bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma agonism modifies the effects of growth hormone on lipolysis and insulin sensitivity
Authors: Krag Morten B. , Nielsen Søren , Guo ZengKui , Pedersen Steen B. , Schmitz Ole , Christiansen Jens S. , Jørgensen Jens O. L.
Published: March 2008

Context  Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPAR‐γ) agonists such as thiazolidinediones (TZDs) improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through effects on fat metabolism whereas GH stimulates lipolysis and induces insulin resistance.

Objective  To evaluate the impact of TZDs on fat metabolism and insulin sensitivity in subjects exposed to stable GH levels.

Design  A randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind parallel‐group study including 20 GH‐deficient patients on continued GH replacement therapy. The patients were studied before and after 12 weeks.

Intervention  Patients received either pioglitazone 30 mg (N = 10) or placebo (N = 10) once daily for 12 weeks.

Results  Adiponectin levels almost doubled during pioglitazone treatment (P = 0·0001). Pioglitazone significantly decreased basal free fatty acid (FFA) levels (P = 0·02) and lipid oxidation (P = 0·02). Basal glucose oxidation rate (P = 0·004) and insulin sensitivity (P = 0·03) improved in the patients who received pioglitazone treatment. The change in insulin‐stimulated adiponectin level after pioglitazone treatment was positively correlated to the change in insulin‐stimulated total glucose disposal (R = 0·69, P = 0·04).

Conclusion  The impact of GH on lipolysis and insulin sensitivity can be modified by administration of TZDs.
Association of race, body fat and season with vitamin D status among young women: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: McKinney Kevin , Breitkopf Carmen Radecki , Berenson Abbey B.
Published: March 2008

Objective  The purpose of this study was to provide an estimate of vitamin D status in young women residing in south‐east Texas and to determine factors that predict 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OHD) concentration.

Design  A cross‐sectional study was conducted on 800 non‐Hispanic white, non‐Hispanic black, and Hispanic women 16–33 years of age, who were seen in an outpatient clinic.

Measurements  Information was obtained on race, smoking, exercise and dietary intake of vitamin D. Percentage total body fat (%TBF) was assessed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Exposure to sunlight was estimated by examining national records of temperature, hours of daylight and UV index for the latitude of the study site. To determine the relationship between 25‐OHD and %TBF, season, race, body mass index (BMI), dietary vitamin D, age and smoking in a multivariate context, stepwise linear regression analysis was performed.

Results  Serum 25‐OHD levels differed among the racial groups (all pairwise differences P < 0·001), with the lowest value among non‐Hispanic blacks (37·7 nmol/l) and the highest value among non‐Hispanic whites (71·8 nmol/l). Among Hispanics, mean serum 25‐OHD was 47·9 nmol/l. Serum 25‐OHD was negatively associated with %TBF (r = –0·28), BMF (r = –0·36) and TBF (r = –0·33), all P < 0·001, and positively associated with dietary vitamin D (r = 0·10) and pack years of smoking (r = 0·11), both P < 0·01. In the summer months, serum 25‐OHD values were higher (55·4 nmol/l) than in the winter months (48·1 nmol/l), P < 0·001. The final regression model predicting serum 25‐OHD levels included race, %TBF and season (all P < 0·05) and explained 36% of the variance in 25‐OHD.

Conclusions  Favourable environmental conditions do not result in sufficient vitamin D status for young women, especially non‐Hispanic blacks, Hispanics and the obese.
Acylated ghrelin and leptin in adolescent athletes with amenorrhea, eumenorrheic athletes and controls: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Christo Karla , Cord Jennalee , Mendes Nara , Miller Karen K. , Goldstein Mark A. , Klibanski Anne , Misra Madhusmita
Published: March 2008

Objectives  Neuroendocrine factors may predict which athletes develop amenorrhea and which athletes remain eugonadal. Specifically, ghrelin and leptin have been implicated in regulation of GnRH secretion, with ghrelin having inhibitory and leptin, facilitatory effects. We hypothesized that adolescent athletes with amenorrhea (AA) would have higher ghrelin and lower leptin levels than eumenorrheic athletes (EA) and would predict levels of gonadal steroids.

Design  Cross‐sectional

Subjects and measurements  We enrolled 58 girls, 21 AA, 19 EA and 18 nonathletic controls 12–18 years old. Fasting blood was drawn for active ghrelin, leptin, E2 and testosterone. Athletes were > 85% of ideal body weight for age based on body mass index (BMI).

Results  AA girls had lower BMI than EA and controls (P = 0·003). Log ghrelin was higher in AA than in EA and controls (P < 0·0001), and remained higher after controlling for BMI Z‐scores. Leptin was lower in AA than in the other groups (P < 0·0001), however, the differences did not persist after controlling for BMI Z‐scores. Testosterone was lower in AA than in EA and controls (P = 0·002) and log E2 trended lower in AA (P = 0·07). We observed inverse associations of log active ghrelin with testosterone (P = 0·01), and positive associations of leptin with testosterone and log E2 (P = 0·02 and 0·009).

