bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Student Team Performance in Industry Sponsored Design Projects
Authors: Keefe M. , Glancey J. , Cloud N.
Published: June 2007

Although cooperative learning in a team setting is a common approach for integrating problem-based learning into undergraduate science and engineering, standard assessment tools do not exists to evaluate learning outcomes. As a result, novel techniques need to be developed to assess learning in team-based design projects. This paper describes the experiences and lessons learned in assessing student performance in team-based, project courses culminating in a senior capstone experience that integrates industry-sponsored design projects. A set of rubrics linked to the instructional objectives was developed that define and communicate expectations during each of three project phases. Rubrics for each phase incorporate three fundamental areas of team performance assessment: (i) synthesis of a valid concept; (ii) management of resources; and (iii) interpersonal interaction and communication. At the end of each phase, both the faculty and industry sponsor use the same rubric to assess student team performance. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the assessment data collected over the last 5 years indicated that student performance, measured by faculty grades and industry sponsor evaluations, was not significantly affected by the faculty advisor, project type, or sponsoring company size. These results are attributed primarily to the faculty focusing more on assessing student performance in executing the design process and less on the actual project results. The analysis also revealed that faculty assessments of student performance did not correlate very well with industry sponsor assessments. To address this, a revised set of evaluation rubrics were developed and are currently being used to better articulate expectations from both faculty and industrial sponsor perspectives.
Enhancing Design Research in the Context of Design Education
Authors: Agouridas Vassilis
Published: June 2007

Research into design theory and methodology is central to postgraduate design education. It has been widely acknowledged in the literature that a key activity in ensuring the quality of research in the area of design theory and methodology is to put particular emphasis on addressing both technical and social aspects that underpin the socio-technical nature of design research. In addition, this is requisite in linking design theory to design practice. However, explicit research methodologies that take into consideration both of these aspects, as well as explicitly address the issue of linking design theory to design practice, are scarce. The overall aim of this paper is to increase the awareness of stakeholders involved in design research education (e.g., master and doctoral students, faculty, and education planners), of the need to safeguard and assure the credibility and validity of design research outputs. The paper reviews issues and challenges associated with the use of research methodologies in the context of design theory and methodology research. It reports findings from the development, application, and evaluation of a research methodology based on hypothesis testing, action research, and case study research methodologies. Application and evaluation of the methodology showed that the introduced concepts of basis-of-action and course-of-action proved key elements in establishing intellectual frameworks for design research. Conclusions are drawn on the effectiveness of the methodology to address issues and challenges associated with the nature of design research, and on pedagogical benefits that can be gained from its application in postgraduate design research education.
An Industrial Case Study: Identification of Competencies of Design Engineers
Authors: Ahmed Saeema
Published: June 2007

This paper describes the findings from an empirical study carried out with engineers in senior roles within a large company manufacturing complex products. This research aimed to identify the types of knowledge that are important for design engineers. Twenty four knowledge categories were identified and the importance of these for design engineers in industry was investigated. In addition, the number of years of relevant experience required to become an expert in these types of knowledge was investigated. Knowledge related to the process was perceived as more important to those related to the product. However, the number of years to become an expert in process knowledge was found to be lower than for product knowledge, despite process knowledge being perceived as more important. The findings of this research contribute to the education and training of design engineers.
Barriers to Creativity in Engineering Education: A Study of Instructors and Students Perceptions
Authors: Kazerounian Kazem , Foley Stephany
Published: June 2007

This paper studies “creativity” in engineering education, by examining the perception of instructors and students. We aim to identify factors that impede a creative environment (creativity blockers). The study entails a review of established research in the fields of psychology and educational psychology to identify factors which create an educational environment conducive to creativity. These factors are formalized in the Ten Maxims of Creativity in Education, a set of criteria that constitute an educational environment conducive to fostering creativity in students. These maxims form the basis for our work in examining the contemporary engineering education. Extensive surveys are designed, created, distributed, and statistically quantified to study the perceptions of engineering educators and students, in comparison to nonengineering educators and students. The results unfortunately show that current engineering students experience almost none of the Ten Maxims of Creativity as part of their academic experiences.
Involvement of a Quorum-Sensing-Regulated Lipase Secreted by a Clinical Isolate of
Burkholderia glumae
in Severe Disease Symptoms in Rice
Authors: Devescovi Giulia , Bigirimana Joseph , Degrassi Giuliano , Cabrio Laura , LiPuma John J. , Kim Jinwoo , Hwang Ingyu , Venturi Vittorio
Published: June 2007

Burkholderia glumae
is an emerging rice pathogen in several areas around the world. Closely related
Burkholderia
species are important opportunistic human pathogens for specific groups of patients, such as patients with cystic fibrosis and patients with chronic granulomatous disease. Here we report that the first clinical isolate of
B. glumae
, strain AU6208, has retained its capability to be very pathogenic to rice. As previously reported for rice isolate
B. glumae
BGR1 (and also for the clinical isolate AU6208), TofI or TofR acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum sensing played a pivotal role in rice virulence. We report that AHL quorum sensing in
B. glumae
AU6208 regulates secreted LipA lipase and toxoflavin, the phytotoxin produced by
B. glumae. B. glumae
AU6208
lipA
mutants were no longer pathogenic to rice, indicating that the lipase is an important virulence factor. It was also established that type strain
B. glumae
ATCC 33617 did not produce toxoflavin and lipase and was nonpathogenic to rice. It was determined that in strain ATCC 33617 the LuxR family quorum-sensing sensor/regulator TofR was inactive. Introducing the
tofR
gene of
B. glumae
AU6208 in strain ATCC 33617 restored its ability to produce toxoflavin and the LipA lipase. This study extends the role of AHL quorum sensing in rice pathogenicity through the regulation of a lipase which was demonstrated to be a virulence factor. It is the first report of a clinical
B. glumae
isolate retaining strong rice pathogenicity and finally determined that
B. glumae
can undergo phenotypic conversion through a spontaneous mutation in the
tofR
regulator.
Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum
in Acidic Hot Springs in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Santos Ricardo , Fernandes João , Fernandes Nuno , Oliveira Fernanda , Cadete Manuela
Published: June 2007

