Microorganisms

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 prepared from broken cells by selective solubilization using sodium lauryl sarcosinate . The isolated proteins were separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and transferred to nitrocellulose sheets . Rabbit antisera against each of the eight serogroups of L . pneumophila were obtained by immunizing each animal with live bacteria . The transferred proteins were revealed using these antisera and peroxidase-labeled swine anti-rabbit immunoglobulins . Antigenic determinants common to all eight serogroups were found in at least three outer membrane antigens (19, 29, and 45 kilodaltons (kDa)) . However, cross-absorption experiments revealed that these three antigens were immunologically related, but not identical among serogroups . The antigenic relationships observed with two of these three antigens correlated well with cross-reactions observed in immunofluorescence . When a monoclonal antibody directed against L . pneumophila serogroup 1 lipopolysaccharide was used to reveal a blot of serogroup 1 outer membrane antigens, the 29- and 45-kDa bands appeared . This demonstrates a strong association between lipopolysaccharide and outer membrane proteins.

J Chromatogr, 1987 Jun 26, 397, 435 - 43
Analysis of tryptic digests of bovine beta-casein by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography; Leadbeater L et al.; Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) was used to separate the tryptic peptides of beta-casein . A gradient of 0-50% acetonitrile in 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid at a flow-rate of 0.8 ml/min resolved ten of the thirteen peptides . A modified gradient resolved the three peptides eluted at ca . 25% acetonitrile . RP-HPLC proved superior to high-voltage paper electrophoresis in analysis time, resolution and flexibility . The methods developed for the analysis of proteolysis of the milk protein, beta-casein, are now being applied to study the action of extracellular proteases from dairy bacteria on milk proteins.

Pharm Weekbl Sci, 1987 Jun 19, 9(3), 162 - 71
Liposomes in treatment of infectious diseases; Emmen F et al.; In reviewing the literature about the potential of liposomes in the therapy of infections caused by protozoa, bacteria, fungi and viruses, it can be concluded that liposomal encapsulation may improve the therapeutic index of anti-infectious drugs . The improved therapeutic index may be a result of a reduction in drug toxicity and/or an enhanced drug delivery at the intracellular site of infection . Furthermore, attention is paid to the therapeutic utility of liposome-encapsulated immunomodulators in treatment of infections.

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 1987 Jun, 7(2), 155 - 7
Comparison of methods for processing dialysate in suspected continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis; Woods GL et al.; Three methods of processing dialysate from patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and with suspected peritonitis were compared: (a) direct inoculation of 10 ml of dialysate into an Isolator tube, (b) direct inoculation of 5 ml of dialysate into each of two Bactec blood culture bottles (NR 6A and 7A), and (c) centrifugation of 50 ml upon receipt in the laboratory and culture of the sediment . A diagnosis of peritonitis was made in 33 of 52 suspected episodes . Pathogens were recovered by Isolator in 26 of the 33 specimens, by Bactec in 21, by centrifugation in 25, and by any method in 27 . Time to detection of positivity was the same for Isolator and Bactec in 20 of 21 cases and for Isolator and centrifugation in 21 of 24 cases . Identification was available 24-48 hr earlier with Isolator than with centrifugation in three of 24 cases and 24 hr earlier with Isolator than Bactec in 20 of 21 cases.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Immunol Scand {B}, 1987 Jun, 95(3), 211 - 2
Short-chain fatty acids in seven sterile thioglycollate media; Hoverstad T et al.; Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analysed by gas chromatography in 7 sterile fluid thioglycollate media . The total SCFA concentration varied from 250 mumol/l to 1720 mumol/l . Acetic acid (52.0%-91.3% of total SCFA concentration) and n-butyric acid (5.8%-48.0% of total concentration) were the main acids in all sterile media; low concentrations of propionic, isobutyric, isovaleric, and n-valeric acid were present in most media . In studies of bacterial metabolism, or when analyses of SCFAs are used for identification of bacteria, testing of the sterile medium is necessary.

Br J Obstet Gynaecol, 1987 Jun, 94(6), 543 - 7
Systematic semen culture and its influence on IVF management; Guillet-Rosso F et al.; Semen specimens from 519 men were cultured for organisms 2 weeks before oocyte recovery for in-vitro fertilization (IVF) . The cultures from 72 men contained more than 5000 bacteria/ml and the IVF attempt was postponed . The IVF outcome was assessed in 382 couples in relation to the semen culture result . The pregnancy rate per cycle was significantly reduced when the semen culture contained organisms compared with axenic semen (P less than 0.05) . This was independent of the cleavage rate of oocytes and the number of embryos transferred . Although mycoplasma was frequently cultured, chlamydial infection was very rare and no viruses were isolated in this study.

Mutat Res, 1987 Jun, 182(3), 155 - 72
Spindle disturbances in mammalian cells . IV . The action of some glutathione-specific agents in V79 Chinese hamster cells, changes in levels of free sulfhydryls and ATP, c-mitosis and effects on DNA metabolism; Onfelt A; The glutathione-specific agents diamide, diethyl maleate and 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene were found to induce a low frequency of c-mitosis (15%) at non-toxic concentrations concomitant with a 30-40% decrease of non-protein sulfhydryls . The frequency of c-mitosis did not increase further with increased concentrations until non-protein sulfhydryl levels were obtained suggesting depletion of reduced glutathione . The observed shape of the concentration-response curve for c-mitosis is particular to these 3 agents and caffeine among 22 different compounds being tested under comparable conditions . This suggests a similar mechanism of action and from what is known about caffeine this mechanism probably involves an impaired control of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ . It is speculated that this impairment with the glutathione-specific agents is primarily due to depletion of a particular pool of reduced glutathione . Tertiary butylhydroperoxide which is a substrate for glutathione peroxidase(s) also causes c-mitosis when there is no significant decrease of non-protein sulfhydryls . The c-mitotic response was found to be biphasic with maintained control levels at an intermediate concentration . The humps in the concentration-response curve for c-mitosis appeared coincident with a mitogenic response (G1----S) . Since the latter type of effect most probably is Ca2+ dependent and since the spindle is sensitive to Ca2+ it is tentatively suggested that the c-mitotic effect of tertiary butylhydroperoxide is due to an increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+ . Measurements performed imply that an increase of glutathione disulfide (diamide) is more inhibitory to uptake and incorporation of thymidine than a decrease of reduced glutathione per se (diethyl maleate) . This difference is probably due to secondary effects on pertinent protein sulfhydryls with diamide, one possible target being the ribonucleotide reductase . All compounds were found to cause an increase of ATP with some of the applied concentrations . The results with diethyl maleate suggest that an increase of ATP is favored by an attack on mitochondrial reduced glutathione . The possible analogy between this effect and an increase of ATP and Ap4A in bacteria during oxidative stress is considered.

J Am Mosq Control Assoc, 1987 Jun, 3(2), 187 - 92
An alternative bioassay employing neonate larvae for determining the toxicity of suspended particles to mosquitoes; Ibarra JE et al.; An alternative bioassay using neonate larvae of Aedes aegypti is described for determining the toxicity of suspended particles, particularly insecticidal bacteria, to mosquitoes . This new assay is comparable in precision to the 4th instar bioassay recommended by the World Health Organization, but is quicker and requires much less space . Values obtained using neonate larvae as the test insect showed less variation within and between replicates in regard to LC50 and slope of the regression line, and in general required fewer replicates to fulfill the requirements for a statistically valid bioassay than the W.H.O . assay . The precision of the neonate larval bioassay in combination with its requirements for less time and space may make it especially useful for screening large numbers of samples.

Am Fam Physician, 1987 Jun, 35(6), 123 - 7
Mastoiditis; Scheibel WR et al.; Mastoiditis still occurs as a nonmeningeal complication of otitis media . Fever, postauricular swelling, tenderness of the ear pinna, severe otalgia and ear drainage are all typical clinical findings . Most commonly, the causative organisms are the same aerobic bacteria that are responsible for otitis media; however, anaerobic organisms must also be considered . Treatment for acute mastoiditis includes appropriate intravenous antibiotics and myringotomy for culture and drainage . Mastoidectomy is indicated if medical therapy fails.

Pharmazie, 1987 Jun, 42(6), 381 - 3
Syntheses and biological properties of 8-carbamoylimidazo{1,2-c}pyrimidines and their heterocyclic analogs; Dlugosz A; N-substituted 8-carbamoylimidazo{1,2-c}pyrimidines, 9-carbamoylpyrimido{1,2-c}pyrimidines and 8-carbamoyloxazolo{2,3-c}pyrimidines were obtained by the reaction of N-substituted 5-carbamoyl-2-hydroxy-4-mercapto-6-methylpyrimidines with aminoalcohols or ethylene chlorohydrin . Some of the described compounds exhibit weak antiinflammatory and analgetic effects.

Can J Ophthalmol, 1987 Jun, 22(4), 234 - 6
Endophthalmitis due to Oerskovia xanthineolytica; Hussain Z et al.; Unilateral endophthalmitis developed in a 47-year-old man following an intraocular eye injury with a metallic foreign body . Eventually, Oerskovia xanthineolytica was isolated from the vitreous humour . To our knowledge this is the first documented case of endophthalmitis caused by this organism in humans . The clinical course and management of this opportunistic infection are discussed.

J Immunol, 1987 Jun 1, 138(11), 3863 - 7
Macrophage C1q: characterization of a membrane form of C1q and of multimers of C1q subunits; Martin H et al.; It has been shown recently that C1q, a subcomponent of the first component of the classical complement pathway, is synthesized by macrophages and that endogenous C1q is detectable on the macrophage membrane . In this report, we demonstrate that membrane-associated C1q, which contains the A, B, and C chains of C1q, is structurally distinct from fluid-phase C1q in that the B chain of the membrane species is approximately 1000 m.w . less than its fluid-phase counterpart . By using biosynthetically ({3H}proline) labeled C1q from guinea pig peritoneal macrophages, we found that the membrane form of C1q is derived from already secreted C1q . The demonstration of a distinct membrane form of C1q supports earlier functional studies which implicated C1q as a membrane-associated molecule with receptor functions for those molecules which also interact with fluid-phase C1q, such as polyanions, immune complexes, and bacteria . Furthermore, we show that, in the vicinity of macrophages, C1q is very susceptible to oxidation manifested by the formation of disulfide bonds . By SDS-PAGE (nonreduced and reduced), we demonstrate the existence of disulfide-linked multimers (180,000 m.w., 360,000 m.w.) which are composed of the A, B, and C chains of C1q.

J Dent Res, 1987 Jun, 66(6), 1166 - 74
Hard tissue barrier formation in pulpotomized monkey teeth capped with cyanoacrylate or calcium hydroxide for 10 and 60 minutes; Cvek M et al.; Monkey incisor teeth were pulpotomized in groups of 10 . After physiological hemostasis, the pulps of group I were covered with isobutyl cyanoacrylate, and those of groups II and III with calcium hydroxide for 10 and 60 minutes, respectively, whereafter this compound was washed away and the wound surfaces covered with Teflon . In group IV, calcium hydroxide was used as a positive control, and Teflon as a negative control in group V . The animals were killed after 12 weeks and the teeth removed in tissue blocks . The material was processed and evaluated histologically with respect to location and continuity of a hard tissue barrier, type of newly formed hard tissue, state of the pulp, and presence of stainable bacteria in the coronal cavity . Seven of nine teeth in group I showed a hard tissue barrier . The corresponding figure for group II was eight out of 10 teeth . All teeth in groups III and IV had a barrier . The incidence of a continuous barrier increased from group I through group IV, as did the incidence of its location below the level of the original wound surface . The condition of the pulp was related to the presence of bacteria and the continuity of the barrier to the presence of inflammation . There was no bridging in group V . The results support the theory that a low-grade irritation is responsible for the formation of a hard tissue barrier in exposed pulps.

J Dent Res, 1987 Jun, 66(6), 1120 - 7
The prevention of sub-surface demineralization of bovine enamel and change in plaque composition by casein in an intra-oral model; Reynolds EC; The ability of bovine milk phosphoprotein (casein) to be incorporated into plaque, prevent enamel sub-surface demineralization, and affect bacterial composition was determined using a modified intra-oral caries model . The intra-oral model consisted of a removable appliance containing a left and right pair of bovine enamel slabs placed to simulate an approximal area . Supragingival plaque was collected and impacted into the left and right inter-enamel spaces . The left side of the appliance was exposed to various sugar and salt solutions, while the right side was exposed to sugar and casein solutions . Sodium caseinate, the major fraction alpha s1-casein, and a tryptic digest of alpha s1-casein (TD-casein) were studied . Sodium caseinate at a level of 2% w/v in a 3% sucrose-3% glucose-salt solution (pH 7.0) prevented sub-surface enamel demineralization over a ten-day period as shown by microradiography and microhardness . Two exposures of a 2% w/v sodium caseinate, alpha s1-casein, or TD-casein solution (pH 7.0) per day prevented sub-surface enamel demineralization caused by six exposures of a 3% sucrose-3% glucose-salt solution per day over a ten-day period . Intact alpha s1-casein and tryptic peptides were shown immunochemically to be incorporated into the inter-enamel plaque . The incorporation of casein and its breakdown in plaque did not produce a significant change in the amount or composition of plaque bacteria . The ability of casein and tryptic peptides to prevent enamel demineralization was related to their incorporation into plaque, thereby increasing plaque calcium phosphate and acid-buffering capacity by the phosphoseryl, histidyl, glutamyl, and aspartyl residues and indirectly through catabolism by plaque bacteria.

Arch Dis Child, 1987 Jun, 62(6), 573 - 5
Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: trimethoprim resistant organisms during treatment; McDowell HP et al.; A cross sectional study was carried out in children receiving treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia to determine the prevalence of trimethoprim resistant organisms in their gut flora and to compare this with a control population . There was a significantly higher prevalence of trimethoprim resistant bacteria in the study group (61%) compared with controls (14%) . A longitudinal study showed that emergence of these organisms was intermittent during treatment.

Community Dent Oral Epidemiol, 1987 Jun, 15(3), 113 - 6
Evaluation of an intraoral controlled release delivery system for fluoride in primates; Shern RJ et al.; An intraoral delivery system designed to release 0.5 mg of fluoride per day was evaluated in short-term studies in primates . This fluoride-releasing device, bonded to the buccal surface of the maxillary right central incisor of each of six monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), produced marked elevations in saliva and plaque fluoride concentrations without increases in serum fluoride concentrations . No changes were observed in the plaque and gingival scores or the populations of various species of plaque bacteria.

Isr J Med Sci, 1987 Jun, 23(6), 628 - 31
Immune responses in Mycoplasma bovoculi conjunctivitis; Rosenbusch RF; Calves infected with Mycoplasma bovoculi respond with conjunctivitis, extensive colonization of cell-adherent mycoplasmas, and a transient influx of neutrophils to ocular surfaces . Antibody responses can be detected in the circulation and in lacrimal fluid by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . Serum responses were primarily IgM and IgG and included complement-independent metabolic inhibition activity, while lacrimal fluid responses were primarily IgA and did not exhibit metabolic inhibiting activity . Cell-mediated immune responses also followed the initial infection . In all cases, these immune responses were concurrent with persistent colonization of ocular surfaces . Clearance of persistent infections was observed after variable periods of time and was followed by resistance to challenge . Parenteral presentation of antigen gave similar systemic responses with no lacrimal responses . Animals given antigen parenterally exhibited inflammatory responses and persistent colonization after challenge . These reactions were more intense than those following infections in unstimulated cattle.

Chemioterapia, 1987 Jun, 6(3), 208 - 14
Preventing infection in open heart surgery; Beam TR Jr; The risks for infection following open heart surgery may be divided into three components: the environment, operating room personnel, and the patient . Critical appraisal of the available literature yields the following conclusions . First, the environment may result in fungal or bacterial contamination of the surgical wound or mucosal surfaces . However, it is infrequently possible to prove that such contamination causes infections . Second, personnel may contaminate the patients, but rarely do so . Third, the patient's endogenous flora is most often the source of infecting bacteria . Proper preoperative preparation and judicious use of prophylactic antibiotics minimize the risk of infection.

Immunology, 1987 Jun, 61(2), 111 - 6
Modulation of polyclonal activation by plasma fibronectin and fibronectin fragments; Dziarski R; Modulation of activation of polyclonal IgM, IgG and IgM anti-DNA antibodies by plasma fibronectin (Fn) was studied because in some autoimmune diseases there appears to be a correlation between the increased level of Fn in the affected tissues and increased polyclonal B-cell activation . Fn caused a dose-dependent polyclonal activation of IgM, IgG and IgM anti-DNA antibody-secreting cells in cultures of mouse splenocytes . Fn significantly inhibited the generation of polyclonal antibodies by Fn-binding stimulants and did not significantly change the generation of polyclonal antibodies by the stimulants that do not bind Fn . Plasmin or trypsin digestion of Fn abolished both the polyclonal activating properties of Fn and the inhibitory effects of Fn that were selective for the Fn-binding polyclonal activators . Digestion of Fn with trypsin also generated immunosuppressive Fn fragments that inhibited polyclonal activation by both Fn-binding and non-binding bacteria . Under our culture conditions Fn or Fn digests were not mitogenic and had no effect on the mitogenicity of Fn-binding and non-binding stimulants . These results indicate that Fn can act as a polyclonal activator and that it can also modulate lymphocyte activation induced by other activators.

Biochimie, 1987 Jun-Jul, 69(6-7), 723 - 34
Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase . I . Structural, immunochemical and catalytic properties; Suzuki A; Some structural, immunochemical and catalytic properties are examined for ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase from various cellular organisms including bacteria, cyanobacteria, algae and higher plants . The native enzyme molecular masses and the subunit polypeptide compositions vary according to enzyme sources . The molecular masses of the large and small subunits from different cellular organisms, on the other hand, show a relatively high homology due to their well-conserved primary amino acid sequence, especially that of the large subunit . In higher plants, the native enzyme and the large subunit are recognized by the antibodies raised against either the native or large subunit, whereas the small subunit apparently cross-reacts only with the antibodies directed against itself . A wide diversity exists, however, in the serological response of the native enzyme and its subunits with antibodies directed against the native enzyme or its subunits from different cellular organisms . According to numerous kinetic studies, the carboxylase and oxygenase reactions of the enzyme with ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate and carbon dioxide or oxygen require activation by carbon dioxide and magnesium prior to catalysis with ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate and carbon dioxide or oxygen . The activation and catalysis are also under the regulation of other metal ions and a number of chloroplastic metabolites . Recent double-labeling experiments using radioactive ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate and 14CO2 have elucidated the carboxylase/oxygenase ratios of the enzymes from different organisms . Another approach, i.e., genetic experiments, has also been used to examine the modification of the carboxylase/oxygenase ratio.

Mol Cell Biochem, 1987 Jun, 75(2), 93 - 102
Immunochemical and partial chemical characterization of fractions of membrane-bound smooth lipopolysaccharide-protein complex from Brucella abortus; Wu AM et al.; Smooth lipopolysaccharide (sLPS) of Brucella abortus was prepared and fractionated by a modification of the procedures of Moreno et al . (J . Bac . 138:361-369, 1979) . Washed B . abortus cells were disrupted by 21 freeze-quick thaw cycles with ultrasonication to separate the non-membrane-bound material . Ultrasonicated bacteria were used for preparation of membrane-bound sLPS (approximately f5, the main crude sLPS fraction described by Moreno et al.) . Phenol extraction was repeated 3 times and then washed with H2O 10 times to remove most of the chromogen, polysaccharides and nucleic acids, eliminating the need for enzyme treatment as described previously . The membrane-bound sLPS was fractionated into 3 to 5 groups according to the extent of dialysis and centrifugation, these fractions required only 80 ng for positive ELISA, about 0.2 ng for positive Limulus lysate tests, and reacted well with precipitating antibodies in the serum from a strain 2308 infected cow . They had marked differences in precipitin curves and chemical composition . The protein content varied from 16% to 42% as determined by dye binding test and 17 to 60% by Lowry phenol method using bovine serum albumin as the standard, which implies that the proteins associated with LPS may also play important roles in the complex for the immunochemical interactions and the heterogeneity of B . abortus lipopolysaccharide protein complex . As compared with previous reports, a higher yield of sLPS, ranging from 3.6% to 7.7% of dried bacteria, was obtained . Group f5A, which had a standard bell shaped curve in the precipitin assay, is one of the major fractions in all three strains (1119.3, 19 and 2308) . The amount of other subfractions obtained varied with batches or strains of B . abortus . These results provide a new profile of the immunochemical reactivities and the heterogeneity on B . abortus smooth membrane-bound endotoxins.

