Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao, 1989 Dec, 20(4), 417 - 20 {Mucus histochemical study of bilirubin cholangiolithiasis in rabbit model}; Li N et al.; Sulfated mucopolysaccharides have an important role in pigment gallstone formation . In this experiment, the animal model of bilirubin cholangiolithiasis was made with Japanese hybrid big-ear white rabbits . The source, nature, quantity and distribution of sulfated mucopolysaccharides in the cause of bilirubin cholangiolithiasis were observed by means of mucous histochemical study . There were three characteristic pathologic changes observed in this experiment: 1 . In normal condition, the sulfated mucopolysaccharides were secreted by epithelium of biliary tracts and the quantity was minimum . When bacterial infection was present in the biliary tracts, they were secreted mainly by the proliferative glands in submucosa of the bile duct; 2 . In 26 rabbits where the bilirubin cholangiolithiasis developed, there were many proliferative glands in submucosa of the bile duct . Most of the glands produced sulfonated acid mucin . In 5 rabbits where the gallstones did not develop in the stone growing stage, the proliferative glands were not present in the bile duct . It was suggested that there was a close relationship between the proliferative glands and the formation of bilirubin cholangiolithiasis, and 3 . The glands in submucosa of the biliary tract provided the refuge where the bacteria could not be cleaned out easily and so it was difficult to control the infection of the biliary tract. FEMS Microbiol Rev, 1989 Dec, 5(4), 341 - 57 The -24/-12 promoter comes of age; Thony B et al.; A new bacterial promoter type has been identified in the last few years . Originally designated as nif (= nitrogen fixation) or ntr (= nitrogen regulation) consensus promoter, it is now evident that this promoter occurs in many different bacterial species and is used not only for genes involved in nitrogen assimilation but also for genes determining many other unrelated metabolic functions . The general features of this type of promoter are (i) the conserved -24(GG)/-12(GC) consensus sequence, (ii) its recognition by a specific RNA polymerase sigma factor, sigma 54, which is encoded by the ntrA gene (synonyms: glnF, rpoN, rpoE), and (iii) the requirement for a transcriptional regulatory protein to activate the expression of the associated genes . In addition, many (but not all) of these genes possess a promoter-upstream activator sequence (enhancer) which is the target site for the binding of the activating protein and is required for maximal expression . In some cases, in which gene expression does not appear to be dependent on the presence of upstream binding sites, the activating protein may interact directly with the RNA polymerase-promoter complex . In conclusion, the expression from all -24/-12 consensus promoters known to date is positively controlled. Microb Pathog, 1989 Dec, 7(6), 421 - 8 The requirement for gamma interferon in resistance of mice to experimental tularemia; Anthony LS et al.; The role of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) in the host response to experimental tularemia was evaluated in a murine model . C57BL/6 strain mice were given a series of daily intravenous injections of 10(6) units (U) recombinant murine IFN-gamma prior to infection with Francisella tularensis LVS . Three days later, the number of bacteria in the tissues of IFN-gamma-treated mice was found to be less than that in control mice by a factor of 10-20 . The effect of IFN-gamma on anti-tularemic resistance was dependent upon the administered dose, with as little as 10(4) U/mouse/day inducing a significant level of enhanced resistance . IFN-gamma was also effective in enhancing resistance to tularemia in the A/J mouse strain which, in comparison with the C57BL/6 strain, is more susceptible to infection . When C57BL/6 mice were treated with a monoclonal antibody directed against murine IFN-gamma, the number of Francisella recovered from their tissues 6 days following infection was increased by as much as 15 times, in comparison with control mice . The results of these experiments clearly indicate that the resolution of experimental murine tularemia is dependent, at least in part, on the participation of IFN-gamma. Am J Vet Res, 1989 Dec, 50(12), 2064 - 8 Detection of Brucella abortus in mammalian tissue, using biotinylated, whole genomic DNA as a molecular probe; Hopper BR et al.; A method has been developed for the detection of Brucella abortus in complex tissue homogenates . The technique uses tissue homogenization in the presence of sucrose and Triton X-100 and subsequent filtration through a 5-microns pore size filter to remove mammalian nuclei and cellular debris . The DNA from the bacteria is then extracted, dot blotted onto nitrocellulose, and hybridized with a biotinylated probe of B abortus strain 19 DNA . In the present study, BALB/C mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with either 10(9) or 10(11) B abortus strain 2308S organisms . After 6 days, the mice were euthanatized by cervical dislocation and the livers were removed, weighed, and the appearance of each was noted . The tissues were homogenized, and a viable cell count was performed to determine the number of bacteria in each organ . The DNA was extracted, blotted onto nitrocellulose, and hybridized with the Brucella probe . The biotin label was detected by use of a commercially available streptavidin/alkaline phosphatase system . In control experiments, the technique detected 10(5) organisms in a mixture of bacteria and 1 g of rat liver . The technique also detected 10(7) B abortus organisms/g of tissue from experimentally inoculated mice . The probe was specific for Brucella and had no affinity for contaminating bovine or bacterial DNA. Vaccine . 1989 Dec;7(6):486. Glutaraldehyde in whole-cell Bordetella pertussis vaccine; Arya SC et al.; Treatment of the whole-cell bacterial suspensions of Bordetella pertussis with 0.05% glutaraldehyde at room temperature for 10 min kills the bacteria and, except for some histamine sensitising activity, almost detoxifies the pertussis toxin . The glutaraldehyde-vaccine is of good potency with a meritorious performance in tests for abnormal toxicity in mice, the leucocytosis-promoting-factor and the mouse weight gain . Using glutaraldehyde for the inactivation of whole-cell pertussis vaccine on a commercial scale must await extensive clinical trials with vaccine lots with a good record of safety and potency in animal tests. Biomed Environ Sci, 1989 Dec, 2(4), 305 - 11 Effect of monocrotophos and quinalphos on soil population and nitrogen-fixing activity of Azospirillum sp; Rangaswamy V et al.; The effects of monocrotophos and quinalphos on population and nitrogen-fixing activity of Azospirillum sp . in four agricultural soils were determined in a laboratory study . Concentrations of the two insecticides up to a 5 kg ha-1 level were either stimulatory or innocuous to the population of Azospirillum in the soils . Four successive applications of the insecticides to soils resulted in a significant increase in the population density . Cultures of Azospirillum sp., isolated from insecticide-treated soils, exhibited greater nitrogen-fixing activity . Three consecutive subculturings of the isolates from insecticide-treated soils had no effect on their nitrogen-fixing activity. J Bacteriol, 1989 Dec, 171(12), 6610 - 6 Biosynthesis of caldariellaquinone in Sulfolobus spp; Zhou D et al.; The biosynthesis of caldariellaquionone (CQ) was studied in species of Sulfolobus by measuring the incorporation of stable isotopically labeled tyrosines into CQ . By feeding a series of tyrosines labeled with deuterium or 13C and then measuring the extent and position at which label was incorporated into CQ by mass spectrometry, it was shown that more than 95% of the label was incorporated into the benzo{b}thiophen-4,7-quinone moiety of CQ . From the labeling experiments, it is concluded that the benzo{b}thiophen-4,7-quinone is derived as an intact unit from all of the carbons of tyrosine except C-1. Arch Surg, 1989 Dec, 124(12), 1396 - 9 Glutamine-supplemented total parenteral nutrition improves gut immune function; Burke DJ et al.; Glutamine has been demonstrated to be an important source of fuel for the gut . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of glutamine-supplemented hyperalimentation on gut immune function . Thirty-six female Fischer rats were randomized into three groups: group 1 (chow) was fed rat chow and water ad libitum, group 2 (total parenteral nutrition) received a standard hyperalimentation formula, and group 3 (total parenteral nutrition-glutamine) received a hyperalimentation solution that contained 2% glutamine . Animals were maintained on their respective diets for 2 weeks and then killed . Mesenteric lymph nodes were harvested for culture, bile was assayed for secretory IgA, and bowel was excised to assay bacterial adherence . Results indicated that glutamine-supplemented total parenteral nutrition protects against bacterial translocation from the gut seen with standard formulas . This effect may be mediated by the secretory IgA immune system. Nichidai Koko Kagaku, 1989 Dec, 15(4), 482 - 6 {Root fracture after crown prosthesis--observation and analysis with EDS}; Itagaki Y et al.; Root fractures in the teeth under or after the crown prosthetic treatment after occur intra-alveolary . In the many cases, these teeth will be diagnosed to be extracted . Therefore, root fracture is one of the clinical problems for clinicians . There are many clinical and descriptive reports on root fractures after crown prosthesis . But more fundamental studies should be done for the prevention of root fractures . We observed the sampled tooth with scanning electron microscopy and analytical electron microscopy . The tooth with root fractures after the treatment of crown prosthesis was used in this study . The following were the results of this investigations: 1) The cohesional substances, which are regarded as oral bacteria and organic materials, were observed in the definite section on the surface of fracture . 2) The line of the root fracture ran parallel with the canaliculus dentalis . 3) The cracks were observed to run through the face of crosscutting of canaliculus dentalis . 4) Ca and P on the surface of the fracture is 32.75 and 27.70 (atomic %), respectively (Ca/P 1.18) . These values are lower than these of control group . In the same surface of the root fractures, the values of Ca and P in the middle parts were less than those of the outside . Reversely, the more deep parts have a little higher values than those of the middle parts . 5) The values of Zn increased on the surface of the fracture than those of the control . 6) The values of S was not detected on the control surface . On the other hand, S was detected in the relatively higher density (15.04) on the surfaces of the root fractures. Shikwa Gakuho, 1989 Dec, 89(12), 1819 - 47 {Histopathological study of experimental periodontitis in rats--ultrastructures, permeability, immunohistochemistry, and morphometric analysis in both pocket and long junctional epithelial}; Abiko Y; To elucidate the biological characteristics of both pocket and long junctional epithelia in experimental periodontitis, elastic rubber was inserted between the first and second molars of the left maxilla in rats . The rubber was removed after a week . An immunohistochemical study using anti-laminin and permeability experiments using peroxidase were conducted; examinations were made of ultrastructures and lanthanum; and a morphometric analysis was made of the distribution of capillaries immediately below the epithelium . Results: 1 . Periodontal pockets formed from 5 days to 2 weeks after removal of the rubber . The long junctional epithelium was appearent from the fourth week after removal . Immunohistochemical study showed that laminin was located at the internal and external basal laminae in the long junctional epithelium but not on the surface of the pocket epithelium . 2 . Electron microscopy showed the pocket epithelium to consist of flattened cells aligned parallel to the tooth surface in the coronal portion . The epithelium, which included numerous vacuoles, manifested especially wide intercellular spaces in which a large number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes were evident . Bacteria surrounded by neutrophils could be seen on the surface of the cementum in the pocket . Invading neutrophils split the epithelium at the central portion of the pocket . In the apical portion, the epithelium formed spindles that adhered to the cementum by means of half-desmosomes . Many neutrophils and fenestrated capillaries were observed in connective tissue immediately below the epithelium . 3 . The long junctional epithelium consisted of 2 or 3 cell layers aligned parallel to the tooth surface . Intercellular spaces in the long junctional epithelium were as wide as those in the pocket epithelium and contained a small number of lymphocytes and a few neutrophils . Half-desmosomes were detected between the epithelial cells and the cementum . From the central to the apical region, epithelial tissues assumed a knife-edge form . Desmosomes and gap junctions occurred among these cells . Dense granules containing a limiting membrane and homogeneous electron-dense material were observed int he peripheral cytoplasm . Although fibroblasts aligned parallel to the epithelium occurred in them, few collagen fibers, inflammatory cells and capillaries were to be recognized in the connective tissue . 4 . Permeability experiments in the pocket and the long junctional epithelium produced analogous results . Light microscopy showed that, in both epithelia, peroxidase penetrated into intercellular spaces and leaked into the pocket . Electron microscopy showed that, as an electron-dense material, lanthanum was detected in intercellular spaces and connective tissues.