Mycobacterium parascrofulaceum
was found in Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, in a system composed of two acidic (pH 3.0) springs with temperatures between 56°C at the source and 40°C at the confluence of both springs. Growth and survival assays at 56°C for 60 days were performed, confirming the origin of the strain.
Molecular Characterization and Evolution of Arthropod-Pathogenic
Rickettsiella
Bacteria
Authors: Cordaux Richard , Paces-Fessy Mélanie , Raimond Maryline , Michel-Salzat Alice , Zimmer Martin , Bouchon Didier
Published: June 2007

We determined the 16S rRNA gene sequences of three crustacean “
Rickettsiella armadillidii
” strains.
Rickettsiella
bacteria overall appear to form a monophyletic group that diverged from
Coxiella
bacteria ∼350 million years ago. Therefore, the genus
Rickettsiella
as a whole (not just
Rickettsiella grylli
) should be classified among the
Gammaproteobacteria
instead of the
Alphaproteobacteria
.
Parvibaculum lavamentivorans
DS-1
T
Degrades Centrally Substituted Congeners of Commercial Linear Alkylbenzenesulfonate to Sulfophenyl Carboxylates and Sulfophenyl Dicarboxylates
Authors: Schleheck David , Knepper Thomas P. , Eichhorn Peter , Cook Alasdair M.
Published: June 2007

Commercial linear alkylbenzenesulfonate (LAS) contains 20 congeners of linear alkanes (C
10
to C
13
) substituted subterminally with the 4-sulfophenyl moiety in any position from lateral to central.
Parvibaculum lavamentivorans
DS-1
T
degrades each of eight laterally substituted congeners [e.g., 2-(4-sulfophenyl)decane (2-C10-LAS); herein, compounds are named systematically by chain length (e.g., C
10
) and by the position of the substituent on the chain (e.g., position 2)] to a major sulfophenyl carboxylate [SPC; here 3-(4-sulfophenyl)butyrate (3-C4-SPC)] and two minor products, namely, the α,β-unsaturated SPC (SPC-2H, here 3-C4-SPC-2H) and the SPC+2C (here 5-C6-SPC) species (D. Schleheck, T. P. Knepper, K. Fischer, and A. M. Cook, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 70:4053-4063). The degradation of centrally substituted congeners by strain DS-1 was examined in this work. 5-C10-LAS yielded not only the predicted 4-C8-SPC, 4-C8-SPC-2H, and 6-C10-SPC (about 70% of products) but also sulfophenyl dicarboxylates (SPdC), i.e., C6-, C8-, and C10-SPdC. These were identified by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) after separation by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). ESI ion-trap MS and ESI-time of flight-MS were used to confirm the identities of key intermediates. Different mixtures of congeners obtained by separation of commercial LAS by HPLC were degraded, and the degradative products were compared. If a congener carried the sulfophenyl substituent on the 5, 6, or 7 position, SPdCs were formed as well as SPC, SPC-2H, and SPC+2C, whereas the substituent on the 2, 3, or 4 position yielded only SPC, SPC-2H, and SPC+2C. Some 50 products were generated from the 20 LAS congeners: 11 major SPCs, each with an SPC-2H and an SPC+2C (i.e., 33 SPC and SPC-2H species), and about 17 SPdC species. A large array of compounds, many in low quantities, is thus generated by
P. lavamentivorans
DS-1 during the degradation of commercial LAS.
Identification of Human-Pathogenic Strains of Shiga Toxin-Producing
Escherichia coli
from Food by a Combination of Serotyping and Molecular Typing of Shiga Toxin Genes
Authors: Beutin Lothar , Miko Angelika , Krause Gladys , Pries Karin , Haby Sabine , Steege Katja , Albrecht Nadine
Published: June 2007

