Listeria monocytogenes and the closely related species L ivanovii, L innocua, L welshimeri and L seeligeri are Gram-positive diphtheroid-like bacteria widespread in nature. L monocytogenes causes human infections infrequently, usually during the perinatal period and in immunocompromised adults. L innocua, L welshimeri and L seeligeri are non pathogenic and L ivanovii is usually associated with ovine abortions. Serological diagnosis of infection with L monocytogenes is at present unsatisfactory, mainly because of extensive serological cross-reactions with other bacterial pathogens. As a first step in the development of a specific serological assay, monoclonal antibodies directed against L monocytogenes were produced by fusion of a myeloma cell line with splenic lymphocytes from mice immunized with an ultrasound/EDTA extract of the organism. Eighteen hybridoma clones were selected all of which secreted antibody strongly reactive with all Listeria species, except L denitrificans, but not with Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. These putative Listeria-specific antibodies, which show at least 4 different antigen specificities in an immunoblot, should prove helpful in the identification and purification of diagnostically useful reagents. The taxonomic relationships of L monocytogenes, L ivanovii, L innocua, L welshimeri and L seeligeri are not fully understood. To investigate their relationships, whole-cell proteins of these species were examined by SDS-PAGE. The polypeptide profiles of L monocytogenes (40 strains), L ivanovii (5 strains), L innocua (4 strains), L welshimeri (1 strain) and L seeligeri (4 strains) were all very similar. Although some differences between the species were observed, they were not greater than the level of intraspecies variation. The classification of these 5 species may, therefore, require further examination. Foetal infection with L monocytogenes may originate from carriage of the organism in the GI tract, the lower genital tract and the pharynx. To investigate the effect of pregnancy on listerial carriage, faecal samples along with cervico-vaginal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 54 healthy pregnant women and 60 healthy non-pregnant women, and examined for listeriae by cold-enrichment and repeated subculture on selective media containing acriflavin, nalidixic acid and potassium thiocyanate. L monocytogenes was isolated from the faeces of 1 pregnant woman (2%) and 2 non-pregnant women (3.4%). L innocua was isolated from the faeces of 1 pregnant woman (2%) and 1 non-pregnant woman (1.7%). L seeligeri was isolated from the faeces of 1 non-pregnant woman (1.7%). No listeriae were isolated from cervico-vaginal or oropharyngeal samples. The results indicate that pregnancy does not predispose to colonization, and thus infection, with L monocytogenes, and that faecal, but not cervico-vaginal or oropharyngeal, carriage of pathogenic and non-pathogenic Listeria species occurs in a small percentage of healthy women.

No description available.

This study was conducted on twenty-eight men at Halley Base, Antarctica, in total physical isolation from all other human contact from beginning March to end December 1983. Aims of study: observe <i>S. aureus</i> carriage in this community; monitor effects on carriage of topical antibacterials. Initially, weekly nasal, axillary and perineal swabs taken. From week 24 throat swabs taken from known nasal carriers. Two courses of antibacterials given to all subjects, regardless of carrier status. Two further courses given to known carriers. Eight subjects consistently carried own phage type throughout study, despite application of antibacterials. Eradication appeared successful in two, possibly three individuals, but after significant interval (39 weeks in one) <i>S. aureus</i> found of phage type either not isolated before in study, or not found for prolonged period. May reflect inadequacy of conventional sampling methods. <i>S. aureus</i> in throat of nine of twelve nasal carriers. No consistent skin carriers. Seven subjects intermittent nasal carriers. Four probably acquired strain from consistent carriers. Approximately 90% of stored isolates revived for phage on return to UK. Two consistent carriers and one intermittent carrier yielded non-typable strains. Alternative typing method developed. All phage types indistinguishable by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of whole cell extracts. Insufficient protein in supernatants for PAGE. Western Blotting of supernatants using normal human plasma as anti-staphylococcal antibody source distinguished between different phage types, but non-typable strains still indistinguishable. Conclusions: 1) Individuals' carrier status stable over many months. Living in proximity to persistent carriers, some individuals never gave positive swab. 2) Throat may be significant carriage site. 3) Topical antibacterial application unlikely to eradicate <i>S. aureus</i> from nose, particularly in persistent carriers. 4) Apparent eradication may represent suppression. 5) Western Blotting of culture supernatants may provide alternative typing method, also information on strains of direct clinical significance.

The effect of heavy load carriage on pulmonary function at rest and on breathing pattern and lung volumes during graded exercise was studied. Fifteen males completed treadmill tests to measure VO2peak with and without a 25-kg pack. Subsequently, each subject completed short periods of treadmill walking in loaded and unloaded conditions at intensities equivalent to 55, 65, 75 and 85% of VO2peak. At rest, in the loaded condition, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) both were reduced by 3% with no change in FEV1/FVC. During exercise with the pack, tidal volume (VT) and end-inspiratory lung volume (EILV) were reduced by 14 and 5%, respectively, while ventilation (VE) was maintained by a 9% increase in breathing frequency (Bf). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was always higher during the loaded trial, despite identical oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR) responses. During graded exercise under heavy load up to 85% of VO2peak, breathing pattern is altered to maintain VE while respiratory mechanics were not altered.

The diploma thesis deals with carriage of dangerous goods by road, defines and describes main activities connected with this kind of transportation as they are presented in European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. The theoretical findings are then applied to the activities of company SCHENKER spol. s r.o. concerning the carriage of dangerous goods by road.