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) Ann Allergy, 1989 Dec, 63(6 Pt 1), 513 - 6 Perennial nonallergic rhinitis: a retrospective review; Enberg RN; Forty-six of 152 consecutive adult rhinitis patients had perennial nonallergic rhinitis (PNR) . Eighty-five percent of those with PNR presented with nasal congestion, whereas 15% presented with rhinorrhea . Their mean age was 40.5 years (range = 21-77), and 74% were female . Patients with perennial nonallergic rhinitis in this series were characterized by ocular pruritus or burning, 28%; frontal headache, 22%; symptoms consistent with asthma, 33%; an unremarkable nasal mucosa, 96%; the absence of nasal polyps, 100%; nasal eosinophilia (greater than or equal to 5%), 10%; nasal neutrophilia (greater than or equal to 25%), 22%; numerous nasal bacteria, 12%; sinusitis, 6%; and a geometric mean IgE of 26.4 U/mL . This experience suggests that PNR is a common problem in a general allergy practice . Nasal obstruction, usually more difficult to treat than rhinorrhea, is the dominant symptom . Unexpected findings were frequent conjunctivitis and nasal neutrophilia. Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 1989 Nov 30, 23(1-2), 171 - 8 The effect of parenteral immunisation on antibody production in the pig colon; Rees AS et al.; Local and systemic antibody production was studied in pigs to compare responses to live and killed bacterial antigen and purified protein antigen, with and without prior mucosal stimulation . Recovery from challenge with live bacteria and intramuscular injection with killed bacteria gave rise to similar high levels of serum IgG antibody, but the ratio of specific IgA to IgG in the colon was significantly higher after infection than following vaccination with killed bacteria . Vaccination with a protein antigen gave rise to serum and local antibody production . Prior feeding of the antigen had a tolerising effect on the serum antibody response, but production of IgG and IgA antibody by the colon was not suppressed. Nucleic Acids Res, 1989 Nov 25, 17(22), 9267 - 77 Characterization of amplified intracisternal A-particle elements encoding integrase; Lueders KK et al.; Type IIB intracisternal A-particle (IAP) elements have undergone marked amplification and transposition in the genomic DNA of some mouse myelomas . We have made a cDNA library from one such myeloma, MOPC 315, to determine whether some property of the elements themselves has a role in this process . Sequencing of several type IIB cDNAs and one genomic type IIB IAP element has shown that they are nearly identical (greater than 99%) and contain 2 open reading frames (ORFs) . ORF2 is capable of encoding the IAP integrase, an enzyme which catalyzes integration of proviral DNA into the genome . An antiserum to a synthetic peptide based on the IAP integrase gene sequence reacted with ORF2 product expressed in bacteria as a fusion protein, and detected a 47 kDa protein, predicted from the size of ORF2, in myeloma cell fractions by Western blotting. Eur J Biochem, 1989 Nov 20, 185(3), 547 - 53 Hydrodynamic, structural and magnetic properties of Megasphaera elsdenii Fe hydrogenase reinvestigated; Filipiak M et al.; Megasphaera elsdenii hydrogenase has been purified to homogeneity using an FPLC procedure as the final step . The protein gives a single band in SDS/PAGE with an apparent molecular mass of 57-59 kDa . There is no second hydrogenase activity in the soluble fraction of M . elsdenii . The hydrodynamics of the enzyme have been compared to those of the two-subunit Fe hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris (Hildenborough) in the analytical ultracentrifuge using the absorption of the intrinsic iron-sulfur clusters as the monitor . Sedimentation-velocity experiments indicate the M . elsdenii enzyme (s20,w = 4.95 S) to be essentially globular, while the D . vulgaris enzyme (s20,w = 4.1 S) has a less symmetric shape . From the sedimentation equilibrium measurements under a variety of conditions an average molecular mass is calculated of 58 kDa (M . elsdenii) and 54 kDa (D . vulgaris), respectively . Pure, maximally active M . elsdenii hydrogenase has A405/A280 = 0.36 and has a specific H2-production activity of 400 mumol H2.min-1.(mg protein)-1 at 30 degrees C and pH 8.0 . The enzyme contains some 13-18 iron and acid-labile sulfur ions/58-kDa monomer . Eight of these Fe-S are present as two electron-transferring ferredoxin-like cubanes with Em approximately greater than -0.3 V, as indicated by pH-dependent EPR spectroscopy on the H2-reduced enzyme . In the (re)oxidized state the remainder iron gives rise to a single S = 1/2 rhombic EPR signal . Hydrogen-production activity, content of remainder iron and rhombic EPR signal intensity are mutually correlated . Purified hydrogenase appears to exist as a mixture of fully active holoenzyme and inactive protein still carrying the two cubanes but deficient in active-site iron. S Afr Med J, 1989 Nov 18, 76(10), 562 - 5 {Respiratory symptoms and specific IgE in workers on a maize farm}; van Niekerk LS et al.; A questionnaire concerning respiratory symptoms was completed for 101 workers on a maize farm; 73 railway workers were used as a control group . Symptoms suggestive of allergy were found in 90% of the farm workers compared with only 4% of the control group . However, total IgE levels of the farm workers were not significantly raised and only 40% had positive radio-allergosorbent tests against specific allergens . Smoking seemed neither to reduce nor enhance symptoms . Fungal spores and bacteria in the vicinity were sampled and identified; no evidence of an allergic response to these agents was found . Mechanisms other than allergy must be considered responsible for the farm workers' symptoms. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1989 Nov 15, 164(3), 968 - 73 Abilities of activated macrophages to manifest tumoricidal activity and to generate reactive nitrogen intermediates: a comparative study in vitro and ex vivo; Keller R et al.; The abilities of lymphokines and heat-killed bacteria to induce and to maintain tumoricidal activity and/or the secretion of reactive nitrogen intermediates (RNI) were comparatively assessed in bone marrow-derived mononuclear phagocytes (BMM phi) in vitro and in adherent peritoneal cells (APC) ex vivo . In showing that the kinetics of tumoricidal activity and of secretion of RNI induced by macrophage-activating agents in BMM phi and/or in peritoneal cells do largely parallel each other, the present findings provide evidence for a role of RNI in tumor cell killing by activated macrophages both in vitro and in vivo. J Immunol, 1989 Nov 15, 143(10), 3200 - 6 Immaturity of the human splenic marginal zone in infancy . Possible contribution to the deficient infant immune response; Timens W et al.; The immune response to polysaccharide Ag as present in the capsule of certain virulent bacteria has been demonstrated to be related to a functionally intact spleen . This immune response is almost completely defective in infancy . Because of this the development of cellular compartments in the human spleen was studied immunohistologically in frozen and paraffin tissue sections of 32 infant spleens (less than 2 y of age) and 6 spleens from children . Six cases of sudden infant death syndrome and 7 cases of infection or sepsis which were included showed no significant differences compared to the other cases . Whereas all other cellular compartments have completed their maturation to an adult-type immunophenotype and morphology within the first 5 mo, the infant marginal zone B cells show essentially different features compared to the adult situation . The main characteristics of the infant marginal zone B cells are the absence of CD21-(C3d/EBV-R) expression and the high percentage of cells strongly coexpressing IgM and IgD . As the marginal zone is supposed to be the site of the initiation of the immune response to polysaccharide Ag, there is a remarkable coincidence between the first appearance of MZ B cells with adult features, and the time of acquisition of the ability to mount an immune response to polysaccharides, including encapsulated bacteria. J Immunol Methods, 1989 Nov 13, 124(1), 85 - 94 A rapid turbidimetric assay of phagocytosis and serum opsonizing capacity; Kuypers TW et al.; An in vitro assay has been developed to measure the opsonizing capacity of serum and the extent of bacterial uptake by phagocytes . Various micro-organisms were preopsonized for 10 min with a serum concentration previously determined to be optimal for the respective types of micro-organism . Subsequently, neutrophils from a healthy donor were added to the preopsonized bacteria in a cuvette of a spectrophotometer . The decrease in turbidity at 400 nm, resulting from the uptake of the micro-organisms by the neutrophils, was measured for 20-30 min and the area under the curves was taken as a measure of the opsonizing capacity of the serum or the phagocytic capacity of the neutrophils . The results correlated well with standard opsonophagocytic assays . By excluding Ca2+ from the buffer of the assay, phagocytosis was distinguished from the combined response of phagocytosis and aggregation . In the presence of Ca2+ ions, both phagocytosis and aggregation contributed to the decrease in turbidity . In the absence of Ca2+, phagocytosis was normal, but aggregation was completely inhibited . Phagocytosis in the absence of Ca2+ was also observed using microscopic and radiometric methods of evaluation . Neutrophils from a patient with a deficiency of leukocyte adhesion molecules, ingested as many bacteria as did normal neutrophils without Ca2+ . Experiments with NaF, to inhibit phagocytosis, indicated that the change in turbidity measured in the absence of Ca2+ was mainly caused by phagocytosis, not by attachment of bacteria to the neutrophils . The opsonizing capacity of sera, as determined in our assay, depended both on antibodies and on an intact complement system and the inter-assay variance was less than 5% . We found a close correlation between turbidity changes measured in the presence or absence of Ca2+, suggesting that both phagocytosis and aggregation are opsonin-dependent . This assay is applicable to a variety of opsonizing fluids and micro-organisms, and can be used for assessing the phagocytic capacity of patients' neutrophils as well as for assessing the opsonizing capacity of patients' sera. Nucleic Acids Res, 1989 Nov 11, 17(21), 8711 - 25 Signal structure for transcriptional activation in the upstream regions of virulence genes on the hairy-root-inducing plasmid A4; Aoyama T et al.; The inducibility of the vir genes (virA, -B, -C, -D, -E, and -G) on pRiA4 was examined at the transcriptional level, and the RNA-starting sites were determined by S1-nuclease mapping and primer-extension experiments . All of these genes were inducible, while virA, -E, and -G were transcribed even under noninducing conditions . Each transcription of virB, -C, -D, and -E was initiated at one particular site, but that of virA and -G occurred at two and three sites, respectively, depending on the conditions used . In the DNA region upstream from each inducible transcript, one or more blocks of six base-pairs, 5'TGATAACT3' (vir box), were found to be placed characteristically . These blocks were phasing with an interval of 11 base-pairs, and the most upstream one in each upstream region was preceded by an additional block in the inverted orientation . Although the distance between the block(s) and the promoter varied with the vir gene, every block was placed in a phase nearly opposite to the -35 and -10 regions of the promoter. FEBS Lett, 1989 Nov 6, 257(2), 393 - 9 Antisera against an acetylcholine receptor alpha 3 fusion protein bind to ganglionic but not to brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; Schoepfer R et al.; Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR) subtypes have been defined pharmacologically, immunologically, and by DNA cloning, but the correlations between these approaches are incomplete . Vertebrate neuronal AChRs that have been isolated are composed of structural subunits and ACh-binding subunits . A single kind of subunit can be used in more than one AChR subtype . Monoclonal antibody (mAb) 35 binds to structural subunits of subtypes of AChRs from both chicken brain and ganglia . By using antisera to a unique sequence of alpha 3 ACh-binding subunits expressed in bacteria, we show that ganglionic AChRs contain alpha 3 ACh-binding subunits, whereas the brain AChR subtype that binds mAb 35 does not . Subunit-specific antisera raised against recombinant proteins should be a valuable approach for identifying the subunit composition of receptors in multigene, multisubunit families. J Biol Chem, 1989 Nov 5, 264(31), 18667 - 72 Structure of a novel glucosamine-containing phosphoglycolipid from Deinococcus radiodurans; Huang Y et al.; The structure of a major novel lipid from Deinococcus radiodurans has been determined to be 2'-O-(1,2-diacyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho)-3'-O-(alpha-N-acetylglucosaminyl) -N- glyceroyl alkylamine . The lipid was shown to contain a phosphatidic acid backbone by digestion with phospholipase A2 and by hydrolysis with hydrofluoric acid . Using a combination of chemical and NMR spectroscopic techniques, the structure of this lipid was elucidated and compared with that of a similar phosphoglycolipid reported earlier (Anderson, R., and Hansen, K . (1985) J . Biol . Chem . 260, 12219-12223) in which galactose was found in place of N-acetylglucosamine . The fatty acid compositions of the two lipids were similar. J Clin Microbiol, 1989 Nov, 27(11), 2552 - 8 Rapid identification of serotypes of Mycobacterium avium-M . intracellulare complex by using infected swine sera and reference antigenic glycolipids; Ikawa H et al.; The species of 136 strains of acid-fast bacteria isolated from swine with mycobacteriosis were identified by numerical taxonomy and chemotaxonomy on the basis of mycolic acid subclass composition as members of the Mycobacterium avium-M . intracellulare (MAI) complex . The isolates were further classified by using both thin-layer chromatography of the antigenic glycopeptidolipids (GPL) obtained from the bacteria by the method of Tsang et al . (A . Y . Tsang, I . Drupa, M . Goldberg, J . K . McClatchy, and P . J . Brennan, Int . J . Syst . Bacteriol . 