Microorganism

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 immunoglobulin control . These increased rocket areas are correlated with our ELISA protease results (r greater than or equal to 0.90), as well as with our immunoblot results . The method is sensitive to increasing exposure to proteolysis, as well as to increasing amounts of protease . This technique can be used to quickly estimate the ability of a sample to cleave immunoglobulins.

Biochemistry, 1989 Sep 19, 28(19), 7600 - 9
Structural analysis of specificity: alpha-lytic protease complexes with analogues of reaction intermediates; Bone R et al.; To better understand the structural basis of enzyme specificity, the structures of complexes formed between alpha-lytic protease, an extracellular serine protease of Lysobacter enzymogenes, and five inhibitory peptide boronic acids (R2-boroX, where R2 is methoxysuccinyl-Ala-Ala-Pro- and boroX is the alpha-aminoboronic acid analogue of Ala, Val, Ile, Norleu, or Phe) have been studied at high resolution by X-ray crystallography . The enzyme has primary specificity for Ala in the P1 position of peptide substrates with catalytic efficiency decreasing with increasing side-chain volume . Enzyme affinity for inhibitors with boroVal, boroIle, and boroPhe residues is much higher than expected on the basis of the catalytic efficiencies of homologous substrates . Covalent tetrahedral adducts are formed between the active-site serine and the boronic acid moieties of R2-boroAla, R2-boroVal R2-boroIle, and R2-boroNorleu . Though R2-boroVal is a slowly bound inhibitor and R2-boroAla is rapidly bound {Kettner, C . A., Bone, R., Agard, D . A., & Bachovchin, W . W . (1988) Biochemistry 27, 7682-7688}, there appear to be no structural differences that could account for slow binding . The removal from solution of 20% more hydrophobic surface on binding accounts for the improved affinity of alpha-lytic protease for R2-boroVal relative to R2-boroAla . The high affinity of the enzyme for R2-boroIle derives from the selective binding of the L-allo stereoisomer of the boroIle residue, which can avoid bad steric interactions in the binding pocket.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Biochemistry, 1989 Sep 19, 28(19), 7796 - 9
Substrate reduction properties of dinitrogenase activated in vitro are dependent upon the presence of homocitrate or its analogues during iron-molybdenum cofactor synthesis; Imperial J et al.; (R)-2-Hydroxy-1,2,4-butanetricarboxylic acid {(R)-homocitrate} has been has been recently reported to be an integral constituent of the otherwise thought to be inorganic iron-molybdenum cofactor of dinitrogenase {Hoover, T.R., Imperial, J., Ludden, P.W., & Shah, V.K . (1989) Biochemistry 28,2768-2771} . Different organic acids can substitute for homocitrate in an in vitro system for iron-molybdenum cofactor synthesis and incorporation into dinitrogenase {Hoover, T.R., Imperial, J., Ludden, P.W., & Shah, V . K . (1988) Biochemistry 27, 3647-3652} . Dinitrogenase activated with homocitrate-FeMo-co was able to reduce dinitrogen, acetylene, and protons efficiently . Homoisocitrate and isocitrate dinitrogenases did not reduce dinitrogen or acetylene, but showed very high proton reduction activities . Citrate and citramalate dinitrogenases had very low dinitrogen reduction activities and intermediate acetylene and proton reduction activities . CO inhibited proton reduction in both these cases but not in the case of dinitrogenases activated with other homocitrate analogues . By use of these and other commercially available homocitrate analogues in the in vitro system, the structural features of the homocitrate molecule absolutely required for the synthesis of a catalytically competent iron-molybdenum cofactor were determined to be the hydroxyl group, the 1- and 2-carboxyl groups, and the R configuration of the chiral center . The stringency of the structural requirements was dependent on the nitrogenase substrate used for the assay, with dinitrogen having the most stringent requirements followed by acetylene and protons.

FEBS Lett, 1989 Sep 11, 255(1), 167 - 71
Critical spacing between two essential cysteine residues in the interdomain linker of the Bradyrhizobium japonicum NifA protein; Fischer HM et al.; A special sequence motif in the Bradyrhizobium japonicum NifA protein, consisting of two functionally essential cysteines separated by four other amino acids (Cys-aa4-Cys), has been proposed to be part of a potential metal-binding site {(1988) Nucleic Acids Res . 16, 2207-2224} . Using the techniques of oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis, we report here that several of the four intervening amino acids can be replaced by others without loss of NifA function . The deletion of one amino acid to give a Cys-aa3-Cys motif renders the protein inactive whereas the creation of a Cys-aa5-Cys motif (one amino acid inserted) still leads to a partially active NifA protein.

Rev Prat, 1989 Sep 11, 39(20), 1782 - 7
{Transfusion and transmission of infectious and parasitic diseases excluding AIDS and viral hepatitis}; Ducos J; Many viruses, bacteria or parasites can survive in stored blood for varying lengths of time . Recipients are therefore exposed to a risk which depends on the prevalence of pathogens in blood donor populations, the clinical and laboratory controls performed in blood transfusion centres and the efficiency of the patient's immune system . Beside the HIV and hepatitis viruses, transfusions may transmit the HTL virus in endemic areas or if the blood donor comes from one of these areas (e.g . the French West Indies), the CMV virus (but only in patients with weak immune defences) and some exotic viruses in specific regions . As regards bacterial agents, syphilis is prevented by blood storage at 4 degrees C for 72 hours and brucellosis remains a minor risk, but the very rare endotoxinic shock is severe and lethal in two-thirds of the cases . Infestation by parasites is common in certain areas, but it may occur in France after transfusion from blood donors coming from these areas; malaria transmitted by blood perfusion is a real problem . Drastic procedures of rejection of blood donors at risk, including examination and laboratory screening, must be applied and are effective in preventing these dangers . These procedures are well-known and are compulsory in France.

Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen, 1989 Sep 10, 109(25), 2554 - 6
{Chronic granulomatous disease . A disease model with new therapeutic possibilities}; Lappegard KT; Chronic granulomatous disease is an inherited disorder characterized by recurrent infections from early childhood . The disease is due to reduced production of reactive oxygen intermediates in host phagocytes, causing inefficient killing of bacteria . Recently it has been shown that the immuno-modulating compound interferon-gamma can stimulate oxygen metabolism in the phagocytes of these patients . Immuno-modulating treatment with recombinant proteins may prove to be important in the treatment of this and other related disorders.

Biochemistry, 1989 Sep 5, 28(18), 7194 - 8
The sodium ion translocating adenosinetriphosphatase of Propionigenium modestum pumps protons at low sodium ion concentrations; Laubinger W et al.; The purified ATPase (F1F0) of Propionigenium modestum has its pH optimum at pH 7.0 or at pH 6.0 in the presence or absence of 5 mM NaCl, respectively . The activation by 5 mM NaCl was 12-fold at pH 7.0, 3.5-fold at pH 6.0, and 1.5-fold at pH 5.0 . In addition to its function as a primary Na+ pump, the ATPase was capable of pumping protons . This activity was demonstrated with reconstituted proteoliposomes by the ATP-dependent quenching of the fluorescence of 9-amino-6-chloro-2-methoxyacridine . No delta pH was formed in the presence of the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone or by blocking the ATPase with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide . In the presence of valinomycin and K+, the delta pH increased, in accord with the operation of an electrogenic proton pump . The proton pump was only operative at low Na+ concentrations (less than 1 mM), and its activity increased as the Na+ concentration decreased . Parallel to the decrease of H+ pumping, the velocity of the Na+ transport increased about 6-fold from 0.1 to 4 mM NaCl, indicating a switch from H+ to Na+ pumping, as the Na+ concentration increases . Due to proton leaks in the proteoliposomal membranes, fluorescence quenching was released after blocking the ATPase with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, by trapping residual ATP with glucose and hexokinase, or by the Na+-induced conversion of the proton pump onto a Na+ pump . Amiloride, an inhibitor of various Na+-coupled transport systems, was without effect on the kinetics of Na+ transport by the P . modestum ATPase.

Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 1989 Sep, 22(2), 175 - 86
Comparison of protective immunity and inflammatory responses of pigs following immunization with different Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae preparations with and without adjuvants; Hall W et al.; Three experiments were performed to evaluate the inflammatory response, the antibody response and protection from experimental challenge of various Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 5 (Ap5) vaccines in swine . In the first experiment, subcutaneous injections of either a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion or Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) caused lesions at the site of injection, while intraperitoneal injection of the W/O emulsion caused no lesions . In the second experiment, intraperitoneal (IP) injection of a W/O emulsion containing unwashed Ap5 cells (6-h culture) and/or supernates from a 24-h culture resulted in severe peritoneal lesions, while W/O emulsion containing PBS-washed Ap5 cells resulted in minimal peritoneal lesions . Ap5 alone or W/O alone failed to cause peritoneal lesions . The third experiment compared the antibody response and protection from challenge of pigs immunized with either 6-h PBS-washed Ap5 cells emulsified in oil - IP, 6-hour Ap5 cells adjuvanted with dimethyl diodacyl ammonium bromide - IP, Ap5 antigen alone - IP, a commercial vaccine - subcutaneously or saline - IP . All groups, except the saline-treated group, responded with high antibody titers to Ap5 2 weeks following vaccination; however, titers from the W/O plus antigen group were significantly higher than the three other groups (P less than 0.05) . Following intranasal challenge with Ap5, all animals responded with increased antibody titers . All pigs were euthanized 10 days after challenge and evaluated for pneumonia and the lungs cultured for bacteria . The lungs of all pigs, excepting the W/O plus antigen group, contained pneumonic lesions and A . pleuropneumoniae was cultured from these lesions . These results, along with results from other groups, suggest that intraperitoneal immunization using oil-adjuvanted vaccine may be an effective method for protecting pigs from pneumonia due to A . pleuropneumoniae . Its efficacy may be due to stimulation of local respiratory mucosal immunity.

Neurobiol Aging, 1989 Sep-Oct, 10(5), 507 - 8; discussion 510-2
Proteoglycans in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis; Linker A; Glycosaminoglycans, which occur in most organisms from bacteria to vertebrates, appear to be present in all amyloid deposits regardless of the protein involved . This, their early appearance, and their likely interaction with specific proteins imply that they play an essential role in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis.

Gut, 1989 Sep, 30(9), 1275 - 8
Increased oxidoreduction of deoxycholic acid in cholecystectomised patients; Einarsson K et al.; The extent of oxidoreduction of deoxycholic acid in the enterohepatic circulation was studied in seven healthy subjects and seven patients after cholecystectomy . (12 beta-3H) Deoxycholic acid was given orally together with (24-14C) labelled bile acid . The rate of oxidoreduction of the 12 alpha-hydroxyl group of deoxycholic acid was calculated from the decay in ratio between 3H and 14C . In spite of a normal proportion of deoxycholic acid and other secondary bile acids in bile, patients after cholecystectomy had more than two-fold higher degree of oxidoreduction of the 12 alpha-hydroxyl group than healthy controls . The high extent of oxidoreduction is probably because of an increased exposure of the bile acid pool to intestinal bacteria and may have physiological implications.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1989 Sep, 41(3), 364 - 76
Association of the virus-like infectious agent originally reported in patients with AIDS with acute fatal disease in previously healthy non-AIDS patients; Lo SC et al.; We studied 6 patients from 6 different geographic areas who presented with acute flu-like illnesses . The patients developed persistent fevers, lymphadenopathy or diarrhea, pneumonia, and/or heart, liver, or adrenal failure . They died in 1-7 weeks . These patients had no serological evidence of HIV infection and could not be classified as AIDS patients according to CDC criteria . The clinical signs as well as laboratory and pathological studies of these patients suggested an active infectious process, although no etiological agent was found despite extensive infectious disease work-ups during their hospitalization . Post-mortem examinations showed histopathological lesions of fulminant necrosis involving the lymph nodes, spleen, lungs, liver, adrenal glands, heart, and/or brain . No viral inclusion cells, bacteria, fungi, or parasites could be identified in these tissues using special tissue stains . We report that immunohistochemistry using rabbit antiserum raised against VLIA, the virus-like infectious agent previously identified in patients with AIDS and shown to cause fatal systemic infection in primates, revealed VLIA antigens in these necrotizing lesions . In situ hybridization using an 35S labeled VLIA-specific DNA probe also detected VLIA genetic material in the areas of necrosis . Furthermore, virus-like particles closely resembling VLIA were identified ultrastructurally in these histopathological lesions . VLIA was associated with the systemic necrotizing lesions in these previously healthy non-AIDS patients with an acute fatal disease.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol, 1989 Sep, 10(9), 408 - 15
Legionella pneumophila grows adherent to surfaces in vitro and in situ; Wright JB et al.; Legionella pneumophila continues to play a role in both community- and nosocomially-acquired pneumonia . We investigated the ability of L pneumophila to adhere to various types of materials such as those found in the hospital air-cooling and portable water distribution systems . Through the use of a unique sampling apparatus, we were able to regularly acquire planktonic and sessile samples and determine the numbers of bacteria present in both populations, in vitro and in situ . Portions of these apparatuses could be aseptically removed for examination by scanning electron microscopy, or for the determination of the number of viable adherent L pneumophila . The number of bacteria present in each sample was determined by direct plate count, with presumptive L pneumophila colonies being positively identified by direct fluorescent antibody staining techniques . The results demonstrated that not only are legionellae capable of colonizing various metallic and nonmetallic surfaces but that they are preferentially found on surfaces . Surface-adherent bacteria may play a profound role as a reservoir of these potential pathogens in aquatic environments . Furthermore, these results suggest that any comprehensive legionella monitoring program must include not only water samples but also an examination of the adherent populations.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 Sep, 86(18), 6863 - 7
The amino-terminal domain of LexA repressor is alpha-helical but differs from canonical helix-turn-helix proteins: a two-dimensional 1H NMR study; Lamerichs RM et al.; The amino-terminal DNA binding domain of LexA repressor consisting of 84 amino acid residues has been studied by two-dimensional 1H NMR . Sequence-specific 1H resonance assignments were made for the first 60 amino acid residues . The secondary structure of this part of the protein contains three alpha-helices in the peptide segments 8-20, 28-35, and 41-54 . The last helix has a distortion around residues 47-48 . The peptide segment 28-47 shows weak homology with other helix-turn-helix proteins . To investigate the spatial structure of this region of the molecule distance-geometry calculations were performed based on proton-proton distance constraints from nuclear Overhauser effects . The resulting structure shows that the segment 28-47 contains two helices with a loop region between them . The relative orientation of the two helices is similar to that found in helix-turn-helix proteins, but the helices are further apart, with the phenyl ring of Phe-37 located between them . The Brookhaven Protein Data Bank was searched for structurally homologous peptide segments in other proteins . The result of this search was that the two-helical structure of LexA is not more closely related to the canonical helix-turn-helix motif than it is to similar substructures found in other classes of proteins.

J Clin Periodontol, 1989 Sep, 16(8), 510 - 8
The effectiveness of root debridement in open flap procedures by means of a comparison between hand instruments and diamond burs . A SEM study; Schwarz JP et al.; The goal of the present in vivo study was to evaluate human roots by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), after treating the root surfaces either with conventional hand instruments or with newly developed diamond burs . Peculiar root anatomy often makes perfect instrumentation with hand instruments difficult or impossible . On 20 teeth destined for extraction because of severe periodontitis, the root surfaces were exposed by mucoperiosteal flap procedures . Ten roots were then planed using fine curettes, and 10 were instrumented using diamond burs . Following extraction, the root surfaces were stained and photographed . Stained areas were examined by SEM . On the 20 test teeth, 79 surfaces were evaluated . From these, 381 stained zones were checked by SEM for the presence of bacteria . A total of 216 stained areas from teeth treated by hand instruments was evaluated; 15 of these (6.9%) contained bacteria . Of roots treated by diamond burs, 165 stained areas were evaluated; 9 (5.5%) exhibited bacteria . Thus, both methods resulted in root surfaces that were essentially bacteria-free.

J Clin Microbiol, 1989 Sep, 27(9), 2136 - 7
Use of terpene-based solvents (Hemo-De, Histoclear, and Shandon and BDH xylene substitutes) in place of xylene in the Ehrlich indole test; Gubash SM et al.; Although less effective than xylene and Kovacs reagent as indole extractants, Hemo-De and Shandon xylene substitute can be used in the Ehrlich indole test if a less toxic solvent is desirable . In doubtful cases, xylene should be used . Because of the blocking action shown in the test, use of indole-nitrite broth cannot be recommended.

J Clin Microbiol, 1989 Sep, 27(9), 2130 - 2
Identification of monounsaturated fatty acids of Aerococcus viridans with dimethyl disulfide derivatives and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; Moss CW et al.; Location of the double-bond position of monounsaturated fatty acids of Aerococcus viridans was accomplished by combined gas chromatography (GC)-mass spectrometry analysis of dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) derivatives . The monoenoic fatty acids from whole bacterial cells were converted to methyl esters and then to DMDS adducts and analyzed by capillary GC-mass spectrometry . The mass spectra of DMDS adducts gave an easily recognizable molecular ion (M+) and two major diagnostic ions attributable to fragmentation between the two CH3S groups located at the original site of unsaturation . Two relatively novel acids that distinguish aerococci from bacteria of closely related genera were identified as C16:1 omega 9c and C16:1 omega 9t from their mass spectrometry fragmentation patterns and retention characteristics on nonpolar capillary GC columns.

Cytometry, 1989 Sep, 10(5), 551 - 7
Algorithm to estimate cell biovolume using image analyzed microscopy; Sieracki ME et al.; This paper describes an algorithm for calculating the biovolume of cells with simple shapes, such as bacteria, flagellates, and simple ciliates, from a 2-dimensional digital image . The method can be adapted to any image analysis system which allows access to the binary cell image--(i.e., the pixels, or (x,y) points, composing the cell . The cell image is rotated to a standard orientation (horizontal), and a solid of revolution is calculated by digital integration . Verification and a critical assessment of the method are presented . The algorithm accounts for irregularities in cell shape that conventional methods based on length, width, and geometrical formulas do not.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 Sep, 86(17), 6656 - 60
Negative transcriptional regulation in the Caulobacter flagellar hierarchy; Xu H et al.; The Caulobacter crescentus flagellum is formed at a specific time in the cell cycle and its assembly requires the ordered expression of a large number of genes . These genes are controlled in a positive trans-acting hierarchy that reflects the order of assembly of the flagellum . Using plasmids carrying transcriptional fusions of either a neo or a lux reporter gene to the promoters of three flagellar genes representing different ranks in the hierarchy (the hook operon, a basal body gene flbN, and the flaO gene), we have measured the level of chimeric gene expression in 13 flagellar mutant backgrounds . Mutants in the hook operon or in basal body genes caused overproduction of both hook operon and basal body gene chimeric mRNAs, suggesting that negative regulation is superimposed on the positive trans-acting control for these early events in the flagellar hierarchy . Mutants in the structural genes and in genes involved in flagellar assembly had no effect on flaO expression, placing the flaO gene near the top of the hierarchy . However, flaO expression appears to be under negative control by two regulatory genes flaS and flaW . Negative control, as a response to the completion of specific steps in the assembly process, may be an important mechanism used by the cell to turn off flagellar gene expression once the gene product is no longer needed.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 Sep, 86(17), 6651 - 5
Genetic switching in the flagellar gene hierarchy of Caulobacter requires negative as well as positive regulation of transcription; Newton A et al.; Caulobacter crescentus flagellar (fla, flb, or flg) genes are periodically expressed in the cell cycle and they are organized in a regulatory hierarchy . We have analyzed the genetic interactions required for fla gene expression by determining the effect of mutations in 30 known fla genes on transcription from four operons in the hook gene cluster . These results show that the flaO (transcription unit III) and flbF (transcription unit IV) operons are located at or near the top of the hierarchy . They also reveal an extensive network of negative transcriptional controls that are superimposed on the positive regulatory cascade described previously . The strong negative autoregulation observed for the flaN (transcription unit I), flbG (transcription unit II), and flaO (transcription unit III) promoters provides one possible mechanism for turning off fla gene expression at the end of the respective synthetic periods . We suggest that these positive and negative transcriptional interactions are components of genetic switches that determine the sequence in which fla genes are turned on and off in the C . crescentus cell cycle.

J Bacteriol, 1989 Sep, 171(9), 5206 - 9
L-arabinose metabolism in Herbaspirillum seropedicae; Mathias AL et al.; The pathway for L-arabinose metabolism in Herbaspirillum seropedicae was shown to involve nonphosphorylated intermediates and to produce alpha-ketoglutarate . The activities of the enzymes and the natures of several intermediates were determined . The pathway was inducible by L-arabinose, and two key enzymes, L-arabinose dehydrogenase and 2-keto-glutarate semialdehyde dehydrogenase, were present in all strains of H . seropedicae tested.

J Bacteriol, 1989 Sep, 171(9), 4814 - 20
Cell-cycle-dependent polar morphogenesis in Caulobacter crescentus: roles of phospholipid, DNA, and protein syntheses; O'Neill EA et al.; During swarmer cell differentiation in Caulobacter crescentus, morphogenesis at the swarmer pole is characterized by the loss of the flagellum, by the loss of phage receptor activity (PRA) (the ability of the cell to adsorb phage phi CbK), and finally by the initiation of stalk outgrowth at the site formerly occupied by the flagellum and the PRA . We show here that each of these events is a cell cycle-dependent event requiring continuous protein synthesis for its execution but occurring normally in the absence of DNA synthesis or phospholipid synthesis . During stalked-cell differentiation, the flagellum and PRA reappear and the stalk elongates considerably . We show here that these events are also cell cycle dependent, requiring not only de novo protein synthesis but also DNA and phospholipid syntheses . When synchronous cells dividing 160 min after collection were used, PRA reappearance occurred at 110 min . This PRA reappearance was dependent on a phospholipid synthesis-requiring event occurring at 70 min, a DNA synthesis-requiring event occurring at 95 min, and a protein synthesis-requiring event occurring at 108 min . In the absence of net phospholipid synthesis, stalk elongation appeared more or less normal, but the stalks eventually became fragile, and by 240 min, most of the stalks had broken off, leaving only stubs attached to the cell body.

