bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies of the X Strain (Dyer) of Rickettsia Burneti
Authors: Burnet F. M. , Freeman Mavis
Published: January 2023

The X strain (Dyer) of Rickettsia burneti can be grown on the chorioallantois of the developing hen's egg. The most active proliferation occurs in young embryos (seven to nine days old at the time of inoculation) and in these the infected membrane shows numerous vacuolated ectodermal cells containing large numbers of rickettsiae. On twelve-day embryos focal lesions are produced, and pock-counting titrations can be made. There is no reduction in focal counts under the influence of serum known to contain specific antibody. Egg-membrane material is more highly virulent for guinea pigs than mouse-spleen virus containing similar numbers of rickettsiae. This higher virulence is ascribed to the absence of antibody production in the chick-embryo.
Studies of the X Strain (Dyer) of Rickettsia Burneti
Authors: Burnet F. M. , Freeman Mavis
Published: January 2023

Fatal infections of guinea pigs with the X rickettsia can be produced with regularity if a large enough dose is given. Enormous numbers of rickettsiae are present in the tissues of guinea pigs dying from the infection within twelve days. Guinea pigs of standard size (around 250 g) give more regular febrile responses than younger or older animals. The administration of immune serum with rickettsiae reduces or annuls the febrile response, but in all instances the animals used are completely immune to a subsequent test-injection. Killed rickettsiae can be used to produce a substantial immunity in guinea pigs. With a single small dose a subsequent immunity-test may result in a modified febrile reaction. The inoculation of guinea pigs with rickettsiae treated with sodium lauryl sulphate solution gives rise to responses closely resembling those obtained with serum-rickettsiae mixtures.
Electrophoretic and Ultracentrifugal Analyses of Antipneumococcal Horse Sera
Authors: van der Scheer J. , Lagsdin J. B. , Wyckoff Ralph W. G.
Published: January 2023

Ultracentrifugal and electrophoretic analyses have been made of a number of antipneumococcal horse sera and concentrates obtained from different sources. The antibody has been found associated with a heavy globulin component which is apparently the same in all the sera examined. No evidence was found for lighter pneumococcal antibodies. In all but one instance antibody activity has resided only in the electrophoretic γ-globulin. In this exceptional serum, drawn from a horse which had just begun to furnish antibody, the activity was found in a new component, T′, intermediate between the γ globulin and the T-component that characterizes horse antitoxic sera. It could not be determined whether or not this new component would persist with prolonged hyperimmunization.
Optical Study of the Reaction between Transferred Monolayers of Lancefield's “M” Substance and Various Antisera
Authors: Bateman J. B. , Calkins H. E. , Chambers L. A.
Published: January 2023

The Blodgett-Langmuir method has been adapted to the approximate determination of the extent to which reactive sites on a plane surface become occupied by molecules of a dissolved reactant, certain simplifying assumptions, based on experimental observation, being made as to the thickness of the adsorbed layer.

The method in this modified form has been used in a study of the reaction between transferred monolayers of Lancefield's “M” substance and various antisera. It is pointed out that the experimental conditions are characterized by the absence of the complicating secondary effects essential to most immunological observations.

By varying the method of preparation, monolayers of “M” of varying thickness can be obtained. Even the thinnest of these, in which the surface-degradation of the molecules has been most complete, are capable of reacting specifically with the homologous serum. Certain cross-reactions with other antistreptococcal sera have been observed, and also the reaction of mixed monolayers of “M” and egg-albumin.

The rate of deposition of antibody has been studied semiquantitatively. The time required for half the active surface of “M” to become occupied by antibody-molecules varies from 5 minutes for whole serum to 30 minutes for 1:300 serum at room-temperature. The initial state of the process has been described approximately by an equation based on the assumption that the rate of reaction is proportional to the number of unoccupied reactive sites. The value of the velocity-constant thus obtained increases with the dilution of antiserum used. Accompanying this increase in velocity constant is a considerable decrease in the thickness of the deposited layer of antibody, which varies from about 150 Å for whole serum to 55 Å for 1/300 serum. A limiting value somewhat less than 50 Å is probably approached at greater dilutions of serum.

Variation in velocity-constant and thickness of the deposited antibody-layer with dilution may be attributed either to the dissociation of molecular aggregates of antibody upon dilution, or to differences in the orientation of antibody-molecules at the active surface. The available evidence appears to favor the latter hypothesis.

The sensitivity of the optical method is such as to permit the detection of antibody-concentrations of about 4 × 10−7 g/ml in the system under discussion.
The Antigenicity of Chick Embryo
Authors: van der Scheer J. , Wyckoff Ralph W. G. , Bohnel E.
Published: January 2023

The success with which many viruses and other agents of disease can be grown in chick embryos makes inevitable the increasing use of such embryo cultures in the production of vaccines. For this reason information about the antigenic qualities of different chick embryonic tissues is needed to provide a basis for estimating the likelihood of unfavorable reactions following widespread vaccination.

