bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virulence, Immunity and Bacteriological Variation in Relation to Plague
Authors: Burgess A. S.
Published: May 2009

1. African pouched rats (Cricetomys gambianus) are very suitable animals for plague experiments on account of their tolerance of captivity and their extreme susceptibility. After inoculation with small doses of plague culture of ordinary virulence they always die.

2. Broth-grown vaccine was much more efficient as a prophylactic than agar-grown vaccine. When two doses were given a survival rate of 56 per cent, was obtained with the former and 25 per cent, with the latter.

3. A vaccine composed of carbolised spleen pulp from animals, which had died of acute plague, was rather more efficient than broth vaccine, giving a survival rate of 75 per cent. But it is not likely to be of practical value, as preparation is difficult, there are undesirable local effects and its superiority over broth vaccine is not very great. Its efficiency is attributed to the fact that the organisms which it contains are a true “body strain.” The method of preparation is similar to that of Hindle's yellow fever prophylactic.

4. A number of experiments are described in which virulence was abolished or reduced by passage through immune or partially immune rats. This occurred only when the passage animal showed a considerable degree of immunity, as indicated by the length of the survival period after the test infection. Cultures made from the abscess at the site of infection were less often attenuated than those from the liver of an immunised animal, but this was observed only in the case of large well-defined abscesses. It is suggested that a firm abscess wall protects organisms inside it against the action of antibodies appearing in the general circulation.

A culture attenuated by passage through an immunised rat was restored to normal virulence by successive passages through normal rats, but the process was slower than in the case of cultures attenuated by long cultivation, five passages being required in the former case and only one in the latter.

5. Cultures used in the later work, unlike those used in the earlier work, lost virulence rapidly when kept at room temperature. Experiments and observations are described which suggest that old strains, even when subjected to rat passage, are less stable as regards virulence than those recently isolated from human epidemic cases, and that the high temperature of the Gold Coast has an adverse effect upon virulence.

6. Attempts to isolate stable variants of B. pestis were not successful. Colonies vary much in form. Three types of colony are mentioned, but all intermediate grades were observed. Certain old avirulent strains had a greater tendency to produce large irregular colonies than recent strains, but the relation was so loose that the form of colony gave little indication of the degree of virulence. In old avirulent strains the bacilli tend to become longer and filaments of great length may be present. Salt stability tends to become less as a strain grows old and avirulent, but the change is not very marked and is apt to be masked by individual fluctuations.
On the Statistical Measure of Infectiousness
Authors: Greenwood M.
Published: May 2009

We all recognise that some diseases are more “catching” than others. Every mother knows that measles is very catching and most people set aside a group of common complaints, measles, mumps, whooping-cough, scarlet fever, diphtheria—perhaps roughly in that order—as catching complaints. Then again, still keeping ourselves within the circle of ideas of educated non-medical people, one has such complaints as common colds or influenza which one thinks of as running through a house indeed but does not put quite into the measles category, as one feels that factors determine the spread other than mere proximity to a sick person. Lastly, one has some illnesses, gonorrhoea would be a fair example, which everybody recognises to be spread wholly by contagion, almost always by a particular method of contagion, but does not regard as catching at all in the sense that measles and whooping-cough are catching. When we enquire into the reasons of these opinions they will be found, I think, to be these.
Döderlein's Vaginal Bacillus: A Contribution to the Study of the Lacto-Bacilli
Authors: Cruickshank Robert
Published: May 2009

It is concluded from a study of the morphological and cultural characters of 60 strains of Döderlein's vaginal bacillus that the organism belongs to the lacto-bacillus group of bacteria.

Primary culture of Döderlein's bacillus may be readily obtained on lactose blood agar incubated aerobically provided the vaginal flora is of “Grade A” type, but its subsequent propagation on artificial culture media is less likely to be successful.

Three morphological types of Döderlein's bacillus are recognised. Cultural and fermentative tests show that these types are all biologically similar.

There is no serological homogeneity among the strains of Döderlein's bacillus, although there was some evidence of a serological relationship among the members of the commonest morphological type. The same serological type tends to persist in the vagina throughout pregnancy. Döderlein's bacillus and lacto-bacilli derived from other sources are not serologically identical.
Specific and Non-Specific Serum Reactions in Typhus Fever
Authors: Felix A.
Published: May 2009

1. In all species of animals tested—rabbit, guinea-pig, chicken and horse—normal agglutinins for B. agglutinabilis U2 are far more abundant than those for B. proteus X 19.

2. Human serum reacts in the same manner. Wassermann negative sera have been employed as normal sera. Their reaction in Weltmann's globulin test was also negative.

3. Wassermann positive sera from cases of syphilis and sera from lepers give distinctly higher agglutination reactions with U2 than normal human sera. On X 19, however, those sera do not exercise any increased agglutinating action.

4. Similar though somewhat stronger reactions with U2 are obtained with typhus sera. However, this reaction is far from being uniformly positive in typhus, while this is the case with the X 19 reaction.

