bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Winter vomiting disease in Florida students
Authors: Levitt L. P. , Wolfe V. , Bond J. O.
Published: May 2009

On 14 November 1967 an investigation was begun at the University of South Florida to determine the cause of an increased number of gastrointestinal illnesses on campus. An estimated 300 students suddenly became ill with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. While at first food poisoning was suspected, no common food, water, or toxic exposure could be found. The data collected were most consistent with Winter Vomiting Disease. This entity is characterized by acute gastrointestinal illnesses which may occur in epidemic form in residential schools between September and March. Most investigators suspect that a viral agent is responsible for the illnesses, though attempts to isolate a virus have been unsuccessful. The incubation period in the University outbreak was estimated at 28 hr., and contact was the most likely mode of transmission. The outbreak illustrated that Winter Vomiting Disease in residential institutions may be an accentuation of the gastrointestinal illnesses occurring simultaneously in the community at large.
Mercury resistance ofStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hall Barbara M.
Published: May 2009

Reasons for the accumulation of mercury-resistant strains ofStaphylococcus aureusin hospital have been studied. A collection of paired strains, that is staphylococci similar in every respect except sensitivity to mercury salts, was made. Tests were made in an attempt to demonstrate a link between mercury resistance and some other factor which might aid survival, viz. resistance to drying and heat, production of bound coagulase, growth in the presence of sublethal amounts of tetracycline, survival in human blood at 37°C. and uptake by polymorphs at 30°0. and 37°C., development of resistance to antibiotics and competition in mixed cultures. It was not possible to demonstrate any consistent link between mercury resistance and any of these properties. Paper strips impregnated with the mercurial diuretic, Mersalyl, were shown to differentiate between mercury-resistant and -sensitive strainsin vitro. Furthermore, development of resistance to mercury by passage in mercuric chloride-broth was demonstrated.

It is proposed that mercury resistance has developed as a result of exposure to the mercury ion. Mercurial diuretics have been frequently used in medical and geriatric patients and it is among these that the higher carrier rates of mercury-resistant strains are found even when the local endemic strain is disregarded. In obstetric patients, where mercurials are seldom used, mercury-resistant strains are rare.

Nasal carriage of factory workers exposed to mercury products showed that this group is likely to carry resistant or partially resistant strains.
The use of gamma radiation for the elimination ofSalmonellafrom frozen meat
Authors: Ley F. J. , Kennedy T. S. , Kawashima K. , Roberts Diane , Hobbs Betty C.
Published: May 2009

The use of a gamma radiation process for the elimination ofSalmonellafrom frozen meat is considered with particular reference to the treatment of boned-out horsemeat and kangaroo meat imported into the UK and intended for use as pet meat.

Examination of dose/survival curves produced for several serotypes ofSalmonellain frozen meat shows that a radiation dose of 0·6 Mrad. will reduce a population by at least a factor of 105. The influence on the radiation resistance of salmonellas of such factors as preirradiation growth in the meat and temperature during irradiation have been examined and considered. It is also demonstrated with both preinoculated and naturally contaminated meat that postirradiation storage in the frozen state does not lead to the revival of irradiated salmonellas.

The properties ofSalmonellasurvivors deliberately produced in meat using conditions of irradiation designed to simulate a commercial process are studied after six recycling treatments through the process. There were no important changes in characteristics normally used for identification ofSalmonellabut radiation resistance was lowered. Survivors grownin situin meat after irradiation showed an abnormally long lag phase, and removal of competitive microflora in meat by the radiation treatment can influence the growth of salmonellas.
Bluetongue virus in a Nigerian dairy cattle herd: 1. Serological studies and correlation of virus activity to vector population
Authors: Herniman K. A. J. , Boorman J. P. T. , Taylor W. P.
Published: May 2009

Newborn calves were bled at monthly intervals and examined for serum antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV). Maternal immunity persisted for 3 months and it was possible to calculate decay rates for virus neutralizing antibody. Calves were subclinically infected with BTV within a few months of becoming susceptible and neutralization tests were used to deduce the serotype responsible. A profile of virus activity was built up over a 12 month period. Frequent light trap catches were used to examine the population dynamics of suspected Culicoides vector species. Two species, imicola and schultzei were present throughout the wet and dry seasons and survival rates were sufficiently long to account for virus transmission at any time of the year.
Contaminated first-aid dressings: Report of a Working Party of the PHLS
Authors: Marples R. R.
Published: May 2009

In a collaborative study 12 Public Health Laboratory Service laboratories and the Division of Hospital Infection, Central Public Health Laboratory, investigated the degree of contamination of standard dressings produced by manufacturers in India or in England by a comparison of the results of culture of 25 sterilized dressings with those of 25 untreated dressings. Of the 38 batches of dressings made in India 27 (71 %) were judged contaminated and another six could be so judged when Bacillus species were examined. In two batches laboratory contamination precluded a judgement and only three batches passed the test. Of the 27 batches made in England, only three gave any evidence of contamination at the lowest level of significance. Repeat investigation of one of these batches gave no evience of contamination.