Vaccines prepared from entire embryos have already been used on a large scale. More than a million persons (1) have received chick-grown yellow fever virus. The absence of reactions attributable to chick tissue in this series clearly demonstrates the safety of a single-injection procedure using chick-embryo vaccines. Multiple-injection vaccinations have been carried out on a smaller scale with embryo-propagated encephalomyelitic (2) and influenzal vaccines (3). Experience with several hundred individuals taken from the published data and from the experience of this laboratory does not suggest that serious problems involving sensitization would be encountered in its wider applications.
Blood Constituents During Anaphylactic Shock in the Monkey
Authors: Kinsell L. W. , Kopeloff L. M. , Zwemer R. L. , Kopeloff N.
Published: January 2023

A significant drop in blood-platelets is a constant finding in anaphylactic shock in the monkey. It does not occur in nonsensitized controls, occurs slightly and irregularly in sensitized animals showing no clinical shock, and is not observed in animals shocked with histamine. A profound leukopenia (essentially granulopenia) with a secondary leukocytosis is a constant finding in anaphylactic shock in the monkey. Such changes are also observed in some animals exhibiting no clinical symptoms of shock. There is a significant rise in plasma potassium in monkeys showing severe anaphylactic shock. This is of lesser degree than that observed in other species.
Occurrence of Forssman Heterogenetic Antigen in the Nematode, Trichinella Spiralis
Authors: Mauss Evelyn Abrams
Published: January 2023

Evidence along three lines was presented which suggests the occurrence of Forssman heterogenetic antigen in the nematode, T. spiralis. Rabbit serum which contained anti-trichinella antibody lysed sheep red blood cells, the hemolysin was absorbed by known heterogenetic antigen (guinea-pig kidney emulsion), and trichinous rabbit serum produced characteristic reactions upon injection into two animals whose tissues contain heterogenetic antigen, the guinea-pig and the chicken. A preliminary attempt to elucidate the effect upon the disease trichinosis of the presence of heterogenetic antigen in its etiological agent was inconclusive, although it appeared that reaction to the intracutaneous test commonly used in the diagnosis of trichinosis might be modified in animals with high titers of heterophile antibody.
A Serological and Biochemical Study of Hemolytic Streptococci
Authors: Plummer Helen
Published: January 2023

Of 880 strains of streptococci isolated in Canada, 96.8 per cent were placed in one or other of 7 precipitative types. No strains belonging to groups H or K were isolated in this series. The strains which were not hemolytic on the surface of blood agar plates included 14 group A, 50 group B, 7 group C and 20 strains not grouped. Of these, all members of group A, 4 group B and 3 ungrouped produced beta hemolysis in deep plates, the others being non-hemolytic. Soluble hemolysin was produced by all the strains tested belonging to groups A, F and G, was not produced by group E and produced by part of the members of groups B, C and D. Of 522 strains examined, 128 of 187 group B strains and 1 other strain not grouped showed pigmented cells. Of 371 strains isolated from pathological conditions in human beings, 360 (97 per cent) belonged to group A, 6 to group B, 1 to group C, 1 to group F and 3 to group G. Of 520 group A strains tested for agglutinative types, 93 per cent were placed in one or other of Griffith's types. The predominating scarlet fever types were 1, 2, 3, 4 and 11. The predominating types from non-scarlatinal infections were 11, 13, 17-23-26, 12, 2, 1, 3, 4, 6 and 14. Of 189 group B strains, 92 per cent were placed in one or other of the 4 types of Stableforth by means of precipitative tests.
The Polyvalency of Crotalidic Antivenins
Authors: Githens Thomas S.
Published: January 2023

Different lots of venom of the same species agree in their proteolytic activity. The venoms of different species of pit viper show great differences, which are not correlated with other actions of the venoms. Antivenins are irregular and uncertain in their neutralizing action and show no evidence of specificity.
Fractionation of a Type 1 Strain of Group “A” Hemolytic Streptococci
Authors: Henriksen Sverre Dick , Heidelberger Michael
Published: January 2023

Proteic fractions were isolated from a type 1 strain of hemolytic streptococcus by grinding and extracting undried cells in the cold. One of the most active fractions was sub-fractionated by means of sodium chloride. The serological activity of the fractions was determined by quantitative precipitin-tests. Tryptic digestion of streptococcal proteins indicated the serological activity to be in large part due to difficultly digestible or possibly non-proteic components which appear to be major antigens or haptens of the cell. The presence of C-substance in protein and protein-digest fractions was regularly encountered and its importance in the reactivity of fractions toward antisera emphasized.
Influence of an Ethylendiamine Derivative on Histamine Intoxication and Anaphylactic Shock in the Intact Guinea Pig and the Isolated Guinea Pig Heart
Authors: Wilcox Herbert B. , Seegal Beatrice Carrier
Published: January 2023

