J Clin Pathol, 1987 Oct, 40(10), 1231 - 4 Light and electron microscopic features of tropical ulcer; Adriaans B et al.; The histopathological features of 20 tropical ulcers with the electron microscopic findings on seven biopsy specimens are reported . The main findings were loss of epidermis associated with extensive dermal oedema, infiltration by polymorphonuclear leucocytes, and disruption of collagen bundles . The presence of micro-organisms at the site of tissue damage was shown and compared with the morphology of the organisms grown in culture . The most commonly identified bacteria were pleomorphic rods whose electron microscopic appearances accorded most closely with Fusobacteria grown in vitro . Spirochaetes, identified ultrastructurally as Treponema sp, were also present . There was no evidence of vasculitis to explain the rapid onset of ulceration, but necrotic changes seen in the dermis and the inflammatory cell infiltrate suggest that, associated with cell necrosis, bacteria previously shown in vitro have an important role in the pathogenesis of tropical ulcers. J Parasitol, 1987 Oct, 73(5), 924 - 8 Propagation of the marine dinoflagellate Amyloodinium ocellatum under germ-free conditions; Noga EJ et al.; Germ-free infections of Amyloodinium ocellatum were produced on both living fish and in organ cultures . Exposing gnotobiotic guppies (Poecilia reticulata) to 125 dinospores in multiwell tissue culture plates produced nonlethal infections that could be serially propagated . Exposure to 250 or more parasites killed the fish during the first infection cycle, but if the dead fish were incubated in a cell culture medium/seawater mixture, the parasites could survive and reproduce for up to 2 wk in these organ cultures . Organ cultures containing only seawater or those containing bacteria did not support the prolonged survival of Amyloodinium. J Bacteriol, 1987 Oct, 169(10), 4837 - 40 Structural specificity of diamines covalently linked to peptidoglycan for cell growth of Veillonella alcalescens and Selenomonas ruminantium; Kamio Y; Putrescine and cadaverine are essential constituents of the peptidoglycan of Veillonella alcalescens, Veillonella parvula, and Selenomonas ruminantium and are necessary for the growth of these organisms (Y . Kamio and K . Nakamura, J . Bacteriol . 169:2881-2884, 1987, and Y . Kamio, H . Poso, Y . Terawaki, and L . Paulin, J . Biol . Chem . 261:6585-6589, 1986) . In this study, the structural specificity of the diamine requirement for normal cell growth of these bacteria was examined by using a series of diamines with a general structure of NH3+ X (CH2)n X NH3+ . Diaminohexane (n = 6) which was incorporated into the peptidoglycan was as effective as putrescine (n = 4) and cadaverine (n = 5) for normal cell growth . However, diaminopropane (n = 3) and diaminoheptane (n = 7) were less effective for growth than diaminohexane, although they were incorporated into the peptidoglycan to the same extent. Infect Immun, 1987 Oct, 55(10), 2359 - 63 Functional capacity of marginated and bone marrow reserve granulocytes; Steele RW et al.; Marginated and bone marrow reserve granulocytes were obtained from young healthy volunteers after subcutaneous administration of aqueous epinephrine (0.4 ml/m2) or intravenous administration of hydrocortisone sodium succinate (250 mg), respectively . These leukocytes were compared with circulating granulocytes for the ability to adhere to surfaces, migrate in a random fashion, respond to chemoattractants, interact with autologous serum opsonins, and phagocytize and kill five common bacterial pathogens . As contrasted with circulating neutrophils, marginated cells had enhanced phagocytic and killing capacity for some pathogens, whereas adherence, random migration, chemotaxis, and chemiluminescence for the two cell populations were equivalent . Bone marrow reserve cells demonstrated increased activity for three functional mechanisms; chemotaxis for these cells averaged 21% higher than that for circulating cells, and phagocytosis was 32% higher, with 6 to 17% greater killing of the five bacterial species studied . All of these differences were statistically significant (P less than 0.05) . Random migration and interaction with serum opsonins were unchanged in bone marrow granulocytes . These enhanced functional properties of neutrophils which are outside of the circulating pool may represent important host defense mechanisms during episodes of bacterial infection. J Prosthet Dent, 1987 Oct, 58(4), 517 - 21 Evaluation of the barrier system, an infection control system for the dental laboratory; Henderson CW et al.; An experimental system of laboratory infection control was tested, using 76 dentures from 40 volunteer patients . The dentures were cleansed on entering and again on leaving the laboratory . To evaluate the effectiveness of disinfection, the dentures were cultured as they were received from the patient, after the first cleansing, after polishing, and after the second cleansing . The disinfection of the prostheses involved scrubbing them with Hibiclens skin cleanser, rinsing, disinfection in one of three disinfectants (1:16 Sporicidin solution, full-strength Sporicidin solution, and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite {undiluted Clorox}), and finally rinsing . Full-strength Sporicidin solution was significantly more effective than diluted Sporicidin solution, but no statistically significant difference was found between full-strength Sporicidin solution and sodium hypochlorite, or between sodium hypochlorite and 1:16 Sporicidin solution . All three solutions were effective in reducing or eliminating culturable aerobic bacteria. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1987 Oct, 31(10), 1572 - 4 Comparison of four antiseptic products containing chlorhexidine gluconate; Larson EL et al.; The purpose of this study was to compare the antimicrobic efficacies of four formulations of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) for handwashing under frequent-use conditions . Fifty volunteers were assigned by block randomization to one of five products: one of two liquid detergents containing 4% CHG, a liquid detergent containing 2% CHG, a foam containing 4% CHG, and a nonantiseptic soap (control) . Subjects washed their hands by a standardized technique 15 times per day for 5 days . After days 1 and 5 of handwashing, there was a significant reduction in log CFU for subjects using all four CHG-containing products compared with subjects using control soap and for subjects within each group after days 1 and 5 compared with the base-line CFU counts (all P less than 0.05) . There were no significant differences between the four CHG products at any testing time . We conclude that all four formulations are satisfactory for clinical use. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1987 Oct, 53(10), 2548 - 53 Localizations of aluminum in soybean bacteroids and seeds; Roth LE et al.; Aluminum, long known to be detrimental to soybean productivity, was localized in the polyphosphate granules (PPG) of bacteroids in root nodules of soybean plants . By using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, bacteroids in early infections were shown to have typical PPG constituents . However, in PPG in older infections and after the bacteroids were digested intracellularly, aluminum was also detected . These results indicate that aluminum accumulates in PPG after a period when organisms have been resident in host cells and that high levels of aluminum were present in the bacteroids at the time of their demise . At least some of the aluminum in these laboratory-grown plants could have come from the seeds used. Jpn J Antibiot, 1987 Oct, 40(10), 1741 - 4 {Clinical trials on cefuzonam in obstetrics and gynecological infections}; Ikeno N et al.; Ten patients (3 cases of abscess of vaginal cuff, 1 case of abscess of vaginal cuff complicated with parametritis, 2 cases of pyosalpinx, 1 case each of abscess of abdominal wall, pelvic cellulitis, pyometra with cervical cancer and paraovarian abscess were treated with cefuzonam (CZON), which was administrated by intravenous drip infusion at a dose of 1,000 mg twice a day for 3 to 10 days (6 g to 19 g total) . The clinical effectiveness reached 70.0% including 1 excellent case, 6 good cases and 3 poor cases . Bacteria were detected in all the 10 cases, and with CZON treatment, bacterial eradication were obtained in 3 cases, bacteria decreased in 3 cases, no change in 2 cases and bacterial replacement occurred in 2 cases . No abnormal laboratory findings and side effects were noted . From the above results, CZON seemed to be a highly effective and useful agent for gynecological infections. Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {A}, 1987 Oct, 266(3-4), 443 - 8 Fatal Legionella pneumonia: retrospective examination of lung tissue using direct and indirect fluorescent-antibody methods; Ruf B et al.; Lung tissue sections of patients who died of pneumonia within one year were screened retrospectively for Legionnaires' disease bacteria using simultaneously a direct fluorescent antibody test (DFA) and an indirect fluorescent antibody system (IFA) . The IFA has shown to provide a rapid screen for the increasing number of known Legionella species and serogroups recently . In 10/168 (6%) of our cases legionellae were the pneumonia causing agents detected with both methods . Although we should have been able to detect 25 serological variants of Legionella species and serogroups with the IFA, we found Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 only . The IFA test has proven to be a reliable means for the screening of lung tissue sections. Ann Ophthalmol, 1987 Oct, 19(10), 376 - 9 Placebo-controlled, double-blind evaluation of the efficacy and safety of yellow mercuric oxide in suppression of eyelid infections; Kastl PR et al.; We tested an over-the-counter ophthalmic ointment, yellow mercuric oxide 1%, for safety and efficacy in decreasing eyelid-margin bacterial-colony counts . Of 150 patients screened for high bacterial levels, 78 were randomized in double-blind fashion to either yellow mercuric oxide bid (41 patients or 53%) or a placebo (37 patients or 47%) . Bacterial-colony counts were determined at outset and at days 4 and 7 of treatment . At the conclusion of treatment on day 7, 87% of patients in the mercuric oxide group were successful in decreasing bacterial counts, compared with 59% of patients treated with placebo (P = .01) . Side effects were no higher in the active group than in the placebo group . We have shown mercuric oxide 1% to be safe and effective in reducing eyelid bacterial-colony counts in patients with hordeolum and blepharitis. Epidemiol Infect, 1987 Oct, 99(2), 471 - 6 Most probable numbers of organisms: revised tables for the multiple tube method; Tillett HE; Estimation of numbers of organisms is often made using dilution series, for example when examining water samples for coliform organisms . In this paper the most probable numbers (MPNs) are calculated for a 15-tube series consisting of five replicates at three consecutive tenfold dilutions . Exact conditional probabilities are computed to replace previous approximations . When growth is observed in several of the tubes it is not realistic to select a single MPN . Instead a most probable range (MPR) should be reported . But using an MPR creates problems when comparison has to be made with a legislated, single-valued Standard . It is suggested that the wording of the Standards should be expressed differently when the multiple tube method is used. J Am Acad Dermatol, 1987 Oct, 17(4), 606 - 11 Assessment of diphenylcyclopropenone for photochemically induced mutagenicity in the Ames assay; Wilkerson MG et al.; The photochemical conversion of diphenylcyclopropenone to diphenylacetylene has recently been reported . Diphenylcyclopropenone is used in the treatment of alopecia areata and is nonmutagenic in a limited Ames assay . We examined diphenylcyclopropenone and diphenylacetylene, as well as synthetic precursors of diphenylcyclopropenone--dibenzylketone and alpha,alpha'-dibromodibenzylketone--for mutagenicity against TA100, TA98, TA102, UTH8413, and UTH8414 . All compounds were nonmutagenic except alpha,alpha'-dibromodibenzylketone, which was a potent mutagen in TA100 with and without S-9 activation . The effect of photochemical activation of diphenylcyclopropenone in the presence of bacteria demonstrated mutagenicity in UTH8413 (two times background) at 10 micrograms/plate with S-9 microsomal activation . 