bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ON THE MECHANISM OF THE RING ZONE EFFECT OBTAINED WITH THE MIXED HAEMADSORPTION TECHNIQUE
Authors: Jonsson Jonas , Fagraeus Astrid
Published: August 2010

Studies on the ring zone effect obtained by the mixed haemadsorption technique on thyroid cultures with sera from patients with thyroid autoimmunity were continued in a model system that permitted a controlled variation of some relatively well defined and simple antigens (human serum albumin, HSA, dinitrophenyl‐human serum albumin, DNP‐HSA). Varying doses of these substances were conjugated to human monolayer cultures by the aid of bis‐diazotized benzidine. Reactions to the antigens were examined by the mixed haemadsorption technique using rabbit antisera against HSA and DNP. Ring zone effects were obtained with anti‐HSA sera only after prolonged immunization producing high anti‐HSA titres and only with a narrow range of relatively low HSA concentrations on the cultures. More antibody was eluted from cultures pre‐incubated with ring zone serum than with corresponding concentrations of filled zone serum. Rabbit ring zone anti‐HSA attached to HSA conjugated cultures was traced more effectively by anti‐gamma and anti‐Fc sera than by anti‐L chain sera, while filled zone anti‐HSA was traced equally effectively by all three types of antiglobulin. Anti‐DNP sera did not produce ring zones with any concentration of DNP‐HSA on the cultures or with any obtainable DNP saturation on the HSA molecules. On the other hand, half saturation or more of DNP on the HSA molecules turned the ring zones obtained with anti‐HSA into filled zones. These results were in agreement with those obtained on thyroid cultures and lend further support to the hypothesis that the ring zones are due to steric hindrance effects on the antibodies in densely crowded clusters of determinants representing several antigen specificities.
IDENTIFICATION AND QUANTITATION OF PRECIPITINS AGAINST PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA IN PATIENTS WITH CYSTIC FIBROSIS BY MEANS OF CROSSED IMMUNOELECTROPHORESIS WITH INTERMEDIATE GEL
Authors: Høiby Niels , Axelsen Nils Holger
Published: August 2010

Crossed immunoelectrophoresis with intermediate gel was used in an attempt to identify and quantitate precipitins against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in sera from 33 patients with Cystic Fibrosis. A standard antigen‐antibody system containing 55 precipitates was used as reference. A total of 173 precipitins against Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found in 20 of the sera. 56 per cent of the precipitins representing 30 different precipitin specificities could be identified and quantitated in relation to the reference system. As much as 22 precipitins were found in one serum. In one serum, the simultaneous occurrence of 6 Pseudomonas aeruginosa antigens and 15 Pseudomonas aeruginosa precipitins were demonstrated. Patients harbouring mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the respiratory tract were found to produce significantly more precipitins than other groups of subjects, and 23 out of the 30 different identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa precipitins were only found in this group of patients. Protective antibodies were not demonstrated. It is suggested that the mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa characteristic of patients with Cystic Fibrosis are selected in preference to the non‐mucoid strains by means of the patient's immune response. The persistent infection and the multiple precipitins produced against the bacteria by many of the patients raise the question whether the local immune reaction could enhance the destructive lesions of the respiratory tract.
COMPLEMENT FACTORS AND THE GROWTH OF EHRLICH'S CARCINOMA
Authors: Thunold S. , Horseide V. , Hartveit F.
Published: August 2010

The subcutaneous growth of Ehrlich's carcinoma and the acute inflammatory reactions against it were investigated in mice treated with the following complement depleting agents: heat‐aggregated human gamma‐globulin (HAGG), zymosan, anti‐C1q and anti‐C3. In normal mice deposits of mouse C1q, C3 and IgG in and around small vessels adjacent to the tumour were paralleled by a marked inflammatory response with oedema and accumulation of leucocytes. In contrast, mice treated with zymosan showed reduced serum C3 levels, lack of C3 binding to walls of vessels and lack of leucocyte infiltration. Serum C1q levels were normal in zymosan treated mice. Moreover, HAGG and anti‐C1q reduced serum C1q significantly without affecting the inflammatory reactions. These findings emphazise the important role of C3 as a leucotactic factor. Mice depleted of C3 by zymosan showed decreased tumour size and tumour cell infiltration in addition to lack of inflammatory response. It is suggested that the availability of C3 is a determining factor in the establishment and early growth of this tumour.
A STUDY ON IN VITRO ISOLATION OF FELINE PANLEUKOPAENIA VIRUS
Authors: Flagstad A.
Published: August 2010

Virus isolation was performed from faeces of one cat with symptoms of panleukopaenia and from autopsy material from six out of seven cats with macroscopical lesions of panleukopaenia. In a few cases a cytopathic effect was observed in feline kidney cell cultures. The virus produced intranuclear inclusion bodies. The inclusion bodies were detectable in stained preparations. Both the cytopathic effect and the intranuclear inclusion bodies occurred irregulary and was of a transient nature. Inoculation experiments were made on cats using culture material. Fulminating symptoms of panleukopaenia developed in five out of eight kittens after intraperitoneal inoculation.
LOCALIZATION OF HOST ANTIGENS IN THE EGG‐GROWN INFLUENZA VIRUS PARTICLE
Authors: Håheim Lars R. , Haukenes Gunnar
Published: August 2010