Summary and Conclusions

N-phenyl-N-ethyl-N'-diethylethylendiamine (1571F) injected intravenously in guinea pigs protected 11 of 15 animals against death following 1 to 6 MLD of histamine. 1571F injected intravenously in sensitized guinea pigs prevented fatal anaphylaxis in 17 of 21 animals receiving 1 to 4 MLD of specific antigen. 1571F in dilutions up to 0.1 mg per liter fluid reversed the usual decrease in the rate of coronary flow in the isolated perfused guinea pig heart following addition of histamine to the perfusate in 16 of 17 hearts. An actual increase in rate of coronary flow usually resulted (14 tests). Five to 10 mg of 1571F per liter of perfusion fluid prevented a decrease in rate of coronary flow in the isolated, perfused, sensitized guinea pig heart in 10 of 17 animals, following the addition of specific antigen to the perfusate. Decrease in rate of flow when it did occur was less than that expected in hearts perfused with normal Ringer-Locke solution in 5 of the 7 remaining animals. It may be concluded that 1571F is a highly efficient antagonist of the fatal outcome of histamine and anaphylactic shock in the guinea pig. All the manifestations of these shocks are not prevented by 1571F, however, since cyanosis and prostration occur even though death may not follow. Similarly, when added to the perfusion fluid of the isolated heart this drug exerts a striking effect in preventing the expected decrease in rate of coronary flow in histamine or anaphylactic shock, but fails to alter the increase in rate and amplitude of the heartbeat. It would seem that the drug acts in histamine and anaphylactic shock primarily to prevent contraction of smooth muscle, thus saving the life of the animal but not preventing the development of other manifestations of shock.
In Vivo Titrations of Influenza Virus and of Neutralizing Antibodies in Chick Embryos
Authors: Hirst George K.
Published: January 2023

A method has been described for the titration of influenza viruses and neutralizing antibodies in chick embryos, using red cell agglutination as the index of infection. By this method mouse-virulent and non-mouse-virulent strains of influenza virus were adequately titered in chick embryos. Smaller amounts of virus were detected in this way than could be found by observing pulmonary lesions in mice, even when highly mouse-adapted strains were used. The occurrence of agglutination in the allantoic fluid from a single egg was a fairly accurate index of infection and multiplication of virus in the individual embryo. Neutralization of virus infection by immune serum was also demonstrated in chick embryos and the technic was also fairly sensitive in measuring influenza antibodies.
Direct Isolation of Human Influenza Virus in Chick Embryos
Authors: Hirst George K.
Published: January 2023

Of the filtrates from 54 throat washings tested by the chick embryo passage method 28 gave evidence of containing influenza virus. The strains were isolated directly in chick embryos, and the presence of hemagglutinins in the allantoic fluid was used as evidence for the presence of influenza virus. In most instances where a successful isolation was obtained, the positive result was first noted in the 2nd embryo passage. Inoculation of strains that had been isolated by this method, into mice, ferrets, and chick embryos, showed their capacity to infect ferrets and embryos in high titer, but they possessed a very low order of virulence for mice.
Individual Specificity of Human Serum
Authors: Cumley R. W. , Irwin M. R.
Published: January 2023

Following absorption of precipitins in antihuman serum produced in rabbits, the reactions obtained with the sera of different individuals lead to the conclusion that human serum contains antigenic components by which the serum of an individual can be distinguished from that of others.
A Toxic Ocular Reaction
Authors: Ayo Corrado
Published: January 2023

The work embodied in this paper demonstrates that increased permeability of the ciliary body is a major factor in the mechanism of the toxic ocular reaction and that the fibrinogen system plays an essential role in coagulation of the plasmoid-toxic aqueous. It also provides evidence for the toxic nature of the reaction and for the local influence of the toxic ocular principles upon the ocular vessels. The histologic study of the eyes removed during the reaction shows a moderate number of polymorphonuclear leucocytes peri- and paravascularly in the uvea and in the retina. A retroocular injection of adrenaline (Ayo-Herrmann experiment) protects the eye against the toxic ocular reaction.
A Comparison of the Collodion-Particle Technic with Other Methods of Measuring Antibody
Authors: Lowell Francis C.
Published: January 2023

The collodion-particle technic described by Cannon and Marshall was compared with the gelatin-interface test and the complement-fixation test. The comparisons were made using rabbit antisera for ovalbumin, ragweed-pollen extract and horse-serum. The collodion-particle technic consistently permitted the greatest dilution of serum without loss of the ability to give an easily visible antigen-antibody reaction. The titers obtained with the collodion-particle technic paralleled those obtained with the gelatin-interface and the complement-fixation tests.
Type 6 Pneumococcal Antibodies in Anti-Hemophilus Influenzae Horse Serum
Authors: Neter Erwin
Published: January 2023

Certain anti-H. influenzae horse sera cause agglutination and precipitation of pneumococcus type 6, namely, types 6a, 6b, and a third subtype of Dr. H. W. Lyall. Controls with normal horse serum, anti-pneumococcal types 1–5 and 7–32, anti-meningococcal and anti-Shigella paradysenteriae horse sera yielded negative results. One anti-H. influenzae horse serum which reacted strongly with H. influenzae failed to react with eleven out of twelve strains of pneumococcus type 6 and reacted only weakly with the remaining strain. Anti-H. influenzae types a and b rabbit sera failed to cause agglutination or precipitation of pneumococcus type 6. Type 6 anti-pneumococcus horse serum failed to react with H. influenzae type b. The possible origin and the significance of pneumococcal type 6 antibodies in anti-H. influenzae horse sera is discussed.
Specific Precipitation
Authors: Hershey A. D.
Published: January 2023

Analytic study of lattice-precipitation based on a plausible model of irreversible reactions leads to results not at all in agreement with the existing experimental data. The idea of competition between irreversible adsorption of antibody and simultaneous precipitation of the resulting compounds is inadequate to explain immune precipitation. The failure arises directly from the fact that aggregation proves to be much too slow a process to compete effectively with the more rapid progress of the initial reactions.

