSHAPED AND COCCAL SPECIES OF THE MORAXELLA‐NEISSERIA GROUPS
Authors: BØVRE KJELL
Published: August 2010

Pulse‐RNA‐3H extracted from 4 species of moraxellae and neisseriae were hybridized to DNA from 14 species of rodshaped and coccal organisms belonging to these groups, one species of Acinetobacter and from Escherichia coli, in 44 out of 64 possible combinations. The affinities observed ranged from zero to 34.2 per cent of autologous hybridization activity (DNA and RNA from the same strain). In the combinations of strains studied, the hybridization affinities were essentially of the same relative order as in transformation of streptomycin resistance. Additional evidence was provided in favour of a recent redefinition of the genera Moraxella and Neisseria, in which each genus contains both rodshaped and coccal organisms.
RABBIT ANTI RAT LYMPHOCYTE SERUM: CHARACTERIZATION OF THE IN VITRO LYMPHOCYTOTOXIC ANTIBODY WITH REFERENCE TO THE IMMUNIZATION PROCEDURE AND THE ANTIGEN DOSE
Authors: JAKOBSEN ARNT
Published: August 2010

The immunoglobulin classes of the in vitro active lymphocytotoxic antibodies of different antilymphocyte sera have been investigated. Rabbits were immunized intravenously with different numbers of rat spleen cells, biweekly for 1–4 weeks. The effect of the antigen dose and the length of the immunization course was investigated. Lymphocytotoxic antibodies were found both in the IgG and in the IgM fraction of the antisera. The relative contribution of the cytotoxic activity of the IgG and the IgM fraction towards the final cytotoxic activity of the crude antiserum depended on the antigen dose and the length of the immunization course. Rabbits immunized with the antigen mixed with Freund's adjuvant intramuscularly and given a booster dose intravenously showed the same pattern as rabbits immunized intravenously.
THE K ANTIGENS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI
Authors: Ørskov Ida , Ørskov Frits
Published: August 2010

Re‐examination and re‐evaluation of three representative Escherichia coli K antigens of the L variety have been carried out (K12, K51 and K52). It is concluded that the K antigen (L) as hitherto described is not uniform, since more K antigen determinants exist on the surface. Some of these are truly thermolabile, probably proteins, while others are thermostable and are eluted into the suspension medium during heating. This elution is rarely complete. The complex character of the K antigens cannot be detected in the traditional bacterial agglutination technique, but can be demonstrated in double diffusion in gel and immuno‐electrophoresis and by passive haemagglutination. The implications for K antigen typing are discussed.
THE GENETIC BASIS FOR REACTIVITY IN HUMAN MIXED LYMPHOCYTE CULTURE
Authors: Sorensen S. Freiessleben
Published: August 2010

A high correlation between the results of serotyping for HL‐A determined antigens and reactivity in mixed lymphocyte culture (MLC) was demonstrated. In 42 one‐way MLC's between serotypically identical siblings no stimulation was found; the mean ratio between mixtures and unstimulated controls being 1.13 × 0.44 (s.d.), while the lowest ratio in mixtures between family members differing for one or two HL‐A haplotypes was 3.70. The possibility of an additive effect of non HL‐A antigens on the stimulation provoked by HL‐A antigens was investigated by comparing the variation obtained in stimulation of cells from a given individual by cells from two HL‐A identical siblings with the technical variation of the method. It was concluded that if non HL‐A antigens show an additive effect in MLC this effect is so small that it is undetectable by the present technique. This conclusion was supported by the finding of equal mean stimulation in 24 one‐way cultures between siblings differing for two HL‐A haplotypes and 40 one‐way cultures between unrelated persons.
INCREASED SERUM LEVELS OF IgM IN ACUTE SALPINGITIS RELATED TO THE OCCURRENCE OF MYCOPLASMA HOMINIS
Authors: Mårdh Per‐Anders
Published: August 2010

The concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM were determined in serum specimens collected from women with acute salpingitis, from women with infections confined to the lower genital tract and from healthy women. Thirty‐four per cent of the acute salpingitis patients had a marked increase of the serum level of IgM, but normal or only slightly increased serum concentrations of IgG and IgA. Mycoplasma hominis was recovered from all except two of the salpingitis patients with increased levels of IgM. Indirect haemagglutinating antibody to M. hominis was found in all but one of these cases. In those salpingitis cases that had serum levels of IgM within the normal range, antibody to M. hominis was found significantly less often.
BIOPSIES FROM HUMAN RENAL ALLOGRAFTS STUDIED BY IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE
Authors: Pasternack A. , Linder E.
Published: August 2010

