bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Platelet‐activating factor stimulates ovine foetal pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation: role of nuclear factor‐kappa B and cyclin‐dependent kinases
Authors: Ibe B. O. , Abdallah M. F. , Portugal A. M. , Raj J. U.
Published: March 2008

Abstract.  Objective: Platelet‐activating factor (PAF) is implicated in pathogenesis of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate (PPHN); PAF is a mitogen for lung fibroblasts. PAF's role in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell (PVSMC) proliferation and in hypoxia‐induced pulmonary vein (PV) remodelling has not been established and mechanisms for PAF's cell‐proliferative effects are not well understood. We investigated involvement of PAF and PAF receptors in PVSMC proliferation. Materials and methods: Cells from pulmonary arteries (SMC‐PA) and veins (SMC‐PV) were serum starved for 72 h in 5% CO2 in air (normoxia). They were cultured for 24 h more in normoxia or 2% O2 (hypoxia) in 0.1% or 10% foetal bovine serum with 5 µCi/well of [3H]‐thymidine, with and without 10 nm PAF. Nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), CDK2 and CDK4 protein expression, and their roles in cell proliferation control were studied. Results: PAF and hypoxia increased SMC‐PA and SMC‐PV proliferation. WEB2170 inhibited PAF‐induced cell proliferation while lyso‐PAF had no effect. SMC‐PV proliferated more than SMC‐PA and PAF plus hypoxia augmented NF‐κB protein expression. NF‐κB inhibitory peptide attenuated PAF‐induced cell proliferation by 50% and PAF increased CDK2 and CDK4 protein expression. The data show that hypoxia and PAF up‐regulate PVSMC proliferation via PAF receptor‐specific pathway involving NF‐κB, CDK2 and CDK4 activations. Conclusion: They suggest that in vivo, in foetal lung low‐oxygen environment, where PAF level is high, proliferation of PVSMC will occur readily to modulate PV development and that failure of down‐regulation of PAF effects postnatally may result in PPHN.
Assessment of the potential of progenitor stem cells extracted from human peripheral blood for seeding a novel vascular graft material
Authors: Punshon G. , Sales K. M. , Vara D. S. , Hamilton G. , Seifalian A. M.
Published: March 2008

Abstract.  Objective: A novel nanocomposite has recently been developed based on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane attached by direct reaction onto a urethane segment, as a potential vascular graft material; its trade name is UCL‐Nano. The UCL‐Nano has been demonstrated to have similar viscoelastic properties to the walls of a natural artery, to be resistant to degradation and to be able to sustain endothelial cell seeding. Human peripheral blood contains both circulating endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells, which may be suitable for conduit seeding. The aim of this study was to develop a system with the potential to deliver an endothelial cell‐seeded bypass graft in a realistic time frame. Materials and methods: Endothelial progenitor cells and circulating endothelial cells were isolated from human peripheral blood and were characterized by fluorescent‐activated cell sorting, reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Isolated cells were seeded on nanocomposite and were maintained in culture for 35 days. Results: The UCL‐Nano was successfully seeded with cells and a confluent cell layer was achieved after 14‐day culture. Cells remained viable and confluent on the nanocomposite for 35 days. Conclusion: In conclusion, these results suggest that this process has potential both for a realistic and achievable two‐stage seeding process for vascular bypass grafts and for the potential development of a device, with the aim of achieving in situ seeding once implanted.
The effect of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibition on gastric volume, satiation and enteroendocrine secretion in type 2 diabetes: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover study
Authors: Vella Adrian , Bock Gerlies , Giesler Paula D. , Burton Duane B. , Serra Denise B. , Saylan Monica Ligueros , Deacon Carolyn F. , Foley James E. , Rizza Robert A. , Camilleri Michael
Published: March 2008

Objectives  The incretin hormone glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) retards gastric emptying and decreases caloric intake. It is unclear whether increased GLP‐1 concentrations achieved by inhibition of the inactivating enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) alter gastric volumes and satiation in people with type 2 diabetes.

Methods  In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled crossover design, 14 subjects with type 2 diabetes received vildagliptin (50 mg bid) or placebo for 10 days in random order separated by a 2‐week washout. On day 7, fasting and postmeal gastric volumes were measured by a 99mTc single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) method. On day 8, a liquid Ensure® meal was consumed at 30 ml/min, and maximum tolerated volume (MTV) and symptoms 30 min later were measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess effects on satiation. On day 10, subjects ingested water until maximum satiation was achieved. The volume ingested was recorded and symptoms similarly measured using a VAS.

Results  Vildagliptin raised plasma GLP‐1 concentrations. However, fasting (248 ± 21 vs. 247 ± 19 ml, P = 0·98) and fed (746 ± 28 vs. 772 ± 26 ml, P = 0·54) gastric volumes did not differ when subjects received vildagliptin or placebo. Treatment with vildagliptin did not alter the MTV of Ensure® (1657 ± 308 vs. 1389 ± 197 ml, P = 0·15) or water compared to placebo (1371 ± 141 vs. 1172 ± 156 ml, P = 0·23). Vildagliptin was associated with decreased peptide YY (PYY) concentrations 60 min after initiation of the meal (166 ± 27 vs. 229 ± 34 pmol/l, P = 0·01).

