Immune response of pregnant cows to bovine rotavirus immunization

Fifteen pregnant Holstein cows were freely assigned to 3 experimental groups (5 cows in each group). Cows in group I were inoculated IM and intramammarily (IMm) with Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) tissue culture-propagated modified-live Nebraska calf diarrhea bovine rotavirus with added adjuvant (OARDC vaccine-immunized cows). Group II cows were given IM injections of a commercial modified-live rotavirus-coronavirus vaccine (commercial vaccine-immunized cows), and the remaining 5 cows were noninoculated controls (group III). Rotavirus antibody in colostrum and milk was mainly associated with immunoglobulin (Ig)G1, and less so with IgG2, IgA, and IgM, as analyzed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using monospecific anti-bovine IgG1, IgG2, IgM, and IgA sera. In serum, the rotavirus antibody was distributed almost equally between IgG1 and IgG2. The same relationships appeared in both immunized and nonvaccinated cows. All OARDC vaccine-injected cows had virus-neutralization (VN) and ELISA IgG1 rotavirus antibody titers in serum and mammary secretions at significantly increased levels (at least 100-fold; P less than 0.05) compared with the titers in groups II (commercial vaccine-immunized cows) and III (controls). Serum, colostrum, and milk antibody titers from these latter 2 groups did not differ statistically. The ELISA IgG2, IgA, and IgM rotavirus antibody titers also were significantly greater in mammary secretions from OARDC vaccine-immunized cows than in groups II and III cows. There was a high correlation between ELISA IgG1 and VN rotavirus antibody titers for all samples tested (r = 0.97, P less than 0.001), but ELISA IgG1 antibody titers were consistently higher than VN titers. The ELISA IgG1 and VN antibody titers of milk samples collected from cows 30 days after parturition were higher from the OARDC vaccine-immunized cows (ELISA IgG1, geometric mean titer (GMT) = 3,511; VN GMT = 1,689) than were titers from the group II cows (ELISA IgG1 GMT = 39; VN GMT = 33) or group III cows (ELISA IgG1 GMT = 21; VN GMT = 19). These results indicate that IM plus IMm immunization of pregnant cows, using modified-live bovine rotavirus with added adjuvant, may significantly enhance serum, colostrum, and milk rotavirus antibody titers, whereas IM vaccinal inoculation of pregnant cows with a commercial modified-live rotavirus-coronavirus vaccine may not.

Passive immunity to bovine rotavirus in newborn calves fed colostrum supplements from immunized or nonimmunized cows

Colostrum was collected and pooled from each of five cows in three experimental groups: group I cows received intramuscular and intramammary inoculations of adjuvanted modified live Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center rotavirus vaccine; group II cows were injected intramuscularly with a commercial modified-live rota-coronavirus vaccine; and group III cows were uninoculated controls. Pooled colostrum from group I cows had higher (P less than 0.05) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) immunoglobulin G (IgG1) and virus neutralization (VN) rotavirus antibody titers (ELISA IgG1 = 2,413,682; VN = 360,205) than did colostrum from group II (ELISA IgG1 = 8,192; VN = 4,395) or group III cows (ELISA IgG1 = 5,916; VN = 2,865). The antibody titers of these last two colostrum pools did not differ (P greater than 0.05). Samples of these colostrum pools were fed as daily supplements (percent [vol/vol] in cow's milk infant formula) to 28 newborn, unsuckled, antibody-seronegative, male Holstein calves. Eight calves received no supplemental colostrum. The calves were orally challenged with virulent bovine rotavirus and monitored daily for diarrhea and fecal rotavirus shedding. Diarrhea and rotavirus shedding occurred in the eight calves fed no supplemental colostrum and persisted longest in this group. The pooled colostrum from group I cows protected eight of eight calves from both rotavirus diarrhea and shedding when fed as a 1% supplement. The pooled colostrum from neither group II nor group III cows protected 12 other calves against rotavirus diarrhea or shedding when fed at the same concentration (1%). Six rotavirus-challenged calves fed 0.1% supplemental colostrum from group I cows and two calves fed 10 and 50% supplemental colostrum from control cows displayed partial passive immunity, exemplified by delayed onset and shortened duration of rotavirus-associated diarrhea and virus shedding.