5. The discordance between these results and those published by Wilson and by Fletcher, Lesslar and Lewthwaite is due to the failure by these workers to employ controls of suitable type.

6. In syphilis and leprous sera high titres of agglutination with U2 coincide with globulin-increase as indicated by the Weltmann reaction.

7. The summation effect of the non-specific agglutination by gelatine and the action of specific immune agglutinins, described by Weil, is again demonstrated.

8. The combined action of an abundance of preformed normal agglutinins and of augmented serum colloids is suggested as one of the factors involved in increased heterologous agglutination (polyagglutination).

9. B. agglutinabilis U2 is a typical representative of “polyagglutinable” organisms; B. proteus X 19, however, is not liable to the action of “polyagglutinating” sera.
On diphtheria immunity in North Greenland 1932–33
Authors: Krogh-Lund G.
Published: May 2009

1. 304 natives of North-west Greenland were examined with standardized Schick toxin, and 139 with direct smears stained by the methods of Gram and Bie.

2. Of these 98 gave positive, 143 negative, and 63 doubtful reactions to the Schick test. 51 showed a positive control reaction with heated toxin. The swabs from 11 persons showed rods resembling the diphtheria bacillus.

3. We incline to the belief, also held by Wells & Heinbecker, that the most natural explanation of the existence of this large number of Schick-negative reactors in Eskimos and Greenlanders, is that diphtheria bacilli not in frequently occur in their throats, occasionally causing “angina” epidemics. Owing to the difficulty of bacteriological investigation in those latitudes, especially in performing fermentation and virulence tests upon the isolated strains, it has mostly been impossible to trace the aetiology of these epidemics to diphtheria bacilli.
The adsorbent effects of various dusts on diluted “old tuberculin”
Authors: Cummins S. L. , Williams Enid M.
Published: May 2009

One of us (S. L. C.), with C. Weatherall and E. T. Waters, published in 1931 the results of some experiments on the adsorption of the active principle of tuberculin by the dust of anthracite coal and showed that the activity of a diluted tuberculin was greatly diminished after contact with pulverized anthracite. In view of this fact, we made the suggestion that some such adsorbent action of autotuberculin by the finely divided coal-dust retained in the lung tissues of silico-anthracotic coal-miners might, perhaps, explain the relative freedom of these latter from the progressive pulmonary tuberculosis so commonly noted as a sequel to silicosis in gold-miners and others exposed to silicious dust free from admixture with coal-dust. These experiments have since been repeated by us with similar results and we, therefore, planned to try out the adsorption effects of other dusts liable to be inhaled in the course of coal-mining in South Wales.
Genetical studies on immunity in mice: II. Correlation between antibody formation and resistance
Authors: Gorer P. A. , Schütze H.
Published: May 2009

1. Four mouse lines have been tested for “H” and “O” antibody production following inoculation withSalmonella typhi muriumandS. enteritidis; two of these lines had been selected for resistance and susceptibility but not inbred; two, D and E, had been brother-sister inbred for over thirty generations but not selectively as far as resistance is concerned.

2. After immunization withS. typhi murium:

(a) Female mice, in all four lines, tend to give higher “H” and “O” titres than do males, a positive correlation between ability to produce antibody and resistance to infection being thus established.

(b) Interline differences exist for both these antibodies. Those concerned with “H” antibody may be correlated with resistance. In the case of “O” antibody, no correlation is suggested.

3. After immunization withS. enteritidis:

There appears to be no correlation sexually or interlineally between resistance and antibody production. That genetic differences exist, in respect of this organism also, is shown by the fact that the pure lines, D and E, give a better antibody response than the selected lines A and B. When tested for immunizability by subsequent infection withS. enteritidisno useful information could be obtained with strain A or B owing to their great internal variation. Strains D and E both showed a gain in expectation of life following immunization. The more resistant strain D showed a significantly greater gain than did E, the strain with a lower natural resistance.

4. The titres of normal “O”enteritidis-antibody found in the four lines indicates that there may be a negative correlation between the titre of these antibodies and resistance to infection withS. enteritidis.

5. The significance of the above findings is discussed and it is stressed that a significant correlation between resistance and antibody formation does not imply that the two phenomena are causally related.

6. It is pointed out that strains that have been inbred even without selection react far more homogeneously in the infection experiments here described than do strains that have been selected but not intensively inbred.
High-vacuum condensation drying of proteins from the frozen state
Authors: Greaves R. I. N. , Adair Muriel E.
Published: May 2009

1. Methods are described for the preservation by desiccation from the frozen state of large volumes of protein, both in bulk and in ampoules.

2. The principle is one of high-vacuum condensation drying, utilizing liquid air for quantities up to 250 c.c. or refrigerator evaporator coils for quantities up to 5 l. Desiccators, not manifolds, are used throughout.

3. Use is made of an accurate automatic control of heat to the frozen material. By recording this heat input a visual record is obtained indicating when the end-point of desiccation has been reached, and, furthermore, it is possible to calculate from this record the approximate percentage dryness of the material at any period of desiccation.