Conclusions  Vildagliptin does not alter satiation or gastric volume in people with type 2 diabetes despite elevated GLP‐1 concentrations. Compensatory changes in enteroendocrine secretion could account for the lack of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Ontogenetic shifts in drift periodicity and benthic dispersal in elmid beetles
Authors: ELLIOTT J. M.
Published: March 2008

1. There is a paucity of information on ontogenetic changes in the dispersal of benthic invertebrates, which is an important aspect of their ecology. This study quantifies ontogenetic changes in diel periodicity in drift, and in upstream–downstream dispersal on the substratum for Elmis aenea, Oulimnius tuberculatus, Esolus parallelepipedus and Limnius volkmari (Coleoptera: Elmidae). Three drift nets were emptied every 3 h over 24 h in each month (October 1965–December 1968) at two contrasting sites: one in a deep section with abundant macrophytes, the other in a shallow stony riffle. Comparisons of periodicity between life‐stages of the same species were limited to months when numbers in the drift were highest. Dispersal was evaluated in six experimental stream channels, placed above the stream, with initial numbers of each life‐stage varying from 20 to 80.

2. Drift numbers were always highest at night with few or no animals in the day samples. Ontogenetic shifts in diel periodicity were similar for all four species. Drift catches were similar throughout the night for the early and intermediate larval instars and for mature adults, but were highest in the early hours of the night with a gradual decline thereafter for later larval instars and immature adults. These patterns were unaffected by a severe spate, even though drift numbers increased considerably.

3. Dispersal was density‐independent; the number of dispersing animals was a constant proportion of the initial number for each life‐stage. The relationship between dispersal distance and the number of animals travelling that distance was well described by an inverse power function. Median and maximum distances (m day−1) were estimated for each life‐stage.

4. Ontogenetic shifts in dispersal in the stream channels matched those shown in diel drift periodicity. For all four species, the later larval instars and immature adults showed little movement in either direction, whereas early and intermediate larval instars and mature adults dispersed predominantly upstream, adults travelling further than any other life‐stage.

5. Ontogenetic shifts in diel drift periodicity and dispersal were related to seasonal changes in drift density and critical periods in the life cycle. Such shifts have not been quantified in other stream invertebrates, but should be considered when evaluating the role of dispersal in their population dynamics and their colonization ability.
Physiological seawater adaptation in juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) autumn migrants
Authors: RILEY W. D. , IBBOTSON A. T. , LOWER N. , COOK A. C. , MOORE A. , MIZUNO S. , PINDER A. C. , BEAUMONT W. R. C. , PRIVITERA L.
Published: March 2008

Summary

About 25 % of juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) migrating downstream in the River Frome in southern England do so in the autumn rather than in the spring. Here, we examine the physiological status of these fish with regard to those features that adapt them to sea water during the parr–smolt transformation (i.e. gill Na+K+ ATPase activity; the number, size and type of chloride cells on the gill lamellae; salinity tolerance and relative plasma thyroid levels).

Autumn migrants, and those fish which subsequently reside in the tidal reaches during the winter, are not sufficiently physiologically adapted to permit permanent or early, entry into the marine environment.

It is not known what proportion of autumn migrating fish survive and return to spawn as adults. If significant numbers do return, however, the production from tidal reach habitats must be taken into account in the development of salmon stock management strategies, especially monitoring and assessment programmes, and in the evaluation of factors affecting stocks.
Closing the carbon budget of estuarine wetlands with tower‐based measurements and MODIS time series
Authors: YAN YANER , ZHAO BIN , CHEN JIQUAN , GUO HAIQIANG , GU YONGJIAN , WU QIANHONG , LI BO
Published: March 2008

Compared to other ecosystems, estuarine ecosystems have distinct carbon flux dynamics – the lateral carbon flux incurred by tidal activities, and methane generation under the anaerobic conditions of wetland soils. The conventional estimation of gross primary production (GPP) based on the light use efficiency (LUE) model used for non‐wetland terrestrial ecosystems, therefore, cannot be applied directly to estuarine wetland ecosystems. In this paper, we estimated the 2005's annual carbon budget of an estuarine wetland on Chongming Island, Shanghai, and partitioned the losses of carbon due to lateral tidal dynamics and anaerobic methane production using an innovative technique. The average GPP calculated from eddy covariance between March and November was 261.79 μmol m−2 day−1, whereas that from the LUE model was 58.84 μmol m−2 day−1. The correlation coefficient between GPP simulated from the LUE model and that calculated from flux tower data was low in the growing season (R2=0.55). We hypothesized that tidal activities and uncounted methane release were responsible for the difference, which can be predicted from measurements of remote sensing products such as land surface water index (LSWI), evapotranspiration (ET), and tide height (TH). We developed an integrated GPP model by combining the LUE model and an autoregression model to estimate carbon budget. The average GPP from the modified model increased to 263.38 μmol m−2 day−1, and R2 for the correlation between the simulated and calculated data increased to 0.88, demonstrating the potential of our technique for GPP estimation and quantification of seasonal variation in estuarine ecosystems. The approach developed in this study has great potential for correcting unavoidable errors when estimating carbon budget of coastal wetlands. Furthermore, global warming is expected to accelerate sea level rise, which may enhance the effect of tidal activities and increase the difficulty in estimating coastal carbon budgets using conventional methods.
Large annual net ecosystem CO2 uptake of a Mojave Desert ecosystem
Authors: WOHLFAHRT GEORG , FENSTERMAKER LYNN F. , ARNONE III JOHN A.
Published: March 2008