Conclusion  Higher ghrelin levels, even after controlling for BMI, and lower leptin in AA compared with EA and controls, and their inverse and positive associations, respectively, with gonadal steroids suggest endocrine perturbations that may explain why hypogonadism occurs in some but not all athletes.
Streamlining of plant patches in streams
Authors: SAND‐JENSEN KAJ , PEDERSEN MORTEN LAUGE
Published: March 2008

1. Plants in shallow streams often grow in well‐defined monospecific patches experiencing a predictable unidirectional flow, though of temporally variable velocity. During maximum patch development in summer we studied: (i) the shape and streamlining of 59 patches of Callitriche cophocarpa, (ii) allometric relationships between canopy size and sediment area colonized by roots (root area) and (iii) fine‐scale flow gradients for a representative patch exposed to a range of velocities to evaluate relationships between patch shape and physical impact.

2. Canopy and root area viewed from above were elongated and streamlined in the flow direction, while uniform vegetative growth in all directions from a single colonizing shoot would have generated a circular form. Canopies were slightly wider in the upstream part than in the gradually tapering part downstream and the maximum height to length ratio averaged 0.25. The canopy and root area of the patches were more elongate and slender in sites with shallow water, where currents accelerate alongside patches and restrict lateral expansion, compared to deeper sites where currents can pass above the canopy. Similarly, the frontal area relative to planform area or root area was significantly lower in shallow water . Canopy shape and indices of streamlining did not change significantly with approach velocity (0.02–0.40 m s−1), either because canopy shape is not sensitive to approach velocity or summer velocities were too low to induce such changes.

3. Sediment elevation within patches (avg. 4.1 cm) increased significantly with patch length, but did not differ between unstable sand or more stable coarse sediment for the same patch length. Shape of canopy and root area did not change significantly with sediment type.

4. Pressure drag on the canopy as a whole is probably reduced by its rounded front, restricted height and overall slender form with a low frontal area, while the downstream overhanging canopy increases drag compared to an ideal streamlined object. Across a 100‐fold range of root areas from 0.01 to 1 m2, the frontal area of the canopy increased 29 times, planform area increased 38 times and volume increased 76 times, suggesting a trade‐off between physical impact of flow, light interception and anchoring strength.

5. The canopy was compressed at high approach velocities, with low current velocity within the canopy while steep velocity gradients developed across the exposed outer surfaces as the diverted flow accelerated. Because drag processes are additive, and exist at different spatial scales and Reynolds numbers on the surface and inside of plant canopies, direct measurements on entire canopies under controlled conditions are needed to test the functional importance of their shape, size and porosity to flow.
Abundance and distribution of picoplankton in tropical, oligotrophic Lake Kivu, eastern Africa
Authors: SARMENTO HUGO , UNREIN FERNANDO , ISUMBISHO MWAPU , STENUITE STEPHANE , GASOL JOSEP M. , DESCY JEAN‐PIERRE
Published: March 2008

1. We used flow cytometry to characterize freshwater photosynthetic picoplankton (PPP) and heterotrophic bacteria (HB) in Lake Kivu, one of the East‐African great lakes. Throughout three cruises run in different seasons, covering the four major basins, phycoerythrin‐rich cells dominated the PPP. Heterotrophic bacteria and PPP cell numbers were always high and spatial variations were modest. This represents an important difference from temperate and high latitude lakes that show high fluctuations in cell abundance over an annual cycle.

2. Three populations of picocyanobacteria were identified: one corresponded to single‐cells (identified as Synechococcus by epifluorescence microscopy, molecular methods and pigment content), and the two other that most probably correspond to two and four celled colonies of the same taxon. The proportion of these two subpopulations was greater under stratified conditions, with stronger nutrient limitation.

3. High PPP concentrations (c. 105 cell mL−1) relative to HB (c. 106 cell mL−1) were always found. Lake Kivu supports relatively less bacteria than phytoplankton biomass than temperate systems, probably as a consequence of factors such as temperature, oligotrophy, nutrient limitation and trophic structure.

4. A review of PPP concentration across aquatic systems suggests that the abundance of Synechococcus‐like cyanobacteria in large, oligotrophic, tropical lakes is very high.

5. Photosynthetic picoplankton cell abundances in the oligotrophic tropical lakes Kivu and Tanganyika are comparable to those of eutrophic temperate lakes. This apparently contradicts the view that PPP abundance increases with increasing eutrophy. More data on PPP in tropical lakes are needed to explore further this particular pattern.
The morphological plastic response to water current velocity varies with age and sexual state in juvenile Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar
Authors: PÁEZ DAVID JAMES , HEDGER RICHARD , BERNATCHEZ LOUIS , DODSON JULIAN J.
Published: March 2008

1. Salmonids, like many other fish species, exhibit morphological plasticity to variations in water current velocity. However, little is known about how this response varies with age and alternative sexual tactics that usually coexist in the same area. We therefore sampled immature 1‐ and 2‐year‐old and sexually mature Salmo salar parr to determine how the morphological response to slow and rapid water currents varies across these groups.

2. Both 1‐ and 2‐year‐old immature parr in rapid habitats can be distinguished from individuals in slow habitats using a combination of fin measurements. In contrast, body shape measurements were useful only to distinguish 2‐year‐old individuals in the different habitat types. We also showed that mature parr are notably robust, irrespective of habitat type. For these individuals, only their body length differed between slow and rapid water currents, being bigger in slow water currents.