We examined 219 Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) strains from meat, milk, and cheese samples collected in Germany between 2005 and 2006. All strains were investigated for their serotypes and for genetic variants of Shiga toxins 1 and 2 (Stx1 and Stx2).
stx
1
or variant genes were detected in 88 (40.2%) strains and
stx
2
and variants in 177 (80.8%) strains. Typing of
stx
genes was performed by
stx
-specific PCRs and by analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) of PCR products. Major genotypes of the Stx1 (
stx
1
,
stx
1c
, and
stx
1d
) and the Stx2 (
stx
2
,
stx
2d
,
stx
2-O118
,
stx
2e
, and
stx
2g
) families were detected, and multiple types of
stx
genes coexisted frequently in STEC strains. Only 1.8% of the STEC strains from food belonged to the classical enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
(EHEC) types O26:H11, O103:H2, and O157:H7, and only 5.0% of the STEC strains from food were positive for the
eae
gene, which is a virulence trait of classical EHEC. In contrast, 95 (43.4%) of the food-borne STEC strains carried
stx
2
and/or mucus-activatable
stx
2d
genes, an indicator for potential high virulence of STEC for humans. Most of these strains belonged to serotypes associated with severe illness in humans, such as O22:H8, O91:H21, O113:H21, O174:H2, and O174:H21.
stx
2
and
stx
2d
STEC strains were found frequently in milk and beef products. Other
stx
types were associated more frequently with pork (
stx
2e
), lamb, and wildlife meat (
stx
1c
). The combination of serotyping and
stx
genotyping was found useful for identification and for assignment of food-borne STEC to groups with potential lower and higher levels of virulence for humans.
Metal Ions May Suppress or Enhance Cellular Differentiation in
Candida albicans
and
Candida tropicalis
Biofilms
Authors: Harrison Joe J. , Ceri Howard , Yerly Jerome , Rabiei Maryam , Hu Yaoping , Martinuzzi Robert , Turner Raymond J.
Published: June 2007

Candida albicans
and
Candida tropicalis
are polymorphic fungi that develop antimicrobial-resistant biofilm communities that are characterized by multiple cell morphotypes. This study investigated cell type interconversion and drug and metal resistance as well as community organization in biofilms of these microorganisms that were exposed to metal ions. To study this,
Candida
biofilms were grown either in microtiter plates containing gradient arrays of metal ions or in the Calgary Biofilm Device for high-throughput susceptibility testing. Biofilm formation and antifungal resistance were evaluated by viable cell counts, tetrazolium salt reduction, light microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy in conjunction with three-dimensional visualization. We discovered that subinhibitory concentrations of certain metal ions (CrO
4
2−
, Co
2+
, Cu
2+
, Ag
+
, Zn
2+
, Cd
2+
, Hg
2+
, Pb
2+
, AsO
2
−
, and SeO
3
2−
) caused changes in biofilm structure by blocking or eliciting the transition between yeast and hyphal cell types. Four distinct biofilm community structure types were discerned from these data, which were designated “domed,” “layer cake,” “flat,” and “mycelial.” This study suggests that
Candida
biofilm populations may respond to metal ions to form cell-cell and solid-surface-attached assemblages with distinct patterns of cellular differentiation.
Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR for Transcriptional Expression Analysis of Virulence and Housekeeping Genes in Viable but NonculturableVibrio parahaemolyticusafter Recovery of Culturability
Authors: Coutard François , Lozach Solen , Pommepuy Monique , Hervio-Heath Dominique
Published: June 2007

A real-time reverse transcription-PCR method was developed to determine whether the recovery of culturability of viable but nonculturable (VBNC)Vibrio parahaemolyticusinduced the expression of virulence genes coding for the thermostable direct hemolysin and for type III secretion system 2 (TTSS2). The culturability of clinical strain Vp5 ofV. parahaemolyticusin artificial seawater at 4°C was monitored, and the VBNC state was obtained. One day after entry into the VBNC state, temperature upshifts to 20 and 37°C allowed the recovery of culturability. Standard curves for the relative quantification of expression of the housekeeping genesrpoS,pvsA,fur, andpvuA; thetdh2gene; and the TTSS2 genes (VPA1354, VPA1346, and VPA1342) were established. The levels of expression of thepvsAandpvuAgenes were stable and were used to normalize the levels of expression of the other genes. No transcriptional induction of the selected virulence genes under the temperature conditions used to recover the culturability of the VBNC bacteria was observed. The study results demonstrate that the recovery of culturability of VBNC cells of pathogenicV. parahaemolyticusis restricted to regrowth, without correlation with the induction of virulence gene expression. Disease induction would depend mainly on host-pathogen interactions that allow the expression of the virulence genes. This is the first time that the use of mRNA to detect viable cells was evaluated by computing the half-lives of multiple mRNA species under conditions inducing the VBNC state.
Phylogeography of the Thermophilic CyanobacteriumMastigocladus laminosus
Authors: Miller Scott R. , Castenholz Richard W. , Pedersen Deana
Published: June 2007

We have taken a phylogeographic approach to investigate the demographic and evolutionary processes that have shaped the geographic patterns of genetic diversity for a sample of isolates of the cosmopolitan thermophilic cyanobacterialMastigocladus laminosusmorphotype collected from throughout most of its range. AlthoughM. laminosusis found in thermal areas throughout the world, our observation that populations are typically genetically differentiated on local geographic scales suggests the existence of dispersal barriers, a conclusion corroborated by evidence for genetic isolation by distance. Genealogies inferred using nitrogen metabolism gene sequence data suggest that a significant amount of the extant global diversity ofM. laminosuscan be traced back to a common ancestor associated with the western North American hot spot currently located below Yellowstone National Park. Estimated intragenic recombination rates are comparable to those of pathogenic bacteria known for their capacity to exchange DNA, indicating that genetic exchange has played an important role in generating novel variation duringM. laminosusdiversification. Selection has constrained protein changes at loci involved in the assimilation of both dinitrogen and nitrate, suggesting the historic use of both nitrogen sources in this heterocystous cyanobacterium. Lineage-specific differences in thermal performance were also observed.
Quorum Sensing in
Escherichia coli
Is Signaled by AI-2/LsrR: Effects on Small RNA and Biofilm Architecture
Authors: Li Jun , Attila Can , Wang Liang , Wood Thomas K. , Valdes James J. , Bentley William E.
Published: June 2007