Mol Gen Genet, 1987 Jun, 208(1-2), 76 - 83
The plasmids of Acetobacter xylinum and their interaction with the host chromosome; Valla S et al.; Acetobacter xylinum contains a complex system of plasmid DNA molecules . Plasmids of molecular weights or copy numbers different from the original wild-type, are found in different types of mutants . Restriction endonuclease digestion and DNA/DNA hybridization analysis, showed that the plasmids often contained partly, but not completely the same DNA sequences . Two of these plasmid classes were analysed in more detail, and could be shown to differ in size by about 5 kb . Hybridization analysis using cloned DNA fragments as probes, showed that sequences lacking in the smallest plasmid were still present in a DNA fraction co-migrating with linearized chromosomal DNA . In addition, at least part of the DNA in the smallest plasmid was present both in the plasmid and chromosomal DNA fraction . Analysis of a particular strain containing an insertion of transposon Tn1, also indicated the existence of complex interactions between plasmids and chromosomal DNA . Together with experiments on conjugative transfer and curing of the plasmids, the results indicate that at least part of the genetic system of A . xylinum is unusual when compared to that of other genetically characterized bacteria.

Biokhimiia, 1987 Jun, 52(6), 1043 - 50
{Isolation and properties of the SuaI restriction endonuclease from the thermoacidophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus acidocaldarius}; Prangishvili DA et al.; A new restriction endonuclease SuaI was isolated from the thermoacidophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus acidocaldarius . The enzyme is an isoschizomer of BspR1; it recognizes tetranucleotide GGCC and cleaves DNA in the center of this sequence . SuaI requires Mg2+, the optimal concentration being 6 mM . KCl at concentrations above 25 mM significantly inhibits the enzyme activity . The pH optimum lies within the range of 6--7 at 70 degrees C, the temperature optimum is at 70--75 degrees C . The enzyme is highly stable at temperatures up to 80 degrees C . DNA of S . acidocaldarius is not cleaved by the enzyme.

Parasitology, 1987 Jun, 94 ( Pt 3), 543 - 53
Immune response to Trichinella epitopes: the antiphosphorylcholine plaque-forming cell response during the biological cycle; Ubeira FM et al.; Phosphorylcholine (PC), an immunodominant component of the cell wall of certain bacteria, fungi and nematodes, is known to induce low anti-PC antibody levels during natural infection by Trichinella spiralis . This article reports a study in which spleen cells from BCF1 mice infected with Trichinella sp . larvae were found to produce large numbers of direct haemolytic plaques in response to PC conjugated to sheep red blood cells (SRBC) after muscle-encysted larvae had been killed by treatment with mebendazole . Inhibition of the response by PC-chloride, immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoretic studies with the anti-PC IgA (TEPC-15) and anti-idiotype T15 serum assays showed the plaque-forming cell (PFC) response to be specific for PC . The absence of haemolytic plaques when unconjugated SRBC or TNP-SRBC were used as indicator cells ruled out involvement of a polyclonal response . Greatest anti-PC PFC response was found to be associated with a microsomal fraction designated FCp1, a particulate fraction behaving as a thymus-dependent antigen . The FCp1 fractions from all four strains of Trichinella employed induced anti-PC PFC responses when injected into mice . These results suggest that FCp1 is a suitable antigen for use in detailed studies of immune responses to Trichinella and related parasites.

FEBS Lett, 1987 Jun 1, 216(2), 217 - 20
Simple repetitive sequences in the genomes of archaebacteria; Vashakidze RP et al.; Stretches of simple sequences poly(dG-dT).poly(dC-dA), poly(dG-dA).poly(dC-dT), poly(dG).poly(dC) and poly(dA).poly(dT), the occurrence of which is a characteristic feature of eukaryotic genomes, are found in the genomes of archaebacteria Halobacterium halobium and Sulfolobus acidocaldarius . In S . acidocaldarius these sequences constitute a considerable portion of the genome; they belong to a class of repetitive sequences dispersed throughout the genome, being transcribed and found in RNAs of different lengths.

Clin Immunol Immunopathol, 1987 Jun, 43(3), 362 - 73
A unifying model of the immunoregulatory role of the interferon system: can interferon produce disease in humans?
Skurkovich S, Skurkovich B, Bellanti JA.
This hypothesis is a presentation of a unifying model of the interferon (IFN) system as a cascade of sequentially interacting responses of IFNs-alpha, -beta, and -gamma involved in modulation of the immune response . We propose that every antigen is an IFNogen . The first stage(s) of immune responsiveness is associated primarily with the production of the family of IFN-alpha . In certain immunologically mediated diseases, including the autoimmune diseases and AIDS, disturbances in the synthesis of IFN-alpha occur with a switch to the production of predominantly acid-labile types, which have a negative immunoregulatory effect . Moreover, disturbances of IFN synthesis in the embryo or fetus can lead to deformities . Some viruses and other biological and chemical substances manifest a pathological effect by the IFN they induce . This IFN may help sustain the viruses and other substances which induce this IFN . We think it is unsafe to give patients immunoregulators in incomplete form . Thus, there is a potential danger in giving patients recombinant forms of IFNs and interleukin 2 produced in bacteria . In certain immune disorders, we may be able to treat patients by the binding or removal of hyperproduced IFNs from the body . This may lead to the restoration of immunologic balance and clinical improvement.

Science, 1987 May 29, 236(4805), 1081 - 6
Antisense RNA inactivation of myosin heavy chain gene expression in Dictyostelium discoideum; Knecht DA et al.; The role of myosin in the contraction of striated muscle cells is well known, but its importance in nonmuscle cells is not yet clear . The function of myosin in Dictyostelium discoideum has been investigated by isolating cells which specifically lack myosin heavy chain (MHC A) protein . Cells were transformed with a vector encoding RNA complementary to mhcA messenger RNA (antisense RNA) . Stable transformants have a dramatic reduction in the amount of MHC A protein, grow slowly, and generate giant multinucleated progeny, indicating an impairment in cytokinesis . Surprisingly, the cells adhere to surfaces, extend pseudopods and are capable of ameboid locomotion . The developmental sequence that is initiated by starving cells is severely impaired by the lack of myosin . The cells are unable to form multicellular aggregates normally and do not undergo subsequent morphogenesis . By changing the food source from liquid medium to bacteria, expression of the endogenous mhcA messenger RNA can be increased relative to expression of antisense RNA . When grown in this way, the transformed cells accumulate MHC A protein, remain mononucleate, and proceed through development normally.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1987 May 6, 891(3), 227 - 41
Purification of highly active cytochrome bc1 complexes from phylogenetically diverse species by a single chromatographic procedure; Ljungdahl PO et al.; A method has been developed for purification of highly active ubiquinol-cytochrome c oxidoreductase (cytochrome bc1) complexes from wild-type Rhodobacter sphaeroides, Rhodobacter capsulatus MT1131, bovine heart and yeast mitochondria . This is the first report of the isolation of cytochrome bc1 complex from a wild-type strain of Rb . sphaeroides and from any strain of Rb . capsulatus . The purification involves extraction of membranes with dodecyl maltoside and two successive DEAE column chromatography steps . All of the resulting bc1 complexes are free of succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase activities . The purified bc1 complexes from both photosynthetic bacteria contain four polypeptide subunits, although the molecular weights of some of their subunits differ . They are also free of reaction center and light-harvesting pigments and polypeptides . The turnover number of the Rb . sphaeroides complex is 128 s-1, and that of the Rb . capsulatus complex is 64 s-1 . The bc1 complex from bovine heart contains eight polypeptides and has a turnover number of 1152 s-1, while the yeast complex contains nine polypeptides and has a turnover number of 219 s-1 . The activities of these complexes are equal to or better than those commonly obtained by previously reported methods . This method of purification is relatively simple, reproducible, and yields cytochrome bc1 complexes which largely retain the turnover number of the starting material and are pure on the basis of optical spectra, enzymatic activities and polypeptide composition . The purification of cytochrome bc1 complexes from energy-transducing membranes which differ markedly in their lipid and protein composition makes it likely that with minor modifications this method could be applied to species other than those described here.

FEBS Lett, 1987 May 4, 215(1), 171 - 4
On the role of the light-harvesting B880 in the correct insertion of the reaction center of Rhodobacter capsulatus and Rhodobacter sphaeroides; Jackson WJ et al.; The purple, non-sulfur photosynthetic bacteria Rhodobacter capsulatus and Rhodobacter sphaeroides have two types of pigment-protein complexes that absorb incident light and funnel it to the photochemical reaction center . One of these, B880, is present at an essentially constant ratio to the reaction center, while the abundance of the other, B800-850, varies with growth conditions . Independent work in our two laboratories has indicated that while the absence of B800-850 permits photosynthetic growth in both organisms, the lack of B880 produces a different phenotype in the two species . Thus R . sphaeroides is still photosynthetically competent when it lacks this complex, while R . capsulatus is not . This unanticipated difference in what appear to be very closely related organisms has caused us to reexamine the properties of the two mutants simultaneously, under identical conditions . We find that the original descriptions are indeed correct; the reaction center of R . capsulatus is not correctly inserted into the photosynthetic membrane in the absence of B880, while that of R . sphaeroides is.

FEBS Lett, 1987 May 4, 215(1), 83 - 7
Fast abortive initiation of uvrA promoter in a supercoiled plasmid studied by stopped-flow techniques; Bertrand-Burggraf E et al.; In order to follow the fast kinetics of abortive initiation (lag time from 1 ms to 10 s), we have built a stopped-flow apparatus equipped for fluorescence detection . The small volume used for each assay (35 microliters), and the short dead time (approximately 0.5 ms) are the essential advantages of this apparatus . Supercoiling of DNA affects considerably the initiation of transcription from the uvrA promoter . It decreases the lag time due to the isomerisation process 3-fold . Nevertheless, it does not change significantly the product KBk2, which is indicative of promoter strength and shows that uvrA is an 'association-limited' promoter . The presence of the LexA repressor increases the lag time considerably . At least for small RNA polymerase concentrations this increase is stronger for supercoiled than for linearized DNA.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1987 May, 40(5), 1037 - 40
{Clinical studies on cefuzonam in obstetric and gynecological infections}; Iwase H et al.; Seventeen patients with gynecological infections (5 cases each of Bartholin's abscess and adnexitis, 4 cases of endometritis and 1 case each of bartholinitis, pyosalpinx and vulvar abscess) were treated with cefuzonam (CZON, L-105) administered by intravenous drip infusion, 1-2 g twice daily, for 4 to 12 days (6 g to 23 g in total) . The clinical effectiveness reached 94.1%, including 1 excellent case, 15 cases good, and a poor case . Bacteria were detected in 9 cases, and with CZON treatment, bacterial eradications were obtained in 6 case, but, in 3 cases, bacterial replacements were observed . No abnormal laboratory findings 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 May, 264(3-4), 294 - 300
Lysophospholipase activity of Mycobacterium smegmatis; Harris RA et al.; Lysophospholipase (LPL) activity found in Mycobacterium smegmatis was characterized . LPL activity was found to exist in high levels in two-to-10-day-old cultures . The enzyme assay was run using 1.4 X 10(9) viable bacteria at an incubation time of 24 h . Enzyme activity was detected between 1 degree C and 80 degrees C with maximal activity between 40 degrees C and 60 degrees C . LPL activity was maximal at pH 9.0, with activity ranging between pH 3.0 and 10.0.

EMBO J, 1987 May, 6(5), 1387 - 92
The product of the Drosophila zeste gene binds to specific DNA sequences in white and Ubx; Benson M et al.; Three different segments of the zeste coding sequence were inserted in an expression vector and antibodies were raised against the resulting zeste-beta galactosidase hybrid proteins . The antibodies were used to analyse the zeste protein produced in bacteria from a different expression vector containing the entire zeste coding region . The major products made in bacteria as well as the products of in vitro translation of zeste RNA migrate anomalously upon SDS--acrylamide gel electrophoresis . Specific DNA fragments from the white and Ubx gene co-immunoprecipitate with zeste protein . At least two independent zeste binding sites are found in a 250-bp interval of the white regulatory region that contains also the sites of wsp mutations, which are known to be deficient in zeste interaction.

Biophys J, 1987 May, 51(5), 705 - 16
Mathematical analysis of cell-target encounter rates in two dimensions . The effect of chemotaxis; Fisher ES et al.; The process by which cells encounter their targets is the first step of a number of cell functions involved in the immune response, such as cell-mediated cytotoxicity and phagocytic ingestion of foreign material . In many instances, this encounter may be rate-limiting, and therefore it is important to understand what factors influence the encounter rate . One key aspect of cell-target encounter is the motility behavior of the cell in the vicinity of a target . This movement may be entirely random, or there may be a directed, or chemotactic, component to it . In this paper we focus on the effects of cell motility properties, and particularly the chemotactic directional bias, on the rate of cell-target encounter . Specifically, we derive an expression for the mean encounter time of cells that meet targets in two dimensions as a function of the cells' directional orientation bias . We show that a modest degree of bias can reduce the mean encounter time by orders of magnitude, while nearly perfect directional bias offers little additional benefit . We illustrate the application of these results to a particular example system: alveolar macrophages removing inhaled particles and bacteria from the lung surface.

Anaesthesia, 1987 May, 42(5), 476 - 81
Contamination control in long-term ventilation . A clinical study using a heat- and moisture-exchanging filter; Gallagher J et al.; Twenty-eight patients who required periods of mechanical ventilation for up to 22 days in the intensive therapy unit were studied to evaluate the clinical use of the Pall Ultipor Breathing System Filter (BB50T) as a heat- and moisture-exchanging bacterial filter . Results in this group of patients showed that there was no longer any need to sterilise breathing systems or decontaminate ventilators if these filters were used . They also performed satisfactorily as a heat and moisture exchanger in patients in need of long-term ventilation, and their use appears to offer substantial advantages as regards cost, ease of use and patient safety.

Am J Med Sci, 1987 May, 293(5), 324 - 7
Fatal soft-tissue infection complicating pulmonary arteriovenous fistulae; Pearson RK et al.; A patient with pulmonary arteriovenous (AV) fistulae presented with an ultimately fatal anaerobic soft tissue infection . This represents the first report of such a complication, but the association of intracerebral anaerobic abscess with pulmonary AV fistulae suggests the possibility of a common pathophysiologic mechanism.

Gen Comp Endocrinol, 1987 May, 66(2), 163 - 70
{Study of the synthesis of vitellogenin in intersexual males of Armadillidium vulgare Latreille (oniscoid isopod crustacean): comparison with males and with intact or ovariectomized females}; Souty-Grosset C et al.; In some natural populations of Armadilidium vulgare, intersex animals are genetic males which are feminized by maternally transmitted symbiotic bacteria . In these intersex males (iM) the fat body synthesizes vitellogenin, although their gonads are testes with hypertrophied--but nonfunctional--androgenic glands . Vitellogenin is present in the hemolymph of males changed experimentally into iM 90 days after inoculation of the feminizing bacteria . During the molting cycle, vitellogenin synthesis in iM varies as in ovariectomized females or in vitellogenic females, with a peak at the stage D1." In A . vulgare, vitellogenin synthesis is a neutral character since it can be observed in a genetic male or in an ovariectomized female; however, it is inhibited by the androgenic hormone . In intersex males, vitellogenin synthesis is the result of their refractoriness to androgenic hormone.

Br J Anaesth, 1987 May, 59(5), 648 - 50
Possible role of vacuum systems and compressed air generators in cross-infection in the ICU . A radioactive tracer study; Bjerring P et al.; Cross-contamination between a hospital's vacuum and compressed air systems was demonstrated using xenon-133 as a tracer . A xenon-133 bolus was introduced to the vacuum system in the intensive care unit . Calculations based on the amount of radioactive tracer recovered from the compressed air outlet at the same location as that at which the tracer was introduced indicated that 17% of the tracer had entered the compressed air system . The contamination was caused because the vacuum and compressed air systems were located in the same machine room . This could conceivably provide a route for respiratory tract contamination in patients receiving ventilatory assistance with air-oxygen mixtures.

Virology, 1987 May, 158(1), 69 - 78
Biological effects of a murine retrovirus carrying an activated N-ras gene of human origin; Souyri M et al.; We have introduced a genomic DNA clone of a mutated human N-ras gene from a T-cell leukemia cell line into a retroviral vector equipped with a neo resistance gene and with SV40 and pBR322 origins of replication . The helper free N-ras virus, which was recovered after transfection of the construction in the psi 2 packaging cell line, contained a correctly spliced N-ras gene . Proviral DNA was amplified in cos cells and subsequently cloned in bacteria . Nucleic acid sequence analysis of the activated N-ras gene revealed a point mutation at codon 12 resulting in a glycine to aspartic acid substitution . The N-ras virus was able to transform mouse fibroblastic cell lines, but failed to fully transform mouse primary embryo fibroblasts . MoMuLV or amphotropic 4070A pseudotypes of the virus were injected intraperitoneally into newborn mice . The MoMuLV pseudotype produced only helper-virus-induced leukemias . The amphotropic pseudotype caused fibrosarcomas after a long latent period . The results of these and other in vivo experiments are discussed in relation to known pathogenic effects of other retroviruses carrying H-ras or K-ras genes.

J Bacteriol, 1987 May, 169(5), 2187 - 94
Lipoprotein nature of the colicin A lysis protein: effect of amino acid substitutions at the site of modification and processing; Cavard D et al.; The colicin A lysis protein (Cal) is required for the release of colicin A to the medium by producing bacteria . This protein is produced in a precursor form that contains a cysteine at the cleavage site (-Leu-Ala-Ala-Cys) . The precursor must be modified by the addition of lipid before it can be processed . The maturation is prevented by globomycin, an inhibitor of signal peptidase II . Using oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis, the alanine and cystein residues in the -1 and +1 positions of the cleavage site were replaced by proline and threonine residues, respectively, in two different constructs . Both substitutions prevented the normal modification and cleavage of the protein . The marked activation of the outer membrane detergent-resistant phospholipase A observed with wild-type Cal was not observed with the Cal mutants . Both Cal mutants were also defective for the secretion of colicin A . In one mutant, the signal peptide appeared to be cleaved off by an alternative pathway involving signal peptidase I . Electron microscope studies with immunogold labeling of colicin A on cryosections of pldA and cal mutant cells indicated that the colicin remains in the cytoplasm and is not transferred to the periplasmic space . These results demonstrate that Cal must be modified and processed to activate the detergent-resistant phospholipase A and to promote release of colicin A.

Dev Biol, 1987 May, 121(1), 277 - 83
Surface glycoprotein, gp24, involved in early adhesion of Dictyostelium discoideum; Knecht DA et al.; A membrane glycoprotein of 24,000 Da (gp24) was purified from developed cells of Dictyostelium discoideum and shown to neutralize a crude antiserum (R695) that blocks EDTA-sensitive cell-cell adhesion during the early developmental stages of this organism . Purified gp24 was used to raise rabbit polyclonal antibodies and mouse monoclonal antibodies . Rabbit antiserum R851 was shown to be highly specific to gp24 by both Western analysis and immunoprecipitation . IgG of R851 is able to block adhesion of dissociated cells swirled in suspension . Adhesion of wild-type cells is blocked by R851 antibodies during the first 8 hr of development but not thereafter when other adhesion mechanisms come into play . The glycoprotein gp80 plays an essential role in the second adhesion system that appears during the aggregation stage of D . discoideum . By adding both anti-gp24 and anti-gp80 antibodies, adhesion of aggregation stage cells could be blocked . Late in development a third adhesion mechanism appears that is not blocked by either antibodies to gp24 or gp80 or both antibodies together . Western analysis and immunoprecipitation with monoclonal antibody mLJ11, specific for gp24, indicated that gp24 is absent in cells growing exponentially on bacteria but is rapidly synthesized and accumulated following the initiation of development . Synthesis of gp24 is maximal during the first 4 hr of development and then continues at a reduced rate throughout the remainder of development . The coordinate appearance of gp24 and EDTA-sensitive cell-cell adhesion as well as the ability of this glycoprotein to neutralize the adhesion blocking activity of R695 and R851 antibodies indicates that it plays a role in early cell-cell adhesion.

