A two-year study of the distribution of 'thermophilic' campylobacters in human, environmental and food samples from the Reading area with particular reference to toxin production and heat-stable serotype

The incidence of 'thermophilic' campylobacters in foods and environmental samples has been studied over a two-year period. Of 781 environmental samples, 529 (67%) were found to contain campylobacters, and campylobacters were isolated from 835 (39%) of 2116 food samples. Sewage was almost always contaminated with campylobacters (96.6% of samples) and of the food samples both poultry (55.5%) and offal (47.0%) were commonly contaminated. Determination of the heat-stable serotypes of all strains isolated from these sources and of 921 strains isolated from human faeces showed that there was a wide distribution of serotypes in most types of sample. Serotype Pen 2 was the commonest type found in human faeces (18.9%) and it was also commonest in offal (21.3%), beef (40.0%), sewage (17.7%) and was the third commonest type in poultry. A comparison of culture media and conditions for optimal production of both cytotoxic and cytotonic enterotoxins showed that Brucella Broth incubated under microaerobic conditions for 24 h at 42 degrees C was suitable for both toxins. Detection of cytotoxic activity was most sensitive using HeLa cells. The sensitivities of two ELISA systems and a Chinese Hamster Ovary tissue culture assay for detection of cytotonic enterotoxin were comparable. Not all strains isolated from cases of enteritis in human beings produced toxin; 23.1% produced cytotonic enterotoxin and 17.5% produced cytotoxin. There was no correlation between serotype and toxin production. The wide distribution of campylobacters, indistinguishable from those isolated from cases of enteritis in human beings, leads us to conclude that simplistic statements suggesting that one particular type of food is primarily responsible for cases of human disease should not be made.     

A two-year study of the distribution of ''thermophilic'' campylobacters in human, environmental and food samples from the Reading area with particular reference to toxin production and heat-stable serotype

The incidence of 'thermophilic' campylobacters in foods and environmental samples has been studied over a two-year period. Of 781 environmental samples, 529 (67%) were found to contain campylobacters, and campylobacters were isolated from 835 (39%) of 2116 food samples. Sewage was almost always contaminated with campylobacters (96·6% of samples) and of the food samples both poultry (55·5%) and offal (47·0%) were commonly contaminated. Determination of the heat-stable serotypes of all strains isolated from these sources and of 921 strains isolated from human faeces showed that there was a wide distribution of serotypes in most types of sample. Serotype Pen 2 was the commonest type found in human faeces (18·9%) and it was also commonest in offal (21·3%), beef (40·0%), sewage (17·7%) and was the third commonest type in poultry. A comparison of culture media and conditions for optimal production of both cytotoxic and cytotonic enterotoxins showed that Brucella Broth incubated under microaerobic conditions for 24 h at 42°C was suitable for both toxins. Detection of cytotoxic activity was most sensitive using HeLa cells. The sensitivities of two ELISA systems and a Chinese Hamster Ovary tissue culture assay for detection of cytotonic enterotoxin were comparable. Not all strains isolated from cases of enteritis in human beings produced toxin; 23·1% produced cytotonic enterotoxin and 17·5% produced cytotoxin. There was no correlation between serotype and toxin production. The wide distribution of campylobacters, indistinguishable from those isolated from cases of enteritis in human beings, leads us to conclude that simplistic statements suggesting that one particular type of food is primarily responsible for cases of human disease should not be made.     

Epidemiology of central nervous system tumors in Karlovac area (Croatia), 1995-2010

The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the central nervous system (CNS) tumours epidemiology in Karlovac region, over the 1995-2010 period. We analyzed data on 359 patients (194 men and 165 women), diagnosed with CNS tumours according to the World Health Organization's diagnostic criteria, in period 1995-2010. The data were obtained from the Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, including other medical records. The data were analysed with t-test and chi-square test. A total of 359 cases of tumours in CNS were recorded for the period of 1995-2010, with slight predominance of men (194;54.0%) over women (165;46.0%). Under the assumption of gender equality, we did not detect a significant gender difference in tumour diagnosis (p = 0.279). Mean age at the diagnosis was 64.1 +/- 12.6 years, with significant gender difference: mean age at diagnosis for men was 62.8 +/- 11.6 years, while for women it was 65.7 +/- 13.5 (p = 0.029). The commonest type of all tumours was metastases (144;40.1%). When only primary tumours were analysed, the commonest type was glioblastoma (125;58.15%), followed by meningeoma (44;20.5%). The remaining types were much less frequent, with i.e. 5 recorded cases of the following three types: astrocytoma, ependimoma and oligodendroglyoma (2.3%). These results suggest a commonly encountered epidemiological profile in the region, with commonest metastases, and glioblastoma as the most common primary tumour. Due to difficulties related to patient gravitating hospitals admittance and overall small sample size for more detailed analyses, it remains for future studies to determine potential association of the Homeland war (1991-1995) and the occurrence of CNS tumours.     