Purified egg‐grown influenza virus A/PR/8/34 (HON1) was shown to contain the Forssman‐hapten in the lipid fraction. Forssman determinants could not be demonstrated in the influenza proteins. The strain X‐31 (H3N2) was also shown to have the Forssman hapten. The keratosulphatelike host antigen seemed to be located on both types of spikes.
INDUCTION AND SURFACE GROWTH OF L‐PHASE VARIANTS OF DIFFERENT ESCHERICHIA COLI STRAINS
Authors: Seeberg Staffan
Published: August 2010

L‐phase variants of E. coli show a great strain variability as regards their capacity to grow on agar surfaces. Using two different media containing 1000 IU penicillin/ml, L‐phase induction was attempted with 61 E. coli strains of different serological types. The use of 10,000 and 50,000 IU penicillin/ml was less favourable. Forty‐seven strains were subcultured. With 32 strains, no or a single subcultivation was possible. With 9 strains, abundant surface growth of L‐colonies was obtained after four subcultivations or more. With three strains, more than 90 serial transfers were performed on penicillin‐free media.
ANTIBODIES AGAINST STAPHYLOCOCCAL BACTERIOPHAGES IN HUMAN SERA
Authors: Kamme Carl
Published: August 2010

Sera from healthy individuals and from patients with staphylococcal infections were examined for anti‐alpha‐lysin and for antibodies against staphylococcal phage antigens. The phage antigens consisted of purified phages of the serological groups A, B and F, which were adsorbed to tanned sheep erythrocytes. In healthy individuals elevated antibody titres against each of the phage antigens were found in 9–11 per cent and elevated ASta‐titres in 1 per cent. Elevated titres against phage antigen group A were found in 71 per cent of the patients. The corresponding figures for antigen group B and F were 25 and 47 per cent, respectively. Elevated ASta‐titres were found in 44 per cent of the patients. A four‐fold rise of the antiphage antibody titre could occur within 6–14 days in patients with acute staphylococcal infections.
NITROBLUE‐TETRAZOLIUM STAINING OF HUMAN NEUTROPHIL GRANULOCYTES
Authors: Koch Christian , Hoiby Niels
Published: August 2010

Bacteria‐free filtrates from Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures were added to heparinized blood from 10 patients with multiple Pseudomonas precipitins and from 11 patients without such precipitins before carrying out a nitroblue‐tetrazolium (NBT) test. Increased NBT staining could be induced in neutrophils from all of the patients with demonstrable Pseudomonas precipitins but only in 3 of the patients without precipitins. This difference was found to be statistically significant. Using patients' plasma but leucocytes from a normal control person it was found that this difference was dependent upon the origin of plasma but independent of the origin of leucocytes. These findings indicate that increased NBT staining of neutrophils induced by bacterial products in vitro is in part dependent upon antigen antibody interaction.
GRAFT‐VERSUS‐HOST REACTIONS MEDIATED BY A THYMUS‐BONE MARROW COMBINATION, SPLEEN CELLS, AND LYMPH NODE CELLS FROM AMYLOIDOTIC AND NONAMYLOIDOTIC MICE
Authors: Claesson Mogens Helweg , Hardt Finn , Röpke Carsten
Published: August 2010

GVH‐reactions were induced in (C3H × St/A) and (C3H × Balb/C) hybrids by lymph node cells, spleen cells and a thymus‐bone marrow mixture from C3H mice during the development of casein‐induced amyloidosis. The capacity of the thymus‐bone marrow mixture to induce GVH‐reactions was totally abolished already after ten injections of casein, when the animals not yet are amyloidotic. This reduction in GVH‐reaction could be restored by thymus cells from untreated donors but not by normal bone marrow cells. After 30 injections of casein, no GVH‐activity could be detected in the spleen cells and after 40 injections the GVH‐activity of the lymph node cells was only half the normal value. Only the bone marrow cells were unaffected by the casein treatment. Using quantitative comparison of GVH‐activity of normal thymocytes and thymocytes from donor mice treated with casein alone or in combination with Cortisol, parallel line assay showed that the decrease in the capability of thymus cells from casein treated donors to induce a GVH‐reaction was due to a 85 per cent reduction in the number of Cortisol resistant thymocytes. The results are discussed in the light of earlier observations on defects in the cellular immune apparatus of mice undergoing casein‐induced amyloidosis.
ULTRASTRUCTURAL LOCALIZATION OF BLOOD GROUP ANTIGEN A AND CELL COAT ON HUMAN BUCCAL EPITHELIAL CELLS
Authors: Dabelsteen E. , Fejerskov O. , Francois D.
Published: August 2010

The ultrastructural localization of blood group substance A and its relationship to the cell coat was studied on exfoliated buccal epithelial cells from four male subjects. The antigens were detected by a double layer immunoperoxidase staining method (IP) as well as a double layer immunoferritin (IF) staining method. The cell coat was studied using ruthenium red. There was no variation in results obtained by the IP and IF staining procedures. Positive reacting cells (IP and IF staining) showed either an even or a patchy distribution of the reaction products along the outer part of the cell membrane. Some cells had only very little or no reaction products. The cell coat appeared as an evenly distributed electron dense granular layer at a localization corresponding to that of the antigen.
A PLATE‐DIFFUSION METHOD FOR THE DETECTION OF ANTISTAPHYLOLYSIN ACTIVITY OF HUMAN SERUM
Authors: Brorson John‐Erik , Holmberg Ingrid , Seeberg Staffan
Published: August 2010