3. Our results imply that fins are the first structures to respond to water current velocity, followed by changes in body shape as individuals grow bigger. The robust phenotype observed for mature parr is likely to pose extra limitations on movement due to an increase in drag forces, thus contributing to their smaller size in rapid water currents.
Role of vegetation in determining carbon sequestration along ecological succession in the southeastern United States
Authors: STOY PAUL C. , KATUL GABRIEL G. , SIQUEIRA MARIO B. S. , JUANG JEHN‐YIH , NOVICK KIMBERLY A. , McCARTHY HEATHER R. , OISHI A. CHRISTOPHER , OREN RAM
Published: March 2008

Vegetation plays a central role in controlling terrestrial carbon (C) exchange, but quantifying its impacts on C cycling on time scales of ecological succession is hindered by a lack of long‐term observations. The net ecosystem exchange of carbon (NEE) was measured for several years in adjacent ecosystems that represent distinct phases of ecological succession in the southeastern USA. The experiment was designed to isolate the role of vegetation – apart from climate and soils – in controlling biosphere–atmosphere fluxes of CO2 and water vapor. NEE was near zero over 5 years at an early successional old‐field ecosystem (OF). However, mean annual NEE was nearly equal, approximately −450 g C m−2 yr−1, at an early successional planted pine forest (PP) and a late successional hardwood forest (HW) due to the sensitivity of the former to drought and ice storm damage. We hypothesize that these observations can be explained by the relationships between gross ecosystem productivity (GEP), ecosystem respiration (RE) and canopy conductance, and long‐term shifts in ecosystem physiology in response to climate to maintain near‐constant ecosystem‐level water‐use efficiency (EWUE). Data support our hypotheses, but future research should examine if GEP and RE are causally related or merely controlled by similar drivers. At successional time scales, GEP and RE observations generally followed predictions from E. P. Odum's ‘Strategy of Ecosystem Development’, with the surprising exception that the relationship between GEP and RE resulted in large NEE at the late successional HW. A practical consequence of this research suggests that plantation forestry may confer no net benefit over the conservation of mature forests for C sequestration.
Extinction vulnerability of tropical montane endemism from warming and upslope displacement: a preliminary appraisal for the highest massif in Madagascar
Authors: RAXWORTHY CHRISTOPHER J. , PEARSON RICHARD G. , RABIBISOA NIRHY , RAKOTONDRAZAFY ANDRY M. , RAMANAMANJATO JEAN‐BAPTISTE , RASELIMANANA ACHILLE P. , WU SHENGHAI , NUSSBAUM RONALD A. , STONE DÁITHÍ A.
Published: March 2008

One of the predicted biological responses to climate warming is the upslope displacement of species distributions. In the tropics, because montane assemblages frequently include local endemics that are distributed close to summits, these species may be especially vulnerable to experiencing complete habitat loss from warming. However, there is currently a dearth of information available for tropical regions. Here, we present a preliminary appraisal of this extinction threat using the herpetological assemblage of the Tsaratanana Massif in northern Madagascar (the island's highest massif), which is rich with montane endemism. We present meteorological evidence (individual and combined regional weather station data and reanalysis forecast data) for recent warming in Madagascar, and show that this trend is consistent with recent climate model simulations. Using standard moist adiabatic lapse rates, these observed meteorological warming trends in northern Madagascar predict upslope species displacement of 17–74 m per decade between 1993 and 2003. Over this same period, we also report preliminary data supporting a trend for upslope distribution movements, based on two surveys we completed at Tsaratanana. For 30 species, representing five families of reptiles and amphibians, we found overall mean shifts in elevational midpoint of 19–51 m upslope (mean lower elevation limit 29–114 m; mean upper elevation limit −8 to 53 m). We also found upslope trends in mean and median elevational observations in seven and six of nine species analysed. Phenological differences between these surveys do not appear to be substantial, but these upslope shifts are consistent with the predictions based on meteorological warming. An elevational range displacement analysis projects complete habitat loss for three species below the 2 °C ‘dangerous’ warming threshold. One of these species is not contracting its distribution, but the other two were not resampled in 2003. A preliminary review of the other massifs in Madagascar indicates potential similar vulnerability to habitat loss and upslope extinction. Consequently, we urgently recommend additional elevational surveys for these and other tropical montane assemblages, which should also include, when possible, the monitoring of local meteorological conditions and habitat change.
Integrated specialty service readiness in health reform: connections in haemophilia comprehensive care
Authors: PRITCHARD A. M. , PAGE D.
Published: March 2008

Summary.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified primary healthcare reform as a global priority whereby innovative practice changes are directed at improving health. This transformation to health reform in haemophilia service requires clarification of comprehensive care to reflect the WHO definition of health and key elements of primary healthcare reform. While comprehensive care supports effective healthcare delivery, comprehensive care must also be regarded beyond immediate patient management to reflect the broader system purpose in the care continuum with institutions, community agencies and government. Furthermore, health reform may be facilitated through integrated service delivery (ISD). ISD in specialty haemophilia care has the potential to reduce repetition of assessments, enhance care plan communication between providers and families, provide 24‐h access to care, improve information availability regarding care quality and outcomes, consolidate access for multiple healthcare encounters and facilitate family self‐efficacy and autonomy [1]. Three core aspects of ISD have been distinguished: clinical integration, information management and technology and vertical integration in local communities [2]. Selected examples taken from Canadian haemophilia comprehensive care illustrate how practice innovations are bridged with a broader system level approach and may support initiatives in other contexts. These innovations are thought to indicate readiness regarding ISD. Reflecting on the existing capacity of haemophilia comprehensive care teams will assist providers to connect and direct their existing strengths towards ISD and health reform.
Rates of orchiopexies in Sweden: 1977–1991
Authors: Richiardi L. , Vizzini L. , Nordenskjöld A. , Pettersson A. , Akre O.
Published: March 2008