The net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE) between a Mojave Desert ecosystem and the atmosphere was measured over the course of 2 years at the Mojave Global Change Facility (MGCF, Nevada, USA) using the eddy covariance method. The investigated desert ecosystem was a sink for CO2, taking up 102±67 and 110±70 g C m−2 during 2005 and 2006, respectively. A comprehensive uncertainty analysis showed that most of the uncertainty of the inferred sink strength was due to the need to account for the effects of air density fluctuations on CO2 densities measured with an open‐path infrared gas analyser. In order to keep this uncertainty within acceptable bounds, highest standards with regard to maintenance of instrumentation and flux measurement postprocessing have to be met. Most of the variability in half‐hourly NEE was explained by the amount of incident photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). On a seasonal scale, PAR and soil water content were the most important determinants of NEE. Precipitation events resulted in an initial pulse of CO2 to the atmosphere, temporarily reducing NEE or even causing it to switch sign. During summer, when soil moisture was low, a lag of 3–4 days was observed before the correlation between NEE and precipitation switched from positive to negative, as opposed to conditions of high soil water availability in spring, when this transition occurred within the same day the rain took place. Our results indicate that desert ecosystem CO2 exchange may be playing a much larger role in global carbon cycling and in modulating atmospheric CO2 levels than previously assumed – especially since arid and semiarid biomes make up >30% of Earth's land surface.
The hypothalamus‐pituitary‐testis axis in boys during the first six months of life: a comparison of cryptorchidism and hypospadias cases with controls
Authors: Pierik Frank H. , Deddens James A. , Burdorf Alex , Keizer‐Schrama Sabine M. P. F. de Muinck , Jong Frank H. de , Weber Rob F. A.
Published: March 2008

It is inconclusive whether the feedback mechanisms of the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐testis (HTP) axis are already established in the first 6 months of life, partly due to the dramatic changes in HPT‐axis hormone levels over this period. Moreover, it is unclear whether these hormone levels are aberrant in boys with cryptorchidism or hypospadias, and therefore predictive for future fertility. We studied the regulation mechanisms of the HTP axis, and the effect of age, in boys 1–6 months of age. Secondly, we studied testicular function ‐ as reflected by HPT hormones ‐ in newborns with cryptorchidism or hypospadias. Sera from a population sample of infants with cryptorchidism (n = 43), hypospadias (n = 41) and controls (n = 113) were analyzed for inhibin B, anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). LH, testosterone, non‐shbg‐bound testosterone (NSBT), and AHM levels showed significant age‐related trends. After age‐correction, a negative correlation between FSH and inhibin B was observed (r = −0.43). The only significant group‐differences were lower testosterone and NSBT levels in cryptorchidism cases, with a mean testosterone of 1.8 and 2.6 nmol/L and a mean NSBT of 0.48 and 0.70 nmol/L for cryptorchidism cases and controls, respectively. The higher levels of LH, testosterone, and NSBT in boys born pre‐term or with a low birthweight indicate that abnormal prenatal development may determine postnatal testis function. Our results support the hypothesis that the inhibin B – FSH feedback loop is already functional before puberty. The lower testosterone and NSBT levels indicate that disturbed Leydig cell function can already be detected early after birth in cryptorchid boys.
Cleavage and conformational changes of tau protein follow phosphorylation during Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Mondragón‐Rodríguez Siddhartha , Basurto‐Islas Gustavo , Santa‐Maria Ismael , Mena Raúl , Binder Lester I. , Avila Jesús , Smith Mark A. , Perry George , García‐Sierra Francisco
Published: March 2008

Phosphorylation, cleavage and conformational changes in tau protein all play pivotal roles during Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In an effort to determine the chronological sequence of these changes, in this study, using confocal microscopy, we compared phosphorylation at several sites (Ser199/202/396/404/422‐Thr205 and the second repeat domain), cleavage of tau (D421) and the canonical conformational Alz‐50 epitope. While all of these posttranslational modifications are found in neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) at all stages of the disease, we found significantly higher numbers of phospho‐tau positive NFTs when compared with cleaved tau (P = 0.006 in Braak III; P = 0.002 in Braak IV; P = 0.012 in Braak V) or compared with the Alz‐50 epitope (P < 0.05). Consistent with these findings, in a double transgenic mice model (Tet/GSK‐3β/VLW) overexpressing the enzyme glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) and tau with a triple FTDP‐17 mutation (VLW) with AD‐like neurodegeneration, phosphorylation at sites Ser199/202‐Thr205 was greater than truncated tau. Taken together, these data strongly support the notion that the conformational changes and truncation of tau occur after the phosphorylation of tau. We propose two probable pathways for the pathological processing of tau protein during AD, either phosphorylation and cleavage of tau followed by the Alz‐50 conformational change or phosphorylation followed by the conformational change and cleavage as the last step.
Bone repair in mandibular body osteotomy after using 2.0 miniplate system – histological and histometric analysis in dogs
Authors: Sverzut Cássio Edvard , Lucas Marina Amaral , Sverzut Alexander Tadeu , Trivellato Alexandre Elias , Beloti Marcio Mateus , Rosa Adalberto Luiz , De Oliveira Paulo Tambasco
Published: March 2008