J Vasc Surg, 1987 May, 5(5), 791 - 3
The diabetic foot: amputations and drainage of infection; Gibbons GW; Neuropathy, peripheral ischemia, and an altered host defense make the diabetic patient particularly prone to the development of infected foot ulcers . Successful treatment must be directed at these three primary pathologic situations . Since a limb-threatening infection carries a 25% risk of major amputation, early and prompt recognition and reporting of all foot problems are essential . Neuropathy requires total rest of the injured part . An altered host defense requires knowledge of the bacteria involved and proper use of antibiotics . It requires strict adherence to sound surgical principles that ensure debridement of all necrotic material and adequate dependent drainage of the wound while conserving as much viable skin and tissue for later revision or conservative amputations . Once sepsis is controlled, ischemic extremities can be revascularized . Because of the peculiar nature of the diabetic's vascular disease, revascularization procedures require the maximum skill and experience of the operating vascular surgeon . After revascularization, revisions or more conservative distal amputations can be achieved . Patient and physician education and understanding still remain essential not only to prevention but to successful management of all diabetic foot-related problems.

J Clin Periodontol, 1987 May, 14(5), 289 - 94
Salivary IgG, a parameter of periodontal disease activity? High responders to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4 in juvenile and adult periodontitis; Sandholm L et al.; The concentration of salivary IgG and IgA and the levels of salivary IgG and IgA antibodies to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans Y4 were measured by ELISA in 205 persons including patients with juvenile and adult periodontitis as well as healthy subjects . Compared to the concentration observed in subjects with a healthy periodontium, a significantly increased concentration of salivary IgG was found in 34% of the patients with moderate adult periodontitis and in 57% of the patients with severe adult periodontitis . The level of salivary IgA was less influenced by the periodontal condition . The level of salivary IgG antibody to A . actinomycetemcomitans was significantly elevated in 55% of the patients with untreated juvenile periodontitis and in 28% of the patients treated for JP . 28% of the patients with adult periodontitis had a significantly elevated level of IgG antibody to A . actinomycetemcomitans Y4 . Significantly elevated levels of IgA antibody to this bacteria was found less frequently, 27% in untreated JP, 20% in treated JP and 17% in adult periodontitis.

Mutagenesis, 1987 May, 2(3), 215 - 20
Comparison of the dominant lethal effects of acrylonitrile and acrylamide in male Fischer 344 rats; Working PK et al.; Acrylonitrile (ACN) and acrylamide (AA), structurally similar vinyl monomers, are both animal carcinogens . ACN is weakly mutagenic in bacteria and induces sister-chromatid exchange, unscheduled DNA synthesis and cell transformation in cells in culture . AA induces chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow, blood and germ cells in vivo, and dominant lethal mutations in the germ cells of male mice and rats . In the current study, the ability of AA and ACN to induce dominant lethal mutations in the germ cells of male Fischer 344 rats was compared . Three groups of 50 males were gavaged daily for 5 days with ACN (60 mg/kg in normal saline), AA (30 mg/kg in normal saline) or vehicle only; an additional group of 20 males received a single i.p . injection of 0.2 mg/kg triethylenemelamine (TEM) on the afternoon of day 5 . Starting 1 day after exposure, each male was bred to one female per week for 4 weeks (TEM-exposed group) or 10 weeks (ACN, AA and control groups) . Mating rates were reduced only during week 1 in the TEM-treated group; pregnancy rates were reduced only during week 2 in the AA-exposed group and week 4 in the TEM-treated group . Females were necropsied 13 days after the end of the appropriate mating week and the amount of pre- and post-implantation loss calculated . ACN treatment of male rats induced no increases in either pre- or post-implantation loss in females in any of the 10 weeks post-exposure examined.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ann Clin Lab Sci, 1987 May-Jun, 17(3), 183 - 96
Expression of human IgG subclasses; Nahm MH et al.; Human immunoglobulin G (IgG) can be divided into four subclasses that are selectively expressed . For instance, carbohydrate antigens preferentially elicit IgG2 antibodies, whereas protein antigens usually elicit IgG1 and IgG3 . Elucidating the biological basis of the selective expression of these IgG subclasses is important to our understanding immunodeficiencies and B lymphocyte development . To investigate clinical importance of IgG subclass deficiencies, a sensitive and specific assay has been developed for IgG subclasses using particle concentration fluorescence immunoassay . Preliminary clinical studies have already shown that infection-prone individuals often have selective IgG2 subclass deficiency . Normal levels of IgG2, however, do not rule out an immunodeficiency in the infection-prone individuals because some individuals have normal levels of IgG subclasses and are poorly responsive to antigens of bacteria . Based on animal studies, two contrasting models of B cell development have been advanced . One model of B cell development proposes a single lineage and proposes that a B cell can successively switch and produce any IgG subclass . The other model proposes multiple lineages and proposes that a B cell can express only some IgG subclasses . It has been found by us that anti-PC antibodies are mostly IgG2 with some IgG1, and that the V region of IgG1 anti-PC antibody is different from that of IgG2 antibody . Our finding, therefore, suggests that B cells producing anti-PC antibodies are progeny of not one ancestral B cell that has successively switched, but two independent ancestral B cells . Cellular studies using polyclonal activators also suggest that regulatory mechanisms for IgG1 and IgG3 are different from those of IgG2 and IgG4 . Taken together, we favor the multi-lineage model better than the single lineage model of human B cell development.

Arch Mal Coeur Vaiss, 1987 May, 80(5), 663 - 5
{Cardiobacterium hominis on a aortic valve prosthesis}; Bellorini M et al.; A new case of late bacterial endocarditis caused by Cardiobacterium hominis is reported . The infection developed on an aortic valve prosthesis and responded favourably to medical treatment . The main characteristics of the micro-organism and of the oslerian graft are reviewed in the light of published data . The problem of endocarditis with negative blood cultures is discussed since C . hominis is reputed difficult to cultivate, although this was not the case in our patient.

JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 1987 May-Jun, 11(3), 267 - 70
Central venous catheter guidewire replacement according to the Seldinger technique: usefulness in the management of patients on total parenteral nutrition; Bonadimani B et al.; While on total parenteral nutrition (TPN), 37 patients underwent replacement of a central venous catheter (CVC), during which a wire introducer was used, according to the Seldinger technique . In 25 patients, the CVC was placed in the superior cava via the subclavian, and, in 12, via the jugular vein . Overall, 82 CVC changes were performed.: 74 for assumed CVC sepsis, 6 as preventive treatment, and 2 for partial catheter displacement . Catheter tip culture proved to be positive in 25 of 119 CVC examined . The catheters were defined as sterile when the tip culture was negative; contaminated, when the tip culture was positive and peripheral blood culture was either negative or positive for different bacteria; septic when both tip and blood were positive for the same bacteria . The results indicated that 10 catheters were contaminated and 17 were septic . Eight previously sterile CVC were found positive after the exchange: 3 were removed at the end of TPN in asymptomatic patients, and 5 were successfully resterilized by means of one more change . Guidewire replacement allowed CVC sterilization of 22 of 24 catheters (91.6%) . No complications due to the catheter-changing method were seen.

J Gen Virol, 1987 May, 68 ( Pt 5), 1351 - 9
Identification of human papillomavirus type 18 E6 polypeptide in cells derived from human cervical carcinomas; Banks L et al.; We recently reported the expression of human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV-18) E6 protein in bacteria and the production of anti-E6 polyclonal antibodies . This work has now been extended with the production of a panel of monoclonal antibodies against the HPV-18 E6 protein . These antibodies demonstrate that there is little antigenic conservation in the E6 protein between HPV-16 and HPV-18, with only one antibody recognizing a cross-reactive epitope . We have used both the monoclonal and the polyclonal antibodies to look for E6 expression in a number of HPV DNA-containing cell lines . These reagents specifically detected a 16.5K mol . wt . polypeptide in cells derived from a human cervical carcinoma.

Blood, 1987 May, 69(5), 1464 - 8
Iron deficiency and neutrophil function: different rates of correction of the depressions in oxidative burst and myeloperoxidase activity after iron treatment; Murakawa H et al.; The polymorphonuclear granulocyte (PMN) kills ingested bacteria by mechanisms that include myeloperoxidase (MPO) and a sudden increase in oxygen consumption (the oxidative burst), both of which are iron dependent . The magnitude of the oxidative burst and activity of MPO were determined in PMNs during the progression of iron deficiency (ID) and following its treatment in rats . As ID developed, the oxidative burst after zymosan activation was less depressed than the activity of MPO . There was no change in the oxidative burst after activation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or in the generation of superoxide (O2-) by NADPH oxidase-containing particles from PMNs . Following iron treatment, impairment of the oxidative burst after zymosan activation was corrected after 1 day . In contrast, the deficit in MPO activity was not corrected until 7 days after initiation of iron treatment . The pattern of recovery in MPO activity after iron treatment corresponded to the prolonged period of maturation of the PMN primary granule since the formation of primary granules, which contain MPO, takes place only in the early, mitotic stages of maturation . The tendency of the PMN to maintain the oxidative burst allows the cell to preserve its capacity for bacterial killing during the progression of iron deficiency.

Mol Biochem Parasitol, 1987 May, 24(1), 1 - 12
Purification, characterization, and kinetic analysis of inosine 5'-monophosphate dehydrogenase of Tritrichomonas foetus; Verham R et al.; The IMP dehydrogenase of Tritrichomonas foetus, a parasitic protozoan incapable of de novo biosynthesis of purine nucleotides, has been purified about 1000-fold to apparent homogeneity . The purified enzyme demonstrated a 20-fold higher substrate turnover rate than the pure IMP dehydrogenase from sarcoma ascites tumor cells . It has a subunit molecular weight of 58,000, aggregates to a size of 380,000 at low ionic strength, and partly dissociates to a molecular weight of 270,000 in high salt concentrations . Unlike the IMP dehydrogenase of bacteria and mammals, the T . foetus enzyme does not require K+ for activity . The analysis of initial velocity and product inhibition data is consistent with a sequential, ordered bi bi kinetic mechanism for the parasite enzyme-catalyzed reaction, in which IMP binds before NAD+ and NADH is released before XMP . This is in contrast to the partially random mechanism of the bacterial enzyme which involves the formation of an enzyme-K+-(IMP) complex . Mycophenolic acid inhibits T . foetus IMP dehydrogenase uncompetitively versus both IMP and NAD+ with an apparent Ki of 9 microM . This value, which is several hundred-fold higher than that for mammalian IMP dehydrogenase, suggests significantly different binding properties of the mycophenolic acid site in T . foetus IMP dehydrogenase, which might be amenable to specific inhibitor design.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1987 Apr 29, 144(2), 1018 - 24
Enriched autonomously replicating sequences in a nuclear matrix-DNA complex isolated from synchronized HeLa cells; Aguinaga MP et al.; Nucleoids isolated from either synchronized or exponentially growing HeLa cells were digested with restriction enzymes to separate a nuclear matrix-bound DNA component from the rest . Partial libraries were constructed by inserting DNA fragments from both components into a yeast-bacteria plasmid vector . A random sample from these libraries was tested for ARS activity by a standard yeast transformation assay . We found that synchronization for DNA replication results in an enrichment for autonomously replicating sequences in the library constructed with the DNA component bound to the nuclear matrix.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1987 Apr 9, 898(2), 223 - 30
Electron microscopic and biophysical studies of liposome membrane structures to characterize similar features of the membranes of Streptomyces hygroscopicus; Sternberg B et al.; To characterize the novel non-planar plasma membrane structure of bacteria (wafer structure), liposome membranes from the bacterial lipid mixture and individual lipid fractions were prepared and investigated by freeze-fracture electron microscopy, microcalorimetry and 31P-NMR spectroscopy . The phospholipid content of the membranes is essential for the formation of the non-planar membrane structure and there is no indication that the formation of the structure is connected with temperature-induced lipid phase transition processes . An exaggerated form of the wafer structure (raspberry structure) is also visible and additionally, in both cases, many small spherical vesicles are observed . We suggest that both membrane features of the liposomal and bacterial membranes are induced by these vesicles, forming a hexagonal or cubic organization of vesicles on the cytoplasmic surface of the biological membrane, and in between the multilamellae in the artificial membranes.

Diabetologia, 1987 Apr, 30(4), 228 - 31
Impairment of monocyte "lectin-like" receptor activity in type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients; Glass EJ et al.; In order to investigate whether the ability of peripheral blood monocytes to bind bacteria is impaired in diabetes, we studied carbohydrate-binding ("lectin-like") receptors and the receptor for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin on monocytes from 25 male Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients and 10 age-matched healthy control subjects . Peripheral blood monocytes from the diabetic patients expressed lower levels of "lectin-like" receptors compared to the control subjects, whereas the expression of the receptor for the Fc portion of immunoglobulin was similar in both populations . There was no correlation between the degree of "lectin-like" binding activity and plasma glucose concentration or glycaemic control . Recognition of unopsonized bacteria by the "lectin-like" receptor is impaired in Type 1 diabetes; this may affect the efficient elimination of potential pathogens.

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 1987 Apr, 13(2), 139 - 47
Effects of colorants in the aquatic environment; Brown D; Modern colorants use a variety of chromophoric groups which in turn, may carry a wide range of substituents, both to influence the color, and to provide the required properties for dyeing particular substrates . Thus, there are many thousands of different substances used as commercial colorants . Further, the introduction of new structures to meet particular demands for shade and application is still in an area of major innovative activity . However, in general, individual products have a relatively low sales volume and the strategy which has been developed to assess the effect of dyestuffs (water-soluble, or water-dispersible, colorants) in the environment must necessarily be different from that appropriate for, say, pesticides . The paper discusses this strategy and shows how a "base set" package of data, the concept of which was developed by the colorant industry some years ahead of the "6th Amendment" Directive, may be used to assess the possible effects of a specific dyestuff when discharged in an aqueous effluent . As a second part of the strategy, the paper addresses more general questions relating to the ultimate fate of dyestuffs when discharged in aqueous effluents and in particular considers their most likely environmental distribution, their potential for bioaccumulation, and their biodegradability.

Chemioterapia, 1987 Apr, 6(2), 99 - 100
Cefamandole concentrations in the anterior chamber of the eye in rabbits and humans; Cristiano P et al.; Cefamandole concentrations were determined in the aqueous humor of the anterior chamber of the eye in 10 rabbits and in 15 patients undergoing cataract extraction . The rabbits received 50 mg of cefamandole per kilogram of body weight in the ear vein and humans received 2 g of cefamandole by intravenous injection before operation . The levels recovered were several times higher than the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against the bacteria that are most often responsible for ocular infections.

Z Gastroenterol, 1987 Apr, 25 Suppl 1, 12 - 4
{Regulatory neuropeptides in the nerves and endocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract}; Feurle GE; Already at the beginning of this century a dualism of neural and endocrine regulation of the gastrointestinal tract was apparent . This dualism first characterized by I . P . Pavlov on the one side and W . M . Bayliss and E . H . Starling on the other has persisted in the present days . It is only recently that we begin to realize that neural and endocrine regulations represent no antipodes but a continuum . Neural, endocrine and paracrine transmission of chemical messengers form an integrated signal . This view is supperted by many peptides present both in nerves and endocrine cells and by neural regulation of endocrine hormone release . These interelationships are illustrated by experiments concerning the enkephalins, neurotensin and CCK . Concurrent with the evolution from bacteria to mammals the chemical messengers in the higher animals act in a complex organisation including neural, endocrine and paracrine mechanisms.

Tijdschr Kindergeneeskd, 1987 Apr, 55(2), 45 - 53
{Clinical symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of phagocyte dysfunction}; Weening RS et al.; When patients suffer from recurrent infections with bacteria or fungi that react poorly with the commonly prescribed antibiotics, phagocyte dysfunctions should be considered . In this article, a survey is given of the mechanism of action of these cells, the dysfunctions that may occur, the resulting clinical symptoms, the laboratory diagnostics and some therapeutical approaches.

J Parasitol, 1987 Apr, 73(2), 314 - 9
Isolation of Cryptosporidium oocysts and sporozoites using discontinuous sucrose and isopycnic Percoll gradients; Arrowood MJ et al.; Techniques for the large-scale isolation of Cryptosporidium oocysts and sporozoites, obtained from the feces of experimentally infected Holstein calves, were developed employing discontinuous sucrose gradients and isopycnic Percoll gradients . The oocyst recovery method utilized 2 sequential discontinuous sucrose gradients followed by 1 Percoll gradient . Recovered oocysts were essentially free of debris and bacteria and represented 34% of the original oocyst suspension . Sporozoites were recovered from excystation mixtures on a single Percoll gradient . Sixty-three percent of the original sporozoites were recovered with 2.2% contamination by intact oocysts and virtually no oocyst walls.

J Biol Response Mod, 1987 Apr, 6(2), 99 - 107
The adjuvant properties of a nontoxic monophosphoryl lipid A in hyporesponsive and aging mice; Tomai MA et al.; The immunomodulatory action of a nontoxic monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and a toxic diphosphoryl lipid A (DPL) fraction derived from endotoxins of the heptoseless mutants of bacteria were studied . Both derivatives retained the ability characteristic of lipopolysaccharides, i.e., to enhance antibody formation in young adult mice when injected along with antigen and suppress antibody production when given 1 day before antigen . In aging mice, a model of immunodeficiency, a marked restoration of antibody formation was observed when antigen was injected together with either MPL or DPL . Levels of antibody in the aging mice became comparable with those observed in young adult mice . Moreover, both MPL and DPL enhanced antibody production significantly in the endotoxin low-responder mouse strains C3H/HeJ and C57Bl/10 ScN, whereas phenol-water-extracted endotoxin from an Rd mutant was ineffective . MPL and DPL also acted as suppressive agents when administered prior to antigen in the C3H/HeJ strain . Thus, the results from these studies show that the toxic properties of lipid A can be removed without eliminating immunomodulating activity and certain forms of lipid A can overcome the immunologic lesions of immunodeficient and hyporesponsive animals.

Clin Plast Surg, 1987 Apr, 14(2), 391 - 401
Radiation dermatitis; Shack RB et al.; Even in this era of modern radiotherapy, injuries associated with the medical and industrial use of radiation devices will continue to pose a difficult problem for the reconstructive surgeon . It must be borne in mind that the single most serious hazard to surgery in irradiated tissue is the lodgement of bacteria in tissue rendered avascular by the radiation and the secondary necrosis from the infection itself . The basic principles of wound management must be augmented by thorough knowledge of the use of well-vascularized muscle and musculocutaneous flap to provide adequate, blood-rich, soft-tissue coverage.

Am J Clin Nutr, 1987 Apr, 45(4), 687 - 92
Recommended dietary intakes (RDI) of vitamin K in humans; Olson JA; Vitamin K is essential for the formation of at least three proteins involved in blood clotting as well as of other proteins found in plasma, bone, and kidney . Vitamin K deficiency, however, primarily affects the blood clotting process . Vitamin K is provided both from the diet and from endogenous bacterial synthesis, presumably in roughly equal measure . Because intakes of 0.4 micrograms X kg-1 X d-1 (0.89 nmol X kg-1 X d-1) and probably lower intakes maintain normal clotting activities in healthy neomycin-treated adults, rounded daily recommended dietary intakes (RDI) for essentially all reference 76-kg men and 62-kg women are 45 micrograms (100 nmol) and 35 micrograms (78 nmol) phylloquinone, respectively . Newborn infants are at high risk because breast milk contains inadequate concentrations of vitamin K and their intestines are not yet colonized with vitamin K-producing bacteria . Body reserves of vitamin K are small and turnover rapidly . Hence, supplementation of infants with vitamin K is highly advisable . Increments of vitamin K during pregnancy and lactation are also suggested.

Fed Proc, 1987 Apr, 46(5), 1890 - 3
Photoprotection by carotenoids; Mathews-Roth MM; Carotenoid pigments have been found to have a protective function against photosensitization in green plants . This protective ability has been exploited in the administration of high doses of beta-carotene to patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria to ameliorate the photosensitivity associated with this disease . The carotenoids seem to exert their light-protective function by quenching excited species such as singlet oxygen and free radicals.

Scand J Dent Res, 1987 Apr, 95(2), 136 - 43
Comparison of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to Actinomyces and Arachnia species; Happonen RP et al.; Polyclonal (PoAbs) and monoclonal (MoAbs) antibodies were produced to Actinomyces israelii serotypes 1 and 2, to Actinomyces naeslundii, and to Arachnia propionica, and their specificities were studied by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) . All PoAbs except those to A . propionica reacted also with at least one other Actinomyces species . Only the MoAb to A . naeslundii proved to be more specific than the corresponding PoAbs . This MoAb did not crossreact with other Actinomyces or Arachnia species, nor with any other anaerobic or aerobic bacteria studied by inhibition EIA . Immunoblotting studies indicated that the antibody specific to A . naeslundii is directed against a large molecular weight antigen (greater than 150 kd), probably polysaccharide in nature . The produced PoAbs and MoAbs can be used for further analyses of the antigenic determinants of different Actinomyces and Arachnia species.