Cryptorchidism is a known risk factor for testicular cancer and the secular increase in testicular cancer incidence might have been paralleled by a similar increase in cryptorchidism. Data on trends in prevalence of cryptorchidism are however conflicting and decreases have recently been reported. To analyse Swedish trends in rates of orchiopexy, we used the Swedish Hospital Discharge Register to identify all cases of orchiopexy carried out for cryptorchidism between 1977 and 1991, that is, before the era of outpatient orchiopexies in Sweden. Observed trends were analysed in 5‐year age groups. The estimated average annual per cent changes (EAPCs) and the years in which the EAPC significantly changed were estimated using Joinpoint Regression. Finally, we estimated the cumulative incidence of orchiopexy by birth cohort. Among boys aged less than 10, the orchiopexy rate started to decrease in the early 1980s. EAPCs were −2.88 (95% confidence interval (CI): −5.48, −0.21) among boys aged 5–9 and −6.63 among those aged 0–4 (95% CI: −8.84, −4.37). Among subjects aged at least 10, the rate decreased over the whole study period. Although the use of orchiopexy rates to measure prevalence of cryptorchidism has limitations, our findings may suggest that cryptorchidism prevalence decreased in Sweden starting from the early 1980s.
Expression and arrangement of extracellular matrix proteins in the lungs of mice infected with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis conidia
Authors: González Angel , Lenzi Henrique Leonel , Motta Ester Maria , Caputo Luzia , Restrepo Angela , Cano Luz Elena
Published: March 2008

Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are important modulators of migration, differentiation and proliferation for the various cell types present in the lungs; they influence the immune response as well as participate in the adherence of several fungi including Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The expression, deposition and arrangement of ECM proteins such as laminin, fibronectin, fibrinogen, collagen and proteoglycans in the lungs of mice infected with P. brasiliensis conidia has been evaluated in this study, together with the elastic fibre system. Lungs of BALB/c mice infected with P. brasiliensis conidia were analysed for the different ECM proteins by histological and immunohistochemical procedures at different times of infection. In addition, laser scanning confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used. During the early periods, the lungs of infected animals showed an inflammatory infiltrate composed mainly of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and macrophages, while during the later periods, mice presented a chronic inflammatory response with granuloma formation. Re‐arrangement and increased expression of all ECM proteins tested were observed throughout all studied periods, especially during the occurrence of inflammatory infiltration and formation of the granuloma. The elastic fibre system showed an elastolysis process in all experiments. In conclusion, this study provides new details of pulmonary ECM distribution during the course of paracoccidioidomycosis.
Enhanced proliferation of aortal smooth muscle cells treated by 1,25(OH)2D3in vitro coincides with impaired formation of elastic fibres
Authors: Tukaj Cecylia
Published: March 2008

Elastin is the major extracellular matrix component synthesized, secreted and deposited by vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the arterial media and thus plays an important role in vascular homeostasis. Results of our previous studies showed that 1α,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol [1,25(OH)2D3‐calcitriol] accelerates proliferation of SMCs and modulates their growth in vitro. The aim of this study was to find ultrastructural support for the idea that 1,25(OH)2D3‐calcitriol affects elastic fibre formation due to accelerated proliferation of aortal SMCs in vitro. SMCs exposed 10 days to supraphysiological concentration (10 nM) of calcitriol in primary culture were examined by fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Morphological studies revealed that calcitriol altered elastin maturation by favouring accumulation of immature rather than fully processed elastic fibres. A substantial decrease in the amorphous elastin deposition and abnormal accumulation of microfibrillar component, in thickened multilayer culture, were observed. These studies suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 affect formation of elastic fibres due to enhanced proliferation of SMCs in culture.
A SURVEY OF THE RESULTS OF ROUTINE BACTERIOLOGICAL TESTS OF PASTEURISED MILK
Authors: MCKENZIE D. A. , BOOTH C. E.
Published: March 2008

The survey indicates that seasonal variations in the proportion of failing samples is greater with the 1/2 hr. methylene blue than with the colony count test. The incidence of thermoduric organisms in the raw milk will no longer be important since such bacteria have little effect on the methylene blue test, but there will be a greater need for adequate cooling, efficient cold storage and avoidance of post‐pasteurisation contamination. Plate count and coliform tests will, however, still be useful in the dairy laboratory.

The methylene blue results for samples stored at atmospheric temperature or at 18° C. show good agreement. It is not known whether the agreement would be equally as good in very cold weather, as the results presented here do not cover such conditions.

A small percentage of samples (1.7%) which by previous standards would have been regarded as highly satisfactory may fail the dye test; in addition, approximately 5.0% of samples showing high coliform contamination may satisfy the new standard.
ROPY CONTAMINATION IN PASTEURIZED MILK
Authors: Murray J. G.
Published: March 2008

An outbreak of ropy milk in bottled pastuerized milk was traced to Bact. aerogenes types I and IT and possibly Alkaligenes species gaining access through the filler bowl from some of the washed milk bottles. Most of the bottles were of low count by the standard rinse technique, but the majority were capable of producing rope when filled with sterile milk. The standard rinse technique seems inadequate for the detection of this kind of contamination.
A STATISTICAL EXAMINATION OF CONDUCTIVITY VALUES FOR ASEPTICALLY DRAWN MILK SUPPLIES
Authors: Jones G. Elis
Published: March 2008