Properties of neutrophils recruited into inflammatory foci with homologous or heterologous antigen in immunized ewes

Studies were undertaken to determine functional properties of neutrophils attracted into involuted mammary glands of Staphylococcus aureus--immunized ewes by soluble antigens prepared from S. aureus (homologous antigen) or from Bacillus cereus (heterologous antigen). The ewes were immunized with an S. aureus vaccine known to stimulate synthesis of cytophilic IgG2 antibody, and the inflammatory responses were elicited 4-8 weeks later by infusing homologous antigen into one gland and heterologous antigen into the other. Inflammatory cells were collected at 2, 4, and 8 h postinfusion. The magnitude of the cellular responses was similar in both glands with high proportions of viable neutrophils. There were no significant differences between neutrophil populations from each gland for proportions of cells bearing cytophilic immunoglobulin, although the proportions of cytophilic immunoglobulin-positive cells from both glands were lower in 2-h exudates than in 4-h or 8-h exudates. In invitro phagocytosis assays using 3H-labeled S. aureus and B. cereus no differences could be detected between the two populations of neutrophils in terms of phagocytic efficacy using a range of bacteria-neutrophil ratios and various opsonizing treatments.

Mastitis control: a discussion

Methods of mastitis control that are effective against Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus have been developed and proven successful. These control procedures, however, are not as effective against the environmental pathogens. Environmental pathogens are predominantly the coliform bacteria and species of streptococci other than Streptococcus agalactiae. The total extent of their present involvement in mastitis is not well documented, and this is due in part to differences in the nature of infection by environmental pathogens compared to Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus infections. Concern regarding the importance of environmental pathogens in mastitis is increasing. This concern is based, first, on current trends of dairy cattle housing and management that increase exposure to teat ends to environmental pathogens and, second, on a reduction of prevalence of Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus infected quarters. The latter is a result of the effectiveness of postmilking teat end disinfection and dry cow therapy. Development of equally effective control methods for the environmental pathogens will be an important area of future mastitis research.

Confrontation: a new dimension in nutrition counseling

The advanced counseling skill of confrontation is described. Possession of this skill allows the practicing dietitian to point out clients' discrepant behaviors or thought patterns which obstruct progression toward goals. Confrontation is a positive and constructive act, not a negative, punitive one. When conducted properly, it enhances the working relationship between client and dietitian.

Inhibition of pulmonary macrophage function by airway mucus

As a model for the interaction between macrophages and mucus in the tracheobronchial tree, we incubated sheep alveolar macrophages in vitro with and without airway mucus from the same animal and tested their phagocytic function and rates of general protein synthesis. Airway mucus was obtained by tracheal suction after previous subcutaneous injection of the sheep with pilocarpine (0.5 mg/kg) and subsequently diluted. Pulmonary macrophages were obtained by saline lavage through a balloon-tipped fiber-optic bronchoscope. In incubated attached macrophages, phenylalanine incorporation into protein was inhibited 51% by mucus (P less than 0.001). Phagocytosis of 1.09-microns latex particles was inhibited 75% by mucus at nonsaturating levels of particles (P less than 0.001) and by 47% at saturating levels of particles (P less than 0.001). Inhibitory activity for protein synthesis and phagocytosis was retained in the 104,000 g supernatant fraction of whole mucus (sol), while the gel fraction inhibited phagocytosis only. This difference did not appear to be related to physical factors. We conclude that diluted airway mucus interferes with pulmonary macrophage function as assessed by rates of general protein synthesis and phagocytosis.

Nonantibiotic approach in control of bovine mastitis during dry period

Twenty cows were used to determine effectiveness of a nonantibiotic method for control of intramammary infection during the dry period. Right mammary quarters of cows were infused with colchicine, endotoxin, or both at 1 day prior to or at the end of lactation. Left quarters were uninfused controls within group. Samples (n = 1105) of foremilk were obtained aseptically from quarters for bacteriological analysis. Quarters were sampled during the last week of lactation, early nonlactating period, prepartum, at parturition, and 1 and 2 wk postpartum. Primary pathogens isolated were esculin + streptococci, coagulase + staphylococci, and coliform bacteria. Isolation of primary pathogens was reduced 50% in right infused quarters during the 1st wk of involution as compared to left uninfused quarters. Thirteen of 80 quarters were infected at the end of lactation (6 right and 7 left), and 20 of 80 quarters (9 right and 11 left) were infected at calving. Sixteen of the 20 infections at calving were new during the dry period. Treatment reduced infection during early involution but failed to prevent new infection during the remainder of the dry period.