The regulatory network for the uptake of
Escherichia coli
autoinducer 2 (AI-2) is comprised of a transporter complex, LsrABCD; its repressor, LsrR; and a cognate signal kinase, LsrK. This network is an integral part of the AI-2 quorum-sensing (QS) system. Because LsrR and LsrK directly regulate AI-2 uptake, we hypothesized that they might play a wider role in regulating other QS-related cellular functions. In this study, we characterized physiological changes due to the genomic deletion of
lsrR
and
lsrK
. We discovered that many genes were coregulated by
lsrK
and
lsrR
but in a distinctly different manner than that for the
lsr
operon (where LsrR serves as a repressor that is derepressed by the binding of phospho-AI-2 to the LsrR protein). An extended model for AI-2 signaling that is consistent with all current data on AI-2, LuxS, and the LuxS regulon is proposed. Additionally, we found that both the quantity and architecture of biofilms were regulated by this distinct mechanism, as
lsrK
and
lsrR
knockouts behaved identically. Similar biofilm architectures probably resulted from the concerted response of a set of genes including
flu
and
wza
, the expression of which is influenced by
lsrRK
. We also found for the first time that the generation of several small RNAs (including DsrA, which was previously linked to QS systems in
Vibrio harveyi
) was affected by LsrR. Our results suggest that AI-2 is indeed a QS signal in
E. coli
, especially when it acts through the transcriptional regulator LsrR.
A Genomic View of Sugar Transport inMycobacterium smegmatisandMycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Titgemeyer Fritz , Amon Johannes , Parche Stephan , Mahfoud Maysa , Bail Johannes , Schlicht Maximilian , Rehm Nadine , Hillmann Dietmar , Stephan Joachim , Walter Britta , Burkovski Andreas , Niederweis Michael
Published: June 2007

We present a comprehensive analysis of carbohydrate uptake systems of the soil bacteriumMycobacterium smegmatisand the human pathogenMycobacterium tuberculosis. Our results show thatM. smegmatishas 28 putative carbohydrate transporters. The majority of sugar transport systems (19/28) inM. smegmatisbelong to the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter family. In contrast to previous reports, we identified genes encoding all components of the phosphotransferase system (PTS), including permeases for fructose, glucose, and dihydroxyacetone, inM. smegmatis. It is anticipated that the PTS ofM. smegmatisplays an important role in the global control of carbon metabolism similar to those of other bacteria.M. smegmatisfurther possesses one putative glycerol facilitator of the major intrinsic protein family, four sugar permeases of the major facilitator superfamily, one of which was assigned as a glucose transporter, and one galactose permease of the sodium solute superfamily. Our predictions were validated by gene expression, growth, and sugar transport analyses. Strikingly, we detected only five sugar permeases in the slow-growing speciesM. tuberculosis, two of which occur inM. smegmatis. Genes for a PTS are missing inM. tuberculosis. Our analysis thus brings the diversity of carbohydrate uptake systems of fast- and a slow-growing mycobacteria to light, which reflects the lifestyles ofM. smegmatisandM. tuberculosisin their natural habitats, the soil and the human body, respectively.
Escherichia coliMalic Enzymes: Two Isoforms with Substantial Differences in Kinetic Properties, Metabolic Regulation, and Structure
Authors: Bologna Federico P. , Andreo Carlos S. , Drincovich María F.
Published: June 2007

Malic enzymes (MEs) catalyze the oxidative decarboxylation of malate in the presence of a divalent metal ion. In eukaryotes, well-conserved cytoplasmic, mitochondrial, and plastidic MEs have been characterized. On the other hand, distinct groups can be detected among prokaryotic MEs, which are more diverse in structure and less well characterized than their eukaryotic counterparts. InEscherichia coli, two genes with a high degree of homology to ME can be detected:sfcAandmaeB. MaeB possesses a multimodular structure: the N-terminal extension shows homology to ME, while the C-terminal extension shows homology to phosphotransacetylases (PTAs). In the present work, a detailed characterization of the products ofE. colisfcAandmaeBwas performed. The results indicate that the two MEs exhibit relevant kinetic, regulatory, and structural differences. SfcA is a NAD(P) ME, while MaeB is a NADP-specific ME highly regulated by key metabolites. Characterization of truncated versions of MaeB indicated that the PTA domain is not essential for the ME reaction. Nevertheless, truncated MaeB without the PTA domain loses most of its metabolic ME modulation and its native oligomeric state. Thus, the association of the two structural domains in MaeB seems to facilitate metabolic control of the enzyme. Although the PTA domain in MaeB is highly similar to the domains of proteins with PTA activity, MaeB and its PTA domain do not exhibit PTA activity. Determination of the distinct properties of recombinant products ofsfcAandmaeBperformed in the present work will help to clarify the roles of MEs in prokaryotic metabolism.
Coupling of Fatty Acid and Phospholipid Synthesis in
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Paoletti Luciana , Lu Ying-Jie , Schujman Gustavo E. , de Mendoza Diego , Rock Charles O.
Published: June 2007

