Neurosci Biobehav Rev, 2005 Feb, 29(1), 39 - 49 Epub 2004 Dec 09. Prenatal origins of individual variation in behavior and immunity; Coe CL et al.; The in utero environment plays a critical role in initiating the normal ontogeny of many physiological systems . As a consequence, disturbances during prenatal life can affect the baby's maturational trajectory and sometimes cause chronic alterations that influence health postpartum . Our review summarizes a series of studies in rhesus monkeys supporting these conclusions . Psychological disturbance or pharmacological stimulation of the gravid female's pituitary-adrenal axis affected the infant's neurological development: monkeys evinced immature neuromotor reflexes at birth, greater emotionality during the first year of life, and a smaller hippocampus as juveniles . Immune responses of the infants were also affected: lymphocyte proliferation, natural killer activity and cytokine production were reduced . Several mediating pathways were implicated, including the placental transfer of hormones and nutrients, and a differential response of the infant monkey to the rearing environment . For example, the establishment of beneficial types of microflora in the gastrointestinal tract was significantly reduced, which was associated with a greater risk for enteric infection . These findings indicate that events during fetal life can persistently influence physiology after birth and tilt the balance away from health and toward illness. Int J Tissue React, 2004, 26(3-4), 65 - 73 Effects of alpha-linked galactooligosaccharide on adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar rats and type II collagen-induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice; Abe C et al.; alpha-Linked galactooligosaccharide (alpha-GOS) has been reported to change the composition of enteric microflora . In the present study, the antiarthritic effect of alpha-GOS was evaluated by employing adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) in Wistar rats and type II collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1J mice . The animals were given alpha-GOS orally . This substance had beneficial effects on both clinical signs, such as erythema and swelling of the limbs, and histopathological findings in the hind paw joints in a dose-dependent manner . alpha-GOS reduced the plasma nitrite/nitrate (NOx) level in rats with AIA . In the cell culture system employing peritoneal macrophages from rats with AIA, alpha-GOS enhanced interleukin-1 production without lipopolysaccharide stimulation in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that alpha-GOS stimulates peritoneal macrophages through modulation of enteric microflora . Since alpha-GOS modulates the composition of the enteric microflora, the antiarthritic effects of alpha-GOS could be partly attributable to its immunomodulating activity . Thus, alpha-GOS is a potential functional food for the treatment of human rheumatoid arthritis. Gut, 2005 Feb, 54(2), 228 - 36 Patients with active inflammatory bowel disease lack immature peripheral blood plasmacytoid and myeloid dendritic cells; Baumgart DC et al.; BACKGROUND: Breakdown of tolerance against the commensal microflora is believed to be a major factor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) . Dendritic cells (DC) have been implicated in this process in various animal models, but data on human DC in IBD are very limited . AIM: To characterise plasmacytoid DC (PDC) and myeloid DC (MDC) in patients with active versus inactive IBD and healthy controls . PATIENTS AND METHODS: Peripheral blood was obtained from 106 patients (Crohn's disease (CD) n = 49, ulcerative colitis (UC) n = 57) and healthy controls (n = 19) . Disease activity was scored using the modified Truelove Witts (MTWSI) for UC and the Harvey Bradshaw severity indices (HBSI) for CD . Four colour flow cytometric analysis was used to identify, enumerate, and phenotype DC . DC from patients with acute flare ups and healthy controls were cultured and stimulated with CpG ODN 2006 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) . RESULTS: IBD patients in remission (PDC UC, 0.39%; CD, 0.35%; MDC-1 UC, 0.23%; CD, 0.22% of PBMC) have slightly lower numbers of circulating DC compared with healthy controls (PDC 0.41%, MDC-1 0.25% of PBMC) . In acute flare ups IBD patients experience a significant drop of DC (PDC UC, 0.04%; CD, 0.11%; MDC-1 UC, 0.11%; CD, 0.14% of PBMC) that correlates with disease activity (correlation coefficients: PDC MTWSI, 0.93; HBSI, 0.79; MDC-1 MTWSI, 0.75; HBSI, 0.81) . Moreover, both express alpha4beta7 integrin and display an immature phenotype . Freshly isolated PDC and MDC-1 from untreated flaring IBD patients express higher baseline levels of CD86 which increases further in culture and upon stimulation compared with healthy controls . CONCLUSION: IBD patients lack immature blood DC during flare ups which possibly migrate to the gut . An aberrant response to microbial surrogate stimuli suggests a disturbed interaction with commensals. Microbiol Res, 2004, 159(4), 365 - 70 The effects of a chlorhexidine mouthrinse on culturable microorganisms of the tongue and saliva; Sreenivasan PK et al.; A randomized and cross-over design clinical study with normal adult volunteers examined the effects of a 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthrinse and a control rinse on a range of microflora including those implicated in halitosis on the tongue and saliva . Saliva and tongue scrapings were collected from 13 subjects prior to treatments with additional samples collected at 3 h post-treatment cultured on media to enumerate anaerobic, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, odorigenic bacteria producing hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and oral bacteria with proteolytic activity . In comparison to the control, rinsing with CHX demonstrated statistically significant reductions that ranged from 81-90% for tongue microflora with a 89-95% decrease noted on salivary flora (p<0.05) . The effects of CHX on anaerobic, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are in accord with those noted on odorigenic bacteria producing H2S or proteolytic activity . These results help to explain previous clinical results on the malodor efficacy of CHX and highlight microbiological approaches for bacteria implicated in malodor. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2004 Nov-Dec, (6), 94 - 6 {Influence of physical load on the content of intestinal microflora endotoxin in blood plasma and immunity indices to endotoxin}; Oral administration of food antigen induces T cell mediated intestinal inflammation: A model using TCR-transgenic mice; Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, JapanTo investigate the mechanisms inducing food-sensitive intestinal inflammation, we focused on the OVA23-3 mouse, a transgenic mouse strain expressing a T cell receptor that recognizes ovalbumin (OVA) . Mice administered an egg-white (EW) diet containing OVA showed a trend of loose feces and significant weight loss . Histology of the jejunum showed severe inflammation with villous atrophy . Thus, we studied the role of T cells and intestinal microflora in the development of the inflammation . Severe villous disruption was observed in sections of the jejunum from OVA23-3 mice and RAG-2 gene-deficient OVA23-3 mice fed with EW-diet . Further, a larger number of T cells was found in the lamina propria of the jejunum of EW-diet fed OVA23-3 mice, RAG-2 gene-deficient mice and germfree OVA23-3 mice compared with those of control-diet fed mice . However, severe inflammation was not detected in the jejunum of germfree OVA23-3 mice . CD4(+) T cells from the MLN of EW-diet fed OVA23-3 mice showed a Th2 cytokine secretion profile . These observations have thus clarified that antigen-specific Th2 cells play important roles in the development of intestinal inflammation . Although the presence of indigenous bacteria was not essential for the inflammation, T cells could mediate a more severe inflammatory response in their presence. J Nutr, 2005 Jan, 135(1), 1 - 4 The immunological components of human milk and their effect on immune development in infants; Field CJ; There have been considerable advances in our understanding of the diverse mixture of bioactive components in human milk that influence the immune status of infants by not only providing protection but also facilitating development, tolerance, and an appropriate inflammatory response . It could be suggested that milk is the communication vehicle between the maternal immune system and the infant, a system actively directing and educating the immune, metabolic, and microflora systems within the infant, while conferring multiple means of protection from pathogens . The physiological and protective functions of many of the immune components in human milk have been deduced not from studies in infants but from what is known in other species and in vitro models . This update briefly reviews immune development in infants and focuses on current knowledge of how both the "classical" immune and the nonimmune ingredients found in mature human milk promote immune development, facilitate the development of tolerance, and regulate the inflammatory response of infants. J Exp Med, 2005 Jan 3, 201(1), 55 - 62 Epub 2004 Dec 28. Positive selection of the peripheral B cell repertoire in gut-associated lymphoid tissues; Rhee KJ et al.; Gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALTs) interact with intestinal microflora to drive GALT development and diversify the primary antibody repertoire; however, the molecular mechanisms that link these events remain elusive . Alicia rabbits provide an excellent model to investigate the relationship between GALT, intestinal microflora, and modulation of the antibody repertoire . Most B cells in neonatal Alicia rabbits express V(H)n allotype immunoglobulin (Ig)M . Within weeks, the number of V(H)n B cells decreases, whereas V(H)a allotype B cells increase in number and become predominant . We hypothesized that the repertoire shift from V(H)n to V(H)a B cells results from interactions between GALT and intestinal microflora . To test this hypothesis, we surgically removed organized GALT from newborn Alicia pups and ligated the appendix to sequester it from intestinal microflora . Flow cytometry and nucleotide sequence analyses revealed that the V(H)n to V(H)a repertoire shift did not occur, demonstrating the requirement for interactions between GALT and intestinal microflora in the selective expansion of V(H)a B cells . By comparing amino acid sequences of V(H)n and V(H)a Ig, we identified a putative V(H) ligand binding site for a bacterial or endogenous B cell superantigen . We propose that interaction of such a superantigen with V(H)a B cells results in their selective expansion. Oecologia . 2004 Dec 24; {Epub ahead of print} Arbuscular mycorrhiza and Collembola interact in affecting community composition of saprotrophic microfungi; Tiunov AV et al.; The functioning of the plant-mycorrhiza system depends on interactions with other organisms, including saprotrophic (ST) soil fungi . The interactions between mycorrhizal and ST fungi are likely affected by fungivorous soil animals, such as Collembola . In a two-factorial laboratory experiment lasting for 30 weeks we assessed the effects of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Glomus mosseae) and Collembola (Protaphorura fimata, Heteromurus nitidus and Folsomia candida) on the community composition of ST microfungi in soil planted with the invasive grass Cynodon dactylon . The presence of mycorrhiza substantially reduced total plant biomass and reduced N and P availability to the soil microflora, though