Bovine mammary involution following intramammary infusion on colchicine and endotoxin at drying off

Effects of intramammary infusion of colchicine, endotoxin, and colchicine in combination with endotoxin on mammary involution were studied on 25 dairy cows in late lactation. Both quarters of right udder halves were infused at or near drying off while left udder halves received no infusion. Samples of mammary secretion were obtained 1 day prior to drying off, at drying off, and .5, 1, 2, 3, and 7 days post drying off. Mammary secretion obtained during the early dry period from udder halves infused with colchicine or colchicine and endotoxin at or near drying off had elevated somatic cells, lactoferrin, serum albumin, immunoglobulin G, and pH as compared to left untreated udder halves. Citrate, molar ratio of citrate to lactoferrin, and the index of selective accumulation of immunoglobulin G were lower in infused than uninfused udder halves. Fluid volume removed from udders at 7 days involution was 40% less in udder halves infused with colchicine or colchicine and endotoxin as compared to uninfused udder halves. Intramammary infusion of colchicine and endotoxin at drying off accelerates bovine mammary involution.

Milk yield and secretion composition following intramammary infusion of colchicine

Twenty-five lactating dairy cows were in a split block design to investigate effects of intramammary colchicine infusion on milk yield and composition. Right udder halves of 15 cows were infused with colchicine while left udder halves received no infusion. Ten cows received no infusion in either right or left udder halves. At 24 h postintramammary colchicine infusion, milk yield decreased 38.5% in treated halves and 9.3% in control halves. Udder halves of uninfused cows had an 8.7% reduction. Milk from treated halves compared to untreated halves had elevated somatic cells, serum albumin, and pH. Citrate and the molar ratio of citrate to lactoferrin were lower. Lactoferrin and immunoglobulin G did not differ between infused and uninfused halves; however, they increased in treated halves postinfusion as compared to preinfusion. Serum albumin and citrate increased, and the index of selective accumulation of immunoglobulin G decreased in left halves. Control cows did not differ.

Bacterial mutagenicity tests on 4-chloromethylbiphenyl and 2 structural analogues

4CMB, 4HMB and BC were tested in 5 strains of S. typhimurium and 2 strains of E. Coli without S9. 4HMB was negative in all strains. 4CMB was a strong positive mutagen in TA1535, TA1538, TA98, TA100 and WP2uvrA-(pKM101), and BC was a weak mutagen in TA100 and WP2uvrA-(pKM101). Positivity was determined as a dose response over 3 or more points, in repeat experiments, giving a significant correlation coefficient.

Sister-chromatid exchanges in human lymphocytes treated with 4-chloromethylbiphenyl and benzyl chloride

At non-inhibitory concentrations, 4CMB and BC both induced small, but dose-related increases in SCE. The dose-response curves gave a highly significant correlation for 4CMB (r = 0.996, P less than 0.001) and a significant correlation for BC (r = 0.757, P less than 0.05) which reflects the relative activities of these substances in bacterial mutation tests.

Metaphase analysis of human lymphocytes treated with 4-chloromethylbiphenyl and benzyl chloride

4CMB and BC caused mitotic inhibition in human lymphocytes at low doses (greater than 20 and greater than 10 microgram/ml respectively). At non-inhibitory concentrations, neither substance produced increases in cells with breaks or breaks per cell, although 4CMB did induce a significant increase in gaps at dose. 4CMB and BC are not chromosome mutagens in this system.

Cadmium absorption and tissue distribution in rats provided low concentrations of cadmium in food or drinking water

Tissue Cd levels were determined 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 wk after weanling rats were provided with food or water containing 1-1000 ng/g Cd as 109CdCl2. No differences in growth rate or organ weight were observed over the concentration range tested. Kidney accumulated the highest concentration of Cd, followed by liver with values one-third to one-fourth those found in the kidney. Liver, however, accounted for 35-55% of the total body burden, while kidney contained only 35-45%. Cd concentrations in the various tissues increased with time and the Cd concentration of the food or water. The percentage of the ingested dose absorbed in a given time was relatively constant over the tested Cd concentration range. However, for each metal concentration, the percent of Cd absorbed decreased with exposure time. Regression analysis established that female rats accumulated Cd at a higher rate and retained a greater percentage of the ingested Cd than did male rats and that tissue concentrations were higher in rats exposed to Cd in the water. The differences in tissue Cd levels are probably related to proportionally higher metal intake by females and to higher intake from water than food at equivalent concentrations. It is uncertain whether the greater retention of ingested Cd by females is due to more efficient absorption or a reduced rate of excretion of the metal.

