bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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 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.
Some Fermentative Varieties of Bacillus Paratyphosus B
Authors: Warren S. H. , Iredale J. L. G. 
Published: May 2009

A series of nine cases of paratyphoid fever due to infection with anaerogenic strains of B. paratyphosus B are recorded.Biological examination of these strains shows no difference from the ordinary type of B. paratyphosus B except the inability to produce gas from any “sugar.”Serologically these strains are identical with the aerogenic type of the organism.These anaerogenic strains retain their inability to produce gas from “sugar” after subculture on artificial media for a considerable period, and cultivation on a number of different fluid media failed to restore the gas producing power.In the organic salt fermentation test B. paratyphosus B gives a characteristic reaction which is also given by the anaerogenic strains.The fermentative varieties of B. paratyphosus B defined by Kristensen and Bojlèn are definite and can be identified as a matter of practical routine, but the test is delicate and requires care in the preparation of the media and especially in the Bitter test.The existence of these apparently stable fermentative varieties of B. paratyphosus B is likely to be of use in epidemiological investigations.We wish to thank a number of people whose assistance has made it possible for us to carry out this work. Dr J. A. Charles, Medical Officer of Health, Newcastle-on-Tyne, for permission to publish these cases; Dr E. F. Dawson-Walker, Assistant M.O.H., for histories and specimens from the cases. Dr W. M. Scott for many cultures and other assistance.Dr M. Kristensen, Copenhagen, Dr M. A. C. Buckell, Bradford, Dr P. L. Sutherland, Wakefield, for paratyphoid cultures and Dr J. W. H. Morrison, M.O.H., Blaydon-on-Tyne, for a number of specimens.
Anaerogenic Fermentation with Paratyphoid Bacilli
Authors: Warren S. H. , Iredale J. L. G. 
Published: May 2009

1. Anaerogenic races ofB. paratyphosusB are stable in ordinary artificial culture.2. Aerogenic variants of anaerogenic strains can be produced (though the anaerogenic strain persists) by growth in dextrose or mannitol with a relatively large amount of sodium formate. Such variants can then produce gas from all the other “sugars” fermentable byB. paratyphosusB.3. Failure to produce gas from sugars by anaerogenic races is due to deficiency in the power of breaking down the formate produced in the first stage of fermentation.4. A mixture of dextrose and formate in peptone water reveals the latent capacity for gas production in anaerogenic races ofB. paratyphosusB. This confirms the observations of Grey (1914, 1920, 1924).Since this work was done, we have seen the paper of Pot and Tasman (1932) in which they succeed in isolating aerogenic variants from anaerogenic cultures ofB. paratyphosusB by continued cultivation in 2 per cent. calcium formate, in a somewhat similar manner as we have done with the mixture of dextrose and sodium formate.
The Cause of Convulsive Ergotism
Authors: Stockman Ralph 
Published: May 2009

By feeding monkeys on healthy rye, wheat and other cereal and leguminous seeds convulsive and paralytic symptoms similar to those of convulsive ergotism in man can be produced.Large amounts of cold-water extracts of the grains given to monkeys per os may cause the symptoms acutely, just as large meals of rye bread have occasionally been reported to do in man.Salts of phytic acid and decomposition products from it, isolated from all these grains and given to monkeys by the stomach or hypodermically, occassion symptoms exactly similar to those caused by feeding the grains.The occurrence of poisoning when these grains are consumed as food is partly a question of the quantity consumed and partly a question of the ability of the consumer to break down in the bowel the poisonous phytates and so render them innocuous. If they are not fully broken down they are absorbed and act as poisons to the nervouse system.The pathological lesions in the nervous system of monkeys are the same as those which are described as occurring in convulsive ergotism in man.Convulsive ergotism is not a “deficiency” disease, nor is it ergot disease, but is caused by poisons normally present in rye and other grains.
Typhoid Epidemic in Cork City, 1920
Authors: Saunders J. C. 
Published: May 2009