plsX
(acyl-acyl carrier protein [ACP]:phosphate acyltransferase),
plsY
(
yneS
) (acyl-phosphate:glycerol-phosphate acyltransferase), and
plsC
(
yhdO
) (acyl-ACP:1-acylglycerol-phosphate acyltransferase) function in phosphatidic acid formation, the precursor to membrane phospholipids. The physiological functions of these genes was inferred from their in vitro biochemical activities, and this study investigated their roles in gram-positive phospholipid metabolism through the analysis of conditional knockout strains in the
Bacillus subtilis
model system. The depletion of PlsX led to the cessation of both fatty acid synthesis and phospholipid synthesis. The inactivation of PlsY also blocked phospholipid synthesis, but fatty acid formation continued due to the appearance of acylphosphate intermediates and fatty acids arising from their hydrolysis. Phospholipid synthesis ceased following PlsC depletion, but fatty acid synthesis continued at a high rate, leading to the accumulation of fatty acids arising from the dephosphorylation of 1-acylglycerol-3-P followed by the deacylation of monoacylglycerol. Analysis of glycerol 3-P acylation in
B. subtilis
membranes showed that PlsY was an acylphosphate-specific acyltransferase, whereas PlsC used only acyl-ACP as an acyl donor. PlsX was found in the soluble fraction of disrupted cells but was associated with the cell membrane in intact organisms. These data establish that PlsX is a key enzyme that coordinates the production of fatty acids and membrane phospholipids in
B. subtilis
.
GENERALIZED CYTOMEGALIC INCLUSION-BODY DISEASE ASSOCIATED WITH PNEUMOCYSTIS PNEUMONIA IN ADULTS
Authors: Symmers W. St. C.
Published: June 2007

Three cases of generalized cytomegalic inclusion-body disease (salivary virus disease) in adults are reported, bringing the number of published cases up to 34. The infection is very rare in adults although well known in infants. As is often found in infants with this disease, pneumonia due toPneumocystis cariniiwas also present in each case.

The first patient had Wegener's granulomatosis, which presented with acute otitis media: a review of histological material obtained at mastoidectomy eight weeks before death showed that inclusion-body cytomegaly was already present then. Various antibiotics and prednisolone were given, and the lesions in the respiratory organs and the arteritis healed to a considerable extent. Renal failure, however, was progressive and led to death.

The second patient had thrombotic purpura and died after a few weeks' illness, during which oxytetracycline and hydrocortisone were given. Congenital absence of the spleen was found at laparotomy, which was performed with the object of doing a splenectomy. Focal cryptococcal pneumonia was presentpost mortem: six years before death a solitary cryptococcal granuloma of one lung had been treated by lobectomy.

The third patient had had Hodgkin's disease for 18 years. During the first 12 years the disease had the characteristics of the so-called indolent form (“Hodgkin's paragranuloma”) and it then passed into the typical form. Deepx-ray therapy and cytotoxic drugs were used during the course of the disease at various times, and streptomycin and tuberculostatic drugs were given because of intercurrent tuberculous meningitis which developed three months before death.

In all three cases it seems likely that the underlying disease, or the drugs used in its treatment, predisposed to cytomegalic inclusion-body disease and concomitant pneumocystis pneumonia by lowering the patients' resistance. Just as some unusual types of fungal and bacterial infections have become less rare since the introduction of certain drugs, including antibiotics and steroids, it is possible that cytomegalic inclusion-body disease and pneumocystis infection may also be met with oftener in adults, perhaps particularly as a complication of the use of these drugs in the treatment of diseases which are specially liable to interfere with the body's defences.
THE PATHOLOGY OF ASTHMA, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CHANGES IN THE BRONCHIAL MUCOSA
Authors: Dunnill M. S.
Published: June 2007

The pathological features of 20 cases dying in status asthmaticus have been studied. In gross sections the lungs showed no emphysema, but mucus plugs in the air passages and focal areas of collapse were outstanding features. Five cases showed cystic bronchiectasis which was of a similar distribution to the focal areas of collapse, occurring in the upper lobes as commonly as in the lower lobes.

Histologically, shedding of the ciliated bronchial mucosal cells was prominent and this is attributed to a transudation of oedema fluid from the submucosa. Areas of regeneration of the mucosa, with the presence of simple stratified epithelium, were seen frequently. The loss of the ciliated respiratory epithelium and the transudation of oedema fluid into the bronchial lumen, with interference with the action of the remaining ciliated cells, are considered to be the essential factors in the failure of clearance of the bronchial secretions in asthma. It is postulated that bronchospasm plays little or no part in the shedding of the bronchial mucosa or in the pathogenesis of the asthmatic attack.
FLOCCULATION TESTS IN HYDATID DISEASE
Authors: Fischman A.
Published: June 2007

A new serological technique of diagnosing human hydatid disease, employing polystyrene latex particles coated with hydatid cyst fluid, and a modified technique using bentonite particles are described.

Comparison of the latex test with the complement-fixation test performed on 102 sera has shown a total agreement of 98% and an agreement of 93.1% in the positive specimens. The bentonite test and the complement-fixation test performed on 126 sera have shown a total agreement of 97.6% and an agreement of 90.1% in the positive specimens.

Both flocculation tests are simpler to perform than the complement-fixation test. They are specific, and sensitivity closely parallels that of the complement-fixation test, with 6.9% and 6.1% of the positive specimens showing higher sensitivity in the latex and bentonite tests respectively. The bentonite test was less sensitive than the complement-fixation test in one case. None of the latex tests showed less sensitivity.