4. The control of the apparatus is such that within stated limits the conditions of desiccation can be altered at will.

5. In this form of apparatus obstruction to the flow of water vapour is so small that plugged containers may be used, thus preventing contamination of the material while it is being dried.

6. In its final form the apparatus is entirely automatic and the running costs are extremely low.

7. Suggestions are made for designing forms of apparatus to meet many requirements.
Further experiments on the field vole with tubercle bacilli
Authors: Griffith A. Stanley
Published: May 2009

The susceptibility of the field vole to experimental infection with bovine, human and avian bacilli respectively was the subject of a previous paper (Griffith, 1939).
A method of preserving a strain of the tubercle bacillus without having recourse to successive subcultivation or injection of the usual laboratory animals
Authors: Griffith A. Stanley
Published: May 2009

It has been found that when a toad is injected subcutaneously (e.g. in the dorsal sac) with tubercle bacilli the micro-organisms disseminate but are stored in the liver mainly, where they multiply slowly without producing visible lesions and can be recovered by culture or injection of guinea-pigs after several years. Bovine tubercle bacilli were recovered in culture from the liver 1, 2 and over 3 years after subcutaneous injection and tubercle bacilli of avian type were still viable after 900 days in the liver.
Testing cattle with Johnin: Being a report on the value of the intradermal test on cattle
Authors:   The Agricultural Research Council's Committee on Johne's Disease
Published: May 2009

In the last century a wasting disease of cattle in which diarrhoea was the prominent symptom was described by some veterinarians, but was at first often confused with tuberculosis although the distinctive lesions found in the latter disease were not present at post-mortem examination. However, it is only during the last forty years that Johne's disease has been clearly differentiated from bovine tuberculosis.
The ecology of the bed-bug,Cimex lectulariusL., in Britain
Authors: Johnson C. G.
Published: May 2009

In 1934 a committee on the eradication of bed-bugs appointed by the Minister of Health issued its report (Report on the Bed-bug, 1934) in which recommendations for research into the biology ofCimex lectulariusL. were made. The committee was struck by the lack of precise information on certain aspects of the bionomics and habits of the insect and suggested work along the following lines:

The effect of food supply and starvation at different seasons and at different stages of development.

The periods of survival of bed-bugs and their eggs under different conditions.

The extent to which bed-bugs can subsist on the blood of birds, bats, mice, etc., when deprived of human blood.

The position and types of harbourages most favoured by bed-bugs under different conditions.

The distance which bed-bugs will travel, the factors (warmth, smell, etc.) which attract them, and whether they habitually return to the same harbourage.
Fluorine in drinking water
Authors: Spira Leo , Grimbleby F. H.
Published: May 2009

The modern study of the problem of fluorosis (chronic fluorine poisoning) became possible when an Italian, Stefano Chiaie, described, as quoted by Eager (1901), an unsightly dental dystrophy, now known as ‘mottled teeth’. The efforts to trace its aetiology have been ceaselessly continued ever since, mainly by American investigators. Outstanding amongst these were Black & McKay (1916), pioneers whose researches led to the discovery made by Smith, Lantz & Smith (1931) that it was the fluorine, contained in drinking water, in a concentration of not less than 1 part per million (1 p.p.m.) and ingested during the period of calcification of the teeth, which was the direct cause of the dental dystrophy. This result was soon followed up by a number of observers, mainly in the United States under the leadership of the dental profession, amongst them physiologists, experimental pathologists, pharmacologists, veterinary surgeons, geologists and analytical chemists. The gate for further research, which in view of its magnitude and importance must be considered as being still in its infancy, has thus been thrown wide open.
A new principle for the production of thiamin-deficient diets and for the biological assay of thiamin in foodstuffs
Authors: de Loureiro J. A.
Published: May 2009

We have investigated, with the most satisfactory results, the possibility of using sulphur dioxide (Williams, Waterman, Keresztezy & Buchman, 1935) for the selective destruction of thiamin in foodstuffs.
The prophylactic effect of a colloid material on the skins of mice painted with various types of carcinogenic agents
Authors: Twort J. M. , Lyth R.
Published: May 2009

The colloid material (S.D. 2), which contains as active constituents 30 % tetrachlorethylenum and 10 % oleum pini, was prepared and supplied by Mr J. F. Moseley of Altrincham for tests on the skin. It is claimed that this material had benefited considerably certain forms of dermatitis, including that produced by mineral oil. We were therefore interested to discover whether its effect on tumour production in mice would resemble our lanolin-olive oil ointment.
Germicidal mists and vapours in air disinfection
Authors: Baker A. H. , Twort C. C.
Published: May 2009

During the last year further investigations of germicidal mists, especially those produced by heat-volatilization of phenols, have been carried out. We are primarily interested in continuous disinfection of the air in the presence of man, and all our original experimental results appeared to show that a small quantity of the higher phenols in the mist form was more potent to bacteria than when in the vapour form. Thus, persistence as a mist long enough to ensure a duration of lethal effectiveness covering the time taken for at least one air turn-over was considered to be a desirable characteristic of a germicide to be used for our purpose.
Some epithelial changes in fluorosis
Authors: Spira Leo
Published: May 2009

