Vet Parasitol, 1989 Jun, 31(3-4), 317 - 31 Effects of migrating Gasterophilus intestinalis larvae (Diptera: Gasterophilidae) on the mouth of the horse; Cogley TP; Lesions were formed in the mouth of the horse by first- and second-stage Gasterophilus intestinalis larvae . The lesions resulted as larvae burrowed through the top millimeter of the tongue and then became embedded in the interdental gingiva . Appearance of the lesion was dependent on the degree of larval burrowing activity and healing that had taken place . Active tunneling production occurred at the posterior end of the lesion . Extensive change in configuration and color was apparent along the longer lesions with active larvae . Virtually all tissue in the path of the larvae was removed while forming a tunnel . Tissue destroyed included tops of the lamina propria mucosae evaginations and the deeper portions of the lamina epithelialis mucosae . Histopathologic findings showed that the tissue removed included the nerve and blood supply of the proprial evaginations . Hemorrhage and exocytosis into the tunnels included erythrocytes mixed with some macrophages, lymphocytes and scant numbers of eosinophils . Air shafts excavated in the tongue by larvae enabled bacteria to enter into the tunnels . Bacteria became adhered to larvae and initiated microabscesses . Microabscesses were composed of clotted erythrocytes, bacteria, disintegrating epithelial cells, and large numbers of neutrophils . Cells surrounding the tunnel exhibited pyknosis, epithelial hydropic degeneration and became separated from each other . Healing of tongue lesions occurred as epithelial cell growth below raised the tunnel upward and affected tissue desquamated . Interdental gingiva invaded by larvae were hyperemic and denuded of epithelia . Recession and ulceration of the gingiva produced periodontal pockets . Extensive invasion by larvae led to compound periodontal pockets . Larval mouth hooks were embedded in the submucosa of the pockets and tore at engorged capillaries . The cephalic portion of embedded larvae became surrounded by a cellular exudate containing erythrocytes and mononuclear cells . Attachment of second-stage larvae at the root of the tongue did not produce observable damage. Immun Infekt, 1989 Jun, 17(3), 92 - 6 {Prospective, comparative study of a infrared spectroscopic blood culture system (Bactec NR-660)}; Voss A et al.; The automatic Bactec NR-660 system was compared with a conventional blood culture system - Septi-Check, La Roche (RSC) . Out of a total of 962 blood cultures 157 isolates were detected: 123 in RSC and 104 in Bactec 6A . If only clinical relevant strains were considered the isolation rate was nearly equal in both systems, being 75% in RSC and 77% in Bactec 6A, respectively . The RSC-system was more frequently contaminated (3.3% vs 1.0%) . Positive blood cultures were detected 12 hrs earlier by the Bactec system. J Clin Microbiol, 1989 Jun, 27(6), 1257 - 61 Species-specific detection of Legionella pneumophila in water by DNA amplification and hybridization; Starnbach MN et al.; A sensitive detection system specific for Legionella pneumophila in water was developed . This system is based on amplification of a chromosomal DNA sequence from L . pneumophila by the polymerase chain reaction, followed by detection of the amplified product by hybridization of a radiolabeled oligodeoxynucleotide . After 35 cycles of amplification, a water sample which had been seeded with 35 CFU of L . pneumophila contained sufficient amplified DNA to be detected on dot blots . Bacteria of other genera tested did not generate positive signals under these conditions . Application of this technique to environmental water samples may help identify the natural reservoirs of nosocomial and community-acquired L . pneumophila infections. J Clin Microbiol, 1989 Jun, 27(6), 1210 - 7 Cell surface protein antigen from Wolinella recta ATCC 33238T; Kokeguchi S et al.; A high-molecular-weight (approximately 150,000) protein was selectively isolated by acid extraction from the cell surface of Wolinella recta and purified by negative adsorption on DEAE-cellulose and gel filtration . Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed that this protein was found in W . recta but not in other Wolinella species, such as W . curva and W . succinogenes . Sera from patients with periodontitis reacted strongly with this protein antigen, whereas sera from healthy donors showed little or no reactivity, as determined by immunoblotting analysis . In serum, titers of immunoglobulin G antibodies to the protein antigen were significantly higher in patients with periodontitis than in periodontally healthy donors, as detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hepatogastroenterology, 1989 Jun, 36(3), 143 - 6 Histological analysis of liver parenchyma and choledochal wall, and external diameter and intraluminal pressure of the common bile duct in controls and patients with common bile duct stones with and without acute suppurative cholangitis; Burdiles P et al.; The purpose of this prospective controlled study was to determine the changes in intraluminal pressure and diameter of the common bile duct in a total of 121 bile patients with choledocholithiasis, and the consequences of these alterations for choledochal mucosa and liver histology . In fact, the reflux of bacteria from the obstructed biliary tract into the bloodstream is responsible for producing the clinical syndrome of acute suppurative cholangitis . Group I (26 patients) served as controls, Group II (50) had choledocholithiasis with clear green bile, and Group III (45) were patients with acute suppurative cholangitis with pus in the biliary tract . Ultrasonography revealed gallstones in all the patients . The external diameter of the common bile duct in patients with choledocholithiasis and acute suppurative cholangitis was significantly greater than in those of the other groups . Patients with acute suppurative cholangitis also had a higher intraluminal pressure than those of Groups I or II. Scand J Dent Res, 1989 Jun, 97(3), 263 - 7 Effect of a moderate vitamin A deficiency on saliva secretion rate and some salivary glycoproteins in adult rat; Johansson I et al.; The study presents the effect of a low vitamin A intake on saliva secretion rate and some salivary glycoproteins in the adult rat . Sixteen rats in the experimental group were fed a vitamin A deficient diet (0.11 micrograms retinol/g diet) and 14 rats in the control group a diet with adequate content of vitamin A (4.74 micrograms/g diet) . At the end of the experimental period of 10 wk, whole saliva, blood, and liver samples were collected . No difference in the serum content of retinol was seen between the two groups . The liver values were significantly lower for the rats in the experimental group compared to the values in the control group . No difference was seen between the two groups in saliva secretion rate, salivary peroxidase activity, or the concentrations of total protein and markers for total glycoprotein secretion . However, the activity of a bacteria agglutinating glycoprotein, BAGP, was significantly reduced in the rats fed the vitamin A deficient diet. Am J Epidemiol, 1989 Jun, 129(6), 1219 - 31 The Tucson Children's Respiratory Study . I . Design and implementation of a prospective study of acute and chronic respiratory illness in children; Taussig LM et al.; The Tucson Children's Respiratory Study, Tucson, Arizona, has been established as a long-term, longitudinal, prospective study of the risk factors for acute lower respiratory tract illnesses in early childhood and for chronic obstructive airways disease in later life . A total of 1,246 newborns were enrolled into the study between May 1980 and January 1984, representing 78% of eligible infants . Cord blood for immunologic studies, neonatal blood specimens for blood counts and differentials, and blood specimens at nine to 15 months of age for immunologic studies, blood counts, and differentials have been obtained on the majority of enrolled children . Pre-illness physiologic and more detailed immunologic studies have also been done on large subgroups of subjects . The majority of lower respiratory tract illnesses suffered by these children in the first three years of life have been assessed in detail for etiologic agents by means of culture and serologic techniques; 1,052 illnesses have been evaluated thus far . The type of illness and nature of etiologic agents are very similar to those reported in other epidemiologic studies . Thus, this group of enrolled infants and their family members constitute an appropriate population for the long-term study of risk factors for acute and chronic respiratory disorders. J Bacteriol, 1989 Jun, 171(6), 3504 - 10 Calcofluor- and lectin-binding exocellular polysaccharides of Azospirillum brasilense and Azospirillum lipoferum; Del Gallo M et al.; Extracellular polysaccharides synthesized by Azospirillum brasilense and A . lipoferum were shown on agar plates and liquid flocculating cultures . The six strains used in this work expressed a mucoid phenotype, yielding positive calcofluor fluorescence under UV light . The calcofluor-binding polysaccharides were distributed between the capsular and exopolysaccharide fractions, suggesting exocellular localization . No calcofluor fluorescence was observed in residual cells after separation of the capsular and exopolysaccharide fractions . Cellulose content was significantly higher in flocculating than in nonflocculating cultures . Failure to induce flocculation by addition of cellulose (100 mg/ml) to nonflocculating cultures, together with the sensitivity of flocs to cellulase digestion, suggested that cellulose is involved in maintenance of floc stability . Different A . brasilense and A . lipoferum strains bound to a wheat lectin (fluorescein isothiocyanate-wheat germ agglutinin), indicating the occurrence of specific sugar-bearing receptors for wheat germ agglutinin on the cell surface . The biochemical specificity of the reaction was shown by hapten inhibition with N-acetyl-D-glucosamine . All six strains failed to recognize fluorescein isothiocyanate-soybean seed lectin under our experimental conditions . We conclude that azospirilla produce exocellular polysaccharides with calcofluor- and lectin-binding properties. Dig Dis Sci, 1989 Jun, 34(6), 925 - 32 Preliminary report on isolation of mycobacteria from patients with Crohn's disease; Gitnick G et al.; Several investigators have recently described the isolation of slow growing mycobacteria from the tissues of patients with Crohn's disease (CD) . The primary purpose of this study was to culture and identify mycobacteria from the intestines of patients with CD and other intestinal diseases (control tissues) . The culture methods were designed to eliminate most rapid-growing mycobacteria and to enhance the isolation of slow growing mycobacteria . Eighty-two surgically resected intestinal tissue samples were cultured over a four-year period: 27 tissues were from CD patients and 55 from patients with other intestinal diseases . After 4-12 months of culture, five mycobacteria were isolated, but only two have been identified thus far . Both of these organisms appeared to have initially grown as spheroplasts, but revertant bacteria were cultivated after transfer into fresh media . Four of the mycobacteria were from CD tissues, and one isolate was from a control tissue . Two of the isolates have been identified as M . chelonei subsp . abscessus, strain 390 and M . paratuberculosis strain 410 . This M . paratuberculosis is similar to the previously identified M . paratuberculosis strains isolated from other human intestinal tissues from patients with CD . Both strains 390 and 410 were inoculated into neonatal goats, but they failed to reproduce a CD-like disease . The isolation of four mycobacteria from 27 CD tissues and only one from 55 control tissues strengthens the findings of previous investigators and supports the hypothesis that mycobacteria may be etiologically associated with some cases of Crohn's disease. Chest, 1989 Jun, 95(6), 1295 - 7 Pharmacokinetics of a 3 mg/kg body weight loading dose of gentamicin or tobramycin in critically ill patients; Chelluri L et al.; We evaluated the pharmacokinetics and adequacy of gentamicin or tobramycin after administration of a loading dose of 3 mg/kg body weight in 14 critically ill patients with presumed sepsis . Therapeutic blood levels after loading dose were obtained in 13 of the 14 patients . Measured volume of distribution, serum half-life, and elimination rate constant were significantly different from values calculated by using standard formulae . All the patients tolerated the dose well without significant deterioration in renal function . Based on the present study, we conclude that administration of 3 mg/kg body weight loading dose of gentamicin or tobramycin in critically ill patients with sepsis would result in earlier therapeutic drug levels. J Neurosurg, 1989 Jun, 70(6), 879 - 83 Anterior cervical debridement and strut-grafting for osteomyelitis of the cervical spine; Stone JL et al.; A retrospective review of the surgical experience in treating 18 patients with osteomyelitis of the cervical spine is reported . The patients ranged in age from 20 to 60 years and all complained of neck pain upon admission . Ten patients had a prior history of intravenous drug abuse, three had previously suffered penetrating injuries of the neck, and one had an extraspinal site of osteomyelitis . Bacteria were isolated in 13 cases and tuberculosis in three . Neurological abnormalities were present in over one-half of the patients, consisting of myelopathy (nine cases) or radiculopathy (four cases) . Plain cervical spine films and polytomography demonstrated vertebral and end-plate destruction, spinal instability, and increased paravertebral soft-tissue shadow in all cases . Computerized tomography and, more recently, magnetic resonance imaging have proven helpful in detecting bone involvement and the presence of epidural extension associated with cervical osteomyelitis . The risk of vertebral body collapse, kyphosis, and myelopathy in the