1. The electrical conductivity of quarter milk samples was compared with a number of indirect tests.

2. The differences between the conductivities of four quarters of an udder were assessed by deducting the lowest value recorded from the other three values. (degrees above normal, D.A.N.)
THE EFFECT OF OVERNIGHT REFRIGERATION ON THE RESULTS OF THE BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF FARM WATER SUPPLIES
Authors: JONES G. ELIS , FRANKLIN PATRICIA M. , THOMAS S. B.
Published: March 2008

About 20% of water samples examined 20 hr. after sampling, this period including 18 hr. storage at 3–5°, had coli‐aerogenes and Bact. coli contents significantly lower than those determined after 2 hr. at air temperature. Samples with over 50 such organisms/100 ml. at the earlier testing time seldom showed an increased content after refrigeration overnight. The results of statistical analysis of the data confirmed the findings of other workers that coli‐aerogenes bacteria are less abundant in samples of water stored before analysis. Colony counts at 37° and 22° did not reflect this reduction in numbers.
THE EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF ANTI‐T.B. DRUGS
Authors: CROSHAW BETTY
Published: March 2008

Some of the chief methods used in the screening of new compounds against tuberculosis are briefly reviewed. Streptomycin, p‐aminosalicylic acid, p‐acetamidobenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, p‐ethylsulphonylbenzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone and p‐anisaldehyde thiosemicarbazone have been tested against mice infected intracerebrally and the results compared with those obtained using the ordinary guinea‐pig test. All were active in mice and all except p‐anisaldehyde thiosemicarbazone in guinea‐pigs. A suitable strain of mice is essential and a Table is given showing the susceptibility of several strains to tubercle bacilli inoculated intracerebrally.
THE TREATMENT OF INFECTIONS WITH COMBINATIONS OF CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENTS
Authors: CHANTRILL B. H.
Published: March 2008

Mice infected with Streptococcus haemolyticus and Salmonella typhimurium were treated with penicillin and streptomycin separately and in combination. A synergic effect was shown.
THE SURVIVAL OF BACTERIA IN HIGH‐FREQUENCY ELECTRIC FIELDS
Authors: JACOBS S. E. , THORNLEY MARGARET J. , MAURICE P.
Published: March 2008

Various bacteria, but principally Bact. coli and Staph. aureus, have been exposed in glass containers to high‐frequency electric fields at frequencies of 1–65 Mc./s., the electrodes being external. Various periods and intensities of treatment were tried, but in no case was a lethal temperature allowed to develop. There was no evidence that any mortality was caused by the treatments, even when voltage stresses high enough to induce rapid heat development in poorly conducting treatment fluids were used.
A BACTERIAL COLONY ILLUMINATOR
Authors: HANNAY C. L.
Published: March 2008

An apparatus is described in which side illumination from strip lights gives clear illumination without glare of colonies against a black background. The Petri dish lies in an unrestricted field and removal of the lid is unnecessary.
BACTERIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF IN‐BOTTLE PASTEURIZATION OF MILK, WITH A SIMPLE METHOD OF ASSESSING THE HEATING EQUIVALENT
Authors: CLEGG L. F. L. , LOMAX KATHLEEN L.
Published: March 2008

In collaboration with the National Physical Laboratory temperature distribution in an in‐bottle pasteurization plant was studied by means of thermocouples, and the coolest point in the coolest bottles located. A simple method is given for assessing the heat‐treatment in comparison with orthodox holder pasteurization. The results of bacteriological and phosphatase activity tests of in‐bottle pasteurized milk compared very favourably with those of the holder and H.T.S.T. processes. The safety margin is similar to that of the holder process and the efficiency of destruction of tubercle bacilli in milk has been calculated to be over 100%. The heating curve follows a straight line on inverted semi‐logarithmic paper, and linear relationships are shown to exist between the ‘slope’of this line, the maximum milk temperature reached in the coolest part of the coolest bottles and the heating equivalent. It is suggested that the process can be controlled by knowing this maximum temperature.
THE USE OF CALCIUM ALGINATE WOOL FOR SWABBING DAIRY EQUIPMENT
Authors: TREDINNICK J. E. , TUCKER J.
Published: March 2008

Seventy‐three comparative tests of dairy plant were made using swabs of ribbon gauze and calcium alginate wool, the latter being dissolved before plating in dilute sodium hexametaphosphate solution. The colony counts obtained with alginate swabs were in the great majority of cases much higher than those with gauze. When both types of swab were inoculated with known numbers of Bact. coli, the recovery was again much greater with alginate wool.
NOTES ON THE BIOLOGY OF AZOTOBACTER
Authors: JENSEN H. L.
Published: March 2008

Forty strains of A. chroococcum from Danish soils showed a rather uniform power of nitrogen fixation in mannitol solution where the mean gain of nitrogen after 12 days corresponded to 17.1 mg./g. of mannitol, with a standard deviation of ±9.1%. In agreement with the statement of Fischer (1949) the strains could be divided into two groups with different rates of nitrogen fixation. Ten strains fixed in 3 days less than 30% and 30 strains from 45 to 100% of the final amount of nitrogen after 12 days, which was almost the same in both groups. In glucose medium a rapid nitrogen fixation was shown by some of the strains that grew slowly with mannitol. Strains which fixed rapidly with mannitol did so with glucose also.

Ten strains of A. beijerinckii grew slowly with glucose as well as mannitol, and two strains apparently failed to utilize the latter compound.