The objective of this study was to evaluate the bone repair along a mandibular body osteotomy after using a 2.0 miniplate system. Nine adult mongrel dogs were subjected to unilateral continuous defect through an osteotomy between the mandibular 3rd and 4th premolars. Two four‐hole miniplates were placed in accordance with the Arbeitgeimeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen Manual. Miniplates adapted to the alveolar processes were fixed monocortically with 6.0‐mm‐length titanium alloy self‐tapping screws, whereas miniplates placed near the mandible bases were fixed bicortically. At 2, 6 and 12 weeks, three dogs were sacrificed per period, and the osteotomy sites were removed, divided into three thirds (Tension Third, TT; Intermediary Third, IT; Compression Third, CT) and prepared for conventional and polarized light microscopy. At 6 weeks, while the CT repaired faster and showed bone union by woven bone formation, the TT and IT exhibited a ligament‐like fibrous connective tissue inserted in, and connecting, newly formed woven bone overlying the parent lamellar bone edges. At 12 weeks, bone repair took place at all thirds. Histometrically, proportions of newly formed bone did not alter at TT, IT and CT, whereas significantly enhanced bone formation was observed for the 12‐week group, irrespective of the third. The results demonstrated that although the method used to stabilize the mandibular osteotomy allowed bone repair to occur, differences in the dynamics of bone healing may take place along the osteotomy site, depending on the action of tension and compression forces generated by masticatory muscles.
The haemotoxicity of azathioprine in repeat dose studies in the female CD‐1 mouse
Authors: Molyneux Gemma , Gibson Frances M. , Chen Christabelle M. , Marway Harpal K. , McKeag Sean , Mifsud Charles V. J. , Pilling Andrew M. , Whayman Matthew J. , Turton John A.
Published: March 2008

Azathioprine (AZA) is a cytotoxic immunosuppressive drug used in the prevention of rejection in organ transplants and the treatment of auto‐immune diseases. However, AZA is haemotoxic causing significant bone marrow depression. The present studies were to characterize the haemotoxicity of AZA in the female CD‐1 mouse. In Experiment 1, a dose‐ranging study, with AZA gavaged daily for 10 days, clinical evidence of toxicity was evident at 125 mg/kg and above. Experiment 2 was a dose–response study with AZA gavaged daily for 10 days at 40–120 mg/kg. At day 1 after the final dose, AZA induced a dose‐related pancytopaenia, reduced femoral marrow cellularity, increases in serum levels of the cytokine fms‐like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, reduction in granulocyte‐monocyte colony‐forming units and erythroid colonies, and increased bone marrow apoptosis. Histology demonstrated hepatocyte hypertrophy, thymic atrophy, reduced splenic extramedullary haemopoiesis, and reduced cellularity of sternal bone marrow. In Experiment 3, AZA was dosed for 10 days at 100 mg/kg with autopsies at 1, 3, 9, 22, 29, 43 and 57 days postdosing. At 1, 3 and 9 days, haematological parameters reflected changes in Experiment 2. At 22/29 days, many blood parameters were returning towards normal; at 43/57 days, most parameters compared with controls. However, there was some evidence of a persistent (i.e. residual/late‐stage) mild reduction in RBC and erythroid progenitor cell counts at day 43/57. We conclude that the CD‐1 mouse provides an acceptable model for the haemotoxicity of AZA in man.
A STUDY OF THE INTESTINAL FLORA OF THE HOUSE CRICKET (Gryllus Domesticus)
Authors: Shrewsbury J. F. D. , Barson G. J.
Published: March 2008

A study of the intestinal flora of the House Cricket (Gryllus domesticus) reveals that it is predominantly composed of Gram‐negative bacilli, which can be arranged certainly in 1 groups, and possibly in 5, on the basis of their biochemical activities.,4 few Clostridia and n Streptococcus comprise the flora isolated.
A REVIEW OF EX‐FARM MILK REJECTIONS
Authors: CAMPION C. , HOWARD I. A. , FISCHER BARBARA M.
Published: March 2008

Ex‐farm milk rejections from a large dairy in the Home Counties have been reviewed, and a detailed analysis made for the period October 1948‐September 1949. A number of samples rejected on taint but otherwise satisfactory were also subjected to the 30 min. resazurin and Breed count tests. The methods of a group of producers invariably sending acceptable milk have been examined in an attempt to discover a common factor which could account for their high standard. It is concluded that with existing methods of transport and daily reception the supply of acceptable milk is possible, that this is within the control of the producer, and that the objective laboratory tests at present available cannot entirely replace smell for determining the acceptability of milk.
BACTERIAL CHANGES IN EXPERIMENTAL LABORATORY SILAGE
Authors: STIRLING ANNA C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: In preliminary experiments with grass silage made in the laboratory under controlled conditions bacterial numbers reached a peak earlier in silage held at 30° than at 22°, although maximum numbers tended to be greater at the lower temperature. Wilting the grass before it was ensiled delayed bacterial action, while chopping the grass hastened the action and helped to ensure a low pH in the silage.
A REPORT ON VARIATION IN pH AND MICROSCOPICAL COUNT OF BACTERIA IN A PIT OF GRASS SILAGE
Authors: ALLAN RUTH E. A. , DICKINSON ANNE B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Ignoring wasted material at the surface and sides, the variation in pH in six months old pit silage was smaller from side to side than from top to bottom. At the 2‐foot level, where the best quality silage was found, variation was very slight. A correlation was found between pH and the logarithm of the microscopical count of bacteria, the total number of bacteria falling with decreasing pH.
TEMPERATURE‐COMPENSATED TESTS FOR RAW MILK SUPPLIES. PART IV. STUDIES ON A KEEPING QUALITY TEST AT 19–20°
Authors: THOMAS S. B. , CLEGG L. F. L. , NOKES E. J. , GRIFFITHS D. G. , TAIT J. L. , JONES‐EVANS ELEANOR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A field‐scale experiment carried out in Wales and the West Midlands, in which the temperature‐compensated clot‐on‐boiling (C.O.B.) test of Rowlands & Hosking (1951) was applied to 11,626 samples of designated milk, morning, mixed and evening milk, gave proportions of failures in the ratio 1:2:3 respectively. Despite temperature compensation, failures varied according to atmospheric temperature from c. 50% at 72°F. or more to 10% at 56°F. or less and averaged 20% during the summer and 7% during the six winter months.