33:285-292, 1983) and the seroagglutination test devised by W . B . Schaefer (Am . Rev . Respir . Dis . 92{Suppl.}:85-93, 1965) . For the reference standard, purified antigenic GPL of serotypes 4, 8, and 9 were isolated and their structures were analyzed by negative fast-atom bombardment-mass spectrometry . The fast-atom bombardment-mass spectrometric spectra of the intact GPL antigens of serotypes 4, 8, and 9 agreed with the structures reported earlier by Brennan et al . (P . J . Brennan and M . B . Goren, J . Biol . Chem . 254:4205-4211, 1979; P . J . Brennan, G . O . Aspinall, and J . E . Nam Shin, J . Biol . Chem . 256:6817-6822, 1981) . With these antigenic GPL, the thin-layer chromatographic behaviors of the alkali-stable lipids of the above-described isolates were examined . These MAI complex isolates fell into the serotype 8 (85 strains), 4 (33 strains), and 9 (7 strains) and untypeable (11 strains) categories . Furthermore, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on type-specific glycolipid antigens and infected swine sera was used to diagnose the serological types of the MAI complex isolates . Of 14 cases typed by both the seroagglutination reaction and thin-layer chromatography, 13 showed clear agreement with the ELISA results . The results demonstrated that ELISA using infected sera was especially useful, and it can be recommended on the basis of simplicity, sensitivity, and specificity as an adjunct to the seroaggulutination test and thin-layer chromatography for identification of mycobacteria belonging to the MAI complex. Infect Immun, 1989 Nov, 57(11), 3458 - 65 Macrophage-activating T-cell factor(s) produced in an early phase of Legionella pneumophila infection in guinea pigs; Nikaido Y et al.; Protective immunity of guinea pigs against Legionella pneumophila was studied by infecting the animals with a sublethal dose (about 2 x 10(4) CFU) of the organism . The bacteria multiplied in the liver, spleen, and lungs up to day 4 after the intraperitoneal infection . The live bacteria in these organs decreased quickly thereafter and were eliminated by day 7 . A delayed-type skin reaction and lymphoproliferation of spleen cells to Formalin-killed L . pneumophila were detected from days 5 and 6, respectively, after infection . Peritoneal macrophages obtained from guinea pigs infected 6 days previously inhibited the intracellular growth of L . pneumophila . Antigen-stimulated spleen cell factor prepared from infected guinea pigs inhibited the intracellular growth of the organism in macrophages obtained from uninfected animals . Antigen-stimulated spleen cell factor prepared from spleen cells treated with anti-guinea pig T-cell monoclonal antibody did not inhibit growth . The activity of antigen-stimulated spleen cell factor was labile to pH 2 treatment, and the factor could not be absorbed by L . pneumophila antigen, suggesting that it contains gamma interferon . Our data show that T-cell-mediated immunity begins to work from an early period of infection with L . pneumophila in guinea pigs. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1989 Nov, 55(11), 2944 - 8 Standardized method for evaluation of hand disinfection by surgical scrub formulations; Cremieux A et al.; A standardized protocol for the evaluation of hand disinfection by surgical scrub formulations was applied to volunteers in a multicenter trial . Povidone iodine (PVI), chlorhexidine (CHX), and a nonmedicated soap (NMS) were tested . The scrubbing procedure involved three daily hand washings for five consecutive days; surviving bacteria were counted daily after being collected in a suitable neutralizing solution . Immediate efficacy (IE), cumulative efficacy (CE), and remanent effect (RE) were calculated by reference to the control hand . Statistical analyses of IE, CE, and RE showed significant differences among the three scrub formulations . IEs of PVI and CHX were equivalent and different from IE of NMS; CE and RE of CHX were higher than those of PVI and NMS . On the basis of the statistical analysis, the population size required for further studies aimed at detecting significant differences between surgical scrub formulations could be estimated. World J Surg, 1989 Nov-Dec, 13(6), 715 - 20 Periductal mastitis/duct ectasia; Dixon JM; Periductal mastitis/duct ectasia affects major breast ducts and is poorly understood . A variety of different terms have been used for this condition and these probably reflect different stages in one disease process . It appears to be responsible for 1-2% of all symptomatic breast conditions . Although the incidence is higher in postmortem studies, much of what is included as so-called "periductal mastitis" or "duct ectasia" in these studies is duct dilatation, which occurs as part of normal breast involution . Periductal mastitis appears to be the primary condition with duct ectasia being the outcome . The cause of this periductal mastitis is uncertain, although bacteria, particularly anaerobic organisms, appear to play some role . Clinically, this condition can present with noncyclical mastalgia, nipple discharge, nipple retraction, a subareolar breast mass with or without overlying breast inflammation, a periareolar abscess, or a mammillary fistula . Antibiotics effective against the organisms isolated from this condition are effective in resolving periareolar inflammation and are useful when combined with surgery in mammillary fistula. J Nat Prod, 1989 Nov-Dec, 52(6), 1189 - 208 Why are secondary metabolites (natural products) biosynthesized? Williams DH, Stone MJ, Hauck PR, Rahman SK. We adopt the definition of a natural product as a substance that has no known role in the internal economy of the producing organism . The literature abounds with conflicting views for the existence of such natural products . We propose that all such structures serve the producing organisms by improving their survival fitness . We argue that this conclusion is necessitated by the fact that natural products are normally complex structures, whose biosynthesis is programmed by many kilobases of DNA . If it were otherwise, the pressures of Darwinian natural selection would have precluded the expenditure of so much metabolic energy in their construction and the development of such complexity . We further conclude that a natural product improves the producer's survival fitness by acting at specific receptors in competing organisms . Current studies of natural products interacting with receptors support this view, in terms of both the sophistication of the molecule/molecule recognition and the mechanistic details of physiological action . By the application of Occam's razor and general weaknesses of other hypotheses, these other hypotheses are rejected . It is a consequence of our proposal that natural product/receptor interactions of sophistication comparable to enzyme/substrate interactions will be commonplace . Additionally, structures that are candidates to interact with known receptors (e.g., double helical DNA) can on occasion be suggested by inspection of the structures . A range of evidence to support the general conclusions is presented. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol, 1989 Nov, 27(11), 530 - 4 Clinical efficacy of Broncho-Vaxom in adult patients with chronic purulent sinusitis--a multi-centric, placebo-controlled, double-blind study; Heintz B et al.; This study was designed to test the clinical effectiveness of Broncho-Vaxom (an orally applicable bacterial lysate) in a large number of adult patients suffering from chronic purulent sinusitis . Broncho-Vaxom or placebo was administered to 284 patients presenting with chronic purulent sinusitis within the bounds of a multicentric, randomized double-blind study . Patients were clinically examined before admittance to the study and at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after treatment initiation (one capsule daily for a period of 10 days per month during 3 consecutive months) . The sinuses were x-rayed before and at 3 and 6 months after therapy began . Patients assessed the severity of their symptoms on a scale of 0 to 4: 0 = no symptoms, 1 = light symptoms, 2 = moderate symptoms, 3 = severe symptoms, 4 = very severe symptoms . The average severity score for coughing during the course of Broncho-Vaxom therapy decreased in the third month of treatment from 2.34 before treatment to 0.85, compared to placebo before treatment (2.41) and after treatment (1.24) . The score decreased further to 0.61 in the sixth month after the initiation of Broncho-Vaxom therapy, with no further decrease as a result of placebo therapy (1.25) . Comparable average score courses for expectorations and headache also occurred . In the first month of Broncho-Vaxom therapy, a decrease was already apparent in the severity of the main sinusitis symptom: purulent nasal discharge . The score was 1.55 in the first month of Broncho-Vaxom treatment compared to 1.80 in the placebo group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Mod Pathol, 1989 Nov, 2(6), 553 - 68 Diagnostic molecular pathology; Grody WW et al.; Molecular pathology, defined broadly as the use of nucleic acid probes to diagnose and study disease, is an emerging discipline of growing importance and promise . Utilizing the principles of nucleotide base-pairing for specific hybridization between a DNA or RNA probe and its complementary target sequence, molecular diagnostic techniques are finding ever-increasing applications across the entire spectrum of human disease . These include infectious diseases (using DNA probes for viruses, bacteria, and parasites), neoplastic diseases (through detection of gene rearrangements, tissue-specific gene transcription, and oncogene activation), hereditary diseases (by screening for specific mutated genes or linked DNA polymorphisms), and the differentiation of individuals from one another by "DNA fingerprinting" (for purposes of donor recipient identification in transplants, paternity testing, or forensic investigations) . This review surveys the current applications in each of these areas, along with the most important techniques now being used: Southern blotting, in situ hybridization, and the polymerase chain reaction . Finally, the impact of these powerful new methodologies on the entire field of diagnostic pathology is discussed. Phlebologie, 1989 Nov-Dec, 42(4), 673 - 9 {A trial of silver sulfadiazine in the local treatment of venous ulcer}; Ouvry PA; Silver sulfadiazine, in cream form, has been mostly used in the treatment of burns . Its trial in the treatment of leg ulcers has been satisfactory . This preparation is well tolerated, and effective on wound cleansing and granulation tissue formation . It is particularly indicated in cases of superinfected ulcers, effective on most Gram + and Gram - bacteria. Bioorg Khim, 1989 Nov, 15(11), 1573 - 6 {Graphic identification of conservative and variable segments in the amino acid sequences of homologous proteins}; Kostetskii PV et al.; An algorithm is presented for localizing variable and constant regions in homologous protein sequences . A set of aligned protein sequences is divided into two groups consisting of m and n sequences . Each group contains sequences of most related species . Value of the position dissimilarity of proteins from different groups of m and n sequences is defined as a number of failures to coincide in comparison with all possible mXn pairs of amino acid residues in the position (each from different group) divided by mXn . The position dissimilarity value of m protein sequences within a group is defined as the number of failures to coincide in comparison with all possible mX X(m-1)/2 pairs of amino acid residues divided by mX(m-1)/2 . Ten position average of dissimilarity values is plotted vs . the first position number . Area of the figure included between the profile of dissimilarity values and its mean value line characterizes the overall irregularity of amino acid substitutions along the protein sequences . If the area value is greater than the average area for 1000 random profile by more than two standard deviation units, the profile extrema containing the "surplus" of area are cut off . The cut off stretches are likely to be variable and constant regions . In case of "between groups" comparisons it is found that the overall irregularity of amino acid substitutions is very high for all considered families of proteins; phospholipases A2, aspartate aminotransferases, alpha-subunits of Na+,K(+)-ATPase, L- and M-subunits of photosynthetic bacteria photoreaction centre, human rhodopsins. Hinyokika Kiyo, 1989 Nov, 35(11), 1985 - 7 {The therapeutic effect of enoxacin on chronic prostatitis}; Katsumi T et al.; The clinical efficacy of enoxacin (ENX) was evaluated in 39 patients having chronic prostatitis . The overall clinical efficacy of ENX was determined by three factors, (1) the effect on bacteria, (2) white blood cells in the VB3 and (3) the subjective symptoms . The overall clinical effectiveness rate was 80% . ENX eliminated 66.7% of the bacteria in the VB3 . As determined from white blood cells in the VB3, 56.4% of patients were relieved of the inflammation of prostate by ENX . The subjective symptoms were improved by ENX treatment in 77% of the patients. Zentralbl Bakteriol, 1989 Nov, 272(1), 36 - 46 Chemiluminescence and phagocytic responses of rat polymorphonuclear neutrophils to leptospires; Isogai E et al.; The interaction of leptospires with polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) was examined by the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence (CL) test . Whole blood CL changed in relation to the stage of leptospiral infection both in susceptible (SUS) and resistant (RES) rats . The intensity of CL grew with an increasing number of leptospires in the blood . CL responses were observed in isolated PMN upon exposure to living leptospires . In contrast, the same bacteria, having been inactivated by formalin, did not stimulate PMN . A variation was found in the CL response by different living strains of Leptospira . The CL intensity was arranged as follows: L . illini greater than L . biflexa greater than L . interrogans avirulent strains