In media sterilized by autoclaving, the gain of nitrogen was approximately one‐third higher with mannitol than with glucose, owing to deterioration of the glucose on heating. When glucose and mannitol were sterilized by filtration, the difference in nitrogen fixation corresponded closely to the difference in heat of combustion of the two compounds.

Some strains of both A. chroococcum and A. beijerinkii could grow on nitrogen‐free agar containing sodium benzoate as the sole source of carbon, while others could not.
THE SOFT‐ROT BACTERIA OF THE COLI‐AEROGENES GROUP
Authors: TAYLOR C. B.
Published: March 2008

The indole, methyl‐red, Voges‐Proskauer and citrate reactions, and the pectate gel‐liquefying, gelatin‐liquefying and lactose‐fermenting properties of nineteen cultures of soft‐rot bacteria have been determined. The cultures included organisms labelled Bacterium carotovorum, Boat, aroideae and Bact. phytophthorum. Their M.R. and V.‐P. reactions and ability to grow in citrate medium are not constant within the group. It is recommended that these organisms should be grouped primarily on the exclusive characteristics of soft‐rot production and pectate gel liquefaction and that they should not be included in the classification of the coli‐aerogenes bacteria proposed by the Society for Applied Bacteriology except in the form of an appendix.

Attention has been paid to a comparison of M.R. and V.‐P. reactions in O'Meara's fumarate medium and in the usual glucose‐phosphate broth. Though many more positive V.‐P. reactions are obtained in the fumarate medium, its exclusive use as a diagnostic test medium is not recommended, as it is so highly favourable to the accumulation of acetoin that it makes the test of less value as a means of differentiation.
A NOTE ON THE THERMODURIC BACTERIAL CONTENT OF FARM WATER SUPPLIES
Authors: THOMAS BLODWEN F. , JENKINS ELIN , THOMAS S. B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Significantly higher thermoduric colony counts were obtained when 5 ml. of water were laboratory pasteurized in 5 ml. of sterile milk or 2 ml. of water were pasteurized in 8 ml. of sterile milk, than when 10 ml. of water were directly pasteurized; 86% of the water samples had higher thermoduric counts after pasteurization in milk. Large differences were not common, only 19% of the ratios being over 5 and 5% over 10. Aerobic sporing rods were dominant in the thermoduric microflora irrespective of the method of pasteurization.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE MANOMETRIC ESTIMATION OF BACTERICIDAL ACTIVITY
Authors: HUGO W. B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The complexity of the action of certain phenolic bactericides on the metabolic activities of bacteria suggests that the interpretation of bactericidal action in terms of inhibition of a metabolic process may not always be justified. The action of cetyltrmethy lammonium bromide on the oxygen uptake of Bacterium coli on several substrates appears to be straightforward and able to be correlated with viability studies.
NIGHT BLUE AND VICTORIA BLUE AS INDICATORS IN LIPOLYSIS MEDIA
Authors: JONES AUDREY , RICHARDS T.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Optimum conditions for the use of night blue and victoria blue as lipolysis indicators in fat emulsion agar medium required a dye strenth of 1: 15,000 in a medium of pH 8·0 containing 5% fat dispersed by hand shaking. Pour plates should contain 6 ml. and streak plates 10 ml. of the medium in a standard Petri dish. Incubation should be for 5 days at 30°. The pinkish‐mauve medium with clear blue‐zoned lipolytic colonies gave the same results as butter fat agar without dye but treated with CuSo4, when tested with 962 pure cultures. The inhibitory powers of the dye were assessed and although strongly toxic in the aqueous phase to Gram‐positive bacteria, victoria blue appears to have none to slight inhibitory power in the fat agar medium: night blue suppressed growth to about the same extent as tributyrin. The lipolytic flora of butter and to some extent milk shows a remarkable dominance of micorcocci. Organisms lipolytic on fat agar media are able to produce appreciable acid in a fat emulsion in a liquid medium.
A NOTE ON THE USE OF DEHYDRATED MILK AGAR FOR BACTERIAL COUNTS ON RAW AND DRIED MILKS
Authors: HIGGINBOTTOM CONSTANCE
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The bacterial colony count of raw milk and of milk powder using milk agar prepared from a proprietary brand of the dehydrated medium has been compared with that obtained using the fresh medium prepared in the laboratory.

No significant difference was found in 17 milks which were examined using the roll‐tube technique and 8 replicates/medium but in a second series of 32 milks the plate count (3 replicates/medium) was significantly lower on the reconstituted than on the fresh medium.

Some milk powders gave a much lower plate count on the reconstituted medium, due to the inability of the latter to support adequate growth of Streptococcus thermophilus.
A COMPARISON OF 30° AND 37° AS INCUBATION TEMPERATURES IN THE PRESUMPTIVE COLIAEROGENES TEST FOR RAW AND PASTEURIZED MILK
Authors: MURRAY J. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Incubation at 30° and 37° for the presumptive coli‐aerogenes test for raw and pasterurized milk has been investigated. There were more positives at the lower temperature and it is suggested that in this test, incubation at 30° might provide a much better guide to the hygienic quality of both raw and pasterurized milk. The ability of the coli‐aerogenes bacteria studied to ferment lactose in MacConkey's broth at 30° but not at 37° was found to be a stable factor which was unchanged by prolonged storage on agar slopes at room temperature or on continued incubation in MacConkey's broth at temperatures above the optimum for lactose fermentation.
SPORULATING ANAEROBES ON ENGLISH FLAX
Authors: HELLINGER ESTHER
Published: March 2008