osteomyelitic cervical spine has standardized the management of this problem in this institution to consist of skeletal traction, needle aspiration or blood culture for organism identification, anterior cervical debridement, autogenous iliac graft fusion, and intravenous administration of antibiotics . Spinal stability and neurological improvement were achieved in all 18 patients. Av Odontoestomatol, 1989 Jun, 5(6), 369 - 71 {Verruciform xanthoma . Report of a case}; Luis Godoy R et al.; We review the general clinical and histological characteristics of Verruciform Xanthoma and report a case, presented in a female, 36 years-old, on the floor of mouth, an uncommon localization for this lesion . The Verruciform Xanthoma could be a reactional lesion to candida or another bacteria of oral mucosa, that need a surgical treatment. Hinyokika Kiyo, 1989 Jun, 35(6), 1089 - 95 {Clinical study of norfloxacin in the treatment of acute epididymitis}; Arakawa S et al.; The efficacy and safety of Norfloxacin were studied in the treatment of 20 patients with acute epididymitis . Norfloxacin was orally administered at a dose of 200 mg 3 times a day for 14 days . Clinical efficacy rate on the 7th day was 95% (19/20), excellent in 9 cases, moderate in 10 cases and poor in 1 case, and on the 14th day was 95% (18/19), excellent in 12 cases, moderate in 9 cases and poor in 1 case . On the 14th day, fever, pain and swelling had disappeared in 8 cases (in 2 cases on the 7th day) . The efficacy on the 14th day was further investigated compared to that on the 7th day . Before treatment with Norfloxacin, in 13 of the 20 patients, pyuria was observed . Cultivating the bacteria was isolated in 4 of the 13 patients . Norfloxacin remarkably affected the treatment of these patients with pyuria and bacteriuria . In the treatment with Norfloxacin, the count of leukocytes, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and CRP were obviously improved . Side effects and abnormal clinical laboratory findings were not observed . From these results, Norfloxacin 600 mg/day, t.i.d was considered useful and safe in the treatment of acute epididymitis. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am, 1989 Jun, 16(2), 329 - 36 Normal vaginal flora in relation to vaginitis; Hammill HA; The normal vaginal, or resident, flora is complex and easily includes over a dozen different organisms, many of them potential pathogens . The quantitative nature of the vaginal flora also is a factor in development of symptoms . This complex milieu is further varied by nature's changes over the years from birth to menopause . Artificial changes occurring as the result of contraceptive measures may also disrupt the resident vaginal flora . Each patient may be her own control, and the balance that leads to an asymptomatic state may vary from individual to individual . An understanding of the normal situation may be the best guide to diagnosing abnormal conditions and directing appropriate therapy. Photochem Photobiol, 1989 Jun, 49(6), 805 - 19 The biology of the (6-4) photoproduct; Mitchell DL et al.; The (6-4) photoproduct is an important determinant of the lethal and mutagenic effects of UV irradiation of biological systems . The removal of this lesion appears to correlate closely with the early DNA repair responses of mammalian cells, including DNA incision events, repair synthesis and removal of replication blocks . The processing of (6-4) photoproducts and cyclobutane dimers appears to be enzymatically coupled in bacteria and most mammalian cell lines examined (i.e . a mutation affecting the repair of one lesion also often affects the other), although exceptions exist in which repair capacity may be evident for one photoproduct and not the other (e.g . UV61 and the XP revertant cell line) . These differences in the processing of the two photoproducts in some cell lines of human and rodent origin suggest that in mammalian cells, different pathways for the repair of (6-4) photoproducts and cyclobutane dimers may be used . This observation is further supported by pleiotropic repair phenotypes such as those observed in CHO complementation class 2 mutants (e.g., UV5, UVL-1, UVL-13, and V-H1) . Indirect data, from HCR of UV irradiated reported genes and the cytotoxic responses of UV61, suggest that the (6-4) photoproduct is cytotoxic in mammalian cells and may account for 20 to 30% of the cell killing after UV irradiation of rodent cells . Cytotoxicity of the (6-4) photoproduct may be important in the etiology of sunlight-induced carcinogenesis, affecting mutagenesis as well as tumorigenesis . The intricate photochemistry of the (6-4) photoproduct, its formation and photoisomerization, is in itself extremely interesting and may also be relevant to sunlight carcinogenesis . The data reviewed in this article support the notion that the (6-4) photoproduct and its Dewar photoisomer are important cytotoxic determinants of UV light . The idea that the (6-4) photoproduct is an important component in the spectrum of UV-induced cytotoxic damage may help clarify our understanding of why rodent cells survive the effects of UV irradiation as well as human cells, without apparent cyclobutane dimer repair in the bulk of their DNA . The preferential repair of cyclobutane dimers in essential genes has been proposed to account for this observation (Bohr et al., 1985, 1986; Mellon et al., 1986) . The data reviewed here suggest that understanding the repair of a prominent type of noncyclobutane dimer damage, the (6-4) photoproduct, may also be important in resolving this paradox. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1989 Jun, 33(6), 866 - 70 Effects of a derivative of serotonin (deoxyfructoserotonin) and other antileprosy drugs on attachment and uptake of Mycobacterium leprae by Schwann cells in vitro; Choudhury A et al.; The association (attachment and/or uptake) of Mycobacterium leprae with cultured Schwann cells was studied at 8 and 72 h in the presence of a new antileprosy compound, deoxyfructoserotonin (DFS), as well as conventional antileprosy drugs such as rifampin (RFP) and 4,4'-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) . DFS significantly inhibited bacterial association with Schwann cells at 8 h . RFP also affected the association of M . leprae but not to the same extent as DFS . A similar inhibition at 8 h was noted when M . leprae but not Schwann cells were pretreated with DFS or RFP for 5 days before infection of cultures, implying that modulation was achieved through some form of drug action on bacteria . DDS had no effect on M . leprae association; however, the combination of DFS and DDS was neither antagonistic nor additive . At 72 h postinfection, when attached but noninternalized bacteria were removed with trypsin-EDTA from Schwann cell cultures containing DFS or RFP, a 50% reduction in the number of bacteria in the drug-treated group was obtained as compared with the numbers in drug-free cultures . This indicated a slow entry of M . leprae into Schwann cells in the presence of these drugs . Collectively, these observations point to differing requirements for late and early association of M . leprae with Schwann cells, besides suggesting a role for DFS and RFP in the prevention and minimization of M . leprae-induced nerve damage in vivo. Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1989 Jun, 57(2), 483 - 91 Reactive oxygen intermediates inactivate Mycobacterium leprae in the phagocytes from human peripheral blood; Marolia J et al.; Reactive oxygen intermediates such as hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals are important microbicidal components, and they could also play a role in an infection with Mycobacterium leprae . A comparative study of the level of hydrogen peroxide and superoxide produced by peripheral blood phagocytes from normal healthy individuals and lepromatous leprosy patients showed a deficiency in superoxide production in the patients . In the phagocytes from normal healthy individuals, there was good release of superoxide ions, and this mediated the killing of M . leprae . The lack of superoxide production allowed the viability of M . leprae inside the macrophages from leprosy patients . This deficiency could be rectified by the use of an immunomodulator, the delipidified cell wall of M . leprae . This modulation resulted in the ability of the patients' phagocytes to respond to M . leprae, to produce reactive oxygen intermediates such as superoxide, and also to kill the bacteria . These observations indicate that delipidified cell wall could have significant potential to positively modulate the immune-deficient cells of leprosy patients. J Trauma, 1989 Jun, 29(6), 801 - 4; discussion 804-5 Percutaneous peritoneal lavage in blunt trauma patients: a safe and accurate diagnostic method; Sherman JC et al.; We reviewed the records of 395 patients seen from January 1983 through May 1988, who after sustaining blunt thoracoabdominal trauma had diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) performed percutaneously by the Seldinger wire technique of Lazarus and Nelson . The test was considered grossly positive if 10 cc of blood were aspirated from the catheter immediately after its insertion into the peritoneal cavity . Microscopic criteria for positivity included more than 100,000 RBC or 500 WBC/cc of lavage return, elevated amylase or bilirubin, or the presence of vegetable fibers or bacteria . Seventy-two (18%) of the patients were true positives and 315 (80%) were true negatives . There were four false positives (1.3%) and one false negative (0.2%), giving the test a sensitivity of 99% and a specificity of 98% . Complications occurred in three patients, for a rate of 0.8%, and included catheter insertion into a large ovarian dermoid cyst, needle perforation of the ileum, and needle perforation of the sigmoid colon . This technique of DPL can consistently be performed much more rapidly than the open method . Therefore we conclude that percutaneous DPL is as accurate as, as safe as, and quicker than open DPL for determining intra-abdominal injury in blunt trauma patients. Radiology, 1989 Jun, 171(3), 823 - 5 Complicated appendiceal inflammatory disease in children: pylephlebitis and liver abscess; Slovis TL et al.; Five children with complicated appendiceal inflammatory disease are reported . They presented with nonspecific signs and symptoms, but three had liver abscess and two had inflammation of the portal vein . The inflamed portal vein may act as a conduit to the liver for bacteria, or it may become thrombosed and cause portal hypertension and hypersplenism . In one child, symptomatic portal hypertension developed 10 years after the initial disease . In children, an ultrasonic finding of a focal liver mass of low-to-mixed echogenicity or the presence of low-attenuation areas on computed tomographic scans should suggest the possibility of a hepatic abscess, and the radiologist has a major role in suggesting complicated inflammatory disease of the appendix as the cause . Similarly, when portal vein thrombosis or portal hypertension are found, the radiologist should consider complicated inflammatory disease of the appendix as the cause. Nichidai Koko Kagaku, 1989 Jun, 15(2), 79 - 85 {Effect of Actinomyces viscosus on the production of prostaglandin E2 and thromboxane B2 in macrophages}; Hiratsuka M et al.; Certain species of bacteria have been implicated in the etiology and pathogenesis of periodontal diseases . It has been reported that Actinomyces viscosus (A . viscosus) is associated with gingivitis . On the other hand, it is known that prostaglandin (PG) E2 is one of potent mediators of bone resorption and macrophage is PGE2 producing cell . It has been reported that a number of macrophage is increased in inflamed gingival tissues and that A . viscosus (T14V strain) cells significantly stimulated the arachidonic acid (AA) release and the secretion of PGE2 and thromboxane (TX) B2 . Furthermore, the level of PGE2 in inflamed gingival tissues was 18 times higher than that of normal gingiva . In general, it is believed that the rate-limiting step in the production of PGs and TXs is dependent on the release of AA from phospholipids in the cell membrane . However, recent papers suggested that the produced levels of PGE2 and TXB2 were not completely dependent on the amounts of released AA, and the mechanism of rate limiting step and the PGE2 production are still remains to be elucidated . It is known that glucocorticoid, anti-inflammatory steroid, inhibits the AA release from phospholipids of cell membrane . In the present study, in order to clarify the mechanism of PGE2 and TXB2 production by the A . viscosus cells, the effect of addition of glucocorticoid on the levels of PGE2 and TXB2 production were studied . The effects of ionophore A 23187 and zymosan, which were known as agents of macrophage activation but having different action manner, on the relation between the AA release and productions of PGE2 and TXB2 were also comparatively studies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1989 Jun, (6), 15 - 8 {Isolation of hemolytic cultures of Bordetella pertussis intended for the production of acellular pertussis preparations and the characterization of their biological properties}; Miriasova LV et al.; The heterogeneity of the population of B . pertussis laboratory strains with respect to the capacity of individual clones to lyse erythrocytes has been established . The complete or partial reduction of the antigens under study in nonhemolytic bacteria has been shown . The use of hemolytic cultures for the preparation of acellular pertussis vaccine makes it possible to increase the content of B . pertussis toxin in these vaccines. J Biochem (Tokyo), 1989 Jun, 105(6), 946 - 8 Enhanced bacteriolytic activity of hen egg-white lysozyme due to conversion of Trp62 to other aromatic amino acid residues; Kumagai I et al.; Tryptophan at the 62nd position (Trp62) of hen egg-white lysozyme is an amino acid residue whose action is essential for its enzymatic activity . Its indole ring may possibly come into direct contact with sugar residues of the substrate, and thus contribute significantly to