Like the skin and its appendages, the teeth, nails and hair, so also other tissues of ectodermal origin are here shown to be affected by fluorine. The action of fluorine consists in lowering the level of the calcium in the blood and tissues. The epithelia of the mouth and the salivary glands, of the nasopharynx, the conjunctivae and the lachrymal glands may be affected. Signs and symptoms are thus produced which are closely similar to those usually attributed primarily to infection. It is suggested that an infection accompanying chronic fluorine poisoning is of a secondary nature, and that it is brought about by the loss of calcium in the body.
Incidence of dystrophies caused by fluorine in organs regulated by the parathyroid glands
Authors: Spira Leo
Published: May 2009

Dystrophies due to chronic fluorine poisoning in organs regulated by the parathyroid glands, namely the skin and its appendages, the nails, teeth and hair, and also in bones, are here shown to be unusually common in this country. They should be regarded as easily detectable signs of a serious disturbance of the calcium metabolism of the body. Fluorine is a poison of which the action, in many respects, is similar to that of arsenic. It is the task of the authorities responsible for the health of the nation to search for ways and means capable of minimizing its effect.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to the Librarian of the Royal Society of Medicine and his staff for their never-failing courtesy and help.
Quantitative aspects of antigen-antibody reactions. I. A theory and its corollaries
Authors: Teorell Torsten
Published: May 2009

1. A quantitative theory has been developed for the reactions between antigens and antibodies, applicable in particular to the precipitin reaction. The theory is equally applicable to unspecific precipitations, for instance the reaction between proteins and protein precipitating agents such as nucleic acids, etc.

2. The theory is based on the concept that the antigen-antibody interaction is governed by the same principles as the dissociation of a polybasic acid,HNT, where the antibody corresponds to the hydrogen ionH, and the antigen to the anionT.In their mutual reactions the antigenGis supposed to be polyvalent and the antibodyAmonovalent: hence the result of the interaction is amixtureof compoundsANG, AN-1G, …, AG.

3. A mathematical deduction is performed starting from the law of mass action, which leads to expressions for the amounts of total precipitate and its constituents in terms of the quantities of antigen and antibody which were mixed and the known equilibria constants.

4. A numerical example is given for a tetravalent antigen. Three cases are represented in graphical forms: the‘Xcase’ without inhibition zones, the ‘Ycase’ with one and the‘Zcase’ with two inhibition zones. Certain characteristics are described and the significance of the ‘equivalence point’ is analysed.

5. A discussion deals with the irreversibility in relation to the Danysz phenomenon and the dilution effect, and finally the parameters of the theory are more closely considered.
Studies in the dynamics of disinfection. V. The temperature coefficient of the reaction between phenol and Bact. coli, derived from data obtained by an improved technique
Authors: Jordan R. C. , Jacobs S. E.
Published: May 2009

1. The virtual sterilization time (v.s.t.) has been used as a measure of the rate of disinfection of Bact. coli cultures by phenol under carefully standardized conditions, and the relationship between this rate and temperature at five phenol concentrations has been examined.

2. The graphs of log (v.s.t.) against temperature reveal that the formula t×θT = A, as usually employed for the calculation of the temperature coefficient of the rate of disinfection, has only a limited applicability for these data. θ and Q10 increased with temperature especially at high concentrations, and at the lowest concentration there was a tendency for them to increase again as the temperature was reduced below a certain point.

3. The other general type of formula, t(T –α)b = a, used for the calculation of biological temperature coefficients, is also of very limited value when applied to these data since b increases with temperature at all concentrations.

4. The magnitude of these temperature coefficients and their manner of variation are considered in relation to previously published data by other authors and the way in which θ should theoretically vary with temperature is discussed.
A routine method of bacteriological analysis and grading of ice-creams: with records of eleven years' application
Authors: Compton Arthur , Youssef George
Published: May 2009

The laboratory method here outlined and utilized by us over the past 11 years, of examining and judging ice-cream on a milk basis, appears to pro-vide a sieve of mesh generous enough to let through the passably ‘fit’ while stopping the presumably ‘doubtful’ and ‘unfit’.

Eighty-six samples of Alexandria milk ice-creams collected from various vendors in the city by Army Inspectors during the autumn months of 1944 showed, on this method, about 19% ‘unfit’—a result in remarkable agreement with fifty-eight samples from Municipal sampling, collected earlier in the year during summer months, which showed 16% ‘unfit’.

A small number of samples collected after hygienic control of the process of manufacture by Army Inspectors resulted in a total disappearance of unfit samples. The improvement arising from this controlled experiment was estimated at a lowering of 60% in total bacteria per c.c., and a reduction of 77% in coliforms.

The results of the latter experiment show what good results can be achieved in the betterment of milk ice-creams by simple hygienic measures, and should be more widely known in all centres where members of the Services are large consumers of ice-cream.