A plate‐diffusion method designed for routine use for detection of antistaphylolysin activity of human serum is described. The test is performed in Petri dishes containing rabbit erythrocytes embedded in agar. The method is simple to perform, reliable and reproducible.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF THE PARACORTICAL POST‐CAPILLARY VENULES OF NORMAL AND NUDE MICE.
Authors: Claesson M. H. , Jorgensen O.
Published: August 2010

The ultrastructure of the post‐capillary high endothelial venules in the axillary and inguinal lymph nodes of normal mice and mice which suffer from a congenital aplasia of the thymus (nude mice) was studied. Although the lymph nodes of nude mice showed severe depletion of small lymphocytes in the paracortex and in most parts of the outer cortex the ultra‐structure of many post‐capillary venules was completely normal. The endothelial cells had a high cytoplasm with a prominent Golgi apparatus, many mitochondria, ribosomes and strands of rough endoplasmatic reticulum. In contrast to normal mice, both lymphocytes and polymorphonuclears traversed the vessel wall of the post‐capillary venules, being constantly localized between and not inside the endothelial cells. In the wall of post‐capillary venules of the nude mice degenerating leucocytes were often seen to be subjected to phagocytosis by the endothelial cells. A finding—not noticed in previous studies—was the occurrence in both nude and normal mice of an intimate contact between a few of the traversing lymphocytes and the endothelial cells. In areas with such an intimate contact there was a fusion of the glycocalyces of the lymphocyte and endothelial cell membranes. The endothelial cells showed in many cases signs of an intense secretion activity with secretory granula obviously being liberated into the intercellular spaces.
SELECTIVE DEFECTS OF IN VITRO PARAMETERS OF LYMPHOID CELL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH IRRADIATED TESTICULAR TUMOUR AND IN PATIENTS WITH LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE DISORDERS
Authors: Wisløff F. , Frøland S. S. , Engeset A.
Published: August 2010

The capacity of lymphoid cells to manifest in vitro cytotoxicity against chromium‐labelled chicken erythrocytes in the presence of PHA or antibodies to chicken erythrocytes was studied in 24 patients with testicular tumours who had received extended abdominal field irradiation, and in five patients with malignant lymphomas. The PHA‐induced cytotoxicity in patients with irradiated testicular tumour was significantly lower than that in the normal controls, while no significant difference in antibody‐induced cytotoxicity was found. In four of the patients, a markedly impaired cytotoxic response to PHA was found in spite of normal DNA synthesis induced by this mitogen. Two patients failed to respond to PHA both by cytotoxicity and DNA synthesis. A deficient PHA‐induced cytotoxicity, but normal cytotoxic activity in the presence of anti‐target cell antibodies, was observed in six of the patients. These dissociations in terms of in vitro parameters of lymphocyte function may reflect selective depression of lymphocyte subpopulations resulting from radiotherapy or disease processes.
DIAGNOSIS OF RECENT HERPES SIMPLEX INFECTIONS.
Authors: Skaug Kjell , Tjøtta Enok
Published: August 2010

A modified, indirect immunofluorescent technique for the detection of specific serum Herpes simplex virus IgM antibodies is described. The previously necessary long incubation period with the serum for the determination of the IgM fluorescent antibody titre, is reduced from 3 to 1 hour after staphylococcal adsorption of IgG. This IgM test will also, in contrast to the previous procedure with untreated sera, give a more reliable and easy determination of the IgM titres, because the IgM fluorescence is more intense. Paired sera from 34 patients, taken approximately 6 and 15 days after the onset of symptoms, were examined. Sera from 11 patients showed a fourfold or greater rise in titre in the CFT and the IgG fluorescent antibody test, and 7 of these showed also a fourfold or greater rise in the IgM fluorescent antibody titre. The sera from the other patients, however, showed a constant titre in the CFT and the IgG fluorescent antibody test and were negative in the IgM test. The results show that in many cases a current Herpes simplex infection rapidly can be identified by this immunofluorescent technique.
APPLICATION OF INDIRECT IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE, INDIRECT HAEMAGGLUTINATION AND POLYACRYLAMIDE‐GEL ELECTROPHORESIS TO HUMAN T‐MYCOPLASMAS
Authors: Black Finn T. , Krogsgaard‐Jensen A.
Published: August 2010

An indirect immunofluorescence technique using unfixed colonies is applied to human T‐mycoplasmas. The method is found to possess the same degree of specificity as the growth‐inhibition test and to be well suited for the identification and classification of T‐myco‐plasmas. The sensitivity is too low for the detection of antibodies in patient sera. A modification of the indirect haemagglutination test applicable to T‐mycoplasmas was less specific, but owing to its sensitivity it can be recommended as a supplement to the metabolic‐inhibition test in studies of antibodies in patient sera. The polyacrylamide‐gel electrophoresis appeared to be unsuitable for the identification and classification of human T‐mycoplasma serotypes.
THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF CULTIVABLE TREPONEMES.
Authors: Hougen K. Hovind
Published: August 2010