The antibody active in the latex test has been demonstrated in a γ globulin fraction of the antiserum. Some differences in the behaviour of flocculating and complement-fixing properties of sera are discussed.
THE INVESTIGATION OF LIPOPROTEINS IN LYMPH AND OTHER BODY FLUIDS BY PAPER ELECTROPHORESIS
Authors: Dangerfield W. G. , Smith Elspeth B. , Kinmonth J. B. , Taylor G. W.
Published: June 2007

The protein and lipid electrophoresis patterns of lymph and various body fluids have been examined. Chylous fluids produce a characteristic lipid pattern with a dense deposit at the origin and a lipid trail. The value of centrifuging turbid fluids at high speed before electrophoresis is stressed.
TRUE GLUCOSE CONTENT OF LUMBAR AND VENTRICULAR CEREBROSPINAL FLUID
Authors: Marks Vincent
Published: June 2007

Glucose levels in 154 random specimens of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid, normal as regards cell and protein content, were estimated by the glucose-oxidase method and a mean value of 60.5 mg./100 ml. (S.D. 7.3) was obtained.

In 33 fasting patients subject to air encephalography the mean cerebrospinal fluid (C.S.F.) glucose level was 56.5 mg., and mean blood glucose level 65.5 mg. with an average C.S.F. glucose: blood glucose ratio of 0.85.
STANDARD BARIUM SULPHATE SUSPENSIONS
Authors: Boyd J. F. , Sommerville J. W.
Published: June 2007

It has been shown that the state of the volumetric flask, the order of mixing the reagents, and the temperature of the reaction are important influences on the optical density readings of standard barium sulphate suspensions. The rate of mixing the reagents does not appear to be important.

A reproducible method for preparing a standard barium sulphate suspension with an optical density equivalent to 100 mg. protein per 100 ml. is described.
A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF RED CELL AND PLASMA VOLUME TECHNIQUES IN PATIENTS WITH BURNS
Authors: Davies J. W. L.
Published: June 2007

From the results in 110 patients, in whom 207 red cell volume estimations were made at various times after burning using either51Cr-,32P-, or Group NN-labelled cells, and 17 plasma volume estimations on the same patients using either T-1824-or131I-labelled albumin, it is concluded that: [List: see text]
THE RELATIONSHIP OF SERUM GAMMA-GLOBULIN CONCENTRATION TO MALARIA AND SICKLING
Authors: Edozien J. C. , Boyo A. E. , Morley D. C.
Published: June 2007

The serum protein patterns of groups of Nigerians including 98 children partially protected by “daraprim” against malaria, and 113 unprotected children, have been studied.

The protected children have a significantly lower concentration of serum γ globulin than the unprotected children from the age of 12 months onwards.

In children, sicklers have a significantly higher serum γ globulin than non-sicklers.

It is suggested that sickling protects against malaria by enhancing the antibody response against the malaria parasite.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE UPTAKE OF LISSAMINE GREEN BY SERUM PROTEINS
Authors: Brackenridge C. J.
Published: June 2007

Eight physicochemical factors which affect the uptake of lissamine green on filter paper impregnated with serum proteins have been examined, and their relevance to the staining of electrophoretically separated protein fractions is discussed. It is shown that grade of paper, weight of protein applied, separate and combined denaturation and staining time, temperature and concentration of staining solution, concentration of denaturant, and type of protein all influence the weight of dye absorbed per unit weight of applied protein, and must be rigidly standardized if valid quantitative results are to be obtained.

Five sets of conditions are obtained for optimal staining and it is found that separation of denaturant from dye yields the best procedure. It is concluded that lissamine green is an excellent dye for the staining and quantitative estimation of separated protein fractions in paper electrophoresis, and that conditions can usually be arranged to produce a linear relation between dye uptake and protein concentration in an experimentally efficient manner.
A SIMPLE AND RAPID METHOD FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS DETERMINATION OF CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM FROM THE SAME SAMPLE OF BLOOD SERUM
Authors: Kovács G. S. , Tárnoky K. E.
Published: June 2007

A simple and rapid procedure has been developed for the complexometric titration of serum calcium and magnesium using “plasmocorinth B” as indicator. Both determinations can be carried out from the same 0.5 ml. sample. The method is in good agreement with the established calcium and magnesium methods.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE EFFECT OF MAGNESIUM ON BLOOD COAGULATION
Authors: Huntsman R. G. , Hurn B. A. L. , Lehmann H.
Published: June 2007

Previous observations on the effect of oral magnesium and peptone on thrombin generation time are examined. The smallest amounts of magnesium and peptone regularly producing a significant shift demonstrable after one hour are 0.25 g. magnesium and 15 g. peptone.

The oral effect can be reproduced by the intravenous injection of magnesium. The minimum amount required is 50 mg. The effect is transient, and after 30 minutes can no longer be demonstrated.

Amounts of magnesium of the same order as those acting on intravenous injection can produce a shift of thrombin generation timein vitro.This action of magnesiumin vitrocan be antagonized by the addition of calcium.
INCREASED MITOTIC ACTIVITY IN THE LIVER AND OTHER ORGANS IN A CASE OF ACUTE RENAL TUBULAR NECROSIS
Authors: Simson I. W. , Pepler W. J.
Published: June 2007

A case is presented in which numerous mitotic figures were found in the liver, pancreas, and adrenal glands of a patient who died in uraemia due to acute tubular necrosis.