Intestinal helminthiases and schistosomiasis among school children in an urban center and some rural communities in southwest Nigeria

Intestinal helminths and schistosomiasis among school children were investigated in an urban and some rural communities of Ogun State, southwest Nigeria. Fecal samples of 1,059 subjects (524 males, 535 females) aged 3-18 years were examined using direct smear and brine concentration methods between June 2005 and November 2006. The pooled prevalence of infection was 66.2%. Ascaris lumbricoides showed the highest prevalence (53.4%) (P < 0.001) followed by hookworms (17.8%), Trichuris trichiura (10.4%), Taenia sp. (9.6%), Schistosoma mansoni (2.3%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.7%), Schistosoma haematobium (0.6%), and Enterobius vermicularis (0.3%). The prevalences of A. lumbricoides, hookworms, Taenia sp., S. mansoni, and S. stercoralis in the urban centre were similar (P > 0.05) to those in the rural communities. The fertile and infertile egg ratios of A. lumbricoides in the urban centre and the rural communities were 13: 1 and 3.7: 1, respectively. Each helminth had similar prevalences among both genders (P > 0.05). The prevalence of A. lumbricoides increased significantly with age (P < 0.001). The commonest double infections were Ascaris and hookworms, while the commonest triple infections were Ascaris, hookworms, and Trichuris. The study demonstrates the need for urgent intervention programmes against intestinal helminthiases and schistosomiasis in the study area.     

Diagnostic utility of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in HIV-infected patients with lymphadenopathy

reid a. j. c., miller r. f. and kocjan g. i. (1998) Cytopathology 9, 230–239
Diagnostic utility of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in HIV-infected patients with lymphadenopathy
Sixty-five FNA cytology procedures were performed on lymph nodes in 52 HIV⁺ patients. Cervical lymph nodes were the commonest site of FNA cytology investigation (54%). The diagnoses were persistent generalized lymphadenopathy (38%), infection (17%), and malignancy (11%). Diagnosis could not be rendered in 25% of FNA cytology due to inadequate sampling. Of those with infection, mycobacterial disease was the commonest cause (91%), the diagnosis of which was enhanced by concurrent microbiological examination. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma was the commonest malignancy. Sixteen lymph node FNA cytologies had subsequent tissue biopsy. There were two false-positive and four false-negative FNA cytologies. FNA cytology in HIV⁺ patients is most useful in the diagnosis of infection, obviating the need for tissue biopsy and allowing prompt initiation of treatment.     

Consanguineous marriage in a newly developed country: the Qatari population

This study examines the frequency of consanguineous marriage and coefficient of inbreeding in the State of Qatar. The study was conducted in semi-urban areas of Doha between January and May 2004. A sample of 1515 married Qatari females aged 15 years and over participated. The degree of consanguinity between each female and her spouse, and degree of consanguinity between their parents were recorded. The rate of consanguinity in the present generation was high (54.0%) with a coefficient of inbreeding of 0.02706. The commonest type of consanguineous marriage was between first cousins (34.8%). Double first cousin marriages were common (3.1%) compared with other populations. The consanguinity rate in the State of Qatar has increased from 41.8% to 54.5% in one generation.     

Superficial mycoses in Italy

A total of 1244 cases suspected of superficial mycoses were analysed in a period of 12 months in Italy. Dermatophytoses were found in 62.4%; the other common disease was Pityriasis versicolor (44.1%). The predominant speciesEpidermophyton floccosum (34,2%) was strickingly high in relation to other statistics; this species was commonest in tinea cruris. Among the other dermatophytesM. canis was predominant (31.3%) commonest in tinea corporis, followed byT. mentagrophytes (17,8%) andT. rubrum (10,3%). A high rate of yeasts was found in tinea manum (81.6%) and tinea pedis (47.7%).     