Organisms of the species Treponema calligyrum, Treponema minutum and Treponema microdentium were studied in the electron microscope after negative staining. Statistical analysis demonstrated a difference in the distribution of cell lengths and in mean wave lengths between organisms of the three species. The cells of all species were covered by a regularly structured surface layer. The substructure of these layers showed variation from species to species but was identical for four strains of one species (T. microdentium). Generally, individual cells of the species possessed two‐three flagella inserted at each end. The flagella were entwined around the cytoplasmic body of the treponeme and individual flagella interdigitated in the mid‐region. Treatment of cells with sodium deoxycholate or Myxobacter AL‐1 protease 1 revealed bundles of cytoplasmic tubules in the cell interior. It is concluded that the four strains of T. microdentium examined all belong to one and the same species, and that the morphological differences observed between treponemes of the three different species justify the maintaining of these as separate species.
INDIRECT IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE STUDIES OF SMOOTH MUSCLE ANTIBODIES
Authors: Andersen Paul
Published: August 2010

The reactions of IgG smooth muscle antibodies were studied in an indirect immunofluorescent (IIF) staining system. In chessboard titrations it was found that a conjugate with a molar F:P ratio of 3.6 gave a plateau titre which was the same as, or higher than that of a conjugate with a molar F:P ratio of 2.2. The plateau endpoint concentration of antibody protein in the conjugates fell within the range from 6.3 to 12.5 mcg/ml. The antibodies were species‐ and organ‐non‐specific, and they could be absorbed with a crude actomyosin extract prepared from human uterus or human kidney. Differences in antigenic strength of different tissues occurred. Rat stomach smooth muscle and rat vessel walls yielded higher plateau titres than rat renal glomeruli. Fixation of the tissue sections gave lower titres than unfixed sections. The antibodies were unable to fix complement in a complement IF system.
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY OF BACTERIAL WHOLE CELL METHANOLYSATES.
Authors: Jantzen Erik , Bergan Tom , Bøvre Kjell
Published: August 2010

Strains of the genera Micrococcus and Staphylococcus were examined for fatty acid content by gas‐liquid chromatography and the data analysed by a numerical procedure. The fatty acids rendered a clear‐cut distinction between the genera. Characteristic patterns were found for M. roseus and M. mucilaginosus. M. luteus, on the other hand, appeared more heterogeneous. The fatty acid patterns of S. aureus and S. epidermidis were overlapping, S. epidermidis being split into two clusters. S. saprophyticus appeared in a subcluster together with three coagulase negative staphylococci.
INDIRECT HAEMAGGLUTINATION FOR DEMONSTRATION OF ANTIBODIES TO ASPERGILLUS FUMIGATUS
Authors: Tönder Olav , Rödsæther Marianne
Published: August 2010

Subhaemolytic amounts of saline extracts of homogenized, disrupted A. fumigatus sensitized tanned erythrocytes for agglutination to high titres (8,192) by an antiserum to A. fumigatus. Extracts of 5 different strains of A. fumigatus were equally active. Erythrocytes sensitized by similarly prepared extracts of P. notatum and an unclassified Aspergillus strain gave low titres (64 and 128), while extracts of some other fungi and bacteria had no sensitizing activity in tests with the antiserum. Results of absorption and inhibition experiments using the various preparations indicated that the sensitizing antigen(s) in extracts of A. fumigatus may be species specific. Results obtained with 441 human sera showed good correlation between high titres and presence of aspergillosis. Titres above 128 are highly indicative of active disease.
The Making of American Working‐Class Literature
Authors: Zandy Janet
Published: August 2010

This essay traces a line of American literary history that emerges from the lives of workers. Starting with early ballads and songs from indentured servants and enslaved blacks and concluding with contemporary multicultural writing, it documents a process of cultural formation that is embedded in class relationships and struggles. Events in labor history and conditions of unsafe work become the subjects for cultural expression as poems, songs, stories, and novels at the time of the event and as reclaimed cultural/labor antecedents by future generations. The writing shows a reciprocal worker visibility across time and across race, gender, and ethnic differences. The continuous thread is struggle – for physical and material sustainability – and for the right of human expression. Drawing on the chronology of working‐class writing from the anthology, American Working‐Class Literature (co‐edited with Nicholas Coles, Oxford University Press), the author shows how American working‐class literature is at once a literary line, a body of work, and a labor line, the work of bodies.
Duplication of Inferior Vena Cava with Right Renal Hypoplasia
Authors: BAY Boon‐Huat , TAY Samuel Sam‐Wah , NG Yee‐Kong
Published: August 2010

Congenital anomalies of the inferior vena cava (IVC) may have clinical implications. The present case study describes a male cadaver with a duplicated IVC and a hypoplastic right kidney. The IVC is derived embryologically from the development and remodeling of the posterior cardinal, subcardinal and supracardinal veins. The definitive kidneys develop from the metanephros. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), a positive regulator of angiogenesis and a known inhibitor of tubulogenesis of metanephric tissue in vitro, may provide the link for the concomitant occurrence of the congenital anomalies seen in this case study.
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Experimental Approach
Authors: HASHIMOTO Ryozo
Published: August 2010