substrate binding . For further elucidation of its role in catalytic processes, this amino acid was converted to other aromatic residues, such as Tyr, Phe, and His, by site-directed mutagenesis . All the mutations were found to enhance the bacteriolytic activity but to decrease the hydrolytic activity toward an artificial substrate, glycol chitin . Such a change in substrate preference appears remarkable considering the smaller size of the aromatic residue on the mutant enzyme at the 62nd position. Am J Dis Child, 1989 Jun, 143(6), 662 - 8 The effect of respiratory viral infections on patients with cystic fibrosis; Ramsey BW et al.; We examined, in a 2-year prospective study, the frequency of respiratory viral infections in 19 school-age patients with cystic fibrosis and their unaffected siblings . At 2-month intervals throughout the study period, pulmonary function tests, oropharyngeal cultures, and serologic tests for respiratory viruses were performed in all subjects . Quantitative sputum cultures for bacteria were performed in subjects with cystic fibrosis . The same laboratory specimens were also collected at the time of all acute respiratory illnesses . Over the 2-year period, 398 viral cultures and serum samples were collected, 210 from patients with cystic fibrosis and 188 from their siblings . The frequency of culture-documented and seropositive viral infections was not significantly different between patients with cystic fibrosis and their siblings . The patients with the highest frequency of viral infection were younger and had the lowest rate of decline in lung function and severity score . We conclude that school-age patients with cystic fibrosis are no more susceptible to viral infections than their unaffected siblings . We were unable to demonstrate any significant adverse effect of respiratory viral infections on pulmonary function in 19 patients with cystic fibrosis aged 5 to 21 years. Odontostomatol Proodos, 1989 Jun, 43(3), 211 - 23 {Smear layer on prepared dentin}; Kakaboura A; Whenever dental tissues cut with a rotary instrument, a layer of grinding debris and organic film left of their surfaces, which is described by the term "smear layer" . In this paper, we present the morphology and views for the formation of the smear layer . Additionally, we examine the influence of smear layer, on dentin permeability, infection by bacteria beneath dental restorations and on bonding capacity of adhesive dental materials . Following, detailed description of cleaning and chemical agents, used for smear layer removal from prepared dentin surfaces. Nihon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi, 1989 Jun, 27(6), 696 - 702 {Study of the receptor for P . aeruginosa on tracheal cells and in tracheobronchial mucin}; Kuroki H et al.; Adhesion of P . aeruginosa to normal and injured rat tracheas was examined . Rat tracheas were injured by exposure to 0.1N HCl for 10 min, and incubated with P . aeruginosa . Adhesion was quantitated by direct count of the number of bacteria attached to a fixed surface area as viewed by scanning electron microscopy . P . aeruginosa adhered to injured tracheas much more than to normal tracheas . The adhesion of P . aeruginosa, preincubated with mucin and sugars, to acid injured trachea was examined . Mucin, N-acetylneuraminic acid and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine inhibited the adhesion of P . aeruginosa to injured tracheas, but not N-acetylglucosamine, L-fucose, D-mannose and D-galactose . Periodate oxidation and neuraminidase treatment of acid injured tracheas reduced the adhesion of P . aeruginosa . These data suggest that N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid) is the receptor for P . aeruginosa or a part of the receptor in acid injured rat trachea and in tracheobronchial mucin. J Lipid Res, 1989 Jun, 30(6), 944 - 9 Purification of glycerol dialkyl nonitol tetraether from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius; Lo SL et al.; A modified procedure for extraction and purification of hydrolyzed archaebacterial lipids is described . Lipids were extracted from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius using a Soxhlet extraction procedure followed by trichloroacetic acid solvent-extraction of the residue . The yield of total extractable material by this protocol was 14% which, after a two-phase wash, yielded 10% lipid . Modifications to the published steps for purifying the subsequently hydrolyzed lipids were developed to purify glycerol dialkyl nonitol tetraether (GDNT) . The nearly colorless final macrocyclic product was characterized by TLC, IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry. J Biochem (Tokyo), 1989 Jun, 105(6), 1030 - 3 Polyamines of sulfur-dependent archaebacteria and their role in protein synthesis; Friedman SM et al.; Several strains of the sulfur-dependent archaebacterium, Sulfolobus, were analyzed for their polyamine content . Caldine (norspermidine), spermidine, and thermine were found to be major components in all of the cells tested . The most abundant polyamine in all cultures examined was spermidine . The Langworthy strain had the highest spermine content, whereas S . acidocaldarius strain no . 7 was devoid of this polyamine . Cultures of strain no . 7 grown at 70 degrees C were rich in spermidine and caldine (triamines) and the thermine: spermidine ratio was much lower than that of cultures grown at 78 degrees C . Equal amounts of thermine and spermidine were present in strain DSM 1616 . Preincubation of Langworthy strain extracts at 10 degrees C did not overcome the requirement for polyamines in protein synthesis . Putrescine exerted a concentration-dependent inhibition of the spermine-induced stimulation of protein synthesis at 70 degrees C . Increasing concentrations (6 and 9 mM) of spermine and thermine progressively inhibited poly(U)-dependent phenylalanine incorporation at 45 degrees C to about the same extent, whereas the same concentrations of these polyamines had little effect on the reaction at 70 degrees C . Although 3 mM spermine had only a slight stimulatory effect on the attachment of phenylalanine to tRNA at 65 degrees C, this polyamine had a pronounced effect on the formation of 70S ribosomes in a standard buffer containing 10 mM Mg2+ . Increasing the Mg2+ concentration to 30 mM in the absence of spermine was even more effective in causing the reassociation of subunits to form 70S particles. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 1989 Jun, 18(3), 179 - 83 A proliferative inflammation in the mandible caused by implantation of an infected dental root . A possible experimental model for chronic osteomyelitis; Wannfors K et al.; In order to provide a better understanding of the reactions of bone affected by an infectious stimulus, infected dental roots were implanted into the mandibular bone of 5 monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) . The roots were infected by micro-organisms belonging to the monkeys' oral plaque flora . Following an observation period of 6 months, the monkeys were sacrificed . The mandibles were dissected . Radiographs were taken and then the mandibles were prepared for histology . In the mandibles where the infected roots had been implanted, advanced inflammatory changes were seen . Bacteria, however, were only found within the implanted roots, not in the surrounding tissue in spite of a heavy inflammatory reaction . The interaction between infection and inflammation is discussed on the basis of these observations . The role of possible neural transmittor substances in the pathogenesis of the inflammatory disease is also discussed . The signs and symptoms of the proliferative inflammatory changes provoked in this experiment are compared to those of chronic osteomyelitis. Mil Med, 1989 Jun, 154(6), 311 - 5 Infection in war wounds: experience in recent military conflicts and future considerations; Jacob E et al.; War wounds are characterized by devitalized tissue, the presence of debris, and contamination by bacteria--factors that contribute to the establishment of wound infection . A review of the literature regarding the incidence of wound infection in recent military conflicts strongly suggests that infection in open war wounds occurs with relative frequency despite strict adherence to the principles of surgical debridement and administration of "prophylactic" antibiotics . Further research leading to improved methods of preventing wound sepsis is warranted in order to reduce the incidence of wound infections in the future. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1989 Jun 1, 1008(1), 113 - 5 Nucleoside 5'-triphosphates modified at sugar residues as substrates for DNA polymerase from the thermoacidophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus acidocaldarius; Chinchaladze DZ et al.; The ability of a wide variety of nucleoside 5'-triphosphates with modified sugar moiety to serve as substrates in DNA synthesis catalyzed by DNA polymerase A from the archaebacterium Sulfolobus acidocaldarius was studied . Most of the dNTP analogs tested are shown to be specific terminating substrates for the synthesis irreversibly blocking further elongation of a nascent chain . The most powerful inhibitors were found to be 3'-amino derivatives of deoxy and arabino nucleoside triphosphates, while specific reverse transcriptase inhibitors, 3'-azido and 3'-methoxy derivatives of dNTP, were found to be inactive. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1989 Jun 1, 1008(1), 102 - 7 Comparison of initiating abilities of primers of different length in polymerization reactions catalyzed by DNA polymerases from thermoacidophilic archaebacteria; Bukhrashvili IS et al.; Optimal conditions for polymerization reaction catalyzed on poly(dA) and poly(dT) templates by DNA polymerases from thermoacidophilic archaebacteria--DNA polymerase A from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and DNA polymerase B from Thermoplasma acidophilum--have been established . Values of Km and Vmax (60 degrees C) for a set of primers d(pA)n and d(pT)n have been estimated . Minimal primers for both enzymes are dNMP . Lengthening of primers by each mononucleotide increases their affinity about 2.16-fold . Linear dependence of log Km and of log vmax on the number of mononucleotide links in primers (n) has breaking point at n = 10 . The value of Vmax is about 20% of that for decanucleotide . The affinity of the primer d(pA)9p(rib*) with a deoxyribosylurea residue at the 3'-end does not differ essentially from that of d(pA)9 . Substitution of the 3'-terminal nucleotide of a complementary primer for a noncomplementary nucleotide, e.g., substitution of 3'-terminal A for C in d(pA)10 in the reaction catalyzed on poly(dT), decreases the affinity of a primer by one order of magnitude. J Bacteriol, 1989 Jun, 171(6), 3391 - 405 Posttranscriptional control of puc operon expression of B800-850 light-harvesting complex formation in Rhodobacter sphaeroides; Lee JK et al.; The puc operon of Rhodobacter sphaeroides comprises the pucBA structural genes which encode B800-850 light-harvesting beta and alpha polypeptides, respectively . Northern (RNA) blot hybridization analysis of puc operon expression has identified two pucBA-specific transcripts . The small (0.5-kilobase {kb}) transcript encodes the beta and alpha polypeptides and, under photoheterotrophic growth conditions, was approximately 200-fold more abundant than the large (2.3-kb) transcript . The 5' end of the 0.5-kb transcript was mapped at 117 nucleotides upstream from the start of pucB . The 3' ends of the 0.5-kb transcript were mapped to two adjacent nucleotides, which follow a stem-loop structure immediately 3' to the pucA stop codon . Two mutant strains, PUC705-BA and PUC-Pv, were constructed by replacement of the pucBA genes and adjacent DNA in the former case or by insertional interruption of the DNA downstream of the pucBA genes in the latter case . The two mutant strains were devoid of B800-850 complexes during photosynthetic growth but were otherwise apparently normal . The B800-850 phenotype of both PUC705-BA and PUC-Pv was not complemented in trans with a 2.5-kb PstI restriction endonuclease fragment extending from 0.75 kb upstream of pucBA to 1.3 kb downstream of pucBA, despite the presence of the 0.5-kb pucBA-specific transcript . Both of the mutant strains, however, showed restoration of B800-850 expression with a 10.5-kb EcoRI restriction endonuclease fragment in trans encompassing the 2.5-kb PstI fragment . Western immunoblot analysis revealed no B800-850-beta polypeptide as well as no polypeptide designated 15A in either mutant . Nonetheless, under photoheterotrophic growth conditions, the 0.5-kb pucBA-specific transcript was present in PUC-Pv, although no 2.3-kb transcript was detectable . We suggest that the DNA region immediately downstream of pucBA encodes a gene product(s) essential for translational or posttranslational expression of the B800-850 beta and alpha polypeptides. Dent Cadmos, 1989 May 31, 57(9), 44 - 52 {Periodontal disease and crevicular neutrophils . Role of superoxide radicals}; Guarnieri C et al.; One early biochemical process in PMN activation is the stimulation of the NADPH oxidase membrane enzyme, which produces a flux of superoxide radicals, directed towards the extracellular place . These radicals initiate bacterial destruction; however they can react against the periodontal tissue and lead to its destruction, either when too many of them are produced, or when they are not adequately neutralized by the antioxidant activity of the gingival fluid . Striking a proper balance between the activation state of crevicular PMN and the antioxidant activity of the gingival fluid may be a critical factor in determining whether PMN response to plaque bacteria is either protective or destructive for the parodontium. J Theor Biol, 1989 May 22, 138(2), 175 - 84 On the relationships between the rate of cytoskeletal stable assemblies turnover, stability of the differentiated state, development and aging; Wagner AP; There is a general consensus that biological specificity is a structure-derived property . If a living system is going to maintain