1. That the epidemic was due to infection of the water supply is borne out by the following points:(a) The explosive character of the outbreak as shown in Graph II which is characterised by a rapid rise to peak at the end of third week followed by a sharp fall and a gradual tailing off to the end of the epidemic.(b) The widespread distribution of cases (see Map), no area supplied by water from the city having escaped.(c) The rapid decline which followed the adoption of appropriate measures to deal with the water supply.2. 255 persons in the city area (including the 12 military cases) were definitely affected (equivalent to a rate of 3·1 per 1000 of the population). As shown by the rise in the death-rate for the rural area it is apparent that a far greater number of persons were actually attacked.3. The outbreak had its origin in a defective manhole in the Mental Hospital grounds whereby the sewage overflowed into a rubble drain and infected the water supply. This defect had existed for twenty-five years, and an epidemic in the hospital fifteen years previously established the reservoir from which infection was disseminated through the city.4. The spread of typhoid was favoured by unsatisfactory arrangements for the filtration of the water supply. This is borne out by the endemic character of the disease prior to the installation of an effective filtration plant.5. The institution of this plant was followed by an immediate reduction in the incidence of the disease until, as at the present time, water-borne typhoid has been practically eliminated.6. The value of such a plant combined with chlorination and bacteriological examination has been shown.
Infection of the air of scarlet-fever wards with Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Brown W. A. , Allison V. D. 
Published: May 2009

1. The air of four large scarlet-fever wards was found to contain large numbers of haemolytic streptococci, most of which could be identified serologically. In one ward the serological types identified were found to correspond the types infecting patients in the ward.2. The degree of infection of the air with haemolytic streptococci showed considerable variation during the 24 hours. During the night, infection was absent or negligible, in the morning there was a steep rise followed by a slight fall in the degree of infection during the early afternoon. This variation is probably associated with the degree of air movement in the ward produced by the ward staff in the execution of their duties.3. Haemolytic streptococci were widespread in the ward air and the serological types identified were not confined to the neighbourhood of patients infected with a particular type.4. Though contact with infected hands, instruments, books, toys, etc., is probably of considerable importance in the transmission of infection with Strept. pyogenes, and though droplet transmission no doubt occurs as in other infections of the respiratory tract, yet the possibility of infection via the air cannot be dismissed, especially in multiple-bed wards in which patients infected with many different serological types of haemolytic streptococci are being nursed.
Reinfection as a cause of complications and relapses in scarlet fever wards
Authors: Allison V. D. , Brown W. A. 
Published: May 2009

1. The term “reinfection” has been defined as the secondary infection of a scarlet fever patient during hospitalization withStr. pyogenesbelonging to a serologically different type from that producing the primary infection.2. Of forty-seven scarlet fever patients nursed in a multiple-bed ward and swabbed twice weekly during their period of isolation, thirty-three (70.2 per cent) became reinfected with a serological type ofStr. pyogenesdifferent from that causing the primary disease.3. In fifteen out of the thirty-three patients reinfected, the reinfection was “latent”, i.e. gave rise to no clinical signs, while in the remaining eighteen the reinfection was “manifest”, i.e. was accompanied by clinical signs or complications.4. Patients nursed in cubicles or in a ward confined to infections with a single serological type did not show reinfection; their convalescence was progressive and there were no late complications.5. The majority of complications occurring during the third week of hospitalization and subsequently, in multiple-bed wards devoted to scarlet fever, are due to reinfection.6. Most reinfections occur during the third week in hospital at a time when patients are as a rule convalescent from their primary infection.7. The most frequent mode of transmission of reinfection appears to be by direct contact of patient with patient.8. Ten instances of “relapse” in scarlet fever (only three in the present series) are quoted; in all of them the patients were nursed in multiple-bed wards. In each instance the “relapse” coincided with the isolation of a fresh serological type ofStr. pyogenesfrom the throat, and must therefore be regarded as a second attack of scarlet fever.9. The various systems of nursing patients in isolation hospitals are discussed and it is suggested that scarlet fever patients should be cubicle-nursed if possible. Failing this they should be nursed by the bed-isolation method in multiple-bed wards. By setting aside small wards it might be possible to keep together patients who are all infected by the same serological type ofStr. pyogenes; the number of such wards would vary with the number (usually three or four) of epidemic types current at the time.
A simple tellurite-chocolate-agar medium for the typing and isolation of Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Authors: Neill G. A. W. 
Published: May 2009

1. A simply made selective tellurite medium for the isolation of Corynebacterium diphtheriae and the identification of its types has been described.2. The ingredients of this medium are easily obtained and can be stored for any length of time making the medium readily available at short notice.3. Large or small quantities of the medium can be made with equal facility.4. When grown on the medium, C. diphtheriae will produce colonies characteristic of its type, be it gravis, mitis or intermediate.5. The appearance of the colonies has been described and has been shown to resemble closely, in the case of each type respectively, the appearances described by the Leeds workers (Anderson et al. (1931)) on their medium in the original papers.6. The possibilities of the use of this medium for diagnostic routine swab examinations have been briefly referred to.
A Cheap and Efficient Medium for the Plate Count of Milk
Authors: Barkworth H. , Davis J. G. 
Published: May 2009