8-Methoxypsoralen produces a mutagenic response in TA102 at 0.1 microgram/plate with 60 seconds of exposure to 350 nm light . In vitro photochemically activated Ames assay with S-9 microsomal fraction may enhance the trapping of short-lived photochemically produced high-energy mutagenic intermediates . This technique offers exciting opportunities to trap high-energy intermediates that may play an important role in mutagenesis . This method can be applied to a variety of topically applied dermatologic agents, potentially subjected to photochemical changes in normal use. J Vasc Surg, 1987 Oct, 6(4), 398 - 402 Fungal graft infections: case report and review of the literature; Doscher W et al.; Fungal intravascular graft infections are rare . In addition to our case, which forms the basis of this article, only 13 documented instances could be found in the literature in the 20-year period from 1966 to 1986 . Three of these cases (21%) had both fungus and bacteria grown in culture . Candida and Aspergillus species constituted most of the infecting organisms (79%) . There was no obvious difference in the clinical presentations between fungal and bacterial infections . In two cases (14%), there was a strong predisposition toward fungal infection: one in a patient with pulmonary histoplasmosis and one in a patient with leukemia . Appropriate intervention appears to be graft excision and extra-anatomic bypass with concomitant therapy with amphotericin B . Survival with this approach was 84%, whereas other methods yielded a survival rate of 20%. J Am Diet Assoc, 1987 Oct, 87(10), 1351 - 3 Food and nutrition services in bone marrow transplant centers; Dezenhall A et al.; Nutrition care for bone marrow transplant recipients is recognized as vital for a successful transplant, yet little research has been done to determine the most effective foodservice methods . Many decisions regarding methods for the oral feeding of bone marrow transplant patients are based on tradition and/or individual judgments . This study surveyed marrow transplant centers to identify existing food and nutrition services that could be used as a basis for developing a foodservice protocol . A survey instrument was developed and sent to all chief dietitians (no . = 35) affiliated with transplantation centers in the United States . Four of the 30 respondents reported changing from the traditional sterile diet to either a low-bacteria or a modified house diet . Problems of limited availability of single-serve sterile foods, lack of standardization of recipes, and low patient acceptance of autoclaved sterile foods were reported as reasons for the move toward less stringent dietary procedures . The responses clearly indicate the need for additional research before a foodservice model can be established. J Bacteriol, 1987 Oct, 169(10), 4731 - 6 Transverse membrane topography of the B875 light-harvesting polypeptides of wild-type Rhodobacter sphaeroides; Takemoto JY et al.; Purified B875 light-harvesting complex, chromatophores, and spheroplast-derived vesicles from wild-type Rhodobacter sphaeroides were treated with proteinase K or trypsin, and the alpha and beta polypeptides were analyzed by electrophoretic, immunochemical, and protein-sequencing methods . With the purified complex, proteinase K digested both polypeptides and completely eliminated the A875 peak . Trypsin digested the alpha polypeptide and reduced the A875 by 50% . Proteinase K cleaved the beta polypeptide of chromatophores and the alpha polypeptide of spheroplast-derived vesicles . Sequence analyses of polypeptides extracted from proteinase K-treated chromatophores revealed that the beta polypeptide was cleaved between amino acids 4 and 5 from the N terminus . The N terminus of the alpha polypeptide was intact . We concluded that the N terminus of the beta polypeptide is exposed on the cytoplasmic membrane surface, and the difference in the digestion patterns between the spheroplast-derived vesicles and chromatophores suggested that the C terminus of the alpha polypeptide is exposed on the periplasmic surface. Acta Pathol Microbiol Immunol Scand {C}, 1987 Oct, 95(5), 213 - 20 Modulation of beta-galactosidase activity in peritoneal macrophages from C57B1 mice after exposure to Proprionibacterium acnes; Rhodes JM et al.; Peritoneal macrophages (PM luminal diameter) from untreated C57B1 mice contain high levels of beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) and these PM luminal diameter are heterogeneous in their expression of this enzyme . Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of saline caused a transient depression in the level of enzyme activity in the PM luminal diameter whereas i.p . injection of Proprionibacterium acnes (P . acnes) gave rise to a marked decrease of beta-gal activity in these cells . This reduction in enzymatic activity persisted for as long as the PM luminal diameter were activated for cytotoxicity towards the L929 tumor cell line, up to 35 days after injection . beta-gal activity was present in the lavage fluid from day 2-21 after injection of P . acnes but none was detected in the lavage fluid after injection of saline . It is proposed that the enzymatic activity in the lavage fluid is derived from monocytes which migrate from the blood into the peritoneal cavity . There was an influx of granulocytes in the P . acnes group which persisted up to 35 days after injection . In contrast none were observed in the saline group after 2 days . PM luminal diameter harvested after 1-35 days were large, highly vacuolized and many contained bacteria; these PM luminal diameter had the typical morphology of activated cells . It is suggested that the processing of P . acnes by granulocytes may play a role in the activation of macrophages in the early inflammatory response, with concurrent loss in beta-gal activity . However, in the later stages, interferon-gamma and other induced lymphokines may be instrumental in causing a decrease in beta-gal activity. Biochem J, 1987 Oct 1, 247(1), 121 - 33 An extremely thermostable extracellular proteinase from a strain of the archaebacterium Desulfurococcus growing at 88 degrees C; Cowan DA et al.; An organism growing at 88 degrees C that closely resembles Desulfurococcus mucosus produced a single extracellular proteinase . We have purified this enzyme and carried out a preliminary characterization . The proteinase, which is a serine-type enzyme, had a molecular mass of 52,000 Da by SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis, but only 10,000-13,000 Da by gel-permeation chromatography . Molecular mass values from sucrose-gradient centrifugation were of the same order as those from SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis . It had an isoelectric point of 8.7, and was inhibited by di-isopropyl phosphorofluoridate, phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride and chymostatin . Substrate-specificity studies suggested a possible preference for hydrophobic residues on the C-terminal side of the splitting point . The thermostability of this enzyme is probably greater than any other reported proteinase (t1/2 at 95 degrees C, 70-90 min; t1/2 at 105 degrees C, 8-9 min) . Ca2+ chelation does not appear to be implicated in stabilization of the protein structure . The stability of the Desulfurococcus proteinase was not greatly affected by the presence of reducing reagents (e.g . dithiothreitol), some chaotropic agents (e.g . NaSCN) and some detergents, but activity was lost rapidly at 95 degrees C in the presence of the oxidizing agent NaBO3 . Proteolytic activity was readily detected at temperatures up to and including 125 degrees C, although denaturation was very rapid above 115 degrees C . A number of Figures supporting some of the findings reported in this paper have been deposited in supplement SUP 50137 (14 pages) at the British Library Lending Division, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies may be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem . J . (1987) 241, 5. Tohoku J Exp Med, 1987 Oct, 153(2), 111 - 21 Correlation between Branhamella catarrhalis adherence to oropharyngeal cells and seasonal incidence of lower respiratory tract infections; Mbaki N et al.; Bacterial colonization of the oropharynx is the initial event in most lower respiratory tract infections . To study the role of bacterial adherence in lower respiratory tract infections caused by Branhamella catarrhalis (B . catarrhalis) in winter, in vitro adherence assays of the organism to human oropharyngeal cells were carried out in winter, spring, summer and autumn . A total of 57 adults of both sexes were studied from January to December 1985 . Forty eight persons of 57 had chronic pulmonary diseases and the remaining 9 persons had other clinical entities and served as the control group . Predominance of lower respiratory tract infections caused by B . catarrhalis with high adherence rate was observed in winter . Adherence activity was moderate in spring and autumn and low in summer and accompanied by a similar incidence of lower respiratory tract infections with this bacteria . In addition, similar results were found in patients in whom investigations were done successively in the above four seasons . Bacterial adherence activity to cells however, was weak in winter in the control group . These results indicate that seasonal variation plays a significant role in the ability of B . catarrhalis to adhere to oropharyngeal cells . This is an important pathogenic factor correlated with the incidence of lower-respiratory tract infections in these patients. Carcinogenesis, 1987 Oct, 8(10), 1417 - 21 Cytotoxicity, mutations and SCEs induced by methylating agents are reduced in CHO cells expressing an active mammalian O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase gene; Bignami M et al.; Alkylation at the O6 position of guanine leading to miscoding during DNA replication has been shown to correlate with mutagenesis both in bacteria and mammalian cells . The widely used Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) are unable to remove O6-methylguanine (O6-meG) due to the absence of O6-meG DNA methyltransferase (MT) activity . Recently Ding et al . {Mol . Cell . Biol . (1985) 5, 3293-3296} transfected CHO cells with human liver DNA obtaining a line provided with a function for the repair of O6-meG . We confirmed the presence of MT activity in this particular clone (14,300 molecules/cell) . We used this MT-proficient cell line as compared with the original MT-deficient CHO cell line to analyse the relevance of repair of this lesion on cell killing, ouabain resistance (ouar) mutations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) induced by methylating agents . MT-proficient cells were more resistant than MT-deficient ones to the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) . Furthermore a lower number of MNNG-induced SCEs were found in MT-proficient CHO than in MT-deficient cells . Similar ouar mutation frequencies were recorded in the two cell lines after 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) treatment showing that the differences in cytotoxicity and mutagenesis are restricted to treatment with alkylating agents. Am J Public Health, 1987 Oct, 77(10), 1331 - 2 A pseudo-epidemic of septicemia among Medicare patients in Iowa; Helms CM; Between 1980 and 1986, Medicare discharges for DRG 416 (Septicemia Age greater than or equal to 18) increased dramatically in Iowa . The rate rose most steeply between 1983 and 1984 . Relative bacteria-specific septicemia rates did not change substantially . The proportion of citing hospitals increased as did the number of citations per citing hospital . The data are best explained by increased physician-hospital reporting . A component of DRG (diagnosis related group) "creep" could not be excluded. Anticancer Drug Des, 1987 Oct, 2(2), 151 - 64 DNA topoisomerases in cancer therapy; Lock RB et al.; DNA topoisomerases I and II are nuclear enzymes which modify DNA topology by their ability to break and reseal one or both strands in concert . Each of these enzymes has important functions in DNA replication, and very likely in other genetic processes as well . In addition, each can serve as a cancer chemotherapy target . The plant alkaloid camptothecin traps DNA topoisomerase I in a form which is covalently linked to DNA . Presumably this action is the basis for its anti-tumor effect, although this has not been conclusively demonstrated . The evidence for DNA topoisomerase II as a target for intercalating agents and epipodophyllotoxins is more formidable . Each of these classes of agents traps the enzyme on DNA in a structure referred to as a 'cleavable complex' . Illicit recombination events, as well as induction of an 'SOS-like' response analogous to that found in bacteria, have been suggested as possible mechanisms for cell death following cleavable complex formation . Development of new agents directed at topoisomerase II will depend heavily on understanding the nature of the interaction between the drug, enzyme and DNA . Hypotheses are presented in this paper on this interaction . Intracellular content of topoisomerase II is linked to the ability of the cell to enter a G0-like state, and the inability of malignant cells to undergo such a change may provide part of the basis for therapeutic selectivity . The ability to modulate topoisomerase II levels may provide an opportunity for therapeutic intervention. J Biochem (Tokyo), 1987 Oct, 102(4), 777 - 84 Cytochrome aa3 from the aerobic photoheterotroph Erythrobacter longus: purification, and enzymatic and molecular features; Fukumori Y et al.; Cytochrome c oxidase (cytochrome aa3-type) {EC 1.9.3.1} was purified from Erythrobacter longus to homogeneity as judged by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and some of its properties were studied . The spectral properties of the oxidase closely resembled those of mitochondrial and other bacterial cytochromes aa3 . The enzyme showed absorption peaks at 430 and 598 nm in the oxidized form, and at 444 and 603 nm in the reduced form . The CO compound of the reduced enzyme showed peaks at 432 and 600 nm . The enzyme oxidized eukaryotic ferrocytochromes C more rapidly than E . longus ferrocytochrome c . The reactions catalyzed by the enzyme were 50% inhibited by 0.7 microM KCN . The enzyme contained 1 g atom of copper and 1 g atom of magnesium per mol of heme a . The enzyme molecule seemed to be composed of two identical subunits, each with a molecular weight of 43,000. Scand J Dent Res, 1987 Oct, 95(5), 389 - 96 Effect of sodium and amine fluoride treatment on adsorption and ultrastructure of S . mutans and S . sanguis; Meurman JH; A new modification of hydroxyapatite (HA) adherence assay is presented to study the effect of two chemically different fluorides, sodium fluoride (2% solution) and amine fluoride (Elmex sol . concentrate) on the adsorption of S . mutans (ATCC 27351) and S . sanguis (ATCC 10556) . Vaseline-coated glass rods were rolled in HA powder, after which the rods were either coated or not coated with salivary pellicle . Both strains adsorbed better to saliva-coated rods . Pretreatment of the rods with fluorides did not much affect the adsorptions . Treatment of bacteria with the fluorides, however, very significantly reduced the adsorption in both strains (P less than 0.001) . The fluoride treatments also reduced bacterial viabilities, and electron microscopy revealed a distinct toxic effect, in particular among the amine fluoride treated specimens. Schweiz Med Wochenschr, 1987 Sep 26, 117(39), 1514 - 8 {Effect of Broncho-Vaxom on serum IgE and IgG levels in patients with bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease . A placebo-controlled double-blind study}; Weiss S et al.; In a double-blind study of 33 patients with bronchial asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, of whom 17 had proven atopies, the