Tsitol Genet, 1989 Sep-Oct, 23(5), 64 - 8
{The mutagenic activity and structure of pesticides}; Klisenko MA et al.; The data on mutagenicity of pesticides as to their chemical structure are summarized and discussed . The results from investigation of cytogenetic action of 55 pesticides and their metabolites in somatic human and animal cells are presented . Some structure fragments of molecule related to genotoxic effects are selected.

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am, 1989 Sep, 16(3), 659 - 77
Office diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases; Martens MG; Treatment of sexually transmitted diseases begins with prompt and accurate diagnosis . Several new diagnostic techniques allow more rapid or easier testing, however sometimes at a cost . The vast array of diagnostic methodologies available to the office practitioners are discussed with special regard to their sensitivity, specificity, and ease of use.

J Virol Methods, 1989 Sep, 25(3), 259 - 69
The use of peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP) complexes in the detection of plant viruses by ELISA; Rowland GF et al.; An ELISA test system for detection of plant viruses in field samples is described, based on the unlabelled antibody method using a peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) complex . Novel features of the system include the use of acid-treated naked bacteria as combined carrier-adjuvants for the production of rabbit antiviral antibodies, and the use of acid-treated chicken antibodies (IgY) for antigen trapping in the ELISA . Systems for detection of potato virus Y (PVY), potato leafroll virus (PLRV), grapevine fanleaf virus (GFV) and grapevine virus A (GVA) were developed and compared with conventional direct double antibody sandwich (DAS) systems in tests with both purified virus and field samples . The PAP systems offer improved sensitivity, no background problems in the outer rows of the microtitre plates and are much easier to visualize with the naked eye if no plate reader is available.

J Clin Periodontol, 1989 Sep, 16(8), 475 - 83
Detection of high-risk groups and individuals for periodontal diseases: laboratory markers from analysis of saliva; Wilton JM et al.; The use of saliva as a source of components that may identify subjects at risk of developing destructive periodontitis, or provide markers of disease potential or activity, has been reviewed . It was concluded that bacteria, their constituents or products are unlikely to be rewarding and that host-derived salivary factors such as enzymes cannot identify risk, as deficiency states for these do not exist . Secretory IgA, plasma IgA and IgG isotype levels and specific antibodies may be associated with risk, but probably only if levels fall below those which are protective or a specific antibody response is absent . More work is needed to distinguish between monomeric and dimeric IgA antibodies and to identify IgG antibodies in longitudinal clinical studies . In general, although saliva may prove to be useful as a source of indicators of current disease activity or as a means of assessing responses to treatment, it is unlikely to provide evidence for the existence of risk factors.

J Assoc Physicians India, 1989 Sep, 37(9), 561 - 3
Tropical myositis . A clinical immunological and histopathological study; Singh SB et al.; Thirty cases of tropical myositis, (22 suppurative, 8 non-suppurative) aged 11 to 65 years were seen in a period of one year . There were 22 males and 8 females . There was a total of 78 muscular lesions in 22 suppurative cases and 19 muscular lesions in 8 non-suppurative cases . The most common presentation was localised myalgia (100%), fever (96.7%) generalized myalgia (56.7%), arthralgia (40%), pain in abdomen (33.3%) and breathlessness (30%) . Extramuscular complications were present in 50% cases . Twenty four muscle biopsies were taken . Sixteen showed changes of suppurative myositis i.e . non-specific acute inflammatory reaction, muscle necrosis with myocytolysis, vacuolation of cytoplasm and loss of striations . Cell mediated immunity was found to be suppressed in patients of non-suppurative myositis in comparison with the suppurative group . IgG, IgA and IgM were significantly raised in patients in comparison to controls (p less than 0.05) . The intact humoral immunity indicates good response to acute phase reaction and increased levels of IgG, IgA and IgM (specially IgG) can be taken as good prognostic parameter.

Microbiologia, 1989 Sep, 5(2), 127 - 8
A rational proposal for plasmid nomenclature; Campos P et al.; We propose a more rational system for nomenclature of wild plasmids of bacteria . With this proposal for nomenclature of bacterial plasmids, it is established in an unambiguous way: 1) if a plasmid is wild or derivative, and 2) in which species and bacterial strain it was found (in the case of wild plasmids).

Mikrobiol Zh, 1989 Sep-Oct, 51(5), 17 - 20
{The lactate oxidase activity of Aerococcus viridans cultures}; Kremenchutskii GN et al.; The oxidase activity of Aerococcus viridans is a result of the functioning of aerobic NAD-independent lactate dehydrogenase . Two fractions of flavin-containing protein which oxidize D- and L-isomers of lactic acid are revealed during the enzymic complex electrophoresis in PAAG . The enzymic complex and eluates of both fractions possess the antagonistic activity relative to 27 test-cultures of bacteria.

Med Parazitol (Mosk), 1989 Sep-Oct, (5), 29 - 31
{Changes in the indices of the B-immunity system in patients with intestinal nematodiases after treatment}; Blagov NA et al.; A decrease in the titers of antibodies to opportunistic bacteria has been observed in 100 patients suffering from ascariasis, trichocephaliasis and mixed invasion (ascariasis and trichocephaliasis) . The immune suppression was higher in patients with mixed invasion . Medamine treatment enhances the suppression of antibody production . Changes in humoral immunity parameters are due to the effect of helminthic antigens and the composition of Escherichia in the large intestine of the affected subjects.

Acta Paediatr Scand, 1989 Sep, 78(5), 763 - 6
Bacteraemia as predictor of HIV infection in African children; Lepage P et al.; In Rwanda, both HIV infection and bacteraemia represent major health problems among paediatric populations . We carried out of prospective study of determine if bacteraemia is a marker of HIV infection among ambulatory and hospitalized Rwandese children . All children presenting at the Department of Paediatrics of the Center Hospitalier de Kigali who had their blood cultured during a two-month period were eligible for the study . One hundred and thirty-five children were included in the study . A pathogen was isolated from 36 children (26.7%): S . typhimurium (10 cases), S . enteritidis (6), S . typhi (4), Str . pneumoniae (9) . H . influenzae (6) and S . aureus (1) . No association was found between bacteraemia and HIV seropositivity when all the children were considered . However, among patients less than 2 years old, bacteraemic subjects were more frequently (p less than 0.05) HIV seropositive (44%) than those with negative blood cultures (19%) . Our study shows that in young children in Central Africa, the presence of bacteraemia may be an important marker of HIV seropositivity.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1989 Sep, (9), 77 - 9
{Immune depression--a possible cause of the unfavorable course of pneumonia in chronic alcoholics}; Kis'ova K et al.; In 27 patients, suffering with chronic alcoholism and hospitalized for pulmonary diseases in the Clinic of Pulmonology and Phthisiology, the following immunological characteristics were checked up: the functional activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and in 12 patients also that of alveolar macrophages were evaluated on the basis of the study of the phagocytic index and the phagocytic number, myeloperoxidase and the nitro blue tetrazolium test; the levels of serum IgG, IgA and IgM, the titer of the complement, E-rosette-forming cells (active and total) were also evaluated; the deficiency of cell-mediated immune response was determined by means of intradermal tests with the use of P.P.D., phytohemagglutinin, candidin, trichophytin . In all these investigations the depression of the functional activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and alveolar macrophages, dysimmunoglobulinemia, the increased level of circulating immune complexes and the suppression of cell-mediated immunity characteristics were revealed in the patients . Frequent infections and the severe course of bacterial and viral infections observed in such patients can be probably attributed to deficient cell-mediated immune response and to disturbances in phagocytosis.

Scand J Gastroenterol, 1989 Sep, 24(7), 859 - 62
Treatment of pancreatic fistulas with somatostatin and total parenteral nutrition; Saari A et al.; Nineteen pancreatic fistulas were treated with somatostatin (ST) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) . Five of the fistulas developed in an uninflamed pancreas, whereas 14 fistulas developed secondary to a necrotizing or chronic pancreatitis . Fistular output varied between 20 and 800 ml/day (median, 160 ml) during TPN before ST treatment; amylase concentration was 10,500-800,000 UI/l . Twelve of 16 (75%) fistulas were contaminated with bacteria . Thirteen of 19 (68%) fistulas closed after a median treatment of 7 (range, 2-14) days . Seven of eight fistulas with open drainage to the bowel healed, whereas only one of six with obstructed drainage closed . All of the uninfected fistulas and half of the infected fistulas closed . The findings suggest that somatostatin treatment speeds up the closure of pancreatic fistulas with open drainage to the bowel but is not beneficial when the intestinal drainage of the fistular region to the bowel is obstructed.

Infect Immun, 1989 Sep, 57(9), 2674 - 82
Use of the promoter fusion transposon Tn5 lac to identify mutations in Bordetella pertussis vir-regulated genes; Weiss AA et al.; Mutants of Bordetella pertussis deficient in virulence-associated factors were identified by using the transposon Tn5 lac . Tn5 lac is a derivative of Tn5 which generates promoter fusions for beta-galactosidase . Tn5 lac insertions in the vir-regulated genes of B . pertussis were identified by selecting for kanamycin-resistant mutants that expressed beta-galactosidase when the vir-regulated genes were expressed but not when the vir-regulated genes were turned off . Fourteen different mutations in vir-regulated genes were identified . Two mutants were deficient in the production of the filamentous hemagglutinin, two mutants were deficient in the production of adenylate cyclase toxin and hemolysin, and one mutant was deficient in the production of dermonecrotic toxin . One insertion mapped adjacent to the pertussis toxin gene, but the mutant produced pertussis toxin . The phenotypes of the remaining eight mutants were not determined, but the mutants did not appear to be deficient in the production of the 69,000-dalton outer membrane protein (agglutinogen 3) or the capsule . Screening for mutations in either of the fimbrial genes proved to be problematic since the parental strain was found to switch from a fimbriated to a nonfimbriated state at a high frequency, which was suggestive of the metastable expression of pili in other bacteria . We used Southern blot analysis with a 30-mer specific for the fimbrial sequences . No bands with the predicted increase in size due to the 12 kilobases from Tn5 lac were observed, which suggests that none of these genes were mutated . Southern blot analysis also revealed that seven of the eight unidentified mutations mapped to different restriction fragments, which suggests that they could be deficient in as many as seven different genes.

Res Microbiol, 1989 Sep, 140(7), 477 - 87
Specific identification of Bordetella pertussis by the polymerase chain reaction; Houard S et al.; Oligonucleotide primers were used to amplify specific DNA regions of the Bordetella pertussis genome by the polymerase chain reaction . One pair of primers, PTp1/PTp2, identified a 191-bp DNA fragment located in the regulatory region of the pertussis toxin operon; a second pair of primers led to amplification of a 121-bp DNA piece located in an insertion-like element specific to B . pertussis . Both sets of primers were able to discriminate between the pathogen and related Bordetella species; they detected down to 6 bacteria and appeared suitable for routine detection of B . pertussis in clinical specimens.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1989 Sep, 41(3), 273 - 9
Ultrastructure of experimental intestinal invasive amebiasis; Martinez-Palomo A et al.; The morphological features of early intestinal ulcerations induced in rodents with axenic cultures of Entamoeba histolytica were studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy . Amebas did not attach to the luminal surface of the mucosa except at interglandular regions, where parasites penetrated apparently through pseudopodial movement . Once in the lamina propria, trophozoites multiplied and destroyed mucosal components . Damage extended laterally through the mucosa, but progression to deeper layers of the intestinal wall was prevented by the muscularis mucosae, which acted as a partial barrier . This was eventually breached at focal points where amebas invaded the submucosa . Electron microscopy clearly showed the lysis of abundant polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMNs) by the amebas at the periphery of intestinal ulcerations as well as the lack of bacteria at these sites . This study demonstrates that recruitment and destruction of inflammatory cells following intestinal amebic invasion may take place in the absence of bacterial multiplication . The observations provide histological support to the hypothesis that lysis of PMNs by trophozoites participates in the genesis of amebic intestinal lesions.

Mol Cell Biol, 1989 Sep, 9(9), 4009 - 17
Homologous plasmid recombination is elevated in immortally transformed cells; Finn GK et al.; The levels of intramolecular plasmid recombination, following transfection of a plasmid substrate for homologous recombination into normal and immortally transformed cells, have been examined by two independent assays . In the first assay, recovered plasmid was tested for DNA rearrangements which regenerate a functional neomycin resistance gene from two overlapping fragments . Following transformation of bacteria, frequencies of recombinationlike events were determined from the ratio of neomycin-resistant (recombinant) colonies to ampicillin-resistant colonies (indicating total plasmid recovery) . Such events, yielding predominantly deletions between the directly repeated sequences, were substantially more frequent in five immortal cell lines than in any of three normal diploid cell strains tested . Effects of plasmid replication or interaction with T antigen and of bacterially mediated rejoining of linear molecules generated in mammalian cells were excluded by appropriate controls . The second assay used limited coamplification of a control segment of plasmid DNA, and of the predicted recombinant DNA region, primed by two sets of flanking oligonucleotides . Each amplified band was quantitated by reference to a near-linear standard curve generated concurrently, and recombination frequencies were determined from the ratio of recombinant/control DNA regions . The results confirmed that recombinant DNA structures were generated within human cells at direct repeats in the transfected plasmid and were markedly more abundant in an immortal cell line than in the diploid normal cells from which that line was derived.

J Clin Microbiol, 1989 Sep, 27(9), 1952 - 5
Application of numerical systematics to the phenotypic differentiation of legionellae; Fox KF et al.; A total of 163 strains, including 106 strains of Legionella pneumophila, 28 strains of Tatlockia micdadei, and 29 strains of other legionellae (including members of the proposed genus Fluoribacter), were studied . Ten tests which together could distinguish the genera previously proposed were identified . These tests included catalase-peroxidase, gelatinase, hippurate hydrolysis, starch hydrolysis, medium browning, acetoin production, oxidase, medium fluorescence, colony fluorescence, and the bromcresol purple spot test . T . micdadei strains were strongly catalase positive and bromcresol purple spot test positive and produced acetoin but otherwise were usually inert in the other tests . L . pneumophila and Fluoribacter species could usually be distinguished by strength of catalase activity, blue-white colony fluorescence (if present), and differences in frequency of hippurate hydrolysis, starch hydrolysis, yellow-green medium fluorescence, and, to a lesser extent, oxidase activity . With a simple algorithm and computer program, the overall accuracy was 98.8%.

Eur J Biochem, 1989 Sep 1, 184(1), 79 - 88
Purification of the F420-reducing hydrogenase from Methanosarcina barkeri (strain Fusaro); Fiebig K et al.; The 8-hydroxy-5-deazaflavin (coenzyme F420)-reducing and methyl-viologen-reducing hydrogenase of the anaerobic methanogenic archaebacterium Methanosarcina barkeri strain Fusaro has been purified 64-fold to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity . The purified enzyme had a final specific activity of 11.5 mumol coenzyme F420 reduced.min-1.mg protein-1 and the yield was 4.8% of the initial deazaflavin-reducing activity . The hydrogenase exists in two forms with molecular masses of approximately 845 kDa and 198 kDa . Both forms reduce coenzyme F420 and methyl viologen and are apparently composed of the same three subunits with molecular masses of 48 kDa (alpha), 33 kDa (beta) and 30 kDa (gamma) . The aerobically purified enzyme was catalytically inactive . Conditions for anaerobic reductive activation in the presence of hydrogen, 2-mercaptoethanol and KCl or methyl viologen were found to yield maximal hydrogenase activity . Determination of the apparent Km of coenzyme F420 and methyl viologen gave values of 25 microM and 3.3 mM, respectively . The respective turnover numbers of the high molecular mass form of the hydrogenase are 353 s-1 and 9226 s-1.

Eur J Biochem, 1989 Sep 1, 184(1), 187 - 95
On the mechanism of inhibition of methanol dehydrogenase by cyclopropane-derived inhibitors; Frank J Jr et al.; Extraction of cyclopropanol-inactivated methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) gave a mixture of two interconverting compounds . The same compounds could be prepared from 2,7,9-tricarboxy-1H-pyrrolo{2,3-f}quinoline-4,5-dione (PQQ) and cyclopropanol using a metal oxide (e.g . Ag2O) as a catalyst . Structure elucidation revealed that a C5 3-propanal adduct of PQQ is formed which is present in the extract as a diastereoisomeric mixture of the ring-closed form . Cyclopropanone gave an analogous product, while cyclopropylmethanol behaved as a substrate and was oxidized by the enzyme without ring-opening . From the work described, several arguments can be derived to reject the idea that inactivation proceeds via formation of a pair of free radicals . The mechanism probably consists of a concerted proton abstraction, rearrangement of the cyclopropoxy anion to a ring-opened carbanion and attack of the latter on the electrophilic C5 of PQQ . The measured rate of inactivation (3.7 s-1) is in agreement with such a mechanism . The role of the metal oxide and the enzyme in this process is the catalysis of the addition step and possibly a positioning of the reactants . As only a sole type of quinoprotein alcohol dehydrogenase becomes inhibited, the cyclopropane derivatives studied here can be regarded as mechanism-based inhibitors . The modified PQQ in cyclopropanone-inactivated MDH is fluorescent . A fluorescent intermediate was also observed in the catalytic cycle of MDH with methanol as a substrate . Its rate of formation and decay and the strongly decreased level of fluorescence in the presence of activator are in accordance with the view that the fluorescing species is the previously found oxidized-MDH.substrate (MDHox.S) complex . Since the decomposition of this complex requires activator and model studies have failed so far to mimic the enzyme, it seems that the combination of enzyme and activator is essential for the oxidation of the alcohol substrate.

Virology, 1989 Sep, 172(1), 51 - 62
Sequence divergence yet conserved physical characteristics among the E4 proteins of cutaneous human papillomaviruses; Doorbar J et al.; Human papillomavirus (HPV) types 1, 2, and 4 together comprise the major cause of cutaneous papillomas in the general population . We have aligned the genomes of these three viruses by partial sequence analysis, and have sequenced the E4 open reading frames (ORFs) of HPV 2 and HPV 4 . After expression as beta-gal fusion proteins in bacteria, antibodies raised to the putative E4 gene-products of both virus types were used to identify the native E4 proteins in naturally occurring tumors . At the primary amino acid sequence level, the E4 protein of HPV 2 was found to be most homologous with those of HPV 6 and 11 and was not closely related to those of HPV 1 or 4 . Although the E4 ORF represents a region of weak homology amongst papillomaviruses, the E4 encoded proteins showed significant conservation in their physical characteristics . Like those of HPV 1, the E4 proteins of both HPV 2 and HPV 4 were found to be composed of a major low-molecular-weight doublet (16.5/18K for HPV 2, 20/21K for HPV 4, c.f . 16/17K for HPV 1) along with minor high-molecular-weight species, which probably represent dimers of the smaller proteins, (33K for HPV 2, 40K for HPV 4, c.f . 32/34K for HPV 1) . The E4 products of all three virus types were multiply charged, and exhibited a characteristic migration pattern following alkaline urea gel electrophoresis . Although the levels of E4 expression in tumors induced by the different virus types was very different, this was found to correlate closely with the level of virus production characteristic of each virus type . In all three cases, E4 proteins were found to be primarily cytoplasmic, and to be associated with the distinctive cytoplasmic inclusion granules characteristic of each virus type . The poor sequence conservation between the E4 protein of HPVs 1, 2, and 4, taken alongside the ability of these viruses to infect similar histological sites, suggests that E4 may not be involved in determining tissue specificity . Our results suggest conserved physical characteristics (acidic, multiply charged, ability to form dimers) and similar site of expression may be the important factors for E4 function.

J Bacteriol, 1989 Sep, 171(9), 5162 - 4
Glycogen-bound polyphosphate kinase from the archaebacterium Sulfolobus acidocaldarius; Skorko R et al.; Glycogen-bound polyphosphate kinase has been isolated from a crude extract of Sulfolobus acidocaldarius by isopycnic centrifugation in CsCl . Divalent cations (Mn2+ greater than Mg2+) stimulated the reaction . The enzyme does not require the presence of histones for its activity; it is inhibited strongly by phosphate and slightly by fluoride . The protein from the glycogen complex migrated in a sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel as a 57-kilodalton protein band; after isoelectric focusing it separated into several spots in the pH range of 5.6 to 6.7.

Infect Immun, 1989 Sep, 57(9), 2776 - 81
Activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the presence of sulfide; Claesson R et al.; Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) isolated from human blood were exposed to various levels of hydrogen sulfide . The effect on respiratory burst, myeloperoxidase activity, and capacity to phagocytose and kill bacteria were studied . A 1-h exposure of the PMN to 1 mM sulfide did not decrease their myeloperoxidase activity or their capacity to initiate a respiratory burst . Actually the products of the respiratory burst rapidly oxidized sulfide . The phagocytosis and killing of bacteria in the presence of 1 mM sulfide was only decreased to a minor extent . Myeloperoxidase in cell extract was, however, almost completely inhibited by 1 microM sulfide . These results indicate that hydrogen sulfide does not easily permeate PMN . PMN may be able to function in infected sites with high sulfide levels such as in the gingival pockets of periodontal disease . In the oxygenated areas of these sites the PMN may actually help in the detoxification of sulfide.

Infect Immun, 1989 Sep, 57(9), 2698 - 704
Invasion of HeLa 229 cells by virulent Bordetella pertussis; Ewanowich CA et al.; Phase-dependent invasive behavior of Bordetella pertussis was demonstrated by recovery of viable organisms from gentamicin-treated HeLa cell monolayers and by transmission electron microscopy . Several mutants of B . pertussis with Tn5 or Tn5 lac inserted into various vir-regulated genes were evaluated for differences in their invasive abilities . Mutants lacking filamentous hemagglutinin, pertussis toxin, and two as yet uncharacterized vir-regulated products had levels of invasion significantly lower than that of the parent strain BP338 . In contrast, invasion by mutants lacking adenylate cyclase toxin was significantly increased compared with that of wild-type B . pertussis . This increase in invasion was eliminated when concentrations of intracellular cyclic 3'-5' AMP were stimulated by treating HeLa cells with cholera toxin or forskolin . Entry of B . pertussis occurred through a microfilament-dependent phagocytic process, as evidenced by the marked reduction in uptake following treatment of HeLa cells with cytochalasin D . Invasion was inhibited with polyclonal anti-B . pertussis and anti-filamentous hemagglutinin antisera . In addition, a monoclonal antibody against lipooligosaccharide A reduced uptake by 65.5% . The preservation of HeLa cell integrity and the limited replication of intracellular bacteria suggest that invasion may represent a means by which B . pertussis evades an active host immune response.