The plate count is no longer considered the only test for the bacterial count of milk. There has recently been a tendency for the methylene-blue, or even the recently developed resazurin test, to displace the colony count as a measure of hygienic quality. Many workers, however, after experience with the dye reduction tests, have returned to the plate count, especially for advisory work, and consider that the new simple tests give inadequate information. Moreover, the plate count is still considered the best test for pasteurized milk. The questions of cost and availability of medium constituents, therefore, assume considerable importance in wartime.Two media (Min. Health, 1937; Min. Agric. 1934) have received official recognition in England for routine plate counts of milk. Both media (yeastrel agar and milk agar) contain 0·5% peptone, so that a considerable amount can be used if a large number of samples is tested. A shortage of peptone has already been experienced and the price has increased by over 100%. Experiments were therefore undertaken to find an alternative satisfactory medium containing less peptone.
Epidemiology of haemolytic streptococcal infection in relation to acute rheumatism: I. Haemolytic streptococcal epidemic and first appearance of rheumatism in a training centre
Authors: Green C. A. 
Published: May 2009

1. The circumstances attending an outbreak of haemolytic streptococcal infection in a training centre, followed by acute rheumatism, are described.2. The incidence of streptococcal infections in trained men and apprentices was 64 and 474 per 1000 respectively.3. Of streptococcal infections 78·0% occurred in members of two younger classes of apprentices.4. The eight cases of acute rheumatism were all in apprentices, seven cases being in the same two classes. All but one case had had tonsillitis or scarlatina during the epidemic.5. The smallest percentage of post-epidemic Dick-positive reactors was found in the youngest class which had suffered most in the outbreak.
Comparative digestibility of wholemeal and white breads and the effect of the degree of fineness of grinding on the former
Authors: Macrae T. F. , Hutchinson J. C. D. , Irwin J. O. , Bacon J. S. D. , McDougall E. I. 
Published: May 2009

1. Loaves were baked from three types of wheaten flour made from the same grist; a straight run white flour of 73% extraction, a finely ground wholemeal (100% extraction) and a medium ground wholemeal (100% extraction). Bread from each was consumed by six persons for periods of 11–12 days. The daily consumption was 530–630 g. dry weight of bread and, in addition, 37 g. margarine, 284 c.c. milk, 72 g. marmalade jelly and 284 c.c. of mild ale.2. The total energy, nitrogen and fibre of the food consumed and of the faeces excreted over a period of 7 days were determined. Assuming that the foods other than bread were wholly digestible, the average percentage absorption of energy, nitrogen and fibre from the white bread was 96·1, 91·1, and 65·8 respectively; from the fine wholemeal bread it was 86·9, 85·3 and 14 respectively and from the coarser ground wholemeal 87·1, 85·7 and 9·7 respectively.3. The nitrogen intake per 100 g. of the wholemeal bread eaten, was 2·91; of the white bread 2·70 g. This advantage was, however, neutralized by the greater amount of nitrogen lost in the faeces when wholemeal was taken, so that the average net gain of nitrogen to the body was 2·46 and 2·49 respectively per 100 g. dry weight of bread consumed.4. The loss of 9% more of the energy of the bread in the faeces from wholemeal than from white bread is largely accounted for by the undigested cell envelopes and woody fibre in the bran. The greater utilization of the fibre of the white bread is in accordance with the observations of Rubner who showed that the cell membranes of the endosperm were of different composition from those of the bran cells and were more readily attacked by bacteria in the gut.5. The range of individual variations in the utilization of the energy of the breads were: for white bread 95·4–96·8% and for wholemeal 85·4–88·7%. In the utilization of nitrogen these were: for white bread 88·2–94·1%, and for wholemeal 78·5–89·6%. The same subjects showed the better utilization of both energy and nitrogen.6. The fineness of grinding of the wholemeal within the range used made no significant difference to the utilization of either energy or nitrogen.
Studies in immunization by a species antigen: I. Preparation of species antigen from pneumococci
Authors: Day H. B. 
Published: May 2009

From pneumococci a species antigen can be obtained which on injection gives protection against pneumococci of different types.Species antigen is a somatic constituent of pneumococci and can be obtained in solution free of protein. It may be of carbohydrate nature, but is not derived from the type-specific material.The bodies of pneumococci contain another substance which on injection opposes species immunization. This opposition factor is closely associated with the protein content.Inconstant results from injection of preparations containing species antigen are due to the presence of opposition factor in varying amount.A high degree of species immunity can be secured by the use of species antigen freed from opposition factor.
Studies on air-borne virus infections: II. the killing of virus aerosols by ultra-violet radiation
Authors: Edward D. G. ff. , Lush Dora , Bourdillon R. B. 
Published: May 2009