results showed a distinct diminution of the mean IgE level in the atopic patients at the end of 1-month treatment with Broncho-Vaxom, though not attaining statistical significance (trend with p less than 0.10), compared to a slight increase under placebo . Simultaneously the mean IgG level increased slightly in the atopic patients under Broncho-Vaxom and remained stable in the patients under placebo (p less than 0.10) . The IgE and IgG values of the non-atopic patients in both treatment groups remained practically unchanged . Considering the small number of patients in each group, and the clear tendency towards a diminution of the IgE level, it may be concluded that the administration of Broncho-Vaxom to atopic patients does not lead to an increased IgE level but, on the contrary, seems rather to favour a decrease. Biochemistry, 1987 Sep 22, 26(19), 6012 - 8 Substrate analogues as mechanistic probes of methyl-S-coenzyme M reductase; Wackett LP et al.; Methyl-S-coenzyme M reductase catalyzes the ultimate methane-yielding reaction in methanogenic bacteria, the reductive cleavage of the terminal carbon-sulfur bond of 2-(methylthio)ethanesulfonic acid . This protein has previously been shown to contain 2 equiv of a tightly bound nickel corphinoid cofactor, denoted cofactor F430, that may play a role in catalysis . Prior to this study, only one substrate analogue, ethyl-S-coenzyme M, had been demonstrated to be processed to a product by anaerobic cell extracts from Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum strain delta H . In this investigation, we have synthesized three additional substrate analogues that serve as substrates as well as five previously unknown inhibitors . Steady-state kinetic techniques were developed in order to assess relative rates of processing for these substrates and inhibitors by use of anaerobic cell extracts from M . thermoautotrophicum . With this assay system, a KM of 0.1 mM and a kcat of 17 min-1 were determined for methyl-S-coenzyme M as substrate . Methyl-seleno-coenzyme M was converted to methane with a kcat threefold higher than that of methyl-S-coenzyme M, but kcat/KM was unchanged . The carbon-oxygen bond of 2-methoxyethanesulfonic acid was not cleaved to yield methane, but this analogue acted as an inhibitor with a K1 of 8.3 mM . Methyl reductase catalyzed reductive cleavage of difluoromethyl-S-coenzyme M to yield difluoromethane as the sole product, but trifluoromethyl-S-coenzyme M and trifluoromethyl-seleno-coenzyme M were inhibitors and not substrates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Cell, 1987 Sep 11, 50(6), 841 - 6 The DNA-binding domains of the jun oncoprotein and the yeast GCN4 transcriptional activator protein are functionally homologous; Struhl K; The jun oncoprotein, which causes sarcomas in chickens, and the DNA-binding domain of yeast GCN4, which coordinately regulates the expression of amino acid biosynthetic genes, show significant homology . In yeast cells deleted for the GCN4 gene, GCN4 function can be conferred by a hybrid protein in which the GCN4 DNA-binding domain is replaced by the homologous region of jun . Moreover, in strains containing various mutations of the GCN4 binding site in the HIS3 promoter, HIS3 expression is affected similarly by the hybrid protein and by GCN4 . These results indicate that the jun oncoprotein binds the same DNA sequences as GCN4, and strongly suggest that jun is derived from a normal cellular transcription factor (possibly AP-1, which recognizes similar sequences) . This provides direct evidence for the idea that alterations in the machinery for proper gene expression can lead to the oncogenic state. Scand J Immunol, 1987 Sep, 26(3), 255 - 65 The extracellular portion of HLA-DR alpha chain is composed of two compactly folded domains; Bill P et al.; A truncated form of the class II antigen DR alpha chain of the human major histocompatibility complex was produced in bacteria . A cDNA clone encoding the intact chain was modified so that the segment encoding the signal sequence was replaced by an ATG codon and the 3' region downstream to the part corresponding to the third exon was replaced by a stop codon . The new construct was put under the control of the Tac promoter in a bacterial expression vector . The distance between the Shine-Delgarno sequence and the initiation codon was randomized so that clones with optimal expression of the truncated DR alpha chain could be obtained after induced expression and immunoscreening . The truncated DR alpha chain was subjected to limited proteolysis with chymotrypsin, and the resulting cleavage products were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . Two fragments were visualized by western blotting . Electrophoresis in the absence and presence of reducing agents suggested that one of the proteolytic fragments contained a disulphide bridge . It is concluded that the extracellular portion of the DR alpha chain is composed of two compactly folded domains connected by an extended stretch of the polypeptide chain. Immunology, 1987 Sep, 62(1), 45 - 51 Phagocytosis of target particles bearing C3b-IgG covalent complexes by human monocytes and polymorphonuclear leucocytes; Fries LF et al.; Immunoglobulin G (IgG) provides an efficient acceptor site for nascent C3b, and complement activation on the surface of IgG-coated bacteria has been shown to generate significant numbers of C3b-IgG complexes . We have studied the relative efficiency of IgG alone, C3b-IgG complexes, and similar densities of IgG and C3b residues deposited independently, in mediating ingestion of sheep erythrocyte (E) targets by human phagocytes . Human 125I-C3b covalently bound to rabbit anti-Forssman IgG was generated as described elsewhere (Fries et al., 1985) . E,EIgMC4b, or EIgMC4b3b (prepared with IgM antibody and purified complement components) were sensitized with radiolabelled anti-Forssman IgG or C3b-IgG heterodimers to generate targets bearing IgG alone, C3b-IgG covalent complexes, or C3b and IgG in equivalent numbers but not bound to each other . Phagocytosis by monocytes and polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMN) of targets bearing C3b-IgG was markedly enhanced relative to those bearing IgG alone, especially at levels of less than 2000 opsonin residues/target cell . Uptake of C3b-IgG-bearing targets was also significantly more resistant to competitive inhibition by ambient monomeric IgG . Phagocytosis of EIgMC4b + C3b-IgG by monocytes was superior to the uptake of either EAC4b + IgG or EAC4b3b + IgG bearing equivalent amounts of C3b and IgG not in covalent complex (P less than 0.05, n = 10) . Similar results were obtained with PMN . Thus, generation of C3b-IgG complexes in vivo may not only promote complement activation and enhance C3b deposition, but also produce a compound opsonic residue which is a more potent promoter of phagocytosis than an equal number of C3b and IgG residues randomly distributed relative to each other. Crit Care Med, 1987 Sep, 15(9), 835 - 9 Transient episodes of sigmoid ischemia and their relation to infection from intestinal organisms after abdominal aortic operations; Fiddian-Green RG et al.; We examined the possibility that disruption of the mucosal barrier confining bacteria to the lumen of the colon, which occurs during the transient episodes of sigmoid ischemia after abdominal aortic operations, might be causally related to the appearance of infections from intestinal organisms . Six (18%) of 33 patients after elective operations developed transient sigmoid ischemia identified by the development of acidosis in the sigmoid colon wall on the day of operation and the appearance of guaiac-positive liquid stool a few days after the surgery . Three patients developed infections from intestinal organisms, all of whom had an antecedent episode of sigmoid ischemia (p less than .004, Fisher's exact test) . The degree of acidosis in the wall of the sigmoid colon on the day of surgery was greater (p less than .004) and the duration longer (p less than .004) in these patients than in the others . The duration of sigmoid ischemia was the best predictor of infection (p less than .0001) . These data are consistent with the hypothesis in question. Gastroenterology, 1987 Sep, 93(3), 472 - 9 gamma-Aminobutyric acid production in small and large intestine of normal and germ-free Wistar rats . Influence of food intake and intestinal flora; van Berlo CL et al.; In recent hypotheses concerning the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is claimed to be produced by the colonic flora, although enzymes necessary to generate GABA have been reported to be present in intestinal mucosa . In this study, using normal and germ-free Wistar rats, we determined GABA levels and amino-grams of arterial blood and of venous effluent from small and large bowel . The data indicate that large and small intestinal mucosa significantly contribute to GABA production . In the fasted state GABA concentrations are greater in the venous effluent of the small bowel than in the venous effluent of the large bowel . Feeding increases the arterioportal differences, and uptake in the small bowel is still significantly higher than in the large bowel . This process is not, or can only be to a minor degree, bacterially mediated, because GABA production in the gut both in the fed and fasted state is of similar magnitude in germ-free and normal animals . gamma-Aminobutyric acid release correlates significantly with glutamine uptake in the small bowel of fasted rats . Only a small fraction of the glutamine taken up is needed to account for GABA release, so that conclusions concerning which amino acids may serve as precursors of GABA cannot be drawn . Further studies are needed to delineate the metabolic pathways leading to GABA synthesis. Biochem J, 1987 Sep 1, 246(2), 537 - 41 Active-site- and substrate-specificity of Thermoanaerobium Tok6-B1 pullulanase; Plant AR et al.; Thermoanaerobium Tok6-B1 pullulanase (EC 3.2.1.41) was active on alpha 1-6-glucosidic linkages of pullulan, amylopectin and glycogen and the alpha 1-4 linkages of amylose, amylopectin and glycogen but not of pullulan . Hydrolysis of short-chain-length malto-oligosaccharides (seven or fewer glucose residues) yielded maltose as product . Pullulan hydrolysis was pH-dependent and a plot of log(V/Km) versus pH implied a carboxy group with pKa 4.3 at the active site . Modification with 1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodi-imide (EDAC) confirmed this view, and analysis of the order of reaction and inactivation kinetics suggested the presence of a single carboxy group at a catalytic centre of the active site . EDAC-mediated inhibition of pullulan alpha 1-6-bond hydrolysis was relieved by amylose or pullulan . Similarly both pullulan and amylose protected the activity directed at alpha 1-4 bonds of amylose from EDAC inhibition . When both amylose and pullulan were simultaneously present, the observed rate of product formation closely fitted a kinetic model in which both substrates were hydrolysed at the same active site. J Biochem (Tokyo), 1987 Sep, 102(3), 613 - 9 Purification and characterization of 7 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase from Ruminococcus sp . of human intestine; Akao T et al.; 7 beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7 beta-HSD) was produced by Ruminococcus sp . PO1-3 obtained from among human intestinal bacteria . The enzyme was purified from a crude extract by ammonium sulfate fractionation, and Butyl-Toyopearl 650M, Sephadex G-150, Matrex Red A and Octyl-Sepharose chromatographies . The purified enzyme was obtained as a single band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with enzyme activity staining and as one band corresponding to a molecular weight of 30,000 on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . On gel filtration, its apparent molecular weight was estimated to be 60,000 . The enzyme had a sulfhydryl group(s) in its active site . Substrate specificity studies revealed that the enzyme showed absolute specificity for the beta-configuration of a hydroxyl group at the 7 position of bile acids, and required NADP+ and NADPH as cosubstrates . The Km values for ursodeoxycholic acid, 7-k etolithocholic acid, NADP+, and NADPH were 5.0, 8.5, 7.7, and 24 microM, respectively. Tubercle, 1987 Sep, 68(3), 209 - 20 The effect of polyoxyethylene stearate (POES) on the growth of mycobacteria in radiometric 7H12 Middlebrook TB medium; Cutler RR et al.; Polyoxyethylene stearate (POES) is a non-ionic emulsifying agent . Such agents have been shown to enhance the growth of mycobacteria in vitro . POES (POE(JL)S) has been recommended as an additive to the radiolabelled 7H12 Middlebrook TB media and as such has been shown to enhance growth of mycobacteria in the radiometric BACTEC rapid culture system . We examined the growth enhancing effect of six previously untested POE's (POE(8)S to POE(100)S) whose spreading properties (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balances-HLB's) were known . The aim of this study was to determine which POES has the greatest ability to enhance the growth of different mycobacterial species and how the HLB of each POES related to its effect on the growth of each species . We found that POE(50)S produced the greatest enhancement in growth and reduction in the time taken to detect growth for M . tuberculosis and POE(30)S and POE(JL)S for species of mycobacteria other than M . tuberculosis (MOTT) . Comparing the effects of POES's to their HLB's (in BACTEC 7H12 media) we suggest four factors which may affect the growth enhancing ability of each POES: 1 its dispersal effect on the bacteria (acting as an emulsifier); 2 it's solubilizer effect on the bacterial cell; 3 the effect the POES on the dispersal of the radiolabelled fatty acid used as a substrate in the media to produce radiolabelled CO2; 4 mycobacteria may metabolise POES. J Appl Bacteriol, 1987 Sep, 63(3), 227 - 32 A note on shelf-life extension of British fresh sausage by vacuum packing; Adams MR et al.; Vacuum packing of British fresh sausage in a low oxygen permeability film (Diolon) extended the product shelf-life at 6 degrees C to more than 20 d compared with 9-14 d in conventional packs . After 10 