Long-term results of treatment of children and adolescents with Hodgkin's disease

Fifty-four children and adolescents with Hodgkin's disease Stages I--IV were treated with chemotherapy plus radiotherapy from 1967 to 1972. Thirty-eight patients (70%) remain in continuous complete remission. Nine patients have died, four of progressive disease, three of pneumonitis, one with probable pneumococcal sepsis, and one of acute myelocytic leukemia. Significant retardation of height and crown-rump length occurred, particularly in boys who received at least mantle or abdominal radiotherapy when younger than age 16 years. Five women have amenorrhea and no patient has clinical evidence of hypothyroidism. The major long-term effects of therapy in this group of patients has been growth retardation. Future studies to minimize long-term effects of therapy are necessary but must be carefully designed so that present cure rates are not jeopardized.

Proteolytic Activity in Ultra-Pasteurized, Aseptically Packaged Whipping Cream 1

The proteolytic activity in three commercial ultra-pasteurized, aseptically packaged samples of cream that developed bitter flavor was studied. Samples were analyzed for microorganisms and rate of proteolysis as affected by reaction temperature and pH. The temperature effect was determined at 20, 30, 37, 45, and 50 C. Samples A and B had an optimum temperature of 37 C for proteolytic activity while Sample C had its optimum between 30 and 37 C. Sample B had increased activity at pH 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0. Sample A had increased activity between pH 7.0 and 7.5 while Sample C exhibited greatest activity at pH 8.0. The rate of proteolysis increased with incubation time.

Value of serum copper levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates as indicators of disease activity in children with Hodgkin's disease

Initial and serial serum copper levels (SCL) and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) of 29 children with Hodgkin's disease were reviewed to determine the relationship of these features to disease activity. Only six of 10 patients who relapsed had SCL greater than adult upper normal levels. Although correction for age increased this to 7, it also increased the number of patients with false positive results to 9 of 19. Although 9 of the 10 patients at relapse had an increase in SCL over the preceding value, almost one-fifth of patients in remission had increases in consecutive SCL greater than the average increase of patients who relapsed. We conclude that SCL, even when age corrected and consecutively followed, are not useful as indicators of disease activity in children with Hodgkin's disease. Although the ESR increased to greater than 20 mm/hour in 9 of 10 patients who relapsed, this determination could not be considered a useful early indicator of disease recurrence since it was so frequently elevated in patients who were free of disease (62 of 109 determinations). The extremely nonspecific nature of SCL and ESR in childhood renders these tests unreliable, particularly in the individual child.

Cultural, morphological, cell membrane, enzymatic, and neoplastic properties of cell lines derived from a Hodgkin's disease lymph node

A neoplastic cell line (designated HuT11) has been established in continuous culture from an involved lymph node of a patient with Stage IIA Hodgkin's disease of the mixed cellularity type. The HuT11 line has been morphologically heterogeneous, consisting of mononucleate lymphoid-like cells, polygonal epithelioid cells, and mono-, bi-, and multinucleate giant cells. Four clones initiated from isolated binucleate giant cells of the HuT11 line also have been successfully established as continuous cell lines. The cloned lines have been morphologically distinct and more homogeneous, although typical giant cells have consistently appeared throughout the long-term culture of each. The HuT11 lines have grown as monolayers in McCoy's Medium 5A supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum, with generation times of 12 to 14 hr and high saturation densities. Cytogenetic studies showed that early and later passages of HuT11 cells were aneuploid, and all cell lines were successfully heterotransplanted in the hamster cheek pouch. Repeated indirect immunofluorescence examinations have shown each cell line to be negative for Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen. Indirect immunofluorescence tests in which monospecific immunoglobulins were used revealed positive membrane reactions for the gamma (heavy)-chain and kappa (light)-chain of human immunoglobulin G in approximately 20% of viable cells in each line; however, direct immunofluorescence with anti-human immunoglobulin G F(ab')2 reagent failed to confirm these reactions. Rosette tests for B- and T-lymphocyte and macrophage membrane receptors yielded negative results. All cell lines were strongly phagocytic for latex particles and neutral red dye. Cytochemical stains of the monolayers revealed abundant esterase, fluoride-resistant nonspecific esterase, acid phosphatase, and leucine aminopeptidase activities, while lysozyme assays were negative. Although some properties of the HuT11 lines have suggested a macrophage derivation, an undifferentiated lymphoid cell origin of the Hodgkin's neoplastic cell remains a possibility.

