High Rates of Obesity and Chronic Disease Among United Methodist Clergy

We used self‐reported data from United Methodist clergy to assess the prevalence of obesity and having ever been told certain chronic disease diagnoses. Of all actively serving United Methodist clergy in North Carolina (NC) 95% (n = 1726) completed self‐report height and weight items and diagnosis questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS). We calculated BMI categories and diagnosis prevalence rates for the clergy and compared them to the NC population using BRFSS data. The obesity rate among clergy aged 35–64 years was 39.7%, 10.3% (95% CI = 8.5%, 12.1%) higher than their NC counterparts. Clergy also reported significantly higher rates of having ever been given diagnoses of diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, angina, and asthma compared to their NC peers. Health interventions that address obesity and chronic disease among clergy are urgently needed.     

Isoleucine and Valine Metabolism in Escherichia coli XVIII. Induction of Acetohydroxy Acid Isomeroreductase

The regulation by substrate induction of the acetohydroxy acid isomeroreductase was studied in Escherichia coli. Induction was inhibited by chloramphenicol and rifampin. The addition of rifampin resulted in a decay of the capacity to form isomeroreductase. This was attributed to the breakdown of the isomeroreductase messenger, which had a half-life of about 45 sec at 37 C. Induction of isomeroreductase was enhanced by including glucose in the medium. This effect was shown to be due in part to the lowering of the pH of the medium, which presumably made inducer entry more rapid.     

Observations on the Staining of Corynebacterium Diphtheriae

Albert's method, of staining diphtheria cultures consists of staining a fixed smear for one minute (some laboratories stain for five minutes) with a solution containing toluidine blue and malachite (or methyl) green, washing with water, and applying Albert's iodine for one minute. This procedure is discussed and criticized, and in addition the mechanism of the stain is elucidated. Also, the procedure which involves staining a fixed smear for one minute with Loeffler's alkaline methylene blue solution is discussed and criticized.

To overcome the objections to the above staining methods, a different method is proposed. This consists of staining a fixed smear with an acid solution of toluidine blue, washing with water, applying Albert's iodine for one minute, washing with water, and finally applying a safranin solution for 15-20 seconds. The theoretical basis for this method is presented.