d storage, counts of key spoilage organisms such as yeasts and Brochothrix thermosphacta were generally 2 log cycles lower in vacuum packs . Vacuum-packed sausages also displayed a slower rate of loss of free sulphite . Variations in pack permeability to SO2 were not responsible for this . Losses of free SO2 in stored sausages are largely due to the production of sulphite-binding agents by yeasts . Selective enumeration of these yeasts showed them to be inhibited by conditions of vacuum packing . The extension of shelf-life observed is ascribed to the reduction in growth rate of the spoilage flora in vacuum packs coupled with the consequent maintenance of inhibitory levels of sulphite for a longer period. Anticancer Res, 1987 Sep-Oct, 7(5B), 949 - 54 Use of mutagenicity assays in studies of human cancer; Venitt S; Analysis of human body fluids and excreta for mutagenic activity is used for monitoring occupational exposure to mutagens and carcinogens and for investigating the aetiology of human cancer, especially tumours of the gastro-intestinal tract . The assays most commonly used for these studies employ reverse mutation from amino-acid auxotrophy to prototrophy in bacteria . The critical features of such tests are reviewed, together with the major variables which may confound the interpretation of data collected from such studies . The most important confounding variables are use of tobacco, diet and intake of medicines and drugs . The advantages and disadvantages of body-fluid analysis are summarised and a comprehensive bibliography is provided. Naturwissenschaften, 1987 Sep, 74(9), 423 - 30 {Modern electron microscopy at cellular and macromolecular levels . Strategies for preparation, imaging and image interpretation}; Mayer F; Conventional electron microscopy has significantly contributed to the understanding of structure-function relationships in living systems on cellular and macromolecular levels . New approaches and strategies will provide further insight into the organization of life . These new developments include cryopreparation and imaging techniques, X-ray microanalysis on frozen samples, electron energy loss spectroscopy, electron spectroscopic imaging, electron microscopic immunocytochemistry, preparation and imaging of ordered two-dimensional arrays of macromolecules, and computer image analysis and reconstruction . The techniques are described . Selected examples illustrate potential and limitations of these approaches and strategies. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1987 Sep, 20 Suppl A, 1 - 6 The pathogenesis of infective endocarditis; Freedman LR; Three aspects of our current understanding of the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis are reviewed: the size of the infected vegetation, host defence mechanisms and conditions which determine the outcome of experimental infection . Animal studies have been conducted with anticoagulants in which fatal infective endocarditis was produced without macroscopic evidence of endocardial vegetations . Detection of such lesions in man would change our perception of the epidemiology and clinical course of the disorder . It is probable that polymorphonuclear leucocytes are important in limiting the development of infected vegetations throughout the vascular system and, because of their ineffectiveness in the left side of the heart, are probably responsible for the preponderance of infections within that particular part of the circulation . Furthermore, polymorphonuclear leucocytes may also contribute to the pathogenesis of valve perforation . Finally, the size of the bacterial challenge, and the duration of catheterization of the heart to induce infection, have been shown to significantly influence the natural history of experimental infection and also the effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics . Any comparison of the effectiveness of different prophylactic measures will require careful standardization of these conditions . It is difficult to determine the optimal size of the bacterial inoculum in animal studies since so little is known about this factor in man . Peripheral infections in animals may disseminate sufficient bacteria to produce endocardial infection and yet not be easily, if at all, detectable in the circulating blood. Clin Chest Med, 1987 Sep, 8(3), 529 - 41 "When the pneumonia doesn't get better"; Fein AM et al.; Nonresolving pneumonia is a common and frequently misunderstood problem faced by the practicing pulmonologist . While radiographic resolution of most infections is relatively long and lags behind clinical signs of recovery, data suggest that a variety of host defense problems are a consequence of systemic illness and are often involved . When such factors are not implicated, other specific etiologies should be sought, including unusual organisms like mycobacteria, higher order bacteria, and fungi . Noninfectious causes for delayed resolution include neoplastic disease, immunologic disease, thromboemboli, and inhalation injuries . This article discusses the natural history of common pneumonias to establish the usual clinical limits of resolution and outlines a diagnostic strategy to use when these limits are exceeded. Clin Chest Med, 1987 Sep, 8(3), 381 - 91 Cigarette smoking and respiratory tract infection; Marcy TW et al.; Although not conclusive, several lines of evidence suggest that cigarette smoking alters the respiratory tract's ability to defend itself from infection . Some subjects with chronic bronchitis have colonization of the lower respiratory tract with bacteria . Both patients with chronic respiratory disease and healthy smokers appear to have a higher frequency of respiratory infections and an increased severity of symptoms when infected . Children exposed passively to cigarette smoke have higher rates of respiratory illnesses . Yet the marked variability in the incidence of infection in the smoking population suggests that there are subtle factors that predispose some smokers to more risk of infection than others . Cigarette smoking is associated with alterations in mechanisms of the host defense system, even in asymptomatic individuals (summarized in Table 3) . Ciliary function is impaired, mucous volume is increased, humoral response to antigens altered, and quantitative and qualitative changes in cellular components occur . Some of these alterations in host defense mechanisms are dose related; others revert to normal after smoking cessation . Yet, it is unknown if one or all of these alterations cause any significant compromise of host defense or if other factors, as yet unidentified, may be important . Answers to these questions await a more thorough elucidation of normal host defense function. Clin Perinatol, 1987 Sep, 14(3), 667 - 82 Respiratory infections in the newborn; Dennehy PH; Respiratory infections, especially pneumonia, are common in the first four weeks of life and are the cause of significant morbidity and mortality . Infants may be infected in utero, during labor and delivery, or postnatally . The etiology of neonatal respiratory infections varies widely and spans the spectrum from bacteria to protozoa . The exposure of the infant to maternal flora, the nursery environment, or household members plays an important role in determining the infecting pathogen . Diagnostic testing includes the chest film, CBC and routine bacterial cultures, but newer techniques such as latex agglutination tests for bacterial antigens or viral antigen detection or culture may be indicated in the appropriate clinical setting . This article reviews all of these aspects of respiratory infections and posits certain steps in their treatment. Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1987 Sep, 165(3), 223 - 9 Piperacillin and a combination of clindamycin and gentamicin for the treatment of hospital and community acquired acute pelvic infections including pelvic abscess; Hemsell DL et al.; Therapy for acute polymicrobial pelvic infections is empiric and must include predictable anaerobic coverage . Single agent therapy, if effective, is advantageous for the patient, nurses, pharmacy and hospital . Piperacillin sodium was compared with a combination of clindamycin and gentamicin as therapy for 63 female patients who were hospitalized with acute pelvic infections including pelvic abscess complicating community acquired salpingitis . Over-all clinical efficacy with piperacillin was 96.8 per cent and 90.3 per cent for clindamycin and gentamicin . Fewer bacteria demonstrated in vitro resistance to piperacillin (p = 0.008) and the cost of treatment for these infections was significantly less with piperacillin (p less than 0.05) . Serious adverse reactions were not observed with either regimen . Piperacillin provides effective, cost-efficient therapy for women with acute polymicrobial pelvic infections. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1987 Sep, 84(18), 6438 - 42 Structure of the reaction center from Rhodobacter sphaeroides R-26: membrane-protein interactions; Yeates TO et al.; The energetics of membrane-protein interactions are analyzed with the three-dimensional model of the photosynthetic reaction center (RC) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides . The position of the RC in the membrane and the thickness of the membrane were obtained by minimizing the hydrophobic energy with the energy function of Eisenberg and McLachlan . The 2-fold symmetry axis that relates the L and M subunits is, within the accuracy of 5 degrees, parallel to the normal of the membrane . The thickness of the membrane is estimated to be 40-45 A . Residues that are exposed to the membrane are relatively poorly conserved in the sequences of homologous RC proteins . The surface area of the RC is comparable to the surface areas of water-soluble proteins of similar molecular weight . The volumes of interior atoms in the RC are also similar to those of water-soluble proteins, indicating the same compact packing for both types of proteins . The electrostatic potential of the cofactors was calculated . The results show an asymmetry in the potential between the two possible pathways of electron transfer, with the A branch being preferred electrostatically. J Dairy Sci, 1987 Sep, 70(9), 1807 - 14 A rapid method for measuring protease activity in milk using radiolabeled casein; Christen GL; A rapid means to detect the presence of protease activity in raw milk could be useful in predicting keeping ability of products made from that milk . A 30-min assay has been developed and compared with three other methods of detecting protease . Casein, {methyl-14C}-methylated-alpha was purchased from a radioisotope supplier . Concentrations of substrate from 2 to 20 nCi gave counts per minute, which increased linearly when counted with the Charm analyzer . There was not a significant difference in counting times of 10, 20, or 30 min . A mixture of sodium acetate and acetic acid precipitated nonhydrolyzed substrate with an efficiency of 97% . Comparison of the {14C} casein assay, a casein fluorescein isothiocyanate assay, trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid procedure, and the Hull procedure using protease from psychrotrophic bacteria revealed that the {14C} casein and casein fluorescein isothiocyanate methods were roughly equivalent and that the radiometric procedure was 10 times more sensitive than the trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid assay . The radiometric procedure was approximately 10(4) times more sensitive than the Hull procedure . The {14C} casein and casein fluorescein isothiocyanate methods were similar in time required, about 30 min, while the trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid assay and Hull method required about 1 h plus reagent preparation time . The {14C} casein procedure was most expensive per test; the other three were cheaper and similar to each other in cost. Radiat Res, 1987 Sep, 111(3), 518 - 32 Fluid and sodium loss in whole-body-irradiated rats; Geraci JP et al.; Whole-body and organ fluid compartment sizes and plasma sodium concentrations were measured in conventional, GI decontaminated, bile duct ligated, and choledochostomized rats at different times after various doses of gamma radiation . In addition, sodium excretion was measured in rats receiving lethal intestinal radiation injury . After doses which were sublethal for 3-5 day intestinal death, transient decreases occurred in all the fluid compartments measured (i.e., total body water, extracellular fluid space, plasma volume) . No recovery of these fluid compartments was observed in rats destined to die from intestinal radiation injury . The magnitude of the decreases in fluid compartment sizes was dose dependent and correlated temporally with the breakdown and recovery of the intestinal mucosa but was independent of the presence or absence of enteric bacteria or bile acids . Associated with the loss of fluid was an excess excretion of 0.83 meq of sodium between 48 and 84 h postirradiation . This represents approximately 60% of the sodium lost from the extracellular fluid space in these animals during this time . The remaining extracellular sodium loss was due to redistribution of sodium to other spaces . It is concluded that radiation-induced breakdown of the intestinal mucosa results in lethal losses of fluid and sodium as evidenced by significant decreases in total body water, extracellular fluid space, plasma volume, and plasma sodium concentration, with hemoconcentration . These changes are sufficient to reduce tissue perfusion leading to irreversible hypovolemic shock and death. Blood, 1987 Sep, 70(3), 757 - 65 Defensin-rich dense granules of human neutrophils; Rice WG et al.; Defensins are a newly recognized class of small, cationic polypeptides that have in vitro microbicidal activity toward certain bacteria, fungi, and viruses . Human neutrophil granules were separated into 13 density fractions by using a high-resolution Percoll gradient centrifugation procedure, and the distribution of the three defensin polypeptides in these fractions was determined . Levels of defensins and several granule marker proteins were estimated in each fraction from relative staining intensities of bands following