Since the initial reaction of antibody with antigen is probably complete at a time when aggregation is just beginning, it seems likely that antibody is actually removed from its compounds during the subsequent precipitation. This obviously calls for reversible initial reactions, and a process of selective precipitation similar to that previously described.

Certain alternative explanations are discussed in the light of this study, and its possible bearing on some unexplained features of the immune reactions is considered.
Chemical and Immunological Studies of the Pneumococcus
Authors: Brown Rachel , Robinson L. K.
Published: January 2023

Preparations of the soluble specific substances of fifteen new types, subtypes, and untyped related strains of pneumococci were obtained by methods previously described—ultrafiltration followed by repeated fractional alcoholic precipitation in the cold. Type 7A alone failed to yield a highly purified product; from it only a colored product with a positive ninhydrin reaction was obtained.

Quantitative data such as percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, acetyl group, ash, and reducing sugars, optical rotation and relative viscosity, and qualitative tests for uronic acids and amino sugars were not adequate to distinguish between strains that are closely related serologically. Although quantitative differences were found, particularly in the percentages of nitrogen, acetyl group, and reducing sugar, and in the degree of optical rotation, they were often not greater than may occur in different preparations from the same strain. In general, specific carbohydrates of related types of pneumococci had similar properties. Differences were noted, however, in the precipitability of the soluble specific substances from aqueous solution by such salts as ammonium sulfate, basic lead acetate, and uranyl nitrate.

Carbohydrate preparations from pneumococci of types 18, 18A, and of strain no. 38123, which is related to type 18, were distinctive in that after hydrolysis type 18 gave a negative test for amino sugar, 18A gave a weakly positive, and no. 38123, a strongly positive test.

The type-26 soluble specific substance was unusual in that it reduced Fehling's solution before hydrolysis.

Preparations from all the strains precipitated homologous immune sera in dilutions of 1:4,096,000 or 1:8,192,000.
Immunochemical Studies on Human Serum
Authors: Pillemer L. , Seifter S. , San Clemente C. L. , Ecker E. E.
Published: January 2023

A method for the preparation of highly purified C′1 (“mid-piece”) from human serum is described. Human C′1 is characterized as a euglobulin with an electrophoretic mobility of 2.9 × 10−5 in veronal buffer of pH = 7.8 and ionic strength 0.1. Examined in the Svedberg oil-turbine ultracentrifuge in a 1.2 per cent protein and 3 per cent NaCl concentration, the C′1 preparation was shown to contain a component which had a sedimentation constant of 6.9 S when corrected to water at 20 C, and which constituted 70 per cent of the material.
Additional Studies of the Inactivation of the Virus of Epidemic Influenza by Soaps
Authors: Stock C. Chester , Francis Thomas
Published: January 2023

The data presented have shown that the rate of inactivation of the PR8 strain of influenza virus, Type A, by sodium oleate is rapid or gradual depending upon the ratio of the two reactants. For effective inactivation, the minimal ratio is, as previously reported, about 0.001M/per cent (oleate concentration/virus suspension). Sodium oleate at pH 7.5 has been shown to inactivate other strains of influenza virus in addition to PR8, including the Lee strain of influenza virus, Type B; WS (both neurotropic and pneumotropic activities); and the Melbourne and PR8 strains from chick embryo tissue culture. Of the new detergents tested upon the PR8 strain of virus, Duponol LS, Zephiran, Aerosols OT, MA, AY, IB, and OS, only the first three rendered the virus non-infectious.

Immunization of mice with PR8 virus, which after inactivation with sodium oleate had been kept one day, one week, and one month in the ice-box, revealed that even after one month the virus was as effective antigenically as immediately after inactivation by soap.
Electron-Micrographs of Rickettsiae of Typhus Fever
Authors: Weiss Lucile Jamieson
Published: January 2023

Electron-micrographs are presented in an effort to show the various phases of the pleomorphic rickettsiae of typhus fever and to delve further into the morphology of the organism.
Detection with the Electron Microscope of Rod-Shaped Particles in Stools of Normal and Poliomyelitic Individuals
Authors: Melnick Joseph L.
Published: January 2023

By means of differential ultracentrifugation a macromolecular fraction can be isolated from stools of normal children and of patients with poliomyelitis (1). When obtained from normal stools, these preparations are non-pathogenic for monkeys. When isolated from stools of human patients infected with poliomyelitis, they produce poliomyelitis in rhesus (Macaca mulata) monkeys. In view of the successful application of the electron microscope to the determination of the sizes and shapes of viruses (2), it became desirable to examine such stool concentrates in this instrument. This report presents a preliminary account of studies of such fractions which have been made at Camden, N. J., and at Stamford, Conn.