In vitro growth inhibition of mastitis-causing coliform bacteria by bovine apo-lactoferrin and reversal of inhibition by citrate and high concentrations of apo-lactoferin

Bovine apo-lactoferrin (apo-Lf) was added to in vitro cultures of eight strains of coliform bacteria associated with bovine mastitis. As little as 0.02 mg of APO-Lf per ml resulted in marked inhibition of growth of all coliforms. Growth inhibition was lost if saturated Lf or iron plus apo-Lf was added to the synthetic medium. The inhibition of growth increased as the concentration of apo-Lf increased from 0.02 to 0.2 mg/ml for Klebsiella pneumoniae (OARDC-A1), Klebsiella spp. (K1-21), and Aerobacter aerogenes (55-12222) and 2 mg/ml for A. aerogenes (76-2414-1), Escherichia coli (60-Lilly), E. coli (66-S16), and Klebsiella spp. (K6-24). As the concentration of apo-Lf was increased above 0.2 or 2 mg/ml, there was less inhibition of growth except for E. coli (33-C4). Apo-Lf at 20 mg/ml was bactericidal for E. coli (33-C4). Results are compatible with the hypothesis that coliform bacteria respond to low-iron environments by production of iron-sequestering agents that complete effectively with apo-Lf for free iron. Addition of apo-Lf plus citrate resulted in loss of growth inhibition. The molar ratio (citrate to apo-Lf) was found to be more important than the absolute concentration of either component. A ratio of 75 resulted in 50% growth inhibition, whereas ratios of 300 and greater resulted in less than 10% growth inhibition. These results suggest that the ratio of citrate to Lf would be important in evaluating Lf as a nonspecific protective factor of bovine mammary secretions.

Hormone induced lactation in the cow. IV. Relationships between lactational performance and hormone concentrations in blood plasma

Concentrations of progesterone, estrogen, and prolactin in plasma were compared among lactations induced in 29 cows by daily subcutaneous injections of .25 mg progesterone and .1 mg estradiol-17beta per kg body weight for 7 days. Superior, median, and inferior lactations were identified by ranking both weightage adjusted maximum milk yields in 7 consecutive days (average 144 +/- 9 kg) and days for milk yield to increase from 5 to 10 kg/day (15 +/- 3 days). Superior and inferior of the former averaged 189 and 101 kg, and their latter averaged 2 and 42 days. Plasma hormones were measured on day 0 before first treatment (day 1), and on days 7, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, and 35. Superior lactations were associated with below-average progesterone and estrogen in plasma on day 0, rapid decreases in progesterone after day 7 and in estrogen after day 14, and increased prolactin after 7. In comparison, median lactations were associated with elevated progesterone and estrogen after day 17, but prolactin was similar to that of superior lactations. Inferior lactations were associated with decreased prolactin in plasma from days 21 to 35. We hypothesized that (a) first treatment should start 3 to 8 days after estrus, (b) daily doses of estradiol-17beta should be decreased with progesterone unchanged for the 7 days, and (c) estradiol-17beta alone should be continued for 7 days to improve hormonally induced lactations.