Organisms of the genus Bacillus and fungi were associated with contamination; micrococci and propionibacteria were laboratory contaminants. There was evidence for both failure of sterilization and of contamination after sterilization during the manufacture of dressings.
Recycling of H1N1 influenza A virus in man — a haemagglutinin antibody study
Authors: Masurel N. , Heijtin R. A.
Published: May 2009

Sera from people born between 1883 and 1930 and collected in 1977 were tested for the presence of HI antibodies to A/FM/1/47 (H1N1) virus and three recently (1977 and 1978) isolated influenza A-H1N1 viruses. The highest frequency of high-titred antibody to the four H1N1 viruses was detected in sera from people born in 1903–4, i.e. 42,54,38, and 22% had antibody against A/FM/1/47, A/Hong Kong/117/77, A/Brazil/11/78, and A/Fukushima/103/78 respectively. The birthdate groups 1896–1907 showed a higher percentage of HI antibody titres ≥18, ≥50, ≥100 or ≥1600 against the four H1N1 viruses than the birthdate groups 1907–30. This indicates the existence of an era, 1908–18, in which, apart from the H3N2 virus (1900–18), the H1N1 virus was epidemic among the human population.
The role of adherence in determining the site of infection byCorynebacterium diphtheriae
Authors: Deacock Sarah J. , Steward Kathleen A. , Carne H. R.
Published: May 2009

Twenty-nine strains ofCorynebacterium diphtheriaeisolated from throats and 29 strains from skin lesions, the latter mainly from communities of low socio-economic status in tropics and cold climates, have been examined for the property of adherence to human buccal epithelial cells. All throat strains showed adherence. In contrast, strains from skin lesions were predominantly poor adherers. These results indicate that strains ofC. diptheriaefrom throats must now be added to the important group of pathogens which possess the property of adherence to surface epithelial cells of mucous membranes, thus providing an essential first step in the process of colonizing their hosts. The possible role of this phenomenon of adherence to bucco-pharyngeal epithelial cells in the evolution of the host—parasite relationship ofC. diphtheriaeis discussed.
Characterization ofYersinia enterocoliticastrains isolated from cattle, sheep and pigs in the United Kingdom
Authors: Brewer R. A. , Corbel M. J.
Published: May 2009

The properties of 48 cultures identified asYersiniaenterocoliticaorY. enterocoliticalike organisms, includingY. frederiksenii,Y. intermediaandY. kristensenii, were examined. Of these, 39 were isolated from flieces of apparently healthy pigs, five from healthy cattle, one from an aborted bovine fetus, one from an aborted lamb and one from a lamb suffering from acute enteritis.

Most isolates from healthy animals were ofY. enterocoliticabiotype 1 orY. intermediaand belonged to O serogroups not usually associated with disease in man or animals.The isolates from abortion or enteritis cases were ofY. enterocoliticabiotypes 3, 4 and 5 and belonged to the pathogenic serogroups 0:5b and 0:2a, 2b, 3. No organisms of serogroup 0:9 were found.
Survival of virulentLegionella pneumophilain aerosols
Authors: Hambleton P. , Broster M. G. , Dennis P. J. , Henstridge R. , Fitzgeorge R. , Conlan J. W.
Published: May 2009

Aqueous suspensions of virulentLegionellapneumophilagrown on solid medium retained virulence and aerosol survival characteristics for several months. Significant numbers of viable organisms were recovered from aerosols held at various relative humidities (r.h.) for up to 2 h. The organisms survived best at 65% r.h. and were least stable at 55% r.h.

Exponential phase broth-grown organisms survived poorly in aerosols in comparison with stationary phase broth cultures or organisms grown on solid medium, suggesting that the metabolic status ofLegionella pneumophilaorganisms may be an important factor affecting their ability to survive in aerosols and cause respiratory disease.
The Effect of Dispersal during the Pre-epidemic Stage, and of subsequent Re-aggregation
Authors: Topley W. W. C.
Published: May 2009

1. If a mouse-population, which has been exposed to the risk of infection, be dispersed into several small groups during the pre-epidemic stage, the total mortality will be far less than if the animals be retained as a single large group. The specific mortality will be reduced to a still greater extent.

2. During the period of dispersal, the mice forming the small groups will, in most cases, have passed through an extended pre-epidemic phase of the spread of infection. In so doing they will have acquired an appreciable degree of immunity.

3. If the small groups be later re-combined into a single aggregate, further deaths will occur; but the total mortality among a group of mice, which has been dispersed and then re-accumulated, will always be less than among a similar group, which has been retained from the commencement as a single unit of population. The specific mortality will generally show a still greater reduction.

It remains for me again to express my thanks to my colleagues, Dr H. B. Weir and Dr G. S. Wilson, for their assistance in this investigation.
The Action of Diphtheria Toxin on Mice
Authors: Glenny A. T. , Allen K.
Published: May 2009

1. For the particular toxin tested, the intravenous m.l.d. for mice was 60 times and the intramuscular m.l.d. for mice 100 times, the guinea-pig sub cutaneous m.l.d.