Acknowledgements are due to Lieut. J. T. S. Templeman, R.A.M.C., and his staff for their part in this investigation; and to Lieut.-Col. G. P. M. Marshall, R.A.M.C., A.D.H., for instigating the experiments on hygienic control of production.
Demonstration of chromatinic structures in avian tubercle bacilli in the early stages of development
Authors: Brieger E. M. , Robinow C. F.
Published: May 2009

In a cytological investigation of three branching and two non-branching strains grown on Loewenstein medium, it was found that avian tubercle bacilli contain chromatinic material which gives a positive Feulgen reaction and is readily stainable with Giemsa's solution after treatment of the fixed bacteria with hydrochloric acid.

Growing filamentous forms of both ‘bacterial’ and ‘mycelial’ strains from 1 to 2 day old cultures contain variable numbers of irregularly spaced, more or less spherical chromatinic bodies which vary in staining in the same bacillus, some being red, others purple. During the third or fourth day the chromatinic material in the bacteria increases very much until most of it is fused into an almost homogeneous deeply stained column. In thenon-branchingstrains the filamentous forms with high chromatin content soon break up into small mono-or binucleate elements, and the same holds true for the ‘straight’ filamentous forms which are also present in cultures of branching strains. The ‘mycelial’ forms, on the other hand, disintegrate at this time (fourth or fifth day of cultivation), and it is uncertain whether they contribute (by partial fragmentation) to the masses of small mono- or binucleate forms which are the predominant element in old cultures of all the strains investigated.

The chromatinic structures of avian tubercle bacilli have the same staining properties as those of ordinary non-acid-fast bacteria but differ from them in their behaviour during the early development of the bacilli.
Note on the effects of home duties on factory employment of women. A study of absenteeism in a group of 144 voluntary factory workers
Authors: Wilson Dagmar C.
Published: May 2009

A study was made of factors leading to loss of working time in a local group of 144 women voluntary factory workers. The majority were single women whose interests centred in their families. One-third of these 144 women, owing to disability of some near relative, had home duties which they realized were sufficiently heavy to interfere at times with their factory work; a contributory cause of absenteeism was ill-health, ascribed by many workers to cold and draughty working environment. Examination of the factory records showed more than twice the rate of absenteeism due to certified sickness among women with home ties and responsibilities.

This study was made possible by the willing cooperation of the Factory Management and their Welfare Department and of the women workers concerned.
The conglutination phenomenon. I. An introduction to the conglutination phenomenon and an account of the observations and views of previous investigators
Authors: Hole N. H. , Coombs R. R. A.
Published: May 2009

1. A brief introduction to the Conglutination Phenomenon and to the Conglutinating Complement Absorption Test is given.

2. The reasons are stated why we think that further investigations into this phenomenon are desirable.

3. An account is given of the publications on the mechanism of the reaction, the hypotheses regarding it and its applications since the original observations of Ehrlich & Sachs in 1902.
The conglutination phenomenon. V. Further experiments on the importance of the choice of complement when examining antisera for the presence of complement-fixing or complement-absorbing antibodies
Authors: Blomfield A. M. , Coombs R. R. A. , Hole N. H.
Published: May 2009

1. Anti-mallein sera produced in thirteen species of mammals (including man) and one species of bird have been examined by the haemolytic complement fixation test using guinea-pig complement, and by the conglutinating complement absorption test using pig, horse and cat complements. Two methods of fixation have been used and compared, namely, fixation for half an hour at room temperature and fixation overnight at 4° C.

2. The complement of the horse proved to be the most sensitive in nearly every case in demonstrating the specific antibodies in the different sera; in the few instances where it was not markedly the most sensitive it was for practical purposes the equal of any other complement used, independent of the method of fixation. This is clearly indicated in the text figures.

3. The effects of overnight fixation on the titres obtained with the different complements are discussed.

4. The sera of six fowls inoculated with mallein failed to show fixation of any of the four complements in the presence of the homologous antigen. The presence of immune bodies was demonstrated however by the Indirect Complement Fixation technique of Rice (1948b).
An epidemic of infantile gastro-enteritis in queensland caused bySalmonella bovis-morbificans(Basenau)
Authors: Mackerras I. M. , Mackerras M. J.
Published: May 2009

There were nearly 400 cases of gastro-enteritis in Brisbane from May to October 1947. About half represented the endemic level then prevailing, and the remainder formed a virulent epidemic, which was responsible for most of the deaths.Salmonella bovismorbificanswas isolated from a sufficient proportion of these cases to justify the belief that it was the cause of the epidemic.

Of recognized infections withS. bovis-morbificans77 % were in babies under 1 year old, 19 % in those 1–2 years old, and 4 % in older children and adults. The infection was most severe in the under-1-year-old group, and severity varied during the epidemic, reaching a maximum in August and thereafter declining steadily.

Nearly two-thirds of the infections were institutional.

Infants were found to be infective during the incubation period and also for periods up to 6 months after clinical recovery. Their faeces provided the greatest mass of infective material. Infections in older age groups were relatively unimportant in relation to the rate of epidemic spread, but significant secondary centres of infection developed in mice and cockroaches in the hospital wards.