Prim Care, 1989 Sep, 16(3), 695 - 712
Acne vulgaris; Wilson BB; Acne vulgaris is a disease of the pilosebaceous unit that affects nearly all persons to some degree during the teenage years . It is a disease that should be treated because of the anxiety and disfigurement it causes in the affected patient . Acne therapy is directed against the three probable pathogenic processes in acne: (1) abnormal keratinization of the sebaceous follicle, (2) excessive production of sebum, and (3) proliferation of bacteria in the follicle . Superficial acne consisting of comedones and small papulopustules will frequently respond to topical therapy such as retinoic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and topical antibiotics . Deeper lesions require systemic antibiotics of which tetracycline is the drug of choice . Severe, recalcitrant cystic acne usually responds well to the oral retinoid, isotretinoin . The severe teratogenic effects of isotretinoin on a developing fetus make this a risky drug to prescribe for women with childbearing potential . In such cases the greatest precautions should be taken to avoid pregnancy during a course of isotretinoin . Such precautions include pregnancy testing, contraceptive counseling, and the use of at least two effective forms of birth control in sexually active women.

Rev Med Chil, 1989 Sep, 117(9), 984 - 90
{Intermittent peritoneal dialysis: a 6 years' experience}; Garcia-Ortiz R et al.; We show our experience, results and complications with Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (IPD) . We treated with this technique 28 patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD), between 1981-1988; (24 adults, 8 of them with diabetic nephropathy (6 non insulin dependent diabetic patients and 4 children) for 3 to 36 months . IPD was well tolerated . The extracellular volume control, haematocrit and plasma protein values, as well as, ac-base equilibrium nutritional status, ureic nitrogen and creatinine plasma levels, were fully satisfactory . There was statistical difference only in the Na+ (p less than 0.001), alkaline phosphatases (p less than 0.005), glucose (p less than 0.05) plasma values and glycosylated hemoglobin (p less than 0.05), between diabetics and non diabetics group . The peritonitis rate was 0.065 and 0.074 peritonitis/patients-month; respectively (NS) and were caused by Gram (-) bacteria . St Aureus and St Epidermides . The survival curves of patients and method, in both groups, were similar (NS) . We conclude IPD is a good alternative of therapy for ESRD, also for diabetics patients, whom haven't got more infection rate than non diabetics patients.

Biochimie, 1989 Sep-Oct, 71(9-10), 1089 - 93
Polyphosphate as a source of phosphoryl group in protein modification in the archaebacterium Sulfolobus acidocaldarius; Skorko R; The incubation of polyphosphates with the ribosomal fraction of Sulfolobus acidocaldarius leads to the covalent attachment of phosphate to threonine residue(s) of a single 40,000 Mr protein . The hydrolysis kinetics of this protein showed that polyphosphate might be the modifying group . The reaction requires 2 mM Mn2+ ions and is time-dependent . ATP strongly inhibits the transfer of phosphate from polyphosphate, indicating that this process is catalyzed by an enzyme differing from the well-known protein kinases.

Clin Exp Rheumatol, 1989 Sep-Oct, 7(5), 513 - 9
A monoclonal anti-HLA-B27 antibody which is reactive with a linear sequence of the HLA-B27 protein is useful for the study of molecular mimicry; Yong Z et al.; In the search for cross-reactivity between bacteria and HLA-B27, three groups of investigators have identified several bacterial envelope proteins which are reactive with the monoclonal anti-HLA-B27 antibodies B27.M1 and B27.M2 . Since these two antibodies react poorly with HLA-B27-derived synthetic peptides, it is not possible to locate the reactive epitopes on the HLA-B27 using synthetic peptides . Here, we introduce Ye-2, a monoclonal anti-HLA-B27 antibody which, unlike B27.M1 and B27.M2, is reactive with a synthetic peptide derived from residues 63-84 of HLA-B27.1 . Analysis with a cross-reactive peptide derived from residues 226-244 of bovine carbonic anhydrase suggests that only a few of the amino acid residues in the HLA-B27-derived peptide are responsible for the reactivity . This antibody should be a useful adjunct in a preliminary assessment of whether a bacterial protein mimics HLA-B27 in primary structure.

Anal Biochem, 1989 Sep, 181(2), 297 - 301
A spectrophotometric assay for meso-diaminopimelate decarboxylase and L-alpha-amino-epsilon-caprolactam hydrolase; Laber B et al.; A spectrophotometric assay for the activities of mesodiaminopimelate decarboxylase and L-alpha-amino-epsilon-caprolactam hydrolase is described . With the commercially available enzyme saccharopine dehydrogenase lysine formed either by decarboxylation of meso-diaminopimelate or by hydrolysis of L-alpha-amino-epsilon-caprolactam is converted to saccharopine with the concomitant oxidation of NADH, which is monitored by the decrease in absorbance at 340 nm . For meso-diaminopimelate decarboxylase this assay can be performed either as an endpoint determination, when working with crude extracts, or as a continuous spectrophotometric assay of partially purified enzyme preparations . The activity of L-alpha-amino-epsilon-caprolactam hydrolase can only be assayed by the endpoint method because of the great differences in the pH optima of the hydrolase and the saccharopine dehydrogenase.

J Bacteriol, 1989 Sep, 171(9), 4679 - 85
Posttranslational regulatory system for nitrogenase activity in Azospirillum spp; Fu HA et al.; The mechanism for "NH4+ switch-off/on" of nitrogenase activity in Azospirillum brasilense and A . lipoferum was investigated . A correlation was established between the in vivo regulation of nitrogenase activity by NH4Cl or glutamine and the reversible covalent modification of dinitrogenase reductase . Dinitrogenase reductase ADP-ribosyltransferase (DRAT) activity was detected in extracts of A . brasilense with NAD as the donor molecule . Dinitrogenase reductase-activating glycohydrolase (DRAG) activity was present in extracts of both A . brasilense and A . lipoferum . The DRAG activity in A . lipoferum was membrane associated, and it catalyzed the activation of inactive nitrogenase (by covalent modification of dinitrogenase reductase) from both A . lipoferum and Rhodospirillum rubrum . A region homologous to R . rubrum draT and draG was identified in the genomic DNA of A . brasilense as a 12-kilobase EcoRI fragment and in A . lipoferum as a 7-kilobase EcoRI fragment . It is concluded that a posttranslational regulatory system for nitrogenase activity is present in A . brasilense and A . lipoferum and that it operates via ADP-ribosylation of dinitrogenase reductase as it does in R . rubrum.

Ankara Univ Hekim Fak Derg, 1989 Sep, 16(3), 493 - 6
{Sialolithiasis}; Gunaydin Y et al.; The calcified structures that form within the parenchymal tissues or the canal of the salivatory glands are called salivatory stones or sialolithiasis . They contain calcium phosphate, 74.3%; calcium carbonate 11.1%; soluble salt, 6.2%; organic elements, 2.2% and water . The stones are formed by the precipitation of calcified structures around a nucleus that is made of the foreign bodies in the gland, desquamated epithelial cells, degradation products of the bacteria or the bacteria itself . 83% of the salivatory stones is found in the submandibular gland, 10% of them belongs to the parotid and the sublingual gland comes up with 7% . Aside from the major salivatory glands, the minor ones also contain stones . The stones can be classified as anterior, posterior and intraglandular according to the position . The unilateral stones, usually, when reached to the considerable size, cause to partial or total obstruction of the canals . We examined the two cases that have stones localized within the canals of submandibular gland when we were unable to use the sialography technique because of the obstruction the ultrasoundography was our other choice we had direct measurements of the stones and the gland both . After the operation a chemical analysis showed that the stones include calcium and magnesium as cations and phosphate and carbonate as anions.

Aging (Milano), 1989 Sep, 1(1), 65 - 70
Circulating neutrophil elastase in infectious diseases in geriatric patients; Adeyemi EO et al.; Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay has been used to measure elastase proteinase inhibitor complex (EPIC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the elderly, with and without infection . Median EPIC levels in the elderly with infection, hospital controls, healthy elderly residents in old people's homes and healthy blood donors were 300, 104, 96 and 74 ng/ml respectively . Ninety-five per cent of the patients with infection had EPIC levels well above the normal range . The median EPIC level in the elderly with infection showed a statistically significant difference from that in the control groups (p less than 0.0001, Mann U test) . CRP showed similar results . Elevation of EPIC or CRP did not depend on the type of infection or bacteria isolated . We would conclude that neutrophil inhibitor-bound elastase could be used as a marker of inflammation in old people.

Aging (Milano), 1989 Sep, 1(1), 3 - 15
Cell proliferation, cell death and aging; Franceschi C; An integrated view of the processes which most likely play a critical role in the aging process at the cellular level is proposed . Cells are continuously exposed to a variety of internal and external stressors, potentially dangerous for the maintenance of the functional integrity of the cell (UV and gamma radiation, heat, oxygen free radicals, glucose, bacteria, viruses) . In the course of evolution a number of mechanisms {DNA repair, production of heat shock and other stress proteins, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defence systems, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation} have emerged which allow the cell to cope with such a variety of potentially harmful agents . These mechanisms are in fact interconnected and constitute a network of cellular defence systems . It is suggested that they play a physiological role, being involved in the control of gene expression . A failure of these mechanisms does not allow the cell to maintain homeostasis and has profound consequences as far as two of the major programs of the cell are concerned, i.e . cell proliferation and cell death . Recent data suggesting that these are two physiologically active phenomena tightly linked and regulated are examined . Thus, activation of cell cycle related genes and active inhibition of suicide genes appear to be a part of an integrated process . Conversely, deprivation of growth factors seems able to induce an active process of programmed cell death characterized by Ca++,Mg+(+)-dependent endonuclease activity and DNA fragmentation (apoptosis) . Similar phenomena have been shown to accompany the terminal differentiation process in several cellular systems . The understanding of the factors which favour or prevent cell death (a phenomenon which has been recognized as one of the most important in fetal development and morphogenesis) will help to unravel and eventually to manipulate the aging process . In an evolutionary perspective, cell senescence appears to be the price paid to avoid unlimited capability of proliferation, i.e . cell transformation and cancer.

Am J Med, 1989 Sep, 87(3N), 44N - 48N
Chloramphenicol toxicity: 25 years of research; Yunis AA; Significant progress has been made in recent years in the understanding of the pathogenesis of the two types of hematologic toxicity from chloramphenicol . The common, dose-dependent, reversible bone marrow suppression from chloramphenicol is a consequence of mitochondrial injury . The greater erythroid susceptibility to chloramphenicol appears to be a function of the endogenous mitochondrial amino acid pools . The pathogenesis of aplastic anemia from chloramphenicol treatment remains uncertain . A large body of indirect evidence favors a complex mechanism involving metabolic transformation of the p-NO2 group of chloramphenicol by the predisposed subject, leading to the production of a toxic intermediate causing stem cell damage . A concept is presented wherein metabolites of chloramphenicol generated by intestinal bacteria undergo further metabolic transformation in the bone marrow with in situ production of toxic intermediate . This concept of the marrow being both the metabolic site for the offending agent as well as the target for its toxic metabolites will likely apply to other potential myelotoxins.

Ann Ig, 1989 Sep-Oct, 1(5), 1067 - 86
{Chlamydiae . 1}; Del Piano M et al.; Throughout the animal kingdom the Chlamydiae are among the most common and ancient pathogens, but only in the 1966 they were classified by Page in the same genus because of different nosological pictures that they cause, while more recently were identified as bacteria . Chlamydiae have been divided into two species: C . trachomatis and C . psittaci . In 1986 Grayston et al . proved the etiological role of a "new chlamydial strain", named TWAR (Taiwan-Acute Respiratory), in human pneumonia and bronchitis; TWAR is distinguishable from other Chlamydiae and possibly represents a new entity . The Chlamydiae are non-motile, metabolically poor bacteria, completely lacking of any enzimatic system for energy production (ATP) and for this reason are obligate intracellular parasites; they poses group-specific, species-specific and type-specific antigens . Four series of surface proteins were identified as responsible for their pathogenic properties, while many Authors consider a particular lipopolysaccharidical acid, group antigen, as a real LPS . These bacteria poses an unique developmental cycle with production of two type of particles different for metabolic and infecting characters: elementary body and reticulate body . The Chlamydiae have a broad spectrum of host . They cause persistent or chronic infections and their survival is insured by the elementary body . The Chlamydiae stimulate the humoral and the cellular-mediate immunity system and are capable of survival in the monocytes and macrophages.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 Sep, 86(18), 7054 - 8
Modern metabolism as a palimpsest of the RNA world; Benner SA et al.; An approach is developed for constructing models of ancient organisms using data from metabolic pathways, genetic organization, chemical structure, and enzymatic reaction mechanisms found in contemporary organisms . This approach is illustrated by a partial reconstruction of a model for the "breakthrough organism," the last organism to use RNA as the sole genetically encoded biological catalyst . As reconstructed here, this organism had a complex metabolism that included dehydrogenations, transmethylations, carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions, and an energy metabolism based on phosphate esters . Furthermore, the breakthrough organism probably used DNA to store genetic information, biosynthesized porphyrins, and used terpenes as its major lipid component . This model differs significantly from prevailing models based primarily on genetic data.

J Virol, 1989 Sep, 63(9), 4064 - 8
Use of TrpE/Gag fusion proteins to characterize immunoreactive domains on the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 core protein; Windheuser MG et al.; The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) p24 core protein is one of the most immunogenic of HIV structural proteins . Infected individuals develop high titers of antibodies against p24 early in infection, which makes anti-p24 antibodies important serological markers . However, despite the clinical importance of the anti-p24 response, no systematic study to characterize the antigenic domains on the p24 protein has been reported . We report here on the use of 12 overlapping fragments of the HIV type 1 p24 protein, synthesized in bacteria as TrpE/Gag fusion proteins, to identify at least two and possibly three antigenic domains on the p24 protein . In addition, we note that different HIV-seropositive sera exhibited different patterns of reactivity with the p24 domains presented on our fusion proteins.

Eur J Biochem, 1989 Aug 15, 183(3), 617 - 22
Investigation of RecA--polynucleotide interactions from the measurement of LexA repressor cleavage kinetics . Presence of different types of complex; Takahashi M et al.; The proteolysis of the LexA repressor in the presence of RecA and various polynucleotides was studied by measuring the fluorescence decrease of LexA upon cleavage . The results were compared with the DNA binding of RecA to investigate the presence of multiple DNA-RecA complexes . All single-stranded polydeoxyribonucleotides (DNA) efficiently stimulated the proteolysis and the maximum activation was reached in the presence of three or four nucleotides of polynucleotide per monomer of RecA . The stimulative effect was decreased in the presence of larger amounts of poly(dA), poly(dT) or heat-denatured DNA, whereas the excess of single-stranded DNAs chemically modified with chloroacetaldehyde did not present such an inhibitory effect, despite the fact that a second DNA molecule is likely to interact with RecA as monitored by the intrinsic fluorescence of these DNA species . The complicated cleavage promotion and inhibition pattern is tentatively explained by a three-state model assuming that RecA may interact with three single-stranded DNA molecules . According to this model, occupation of the first site would be necessary and sufficient for cleavage promotion, the second site would be neutral with respect to cleavage and the occupation of the third site would inhibit LexA cleavage at least partially . Double-stranded natural DNA did not stimulate cleavage, even under conditions where RecA binds quantitatively to the DNA . No polyribonucleotides (RNA) examined showed a significant stimulative effect either, nor did they appear to interact with RecA.

FEBS Lett, 1989 Aug 14, 253(1-2), 247 - 52
Formation of functional inter-species hybrid photosynthetic complexes in Rhodobacter capsulatus; Zilsel J et al.; A Rhodobacter capsulatus mutant strain deficient in all pigment-binding peptides and hence incapable of photosynthetic growth was genetically complemented with a plasmid-borne copy of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides puf operon . Hybrid reaction centers composed of R . sphaeroides L and M and R . capsulatus H subunits assembled in vivo, and host cells were photosynthetically competent . Light-harvesting complex B875, also encoded by the R . sphaeroides puf operon, was present along with the hybrid reaction center . These cells emitted fluorescence, however, indicating an impairment in energy transduction.

Nucleic Acids Res, 1989 Aug 11, 17(15), 5947 - 59
Cloning of cDNAs coding for human HMG I and HMG Y proteins: both are capable of binding to the octamer sequence motif; Eckner R et al.; In human B lymphocytes and placenta HMG I and its smaller isoform HMG Y are encoded by two distinct but structurally highly similar mRNAs which arise most likely by alternative splicing of a single primary transcript . Both have been cloned as cDNAs . On Northern blots an abundant mRNA species 2000 nucleotides in length was detected in all cell lines examined . Exclusively in erythroid cells an additional rare 3800 nucleotides long mRNA species was noted . In quiescent cells the mRNA levels of HMG I/Y were not significantly down-regulated . Southern blot analysis indicated that at least four genes are present per haploid human genome . Both proteins when expressed in bacteria bind specifically to A-T rich stretches of DNA suggesting that no posttranslational modifications are necessary for specific DNA binding . Interestingly, HMG I as well as HMG Y are capable of binding to the octamer transcriptional regulatory sequence motif.

J Mol Biol, 1989 Aug 5, 208(3), 507 - 8
Preliminary X-ray crystallographic study of malate dehydrogenases from the thermoacidophilic Archaebacteria Thermoplasma acidophilum and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius; Stezowski JJ et al.; Malate dehydrogenases from the thermoacidophilic Archaebacteria Thermoplasma acidophilum and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius have been crystallized and characterized by X-ray diffraction measurements . Crystals of the enzyme from T . acidophilum display space-group symmetry P2(1), a = 63 A, b = 135 A, c = 83 A and beta = 105 degrees; they scattered to approximately 4 A resolution . Two crystal modifications of malate dehydrogenase from S . acidocaldarius were characterized; one displayed trigonal symmetry corresponding to space groups P321, P3(1)21 or P3(2)21 with lattice parameters a = 151 A and c = 248 A and with resolution approximately to 5 A, whereas the other modification displayed space group symmetry I23 or I2(1)3 with lattice parameters a = 129 A and approximately 4.5 A resolution.

J Biol Chem, 1989 Aug 5, 264(22), 13306 - 12
Purification and characterization of 5-hydroxymethyluracil-DNA glycosylase from calf thymus . Its possible role in the maintenance of methylated cytosine residues; Cannon-Carlson SV et al.; 5-Hydroxymethyluracil (HmUra) residues formed by the oxidation of thymine are removed from DNA through the action of a DNA glycosylase activity . This activity was purified over 1870-fold from calf thymus and found to be distinct from uracil (Ura)-DNA glycosylase . The HmUra-DNA glycosylase has a molecular weight of 38,000, a pH optimum of 6.7-6.8 and an apparent Km of 0.73 +/- 0.04 microM . These values are similar to those reported for other mammalian DNA glycosylases . The enzyme removed HmUra residues from single- and double-stranded DNA with almost equal efficiency . HmUra-DNA glycosylase activity was not product inhibited by free HmUra . The DNA glycosylase activity was inhibited by Mg2+, but the purest enzyme fractions contained a Mg2+-dependent apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease activity . HmUra-DNA glycosylase and the recently described 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (HmCyt)-DNA glycosylase (Cannon, S . V., Cummings, A . C., and Teebor, G . W . (1988) Biochem . Biophys . Res . Commun . 151, 1173-1179) are unique among known DNA glycosylases in being present in mammalian cells and absent from bacteria . These DNA glycosylase activities were shown here to reside on different proteins . We suggest that the major function of HmUra-DNA glycosylase, together with HmCyt-DNA glycosylase, is the maintenance of methylated cytosine residues in the DNA of higher organisms.

Angew Parasitol, 1989 Aug, 30(3), 167 - 71
{Giardia infections in humans}; Flentje B; A short report is given on the importance of the infections of people by Giardia lamblia with special consideration of epidemiological and immunological aspects . Results of the investigations of children from different day-care centres in large town also proved interactions with pathogenic and apathogenic bacteria . The prevalence in children with diarrhoea was up to 50% contrary to children without diarrhoea (up to 14%) . Adults were infected with Giardia lamblia up to 3% . Environmental investigations of the sources of infection had negative results.

Scand J Gastroenterol, 1989 Aug, 24(6), 657 - 65
High-performance liquid chromatography of bilirubin conjugates in bile: effect of beta-glucuronidase on the bile pigments; Skar V et al.; A simple, specific, and technically easy high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the separation and quantification of unconjugated bilirubin, bilirubin monoglucoside-monoglucuronide, bilirubin diglucuronide, and bilirubin monoglucuronide has been developed . The method was used to determine the bilirubin compounds of bile obtained endoscopically from the common bile duct in 43 patients with gallstone disease and in 6 subjects without gallstones or liver disease . The bile samples were also assessed for the presence of beta-glucuronidase-producing bacteria . The amount of unconjugated bilirubin was significantly higher (p less than 0.01) in bile containing bacteria producing beta-glucuronidase than in bile without such bacterial strains . In six 'normal' bile samples the following quantities of bilirubin conjugates and unconjugated bilirubin were found (median and range): bilirubin monoglucoside-monoglucuronide (mixed conjugate), 61 (27-80) mumol/l; bilirubin diglucuronide, 632 (512-861) mumol/l; bilirubin monoglucuronide, 113 (70-175) mumol/l; and unconjugated bilirubin, 3 (1-7) mumol/l . These results are in good agreement with those obtained with other HPLC methods . The concentrations of unconjugated bilirubin were lower than those found when using conventional diazo methods and thin-layer chromatography . HPLC proved to be a useful tool in gallstone pathogenesis studies . Our results support bacterial glucuronidase as a possible pathogenic factor in pigment gallstone disease.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1989 Aug, 33(8), 1373 - 4
Nomenclature for tetracycline resistance determinants; Levy SB et al.; Tetracycline resistance determinants are widespread and distinguishable genetically and biochemically . The nomenclature for this increasing number of determinants has been varied and inconsistent . This communication suggests ways of naming these determinants and their genes and gene products consistent with current genetic terminology.