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is the only relatively common congenital malformation which requires operative treatment during the neonatal period, and the incidence is reported to be one in 2,000–5,000 births. Although a diaphragmatic defect can be easily corrected by pulling out the herniated viscera of the chest and closing the diaphragma, the mortality rate of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia is high despite improvements in neonatal intensive care, because the hypoplastic lungs on the affected side can not provide life support after birth. The severity of associated pulmonary hypoplasia is the most important factor determining survival in an infant with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. From experimental study, it should be emphasized that retardation in the lung growth, regardless of its potential for further growth, just at the time of pleuroperitoneal canal closure, may result in congenital diaphragmatic hernia; the hypoplastic lung on the side of herniation would not result from the compression of the lung by the herniated organs, but it may be induced by the limited space for further growth.
Intrauterine growth restriction and skeletal variations in mouse fetuses induced by vigabatrin administered at preimplantation stages of development
Authors: Padmanabhan Rengasamy , Abdulrazzaq Yousef M. , Bastaki Salim M. A. , Shafiullah Mohamed M.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT  Epileptic women do not withdraw antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy during pregnancy, therefore, exposure to AED during preimplantation stages might result in considerable embryonic concentrations endangering development. Neither clinical nor experimental research has addressed this important issue adequately. Vigabatrin (VGB), a second generation AED, is both effective and well tolerated as an add‐on therapy in epilepsy with partial seizures. However, there is little data on the possible reproductive toxicity of this widely used drug. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of VGB on pregnancy and pregnancy outcome in an experimental model. VGB was administered in single doses of 450 mg/kg intraperitoneally (IP) to groups of mice on one of gestation days (GD) 1, 3, or 5. The treated animals consumed moderately reduced amounts of food and water on the day of treatment, so the controls were saline‐injected and food and water‐restricted to match the amounts consumed by the experimental animals. All animals were killed on GD 18. VGB treatment did not interfere with implantation, nor did it cause significant embryo resorption. However, it caused significant reduction in fetal bodyweight and increased frequency of growth restricted fetuses which weighed two standard deviations (SD) less than the mean of the controls. The VGB group fetuses also had retarded development of the skeletal system in terms of delay in maturity of the suproccipital bone development, cervical and coccygeal vertebral hypoplasia, and poor ossification of the bones of the fore and hind paws. Another major finding was the increased incidence of minor malformations, such as the presence of cervical ribs and sternal anomalies. The results of this study show that VGB administered at preimplantation stages of development causes intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and augments minor malformation rates in mice. Future studies must address the mechanisms of VGB‐induced IUGR and minor malformations.
Involvement of the axially condensed tail bud mesenchyme in normal and abnormal human posterior neural tube development
Authors: Saitsu Hirotomo , Shiota Kohei
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT  Development of the posterior neural tube (PNT) in human embryos is a complicated process which involves both primary and secondary neurulation. Normal development of the human PNT should be understood to elucidate the pathogenesis of spinal neural tube defects, but there have been some discrepancies among previous reports. We examined histologically 20 human embryos around the stage of the posterior neuropore closure and found that the developing PNT can be divided into three parts: (1) the most rostral region which corresponds to the posterior part of the primary neural tube; (2) the junctional region of the primary and secondary neural tubes; and (3) the caudal region which emerges from the neural cord. In the junctional region, the axially condensed mesenchyme (AM) intervened between the neural plate/tube and the notochord. The AM appeared to be incorporated into the most ventral part of the primary neural tube, and no cavity was observed in the AM. Interestingly, we found three cases of human embryos with lumbosacral myeloschisis in which the open primary neural tube and the closed secondary neural tube overlapped dorso‐ventrally. The open and closed neural tubes appeared to be part of the primary and the AM‐derived secondary neural tubes, respectively. Thus, these findings suggest that in embryos with lumbosacral myeloschisis, the AM may not be incorporated into the ventral part of the primary neural tube but aberrantly differentiate into the secondary neural tube containing cavities, leading to dorso‐ventral overlapping of the primary and secondary neural tubes. These findings suggest that the AM in human embryos plays some role in normal and abnormal development of the human posterior neural tube.
INHIBITION OF ASPERGILLUS PARASITICUS GROWTH AND TOXIN PRODUCTION BY GARLIC
Authors: GRAHAM HORACE D. , GRAHAM ERNESTO J. F.
Published: August 2010

Mycelial growth and toxin production by Asperigillus parasiticus were inhibited by garlic concentrations of 0.3–0.4%. When the fungus was grown in broth, aflatoxin B1 production was inhibited at a garlic concentration of 0.3% while aflatoxin G1 production was inhibited by 0.25% garlic. When growth on rice, aflatoxin B1 was detected at garlic concentrations of up to 2.5%. Aflatoxin G1 was detected at 1.25% garlic concentration but not above this level.
PROBABILITY OF GROWTH OF CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM AS AFFECTED BY STRAIN, CELL AND SEROLOGIC TYPE, INOCULUM SIZE AND TEMPERATURE AND TIME OF INCUBATION IN A MODEL BROTH SYSTEM
Authors: JENSEN MELODY J. , GENIGEORGIS CONSTANTIN , LINDROTH SEPPO
Published: August 2010

Using factorial design experiments and MPN methodology, we evaluated the probability (P) of growth initiation of 17 individual proteolytic (A,B,F) and non‐proteolytic (B,E,F) C. botulinum strains (spores and cells) in a model broth as it is affected by strain, cell and serologic type, inoculum size (100–106), temperature (4–47°C) and time of incubation (up to 28 days). Regression analyses of the P of growth of the most capable strains for all conditions tested, allowed the development of quantitative equations relating P of growth initiation by one spore or cell to the variables studied. The close agreement between observed and predicted Ps demonstrated the potential usefullness of the modeling approach in studying microbial interactions with food environments.
TOXICOLOGY AND HISTOPATHOLOGY OF THE HEAT‐STABLE ENTEROTOXIN OF YERSINIA ENTEROCOLITICA IN INFANT AND ADULT MICE
Authors: BEHLING ALISON R. , BEERY JOHN T. , TAYLOR STEVE L.
Published: August 2010