Prevalence of human papillomavirus infection among young women in North India

Background: The number of women infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) and the distribution of the HPV genotypes vary across populations and with age. Objective: To determine the prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV in young married women aged 16–24 years. Methods: 1300 women residing in an urban slum in Delhi donated samples of exfoliated cervical cells that were collected by the Digene^® kit and tested for the presence of HPV DNA by two techniques in parallel, i.e., PCR using PGMY consensus primers for all HPV types and the Digene HPV test (Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) Probe B for high-risk (hr) types. Genotyping was done on all HPV positive samples using the Roche reverse line blot assay. Results: HPV infection was detected in 91/1300 (7%) samples by PCR and 110/1300 (8.4%) samples by HC2. Genotyping identified 20 high-risk and 11 low-risk types. HPV16 was the commonest high-risk type (3%) followed by HPV52 (1.2%) and HPV51 (0.8%). Among low-risk types, HPV62 was the commonest (0.8%), followed by HPV84 and HPV89 (0.5% each). Multiple infections were found in 3% of the HPV positive samples. Conclusion: A wide spectrum of HPV genotypes is seen in this young population. Knowledge about HPV types prevalent in communities in different regions of India would be useful in devising the optimum strategy for cervical cancer prevention.     

Fatty acid values in the plasma of neonates, umbilical cord and maternal blood

The proportion of a wide range of fatty acids was studied in the plasma of 15 healthy newborn infants following a physiological pregnancy and delivery. The same measurements were done in seven healthy mothers (immediately after parturition) and the proportion of fatty acids was analysed in mixed umbilical cord blood (n = 7). The fatty acids were identified by gas chromatography as their methyl esters (FAME). In newborn infants the proportion of saturated fatty acids was found to be 42.3%, of monoene fatty acids 31.3% and of polyene fatty acids 25.4%; type n-6 fatty acids formed 13.9% and n-3 11.1%. The proportion of the various fatty acids in healthy maternal plasma was 37.9% (saturated), 34.4% (monoene) and 25.0% (polyene) respectively; type n-6 fatty acids formed 21.6% and type n-3 only 3.6%. The values in mixed cord blood were 44% (saturated FA), 34.8% (monoene FA) and 20% (polyene FA); group n-6 FA accounted for 17.4% and n-3 for only 2.1%. In the above three series we also described the sequence of the fatty acids present in the largest amounts. This is part of an extensive study, in a large series, of the commonest perinatal risks. We particularly draw attention to the high proportion of long-chain fatty acids (C 22 - C 26) in the plasma of healthy newborn infants.     

Factors affecting acceptability of long-acting contraceptive injections in a rural Egyptian community

This study was carried out in 4 adjacent villages in Lower Eghypt with a combined population of 24,000. A team of social workers and physicians worked together to introduce the injectable contraceptive depomedroxyprogesterone acetate as a post-partum long-acting contraceptive to the community leaders and the villagers at several meetings and individual home visits. Post-partum women who agreed to use the drug were defined as acceptors (591) and those who did not were defined as rejectors (715). The incidence of polygamy was higher among the rejectors, and rejectors' husbands had more children from their other wives. Acceptors had more previous pregnancies and children of both sexes than rejectors. The interval between the last 2 pregnancies was shorter among the rejectors. A greater % of acceptors had previously used another contraceptive. The commonest reasons for rejection were desire for further pregnancy (69%), health problems (11%), and desire for another method of contraception (8%). Religious factors figured in only 3% of cases.     

M components-a review of 1242 cases.

Among 1242 patients referred for immunologic investigation 1255 M components were detected in the serum. Of these patients 50.9% had multiple myeloma, 18.1% had nonmyelomatous malignant diseases such as macroglobulinemia, lymphoma, leukemia or cancer, 4.3% had connective tissue diseases, 2.5% had primary generalized amyloidosis (PGA) and the rest had various "benign" conditions. Whereas IgG was the commonest M component in multiple myeloma, connective tissue diseases and the other benign conditions, IgM was the commonest M component in lymphoma and leukemia; Bence Jones proteinemia was most frequently observed in PGA. The ratio of kappa to lambda light chains varied from 1.7:1 in IgG myeloma to 1:9 in IgD myeloma, and was 1:2.1 in PGA. Bence Jones protein was detected in 422 (66%) of 640 urine samples tested, the prevalence ranging from more than 70% in multiple myeloma and PGA to as low as 36% in various benign conditions. It is evident that the class and type of M components and the presence of Bence Jones proteinuria have no definite significance with regard to the diagnosis. Therefore, thorough investigation and follow-up at regular intervals are required when M components are detected.     

Superficial mycoses in Italy

A total of 1244 cases suspected of superficial mycoses were analysed in a period of 12 months in Italy. Dermatophytoses were found in 62.4%; the other common disease was Pityriasis versicolor (44.1%). The predominant speciesEpidermophyton floccosum (34,2%) was strickingly high in relation to other statistics; this species was commonest in tinea cruris. Among the other dermatophytesM. canis was predominant (31.3%) commonest in tinea corporis, followed byT. mentagrophytes (17,8%) andT. rubrum (10,3%). A high rate of yeasts was found in tinea manum (81.6%) and tinea pedis (47.7%).     