J Immunol, 1987 Apr 1, 138(7), 2257 - 65
A comparison of the antigenic characteristics of rat and human Pneumocystis carinii by immunoblotting; Walzer PD et al.; The antigenic characteristics of rat Pneumocystis carinii obtained from infected lungs and grown in tissue culture were compared with the properties of human P . carinii obtained from the lungs of AIDS and non-AIDS patients by the immunoblotting technique, using different sources of antibody . Major immunoreactive bands of 45, 50, and 116 kd were found in both lung and tissue culture-derived rat P . carinii, suggesting the organism retains its antigenic characteristics in short-term culture . The principal immunoreactive bands in human P . carinii included a band of 40 kd, and to a lesser extent, a band of 66 kd; these antigens were found in the lungs of six and seven AIDS patients but in only one of eight non-AIDS patients with pneumocystosis . The rat and human P . carinii antigens reacted with sera from immunized rabbits, from rats with pneumocystosis and prolonged environmental exposure to the organism, from AIDS and non-AIDS P . carinii patients, and from healthy blood donors . Reactivity of these antigens could be removed by adsorption of antisera with P . carinii-infected lungs but not with normal lungs or lungs infected with bacteria and fungi . We conclude that rat and human P . carinii have shared, as well as species-specific, antigenic determinants, which should be useful for a variety of studies with this organism.

J Clin Microbiol, 1987 Apr, 25(4), 641 - 4
Immunospecific T-lymphocyte stimulation by membrane proteins from Francisella tularensis; Sandstrom G et al.; Membranes from a capsule-deficient mutant of the live-vaccine strain of Francisella tularensis (F . tularensis LVS) were treated with N-lauroyl sarcosinate (Sarkosyl; CIBA-GEIGY Corp., Summit, N.J.) . When the Sarkosyl-insoluble fraction was heated in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate and mercaptoethanol and subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, several polypeptides were distinguished . Four major polypeptides were eluted from the gel, each of which stimulated lymphocytes from tularemia-vaccinated individuals but not from nonvaccinated individuals . The stimulation occurred mainly in T lymphocytes . Radioactive labeling of surface proteins of the capsule-deficient bacteria indicated that at least two of the four polypeptides originated from outer membrane proteins . The results suggest that several membrane proteins of F . tularensis LVS induce a specific T-lymphocyte response.

Chemioterapia, 1987 Apr, 6(2), 129 - 33
Ofloxacin therapy of difficult-to-treat infections due to multiresistant organisms; el-Baz W et al.; Sixty-four patients with complicated UTI (58) and P . aeruginosa ear infections (6) were treated with oral ofloxacin . All patients were infected with multiply-resistant problem organisms, which had very low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) when tested in vitro with ofloxacin . The immediate cure rate was 86% and the maintained cure rate was 75%, an excellent result considering the complicated nature of the infections . This result has been attributed to the great efficacy of ofloxacin and its excellent pharmacokinetics . There was a very low incidence of mild side effects . Because resistance to quinolones is not mediated by R-factors, it is recommended to select them as first choice in the treatment of patients with complicated UTI with indwelling catheters or nephrostomy tubes, and in patients with discharging ears in order to limit the spread of resistant strains in the hospital environment and in the community.

Can J Ophthalmol, 1987 Apr, 22(3), 155 - 6
Seasonal variation in contact lens-associated corneal ulcers; Rabinovitch J et al.; We undertook a retrospective analysis of 112 patients admitted to Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, between 1983 and 1985 with corneal ulcers associated with the use of contact lenses to test the clinical impression that such ulcers are more common in summer . Over half of the admissions (51%) occurred between June and September . The seasonal variation of the ulcers was statistically significant (p less than 0.01) . Possible factors predisposing to corneal ulcers in people who wear contact lenses in the summer include enhanced growth of bacteria at warmer temperatures and wearing the lenses while swimming.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1987 Apr, 84(8), 2242 - 5
Adaptive regulation of intestinal nutrient transporters; Diamond JM et al.; Because most eukaryotic somatic cells are bathed in a constant internal milieu, most of their proteins are constitutive, unlike the adaptive enzymes of bacteria . However, intestinal mucosal cells, like bacteria, face a varying milieu . Hence, we tested for adaptive regulation of intestinal nutrient transporters, sought its functional significance, and compared it with regulation of bacterial proteins . All 12 transporters studied proved to be regulated by dietary substrate levels . Regulation in the intestine is slower than in bacteria and shows lower peak-to-basal activity levels . Regulatory patterns vary greatly among transporters: two sugars and two nonessential amino acids monotonically up-regulate their transporters, two vitamins and three minerals monotonically down-regulate their transporters, and two transporters of essential amino acids respond nonmonotonically to levels of their substrates . These varied patterns arise from trade-offs among four factors: transporter costs, calories yielded by metabolizable substrates, fixed daily requirements of essential nutrients, and toxicity of certain nutrients in large amounts . Based on these trade-offs, we predict the form of regulatory pattern for intestinal transporters not yet studied.

Liver, 1987 Apr, 7(2), 63 - 75
Kupffer cells and their function; Wardle EN; The intention of this review is to stress new information regarding the quite versatile functions of Kupffer cells . Although their main function is phagocytosis and defence of the liver against bacteria, endotoxaemia and viral infections, they also fulfil other important roles . They will phagocytose and partially degrade bacterial antigens before handing them on to the hepatocytes for excretion into the bile . They handle LDL lipoproteins, whilst the HDL proceed directly into the hepatocytes . They produce lymphokine mediators that direct protein synthesis by the hepatocytes . Also they normally produce prostaglandins that are cyto-protective for the hepatocytes . Conversely, if they are required to attack infected hepatocytes or cancer cells, then they switch to the production of leukotrienes . Thus they function as specialised macrophages, and it is not surprising that other "activated macrophages" have to be recruited into the liver to support them in inflammatory reactions.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1987 Apr, 35(4), 353 - 6
Prevalence of anti-Legionella antibodies in a healthy population and in patients with tuberculosis or pneumonia; Bornstein N et al.; The prevalence of antibodies to 13 antigens of Legionellaceae were compared in three populations: 583 blood donors, 140 tuberculosis patients and 66 patients with acute non Legionellosis pneumonia . Antibody levels were determined by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) using formalized antigens prepared from bacteria developed in embryonated hen yolk sac . The very weak prevalence of anti L . pneumophila antibodies in a healthy population {almost nil for serogroups 2, 3, 4 and 5; 1.5% for serogroup 6, maximum of 2.5% for serogroup 1 (titres of 16)} confirms the positive and presumptive criteria that have been recommended by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) . But as regards the other Legionellae studied, these criteria cannot be applied owing to the prevalences that are higher in healthy populations (until 14.5% with levels of 16-32 and 1% with levels of 64-128 for L . bozemanii) and clearly amplified in tuberculosis patients and in acute pneumonia . Although the significance of these antibodies remains to be discussed, with formalized antigens, it seems reasonable as regards these species to assign a threshold of 256 for the presumptive and positive criteria following seroconversion.

J Wildl Dis, 1987 Apr, 23(2), 308 - 10
Surveillance for naturally acquired leprosy in a nine-banded armadillo population; Stallknecht DE et al.; Samples from 77 nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) inhabiting a 16.7 km portion of the East Atchafalaya River Levee, Point Coupee Parish, Louisiana, were serologically tested and/or histopathologically examined for evidence of naturally acquired leprosy . Five of 67 (7.5%) armadillos tested sero-positive with ELISA test for IGM class antibodies to the phenolic-glycolipid-1 antigen of Mycobacterium leprae . One of 74 (1.3%) was histopathologically positive as determined by presence of acid-fast bacteria in nerves.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {B}, 1987 Apr, 184(1), 87 - 94
{Tuberculin conversion rate in long-term employees of a university hospital during the period from 1975 to 1985}; Wagner M; During the period of 1975 until 1985 the tuberculin conversion rate has been determined for 142 persons who have been employed more than 4 years in an university hospital . The current records of the occupational medical investigation-department in which 5,700 case sheets have been stored at the beginning have been available for the selection of these subjects . After a latent period of 2.5 years 9.2% of the employees converted . The highest conversion rate of 16.7% was settled amongst those staff occupied in a lower level, e.g . craftsmen, charwomen, laundress, kitchenhelp, servants and so on . The second in high responder-quote was found in the nursing personal with 9.9% followed by the laboratory staff with 8.7% . Within the office workers no tuberculin positive reagent has been observed . Whilst the interpretation of the tuberculin conversion rate there must be taken into consideration beside the occupational dependent sensibilization against tuberculosis bacteria the non occupational contamination sources, too (like smear- and droplet infection due to usual social contacts or household-contacts resp.).

Blood, 1987 Apr, 69(4), 1153 - 60
A component of factor VIII preparations which can be separated from factor VIII activity down modulates human monocyte functions; Eibl MM et al.; In this study we investigated different aspects of monocyte functions following interaction of monocytes (Mo) with therapeutic concentrations of factor VIII (F VIII) concentrate . A short (one-hour) treatment of normal Mo with F VIII concentrates led to a significant (P less than 0.001) down modulation of Fc receptors expressed in the Mo plasma membrane . This down modulation was accompanied by a decrease of Mo effector functions that was expressed by a reduced capacity of F VIII-treated Mo to release O2 radicals (40% of controls) and to kill bacteria (% killing: control Mo, 65%; F VIII-treated Mo, 24% to 51%) . Further studies showed that the modulating activity was due to a contaminant present in F VIII concentrates (immune complexes or IgG aggregates) . Fractionation using molecular sieving revealed that the modulatory activity was confined to a high-molecular range fraction (Mr greater than 1,270,000 daltons), while the fraction containing monomeric IgG had no effect . Further fractionation by affinity chromatography on protein A-Sepharose separated the coagulation activity (effluent) from the Mo function-modulating activity (eluate) . We conclude that treatment with F VIII concentrates might contribute to an immunocompromised state in some hemophiliacs and facilitate opportunistic infections in these patients.

J Virol, 1987 Apr, 61(4), 945 - 54
A bicistronic Epstein-Barr virus mRNA encodes two nuclear proteins in latently infected, growth-transformed lymphocytes; Wang F et al.; EBNA2 is a nuclear protein expressed in all cells latently infected with and growth transformed by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection (K . Hennessy and E . Kieff, Science 227:1230-1240, 1985) . The nucleotide sequence of the EBNA2 mRNA (J . Sample, M . Hummel, D . Braun, M . Birkenbach, and E . Kieff, Proc . Natl . Acad . Sci . USA 83:5096-5100, 1986) revealed that it begins with a 924-base open reading frame that has an unusual potential translational initiation site (CAAATGG) . This open reading frame is followed by 138 nucleotides with only one highly unlikely translational initiation site (TACATGC), which would translate a pentapeptide before the next stop codon . The last part of the mRNA is the open reading frame which encodes EBNA2 . In this paper, we demonstrate that the 924-base open reading frame translates a 40-kilodalton protein in vitro or in murine cells transfected with the EBNA2 cDNA under control of the murine leukemia virus long terminal repeat . A protein of identical size was detected in EBV-transformed, latently infected human lymphocyte nuclei by using antibody specific for the leader open reading frame expressed in bacteria . Therefore, this is a rare example of a mRNA which translates two proteins from nonoverlapping open reading frames . Since the protein encoded by the leader of the EBNA mRNA is expressed in all nuclei of a latently infected cell line, it was designated EBNA-LP . EBNA-LP localizes to small intranuclear particles and differs in this respect from EBNA1, EBNA2, or EBNA3 . EBNA-LP is not expressed in an EBV-transformed marmoset lymphocyte cell (B95-8) or in one EBV-infected Burkitt tumor cell line (Raji) but is expressed in three other Burkitt tumor cell lines (Namalwa, P3HR-1, and Daudi).

J Gen Microbiol, 1987 Apr, 133 ( Pt 4), 891 - 8
Interaction of lactoferrin and transferrins with the outer membrane of Bordetella pertussis; Redhead K et al.; Bordetella pertussis was able to grow in vitro under conditions where the only iron present was bound to the iron-binding proteins ovotransferrin, transferrin or lactoferrin . Under these conditions the bacteria produced neither hydroxamate nor phenolate-catecholate siderophores to assist in the procurement of iron . Examination of B . pertussis outer-membrane preparations by SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting showed that the iron-binding protein ovotransferrin was bound directly to the bacterial surface . Assays of the binding of radiolabelled transferrin by the bacteria showed that the association was a specific process and that there was turnover of the bound proteins . Competitive binding assays indicated that lactoferrin could be bound in the same way . It is suggested that B . pertussis obtains iron directly from host iron-binding proteins during infection.

Eur J Pharmacol, 1987 Mar 31, 135(3), 331 - 5
Histamine stimulation of canine colonic epithelium: potentiation by hydroxylamines; Rangachari PK et al.; Hydroxylamine derivatives markedly potentiated responses of the canine colonic mucosa to histamine, but not to carbachol or 5HT . Effects noted were produced upon either luminal or serosal addition of the agents, suggesting an intracellular mechanism . Similar potentiations were observed with a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, IBMX, suggesting that hydroxylamines could act by altering cyclic nucleotide levels . Since such derivatives could be produced as intermediates by colonic bacteria, the effects noted could have pathological implications.

Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 1987 Mar 25, 315(1170), 75 - 125
An evaluation of the interactions between freshwater pulmonate snail hosts of human schistosomes and macrophytes; Thomas JD; An account is given of a laboratory investigation designed to evaluate the extent to which the freshwater pulmonate snail Biomphalaria glabrata (Say) can utilize various species of aquatic plants, mainly macrophytes, when presented in the following forms over different time scales: normal plants; dried plant material; homogenized plant material in calcium alginate matrices; water-soluble filtrates of plant homogenates in the medium . The following propositions, derived from the theory of phased coevolution of components of the module consisting of the epiphytic bacteria, algae, snails and macrophytes, are evaluated on the basis of the present results and others including those obtained in this laboratory . That as the snails had become specialized to exploit surface communities of epiphytic algae, decaying plant material and dissolved organic matter (DOM) early in their evolutionary history they would continue to exploit these resources when they later become associated with aquatic macrophytes . That pulmonate snails would tend to be feeding generalists capable of adapting to food of varying chemical composition, given sufficient time, provided it was sufficiently small or flaccid . That although macrophytes and snails show a strong positive relationship, the living macrophyte tissue would be little used by the snails . That the hard outer envelope, inherited from their terrestrial ancestors, would remain as the major defence mechanism of aquatic macrophytes against attack by snails and other aquatic invertebrates . That aquatic macrophytes would invest little in the nutrient deficiency strategy to reduce attack by invertebrates such as snails . That truly aquatic submerged macrophytes would not possess secondary plant compounds (SPC) that would be molluscicidal . Emergent parts of subaquatic or aquatic plants might be expected to be better sources of SPC with molluscicidal factors than submerged aquatic plants . Species of epiphytic or planktonic algae might be better sources of SPC with molluscicidal effects than aquatic macrophytes . That the strategies developed by pulmonate snails for obtaining their energy supplies would not be conducive to rapid speciation . The analysis of the present and other related results supports these propositions . Predictions based on the theory of mutualism involving the snails, macrophytes and other components of the module also receive some support from an analysis of the present results . The additional empirical work that could be undertaken to test this theory is briefly discussed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Health Matrix, 1986 Fall, 4(3), 10 - 5
Biotechnology: the view from the FDA; Young FE; What is biotechnology? This is not a naive question . The Office of Technology Assessment has found differing definitions of biotechnology emanating from eight foreign countries and three international organizations . FDA's working definition of biotechnology is the application of biological systems and organisms to technical and industrial processes . This definition is necessarily broad . It takes in both the "old" and "new" science: the age-old techniques for making beer or yogurt as well as the most advanced uses of recombinant DNA technology . It takes in many applications, from production of enzymes for laundry detergents, to selective breeding of plants and animals, to genetic engineering of bacteria to clean up oil spills . As with any new technology, ethical issues are raised . But in the case of genetic engineering and cloning, many of the primordial fears of man concerning the power of science are awakened.

Med J Aust, 1987 Mar 2, 146(5), 264 - 6
A case of factitious disorder presenting as plumbism; Johnson G et al.; The case of a young man who presented with lead poisoning is reported . This did not resolve with prolonged treatment and he had several unusual and unexplained bacteraemias . Probable sources of self-administered lead and bacteria were demonstrated and psychiatric assessment showed that the patient had a personality disorder which was consistent with a diagnosis of factitious disorder . Psychiatric management led to the termination of the self-inflicted illnesses and enabled the patient to cope with his personal and social problems.

Eur J Biochem, 1987 Mar 2, 163(2), 369 - 78
{Structural and metabolic study of the mycolic acids of Mycobacterium fortuitum}; Lacave C et al.; The biosynthesis of mycolic acids was studied in whole cells of Mycobacterium fortuitum . At first the structures of the main mycolates produced by the used strain were established as diunsaturated and epoxymycolates . By using {1-14C}acetate as a radiotracer of the lipid synthesis, it was observed that the turnover of the mycolates during the exponential phase of growth of M . fortuitum is fast enough to make very difficult the identification of their precursors . If the growth of the bacterial cells is stopped or highly diminished, by the removal of a large part of their nutritional medium, mycolate synthesis, in contrast to the synthesis of other fatty acids, is stopped as shown by incubation of the concentrated bacterial culture with {1-14C}acetate . After removal of aliquots of the sedimented bacteria at intervals, during several hours, mycolate synthesis resumes when the cell concentration becomes lighter . In these conditions the sequence of radiolabeling of mycolates and of their potential precursors (tetracosanoate and meromycolates) can be observed . In spite of their low accumulation, tetracosanoate and meromycolates were isolated and purified and their specific radioactivity, after different incubation times, could be measured . The results are in agreement with the hypothesis that meromycolates are condensed with tetracosanoate to produce mycolates . However, because of the large differences of isotopic dilution of these two precursors inside the mycolate molecule, this hypothesis, generally taken as evidence, has to be modified . A hypothetical pathway of the mycolate synthesis is proposed, taking into account all these observations.

Arch Surg, 1987 Mar, 122(3), 355 - 7
Peritoneal accumulation of infused stroma-free hemoglobin . Potential toxicity of an oxygen-carrying substitute; Velky TS Jr et al.; The efficacy of stroma-free hemoglobin (SFH) as an oxygen-carrying red blood cell substitute in shock and trauma remains inconclusive . A major problem is the retention of sufficient intravascular persistence . The sites and mechanisms for clearance of SFH or its chemically modified variants are not well characterized . Capillary leakage has been reported . Any significant leak into the peritoneal cavity may be toxic, especially if bacteria are present . The present study quantitates peritoneal accumulation of SFH and chemically modified adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-SFH following a 50% exchange transfusion in rats . m-Dansyl cadaverine, an endocytotic blocking agent, was studied for its ability to alter accumulation of hemoglobin in the peritoneum . Differences in renal clearance corresponded to differences in vascular halflife of SFH (90 minutes) and ATP-SFH (210 minutes) . Peritoneal leakage was not related to vascular persistence . We found that MDC significantly decreases the peritoneal accumulation of ATP-SFH but not that of SFH . We also noted that MDC neither inhibits nor alters renal clearance of either hemoglobin variant . Total peritoneal leakage is, at most, 4% of infused SFH at four hours . Molecular size and charge might be factors important in hemoglobin transport from the vasculature to the peritoneum.

South Med J, 1987 Mar, 80(3), 292 - 5
Prospective analysis of the effect of incidental appendectomy on infection rate after cholecystectomy; Ikard RW; I prospectively studied 100 patients to see whether "incidental appendectomy" with cholecystectomy affects wound infection rate . Randomization resulted in groups similar in age, habitus, and sex . Forty-seven patients had appendectomy . The most frequent gallbladder disease was chronic calculous cholecystitis . Positive cultures were obtained from 11% of gallbladders . The mean age of patients with gallbladder bacteria was 14.5 years older than that of the series . True pathologic changes were seen in 6% of appendices . Average operative time was extended six minutes by appendectomy . Length of postoperative hospital stay was unchanged by the addition of appendectomy . There were no infections in the patients without appendectomy and one (2%) in the group with appendectomy . The total 1% infection rate is considerably below most reported rates . There was no difference in infection rate between groups with and without appendectomy (P = .47) . Unless the procedure is technically difficult, appendectomy with elective cholecystectomy does not increase the chance of infection.