its structure and function then the newly synthesized molecules should replace the faulty ones at the correct time and in the correct places so that the previously established cellular topology will be preserved . In addition, pre-existing spatial determinants which will direct the asymmetrical assembly of the newly synthesized molecules should be available . Therefore, regulation of turnover of cellular architecture represents an essential feature of living systems . In considering the underlying causes of cellular senescence it seemed reasonable to focus on the relationship between development of a stable phenotype and the turnover of cellular and extracellular stable assemblies, currently thought to be involved in maintaining the stability of the differentiated state . In recent years evidence has accumulated suggesting a reciprocal relationship between cytoarchitecture turnover rate and achievement of a stable structure . The lack of a feedback control on the turnover of cellular stable assemblies and/or a low turnover rate of cytoarchitecture components would mean that they will be subjected to damaging processes such as oxidation, cross-linking, aminoacid racemization or non-enzymatic browning which are known to occur in other long-lived proteins . The consequence would be the generation, with advancing age, of faulty cellular structures which, in turn, would alter the deposition of newly synthesized molecules . This process may lead to a progressive breakdown in cellular and extracellular stable structures . The process of directed assembly seems to be general for biological systems displaying history-dependent development . We believe that it is this strategy which imposes severe limitations on presegregated spatial determinants turnover rates and, therefore plays a major role in initiating the aging process . We also suggest that species-specific life-span might be determined by the species-specific regulatory networks which governs the cell-specific cytoarchitecture damaging rate . Moreover, aging appears to be an intrinsic feature of biological systems displaying history-dependent development and should be absent in systems displaying history-independent life-cycles, such as bacteria, some species of protozoa, and certain transformed cell lines . An important feature of protein turnover is that this process requires metabolic energy . Therefore, we can expect that structure preservation strategy is a part of a more general energy-saving strategy, a view previously expressed by T.B.L . Kirkwood (Nature, Lond., 1977, 270, 301-304). Cell, 1989 May 19, 57(4), 683 - 97 An unusual gene cluster for the cytochrome bc1 complex in Bradyrhizobium japonicum and its requirement for effective root nodule symbiosis; Thony-Meyer L et al.; Two adjacent genes in Bradyrhizobium japonicum, fbcF and fbcH, encode the Rieske iron sulfur protein and cytochromes b and c1, characteristic constituents of the respiratory complex III . Remarkably, fbcH is a single gene of which the 5' half codes for cytochrome b and the 3' half codes for cytochrome c1 . Experimental evidence suggests that a large FbcH precursor is posttranslationally processed into the two proteins . B . japonicum fbcF and fbcH insertion mutants grow aerobically but are unable to fix nitrogen in root nodule symbiosis with soybean . Thus, fbcF and fbcH are symbiotically essential . We propose that B . japonicum makes use of a cytochrome bc1-containing respiratory chain on its way to become a microaerobic endosymbiont, whereas under aerobiosis, respiration can occur by a bc1-independent pathway. Fortschr Med, 1989 May 10, 107(14), 321 - 4 {Inhibition of 24-hour acidity by nizatidine}; Dammann HG et al.; In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, comparative cross-over study, we studied the effect of four H2-receptor antagonists on intragastric 24-hour acidity, nocturnal volume and acid output . Ten healthy male volunteers were administered 300 mg or 150 mg nizatidine, 800 mg cimetidine, 300 mg ranitidine, 40 mg famotidine, or placebo on several days, in each case at 9:000 PM . Nocturnal intragastric H+ concentration (mmol/l) (11:00 PM to 7:00 AM) was significantly reduced by all H2 blockers compared with placebo . We obtained the following inhibition rates: Cimetidine 67%; ranitidine 95%; famotidine 89%; nizatidine 80% (300 mg) and 69% (150 mg) . Nocturnal acid (mmol/l) and volume output (ml/h) were also significantly (compared with placebo) inhibited by all four H2-receptor antagonists . Inhibition of nocturnal acid secretion was almost identical on nizatidine 300 mg nocte, ranitidine 300 mg nocte, famotidine 40 mg nocte, and cimetidine 800 mg nocte . Nizatidine 300 mg nocte and 150 mg nocte exclusively reduced acid secretion at night, without an aftereffect into the following day (8:00 AM to 6:00 PM) . These results suggest that the clinical efficacy of these H2-receptor antagonists is identical with respect to healing peptic ulcer disease and providing freedom from pain . It is generally accepted today that gastric acid inhibitors used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease should interfere with daytime gastric acid secretion as little as possible, particularly since the acid protects the stomach from bacteria ingested with the food during the day. FEBS Lett, 1989 May 8, 248(1-2), 5 - 8 Down-regulation of fast-twitch skeletal muscle fiber with cardiac troponin-C and recombinant mutants . Structure/function studies with site-directed mutagenesis; Gulati J et al.; Structure/function relationships in troponin C are studied with vertebrate fast-twitch fibers by exchanging the skeletal troponin C with two bacterially synthesized recombinant proteins designed by site-directed mutagenesis of cardiac troponin C . One mutant (CBM1) contained an additional active site, by deleting Val-28 and converting Leu-29, Gly-30, Ala-31 and Glu-32 to Asp, Ala, Asp and Gly, respectively, in the normally inactive trigger site 1 in the N-terminus . In another mutant (CBM2A), the normally active site 2 was inactivated by conversion of Asp-65 to Ala . The fibers were found to be down-regulated with recombinant cardiac troponin C (CTnC3), as with tissue-cardiac-troponin-C . With mutants, in one case (CBM1) the regulation was unmodified despite Ca2+ coordination by all sites . In contrast, regulation was found to be completely blocked with the mutant (CBM2A) where both trigger sites were inactive . The results provide the first indication that structural specification of the entire EF-hand motif of site 1, and not just Ca2+ coordination, is needed to operate fully the Ca2+ switch in fast-twitch fibers. J Biol Chem, 1989 May 5, 264(13), 7119 - 21 A gene encoding the proteolipid subunit of Sulfolobus acidocaldarius ATPase complex; Denda K et al.; An analysis of genes for the major two subunits of the membrane-associated ATPase from an acidothermophilic archaebacterium, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, suggested that it belongs to a different ATPase family from the F1-ATPase (Denda, K., Konishi, J., Oshima, T., Date, T., and Yoshida, M . (1988) J . Biol . Chem . 263, 17251-17254) . In the same operon of the above two genes we found a gene encoding a very hydrophobic protein of 101 amino acids (Mr = 10,362) . A proteolipid was purified from the membranes of this bacteria in which partial amino acid sequences matched with the sequence deduced from the gene . Significant amino acid sequence homology and a similar hydropathy profile appeared when the sequence was compared with the 8-kDa proteolipid subunit of F0F1-ATPases . It is about 30 amino acids larger than the 8-kDa proteolipid and has a small (11-amino acid) repeat sequence . However, it is distinct from the 16-kDa proteolipid subunit of an eukaryotic vacuolar H+-ATPase (Mandel, M., Moriyama, Y., Hulmes, J.D., Pan, Y.-E., Nelson, H., and Nelson, N . (1988) Proc . Natl . Acad . Sci . U.S.A . 85,5521-5524). J Bacteriol, 1989 May, 171(5), 2900 - 2 Role of metabolism in the chemotactic response of Rhodobacter sphaeroides to ammonia; Poole PS et al.; Rhodobacter sphaeroides only showed chemotaxis towards ammonia if grown under nitrogen-limited conditions . This chemotactic response was completely inhibited by the addition of methionine sulfoximine . There was no effect of methionine sulfoximine treatment on motility or taxis towards propionate, demonstrating that the effect is specific to ammonia taxis . It is known that methionine sulfoximine inhibits glutamine synthetase and hence blocks ammonia assimilation . Methionine sulfoximine does not inhibit ammonia transport in R . sphaeroides; therefore, these results suggest that limited metabolism via a specific pathway is required subsequent to transport to elicit a chemotactic response to ammonia . Bacteria grown on high ammonia show transport but no chemotactic response to ammonia, suggesting that the pathway of assimilation is important in eliciting a chemotactic response. Pharmazie, 1989 May, 44(5), 312 - 5 Synthesis and reactions of some biologically active 2-(2'-thienyl)benzoxazinone and quinazolinone derivatives; el-Khamry AM et al.; Different amines were found to attack the hitherto unknown 6,8-dibromo-2-(2'-thienyl)-3,1-benzoxazin-4(H)-one (2) entirely at position-4, producing the corresponding benzamide derivatives 3a-i . Compound 2 reacted with hydrazoic acid affording the tetrazole 5, beside the benzimidazole derivative 6 . Similarly carbon nucleophiles, such as ethyl acetoacetate attack 2 to give 7 . 6,8-Dibromo-2(2'-thienyl)-4(3H)-quinazoline and its 3-substituted derivatives 8 a-g were also synthesized . Theoretical calculations for the benzoxazinone 2 and others, based on the simple HMO-method were performed . Close accordance between the theoretically predicted reactivities and the experimental findings was obtained . Biological activities of some of the compounds obtained were also tested. Mol Biol (Mosk), 1989 May-Jun, 23(3), 663 - 75 {Determination of the upper limit of the value for rat genome expression}; Evtushenko VI et al.; Nuclear RNA was isolated from the majority of adult rat tissues, and from the whole embryos at three different stages of gestation . 13 different mRNA preparations were mixed and the sequence complexity of this total RNA (sigma RNA) was measured by RNA-driven hybridization to {125I}DNA under conditions of maximal stringency . With unique DNA as a probe, the complexity of sigma RNA was equivalent (by assuming asymmetric transcription) to 55.4% of the single-copy genome, corresponding to enough information for 2.2 . 10(5) different 4.5 k.b . genes . With DNA probe containing both unique and middle-repetitive sequences (C0t greater than or equal to 0.02), the complexity of sigma RNA was equivalent to 67.6% of the genome . Nearly all middle-repetitive DNA is represented (by assuming asymmetric transcription) in embryos nuclear RNA . The value of genetic complexity of sigma RNA (55.4 and 67.6%) represents the highest published value of RNA complexity and approach the maximal theoretical capacity of the mammalian genome . We conclude that despite the dramatic increase of the genome size in higher animals, the relative values of their genetic information expression (at the level of nuclear RNA) is comparable with that in lower eukaryotes and bacteria. EMBO J, 1989 May, 8(5), 1419 - 25 Joining of linear plasmid DNA is reduced and error-prone in Bloom's syndrome cells; Runger TM et al.; A linearized, replicating, shuttle vector plasmid, pZ189, was used to measure in vivo DNA joining ability of cells from patients with the cancer-prone, immunodeficient, chromosome breakage disorder, Bloom's syndrome (BS) . The BS cell lines we studied were reported to contain reduced in vitro activity of DNA ligase I . We assessed in vivo joining ability by transfecting linear plasmids with overlapping or blunt ends (produced by EcoRI or StuI) into BS and normal fibroblast or lymphoblast host cells and measuring the amount of re-joined, replicated plasmids by their ability to transform bacteria . With plasmids having either overlapping or blunt ends we found a 1.3- to 3-fold lower (P less than 0.05) joining efficiency in BS cells than in the normal cells . The mutation frequency of the recovered plasmids was measured by screening for function of the suppressor tRNA contained in pZ189, for plasmid size, for presence of restriction sites, or by DNA sequencing . The spontaneous mutation frequency with the circular plasmid was 0.05-0.08% with both BS cell lines, values 2- to 21-fold higher (P less than 0.03) than with the normal cell lines . The mutation frequency with the linear plasmid passaged through both BS cell lines was 21-52%, values 1.4- to 5.4-fold higher (P less than 0.001) than with the normal lines . Detailed analysis of 210 recovered plasmids revealed an increase (P less than or equal to 0.001) in deletions, insertions or complex mutations at the joining sites, and in point mutations with the EcoRI cut plasmid with the BS cells in comparison to the normal cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Acta Otolaryngol, 1989 May-Jun, 107(5-6), 392 - 7 Three-dimensional observation of the spiral ganglion cell . Normal structure and pathological changes; Harada Y et al.; Spiral ganglia of guinea pig and mouse were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) . The cochlea was freeze-fractured and then macerated with 0.1% OsO4 solution for 70-90 h (A-O-D-O method (1} . This allowed three-dimensional observation of the general view of the spiral ganglion and the intracellular structure . Two types of spiral ganglion cell, type I and type II, could be distinguished by the A-O-D-O method . Intracellular membranous structures such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi apparatus were also demonstrated stereoscopically . Furthermore, morphological changes in mouse spiral ganglion cells due to injection of Mycobacterium fortuitum were observed, using SEM . The degenerative process began as swelling of the mitochondria . When Schwann cell became affected, the myelin sheath disappeared and the ganglion cell border became indistinct . This degeneration developed rapidly, suggesting a direct influence of