Neuronal interaction in the auditory cortex of alert cats

Spontaneous activity of neighboring auditory cortical neurons was derived by glass microelectrodes in chronic experiments on unanesthetized, unimmobilized cats, and the spike trains were subsequently analyzed by computer. Altogether 20 pairs of neurons were tested. The commonest type of interaction (50%) was found to be a common excitatory source, conjectured to be from specific auditory afferents. Interaction of the "common inhibitory source" (5%) and also complex forms of interaction were found. Interaction was absent in only 10% of cases. No direct inhibitory influence of neighboring neurons on one another was observed. The possible causes of absence of a direct inhibitory action are discussed. The most likely cause is absence of marked spontaneous activity in inhibitory auditory cortical neurons.A. A. Bogomolets Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, Kiev. Translated from Neirofiziologiya, Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 161–167, March–April, 1984.     

Frequency-dependent selection in a wild plant-pathogen system

This study investigated the occurrence of the rust fungus Puccinia chondrillina in clonal populations of its host plant, Chondrilla juncea. In 16 populations spread across eastern Turkey, 48 different multilocus isozyme phenotypes were identified in the host. Of these clones, 88% were restricted to single localities, while the remaining 12% were found in 2–11 populations. For 13 of the 16 plant populations the commonest host clone was always infected. Indeed, at ten sites this clone was the only one found to carry disease. In the remaining three populations the rusted plants were all of the second commonest isozyme type. The possibility of such a tight association of rust incidence with host clone frequency simultaneously across a wide geographic area is very low (P0.023), supporting the contention that the pathogen P. chondrillina may be imposing negative frequency-dependent selection on these C. juncea populations.     

Shigellosis in Eastern Nigeria: Etiological frequency of serotypes and resistance to antibiotics

Between 1984 and 1986 a total of 1000 faecal samples and rectal swabs were cultured from patients presenting with diarrhoea. Shigellae were isolated from 5·6% of these samples. Shigella flexneri was the commonest isolated (68%), followed by Sh. sonnei (23%). A total of 22·8% of children (0–12 years of age) were positive for shigellae. Twenty-seven (48·2%) strains were sensitive to all the five antibiotics tested (streptomycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, ampicillin and sulphonamide). A total of 22 (39·2%) were resistant to three or more antibiotics. Nine (16%) were resistant to all five. The public health significance of the study is discussed.     

Pneumococcal bacteraemia: 325 episodes diagnosed at St Thomas's Hospital.

Three hundred and twenty five episodes of pneumococcal bacteraemia occurred at St Thomas''s Hospital during 1970-84, accounting for 13.3% of all episodes of bacteraemia. Twice as many cases occurred in male as in female patients, and common predisposing factors included chronic chest disease, alcoholism, haematological malignancies, cirrhosis, and sickle cell anaemia. Mortality was 28.6% overall but only 11.8% among patients who received antibiotic treatment for at least 24 hours. Most patients (261) had pneumonia, 26 had meningitis, and eight were children with occult bacteraemia. The commonest serotype of pneumococcus in adults was type 3 (39 episodes), and these strains were associated with a high mortality. Other factors determining a fatal outcome included underlying disease (such as cirrhosis, malignancy, and chronic chest disease) and extrapulmonary infection. Almost half the survivors were treated for 10 days or less and became afebrile within 48 hours.     

Ecology of nematophagous fungi: distribution and habitat

A survey of 161 samples of soil and plant material collected from sites throughout Ireland has shown that nematophagous fungi exist in a wide range of habitats. 205 isolations were made consisting of 11 endoparasitic and 20 predatory species. The commonest endoparasites and their frequency of occurrence were Myzocytium spp. (9·3%), Acrostalagmus obovatus (6·8%) and Harposporium anguillulae (6·2%). Predators were equally abundant, the commonest being Dactylella bembicodes (8·7%), D. mammillata (6·8%) and D. ellipsospora (6·2%). Arthrobotrys oligospora and A. musiformis both had a highly restricted distribution. Adhesive knobs and constricting rings were significantly more abundant than the other trapping mechanisms. All the samples were classified into one of 10 broad habitat types. Of these temporary agricultural pasture, coastal vegetation and coniferous leaf litter had the greatest percentage of sites from which nematophagous fungi were isolated. A number of species showed distinct habitat associations, in particular Arthrobotrys robusta, A. musiformis and Dactylella cionopaga.     