J Exp Med, 1987 Mar 1, 165(3), 799 - 811
Guinea pigs sublethally infected with aerosolized Legionella pneumophila develop humoral and cell-mediated immune responses and are protected against lethal aerosol challenge . A model for studying host defense against lung infections caused by intracellular pathogens; Breiman RF et al.; We have employed the guinea pig model of L . pneumophila infection, which mimics Legionnaires' disease in humans both clinically and pathologically, to study humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to L . pneumophila and to examine protective immunity after aerosol exposure, the natural route of infection . Guinea pigs exposed to sublethal concentrations of L . pneumophila by aerosol developed strong humoral immune responses . By the indirect fluorescent antibody assay, exposed guinea pigs had a median serum antibody titer (expressed as the reciprocal of the highest positive dilution) of 32, whereas control guinea pigs had a median titer of less than 1 . Sublethally infected (immunized) guinea pigs also developed strong cell-mediated immune responses . In response to L . pneumophila antigens, splenic lymphocytes from immunized but not control animals proliferated strongly in vitro, as measured by their capacity to incorporate {3H}thymidine . Moreover, immunized but not control guinea pigs developed strong cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity to intradermally injected L . pneumophila antigens . Sublethally infected (immunized) guinea pigs exhibited strong protective immunity to L . pneumophila . In two independent experiments, all 22 immunized guinea pigs survived aerosol challenge with one or three times the lethal dose of L . pneumophila whereas none of 16 sham-immunized control guinea pigs survived (p less than 0.0001 in each experiment) . Immunized guinea pigs were not protected significantly from challenge with 10 times the lethal dose . Immunized but not control animals cleared the bacteria from their lungs . This study demonstrates that guinea pigs sublethally infected with L . pneumophila by the aerosol route develop strong humoral immune responses to this pathogen, develop strong cell-mediated immune responses and cutaneous delayed-type hypersensitivity to L . pneumophila antigens, are protected against subsequent lethal aerosol challenge, and are able to clear the bacteria from their lungs . The guinea pig model of L . pneumophila pulmonary infection is as an excellent one for studying general principles of host defense against pulmonary infections caused by intracellular pathogens.

J Bacteriol, 1987 Mar, 169(3), 1279 - 85
Characterization of extracellular Mn2+-oxidizing activity and isolation of an Mn2+-oxidizing protein from Leptothrix discophora SS-1; Adams LF et al.; Supernatant fluid from Leptothrix discophora SS-1 cultures possessed high Mn2+-ozidizing activity . Studies of temperature and pH optima, chemical inhibition, and protease sensitivity suggested that the activity may be enzymatic . Kinetic studies of unconcentrated supernatant fluid indicated an apparent Km of 7 microM Mn2+ in the 1 to 200 microM Mn2+ range . The greatest Vmax value observed was 1.4 nmol of Mn2+ oxidized min-1 micrograms of protein-1 in unconcentrated samples . When the supernatant fluid was concentrated on DEAE-cellulose and the activity was eluted with MgSO4, an Mn2+-oxidizing protein was detected in the concentrate by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . The Mn2+-oxidizing protein appeared to have a molecular weight of 110,000 in 10% polyacrylamide gels and of 100,000 in 8% gels . Periodic acid-Schiff base staining of overloaded polyacrylamide gels showed that the DEAE-cellulose concentrate contained abundant high-molecular-weight polysaccharides; concurrent staining of the Mn2+-oxidizing band suggested that it too contained carbohydrate components . Isolation of the protein was achieved by subjecting the DEAE-cellulose concentrate to Sephacryl gel filtration in the presence of 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate, followed by preparative electrophoresis and reverse-polarity elution . However, these procedures resulted in loss of a large proportion of the activity, which precluded recovery of the protein in significant quality.

J Gen Microbiol, 1987 Mar, 133 ( Pt 3), 709 - 20
DNA:DNA hybridization studies on the pink-pigmented facultative methylotrophs; Hood DW et al.; The genomic relatedness among 36 strains of pink-pigmented facultatively methylotrophic bacteria (PPFMs) was estimated by determination of DNA base composition and by DNA:DNA hybridization studies . A reproducible hybridization system was developed for the rapid analysis of multiple DNA samples . Results indicated that the PPFMs comprise four major and several minor homology groups, and that they should remain grouped in a single genus, Methylobacterium.

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys, 1987 Mar, 13(3), 403 - 26
Combined treatment of radiation and cisdiamminedichloroplatinum (II): a review of experimental and clinical data; Dewit L; Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (c-DDP), a highly effective cytostatic drug, is increasingly used in combination with irradiation both in the laboratory and in patients . This review aims at a critical reassessment of the potential role of this drug as a "radiosensitizer." The opinion about c-DDP being an effective hypoxic cell radiosensitizer in bacteria was substantiated in some studies on mammalian cells in culture but not in others . More powerful mechanisms of radiation enhancement, which are not yet fully explored, may be depletion of endogenous thiols, inhibition of cellular repair processes, and proliferation inhibition . The effects of c-DDP in combination with irradiation in experimental tumors seem to vary between different investigators and between different tumor systems . Occasionally, supra-additive effects have been observed in some animal tumors . This stresses the need for testing this combination treatment in various tumor types, preferentially of human origin . In normal tissues, the effects are, to a large extent, explained by independent cell killing by each agent . A substantial number of clinical pilot studies have shown that the combination treatment is feasible, but the results of ongoing phase III trials will be needed to assess the potential therapeutic benefit of this combined treatment modality.

Gamete Res, 1987 Mar, 16(3), 259 - 65
Ultrastructural study of the mature egg of Tethya citrina Sar� and Melone (Porifera, Demospongiae); Gaino E et al.; Tethya citrina is an oviparous demosponge in which eggs are distributed in clumps within the choanosome . The cytoplasm of the mature egg presents a peripheral cortex consisting of a slightly granular layer sandwiched between two densely granular, vesiculated ones . The cortex probably has a specialized, trophic function . Mesohyl bacteria are phagocyted at the egg surface, included in vacuoles, and transferred across the cortical sheath toward the inner cytoplasm . The region of the egg extending between the cortex and the nucleus shows a lacunary system mostly developed beneath the cortical envelope . The noncortical cytoplasm also contains lipid droplets, dense rodlike bodies, and phagosomelike granules . Most of the latter are probably autophagosomes, forming lacunae and supporting autosynthetic vitellogenesis . Rodlike inclusions are probably proteinaceous; they likely originate within the phagosomes and represent the actual yolk material.

J Invest Dermatol, 1987 Mar, 88(3 Suppl), 18s - 23s
Psoriasis and leukocyte chemotaxis; Tagami H et al.; Transepidermal migration of leukocytes, with resultant formation of microscopic or macroscopic sterile subcorneal pustules is a phenomenon characteristically noted in psoriasis and related sterile pustular dermatoses . It is natural to assume the presence of potent neutrophil chemotactic substances in the subcorneal portion of the lesional epidermis, because this location is the target of the in vivo leukocyte chemotaxis . In fact, crude psoriasis scale extracts show remarkably high neutrophil chemotactic and activating properties as compared with those of other non-psoriatic inflammatory dermatoses . We isolated a psoriatic leukotactic factor (PLF) having a molecular mass of around 12 kD, distinct from those common to other inflammatory changes involving the skin or those released by bacteria . Further analysis of PLF identified C5 cleavage fragments, together with other chemotactic peptides, such as those derived from monocytes . Likewise, potent low-molecular-mass chemotactic factors, including cell membrane lipid derived chemotactic factor, e.g . leukotriene B4, are also increased in psoriatic lesions, as in other nonpsoriatic inflammatory dermatoses . However, their activity to stimulate the generation of oxygen radicals in neutrophils was found to be much weaker than that of PLF . The peripheral blood leukocytes from active psoriatic patients show enhanced function in chemotaxis, phagocytosis, active oxygen production, and enzyme release; patients' sera contain substances such as anaphylatoxins that activate leukocyte function . Further research is required for clearer understanding of the series of events resulting in the leukocyte chemotaxis, as well as for the elucidation of the background immunoregulatory mechanisms.

Ann Intern Med, 1987 Mar, 106(3), 341 - 5
Acute renal infection in women: treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole or ampicillin for two or six weeks . A randomized trial; Stamm WE et al.; We compared the efficacy of orally administered ampicillin, 2 g/d, with that of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 320 mg/d-1600 mg/d, given for 2 or 6 weeks for outpatient management of acute uncomplicated renal infection in women . Of 98 women participating in the trial, 60 had renal infections with susceptible strains, complied with drug therapy, and completed 6 weeks of follow-up . Before treatment, 39 women had symptoms and signs of acute pyelonephritis; 21 had symptoms of cystitis but positive tests for antibody-coated bacteria . All 60 women had alleviation of symptoms and resolution of bacteriuria after 7 days of therapy . Subsequent recurrences occurred in 12 of 27 women given ampicillin, compared with 4 of 33 given trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (p = 0.008) . Serotyping showed that most recurrences were reinfections with ampicillin-resistant strains . With each drug, a 2-week regimen of therapy proved as efficacious as a 6-week regimen, but the longer regimen was less well tolerated . We conclude that a 2-week treatment regimen is sufficient to manage acute pyelonephritis in outpatients and that trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is preferable to ampicillin therapy.

Semin Respir Infect, 1987 Mar, 2(1), 57 - 66
New diagnostic approaches to the hospitalized patient with pneumonia; Winterbauer RH et al.; The accurate diagnosis of pneumonia remains a formidable challenge in clinical medicine . The use of sputum, blood, and pleural fluid cultures provides a diagnosis in less than 50% of patients . A number of invasive techniques have recently been applied to the diagnosis of pneumonia . The methods are uniformly designed to separate upper respiratory saprophytic bacterial populations from the organisms responsible for the lower respiratory infection . Preeminent among these techniques is the use of fiberoptic bronchoscopy coupled with quantitative bacterial culture and immunofluorescence demonstration of antibody-coated bacteria . The methodology and results of this technique are described in detail in this paper . Recent clinical experience using transtracheal aspiration, percutaneous needle aspiration of the lung, and open lung biopsy are also reviewed.

Ann Inst Pasteur Microbiol, 1987 Mar-Apr, 138(2), 189 - 200
{Determination of biovars of Brucella melitensis by manometric character: epidemiological value and relation to serovars}; Arnaud-Bosq C et al.; As Brucella melitensis is the most frequently encountered Brucella species in human medicine, and as its subdivision into three serovars is insufficient for epidemiological studies, we sought to define a new scheme for biotyping of this species . For this purpose, we studied 94 strains for their oxidative metabolic rates on 32 substrates and their susceptibility to ten antibiotics, and 132 strains for their activities with three enzymes . A taxonomic study on the basis of the 32 oxidative metabolic rates led to the distinction of five biovars which could then be defined by means of the five most discriminating substrates . Among the ten antibiotics tested, only three showed varying patterns of susceptibility . Oxidative metabolic rates were not correlated with these patterns of susceptibility nor with the enzymatic activities . However, a relationship was found between biovar and serovar, especially with regard to the following substrates: meso-erythritol, deoxythymidine, D-galactose and DL-phenylalanine . As shown by correspondence analysis, the repartition of biovars significantly differed among French administrative regions.

Biol Chem Hoppe Seyler, 1987 Mar, 368(3), 259 - 67
Crystalline NAD/NADP-dependent malate dehydrogenase; the enzyme from the thermoacidophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus acidocaldarius; Hartl T et al.; Malate dehydrogenase from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius has been purified 240-fold to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity . The enzyme shows a specific activity of 277 U/mg and crystallizes readily . The relative molecular mass of the native enzyme is estimated as 128,500 by ultracentrifugation . After cross-linking a relative molecular mass of 134,000 is found by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis . Malate dehydrogenase from S . acidocaldarius is composed of four subunits of identical size with a relative molecular mass of 34,000 . Active-enzyme sedimentation in the analytical ultracentrifuge indicates that the tetramer is the catalytically active species . Kinetic studies in the direction of oxaloacetate reduction showed a Km for NADH of 4.1 microM and a Km for oxaloacetate of 52 microM . Oxaloacetate exhibits substrate inhibition at higher concentrations, L-malate, NAD and NADP were found to be product inhibitors . The enzymatic activity is inhibited by 2-oxoglutarate but not by the adenosine nucleotides AMP, ADP and ATP . Only low activity is detected in the direction of malate oxidation . Malate dehydrogenase from S . acidocaldarius utilizes both NADH and NADPH to reduce oxaloacetate . The enzyme shows A-side stereospecificity for both nicotinamide dinucleotides.

Endoscopy, 1987 Mar, 19(2), 57 - 9
Characterization of the content of occluded biliary endoprostheses; Groen AK et al.; In an attempt to establish why biliary endoprostheses clog we analysed the contents of 21 occluded endoprostheses . The major components of the endoprosthesis sludge were protein (25%) and an insoluble residue (20%) which consisted mainly of plant fibers . Compared with bile the material was also rich in unconjugated bilirubin, while the major components of bile--bile acids and lecithin--accounted for only 15% . Although the sludge often contained some cholesterol crystals, no cholesterol gallstones or pigment or mixed stones were found . The material contained bacteria, but not in abundance . Scanning electron microscopy of the walls of clogged endoprostheses revealed adherence of amorphous material, probably protein . SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the protein fraction of the material from different endoprostheses showed a characteristic pattern . The material always contained two major bands of approximately 16 and 13 kDalton, which were not observed in corresponding bile samples . The 16 and 13 kDalton proteins bound most avidly to the endoprosthesis wall . We postulate that the initial phase in the clogging process is adsorption of proteins, after which other materials such as bacteria, fibers from food and unconjugated bilirubin bind to the wall of the endoprosthesis.

J Dairy Sci, 1987 Mar, 70(3), 592 - 600
Effect of mineral salts, carbachol, and pilocarpine on nutrient digestibility and ruminal characteristics in cattle; Wiedmeier RD et al.; Fifty percent concentrate diets containing 2% sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, or no additional mineral salts were fed at a rate of 86 g dry matter/kg body weight X 75/d to three barren Holstein cows fitted with ruminal fistulas in a 3 X 3 Latin square design . Dietary adaptation was 14 d followed by 4 d collection . Ruminal pH, liquid volume, liquid dilution rate, and particulate rate of passage were increased with dietary mineral salts . Six Holstein cows fitted with ruminal fistulas were administered .01 mg carbachol/kg body weight/d, .10 mg pilocarpine/kg body weight/d, or saline placebo via subcutaneous, osmotically controlled pumps in a replicated 3 X 3 Latin square design . Treatments were administered for a 14-d adaptation period followed by an 8-d collection period . Both carbachol and pilocarpine increased liquid dilution rate, particulate rate of passage, and percent cellulolytic bacteria, whereas liquid volume was reduced.

J Med Virol, 1987 Mar, 21(3), 289 - 99
Cloning and characterization of BK virus-related DNA sequences from normal and neoplastic human tissues; Knepper JE et al.; DNA homologous to that of the known papovarius BK was cloned from the high molecular weight DNA of two human tissues: a normal liver and a kidney carcinoma . The clone isolated from human liver consisted of DNA indistinguishable from prototype BK by restriction enzyme analysis that used ten different enzymes . The DNA cloned from the human carcinoma of the kidney was subject to rearrangement in recombination-deficient bacteria, and exhibited a deletion of a small segment of DNA localized to the BK late region . Restriction fragments representing the BK origin and promoter regions are overrepresented in the tumor-derived clone . The possible significance of retrieval of defective viral genomes from tumor tissues is discussed.

Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 1987 Mar, 28(3), 543 - 5
Tear lactoferrin levels in patients with external inflammatory ocular disease; Ballow M et al.; Lactoferrin, an iron complexing protein in normal tears, is an important component of the nonspecific host defense system of the external eye . We measured tear lactoferrin levels in patients with contact lens-induced giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . Patients with active GPC (N = 26) had significantly reduced tear levels of lactoferrin (0.876 +/- 0.42 mg/ml) compared with normal individuals (N = 12; 1.73 +/- 0.46 mg/ml, P less than 0.0003) and the control contact lens wearers' group (N = 11; 1.57 +/- 0.92 mg/ml, P less than 0.003) . Patients with vernal conjunctivitis (N = 10), an ocular disease with similar histopathology, had slightly reduced concentrations of tear lactoferrin (1.22 +/- 0.59 mg/ml) . Patients with inactive GPC (N = 7) had normal tear levels of lactoferrin (1.33 +/- 0.49 mg/ml) . The lactoferrin to total protein ratio in the tears was significantly reduced in patients with GPC compared to normal subjects, control contact lens wearers, and patients with inactive GPC . The decreased tear levels of lactoferrin in patients with GPC may contribute to increased coating of lenses with bacteria and their products and enhanced ocular inflammation which may play a role in the pathogenesis of GPC.

J Bacteriol, 1987 Mar, 169(3), 1089 - 94
Tn5-induced cytochrome mutants of Bradyrhizobium japonicum: effects of the mutations on cells grown symbiotically and in culture; O'Brian MR et al.; Two Bradyrhizobium japonicum cytochrome mutants were obtained by Tn5 mutagenesis of strain LO and were characterized in free-living cultures and in symbiosis in soybean root nodules . One mutant strain, LO501, expressed no cytochrome aa3 in culture; it had wild-type levels of succinate oxidase activity but could not oxidize NADH or N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine (TMPD) . The cytochrome content of LO501 root nodule bacteroids was nearly identical to that of the wild type, but the mutant expressed over fourfold more bacteroid cytochrome c oxidase activity than was found in strain LO . The Tn5 insertion of the second mutant, LO505, had a pleiotropic effect; this strain was missing cytochromes c and aa3 in culture and had a diminished amount of cytochrome b as well . The oxidations of TMPD, NADH, and succinate by cultured LO505 cells were very similar to those by the cytochrome aa3 mutant LO501, supporting the conclusion that cytochromes c and aa3 are part of the same branch of the electron transport system . Nodules formed from the symbiosis of strain LO505 with soybean contained no detectable amount of leghemoglobin and had no N2 fixation activity . LO505 bacteroids were cytochrome deficient but contained nearly wild-type levels of bacteroid cytochrome c oxidase activity . The absence of leghemoglobin and the diminished bacterial cytochrome content in nodules from strain LO505 suggest that this mutant may be deficient in some aspect of heme biosynthesis.

J Bacteriol, 1987 Mar, 169(3), 944 - 8
Regulation of nitrogenase activity by oxygen in Azospirillum brasilense and Azospirillum lipoferum; Hartmann A et al.; The nitrogenase activity of the microaerophilic bacteria Azospirillum brasilense and A . lipoferum was completely inhibited by 2.0 kPa of oxygen (approximately 0.02 atm of O2) in equilibrium with the solution . The activity could be partially recovered at optimal oxygen concentrations of 0.2 kPa . In contrast to the NH4+ switch off, no covalent modification of the nitrogenase reductase (Fe protein) was involved, as demonstrated by Western-blotting and 32P-labeling experiments . However, the inhibition of the nitrogenase activity under anaerobic conditions was correlated with covalent modification of the Fe protein . In contrast to the NH4+ switch off, no increase in the cellular glutamine pool and no modification of the glutamine synthetase occurred under anaerobic switch-off conditions . Therefore, a redox signal, independent of the nitrogen control of the cell, may trigger the covalent modification of the nitrogenase reductase of A . brasilense and A . lipoferum.

Microbiol Sci, 1987 Mar, 4(3), 72 - 8
Diagnostic methods for human actinomycosis; Holmberg K; Human actinomycosis is caused by Actinomyces israellii and other Actinomyces spp . together with Arachnia spp . These are common commensal bacteria which colonize many body surfaces . Infection of damaged tissues follows trauma, surgery and so on . This article outlines the techniques available for detecting these organisms and actinomycosis infection.

Stain Technol, 1987 Mar, 62(2), 113 - 7
A method for cytogenetic and cytological examination of small shelled larvae of bivalves and other zooplankton; Stiles S et al.; Studies on chromosomes and nuclei of very small bivalve larvae have been impeded by the veliger shell . It has been determined that the alcohol:acetic acid fixative commonly used in cytogenetic techniques can be made to act as a decalcifying agent upon repeated heating . In addition, transfer of formalin fixed shelled specimens, routinely used as marine bioassay organisms, into ethyl alcohol:acetic acid (3:1) fixative also yields clear cells for cytological examination of decalcified but otherwise intact oyster larvae and other zooplankton . Identification of cell type, such as germ-line primordia, in, for example, reproductive and ploidy level studies, and observations on the presence of bacteria can be made from the preparations . Material can be examined up to at least a year after preservation . The method is evaluated and its modifications are discussed.