In March, 1942, samples from several extracts of human stools were prepared by isolating in the ultracentrifuge that fraction which is sedimented by spinning at 39,000 rpm (about 107,000 times g) for 60 min but is not sedimented at 18,000 rpm (about 20,000 times g) for 20 min.
Rh Antibodies in the Maternal Circulation Without Clinical Manifestations of Erythroblastosis in the Child
Authors: Dockeray Gerald C. , Sachs Hans
Published: January 2023

Since Landsteiner and Wiener (1940–41) discovered the Rh factor in 85 per cent of the white population, the knowledge of this new blood factor and its antibody has claimed an outstanding interest. It may be recalled that on the one hand accidents occur following repeated transfusions of Rh-positive blood into Rh-negative individuals, as Wiener and Peters (1940) first pointed out. On the other hand, Levine and his co-workers (1939 to 1942) demonstrated that accidents may be caused by the very first transfusion of blood of the homologous group when Rh-positive blood is used in Rh-negative intra- or post-partum patients. Here isoimmunization from the foetus in utero is responsible for the formation of Rh antibodies in the mother. Finally, Levine, Katzin, and Burnham, Levine and Polayes (1941) observed that the majority of women giving birth to infants with erythroblastosis foetalis are Rh-negative and develop antibodies against the Rh factor, the baby being Rh-positive.
The Volume Change Accompanying the Quellung Reaction of Pneumococci
Authors: Johnson Frank H. , Dennison W. Landon
Published: January 2023

The volume change accompanying the Quellung reaction of Type I pneumococci has been studied by two methods: 1) direct optical measurement, with the microscope, of a large number of cells, and calculation of volumes from average dimensions, considering each cell a prolate spheroid; and 2), counting the number of cells and measuring their total volume after packing to a constant level in the capillary base of specially calibrated Hopkins' tubes, at centrifugal forces up to 142,000 times gravity.

Before Quellung, the average volume per cell was found to range from 1.26 to 3.87 cubic microns, including results of both methods. The ratio of the volume of swollen: unswollen cells by the two methods agreed within better than 10 per cent. The volume increase accompanying the Quellung varies with the potency of the antiserum, and the cells used in different experiments, ranging from approximately 3 to 8 times the volume previous to the Quellung. The average increase in volume per cell in homologous antiserum diluted 1:3, amounted to from 2.9 to 10.1 cubic microns. The centrifugal method has an accuracy altogether satisfactory and should provide a convenient means for investigating the volume change accompanying Quellung in relation to various factors.
Specific Precipitation
Authors: Hershey A. D.
Published: January 2023

A complete solution is obtained for the equilibrium between bivalent antigen and bivalent antibody in a system restricted to the formation of linear chains. Some typical results of antigen titrations are tabulated, showing the effects of variation in bond-strength, steric interaction, relative proportion of reactants, and volume, on the maximal degree of aggregation possible. The principal conclusion is that surprisingly little aggregation can occur by specific means unless the reactions are of irreversible character. This conclusion, logically extended to systems of higher valence, emphasizes the importance of the structural effects of ring closure to the application of the lattice hypothesis.

The problem of ring closure and its effect on the equilibrium is discussed, and a general method of approach is indicated. No explicit treatment is attempted at this time, except for the limiting case of perfectly flexible chains.

A general treatment leading from equilibrium to statistical expressions for the structure of linear polymers is appended. Certain inferences, applicable to real precipitates, concerning the relation between the structure of aggregates and the properties of individual bonds, are drawn from the study of the simpler system. In immune precipitates, structural effects are probably far more important in determining the properties of the aggregate than is the intrinsic strength of the bond itself. It is for this reason that the composition of the precipitate, which is intimately connected with the initial equilibrium between specific bond-forming groups, is easier to predict than the amount of precipitate, which is largely determined by structural factors. It follows also that immune reactions may differ considerably depending on the physical character of the antigen, independently of the nature of the combining groups.
Immunochemical Studies on Human Serum
Authors: Seifter S. , Dozois T. F. , Ecker E. E.
Published: January 2023

A method for the purification of C′2 of human complement is briefly reported.

Purified preparations of C′1 and C′2 are not bactericidal per se; however, when they are combined respectively with the other components of the complement system they are bactericidal against sensitized V. comma.

Since these same purified components operated similarly in a hemolytic system, this is additional proof of the identity of the hemolytic and bactericidal complementary components.
The Opsonization Test in Brucellosis
Authors: Tovar Raul M.
Published: January 2023

Due to the fact that the use of a 0.4 per cent solution of sodium citrate in the opsonic test for the diagnosis of Brucella infection fails to prevent the action of “normal” opsonins, we found it advisable to increase to 1 per cent the final concentration of the citrate. This concentration, furthermore, has no inhibitory effect upon the specific opsonins. Formalin-killed Brucellae have been found suitable for performing the opsonic test, thus eliminating some of the disadvantages from the use of living microorganisms. The antigens can be standardized and preserved for several months.
The Serological Types of Shigella Paradysenteriae (Flexner)
Authors: Weil A. J. , Black J. , Farsetta K.
Published: January 2023

Shigella paradysenteriae Flexner is antigenically heterogenous as has early been recognized by Kruse (1). Of the several attempts to classify the serological variants of the Flexner bacillus, the work of Andrewes and Inman (2) has found the widest recognition, especially throughout the English-speaking world. They distinguished five races and two subraces. This classification was based upon the differentiation of four distinct antigenic components which were termed “primary agglutinogens.” For these, the symbols V, W, X, and Z were introduced. The fifth “race,” termed Y, was thought to be characterized by the presence of a mixture of the four antigens V, W, X, and Z rather than by an antigen of its own. However, it is difficult to understand how Andrewes and Inman came to this conclusion: The experimental documentation of their paper contains good evidence for the existence of an antigen characteristic for all the strains of their Y race; it shows up clearly in their absorptive tests.
A Dropping Bottle As an Aid in Macroscopic Slide Agglutination
Authors: Krumwiede Charles
Published: January 2023