Biopsies from thirteen human renal allografts undergoing chronic rejection were studied by immunofluorescence microscopy. Deposits of complement were demonstrated in the basement membranes of glomeruli and tubules. The deposits at the tubular basement membranes formed irregular distinct lumps in the majority of cortical tubules and were a characteristic finding throughout the material. Similar deposits were found in arteries of different size and in arterioles. Linear deposits of IgG and IgM were found in the glomerules of seven grafts. Granular deposits of fibrinogen were found in four grafts in glomeruli and vessels. The findings could not be qualitatively distinguished from those of four renal biopsies of patients with chronic glomerulonephritis.
PHAGOCYTIC ACTIVITY OF NEUTROPHILIC LEUKOCYTES OF A2 INFLUENZA PATIENTS
Authors: Ruutu Tapani , Kosunen Timo U.
Published: August 2010

The ability of blood neutrophils of 18 serologically confirmed influenza patients to ingest killed Staphylococcus epidermidis was tested in vitro, and compared with 15 controls, to determine whether defective phagocytosis might contribute to superimposed bacterial infections in influenza. Phagocytosis was normal at the acute phase of disease, but two weeks later the activity was significantly increased; this was not due to serum factors, and probably the cells themselves were unusually active. Normal ingestion of bacteria by blood neutrophils at the acute phase does not suggest defective phagocytosis as a cause of bacterial complications in influenza, but a local impairment in respiratory organs cannot be excluded.
FLAVOBACTERIUM MENINGOSEPTICUM ISOLATED FROM THE GENITALS
Authors: Olsen Helge , Ravn Thomas
Published: August 2010

Flavobacterium meningosepticum has been shown to be the cause of hospital infections in the form of meningitis in premature infants. This study reports the result of a search for this micro‐organism among specimens submitted for examination for Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Out of 27,600 specimens examined, 88 strains of F. meningosepticum were isolated, the majority originating from females. There were no characteristic clinical findings and no specific symptoms in the patients. It is concluded that the female genitals must be considered as possible source of hospital infection with F. meningosepticum.
DEMONSTRATION OF ANTIBODIES TO MUSCLE BY ABSORPTION OF RHEUMATOID FACTOR
Authors: Aarli J. A.
Published: August 2010

Samples of skeletal muscle tissue were treated with normal human serum and with sera from 25 patients with myasthenia gravis. Rheumatoid factor‐containing serum was absorbed with the washed tissue sediments. Waaler's test was performed before and after the absorption. Tissue treated with normal serum did not reduce the titre of rheumatoid factor. Tissue treated with sera from 21 patients with myasthenia gravis, gave a significant titre fall. Four sera from myasthenia gravis patients contained rheumatoid factor. Tissue treated with these, sera did not bind isologous rheumatoid factor. When the sera were treated with mercaptoethanol before incubation with the tissue sediments, absorption both of isologous and of autologous rheumatoid factor was demonstrated. Thus, absorption of rheumatoid factor allows discrimination between γ‐globulins bound to muscle tissue by the Fab portion or the Fc portion.
FORMATION OF PROTEOLYTIC ACTIVITY IN CONTINUOUS CULTURE OF SPHAEROPHORUS NECROPHORUS
Authors: Wahren A. , Bernholm K. , Holme T.
Published: August 2010

A continuous cultivation technique has been developed for the determination of the optimal conditions for formation of proteolytic activity by Sphaerophorous necrophorus. The proteo‐lytic activity was cell‐bound and could be released by sonic treatment. The maximal bacterial yield (3.5 mg/ml dry weight) was achieved at a dilution rate of 0.19 hr‐1, pH 6.8 and a temperature of 35°C. The proteolytic activity was also maximal under these conditions. An increase in the tryptone concentration from 15 to 25 g/l stimulated protease formation without influencing the cell yield. The formation of proteolytic activity was inhibited by glucose.
REPORT ON A PSEUDOLYSOGENIC MYCOBACTERIUM AND A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE CONCERNING PSEUDOLYSOGENY
Authors: Baess Inga
Published: August 2010

A description is given of a rapidly‐growing mycobacterium (designated C.U.) which produces bacteriophages spontaneously. The strain was isolated from an abscess that occurred 2 months after a BCG vaccination. The phage content was maintained after subculture. Since only some of the colonies produced phages and the content of phages could be eliminated after growth in antiserum against the phage (designated BK5) it is concluded that' C.U. is a pseudolysogenic mycobacterium. No phage‐mediated changes in the characteristics of the bacterium were: demonstrated. The literature and various forms of pseudo‐lysogeny are reported.
NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE. COLONY VARIATION I
Authors: Jephcott A. E. , Reyn Alice
Published: August 2010

Five characteristic types of gonococcal colonies have been recognized. These and the special optical system needed to differentiate them are described in detail. Certain types were shown to be associated with clinical materials whereas others arose on laboratory subculture. The authors suggest that any work relevant to clinical infection (except sensitivity testing) or the aggressive action of gonococci should be carried out on clinically associated types.