Yersinia enterocolitica heat‐stable enterotoxin (YST) was partially purified by ion exchange, gel filtration and Fast Protein Liquid chromatography. Infant mice given YST orally (p.o.) exhibited diarrhea 4 h after administration; a few infants died by 6.5 h. Pups dosed intraperitoneally (i.p.) and adults dosed p.o., i.p. and intravenously showed no symptoms during the 7 days of observations. Tissues of adult mice orally challenged with YST showed no pathological changes by light microscopy. Livers of infant mice orally dosed with YST showed evidence of severe glycogen depletion. The intestinal tracts of YST‐dosed (p.o.) infant mice exhibited severe pathological changes including: epithelial cell and villous tip necrosis, villous edema, and capillary and lacteal engorgement. Kidneys of YST‐dosed (p.o.) infant mice exhibited devacuolization of the proximal convoluted tubule cells which indicates metabolic inactivity and a probable decrease in the resorption of glomerular filtrate (protein, carbohydrate, electrolytes and water).
MODIFIED PROCEDURE TO ELIMINATE ELUTION OF FOOD PROTEINS DURING SEROASSAY FOR STAPHYLOCOCCAL ENTEROTOXINS
Authors: BENNETT REGINALD W. , ARCHER DOUGLAS L. , LANCETTE GAYLE
Published: August 2010

The effect of two sodium phosphate‐sodium chloride buffers (0.2 M, pH 7.4 and 0.05 M, pH 6.5) on the separation of staphylococcal enterotoxins from soluble proteins in foods was examined by ion exchange column chromatography. The microslide gel diffusion test, by which recovery was determined, was more accurately interpreted when lower ionic strength buffer was used. The procedure described here has been incorporated into the official method of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists for the separation of staphylococcal enterotoxins from foods.
THE EVOLVING IMPACT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY ON FOOD MICROBIOLOGY1
Authors: MONTVILLE THOMAS J.
Published: August 2010

The tools of modern biotechnology are being increasingly adapted by food microbiologists. Genetic probes and monoclonal antibodies have become accepted methods for detecting pathogens and toxins in food. The success of molecular genetic approaches to the problems of traditional fermentations has provided the food safety community with a model for decreased reliance on plate counts and new emphasis on the activity and products of deleterious microorganisms. As the emphasis in all biological sciences becomes increasingly molecular, all microbiologists will come to share the same toolbox‐ a toolbox in which biotechnology comprises only some of the available tools. In the future, these tools may make it possible to genetically engineer resistance to pathogenic microbes into foods.
POTENTIAL OF SMALL RIBOSOMALLY SYNTHESIZED BACTERIOCINS IN DESIGN OF NEW FOOD PRESERVATIVES
Authors: HANSEN J. NORMAN , BANERJEE SHARMILA , BUCHMAN GEORGE W.
Published: August 2010

Nisin and subtilin are bacteriocins that are produced by Streptococcus lactis and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, respectively. Nisin is important as a safe and effective food preservative. Both nisin and subtilin are ribosomally‐synthesized peptides with broad spectrum activity against gram‐positive bacteria. including many pathogenic food spoilage organisms. Since the structures of these antimicrobial bacteriocins are gene‐encoded, they provide an attractive model system for developing ways to use genetic engineering for the design and synthesis of improved and novel food preservatives, and to examine the mechanism of antibacterial action by studying the relationships between structure and function. In order to exploit these possibilities, we have cloned and characterized the genes which encode the peptide precursors of nisin and subtilin. The nisin precursor is 57 amino acids long. with a 23‐residue leader region and a 34‐residue structural region. The subtilin precursor is 56 amino acids long, with a 24‐residue leader and a 32‐residue structural region. Both precursors contain serines, threonines, and cysteines at locations that are appropriate for their involvement in the post‐translational processing events that form the unusual amino acids found in these bacteriocins. The organization of the nisin and subtilin genes was explored by SI‐mapping of the transcripts. Evolutionary relationships were observed by comparing nucleic acid sequences, amino acid sequences, and hydropathic homologies. Nisin and subtilin appear to have a common ancestry, but have been evolving separately for a long time. The striking homology in the hydropathic profiles of the leader regions of the nisin and subtilin peptide precursors indicates that hydropathicity underlies the function of the leader region. which may include participation in post‐translational processing. The similarities and differences between the structures of nisin and subtilin precursors and their respective genes provide insight about ways that their structures could be mutated without destroying processing signals in the precursor peptides. We accordingly conclude that this system will useful in the exploration of ways to use genetic engineering in the design and construction of new and improved food preservatives.
POTENTIAL CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH EXTENDED SHELF‐LIFE REFRIGERATED FOODS: A REVIEW
Authors: CONNER D. E. , SCOTT V. N. , BERNARD D. T. , KAUTTER D. A.
Published: August 2010