acid-urea and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of total acid-extractable proteins . These results were confirmed by enzyme immunoassay measurements of defensins and quantitative determinations of the typical azurophil granule components, myeloperoxidase, beta-glucuronidase, lysozyme, and elastase . The five higher density granule fractions (H1 through H5) contained fourfold higher relative amounts of defensins as compared with the eight lower density fractions (L1 through L8), accounting for approximately 50% of the total protein . In particular, fraction H5 was especially enriched in defensins but was relatively deficient in myeloperoxidase, beta-glucuronidase, lysozyme, and elastase . Ultrastructural morphology showed that fraction H5 contained the largest granules . Seventy percent of these granules exhibited electron-dense rims and electron-lucent central regions when stained with methanolic uranyl acetate-lead citrate, and 70% showed this same characteristic rim-staining pattern after limited reaction (30 minutes) for peroxidase with diaminobenzidine . These distinctively large, rim-stained granules were identified in intact, mature peripheral blood neutrophils as well as in human bone marrow promyelocytes, indicating that their synthesis occurs during early myeloid development . This unusual granule type may play a specialized role in the microbicidal functions of the neutrophil, distinct from that of typical azurophil granules. J Bacteriol, 1987 Sep, 169(9), 4361 - 7 Regulation of fructose uptake and catabolism by succinate in Azospirillum brasilense; Mukherjee A et al.; Fructose uptake and catabolism in Azospirillum brasilense is dependent on three fructose-inducible enzymes (fru-enzymes): (i) enzyme I and (ii) enzyme II of the phosphoenolpyruvate:fructose phosphotransferase system and (iii) 1-phosphofructokinase . In minimal medium containing 3.7 mM succinate and 22 mM fructose as sources of carbon, growth of A . brasilense was diauxic, succinate being utilized in the first phase of growth and fructose in the second phase with a lag period between the two growth phases . None of the fru-enzymes could be detected in cells grown with succinate as the sole source of carbon, but they were detectable toward the end of the first phase of diauxie . All the fru-enzymes were coinduced by fructose and coordinately repressed by succinate . Studies on the effect of succinate on differential rates of syntheses of the fru-enzymes revealed that their induced syntheses in fructose minimal medium were subject to transient as well as permanent (catabolite) repression by succinate . Succinate also caused a similar pattern of transient and permanent repression of the fructose transport system in A . brasilense . However, no inducer (fructose) exclusionlike effect was observed as there was no inhibition of fructose uptake in the presence of succinate with fructose-grown cells even when they were fully induced for succinate uptake activity. J Bacteriol, 1987 Sep, 169(9), 4211 - 4 Assimilation of 13NH4+ by Azospirillum brasilense grown under nitrogen limitation and excess; Westby CA et al.; The specific activities of glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) were 4.2- and 2.2-fold higher, respectively, in cells of Azospirillum brasilense grown with N2 than with 43 mM NH4+ as the source of nitrogen . Conversely, the specific activity of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) was 2.7-fold higher in 43 mM NH4+-grown cells than in N2-grown cells . These results indicate that NH4+ could be assimilated and that glutamate could be formed by either the GS-GOGAT or GDH pathway or both, depending on the cellular concentration of NH4+ . The routes of in vivo synthesis of glutamate were identified by using 13N as a metabolic tracer . The products of assimilation of 13NH4+ were, in order of decreasing radioactivity, glutamine, glutamate, and alanine . The formation of {13N}glutamine and {13N}glutamate by NH4+-grown cells was inhibited in the additional presence of methionine sulfoximine (an inhibitor of GS) and diazooxonorleucine (an inhibitor of GOGAT) . Incorporation of 13N into glutamine, glutamate, and alanine decreased in parallel in the presence of carrier NH4+ . These results imply that the GS-GOGAT pathway is the primary route of NH4+ assimilation by A . brasilense grown with excess or limiting nitrogen and that GDH has, at best, a minor role in the synthesis of glutamate. J Oral Pathol, 1987 Sep, 16(8), 425 - 7 Treatment of aphthous patients by enhancement of the salivary peroxidase system; Hoogendoorn H et al.; The inhibition of glucose-stimulated acid production by indigenous bacteria in human saliva is not achieved by the addition of up to 250 microM hydrogen peroxide in vitro . However, in the presence of 2 X 10(-4)% of hydroxyquinoline and the same amount of Zn, acid production is immediately terminated by addition of peroxide to only 25 microM . No inhibition is observed when any one of these components is omitted . On the basis of these observations, a mouthrinse containing the same concentrations of hydroxyquinoline and Zn was prepared . Hydrogen peroxide was provided by including glucose oxidase and amyloglucosidase . This mouthrinse was used in a pilot clinical study of 64 patients subject to severe aphthous attacks which were not previously relieved by the use of a peroxidogenic toothpaste . After a two-month period, during which these patients rinsed twice daily with 5 ml of the mouthrinse, 45 patients reported relief of their symptoms . Of the remaining 19 patients, 17 reported no effect of using the mouthrinse, while 2 reported an exacerbation of their symptoms . The results of this study suggest that the mouthrinse may be an effective method for treating patients who suffer from severe aphthous attacks. J Oral Pathol, 1987 Sep, 16(8), 421 - 4 Interactions between peroxide and salivary glycoprotein: protection by peroxidase; Ericson T et al.; The effect of ascorbic acid oxidation and of peroxide on salivary glycoproteins has been studied . No signs of depolymerization of the glycoproteins were observed as a result of treatment of whole saliva or the isolated glycoprotein fraction from human saliva with an ascorbic acid, hydrogen peroxide and cupric ion combination . Sialic acid was analyzed with two methods which gave different chromogens of the acid . The conclusion could be drawn from the results that the effect of ascorbic acid oxidation was a decarboxylation of sialic acid in salivary glycoproteins . This also destroys the bacteria-agglutinating activity of saliva . Full protection of the agglutinin activity is given by salivary peroxidase . It is suggested that one role of peroxidases in saliva is to protect biologically active proteins from the action of oxygen or its radicals. J Oral Pathol, 1987 Sep, 16(8), 412 - 6 Salivary peroxidase: an important part of our defense against oxygen toxicity; Carlsson J; All living cells convert dioxygen (O2) into the toxic intermediates of oxygen reduction: superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals . The defense against these intermediates works on three levels: 1) the formation of the intermediates is prevented; 2) the intermediates are scavenged; 3) the damaged sites are repaired . Various parts of this defense are found intracellularly, in tissue fluid, in blood plasma and in the external secretions . In the mouth there is a special need for defense against hydrogen peroxide, because hydrogen peroxide is not only formed by bacteria colonizing the mucous membranes but also by the cells of the salivary glands . In saliva the most important part of this defense is salivary peroxidase, which detoxifies hydrogen peroxide in the presence of thiocyanate by converting it into hypothiocyanite, dioxygen and water . In addition, hypothiocyanite stops hydrogen peroxide production by the oral bacteria. Rev Infect Dis, 1987 Sep-Oct, 9 Suppl 5, S553 - 61 Endotoxins, arachidonic acid, and superoxide formation; Flohe L et al.; The pathophysiologic relevance of altered eicosanoid metabolism and free-radical production during endotoxemia is reviewed . A direct or complement-mediated release of eicosanoids--depending on the species, the tissue, and the kind of endotoxin--has been found to be associated with endotoxemic shock . Prostacyclin appears to be partially responsible for the early decrease in blood pressure and clearly induces the sustained hypotension of endotoxemia but is irrelevant to its fatal outcome . In contrast, simultaneous administration of vasodilating prostanoids such as prostaglandin E1 and metabolically stable analogues of prostacyclin prevents endotoxin lethality . Thromboxane A2 may contribute to platelet aggregation and vasoconstriction, but its quantitative importance often is obscured by other mediators . The peptidoleukotrienes, in particular leukotriene D4, contribute to lung damage and--in galactosamine-sensitized rats, at least--to fatal liver destruction . Little is known about the role of leukotriene B4 in endotoxemia . Endotoxin suppresses rather than stimulates superoxide release from phagocytes in vitro but leads to massive free-radical formation mediated by complement activation in vivo and, thereby, contributes to lung injury. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1987 Sep, 84(17), 6162 - 6 Structure of the reaction center from Rhodobacter sphaeroides R-26: the protein subunits; Allen JP et al.; The three-dimensional structure of the protein subunits of the reaction center (RC) of Rhodobacter sphaeroides has been determined by x-ray diffraction at a resolution of 2.8 A with an R factor of 26% . The L and M subunits each contain five transmembrane helices and several helices that do not span the membrane . The L and M subunits are related to each other by a 2-fold rotational symmetry axis that is approximately the same as that determined for the cofactors . The H subunit has one transmembrane helix and a globular domain on the cytoplasmic side, which contains a helix that does not span the membrane and several beta-sheets . The structural homology with RCs from other purple bacteria is discussed . A structure of the complex formed between the water soluble cytochrome c2 and the RC from Rb . sphaeroides is proposed. Cell, 1987 Aug 28, 50(5), 729 - 37 An oncogene isolated by transfection of Kaposi's sarcoma DNA encodes a growth factor that is a member of the FGF family; Delli Bovi P et al.; We recently reported the cloning of a rearranged human oncogene following transfection of DNA from Kaposi's sarcoma into NIH 3T3 cells . To identify the protein(s) encoded in two novel mRNAs of 3.5 and 1.2 kb expressed in NIH 3T3 transformants, we constructed a cDNA library . One of the cDNA clones isolated (KS3) corresponded to the 1.2 kb mRNA and transformed NIH 3T3 cell when inserted into a mammalian expression vector . The 1152 nucleotide KS3 cDNA encodes a protein of 206 amino acids with significant homology to the growth factors basic FGF and acidic FGF . Expression of the KS3 product as a bacterial fusion protein or in COS cells allowed us to determine that both proteins had significant growth-promoting activity and that the COS cell protein was glycosylated . Thus one of the mRNAs transcribed from the KS oncogene encodes a growth factor that could transform cells by an autocrine mechanism and appears to represent a new member of the FGF family. J Chromatogr, 1987 Aug 21, 403, 47 - 61 Carrier-free zone electrophoresis, displacement electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing in a high-performance electrophoresis apparatus; Hjerten S et al.; A characteristic feature of high-performance electrophoresis (HPE), the electrophoretic counterpart of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), is that the separation chamber is a thin-walled, narrow-bore (0.05-0.3 mm) glass or fused-silica capillary tube for rapid dissipation of the Joule heat in order to minimize thermal zone deformation even at high field strengths . This paper is centered around the usefulness of HPE for separation in a carrier-free medium (i.e., in buffer alone) and deals with both zone electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing and displacement electrophoresis . Examples are given of analytical and micropreparative separations of inorganic and organic ions, proteins, viruses and bacteria . The run times are 5-30 min . Discontinuous buffer systems have up to now been used exclusively for the separation of proteins by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels ("disc electrophoresis") . However, the Ornstein and Davis discontinuous buffer system has been modified to adapt it to carrier-free zone electrophoresis in order to achieve automatic sharpening of the starting zone . Very high resolution of serum proteins was obtained when they were subjected to free high-performance disc electrophoresis in such a modified buffer system . To show that the HPE apparatus permits electrophoresis also in a gel medium, a polyacrylamide electrophoresis in SDS is presented . This experiment illustrates the difference between electropherograms obtained in free solution and in a molecular-sieving medium . Detection can be performed both on- and off-tube . The latter technique permits the rapid identification of the solutes by photodiode array spectrophotometry and the collection of fractions for further studies . The former detection method is simpler but mainly useful for analytical purposes . Non-UV-absorbing ions can be monitored with the aid of an on-tube UV detector if the run is performed in a UV-absorbing buffer. Nature, 1987 Aug 20-26, 328(6132), 726 - 8 Activation of a transposable element in the germ line but not the soma of Caenorhabditis elegans; Collins J et al.; The genetic activity of transposable elements is tightly controlled in many species . Transposons that are relatively quiescent under certain circumstances can excise or transpose at greatly increased rates under other circumstances . For example, 'genomic shock' can activate quiescent maize transposons, 'cytotype' and tissue-specific splicing regulate Drosophila P factors, copy number controls Tn5 transposition in bacteria, and developmental timing affects the production of