Invest Radiol, 1987 Mar, 22(3), 259 - 73
Interferon review; Stanton GJ et al.; Although IFN proteins were recognized first for their potent antiviral properties, it has now been established that they may profoundly affect other vital cellular functions . The IFNs are divided into three main classes, alpha, beta, and gamma, and are defined by their differences in amino acid sequences, physicochemical properties, and induction by different agents from different cell types . The inducing agents include viruses, bacteria, bacterial products, polymers, low molecular weight compounds, and antigens or mitogens . Studies on the mechanisms of action of IFNs have mainly been focused on their antiviral actions . However, many of the facts revealed by these studies are equally relevant for understanding other actions of IFN . IFNs are extremely potent, they interact with specific receptors, and they induce the expression of specific genes, the products of which mediate their various actions . There is almost a complete lack of knowledge of what happens between the interaction of IFN with its receptor and induction of new RNA synthesis . However, we are beginning to understand how some of the IFN-inducible enzymes impair viral replication . The discovery of the dsRNA-dependent enzymes has implications beyond the IFN system . It is quite possible that they are used for other physiologic regulatory systems as well . The identities and functions of many other IFN-inducible proteins remain to be elucidated . Principally, IFNs alpha and beta are cytokines in that they may be produced by the cellular components of the immune system and have immunoregulatory effects on the cells of the immune system . These effects include enhancement of surface structures such as histocompatibility antigens, pleiotropic hormone-like effects, and stimulation or inhibition of the activities of a number of different effector cells such as B cells, T cells, macrophages, and natural killing cells . IFN levels may be below detection and yet mediate important biologic functions . Perhaps the most interesting IFN subtype regarding immunoregulation is IFN gamma, which is a product of T lymphocytes . Few drugs have stimulated as much research interest or clinical promise as the IFNs . Clinical trials in patients have shown most promise in coryza, herpes virus infections, papilloma virus tumors, hairy cell leukemia, multiple myeloma, and renal cell carcinoma . IFN gamma employed alone and in combination with IFN alpha may dramatically increase IFN's activity . IFN treatment combined with chemotherapy also may give enhanced antitumor activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

J Biol Chem, 1987 Feb 25, 262(6), 2895 - 9
Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence of cDNA encoding hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase of bovine pineal glands; Ishida I et al.; Messenger RNA for hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.4) was partially purified from poly(A)+ RNA isolated from bovine pineal glands by sucrose density gradient centrifugation . The enriched mRNA was used to prepare a cDNA library by use of expression vector lambda gt11 . The library was screened with monoclonal antibodies to the enzyme, and three cDNA clones were isolated . These cloned cDNAs cross-hybridized with one another, and their fusion proteins reacted to the monoclonal antibodies with different binding properties . Hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase enzymatic activity was demonstrated in the bacteria lysate infected with lambda HIOMT-A16, the clone that contained the longest insert . An almost full-length cDNA clone was isolated from lambda gt10 cDNA library by use of the lambda HIOMT-A16 cDNA as a probe . The primary structure of hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase was determined by analyzing the nucleotide sequence of the cDNAs . It consisted of 1939 nucleotides including a 1050-nucleotide region coding for 350 amino acids . RNA transfer blot analysis indicated that mRNA encoding hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase was present only in the pineal gland and not in the brain, retina, and liver of cow.

J Biol Chem, 1987 Feb 25, 262(6), 2562 - 7
Bacterially synthesized vertebrate calmodulin is a specific substrate for ubiquitination; Gregori L et al.; Calmodulin purified from bacteria which express a cloned chicken calmodulin gene can be selectively conjugated with ubiquitin, using enzymes present in reticulocyte extracts . Analyses of peptide products generated from limited proteolytic digestion of the calmodulin conjugate containing a single ubiquitin indicate that lysine 115 on calmodulin is the site of linkage . This linkage site is identical to that previously reported for calmodulin purified from Dictyostelium discoideum . Substrate-dependent ATP hydrolysis by a partially purified ubiquitin conjugation enzyme system from reticulocyte extracts was used to determine the enzyme affinity to calmodulin . Km values of 7 and 9 microM were determined for dictyostelium and the bacterially expressed calmodulin, respectively . The bacterially expressed calmodulin, unlike the Dictyostelium protein, can also form conjugates containing a 2-5 molar ratio of ubiquitin but at a slower rate than that observed for conjugation at lysine 115 . Results from these studies further support our hypothesis that the post-translational methylation of lysine 115 found in most forms of calmodulin serves the important function of protecting calmodulin from ubiquitination and from degradation by the cytoplasmic ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathway . The capability of the bacterially expressed calmodulin to form conjugates with a high molar ratio of ubiquitin suggests that the post-translational acetylation of the N terminus of calmodulin may serve a similar function.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1987 Feb 15, 190(4), 416 - 22
Effects of nonadherent dressing materials on the healing of open wounds in dogs; Lee AH et al.; Four types of nonadherent dressing materials (rayon/polyethylene dressing, cotton nonadherent film dressings, fine mesh gauze petrolatum dressings, and commercial petrolatum emulsion dressings) were applied on small full-thickness skin defects on the backs of 12 Beagles . At 7 days, the wounds treated with the petrolatum-containing dressings had more contraction than wounds dressed with cotton nonadherent film dressings and wounds dressed with rayon/polyethylene dressings . However, by days 14 and 21, there was little difference in the amount of contraction of any of the wounds . At 7, 14, and 21 days, the wounds dressed with petrolatum-containing dressings had less epithelialization than wounds dressed with cotton nonadherent film dressings and rayon/polyethylene dressings . The uniform open mesh of the commercial petrolatum emulsion dressings allowed the best absorption of exudate and bacteria into the secondary overlying bandage.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1987 Feb 12, 897(1), 93 - 111
A model for accelerated uptake and accumulation of sugars arising from phosphorylation at the inner surface of the cell membrane; Naftalin RJ et al.; A model transport system for cellular accumulation of sugar coupled to phosphorylation is described . Sugar permeates the cell membrane via a passive facilitated transport system . On the inside surface of the membrane the bound sugar is either phosphorylated to form impermeable hexose phosphate, which is released into the intracellular solution, or released directly into the cytosol . Sugar may be regenerated from hexose phosphate in the cytosol via a phosphatase reaction . The reduction of the proportion of sites on the inner membrane surface occupied by permeable sugar, caused by the kinase reaction, increases both net and unidirectional passive inflow and reduces both net and unidirectional exit of sugar, thereby permitting large stationary state gradients of free sugar to be maintained between the cytosol and bathing solution . In cells where there is a high passive membrane permeability to free sugar, steady-state accumulation of free sugar within the cytosol, linked to metabolism is inexplicable in terms of conventional transport kinetics based on equilibrium thermodynamic assumptions . This phenomenon is analysed in terms of non-equilibrium stationary state flows of ligands via a probability network . The effects of metabolism on exchange transport are also examined . The model provides a framework to explain how sugar transport is loosely coupled to phosphorylation in mammalian epithelial cells, adipocytes, yeasts and bacteria, so that a high rate of substrate accumulation is maintained without requiring a reduction in the intracellular concentration of permeable substrate below that in the external solution.

FEBS Lett, 1987 Feb 9, 212(1), 79 - 82
Covalently bound pyruvate in phosphopantothenoylcysteine decarboxylase from horse liver; Scandurra R et al.; Horse liver phosphopantothenoylcysteine decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.36) incorporates nonexchangeable tritium from borotritide with a decrease of the activity . Substrate prevents both tritium incorporation and the decrease in activity . Acid and base hydrolysis of the tritiated protein releases labeled lactate identified by high-voltage paper electrophoresis, paper chromatography and silicic acid chromatography . These results indicate the presence of pyruvate covalently bound through an ester linkage to phosphopantothenoylcysteine decarboxylase which is then another example of a mammalian enzyme in which pyruvate is involved in a catalytic activity.

J Clin Pathol, 1987 Feb, 40(2), 210 - 5
Autoimmunity: a decision theory model; Morris JA; Concepts from statistical decision theory were used to analyse the detection problem faced by the body's immune system in mounting immune responses to bacteria of the normal body flora . Given that these bacteria are potentially harmful, that there can be extensive cross reaction between bacterial antigens and host tissues, and that the decisions are made in uncertainty, there is a finite chance of error in immune response leading to autoimmune disease . A model of ageing in the immune system is proposed that is based on random decay in components of the decision process, leading to a steep age dependent increase in the probability of error . The age incidence of those autoimmune diseases which peak in early and middle life can be explained as the resultant of two processes: an exponentially falling curve of incidence of first contact with common bacteria, and a rapidly rising error function . Epidemiological data on the variation of incidence with social class, sibship order, climate and culture can be used to predict the likely site of carriage and mode of spread of the causative bacteria . Furthermore, those autoimmune diseases precipitated by common viral respiratory tract infections might represent reactions to nasopharyngeal bacterial overgrowth, and this theory can be tested using monoclonal antibodies to search the bacterial isolates for cross reacting antigens . If this model is correct then prevention of autoimmune disease by early exposure to low doses of bacteria might be possible.

Blut, 1987 Feb, 54(2), 89 - 96
Red blood cell T-activation and hemolysis in surgical intensive care patients with severe infections; Lenz G et al.; The exposure of Thomsen-Friedenreich (T) antigens on RBCs, serum neuraminidase, and serum hemoglobin levels were investigated in 53 adult surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients with septicemia . Unmasked T-antigens were assayed by a hemagglutination test using peanut agglutinin (PNA) (direct anti-T test), and by an indirect anti-T test employing rabbit anti-PNA globulin . RBC T-activation was demonstrated in 17/53 patients (32%); in 2/53 patients (4%) the direct anti-T test was positive, indicating strong T-exposure . No polyagglutination phenomena were observed . Serum neuraminidase was elevated in 12/17 (71%) patients with T-activation and in 7/36 (19%) patients without T-activation . Free serum hemoglobin was elevated in 12/17 (71%) patients with T-activation and in 5/36 (14%) patients without T-activation . Correlations between T-activation and serum neuraminidase and between T-activation and serum hemoglobin were significant (p less than 0.001) . Potentially neuraminidase-releasing bacteria were demonstrated in 13/17 (76%) patients with RBC T-exposure . We conclude that neuraminidase-induced RBC T-activation and subsequent hemolysis may be involved in the pathomechanism of hemolytic anemia in patients with severe infections.

J Med Chem, 1987 Feb, 30(2), 400 - 5
Leukotriene D4 antagonists and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors . Synthesis of benzoheterocyclic {(methoxyphenyl)amino}oxoalkanoic acid esters; Musser JH et al.; A series of novel benzoheterocyclic {(methoxyphenyl)amino}oxoalkanoic acid esters has been prepared . These compounds were tested as inhibitors of rat polymorphonuclear leukocyte 5-lipoxgenase (LO) in vitro and as inhibitors of leukotriene D4 (LTD4) and ovalbumin (OA) induced bronchospasm in the guinea pig (GP) in vivo . In general, inhibitory activity against 5-LO, LTD4, and OA was broadest for benzthiazole-containing analogues (benzthiazole greater than benzimidazole much greater than benzoxazole, benzofuran) . The most potent 5-LO inhibitor, 4-{{3-(2-benzthiazolylmethoxy)-phenyl}hydroxyamino}-4-oxobutanoic acid methyl ester (7), had an IC50 of 0.36 microM . Compound 7, however, was inactive vs . OA . The most potent compound in vivo, 4-{{3-{(1-methyl-2-benzimidazolyl)methoxy}phenyl}-amino} -4-oxobutanoic acid methyl ester 4, inhibited both LTD4- and OA-induced bronchospasm by 83% and 60%, respectively, at 50 mg/kg intraduodenally . Compound 4 was studied in the Ames assay employing five strains of bacteria (TA1535, TA1537, TA1538, TA98, and TA100) with and without S-9 rat liver enzyme metabolic activation, and there was no significant number of reversions noted.

J Bacteriol, 1987 Feb, 169(2), 489 - 94
Manganese oxidation by Leptothrix discophora; Boogerd FC et al.; Cells of Leptothrix discophora SS1 released Mn2+-oxidizing factors into the medium during growth in batch culture . Manganese was optimally oxidized when the medium was buffered with HEPES (N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid) at pH 7.5 . Manganese-oxidizing activity in the culture medium in which this strain had been grown previously was sensitive to heat, phosphate, Tris, NaN3, HgCl2 NaCl, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and pronase; 0.5 mol of O2 was consumed per mol of MnO2 formed . During Mn2+ oxidation, protons were liberated . With sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, two protein-containing bands were detected in the spent culture medium . One band had an apparent molecular weight of 110,000 and was predominant in Mn2+-oxidizing activity . The second product (Mr 85,000) was only detected in some cases and probably represents a proteolytic breakdown moiety of the 110,000-Mr protein . The Mn2+-oxidizing factors were associated with the MnO2 aggregates that had been formed in spent culture medium . After solubilization of this MnO2 with ascorbate, Mn2+-oxidizing activity could be recovered.

Blood, 1987 Feb, 69(2), 493 - 500
The role of glutathione reductase in maintaining human granulocyte function and sensitivity to exogenous H2O2; Cohen HJ et al.; Human granulocytes (polymorphonuclear leukocytes, PMN) produce H2O2 and other reactive oxygen species while undergoing phagocytosis . To examine the role of the glutathione cycle in metabolizing H2O2, we incubated PMN with 1,3-bis (2-chloroethyl) nitrosourea (BCNU) . Incubation of PMN with BCNU results in a dose-dependent inhibition of PMN glutathione reductase (GRED), with 50% inhibition occurring at approximately 2 micrograms/mL BCNU . PMN hexose monophosphate shunt activity stimulated with an exogenous H2O2-generating system was inhibited only when the GRED activity was reduced to less than 30% of control . BCNU-treated cells contained lower levels of reduced sulfhydryls and reduced glutathione, which decreased even more in the presence of an exogenous H2O2-generating system . The effect of BCNU and exogenous H2O2 on various aspects of phagocytosis were examined . Exposure of BCNU-treated PMN to an H2O2-generating system resulted in an inhibition of chemotactic peptide-induced shape changes and degranulation . The ability of BCNU-treated cells to produce O2- was diminished only when the PMN were incubated with an H2O2-generating system in the presence of cyanide . Ingestion of opsonized bacteria by BCNU-treated PMN was unaffected by incubation in an H2O2-generating system even in the presence of cyanide . We conclude that PMN GRED is inhibited by BCNU, the ability of PMN to metabolize H2O2 is affected only when GRED is reduced more than 70%, this inhibition affects the glutathione content of these cells, and some, but not all of the phagocytic functions of GRED-inhibited PMN are inhibited after exposure to an H2O2-generating system.

Med Hypotheses, 1987 Feb, 22(2), 177 - 86
Juvenile periodontitis--a new perspective; Hirsch RS et al.; Juvenile periodontitis (JP) is a severe disease of the periodontium in adolescents . It is usually localized to the first permanent molars and (less commonly) the central incisors . The bacteria Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) is currently implicated in the aetiology of JP since its numbers are high in JP pockets and low in subjects with healthy periodontal conditions or with adult periodontitis . However, Aa harvested from JP pockets and transferred to healthy sites in the same mouth are unable to colonize these areas or initiate disease (17) . The conflicting evidence implicating intrinsic or induced impairment of host defence is reviewed . It is hypothesised that JP lesions are primarily of endodontic origin . By-products of an inflammatory process in the pulp enter the periodontium via dentinal tubules, lateral or furcation canals and drain through the periodontium into the mouth . The environmental conditions of the sinus select for bacteria such as Aa which secondarily infect the site and exacerbate the clinical situation by their potent virulence factors . Localized deep defects involving only one side of an interproximal space in an otherwise periodontally healthy mouth result . Studies of the pulpal status of JP teeth are indicated.

Am Rev Respir Dis, 1987 Feb, 135(2), 403 - 11
Complement activity in normal rabbit bronchoalveolar fluid . Description of an inhibitor of C3 activation; Giclas PC et al.; Hemolytically active C4, C3, C5, and C6, and trace amounts of C1, were present in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from healthy adult rabbits . Both the alternative and classical pathways were functionally intact through C5 . Complement depletion by intravascularly administered cobra venom factor caused a parallel decrease in lavageable C5 from the rabbit's lungs . Whereas BALF C5 had specific activity comparable to serum C5, that of BALF C3 was lower than predicted . This was found to be due to the action of a substance that selectively blocked C3 activation . The inhibitor did not cause irreversible inactivation of C3, and it had no effect on C5 activity . It blocked the formation of EAC423 from EAC42 + C3, but not the lysis of preformed EAC423 + C5-9 or EAC423 rosetting with rabbit neutrophils . Hydrophobic chromatography of BALF separated the activity of the inhibitor from that of C3 . Further chromatography showed that it had a net negative charge at physiologic pH, and molecular weight between 14 and 30 kilodaltons . The presence of an inhibitor of C3 activation in the airways would provide control of complement activation in an environment that is constantly exposed to bacteria, dust, and other potential inflammatory stimuli.

Jpn J Antibiot, 1987 Feb, 40(2), 311 - 24
{Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies on cefotaxime in plastic and reconstructive surgery}; Matsumoto T et al.; Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies on cefotaxime (CTX) in plastic and reconstructive surgery field were carried out . The results obtained are summarized as follows . Two grams of CTX was administered intravenously by single bolus injection to each of 4 patients with burn blisters and mean levels of CTX concentration in blister exudates were investigated . Thirty minutes after administration, the mean level of CTX in the exudates was 3.90 micrograms/ml and it reached a peak of 9.81 micrograms/ml in 2 hours . The clinical efficacy rate for 30 patients with burn infections and postoperative infections was 73.3%, and the efficacy rate for 29 patients in prophylactic use was 72.4% . A side effect (eruption) and abnormal laboratory findings were observed in each one case out of 59 . From the above results, CTX may be considered to be useful in plastic and reconstructive surgical treatments.

Zhonghua Min Guo Wei Sheng Wu Ji Mian Yi Xue Za Zhi, 1987 Feb, 20(1), 52 - 60
Leukocyte nitroblue tetrazolium test and chemotaxis in children with nephrotic syndrome and nephritis; Lin CY et al.; Patients with nephrotic syndrome have an increased incidence of infection; the cause of this is unknown . It is recognized that neutrophils play an important role in the protection of the body against bacteria . In an attempt to evaluate the function of neutrophils in various categories of nephritis, and that function's relationship in response to steroid therapy in the idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, a study using peripheral blood neutrophils on nitroblue tetrazolium test (NBT) and chemotaxis was performed in 62 children suffering from nephritis during its acute phase and remission . These patients included minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS), 9 cases; focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FGS), 3 cases; mesangial cell proliferative nephropathy (MesPGN), 23 cases; hepatitis B antigenemia associated with membranous glomerulonephropathy (HBSMGN), 4 cases; poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (AGN), 20 cases and chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN), 3 cases . The NBT reduction levels were significantly increased in the MCNS and AGN groups during the acute nephrotic or nephritic phase and returned to normal range in remission . The chemotactic index significantly decreased in the MCNS and significantly increased in the MesPGN cases; in the remission stage, they returned to normal range . All cases of MesPGN in this study were nephrotic syndrome with frequent relapse or were steroid non-responsive . These results suggest that, except for MCNS, the higher incidence of infection in nephrotic syndrome has no relation to neutrophil chemotaxis and NBT in various categories of nephritis . However, the chemotactic index may serve as one of the parameters between steroid responsive and non-responsive nephrotic syndromes.