Clostridium botulinum may pose a hazard in extended shelf‐life refrigerated foods. Nonproteolytic strains ofC. botulinum, which can grow at refrigeration temperatures, may be given sufficient time to grow if the shelf‐life is extensive. Proteolytic strains may grow in these products if temperature abuse occurs. Mild heat treatments and vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging may select for C. botulinum and allow toxicity to occur in organoleptically acceptable products. Multiple barriers and multifactorial experiments to generate predictive models are advocated to ensure safety of extended shelf‐life refrigerated foods.
ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF CINNAMON BARK EXTRACT ON ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7, LISTERIA INNOCUA AND FRESH‐CUT APPLE SLICES
Authors: MUTHUSWAMY S. , RUPASINGHE H.P.V. , STRATTON G.W.
Published: August 2010

The potential for natural antimicrobial compounds extracted from true cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Nees ) to use as a food additive to extend the shelf life of fresh‐cut apples was investigated. Several different extracts were prepared using cinnamon bark and powder to evaluate their antimicrobial activity on two marker microorganisms, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria innocua. An ethanolic extract of cinnamon bark (2% w/v) inhibited the growth of E. coli and L. innocua by 94 and 87%, respectively. When incorporated in a commercial antibrowning dipping solution, FreshExtend, the cinnamon bark extract (1% w/v) reduced significantly (P < 0.05) the microbial growth on apple slices stored for 12 days at 6C in comparison to the control. The cinnamon extract had no influence on the antibrowning properties of FreshExtend. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis showed that the major chemical constituent of this extract is cinnamic aldehyde.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The consumer demand for convenient and nutritious, minimally processed produce like fresh‐cut apples has been steadily increasing. Identification of natural antimicrobial agents that are acceptable to the consumer is a challenge to the fresh‐cut industry. In this study, we discovered antimicrobial properties of a cinnamon extract and identified the principal antimicrobial compound as cinnamic aldehyde. For the first time, we demonstrated that this generally recognized as safe (GRAS) compound could be used with a commercial post‐cut dipping solution (FreshExtend) to inhibit significantly the microbial growth on refrigerated apple slices. Therefore, this innovative study provides a new insight into the possible use of cinnamon extracts or cinnamic aldehyde as natural antimicrobial agents in the processing of sliced apples and other minimally processed fruits and vegetables to assure the microbial food safety.
DETERMINING A SERIES OF WHOLE WHEAT DIFFERENCE THRESHOLDS FOR USE IN A GRADUAL ADJUSTMENT INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE CHILDREN'S LIKING OF WHOLE‐WHEAT BREAD ROLLS
Authors: DELK JOANNE , VICKERS ZATA
Published: August 2010

The first objective of this research was to determine if elementary school‐aged children preferred refined bread to whole‐wheat bread. The second objective was to set a series of difference threshold steps that could be used for an intervention to gradually and undetectably increase whole‐wheat flour content in a bread roll. We conducted a taste test with 103 elementary school children in which they rated their liking of bread rolls containing various levels of whole wheat. The rolls with lower levels of whole wheat were liked better than the rolls with higher levels. We established difference thresholds for whole‐wheat flour in rolls over the range of 0–100% whole wheat using ascending forced‐choice tests. From these thresholds, we established the following series of concentrations (%): 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 26, 32, 38, 47, 59, 72 and 91.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The series of whole wheat concentrations we determined can be used in an intervention to gradually increase the whole‐wheat content of bread rolls. More broadly, they could be used by any foodservice operation, manufacturer or cook that wants to gradually increase the whole‐wheat content of bread or related products and have that increase remain undetected by consumers. This strategy of gradually increasing whole‐wheat content has the potential to markedly increase the consumption of whole grains, thus, improving health.
REPEATED TESTING AND RINSING REGIMENS FOR TOOTHPASTES WITH VARIOUS COOLING AND BURN INTENSITIES: IMPACT ON DISCRIMINATION AND REPEATABILITY
Authors: ALLISON ANN‐MARIE A. , CHAMBERS EDGAR , CHAMBERS DELORES H.
Published: August 2010

Descriptive sensory studies were used to (1) determine the impact of rinsing on residual cooling from strongly mentholated toothpaste and (2) the effect of interstimulus delay on discrimination and repeatability of scores for mint‐flavored toothpastes. The panelists brushed their teeth and evaluated residual cooling and burn. In the first experiment, rinsing with crackers and water reduced the time needed to reach a negligible score compared to no rinse or a water only rinse. In the second experiment, samples were evaluated with interstimulus delays from 4 to 24 min. Discrimination of oral cooling was more consistent with longer interstimulus delays, but even with a 24‐min regimen, oral burn sometimes demonstrated slight, but significant, sensitization, a carry‐over effect. These results suggest that testing toothpaste products, and perhaps other products with high levels of cooling, requires considerable time between testing, which limits the number of samples that can be tested in a single session.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Researchers and scientists who work with products where oral cooling is a primary effect, such as mentholated toothpastes, mouthwashes and confections must be careful that the sensory testing they conduct on these products is not jeopardized by carryover during testing. This research helps to establish guidelines for testing oral cooling products, especially toothpaste. Data suggest that testing of toothpaste products, which can be both physically irritating from brushing as well as chemically irritating from chemesthetic substances such as menthol, need considerable time (approximately 24 min based on this research) and appropriate rinsing between samples. In addition, products with high levels of cooling may need to be tested in separate tests or intentionally placed later in testing sequences in order to reduce their impact on other samples.
Review article: aspirin, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and cyclo‐oxygenase‐1 sparing agents
Authors: WEAVER A. L.
Published: August 2010

Until recently, cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors were one of the mainstays of therapy for patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis because of their improved gastrointestinal safety profile compared with traditional, non‐selective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs.