The macroscopic slide agglutination method has been more or less generally known for years. The value of the method, however, has not been generally appreciated, probably due to the fact that most of the serums employed for identification purposes have not been sufficiently active to give an immediate or prompt agglutination even in low dilutions. Coca (1) utilized the method in cholera examinations and, to our knowledge, he was the first to publish a description of the method. We have utilized it for some years as a routine in examinations of feces for members of the typhoid-paratyphoid dysentery types (2) and also as an aid in the search for meningococcus carriers (3). As very potent sera become more generally available its use will undoubtedly spread to most laboratories.

There is one inconvenient feature in the method which we believe to have overcome by the device here reported.
The Antigenic Properties of Hemocyanin
Authors: Schmidt Carl L. A.
Published: January 2023

Hemocyanin prepared from the circulating fluid of the abalone (Haliotis) was precipitated by ammonium sulphate within the limits found by Alsberg and Clark from Limulus polyphemus. It appears to be a globulin. The sera of rabbits immunized with this preparation of hemocyanin gave positive fixation and precipitin tests. It was toxic for guinea-pigs previously sensitized to this substance but not toxic for normal animals. These experiments support the chemical viewpoint that the chemical makeup of hemocyanin is very different from hemoglobin since the latter is non-antigenic.
A Study of the Precipitin Test in Cases of Pneumococcus Empyema
Authors: Floyd Cleveland
Published: January 2023

The large measure of success attendant upon the use of immune sera in the treatment of certain types of pneumococcus pneumonia has given rise to the hope that other infections of similar origin might be benefited.

The invasion of the pleural cavity by the pneumococcus, secondarily to pneumonia, is common—in fact, it is the rule rather than the exception. Whether this infection gives rise to dry pleurisy, or empyema, depends upon the virulence of the micro-organism, the amount of chemiotactic action exerted and the destructive action of elaborated toxins. The very nature of the lymphatic circulation of the pleura with the opportunities for the inflow of immune substances, unquestionably tends to reduce materially the number of secondary cases of empyema. Where, however, the lymph channels are blocked with fibrin and cells as the result of acute pleural infection, there may be a great difference between the amount of circulating antibodies in the body at large and their abundance in the pleural exudation.
Simplification and Partial Revision of the Factors Involved in the Complement Fixation Test for Infectious Abortion in Cattle
Authors: Gibbs Charles S. , Rettger Leo F.
Published: January 2023

The complement fixation test as applied to infectious abortion is specific, and serves as a valuable method of diagnosis.

With the partial revision and simplification of technic presented in this paper the method should be thoroughly practical and reliable.

The most satisfactory antigen was obtained on nutrient agar containing Fairchild peptone, and having an initial hydrogen ion concentration of PH 6.8.

The incubation period of the B. abortus cultures should not exceed four to five days, and the stock antigen suspensions should be prepared immediately following the removal of the culture tubes from the incubator.

Antigen suspensions with a turbidity of 1.75 in terms of the McFarland nephelometer lend themselves readily for direct antigen titration.

The Wenner method of bleeding guinea-pigs, with the present refinement, is a very practical and economic one, and can be mastered readily by the ordinary operator.

Complement stabilized with 40 per cent of a 12 per cent sodium acetate solution retains its complementary properties for three to four weeks.

Formalinized sheep's blood may be used for three to four weeks as the immediate source of hemolytic antigen in the fixation test. Freshly-washed corpuscles from formalinized blood may be used also as antigen for hemolysin production.

Positive and negative sera should be used as controls in the final fixation tests.
Drying by Sublimation
Authors: Flosdorf Earl W. , Hull Lewis W. , Mudd Stuart
Published: January 2023

The recent developments in desiccation from the frozen state have been traced and the basic principles described, including initial freezing, methods of carrying out the removal of the water-vapor, degree of vacuum, temperature of desiccation, heating the frozen product without thawing, completeness of desiccation, changes occuring during desiccation and storage, and the type of final container suitable for such products as blood plasma, blood serum, penicillin, and other substances. The factors which control the speed of drying and the ultimate limitations for the most rapid drying cycle are discussed. Much has been learned in relation to these considerations as a result of present-day large-scale production of blood plasma. The manner in which recent developments affect the selection of equipment suitable for use in research laboratories and for the production of blood plasma and other products in hospitals has been discussed.
The Specificity of Acquired Tumor Immunity
Authors: Gross Ludwik
Published: January 2023

Forty-five mice of the C3H inbred line were inoculated intracutaneously with a small dose of a spindle cell sarcoma (Sa 1) that had been originally induced with methylcholanthrene in an animal of the same line. All of the inoculated animals developed tumors, and 25 recovered spontaneously. These 25 mice were reinoculated with, and found immune to, sarcoma 1. Nineteen of these immunized animals were now submitted to intracutaneous inoculation of a rhabdomyosarcoma (Sa 2) that had also been induced with methylcholanthrene in an animal of the same inbred line. At the same time, 17 control animals were inoculated with equal, or smaller, doses of the same neoplasm (Sa 2). Fourteen of the 19 immunized mice, and 12 of the 17 controls developed tumors (rhabdomyosarcomas). In addition; 6 animals immunized against sarcoma 1, and 6 normal control mice were inoculated intracutaneously with a mammary carcinoma (Ca 1) that had originated spontaneously in a female of the same inbred line. Five of the immunized animals, and 6 control mice developed progressively growing carcinomas at the site of inoculation.