No marked differences were noted between the keeping qualities of tuberculin tested or accredited milk. During the winter no difference was found between producer‐wholesaler and producer‐retailer supplies, but the latter had a higher proportion of failures of evening and mixed milks during the summer.

In a set of 8,297 samples examined in addition by the methylene blue and coli‐aerogenes tests, the C.O.B. test gave a lower incidence of failures than either the methylene blue or combined methylene blue and coli‐aerogenes tests throughout almost the entire year. It is suggested that a temperature‐compensated C.O.B. test is practicable as a routine procedure.
THE HEAT DISINFECTION OF STREPTOCOCCUS FAECALIS AND STREPTOCOCCUS LACTIS
Authors: WHITE HELEN R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The heat resistance of a number of strains of Streptococcus lactis and Str. faecalis at 60° in Ringer's solution and separated milk has been determined and the Decimal Reduction Times (D.R.T.) calculated.

Heating in separated milk at 60° enabled Str. lactis to be sharply differentiated in most cases from Str. faecalis. The latter gave D.R.T. values usually much above 3 min. while the former gave values usually under 1 min. and certainly less than 3 min. Single tests might give misleading results with certain strains.

The log. survivor‐time graphs of both species were not always straight lines over all their length. A preliminary period of slow death was frequently observed.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON THE VIABILITY OF SEWAGE BACTERIA IN RELATION TO SELF‐PURIFICATION OF MUSSELS
Authors: SHERWOOD H. P.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Autoclaved sea water and water removed from the shell cavity of mussels supported the growth of coli‐aerogenes bacteria. Attempts to reproduce conditions which had favored multiplication of coli‐aerogenes bacteria in purified mussels failed.

‘Enrichment’ of sea water by repeated re‐use for storage of successive lots of mussels, in conjunction with sand filtration and aeration under conditions equivalent to 60 weeks of approved purification, did not promote the growth of coli‐aerogenes bacteria.

A culture of Salmonella typhi and Salm. paratyphi B survived for a few days only in sea water favourable to the slow multiplication of Bacterium coli type I.
EXPERIMENTS WITH THE METHYLENE BLUE REDUCTION TEST FOR MILK
Authors: BARKWORTH H. , HOSKING ZENA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The effects of shaking milk samples before the addition of methylene blue, delaying the time of addition of the dye, adding a second quantity of dye with a hypodermic syringe after the initial charge had been decolourized and of increasing the storage time or varying the testing time have been studied in five separate experiments. Vigorous shaking at the time of dye addition lengthened the reduction time. This effect was more pronounced when the milk was stored in a tube than in a bottle. Delayed addition of the dye resulted in a shorter reduction time than expected for inverted samples and longer than expected for samples which were not inverted between the time they were put into the 37° bath and the addition of the dye. Second additons of dye did not usually have reduction times exceeding 1 hr. Methylene blue reduction times did not necessarily decrease with successive tests carried out over a period of time on one sample: a time of 30 min. might persist over a series of tests for 4 hr. or more and small increase and decrease in reduction time with successive tests were also noted.
A METHOD FOR DETECTING CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY BY AN IN VIVO–IN VITRO TEST IN MICE
Authors: CROSHAW BETTY , FOLEY M. J.
Published: March 2008

A modification of existing in vivo–in vitro techniques for ‘screening’new chemotherapeutic agents is reported. Examples are given of its assessment with several antibiotics. Serum from mice inoculated intraperitoneally with the antibiotics was serially diluted in an indicator medium and assayed against the Oxford staphylococcus. By means of standards diluted in the same medium the amount of antibiotic/ml. of serum was calculated. Six known antibiotics were used in these investigations and determinations made of the lowest dose that would give a detectable level; the level given over a period of hours by a standard dose, i.e. 40 mg./kg., and a comparison between mice and guinea pigs using the standard dose.
THE GUT FLORA OF THE CHICK. I. THE FLORA OF NEWLY HATCHED CHICKS
Authors: LEV M. , BRIGGS C. A. E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The presence of a caecal microflora has been demonstrated in newly hatched chicks that had not received food or water. The flora was composed mainly of clostridia, sometimes with Escherichia coli.
A SALT‐TOLERANT DENITRIFYING BACILLUS STRAIN WHICH ‘BLOWS’ CANNED BACON
Authors: EDDY B. P. , INGRAM M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A Bacillus strain, isolated from a ‘blown’ can of bacon, is described: it tolerates 15% NaCl and reduces nitrate and nitrite to N2O and N2. The pH‐salt relationship, the tolerance to nitrite under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, the heat resistance of the spores, and the composition of the gas produced, have been investigated. The characters of the organism are such that, should its spores survive the processing of a cured meat, their subsequent development and the spoilage of the product seem almost certain.
A NOTE ON THE USE OF ROGOSA AND MODIFIED ROGOSA MEDIA FOR THE ENUMERATION AND CULTURE OF LACTOBACILLI
Authors: NAYLOR JILL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The modified Rogosa media (acetate broth and acetate agar) developed by Mabbitt & Zielinska (1956) have been compared with tomato juice media for the growth of representative Lactobacillus species.