Acta Ophthalmol (Copenh), 1989 Aug, 67(4), 415 - 24
Sarcoidosis associated uveitis . Parasitization of vitreous leucocytes by mollicute-like organisms; Wirostko E et al.; Mollicute-Like Organisms (MLO) have been reported to be a cause of uveal tract and orbital chronic inflammatory disease . MLO are intracellular cytopathogenic cell wall deficient bacteria . No culture system exists for MLO, MLO disease diagnosis is based chiefly on direct detection of the organisms within diseased cells using a transmission electron microscope . Uveitis producing MLO are detectable within vitreous leucocytes as 0.005-0.01 micron filaments and undulating pleomorphic 0.01-1.0 micron tubulo-spherical bodies . Human uveitis producing MLO can be passed to laboratory animals . Inoculation into mouse eyelids produced intraocular, orbital, and lethal systemic chronic progressive inflammatory disease . MLO parasitised lesional leucocytes were found in all the disease sites . The MLO induced mouse chronic interstitial pneumonitis displayed 'sarcoid-like' granulomas . This report describes MLO parasitised vitreous leucocytes in the chronic uveitis of four sarcoidosis patients . The results indicate that MLO caused the uveitis . The implications of the results and Rifampin treatment of MLO disease are discussed.

Vet Microbiol, 1989 Aug, 20(4), 323 - 37
DNA probes for Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae: application in experimentally infected chickens; Hyman HC et al.; DNA probes specific for Mycoplasma gallisepticum and M . synoviae were selected from genomic libraries prepared in the pUC13 vector . The probes hybridized with the DNA of a wide spectrum of strains within each homologous species, but did not react with the heterologous species or with DNA from any other avian mycoplasma or bacteria tested . Experimental infection and contact exposure of chickens to M . gallisepticum served as models to test the effectiveness of the DNA probe in diagnosis as compared with serological and culture detection methods carried out in parallel . A correlation was generally found between the level of M . gallisepticum in tracheal swabs and the effectiveness of the probe, although a predictably reactive level of mycoplasmas was not always detected . Treatment of clinical specimens with acetylcysteine to disrupt mucus improved the detection rate . Dot-blot hybridization with probe pMG4 enabled positive identification of M . gallisepticum at an early stage of infection, prior to the development of a serological response in the infected chicken . Results are obtainable within 4 days of sampling, much more rapidly than culture, and also in clinical specimens from which mycoplasma isolation is impossible, such as carcasses . The results indicate that the use of DNA probes for the early and rapid detection of M . gallisepticum infection is feasible; a development which can replace laborious culture techniques and less effective serological methods, and thus reduce the time required for diagnosis.

Gene, 1989 Aug 1, 80(1), 155 - 9
RepB' is required in trans for the two single-strand DNA initiation signals in oriV of plasmid RSF1010; Honda Y et al.; We have shown previously {Honda et al., Gene 68 (1988) 221-228} that the oriV region of the broad-host-range plasmid RSF1010 contained two single-strand DNA initiation signals (ssi) which have RSF1010-specific properties since they required one or more factors provided in trans by RSF1010 for their functional activities . We demonstrate here, by deletion analysis, that repB', one of the genes essential for the vegetative replication of RSF1010, produces a factor required for the function of ssi signals . It is conceivable that the RepB' protein and the two ssi signals, ssiA and ssiB, cooperatively compose plasmid-specific priming complexes which confer the broad-host-range property upon RSF1010.

Cesk Pediatr, 1989 Aug, 44(8), 449 - 53
{Reaction of the respiratory tract epithelium to bronchoalveolar lavage}; Konradova V et al.; The authors investigated experimentally the reaction of the airway epithelium to the bronchoalveolar lavage . The epithelium of the rabbit trachea was examined immediately after rinsing with saline and 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours after rinsing . Lavage causes excessive stimulation of goblet cells . Immediately after lavage we find in the epithelium 99% goblet cells which after releasing the secretion degenerate and are gradually expelled from the epithelium . Regeneration of goblet cells begins 24 hours after lavage and is associated with massive differentiation of new goblet cells which leads to hyperplasia of mucus secreting elements and the formation of endoepithelial mucous glands . Signs of pathological alteration of ciliated cells are most marked 2 hours after impairs subsequently the degree of alteration of these cells declines gradually . Bronchoalveolar lavage reduces markedly the ciliary border above the epithelium, the number of kinocilia declines on average to 1.5/microns 2 . In the subsequent stages the number of kinocilia increases again to 7.5/microns 2 . This value is still significantly lower (p less than 0.005) than in controls . In the impaired ciliary border as a morphological sign of the impaired self-cleaning ability of the airway epithelium, numerous bacteria and condensed mucus are founded . Signs of local disorders of mucus flow are apparent still three days after bronchoalveolar lavage.

Otolaryngol Clin North Am, 1989 Aug, 22(4), 809 - 18
Nonsurgical treatment of sinusitis; Malow JB et al.; Acute infections of the paranasal sinuses is an infrequent complication of viral upper respiratory infections . Prolonged or repeated episodes of acute sinusitis may lead to irreversible changes in the mucosa, resulting in chronic sinusitis . In hospitalized and immunocompromised patients sinusitis may be caused by unusual and resistant bacteria or fungi . Although sinusitis is often considered as merely an annoyance, complications can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality . Therapy of acute sinusitis is often empiric and directed against the most common pathogens . Fungal infections of the sinuses often require surgery as well as amphotericin-B therapy . In hospitalized or immunocompromised patients therapy should be directed at suspected nosocomial pathogens or be based on appropriate culture material.

J Clin Periodontol, 1989 Aug, 16(7), 457 - 66
Gingivitis in the deciduous and permanent dentition . An experimental study in the dog; Berglundh T et al.; The present investigation was performed in order to study the reaction of the gingiva in the deciduous and permanent dentition of dogs to 3 weeks of plaque accumulation . The study was carried out in 10 beagles, divided into 2 groups of 5 dogs each; group I and group II . When the dogs of group I were 10 weeks old, a meticulous plaque control regimen was initiated in order to establish clinically healthy gingiva . After 6 weeks of plaque control, the gingivae of the lower deciduous molars was exposed to a clinical examination, and biopsies as well as bacterial plaque samples were harvested from tooth 03P and 02P . A second plaque control regimen was initiated when the same dogs were 15 months old . After 6 weeks of plaque control, the gingiva of the permanent dentition was examined and biopsies sampled from tooth P3 and P4 . In the dogs of group II, plaque control regimens of 3 weeks duration were initiated when the animals were 10 weeks and 15 months old . Clinical examinations were performed at the end of each 3-week period . Immediately after the clinical examinations . 3-week periods of plaque accumulation were initiated . Examinations and plaque sampling were performed after each of these 3-week periods and biopsies were sampled from the deciduous and permanent dentition as described for group I . The biopsies were processed for histometric and morphometric measurements . The findings from the experiment showed that careful plaque control resulted in the establishment of clinically healthy gingiva . In both the deciduous and permanent dentition, however, a clinically healthy gingiva was found to contain a small inflammatory cell infiltrate (ICT) . 3 weeks of plaque accumulation resulted in both dentitions in the development of clinical signs of gingivitis and in the formation of comparatively large ICT . The large ICT of the permanent gingiva resided in the coronal portion of the free gingival unit, while in the deciduous dentition, the inflammatory lesion occupied a narrow tissue portion along the entire border of the dento-gingival epithelium . The ICT of the permanent gingiva harbored a larger portion of plasma cells than the inflammatory lesion studied in the deciduous dentition.

Br J Surg, 1989 Aug, 76(8), 797 - 801
Collagen changes around intestinal anastomoses in germ-free rats; Mastboom WJ et al.; The changes in collagen, measured as hydroxyproline, concentration around both ileal and colonic anastomoses in germ-free and control rats have been investigated and compared with each other . The germ-free rats were raised, operated on and maintained under completely pyrogen-free conditions . Animals were killed 2, 3 or 7 days after operation . There was a significant reduction in the lowering of hydroxyproline concentrations around the colonic anastomosis of germ-free rats compared with control rats both in the anastomosis at days 2 and 3 (P = 0.04 and P = 0.006 respectively) and in the proximal segment at day 3 (P = 0.03) . In ileal anastomoses, significant differences between control and germ-free rats were only found at 7 days . Here, the increase in hydroxyproline concentration observed in control rats was significantly reduced in germ-free rats . These data are taken to support the hypothesis that bacteria affect colonic anastomotic healing by contributing to postoperative collagen degradation.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1989 Aug, 42(8), 1241 - 7
Structure-activity relationships in a series of piperazine-2,3-dione containing penicillins and cephalosporins . II . Derivatives substituted at N(4) of the piperazine ring; Harrington FP et al.; The structure-activity relationships within a series of penicillins and cephalosporins containing an N(4)-substituted piperazine-2,3-dione moiety in the C(6)/C(7)-beta-side chain are discussed.

Arch Pathol Lab Med, 1989 Aug, 113(8), 874 - 9
Morphogenesis of Michaelis-Gutmann bodies in cerebral malacoplakia . An ultrastructural study; Ho KL; Malacoplakia was found in the brain biopsy specimen from the wall of a cystic lesion in a 4-month-old girl . Ultrastructural study of the Michaelis-Gutmann bodies revealed that the initial stage of calcification appeared to be the deposit of needle-shaped apatite crystals within intracytoplasmic membrane-bound vesicles of histiocytes . Accumulation of apatite crystals and coalescense of calcified vesicles resulted in the formation of large laminated calcospherules . Extracellular Michaelis-Gutmann bodies and apatite crystal-containing matrix vesicles were also noted . Calcified vesicles and the Michaelis-Gutmann bodies were not observed in the phagolysosomes . Bacteria and viral particles were not identified . These findings suggest that matrix and intracytoplasmic membrane-bound vesicles play an important role in the initial stage of the formation of Michaelis-Gutmann bodies and that a mechanism other than bacterial or viral infection may be involved in cerebral malacoplakia.

Dig Dis Sci, 1989 Aug, 34(8), 1180 - 4
Interdigestive myoelectric complex in germ-free rats; Caenepeel P et al.; The effect of intestinal bacteria on the interdigestive myoelectric complex (IDMEC) was studied by recordings of the electrical activity of the proximal and distal small bowel in fasting germ-free (n = 6), gnotobiotic (n = 7), and conventional (n = 6) rats in vivo . Germ-free and gnotobiotic rats were operated and studied in germ-free or gnotobiotic conditions . The IDMEC period (mean +/- SD) in the proximal and distal small bowel was significantly longer in germ-free rats (20 +/- 2 min and 102 +/- 14 min) as compared to conventional rats (13 +/- 1 min and 58 +/- 5 min) . Association of germ-free rats with a limited flora (gnotobiotic rats) decreased the IDMEC period significantly (15 +/- 1.5 min and 75 +/- 14 min) . The migration velocity of the IDMEC was inversely related to the IDMEC period . These observations confirm previous data suggesting that the interdigestive motor complex has a role in the homeostasis of the bacterial content of the small bowel.

Carcinogenesis, 1989 Aug, 10(8), 1465 - 70
Ultraviolet irradiation produces cytotoxic synergy and increased DNA interstrand crosslinking with cis- and trans-diamminedichloroplatinum(II); Swinnen LJ et al.; There is indirect evidence to suggest that the excision-repair mechanism responsible for the removal of UV-induced thymine dimers may also play a role in the repair of cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (cis-DDP)-induced DNA adducts in both bacteria and mammalian cells . It was hypothesized that UV dimers and cis-DDP adducts, when present simultaneously, might compete for a common repair system . Colony survival assays were performed in HT-29 human colon carcinoma cells exposed either to cis-DDP alone or to cis-DDP immediately followed by UV exposure . Progressively greater cytotoxic synergy with both increasing UV dose and cis-DDP dose was observed, to a point of saturation beyond which further toxicity was purely additive . Alkaline elution analyses for DNA interstrand crosslinking were performed 6 h after exposure . An approximate doubling in crosslink frequency, relative to cis-DDP alone, was found in cells exposed to cis-DDP plus UV (P = 0.002) . Since cis-DDP produces both inter- and intrastrand DNA crosslinks similar studies were performed with trans-DDP, which is incapable of producing intrastrand crosslinks, but does produce interstrand crosslinks . Cytotoxic synergy and increased interstrand crosslinking again resulted from the addition of UV exposure, but not to the same extent as seen with cis-DDP . These data support the hypothesis that cis-DDP induced DNA adducts are, at least in part, removed by an excision-repair mechanism . The similar but quantitatively smaller effects with trans-DDP suggest that intrastrand crosslink removal may also occur by this mechanism.

Immun Infekt, 1989 Aug, 17(4), 124 - 8
{Stress proteins: virulence factors of intracellular disease agents?}; Kaufmann SH; Stress proteins (heat shock proteins, hsp) play a crucial role in the fight between infectious agent and host . To a certain degree, increased hsp synthesis protects the pathogen from host-derived defence mechanisms and abundant hsp synthesis results in a strong anti-hsp immune response which may contribute to acquired resistance . Hsp can be considered ubiquitous evasion factors of infectious agents . Also, host cells can protect themselves from injurious sequelae of infection by increasing hsp synthesis . Hsp are highly conserved and immunity against regions shared by host and pathogen may lead to an autoimmune response.

Epidemiol Infect, 1989 Aug, 103(1), 105 - 12
Detection of Legionella pneumophila in environmental water samples using a fluorescein conjugated monoclonal antibody; Makin T et al.; Sixty-three environmental water samples from various sources were examined for the presence of Legionella pneumophila with a commercially available direct fluorescent monoclonal antibody (GS), an indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and culture . GS detected L . pneumophila in 94% and 100% of environmental water samples which were culture and IFAT positive for L . pneumophila, respectively . IFAT detected 69% of L . pneumophila culture positive samples . Cultures of L . pneumophila serogroups 1 to 12, 14 and non-L . pneumophila bacteria which may be found in water, and bacteria containing non-specific binding proteins, were stained by GS and IFAT . GS identified all serogroups of L . pneumophila and did not cross react with any non-L . pneumophila bacteria . L . pneumophila in environmental samples was easy to detect against a clear dark background when stained with GS.

J Am Acad Dermatol, 1989 Aug, 21(2 Pt 1), 167 - 79
Cutaneous manifestations of immunosuppression in organ transplant recipients; Abel EA; Skin disease is a significant cause of morbidity in chronically immunosuppressed patients, including organ transplant recipients . Cutaneous drug reactions may be caused by immunosuppressive therapy that commonly includes corticosteroids, cyclosporine, azathioprine, and antithymocyte and antilymphocyte globulins . Immunosuppressive drugs can also potentiate the effects of other carcinogens, such as ultraviolet radiation, that cause premalignant lesions and squamous cell carcinoma . The risk of Kaposi's sarcoma is increased in these immunosuppressed patients, particularly in renal transplant recipients . Oncogenic viruses such as the Epstein-Barr virus have been associated with the development of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in transplant recipients . In transplant patients human papillomavirus infections may be predisposed to malignant transformation, particularly at genital sites . Opportunistic infections caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or protozoa are the most common cause of death in transplant recipients . Skin manifestations of infection in immunosuppressed patients may be an important clue to their presence.

Eur J Vasc Surg, 1989 Aug, 3(4), 323 - 6
Do preoperative chlorhexidine baths reduce the risk of infection after vascular reconstruction?
Earnshaw JJ, Berridge DC, Slack RC, Makin GS, Hopkinson BR.
Pathogenic organisms are frequently present on the skin of vascular patients and are a risk factor for postoperative infection . A randomised trial of preoperative antiseptic baths was performed in 64 high risk vascular patients to determine whether two chlorhexidine baths could reduce the incidence of postoperative sepsis . Although pathogenic organisms were isolated preoperatively in 35% of patients, the wound infection rate after chlorhexidine baths (26%) was greater, though not significantly, than after baths with non-medicated soap (11%) . An alternative theory that infection arises via lymphatics in the limb was not confirmed when organisms could not be isolated from groin lymph nodes in a group of 35 patients . The case for preoperative antiseptic regimes in vascular surgery remains unproven.

Am J Physiol, 1989 Aug, 257(2 Pt 1), C159 - 73
Anisosmotic cell volume regulation: a comparative view; Chamberlin ME et al.; A variety of organisms and cell types spanning the five taxonomic kingdoms are exposed, either naturally or through experimental means, to osmotic stresses . A common physiological response to these challenges is maintenance of cell volume through changes in the concentration of intracellular inorganic and organic solutes, collectively termed osmolytes . Research on the mechanisms by which the concentration of these solutes is regulated has proceeded along several experimental lines . Extensive studies on osmotically activated ion transport pathways have been carried out in vertebrate cells and tissues . Much of our knowledge on organic osmolytes has come from investigations on invertebrates, bacteria, and protists . The relative simplicity of bacterial genetics has provided a powerful and elegant tool to explore the modifications of gene expression during volume regulation . An implication of this diverse experimental approach is that phylogenetically divergent organisms employ uniquely adapted mechanisms of cell volume regulation . Given the probability that changes in extracellular osmolality were physiological stresses faced by the earliest organisms, it is more likely that cell volume regulation proceeds by highly conserved physiological processes . We review volume regulation from a comparative perspective, drawing examples from all five taxonomic kingdoms . Specifically, we discuss the role of inorganic and organic solutes in volume maintenance and the mechanisms by which the concentrations of these osmolytes are regulated . In addition, the processes that may transduce volume perturbations into regulatory responses, such as stretch activation of ion channels, intracellular signaling, and genomic regulation, are discussed . Throughout this review we emphasize areas we feel are important for future research.

Ann Surg, 1989 Aug, 210(2), 190 - 3
Congenital absence of the portal vein; Nakasaki H et al.; A 14-year-old girl presented at the hospital after discovering an abdominal tumor . CT scan and ultrasonography indicated a hepatic tumor and also revealed the absence of the portal vein . The patient was admitted to excise the hepatic tumor . It was found that the venous blood from the small intestines flowed into the left renal vein and then emptied directly into the inferior vena cava . A tumor extending from the right lobe through the middle portion of the liver was excised . The postoperative course was satisfactory and marked regeneration of the residual hepatic tissue was observed . Also the blood level of ammonia in the superior mesenteric vein was low, approximately 120 micrograms/dl, compared to the normal value of 350 micrograms/dl in the portal vein . This low blood level may indicate the presence of some homeostatic control mechanism.

J Invest Dermatol, 1989 Aug, 93(2 Suppl), 78S - 81S
Hypersensitivity angiitis; Sams WM Jr; Hypersensitivity angiitis is a disease in which patients present with palpable purpura dominant on the lower legs . As lesions evolve they become confluent, and sometimes hemorrhagic and ulcerate . Other organ systems may be involved, particularly the joints, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys . Current evidence supports an immune complex pathogenesis in which a variety of antigens including bacteria, viruses, drugs, or chemicals are involved . Therapy consists of identifying the potential offending agent and administration of antiinflammatory drugs.

Obstet Gynecol, 1989 Aug, 74(2), 267 - 70
Closed intravenous administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone: safety of extended peripheral intravenous catheterization; Hopkins CC et al.; The use of pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone is an effective means of inducing ovulation, but requires prolonged intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous administration . We hypothesized that the use of self-contained infusion pumps using fluids maintained in a closed system would permit safe peripheral IV administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, and possibly other hormones, over prolonged intervals . Thirty-eight female patients undergoing pulsatile IV gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy were followed for 1958 catheter days (230 catheters) . Catheters were removed for signs of local inflammation, at the completion of a treatment episode or, initially, at routine intervals of 7-10 days . There were no episodes of fever (temperature over 37.5C) and three episodes of local inflammation . The incidence of significant catheter-tip cultures was 11%, and none were associated with local inflammation . There were four positive blood cultures (2%), none associated with local or systemic signs of infection . We conclude that the use of a closed system of prolonged peripheral IV cannulation is relatively safe when combined with fastidious care of the catheter site and careful outpatient monitoring for long-term administration of pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

J Urol, 1989 Aug, 142(2 Pt 2), 616 - 8; discussion 619
Role of superoxide dismutase in the pathogenesis of pyelonephritis: immunological localization of superoxide dismutase in human renal tissues; Strand WR et al.; The enzyme superoxide dismutase affords a protective effect from renal scarring secondary to acute pyelonephritis in primates . To investigate the relationship between renal superoxide dismutase content and age we selected formalin-fixed normal human renal tissue from subjects of varying age, ranging from premature infant to adult, for immunostaining with human anti-superoxide dismutase antibody using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase technique . Sections that demonstrated acute pyelonephritis were immunostained for comparison . Immunostaining for superoxide dismutase was detected consistently in the proximal tubular cell cytoplasm in all specimens regardless of subject age . Superoxide dismutase was not detected in other segments of the nephron . In kidneys that demonstrated acute pyelonephritis we detected enhanced immunostaining in the proximal tubules, as well as increased background staining related to the inflammatory cells present . These results in conjunction with recent demonstrations of proximal tubular cell endocytosis of bacteria suggest that superoxide dismutase has an important role in mediating the initial events of pyelonephritis within the proximal tubular cell.

Int J Food Microbiol, 1989 Aug, 9(1), 51 - 62
Growth and activity of Shewanella putrefaciens isolated from spoiling fish; Jorgensen BR et al.; A total of 101 cultures of H2S-producing organisms isolated from spoiling cod was studied . All cultures were identified as Shewanella putrefaciens . Two groups were distinguished on the basis of pattern of trimethylamine oxide reduction determined by conductance measurement, generation time at 25 degrees C and salt tolerance . The S . putrefaciens cultures were further characterized in a number of model experiments in order to examine the spoilage activity under various conditions . A good correlation between bacterial counts, detection time in conductance measurements and production of trimethylamine and off-odour was found . There were no differences in spoilage potential between strains of S . putrefaciens, and neither initial level of inoculum nor batch of cod used as substrate influenced the levels of bacterial count corresponding to a certain production of trimethylamine and off-odour.

Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 1989 Aug, 44(8), 612 - 4
{Possibilities and limitations of Caridex System as an alternative to conventional caries removal}; Scheutzel P; Exclusive use of chemo-mechanical Caridex-Caries removal system allows only in a few cases sufficient removal of caries . In histological investigation 108 of 120 cavities (90%) treated with the Caridex-system showed residual caries . In 92 cavities (77%) remaining bacteria could be observed . Whereas if combination of Caridex and spoon excavator was used in 25% respectively 23% a better caries removal as in case of using a spoon-excavator alone respectively a round bur was obtained . Scanning microscope examination of cavity wall after treatment with Caridex showed an increased roughness of the dentin surface . Therefore a superior shear bond strength of bonding and composite materials can be expected.