The possibilities of the failure of excretion of a waste product acting as a stimulus to mitosis, or that a mitotic stimulant is released from the acutely ischaemic kidney, are suggested.
THE POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ANTI-HEPARIN ACTIVITY OF SERUM AND THROMBOSIS
Authors: Poller L.
Published: June 2007

Stored serum reduces the anticoagulant effect of heparin on the clotting times of normal plasma. This is also well marked with sera from patients with Christmas (factor IX) deficiency, with factor VII-deficient sera, and in sera derived from patients treated with phenindione with a gross defect in thromboplastin generation. The possible relationship between antiheparin activity of serum and heparin resistance in recent thrombosis is discussed. The antiheparin agent resembles factor VII and Christmas factor in being present in excess in serum, adsorbed and subsequently eluted from alumina. Unlike these, however, it does not appear to be appreciably reduced by phenindione treatment. It appears to have some properties in common with those described for the thrombotic agent of serum described by Wessler and his colleagues. It may play a part in the increased coagulability associated with thrombosis from the release of serum products into the circulation, although its relationship to the production of thrombosis in man remains to be established.
CHROMOBLASTOMYCOSIS SIMULATING RHINOSPORIDIOSIS IN A PATIENT FROM CEYLON
Authors: Symmers W. St. C.
Published: June 2007

A case of chromoblastomycosis confined to the mucous membrane of one side of the nasal septum is reported. The organism was not cultivated, but its characteristics in histological preparations were typical of those of the organisms in sections of cutaneous lesions known to be caused byPhialophora pedrosoiand related fungi. The diagnosis is considered to have been justified in spite of the great rarity of mucosal involvement in chromoblastomycosis and of the complete absence of lesions in the skin.

The patient was a Sinhalese student working in London. He had first noticed the lesion before he left Ceylon, but the symptoms of nasal obstruction and bleeding were not sufficient to make him seek medical advice until two years later. If it is correct to assume that he contracted the infection in Ceylon his case is only the second on record in which there has been reason to suggest that Ceylon has been the geographical source of chromoblastomycosis.

The lesion was excised and its site cauterized. There has been no sign of recurrence of the infection during the two years that have passed since the operation.
THE HAEMAGGLUTINATION TEST FOR TOXOPLASMA ANTIBODIES
Authors: Mitchell R. G. , Green C. A.
Published: June 2007

Four hundred and forty-six patients' sera from a hospital blood transfusion department in Newcastle were examined for toxoplasma antibodies by a haemagglutination test.

Forty per cent. of the sera gave positive reactions, and an increase in the percentage of positive sera was found with increasing age, rising to over 60% at the age of 70 and over. A wide range of titres was demonstrated amongst positive cases, the highest titres approaching those obtained in two cases of active toxoplasmosis.

In a separate survey, no quantitative agreement was found between dye test titres and haemagglutination titres.
GASTRIC PROTEOLYSIS IN DISEASE
Authors: Taylor W. H.
Published: June 2007

Resting gastric juice and extracts of uninvaded gastric mucosa from the stomachs of patients with gastric adenocarcinomata digest plasma protein with either two or three maxima belowpH 5. Egg albumen is digested with one or two maxima belowpH 5, for the maximum found nearpH 3.5 with plasma protein is absent. These properties do not differ significantly from those described in normal subjects.

Extracts of gastric adenocarcinomatous tissue from the same patients differ in that plasma protein is digested with only one maximum, atpH 3.2 to 3.4, and egg albumen is not digested at all.

The proteinase activity of the carcinomatous tissue probably arises from adenocarcinomatous cells and not from invaded muscle cells or reactive fibrous tissue.

These results could be explained either (a) if gastric adenocarcinomatous cells synthesized a quite different proteinase from those of normal gastric mucosa, or (b) if they synthesized a proteinase, which resembled those of normal mucosa in possessing the active centre responsible for maximal activity nearpH 3.5 but in which the centre or centres responsible for maximal activity belowpH 3, were missing.
ANTI-GAMMA-GLOBULIN CONSUMPTION TEST IN HASHIMOTO'S DISEASE
Authors: Field E. J. , Ridley A.
Published: June 2007

A simple anti-gamma-globulin consumption test for use in suspected Hashimoto's disease is described. Results in cases with positive and negative tanned red-cell tests are described.
DIAGNOSTIC DIFFICULTIES IN MILD HAEMOPHILIA AND CHRISTMAS DISEASE
Authors: Fessey Barbara M. , Meynell M. J. , Cooke W. T.
Published: June 2007

Two cases of haemorrhagic diathesis are described, where the laboratory diagnosis was confused owing to previous blood transfusions.

Without the help of investigating the relatives, the nephew of Case 1, the haemophiliac, and the uncle of Case 2, with Christmas disease, there would have been considerable delay in reaching the diagnosis and so instituting the correct treatment.
PARATHYROID ADENOMA WITH MISLEADING PHOSPHATE EXCRETION TESTS
Authors: Morgan H. G. , Stewart W. K. , Grieve J.
Published: June 2007

A patient with primary hyperparathyroidism is described in whom, pre-operatively, the renal tubular handling of phosphate was within the limits accepted by recent writers as normal. The tests they advocate were, therefore, shown to be unreliable in this disease. The hypercalcaemia of primary hyperparathyroidism is one type of hypercalcaemia that is apparently not reduced to normal after the administration of an adequate dosage of cortisone. In our patient, such a “cortisone-fast” finding is documented, and was a valuable aid in the decision to operate.
Control of infection in hospital wards
Authors: Blowers Robert
Published: June 2007