Most of the species tested grew markedly better in acetate broth than in tomato dextrose broth, but some cultures did not grow well in the acetate broth although they grew normally in tomato dextrose broth. The acetate agar was satisfactory for counting those lactobacilli cultured at 30° but was inferior to tomato dextrose agar for counting those grown at 37°.
A STUDY OF THE PECTOLYTIC BACTERIAL POPULATION IN SOME FARM WATER SUPPLIES
Authors: JONES G. ELIS
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Pectolytic bacteria in considerable numbers were detected in samples from farm water supplies. Two media were employed, and quantitative data were obtained, in both cases, but colony counts on sodium pectate‐calcium agar poured plates gave higher numbers than a presumptive count in sodium pectate solution. The agar medium also permitted the growth of non‐pectolytic bacteria, and the total colony count was higher than that obtained on standard nutrient agar. Presumptive coliaerogenes counts in broth tubes showed that these organisms were, on the average, about four times as numerous as the pectolytic organisms.
A TWO LITRE SCALE CONTINUOUS CULTURE APPARATUS FOR MICRO‐ORGANISMS
Authors: ELSWORTH R. , MEAKIN L. R. P. , PIRT S. J. , CAPELL G. H.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The design and construction of a continuous culture apparatus with a 2 1. culture vessel are described. Aeration is achieved by means of a mechanical stirrer and injected air, automatic temperature and pH control are features of the apparatus, and foaming is controlled by adding antifoam through a manually operated valve. A high degree of agitation ensures that good mixing takes place. Accurate and easily variable control of the medium flow rate is obtained by means of the Mariotte bottle principle. The apparatus can be operated continuously with freedom from contamination for periods in excess of 1000 hr.
THE PREVENTION OF MICROBIAL SPOILAGE IN WHOLE SHELL EGGS BY HEAT TREATMENT METHODS
Authors: KNOWLES N. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The prevention of microbial spoilage in whole shell eggs by heat treatment methods has been investigated. After shell eggs had been immersed for 3 min in water at 144·5 ± 0·5°F the incidence of microbial rotting was reduced by over 90%. Consistent reductions in spoilage losses were obtained with farm steeped eggs, eggs produced under commercial conditions, and eggs held in cold storage for 6 months. Heat treatment efficiently controlled green, sour and black rots in stored eggs, but although reductions were noted in the number of mould rots, it cannot be guaranteed that this type of spoilage can be controlled with similar certainty.