A microaerophilic plectridium identified as Clostridium pectinovorum, and Cl. butyricum, were the major sporulating organisms found on English flax. Both these organisms were non‐pectolytic and unable to ret flax. An orange pigmented anaerobe, identified as Cl. aurantibutyricum, was found as a minor organism, occurring on some samples only. This organism was remarkably pectolytic and an active retting agent. Bacillus polymyxa, which attacks pectin and is a moderately active retting agent in aerobic and anaerobic rets, was occasionally found. Cl. tertium, which has been reported on English flax and in flax rets, and is regarded as an active retting agent in aerated and non‐aerated rets, proved to be non‐pectolytic and showed no retting ability. It was identical with Cl. pectinovorum.
A VOLUMETRIC PLATINUM ‘LOOP’
Authors: BERRIDGE N. J.
Published: March 2008

A platinum cylinder is described which is capable of dispensing aseptically volumes of about 001 ml. with an error of less than ±10%. In special cases the errors rarely exceed ±1%.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE DISINFECTION OF HOSPITAL BLANKETS WITH QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS DURING LAUNDERING
Authors: STEINGOLD L. , WOOD J. H. F. , FINCH W. E.
Published: March 2008

A method of estimating the bacterial contamination of blankets by using a hair drier to blow filtered air through a fixed portion of a blanket on to an agar plate is described. Results obtained before and after various laundering treatments show evidence of adsorption of quaternary ammonium compounds from solution by blankets and the persistent antibacterial effect of this over several weeks against moist bacteria. It is suggested that the incorporation of these substances in the laundering technique would be a valuable contribution towards the elimination of hospital cross‐infection.
THE CHEMOTHERAPY OF RAT LEPROSY
Authors: CROSHAW BETTY
Published: March 2008

Various types of experimental infections with Mycobacterium lepraemurium, have been tried to assess their value in selecting drugs for use in human leprosy. Intraperitoneal infection of albino mice was selected as the most promising ‘screening’test. Of the drugs tested using this method only iso‐nicotinic acid hydrazide had any significant effect.
MARINE BACTERIA OF CARDIGAN BAY. II. BACTERIA IN ROCK POOLS
Authors: HUDLESTON MABYN
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Two pools of different characteristics were examined for bacterial content, marine and alien. Comparative monthly counts showed little consistency over the sampling periods and no definite seasonal variation. Temperature, pH and light had little direct influence. Chromogenic strains were few. Most marine bacteria were small Gram‐negative rods; a high proportion liquefied gelatin, but other biochemical reactions were weak.

The amount of dissolved oxygen increased with exposure of the pools but decreased in a third pool devoid of visible flora and fauna. All three pools showed a marked increase in marine bacterial content during intertidal exposure. The coli‐aerogenes organisms content was low and, as in the case of soil and fresh water, the strains showed no definite seasonal variation.
LABORATORY EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL SEMISOLID PHARMACEUTICALS
Authors: WALTERS A. H. , COUSINS CHRISTINA M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The laboratory evaluation of the disinfectant function of antibacterial semisolid pharmaceuticals (A.S.Ps.) by zone tests and a direct mixing time (D.M.T.) test is described. The factors which can influence the results of these tests are discussed. Zone tests applied to an A.S.P. may not indicate the degree of antibacterial potency; absence of growth inhibition zones does not necessarily mean no specific disinfectant function. Using similar A.S.Ps., zone tests were compared with D.M.T. tests; it is shown that parallel findings may not always be obtained. However, such tests usually provide a useful form of microbiological assay of the specific disinfectant function of an A.S.P. which can assist chemists in preparing new formulations. (Techniques for bacteriological evaluations of A.S.Ps. in actual practice are not included).
THE NORMAL INTESTINAL FLORA OF THE PIG II. QUANTITATIVE BACTERIOLOGICAL STUDIES
Authors: WILLINGALE JOAN M. , BRIGGS C. A. E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Faecal and caecal samples from normal pigs were examined and the factors causing variations in bacterial numbers investigated by a dilution count technique. The range of variation for viable counts of faeces from normal pigs was 1.0 × 108‐9.9 × 109/g and was in sufficiently close agreement with the results obtained with caecal contents to justify the use of faecal counts as an index of caecal numbers. The use of individually‐fed pigs instead of group‐fed pigs, with the consequent reduction of variations in environmental factors, appeared to reduce the variability of the counts. Changes in diet, either by incorporating grass meal or replacing all the animal protein by vegetable protein, did not affect the total numbers of organisms. The small variations in bacterial numbers regarded as significant by some of the earlier workers thus appear to be of little importance. Smears from high dilutions indicated that the predominant organisms were lactobacilli and streptococci; coli‐aerogenes types were present in smaller numbers.
A NOTE ON THE ENUMERATION OF SULPHATE‐REDUCING BACTERIA IN POLLUTED WATER AND ON THEIR INHIBITION BY CHROMATE
Authors: DRUMMOND J. P. M. , POSTGATE J. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A procedure for the estimation of sulphate‐reducing bacteria in the presence of greater numbers of cysteine‐decomposing bacteria is reported. Its application to an experiment on the control of nuisance during the wet tipping of domestic refuse showed that chromate is, in practice, a promising specific agent for preventing the nuisance caused by these bacteria.
SURVIVAL OF BACTERIUM COLI TYPE I AND STREPTOCOCCUS FAECALIS IN SOIL
Authors: CUTHBERT W. A. , PANES J. J. , HILL E. C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Differences have been noted in the numbers of excretal organisms isolated from water supplies coming from gathering grounds with soils of different types. Those from acid moorlands normally contained smaller numbers of Bact. coli type I than those from limestone areas, although the numbers of animals present in the areas were approximately the same.