greater than L . interrogans virulent strains . The CL response was markedly enhanced by an opsonization of leptospires . Specific opsonization was shown to increase the rate of phagocytosis of leptospires with relation to the CL response. Zentralbl Veterinarmed B, 1989 Nov, 36(9), 681 - 90 {The synergism of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and influenza A virus in experimentally-infected mice}; Broring S et al.; Models for infecting mice with Influenza A-Virus (A/PR 8/34, H0N1) and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (serotype 9) were developed in Han: NMRI-mice . After infecting mice with sublethal doses of one of the infectious agents, or both together as a mixed infection, animals were subsequently exsanguinated and the lungs washed by bronchoalveolar lavage . Clinical symptoms were recorded daily, examination of lung lavage fluid and sera as well as histology of the lungs were done . An increase in mortality, weight reduction and total cell yield of lung lavage fluid was observed after mixed infection . Compared to mixed infections total protein content and elastase in sera and lung lavage fluid after singular ones were raised not as much . In lung lavage fluid the total cell yield was increased more marked . These alterations indicate a synergistic effect of viruses and bacteria, developed by mixed infection as well as a bacterial infection on top of a viral one . Histopathologically the lung alterations were found to depend on the infectious agent and the mode of infection. Vrach Delo, 1989 Nov, (11), 42 - 4 {The basic causes of relapses in respiratory organ tuberculosis}; Petrenko VM et al.; The authors analyze 1080 cases of recurrence of tuberculosis of the respiratory organs with emphasis of their causes . It was found that recurrences were observed in subjects over 40 years of age that were dismissed from dispensary prophylactic examination or observed in subgroup VII-A and more frequently than freshly diagnosed tuberculosis showing bacteria discharge and pulmonary destruction . It was found that the leading cause of recurrence is an inadequate course of chemotherapy. Vrach Delo, 1989 Nov, (11), 41 - 2 {The efficacy of the chemotherapy of patients with chronic destructive pulmonary tuberculosis}; Zakupra NI et al.; The efficacy and tolerance of chemotherapy consisting of 4-6 drugs used intermittently and (or) daily for 3 to 16 months were determined in 100 patients with chronic destructive pulmonary tuberculosis formerly treated without effect . Discharge of Bacteria ceased in 71.4% of patients, the caverns healed in 22% and partially regressed in 67% that was correspondingly 33%, 10.8% and 12.6% higher than in routine regimens of chemotherapy used in 125 patient and consisted of three daily administered drugs . The time of abacillation and healing of the caverns in polychemotherapy were two months shorter . The tolerability of both regimens was satisfactory and approximately similar. Br J Ophthalmol, 1989 Nov, 73(11), 865 - 70 Chronic orbital inflammatory disease: parasitisation of orbital leucocytes by mollicute-like organisms; Wirostko E et al.; Chronic orbital inflammatory disease (COID) is usually considered non-infectious and idiopathic . Treatment is empirical, palliative, and may not prevent disease progression . COID occurs in isolation or in association with various systemic diseases . Exophthalmos may be an important presenting sign . Vasculitis, lymphoid infiltrates, and granulomas are common . Mollicute-like organisms (MLO) parasitising and destroying vitreous leucocytes are often found to cause human chronic uveitis when an appropriate search is made . Inoculation of these MLO into mouse eyelids produced chronic uveitis and exophthalmic orbital inflammatory disease . Mollicutes are cell wall deficient bacteria . Extracellular mollicutes cause human and animal diseases characterised by lymphoid infiltrates, immunosuppression, and autoantibody production . Intracellular morphologically similar bacteria are non-cultivable pathogens termed MLO . Identification is based on direct detection in diseased cells by transmission electron microscopy . MLO are cytopathogenic and detection is aided by the alterations they produce . MLO replace the cytoplasm, destroy the organelles, and alter the nucleus . This results in cell proliferation, destruction, and dysfunction . MLO parasitise lymphocytes, monocytes, and polymorphonuclear leucocytes . This report describes orbital leucocytes parasitised by MLO in three patients with isolated COID . Rifampicin treatment of MLO disease is discussed. J Rheumatol, 1989 Nov, 16(11), 1446 - 53 Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis inflammatory eye disease . Parasitization of ocular leukocytes by mollicute-like organisms; Wirostko E et al.; Patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) commonly develop serious eye disease, particularly chronic uveitis . Most chronic uveitis is idiopathic . Mollicute-like organisms (MLO) were recently reported to be a common cause of chronic uveitis . MLO are pathogenic intracellular cell wall deficient bacteria . No culture system exists for MLO . Disease diagnosis is based on detection using a transmission electron microscope . Uveitis producing MLO are detectable within parasitized intraocular leukocytes . They appear as intracytoskeletal 0.005-0.01 micron diameter filaments and undulating pleomorphic 0.01-1.0 micron tubulospherical bodies . This report describes MLO parasitized lesional leukocytes in the inflammatory eye disease of 5 patients with JRA . Our results indicate that MLO caused the uveitis of these patients . The significance of these findings and rifampin treatment of MLO disease are discussed. Acta Otolaryngol, 1989 Nov-Dec, 108(5-6), 464 - 8 On the diagnosis and pathogenesis of intramural maxillary cysts; Berg O et al.; In order to study the etiology of the intramural maxillary cyst, which is the origin of the choanal polyp, an antrotomy was performed on 27 patients with such cysts . The cyst-fluid was analysed with respect to protein distribution and bacterial growth . The findings indicate an inflammatory process characterized by high concentrations of immunoglobulins and by consumption of complement and antiproteases . The growth of bacteria, primarily an oral flora found in the cyst-fluids studied, and the sites of cyst attachment, may indicate an epithelial residue of the dental list as the origin of the intramural cyst . It is further suggested that bacterial substances will provoke an inflammatory response, giving rise to an expansion of the cyst . In all cases studied, the cyst-fluid was capable of gelling after a couple of minutes at room temperature . This observation seems to be a reliable diagnostic procedure at antral aspiration, distinguishing the cyst-fluid from the serous transudate of the serous sinusitis, which according to our results, does not have this capacity to form a gel. J Med Microbiol, 1989 Nov, 30(3), 233 - 6 The susceptibility of germ-free, oestradiol-treated, mice to Mycoplasma hominis; Furr PM et al.; Conventionally reared female BALB/c mice, rendered susceptible to Mycoplasma hominis infection of the genital tract by treatment with oestradiol, have increased numbers of endogenous vaginal bacteria . The latter was reflected by the occurrence of bacterial growth in 95 (65.5%) of 145 cultures undertaken to isolate M . hominis from oestradiol-treated mice, but in only seven (4.8%) of 146 cultures from untreated animals . In addition, larger numbers of bacteria were seen in vaginal smears from oestradiol-treated mice than from untreated ones . Furthermore, abscesses developed in the genital region of 27 (17%) of 155 oestradiol-treated mice but in none of 50 that were untreated . However, such proliferation of the endogenous vaginal bacteria was not necessary for colonisation of the vagina by M . hominis . This was determined by showing that six germ-free, oestradiol-treated BALB/c mice given 2.5 x 10(5) ccu of M . hominis intravaginally became colonised vaginally for at least 14 days, with multiplication and spread of the organisms to the upper genital tract and elsewhere, whereas six similar untreated mice given the same inoculum remained uninfected. J Bacteriol, 1989 Nov, 171(11), 6174 - 86 Evidence that the Myxococcus xanthus frz genes are developmentally regulated; Weinberg RA et al.; The frizzy (frz) mutants of Myxococcus xanthus are unable to form fruiting bodies . Instead of forming discrete mounds, these strains aggregate as filaments which have a circular and tangled appearance . Mutations leading to this phenotype have been mapped to five complementation groups, frzA, frzB, frzCD, frzE, and frzF . All have been found to be involved in the control of directional movement of the bacteria and, except for frzB, to be homologous to the chemotaxis genes of enteric bacteria . In this report we present a study of the regulation of expression of the first four genes of the frz gene cluster (frzA, frzB, frzCD, and frzE) by using Tn5-lac transcriptional fusions as reporters of gene expression . We found that these frz genes are developmentally regulated, with their transcription peaking at about the time of early mound formation (12 to 18 h) . Analysis of FrzCD expression by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed a 10-fold greater induction at 15 h of development over the level of vegetative cell expression . Northern blot hybridization analysis suggested that the frz genes were arranged as an operon . To test this hypothesis, double mutants were constructed which contained Tn5-132 either upstream or downstream of the reporter Tn5-lac . The expression of the frz genes in the double mutants was consistent with the hypothesis that the first four genes (frzA, frzB, frzCD, and frzE) are organized as an operon with an internal promoter . Insertion mutations in frzCD lowered gene expression whether they were upstream or downstream of the reporter Tn5-lac, suggesting that the FrzCD protein regulates transcription of the entire operon from a promoter upstream of frzA . Evidence is presented suggesting that FrzE is required for induction of transcription as well . When frz mutations were placed in strains that were unable to aggregate (tag), the frz genes were expressed at an elevated level on fruiting agar; this high level of expression was maintained for several days . These results suggest that the tag gene products interact with the frz functions. Infect Immun, 1989 Nov, 57(11), 3601 - 11 Lectinlike interactions of Fusobacterium nucleatum with human neutrophils; Mangan DF et al.; Fusobacterium nucleatum expresses lectinlike adherence factors which mediate binding to a variety of human tissue cells . Adherence is selectively inhibited by galactose, lactose, and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine . In this study, adherence of F . nucleatum to human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) was investigated . The results indicated that the fusobacteria adhered to live and metabolically inactivated or fixed PMNs . Adherence of F . nucleatum resulted in activation of PMNs as determined by PMN aggregation, membrane depolarization, increased intracellular free Ca2+, superoxide anion production, and lysozyme release . Transmission electron micrographs showed that F . nucleatum was phagocytized by the PMNs . Microbicidal assays indicated that greater than 98% of F . nucleatum organisms were killed by PMNs within 60 min . Adherence to and activation of PMNs by F . nucleatum were inhibited by N-acetyl-D-galactosamine or lactose greater than galactose, whereas equal concentrations of glucose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, mannose, and fucose had little or no effect on F . nucleatum-PMN interactions . Pretreatment of the fusobacteria with heat (80 degrees C, 20 min) or proteases inhibited adherence to and activation of PMNs, but superoxide production was also stimulated by heated bacteria . The results indicate that interaction of F . nucleatum with PMNs is lectinlike and is probably mediated by fusobacterial proteins which bind to other human tissue cells . Adherence of F . nucleatum to PMNs in the absence of serum opsonins, such as antibodies and complement, may play an important role in PMN recognition and killing of F . nucleatum in the gingival sulcus and in the subsequent release of PMN factors associated with tissue destruction. Blood, 1989 Nov 1, 74(6), 2144 - 9 Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor as an activator of human granulocytes: potentiation of responses triggered by receptor-mediated agonists and stimulation of C3bi receptor expression and adherence; Yuo A et al.; Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) enhanced superoxide release and membrane depolarization in parallel in human granulocytes stimulated by the receptor-mediated agonists, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine and wheat germ agglutinin, but not by the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin and phorbol myristate acetate, which bypass the receptors to stimulate the cells . The optimal effect was obtained by pretreatment of cells with 25 to 50 ng/mL (1.3 to 2.6 nmol/L) rhG-CSF for 10 minutes at 37 degrees C . rhG-CSF produced by bacteria and mammalian cells had identical biological effects on a molar basis . rhG-CSF neither affected stimulus-induced increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ nor changed the number and affinity of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine receptors . The priming effect of rhG-CSF was temperature dependent and did not require new protein synthesis . rhG-CSF increased the expression of C3bi receptors on human granulocytes and enhanced granulocyte adherence to nylon fiber . The optimal effect was obtained by pretreatment of cells with 25 to 50 ng/mL rhG-CSF for 30 minutes at 37 degrees C . rhG-CSF had no effect on human monocytes . These findings demonstrate that rhG-CSF can selectively stimulate mature granulocyte functions. Nippon Saikingaku Zasshi, 1989 Nov, 44(6), 797 - 803 {In vitro activation of immune cells by a mycolic acid-containing glycolipid, trehalose-2,3,6'-trimycolate, derived from Gordona aurantiaca}; Ohtsubo Y et al.; A mycolic acid-containing glycolipid, trehalose-2,3,6'-trimycolate (GaGM), derived from Gordona aurantiaca, an acid-fast bacteria closely related taxonomically to Mycobacterium, was investigated for its immune adjuvant activity in vitro . The liposomes containing GaGM showed strong mitogenic effects on murine spleen cells at the doses used (25-100 micrograms/ml), but not on T-cell-depleted spleen cells or macrophage-depleted spleen cells . These results suggest that the mitogenic property of liposomes containing GaGM differs from that of such as lipopolysaccharide, a B-cell mitogen and that its mitogenic effects depend on the presence of macrophages . In addition, liposomes containing GaGM augmented the mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) and in vitro induction of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTLs) against allogeneic tumor cells . These results suggest that liposomes containing GaGM have immune adjuvant properties in vitro and the adjuvant activity may be related to such cytokines as interleukin-1 and -2. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 1989 Nov-Dec, 13(6), 572 - 8 Effects of protein malnutrition and endotoxin on the intestinal mucosal barrier to the translocation of indigenous flora in mice; Li M et al.; Since protein malnourished or endotoxemic patients are at increased risk of developing nosocomial infections with enteric organisms, we investigated the effects of these risk factors alone and in combination on the intestinal mucosal barrier to bacteria . Protein malnutrition resulted in severe ileal atrophy that was directly related to the length of time the mice were protein malnourished . Although protein malnutrition did not promote bacterial translocation from the gut to systemic organs, the protein-malnourished mice were more susceptible to endotoxin-induced bacterial translocation than normally nourished mice (p less than 0.01) . Since the gross epithelial damage documented after endotoxin administration in normally nourished mice was diminished after protein malnutrition, there was no correlation between the gross appearance of the epithelial mucosal barrier and the extent of endotoxin-induced bacterial translocation . These results suggest that the synergistic effect of endotoxin plus protein malnutrition on bacterial translocation is not primarily related to failure of the gut mucosal barrier . Nonetheless, it appears that protein-malnourished mice are less able to clear translocating bacteria than normally nourished mice. In Vivo, 1989 Nov-Dec, 3(6), 359 - 62 Induction of antiparasite activity by pine cone lignin-related substances; Abe M et al.; Pretreatment with two distinct lignin-related antitumor substances extracted from pine cone of Pinus parviflora Sieb . et Zucc . protected infant mice from Hymenolepis nana (Cestoda) infection . Subcutaneous administration of these fractions (10 mg/kg) to 1 week old mice evoked strong protective immunity against oral infection by Hymenolepis nana eggs . Significant antiparasite effects were also induced in 4 week old mice by intraperitoneal or oral administration of these fractions . These fractions had more potent antiparasite activity than pine cone extracts with lower antitumor and antiviral activity, and various polysaccharides derived from plants and bacteria. J Infect Dis, 1989 Nov, 160(5), 759 - 65 A new transmissible viral hepatitis of marmosets and tamarins; Montali RJ et al.; Callitrichid hepatitis (CH) is a newly recognized, acute, fatal, epizootic disease of New World primates in the family Callitrichidae . Since 1980, 12 outbreaks of CH have occurred in US zoos, involving several callitrichid species including the endangered golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) . CH was experimentally transmitted to common marmosets via a bacteria-free filtrate of liver from a naturally infected tamarin . All three inoculated marmosets developed an acute fatal disease with the characteristic clinical and histopathologic findings of CH . Human hepatotropic viruses that can infect the livers of callitrichids were not detected serologically in any of the experimentally infected marmosets . Enveloped viruslike particles 85-105 nm in diameter were observed in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi complex of hepatocytes from both naturally infected and experimentally inoculated animals . An immunoblot assay was developed using sera from tamarins exposed to natural outbreaks of CH and liver extracts from experimentally infected or control marmosets . A new CH-specific antigen was detected in the livers of naturally infected and experimentally inoculated marmosets but not controls . These results suggest that the etiologic agent of callitrichid hepatitis is a new primate hepatitis virus. FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1989 Nov, 53(1-2), 17 - 21 Phylogenetic evidence for the relationship between the genera Mobiluncus and Actinomyces; Lassnig C et al.; Partial reverse transcriptase sequencing of 16S rRNA from Mobiluncus curtisii and M . mulieris clearly indicate that the genus Mobiluncus is not a member of the Bacteroidaceae but belongs to the order Actinomycetales . The highest degree of relationship is found with the genus Actinomyces which is supported by the presence of common physiological properties. Immunol Today, 1989 Nov, 10(11), 364 - 8 CD5+ B lymphocytes, polyreactive antibodies and the human B-cell repertoire; Casali P et al.; The lock and key model of antigen-antibody reaction has traditionally been used to explain the specificity of antibodies and the need for antibody diversity . Recently it has become clear that certain antibodies are polyreactive and recognize a variety of self- and foreign antigens . It is now clear that these antibodies are made by a novel subset of B cells that bear the surface CD5 marker . Careful analysis has shown that about 20% of peripheral blood B lymphocytes in adults are CD5+ and, therefore, represent a major component of the normal human B-cell repertoire . The precise role of the antibodies produced by these cells is still not clear, but because of their polyreactivity they might function in clearing autoantigens from the circulation and/or as a rapid first line of defense against foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses . Sequence analysis showed that these antibodies use gene segments in germ-line configuration for their antigen-binding portion . In this article, Paolo Casali and Abner Notkins propose that polyreactive antibodies are what, for years, have been referred to as the 'natural antibodies' of serum and that under certain circumstances they may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. J Burn Care Rehabil, 1989 Nov-Dec, 10(6), 481 - 5 Effect of prostaglandin E in multiple experimental models . III . Effect on response to septic challenge; Waymack JP et al.; Severe thermal injuries result in significant physiologic alterations . These alterations have been attributed in part to the elevated prostaglandin E levels that follow traumatic injuries . We evaluated the physiologic sequelae of elevated prostaglandin E levels by administering a long-acting prostaglandin E2 derivative, 16,16-dimethyl-prostaglandin E2 (dPGE), to rats with septic burns . The dPGE was found to increase gut translocation of bacteria . Administration of dPGE had no significant effect on resting metabolic rate . In rats with nonseptic burns the administration of dPGE resulted in increased serum levels of acute-phase proteins . In conclusion prostaglandin E may have both detrimental and beneficial effects on traumatized persons. J Chromatogr, 1989 Oct 20, 480, 379 - 91 Characterization of human growth hormone by capillary electrophoresis; Frenz J et al.; Production of proteins by recombinant DNA technology for use as pharmaceuticals requires the use of the most powerful tools of analytical protein chemistry in order to confirm purity and identity of the product and reliability of the process . Capillary electrophoresis is an emerging technology that shows high sensitivity and selectivity and may have promise in this application . The technique combines the instrumental control and quantification features of high-performance liquid chromatography with the separating power of electrophoresis, and thereby has attracted broad interest . In this report, human growth hormone expressed in bacteria has been analyzed by both free zone electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing in a coated capillary to demonstrate the separation of the native molecule from its deamidated variant . A capillary zone electrophoretic tryptic map has also been developed and characterized . This map complements the widely employed reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography tryptic mapping systems that are important in protein characterization . Certain drawbacks to capillary zone electrophoresis compared to other analytical methods are noted, including relatively poor reproducibility and low sample tolerance . For applications as demonstrated here, however, the speed, separating power and sensitivity of the technique compensate for these shortcomings. Biochemistry, 1989 Oct 17, 28(21), 8582 - 7 Unusual redox properties of electron-transfer flavoprotein from Methylophilus methylotrophus; Byron CM et al.; The most positive redox potential ever recorded for a flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) containing protein has been measured for an electron-transfer flavoprotein (ETF) synthesized by Methylophilus methylotrophus . This potential value, 0.196 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode (vs SHE), was measured at pH 7.0 for the one-electron reduction of fully oxidized ETF (ETFox) to the red anionic semiquinone form of ETF (ETF.-) . Quantitative formation of ETF.- was observed . The first successful reduction of ETF from M . methylotrophus to its two-electron fully reduced form was also achieved . Although addition of the second electron to ETF.- was extremely slow, the potential value measured for this reduction was -0.197 V vs SHE, suggesting a kinetic rather than thermodynamic barrier to two-electron reduction . These data are believed to be consistent with the postulated catalytic function of ETF to accept one electron from the iron-sulfur cluster of trimethylamine dehydrogenase (TMADH) . The second electron reduction appears to have no catalytic function . The very positive potential measured for this ETF and the wide separation of potentials for the two electron reduction steps show that this ETF is a unique and interesting flavoprotein . In addition, this work highlights that while ETFs exhibit similar structural and spectral properties, they display wide variations in redox properties. Biochem Pharmacol, 1989 Oct 15, 38(20), 3511 - 9 Comparison of in vivo binding of aromatic nitro and amino compounds to rat hemoglobin; Suzuki J et al.; The hemoglobin (Hb) binding of five nitroarenes, i.e . nitrobenzene (NB), 4-nitrobiphenyl (4-NBP), 1-nitropyrene (1-NP), 2-nitronaphthalene (2-NN) and 2-nitrofluorene (2-NF), and the corresponding amines, administered p.o . to male S.D . rats, was determined by HPLC, to evaluate the extent of in vivo reductive and oxidative activations of these compounds to N-hydroxylamines, which covalently bind to Hb to form acid-labile sulfinamides . Hb binding of the nitroarenes, except for NB, was significantly lower than that of the corresponding amines . Among the aromatic amines, 4-aminobiphenyl exhibited extremely high Hb binding . Hb binding of NB and 4-NBP decreased markedly after pretreatment with a mixture of antibiotics, but the binding of the others did not decrease appreciably . 1-Aminopyrene and 1-NP bound abundantly to plasma proteins, although the Hb binding was slight . Based on the Hb binding and the in vitro metabolism by liver microsomes and intestinal bacteria, the extent of in vivo reductive activation of nitroarenes is discussed. J Biol Chem, 1989 Oct 15, 264(29), 17006 - 15 Primary structure of the chromosomal proteins MC1a, MC1b, and MC1c from the archaebacterium Methanothrix soehngenii; Chartier F et al.; The chromosomal protein MC1 of Methanothrix soehngenii is a family of three variants a, b, and c . These are small basic polypeptides of 89, 87, and 90 residues, respectively . Their primary structures have been determined from automated sequence analyses of the intact proteins and from structural data provided by peptides derived from the variants by cleavage at aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, and methionine residues . By comparison with variant b taken as reference, variants a and c present 18 and 24 differences, respectively . The extent of sequence homologies between protein MC1 from M . soehngenii and proteins MC1 from two other species of Methanosarcinaceae is only 60% . The sequences 17-35 and 45-58 of the protein MC1 appear well conserved . Deletions are observed in region 36-44 . Many changes, most of them nonconservative, occur in the carboxyl-terminal third of the protein . However, proline residues at positions 68, 72, 76, and 82 remain strictly conserved . Predictive methods for secondary structures indicate a low content of alpha helix and beta sheet structures in proteins MC1. Cancer Res, 1989 Oct 15, 49(20), 5518 - 22 Oxidative DNA and RNA damage in the livers of Sprague-Dawley rats treated with the hepatocarcinogen 2-nitropropane; Fiala ES et al.; 2-Nitropropane (2-NP), a widely used industrial chemical, is a mutagen in bacteria and a powerful hepatocarcinogen in Sprague-Dawley rats . In contrast, 1-nitropropane (1-NP) is not mutagenic and does not appear to be carcinogenic . Thus far, the mechanism of carcinogenicity of 2-NP has not been examined . We report in the present work that i.p . treatment of male Sprague-Dawley rats with 100 mg/kg 2-NP results in a 3.6-fold increase (P less than 0.01) in the levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine as well as in the appearance of an additional electrochemically active species, presumably a modified deoxynucleoside, in liver DNA hydrolysates 6 h after dosing . Treatment with 2-NP