J Dairy Sci, 1987 Feb, 70(2), 284 - 9
Effect of orally administered pilocarpine on ruminal characteristics and nutrient digestibility in cattle; Wiedmeier RD et al.; Four barren Holstein cows weighing 637 kg were fed a 45% concentrate diet plus the following amounts of pilocarpine: 1) 0 mg/kg; 2) 1 mg/kg; 3) 2 mg/kg; 4) 4 mg/kg body weight in a 4 X 4 Latin square design . Cows were administered the treatments for a 14-d adaptation period followed by an 8-d collection period . Digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, cellulose, and hemicellulose were determined during the first 3 d of the collection period . Ruminal liquid volume, volatile fatty acids, NH3N, bacterial mass production, viable bacteria, cellulolytic bacteria, liquid dilution rate, and particulate rate of passage were measured during the remainder of the collection period . As pilocarpine increased from 0 to 4 mg/kg body weight, digestibility of dry matter and cellulose increased by 8.5% . Digestibility of crude protein increased by 6.1% . Digestibility of hemicellulose was unchanged . Ruminal liquid volume was unchanged by treatment, whereas liquid dilution rate and particulate rate of passage increased 30% as pilocarpine increased . Ruminal volatile fatty acid concentrations and proportion were unchanged by treatment . Ruminal pH increased 4.2% and NH3N decreased by 37% as pilocarpine increased . Percent cellulolytic and bacterial mass production tended to increase as pilocarpine increased.

Ophthalmology, 1987 Feb, 94(2), 101 - 8
Survival of corneal grafts from donors supported by mechanical ventilation; Seedor JA et al.; Eighty-five patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty with tissue from donors supported by mechanical ventilation (Ventilator group) were compared to a surgeon- and diagnosis-matched group (Control group) . Age at surgery, duration of follow-up, and sex of recipient patients were similar in the two groups . The mean donor age in the Ventilator group (26.4 years) was significantly less than in the Control group (45.8 years, P less than 0.0001) . Mean time on the ventilator was 99.4 hours (range, 4 hours to 21 days) . Overall graft survival rates in the Ventilator and Control groups were similar (P greater than or equal to 0.72) . Time on the ventilator did not affect graft survival . Cultures of corneoscleral donor rims were positive more often in the Ventilator group than in Controls (39.7 versus 23.1%), but the difference was not significant (P = 0.09) . Prolonged ventilator time was not associated with a higher rate of positive corneoscleral rim cultures, nor did positive cultures affect graft survival . The most common cause of graft failure in both groups was allograft rejection . In no case could postoperative bacterial infection be attributed to contamination of the donor material . One case of primary donor failure occurred in the Ventilator group, but the incidence (1.2%) is similar to that of previously reported studies . The data indicate that corneal tissue from ventilator-supported donors should be considered for use in penetrating keratoplasty.

Pathol Biol (Paris), 1987 Feb, 35(2), 190 - 4
{Endogenous counterinflammation and immunostimulation}; Fauve RM; It is known since a century that inflammation is the cornerstone of the resistance against pathogens at the site of penetration . Recently, it has been shown that this beneficial effect can be found in a remote site . Furthermore, it is known that, at a distance from the site of inflammation, a decreased inflammatory reaction is observed: a counterinflammation . Concerning this counterinflammation it was found, at least in mice, that this antiinflammatory effect is equivalent or even superior to those of glucocorticoids . In mice, this counterinflammation effect is observed only 6 hours following the primo-inflammation, occurs in absence of T lymphocytes and is not mediated with bioproducts of the arachidonic metabolism . The increased host resistance against pathogens occurs later (3-10 days) . It is observed against fungi, bacteria, parasites and even tumour cells . Among the possible effectors of such an increased resistance, a protein was purified to homogeneity (MW = 56 Kd, pI = 5, electrophoretic mobility of the alpha 1 globulins . This protein is with interferon gamma the more potent immunostimulant . Other effectors are presently under investigation: there are proteins involved in hematopoiesis and the cytostasis of tumour cells . It is therefore evident that in the course of certain inflammatory reactions, several substances may act as potent endogenous drugs: they are true phlogautacoids.

J Periodontol, 1987 Feb, 58(2), 86 - 94
A comparison of the effectiveness of hand scaling and ultrasonic debridement in furcations as evaluated by differential dark-field microscopy; Leon LE et al.; There have been no previous reports in the literature comparing the effects of hand scaling with ultrasonic debridement in furcations, or which have used dark-field microscopy for this comparison . The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of these two modes of debridement in various classes of furcations, using gingival crevicular fluid flow and dark-field microscopy as parameters . A total of 33 furcated molars were evaluated . Results indicated that both hand scaling and ultrasonic debridement were equally effective in Class I furcations in changing the gingival fluid flow and bacterial proportions to those of a healthy state . In contrast, ultrasonic debridement was significantly more effective than hand scaling in Class II and Class III furcations in altering these parameters.

AJR Am J Roentgenol, 1987 Feb, 148(2), 281 - 4
Natural history of the obstructed rabbit appendix: observations with radiography, sonography, and CT; Dachman AH et al.; Chronic (1-3 months' duration) appendiceal obstruction was induced in 11 rabbits to assess the pathologic consequences and to study the associated radiologic, sonographic, and CT findings . Three pathologic/radiologic groups resulted with approximately equal frequency . In group A, the abscess was characterized by inflammatory cells in the lumen and wall of the appendix without mucin production . Calcification was shown radiographically, and sonography showed an anechoic or complex pattern . Group B, the "mixed response," was characterized by an intact hyperplastic mucosa, mucin secretion, and inflammatory debris in the lumen . Occasional calcification was present radiographically, and sonography showed a complex or hypoechoic pattern . In group C, true mucoceles had an intact hyperplastic mucosa, a mucin-filled lumen, and minimal inflammation . These were anechoic on sonography except for mobile foci of inflammatory debris . Chronic obstruction of the appendix results in a spectrum of pathologic responses with varying degrees of either inflammation and mucosal destruction or mucosal hyperplasia and mucin secretion . An abscess results when infection overwhelms the host's inflammatory responses . If the bacteria are destroyed by these defenses, a mucocele forms . An intermediate situation occurs when there is a mixed response with chronic inflammatory changes and an intact mucosa . This finding supports the existence of chronic appendicitis in humans.

Mol Gen Genet, 1987 Feb, 206(2), 300 - 6
Separation of temporal control and trans-acting modulation of flagellin and chemotaxis genes in Caulobacter; Bryan R et al.; The genes involved in the biogenesis of the flagellum and the chemotaxis machinery are temporally regulated during the Caulobacter crescentus cell cycle . Using plasmid complementation, we have mapped the extent of the flaY and flaE genes . These genes function in trans to regulate the expression of the flagellin genes and the chemotaxis genes . We have found that the trans regulation that modulates the amount of the flagellins and the chemotaxis proteins can be separated from the temporal control of fla and che gene expression . This conclusion is based on two observations: the low level of synthesis of flagellins and chemotaxis proteins in flaY and flaE mutant strains occurred at the correct time in the cell cycle, and complementation with plasmids containing intact flaY and flaE genes resulted in the synthesis of normal levels of flagellins and chemotaxis gene products with the maintenance of temporal cell cycle control.

J Clin Periodontol, 1987 Feb, 14(2), 110 - 7
Distribution of morphologically different micro-organisms associated with active periodontal lesions; Muller HP et al.; The morphological composition of the subgingival plaque associated with active periodontitis lesions and comparable inactive control lesions were determined in a 36-year-old patient with advanced periodontal disease . Monthly measurements of the clinical attachment level were subjected to linear regression analysis as a function of time . Attachment loss was recorded during the monitoring period at 10 sites, with loss of 2 mm or more at 6 sites . Plaque samples taken from these 6 sites and from 6 control sites with similar clinical conditions were not of uniform composition . Active lesions harboured on average 46% more cocci and twice as many large spirochetes as inactive control lesions . A linear regression analysis of the proportions of different morphotypes in the subgingival plaque versus the calculated monthly attachment loss rate at the time of sampling provided only very weak correlations, if at all . The observations made in the patient under investigation suggest that there is no great probability of suspected differences in the floras of active and inactive lesions being detected by dark-field analysis alone . The role of motile rods and spirochetes may have been over-rated hitherto.

J Natl Cancer Inst, 1987 Feb, 78(2), 279 - 88
Phagocytic capacity of normal and malignant rat glial cells in culture; Bjerknes R et al.; The phagocytic capacity of 4 continuous rat glioma cell lines (BT2C, BT4Cn, BT5c, and 9L) and normal BD IX fetal rat glial cells in culture has been studied . This was done by flow cytometric measurements of single cells from monolayer cultures having ingested fluorescent bacteria, zymosan particles, red blood cells, or fragments of normal glial cells . In addition, phagocytosis was studied in a three-dimensional culture system . The BT4Cn, BT5C, and 9L cell lines were tumorigenic and invasive both in vivo and in organ culture in vitro . In contrast, BT2C has shown variable tumorigenicity and does not seem to be invasive . The phagocytic capacity of the cell lines was compared to their destructive properties during invasion . Depending on the particle type, 30-40% of the normal glial cells were phagocytic . The fractions of phagocytic glioma cells were dependent on the particle type and the prey load . Of the invasive cell lines, BT5C showed high phagocytic activity both in monolayer and three-dimensional cultures . Two of the invasive cell lines (BT5C and 9L) had about the same fraction of phagocytic cells as normal glial cells . These 2 cell lines showed highly destructive growth during invasion . In contrast, the third invasive cell line (BT4Cn) had almost no phagocytic cells . The BT4Cn cells showed single-cell invasion with little destruction of target tissue . The noninvasive cell line (BT2C) showed low phagocytic activity, and almost no destruction was observed in the border zone between tumor cells and normal tissue . Phagocytosis seems to be an inherent property of both normal and malignant glial cells, although the fraction of phagocytic cells varies from one cell line to another . In organ culture high phagocytic capacity of invasive glioma cells seems to be related to destructive activity on the normal brain tissue during invasion.

Blood, 1987 Feb, 69(2), 437 - 41
Spectrum of natural antibodies against five HTLV-III antigens in infected individuals: correlation of antibody prevalence with clinical status; Franchini G et al.; The genome of the HTLV-III/LAV retrovirus, the etiologic agent of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), encodes the viral structural proteins (envelope and core proteins), the reverse transcriptase, a transactivation protein (tat-III), as well as two other proteins (3'orf, sor) of unknown function . We studied the prevalence of natural antibodies against envelope, gag, 3'orf, sor, and tat-III in the sera of HTLV-III infected individuals in an attempt to correlate clinical status with seropositivity to specific HTLV-III antigens . We selected 101 sera; 16 were obtained from normal donors with no known risk factors, and 85 were from patients with full-fledged AIDS (28 cases), AIDS-related complex (ARC, 22 cases), and healthy people at risk (homosexuals, intravenous {IV} drug users, relatives of AIDS patients; 35 cases) . Seropositivity for antibodies against the envelope (gp41) and gag antigens (p15, p24) was determined by Western blot using disrupted HTLV-III virions . Of the 101 sera, all 16 from nonrisk donors and 3/35 from healthy at-risk donors were negative for antibodies against either the gp41 or p15 and p24 . The remaining 82 sera were seropositive for either the gp41 and/or the p15 and p24 . All sera were then tested against the three known HTLV-III antigens (3'orf, sor, and tat-III) that have been synthesized in bacteria . Our data indicate that all the HTLV-III antigens tested are immunogenic in vivo . No significant difference in antibody prevalence to gp41 (close to 100%) and to the 3'orf, sor, and tat-III proteins (approximately 50%) was observed with regard to stage of the disease . In contrast, the prevalence of antibodies against the core antigens decreased from approximately 100% in infected people with no clinical signs of disease to 50% in ARC and AIDS patients . The percentage of patients seropositive for all five antigens tested was increased in the AIDS group . These results indicate that the greatest antibody prevalence was obtained using viral envelope antigen and further suggest that screening with the newly identified 3'orf, sor, and tat-III proteins as antigens would confer no further diagnostic advantage . The pattern of natural antibodies observed during disease progression did not suggest any pathogenetic mechanism.

Orthop Rev, 1987 Feb, 16(2), 67 - 77
Hip flexion deformity secondary to acute pyogenic psoas abscess; Stefanich RJ et al.; The data from ten patients who underwent incision and drainage of an acute pyogenic abscess were studied with respect to the presence of an associated hip flexion deformity prior to incision and drainage of the abscess, bacteria cultured intraoperatively, treatment of any persistent hip flexion deformity postoperatively, and any additional sequelae noted at an average follow-up of seven years (range, one to 17 years) . Six of the ten patients presented with an associated hip flexion deformity . In three patients, the deformity had resolved spontaneously and completely--in one by the third postoperative day and in two by the 45th postoperative day . Follow-up of these patients at up to 17 years revealed no residual flexion deformity . The flexion deformity in two of the six patients improved following incision and drainage, but residual flexion deformities of 10 degrees and 15 degrees were noted at three- and six-year follow-up, respectively . The sixth patient was treated with skin traction both preoperatively and postoperatively, but it was ineffective in totally correcting the deformity . Follow-up of this patient at one year revealed a residual 15 degrees hip flexion deformity . All six patients had normal ambulation at follow-up examination . Bacteria cultured intraoperatively did not appear to affect either the initial development of the flexion deformity or the time to resolution following incision and drainage of the abscess . Of 183 patients with an acute pyogenic psoas abscess reviewed in 14 series from the literature, 96% (176/183) presented with an associated hip flexion deformity . A hip flexion deformity in a patient with fever and pain on attempted extension of the thigh is therefore a reliable sign for the diagnosis of an acute pyogenic psoas abscess . Treatment may be indicated for a persistent deformity following incision and drainage . Skin traction is the most commonly used and successful method of treatment . Persistence of the hip flexion deformity postoperatively may be secondary to fibrosis within the psoas sheath or actual substance of the muscle, or both . A mild residual flexion deformity may be present years after incision and drainage but apparently will cause no functional abnormality.

Biochem Int, 1987 Feb, 14(2), 319 - 25
Detection of aspartate kinase in rat liver and its activation by Ca++ and calmodulin; Kochhar S et al.; The enzyme aspartate kinase (EC 2.7.2.4) has been detected in rat liver (animal tissue) for the first time . This enzyme, like the aspartate kinase from bacteria and plants is inhibited by lysine and threonine . Further, the activity of the enzyme is stimulated over two fold by Ca++ and calmodulin and inhibited by EGTA, a Ca++ chelator and trifluoperazine, an anti-calmodulin compound.

Mol Endocrinol, 1987 Feb, 1(2), 127 - 36
Structure/function analysis of ras using random mutagenesis coupled with functional screening assays; Feig LA et al.; We review the use of functional assays for the ras protein, p21, that have allowed us to screen for mutant ras genes encoding proteins defective in either interactions with guanine nucleotides or transforming activity . GTP binding and GTP-dependent autokinase activities were assayed directly on lysed bacterial colonies expressing p21 . Mutants encoding ras proteins deficient in these activities were isolated after randomly mutagenizing a v-rasH expression vector . Transformation defective mutants were isolated by randomly mutagenizing a v-rasH retroviral shuttle vector . NIH cells were then infected with a stock of nonreplicating mutagenized retroviruses and nontransformed infected colonies were isolated . The mutant ras genes were then rescued from these cells for analysis . Characterization of these mutants defines domains of p21 involved in both biochemical and biological activities and addresses the role of guanine nucleotide binding in p21 function.

Nucleic Acids Res, 1987 Jan 26, 15(2), 813 - 24
Nodulin-26, a peribacteroid membrane nodulin is expressed independently of the development of the peribacteroid compartment; Fortin MG et al.; The peribacteroid membrane (pbm) of root nodules is derived from the plant cell plasma membrane but contains in addition several nodule-specific host proteins (nodulins) . Antibodies raised against purified pbm of soybean were used to immunoprecipitate polysomes to isolate an RNA fraction that served as a template for the synthesis of a cDNA probe for screening a nodule-specific cDNA library . Clone p1B1 was found to encode a 26.5 kDa polypeptide (nodulin-26) which is immunoprecipitable specifically with the anti-pbm serum . Nodulin-26 has features of a transmembrane protein and its structure differs from that of nodulin-24 which appears to be a surface protein of pbm . The expression of these two pbm nodulins was examined in nodules induced by Bradyrhizobium japonicum Tn5 mutants that arrest nodule development at different stages of pbm biosynthesis . Nodules that do not show release of bacteria from the infection thread express nodulin-24 at a very low level . In contrast, the expression of nodulin-26 occurs fully in nodules that form infection threads only and is not affected by the release of bacteria from the threads.

Cell, 1987 Jan 16, 48(1), 73 - 8
DnaA protein binding to the plasmid origin region can substitute for primosome assembly during replication of pBR322 in vitro; Seufert W et al.; We analyzed the significance of DnaA protein binding to the origin region of pBR322 . Replication of pBR322 in vitro was stimulated by DnaA protein . Moreover, the primosomal component protein i was no longer essential for replication after addition of DnaA protein, whereas, among others, proteins DnaB and DnaG were still required . Complete replication products were synthesized under these conditions . We constructed pBR322 deletion derivatives missing the primosome assembly sites . Efficient replication of these deletion plasmids was dependent on the presence of DnaA protein and its binding site, but independent of protein i activity . We conclude that DnaA protein binding to the pBR322 origin region substitutes for primosome assembly by directing DnaB, DnaC, and DnaG proteins to the origin . We term this process DnaA-directed pre-replisome formation.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1987 Jan, 53(1), 180 - 2
Conversion of indole to oxindole under methanogenic conditions; Berry DF et al.; When indole was incubated under methanogenic conditions with an inoculum of sewage sludge, the chemical was metabolized with 10 days and temporary formation of an intermediate was observed . The metabolite was isolated by thin-layer chromatography and determined to be 1,3-dihydro-2H-indol-2one (oxindole) by UV spectroscopy (lambdaMAX, 247 nm) and mass spectrometry (m/z, 133) . The methane produced (net amount) indicated nearly complete mineralization of indole.

J Bone Joint Surg Br, 1987 Jan, 69(1), 26 - 35
Discitis after discography; Fraser RD et al.; Infection after intradiscal injections has been recognised as a distinct entity, but discitis after discography has often been attributed to an aseptic process or a chemical reaction to the contrast material . We examined the hypothesis that discitis after discography is always due to infection, and report a clinical review and an experimental study . Part I . We reviewed the case records and radiographs of 432 patients who had undergone lumbar discography . When an 18-gauge needle without a stilette had been used, discitis was diagnosed in 2.7% of 222 patients but stiletted needles and a two-needle technique at each level reduced the incidence to 0.7% . Seven patients with discitis after discography had undergone anterior discectomy and fusion; in them the histopathological findings were of a chronic inflammatory response . Bacteria were isolated from the discs of three of the four patients who had open biopsy less than six weeks from the time of discography . These findings suggest that bacteria were initiators rather than promoters of the response . Part II . Multiple level lumbar discography was carried out in mature sheep, injecting contrast material with or without various concentrations of bacteria . Radiographs were taken and the discs and end-plates were examined histologically and cultured for bacteria at intervals after injection . None of the controls showed any evidence of discitis but all sheep injected with bacteria had typical radiological and histopathological changes by six weeks, though cultures were almost all negative . However, at one and two weeks after injection, but usually not after three weeks, bacteria could be isolated . We suggest that all cases of discitis after discography are initiated by infection, and that a very strict aseptic technique should be used for all injections into intervertebral discs.

Vet Microbiol, 1987 Jan, 13(1), 57 - 64
Correlation between adherence of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae strains of serovar 1a to tissue culture cells originated from porcine kidney and their pathogenicity in mice and swine; Takahashi T et al.; Adherence of four virulent and four avirulent strains of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, serovar 1a, to porcine kidney cell lines, PK-15 and ESK cells, was examined in an in vitro system . The virulent strains adhered well to the cells (range of means, 9.95 +/- 0.87-36.01 +/- 1.10 per cell) . In contrast, the avirulent strains showed negligible adherence to the cells (range of means, 0.11 +/- 0.04-1.41 +/- 0.13 per cell) . Pretreatment of bacteria with heat, trypsin, or antiserum resulted in a marked decrease in adherence . Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed that the bacteria attached directly to the microvilli of cells.