transposon-like intracisternal A-particles in mouse embryos . The Caenorhabditis elegans transposable element Tc1 is subject to both strain-specific and tissue-specific control . Multiple copies of Tc1 are present in the genome of all C . elegans strains collected from nature . However, these elements are genetically active in only certain isolates . For example, in C . elegans variety Bristol transposition and excision of Tc1 are undetectable, but in variety Bergerac transposition and excision are frequent . Moreover, in variety Bergerac, Tc1 is about 1,000-fold more active in somatic cells than in germ cells . We have investigated the genetic basis for the germ/soma regulation of Tc1 activity . We have isolated mutants that exhibit increased frequencies of Tc1 excision in the germ line . The frequencies of Tc1 excision in the soma are unaltered in these mutants . These mutants also exhibit high frequencies of Tc1 germ-line transposition, and this results in a mutator phenotype . Nearly all mutator-induced mutations are caused by insertion of Tc1. Eur J Biochem, 1987 Aug 17, 167(1), 89 - 96 DNA methylation in wheat . Purification and properties of DNA methyltransferase; Theiss G et al.; The origin and function of the large amount of 5-methylcytosine in plant DNA is not well understood . As a tool for in vitro studies of methylcytosine formation in plants we have isolated and characterized the DNA methyltransferase present in germinating wheat embryo . An enzyme fraction enriched 300-fold over the tissue homogenate was obtained by salt extraction of nuclei, chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, Sephadex G-75, blue Sepharose and on DNA immobilized on cellulose . It catalyzes the methylation of cytosine residues in double-stranded DNAs isolated from wheat, maize, calf thymus or bacteria using S-adenosylmethionine as methyl donor . The efficient methylation of both an unmethylated plasmid DNA and its hemimethylated derivative indicate that the wheat DNA methylase can function de novo and in maintenance methylation . A relative molecular mass of 50,000-55,000 was estimated by gel permeation chromatography and sucrose density gradient centrifugation . Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed the presence of a protein of Mr = 50,000 and one other component (Mr = 35,000) . The preference for endogenous, double-stranded DNA as substrate and the lower molecular mass distinguish wheat DNA methyltransferase from the DNA methylases obtained from mammalian sources . The properties of the wheat enzyme resemble, however, those of the DNA methylase isolated from the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardii, suggesting that plant cells possess their own type of DNA methyltransferase for the biosynthesis of their high methylcytosine content in DNA. FEBS Lett, 1987 Aug 17, 220(2), 358 - 62 On the role of N-7-mercaptoheptanoyl-O-phospho-L-threonine (component B) in the enzymatic reduction of methyl-coenzyme M to methane; Ellermann J et al.; The reduction of methyl-coenzyme M (CH3SCoM) to methane in methanogenic bacteria is dependent on component B (N-7-mercaptoheptanoyl-O-phospho-L-threonine, HSHTP) . We report here that S-methyl-component B (N-7-(methylthio)heptanoyl-O-phospho-L-threonine, CH3SHTP) can substitute for neither CH3SCoM nor HSHTP in the methyl-CoM reductase reaction . Rather, CH3SHTP proved to be an inhibitor competitive with HSHTP (apparent Ki = 6 microM) and noncompetitive with CH3SCoM . These results make it very unlikely that HSHTP functions as a methyl group carrier . A role for HSHTP as direct electron donor for CH3SCoM reduction to CH4 is proposed. Minerva Med, 1987 Aug 15, 78(15), 1125 - 37 {Hypersensitivity angiitis or microscopic polyarteritis nodosa . Recent findings . III . Pathologic anatomy, etiopathogenetic aspects and therapeutic approach}; Lovisetto P et al.; Histologically hypersensitivity angiitis produces necrotising inflammation of the small arterial and venous blood vessels . In most cases the inflammatory infiltrate presents leucocytoclasia i.e . nuclear leucocytic detritus . Unlike polyarteritis nodosa, hypersensitivity angiitis does not affect the medium sized arteries though its lesions are produced at the same stage of development . At skin level, the postcapillary venules are the vessels most often affected . Fibrinoid necrosis of the glomerular loops of the kidney may arise and is often accompanied by epithelial crescents . Aetiologically, a variety of agents--bacteria, viruses, drugs, toxic substances--have been held responsible for the disease, though very often the cause cannot be identified . The most widely based on the finding of immunocomplexes, though other immunological disorders might be involved . Treatment involves the elimination of the antigen held responsible, the suppression of the immune response, the removal of circulating immunocomplexes and the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. FEBS Lett, 1987 Aug 10, 220(1), 47 - 51 Recombinant type I regulatory subunit of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase is biologically active; Oehen S et al.; The cDNA for the porcine type I regulatory subunit (RI) of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (cAMP-PK) was cloned into two different bacterial expression vectors: pKK223 and pUC18 . Recombinant RI was produced by bacteria transformed with either construct, and purified by affinity chromatography . Both the native RI from the pKK223 construct and the RI with an amino terminal extension of eight amino acids from the pUC18 construct were found to be completely native with regard to inhibition of the catalytic subunit activity and cAMP binding. FEBS Lett, 1987 Aug 10, 220(1), 8 - 14 N-terminal methylation of proteins: structure, function and specificity; Stock A et al.; A common site for the posttranslational modification of proteins is at the N-terminal alpha-amino group . Here we consider the enzymatic addition of one or more methyl groups that has been found to occur in several proteins . Although the methylated proteins have different overall functions, they all appear to be involved in large macromolecular structures such as ribosomes, myofibrils, nucleosomes, pilins, or flagella . Structural features at the N-termini of these methylated proteins suggest that sequences in this region may serve as recognition sites for only a few different types of methylating enzymes . Thus, we propose that three enzymes could account for the N-methylated species so far identified in bacteria, the hypothetical MAK, QP, and pilin methyltransferases, and a single additional enzyme, the hypothetical PK methyltransferase, could account for all of the alpha-amino methylations observed in eukaryotic cells . Finally, we discuss criteria that could be used in conjunction with primary sequence data to predict proteins that might be subject to methylation at their amino termini. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1987 Aug 7, 902(1), 24 - 30 Single mutation in the A domain of diphtheria toxin results in a protein with altered membrane insertion behavior; Hu VW et al.; The insertion of the A domain of diphtheria toxin into model membranes has been shown to be both pH- and temperature-dependent (Hu and Holmes (1984) J . Biol . Chem . 259, 12226-12233) . In this report, the insertion behavior of two mutant proteins of diphtheria toxin, CRM197 and CRM9, was studied and compared to that of wild-type toxin . Results indicated that both CRM197 and CRM9 resembled toxin with respect to the pH-dependence of binding to negatively-charged liposomes at room temperature . However, CRM197 differed from toxin with respect to both the pH- and temperature-dependence of fragment A insertion; fragment A197 inserts more readily into the bilayer at 0 degrees C and low pH or at neutral pH and room temperature than does wild type fragment A under these same conditions . This result indicates that the single amino acid substitution in the A domain of CRM197 facilitates entry of fragment A197 into the membrane, suggesting that CRM197 may be conformationally distinct from native toxin . In fact, the fluorescence spectra of CRM197 and wild-type toxin as well as their respective tryptic peptide patterns indicate that, at pH 7, CRM197 more closely resembles the acid form of wild-type toxin than the native form of toxin . These data suggest that CRM197 may be naturally in a more 'insertion-competent' conformation . In contrast, the mutation in the B domain of CRM9 which results in a 1000-fold decrease in binding affinity for plasma membrane receptors apparently does not cause a change in either the insertion of fragment A9 or the lipid-binding properties of CRM9 relative to toxin. Environ Health Perspect, 1987 Aug, 73, 235 - 46 Chemical and toxicological characterization of residential oil burner emissions: II . Mutagenic, tumorigenic, and potential teratogenic activity; Braun AG et al.; Extracts of effluents from a modern residential oil burner have been evaluated in several toxicological assay systems . Bacterial mutagens were detected in extracts from both the particulate and vapor phase emissions . Effluents from continuous operation were an order of magnitude less mutagenic than those from cyclic (5 min on, 10 min off) operations . No difference in the yield of bacterial mutagens per gram of fuel burned was found between cyclic operation under low and moderate sooting conditions . On the basis of elution behavior from alumina it appeared that the bacterial mutagens collected from high sooting effluents were more polar than those from low sooting effluent . An extract that was mutagenic in bacteria did not induce a significant increase in mutation frequency to human lymphoblasts . No evidence of tumorigenicity was observed in a limited number of newborn mice after IP injection of effluent extract when compared to historical control data . Putative nonmutagenic teratogens were detected in effluent using an attachment inhibition assay . The level of these agents was reduced in effluents from continuous oil burner operation. Urol Clin North Am, 1987 Aug, 14(3), 489 - 98 Specific nonsurgical therapy in male infertility; Kaufman DG et al.; Although the objective of this article was to discuss the specific medically treatable causes of male infertility, the reader will be impressed by the fact that many of the treatments seem less than "specific." The need to treat infections to improve fertility is ill defined . The utilization of a scrotal cooling device as "specific" nonsurgical treatment for varicocele is yet to be defined . Immunologic suppression is indeed a specific form of therapy for a measurable phenomenon; unfortunately, the significance of that phenomenon as well as the best means and location of its assessment are undergoing significant reevaluation . An exciting frontier is the prospect of preventing infertility in the patient undergoing therapy for cancer, thus obviating the need for treatment of the ensuing infertility . Before specific therapies can be anticipated to have a predictable beneficial effect, these areas require active investigation to define the problem more clearly. Dig Dis Sci, 1987 Aug, 32(8), 809 - 16 Nonbacterial transformation of bilirubin in bile; Oyabu H et al.; Bilirubin present in gallstones is mainly in the unconjugated form despite the frequent absence of bacteria in bile . The aim of the present study was to determine if nonbacterial beta-glucuronidase activity and/or nonenzymatic hydrolysis is responsible . Inflammatory cells such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes appearing with the presence of brown pigment gallstones and inflammation in biliary tract was shown to effect deconjugation of bilirubin conjugates in bile and contribute to their formation in addition to that of bacterial beta-glucuronidase . Gallbladder bile (mean +/- SD, 4.0 +/- 1.6%, N = 29) contained more unconjugated bilirubin than hepatic bile (mean +/- SD, 2.7 +/- 1.1%) . In vitro experiments showed the deconjugation to take place during incubation at 37 degrees C without the presence of bacteria . Therefore, transformation of conjugated to unconjugated bilirubin is likely to take place in vivo during the storage in gallbladder, and nonbacterial beta-glucuronidase activity and/or nonenzymatic hydrolysis may be responsible for such transformation. J Gen Microbiol, 1987 Aug, 133 ( Pt 8), 1999 - 2005 Haemagglutination and tissue culture adhesion of Gardnerella vaginalis; Scott TG et al.; Six strains of Gardnerella vaginalis were studied to examine the adhesin-receptor mechanism involved in their attachment to human red blood cells and an epithelial tissue culture cell line (McCoy) . The adhesins involved in the attachment of the bacteria to each of these cells were proteinaceous but showed marked differences after various chemical or physical treatments, indicating that separate adhesins were present . Haemagglutinating strains were more hydrophobic than tissue-culture-adherent strains . Haemagglutination of human red blood cells by strains of G . vaginalis was inhibited by galactose, lactose, N-acetylneuraminic acid and phosphatidylserine . In contrast, the tissue-culture adherence of strains was not inhibited by these substances. Am J Clin Nutr, 1987 Aug, 46(2), 329 - 34 Iron deficiency and the immune response; Dallman PR; The importance of iron deficiency as a public health problem is based ultimately on the seriousness of its consequences on health . The most extensively investigated consequences of iron deficiency involve work performance and immune function . The significance of the effects on work performance are generally accepted . In contrast, data on the influence of iron deficiency on immune function are often perceived as being confusing and contradictory . From reexamination of relevant literature, it seems safe to conclude that abnormalities in cell-mediated immunity and ability of neutrophils to kill several types of bacteria are well established under experimental conditions in iron-deficient patients . It remains uncertain whether these abnormalities result in an increased incidence and duration of infections . This area still requires careful study. Microbiol Sci, 1987 Aug, 4(8), 251 - 5 The enigma of the alkaliphile; Grant WD; Alkaliphilic bacteria provide a model system in which to test the basic principles of the chemiosmotic theory . The proton-motive force (delta mu H +) in these bacteria under alkaline conditions appears to be too low to power ATP synthesis assuming normal stoichiometry and a normal H+/F1F0 ATPase . Current data suggest that these bacteria might obviate the problems by harnessing a sodium-motive force (delta mu Na+). Anal Biochem, 1987 Aug 1, 164(2), 488 - 93 Analysis of lectin binding by Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains grown on nitrocellulose filters using peroxidase-labeled lectin; Liang R et al.; A procedure was developed to assess the ability of wild-type and mutant strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum to bind soybean lectin . The lectin-binding ability of bacteria grown on nitrocellulose filters was determined using peroxidase-labeled soybean lectin . The assay produced clear differences between strains known to be unable to bind soybean lectin and those which can . The assay gave results identical to those of the fluorescein isothiocyanate-soybean lectin-binding assay of T . V . Bhuvaneswari, S . G . Pueppke, and W . D . Bauer (1977, Plant Physiol . 