also induces an 11-fold increase (P less than 0.0001) in the levels of 8-hydroxyguanosine in rat liver RNA, and results in the appearance of two new electrochemically active species (RX1 and RX2), presumably modified nucleosides . Small, statistically not significant increases of 8-hydroxyguanosine in RNA and of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in DNA, as well as the induction of much smaller amounts of RX2 (but apparently not RX1) in rat liver RNA, are also observed following analogous treatment with 1-NP . Since the presence of 8-hydroxyguanine, a product of the attack of hydroxyl radicals (or other reactive oxygen species) on guanine, can cause DNA misreplication {Kuchino et al., Nature (Lond.), 327: 77-79, 1987}, our findings are consistent with a mechanism of hepatocarcinogenicity of 2-NP based on damage to nucleic acids from the intracellular generation of reactive forms of oxygen and/or the 2-NP free radical. Nucleic Acids Res, 1989 Oct 11, 17(19), 7843 - 53 Isolation and direct complete nucleotide determination of entire genes . Characterization of a gene coding for 16S ribosomal RNA; Edwards U et al.; Using a set of synthetic oligonucleotides homologous to broadly conserved sequences in-vitro amplification via the polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing results in almost complete nucleotide determination of a gene coding for 16S ribosomal RNA . As a model system the nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of M.kansasii was determined and found to be 98.7% homologous to that of M.bovis BCG . This is the first report on a contiguous sequence information of an entire amplified gene spanning 1.5 kb without any subcloning procedures. Nucleic Acids Res, 1989 Oct 11, 17(19), 7653 - 61 Phylogenetic evidence of a role for 5-hydroxymethyluracil-DNA glycosylase in the maintenance of 5-methylcytosine in DNA; Boorstein RJ et al.; 5-Hydroxymethyluracil (HmUra) is formed in DNA as a product of oxidative attack on the methyl group of thymine . It is also the product of the deamination of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (HmCyt) which may be formed via oxidation of 5-methylcytosine (MeCyt) . HmUra is removed from DNA by a DNA glycosylase which, together with HmCyt-DNA glycosylase, is unique among DNA repair enzymes in being present in mammalian cells but absent from bacteria and yeast . We found HmUra-DNA glycosylase activity in a wide variety of vertebrate and invertebrate animals (except Drosophila) and in protozoans . In most vertebrate organisms the highest specific activity was in nervous and immune system tissue . The phylogenetic distribution of HmUra-DNA glycosylase correlates with the presence of 5-methylcytosine (MeCyt) as a regulator of gene expression . This distribution of activity supports the contention that HmUra-DNA glycosylase aids in the maintenance of methylated sites in DNA. J Biol Chem, 1989 Oct 5, 264(28), 16815 - 21 Molecular cloning of cDNA coding for kidney aldose reductase . Regulation of specific mRNA accumulation by NaCl-mediated osmotic stress; Garcia-Perez A et al.; Cells generally respond to long-term hyperosmotic stress by accumulating nonperturbing organic osmolytes . Unlike bacteria, in which molecular mechanisms involved in the increased accumulation of osmolytes have been identified, those in multicellular organisms are virtually unknown . In mammals, during antidiuresis, cells of the renal inner medulla are exposed to high and variable extracellular NaCl . Under these conditions, the cells contain a high level of sorbitol and other osmolytes which help balance the high extracellular osmolality . PAP-HT25 is a continuous line of cells derived from rabbit renal inner medulla . When medium osmolality is increased by raising the NaCl concentration, these cells accumulate sorbitol . The sorbitol is synthesized from glucose in a reaction catalyzed by aldose reductase . When the medium is made hyperosmotic, aldose reductase activity increases because of a larger increase in the amount of enzyme . This increase is produced by the accelerated rate of synthesis of aldose reductase protein . The purpose of the present studies was to examine the mechanism of this increase in aldose reductase protein by measuring the relative abundance of aldose reductase mRNA . A cDNA clone coding for rabbit kidney aldose reductase was isolated . Antisense RNA probes transcribed from this clone hybridized specifically with a 1.5-1.6 kilobase mRNA in Northern blots . Cells grown chronically in hyperosmotic medium had a relative abundance of this specific mRNA which was six times that of cells grown in isoosmotic medium . When cells grown in isoosmotic medium were switched to hyperosmotic medium, the level of aldose reductase mRNA peaked (18-fold) at 18-24 h . The induction of aldose reductase mRNA by osmotic stress was reversible . Our finding of increased abundance of a specific mRNA in direct response to hyperosmotic stress represents the first report of such an effect in animals. Am J Hosp Pharm, 1989 Oct, 46(10), 2040 - 2 Stability of extemporaneously compounded spironolactone suspensions; Mathur LK et al.; The short-term stability of spironolactone in liquid formulations prepared from spironolactone tablets was studied at three temperatures . Suspensions of spironolactone at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/mL were prepared by grinding film-coated tablets to a fine powder, adding Purified Water, USP, triturating the mixture to form a fine paste, adding Cherry Syrup, NF, and homogenizing the suspension . Drug concentrations were immediately measured by a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method . Samples were stored in amber glass prescription bottles at 5 and 30 degrees C in controlled environmental cabinets and at ambient room temperature (20 to 24 degrees C) under intense fluorescent light . After two and four weeks of storage the bottles were shaken, and samples were removed and assayed by HPLC . There was no appreciable loss of spironolactone from the cherry syrup formulations stored for two weeks under the conditions studied . Degradation was less than 5% for samples stored for four weeks . Color and odor of the samples did not change appreciably, and counts of bacteria and fungi remained within acceptable limits . Extemporaneously prepared suspensions of spironolactone in Cherry Syrup, NF, are stable for four weeks under the conditions studied. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 1989 Oct, 10(2), 149 - 59 Evaluation of the carcinogenic potential of pesticides . 1 . Acifluorfen; Quest JA et al.; The Health Effects Division of the Office of Pesticide Programs evaluates the carcinogenic properties of pesticides by a consensus peer review process in which all available biological information on a compound is evaluated according to EPA's guidelines for cancer risk assessment . In many cases, pesticides are also evaluated by an external group of accomplished scientists who comprise the Agency's Scientific Advisory Panel . The herbicide acifluorfen was evaluated by these processes and was classified as a Category B2 (probable human) carcinogen based upon evidence of an increased incidence of malignant, or combined benign and malignant, tumors in multiple experiments involving two different strains of mice . The compound produced benign and malignant liver tumors in male and female B6C3F1 mice and in female CD1 mice . Stomach papillomas were also observed in male and female B6C3F1 mice . Acifluorfen was mutagenic in bacteria and yeast, but not in mammalian cell systems . In addition, acifluorfen is structurally related to eight other diphenyl ether pesticides, all of which evoke liver tumours in mice or rats . The data were found to be sufficient to quantify human risk to acifluorfen. Protein Eng, 1989 Oct, 3(1), 29 - 37 Chemical synthesis in protein engineering: total synthesis, purification and covalent structural characterization of a mitogenic protein, human transforming growth factor-alpha; Woo DD et al.; Successful approaches to protein engineering required that the desired analogs be easily and rapidly obtained in sufficient quantities and purities for unambiguous structural and functional characterizations . Chemical synthesis is the method of choice for engineering small peptides . We now demonstrate that with improved methodologies and instrumentation, total chemical synthesis can be used to produce a small protein in a form suitable for engineering studies . Active human transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), a 50 amino acid long protein with three disulfide bonds, has been synthesized and purified in multiple tens of mg amounts in less than 7 days . The purified human TGF-alpha migrated as a single band on SDS-polyacrylamide gels, ran as a single sharp major band at pI = 6.2 on isoelectric focusing gels, displayed an MW = 5546.2 (Th.5546.3) by mass spectrometry, contained three disulfide bonds and had EGF receptor binding, mitogenic and soft agar colony formation activities . The locations of disulfide bonds were found to be analogous to those found in epidermal growth factor (EGF) and in human TGF-alpha expressed in bacteria. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 1989 Oct, 18(2), 121 - 8 Prediction of the toxicity of mixtures of shale oil components; Warne MS et al.; The toxicities of selected oil shale components and of mixtures of these components to a mixed marine bacterial culture have been determined . The toxicities of mixtures whose components were members of the same homologous series were found to be additive . In all other cases, even when the compounds were as closely related as structural isomers, synergism was observed . Simple and multiple linear regression equations utilizing measures of toxicity and molecular descriptors were used successfully to predict the enhancement of toxicity due to interaction of components in mixtures regardless of the mode of interaction. Mutat Res, 1989 Oct, 224(2), 241 - 5 Induction of sister-chromatid exchange in human blood lymphocytes by aqueous extract of palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer) flour; Kangwanpong D et al.; pPalmyrah palm (Borassus flabellifer) is widely consumed by people in certain tropical countries . The incidence of human malignant lymphomas, mutagenicity and toxicity in rats and bacteria encouraged us to study the potency of palmyrah crude aqueous extracts in inducing sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) in human blood lymphocytes in vitro . The extracts induced SCEs in a dose-related manner in both females and males . These effects apparently showed no consistency between batches . This result may be due to the intrinsic variation of different donors in their response to the induction of SCEs by palmyrah extracts . SCE frequency was proportional to chromosome length and SCEs at the centromeric region showed no difficulty in being scored . Concerning methods of short-term cytogenetic testing for detecting mutagenic and carcinogenic chemicals, we found that the SCE test was not more sensitive than the classic chromosome-breakage test. Laryngoscope, 1989 Oct, 99(10 Pt 1), 1011 - 5 Immediate reconstruction of contaminated central craniofacial injuries with free autogenous grafts; Stanley RB Jr et al.; Free autogenous osseous and soft tissue grafts were used for the immediate, one-stage reconstruction of central craniofacial injuries involving the frontal sinus in 95 patients with wounds contaminated by either skin or nasal bacteria . Graft removal and delayed reconstruction were necessary in only one patient who suffered an infection in the first postoperative week . To date, no delayed complications are known to have occurred in any patient . As anticipated, long-term follow-up has been erratic (6 weeks to 5 years) and only suggestions rather than definite guidelines for the management of the sinus component of the injury can be made . However, this group of patients clearly demonstrates that multiple free autogenous grafts can be safely used for the acute reconstruction of contaminated central craniofacial fractures that are intimately related to the intracranial structures. J Med Microbiol, 1989 Oct, 30(2), 143 - 8 Selection of a Brucella vaccine strain of low residual virulence by chemical mutagenesis; Zhao WR et al.; Following incubation of the oral vaccine Brucella suis strain 2 with diethyl sulphate (DES), a mutant designated strain S105 was selected by screening surviving bacteria for reduced virulence for mice . Strain 105 also showed low residual virulence for guinea-pigs and, unlike the parent strain, did not initiate abortion in pregnant sheep and goats after parenteral administration . Nevertheless, it was as effective as the parent strain in stimulating protective immunity to Brucella melitensis when given as an oral vaccine to sheep under both experimental and field conditions. J Bacteriol, 1989 Oct, 171(10), 5487 - 91 Enzymatic dehalogenation of pentachlorophenol by extracts from Arthrobacter sp . strain ATCC 33790; Schenk T et al.; Arthrobacter sp . strain ATCC 33790 was grown with pentachlorophenol (PCP) as the sole source of carbon and energy . Crude extracts, which were prepared by disruption of the bacteria with a French pressure cell, showed no dehalogenating activity with PCP as the substrate . After sucrose density ultracentrifugation of the crude extract at 145,000 x g, various layers were found in the gradient . One yellow layer showed enzymatic conversion of PCP . One chloride ion was released per molecule of PCP . The product of the enzymatic conversion was tetrachlorohydroquinone . NADPH and oxygen were essential for this reaction . EDTA stimulated the enzymatic activity by 67% . The optimum pH for the enzyme activity was 7.5, and the temperature optimum was 25 degrees C . Enzymatic activity was also detected with 2,4,5-trichlorophenol, 2,3,4-trichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, and 2,3,4,5-tetrachlorophenol as substrates, whereas 3,4,5-trichlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 3,4-dichlorophenol, and 4-chlorophenol did not serve as substrates. Infect Immun, 1989 Oct, 57(10), 3172 - 80 