Internal quality in heat treated eggs was satisfactory. During protracted holding in cold storage, heat treatment appeared to result in a better internal egg quality and a more stable keeping quality, than when untreated eggs were held under similar conditions.
THE NORMAL INTESTINAL FLORA OF THE PIG. III. QUALITATIVE STUDIES OF LACTOBACILLI AND STREPTOCOCCI
Authors: FEWINS B. GILLIAN , NEWLAND L. G. M. , BRIGGS C. A. E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Streptococci and lactobacilli were isolated from the faeces and caecal contents of experimental pigs receiving various diets. Fifty‐seven strains of streptococci and forty‐one (representative of 220) lactobacilli were examined physiologically and serologically. Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. fermenti predominated among the lactobacilli, while the largest group of streptococci resembled the ‘unclassified’ strains of Barnes & Ingram (1955) and Barnes, Ingram & Ingram (1956) from bacon factory premises, pig faeces and canned hams.
THE GERMINATION AND ENZYMIC ACTIVITIES OF BACILLUS SPORES AT LOW TEMPERATURES
Authors: WOLF J. , MAHMOUD S. A. Z.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Well washed spore preparations of Bacillus cereus and B. subtilis were suspended in various nutrient broths, soil extracts, autoclaved soil of various moisture contents, and in two inorganic solutions, phosphate buffer, pH 7·2 and Ringer's solution. These were incubated at 8°, 5°, 1° and 0° for periods up to 270 days. Periodic total and spore counts on plates indicated a progressive decrease in each, associated with germination taking place in all conditions except in the two inorganic media. Enzymic tests indicated secretion and activity of nitratase and gelatinase and, with spores of B. pasteurii, urease, as a result of germination. B. subtilis germinated to a greater extent than B. cereus in each of the nutrient media. Germination of both organisms at 5° was also observed in L‐ and D‐alanine: in the latter it was probably the result of racemization to the L‐form.
FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON THE BACTERIAL CONTENT OF WATER IN WATERCRESS BEDS
Authors: BAKER LILY A. E. , BILLING EVE
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Observations on two watercress beds in Kent have confirmed previous findings (Jones & Baker, 1955) that even in comparatively well‐protected beds the coli‐aerogenes content of the water may be high in summer. They have also shown that in spite of circumstances which would lead one to expect pollution, as in the case of one bed, the coli‐aerogenes content can be low in winter. The season appears to influence the content in the water of coli‐aerogenes bacteria, pectate liquefying bacteria and those capable of growing at 37°, but in the case of those growing at 22° other factors can play a more important part, as higher counts were not uncommon in winter. Seasonal effects were less marked with inlet samples; they were less influenced by atmospheric temperature, and little extraneous contamination occurred. Numbers increased as the sampling point moved from inlet to outlet.
THE TAXONOMY OF THE PSYCHROPHILIC MEAT‐SPOILAGE BACTERIA: A REASSESSMENT
Authors: BROWN A. D. , WEIDEMANN J. F.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A study was made of selected properties of 189 psychrophilic bacteria isolated from chilled beef and associated sources. Of these, 182 were Gram‐negative and 7 were Gram‐positive. Of the former, 128 were typical pseudomonads with polar flagella. They were resistant to penicillin and oxidized glucose to acid. There were 52 non‐motile Gram‐negative bacteria of which 42 were judged to be pseudomonads on the basis of penicillin resistance and the oxidation of glucose to acid. Flagellar characters were associated with the production of green pigment, with the production of acid from lactose and with resistance to several antibiotics.
A NEW METHOD OF COLLECTING ALLANTOIC FLUID FROM EMBRYONATED EGGS
Authors: KOHN A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: An apparatus is described for collecting by aspiration allantoic fluid from embryonated eggs infected with influenza or Newcastle disease virus. The essential part of the apparatus is a specially designed ‘automatic pipette’permitting good control of the flow of aspirated fluid.
THE NUTRITION AND SOME BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF VIBRIO CYCLOSITES AND VIBRIO NEOCISTES
Authors: HUGO W. B. , ROGERS MARGARET K.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Vibrio cyclosites and V. neocistes grew in a defined medium consisting of a mineral basis, nicotinamide or nicotinic acid and the amino acids methionine, histidine, aspartic acid, phenylalanine and iso leucine. Washed suspensions failed to oxidize any of these substances in the Warburg apparatus. It was not possible with these organisms to demonstrate transamination between the five essential amino acids and α‐ketoglutaric acid or pyruvic acid.
THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS WATER BACTERIA ON THE GROWTH OF ESCHERICHIA COLI I IN MACCONKEY'S BROTH AT 37° AND 42°
Authors: ETINGER‐TULCZYNSKA R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The growth of a streptomycin resistant strain of Escherichia coli I in MacConkey's broth at 37° or 42° was not inhibited by water organisms of the genera Micrococcus, Proteus, Achromobacter and Pseudomonas, but the presence of large numbers of other members of the coli‐aerogenes group resulted in retardation or inhibition of its growth.
THE LOSS OF VIABILITY OF BACTERIA IN SUSPENSION DUE TO CHANGING THE IONIC ENVIRONMENT
Authors: GOSSIING B. S.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Following the accidental discovery and subsequent confirmation of an 80% loss of viability in a suspension of Escherichia coli when the ionic environment was changed from phosphate buffer to Ringer's solution, and of similar losses after changes in the reverse direction, the behaviour of other organisms was studied. Clostridium butyricum, Streptococcus lactis, Escherichia coli, and Micrococcus candidus gave positive results, Mycobacterium smegrmatis and a brewer's yeast did not. The survey included variations in the conditions, mostly with E. coli. Minor constituents of the solutions or alteration of their pH modified the effect, e.g. that of 1% NaCl in place of Ringer's solution or of pH 8·0 instead of the usual pH 7·2, was quite different. Also, the addition of glucose, sodium thioglycollate, or methylene blue diminished it, with one exception in the case of glucose. Mic. candidus responded if the solutions were chilled, but not at room temperature. With electrolyte concentrations below about 0·02 M there was no effect. Various other changes of anions were effective, as also was change from a univalent to a bivalent cation. A second treatment, following the necessary intermediate reverse change which had no effect, caused another smaller mortality. This reduced sensitivity gave a diminished loss which persisted through many subsequent subculturings.
THE YEAST FLORA OF APPLE JUICES AND CIDERS
Authors: BEECH F. W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The yeast flora of a bulk of apples was followed through the different stages of cider making to the finished product. Yeasts on the fruit, and in the juice from an experimental plant, were mainly asporogenous. In a commercial sized plant, the juice was contaminated with yeasts present on the racks and cloths. Treating the juice with sulphur dioxide improved the yeast flora during fermentation; some controlling factors are considered. The efficiency of centrifugation depended on the pH of the juice, on sulphiting and on the loss of specific gravity that had previously taken place.
THE MYCOLOGICAL FORMATION OF FAT IN CULTURES GROWN WITH AGITATION AND AERATION
Authors: GARRIDO J. M. , WALKER T. K.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A description is given of a stainless steel fermentation vessel of Waldhof type which was used for the cultivation of moulds for the purpose of obtaining fat. In this vessel Aspergillus nidulans, Penicillium javanicum and Pencillium spinulosum were grown in defined media containing inorganic salts and glucose, with vigorous agitation and aeration. In a medium containing glucose (90 g/1.) A. nidulans produced 4·4 g of fat/1, and the fat coefficient (g of fat formed/100 g of sugar utilized) was 8·9; while P. javanicum in this medium produced 3·6 g of fat/1. and the fat coefficient was 7·6. In a different medium containing glucose (100 g/1.) P. spinulosum produced 11·4 g of fat/1. and the fat coefficient was 12·0.
A MUCILAGE‐FORMING LACTOBACILLUS SPECIES ISOLATED FROM CIDER. PART I. CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: MILLIS NANCY F. , HUSAIN I. , HALL A. N. , WALKER T. K.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A rod‐shaped, facultative, heterofermentative lactic acid‐forming microorganism, isolated from cider, showed some similarities to Lactobacillus pastorianus van Laer, to L. pastorianus var. brownii and to L. brevis Orla‐Jensen. Its most notable characteristic was an ability to form mucilage in a medium containing glucose, fructose or especially maltose. The highest levels of viscosity were obtained in a medium containing maltose (pH 5·1), after 12–16 days incubation at 25° under an atmosphere of carbon dioxide.
THE ISOLATION OF COAGULASE POSITIVE STAPHYLOCOCCI FROM ROUTINE COMPOSITE MILK SAMPLES
Authors: WALTERS A. H.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Composite morning milk samples were taken once weekly for 9 weeks from 24 dairy farms. In all 208 samples were tested, and coagulase positive staphylococci (aureus, albus and citreus) were isolated from 127 (61%). The week by week recovery of these staphylococci from individual farm samples varied between 11% and 88% Penicillin resistant coagulase positive strains were recovered from 20 samples (10%).
THE INFLUENCE OF ACIDITY ON THE MULTIPLICATION OF LACTIC STREPTOCOCCAL BACTERIOPHAGE IN LIQUID MEDIA
Authors: THOMPSON NORAH
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Mass lysis of lactic streptococci infected with baeteriophage at 30° was prevented at pH 5·10. At lower pH values no multiplication of phage followed infection, and prolonged incubation at 30° resulted in loss of phage particles from unlysed samples. Adsorption of phage particles on host cells was unaffected by acidity, but no phage penetration of host cells took place. Host cell properties were apparently unchanged by adsorption of phage particles in acid whey.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE ISOLATION OF SALMONELLAE FROM SELENITE BROTH
Authors: SMITH H. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Studies of growth curves of enterobacteria in selenite broth containing different carbohydrates showed that whereas mannitol and lactose brought about a steep fall in coli‐aerogenes bacteria, mannitol improved the growth of Salm. typhi‐murium. With mixed cultures of Cit. freundii I and Salm. typhi‐murium the presence of lactose, utilizable by the former, adversely affected the viable count of the latter.