2. Antitoxin has the same neutralising power for toxin in mice as in guinea-pigs.
Active Immunity to Diphtheria in the Absence of Detectable Antitoxin
Authors: Glenny A. T. , Allen K.
Published: May 2009

(1) An animal may be in a state of active immunity before any circulating antitoxin can be detected and, further

(2) The condition of active immunity continues after the disappearance of all circulating antitoxin produced by the animal in response to a previous stimulus.
Mortality in Childhood with reference to Hygiene
Authors: Brownlee John
Published: May 2009

The method in which the mortality in childhood varies from age to age is a matter of very considerable interest. With each increase of unhygienic circumstances the death-rate among infants is well known to rise and it is commonly taken as a criterion of the measure of the unheathiness of the environment. In a rough way this is quite true but it is not the only criterion, any year of life might equally well be taken. The investigation in this note is based on a tabulation mande from the data published by the Registrar-General of England for the decade 1891–1900. In order tp make the statistics as homogeneous as possible the registration districts have been grouped accroding to the infantile mortalites, intervals of ten being taken in the unit. Thus those districts with death-rates between 80 and 90 have had their populations and deaths grouped togeather, those between 90 and 100 likewise and so on.
The Bacteriological Condition and Keeping Qualities of Grade “A” (Certified) Milk during the year 1921
Authors: Mattick A. T. R. , Williams R. Stenhouse
Published: May 2009

The year 1921 was characterised by prolonged high temperatures and was one of great difficulty for the milk industry. It is, therefore, of interest to study the resultes of the bacteriological examination, and the keeping qualities of samples of Grade “A” (certified) milk which were examined during the period January 1st to December30th, 1921.
Duration of Passive Immunity
Authors: Glenny A. T. , Hopkins Barbara E.
Published: May 2009

1. The course of elimination of passive immunity in rabbits injected intravenously with diphtheria antitoxin obtained from a horse, consists of three phases:

(a) an initial loss of 50 per cent, occurring within the first 24 hours;

(6) a gradual constant percentage loss of approximately 25 per cent, from day to day, lasting 6–7 days;

(c) a rapidly accelerated loss of 50 per cent, or more per day after the seventh or eighth day.

2. In rabbits sensitised with small doses of horse serum the same three phases are seen, but

(a) while the initial loss remains the same

(b) the gradual constant percentage loss is of the same magnitude, but lasts only two or three days;

(c) the rapidly accelerated loss occurs after the third or fourth day and over 90 per cent, of the antitoxin present is lost within 24 hours.

3. Possible explanations of the three phases are:

(a) initial loss due either to precipitin to horse serum normally present in rabbits or to saturation of or adsorption to the tissues;

(b) a phase independent of precipitin action;

(c) accelerated loss due to formation of precipitin commencing seven or eight days after injection of horse serum in normal rabbits and three or four days after injection in sensitised rabbits.
Parenteric Fevers in Egypt
Authors: Khaled Z.
Published: May 2009

(1) Bacteriological examination of 1078 enterica-suspect cases showed that 112 (i.e. 10 per cent.) were due to Bacillus asiaticus Castellani. In the same series 12 per cent. were found to be due to B. typhosus or B. paratyphosus (A or B).

(2) The distribution of cases is widespread, both in time and space, and there is no special incidence on sex or age-group.

(3) The symptomatology of asiaticus parenteric fever is detailed and a description is given of the causal organism.

(4) There is some group-(agglutination) relation between B. asiaticus and the paratyphoid-Gaertner subgroup.

(5) Parenterica due to “intermediate organisms” other than B. asiaticus is believed to exist in Egypt. These will be dealt with in a later communication.

(6) Early haemo-culture in all enterica-suspect cases should be considered the diagnostic method par excellence. If the blood develops immune bodies as well, the diagnosis becomes definite.
The Agglutination of Standard Agglutinable Cultures of the Flexner-group of Dysentery Bacilli by Non-dysenteric Human Sera
Authors: Gardner A. D.
Published: May 2009

1. The results are recorded of the degrees to which standard agglutinable cultures of five serological types Flexner-group bacilli (V, W, X, Y, Z) are agglutinated by non-dysenteric human sera.

2. Certian of these cultures are more highly agglutinated by some normal human sera than was anticipated.

3. In order that the sera of non-dysenteric subjects may all (or parctically all) be found to contain less than 10 or less than 20 units in males and females respectively, the reduction-factors of agglutinability at persent in use for certain of these cultures must be somewhat increased.

4. The conception of a limit, above which no “normal” serum will be found to react, is only valid as a compromise between truth and convenience. Repetition of agglutination-tests capable of measuring the fluctuation of agglutinins in active infection is the only safe and scientific procedure.
The Aberdeen Epidemic of Milk-borne Bacillary Dysentery, March to May, 1919
Authors: Kinloch J. Parlane
Published: May 2009

1. An epidemic of diarrhoea or gastro-enteritis occurring in Aberdeen in 1919, and causing over 1000 cases and 72 deaths, has been proved to be due to infection of milk with dysentery bacilli of the Flexner type.

2. Similar epidemics of milk-borne diarrhoea have occurred formerly, but bacteriological investigation had failed to determine the nature of the infecting organism. Keference to the epidemiological and clinical features of such former epidemics, however, makes it practically certain that they were essentially of the same description as the Aberdeen epidemic of 1919, and accordingly indicates that they were likewise due to infection of milk with dysentery group bacilli.