Activation of macrophages in an experimental rat model of arthritis induced by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae infection; Renz H et al.; Infection of Lewis rats with Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae represents an experimental model system of acute and chronic arthritis . We studied here the acute inflammatory phase with respect to stimulation of macrophages and lymphocytes . Intragluteal injection of viable E . rhusiopathiae (10(2) to 10(4) bacteria) rapidly induced generalized inflammation, loss of body weight, hind leg arthritis, and systemic macrophage activation within 2 to 3 days . The same symptoms could also be evoked by injection of dead E . rhusiopathiae . Ex vivo, peritoneal macrophages released large amounts of tumor necrosis factor alpha on day 2 and interleukin-1 on day 3, whereas production of prostaglandin E2 was delayed to days 5 to 7 and appeared to counteract tumor necrosis factor alpha synthesis . The inflammatory response and development of arthritis were strongly dependent on T lymphocytes, as evidenced by the following findings: (i) lymphocytes released lymphokines that activated macrophages to enhanced mediator release; (ii) treatment of rats with cyclosporin A reduced infection-induced macrophage activation; (iii) mitogen-stimulated thymocyte proliferation was enhanced, indicating an infection-induced maturation-differentiation process in the thymus; and (iv) in T-cell-deficient nude rats, a higher dose of bacteria was required for infection, the inflammatory response was less severe, and only mild, but not chronic, arthritis developed . Thus, an E . rhusiopathiae-induced inflammation in rats provides a useful tool to characterize activated macrophages and T lymphocytes during the development of acute arthritis and its transition into the chronic form. Cancer Cells, 1989 Oct, 1(2), 50 - 5 Realizing the full potential of immunotoxins; Blattler WA et al.; When conjugated with antibodies that bind selectively to tumor cells, natural toxins from plants and bacteria represent a potentially powerful form of cancer therapy . Over the last several years, much thought and research effort has been devoted to optimizing the specificity and activity of these hybrid molecules . Here we review some of the insights that have come from detailed analyses of the so-called "first-generation immunotoxins," and discuss how these insights have prompted ideas for more effective design of "second-generation immunotoxins." Stomatol Mediterr, 1989 Oct-Dec, 9(4), 339 - 45 {Role of endotoxins in periodontal disease}; Paolantonio M et al.; The Authors, through a review of the literature, analyzed the role played by Endotoxins in the pathogenesis of the periodontal lesions . It is furthermore considered the therapeutic problem of the necessity of a complete removal of such substances from the dental root in arder to obtain a radicular surface which could allow a good healing of the periodontal lesions. Indian J Lepr, 1989 Oct, 61(4), 432 - 6 Effects of dietary composition on growth of M . leprae in mouse footpads; Sanchez A et al.; The number of bacteria per mouse footpad were measured at intervals beginning with the third month in male, weanling BALB/c mice infected with M . leprae and fed for a period of 6 months to test the effects of diet on multiplication of bacteria . The mean bacteria count per footpad in mice remaining at 6 months in the two high fat diets was higher (p = 0.014) than the mean of the two low fat diets . Likewise, the pooled mean bacterial count of mice fed the two diets of animal origin had a tendency to a higher mean bacterial count compared to mice fed the two diets of plant origin . Low level of dietary protein in early life also seemed to predispose to M . leprae multiplication . Our data in mice suggest that the association of diet with human leprosy should be investigated. J Periodontol, 1989 Oct, 60(10), 533 - 9 Effects of adjunctive treatment of periodontitis with tetracycline and spiramycin; Al-Joburi W et al.; The present study was undertaken to compare the efficacy of two antibiotics, spiramycin and tetracycline, with a placebo when used adjunctively with scaling and root planing in the treatment of advanced adult chronic periodontitis . This was a double-blind, parallel, randomized trial with one factor (drug) at three levels . Ninety-six patients (mean age 46 +/- 1) were randomly assigned into one of three groups . All groups were scaled and root planed with each respective group receiving either spiramycin, tetracycline, or a placebo for 2 weeks . Two sites with probing depth of at least 7 mm were evaluated and the following clinical parameters were measured at baseline, 2, 8, 12, and 24 weeks: plaque index, bleeding on probing, crevicular fluid, probing depth, and change in the attachment level . The changes in the subgingival bacteria were monitored also using a differential staining technique . Seventy-nine patients completed the study . At the end of 24 weeks, although all three groups had shown clinical improvement when compared to the baseline data, there were no significant intergroup differences in any of the clinical parameters measured . While the proportion of spirochetes were significantly decreased (P less than 0.05) at 2- and 8-week intervals in both tetracycline and spiramycin groups (26% to 0.04% and 28% to 0.04%, respectively), compared to the placebo group (30% to 7%), only in the spiramycin group was the proportion of spirochetes significantly lower than the placebo group at the 24-week interval (3% and 11%, respectively) . At week 24, the proportion of spirochetes in the tetracycline group had rebounded to 7%, which was not significantly different from the placebo group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) J Urol, 1989 Oct, 142(4), 1006 - 7 Prostatitis associated with Chlamydia trachomatis in 6 patients; Bruce AW et al.; A number of studies have shown that Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria are important pathogens in urogenital tract infections, such as acute urethritis, acute epididymo-orchitis in male patients and pelvic inflammatory disease in female patients . We confirm a previously reported association between Chlamydia trachomatis and prostatitis . We report on 6 patients with definitive confirmation via tissue culture and an immunofluorescent technique . The results demonstrate that chlamydial prostatitis occurs in patients with nonbacterial disease . Efforts should be made to detect and eradicate the organisms from the prostate. J Med Microbiol, 1989 Oct, 30(2), 129 - 36 Characterisation of monoclonal antibodies for detection of Mobiluncus spp . in genital specimens; Ison CA et al.; Monoclonal antibodies were raised to the anaerobic curved rods, Mobiluncus curtisii subsp . curtisii NCTC 11656, M . curtisii subsp . holmesii NCTC 11657 and M . mulieris NCTC 11658 . Three antibodies reacted with the two subspecies of M . curtisii and, when used in combination against clinical isolates, showed 100% sensitivity and specificity in immunofluorescence studies . Immunoblotting showed that two of these antibodies reacted with an epitope on a protein which had an electrophoretic mobility corresponding to a Mr of 75 Kda in the absence of a reducing agent and 82 Kda in its presence in both type strains and in clinical isolates . The third antibody reacted with an epitope in type strains which had a mobility corresponding to 75 Kda and was unaffected by a reducing agent . However, in clinical isolates the epitope was present on a protein of 75 Kda or 71 Kda, or on both . A fourth antibody showed reactivity with M . mulieris NCTC 11658 alone, but only 6 (24%) of 25 clinical isolates gave positive results by immunofluorescence . The epitope is believed to be present on a protein of greater than 90 Kda . All four antibodies were shown by immunogold staining to be directed against epitopes exposed on the cell surface. Scand J Dent Res, 1989 Oct, 97(5), 451 - 5 Soap pH and the effectiveness of alcoholic hand antiseptics; Myklebust S; This study was done to investigate if the pH-value of a soap used for handwashing had any effect on the immediate and the prolonged effectiveness of alcoholic hand disinfectants . One acidic soap (pH = 3.5) and one alkaline soap (pH = 8.5) were tested in combination with 70% and 90% ethanol and alcoholic chlorhexidine . Bacterial counts from the hands of 26 test persons were obtained using the fingerprint method . The fingerprints were taken before and after handwashing, after hand disinfection and after 3 h of wearing sterile latex gloves . The results showed that soap pH did not influence significantly the effectiveness of a subsequent hand disinfection . The combined use of alkaline soap and alcoholic chlorhexidine showed a tendency to smaller variation in bacterial reduction and greater effectiveness . This combination was the only one that led to an increased bacterial reduction after 3 h. Ala Med, 1989 Oct, 59(4), 13 - 7 Improving diagnostic accuracy in appendicitis; Blalock JB Jr; After reviewing all 123 of these patients, here are some suggestions which may improve the accuracy of diagnosis of appendicitis . 1 . Proceed slowly with any patient with equivocal history and physical exam +/- WBC less than 10,000 . 2 . Seriously consider U.T.I . or other renal pathology in patients with greater than 20 RBC +/or greater than 30 WBC/hfp (w/bacteria) as cause of RLQ pain, rather than appendicitis; i.e . only 1 of 81 patients with appendicitis had a coexistent U.T.I . 3 . Be aware that pain starting in the RLQ is less common in appendicitis than in other conditions mimicking appendicitis . 4 . Be wary of all women presenting with RLQ pain on days 1 through 10 of their menstrual cycle . 5 . Consider a barium swallow or enema study in patients in categories 1-4 above looking for a normally filled appendix while a) observing patient and b) awaiting outstanding lab results (i.e . ur . cult., cerv . os cult., etc.) . 6 . Follow closely all patients in all of the above categories and operate for worsening condition . 7 . Require classic or near classic history and physical findings in patients with WBC less 10,000 suspected of having appendicitis, prior to surgery . Footnotes to these suggestions are as follows: 1 . Understand that following these suggestions may result in an increase in the incidence of perforation coincident with an increase in diagnostic accuracy . 2 . Be less hesitant to operate on patients over 50 y.o . because of a) their frequent atypical presentations, and b) the known higher incidence of perforation in this age group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Jpn J Antibiot, 1989 Oct, 42(10), 2082 - 9 {Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies on cefodizime in the field of obstetrics and gynecology}; Lin BL et al.; Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies on cefodizime (THR-221, CDZM) were carried out and the following results were obtained . Concentrations of CDZM in serum and uterine tissues were determined from 38 to 282 minutes after drip infusion of 1 g CDZM . CDZM reached peak level of 25.0 micrograms/g or higher in each tissue during a period of 38 to 83 minutes . Concentrations of CDZM in the dead space exudate after drip infusion of 2 g CDZM were also studied . At 240 minutes after injection, CDZM concentration in exudate reached a peak of 46.88 micrograms/ml . These levels far exceeded MICs of CDZM against major pathogens most often isolated in the field of obstetrics and gynecology . CDZM was administered to 7 patients with their diseases diagnosed as pelvic peritonitis (4 cases) or acute adnexitis (3 cases) at a dose of 2-4 g per day for 6-14 . days . Clinical response was good in all cases . Transient elevation of liver function was noticed in 2 cases . No other adverse reactions were noted during the study. Arch Fr Pediatr, 1989 Oct, 46(8), 573 - 8 {Severe respiratory syncytial virus infections . Study of 87 infants hospitalized in an epidemic}; Jacomet C et al.; During a winter epidemic, 87 infants were admitted to Necker-Enfants-Malades hospital with a severe respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) infection . These infants fell into two groups: 37 infants without any medical history and 50 showing an underlying pathology (immune deficiencies, heart disease, CNS disorders, digestive malformations, allergic manifestations) . Of the 37 infants with no medical history, most were below the age of 6 months and the RSV infection was manifested clinically by bronchiolitis or bronchitis . Most of the infants in the other group were more than 6 months of age and presented mostly with pneumonia or bronchiolitis . A respiratory distress syndrome was observed in 17 of the 87 infants, and virtually all of them were younger than 6 months . No significant difference was observed between the two groups with regards to the incidence of respiratory distress . Pulmonary infections complicating the course of the illness, most often due to commensal flora bacteria of the upper respiratory tract, were observed in 19 infants but with no greater frequency in the group at risk . Direct detection of viral antigens in nasopharyngal secretions not only enabled rapid diagnosis in all the infants but also allowed antiviral therapy to be started rapidly . Antiviral treatment by ribavirine, administered over a period of 5 days in 20 mg/ml doses by aerosol was instituted in 10 patients whose course might have become serious . In 8 of these patients, disappearance of the virus from secretions and recovery occurred . Two patients in the group at risk died despite treatment, with one case being considered a true therapeutical failure since the virus was still present in nasopharyngeal secretions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Appl Environ Microbiol, 1989 Oct, 55(10), 2735 - 7 Anaerobic dechlorination of 2,4-dichlorophenol in freshwater sediments in the presence of sulfate; Kohring GW et al.; In the presence of added sulfate, 2,4-dichlorophenol and 4-chlorophenol were transformed stoichiometrically to 4-chlorophenol and phenol, respectively, in anaerobic freshwater lake sediments between 18 and 40 degrees C . The concomitantly occurring sulfate reduction reduced the initial sulfate concentration from 25 mM to about 6 to 8 mM and depressed methane formation. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1989 Oct, 55(10), 2717 - 9 Biological degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid: chloride mass balance in stirred tank reactors; Kelly MP et al.; A mass balance was developed for the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid by a mixed culture . Batch culture experiments showed the degradation to be an acid-producing step . Inorganic chloride concentration consistently correlated with the expected value and with base consumption to maintain a constant pH. Thorax, 1989 Oct, 44(10), 776 - 7 AIDS and the lung . Introduction; Mitchell DM et al.; PIP: Damage to the immune system induced by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) leads to a spectrum of opportunistic infections of which the lung is the most common site . In Europe and North America, pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is the presenting symptom in 64% of cases of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and occurs at some point in 80% of AIDS victims . This infection is less common in Africa, where tuberculosis is the predominant opportunistic infection . Other AIDS-related lung infections that are gaining in prevalence include pneumonia due to pyogenic bacteria, pulmonary infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis . In addition, there is evidence that the lung may be extensively involved in Kaposi's sarcoma . Given the importance of the lung as a site for AIDS-related opportunistic infections, respiratory physicians will be required to become more involved in the diagnosis and management of AIDS cases . Acta Odontol Scand, 1989 Oct, 47(5), 287 - 92 On the presence and localization of epidermal and nerve growth factors in human whole saliva; Glantz PO et al.; Using antibodies to mouse submandibular epidermal growth factor (EFG) and nerve growth factor (NGF), immunohistochemical studies were performed on sections of flash-frozen human whole saliva in both light and transmission electron microscopy . Light microscopy showed the presence of overall network-like immunoreactions in both the EGF and NGF antibody-treated sections . Electron microscopy showed clearly detectable ultrastructural reaction patterns for both growth factor antibodies . The individual structural elements were more distinct for the EGF antibody-treated sections, in which the reaction elements had approximate diameters of 0.05 micron . In the NGF antibody-treated sections the corresponding approximate diameters were 0.02 micron . In both the EGF and NGF antibody-treated sections heavily stained bacteria-like particles were also frequently observed. J Microencapsul, 1989 Oct-Dec, 6(4), 515 - 26 Effect of electrolytes, stirring and surfactants in the coacervation and microencapsulation processes in presence of gelatin; Rozenblat J et al.; The objectives of the present study were to investigate the parameters affecting simple coacervation and the ability to encapsulate oleic acid using this technique . Coacervation has been achieved using different types of gelatin (bloom number, charge) and various electrolytes . The electrolytes used for the coacervation can be divided into three groups: (1) inert salts; (2) phase separation inducers, (a) precipitation inducing agents (PIA), and (b) coacervation inducing agents (CIA); (3) coacervation inhibiting agents . The encapsulation of oleic acid was evaluated with two types of gelatin and various emulsifiers (anionic, cationic and nonionic) . For positively charged gelatin, it was found that the encapsulation is incomplete in presence of cationic emulsifiers . For negatively charged gelatin no general trend was observed . The stirring rate for each step of the preparation of the microcapsules was evaluated . It was found that high stirring is essential only in the cooling stage . The study was carried out in view of encapsulation of particular bacteria dispersed in the oil phase. Eur J Immunol, 1989 Oct, 19(10), 1817 - 22 B cell repertoire in adult antigen-free and conventional neonatal BALB/c mice . II . Analysis of antigen-binding capacities in relation to VH gene usage; Bos NA et al.; Hybridomas were derived from lipopolysaccharide-reactive splenic B cells of adult germ-free BALB/c mice fed a chemically defined ultrafiltered "antigen-free" diet (GF-CD) and from splenic B cells of 5-day-old conventional (CV-NEO) BALB/c mice . The monoclonal antibodies (mAb) from both collections of hybridomas were tested for reactivity against a large panel of antigens of exogenous and endogenous origin . As a source of natural exogenous antigens 36 different bacteria and 9 different viruses were used, while as endogenous antigens frozen tissue sections of stomach, liver and kidney, the Hep-2 cell line and the anti-idiotopic mAb Ac38 and Ac146 were used . In both collections of mAb approximately 70% reacted with one or more bacterial antigens, while no reactivity could be detected against the viral antigens . Of the GF-CD and CV-NEO hybridomas, 16% and 19%, respectively, reacted with one or more frozen tissue sections . Overall 56% and 68% of the GF-CD and CV-NEO hybridomas, respectively, were producing multireactive antibodies reactive to several exogenous and/or endogenous antigens . Among the GF-CD hybridomas a correlation was found between multireactivity and the usage of the VH gene family PC7183 . In CV-NEO hybridomas, however, the preferential utilization of the VH gene family PC7183 was found among both mono- and multireactive hybridomas . The results suggest (a) that the actual B cell repertoire of neonatal mice consists of a large proportion of multireactive B cells which are reactive with autoantigens and bacterial antigens, but not viral antigens and (b) that in antigen-deprived mice the neonatal repertoire is largely preserved during maturation of the mice. Cell Struct Funct, 1989 Oct, 14(5), 625 - 36 Isolation of an aggregation-less mutant of Dictyostelium discoideum with the expression of contact site A glycoprotein; Yoshida M et al.; We isolated mutants defective in aggregation (aggregation-less) by mutagenizing the "double-bypass" mutant HG592 of Dictyostelium discoideum as the parental strain . One of the mutants expressed the contact site A glycoprotein with an apparent molecular weight of 80 X 10(3) on the cell surface in the normal developmental stage and retained EDTA-stable cell contact as well as EDTA-sensitive cell contact . However, the mutant failed to aggregate on agar plates with bacteria . This mutant was designated HG700 . We could not identify any differences between this mutant and the parental strain in levels of adenylate cyclase or extracellular phosphodiesterase activity, or in its chemotaxis toward cAMP . The mutant had greatly decreased the incorporation of {35S} sulfate into the particulate fractions of the cells starved for 6 h . This suggests that the modification by sulfation may crucially affect the mechanism of cell aggregation. Rev Chir Oncol Radiol O R L Oftalmol Stomatol Ser Stomatol, 1989 Oct-Dec, 36(4), 243 - 54 {Buccal manifestations of AIDS}; Burlibasa C et al.; The disease determined by HIV, increasingly more frequent, is affecting certain groups of patients (homosexuals, drug addicts, polytransfused subjects) . The clinical picture at the onset is not specific . Later on in the course of the disease the immunological capacity of defense of the organism is affected and a series of symptoms including fever, infections with bacteria, lymph-node inflammation, encephalopathies, Kaposi sarcoma will develop . Apparently buccal infections with fungi are the earliest manifestations, and they are followed, by order of frequency, by herpetic lesions, "hairy" leucoplasia, tumours . Transmission through the saliva from the patient to the stomatologist of the HIV infection is theoretically possible due to scratches on the physicians' hands . Prophylactic measures are described for the stomatologists treating AIDS patients, as well as for the sterilization of the instruments. Acta Odontol Scand, 1989 Oct, 47(5), 253 - 63 Human pulp reactions to resin restorations performed with different acid-etch restorative procedures; Qvist V et al.; Fifty-eight experimental resin restorations were performed in intact, human premolars, using different leakage-reducing restorative procedures . These were conventional acid-etching and acid-etching followed by cavity treatment with an intermediary layer of low-viscous resin or the dentin adhesive NPG-GMA/ethanol . The teeth were extracted after 4 months and examined for pulpal inflammation/necrosis (I), reduction of odontoblasts (OR), and formation of tertiary dentin (TD) . By the general linear model procedure, 91%, 34%, and 56% of the variations in I, OR, and TD, respectively, could be explained by variations in the experimental conditions . The significant independent variables were jaw, stage of root formation, width of pulp, width of cavity, marginal leakage, bacteria in the cavity, bacteria in the exposed dentinal tubules, and the restorative procedure . With regard to the restorative procedure the analyses showed that application of low-viscous resin increased the pulpal reactions OR and I, whereas cavity treatment with NPG-GMA/ethanol had no adverse biologic effect. J Prosthet Dent, 1989 Oct, 62(4), 468 - 75 The accuracy and efficacy of disinfection by spray atomization on elastomeric impressions; Drennon DG et al.; Five disinfectants applied by spray atomization were examined for possible dimensional distortion of elastomeric impression materials, polyether, polysulfide, and addition silicone, and the associated improved, type IV gypsum casts . The disinfectants did not affect, in a clinically significant manner, the three dimensions measured with an instrument accurate to 1 micron on improved gypsum casts that reproduced a stainless steel standard . The master cast represented two teeth of a fixed partial denture prepared for complete veneer retainers . The use of control casts from elastomeric impressions that were not treated with the disinfectants further supported previous investigations reporting the accuracy of dental casts as the function of the impression material . The use of a spray disinfectant will not appreciably alter the dimensional accuracy of improved stone casts made within elastomeric impressions . The most accurate stone cast system was produced by addition silicone impressions disinfected by a surface spray . It was also shown that four of the disinfectants applied by spray atomization were effective in disinfecting the surface of an elastomeric impression material contaminated with selected test organisms. Isr J Dent Sci, 1989 Oct, 2(3), 142 - 7 Use of a metastabilized chlorous acid/chlorine dioxide formulation as a mouthrinse for plaque reduction; Goultschin J et al.; A metastabilized chlorous acid/chlorine dioxide (MECA) formulation was used as a mouthwash in a group of 18 volunteers aged 20-27 . Its effect on developing plaque and salivary bacterial count was tested . The trial was carried out over 33 days during which each subject used three different formulations of mouthwash: a high concentration (0.16% sodium chloride in an activating system), a low concentration (0.04% sodium chloride, comparably activated) and a placebo mouthwash (activating system alone) . Each participant used each of the three formulations as the only means of oral hygiene for 5-day periods . Each experimental period was separated by 9 days during which the participants returned to their regular oral hygiene habits . The high concentration and low concentration groups showed a 34.5 and 13.5% reduction of dental plaque scores, respectively, compared with the placebo control group . This effect on the plaque index scores was not accompanied by any significant change in the number of salivary bacteria. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen, 1989 Sep 30, 109(27), 2768 - 72 {Surgical treatment of necrotizing fasciitis}; Aasen AO et al.; We present nine patients with necrotizing fasciitis . Two of them had Fourniers gangrene . Predisposing factors included diabetes mellitus, alcohol and drug abuse . Local signs were redness, swelling and pain rapidly followed by fever and deterioration in the patient's general condition . Soft tissue-gas was observed in all patients . It was found either clinically, on roentgenograms or by CT . Bacteria were found in blood cultures and/or necrotic tissues in all patients . The dominating treatment was radical surgical excision and early reexplorations . Antibiotics, intensive care support and early parenteral nutrition were given . Four patients were given hyperbaric oxygen treatment . The overall mortality rate was 11% . Amputation of one lower extremity became necessary in three patients . In these cases 4-8 days had elapsed between the onset and the first surgical excision . We find it important to underline early diagnosis and radical surgical excision in patients with necrotizing fasciitis. J Immunol Methods, 1989 Sep 29, 123(1), 63 - 9 Estimation of immunoglobulin protease activity by quantitative rocket immunoelectrophoresis; Lassiter MO et al.; Previous methods for estimating immunoglobulin protease activity have involved the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) or sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by autoradiography or Western blotting techniques . An alternative method has been developed to estimate proteolytic activity on human IgA1 and IgG using quantitative rocket immunoelectrophoresis . The method uses agarose containing anti-human IgA or anti-human IgG heavy chain-specific reagent to which protease-digested human immunoglobulin samples are applied to wells and electrophoresed overnight . Because proteolytic activity of immunoglobulins results in many smaller fragments, the optimal antigen-antibody ratio for precipitation changes and migration in an electric field results in a larger rocket . Consequently, the area of the rocket will be larger in a protease-treated immunoglobulin sample than a saline-treated immunoglob