The path of infection was traced from the faeces to the sinks and brushes used for cleansing soiled napkins, to mice and cockroaches which had access to the sinks, and to ward wash-basins and nailbrushes used by the nursing staff. Possible indicators of faecal contamination were found on nurses' hands, in ward kitchens, and in milk mixtures prepared for babies' feeds.

Control is believed to be practicable and to depend, first, on making medical officers and nurses aware of the dangers; and secondly, on improved ward hygiene, of which elimination of washing napkins in wards, reduction of contamination when changing napkins, rigid segregation of ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ nurses, and improvements in food preparation and administration, are regarded as the most important.
The association of certain types (α and β) ofBact. coliwith infantile gastro-enteritis
Authors: Smith J.
Published: May 2009

1. The association of the α type ofBact. coli, an organism similar toBact. neapolitanumor to D433 Taylor, Powell and Wright, with gastro-enteritis of infants is further confirmed.

2. A new type ofBact. colicalled the β type and differing from the α type in certain of its cultural characteristics and antigenically is described as also associated with cases with similar symptoms.

3. The antigenic structure of the α and β types has been examined, and both types show a well-marked specificity.

4. Either organism can be readily isolated from faeces during an acute phase of the disease, but there may be some difficulty in recovering either during a subacute stage.

5. Both organisms usually disappear from the intestinal contents as convalescence is established, but a certain number of cases have been discharged still carrying them.

6. These organisms can rarely be found in faeces from infants ill with diseases other than infantile gastro-enteritis, or in specimens from adults. When they are found the cases from which they were isolated have usually some history of contact with gastro-enteritis.

7. The actual significance of the association of these organisms with gastro-enteritis has not been determined, but their isolation points to a diagnosis of infantile gastro-enteritis.

8. In cubiclized and open wards the examination of faecal specimens for these organisms provides a means of controlling nursing technique and determining whether or not intestinal cross-infection has occurred.
The multiplication of influenza viruses in the fertile egg
Authors: Hoyle L.
Published: May 2009

Hoyle & Fairbrother (1937) showed that tissues infected with influenza virus contained two distinct particles, the infective virus elementary body, and a smaller particle, the soluble antigen, which could be demonstrated by complement-fixation tests.
Studies on the Proteoclast (‘Muller's Phenomenon’)
Authors: Elek Stephen D.
Published: May 2009

1. When coagulase-positive staphylococci are grown on nutrient agar containing fresh mammalian serum and haemoglobin, discrete areas of clearing appear in the medium near to the growth.

2. These ‘plaques’ are due to proteolysis, the haemoglobin acting as a chromoprotein indicator substrate. For convenience the effect is referred to as ‘proteoclast’.

3. The effect is due to the interaction of a diffusible product of the staphylococci with constituents of normal sera. The staphylococcal factor has been obtained in a bacterium-free filtrate and its interaction with serum studied quantitatively. It resists boiling.

4. The number of plaques produced under defined conditions showed a linear correlation with the amount of serum used, but not with the amount of filtrate.

5. By means of serial filtration through Gradocol membranes it was shown that one factor in normal serum required for the proteoclast effect is particulate, having a size of the order 20–70 m μ diameter.

6. It was found that a third factor present in fresh sera was also required.

7. Serum was rendered inactive by conditions of heating and ultra-violet irradiation similar to those required to sterilize vegetative bacteria and viruses.

8. It is suggested that the proteoclast effect is due either to a non-pathogenic virus, or to a hitherto unrecognized particulate enzyme precursor present in sera and activated by the staphylococcal factor.
Statistical concepts in the theory of bacterial mutation
Authors: Armitage P.
Published: May 2009

This paper is a short exposition of the mathematical and statistical theory of the growth of bacterial populations subject to mutation.

A mathematical model for the long-term development of a mixed population with two types of organism is proposed. The proportion of organisms which are of the mutant type eventually approaches an asymptotic value, which is independent of the initial composition of the population. A procedure is outlined for estimating the forward and backward mutation rates from a long-term experiment.

The exact interpretation of the constants representing mutation rates requires some assumption about the point of time, during an individual life cycle, at which mutations occur. The usual assumption is that mutations can occur with equal frequency at all instants during the cycle.

In short-term experiments, in which the proportion of mutants is at all times negligible, it is important to consider the variation between the numbers of mutants developing in replicate cultures. The theoretical distribution of Lea & Coulson may be disturbed by the failure of any one of a number of assumptions; the effects of such disturbances are considered in some detail.