Comparative studies with routine faeces specimens showed that selenite broth was an efficient selective medium with MacConkey's agar; but much better results were obtained when it was combined with deoxycholate‐citrate agar. Gentian violet introduced into selenite broth improved its selectivity for most Salmonella types when MacConkey's agar was used for final isolation.
TELLURITE‐EGG AGAR, A SELECTIVE AND DIFFERENTIAL MEDIUM FOR THE ISOLATION OF COAGULASE POSITIVE STAPHYLOCOCCI
Authors: INNES A. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The preparation and use of tellurite‐egg agar (TEA), a medium for the isolation of coagulase positive staphylococci, are described. The medium, based on that of Ludlam (1949), was non‐inhibitory to coagulase positive staphylococci and colonies on it of these organisms could easily be distinguished from contaminating types. Comparisons were made between the medium and three other media in common use for the isolation of coagulase positive staphylococci.
RECIRCULATION WITH ELECTROSTATIC FILTRATION AS A MEANS OF REDUCING BACTERIAL AIR CONTAMINATION
Authors: STEINGOLD L. , ASHWORTH L.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Recirculation through a free‐standing electrostatic air filter reduced considerably the bacterial population of the air of a small hospital room, particularly during periods of nursing activity. It is suggested that it may be of real value as a further means of combating hospital cross infection.
THE NORMAL INTESTINAL FLORA OF THE PIG. IV. THE EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS OF PENICILLIN, CHLORTETRACYCLINE OR COPPER SULPHATE ON THE FAECAL FLORA
Authors: FULLER R. , NEWLAND L. G. M. , BRIGGS C. A. E. , BRAUDE R. , MITCHELL K. G.
Published: March 2008

Streptococci, lactobacilli and coli‐aerogenes organisms were isolated from pigs receiving penicillin, chlortetracycline or copper sulphate as dietary supplements. Changes in their numbers, physiological type and sensitivity to the supplements fed are described. Penicillin and chlortetracycline rapidly induced a population resistant to the antibiotic fed, but no changes were detected in numbers or types of organisms isolated. Copper sulphate caused a reduction in the numbers of streptococci and a change of predominant type from non‐lactose‐fermenting to lactose‐fermenting; there was also a change from a flora in which L. acidophilus predominated to one in which L. brevis and L. cellobiosus tended to become dominant.
A STERILE AGAR MEDIUM DISPENSER
Authors: GRAY T. R. G.
Published: March 2008

A method is described for aseptically dispensing definite volumes of agar media of known pH, thus eliminating the use of tubes or McCartney bottles for storage.
ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE VIABILITY OF BACTERIA DAMAGED BY ANTISEPTICS AND THEIR RESPONSIVENESS TO MODIFICATIONS OF THE COUNTING MEDIUM
Authors: HARRIS N. D. , RICHARDS J. P. , WHITEFIELD M.
Published: March 2008

Counts of phenol treated Escherichia coli and of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exposed to phenylmercuric nitrate varied with the medium, and the differences were greater when the mortality of the suspension was higher. The regression of the logarithm of the response (the count on a modified medium divided by the count on the control) on the logarithm of the viable count on the control was linear. This relationship is shown to occur when the log survivor‐time curves from one suspension under two different conditions are divergent. To compare responses from different trials, dose reduction factors may be used or a correction may be made for the mortality level. Alternatively the mortality level should be controlled.
A MECHANICAL SOIL PERCOLATOR
Authors: SMITH W. K.
Published: March 2008

A mechanically operated soil percolator is described. Each unit of a battery is independent. Anaerobic percolation is possible.
THE INFLUENCE OF PENICILLIN ON CHEESE STARTER ACTIVITY
Authors: MEANWELL L. J.
Published: March 2008

The cultivation of cheese starter cultures for 16 hr at 22° in milk containing 0.05 i.u. of penicillin/ml resulted in limitation of cell numbers and consequent loss of activity. Such loss of activity did not occur when heavy inocula and cultivation for 3 hr at 30° were used. The presence of penicillin at a level of 0.05–0.08 i.u./ml in milk for bulk starter cultivated for 16 hr at 22° exerted more influence on subsequent starter activity than was caused by the presence of 0.1 i.u./ml in the activity test milk itself. The cells that survived contact with penicillin appeared to be healthy and capable of normal reproduction.
FURTHER STUDIES ON AEROMONAS. I. ADDITIONAL STRAINS AND SUPPLEMENTARY BIOCHEMICAL TESTS
Authors: EDDY B. P.
Published: March 2008

The results are given of the behaviour of 88 strains of Aeromonas in an extended series of biochemical tests. Additional tests confirm the view that Aer. formicans merits specific rank. It is proposed that Aer. liquefaciens be renamed Aer. punctata and that Aer. formicans be renamed Aer. caviae.