Pharmazie, 1989 Aug, 44(8), 542 - 4
{Synthesis and antitumor action of N,N-di(2-chlorethyl)-hydrazines of alpha-aminocarboxylic acid antimetabolites}; Zakhariev S et al.; The N,N-di(2-chlorethyl)hydrazides of the following alpha-aminocarboxylic acid antimetabolites: methioninsulphoxide, ethionine, 2-, 3- and 4-fluorophenylalanine, 4-nitrophenylalanine and 2,2-dimethyl-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid were synthesized . Preliminary studies of the activity on experimental tumour models were carried out . It was shown that these compounds have a high antitumour effect (80-100%) on sarcoma Yoshida and carcinosarcoma Walker.

J Dent Res, 1989 Aug, 68(8), 1256 - 61
A new method for isolation of salivary neutrophils and determination of their functional activity; Ashkenazi M et al.; The purposes of this study were to develop a new method for isolating salivary neutrophils (SPMNs), and to determine their functional activity . Studies of neutrophils in the oral cavity have been largely limited to crevicular PMNs, because of difficulties in obtaining viable SPMNs free of epithelial cells . A method to obtain SPMNs is presented . Donors performed rapid sequential rinsings by placing in their mouths 15 mL of Hanks' balanced salt solution {free of calcium or magnesium ions (HBSS-CMF)}, which contained 0.1% gelatin, then swishing the solution for 30 s, and expectorating into a polypropylene receptacle containing 400 mL 4 degrees C HBSS-CMF . This sequence was repeated for 20 min . The collected solution was stirred for 10 min, the cells were washed, and the re-suspended pellet was passed sequentially through a 20-microns and a 10-microns nylon mesh . The cells consisted of 97.7 +/- 1.7% SPMNs, only 2.3% epithelial cells, and were almost free of oral debris . The SPMNs were studied for CD11b expression, H2O2 production, and F-actin polymerization . SPMNs had significantly higher resting values for CD11b, H2O2 production, and F-actin polymerization compared with blood neutrophils (BPMNs) . SPMNs responded to stimulation by chemotactic peptide or phorbol ester in a dose-dependent fashion, with levels of CD11b, H2O2, and F-actin comparable with BPMNs at optimal stimulant concentrations . The elevated resting levels of CD11b, H2O2, and F-actin for SPMNs were probably caused by exposure to gingival and oral bacteria.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Parassitologia, 1989 Aug-Dec, 31(2-3), 145 - 52
Trichinella spiralis as a modulator of Shope fibroma virus; Bellelli C et al.; After the works on the promoting effect of trichinellosis on some viral infections in rodents, many studies successively demonstrated that Trichinella spiralis confers resistance to many unrelated antigens including pathogens, such as Protozoa, Bacteria and tumour cells (B16 melanoma) . Considering the above contradictory results, the present work was undertaken to study, in rabbits, T . spiralis as a modulator of Shope's fibroma virus, an oncogenic virus responsible for a benign neoplasia . Four groups of 6 rabbits each were used . The rabbits of group I, II and III were inoculated per os with 3000; 6000 and 12,000 T . spiralis larvae, respectively . The rabbits of group IV were used as controls . Thirty-five days after the inoculation, all the animals were injected at the fixed doses of 0.5 ml with dilutions (10(-1) to 10(-8} of Shope's fibroma virus given intradermally into 8 different points of the skin of each pretreated and untreated rabbits . After 9 days tumour lesions affecting the inoculating area were noticed and the DI 50/0.5 of Shope's fibroma virus was then determined for each of the 4 experimental groups . The rabbits pretreated with T . spiralis exhibited much lower virus titres than the controls, which was evidently related to a certain degree of aspecific immunity conferred by the parasite . The results indicated that T . spiralis produces, in rabbits, resistance to Shope's fibroma virus and its neoplastic effect.

J Virol, 1989 Aug, 63(8), 3507 - 12
Rotavirus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes appear at the intestinal mucosal surface after rotavirus infection; Offit PA et al.; The gastrointestinal tract is constantly exposed to a variety of potentially invasive bacteria and viruses . The first line of defense of the host against these pathogens is the intestinal mucosal surface, which consists of epithelial cells, intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), mucus, and secretory immunoglobulins . Little is known about the function, memory, or trafficking of IELs after intestinal infection . We found that IELs obtained 6 days after oral inoculation of mice with the intestinal pathogen rotavirus (simian strain RRV) lysed rotavirus-infected target cells; cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were responsible for rotavirus-specific cytotoxic activity . Rotavirus-specific cytotoxic activity by IELs was (i) eliminated by treatment with Thy 1.2-specific immunoglobulin M plus complement, (ii) restricted by proteins encoded at the major histocompatibility complex, and (iii) absent in mock-infected animals . Oral inoculation of mice with RRV also induced rotavirus-specific CTLs in splenic and intestinal lymphocytes (mesenteric lymph nodes, Peyer's patch) . Parenteral inoculation induced rotavirus-specific CTLs in splenic, intestinal (IELs, mesenteric lymph nodes, Peyer's patch), and nonintestinal lymphocytes (inguinal nodes) . Therefore, presentation of rotavirus to the intestinal mucosal surface was not necessary to induce IELs with virus-specific cytotoxic activity . At 4 weeks after oral or parenteral inoculation of mice with RRV, rotavirus-specific CTL precursors appeared among splenic, Peyer's patch, inguinal, and mesenteric node lymphocytes, but not among IELs . IELs with rotavirus-specific cytotoxic activity may be generated from precursors at a site other than the intestinal mucosal surface . Part of the response of the host to enteric infection may include surveillance and lysis of virus-infected villus epithelial cells by IELs.

Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao, 1989 Aug, 11(4), 274 - 7
{The clinical significance of synovial fluid examination}; Yu MX; Synovial fluids from patients were examined, including 15 cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA); 9 cases of sero-negative arthropathy (3 cases of ankylosing spondylitis, 6 cases of reactive arthritis); 1 case of gout arthritis; and 5 cases of osteoarthritis . The synovial fluids contained 330-72600 white blood cells/mm3, 9-97% of which were granulocytes, in RA patients . Other physical features of RA fluids were: straw green color, cloudy or unclear; moderate viscosity; fair or poor mucin clotting; lack of crystals and bacteria . Synthesis of the above may contribute to the diagnosis of RA . We also found that IgG, IgA and IgM of serum and IgG of synovial fluids in 15 cases of RA were higher than in the other arthritis groups; the IgM-RF positive rates of RA synovial fluids and sera were 20% and 35.7% respectively, while all were negative in the other groups . Immunoglobulins and complement levels in the synovial fluids of all the tested arthritis cases were about half of those in the serum.

Odontostomatol Proodos, 1989 Aug, 43(4), 307 - 13
{Formation, composition, clinical implications and methods for removing the smeared layer from root canal walls}; Spyropoulos GN et al.; A layer, which is readily detectable at higher magnifications with scanning electron microscope (sem) is consistently seen on canal walls that have been endodontically instrumented . This layer in the international bibliography reported as smeared layer . The surface of this layer is amorphous, irregular and granular . Although the composition of this layer has not been completely determined, it probably contains fine inorganic particles of dentin produced by mechanical preparation of root canal walls . As well as some organic material from necrotic or vital pulp tissue, bacteria and blood cells . The clinical importance of the smeared layer is still not fully understood . It may be beneficial since it is known to plug the orifices of the dentinal tubules and to reduce the permeability of dentin . In addition, the Smeared layer covering prepared areas of root canal prevents medicaments and filling materials from penetrating the dentinal tubules on even contacting the canal wall . The formation of this layer, the composition, the clinical importance and various methods for removing the smeared layer from the system of root canals, is the object of this paper.

Endod Dent Traumatol, 1989 Aug, 5(4), 163 - 75
Dynamics of dentoalveolar ankylosis and associated root resorption; Hammarstrom L et al.; The present experimental studies in monkeys were undertaken to study the initiation and progression of dentoalveolar ankylosis of replanted teeth and associated root resorption . Maxillary and mandibular lateral incisors were extracted and replanted after an extraoral period of 15 min or 1 h . Teeth with an extraoral period of 1 h were endodontically treated . Half the number of monkeys were given antibiotics at the time of replantation . The observation periods varied from 2 days to 40 weeks . Irrespective of the length of the extraoral period, initial root resorption and minor areas of ankylosis were found 1 week after replantation . The initial ankylosis was not preceded by root resorption . In teeth replanted after an extraoral period of 15 min the ankylotic area did not increase with increasing time after replantation . Instead the periodontal membrane was re-established, separating the root surface from the alveolar bone . In teeth replanted after an extraoral period of 1 h, the initial ankylotic area increased with increasing time after replantation . Eight weeks and more after replantation, most of the periodontal membrane was replaced by bone covered by osteoblasts and occasional osteoblasts that were in continuity with the endosteal cells outlining the marrow spaces of the alveolar bone . The cementum and dentin were then gradually resorbed with increasing time after replantation . Antibiotics given at the time of replantation reduced the initial inflammation in the periodontal membrane and the inflammatory root resorption after all observation periods and it also seemed to some extent to prevent bacteria from entering the necrotic pulp tissue . Based on the present results it is suggested that root resorption associated with dentoalveolar ankylosis is initiated by endosteal osteoblasts and is thus a hormonally regulated process . This is in contrast to inflammatory root resorption, which seems to be triggered by inflammatory cells.

Anal Biochem, 1989 Aug 1, 180(2), 298 - 302
A high-performance liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous assay of diaminopimelate epimerase and decarboxylase; Weir AN et al.; A sensitive and comparatively simple method for the assay of diaminopimelate (DAP) decarboxylase, which simultaneously monitors DAP epimerase activity, in the reverse of the biosynthetic direction, is described . The substrate, meso-DAP and products LL-DAP and L-lysine are derivatized with o-phthaldialdehyde and resolved by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography . Separation is achieved on a Spherisorb C18 column using a gradient elution system . This technique offers a high degree of sensitivity as the detection method described can measure picomole quantities of substrate and products.

Biochem J, 1989 Aug 1, 261(3), 993 - 8
Further kinetic and molecular characterization of an extremely heat-stable carboxylesterase from the thermoacidophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus acidocaldarius; Sobek H et al.; The carboxylesterase (serine esterase, EC 3.1.1.1) from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius was purified 940-fold to homogeneity by an improved purification procedure with a yield of 57% . In the presence of alcohols the enzyme catalyses the transfer of the substrate acyl group to alcohols in parallel to hydrolysis . The results show the existence of an alcohol-binding site and a competitive partitioning of the acyl-enzyme intermediate between water and alcohols . Aniline acts also as a nucleophilic acceptor for the acyl group . On the basis of titration with diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate, a number of four active centres is determined for the tetrameric carboxylesterase . The sequence of 20 amino acid residues at the esterase N-terminus and the amino acid composition are reported.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1989 Aug, 63(8), 859 - 66
{A pathological study on herpes simplex virus infections in adults}; Tashiro T et al.; A pathological study was carried out in 200 autopsied cases experienced in our department from 1981 to 1988 . Eight patients (4.0%) had herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in their visceral organs . Another one patient was diagnosed as HSV hepatitis through necropsy of liver . The nine patients (five of them were male) ranged in age from 34 to 70 years (mean, 58) . Four patients had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the other included one with adult T-cell leukemia, one with multiple myeloma, one with idiopathic interstitial pneumonia and one with bronchial asthma, however, one did not have any underlying disease . Two patients died of HSV fulminant hepatitis and one died of HSV diffuse interstitial pneumonia . The most commonly involved organ was esophagus (7/8), followed by tongue (5/8), liver (3/9), spleen, pancreas, lymph node (2/8), and lung, adrenal, tonsil (1/8) . Typical herpetic changes such as ballooning degeneration of cells, multinucleated giant cells, ground-glass nuclei and Cowdry type A intranuclear inclusions were observed at the margin of the ulcer or coagulation necrosis . Indirect immunoperoxidase stain revealed HSV-1 antigen in all of the 9 cases, HSV particles were demonstrated in 2 . Seven patients had concomitant infections with one or more pathogens in addition to HSV, which included cytomegalovirus in 5, aspergillus in 4, candida in 3 and bacteria in 3.

Am J Vet Res, 1989 Aug, 50(8), 1302 - 6
Uptake and excretion of Brucella abortus in tissues of the face fly (Musca autumnalis); Cheville NF et al.; To determine their capacity to host Brucella abortus, face flies were examined 1 to 120 hours after feeding on broth containing bacteria and bovine erythrocytes . Brucella abortus was cultured in large numbers from whole flies for 12 hours after feeding, but not after 72 hours . Histologic analysis showed that brucellae were rapidly taken into the midgut, sequestered from erythrocytes, transiently stored, and shed in the feces; there was no evidence of bacterial replication within epithelial cells . Immunoperoxidase and immunogold techniques revealed that most brucellae in the gut were confined to the lumen by the peritrophic membrane, that brucellae were degraded in secondary lysosomes of midgut epithelial cells, and that intact brucellae passed into connective tissues surrounding the midgut . Bacterial excretion without midgut replication is consistent with transient, but not long-term, insect transmission in nature.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1989 Aug, 8(8), 724 - 6
Comparison of the automated Bactec NR-660 with a conventional blood culture system; van Elsacker-Niele AM et al.; The Bactec NR-660 blood culturing system was compared with a conventional system using 347 consecutively obtained clinical blood samples tested simultaneously . Of 46 clinically relevant isolates, 12 were detected by the conventional system only, 5 by Bactec only and 29 by both methods (0.05 less than p less than 0.10) . The difference could not be explained by the results of additional in vitro tests . Of 12 isolates considered contaminants, 7 were isolated in the conventional system only, 2 in the Bactec system only and 3 in both systems (0.05 less than p less than 0.10) . The two systems were approximately equal in speed of detection . A high rate of false indications of growth in the Bactec system could be reduced by applying different CO2 cut-off values.

Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1989 Aug, 188(5), 439 - 48
{Air pollution emissions and changes in lung function}; Marth E et al.; Among the environmental hazards in a modern industrial society, air pollutants are of major significance . They can directly affect the cells of the bronchopulmonary system and lead to an irritation of the epithelial and immunocompetent cells . This results in a decreased secretion of immunoglobulin A, and, consequently, a decreased resistance against infections . Thereby pathogens, especially bacteria, may lead to an inflammation of the respiratory tract . Apart from the direct toxic effect of their pollutants, recurrent inflammations eventually lead to small airway obstruction . The spirometric parameters FVC, FEV1 and MEF50 were reduced . IgA concentration in the saliva was determined by means of immunodiffusion and was found to be reduced when compared to a less exposed group . A series of pathogenic germs were isolated from various mucous membranes (conjunctiva, nose/throat) . The median immissions for the children examined were 1.345 mg/m3 SO2 and 0.189 mg/m3 HCl.

J Clin Microbiol, 1989 Aug, 27(8), 1748 - 53
Effect of monophosphoryl lipid A on the in vitro function of peritoneal leukocytes from uremic patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis; Carozzi S et al.; We analyzed the effects of monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), a relatively nontoxic immunostimulant derived from bacterial endotoxin, on the depressed in vitro immune function of leukocytes derived from six patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and who had histories of recurrent bacterial peritonitis . MPL was also tested for its capacity to stimulate the proliferation of peritoneal fibroblasts, as determined by {3H}thymidine incorporation . In vitro incubation of peritoneal lymphocytes and macrophages (PM phi) with increasing amounts of MPL, up to 5 micrograms/ml, resulted in a dose-dependent enhancement of gamma interferon and interleukin-2 production by peritoneal lymphocytes and interleukin-1 release by PM phi . In vitro incubation of PM phi with MPL also resulted in an increase of PM phi bacterial killing and membrane Fc receptor number, although no change in peritoneal fibroblast proliferation was seen with any of the MPL concentrations tested . These results suggest that the peritoneal leukocyte dysfunction observed in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and who have high rates of peritonitis may be alleviated, to some degree, by MPL, without directly inducing a potentially deleterious fibrotic lesion.

Scand J Gastroenterol, 1989 Aug, 24(6), 678 - 82
Increased gut permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran after total parenteral nutrition in the rat; Purandare S et al.; Sepsis with subsequent multiple organ failure is the commonest complication seen in the surgical intensive care unit today . A gut mucosal barrier dysfunction is assuming an increasingly important role as one possible explanation for the initiation of the septic process . It is known that the gut bacteria and endotoxins can, in the presence of a seemingly intact epithelium, translocate to extraintestinal sites, but the exact mechanism behind this process is not understood . In the present study we have approached this problem by testing the gut permeability to two macromolecules, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran, after 7 days of enteral or parenteral nutrition in the rat . The plasma values of FITC-dextran after 4 h of marker feeding showed a significant increase in gut permeability after parenteral but not after enteral nutrition as compared with the controls . The plasma values of BSA, however, did not show any significant change in any of the groups . Thus, parenteral nutrition, with the changes occurring in the gut mucosa, may be one of the etiologic co-factors behind a gut mucosal barrier dysfunction, eventually leading to absorption of noxious agents into the systemic circulation with subsequent multiple organ failure.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1989 Aug, 63(8), 838 - 44
{Immune response against Chlamydia trachomatis inoculation in mice--changes in interferon activity, antibody titers and weight of the spleen as parameters of infection}; Kikuchi H et al.; We examined the immune response against Chlamydia trachomatis (serovar L2) inoculation in mice by measuring the serum interferon (IFN) level, 2'-5'A synthetase (2-5A(S} activity, antibody titers (IgM, IgG) and the spleen weight as parameters of infection . The interferon activity was detected 6 hrs (400 U/ml) and the activity peaked 12 hrs (450 U/ml) after inoculation, and then gradually decreased thereafter (24 hrs: 12 U/ml, 36 hrs: undetectable) . It was found that Chlamydia trachomatis induces IFN as well as bacteria . To monitor the behavior of IFN action after serum IFN was cleared, 2-5A(S) activity in the spleen cell extract was measured . It was found that the activity reached its peak 1 to 2 days after inoculation and then decreased as well as in infectivity of Chlamydia trachomatis . The activity however was almost not detected in sera of mice after inoculation of heat-inactivated Chlamydial organism (56 degrees C, 10 min) . This may indicate that intact Chlamydial organisms were required for induction of IFN . IFN induced in mice was stable in pH 2.0 treatment and IFN induced by Newcastle disease virus inhibited growth of Chlamydia trachomatis in L929 cell cultures in a dose-dependent manner . The weight of the spleen gradually increased and reached its peak (2- to 3-fold of the control) in 3 to 5 days after inoculation, and then gradually decreased to the control level . IgM and IgG antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis were detected by immunofluorescence method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively . The antibody IgM was detected as early as 2 days and reached its peak 3 to 4 days after inoculation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Gene, 1989 Aug 1, 80(1), 75 - 85
Fine structure analysis of the Chinese hamster AS gene encoding asparagine synthetase; Andrulis IL et al.; Overlapping cDNAs for Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) asparagine synthetase (AS) were isolated from a library prepared from an AS-overproducing cell line . The sequence was determined and shown to contain an open reading frame encoding a protein of Mr 64,300 . The predicted amino acid sequence for the CHO AS enzyme was compared to that of the human AS enzyme and found to be 95% homologous . A potential glutamine amide transfer domain, with sequence similarity to amidotransferases from bacteria and yeast, was identified in the N-terminal portion of the protein . The cDNAs were used to screen a library of phage containing wild type CHO DNA and the genomic AS sequences were detected on three overlapping phages . Determination of the fine structural organization showed that the CHO AS gene spanned 19 kilobases and was composed of 12 exons, three of which contained the glutamine amidotransferase domain . The 5' flanking sequences were highly G + C-rich and, like other housekeeping genes, lacked TATA and CAAT boxes.

J Bacteriol, 1989 Aug, 171(8), 4261 - 6
Isolation and characterization of the 7S RNA gene from Methanococcus voltae; Kaine BP et al.; The gene encoding the 7S RNA of the archaebacterium Methanococcus voltae has been isolated . The gene occurs as a single copy within the genome and encodes an RNA molecule approximately 300 nucleotides in length . The M . voltae RNA molecule exhibits a strong similarity to both archaebacterial and eucaryotic 7S RNAs in terms of overall secondary structure, while the primary sequence is conserved to a lesser degree . All 7S RNA molecules possess a specific structural domain which is highly conserved in terms of both primary sequence and secondary structure, possibly representing a functional site of the molecule . Conservation of the 7S RNA molecule suggests that it is the descendant of a subcellular structure present before the divergence of the archaebacterial and eucaryotic kingdoms . The M . voltae 7S RNA gene is flanked both 5' and 3' by regions of extremely A + T-rich DNA . The 5'-flanking region contains several potential promoter sequences for archaebacterial RNA polymerases . One such sequence occurs as three direct repeats and bears a strong similarity to sequences found upstream of other archaebacterial genes . The 3'-flanking region contains a strong signal for the termination of transcription.

Biochemistry, 1989 Jul 25, 28(15), 6440 - 6
A developmentally regulated gene of trypanosomes encodes a homologue of rat protein-disulfide isomerase and phosphoinositol-phospholipase C; Hsu MP et al.; We have isolated and characterized a developmentally regulated gene in Trypanosoma brucei, arbitrarily termed BS2 . BS2 mRNA is substantially more abundant in bloodstream-form trypanosomes than in procyclic culture forms . Its nucleotide sequence reveals a single contiguous open-reading frame of 497 codons and is predicted to encode a protein of approximately 55.5 kilodaltons . A search of the NBRF protein data base revealed that within the predicted amino acid sequence are two of the evolutionarily conserved redox sites typified by thioredoxin of bacteria . Of this family of proteins, the recently sequenced rat genes encoding protein-disulfide isomerase (PDI) and form I phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PIPLC) showed homology extending over the length of all three proteins (i.e., between BS2, PDI, and PIPLC) . Although this homology includes the acidic C-terminus characteristic of proteins localized to the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, the BS2 product is predicted to possess multiple sites for N-linked glycosylation while PDI and PIPLC have none . Possible roles of the BS2 gene product in trypanosome physiology are discussed.