60, 486-491) with regard both to the ability of particular B . japonicum strains to bind lectin and to the inhibition caused by N-acetyl-D-galactosamine . The method was used to screen Tn5-induced mutants of B . japonicum 2143 for their inability to bind soybean lectin . The procedure provides a sensitive and convenient method to screen Bradyrhizobium strains for the ability to bind soybean lectin. Scand J Dent Res, 1987 Aug, 95(4), 347 - 55 Monkey pulp reactions to cavities treated with Gluma Dentin Bond and restored with a microfilled composite; Horsted-Bindslev P; Deep buccal cavities were cut in 72 incisors and canines in six young monkeys . The cavities were restored as follows: Group One: acid etching of the enamel followed by an intermediate layer of unfilled resin and a light-cured microfilled composite . Group Two: acid etching of the enamel followed by treatment of the dentin with Gluma Cleanser and Gluma Bond . The cavities were restored as in Group One . Group Three: same procedure as in Group Two except for application of a calcium hydroxide cement on the pulpal wall prior to acid etching . Pulp reactions, presence and location of bacteria were studied after 8 and 90 days . A significant association between presence of bacteria and moderate to severe inflammatory reactions were observed . Bacteria were only found in a very few cavities pretreated with Gluma Dentin Bond . In general, slight inflammatory changes prevailed in Groups Two and Three . When the pulpal wall was extremely thin a toxic effect of Gluma Dentin Bond was observed. J Biochem (Tokyo), 1987 Aug, 102(2), 255 - 62 Purification and properties of NADH dehydrogenase from a thermoacidophilic archaebacterium, Sulfolobus acidocaldarius; Wakao H et al.; An NADH dehydrogenase was purified to electrophoretical homogeneity from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, a thermoacidophilic archaebacterium optimally growing at pH 2-3 and 75 degrees C . A 2,100-fold purification was achieved . The purified enzyme is an acidic protein with an isoelectric point of 5.6 and a molecular weight of 95,000, consisting of two 50,000-dalton subunits . The enzyme showed an absorption spectrum characteristic of flavoproteins, with maxima at 272, 372, and 448 nm . The enzyme is highly thermostable, is specific for NADH as an electron donor, and is capable of using 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol, ferricyanide, benzoquinone, and naphthoquinone as electron acceptors . Though at a low rate, caldariellaquinone, a unique and sole benzothiophenequinone in the genus Sulfolobus, was also reduced by the enzyme, suggesting that the enzyme is a possible member of the respiratory chain of the thermoacidophilic archaebacterium. J Exp Zool, 1987 Aug, 243(2), 211 - 5 Monohydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid and leukotriene production by the inflammatory cells of Xenopus laevis; Green FA et al.; Ten frogs (Xenopus laevis) were injected with mixed bacteria to produce a septic peritonitis . Peritoneal inflammatory cells of eight animals were studied for monohydroxyeicosanoid and leukotriene production from exogenous arachidonic acid . Large amounts of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid were produced; smaller amounts of 5- and 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic and leukotriene B4 were produced . Identifications were confirmed by retention times on HPLC, ultraviolet spectroscopy on all products, and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry in the case of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 1987 Aug, 35(4), 209 - 14 Surgical treatment of active prosthetic valve endocarditis . Results in 66 patients; Cortina JM et al.; The results of combined medical and surgical management of 66 patients with active prosthetic valve endocarditis (APVE) are analyzed . Between 1970 and 1985, 3510 patients were operative survivors of mitral, aortic or double mitral-aortic valve replacement . Cumulative follow-up was 15,640 patient-years (mean 4.4 years) . The overall annual incidence of reoperation for APVE was 0.42 +/- 0.05% (0.34 +/- 0.08% for biological and 0.46 +/- 0.06% for mechanical prostheses, p = n.s.) . Early APVE occurred in 21 patients and 45 patients had late APVE . Indications for surgery were heart failure in 92%, systemic emboli in 5% and persistent sepsis in 3% of patients . Overall operative mortality (less than 30 days) was 38% (25/66) . (Early APVE 52% and late APVE 31%) . Anatomical location, valve design and number of prostheses implanted did not correlate with a higher operative risk . Overall endocarditis-related mortality was 56% (37/66) . Uni and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis identified: 1) date of surgery (p = 0.01), 2) renal failure (p = 0.03) and 3) early APVE (p = 0.03) as predictors of endocarditis-related death . Actuarial survival at 1, 5 and 10 postoperative years was 41 +/- 6%, 30 +/- 6% and 24 +/- 7% respectively . This study confirms the high lethality of APVE . However, with adequate and aggressive combined medical and surgical management, some patients can be saved. Cutis, 1987 Aug, 40(2), 144 - 6 Omphalokeratolith; Friedman SJ et al.; A 69-year-old woman presented with a firm, black umbilical mass of unknown duration . It was easily removed with a warmed otic glycerin preparation . Histologic examination showed that it contained laminated keratin, amorphous material resembling sebum, numerous terminal hairs, and scattered collections of bacteria . Moderate amounts of argentaffin staining material were detected throughout the specimen, and the black color of the lesion was probably due to melanin and oxidized lipids, much like an open comedone . The mass is appropriately called an omphalokeratolith. Nucleic Acids Res, 1987 Jul 24, 15(14), 5581 - 95 Putative promoter elements for the ribosomal RNA genes of the thermoacidophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus sp . strain B12; Reiter WD et al.; In Sulfolobus sp . strain B12, single-copy genes encode the three ribosomal RNAs . The genes for the 16S rRNA and for the 23S rRNA are closely linked but separated from the 5S rRNA gene . Transcription of the 16S/23S rRNA gene cluster starts 139 nucleotides upstream of the 5'-end of mature 16S rRNA . For the 5S rRNA gene the point of transcription initiation coincides with the 5'-end of mature 5S rRNA . The comparison of the upstream regions for these transcriptional start sites shows the presence of a completely conserved trinucleotide sequence around the point of transcription initiation and a completely conserved octanucleotide sequence about 22 nucleotides upstream of it . These sequences are only moderately homologous to putative promoter elements for stable RNA genes in the closely related archaebacterium Thermoproteus tenax (1), but they are very similar to corresponding sequences in the distantly related archaebacterium Methanococcus vannielii (2) . The consensus sequence found for Sulfolobus and Methanococcus could therefore constitute the archetype of an archaebacterial promoter for stable RNA genes. Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1987 Jul, (7), 27 - 39 {Evolution of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of positive riboviruses}; Kunin EV et al.; A comparative analysis is presented of 24 known amino acid sequences of RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of positive strand RNA viruses infecting animals, plants and bacteria . Using a newly proposed methodology of group alignment for weakly similar sequences, evolutionary conserved fragments of all these proteins were unambiguously aligned . A unique pattern (consensus) of 7 invariant amino acid residues was revealed which is absent from the sequences of other RNA and DNA polymerases and is thought to unequivocally identify the RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of positive strand RNA viruses . Based on the obtained alignment a tentative phylogenetic tree of viral RNA polymerases was constructed for the first time . The RNA-dependent RNA polymerases of positive strand RNA viruses are concluded to comprise a distinct family of evolutionary related proteins. Clin Dermatol, 1987 Jul-Sep, 5(3), 103 - 11 Otitis externa associated with aquatic activities (swimmer's ear); Strauss MB et al.; Infections of the ear canal may vary in terms of severity . Their frequency and morbidity qualify them as significant aquatic problems . The aquatic environment adds the conditional variable of moisture to the ear canal . Usually bacteria are introduced with the moisture and in the warm environment of the canal multiply, generate debris, invade the canal lining, and generate the symptoms of otitis externa . Fortunately, the incidence of this condition can be minimized by eliminating moisture in the canal . In situations where excessive moisture is likely to be introduced such as in swimmers, scuba divers, and deep sea divers the prophylactic measures of desiccation and acidification of the canal should be used . They are very effective . In the saturation diver, ear canal infections are not likely to resolve without interruption of diving activities . Individuals who have recurring ear canal infections require evaluation by an ear specialist to identify possible remedial problems that can trigger infection . Correction of anatomical problems or underlying dermatoses can prevent recurrences of OE. Mycopathologia, 1987 Jul, 99(1), 57 - 60 Survival and growth of Ajellomyces (Blastomyces) dermatitidis on oak leaves coated with saliva; McDonough ES et al.; Yeast-form cells of Ajellomyces dermatitidis transferred to unsterilized and sterilized oak leaves in a humidity chamber failed to grow and produce mycelium . Transfers of these cells to Mycobiotic agar resulted in the growth of A . dermatitidis from all 5 autoclaved and 4 of the 11 unsterilized leaves . Soaking oak leaves with human airways secretions or saliva and inoculating them with yeast-form cells, and pouring sterile H2O on the leaves 10 days to 2 months later, permitted growth on 11 out of 36 leaves . It was concluded that these two natural substances, airways secretions and saliva, inhibited bacteria and furnished nutriment to A . dermatitidis. Lab Anim, 1987 Jul, 21(3), 226 - 32 Airborne-induced experimental Bordetella bronchiseptica pneumonia in strain 13 guineapigs; Trahan CJ et al.; To evaluate the efficacy of a commercial bacterial vaccine in protecting Strain 13 guineapigs against fatal Bordetella bronchiseptica pneumonia, it was necessary to establish the infectivity and disease pathogenesis induced by virulent organisms . When guineapigs were exposed to small-particle aerosols of varying concentrations of virulent B . bronchiseptica, a spectrum of disease was produced that ranged from inapparent illness to fulminant bronchopneumonia . Clinical signs began by day 4 after exposure, and were evidenced by anorexia, weight loss, respiratory distress and serous to purulent nasal discharge . Pathological alterations were limited to the respiratory system . Moribund animals exhibited a suppurative necrotizing bronchopneumonia and necrotizing tracheitis . In animals that survived the challenge, the bacteria were eliminated from the lungs by day 28 but continued to persist in the laryngeal area and the trachea . The median infectious dose and the median lethal dose were estimated to be 4 colony-forming units (CFU) and 1314 CFU respectively . These data suggest that the guineapig will be a valuable model system in which to study interactions between Bordetella species and host cells as well as to evaluate potential B . bronchiseptica immunogens. Vet Pathol, 1987 Jul, 24(4), 287 - 95 Pathogenesis of corneal lesions caused by Moraxella bovis in gnotobiotic calves; Rogers DG et al.; Moraxella bovis was instilled into the conjunctival sac of gnotobiotic calves and corneas were sampled serially after infection . Lesions developed in seven of eight infected calves, but were absent in a noninfected control calf . Histologically, M . bovis was first seen in foci of swollen epithelium and within basal epithelial cells adjacent to ulcers . Corneal ulcers were severe in later stages of infection; fibrin deposits, neutrophils, and bacteria were present in the stromas . Examination of early lesions by scanning electron microscopy showed M . bovis in pits on the surfaces of dark epithelial cells, enmeshed in degenerate epithelial cells and within erosions and an ulcer; in later samples, bacteria were rare . Ultrastructurally, M . bovis was seen in surface pits in superficial epithelial cell processes and within swollen epithelial cells . In stroma, M . bovis was frequently seen among collagen fibrils, within neutrophil phagosomes, and associated with cellular debris . This study demonstrates that a virulent strain of M . bovis can invade bovine corneal epithelial cells and can cause keratitis in the absence of injurious ultraviolet irradiation or other known predisposing environmental factors. J Submicrosc Cytol, 1987 Jul, 19(3), 515 - 21 Microplication patterns on human buccal epithelia following radiotherapy: a scanning electron microscopic analysis; Robertson AG et al.; Surface topographical detail in human buccal smears of normal and irradiated tissue have been studied with scanning electron microscopy . Cells collected by buccal smearing show patterns of microplicae and microvilli, although such detail is occasionally masked by mucus and to a lesser extent by debris and bacteria . Buccal smearing permits collection of numerous specimens with little discomfort to the patient, but requires caution in identification of superficial and deep cell layers and of upper and lower surfaces . The analysis of specimens derived in this way shows that variations in the pattern of surface microplicae reflect the radiotherapeutic regimes of the patients from which they were obtained . Straight parallel microplicae characteristic of normal control and pre-irradiated specimens were absent in specimens collected during early irradiation treatments (between 24-48 Gy), but instead were present as short discontinuous ridges and microvillous projections . At the highest levels of radiation treatment (54-60 Gy) cells exhibited small areas devoid of any surface projections in addition to a range of normal and early irradiated microplicae patterns . From these results it is suggested that the patterns of microplications and microvilli on cell surfaces can be used to obtain information on the state of the stratified squamous epithelium from which they come. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1987 Jul 1, 191(1), 100 - 5 Open peritoneal drainage for treatment of contaminated peritoneal cavity and septic peritonitis in dogs and cats: 24 cases (1980-1986); Greenfield CL et al.; The medical records of 22 dogs and 2 cats in which generalized peritonitis had been treated by open peritoneal drainage were reviewed . The age of the affected animals ranged from 5 months to 14 years . The causes of peritonitis were numerous, with the most common being leakage of gastrointestinal contents through spontaneous gastric or intestinal perforations and peritoneal contamination resulting from surgical complications . Bacteria were isolated from 18 (94.7%) of 19 specimens obtained for culturing at the time of diagnosis of peritonitis and from 8 (80%) of 10 specimens obtained for culturing at the time of final abdominal closure . Only 2 (25%) of 8 of the animals in which bacteria were isolated at the time of final abdominal closure died . The overall mortality was 33% . The mortality attributable to peritonitis or its direct complications was 21% . Open peritoneal drainage was tolerated well by all patients. Arch Biochem Biophys, 1987 Jul, 256(1), 244 - 52 Deoxyribonucleotide biosynthesis in green algae: characterization of thymidylate synthase-dihydrofolate reductase in Scenedesmus obliquus; Bachmann B et al.; Thymidylate synthase and dihydrofolate reductase are peak enzymes that accompany the S phase of the unicellular green algae, Scenedesmus obliquus, and are both overproduced in the presence of 5-fluorodeoxyuridine . Such overproducing cultures have served for enzyme isolation and characterization . It has not been possible to separate the two enzyme activities by several methods of protein fractionation, including affinity chromatography on specific immobilized ligands (fluorodeoxyuridylate or N10-formylfolate); both were enriched in parallel approximately 400-fold from algal extracts . The most highly purified samples are of low stability in solution . Enzyme activities are inhibited by methotrexate, 5-fluorodeoxyuridylate, and arabinouridylate but not by hydroxyurea; FdUMP inhibition is fully reversed after removal of the nucleotide . Sedimentation in sucrose gradients (Mr 100,000) and electrophoresis in denaturing polyacrylamide gels (Mr 50,000) suggest that the protein structure resembles more the dimeric, bifunctional thymidylate synthase-dihydrofolate reductase of protozoan species than the separate enzymes found in bacteria and animal cells. South Med J, 1987 Jul, 80(7), 916 - 8 Strongyloides meningitis; Belani A et al.; Acute pyogenic meningitis occurred in a 46-year-old woman receiving long-term steroid therapy . Cultures for bacteria and fungi were negative, and the meningitis failed to respond to broad spectrum antibiotics . Abundant Strongyloides stercoralis larvae were found in the patient's feces a sputum, and a filariform larva was found in a hanging drop preparation from centrifuged cerebrospinal fluid . Therapy with thiabendazole eradicated the Strongyloides from feces and sputum . The abnormal CSF values returned toward normal, and the patient has had no recurrence of illness. Mayo Clin Proc, 1987 Jul, 62(7), 549 - 57 Role of bronchoalveolar lavage in the assessment of opportunistic pulmonary infections: utility and complications; Martin WJ 2nd et al.; We prospectively evaluated the diagnostic role of bronchoalveolar lavage in the assessment of opportunistic pulmonary infections and the incidence of associated complications in 100 immunocompromised patients during a 9-month period . Bronchoalveolar lavage was useful in detecting the presence of Pneumocystis carinii, viruses, fungi, bacteria, and mycobacteria in the lower respiratory tract . P . carinii was diagnosed by bronchoalveolar lavage in 17 patients and by open-lung biopsy in 1 . Other organisms detected by lavage, lung biopsy, or both included viruses (eight patients), fungi (four patients), bacteria (six patients), and mycobacteria (three patients) . Of the 100 patients studied, 33 had infectious agents detected in the lung; in 6 of these patients, more than one organism was present . Bronchoalveolar lavage detected the infectious organisms in 30 of the patients, in many of whom an open-lung biopsy was likely avoided because of the lavage studies . Although no major complications of bronchoalveolar lavage were noted in this critically ill population, five patients did require short-term mechanical ventilation after bronchoscopy . When correctly used, bronchoalveolar lavage is a safe and useful procedure for the assessment of immunocompromised subjects with suspected opportunistic pulmonary infections. J Nat Prod, 1987 Jul-Aug, 50(4), 696 - 9 Traditional medicinal plants of Thailand, VIII . Isoflavonoids of Dalbergia candenatensis; Hamburger MO et al.; Five isoflavonoids, including the new isoflavone quinone, 5-hydroxybowdichione {2}, were isolated from the heartwood of Dalbergia candenatensis through bioactivity-directed fractionation. Rev Infect Dis, 1987 Jul-Aug, 9 Suppl 4, S317 - 21 Fibronectin: a brief overview of its structure, function, and physiology; Proctor RA; Fibronectin is a large glycoprotein that is composed of blocks of three types of repeating, homologous peptide sequences . Several of the homologous blocks form functional domains that are organized in a linear array on two nearly identical subunit arms . Specific domains allow fibronectin to promote cell-to-cell adhesion, cell-to-basement-membrane attachment, clot stabilization, embryogenesis, nerve regeneration, fibroblast migration, macrophage function, and pathogen (virus, fungus, bacteria, and protozoa) binding to mammalian cells and extracellular matrix . Thus, this complex and multifunctional protein is involved in the pathogenesis of infections from the initiation of the infection through the final stages of wound healing. J Gen Microbiol, 1987 Jul, 133 ( Pt 7), 1721 - 31 Isolation, complementation and partial characterization of mutants of the methanol autotroph Xanthobacter H4-14 defective in methanol dissimilation; Weaver CA et al.; Seven mutants of Xanthobacter H4-14, unable to grow on methanol but capable of growth on formate, were isolated and complemented with a chromosomal clone bank constructed in the broad-host-range cosmid pVK100 . One mutant could not be complemented but the others fell into four distinct complementation groups that involved three different recombinant clones . All of the complementing regions were separated by at least 10 kbp . The five complementation classes had different phenotypic characteristics and were defective in different aspects of methanol and formaldehyde oxidation . Class I mutants were defective in methanol oxidation, class II mutants were impaired in formaldehyde oxidation, class III mutants appeared to be defective in a regulatory element involving the methanol oxidation system, and class IV mutants appeared to be defective in a regulatory element involving formaldehyde oxidation . Class V mutants exhibited a methanol-sensitive phenotype, which was correlated with an imbalance between methanol and formaldehyde dehydrogenase activities . Analysis of this class suggested it was defective in a repressor that regulated methanol dissimilation functions. Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 1987 Jul, (7), 39 - 44 {Temperature-sensitive mutant of the obligate methylotroph Methylobacillus flagellatum KT deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase}; Kletsova LV et al.; The common approach is developed for isolation of mutants deficient in key enzymes of ribulose monophosphate pathway for formaldehyde oxidation and assimilation by obligate methylotrophic bacteria . The approach is based on total isolation of temperature sensitive mutants and their biochemical characterization . A number of ts- mutants of obligate methylotroph M . flagellatum KT is isolated following nitrosoguanidine induced mutagenesis . The modified screening method was developed and used for identification of mutants deficient in the key enzymes of ribulose monophosphate pathway . The mutant deficient in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (zwf) was identified . The NAD-dependent activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase was not measurable under nonpermissive temperature while the level of NADP-dependent activity was only four-fold less comparing with wild type strain . It was concluded that growth limitation of zwf mutant of M . flagellatum KT (designated T623) at 42 degrees C results from the absence of NAD-dependent activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. J Vasc Surg, 1987 Jul, 6(1), 17 - 25 Reduction in deposition of indium 111-labeled platelets after autologous endothelial cell seeding of Dacron aortic bifurcation grafts in humans: a preliminary report; Ortenwall P et al.; Autologous endothelial seeding (AES) of vascular prostheses in dogs increases thrombus-free surface and improves prosthetic prostacyclin production, patency, and the ability to withstand hematogenous challenge with bacteria . No such information is available in human subjects . In the present study one limb of an aortic Dacron bifurcation prosthesis was seeded with autologous endothelial cells (ECs) harvested from the distal portion of the saphenous vein by enzymatic treatment . The deposition of indium 111-labeled platelets on the vascular prostheses was studied 1 and 4 months after operation . In seven of nine patients seeding resulted in decreased accumulation of radiolabeled platelets compared with sham-seeded control limbs (p less than 0.04), when studied 1 month after surgery . A decrease in platelet accumulation occurred over the whole prosthesis between 1 and 4 months, and no significant difference was noted at 4 months between seeded and nonseeded graft limbs . Although the seeding density was very low (440 ECs/cm2), the observed difference in platelet accumulation for AES-treated graft limbs in the early postoperative course merits further investigation of this technique in human beings. Biofizika, 1987 Jul-Aug, 32(4), 609 - 13 {The nature of H+-K+-exchange in anaerobically and aerobically grown S . typhimurium}; Trchunian AA et al.; H+-K+-exchange via the Trk-like system of K+ accumulation takes place in anaerobically grown S . typhimurium LT-2 with stable ratio of DCC-sensitive ionic fluxes, equal to 2H+ of a cell for one K+ of the medium . This exchange is now observed in the mutant S . typhimurium TH-31 with unfunctional H+-ATPase . H+-K+-exchange in aerobically grown S . typhimurium LT-2 has unstable ratio of ionic fluxes . The rate of K+ uptake in anaerobically grown bacteria is higher than that in the aerobically grown ones . Q10 is about 1.8 both for H+ transfer and K+ uptake in anaerobically grown bacteria, but it is 1.7 and 0.9 respectively in the aerobically grown ones . Delta psi is not changed by different temperatures both in anaerobically and aerobically grown bacteria . The distribution of K+ in anaerobically grown bacteria is higher than 10(3) and the potassium equilibrium potential is much higher than the measured delta psi . In aerobically grown bacteria the distribution of K+ is in good conformity with the measured delta psi . H+ and K+ transport in anaerobically grown cells is likely to proceed by the same mechanism, which includes H+-ATPase and the Trk-like system . In aerobically grown bacteria these transport systems work separately, and the Trk-like system as K+-ionophore serving for K+ uptake across the electrical field on the membrane. J Gen Microbiol, 1987 Jul, 133 ( Pt 7), 1969 - 74 Oligonucleotide probes complementary to variable regions of ribosomal RNA discriminate between Mycoplasma species; Gobel UB et al.; On the basis of information from computer-assisted sequence comparison of the Mycoplasma pneumoniae 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences with sequences from various other mycoplasmal and bacterial species, we constructed M . pneumoniae-specific oligonucleotide probes complementary to variable regions in the 16S rRNA molecule . Using a DNA/RNA dot blot hybridization procedure, it was possible to detect less than 1 X 10(3) mycoplasmas . This test is a most sensitive assay for species-specific detection of bacteria . It can easily be adapted for detection and identification of other bacterial species and may have wide medical and industrial application. Can J Microbiol, 1987 Jul, 33(7), 607 - 13 Antigenic variability of the outer membrane antigens of Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1 to 8; Boissinot M et al.; The outer membrane proteins of Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1 to 8 were p