3. The Aberdeen epidemic of milk-borne bacillary dysentery had run its course and had caused 72 deaths before serological proof of bacillary dysentery was available. Since the time of the Aberdeen investigation, notable advances have been made in methods for the bacteriological diagnosis of the dysenteries as a result of the fundamental work of F. W. Andrewes, A. D. Gardner, C. J. Martin and others. Nevertheless, modern methods of bacteriological diagnosis are not infallible, and the Aberdeen experience clearly indicates that deaths will be prevented if polyvalent anti-dysenteric serum and saline treatment are used at once in a disease having the clinical symptoms of bacillary dysentery, or in an acute enteritis from which has been isolated organisms with the cultural reactions of the dysentery group bacilli.
The Rôle of the Twort-d'Herelle Phenomenon in Epidemics of Mouse-Typhoid
Authors: Topley W. W. C. , Wilson J. , Lewis E. R.
Published: May 2009

Summarising our results, and considering their probable significance, we should draw the following conclusions.

Our observations do not suggest that the dissemination of a bacteriophage is likely to have been the cause of the sudden decrease in the excretion rate of B. aertrycke, which was observed among the population at risk during the epidemic previously recorded (Topley, Ayrton and Lewis, 1924).

Our results are completely at variance with those recorded by d'Herelle in the case of fowl typhoid, a disease which shows many points of similarity to enteric infection in mice. The observations we have recorded do not suggest that the presence of the bacteriophage will, in itself, prevent the epidemic spread of infection, check an epidemic when it has once started, or appreciably reduce the mortality among the population at risk. In the light of these results we cannot share d'Herelle's optimism as to the probable results of the wholesale administration of the lytic principle in a public water supply. We do not suggest that the Twort-d'Herelle phenomenon has no significance in the epidemic spread of disease, but it does not appear to us that the problem is the simple and straightforward one envisaged by d'Herelle.

The results of the last experiment of this series are in substantial agreement with d'Herelle's experiments on barbone in cattle, so far as they concern the action of the lytic filtrate in causing an immunising response, though we have not obtained such strikingly uniform and satisfactory results.

We would note, in conclusion, that we have not yet tested the effect of the administration of the lytic principle, by injection, during the course of an experimental epidemic.
A Segregation Method for eliminating Tuberculosis from Cattle
Authors: Adeane C. R. W. , Gaskell J. F.
Published: May 2009

1. The tuberculin reaction properly applied is a reliable test of the presence of tuberculosis in cattle.

2. A method of segregation is described by which any herd can be rendered tuberculin negative in three to four years without diminution of the herd.

3. Evidence is given that recovery from a tuberculous infection can take place in cattle.

4. Calves can only be infected with tuberculosis after birth, such an infection may, however, take place extremely rapidly within the first few days of life.

5. Artificial feeding of calves with sterilised milk must be supplemented by some vitamine-containing food, otherwise “joint ill,” corresponding to rickets in human beings, will develop at about the third or fourth month. Bull calves are more susceptible to “joint ill” than heifers.
The pre-Beriberi Condition. With special reference to its existence in Japan
Authors: Grey Egerton Charles
Published: May 2009

A pre-scorbutic condition has been described, but not, as far as the writer is aware, a pre-Beriberi condition, to the existence of which it is the purpose of this communication to draw attention.
The Precipitation Reaction: Experiments on Multiple Zones
Authors: Taylor G. L. , Adair Muriel E.
Published: May 2009

1. An antiserum containing antibodies for two unrelated antigens, crystalline egg albumin and crystalline horse serum albumin, has been prepared.

2. In titrations of the antiserum against mixtures of these antigens it has been possible to produce a single zone or two zones of optimal particulation by varying the relative concentrations of the components in the antigenic mixtures. It is evident, therefore, that whilst (a) a single zone does not necessarily indicate a single antigen-antibody system, (b) multiple zones suggest the presence of more than one antigen-antibody system.
Modern Views on Silicosis
Authors: Cooke W. E.
Published: May 2009

Some months ago Prof. M. J. Stewart (1933) gave an address on silicosis in which he covered the whole of the pathology of the various types of the disease. It may seem strange, therefore, that the same subject should be chosen for discussion so shortly afterwards. My apologia is that silicosis presents manysided problems and that since Prof. Stewart's paper appeared the claim has been ventured that the cause of silicosis has been demonstrated. Discussions have been taking place during the past twelve months at the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy—discussions stimulating in themselves and showing the necessity of further research along old and new avenues.
The Effective Radiating Surface of the Human Body
Authors: Bedford T.
Published: May 2009

The effects of posture and clothing on the effective radiating surface of the body are discussed. Some results obtained by Bohnenkamp and Pasquay by their electrical capacity method are criticised, and measurements made by the application of Simpson's rule are described.

The conclusion is reached that no serious error results from assuming that the effective radiating surface of the clothed subject, when in a normal standing posture, is of about the same area as that given by the Du Bois equation for skin area.