Hormone induced lactation in the bovine III. Dynamics of injected and endogenous hormones

Three lactations were induced in two cows in two trials by twice daily subcutaneous injections for seven days. Each injection contained .05 mg/kg body weight of estradiol-17beta and .125 mg/kg body weight of progesterone. Included with the hormones in trial 1 was a combination of 233 muCi of [6,7-hydrogen-3] estradiol-17beta and 12 muCi of [4-carbon-14] progesterone. During trial 2,2050 muCi of [2,4,6,7 hydrogen-3] estradiol-17beta were incorporated with the hormones for one cow and 2344 muCi of [1,2,6,7 hydrogen-3] progesterone for the other. Radioactivity from hydrogen-3 and carbon-14 was detected in urine and feces but not in mammary secretion during trial 1. Isotope recovery from [hydrogen-3] estradiol-17beta was too low to quantify. By day 17, 90% of the carbon-14 from progesterone was accumulated in feces and 8.0% in urine. For trial 2, recoveries of radioactivity by day 28 from urine, feces, and mammary secretions were, respectively, 32.4, 56.2, and less than .002% from [hydrogen-3] estradiol-17beta and 6.0, 87.7, and .25% from [hydrogen-3] progesterone. Estrogen and progesterone in plasma averaged 1.83 and 2.61 ng/ml during days 2 to 7. Estrogen decreased more rapidly than progesterone post-treatment, but both had decreased by days 16 to 19 when average prolactin of plasma increased. Quantitative measures of estradiol 17-beta and progesterone absorption, whether in plasma or excreta, were correlated.

Lactoferrin concentration during involution of the bovine mammary gland

Electroimmunodiffusion assay was used to quantitate changes in lactoferrin concentration in mammary secretions during involution of the bovine mammary gland. Concentration of lactoferrin began to increase 2 to 4 days after cessation of regular milking and continued to increase linearly at a rate of 1.15 mg/ml per day as a result of increased net synthesis of lactoferrin during the first 14 to 21 days of involution. Maximum lactoferrin concentration (approximately 20 mg/ml) was attained after 3 to 4 wk of involution. These changes represent a 100-fold increase in lactoferrin concentration over that in normal milk. Maximum lactoferrin concentration was variable between cows. In some cows, the concentration of lactoferrin plateaued at less than 10 mg/ml after 10 days of involution. In others, much higher lactoferrin concentrations of 75 to 100 mg/ml were measured. Lactoferrin concentration decreased markedly prior to parturition and onset of lactation. The increase in lactoferrin concentration during mammary gland involution appeared to be related closely to the process of involution.

Changes in lactoferrin, immunoglobulin G, bovine serum albumin, and alpha-lactalbumin during acute experimental and natural coliform mastitis in cows

An experimentally induced Escherichia coli infection of a bovine mammary gland resulted in a 30-fold increase in lactoferrin (Lf) concentration in the mammary secretion by 90 h postinoculation and a 4-fold increase in total daily production of Lf by 264 h postinoculation in the infected quarter. A simultaneous rise and fall of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations occurred during the acute phase of the infection. Peak BSA and IgG levels were reached 36 h before peak Lf levels. BSA concentrations declined rapidly after the acute phase, whereas IgG and Lf levels remained elevated and decreased slowly as the infection subsided. A decline in alpha-lactalbumin concentration by 48 h postinoculation indicated decreased synthetic capability. The increased Lf production may be a result of a specific response of secretory tissue to inflammatory agents and thus the infectious process. Analogous changes in Lf, IgG, and BSA were observed during a natural coliform infection. Sephadex G-200 chromatography of mastitis skim milk showed that Lf approximated the monomer (molecular weight 77,100) early in infections progressed and abated, the apparent molecular weight of Lf increased to approximately that of the trimer and subsequently decreased to about 1.5 times that of the monomer.

Comparison of the clinical course of Hodgkin's disease in children and adolescents

In this study the clinical features and response to therapy of 34 children, 4--10 years of age, and 54 adolescents, 11--20 years of age, were compared. The therapeutic response in patients in this series entered on a formal protocol was compared with nonstudy patients. The 2 age groups had similar sex ratios, characterized by male predominance, and age was not a determining factor in the extent of disease at diagnosis. By contrast, the distribution of histopathology varied between children and adolescents: mixed cellularity was most prevalent in the 4--10-year group (14/34), while nodular sclerosis predominated the older patients (23/55). Remission induction and duration were not age dependent, but remission duration did differ between study and nonstudy patients. Forty-five of 57 patients in the former group remain in continuous complete remission compared to 7 of 31 in the latter group. From these results we conclude that the clinical course of Hodgkin's disease is similar in children and adolescents and that the agressive therapy combined with careful staging used so successfully in adults should be adhered to in younger patients.