Various methods of estimating the mutation rate from an observed series of replicate cultures are examined. Two of the main sources of disturbance of the theoretical distribution may be delay of phenotypic expression, and the existence of multinucleate cells with dominant mutation. These factors affect particularly the lower tail of the distribution, and it is suggested that a fairly safe procedure may be to estimate the mutation rate from the upper quartile of the observed distribution. Tables 3 and 4 enable the estimate of the mutation rate, together with 95% confidence limits, to be readily calculated.
Studies in the epidemiology of infectious myxomatosis of rabbits: I. Recovery of Australian wild rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) from myxomatosis under field conditions
Authors: Fenner Frank , Marshall I. D. , Woodroofe Gwendolyn M.
Published: May 2009

1. Australian wild rabbits which had recovered from myxomatosis acquired in the field contained in their serum antibodies which could be detected by complement-fixation or neutralization tests for a long period (more than 18 months) after their recovery. The titre of complement-fixing antibody fell fairly rapidly during the first few months, and remained at a steady level thereafter. No change could be detected in the titre of neutralizing antibodies throughout the observation period.

2. Inoculation of such rabbits with myxoma virus was sometimes followed by the development of a local lesion at the inoculation site, and in these rabbits the titre of complement-fixing antibody rose, but there was no alteration in the neutralizing power of the serum. In other animals no lesion developed and there was no change in the antibody titre.

3. Serum was collected from a total of 824 wild rabbits from seventeen localities in eastern Australia with varying histories of myxomatosis since December 1950. Examination of 135 of these sera by both neutralization and complement-fixation tests showed that the results obtained by the two methods were in close agreement.

4. In many areas in which the disease was absent in the summer of 1950–1 and produced a violent epizootic in 1951–2, the majority (70–90 %) of the sera collected from rabbits 2–5 months after the height of the epizootic contained antibody to myxoma virus, i.e. the majority of the survivors had recovered from the disease.

5. Counts of the rabbit population before and after a violent epizootic in the summer of 1951–2, and the proportion of immune animals amongst the survivors in these areas showed that the case-mortality rate was between 99·4 and 99·8%.

6. Consideration of the results obtained in the serological surveys showed that the case-mortality rate was probably of this order (about 99·5%) in all areas in which there had been no disease or a negligible outbreak in 1950–1, whether they had a grade I or grade II kill in 1951–2.

7. In certain other areas, in which a grade I outbreak in 1950–1 was followed by a grade II or poorer kill in 1951–2, the observed immune rate was considerably higher than would be expected if the case-mortality rate (assuming that the whole rabbit population was susceptible) was 99·5%. The possible causes of this are discussed. Survival of immune survivors from the first epizootic through the second may be a factor of some importance, but it is probably not the only factor involved.

8. The areas just mentioned were exceptional. In most places there was either no build-up of population after the 1950–1 epizootic, or a second effective epizootic destroyed the majority of rabbits in the small population which had developed by reproduction of the survivors of the first outbreak.
The bacteriology of dehydrated fish: II. The effect of storage conditions on the bacterial flora
Authors: Shewan J. M.
Published: May 2009

In a previous communication on the bacteriology of dehydrated fish (Shewan, 1945), data were presented concerning various aspects of the drying process, and their bearing upon commercial production was discussed. This communication reports further work, done mainly during the war, on the effect of storage conditions on the bacterial flora of various kinds of dehydrated fish products.
Abnormal Reactions to Horse Serum in the Serum Treatment of Cerebrospinal Fever
Authors: Currie J. R.
Published: May 2009

The following general statements are applicable to the 50 cases of cerebrospinal fever which have been under notice here.

The total volume of serum given did not affect the frequency of abnormal reactions.

The total number of injections of serum, in certain cases, may have been a factor in inducding abnormal reactions.

The interval of time between the injections concerned was the primary influence in determining abnormal reactions.

It was not apparent that a preceding normal reaction predisposed to a subsequent abnormal reaction.

It was not apparent that a large administration of serum within the latent period predisposed to a subsequent abnormal reaction.
The Cause of Lead Poisoning in the Tinning of Metals
Authors: Duckering G. Elmhirst
Published: May 2009

In 1901 Miss Anderson (H.M. Principal Lady Inspector of Factories) and Dr Legge (H.M. Medical Inspector Factories) were instructed by H.M. Chief Inspector of Factories to investigate the conditions of labour in the Tinning of metals and metal articles with a view to the preparation of regulations for the conduct of this industry. Difficulties having arisen in assigning a cause for the plumbism undoubtedly existing among workers, and preparation of regulations appearing impossible without some knowledge of the source of illness, the writer was instructed to assist them experimentally in determining the causes.
Bacteriological Observations on Colon Bacilli Infecting the Urinary Tract, with special remarks on certain Colon Bacilli of the “Anaerogenes” class
Authors: Wilson W. James
Published: May 2009

Whilst the studies of A. C. Houston and MacConkey have extended our knowledge of the characters of the bacilli found in faeces, and those of Dudgeon and Sargent have done the same with regard to colon bacilli met with in cases of appendicitis, the fermentative activities of pathogenic colon bacilli occurring in urine have not been investigated to any great extent.
On the Bleaching of Flour and the Addition of so-called “improvers” to Flour
Authors: Hamill J. M.
Published: May 2009