In two nude subjects, crouching in the most cramped position possible, the estimated radiating surface was reduced by 19 and 8 per cent, as compared with a standing posture.
The Effect of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide Baths on the Subcutaneous Tissue Gas Tensions
Authors: Ellman P. , Taylor H. J.
Published: May 2009

1. A method is described for estimating subcutaneous tissue oxygen and carbon dioxide tensions in man.

2. Measurements were carried out before and at the end of carbon dioxide and oxygen saponin foam baths. These baths decrease the carbon dioxide and increase the oxygen subcutaneous tissue gas tensions. No appreciable differences were found between carbon dioxide and oxygen baths.

3. We conclude that gases do not diffuse through the skin in sufficient quantities to affect the subcutaneous tissue gas tensions.
The Decrease in Mortality During Early Adult Male Life in England and Wales
Authors: Martin W. J.
Published: May 2009

The course of mortality has undergone some remarkable changes since the early part of the last century, the period for which official statistics are available. The variations in the death-rates are emphasised when the rates of various countries are compared, and the cause of the difference in the trend of mortality between various countries has been the source of much speculation. The most striking contrast between the course of mortality in two countries is, probably, that discussed by Prof. Greenwood (1924) in his paper, “The vital statistics of Sweden and England” (J. Roy. Stat. Soc. 87, Part 4). He made a comparison between the two countries for the ages 10–50 for two periods. The first period covered the years 1838–54 for England and Wales and 1841–50 for Sweden, the second period was 1901–10 for both countries. The probability of dying for males during the first period was greater in England and Wales between the ages 10–35 than in Sweden. The greatest difference occurred at age 19, when the value for England and Wales was 151·2 per cent, of the Swedish figure. From age 36 the male mortality in Sweden was in excess of that for England and Wales. The female mortality was greater in England and Wales for every age 10–50. In the second period the mortality at adolescence in England and Wales had made such an improvement that it was less than that of Sweden, the probability of dying for males in England and Wales being less than that of Sweden for the ages 10–31. The England and Wales value at age 19 was now only 59·8 per cent, of that of Sweden. From age 32 the male mortality in Sweden was less than that of England and Wales. The female rate for England and Wales was below that of Sweden for the ages 10–36 and above for 37–50. The mortality of 1901–10, of both countries, had shown considerable improvement on that of the earlier period. This decline in mortality has been general and has been shown in the experience of most countries.
A Long Term Experiment with Rats on a Human Dietary
Authors: Orr John Boyd , Thomson William , Garry R. C.
Published: May 2009

For 2¼ years a large colony of rats was maintained on a diet based on a dietary survey of a human population. One-half of the rats was fed on the human survey diet, or this diet with a small increase in milk, the other half on the same diet supplemented with additional milk and green food. Four generations of animals were reared, all from the same stock.

The rats on the human diet with additional milk and green food were healthy in all respects so far as can be judged from our own rats on a stock diet and from the data of other workers.

On the other hand, in spite of an exactly similar environment and heredity, the animals without additional milk and green food, showed:

(1) a slightly impaired reproductive capacity;

(2) a very markedly increased death-rate due to increased susceptibility to an infection to which all rats were equally exposed;

(3) a definitely slower rate of growth;

(4) a lower haemoglobin content in the blood; and,

(5) a clinically poorer condition as judged by behaviour and state of the coat.

These findings are discussed and the possibility of applying them to human dietetic problems briefly touched upon.
The Clotting of Plasma through Staphylococci and their Products
Authors: Walston H. D.
Published: May 2009

1. Whole cultures, suspensions in distilled water, and cell-free filtrates of Staphylococci clot citrated and other plasmas.

2. Whole cultures and filtrates are comparatively thermostable, while suspensions are less so. Partially purified filtrates are likewise less stable than the crude filtrates.

3. The clotting principle is precipitable by alcohol, acetic acid, and ammonium sulphate.

4. The clotting principle is dialysable through cellophane after alcoholic precipitation but not before.

5. The clotting principle is distinct from haemolysin.

6. Sera can be obtained which have a neutralising action on the clotting principle.

7. Pure fibrinogen can be clotted by a staphylococcal filtrate.

8. The clotting principle is distinct from the toxin responsible for local inflammation and fixation.

9. The clot formed by the addition of “coagulase” to plasma is composed of true fibrin.
An investigation of factors governing potato-starch refection in rats
Authors: Kon P. M. , Kon S. K. , Mattick A. T. R.
Published: May 2009

No accepted or acceptable explanation of the phenomenon has yet been put forward. It has been suggested by the various authors and particularly by Fridericiaet al.(1927) that bacterial synthesis of vitamin B in the intestine of the rat may be the explanation of the condition. Schieblich & Rodenkirchen (1929) have described a “vibrio-like” organism which they claim to be responsible for refection, but this finding has so far not been confirmed. In a recent dissertation on refection Nathan (1935) believes that the explanation is coupled with the nature of the starch in the diet rather than with an infection with a specific type of organism.
A Disease resembling distemper epidemic among ferrets
Authors: Spooner E. T. C.
Published: May 2009

1. Material taken from a ferret sick of a disease epidemic among breeders' stocks in 1935 was shown to produce a similar disease when inoculated into normal ferrets.