It results from these experiments that tumors may be immunologically different in spite of the fact that they originated in homozygous animals. This observation may be explained by assuming that immunity acquired against tumors is directed specifically against the tumor, as such, that had been used for immunization, and that tumor immunity is not caused by genetic differences between the cells of the host and those of the animal in which the tumor originated. The implications of these and previous (6, 7, 18–21) observations are discussed. Acquired immunity to tumors, and natural resistance are discussed and compared with those observed in various communicable diseases. Finally, a classification of tumor immunity is suggested.
Studies on Listeria Monocytogenes
Authors: Robbins Mary Louise , Griffin A. M.
Published: January 2023

Response to individual antigenic components of Listeria monocytogenes varies with the stage of immunization. In the response to labile antigens, antibodies a, b, and d appeared early in the immunization period. Antibody a showed a tendency to decrease toward the end of the period. Antibody c was slow in appearing but developed rapidly in the latter half of the period. The response to stable antigens was more irregular. In two serums, antibody iii was very low in the early part of the immunization period, but somewhat later reached a titer as high as or higher than the major antibodies, which were decreasing. It is suggested that repeated analyses during the course of immunization are desirable to obtain complete expression of all antigenic components.
The Development of Active Immunity in Swiss Mice with Infective and Non-Infective Suspensions of Poliomyelitis Virus
Authors: Kramer S. D. , Geer H. A.
Published: January 2023

Suspensions of poliomyelitis virus (Armstrong Lansing strain), inactivated by formalin, retain much of their antigenic property. Significant protection is conferred to mice vaccinated with inactivated mouse- and rat-passage virus.
Production of Clostridium Perfringens Alpha Toxin
Authors: Logan Milan A. , Tytell Alfred A. , Danielson Irvin S. , Griner Alice M.
Published: January 2023

A procedure is described by which 800–1000 LD50/ml of Cl. perfringens (Type A) α-toxin and α-antitoxin combining power equivalent to 9–12 units per ml (Lb) is regularly obtained in 3–8 L quantities of culture.
Anaphylactic Properties of Photo-Oxidized Rabbit-Antisera (vs Sheep-Erythrocytes and Pneumococci) and Horse-Antiserum (vs Diphtherial Toxin) Containing ‘Univalent’ Antibodies
Authors: Tyler Albert
Published: January 2023

Photo-oxidation of antisheep-erythrocyte rabbit-serum to the point of maximal titer of ‘univalent’ antibody (243 mm3 O2 uptake per ml serum) gives a more than fifty-fold reduction in its direct anaphylactic action on guinea pigs. It is concluded that the ‘univalents’ are ineffective in inducing shock in this system. Antipneumococcal rabbit-serum photo-oxidized to 150 mm3 O2/ml (at which point precipitating ability is first lost) and 304 mm3 O2/ml (maximal titer of ‘univalents’) shows progressively decreased ability to produce passive sensitization of guinea pigs. The evidence shows the ‘univalents’ to be incapable of effecting such sensitization and indicates some inhibitory action on their part. The ability of photo-oxidized antipneumococcal rabbit-serum to induce shock in guinea pigs actively sensitized to untreated serum shows a reduction of between two- and five-fold for the “150” sample and between 50- and 1000-fold for the “304” sample. The reductions in protective value (12) are two-fold and twelve-fold respectively for these samples. Both of these photo-oxidized samples of antipneumococcal serum can actively sensitize guinea pigs to the action of untreated serum and of the treated serum. The results with the “304” sample give evidence of the presence of an active antigen of altered specificity. Photo-oxidation of equine diphtheric antitoxin to 448 mm3 O2/ml, gives an approximately 50-fold reduction in its action on guinea pigs actively sensitized to the untreated serum, as compared with a two-fold reduction in its ability to neutralize toxin. The photo-oxidized horse-serum can actively sensitize guinea pigs to the action of both the untreated serum and the treated material. A small number of tests show desensitization of horse-serum-sensitized guinea pigs by non-shocking doses of the photo-oxidized material. The more favorable ratio of reduction in anaphylactic action to reduction in protective value obtained with the antitoxic than with the antibacterial serum is interpreted on the basis of the loss of protective ability when antibacterial antibodies are converted into the ‘univalent’ form.
Shigella Paradysenteriae (Flexner) Type II.VII
Authors: Weil A. J. , Farsetta K.
Published: January 2023

Evidence in mouse protective tests is presented which in combination with previously reported tests in the chick embryo demonstrate that the subrace WX of Andrewes and Inman represents a valid dual type of Shigella paradysenteriae (Flexner). In the system of classification according to primary antigens previously proposed, it will have to be designated as type II.VII.
Semliki Forest Virus
Authors: Smithburn K. C.
Published: January 2023

The Semliki Forest virus has been propagated in developing chick embryos through 33 serial passages. Virus recovered from the final passage was identified by the intraperitoneal protection test.