Biochemistry, 1989 Jul 25, 28(15), 6140 - 5
Mutagenesis of the cysteines in the metalloregulatory protein MerR indicates that a metal-bridged dimer activates transcription; Shewchuk LM et al.; Bacterial resistance to mercury(II) compounds is controlled by the metalloregulatory MerR protein, a transcriptional repressor and a mercuric ion dependent activator of the mer operon . Site-directed mutagenesis of all four cysteine residues in the Tn501 MerR protein has led to the specific replacement of C82, C115, and C117 with alanine and of C126 with serine . Mutation of C82 and C126 abolishes transcriptional activation in vivo while mutation of C115 and C117 leads to a slight increase and dramatic decrease in transcriptional activation, respectively . All four mutants are competent, to varying degrees, to repress mer transcription . Characterization of the four purified mutant proteins in vitro demonstrates that only the C126S MerR mutant is most notably deficient in stoichiometric Hg(II) binding . All four mutant proteins possess similar DNA binding properties, and the C82 mutant is most affected in the ability to form stable dimers . Given an observed stoichiometry of one Hg(II) per MerR dimer, it is likely that the transcriptionally activating MerR species is a metal-bridged dimer . It is most likely that one C126 per subunit provides high-avidity bidentate ligation to Hg(II), but it remains possible that C82 may be a secondary Hg(II) ligand (e.g., in a tetracoordinate thiol ligation array).

Br Dent J, 1989 Jul 22, 167(2), 62 - 5
The use of various handwashing agents to decontaminate gloved hands; Douglas CW et al.; It has been suggested that gloved hands could be washed between patient treatments in the dental surgery and gloves re-used, provided they are undamaged . A series of experiments are described, which evaluate the effectiveness of four handwashing agents at removing defined bacterial inoculae from two types of latex rubber glove, a dedicated dental procedure glove (Regent Biogel D) which has a rough surface and a smooth-surfaced examination glove (Microtouch) . The four agents tested were povidone iodine (Betadine), chlorhexidine (Hibiscrub), 60% iso-propyl alcohol, and a detergent triclosan preparation (Kleenex washcream) . The Biogel D gloves required slightly shorter washing times to eradicate organisms than the Microtouch gloves . It was found that washing with water alone reduced the organisms on gloves by 300-1000-fold, but a minimum washing time of 20 seconds with povidone iodine or chlorhexidine was required to eradicate all the organisms inoculated, except bacterial spores, from both glove surfaces . Povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine were more effective washing agents than iso-propyl alcohol and triclosan soap.

Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 1989 Jul 22, 237(1287), 233 - 45
Alpha-(2----8)-polysialic acid immunoreactivity in voltage-sensitive sodium channel of eel electric organ; James WM et al.; The voltage-sensitive sodium channel from eel electroplax is formed of a polypeptide of 208,321 Da, to which is attached ca . 85 kDa of carbohydrate . Sialic acid is a prominent constituent, contributing ca . 113 negative charges to the protein surface . We here demonstrate that antibodies raised against the bacterial antigen alpha-(2----8)-polysialic acid, specific for polymers of ten or more consecutive sialic acid residues, react specifically and with high affinity to the electroplax sodium channel . In extracts of electroplax membranes, the sodium channel is the only protein that demonstrates this immunoreactivity, suggesting the presence of a polysialosyl-sialyltransferase specifically committed to this unique post-translational modification of the sodium channel . Polysialic acid is rare in vertebrates, having previously been found only associated with neural-cell adhesion molecules, present in the developing neuromuscular system . The other prominent source is the capsular polysaccharide of highly pathogenic meningitis bacteria . Antibodies to the bacterial antigen thus provide highly specific affinity markers for the sodium channel . The high avidity of these antibodies and the ratio of sialic acid residues to consensus glycosylation sites suggest that the terminal chains are well over ten sialosyl residues in length, potentially extending 10-30 nm into the extracellular environment.

J Mol Biol, 1989 Jul 20, 208(2), 245 - 55
Kinetics of complementary RNA-RNA interaction involved in plasmid ColE1 copy number control; Perelson AS et al.; Binding of a small antisense RNA (RNA I) to the primer transcript (RNA II) of plasmid ColE1 inhibits formation of primer for DNA polymerase I-mediated plasmid replication . It is thought that RNA I and RNA II transiently interact via their single-stranded loop regions to form an unstable complex that subsequently converts into a more stable complex by hybridization . Rom (or Rop) protein enhances the inhibitory effect of RNA I on replication by enhancing the binding of the two RNAs . In this paper, we develop a model for the kinetics of the RNA I-RNA II binding reaction, estimate the rate constants, and provide a quantitative description of the effects of Rom protein . We show that the reaction kinetics are consistent with a stepwise binding model in which Rom protein binds to RNA I and RNA II, while the RNAs are held together in a transient complex . Mutations that replace C.G pairs by T.A pairs in the RNA loop regions and thus display weaker hydrogen bonding between the loop regions should be associated with an increased rate of dissociation for the unstable complex . Our model predicts that such destabilization of the loop interactions leads to a greater enhancement in the binding rate by Rom protein . The available data support this prediction.

FEBS Lett, 1989 Jul 17, 251(1-2), 125 - 31
The multicatalytic proteinase (prosome) is ubiquitous from eukaryotes to archaebacteria; Dahlmann B et al.; From the thermoacidophilic archaebacterium, Thermoplasma acidophilum, a proteolytically active particle has been isolated which is almost identical in size and shape with the multicatalytic proteinase (prosome) from rat . This result indicates that prosomes have been developed early in evolution and that they possibly serve functions common to all living cells.

Orv Hetil, 1989 Jul 16, 130(29), 1527 - 30
{IgA and IgG antibodies to Chlamydia in IgA nephropathy as well as in mesangiocapillary and membranous glomerulonephritis}; Nagy J et al.; It might be supposed that, among the antigens causing chronic immune complex glomerulonephritis (IC GN), there are foreign materials, e.g . bacterial antigens penetrating the mucosal barrier . To put this hypothesis to the test, the presence and titres of IgA and IgG antibodies against Chlamydia (C., one of the most frequent bacteria causing mucosal inflammation) have been studied in the sera of 70 patients with IgA nephropathy (IgA NP), of 25 with mesangiocapillary GN (MCGN) and of 27 with membranous GN (MGN) using a single serovar (L2) inclusion immunoperoxidase assay . Significantly more IgA (titres greater than or equal to 8) and IgG (titres greater than or equal to 32) antibodies were found in the sera of IgA NP and MCGN patients than in healthy controls . These results are compatible with the hypothesis that there are some similarities between the clinical and morphological picture of IgA NP and MCGN . Furthermore, it may be assumed that in renal patients with an active C . infection (high IgG titres with IgA seropositivity) C . antigens may play a role in the production of nephropathogenic IC developing in antibody excess.

Eur J Biochem, 1989 Jul 15, 183(1), 25 - 30
Stability and activity of a thermostable malic enzyme in denaturants and water-miscible organic solvents; Guagliardi A et al.; A study was made of the effects of common protein denaturants and water-miscible organic solvents on both the stability and activity of the malic enzyme {(S)-malate:NADP+ oxidoreductase (oxaloacetate-decarboxylating); EC 1.1.1.40} from the extreme thermoacidophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus solfataricus . At 25 degrees C, the enzyme was not inactivated in 4 M urea or 0.05% SDS over 24 h, while the half-life was 30 min in 6 M guanidine hydrochloride and 5 h in 0.075% SDS . The enzyme stability in water-miscible organic solvents at 25 degrees C is somewhat surprising: after a 24-h incubation, the enzyme was completely active in 50% dimethylformamide; it lost 15% of its initial activity in 50% methanol or 15% ethanol . However, the resistance to organic solvents was greatly reduced at higher temperatures . The enzyme was able to catalyze the malate conversion even in the presence of 1.5% Triton X-100 or sodium deoxycholate . A number of solvents were found to stimulate the malic activity independent of time . Studies with 50% methanol revealed that the activation was reversible and inversely related to the temperature; moreover, the solvent was demonstrated to exclusively affect the maximal velocity of catalysis, the Km values for both substrates being unchanged . Investigation was made to find out whether there was a correlation between enzyme stability, as well as activation, and hydrophobicity of the organic medium . The residual malic activity after incubation in the water/organic medium correlated inversely with the logarithm of the partition coefficient in octanol/H2O of the mixture used as a hydrophobicity index . On the other hand, the extent of activation depended directly on the logarithm of the molar concentration of the organic solvent required for maximal enzymatic activation . Because of its remarkable resistance to organic solvents required for maximal enzymatic activation . Because of its remarkable resistance to organic solvents and protein denaturants in general, the malic enzyme from Sulfolobus solfataricus can be considered suitable for biotechnological applications.

Dtsch Med Wochenschr, 1989 Jul 14, 114(28-29), 1101 - 6
{Polyclonal B-cell activation by so-called immunopotentiation (immunostimulants)}; Kekow J et al.; Immuno-augmentation with substances of bacterial origin was studied in vitro for its ability to induce polyclonal B-cell activation . Biostim, Broncho-Vaxom, Omnadin, Paspat and OK 432 were compared for their B-cell mitogenicity with classical polyclonal B-cell activators (Staph . aureus Cowan I, KlebsM, Pokeweed mitogen) . B-cell mitogenicity, as measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation into proliferating blood B-cells, was not induced by any of the studied preparations . On the other hand, OK 432 produced a T-cell dependent and Biostim a T-cell independent blood B-cell differentiation in immunoglobulin producing cells . However, the extent of immunoglobulin production was clearly less than with the polyclonal B-cell activator KlebsM . These results demonstrate that, in some of the preparations, in vivo polyclonal B-cell activation can be expected to occur.

J Biol Chem, 1989 Jul 5, 264(19), 11236 - 45
Coordination chemistry of F430 . Axial ligation equilibrium between square-planar and bis-aquo species in aqueous solution; Shiemke AK et al.; X-ray absorption spectroscopic characterization of axial ligand coordination to factor F430, the nickel-tetrapyrrole cofactor of the S-methyl-coenzyme M (CH3SCoM) methyl reductase enzyme from methanogenic bacteria, is presented . The nickel of isolated F430 is hexacoordinate at 10 K in aqueous solution (as is the enzyme-bound cofactor), whereas the epimerized and ring-oxidized derivatives of F430 have four-coordinate nickel . Reduction of the ring-oxidized derivative, F560, with dithionite yields F430 in its native configuration, with axial ligands indistinguishable from those present when the cofactor is obtained directly from the holoenzyme . Thus, we conclude that the axial ligands to F430 in aqueous solution are water molecules . Analysis of the nickel extended x-ray absorption fine structure is consistent with this conclusion . Resonance Raman spectra obtained at room temperature contain features characteristic of both 4- and 6-coordinate forms of the cofactor . We have found that the resonance Raman, optical, and x-ray absorption spectra of aqueous solutions of F430 are temperature-dependent due to a ligand-binding equilibrium involving the square-planar and 6-coordinate bis-aquo forms of the cofactor . At low temperatures (less than 250 K) the 6-coordinate form predominates, whereas higher temperature solutions contain both 4- and 6-coordinate species in a dynamic equilibrium . Similar behavior is observed in other weakly coordinating solvents such as methanol and ethanol . The 4-coordinate form is predominant in solvents with strong electron-withdrawing substituents such as 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol and 2-mercaptoethanol . The relevance of this facile ligand exchange to the active site structure and enzymatic mechanism of the parent enzyme is discussed.

Toxicology, 1989 Jul 3, 57(1), 15 - 27
Characterization of the induction of rat hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes by 1-nitropyrene metabolites, 1-aminopyrene and N-acetylaminopyrene; Belisario MA et al.; The effect of 1-aminopyrene (1-AP) and N-acetylaminopyrene (1-NAAP) on rat hepatic microsomal monooxygenase system was investigated . Both drugs increased the total content of cytochrome P-450 (cyt . P-450) . The substrate specificity and the electrophoretic pattern of 1-AP and 1-NAAP induced cytochrome(s) were compared with those of the major forms of cyt . P-450 induced by 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) and phenobarbital (PB) . The results suggest that the form of cyt . P-450 induced by 1-AP and 1-NAAP resembles that one induced by 3-MC . Furthermore the abilities of liver microsomes from control or differently induced rats to ring hydroxylate and to activate 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) metabolites to species mutagenic for bacteria were compared . It was observed that: (1) 1-NAAP is a good substrate for microsome-mediated ring hydroxylation, whereas 1-AP is oxygenated only at a low extent; (2) 3-MC, 1-AP and 1-NAAP-stimulated microsomes are more active than control or PB-ones to ring hydroxylate 1-NAAP . As phenolic derivatives of 1-NAAP show high mutagenic activity, these results indicate that 1-AP and 1-NAAP induce toxification pathways of 1-NP in similar way, even if in less extent, as compared to 3-MC.

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi (Taipei), 1989 Jul, 44(1), 25 - 30
A study of the effect of humidification on temperature of incubators in the nursery in Taiwan; Chao T et al.; To test whether it is necessary to humidify incubators in Taiwan, over a one-year-period, 180 sets of simultaneous recordings including room temperature, room humidity, incubator temperature and incubator humidity were collected . Water was randomly added to half of the incubators . Cultures from those and swab cultures from the other half, or the dry humidifiers were presented simultaneously for examination . Results showed that incubator humidities were unaffected by seasonal changes, while room humidities did change with the seasons . Adding water to incubators could raise the humidity to a significantly higher level (mean +/- SD: 60.70 +/- 7.86%) than in those without water (mean +/- SD: 50.30 +/- 6.45% P less than 0.01) . Bacterial growth rate of incubators with water was significantly higher (89.09%) than those without water (37.93%, p less than 0.01), but the organisms cultured could not be related to babids' illnesses on clinical and/or laboratory grounds.

J Biolumin Chemilumin, 1989 Jul, 4(1), 423 - 35
Coupled reactions for the determination of analytes and enzymes based on the use of luminescence; Roda A et al.; Immobilized enzymes are widely used in the clinical laboratory in the assay of several analytes and enzymes . The use of immobilized enzymes makes these reagents recoverable and re-usable, and in most cases increases their stability and catalytic activity . In conjunction with bioluminescent enzymes (firefly and bacterial luciferases) and chemiluminescent catalyst (peroxidase) we set up high-sensitive flow methods based on the use of nylon tube coil or epoxy methacrylate column as solid support . All the NAD(P)/NAD(P)H-dependent dehydrogenases (bacterial luciferase), ATP-dependent enzymes (firefly luciferase) and oxidases producing H2O2 (peroxidase) can be immobilized and a large variety of analytes have been sensitively measured . As an alternative format we also reported a dry chemistry method in which all the enzymes, substrates and cofactors are ready to use, supported on dry cellulose disks . Methodological problems such as flow conditions, stability, pH, ionic strength and analytical performances are also reported.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1989 Jul 1, 51(1), 71 - 7
Influence of the growth conditions on the hydrophobicity of Renibacterium salmoninarum evaluated by different methods; Bandin I et al.; The influence of medium and salinity on the cell surface hydrophobicity of Renibacterium salmoninarum was investigated using three different methods: bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons (BATH), salt agglutination test (SAT), and binding to nitrocellulose filters (NCF) . The possible relationship among hydrophobicity, haemagglutination and adherence to cell lines was also evaluated . R . salmoninarum showed to be highly hydrophobic regardless of the growth conditions or technique employed . Nevertheless, slight differences can be detected depending on the method used . In the SAT and NCF assays very uniform values were obtained within the strains . All the R . salmoninarum isolates agglutinated in (NH4)2SO4 in a range of 0.05-0.2 M and displayed a 77-100% of adherence to nitrocellulose filters . However, more variable results were observed in the BATH method depending on the hydrocarbon, buffer and strain employed . Although all of the isolates produced haemagglutinins for homeotherm erythrocytes, the majority of them failed to agglutinate poikilothermic red blood cells and were unable to adhere to fish cell lines . Therefore, a general correlation among hydrophobicity, agglutinating capacity for fish erythrocytes and adherence to fish cells can not be established for R . salmoninarum.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1989 Jul 1, 51(1), 113 - 8
Evidence for oxidative thiolytic cleavage of acetoin in Pelobacter carbinolicus analogous to aerobic oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate; Oppermann FB et al.; Dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase and dihydrolipoamide acetyltransferase were formed when Pelobacter carbinolicus strain GraBd1 was grown on acetoin . The specific activities of these enzymes amounted to 0.50 and 28.7 U/mg protein, respectively . The crude extract catalyzed the CoASH- and NAD+-dependent formation of acetyl-CoA from acetoin and methylacetoin . From ethylene glycol-grown cells these activities were absent . Crude extracts also exhibited acetoin: methyl viologen and acetoin: metronidazole oxidoreductase activity . As shown by reconstitution experiments methylviologen reduction was dependent on the presence of a light-brownish protein (Mr 220,000 +/- 10,000); metronidazole reduction was in addition dependent on the presence of a dark-brownish protein (Mr 4,900 +/- 800), which is probably a ferredoxin . However, both components were synthesized constitutively . We discussed a model for oxidative-thiolytic cleavage of acetoin which is analogous to the reaction of the pyruvate dehydrogenase enzyme complex rather than to pyruvate: ferredoxin oxidoreductase.

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, 1989 Jul, 9(7), 391 - 5, 387
{Research on the fundamental factors and conditions of gallstone formation}; Yin GY; The authors applied scanning electron microscope with synchronization of EDAX to detect the ultrastructure of gallbladder mucosa, metallic elements and their oxides, to observe the bacteria of the core of the gallstone; applied cholecystokinin to observe the effects of abnormal gallbladder contraction on stone formation; applied biochemical, immunological criteria to determine the association between liver and gallbladder diseases and gallstone; applied scanning electron microscope to compare the analysis of mechanical structure of gallstone . According to the results of research, the authors conclude: (1) The basic condition of the formation of the gallstone was the disturbance of physiological reaction of "integration" and "homeostasis" of liver-biliary system . (2) The essential factor of the formation of gallstone was the infection of liver-biliary system . (3) The formation of the gallstone structure was caused by changed physical and chemical mechanics of bile . (4) The synchronization treatment of liver-biliary was the principle of preventing and treating gallstone.

J Submicrosc Cytol Pathol, 1989 Jul, 21(3), 521 - 34
Ultrastructural morphology of the lung in cystic fibrosis; Dovey M et al.; Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the most common lethal genetic disease among Caucasians, with much of the morbidity and most of the mortality related to pulmonary complications . The underlying defect in this disease has yet to be precisely defined, so it is somewhat surprising that a comprehensive study of the ultrastructural morphology of the lung in CF has not heretofore been reported . We used transmission electron microscopy to examine the small airways in 15 patients who had died of CF, and compared the findings with 15 disease controls with non-CF chronic airways disease and 15 patients with normal lung morphology . The lung parenchyma was also examined ultrastructurally in 7 patients with CF, 4 disease controls, and 4 normal lung cases . In addition, the literature regarding the ultrastructural morphology of the large airways in CF was reviewed . Patients with CF showed non-specific ciliary abnormalities, hyperplasia of mucous cells, increased numbers of pulmonary neuroendocrine and indeterminate cells, degeneration and sloughing of epithelial cells, and colonization of bacteria of the mucous layer of the small airways when compared with normal controls . Alveoli showed non-specific injury and regeneration of type II pneumocytes . However, these changes were all similar to those observed in the disease controls . Specifically, no cellular or subcellular ultrastructural abnormality unique to CF was observed . It is probable that the most useful ultrastructural approach to the lung in CF in future studies will involve X-ray microanalytical studies of ionic composition using cryotechniques.

Bol Asoc Med P R, 1989 Jul, 81(7), 246 - 53
Characterization of the antitumor activity of a polyantigenic immunomodulator (PAI): I--Utilization of cimetidine and cyclosporine A; Rios-Olivares E et al.; Cimetidine (CMT), cyclosporine A (CsA), interleukin 2 (IL 2), were used to characterize the anticancerous effect of a polyantigenic immunodulator (PAI) . PAI consists of a mixture of inactivated bacteria and influenza virus in a peanut oil-arlacel A-aluminum monoesterate emulsion . Antitumoral activity was tested on Ehrlich's ascites tumor (EAT) implanted into Swiss-Webster (allogeneic) or C57BL/6J (syngeneic) mice . PAI antitumor activity was enhanced by CMT acting synergistically by reducing substantially the tumor growth and increasing the percentage of surviving mice, while CsA suppressed this activity . PAI or its individual components were able to induce significant lymphocyte blastogenesis in mouse (C57BL/6J)-spleen lymphocytes and IL-2 enhanced considerably this lymphoproliferative response . The results suggest that PAI acts at the level of cellular immunity.

Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, 1989 Jul, 191(3), 304 - 8
Induction of interleukin 1 by Legionella pneumophila in murine peritoneal macrophage cultures; Widen RH et al.; Legionella pneumophila-induced production of both membrane-associated and secreted interleukin 1 (mIL-1 and sIL-1, respectively) was examined utilizing peritoneal macrophages from BALB/c mice . The Legionella preparations for these studies included viable bacteria and formalin-killed whole cell preparations . Both of the preparations induced mIL-1 and sIL-1 in a dose-dependent fashion . However, the viable bacteria required about 1 log lower concentrations than the formalin-killed bacteria to induce the same level of IL-1 activity measured in the thymocyte proliferation assay . Kinetic studies showed that mIL-1 and sIL-1 were detectable within 4 hr after addition of either of the L . pneumophila preparations to the peritoneal macrophage cultures, with peak levels achieved within 24 hr . These results indicate that L . pneumophila is a potent inducer of both mIL-1 and sIL-1 in normal mouse peritoneal macrophage cultures.