The experiments show that rapid and effective sterilization of atmospheres containing atomized particles of influenza and vaccinia viruses, and probably also of herpes simplex virus, can be obtained by ultra-violet radiation of wave-length 2537 A. At least 99 % and probably more of an aerosol of influenza virus was killed by exposure for 6 sec. at. a distance of 2 cm. from either a Hanovia lamp or a G.E.C. ‘Sterilamp’. These findings confirm the work of Wells and his associates who first demonstrated the susceptibility of this virus to ultra-violet radiation (Wells & Brown, 1936; Wells & Henle, 1941). At the same distance the ‘Sterilamp’ produced more than a 99 % kill of vaccinia virus with an exposure of 1 sec. and about a 90 % kill in 0·5 sec. The experiments with herpes were less satisfactory but suggested a similar sensitivity. These results support the view that ‘germicidal’ lamps are likely to be useful in reducing the infectivity of air contaminated with particles from persons suffering from virus infections of the respiratory tract.We wish to acknowledge our indebtedness to the late Sir Patrick Laidlaw who, although his name does not appear as author, largely inspired the investigation and took an active part in it until his death.
A new non-mannite-fermenting dysentery organism of the Flexner group
Authors: Berger F. M. 
Published: May 2009

From three patients suffering from gastro-enteritis, non-mannite-fermenting, dysentery-like organisms were isolated which showed marked serological relationship to X, Y and P119 strains of B. dysenteriae Flexner.In carbohydrate peptone-water media the organism fermented glucose without production of gas. In Lemco broth, however, both acid and gas were produced from glucose. The only other carbohydrate which was fermented was saccharose, but fermentation was weak and occurred only when incubation was prolonged for several days.The organism possesses the group antigen common to the whole Flexner group and also a new type specific antigen of its own. Therefore it must be regarded as a new, non-mannite-fermenting member of the Flexner group of dysentery organism.This work was undertaken at the instigation of Prof. P. L. Sutherland, to whom I am indebted for assistance and advice in the preparation of this paper. My thanks are due to Mr S. J. Denyer, Chief Technician, who isolated the first strain and referred it for further examination. I also thank Mr Gordon Denton for technical assistance.Subcultures of all three strains have been sent to the National Collection of Type Cultures in London. Samples of the specific antiserum may be obtained from this laboratory.
Rat control in a plague outbreak in Malta
Authors: Barnett S. A. 
Published: May 2009

1. Methods of rat destruction devised in the United Kingdom during the war were applied to combat plague in Malta.2. The species were Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, and R. rattus L. The first is the more common and played an important part in carrying plague.3. In the last 7 months of 1945, 75 cases of plague were diagnosed. In 1946, 5 cases occurred. A marked fall in the incidence of flea-borne (murine) typhus occurred in 1946.4. Systematic rat destruction began at the end of August 1945. The method was prebaiting, followed by poisoning with baits and poisons of known efficacy and change of both bait and poison for follow-up treatments. For this purpose a large organization in which the Navy, Army and R.A.F. took part, as well as the Medical and Health Department, was set up under unified control. This made it possible for large blocks and areas to be treated as a whole and within a short space of time.5. Evidence is given that the degree of clearance achieved by these methods was satisfactory. Comparison of the figures of baiting points visited in first and second baiting treatments suggests, in most instances, a satisfactory kill; this is confirmed by the fact that third treatments, when they were carried out, were found to be unnecessary. Reports from the public and house-to-house inquiry also suggest a very great reduction in rat population.6. In January 1947, 9 tests for reinfestation were carried out in areas which had been treated between 6 and 17 months before. These tests indicated that few or no rats were present. It is therefore suggested that not only had a good initial clearance been achieved but that the effect was a lasting one.The author is indebted to Mr W. McA. Gracie, Director of Infestation Control, who also visited Malta in 1945, for making possible the publication of this paper; to Dr A. C. Briffa, Deputy Chief Government Medical Officer, and Mr Paul Cauchi, Rodent Control Officer, for answering many involved questions by post and for carrying out tests of reinfestation; and to Mr A. H. Bathard, formerly officer in charge of the R.A.M.C. Sanitary Section, Malta, for help in analysing the records. Thanks are also due to A. G. Jenson, F.R.I.B.A., for drawing the map and the figures.