The withdrawal of both rofecoxib and valdecoxib from the market because of concerns about cardiovascular risk has prompted a re‐evaluation of treatment choices for arthritis patients who require treatment with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, both prescription and over‐the‐counter, are widely used in the USA. Patients often take several agents concurrently which significantly increases their risk of gastrointestinal adverse events. In addition, many patients also take low‐dose aspirin because of its proven beneficial effects in the prevention of cardiovascular events. However, large clinical trials have shown that the concomitant use of aspirin negates the gastrointestinal‐sparing effects of selective cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitors.

Clinicians need to consider a patient's cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks when prescribing non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and in the case of non‐selective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, gastroprotection with an agent such as a proton‐pump inhibitor or misoprostol should be considered, particularly in aspirin users.
Multifunctional Agriculture ‐ Real Concerns, or Just an Excuse? La multifonctionnalité de l'agriculture ‐ Une préoccupation réelle ou une simple excuse? Multifunktionale Landwirtschaft ‐ echte Belange oder nur eine Ausrede?
Authors: Johansen Terje Riis
Published: August 2010

summary

Multifunctional Excuse? Agriculture ‐ Real Concerns, or Just an Excuse?

Economic trade theories show that rational governments would not subsidize their farmers but would support free trade and ensure that comparative advantages were exploited. Despite this, governments all over the world choose to subsidize their agricultural sector. We must recognize that agricultural food production is different from other types of production. No country can afford to put an end to the environmental, cultural and national identity issues associated with domestic food production. International systems for trade and economic cooperation must take into account that conditions vary greatly between countries, and room must therefore be left for domestic adjustments that suit nationally defined goals, values and conditions. Norway has particularly challenging conditions for agricultural production with a harsh climate and low population density Still the multifunctional values of agricultural production are goals in themselves and in certain cases these values cannot be produced without agricultural production itself. Theorists must take this into account in developing useful theoretical models that will help us politicians develop good policies. This is also true for values and costs that future environmental challenges, like climate change, will offer. Economic researchers are faced with the challenge of including both non‐tradable values as well as environmental concerns when shaping future economic models.
Quantifying the Benefits of Conservation Auctions Quantifier les avantages des enchères pour sélectionner les participants à des programmes de conservation Quantitative Bestimmung des Nutzens von Versteigerungen für Umweltschutzmaßnahmen
Authors: Latacz‐Lohmann Uwe , Schilizzi Steven
Published: August 2010

summary

Quantifying the Benefits of Conservation Auctions

Most EU conservation schemes offer a single, fixed payment for compliance with a predetermined set of management prescriptions. Alternatively, the conservation tasks could be put up for tender: landholders are invited to bid competitively for a limited number of conservation contracts. Theory suggests that bidding reduces over‐compensation and increases the cost‐effectiveness of conservation contracting. There is, to date, little evidence about the cost‐effectiveness gains of such conservation auctions vis‐à‐vis the more traditional fixed‐payment schemes, and what evidence does exist appears inconclusive. Building on available theory, this work uses controlled laboratory experiments to investigate the budgetary and the economic performance of conservation auctions. The experiments were carried out in two countries to check for robustness of results. We find that conservation auctions outperform the more traditional fixed‐price schemes in the one‐shot setting: one unit of environmental benefit paid at a fixed rate would have cost 10 to 60 per cent more than the auction, depending on the fixed‐rate benchmark chosen. With identical repetition, however, the auction quickly loses its edge, making it possible for the auction to be outperformed by an equivalent fixed‐rate programme. Our results suggest that previous estimates of conservation auction performance have been far too optimistic.
AGENTS OF POLITICAL INDOCTRINATION AND COGNIZANCE OF GROUP IDENTITY: CLUES TO GROUPS‘ SELF‐INTEREST
Authors: Wright Larry L.
Published: August 2010

This study investigates how the acquisition of group identity among members affiliated with social groupings (namely Catholics, native white Southerners and Blacks) impacted on voting based on their (individual) group's self‐interest; and how clues about group's self‐interest were transmitted to members of social groupings in the 1980 Presidential election. While it has been widely speculated recently about the role of nonconventional agents on political indoctrination, this article documents the explanatory importance of the media, religion, politicians and reference groups among voters of political subcultures in the American electorate using NES/CPS data.
A MATTER OF TIME: SOME CONSEQUENCES OF STATE LEGISLATIVE TERM LIMITS
Authors: Thompson Joel A. , Moncrief Gary F.
Published: August 2010

There is considerable rhetoric and speculation about the impact of term limitation proposals on state legislatures, but little in the way of empirical analysis. In this paper we examine multi‐state data on legislators' backgrounds, and explore the potential impact of term limits on different groups. We are especially interested in the effect on cohorts categorized by gender, race, party, and leadership position. Using data that constitute a demographic snapshot from the late 1980s, we are able to demonstrate that if term limits were immediately imposed, they would affect male Republicans, and leaders and committee chairs more than rank‐and‐file. It does not appear that term limits would have a significant impact on the representation of African‐Americans.