2. The behaviour of the experimental disease and its pathology indicated that it was a form of distemper, antigenically related to dog distemper, but differing in minor points from the description of canine distemper in the ferret given by Dunkin & Laidlaw.

3. Associated with the disease was a strain of Brucella bronchiseptica which may possibly have been responsible for the high incidence of bronchopneumonia observed.
The intradermal test in whooping cough a review, with a study of 1300 cases
Authors: Thompson A. R.
Published: May 2009

The literature dealing with the intradermal test in whooping cough has been reviewed, and the claims as to the specific value of the test have been investigated in 1300 cases.

A method for the extraction of endotoxin fromHaemophilus pertussishas been described and the intradermal response to this preparation compared with that following whole vaccine.

The findings in this investigation do not support the claim that the intradermal response to Sauer's vaccine in the strength commonly employed (10,000 million organisms per c.c.) is of value either in demonstrating immunity to whooping cough or in the early diagnosis of this disease. The bacterial content of this vaccine appears to be too high for skin-testing purposes, giving rise to inflammatory lesions of a non-specific character rather than to allergic reactions of specific value. These reactions are less apparent when the vaccine is employed in a diluted form.

The intradermal response to pertussis endotoxin, on the other hand, though not invariably consisting of a clear-cut reaction (and in this respect falling short of the ideal as a reagent) is more consistent with the development of the allergic state towardsH. pertussis, reactions presumably of this nature being present in the skin of approximately 85% of children with a past history of whooping cough. Similar reactions, however, can be elicited in the skin of about 30% of individuals with no history of the disease; but in view of the fact that, unlike the more invasive virus diseases, many individuals never develop whooping cough in spite of almost certain exposure when young, it is suggested that latent immunization or recent contact with the causative organism might account for this phenomenon. Whether these reactions indicate merely sensitization or a definite immunity to pertussis must remain, for the time being,sub judice.

The onset of bacterial hypersensitiveness, as judged by the pertussis endotoxin test, appears about the 10th day of whooping cough and becomes heightened during the subsequent course of the disease. Ultimately this cutaneous allergy undergoes a regression, which, however, is not always complete. For this reason the pertussis endotoxin test would appear to be of some value in assessing the immune state of the individual, and also as a diagnostic reaction in early, atypical or late cases of whooping cough where bacteriological findings by the cough plate method have proved disappointing.
The bearing of Outbreaks of Food Poisoning upon the Etiology of Epidemic Diarrhoea
Authors: Delépine S.
Published: May 2009

It is almost impossible to avoid some confusion when one has to deal with diseases which it is difficult to define clearly either by means of symptoms and lesions, or by means of some causal agent capable of demonstration in the majority of cases.
The Biological or Precipitin Test for Blood considered mainly from its medico-legal aspect
Authors: Graham-Smith G. S. , Sanger F.
Published: May 2009

A Point of great importance in medico-legal practice is the differentiation of human from other bloods. In dealing with fresh stains no difficulty has been found in distinguishing mammalian from avian and reptilian bloods. The more difficult operation of differentiating between mammalian bloods, for example between human and pig's blood, had up till the introduction of the biological, or preferably precipitin, test, except with the freshest material, baffied the ingenuity of the expert in legal medicine. In 1901 Nuttall (1. VI. '01) was amongst the first to draw attention to the possible value of this test for blood and serum in forensic practice.
The Graphic method of constructing a Life Table illustrated by the Brighton Life Table, 1891—1900
Authors: Newsholme Arthur , Stevenson T. H. C.
Published: May 2009

(1) The graphic method is more easy of application and requires less mathematical knowledge than the extended analytical method.

(2) In our experience it produces smooth curves of px and Ex.

(3) The analytical in the selection of the best process of interpolation appeals to the graphic method.

(4) While either the analytical or graphic process may in unskilful or careless hands give erroneous results, owing to errors in working out, the analytical process, unlike the graphic, presents a wide choice of methods, which although accurately worked out, give incomparable results.

(5) The facts given in the table on page 321 and in Fig. 1 A and B and table on page 317 show that almost identical results are obtained by the graphic method and by the improved extended analytical method. We regard this as important testimony to the accuracy of each of these methods, and at the same time as indicating the inaccuracy of the analytical methods giving different results.

(6) As the results obtained by the modified short analytical method and by the combined analytical and graphic method approximate so closely to those obtained by the detailed graphic method, either of them may safely be adopted by those who cannot spare time for working out a detailed Life Table by the graphic method.

(7) Every published Life Table should give exact details of the method of its construction, in order that the comparability of data and results may be tested. Much confusion has arisen, and important errors in comparison between different Life Tables have been produced, by the use of different methods of construction and the non-publication of details of methods.
The Factors which determine the local incidence of fatal Infantile Diarrhoea
Authors: Richards H. Meredith
Published: May 2009

The various problems of infantile mortality are not only supremely interesting to the medical officer of health, but, with the continued decline in the birth rate, are calculated to assume even greater practical importance in the birth rate, are calculated to assume even greater practical importace in the near future. Of these problems none is more in need of solution than the exact etiology of infantile diarrhoea.
The Biological or Precipitin Test for Blood, considered mainly from its medico-legal aspect. II.
Authors: Graham-Smith G. S.
Published: May 2009

1. Powerful anti-sera may be produced by the intravenous injection of smaller quantities of serum than have hitherto generally been used (p. 260).