Some of the problems of ward management are reviewed. Methods suggested for dealing with them are probably not the ideals that should ultimately be attained but minimum standards to serve as immediate objectives. They concern indications for and methods of isolation, control of infection from staff, environmental contamination, and a few technical procedures. A new type of dressing towel for wounds is described.
Chemical disinfection in the prevention of infection in hospital
Authors: Gillespie W. A.
Published: June 2007

Much cross-infection can be prevented by using chemical disinfectants to reduce the numbers of pathogens in sources such as superficial lesions and carrier sites, and by interrupting routes of spread. Examples are given to show the value of using disinfectants in the light of epidemiological knowledge.
Disinfection of bedpans
Authors: Darmady E. M. , Hughes K. E. A. , Jones J. D. , Prince D. , Verdon Patricia
Published: June 2007

A standard dish-washing machine fitted with an automatic cycle has been used to clean and disinfect bedpans. Visual and bacteriological examinations have shown that the machine produces superior and more reliable results than in trials of bedpans submitted to previously described methods.
Disinfection of hospital blankets with synthetic phenolic compounds
Authors: Larkin I. M. , Bridson E. Y. , Grieve W. S. M. , Gibson J. W.
Published: June 2007

A cheap method by which hospital blankets may be effectively disinfected (approximately 3d. per blanket) is described. A recommendation is made that blankets from the patients' beds be divided into: `socially dirty' blankets to be laundered, possibly at infrequent intervals; and `socially clean' blankets to be disinfected frequently. The wide range of a synthetic phenolic compound is described. This substance is effective against all the common pathogenic bacteria in the presence of organic matter, anionic, or cationic detergents. Details are given of laboratory trials with this method of disinfection and of pilot trials at the Group hospital laundry. The recommended method is simpler and takes less time than ordinary washing.
The cytology of gastric mucosa
Authors: Richards W. C. D. , Spriggs A. I.
Published: June 2007

Smears and sections were obtained from various labelled points on the mucosal surface of 25 freshly-excised stomachs, and the appearances were compared. Normal gastric mucosa, intestinal metaplasia, chronic gastritis, and carcinoma could generally be identified from the smears. In a few smears from the edge of peptic ulcers there were abnormal cells which might cause confusion with carcinoma. Conversely, tumour cells were seen which would be very hard to diagnose with certainty on cytological grounds.
The application ofx-ray diffraction and electron microscopy to the study of human peripheral nerve obtained by biopsy
Authors: Finean J. B. , Woolf A. L.
Published: June 2007

Human peripheral nerves obtained by biopsy from patients suffering from neuromuscular disorders have been studied byx-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Few abnormal diffraction patterns have yet been recorded and their significance is not yet established. Electron micrographs have revealed wide variations in the numbers of myelinated fibres included in the nerve trunks and have facilitated a detailed study of the Schwann cell-axon relationships in the large numbers of unmyelinated fibres always present. Some indications of demyelination have been encountered.
A haemagglutination test for anti-Panton-Valentine leucocidin in serum: an interim report on 200 cases
Authors: Towers A. G.
Published: June 2007

The test is an application of the method originally described by Boyden (1951) and adapted by Stavitsky and Arquilla (1958). Sera which contain anti-Panton-Valentine leucocidin agglutinate the prepared red cells, often to a very high dilution, and this has provided a useful serological test for the diagnosis of staphylococcal disease in orthopaedic lesions. The test is quicker as a routine investigation than the bioscopic method previously described by Towers and Gladstone (1958).
Quantitative determination of haemoglobin A2using paper electrophoresis
Authors: Ibbotson R. N. , Crompton B. A.
Published: June 2007

A quantitative paper electrophoresis method for the separation of haemoglobins A and A2is described. The possible sources of error and the accuracy of the method have been investigated. The normal range for haemoglobin A2by this method is 1·3% to 4·3% of the total haemoglobin concentration. Good clinical correlation has so far been obtained.
The relationship to age and cerebral vascular accidents of fibrin and fibrinolytic activity
Authors: Hume R.
Published: June 2007

Three `normal' groups of people—young, middle-aged, and old—have been investigated with regard to the fibrin content and fibrinolytic activity of the blood. The fourth group consisted of middle-aged people who had previously sustained a cerebral vascular accident matched statistically for age with the middle-aged normals. It was concluded that fibrin increases with age but there is an interaction between age and sex, the female having a higher level in the young group and the male a higher level in the middle-aged group. There was no sex difference in the levels of fibrin in the old age group. Fibrinolytic activity increases with age and there is a positive correlation between fibrin and fibrinolytic activity but no age-sex interaction. Those with cerebral vascular accidents tended to have higher fibrin levels and lower fibrinolytic activity but the differences were not statistically significant. There did, however, appear to be an increase in antifibrinolytic activity in the cerebral vascular group.
A clinicopathological study of benign Hodgkin's disease
Authors: Dawson P. J. , Harrison C. V.
Published: June 2007

A series of 44 cases of benign Hodgkin's disease is reported. The condition occurs most commonly between the ages of 15 and 35 years and affects men more often than women. The presenting symptom is painless lymphadenopathy, frequently in the neck, and often confined to a single group of nodes. The histological features are the presence of Sternberg-Reed cells in a back-ground of mature lymphocytes intermingled with a small number of reticulum cells. Mitotic figures are usually present only in the Sternberg-Reed cells. The prognosis is good; 93% of cases survive five years and 85% 10 years. About one-quarter of the cases show transition to classical Hodgkin's disease after a period of five or more years and die with widely disseminated Hodgkin's disease. Biopsy-excision followed by radiotherapy is the treatment of choice.