The practice of flour bleaching originated in this country about ten years ago; bleaching, however, is said to have been attempted in France two or three years prior to this. The practice was rapidly adopted by millers in the United Kingdom, in America, and elsewhere. Such bleaching is applied only to roller-milled flour. Numerous patents have been granted for bleaching appliances and for the application of various chemicals to the bleaching of flour. Ozone, chlorine, oxides of chlorine, bromine, nitrogen peroxide and other oxidising substances have been suggested and tried as bleaching agents. Of these substances nitrogen peroxide is the only one which has given satisfactory results, and all commercial bleaching of flour at the present time depends on the use of this substance. It can be produced in various ways and from a variety of materials. Two methods of production, which may convniently be termed the chemical and electrical methods, are in use commercially at the present time. In the first of these nitrogen peroxide is produced by the action of nitric acid on ferrous sulphate, the amount of gas formed being controlled by regulating the supply of acid and ferrous sulphate. A current of air charged with the gas is led through a revolving reel or “agitator” as it is called, through which a stream of flour is continually flowing. The flour in its passage is throughly exposed to the action of the nitrogen peroxide, and is bleached when it emerges from the agitator. In actual practice this process possesses certain commercial disadvantages. The apparatus requires constant attention if the degree of bleaching is to be properly controlled; overbleaching and condensation of acid resulting in local staining of the flour are liable to occur, while in the hands of ordinary workmen the use of strong acids is not entirely free from risk. As regards expense, it compares unfavourably with other methods, some of which are said to be worked at one-tenth of the cost of the acid process.
Suppurative Cholecystitis with Cholelithiasis in a Human “Carrier” of the Bacillus enteritidis of Gaertner
Authors: Dean George
Published: May 2009

In a case of suppurative cholecystitis with cholelithiasis a bacillus was isolated from the pus, gall bladder, and stools which has the morphological, biological and cultural characters of B. enteritidis Gaertner. This bacillus is pathogenic for the rat, rabbit and guinea-pig, and gives rise to the characteristic lesions produced by the Gaertner bacillus. The serum of the patient agglutinated the three strains of bacilli isolated from the above mentioned sources and the original Gaertner strain in a dilution of 1 in 40. A serum, prepared by injecting B. enteritidis Gaertner (original strain) into a rabbit, agglutinated the three strains isolated from the case and the homologous bacillus in almost the same dilutions.

A serum prepared from any of the three bacilli agglutinates the homologous organism, the other two strains and the original Gaertner bacillus in almost the same titre. The sera homologous to allied organisms do not agglutinate these bacilli. Absorption tests confirm these results and prove that the bacilli isolated are identical with the Gaertner bacillus.

The chief points of interest in the case are that:

1. It forms a link in the chain of evidence showing that as in the case of the paratyphoid bacillus the B. enteritidis Gaertner may give rise, not only to the more acute toxic from of poisoning, but also to a sub-acute paratyphoid type of the disease.

2. It establishes the association of B. enteritidis Gaertner with suppurative cholecystitis and with cholelithiasis.

3. It proves that this bacillus may have its habitat in the gall bladder and be shed out at intervals into the faeces, in a manner exactly analogous to what occurs in the case of typhoid and paratyphiod infections.
An Outbreak of Dysentery
Authors: Bainbridge F. A. , Dudfield R.
Published: May 2009

On February 10th, 1911, the attention of the Medical Officer of Health was called by the practitioner in charge to an outbreak of diarrhoea in a family named R. residing in Paddington. The note made at the interview was to the effect that cases had occurred on the 8th, 9th, and 10th (2 cases) of the month, the four patients having violent diarrhoea and passing much blood. The onset was quite sudden in every case. It was thought that “food poisoning” could be excluded, and the main object in directing attention to the outbreak was to ascertain if any defective drainage existed at the house. Incidentally it may be remarked that the house drainage, etc. had been completely overhauled in 1907 and that no defects existed in February last except one leaky joint on a waste pipe.
The Relation between the Age and the Virulence of Cultures ofB. aertrycke(Mutton).
Authors: Wilson G. S.
Published: May 2009

(1) Four batches of 60 mice have been injected with comparable doses ofB. aertrycke(mutton), taken from broth or agar cultures in different phases of reproductive activity.

(2) The mortality and the average survival time of the mice after injection varied so little amongst the different groups as to justify the conclusion that no difference in the virulence of this organism is detectable during the first week of growth.
The Serological Classification of Haemolytic Streptococci obtained from Cases of Scarlet Fever
Authors: Smith J.
Published: May 2009

Haemolytic streptococci have been obtained from throat cultures of 92 per cent. of cases of scarlet fever in the first two days of the disease.

Strains from 210 cases were found to belong to two main serological types, Type I strains being obtained from 119 cases, and Type II strains from 57 cases.

Strains obtained from cases occurring in members of the same family were found to be mainly of the same serological type.

Strains obtained from cases in small isolated outbreaks were found to be of the same serological type.

Note. These Type I and Type II strains have been examined by Dr Griffith, Ministry of Health, Pathological Laboratory, London, and have been found to conform to his main types.