J Immunol, 1989 Jul 1, 143(1), 203 - 7
Effects of in vitro prepared immune complexes on rat adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase; Singh A et al.; The possibility that circulating immune complexes (IC) could modify lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity or release was explored in in vitro systems . IC were precipitated at antibody-Ag equivalence by using specific rabbit antisera and Ag from inactivated rubella virus and hemagglutinins from purified whole virions from three prototype strains of influenza (A/Brazil, A/Bangkok, and B/Singapore) as well as from a combined diphtheria and tetanus toxoid adsorbed with inactivated pertussis . After resolubilization, these IC were exposed to delipidated homogenates of rat epididymal fat pads before assay for LPL activity . LPL activity was stimulated two- to three-fold by the presence of 20 to 40 micrograms IC protein . This effect is not caused by the individual components of the IC because neither the specific Ag nor the individual antisera had any significant effect on LPL activity . With the rubella IC, a greater stimulatory effect was seen with increase in IC protein . With the influenza and diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT) IC, however, inhibition occurred when IC protein exceeded the amount of protein used for the LPL assay . C did not appear to be involved because IC prepared with heated antisera had similar effects . When intact rat epididymal fat pads were exposed to the rubella, influenza, or DPT IC, LPL activity recovered in the suspension medium was increased in each instance compared with pads exposed to a comparable amount of albumin . These findings may have implications for specific lipid changes that may occur during the immediate post-infectious period following rubella, influenza, or infections with the several bacteria whose Ag were present in the DPT IC used in these studies.

J Biolumin Chemilumin, 1989 Jul-Sep, 3(3), 131 - 45
An evaluation of the performance of ten commercial luminometers; Jago PH et al.; An assessment has been carried out of the relative performance of ten instruments for quantification of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by the firefly luciferase assay . The instruments evaluated were Amersham Amerlite Analyser, Dynatech Tube Luminometer, Dynatech Multiplate Luminometer, Dynatech Camera Luminometer, Hamilton Lumicon, LKB 1250 Luminometer, LKB 1251 Luminometer, Lumac Biocounter M2010A, Turner 20 TD Luminometer and a prototype version of the CLEAR SpeedTech 2000 . An 800-fold difference in sensitivity was found between the most sensitive (Lumac, Turner) and the least sensitive (Dynatech Tube) of the conventional instruments . The Dynatech Camera Luminometer which worked on a completely different principle to the other instruments was about 5000 times less sensitive than the best of the photomultiplier tube instruments . The relative sensitivity of the instruments was maintained regardless of whether solutions of ATP in water or trichloroacetic acid extracts of bacteria were analysed . An analysis of 960 ATP bioluminescence assays showed that data obtained from such measurements are normally distributed.

Zentralbl Veterinarmed B, 1989 Jul, 36(5), 337 - 45
Alterations in neutrophil phagocytosis and lymphocyte blastogenesis in dairy cows around parturition; Saad AM et al.; The bovine blood neutrophil phagocytosis and the blood and milk lymphocyte proliferative response upon stimulation with Phytohaemagglutinin, Concanavalin A and Pokeweed mitogens was studied from 3 weeks prior to calving until 3 weeks after calving . Neutrophil phagocytosis and the total and differential blood leukocyte counts were performed by flow cytometry . A gradual increase in the percentage of phagocytized bacteria and the average number of bacteria per phagocyte was observed before calving followed by a sharp fall on the first postpartum . This was followed by a steady increase in the above parameters reaching the highest levels at two weeks postpartum . There was a gradual increase in the number of neutrophils in blood as calving approached followed by a sharp decrease after calving . The number of lymphocytes in blood dropped before calving, being at the lowest level on the day before calving . The proliferative response of blood and milk lymphocytes upon stimulation with the three mitogens was low during the week preceding parturition with the lowest value on the day before calving . The response of blood lymphocytes returned to a higher level the second week after calving while that of milk lymphocytes remained at a low level during the first and the second postpartum weeks.

Bol Asoc Med P R, 1989 Jul, 81(7), 254 - 8
Characterization of the antitumor activity of a polyantigenic immunomodulator (PAI): II--Involvement of NK cells and adoptive immunotherapy; Orraca ZM et al.; Natural killer (NK) cell activity and adoptive immunotherapy were used to characterize the anticancerous effect of a polyantigenic immunomodulator (PAI) . PAI consists of a mixture of inactivated bacteria and influenza virus in a peanut oil-arlacel A-aluminum monoesterate emulsion, shown previously to have antitumoral activity in mice implanted with Ehrlich's ascites tumor . The administration of PAI, its bacterial or viral component strongly increased the in vitro activity of NK cells of splenocyte populations obtained from Swiss-Webster (allogeneic) and C57BL/6J (syngeneic) mice, specially during the early post-induction period . On the other hand, PAI-sensitized, allogeneic or syngeneic lymphocytes were transferred successfully to tumor-bearing mice implanted with Ehrlich's ascites tumor, reducing tumor growth and increasing survival . The results confirm our previous suggestions that PAI acts probably at the level of cellular immunity . Therefore complex polyantigenic substances such as PAI could be used directly alone, in combination with other immunoadjuvants or to sensitize in a global manner immunocompetent cells to be employed in adoptive immunotherapy.

J Med Assoc Thai, 1989 Jul, 72 Suppl 2, 39 - 43
Comparison of effects of alcohol, chlorhexidine cream, and iodophore cream on venous catheter-associated infections; Danchaivijitr S et al.; The effects of alcohol, chlorhexidine cream and iodophor cream on the infectious complications associated with intravenous catheters were studied . One hundred and fifty patients were randomly allocated into each antiseptic group . Daily cleansing and disinfecting the cut down wounds were done with the above antiseptics . Minor surgical wound infections were found in one patient in the alcohol and iodophor group compared to five in the chlorhexidine group . Phlebitis complicated four patients, two in the iodophor group and one in each of the remaining groups . Only one patient in the chlorhexidine group had septicaemia due to A . antitratus . Thirty-four catheter tips (22.7%) yielded bacteria on culture . Incidence of positive tip cultures was significantly higher in the chlorhexidine group than in the other two . The rates of positive tip cultures correlated with duration of catheterization . It is concluded that alcohol is the antiseptic of choice for cut down wounds . Application of antiseptic cream to the wounds was less effective than alcohol and this practice should be discouraged.

Lab Anim, 1989 Jul, 23(3), 261 - 9
Efficacy of a commercial bacterin in protecting strain 13 guineapigs against Bordetella bronchiseptica pneumonia; Stephenson EH et al.; Bordetella bronchiseptica is known to be endemic in many guineapig (Cavia porcellus) colonies, and periodically is the aetiological agent of fatal epizootics of bronchopneumonia . A commercial, non-adjuvant B . bronchiseptica bacterin, which is approved for use in canines, was evaluated for induction of a protective immune response in Strain 13/N guineapigs against an airborne challenge of virulent B . bronchispeptica in small-particle aerosol . Seronegative animals were vaccinated on days 0 and 21 with intramuscular injections of 0.2 ml of bacterin . Humoral antibody titres of the vaccinated animals, as determined by ELISA, ranged from 128-1024 on day 49 . On day 30 following the second dose of bacterin (study day 51), 12 vaccinated and 12 PBS sham-vaccinated animals were exposed to an inhaled dose of 4.3 x 10(5) CFU of B . bronchiseptica (325 LD50) . Vaccinated, challenged animals remained clinically normal, although each guineapig did develop a localized upper respiratory infection . The rate of weight gain as well as rectal temperature of these animals were analogous to those exhibited by the control groups . Examination of 4 of the vaccinated, challenged animals on day 7 after exposure showed bacteria present in moderate to high numbers in the larynx and trachea but only minimally detectable in the lungs; by 30 days after exposure, the numbers of bacteria in the larynx and trachea were diminished, with none being detected in the lungs . Pathological alterations induced by B . bronchiseptica were not detected at either day 7 or day 30 after challenge in any of the vaccinated, challenged animals . Protection induced in Strain 13/N guineapigs by the commercial canine bacterin was sufficient to preclude the development of pulmonary disease, even in animals presented with a massive challenge of virulent bacteria in a small-particle aerosol.

Blut, 1989 Jul, 59(1), 52 - 8
Human monoclonal autoantibodies to characterize platelet antigens in immune-mediated thrombocytopenia; Nugent DJ; Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is characterized by antiplatelet antibodies which mediate the rapid destruction of these cells by the reticuloendothelial cell system . Low serum titers of autoantibodies and the polyclonal nature of human serum make it difficult to identify platelet target antigens with plasma antibodies . To circumvent these problems, we have utilized the techniques of EBV transformation and somatic cell hybridization in order to isolate human monoclonal antibodies from patients with ITP . In this paper we describe the use of human monoclonal autoantibodies to characterize an activation specific antigen on GPIIIa and an autoantigen on the GPIb complex . Ultimately, we hope to determine whether these autoantibodies emerge from a pool of naturally occurring antibodies to activation or senescence antigens, or are triggered by environmental agents such as bacteria or virus, which are comprised of antigens similar to those found on the platelet membrane.

Am J Surg, 1989 Jul, 158(1), 21 - 4
Endotoxemia during percutaneous manipulation of the obstructed biliary tree; Lumsden AB et al.; Fourteen patients undergoing percutaneous biliary manipulation were studied on 21 occasions . Using a chromogenic limulus-based assay technique, peripheral endotoxin concentration prior to the procedure was found to be 6.1 +/- 9 pg/ml, increasing to 30.7 +/- 26 pg/ml after the procedure (p less than 0.001) . Fourteen of 21 bile cultures and only 1 of 21 blood cultures drawn during the procedure were positive for bacterial growth . There was a clinically modest but statistically significant decrease in blood pressure (p less than 0.05), an increase in temperature (p less than 0.01), and an increase in creatinine concentration (p less than 0.05) before and after biliary manipulation . The presence of infected bile and the preprocedure bilirubin level predicted development of endotoxemia.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 Jul, 86(13), 5005 - 9
Transcriptional bias: a non-Lamarckian mechanism for substrate-induced mutations; Davis BD; In bacterial cultures in the stationary phase, substrates can selectively stimulate mutations that lead to their own utilization, but because of apparent conflict with the neo-Darwinian view of evolution the phenomenon has encountered widespread resistance . Building on further evidence for this process, Cairns et al . {Cairns, J., Overbaugh, J . & Miller, S . (1988) Nature (London) 335, 142-145} have suggested a Lamarckian mechanism of directed mutation . This paper proposes an alternative mechanism: transcription induced by the substrate introduces a bias in the random process of mutation, because the resulting single-stranded regions of DNA are more mutable . This stimulation of adaptive mutations by the environment has implications for evolution similar to those of directed mutation, but without contradicting the central "dogma" of molecular genetics . In addition, in eukaryotic cells a mutagenic effect of induction on protooncogenes could contribute to the stimulatory effect of proliferation on carcinogenesis.

J Clin Invest, 1989 Jul, 84(1), 68 - 72
Increased sulfation of glycoconjugates by cultured nasal epithelial cells from patients with cystic fibrosis; Cheng PW et al.; Cystic fibrosis (CF) respiratory epithelia exhibit abnormal anion transport that may be linked to abnormal lung defense . In these studies, we investigated whether primary cultures of CF respiratory epithelial cells regulate abnormally the sulfate content of high molecular weight glycoconjugates (HMG) participating in airways' mucosal defense . HMG, including glycosaminoglycans and mucin-type glycoproteins released spontaneously into medium and HMG released from cell surfaces by trypsin, were metabolically labeled with 35SO4- and {6-3H}-glucosamine (GlcN) or 35SO4- and {3H}serine . All three classes of HMG from CF cells exhibited 35S/3H labeling ratios 1.5-4-fold greater than HMG from normal or disease control cells . Differences for labeling ratios of HMG from CF cells were shown to be the consequence of increased 35SO4- incorporation rather than decreased peptide synthesis and release or HMG glycosylation . The buoyant density of CF mucin-type HMG also was increased, consistent with increased sulfation . These observations suggest that oversulfation of a spectrum of HMG is a genetically determined characteristic of CF epithelial cells and may play an important pathophysiological role by altering the properties of mucous secretions and/or the interactions between selected bacteria and HMG at the airways' surface.

Zhonghua Min Guo Xiao Er Ke Yi Xue Hui Za Zhi, 1989 Jul-Aug, 30(4), 266 - 71
Antepartum diagnosis and management of idiopathic pericardial and pleural effusion: report of one case; Liao HB et al.; A case of an antenatal ultrasound diagnosis of pericardial effusion with pleural effusion is reported . Fetal pericardiocentesis, thoracentesis and amniocentesis were performed with real-time ultrasound guidance at 37 weeks of gestation . Laboratory investigations reported a rhesus-positive blood group, no atypical antibodies, negative serologic test for syphilis, and negative titers for toxoplasmosis . The laboratory data of the pericardial effusion showed: glucose 71 mg/dl, protein 3.7 gm/dl, LDH 73 U/L, CPK 53 U/L, negative culture for virus and bacteria . The pregnancy was terminated at 37 weeks of gestation by Cesarean section because of an edematously enlarged thorax . A 3540 gm male infant was delivered in a state of asphyxia with general cyanosis and an Apgar score of 3 and 4 at one and five minutes, respectively . His condition improved after endotracheal intubation and assisted ventilation . He was transported to the neonate intensive care unit, where chest roentgenogram confirmed pleural effusion over the left side . Chest tube was placed for 7 days . The infant was discharged on day 8, but the fluid reaccumulation over the left lung four months later . Chest tube was placed for five days . The infant subsequently has thrived with appropriated development for his age . We report herein because of successful technique of antepartal intervention.

Respir Med, 1989 Jul, 83(4), 299 - 303
Ofloxacin compared with amoxycillin in treating infective exacerbations in bronchiectasis; Lam WK et al.; Forty-one hospitalized adult patients of bronchiectasis (non-cystic fibrotic) with infective exacerbations were entered into a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing ofloxacin (200 mg tid) and amoxycillin (1 g tid) both orally for ten days . In the ofloxacin group (20 patients), improvement in sputum purulence was excellent in 14, and fair in five patients with one failure . In the amoxycillin group (21 patients), improvement in sputum purulence was excellent in eight, fair in five and poor in eight patients . Mean drug levels on day 5 were 4.1 mg l-1 for serum (2 h post-dosage) and 4.0 mg l-1 for sputum for ofloxacin, and 18.4 mg l-1 for serum and 0.3 mg l-1 for sputum for amoxycillin . Ofloxacin thus yielded higher sputum concentration and appeared to be more effective and also better tolerated than amoxycillin in infective episodes of bronchiectasis.

Behring Inst Mitt, 1989 Jul, (84), 32 - 41
The biosynthesis of C1q, the collagen-like and Fc-recognizing molecule of the complement system; Loos M et al.; C1q, the collagen-like and Fc-recognizing component of the complement system, is mainly synthesized in macrophages and epithelial cells . Inhibitors of collagen biosynthesis, known to inhibit the post-translational hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues, were as effective in macrophages as inhibitors of C1q synthesis and secretion as has been described for collagen . This indicates that post-translational processing of C1q is dependent upon its collagen portions and triple helical formation within the cells . The macrophage-derived C1q is immuno- and physicochemically identical with serum C1q indicating that macrophages have to be considered as a major source for serum C1q . This was recently confirmed by Northern blot analysis using a cDNA probe for the B-chain of murine C1q . In contrast, an extremely weak signal was found in kidney, lung, gut, muscle and liver RNA . Besides the 11 S C1q molecule macrophages also synthesize a low molecular weight (LMW) form of C1q . The biological function of this 4 S LMW-C1q is still unclear . Macrophage-derived and secreted C1q is reinserted into the macrophage membrane . It is unlikely that the membranous form of C1q is bound via C1q-receptors into the membrane of macrophages since the B-chain of membrane-associated C1q is structurally different to that of fluid-phase C1q . The demonstration of a distinct membrane form of C1q supports earlier functional studies which implicated C1q as a membrane-associated molecule with receptor functions for those molecules which also interact with fluid-phase C1q, such as polyanions, the Fc portions of immune complexes, and bacteria (LPS and outer membrane proteins, OMP).

Minerva Stomatol, 1989 Jul, 38(7), 783 - 94
{Polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes and the defense and damage of periodontal tissues}; Guarnieri C et al.; The relationship of neutrophil to the periodontal tissue can be equated to the image of a double-edged blade . The role of the polymorphonuclear cells in the containment of gingival bacteria and their products must be weighed against the localized tissue destruction that may be due to the extracellular release of lysosomal enzymes and oxygen derived radicals . It seems reasonable to suggest that the role of neutrophils in the gingival tissue is primarily a defensive one . Therefore, several factors such as the entity of intrinsic activation, the quantity and quality of stimuli, as well as many physiological and/or pathological conditions can determine whether the response of polymorphonuclear leukocytes is more protective or destructive of the parodontium.

Z Lymphol, 1989 Jul, 13(1), 1 - 18
{Organization and function of the immune system (I)}; Schmolke B; An immune reaction is a complex process . Nonspecific resistance is always induced besides specific humoral and cellular defense reactions . After binding to an antigen (antigen-antibody reaction) antibodies can activate complement . If the entire complement cascade occurs, for example at the surface of cells (bacteria), this leads to complement-induced lysis and to destruction of the antigen . Complement cleavage products which are formed during the activation of complement have biological activities . They can attract granulocytes, macrophages and lymphocytes chemotactically or induce and accelerate processes of phagocytosis . In consequence of the activation of T-lymphocytes sensitized T-cells are formed . T-helper-cells intensify both the humoral cellular immune response mediated by B-cells and the cellular immune response mediated by cytotoxic T-cells . They effect this by secretion of substances resembling hormones, the so-called lymphokines . Cytotoxic T-cells (killer cells) can kill their target cells directly . Immune reactions are regulated in multifarious ways . T-suppressor-cells slow down the immune reactions of B- and T-cells . The close interaction of the T-helper and T-suppressor-cells designated as "regulatory T-cells" ensures the functional equilibrium within the immune system.

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract, 1989 Jul, 19(4), 697 - 717
Lymph node cytology; Mills JN; In clinical practice, animals with lymphadenopathy are eminently suitable candidates for cytology sample collection by FNAB from several enlarged nodes; or, if surgical biopsies are made, imprint smears from the tissue may yield diagnostically useful information to supplement the histological findings . Cytology may reveal the lesion to be reactive, inflammatory, or neoplastic . Cytologically, reactive nodes will contain increased numbers of plasma cells, possibly with some inflammatory cells, along with the resident lymphoid population . If inflammation is present, neutrophils and macrophages also will be found and the type of inflammation may be classified . Any infectious agent such as fungal hyphae, yeasts, bacteria, and protozoa also may be demonstrated . Aspirates may be cultured directly onto blood agar plates or transported in nutrient broth for culture at a referral laboratory . In chronic dermatopathic nodes, a mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate is expected, and in pruritic skin disorders, eosinophils usually are plentiful in node aspirates . Increased numbers of eosinophils also may be found in dogs that are microfilaremic with heartworm infection . Background debris of hemosiderin and melanin pigment and other fine particles may occur in some chronic inflammatory lymphadenopathies . Metastatic lesions are identified by the presence of foreign neoplastic cells, but this diagnosis may be missed in early metastatic spread or if the aspirate is not sufficiently cellular . A cytological guide to the classification of the more common diffuse canine lymphomas is provided but full characterization of the lymphoma type may require histology and immunocytochemistry . In practice, a simple differential Romanowsky stain such as Diff Quik is suitable for most purposes . Supplementary stains using 1 per cent toluidine blue may increase the detection of mast cells . Aspirates also may be transferred into suitable media for transport to a referral diagnostic laboratory for cytocentrifugation or further tests such as electron microscopy, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and culture . Although definitive diagnosis by histopathology and other tests still may be required, in many routine cases, diagnoses can be achieved expediently in clinical practice by aspiration cytology.

J Microencapsul, 1989 Jul-Sep, 6(3), 319 - 26
Microencapsulated enzyme systems for the acceleration of cheese ripening; el Soda M et al.; Enzymes and substrates encapsulated in either milkfat-coated microcapsules or liposomes have been investigated for potential use as agents to accelerate cheese ripening . Milkfat-coated microcapsules have been used to efficiently encapsulate cell-free extracts, viable cells, purified enzymes, and spores . Encapsulation efficiency was dependent on the conditions used during capsule production . Addition of these microcapsules to cheese has resulted in increased levels of flavour compounds such as diacetyl, acetoin, methanethiol, and methyl ketones, compared to levels in control cheeses . Limitations due to cofactors have been overcome by co-encapsulating enzymes which recycle needed cofactors . Liposomes have been used to carry cell-free extracts and enzymes into cheese . Trials with different types of liposomes revealed that enzymes could be entrapped more efficiently and liposomes retained in the cheese curd better when multilammelar vesicles rather than small unilamellar vesicles or reverse phase evaporation vesicles were used . The stability of liposome preparations was found to be adversely affected by increased pH, temperature, and sodium chloride concentrations, as well as by negative surface charge . Encapsulation efficiency was found to increase by using a dehydration-rehydration procedure for liposome preparation . Temperature sensitive liposomes were investigates as a means of obtaining controlled release of the enzymes into the cheese.

Eur J Immunol, 1989 Jul, 19(7), 1189 - 94
The chemotactic activity for granulocytes produced by virally infected fibroblasts is identical to monocyte-derived interleukin 8; Van Damme J et al.; So far, the role of fibroblasts in inflammatory processes has been underestimated . We have previously shown that stimulation of fibroblasts with viruses or bacteria results in a simultaneous production of several cytokines, including interferon-beta, interleukin (IL) 6 and colony-stimulating factors . We here report that virally infected fibroblasts produce also a chemotactic factor for granulocytes . The activity is inducible not only by measles virus but also by IL 1 beta and the double-stranded RNA poly(rI).poly(rC) . This factor, when purified to homogeneity, occurs as a 6-7-kDa protein doublet upon sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . The pure protein is serologically related to a fully characterized granulocyte chemotactic peptide (GCP) from monocytes, designated IL8 . Furthermore, the chemotactic factor from fibroblasts has an NH2-terminal sequence identical to that of GCP/IL8, small differences in NH2-terminal processing being observed . Finally, in addition to diploid fibroblasts, the osteosarcoma MG-63 cell line is also a producer of GCP/IL8 . It can thus be concluded that GCP/IL8 can be produced by several cell types in response to infection and that fibroblasts can contribute to chemotaxis in inflammation.

Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 1989 Jul, 44(7), 539 - 41
{In vivo contact angle measurements on filling materials before and after surface polishing}; Reich E; The adhesion of oral bacteria on teeth and filling materials is a function of the surface energy and consequently the contact angle of a drop of fluid on the respective material . This study determines the contact angle on various filling materials (composites, glass ionomere cement) before and after surface polishing . Thirty and sixty minutes after application of the filling materials composites demonstrated contact angles which partly were significantly smaller than on natural enamel . Glass ionomere cements did not show any significant differences from enamel . After surface polishing, one composite material and one glass ionomere cement showed significantly larger contact angles than before . Further studies are required to elucidate the clinical relevance of different contact angles.

ASAIO Trans, 1989 Jul-Sep, 35(3), 516 - 9
Ultrafiltration of dialysis fluid for hemodialysis; Bambauer R et al.; Since the quality of water in dialysis fluid varies considerably, and, in view of the fact that endotoxin or active derivatives can cause acute side effects in patients, the dialysis fluid must be sterile . The predialyzer fluid in 20 hemodialysis patients was investigated . Bacterial loading was between 5/ml and 5,000/ml, and the endotoxin concentration was high and extremely variable . After ultrafiltration of the dialysis fluid by a polyamide hollow fiber membrane, all samples were free of bacteria, and the concentration of endotoxin was lower than the detectable limit . With this procedure we can obtain sterile dialysis fluid, which is endotoxin free.

EMBO J, 1989 Jul, 8(7), 2067 - 75
Identification and characterization of genes and mutants for an N-terminal acetyltransferase from yeast; Mullen JR et al.; A gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been mapped, cloned, sequenced and shown to encode a catalytic subunit of an N-terminal acetyltransferase . Regions of this gene, NAT1, and the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase genes of bacteria have limited but significant homology . A nat1 null mutant is viable but exhibits a variety of phenotypes, including reduced acetyltransferase activity, derepression of a silent mating type locus (HML) and failure to enter G0 . All these phenotypes are identical to those of a previously characterized mutant, ard1 . NAT1 and ARD1 are distinct genes that encode proteins with no obvious similarity . Concomitant overexpression of both NAT1 and ARD1 in yeast causes a 20-fold increase in acetyltransferase activity in vitro, whereas overexpression of either NAT1 or ARD1 alone does not raise activity over basal levels . A functional iso-1-cytochrome c protein, which is N-terminally acetylated in a NAT1 strain, is not acetylated in an isogenic nat1 mutant . At least 20 other yeast proteins, including histone H2B, are not N-terminally acetylated in either nat1 or ard1 mutants . These results suggest that NAT1 and ARD1 proteins function together to catalyze the N-terminal acetylation of a subset of yeast proteins.

Mol Gen Genet, 1989 Jul, 218(1), 1 - 12
Genetic evidence for superoperonal organization of genes for photosynthetic pigments and pigment-binding proteins in Rhodobacter capsulatus; Young DA et al.; Three adjacent operons, each concerned with photosynthesis in Rhodobacter capsulatus, have been shown by genetic means to be cotranscribable . In the course of describing the characteristics of the bchCA operon, which encodes two enzymes essential for bacteriochlorophyll synthesis, we found that the expression of the bchCA genes is influenced by readthrough from the upstream crtE and crtF genes . The crtE and crtF genes encode enzymes required for carotenoid biosynthesis and function as an operon . Furthermore, the distal structural gene of the bchCA operon, bchA, contains within it both the major oxygen-regulated promotor (Ppuf1) and the constitutive (Ppuf2) promotor for the puf operon . Since these three operons, crtEF, bchCA, and puf, are all transcribed in the same direction, it appears that polymerases traversing the downstream regions may start at any of several promoters . This pattern of transcription, which is unusual among bacteria, demonstrates that the activities of individual operons in a superoperonal cluster may be affected by their positions within the cluster.

Genes Dev, 1989 Jul, 3(7), 946 - 58
A pituitary POU domain protein, Pit-1, activates both growth hormone and prolactin promoters transcriptionally; Mangalam HJ et al.; The anterior pituitary gland provides a model for investigating the molecular basis for the appearance of phenotypically distinct cell types within an organ, a central question in development . The rat prolactin and growth hormone genes are expressed selectively in distinct cell types (lactotrophs and somatotrophs, respectively) of the anterior pituitary gland, reflecting differential mechanisms of gene activation or restriction, as a result of the interactions of multiple factors binding to these genes . We find that when the pituitary-specific 33-kD transcription factor Pit-1, expressed normally in both lactotrophs and somatotrophs, is expressed in either the heterologous HeLa cell line or in bacteria, it binds to and activates transcription from both growth hormone and prolactin promoters in vitro at levels even 10-fold lower than those normally present in pituitary cells . This suggests that a single factor, Pit-1, may be capable of activating the expression of two genes that define different anterior pituitary cell phenotypes . Because a putative lactotroph cell line (235-1) that does not express the growth hormone gene, but only the prolactin gene, appears to contain high levels of functional Pit-1, a mechanism selectively preventing growth hormone gene expression may, in part, account for the lactotroph phenotype.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1989 Jul, 8(7), 633 - 6
Detection of Bordetella pertussis by determination of adenylate cyclase activity; Wirsing von Koenig CH et al.; The adenylate cyclase activity of Bordetella pertussis in clinical isolates was measured in calmodulin-supplemented Stainer-Scholte broth by the rate of conversion of ATP to cyclic AMP . Analysis of 250 stock strains of Bordetella pertussis showed that measurable adenylate cyclase activity was produced by all strains . In clinical tests Bordetella pertussis was isolated from 135 (22%) of 605 swab samples . Increased adenylate cyclase activity was detected in 124 (92%) Stainer-Scholte broth cultures of these samples . A total of 475 swabs contained other bacteria or had no growth; only one of the Stainer-Scholte broth cultures of these swab samples contained measurable adenylate cyclase activity . The results indicate that testing for adenylate cyclase activity provides a specific and sensitive means for detecting Bordetella pertussis in clinical specimens.

J Bacteriol, 1989 Jul, 171(7), 4026 - 30
Pertussis toxin promoter sequences involved in modulation; Gross R et al.; Previous analysis of the pertussis toxin (PT) promoter has shown that expression of PT requires a trans-activating factor encoded by the vir locus and a 170-base-pair DNA sequence upstream from the transcription start site containing a 21-base-pair direct repeat sequence crucial trans-activation (R . Gross and R . Rappuoli, Proc . Natl . Acad . Sci . USA 85:3913-3917, 1988) . In this paper we extend the analysis to the modulative response to environmental stimuli . We show that modulation acts at the transcriptional level and occurs only in phase I bacteria . Modulation also requires a functional vir locus and the same promoter region of 170 base pairs . We show that, in addition to the previously identified direct repeat, even the sequences downstream from position -117 are required for trans-activation and modulation and that the deletion of four cytosine residues at position -31 causes the inactivation of the promoter . The kinetics of the change in transcription show that the PT promoter can be shut off very rapidly by adding 50 mM MgSO4 to the medium, whereas resumption of transcription after removal of the modulative agents from the medium is slow.

J Periodontal Res, 1989 Jul, 24(4), 225 - 41
Polyclonal B-cell activation in periodontitis; Tew J et al.; The evidence that periodontitis-associated bacteria contain potent PBA factors is very strong . Clearly, antibodies directed against non-oral antigens are produced in the inflamed periodontal lesion, and PBA appears to contribute to that production . It is also clear that B cells and plasma cells are the major cell types in the periodontal lesion . Furthermore, alterations in the regulation of B-cell responses to PBA factors are associated with severe periodontal disease . However, evidence demonstrating that activated B cells and plasma cells are directly involved in the pathogenic mechanisms leading to destruction of the periodontal support is still circumstantial . Polyclonal B-cell activation and potential pathways by which PBA-stimulated cells could be involved in periodontal destruction remain largely hypothetical . It appears that IL-1 is an important osteoclast-activating agent, and that LPS, which is a potent PBA factor in many systems, can elicit IL-1 production by B cells as well as by the monocyte/macrophage lineage . Recent data indicating that IL-1 is produced by numerous malignant B-cell lines lend support for the idea that B-cell IL-1 could be important in bone resorption . It is also likely that polyclonal activation may lead to production of autoantibody such as anti-type I and anti-type III collagens, and the destruction of self tissues through ADCC reactions, immune complex formation, and complement activation . Further research is needed to determine how the B cell/plasma cell may participate in tissue injury in periodontitis, and how the B-cell response to PBA factors is regulated.

J Bacteriol, 1989 Jul, 171(7), 4092 - 4
Temperature inhibition of siderophore production in Azospirillum brasilense; Bachhawat AK et al.; The effect of growth at 42 degrees C on the different components of the siderophore-mediated iron transport that are induced by iron limitation in Azospirillum brasilense was examined . Biosynthesis of the siderophore spirilobactin was strongly inhibited (20-fold) by growth at 42 degrees C, whereas the transport of iron by the ferric-spirilobactin transport system and the induction of the iron-regulated outer membrane proteins were unaffected.

Mikrobiol Zh, 1989 Jul-Aug, 51(4), 98 - 9
{Polysaccharide--a stimulant of DNA reparative synthesis}; Frolov AF et al.; It is stated that regulation of the repair synthesis of DNA underlies the antimutagenic action of the polysaccharide isolated from bacteria . Protective effect of polysaccharides is also displayed.

Mayo Clin Proc, 1989 Jul, 64(7), 791 - 9
Pulmonary complications in diabetes mellitus; Hansen LA et al.; Diabetes mellitus produces serious complications in several major organ systems . The pulmonary complications, although uncommon and not well recognized, may be life-threatening . We describe a 20-year-old patient with diabetic ketoacidosis in whom pulmonary zygomycosis developed . This condition was complicated by stenosis of the left upper lobe bronchus despite successful treatment of the zygomycosis . Bronchial obstruction has become a well-recognized complication of pulmonary zygomycosis . In addition to infections caused by Zygomycetes, mycobacteria, viruses, and bacteria, the pulmonary complications described in patients with diabetes include pulmonary edema, disordered breathing during sleep, and reductions in elastic recoil of the lungs, diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide, and bronchomotor tone . Other reported complications are respiratory alkalosis, cardiorespiratory arrest, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, plugging of the airways with mucus, and aspiration pneumonia attributable to diabetic gastroparesis.

Hell Stomatol Chron, 1989 Jul-Sep, 33(3), 165 - 70
{Temporary filling materials used in endodontics}; Thomaidis VK; Temporary filling materials are used in endodontics to prevent contamination of the root canal system during intertreatment visits . The effectiveness of these materials in preventing the ingress and egress of fluids, salivary ions and bacteria is dependent upon a numerous physical and mechanical factors . This presentation was conducted to compare the sealing ability of several products that were recommended for the temporary restoration of teeth undergoing endodontic treatment.

Nature, 1989 Jun 29, 339(6227), 724 - 6
The highly concentrated liquid-crystalline phase of DNA is columnar hexagonal; Livolant F et al.; The DNA molecule is extremely compacted in bacteria, in cell nuclei, sperm heads and virus capsids . These interactions between DNA molecules are important to our understanding of chromatin condensation . DNA forms multiple liquid-crystalline phases whose nature depends on the polymer concentration, and it has been suggested that the highly concentrated phase of 50-nm DNA molecules is two-dimensionally ordered and smectic-like . We rule out this smectic hypothesis and demonstrate by polarizing microscopy, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction that this phase is characterized by a columnar longitudinal order and a hexagonal lateral order, with intermolecular distances ranging from 2.8 to 4.0 nm depending on the DNA concentration.

Cell, 1989 Jun 16, 57(6), 1045 - 52
Gene activation and DNA binding by Drosophila Ubx and abd-A proteins; Samson ML et al.; The Ubx and abd-A gene products are required for proper development of thoracic and abdominal structures in Drosophila . We expressed LexA-Ubx and LexA-abdA fusion proteins in yeast . These proteins activated expression of target genes that carried either upstream LexA operators or upstream Ubx binding sites . Both proteins contain homeodomains . Experiments with mutant fusion proteins show that the homeodomain is not required for the proteins to form dimers or enter the nucleus, and that, when DNA binding is provided by the LexA moiety, the homeodomain is not required for gene activation . Our results suggest that the homeodomain is necessary for these proteins to bind Ubx sites, but that the homeodomain does not contact DNA exactly like bacterial helix-turn-helix proteins . Finally, our data suggest that gene activation by these proteins is a simple consequence of their binding to DNA, while negative gene regulation requires that these proteins act together with other Drosophila gene products.

Ann Intern Med, 1989 Jun 15, 110(12), 1001 - 16
Transplanted infections: donor-to-host transmission with the allograft; Gottesdiener KM; PURPOSE: To evaluate the transmission of infectious agents from organ donors to transplant recipients, and to assess risk factors for transmission, primarily in recipients of kidney, cornea, and heart allografts . DATA IDENTIFICATION: Computerized literature searches of MEDLINE and PAPERCHASE through January 1988, extensive review of references from identified articles, and review of major clinical and transplantation journals through June 1988 . STUDY SELECTION: All case reports and studies that reported a possible donor-to-recipient transmission of infection were selected and reviewed . DATA EXTRACTION: Each case report or patient series of donor-to-recipient transmission was judged as possible, probable, or proven depending on the completeness of donor and recipient information available and the likelihood of alternate causes of infection . RESULTS OF DATA SYNTHESIS: True donor-transmitted infection can occur with viruses including human immunodeficiency virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex, Epstein-Barr, rabies, the virus causing Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and with hepatitis B virus . It can also occur with many common aerobic bacteria, although allograft-transmitted bacterial infection is more often caused by contamination during harvesting and processing . Fungi and yeast, as well as toxoplasmosis, have been transmitted less frequently, and there have been rare instances when mycobacterial infection, malaria, trypanosomiasis, and strongyloidiasis have been transplanted with the donor organ . CONCLUSIONS: Infection can be transmitted with a donor organ to the recipient, but contamination of the organ during processing and harvesting is commoner and may lead to severe infection in the recipient, especially if contamination is by one of a subset of more virulent organisms . True donor-transmitted infection, although rare, can be reduced by careful donor screening, which should include clinical and epidemiologic assessment for evidence of infection, as well as judicious laboratory testing.

Biochemistry, 1989 Jun 13, 28(12), 5136 - 45
Formation and utilization of formyl phosphate by N10-formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase: evidence for formyl phosphate as an intermediate in the reaction; Mejillano MR et al.; N10-Formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase from bacteria and yeast catalyzes a slow formate-dependent ADP formation in the absence of H4folate . The synthesis of formyl phosphate by the enzyme was detected by trapping the intermediate as formyl hydroxamate . That the "formate kinase" activity was part of the catalytic center of N10-formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase was shown by demonstrating coordinate inactivation of the "kinase" and synthetase activities by heat and a sulfhydryl reagent, similar effects of monovalent cations, similar Km values for substrates, and similar Ki values for the inhibitor phosphonoacetaldehyde for both activities . The relative rates of the kinase activities for the bacterial and yeast enzymes are about 10(-4) and 4 x 10(-6) of their respective synthetase activities . These slow rates for the kinase reaction can be explained by the slow dissociation of ADP and formyl phosphate from the enzyme . This conclusion is supported by rapid-quench studies where a "burst" of ADP formation (6.4 s-1) was observed that is considerably faster than the steady-state rate (0.024 s-1) . The demonstration of enzyme-bound products by a micropartition assay and the lack of a significant formate-stimulated exchange between ADP and ATP provide further evidence for the slow release of the products from the enzyme . The synthesis of N10-CHO-H4folate when H4folate was added to the E-formyl phosphate-ADP complex is also characterized by a "burst" of product formation . The rate of this burst phase at 5 degrees C occurs with a rate constant of 18 s-1 compared to 14 s-1 for the overall reaction at the same temperature . These results provide further evidence for formyl phosphate as an intermediate in the reaction and are consistent with the sequential mechanism of the normal catalytic pathway . Positional isotope exchange experiments using {beta,gamma-18O}ATP showed no evidence for exchange during turnover experiments in the presence of either H4folate or the competitive inhibitor pteroyltriglutamate . The absence of scrambling of the 18O label as observed by 31P NMR suggests that the central complex may impose restraints to limit free rotation of the P beta oxygens of the product ADP.

Am J Med, 1989 Jun 9, 86(6A), 81 - 4
Prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in long-term ventilated patients . Sucralfate versus ranitidine; Laggner AN et al.; Thirty-two long-term ventilated patients were randomly selected for a study of the efficacy of sucralfate (1 g six times per day via gastric tube) versus ranitidine (six 50-mg to six 100-mg doses per day intravenously) for the prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding . The patients of the two treatment groups (each 16) were comparable with respect to diseases precipitating acute respiratory failure and risk factors of bleeding, e.g., renal failure, thrombopenia, coagulopathy, and anticoagulant treatment . Mean duration of mechanical ventilation was 7.4 in sucralfate- and 7.7 days in ranitidine-treated patients . During mechanical ventilation, macroscopically visible bleeding developed in three of the sucralfate-treated (18.7 percent) and seven of the ranitidine-treated (43.7 percent) patients . Until the end of the study, only three of the sucralfate-treated but nine of the ranitidine-treated (56.2 percent) patients bled; the difference between the two treatment groups was at all times significant (p less than 0.05) . Packed red blood cells had to be administered to the three bleeding patients in the sucralfate group and to seven bleeding in the ranitidine group . Therefore it seems that sucralfate prevented mostly minor bleeding . The high bleeding rate during ranitidine treatment was presumably due to the high number of pH-nonresponders, as almost 30 percent of the gastric aspirates of this group had a pH less than 5 . During treatment no difference was found in positive blood culture specimens and bronchial secretions between the two groups . However, nosocomial pneumonia developed in two ranitidine-treated patients, whereas that complication developed in none of the sucralfate-treated patients . In long-term ventilated patients, sucralfate prevented minor upper gastrointestinal bleeding significantly better than ranitidine . However, this does not imply that major upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be prevented by either sucralfate or ranitidine in these patients.

Br J Ind Med, 1989 Jun, 46(6), 412 - 6
Endotoxin levels in farming: absence of symptoms despite high exposure levels; Rask-Andersen A et al.; The endotoxin concentration in air was measured in farms where 11 farmers had experienced febrile reactions or allergic alveolitis and in a random sample of farms with 17 symptomless farmers . Samples were obtained during normal dairy farming in eight reference farms (background samples) and in all farms during the handling of material which had probably caused symptoms or disease or, in reference farms, maximal spore exposure (worst case samples) . In addition, parallel samplers were used in reference farms, one with a cyclone (5 microns cutoff) and one without, to measure the dust and endotoxin concentrations in the respirable fraction and total dust . The endotoxin worst case values varied from less than 0.01 to greater than 50 micrograms/m3 in symptom farms (median 6.4 micrograms/m3, geometric mean 2.2 micrograms/m3) and from less than 0.01 to greater than 50 micrograms/m3 in reference farms (median 42 micrograms/m3, geometric mean 29 micrograms/m3) . This difference was not statistically significant . The background values in reference farms were 1.3 (median) and 0.4 (geometric mean) micrograms/m3 . The differences between samples with and without cyclone and between background and worst case samples were statistically significant (p less than 0.02) . About 75% of the activity was found in the non-respirable fraction . No correlation was found between exposure to endotoxin and symptoms in farmers . There were weak, but statistically significant, correlations between endotoxin concentrations and total spore count or dust concentrations . The surprisingly high endotoxin values in the respirable fraction of air from environments which apparently did not cause symptoms raises the concern that the Limulus amebocyte assay might be sensitive to other components in the dust rather than endotoxin.

Kokubyo Gakkai Zasshi, 1989 Jun, 56(2), 347 - 60
{Study on mercury in dental calculus}; Fujita Y; It has been reported that dental calculus contains trace elements of mercury besides lead, cadmium and zinc . The mercury is one of the hazardous metal elements from the environmental point of view . The purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanism of the accumulation of mercury in the dental calculus . The results were as follows: 1 . The concentration of mercury was 1.6 ppm in the dental calculus collected from the subjects with no amalgam fillings . 2 . The most of the mercury was found in the organic fraction of the dental calculus . 3 . In the culture study of Bacterionema matruchotii in vitro, with the increase of Bacterionema matruchotii the uptake of mercury by the bacteria increased . And the maximum uptake of mercury was seen between 7 to 14 days of the culture period . 4 . After 7 days of culture, the bacterial cells were destroyed into several fractions and the quantity of the mercury in the respective fractions was assayed . About 90% of mercury was found in the cell wall . From these results, it was suggested that the uptake of mercury by the bacteria was the cause of mercury accumulation in the dental calculus.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1989 Jun, 76(3), 348 - 53
Synovial T lymphocyte recognition of organisms that trigger reactive arthritis; Gaston JS et al.; Reactive arthritis (ReA) is believed to be "triggered' by infection with certain bacteria . When the proliferative responses of mononuclear cells (MC) obtained from the synovial fluid (SF) of ReA patients were examined, it was found that they responded maximally to the specific organism responsible for the preceding infection . The response was shown to be due to Class II MHC-restricted T cells by inhibition experiments using cyclosporin A and monoclonal antibodies . Significant SFMC responses to additional organisms associated with ReA were also recorded; since there was no serological evidence of preceding infection by these organisms, this finding suggests that these bacteria share common T cell-recognized antigenic epitopes . The corresponding responses by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were much lower and often barely detectable, whereas their responses to PHA were consistently higher than those of SFMC . These results, combined with evidence that bacterial antigens localize in the joint, indicate that a bacteria-specific, T-cell-mediated response may play a central role in the pathogenesis of ReA.

Biol Chem Hoppe Seyler, 1989 Jun, 370(6), 601 - 6
Degradation of 5-chloro-2-hydroxynicotinic acid by Mycobacterium sp . BA; Tibbles PE et al.; Bacteria with the ability to use 5-chloro-2-hydroxynicotinic acid as sole source of carbon and energy have been isolated from enrichment cultures with 2-hydroxynicotinic acid and 5-chloro-2-hydroxynicotinic acid . According to their morphological and physiological properties, these bacteria have been classified as Mycobacterium sp . The first metabolite in the degradation pathway is 5-chloro-2,6-dihydroxynicotinic acid . 2-Hydroxynicotinic acid had an inductive effect on the degrading enzymes . Chloride was released from 5-chloro-2-hydroxynicotinic acid, chloromaleic acid and chlorofumaric acid . A degradation pathway is proposed.

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