J Surg Res, 1987 Jan, 42(1), 74 - 84
Phagocytic function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and the RES in endotoxemia; Regel G et al.; The reticuloendothelial system (RES) and the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are thought to play a major role in defense against sepsis . Disturbances in the function of these two phagocytic systems during a septic event is associated with the development of lung capillary injury . Endotoxemia is said to lead to similar changes . Our study examined the function of the RES and PMNs after bolus injection of endotoxin (2 micrograms/kg BW) in a standardized sheep model . For up to 24 hr after endotoxin, blood samples were drawn and PMN function was followed by chemiluminescence, chemotaxis, and adherence as well as the phagocytosis and killing of bacteria . RES function was determined by the blood clearance of a labeled Tc99 colloid . We found an increase of RES clearance directly after endotoxin . Chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and killing were reduced . Adherence was increased . Chemiluminescence peak maximum (CLPM), representing the metabolic activity of the PMNs, was initially increased but shortly thereafter showed a significant decline (at 1 hr: 0.52 +/- 0.13 X 10(6) cpm with P less than 0.05 compared to baseline) . The chemiluminescence peak time (CLPT), a measure of membrane receptor function, was significantly reduced (10.0 +/- 2.2 min with P less than 0.001 compared to baseline) . Endotoxin led to a reduction of intracellular PMN functions (phagocytosis, killing, CLPM) within 1 hr . Membrane localized functions (adherence, CLPT) were increased . The changes in PMN function might be the reason for the development of lung capillary injury, in spite of undisturbed RES clearance.

J Surg Res, 1987 Jan, 42(1), 19 - 23
Immunization with heat-killed pneumococci, but not pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides, improves survival in splenectomized mice; Hebert JC; Immunization with pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides (pn PS) is advocated after splenectomy to decrease the risk of overwhelming sepsis . The clinical and experimental evidence for the benefit of immunization after splenectomy is controversial . Various reports in the literature have claimed a benefit of immunization after splenectomy, but careful review of methodologies reveals that heat-killed pneumococci (pn) were used to immunize the experimental animals . Since we have not been able to protect splenectomized (splx) mice by immunization with pn PS, we compared survival after live pneumococcal aerosol challenge and antibody (Ab) responses in splx and sham splx mice immunized with either pn PS or heat-killed pn . Immunization with either heat-killed type 3 pn or pn type 3 PS improved survival in sham-splx mice compared to saline controls (p less than 0.001) . Only immunization with heat-killed type 3 pn improved survival in splx mice (p less than 0.001), while pn PS had no effect on survival compared to saline splx controls . Ab responses to pn type 3 PS measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay were depressed in splx mice compared to sham-splx mice regardless of the method of immunization . Sham-splx mice immunized with heat-killed pn had higher Ab levels compared to mice vaccinated with pn PS (p less than 0.001) suggesting an adjuvant effect in sham-splx mice . The data suggest that immunization with pn PS may not be beneficial to a splx host . Improved survival after immunization with heat-killed bacteria in splx mice may be related to Ab responses to antigens other than the capsular polysaccharide.

Surgery, 1987 Jan, 101(1), 44 - 55
The immediate effect of burn wound excision on pulmonary function in sheep: the role of prostanoids, oxygen radicals, and chemoattractants; Demling RH et al.; Pulmonary dysfunction is a well-recognized complication of burn wound excision . It remains unclear whether this is caused by bacteria or inflammatory mediators released during excision of the wound . We produced a 15% full-thickness burn in 18 sheep, and between days 5 and 7 completely excised the wound under general anesthesia . Pulmonary parameters of static and dynamic lung compliance (CSTAT and CDYN), PaO2/FiO2, and pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) were measured, as well as burn lymph, venous and aortic thromboxane B2 (TxB2), chemotactic index (chemotaxis/chemikinesis), and oxygen radical activity reflected in the level of lipid peroxidation in lung tissue . We noted a transient increase in burn lymph and venous TxB2 during excision, increasing from a preburn value of 200 and 220 +/- 50 pg/ml to 950 +/- 210 and 980 +/- 280 pg/ml, respectively . In 13 of 18 sheep, chemotactic activity and lung tissue lipid peroxidation, measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) content, were not increased . In this group only a very transient decrease in CDYN, PaO2/FiO2, and a 3 mm Hg increase in mean Ppa was seen with excision, with these parameters returning rapidly to baseline . Five of the 13 sheep had wound biopsy specimens that were greater than 10(6) organisms/gm tissue . In the remaining five sheep, plasma chemotactic index was also significantly increased with excision, as was lung MDA content, while decreases in CDYN, CSTAT, and PaO2/FiO2 and an increase in Ppa were more protracted . Three of these five sheep had wound biopsy specimens greater than 10(6) organisms/gm . We conclude that a release of thromboxane occurs during excision, which corresponds in time to transient lung dysfunction . If there is also a release of chemotactic factors, a more protracted pulmonary response occurs with evidence of O2 radical-induced lung changes.

J Clin Microbiol, 1987 Jan, 25(1), 158 - 9
Increased recovery of enteric pathogens by use of both stool and rectal swab specimens; Adkins HJ et al.; During 1984, the recovery of enteric pathogens from patients with acute diarrhea was enhanced by the use of both rectal swab and stool specimens . With 513 patients for whom both methods were used, the overall recovery rate was increased a minimum of about 10% . Almost 50% of the organisms recovered were detected by only one method . For maximum recovery of diarrheal agents, the use of both methods is recommended when possible.

Exp Cell Res, 1987 Jan, 168(1), 173 - 81
Flow cytometry of the differentiation of Physarum polycephalum myxamoebae to cysts; Fry J et al.; Myxamoebae of Physarum polycephalum, strain Cld, were grown on agar lawns on live bacteria . Myxamoebae were harvested, fixed and stained with propidium iodide . Flow cytometry showed that, as in the case of Physarum plasmodia, there is no G1 phase during rapid exponential growth . However, an apparent G1 phase was observed at the end of exponential growth when the culture arrested with the G1 DNA content for about a day between growth and differentiation . Most myxamoebae differentiated into cysts, but some formed microplasmodia and others appeared to lose DNA . The cysts possessed the G2 phase DNA content and there was an S phase connecting the G1-arrested state with the encysted state . Encystment was blocked by hydroxyurea (HU) suggesting that DNA synthesis is essential for encystment . The natural temporary synchronization in G1 phase may provide the basis of a method for selecting mutants with a conditional block in G2 or M phases.

Microbiol Immunol, 1987, 31(9), 869 - 77
Purification of a kappa-carrageenase from marine Cytophaga species; Sarwar G et al.; A mixture of extracellular carrageenases was isolated from the cell-free medium of a culture of marine Cytophaga sp . 1k-C783 grown on ZoBell 2216 E broth with 0.1% commercial carrageenan . A single active peak of kappa-carrageenase was separated and purified from the mixture by ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion-exchange chromatography, and Sephadex G-200 gel filtration chromatography . Molecular weight of the purified kappa-carrageenase was estimated as 100,000 by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) . The purified kappa-carrageenase had pH optimum 7.6 and temperature optimum 25 C.

Braz J Med Biol Res, 1987, 20(2), 191 - 201
Phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Mycobacterium avium complex by human and murine macrophages; Bermudez LE et al.; 1 . Host defenses against Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) are poorly defined . Peritoneal macrophages from black and beige mice, and cultured human macrophages were infected in vitro with MAC serotype 1 from an AIDS patient, in the presence or absence of normal or convalescent serum . Bacteria:cell ratio was 1:10 . Supernatants and macrophage lysates were cultured 6, 24 and 48 h later to determine the uptake and killing by macrophages . Phagocytosis by activated macrophages, obtained from pre-infected and treated mice or stimulated in vitro with endotoxin, was also studied . 2 . Neither convalescent serum nor normal serum caused a significant increase in MAC phagocytosis . 3 . Unstimulated macrophages from black or beige mice and humans were incapable of killing the intracellular bacteria . Activated macrophages from all sources phagocytized and killed 80 +/- 4% of the initial inoculum after 48 h in culture . 4 . These results demonstrate that activated macrophages are required for optimal intracellular killing of serotype 1 MAC.

Z Erkr Atmungsorgane, 1987, 169(2), 136 - 46
{Comparative local and systemic immunization against experimentally-induced Bordetella bronchiseptica pneumonia in ICR mice}; Muller G et al.; It is described the experimental Bordetella bronchiseptica infection via aerosol in ICR mice . 10(6) living bacteria were found in the lung after aerosol challenge with a total of 10(12) CFU . The pneumonias produced in this infection model within 10 days are focal, interstitial and proliferative to a low and medium degree, respectively . They are significantly reduced already by a single i.p . or s.c . immunization . Two vaccinations with inactivated Bordetellae or a temperature sensitive mutant reduce the frequency and severity of the pneumonias, dependent on the administered immunizing dose . The efficacy of two consecutive immunizations via aerosol is comparable to that of two i.p . vaccinations.

IARC Sci Publ, 1987, (84), 396 - 9
Bacterially mediated N-nitrosation reactions and endogenous formation of N-nitroso compounds; Leach SA et al.; Results are presented demonstrating some factors that affect the kinetics of bacterially mediated N-nitrosation reactions . Two groups of bacteria, differing in their nitrate/nitrite metabolism, are contrasted . These findings are discussed in relation to a role for bacteria in endogenous N-nitrosation reactions.

IARC Sci Publ, 1987, (84), 292 - 6
Endogenous formation of N-nitroso compounds: a current perspective; Tannenbaum SR; Exposure of people to nitrosating agents occurs through multiple pathways, ranging from nitrogen dioxide reactions in the lung to acid-catalysed nitrosation in the stomach to nitrosation mediated by macrophages or bacteria . The use of N-nitrosoproline (NPRO) as an index of endogenous nitrosation has proved to be especially valuable for some of these pathways but may not be universally indicative . Since the development of the NPRO test by Ohshima and Bartsch in 1981, several forms of the test have been used for different purposes . This paper examines some of the issues related to endogenous nitrosation and NPRO and attempts to view the immediate future.

Ter Arkh, 1987, 59(7), 72 - 4
{Antioxidants--effective pathogenetic agents in the combined therapy of pulmonary tuberculosis}; Gur'eva IG et al.; The use of anti-oxidants (alpha-tocopherol and sodium thiosulphate in multimodality therapy of patients with infiltrative pulmonary tuberculosis raised therapeutic efficacy promoting elimination of signs of tuberculous intoxication, the onset of bacteria elimination, disintegration cavity closing, and a decrease in the frequency of residual changes . The advantage of alpha-tocopherol was shown in its administration to patients with infiltrative tuberculosis with the prevailing productive tissue reactions . alpha-tocopherol prevented the occurrence of noticeable respiratory insufficiency contributing to its elimination in patients with fibrocavernous tuberculosis.

Nahrung, 1987, 31(5-6), 631 - 3
Germ-free newborn baby; Travnicek J et al.; Long term experience with germ-free animal experiments and technology encouraged us to apply the know-how in the field of the care of human neonates with presumed immunodeficiency . The program was carried out at the Faculty of Pediatrics of Charles University in Prague . The sterile caesarean section was performed within the plastic surgical isolator overlying the pregnant mother . A new type of this isolator adapted for the use in human medicine was designed and constructed . For the care of the neonate another special isolator was used . The whole isolator system included two rigid supply isolators, too . The newborn was sterile up to the age of 1 month . During this time, the newborns immunological capacity was investigated and found to be almost normal . Afterwards, the infant was gradually colonized with selected strains of bacteria and thus prepared for conventionalization.

Nahrung, 1987, 31(5-6), 481 - 4
{Effect of metronidazole on the gastrointestinal flora of swine}; Schulze F et al.; In veterinary medicine since the beginning of the seventieth several derivatives of imidazole are mainly and successfully used for therapy of pig dysentery . Daily metronidazole doses of 25-100 mg/kg body mass resulted in no provable effect on the normal quantitative composition of the germ flora of healthy porkers . Even in such high doses of 100 mg/kg body mass per day that substance revealed well tolerant . A singular occurrence of colienterotoxemia was disconnected with the metronidazole application.

Microbios, 1987, 51(206), 43 - 61
Microcalorimetric investigation into the metabolic activity of rat caecal flora in the presence of different sugars and sugar substitutes; Kruger D et al.; When adapting young rats to different sugar substitutes (sorbitol, PolydextroseR and PalatinitR), effects were seen in the caecal morphology and caecal content e.g . bacterial concentration, which did not occur when adapting rats to sugars (glucose, sucrose) . For in vitro studies, anaerobic growth of caecal flora in thioglycollate medium with and without the respective substances was monitored by continuous measurement of heat production, optical density and pH . Additionally, biochemical analyses and light microscopic observations were performed in order to detect differences between adapted and non-adapted flora . In particular the microcalorimetric data furnished valuable information about alterations in bacterial metabolic activity after adaptation to sugars and sugar substitutes, and clearly indicated that all the substances tested influenced the metabolism of caecal flora.

Vet Res Commun, 1987, 11(3), 205 - 9
Monolayer system of cultivating bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL): effect of long-term cultivation on the viability and phagocytic function of the cells; Gyang EO et al.; A monolayer system of cultivating bovine PMNL is described . Poly-L-Lysine (PLL) significantly (P less than 0.01) enhanced the attachment of bovine PMNL to glass . Long-term cultivation up to seven days, in a mixture of calf serum and RPMI 1640, had no effect on the viability of the cells, but cultivation for 3 days or more significantly reduced the ability of the PMNL to phagocytose bacteria.

Sci Sin {B}, 1987 Jan, 30(1), 66 - 74
Antagonism between selenium and humic acid; Peng A et al.; In this work, two groups of experiments have been done by using mice and luminous bacteria . The results show that there exists an antagonism in toxicity between selenium and humic acid (HA) extracted from the drinking water in Kaschin Beck disease regions . In order to study the chemical mechanism of the antagonism, gel filtration and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques have been used to study the chemical bonding of the synthetic HA-Se in solution . The relationship between Se and HA in the cause of Kaschin Beck disease is discussed.

Methods Cell Biol, 1987, 28, 157 - 76
The axenic mutations and endocytosis in Dictyostelium; Clarke M et al.; The axenic mutations of Dictyostelium offer a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between phagocytosis and pinocytosis and to examine the mechanism by which a cell shifts from one mode of feeding to the other . The axenic mutations also provide a means of exploring the relationships between endocytosis and other forms of cell motility . This chapter has described the known mutations that affect axenic growth, methods for culturing wild-type and axenic cells and measuring their growth, and methods for monitoring the effects of the axenic mutations on endocytosis and cell movement . The importance has been emphasized of distinguishing effects of the axenic genotype that are expressed constitutively (i.e., during growth on either bacteria or liquid medium) from those that are a function of axenic growth conditions . The methods described in this chapter, applied to wild-type cells and to cells carrying a full complement of the axenic mutations, have shown that the axenic mutations have constitutive effects on cell-substratum interactions, and inducible effects on cell locomotion and pinocytosis.

Dev Comp Immunol, 1987 Winter, 11(1), 29 - 35
Inhibitory activity of sphingomyelin on hemolytic activity of coelomic fluid of Holothuria polii (Echinodermata); Canicatti C et al.; The hemolytic activity of coelomic fluid from Holothuria polii is specifically inhibited by sphingomyelin . This phospholipid is the constituent of the membrane which probably interacts with the hemolysin thereby leading to the lysis.

Rev Mal Respir, 1987, 4(1), 17 - 21
{The diagnostic value of non-fiber-optic broncho-alveolar lavage in pneumopathies and mechanical ventilation}; Piperno D et al.; 73 patients on artificial ventilation and presenting with localised or diffuse consolidation had broncho-alveolar lavage (LBA), in search for a causative organism, in a prospective fashion . LBA was done using a supple balloon catheter (LBA-c) which was placed blind down the intubation tube, until a distal bronchus was blocked (under radiographic control) . The mean number of organisms found was 1.56 +/- 1.2 . LBA-c alone provided a diagnosis in 31 cases (42%) and in association with blood cultures in 14 cases (19%) . In 11 cases (15%) the consolidation was not caused by infection . In 14 cases (19%) the diagnosis was made by serology or blood cultures alone . Finally in 8 cases (11%) no diagnosis could be made . Thus LBA-c achieved an etiological diagnosis for the pneumonia in 45 cases (54.8%) and remained negative in non-infectious cases . The good tolerance of the technique as regards blood gases, its simplicity of operation (without a fibrescope) and its diagnostic reproducibility make LBA-c an option in the diagnosis of pneumonias on artificial ventilation.

Prog Clin Biol Res, 1987, 231, 149 - 69
The use of a quantitative assay in endotoxin testing; Friberger P et al.; By utilizing Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) and a chromogenic peptide substrate it is now possible to determine endotoxin concentrations quantitatively down to 10 EU/L (1 pg/mL) in a two stage assay . The optimal reaction conditions found for the two stages of the method, the endotoxin reaction with LAL and the measurement of the activation with the chromogenic substrate, are briefly described . The properties of the final kit reagents have also been investigated and the results are included . Finally, the usefulness of the present method is demonstrated by results obtained from testing therapeutical products as well as clinical plasmas . Some factors which may be critical in the performance of the assay are discussed.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1987, 32(2), 133 - 6
Cytotoxic effects of colicins E1-E5 and K on hamster fibroblasts; Smarda J et al.; As a further model of mammalian tissue cells, Chinese hamster fibroblasts of the stable line V79 were used to check the cytotoxic effects of colicins . The efficiency of plating of cells treated with colicins E1-E5 and with colicin K was followed . The V79 cells were, in general, poorly sensitive to colicins; only colicins E1, E3 and E5 lowered the number of colony-forming cells to some degree . Again, a different action of colicins E1 and K (which is the same in bacteria) was found in eukaryotic cells.

Environ Mutagen, 1987, 9(4), 363 - 8
Acrylamide: induction of heritable translocation in male mice; Shelby MD et al.; Acrylamide (AA), known to induce dominant lethals in male rodents, was studied in the mouse heritable translocation test by using intraperitoneal injections on 5 consecutive days . Matings on days 7-10 following the last injection yielded a high frequency of translocation carriers in the F1 male population, which demonstrated that acrylamide is an effective inducer of translocations in postmeiotic germ cells . As an inducer of both dominant lethals and heritable translocations in late spermatids and early spermatozoa, AA is similar to alkylating agents such as ethylmethanesulfonate and ethylene oxide . However, AA's chemical structure, the nature of adducts formed with DNA, and it lack of mutagenicity in bacteria suggest a different mechanism as the basis for AA's germ cell mutagenicity.

Arch Fr Pediatr, 1987 Jan, 44(1), 47 - 8
{Atypical mycobacterial pulmonary infections . Apropos of a case in a newborn infant}; Albertini M et al.; The authors report the case of an 8 month-old infant presenting with mycobacterium avium-intracellulare pulmonary infection . The etiological diagnosis relies upon isolation of the organism . The cutaneous reactions to avian tuberculin are only a guiding factor . Evolution was favorable in spite of the resistance of the bacteria to antituberculous chemotherapy . The epidemiological research carried out in a neighbouring chicken-run was negative.

Respiration, 1987, 51(1), 10 - 5
{Histamine content of the sputum of patients with obstructive bronchitis}; Zimmermann I et al.; High histamine concentrations were measured in the sputum of patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis . The histamine concentration doubles or triples when the sputum is incubated for 24 and 72 h, respectively at 37 degrees C . The antibiotics therapy with doxycycline significantly inhibited the histamine formation in 8 patients, which was mainly caused by bacteria . In the sputum of one patient the histamine formation was reinforced in spite of the doxycycline therapy . The clinical importance of these findings is discussed.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1987, 32(2), 149 - 76
Very-long-chain fatty acids from lower organism; Rezanka T et al.; The qualitative occurrence and quantitative proportion of very-long-chain fatty acids (above C22), mainly in lower organisms and briefly in higher plants and animals is described.

Rev Infect Dis, 1987 Jan-Feb, 9(1), 54 - 63
Nonenteric infections acquired through contact with water; Pitlik S et al.; In recent years water has been recognized as an important vehicle for extraintestinal infection . A variety of pathogens are acquired through occupational, recreational, and even therapeutic contact with water . The nature of nonenteric waterborne disease is often determined by the ecology of aquatic pathogens . Such infections are of basically two types: superficial, involving damaged or previously intact mucosae and skin; and systemic, often serious infections that may occur in the setting of depressed immunity . A broad spectrum of aquatic organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, and parasites, may invade the host through such extraintestinal routes as the conjunctivae, respiratory mucosae, skin, and genitalia.

Adv Surg, 1987, 20, 217 - 43
Ambulatory procedures in anorectal surgery; Stern H et al.; In view of the broad spectrum of conventional and unconventional STDs in the homosexual man, the following diagnostic workup is recommended: History . Physical examination, including proctosigmoidoscopy with biopsy . Urethral, pharyngeal, and rectal cultures . Darkfield examination of any genital ulceration . Stool cultures for bacteria and parasites . Serologic analysis, including VDRL and, where indicated, for Chlamydia trachomatis and amebiasis . It is an essential part of proctologic practice for the surgeon to be able to recognize, diagnose, and treat sexually transmitted diseases.

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