the bacteria on the ganglion cell . Various types of inclusion body with limiting membrane could be demonstrated stereoscopically . As Romand & Romand (4) suggested, these inclusion bodies may be remnants of cellular organellae or various type of lysosomes. Protein Eng, 1989 May, 2(7), 497 - 504 Flexibility plot of proteins; Ragone R et al.; The flexibility plot of a protein lies on the observation that amino acid residues with the highest turn potential, i.e . located in highly mobile regions of protein surface, also possess the smallest volumes as well as the lowest hydrophobicities . The plot is generated by shifting a five residue window along the protein sequence and calculating the value of the hydrophobicity-volume product for consecutive quintuplets of amino acid residues . The concomitant occurrence of small volumes and low hydrophobicities results in very deep minima . A threshold value has also been introduced in order to discriminate significant minima . To substantiate the interpretation that the selected minima actually indicate very flexible segments of a protein (loops, turns, etc.), we have compared plots obtained for model proteins (lysozyme, myoglobin, ribonuclease, trypsin, thermolysin and T4 lysozyme) with X-ray thermal factors profiles available for the same proteins . When compared to thermal profiles, the majority of flexible segments evidenced by our plots have been found to be in agreement with regions characterized by high thermal factors . Results have also been discussed in the light of local organization possessed by examined proteins. J Inorg Biochem, 1989 May, 36(1), 51 - 62 A comparison of an undecairon(III) complex with the ferritin iron core; Islam QT et al.; The iron core of ferritin is comprised of up to 4,500 Fe(III) atoms as Fe2O3.nH2O, which is maintained in solution by a surrounding, spherical coat of protein . Organisms as diverse as bacteria and man use the ferritin iron-protein complex as a reservoir of stored iron for other essential proteins . To extend studies of the steps in polynuclear iron core formation, a recently characterized undecairon(III) oxo-hydroxo aggregate {Fe11 complex} (Gorun et al., J . Am . Chem . Soc . 109, 3337 {1987}) was examined by x-ray absorption spectroscopy as a model for an intermediate . The results, which are comparable to the previous x-ray diffraction studies, show near neighbors (Fe-O) at 1.90 A that are distinct from those in ferritin and a longer distance of 2.02 A . However, contributions from neighbors (Fe-C) known to exist at ca . 2.7 A were obscured by a highly ordered Fe-Fe interaction and were not detectable in the Fe11 complex in contrast to a previously characterized Fe(III) cluster bound to the protein coat . Of the two Fe-Fe interactions detectable in the Fe11 complex, the shortest, at 3.0 A is particularly interesting, occurring at the same distance as a full shell (CN = 6) in ferritin, but having fewer Fe neighbors (CN = 2-3) characteristic of an intermediate in core formation . The incomplete Fe-Fe shell is much more ordered than in ferritin, suggesting that the disorder in ferritin cores may be associated with the later steps of the core growth . Differences between the Fe11 complex and the full core of ferritin indicate the possibility of intermediates in ferritin iron formation that might be like Fe11. J Clin Microbiol, 1989 May, 27(5), 801 - 5 CDC group HB-5 as a cause of genitourinary infections in adults; Baddour LM et al.; Isolates from five patients with genitourinary infections diagnosed over a 7-week period were identified as CDC group HB-5 . The organisms caused clinical presentations of pelvic inflammatory disease in three women and urethritis in the only male in the series . The remaining patient received surgical treatment for a Bartholin gland abscess . Since the clinical and temporal presentations were remarkable and the questions of sexual mode of transmission and strain relatedness were of concern, the five strains were examined further by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis and ribosomal DNA typing . Overall, the five clinical isolates were more closely related to each other than to the control strains . This is the first report describing genitourinary infections caused by group HB-5 . While the pathophysiology of group HB-5 infections remains to be fully elucidated, the possibility that this organism may be sexually transmitted deserves further study. FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1989 May, 50(1-2), 125 - 7 Growth characteristics of Tyzzer's organism in cultured mouse hepatocytes; Kawamura S et al.; The growth characteristics of Tyzzer's organisms in cultured mouse hepatocytes were examined by direct bacterial counting and plaque assay . The viability of propagated bacteria and time required for the maximum titers depended on incubation time and inoculum dose, respectively . Both infectious titers and bacterial counts at optimum harvests were much higher than those obtained from infected mouse livers . Immunofluorescence revealed, after a lag phase of about 2 h, a linear multiplication during a 6 h period. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 May, 86(10), 3679 - 83 A glycosylation mutation affects cell fate in chimeras of Dictyostelium discoideum; Houle J et al.; Prestalk and prespore cells form a simple pattern in the pseudoplasmodium of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum . Prestalk cells are distinguished from prespore cells by a low level of expression of a glycoantigen on their surfaces and by reduced intercellular cohesion . We examined the possible significance of these differences, using the modB mutation, which eliminates this glycoantigen genetically, leading to reduced intercellular cohesion, modB mutant cells were allowed to develop together with normal cells to form chimeric slugs . Mutant cells labeled by feeding with fluorescent bacteria were highly enriched in the prestalk cell zone at the anterior end of the slug . In contrast, normal cells, if in a minority, were concentrated in the rear part of the prespore cell zone . Immunoblot analysis and cell-by-cell double-label immunofluorescence of these mixtures showed that mutant cells underproduced several prespore cell markers . Mutant cells tended not to form spores in chimeras unless they exceeded a threshold proportion of ca . 30% . However, mutant cells showed no tendency to produce excess prestalk cells when allowed to develop alone . These findings are most simply explained by postulating that reduced glycoantigen expression and intercellular adhesion encourage a more anterior cell localization, which in turn causes differentiation into a prestalk cell . Since normal prestalk cells also show reduced glycoantigen expression and intercellular adhesion, this suggests that a similar mechanism may contribute to pattern formation during normal development. J Invertebr Pathol, 1989 May, 53(3), 378 - 86 Impaired defense mechanisms in bay mussels, Mytilus edulis, with hemic neoplasia; Kent ML et al.; Immunocompetence of bay mussels, Mytilus edulis, with hemic neoplasia was investigated with an in vitro yeast phagocytosis assay and by in vivo clearance from the blood of injected Cytophaga sp . bacteria . The yeast phagocytosis assay was conducted with hemocytes maintained in 90% plasma . Neoplastic hemocytes, characterized by enlarged nuclei and scant cytoplasm, failed to phagocytose yeast cells . In contrast, greater than 90% of hemocytes from unaffected animals and morphologically normal hemocytes from mussels with the disease phagocytosed yeast . Substitution of normal plasma with that from a mussel with advanced disease (essentially 100% neoplastic hemocytes) did not affect the phagocytic capability of normal hemocytes . Conversely, normal plasma did not enhance the phagocytic capabilities of neoplastic cells . Mussels with advanced disease showed reduced bacterial clearance; control or lightly affected mussels (less than 11% neoplastic hemocytes) cleared greater than 90% of injected bacteria in 4 hr, while mussels with advanced disease cleared 44-83% . These experiments indicate that mussels with advanced hemic neoplasia have compromised defense systems . This may account for the reported mortality in mussels and other bivalve molluscs with hemic neoplasia. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1989 May, 67(5), 499 - 507 Unusually aggressive osteomyelitis of the jaws . A report of two cases; Krutchkoff DJ et al.; Two cases of unusually aggressive osteomyelitis of the jaws are reported . Both cases manifested severe, rapidly progressive lytic destruction of the maxilla in spite of the fact that patients were young, healthy adults with no local or systemic factors that would predispose them to severe infection in either case . Characteristic historical, clinical, radiographic, and histologic features are elaborated . Also, theoretical aspects of this disease entity are discussed in an effort to explain the unusually aggressive manner in which these cases presented. J Cell Biol, 1989 May, 108(5), 1783 - 9 Location of the head-tail junction of myosin; Rimm DL et al.; The tails of double-headed myosin molecules consist of an alpha-helical/coiled-coil structure composed of two identical polypeptides with a heptad repeat of hydrophobic amino acids that starts immediately after a conserved proline near position 847 . Both muscle and nonmuscle myosins have this heptad repeat and it has been assumed that proline 847 is physically located at the head-tail junction . We present two lines of evidence that this assumption is incorrect . First, we localized the binding sites of several monoclonal antibodies on Acanthamoeba myosin-II both physically, by electron microscopy, and chemically, with a series of truncated myosin-II peptides produced in bacteria . These data indicate that the head-tail junction is located near residue 900 . Second, we compared the lengths of two truncated recombinant myosin-II tails with native myosin-II . The distances from the NH2 termini to the tips of these short tails confirms the rise per residue (0.148 nm/residue) and establishes that the 86-nm tail of myosin-II must start near residue 900 . We propose that the first 53 residues of heptad repeat of Acanthamoeba myosin-II and other myosins are located in the heads and the proteolytic separation of S-1 from rod occurs within the heads. J Cell Biol, 1989 May, 108(5), 1687 - 95 Developmental regulation of cryptdin, a corticostatin/defensin precursor mRNA in mouse small intestinal crypt epithelium; Ouellette AJ et al.; Cryptdin mRNA codes for the apparent precursor to a corticostatin/defensin-related peptide that accumulates to high levels in mouse intestinal crypt epithelium during postnatal development . The primary structure, intestinal cell distribution, and developmental appearance of cryptdin mRNA have been determined . Cryptdin mRNA is 450-480 nucleotides long . Translation of the partial cryptdin cDNA sequence reveals a 70-amino acid open reading frame that includes 32 carboxy-terminal residues that align with those in the consensus sequence, C.CR...C....ER..G.C....CCR, which is a common feature of leukocyte defensins and lung corticostatins (Selsted, M . E., D . M . Brown, R . J . DeLange, S . S . L . Harwig, and R . I . Lehrer . 1985 . J . Biol . Chem . 260:4579-4584; Zhu, Q., J . Hu, S . Mulay, F . Esch, S . Shimasaki, and S . Solomon . 1988 . Proc . Natl . Acad . Sci . USA . 85:592-596) . In situ hybridization of cryptdin cDNA to paraformaldehyde-fixed, frozen sections of adult jejunum and ileum showed intense and specific labeling of epithelial cells in the base of all crypts . Analysis of sections from suckling mice showed that cryptdin mRNA is detectable in 10-20% of crypts in 10-d-old mice, in approximately 80% of crypts in 16-d-old mice, and in all crypts of mice 20 d and older . During the fourth week, the sequence accumulates in crypts to the maximal adult level . Cryptdin mRNA content in adult small intestine is independent both of T cell involvement and luminal bacteria . The role of cryptdin in small bowel physiology remains to be determined: cryptdin may inhibit bacterial translocation, modulate intestinal hormone synthesis, influence hormonal sensitivity of the intestinal epithelium, or exhibit a multiplicity of related activities. Arch Surg, 1989 May, 124(5), 629 - 33 Gallstone disease . The clinical manifestations of infectious stones; Smith AL et al.; Gallstones from 82 patients were examined under a scanning electron microscope for evidence of bacteria, and the findings were compared with the clinical manifestations of the disease . Bacteria were present in 68% of pigment stones and the pigment portions of 80% of composite stones . These gallstones were referred to as infectious stones . No bacteria were found in cholesterol gallstones . Acute cholangitis was diagnosed in 52% of patients with infectious stones and in 18% of patients with noninfectious stones . Over half of the patients with noninfectious stones presented with mild symptoms . Infectious stones were more often associated with a previous common duct exploration, an urgent operation, infected bile, a common duct procedure, and complications . These data show that gallstone disease is more virulent in patients whose gallstones contain bacteria. Arch Surg, 1989 May, 124(5), 561 - 4 Liver abscess . The need for complete gastrointestinal evaluation; Cohen JL et al.; The cause of liver abscess is frequently obscure at initial presentation . We reviewed the medical records of 20 patients with pyogenic liver abscess over a 6-year period from 1981 to 1987 . Liver abscess was suspected in only 3 patients on admission; the most common initial diagnosis was fever of unknown origin . Subsequently, the origin of the abscess was found to be intestinal in 7 patients, pancreatobiliary in 11 patients, and cryptogenic in 2 patients . Eleven patients underwent percutaneous transhepatic drainage of the abscess as the initial treatment, while open operation was the initial treatment in 9 patients . Percutaneous transhepatic drainage was ultimately successful in only 4 patients (36%) . In the absence of an obvious pathologic condition of the biliary tract, all patients should undergo full gastrointestinal evaluation. J Bacteriol, 1989 May, 171(5), 2605 - 8 Purification and characterization of oxalyl-coenzyme A decarboxylase from Oxalobacter formigenes; Baetz AL et al.; Oxalyl-coenzyme A (oxalyl-CoA) decarboxylase was purified from Oxalobacter formigenes by high-pressure liquid chromatography with hydrophobic interaction chromatography, DEAE anion-exchange chromatography, and gel permeation chromatography . The enzyme is made up of four identical subunits (Mr, 65,000) to give the active enzyme (Mr, 260,000) . The enzyme catalyzed the thiamine PPi-dependent decarboxylation of oxalyl-CoA to formate and carbon dioxide . Apparent Km and Vmax values, respectively, were 0.24 mM and 0.25 mumol/min for oxalyl-CoA and 1.1 pM and 0.14 mumol/min for thiamine pyrophosphate . The maximum specific activity was 13.5 microM oxalyl-CoA decarboxylated per min per mg of protein. Infect Immun, 1989 May, 57(5), 1626 - 8 Penetration of endothelial cell monolayers by Borrelia burgdorferi; Comstock LE et al.; The ability of Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, to penetrate cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayers was investigated . After 4 h of coincubation, approximately 7.7% of added bacteria passed through the host cell monolayers . Electron microscopy revealed that the borreliae entered the endothelial cells and suggested that the organisms penetrated the host monolayers primarily by passing through them. Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi, 1989 May, 93(5), 511 - 23 {Cellular stress response in the eye}; Wakakura M; The cellular stress response consists of general inhibition of normal protein synthesis and enhancement of a group of stress or heat shock proteins (SPs or HSPs) . Current studies show this response system to be present in various cells from bacteria to man . A number of HSPs have been described, and four are now regarded as universal . Three are described in terms of their molecular weights of 90K, 70K and 20--30K daltons, respectively, and a fourth is known as ubiquitin . Most of these have been highly preserved throughout evolution . One important role for HSPs is certainly related to cellular homeostasis including thermotolerance . It is quite possible that cytoskeletal changes occurring during heat shock are involved in the regulation of HSP synthesis and that HSPs themselves have cytoarchitectural roles . In this review, the history of research on heat shock proteins was introduced to elucidate their functions . Cellular stress response in ocular tissues was also taken into account . For example, immunocytochemical investigations have indicated that normally less detectable glial fibrillary acidic protein in Muller cells is expressed in response to neuronal injury, degeneration, retinal detachment and under in vitro conditions . Current studies, including our own, show the accumulation of HSPs or SPs in various retinal cells (e.g . Muller cells, retinal neurons, and retinal pigment epithelia) following either herpes simplex infection or heat shock . The possible clinicopathological significance of the above cellular responses is discussed. Anticancer Res, 1989 May-Jun, 9(3), 583 - 91 Lysozyme and cancer: role of exogenous lysozyme as anticancer agent (review); Sava G et al.; The use of lysozyme preparations in the treatment of tumor diseases is based on more than 30 years' experience, using different methodologies and showing various results from which suggestions on the mechanism of action were derived . Lysozymes have no established place in the treatment of human tumors in spite of some interesting findings described in some reports . Nevertheless, many studies have confirmed the tumor-inhibitory activity of lysozyme treatment in a number of experimental tumors . The first half of the sixties saw increased attention on the part of scientists to the antitumor activity of lysozyme in many in vivo experimental systems of animal tumors . All of them emphasized tumor inhibitory effects after administration of lysozyme by various routes including admixture with tumor cells, peritumor and intratumor treatments, or indirectly by systemic injections and oral treatment . From these observations, at least two possible mechanisms of action can be derived, both involving the activation of the immune reactivity of the host . Lysozyme can directly activate immune cells or it can increase tumor cell immunogenicity . Alternatively, lysozyme can liberate substances from bacteria (peptidoglycans and/or polyribopyrimidinic acids) responsible for immunopotentiation and therefore antitumor activity . The present work will focus on the possibilities offered by the use of lysozyme(s) in cancer management, citing the evidence to be found in the literature with the aim of contributing to a better understanding of the activity and the role of lysozyme in the treatment of neoplastic diseases. Minerva Stomatol, 1989 May, 38(5), 547 - 56 {Chlorhexidine in periodontal therapy}; Nonato M et al.; Chlorhexidine a cationic antiseptic active against a wide spectrum of bacteria is widely and successfully used in the treatment of periodontal disease in the home and the outpatients' clinic . A review of the literature forms the basis for an assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of the various supra and subgingival application techniques with details of the limitations and risk/benefit ratio implicit in the various clinical situations. Environ Health Perspect, 1989 May, 81, 59 - 62 Protease inhibitors interfere with the necessary factors of carcinogenesis; Troll W; Many tumor promoters are inflammatory agents that stimulate the formation of oxygen radicals (.O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in phagocytic neutrophils . The neutrophils use the oxygen radicals to kill bacteria, which are recognized by the cell membrane of phagocytic cells causing a signal to mount the oxygen response . The tumor promoter isolated from croton oil, 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), mimics the signal, causing an oxygen radical release that is intended to kill bacteria; instead, it injures cells in the host . Oxygen radicals cause single strand breaks in DNA and modify DNA bases . These damaging reactions appear to be related to tumor promotion, as three types of chemopreventive agents, retinoids, onion oil, and protease inhibitors, suppress the induction of oxygen radicals in phagocytic neutrophils and suppress tumor promotion in skin cancer in mice . Protease inhibitors also suppress breast and colon cancers in mice . Protease inhibitors capable of inhibiting chymotrypsin show a greater suppression of the oxygen effect and are better suppressors of tumor promotion . In addition, oxygen radicals may be one of the many agents that cause activation of oncogenes . Since retinoids and protease inhibitors suppress the expression of the ras oncogene in NIH 3T3 cells, NIH 3T3 cells may serve as a relatively facile model for finding and measuring chemopreventive agents that interfere with the carcinogenic process. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr, 1989 May 1, 102(5), 156 - 61 {The occurrence and significance of Chlamydia psittaci and Coxiella burnetii in dogs and cats . A study of the literature}; Werth D; With this review of the literature it is demonstrated that not only infections with Chl . psittaci and C . burnetii do occur in dogs and cats in the Federal Republic of Germany but also clinical diseases caused by these agents may occur . Especially in diseases with uncharacteristic symptoms both bacteria have to be taken into consideration as causative agents . Since both agents cause zoonotic infections a correct diagnosis is of special importance, especially if the owner of a diseased dog or cat or members of his family show signs of disease also . In cases of unidentified disease or of a rickettsial zoonosis identification of the causative agent must be tackled by cultural or serological investigation . Direct or cultural identification is often not possible so that serological techniques have to be applied . Besides established serological techniques sensitive enzyme immunoassays are useful tools for securing a diagnosis. Bol Asoc Med P R, 1989 May, 81(5), 188 - 92 Recent advances in the management of lactose intolerance; Savaiano DA et al.; Lactose intolerance is a concern for the majority of the world's population . Persons who experience symptoms following the consumption of milk should consult with their physician . Symptoms may be eliminated or reduced with good dietary management that includes: 1 . limiting milk consumption to one glass at a time; 2 . drinking milk with other foods rather than alone; 3 . eating yogurts instead of fluid milk; 4 . using enzyme tablets to predigest the lactose in milk or to supplement the body's own lactase; 5 . possibly eating small amounts of dairy foods each day to adapt the colonic bacteria . For an additional review of the research findings on lactose intolerance and milk drinking, the reader is directed to reference 4, a very recent and complete review by Scrimshaw and Murray . For information on dietary management of lactose intolerance suitable for the consumer, contact your local affiliate of the National Dairy Council. ASDC J Dent Child, 1989 May-Jun, 56(3), 228 - 33 Recent advances in the management of lactose intolerance; Savaiano DA et al.; Lactose intolerance is a concern for the majority of the world's population . Persons who experience symptoms following the consumption of milk should consult with their physician . Symptoms may be eliminated or reduced with good dietary management that includes: Limiting milk consumption to one glass at a time . Drinking milk with other foods rather than alone . Eating yogurts instead of fluid milk . Using enzyme tablets to predigest the lactose in milk or to supplement the body's own lactase . Possibly eating small amounts of dairy foods each day to adapt the colonic bacteria . For an additional review of the research findings on lactose intolerance and milk drinking, the reader is directed to reference 4, a very recent and complete review by Scrimshaw and Murray . For information on dietary management of lactose intolerance suitable for the consumer, contact your local affiliate of the National Dairy Council. J Bone Joint Surg Br, 1989 May, 71(3), 483 - 5 Shortwave ultraviolet radiation in operating rooms; Berg M et al.; We have evaluated the effect of shortwave ultraviolet radiation on bacterial levels in an operating theatre, both in experimental conditions and during 20 hip operations . When compared with the use of sham blue light, there was a significant reduction in the number of bacteria . The reduced level was comparable with that suggested for ultraclean air ventilation systems. Av Odontoestomatol, 1989 May, 5(5), 263 - 7 {Stomatitis from dentures: etiopathological and therapeutic considerations}; Tejerina Lobo JM et al.; Infection of the oral mucous membrane is frequent in patients with removable prostheses, either totally of partially, and particularly when the prostheses is palatal . The principal etiological factor causing the infection is accepted to be "Candidas" aided by the presence of plaque bacteria (in patients with poor oral hygiene care), and a poor fit of the prostheses to the soft tissues . Treatment of the infection must proceed in the following order: a) use of effective medication against oral fungus such as Nystatin or Ketoconazole . b) Meticulous oral hygiene care in the mucous membrane as well as in the prostheses, but using the prostheses as little as possible during the treatment period . c) A total cure of the infection (denture stomatitis) before proceeding to the next phase of the treatment . d) Determination of the adjustment and occlusion of the prostheses in order to determine those areas of the prostheses which need to be refilled because of maladjustment of the prostheses to the soft tissues of the patient. Int Endod J, 1989 May, 22(3), 118 - 24 Particles and molecules in endodontic leakage; Kersten HW et al.; It is assumed that above a critical level, microleakage causes periapical disease and jeopardizes periapical tissue repair . The purpose of this investigation was first to find out to what degree obturation prevents leakage of bacteria-sized particles or large protein molecules, and second if leakage of the commonly used dye methylene blue is comparable with that of a small bacterial metabolic product of similar molecular size . Sections, 9 mm long, obtained from 46 extracted human incisor roots had their root canals prepared in a standardized manner and obturated in four experimental ways using gutta-percha . The root sections were mounted in the middle of tubes that were closed at both ends with rubber membrane stoppers, which permitted sampling from the apical reservoir . The coronal reservoir was filled with a solution of 1 mg/ml latex beads, 4 micrograms/ml endotoxin, 0.5 per cent butyric acid, 0.1 per cent valeric acid and 0.1 per cent methylene blue water . After 1 and 2 weeks, samples were taken from the apical reservoir and tested for the presence of latex beads by phase-contrast microscopy, for endotoxin with a limulus lysate test, for butyric acid with gas-chromatography and for methylene blue with spectrophotometric analysis . Leakage of bacteria-sized particles and large-sized protein molecules could be prevented only when both sealer and pressure were used in obturating root canals with gutta-percha . Leakage of butyric acid proved to be comparable with leakage of methylene blue; microleakage of these small molecules could not be prevented in this study whatever method of filling was used. EMBO J, 1989 May, 8(5), 1485 - 90 Identification and electron microscopic analysis of a chaperonin oligomer from Neurospora crassa mitochondria; Hutchinson EG et al.; A 7-fold symmetric particle has been identified in Neurospora crassa which is most probably the mitochondrial chaperonin . The particle, about 12 nm in diameter, appears in preparations of cytochrome reductase, and is shown to contain a 60 kd protein which cross-reacts with anti-GroEL antibodies . Results of STEM mass measurement suggest that the particle is composed of 14 subunits . A preliminary interpretation of the structure of the particle based on electron microscopy is given . Its quaternary structure and molecular weight are similar to those of the recently discovered family of particles called chaperonins, found in bacteria, chloroplasts and mitochondria. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1989 May, 56(1), 103 - 7 Mutants of Methylobacterium organophilum unable to synthesize PQQ; Biville F et al.; The phenotype of mutants unable to synthesize PQQ is analyzed for different categories of methylotrophic bacteria . The advantages offered by strains dissimilating methylamine through methylated amino-acids are discussed . In M.organophilum, 40% of the mutants unable to grow in methanol medium but with normal methylamine utilization, were affected in PQQ metabolism . The genetic properties of M . organophilum useful to study PQQ mutants are discussed, mainly the use of pSUP106 to create insertion mutations in the bacterial chromosome and to replace wild-type genes by modified genes . An example is given of the possibility to create R' plasmids containing large fragments of M.organophilum DNA . Some physiological properties of a PQQ mutant are described, regarding growth kinetics, PQQ uptake and accumulation. Virology, 1989 May, 170(1), 92 - 8 Detection of the human papillomavirus 6b E2 gene product in genital condyloma and laryngeal papilloma tissues; Sekine H et al.; We have previously reported that the E2 open reading frame of human papillomavirus type 6b (HPV6b) was expressed in Bombyx mori cell line Bm-N as a fusion protein with baculovirus polyhedrin . Here we show that antibody against this E2-polyhedrin fusion protein recognized a putative gene product as a 49-kDa protein in some genital condyloma and laryngeal papilloma tissues, which were associated with HPV6 and HPV11, by immunoblotting analysis . The antibody reacted also with antigens in the nucleus of cells in the middle and upper layers of these papilloma tissues. J Bacteriol, 1989 May, 171(5), 2323 - 36 Movement of multiple DNA units between Myxococcus xanthus cells; Starich T et al.; Myxococcus xanthus YS produces particles (Mx alpha particles) that transmit genetic information between cells . Mx alpha particles might be viruses, although no host able to sustain lytic growth of Mx alpha has been discovered . The particles could be detected by their ability to transduce a Tn5 transposon tag to recipient bacteria . DNA from purified particles hybridized to a limited number of DNA restriction fragments of strain YS, suggesting that Mx alpha particles contain only specific DNA sequences . A set of Tn5 insertions residing in the transducible region provided genetic markers for cloning cellular DNA packaged by Mx alpha . A map of this region showed that transducible DNA comprised multiple units of approximately 80 kilobases each . Individual units share DNA homology but are divergent in the location of restriction sites . Other wild-type isolates of Myxococcus species contained DNA sequences with homology to Mx alpha DNA, indicating that Mx alpha DNA is widespread in nature . Experiments on the transfer of Mx alpha DNA in strain YS suggested that DNA transfer is enhanced during the developmental cycle. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi, 1989 May, 14(5), 280 - 3, 318 {Analysis and comparison of the chemical composition of two preparations of Chinemys reevesii Gray}; Liu YW et al.; Amino-acids, nitrogen content, soaking extracts, ash contents, trace elements have been systematically determined for the traditional preparation and food-bacteria preparation of Chinemys reevesii . The results have shown that all the analytical targets in food-bacteria preparation are higher than or close to those in traditional preparation . So the food-bacteria preparation is better in quality. Curr Genet, 1989 May, 15(5), 335 - 40 Evolutionary relationship of psbA genes from cyanobacteria, cyanelles and plastids; Janssen I et al.; The psbA gene is part of the reaction center of photosystem II in cyanobacteria and the plastids of higher plants . Its primary sequence is highly conserved among all species investigated so far and its sequence shows homologies with the L and M subunits of the reaction center of photosynthetic bacteria . We have analyzed the psbA homolog from a eukaryotic alga, Cyanophora paradoxa, where the gene is encoded on cyanelle DNA . These cyanelles are surrounded by a murein sacculus and resemble cyanobacteria in many other characteristics, although they are genuine organelles that functionally replace plastids . Analysis of the gene revealed a psbA protein identical in length (360 codons) with the cyanobacterial counterpart . The overall sequence identity is, however, more pronounced between cyanelle psbA and the shorter (353 amino acids) psbA product found in higher plants . These data strongly support the postulated bridge position of cyanelles between chloroplasts and free-living cyanobacteria. Rev Med Panama, 1989 May, 14(2), 99 - 103 {The first isolation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Panama}; de Moreno NO et al.; Mycoplasma pneumoniae was isolated for first time in Panama and identified from a nine years old girl with pneumonia . SP4 medium was used to isolate the bacteria . Confirmatory serological results were obtained by indirect immunofluorescence and were also suggested by the presence of cryoagglutinins in the sera of this patient . DNA hybridization tests (Gen--Probe) were carried out. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1989 May, 8(5), 400 - 1 Influence of blood carbon dioxide pressure on growth index values in non-radiometric Bactec vials; Courcol RJ et al.; The influence of blood carbon dioxide pressure on growth index values yielded by the Bactec NR 660 system was evaluated . Growth index values of 1,175 Bactec blood culture vials collected from 293 patients were related to blood pCO2 and leukocyte concentrations . Thirty-three blood cultures were considered false-positive . These were significantly more frequently encountered in hypercapnia patients (5.4%) than in hypocapnia patients (1.7%) or normal patients (2.5%) . There was no relationship between the growth index values and leukocyte concentrations. Infect Immun, 1989 May, 57(5), 1445 - 51 Defects in sera from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients and from non-AIDS patients with Mycobacterium avium infection which decrease macrophage resistance to M . avium; Crowle AJ et al.; Some characteristics of the sera and macrophages (MP) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients which might contribute to their unusual susceptibility to Mycobacterium avium infection were studied . Cultures of patient peripheral blood MP in medium supplemented with their sera or normal subject sera were infected with M . avium and compared with similar cultures of normal MP . Intracellular mycobacterial replication was measured in the infected MP by CFU counts of the bacteria made from lysed samples of the MP at 0, 4, and 7 days after MP infection . Sera from patients with chronic granulomatous infection with M . avium, but no HIV infection, also were studied . The sera from all of the patients with chronic granulomatous infection and from several HIV-infected patients were deficient or lacking in an inhibitor that in normal serum acts within normal MP to suppress intracellular growth of M . avium . Most of the HIV-infected patients also had MP that were abnormally permissive for M . avium because they responded poorly to the serum inhibitor . Elucidation of these associated defects in native defenses against M . avium may result in better prevention and therapy of M . avium infections. Arch Biochem Biophys, 1989 May 1, 270(2), 691 - 7 A novel biosynthesis of medium chain length alpha-ketodicarboxylic acids in methanogenic archaebacteria; White RH; Gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis on the distribution of alpha-ketodicarboxylic acids in various bacteria determined that alpha-ketoglutarate and alpha-ketoadipate are widely distributed in all the bacteria examined, whereas alpha-ketopimelate and alpha-ketosuberate are found only in the methanogenic archaebacteria . Labeling experiments with stable isotopes indicated that each of these acids arises from alpha-ketoglutarate by repeated alpha-ketoacid chain elongation . The final product in this series of reactions, alpha-ketosuberate, serves in the methanogenic bacteria as the biosynthetic precursor to the 7-mercaptoheptanoic acid portion of 7-mercaptoheptanoylthreonine phosphate, a methanogenic coenzyme. J Mol Biol, 1989 Apr 20, 206(4), 627 - 36 The organization of the Caulobacter crescentus flagellar filament; Driks A et al.; The structural organization of the flagellar filament of Caulobacter crescentus, as revealed by immunoelectron microscopy, shows five antigenically distinct regions within the hook-filament complex . The first region is the hook . The second region is adjacent to the hook and is approximately 10 nm in length . On the basis of its location in the hook-filament complex, this region may contain hook-associated proteins . Next to this is the third region, which is approximately 60 nm in length . Antibody decoration experiments using mutant strains with deletions of the structural gene for the 29 x 10(3) Mr flagellin (flgJ) showed that the presence of this region is correlated with the expression of the 29 x 10(3) Mr flagellin gene . The next region (region IV), of length approximately 1 to 2 microns, appears to contain the 27.5 x 10(3) Mr flagellin, but at its distal end includes, in gradually increasing amounts, the 25 x 10(3) Mr flagellin . The rest of the filament (region V) is made up predominantly, if not completely, of the 25 x 10(3) Mr flagellin . Except for the hook, there are no morphological features that would otherwise distinguish these regions . A functional flagellum, having the wild-type length and morphology, is assembled by mutant strains deficient in the 29 x 10(3) Mr flagellin and 27.5 x 10(3) Mr flagellin. Eur J Biochem, 1989 Apr 15, 181(1), 199 - 206 Characterization of an FMN-containing cyclohexanone monooxygenase from a cyclohexane-grown Xanthobacter sp; Trower MK et al.; A soluble cyclohexanone monooxygenase was purified 16.1-fold to homogeneity from a Xanthobacter sp . grown upon cyclohexane as sole source of carbon and energy . The native enzyme is a 50-kDa single polypeptide chain associated with FMN rather than FAD as flavin prosthetic group in a 1:1 stoichiometric relationship . The monooxygenase catalyses the transformation of cyclohexanone to the lactone 1-oxa-2-oxocycloheptane in an oxygen ring insertion reaction . Only related cycloalkanone substrates are accepted for oxygenation, no activity is shown towards straight-chain alkanones . Enzyme activity is strongly inhibited by sulphydryl-reactive agents, but is relatively insensitive to metal chelators, electron transport inhibitors and the metal ions Fe3+ and Cu2+ . Cyclohexanone monooxygenase has Km values for cyclohexanone and NADPH of less than 0.5 microM and 12.5 microM respectively . Kinetic investigations under steady-state conditions demonstrate that the flavoprotein prosthetic group, FMN, is involved in the monooxygenase catalytic mechanism . The systematic name for the enzyme is cyclohexanone, NADPH:oxygen oxidoreductase (6-hydroxylating, 1,2-lactonizing) (EC 1.14.13.22). J Immunol, 1989 Apr 15, 142(8), 2828 - 34 Immunogenic Gal alpha 1----3Gal carbohydrate epitopes are present on pathogenic American Trypanosoma and Leishmania; Avila JL et al.; Anti-Gal is a natural antibody present in unusually high concentrations in human sera . It constitutes as much as 1% of circulating IgG and displays a distinct specificity for the Gal alpha 1----3Gal carbohydrate epitope . In the present study, we have found in the sera of patients with Chagas' disease and Leishmania infection anti-Gal titers 10- and 16-fold higher than that of healthy or bacteria-infected individuals . This increase in anti-Gal titer seemed to be the result of a specific immune response toward parasitic Gal alpha 1----3Gal epitopes . Binding studies of affinity chromatography-purified anti-Gal antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi and American Leishmania parasites indeed demonstrated the presence of Gal alpha 1----3Gal epitopes on these parasites . This finding was supported by the observed binding to the parasites of two additional Gal alpha 1----3Gal recognizing molecules: the mAb Gal-13, and the lectin, Bandeiraea simplicifolia I B4 . Furthermore, the binding of both anti-Gal antibody and of the B . simplicifolia I B4 lectin could be inhibited by galactose, and not glucose . In addition, removal of the terminal alpha-galactosyl residues from the parasites by pretreatment with alpha-galactosidase, or the oxidation of the binding epitopes by periodate prevented the subsequent binding of both the antibody and the lectin . A crude leishmanial lipid extract readily bound these three reagents, suggesting that at least part of these epitopes are of a glycolipid nature . These Gal alpha 1----3Gal epitopes may thus serve as an antigenic source for the excess production of anti-Gal . In view of the naturally high level of anti-Gal in humans and its binding to T . cruzi and Leishmania, it is argued that these antibodies may contribute to the natural defense against the invasion of such parasites. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1989 Apr 14, 980(2), 255 - 9 Characterization of the membrane-bound ATPase from a facultatively anaerobic alkalophile; Koyama N; We have studied the properties of membrane-bound ATPase of a facultatively anaerobic alkalophile . The enzyme could not be solubilized without detergent, suggesting an integral membrane protein . The activity was accelerated by NH4+ and acetate anion, and inhibited by NH3- . The enzyme required Mg2+ or Mn2+ as a divalent cation for the maximal activity . In addition to ATP, the enzyme utilized other triphosphates of nucleosides as a substrate, but not di- nor monophosphates . The enzyme was suggested to crossreact with an antibody against the alpha-subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase from dog kidney. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1989 Apr, 139(4), 1027 - 9 Intravascular macrophages in pulmonary capillaries of humans; Dehring DJ et al.; Pulmonary intravascular macrophages reside in the pulmonary capillaries and phagocytize bacteria and particulates . These cells are prominent in several animals species, but they have not been described in humans . Samples of lung tissue from patients undergoing thoracotomies for excision of noninfectious diseases were examined with transmission electron microscopy to determine if pulmonary intravascular macrophages are present in humans . The macrophages, with cytoplasm closely adjacent to the capillary and with an irregular contour, were seen in specimens from all patients . The morphologic features of human pulmonary intravascular macrophages resemble the appearance of these cells in animals . The potential significance of pulmonary intravascular macrophages is discussed with regard to sepsis-induced acute respiratory failure. Med Trop (Mars), 1989 Apr-Jun, 49(2), 129 - 33 {Infectious diarrhea in African acquired immunodepression syndrome (AIDS) . Apropos of 100 patients studied in Bujumbura (Burundi)}; Kadende P et al.; The authors carried out a prospective survey on 100 cases of AIDS in order to find out the different etiologies of infections diarrhoea in terms of frequency and diagnosis behaviour . 84 out of 100 patients got diarrhoea . All 100 patients had their stools examined, 78 underwent high digestive fibroscopy with irrigation and aspiration of duodenal liquid (IADL), 40 duodenal biopsies . 98 infecting agents were revealed in stool exams, 50 in IADL, 7 at the occasion of histopathological exam of duodenal biopsies . All together, stool exams and IADL gave evidence that Isospora belli and Cryptosporidium are the opportunistic infecting agents most often revealed (16.2 and 13.1 p.c., respectively) . The role of yeasts in diarrhoea is not evident, but esophageal candidosis is the most frequent opportunistic digestive infection (48 p.c.) . Anguillula is the only intestinal worm appearing to play a role: the role of bacteria and viruses cannot be evaluated precisely, but histopathological study revealed neither an atypical mycobacteriosis nor a virus disease (herpes, cytomegalovirus) . If diagnosis appears to be still difficult in 1989 when confronted with AIDS and diarrhoea, it seems highly advisable to examine the stools, to perform high digestive fibroscopy with IADL and biopsies . On the other hand, indications for colonoscopy appear to be restricted. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 1989 Apr, 37(4), 861 - 5 Application of dibutyltin oxide method to regioselective acylation and alkylation of tylosin at C-4''; Kiyoshima K et al.; 4''-O-Acyl-, 4''-O-alkyl- and 4''-deoxy-tylosin derivatives were synthesized using 2'-O-acetyl-3'',4''-O-(dibutyl-stannio)tylosin as a synthetic intermediate . The in vitro biological evaluation showed that the new derivatives were active against macrolide-resistant clinical isolates of bacteria and mycoplasmas, and that they were resistant to hepatic esterase. Nippon Geka Gakkai Zasshi, 1989 Apr, 90(4), 489 - 95 {Invasive candidiasis: its predisposing factors, usefulness and limitation of cultural study in its diagnosis, and consideration on the appropriate amphotericin B therapy}; Ikegami K et al.; We have reviewed 38 patients with invasive candidiasis and examined its predisposing factors, usefulness and limitation of cultural study in its diagnosis, and effective usage of amphotericin B in its treatment . Invasive candidiasis was diagnosed in 2.4% of the patients admitted during the past 5 years . One of the most important predisposing factors for development of invasive candidiasis was extensive use of antibiotics . Destruction of the mechanical barrier against bacteria and fungi caused by endotracheal intubations and various catheterization was another important factor . Mucosal lesion of the gastrointestinal tract, including stress ulcer, non-specific inflammatory bowel disease and esophageal ulcer, was seen in 30% of the patients . These lesions were thought to be the portal of entry for candida to systemic dissemination . AMPH is the most effective antifungal agent . Total dose of 300 to 1000 mg was effective in the patients . Dosage over 1000 mg was associated with progressive decrease in creatinine clearance . This decrease was irreversible even after discontinuation of AMPH . Candidal overgrowth within the G1 tract was considered to precede invasive candidiasis . Oral AMPH administration was effective in such conditions. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 1989 Apr, 17(2), 227 - 35 Heuristic potency of the minimum spanning tree (MST) method in toxicology; Devillers J et al.; A rapid and manual mathematical method for comparing ecotoxicologic data has been investigated . It uses a classification procedure based on the calculation of chi 2 distances between the different elements of a data matrix . The classification is carried out using a simple graph-theoretical procedure (Kruskal's algorithm), allowing the construction of minimum spanning tree (MST) . From an ecotoxicologic data base of 18 bacterial tests carried out on eight heavy metals the construction of the MST is explained in detail . Even if the results obtained are directly dependent on the data set chosen, they illustrate the heuristic potency of the minimum spanning tree method in comparing and estimating the dependence between environmental data. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1989 Apr, 55(4), 927 - 33 Lipid growth requirement and influence of lipid supplement on fatty acid and aldehyde composition of Syntrophococcus sucromutans; Dore J et al.; Results concerning the ruminal fluid growth requirement of the ruminal acetogen, Syntrophococcus sucromutans, indicate that octadecenoic acid isomers satisfy this essential requirement . Complex lipids, such as triglycerides and phospholipids, can also support growth . The cellular fatty acid and aldehyde composition closely reflects that of the lipid supplement provided to the cells . Up to 98% of the fatty acids and 80% of the fatty aldehydes are identical in chain length and degree of unsaturation to the octadecenoic acid supplement provided in the medium . S . sucromutans shows a tendency to have a greater proportion of the aldehyde form among its 18 carbon chains than it does with the shorter-chain simple lipids, which may be interpreted as a strategy to maintain membrane fluidity . 14C labeling showed that most of the oleic acid taken up from the medium was incorporated into the membrane fraction of the cells. J Biolumin Chemilumin, 1989 Apr-Jun, 3(2), 67 - 70 Measurement of phagocyte chemiluminescence using a microtitre plate luminometer; Blair AL et al.; The use of chemiluminescence techniques to study the interaction between bacteria and phagocytes has been useful for examining the extent to which serum factors, such as opsonins, are important in internalization of the organisms and the response of the cell to phagocytosed bacteria . However, such methods have been limited by the number of experiments which can be performed at one time using most commercial luminometers . However, the recent introduction of the Amerlite microtitre plate luminometer allows the measurement of chemiluminescence responses in 96-well microtitre plates . Using this instrument, lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence can be detected from as few as 5000 cells (polymorphonuclear leukocytes or monocytes) per well with a 1:10 ratio of cells to zymosan particles opsonized with 10% serum . The opsonic capacity of up to 100 sera can be measured in triplicate wells in a single experiment using four microtitre plates and polymorphonuclear leukocytes prepared from less than 40 ml freshly obtained venous blood . We are currently using this technique to investigate the effect of serum opsonins on the interaction between normal human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes with mycobacteria of three species (Mycobacterium leprae, M . tuberculosis, and M . avium-intracellulare) . Other possible applications of this method are discussed. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1989 Apr, 23 Suppl D, 97 - 104 Prophylaxis in caesarean section with cefmetazole and cefoxitin; Crombleholme WR et al.; A prospective, randomized, open comparison of three 1 g doses of cefmetazole with three 2 g doses of cefoxitin for non-elective Caesarean section was performed . Sixty-nine patients were evaluated . The two groups were comparable with respect to labour characteristics that might influence risk of postoperative infectious morbidity . Similarly, the nature of the bacterial contamination/infection of the amniotic fluid at the time of Caesarean section was comparable in the two groups . The only infectious morbidity noted was endomyometritis . The incidence was the same in both groups, 5/50 (10%) in the cefmetazole group and 2/19 (10.5%) in the cefoxitin group . Febrile morbidity, as reflected in the fever index, was not significantly different between the groups, 10.2 +/- 18.5 degree hours in the cefmetazole group and 7.5 +/- 11.7 degree hours in the cefoxitin group . Cefmetazole appeared to be equivalent to cefoxitin in reducing post-Caesarean section endomyometritis. J Clin Periodontol, 1989 Apr, 16(4), 265 - 7 Early plaque colonization on human cementum; Carrassi A et al.; We have described the morphology of developing plaque on cementum in an in vivo human model . Slabs of cementum obtained from sound teeth, rendered anorganic with 5% sodium hypochlorite, were glued to orthodontic brackets and positioned on the upper canines, premolars and molars in 8 volunteers . The brackets were removed after 2, 4, 8, 24 h and processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) . Within 2 h, a thin pellicle covered the cementum surface, with few micro-organisms detectable . At 4 and 8 h, coccoid plaques were present . Filaments inserted perpendicularly to the plaque surface were seen at 24 h . The results indicate that early bacterial colonization of human cementum is a selective process, mediated by an organic pellicle and mainly involves cocci. J Trauma, 1989 Apr, 29(4), 478 - 83 Metabolic and thermoregulatory responses to burn wound colonization; Aulick LH et al.; This study was designed to determine whether there is a relationship between bacterial colonization of the burn wound and resting oxygen consumption (VO2) and colonic temperature (Tc) in burned rats . Resting VO2, Tc, and blood, spleen, and wound cultures were monitored for 2 weeks after 30% total body surface full-thickness burns . The wounds of 53 animals were seeded with 10(8) nonvirulent P . aeruginosa (NVP) at the time of injury, while the wounds of 33 rats were allowed to colonize spontaneously . The seeded wounds contained 10(6) colony forming units/gm (CFU/gm) by the fourth postburn day (PBD), while the unseeded wounds did not reach this level of colonization until after the first week postinjury . Wound seeding accelerated the metabolic and thermoregulatory responses to injury . Average VO2 and Tc of the seeded group were above the unseeded group on PBD's 3-4 and 7-8, but there were no significant differences between groups on PBD's 14-15 . Although the unseeded animals were hypermetabolic during the first week, they remained afebrile . There was a significant correlation between wound bacterial counts and the increase in resting VO2 of 44 nonbacteremic animals, but variations in the data suggest that factors other than number of viable wound bacteria affect this relationship . Changes in Tc were unrelated to wound bacterial count but were correlated with changes in VO2 . Taken together, the data suggest that bacteria in the burn wound contribute to the rise in energy expenditure following thermal injury. Arch Intern Med, 1989 Apr, 149(4), 939 - 40 Fever and urticaria in acute giardiasis; Clyne CA et al.; Travelers' diarrhea afflicts some 250 million people yearly . A number of etiologic agents have been identified, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites . Giardia lamblia is one of the pathogens clearly associated with this syndrome . Typical symptoms of giardiasis that include abdominal bloating and cramps are well known, whereas urticaria has rarely been associated with this illness . An American tourist developed acute giardiasis accompanied by urticaria and high fever . No other pathogens were identified, and response to metronidazole therapy was prompt . Giardiasis should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute urticaria and fever in the traveler. South Med J, 1989 Apr, 82(4), 450 - 2 Cholecystectomy; Vanderpool D et al.; We retrospectively reviewed 360 consecutive cholecystectomies done by the four surgeons in our private group practice . No patient had dehiscence of the wound or evisceration . One patient had a seroma, which was opened in the office, but the fluid contained no white blood cells or bacteria on smear, and the culture was negative . No deaths occurred during the hospitalization or within 30 days after the operation . Routine perioperative antibiotics were used, and most wounds were drained with closed suction drainage . Routine intraoperative cholangiography was also done . On the basis of the favorable morbidity and mortality in this large group of patients and a review of the literature, we recommend the routine use of antibiotics and cholecystectomy for most patients with gallstones. J Bacteriol, 1989 Apr, 171(4), 2226 - 8 Major outer membrane proteins unique to reproductive cells of Hyphomonas jannaschiana; Shen N et al.; Separation on the basis of molecular weight resolved three proteins specific to the swarmer cell of Hyphomonas jannaschiana . In the reproductive cell, 4 major proteins were identified as cytoplasmic and 10 were identified as envelope . Of these envelope proteins, one was common to both the inner and outer memb