The agent survives and multiplies by logarithmic progression in the embryos until near the time of their death. Inoculated embryos succumb within 11 to 24 hours after inoculation. The titer of virus does not decline appreciably within the first hours after death of the embryos.
The Behaviour of Platelets in Anaphylactic and Peptone Shock
Authors: Fidlar E. , Waters E. T.
Published: January 2023

Platelet counts have been made in dogs which showed typical anaphylactic shock judged by the blood pressure tracing. Within two to ten minutes after the injection of the antigen in sensitive animals the platelet count reached a level of from 2½ to 20 per cent of the count before injection. The majority of these counts in shock were less than 50,000/mm3 and all showed clumping of the platelets to the extent of from 40 to 90 per cent. Injection of heparin before the antigen did not prevent the low count or the clumping. The low platelet counts also occurred when anaphylactic shock was obtained in the anaesthetized liverless animal. The decreased coagulability of the blood in the liverless dog in anaphylactic shock appears to be due to the lack of platelets in the circulating blood. In canine anaphylaxis the platelet count is of value in indicating sensitivity in mild or doubtful cases. Peptone in a dose of 0.3 g/kilo produced a reaction in dogs very similar to anaphylactic shock in its effect not only on blood pressure but also on the platelets.
Precipitin-Production in Chickens
Authors: Wolfe Harold R. , Dilks Eleanor
Published: January 2023

The in vitro rise in the precipitin titer was studied in chickens injected with mammalian serum. Rise in titer started as early as 11 hours after bleeding and in the majority of cases the peak was reached at 5 to 8 days. The rise in titer varies but the titers secured within 24 hours were not indicative of the final titers that could be expected. Two or 3 injections of small quantities of antigen given on alternate days resulted in high titered antisera within 3 to 6 days after the last injection. Precipitins disappeared almost completely within 3 weeks after a single series of injections, but have persisted for 2 months after a multiple series. A single injection yielded high titered sera within 5 to 8 days. A negative phase is produced by reinjections of the homologous antigen.
The Applicability of Skin Tests for Sulfonamide Hypersensitivity in Children
Authors: Fink Herbert WM. , Burton Irving , Wheeler Warren E.
Published: January 2023

Leftwich (1) has reported an intradermal test to indicate the state of hypersensitivity to the sulfonamide drugs in adults. The following observations represent an unsuccessful attempt to confirm the conclusions of Leftwich in children.

Few children show apparent hypersensitivity reactions during the administration of the sulfonamide drugs. Fink and Smith (2) estimate the number of such children to be less than 1 per cent of those receiving these drugs. These hypersensitive children generally show during the course of sulfonamide administration unexplained fever, or fever and rash, which disappears when the drug is discontinued. About half of the children showing such reactions will show an immediate recurrence of the fever or the rash when even small amounts of the same drug are readministered at a later date. Some of these immediate reactions are severe and alarming. An immediate reaction definitely contraindidicates any further administration of that particular sulfonamide to the patient.
An Influenza Index on Periodic Determination of Average Antibody Titers of Population Samples
Authors: Schwartz Benjamin S. , Milstone J. H. , Bayliss Milward , Decoursey Elbert
Published: January 2023

A serological index for the study of influenza, the use of a spectrophotometer for facilitating the estimation of hemagglutinin and antibody-titers, and a simplified method of calculating hemagglutinin and antibody-titers are proposed. The arithmetic mean of the antibody level of the population was periodically determined by photoelectric Hirst titrations on serum-pools. The antibody-levels of the civilian and military population of Oahu, T.H. were studied over a period of five months, following an epidemic of influenza B and during a period of mass vaccination carried on by the Army. The index demonstrated the generally elevated level of influenzal antibody-titer just after an epidemic, and the subsequent decline of that titer. The general antibody-response to mass-vaccination and the comparative antigenic effectiveness of the PR 8 and Lee components of the vaccine were demonstrated. The study also indicated an antigenic difference between the Lee strain of influenza B and a local strain of influenza B isolated here during a recent epidemic.
Reactivation of Overneutralized Mixtures of Influenza Virus and Antibody
Authors: McKee Albert P. , Hale Wm. M.
Published: January 2023

Introduction. The detection of influenza carriers may be missed because the virus in nose and throat washings is overneutralized by antibody in the mucous as the virus is liberated from the parasitized cells. The purpose of this study was to determine if overneutralized influenza virus could be reactivated.

Numerous investigators have used diverse methods for the purpose of reactivating neutral mixtures of toxins, phages, viruses and bacteria and their specific antibodies. Apparently-neutral mixtures of toxin and antitoxin have been made toxic by simple dilution (1–4). This same “dilution phenomenon” has been observed where apparently-neutral phage-antiphage (5, 6), viral-antiviral (7–19) and bacterial-antibacterial (20) mixtures were employed.

Separation of the virus from its antibody by cataphoresis (11, 21) and centrifugation (20, 22–24) has been reported. Adsorption of viruses on Chamberland L2 filter powder, blood clot, euglobulin precipitate, and kaolin, as well as papaindigestion of antibody also have been used to accomplish the same end (9, 10, 12, 16, 25).