Clinical study of peanut and nut allergy in 62 consecutive patients: new features and associations.

OBJECTIVE--To investigate clinical features of acute allergic reactions to peanuts and other nuts. DESIGN--Analysis of data from consecutive patients seen by one doctor over one year in an allergy clinic at a regional referral centre. SUBJECTS--62 patients aged 11 months to 53 years seen between October 1993 and September 1994. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Type and severity of allergic reactions, age at onset of symptoms, type of nut causing allergy, results of skin prick tests, and incidence of other allergic diseases and associated allergies. RESULTS--Peanuts were the commonest cause of allergy (47) followed by Brazil nut (18), almond (14), and hazelnut (13). Onset of allergic symptoms occurred by the age of 2 years in 33/60 and by the age of 7 in 55/60. Peanuts accounted for all allergies in children sensitised in the first year of life and for 82% (27/33) of allergies in children sensitised by the third year of life. Multiple allergies appeared progressively with age. The commonest symptom was facial angioedema, and the major feature accounting for life threatening reactions was laryngeal oedema. Hypotension was uncommon. Of 55 patients, 53 were atopic--that is, had positive skin results of tests to common inhaled allergens--and all 53 had other allergic disorders (asthma, rhinitis, eczema) due to several inhaled allergens and other foods. CONCLUSIONS--Sensitisation, mainly to peanuts, is occurring in very young children, and multiple peanut/nut allergies appear progressively. Peanut and nut allergy is becoming common and can cause life threatening reactions. The main danger is laryngeal oedema. Young atopic children should avoid peanuts and nuts to prevent the development of this allergy.     

静脉留置部位导管相关菌血症的病原学研究

目的调查静脉留置导管相关性血流感染病原学特点。方法回顾性调查杭州医学院附属第一医院2003年1月至2005年9月静脉留置治疗患者感染的发生情况,并对其病原菌及耐药特点进行分析。结果165例患者共送检留置导管标本184份,140份标本检有病原菌,检出率为76.1%(140/184)。在165例患者中有150例进行了血液培养,发生血流感染的有103例,感染率为68.7%(103/150)。从140份静脉留置导管标本中共分离出171株病原菌,主要为表皮葡萄球菌、金黄色葡萄球菌、铜绿假单胞菌、大肠埃希菌等。有44例患者静脉留置导管和血液培养出同一种病原菌,主要为表皮葡萄球菌。导管留置后到第一次血液培养出现阳性的时间大约为4~8d。同时从静脉留置导管和血液分离的21株表皮葡萄球菌全部对呋喃妥因和万古霉素敏感,除对利福平的耐药率较低外,对其它抗生素的耐药率都超过50%。结论静脉留置导管较易引起血流感染,引起血流感染病原菌主要以表皮葡萄菌为主,且耐药性严重。     

Hepatitis B viruses with precore region defects prevail in persistently infected hosts along with seroconversion to the antibody against e antigen.

The C gene of hepatitis B virus (HBV) codes for a nucleocapsid protein made of 183 amino acid residues and is preceded in phase by the precore (pre-C) region, encoding 29 residues. The pre-C-region product is required for the synthesis and secretion of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), which is made of the C-terminal 10 amino acid residues of the pre-C-region product and the N-terminal 149 residues of the C-gene product. HBV mutants with pre-C-region defects prevailed in the circulation of three asymptomatic carriers as they seroconverted from HBeAg to the corresponding antibody (anti-HBe), and these mutants finally replaced nondefective HBV. HBV DNA clones were propagated from sera of an additional 15 carriers with anti-HBe and sequenced for the pre-C region. Essentially all HBV DNA clones (56 of 57 [98%]) revealed mutations that prohibited the translation of a functional pre-C-region product. A point mutation from G to A at nucleotide 83, converting Trp-28 (TGG) to a stop codon (TAG), was by far the commonest and was observed in HBV DNA clones from 16 (89%) of 18 carriers seropositive for anti-HBe. In addition, there were point mutations involving ATG codon to abort the translation initiation of the pre-C region, as well as deletion and insertion to induce frameshifts. Such mutations leading to pre-C-region defects were rarely observed in persistently infected individuals positive for HBeAg or in patients with type B acute hepatitis after they had seroconverted to anti-HBe. These results would indicate a selection of pre-C-defective mutants in persistently infected hosts, along with seroconversion to anti-HBe, by immune elimination of hepatocytes harboring nondefective HBV with the expression of HBeAg.