2. Nuttall's quantitative method affords a simple and fairly accurate means of determining the quantity of precipitum formed. By its means quantitative differences can be appreciated which are scarcely, or not at all, apparent in the tubes on inspection (p. 263).

3. Normal saline solution is the best diluent for normal sera, and 1—21 has been found to be a convenient dilution. Increase of salt has very little effect on the production of precipitum (p. 266).

4. The quantity of precipitum formed is not influenced by the temperature at which the experiment is conducted (i.e. between the temperature of the ice-chest and 37° C.) (p. 268).

5. In the case of dried bloods time per se does not destroy their capacity for reacting with their homologous anti-sera. Fluid sera appear to deteriorate slightly by keeping (pp. 269—274).

6. Putrefaction of the serum, or anti-serum, does not affect the production of a specific precipitum (p. 274).

7. Although the intimate mixture of lime and blood completely destroys the latter, the former is not present in sufficient quantity in ordinary earths to affect blood mixed with earth. The presence of small quantities of lime, however, gives rise to a clouding in solution, which can be got rid of by the passage of CO2, and subsequent filtration (pp. 276—281).

8. The presence of even small quantities of acids, or alkalis, rapidly reduces the quantity of precipitum formed (pp. 281—284).

9. In diseased conditions a marked alteration may occur in the quantity of precipitum (pp. 265 and 285).

10. The volatile antiseptics produce little effect on sera, even after long contact, but formalin, corrosive sublimate, lysol, lysoform, the sulphates of copper and iron, and nitrate of silver, especially in strong solutions, exert a very deleterious action (pp. 287 and 358).

11. Blood dried on fabrics, and materials in common use (with the exception of certain leathers) may with adequate precautions be readily diagnosed (p. 290).

12. After an undiluted anti-serum has been raised to a temperature beyond 60° C. the capacity for producing precipitum is diminished, and it is destroyed completely after exposure to 68° C. These effects seem to be produced at lower temperatures in normal undiluted sera (pp. 354–55).

13. The precipitum-producing power of normal sera is reduced by filtration through a Chamberland filter, but not by passage through a Berkefeld filter (as far as the experiment was conducted) (p. 357).
Public Health Authorities in Relation to the struggle against Tuberculosis in England
Authors: Newsholme Arthur
Published: May 2009

The task with which I have been honoured—of reporting upon the action of English Public Health Authorities in regard to tuberculosis—can, I believe, be best fulfilled (a) by a review of the history of the mortality from tuberculosis in England since 1837, when vital statistics first became available, (b) by a statement of the factors which have been instrumental in causing the reduction in the mortality from tuberculosis shown in these statistics, and an attempt at weighing their relative importance, (c) by a description of the more direct measures taken in England to diminish the prevalence of tuberculosis, and (d) by a forecast of the lines on which preventive measures against this disease are likely to be extended.
Examples of the Immediate and of the Accelerated Reaction following Two Injections of Antidiphtherial Serum
Authors: Currie J. R.
Published: May 2009

Since the close of the period which furnished the data for the preceding paper regarding the effects of repeated injections of horse serum, two cases have been observed in the practice of Belvidere Fever Hospital which have special bearing on the subject of abnormal rashes after suitably repeated doses of antidiphtherial serum.
The Treatment of Mediterranean Fever by means of Vaccines, with Illustrative Cases
Authors: Bassett-Smith Fleet-Surgeon P. W.
Published: May 2009

For years we have been vainly striving to find some method of treatment capable of preventing or cutting short the relapses so constantly present in Mediterranean fever. Though certain drugs have for a time seemed successful, their beneficial effects are usually uncertain and transient, so that the treatment of the disease has come to be almost entirely symptomatic. Many germicides have been tried; among these “cyllin” has lately been said to shorten the course of the fever. In my hands this has not been the case. Burney Yeo's chlorine and quinine mixture has here occasionally produced very satisfactory results when given with a rising temperature, apparently cutting short a wave of pyrexia, which from experience we had expected to last ten days or more; but its action is very uncertain.
On the Danysz Effect with reference to the Toxin-Antitoxin Reaction
Authors: Craw J. A.
Published: May 2009

1. It is inadmissible to study the “Danysz Effect” on tetanolysin owing to its rapid deterioration.

2. The so-called “equivalents” of toxin and antitoxin deduced by Arrhenius and Madsen are arbitrary.

3. No evidence has yet been advanced that the “Danysz Effect” has a limiting value when the time of contact of the first fraction of toxin with the antitoxin is prolonged.

4. If a limiting value of the “Danysz Effect” exist that calculated by Arrhenius is probably erroneous.

5. The monomolecular formula used by Arrhenius is merely an interpolation.

6. The “Danysz Effect” is much better represented by a bimolecular formula.

7. No confirmation of the “equivalents” of toxin and antitoxin has as yet been obtained from the “Effect.”

8. Expediency appears to be the only justification for assuming that the “Effect” is due to either a modified antitoxin or to a modified toxin, viz. epitoxonoid.