Concentration of lactoferrin in milk of normal lactating cows and changes occurring during mastitis

The mean lactoferrin (Lf) concentration determined by electroimmunodiffusion (EID) assay of whey preparations from 80 quarters of 20 normal lactating cows was 0.35 mg/ml. The mean alpha-lactalbumin (alpha-LAC) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) concentrations were 2.01 mg/ml and 0.29 mg/ml, respectively. The mean was significantly related to cell count (P smaller than 0.01), BSA (P smaller than 0.05), stage of lactation (P smaller than 0.05), and milk production (P smaller than 0.05). The Lf-milk production relationship was the only negative correlation. In 11 cows with mastitis, there was a significant (P smaller than 0.01) increase in mean Lf concentration in infected quarters from 0.55 mg/ml on day 1 of the infection to 1.89 mg/ml by day 3. By day 15 clinical signs had subsided and mean Lf concentrations had decreased to near day 1 values. On day 3 quarters infected with coliform bacteria (clinical mastitis generally more severe) had mean Lf values more than twofold greater than those quarters infected with species of Staphylococcus or Streptococcus (milder clinical signs). Noninfected (control) quarters of cows having coliform bacteria-infected quarters had slightly increased mean Lf concentrations, where Lf concentration in contral quarters of cows having quarters infected with gram-positive organisms remained unchanged.

Tumour regression and relapse in mice inoculated with murine sarcoma virus (Moloney)

The oncogenic effect of the virus was tested in mice of different strains and ages. Local sarcomas were induced in all mice, although strain, age or dose dependent variations were found. 4 forms of development occurred: progressive lethal; lethal but long persistent; complete tumour regression; tumour recurrence after regression. Virus activity was highest in the progressively-growing and in the recurrent tumours, while in the long-persistent tumours or in tissue at the site of regressed tumours, little or no virus could be detected.

Deep-Sea Benthic Community Respiration: An in situ Study at 1850 Meters

The in situ oxygen uptake of sediments at 1850 meters on the continental slope south of New England is two orders of magnitude less than the uptake of sediments from shallow shelf depths. After treatment of the sediments with Formalin there was no measurable chemical oxygen uptake, which shows that the total uptake is biological (community respiration).

Plastics on the Sargasso sea surface

Plastic particles, in concentrations averaging 3500 pieces and 290 grams per square kilometer, are widespread in the western Sargasso Sea. Pieces are brittle, apparently due to the weathering of the plasticizers, and many are in a pellet shape about 0.25 to 0.5 centimeters in diameter. The particles are surfaces for the attachment of diatoms and hydroids. Increasing production of plastics, combined with present waste-disposal practices, will undoubtedly lead to increases in the concentration of these particles. Plastics could be a source of some of the polychlorinated biphenyls recently observed in oceanic organisms.

Plastics on the Sargasso sea surface

Plastic particles, in concentrations averaging 3500 pieces and 290 grams per square kilometer, are widespread in the western Sargasso Sea. Pieces are brittle, apparently due to the weathering of the plasticizers, and many are in a pellet shape about 0.25 to 0.5 centimeters in diameter. The particles are surfaces for the attachment of diatoms and hydroids. Increasing production of plastics, combined with present waste-disposal practices, will undoubtedly lead to increases in the concentration of these particles. Plastics could be a source of some of the polychlorinated biphenyls recently observed in oceanic organisms.

Saphylococcal beta-hemolysin. I. Purification of beta-hemolysin

The purification of staphylococcal beta-hemolysin was accomplished by the successive use of three protein fractionation methods. The first method employed was a double precipitation with the use of ammonium sulfate at 65% saturation. The second phase of purification used Sephadex G-100 column fractionation. The third phase utilized either carboxymethyl cellulose or diethylaminoethyl cellulose fractionation. The last two fractionation methods both resulted in the separation of a relatively high concentration of cationic hot-cold lysin and a low concentration of anionic hot-cold lysin. Because of the low concentration of the anionic component, its purity could not be assessed. However, the purity of the cationic component was demonstrated by immunodiffusion, microimmunoelectrophoresis, and by disc polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In addition, antisera against purified cationic beta-hemolysin yielded one line of precipitate when tested against the original crude beta-hemolysin. The purified cationic beta-hemolysin was stable in the lyophilized state. Crude beta-hemolysin was dermonecrotic, whereas purified cationic beta-hemolysin was not dermonecrotic even after Mg(++) activation.