The technique is described for a study of the effect of soils from these areas on the survival of excretal organisms. Incubation of samples of the soils after inoculation with Bact. coli type I and with Strep. faecalis has shown that both organisms will persist in the limestone soils for several weeks but die out in a few days in acid peat soils. When chalk is added to the acid soils both organisms were able to persist for several months. It is suggested that survival is largely governed by pH.
A QUANTITATIVE METHOD FOR ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF DISINFECTANTS AND CLEANING AGENTS ON BACTERIA DEPOSITED ON SURFACES
Authors: HIRSCH A. , MURAS ROSEMARY E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A test has been developed for evaluating disinfectant action on surfaces, which relies on the pH response of Strep. faecalis, since with this organism the pH of a buffered broth at the end of incubation depends on the weight of the inoculum, i.e. the numbers of organisms which survive.

The organisms are deposited as a wet film on the surface of small strips of tinned mild steel, which are dried and treated with the disinfectant. The strips are finally placed in tubes of media and, after incubation, the pH is measured.

The standardization of the different variables of the test are described. The condition of the test organism is particularly important: at the time the films are dried it must be in its stationary phase of growth, when the cells are homogeneous and more resistant to disinfectant action than during the logarithmic phase.

Incubation is terminated when the control tubes containing strips which had no disinfectant treatment have pH values averaging 5.50. Under these conditions, with hypochlorite a linear response over the range of 0–6 p/m available chlorine is generally obtained. Chlorine may therefore be used as a standard for comparison with other disinfectants.

As an example, the testing of a quaternary ammonium compound is described.
THE DETERMINATION OF COLI‐AEROGENES ORGANISMS IN RAW MILK BY SURFACE SMEARS ON DRIED EOSIN METHYLENE BLUE AGAR PLATES
Authors: GRIFFITHS D. G. , POWYS‐DAVIES ELUNED , THOMAS S. B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The determination of the coli‐aerogenes content of raw milk by smearing 0·1 or 0·2 ml of suitable dilutions on dried Levine's eosin methylene blue agar plates and incubating at 37° or 30°, was found too unselective as a routine technique. Only about two‐thirds of the colonies showing the characteristic appearance of coli‐aerogenes bacteria were confirmed as such by the formation of acid and gas in MacConkey's broth. Appreciable proportions of the numerous rose coloured colonies and of the very small dark colonies with metallic sheen, which are not considered to be coliaerogenes bacteria, formed acid and gas in MacConkey's broth.
ANAEROBES AS AN INDEX OF FAECAL POLLUTION IN WATER
Authors: WILLIS A. T.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Anaerobes were found to be widely distributed in the soil of the catchment area of a city water supply, and it is suggested that many of the anaerobes found in the water are derived from the soil. These organisms do not therefore provide a useful index of faecal pollution of water.
THE EFFECT OF WATER HARDNESS AND TEMPERATURE ON WATER STERILIZATION BY MIXTURES OF DETERGENTS AND QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS
Authors: COUSINS CHRISTINA M. , CLEGG L. F. L.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Six QAC detergent mixtures and the QACs alone were tested for bactericidal efficiency in hard and distilled water, using E. coli as test organism, contact times of 1, 2 and 5 min and temperatures of 5, 10 and 17°.

The efficiencies of the unformulated QACs were dissimilar. With all, 200 p/m in hard water was less efficient than 50 p/m in distilled water. The efficiencies of the QAC detergent mixtures were not related to that of the pure QAC, the efficiency of a QAC being increased by one detergent formulation and decreased by another. All materials were least efficient at 5°.
NILE BLUE, ANILINE BLUE AND NEUTRAL RED AS INDICATORS OF LIPOLYSIS
Authors: el SADEK G. M. , RICHARDS T.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Dyes which have been used to detect lipolysis (Nile Blue, Aniline Blue and Neutral Red) and others (Methylene Blue, Toluidine Blue and Thionin) were critically examined for their inhibitory effects in both liquid and solid media. It was confirmed that Nile Blue would inhibit the Gram‐positive bacteria tested, even at 2 × 10−5. Gram‐negative bacteria were not inhibited at 1 × 10−4 and the colour change in fat media was good. Aniline Blue and Neutral Red did not inhibit Gram‐positive organisms at 1 × 10−4 and the colour change was moderately good. The other three dyes were not toxic at 2·5 × 10−5, but there was no colour change. When butter fat saturated with the precipitated bases of Nile Blue, Basic Fuchsin, Crystal Violet or Malachite Green was incorporated in peptone‐Yeastrel agar, the resulting media were toxic to Gram‐positive bacteria. Fat saturated with the bases of Aniline Blue or Neutral Red permitted growth, but the colour change with lipolytic species was not striking, being one of intensity only. Satisfactory growth and colour changes were obtained using butter fat stained with the inert dye Waxolene Green in medium containing Neutral Red in the aqueous phase, and with butter fat stained with the oxazine base of Nile Blue in agar containing Aniline Blue.