9. All the phenomena of the “Effect” hitherto advanced have their counterpart in the staining of paper, porcelain, etc., by anilin dyes.
On the Supersensitation of Persons by Horse-serum
Authors: Goodall E. W.
Published: May 2009

1. There were 90 patients at the Eastern Hospital, who, during the years 1897, 1898, 1899, 1904, 1905 and 1906, were injected with horseserum for a second attack or relapse of diphtheria, who had been treated with horse-serum at the first attack.

2. Of these 9 had an “immediate reaction,” 22 an “accelerated reaction,” and 8 had both, 39 in all, or 43·4 per cent.

3. The “immediate reaction” showed itself a few minutes to six hours after the first injection for the second attack.

4. The shortest interval between the first injection at the primary attack and the occurrence of an “immediate reaction” after a reinjection for a second attack was 35 days; the longest was 363 days.

5. The ”accelerated reaction” showed itself 19 hours to five days after the first injection for the second attack.

6. The shortest interval between the first injection at the primary attack and the occurrence of an “accelerated reaction” after a reinjection for a second attack was 25 days; the longest was 1511 days. In each of these cases the reaction occurred the day after the reinjection.

7. In seven of the cases of “immediate reaction” the symptoms were severe. In all save one of those of “accelerated reaction” they were mild or moderate.

8. In 24 of the cases there was a normal serum-reaction after the reinjection for the second attack; but even this occurred in most cases slightly earlier than is usual after injection at a primary attack.

9. So far as the figures go they show:

(a) that when a patient has had a serum-reaction at the primary attack, he is more likely to have an abnormal reaction after injection at the second attack;

(b) that the greater the volume of serum given in the primary attack, the more likely is an abnormal reaction to occur after serum at the second attack;

(c) and that consequently an abnormal reaction is most likely to occur after serum at a second attack when the patient has had a large volume of serum followed by a reaction at the first attack.

There are, however, indications that the volume of serum given at the primary attack may have different effects as regards the determination of an “immediate” or an “accelerated reaction,” according to its amount.
Some Points in the Epidemiology of an Outbreak of Cerebro-spinal Fever in Hong Kong, 1918
Authors: Gale A. M.
Published: May 2009

1. That there is reason to believe that sporadic cases of cerebro-spinal fever occurred in Hong Kong previous to the outbreak of the epidemic in 1918.

2. That the epidemic followed a widespread infection of influenza colds.

3. That the mortality out of a total of 1040 cases was 85–48 per cent.

4. That the most susceptible age was found to be the age period under five years.

The younger the individual, the greater the susceptibility, with the added proviso that the extremes of life suffered most.

5. That once the epidemic was established, a drop in the temperature, steadily maintained, accompanied by an increase in the saturation of the air as regards moisture, associated with a lack of sunshine, was found to be followed after a lag of a few days, by a rise in the number of cases. This lag showed a tendency to increase as the epidemic progressed, from three to four days at the beginning to six to seven days at the end of the epidemic.

6. That the number of cases in any given area varied directly with the overcrowding in that area, and this bears out the contention that overcrowding is one of the most important features in the epidemiology of cerebro-spinal fever.

7. That the housing conditions in Hong Kong are such as to necessitate immediate action on the part of the Government, to safeguard the public health of the colony.

8. That new entries to Hong Kong formed a large proportion of the cases, and that this appears to be an important factor in the epidemiology of the disease.

9. That the poorest, most hard worked and badly housed portion of the community suffered most in the epidemic.

10. That the recognition and isolation of carriers is impracticable in an epidemic of any considerable dimensions.

11. That in the present condition of the knowledge of the means by which infection is spread, the wearing of a screen composed of some impervious material such as celluloid would seem to afford complete protection to the wearer against droplet infection.

12. That known carriers should be compelled to wear this screen until such time as they are proved free from the meningococcus. Thus protected, the carrier could pursue his usual avocation and the community be safeguarded from infection at a minimum of expense.
A Preliminary Note on the Use of Thermo-stable Opsonins (Bacteriotropins) in the Elucidation of Bacterial Infections
Authors: Cummins S. Lyle , Acland Miss C. M.
Published: May 2009

There are many forms of bacterial disease in which the search for the causal organism is complicated by the fact that it is present, not in pure culture, but associated with the number of other bacteria which may or may not be taking part in the infective process.
Immunisation and Selection as Factors in Herd-Resistance
Authors: Topley W. W. C. , Wilson J. , Lewis E. R.
Published: May 2009

INconsidering the factors which are concerned in the spread of any epidemic bacterial infection among any host-population, the resistance brought into play by the latter will clearly be of crucial importance.
A Fatal Case of Silicosis
Authors: Gudjonsson SK. V. , Jacobson C. J.
Published: May 2009

1. A typical uncomplicated case of silicosis with fatal outcome in a porcelain turner is described.

2. Microscopic examination of lung tissue and of ashes therefrom showed numerous mineral needles resembling those found in kaolin from his factory.

3. The findings in this case are taken to support in part the theory advanced by W. R. Jones, that silicosis can be produced by fibrous minerals.

We are indebted to Mr Bögvad, M.S., for valuable aid in the mineralogical diagnosis.