This thesis consisted of two main research themes: 1) The biomechanics of military load carriage, and 2) injuries and discomfort caused by load carriage. Although different in their methodological approaches, the two sections are linked and integral to each other. Harman et al (2000) suggest that the biomechanical analysis of military load carriage, and in particular the study of ground reaction forces (GRF), is relevant to the understanding and prevention oflower extremity injuries. The general aims of the biomechanical analysis of load carriage were to determine the effect that heavy load carriage, rifle carriage and load distribution has on GRF parameters. In addition to determining the mechanisms behind these potential changes, base-line data for British military load carriage systems (LCS) were also established. An important factor for the thesis was to consider the LCS as a single unit (where possible) and not its individual components, for example the backpack alone. The final biomechanical study involved a 3D, bi-Iateral gait analysis of load carriage; with this type of analysis being rare in the published literature. Results from the biomechanical studies showed that GRF parameters increased proportionally to applied load, even when heavy loads of up to 40 kg were carried. Also seen was an increase in mediolateral impulse and stance time with greater carried load. Another area which has received little or no attention in the literature is the effect of rifle carriage on gait. This thesis showed that rifle carriage changed basal gait patterns as observed in the GRF parameters. The most noteworthy results were an increase in impact peak and mediolateral impulse. The mechanism behind these changes is most likely to be a restriction of natural arm swing induced by rifle carriage. Distributing load more evenly around the body had limited effect on the GRF parameters measured. However, some important changes were observed. These were an increase in force minimum and a decrease in maximum braking force at the heaviest load. The latter effect has been strongly linked to an increase in the incidence of foot blisters within the literature. Finally, the gait analysis study showed significant increases in joint moments and torques with carried load. Also observed was a decrease in stride length and increase in percentage double support and stance. The main kinematic differences were a decrease in range of motion at the knee and pelvis rotation, and an increase in pelvis tilt as load is added. Four further studies were conducted in an effort to determine the discomfort and injury caused by load carriage. The first 3 studies collected sUbjective discomfort data via interviews, questionnaires and the use of comfort ratings. All of which were collected either during or after a prolonged period of load carriage by military personnel. Results gleaned from these studies showed that the upper limb is susceptible to short term discomfort following load carriage, whereas the lower limb is not. The lower limb may be at an increased risk of developing medium to long term injuries such as joint degradation and stress fractures. However, foot pain was rated as the most uncomfortable skeletal region of the body following a 1 hour field march with load, and blisters were experienced by around 60% of participants. Shoulder discomfort commences almost as soon as load is added and increases steadily with time. However, foot discomfort seems to increase more rapidly once the discomfort first materialises. This early development of shoulder or foot pain may be a risk factor for severe pain or non-completion of a period of prolonged load carriage. Finally, females experienced more discomfort in the hip joint and feet compared to males. (Continues...).

The aim of this thesis is to describe and evaluate the legal system of the public transport of passengers on railways in legal systems of the Czech Republic and Germany, including the influence of European and international law. A comparison of the both of the legislations will be made, alternatively some of de lege ferenda proposals for the Czech legislator will be draft. This thesis deals with the both of domestic and international transport. The thesis is divided into six chapters including the introduction as a chapter one and conclusion as a chapter six. In the second chapter some of the legal terms form the field of transport theory such as transport or carriage are defined. The third chapter describes the historical development of the legal regulations of transport starting at the times of the Roman Empire. The fourth chapter deals with the today`s legislation of the transport. It`s subheads describe the influence of the public law, the sources of transport law, the legal systems of transportation, the contract of carriage and the rights of the parties to the contract. Each subhead describes the Czech legal system following by the description of the German one. When it`s suitable, the comparison of both of the legislations is made. The fifth chapter deals with the international law...

No description available.

In society, personal load carriage systems (backpacks) are commonly used to transport loads by foot, however, they have also been implicated in causing injuries. The aim of this study was to develop a model for load carriage which could be used to determine safety limits in humans. To start, a number of experiments were conducted to determine the appropriateness of using pressure mapping technology to measure peak and mean pressures acting on humans during load carriage limits. Tests of accuracy and repeatability were performed using three common pressure mapping technologies: capacitance, piezoresistive and resistive ink. Pressure mapping was tested statically and dynamically on a human-like flat surface, as well as on human shoulder-shaped model. Error was found to be ≥ 20% on static flat and curved surfaces and it rose to 36-51% under dynamic conditions. Since pressure mapping would require significant modifications before it could be used to study human load carriage, a psychophysical approach was used instead. For this approach, an epidemiological study of pain was conducted based on 48 subjects who used multiple backpack designs to complete occupationally relevant tasks. As a result, pain trends and new methods of data analysis were identified that had potential use on human trials. In a final study, pain mapping, quantification of pain intensity, and physiological/motor testing were conducted on humans performing endurance exercise with light to heavy payloads. Results showed that all subjects were able to exercise with a 15-35 kg payload for 45 minutes and with a 50 kg payload for 30 minutes, without stopping. As well, pain was found to be highest in the anterior acromial (shoulder) region, particularly for the 50 kg payload (mean peak pain = 3.4/10). Based on these findings, two models were proposed: an assertive model and a conservative model to allow prediction of human load carriage limits for endurance exercise. / Thesis (Ph.D, Rehabilitation Science) -- Queen's University, 2007-10-06 15:33:31.933

No description available.