these effects were less pronounced in the presence of Collembola . The density of Collembola was high (corresponding to about 2x10(5) individuals m(-2)) and was not affected by the presence of G . mosseae . In spite of the large amount of mycorrhizal mycelium in soil, it contributed little to Collembola nutrition . The presence of mycorrhiza strongly affected the community structure of ST soil fungi . In particular, mycorrhiza reduced the relative abundance of Trichoderma harzianum and Exophiala sp., but increased the abundance of Ramichloridium schulzeri and several sterile forms . However, the difference between fungal communities in mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal treatments was much more pronounced in the presence of Collembola . Presumably, the intense grazing by Collembola destabilized the ST fungal community, thereby making it more susceptible to the influence of G . mosseae . These results document for the first time that fungal feeding soil invertebrates can significantly affect the interactions between mycorrhizal fungi and ST soil microorganisms. Oral Microbiol Immunol, 2005 Feb, 20(1), 43 - 6 Multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for simultaneous detection of black-pigmented Prevotella species in oral specimens; Yoshida A et al.; Yoshida A, Tachibana M, Ansai T, Takehara T . Multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for simultaneous detection of black-pigmented Prevotella species in oral specimens . Oral Microbiol Immunol 2005: 20: 43-46.(c) Blackwell Munksgaard, 2005 . Prevotella species are a major component of the oral microflora and some have been implicated in various forms of periodontal disease . Despite the importance of understanding the prevalence of these organisms in the oral microflora, no rapid, simultaneous detection system for these species has been reported . This study developed a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay for the simultaneous detection of four oral black-pigmented Prevotella species in various oral specimens . This assay will be useful for determining the prevalence of these organisms in the oral ecosystem . Furthermore, this assay system should prove a useful tool for analyzing the role of black-pigmented Prevotella species in the mouth. Curr Infect Dis Rep, 2005 Jan, 7(1), 17 - 27 An Approach to Oral Infections and Their Management; Hull MW et al.; Oral infections can be odontogenic or nonodontogenic in origin . Odontogenic infections are most prevalent and include dental caries, periodontal disease, and suppurative deep space infections . Nonodontogenic infections include sialadenitis and parotitis, vesiculobullous gingivostomatitis, aphthous ulcers, oropharyngeal candidiasis, and severe oral mucositis in the immunocompromised host . Clinical presentations can be variable . An understanding of the underlying anatomic structures, the oral microflora, and associated medical conditions of the host is critical to guide appropriate diagnosis and management . In this paper, preventative strategies to reduce dental plaque formation and promote oral health are emphasized. J Insect Physiol, 2004 Nov, 50(11), 1093 - 101 Sucrose hydrolases from the midgut of the sugarcane stalk borer Diatraea saccharalis; Carneiro CN et al.; A beta-fructosidase (EC 3.2.1.26) was isolated from the midgut of larval sugar cane stalk borer Diatraea saccharalis by mild-denaturing electrophoresis and further purified to near homogeneity by gel filtration . beta-Fructosidase hydrolysed sucrose, raffinose and the fructosyl-trisaccharide isokestose, but it had no activity against maltose, melibiose and synthetic substrates for alpha-glucosidases . Two other sucrose hydrolases, one resembling a alpha-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.20) and the other one active specifically against sucrose (sucrase) were detected in the larval midgut of D . saccharalis . All three sucrose hydrolases were associated with the midgut epithelium of larval D . saccharalis . Relative molecular mass (M(r)) of the beta-fructosidase was estimated around 45,000 (by gel filtration) . The other two sucrose hydrolases had M(r) of 54,000 (alpha-glucosidase) and 59,000 (sucrase) . The pH optima of the sucrose hydrolases were 5-10 for both alpha-glucosidase and sucrase and 7-8 for beta-fructosidase . Considering V(max)/K(m) ratios, beta-fructosidase preferentially cleaves isokestose rather than raffinose and sucrose . In order to evaluate the possible contribution of microorganisms isolated from the midgut to the pool of sucrose hydrolases, washed midgut epithelia were homogenised and plated onto appropriate media . Seven bacterial and one yeast species were isolated . None of the sucrose hydrolases extracted from the microorganisms corresponded to the enzymes isolated from midgut tissue homogenates . This result suggests that the major sucrose hydrolases found in the midgut of larval D . saccharalis were probably produced by the insect themselves not by the gut microflora. Acta Odontol Latinoam, 2004, 17(1-2), 15 - 21 Clinical and microbiological associations in chronic periodontitis; Nogueira Moreira A et al.; Chronic Periodontitis is the most prevalent form of periodontal disease . The subgingival microflora has been associated with the onset and progression of the disease . The aim of this work was to establish associations and correlations between clinical indicators and subgingival plaque microbiological data in patients diagnosed with moderate or severe Periodontitis . One hundred sites with a probing depth of > or = 5 mm were selected . Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding on Probing (BP), Probing Depth (PD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) were measured . The subgingival plaque microbiological assay comprised cultures in selective and non-selective media and identification tests for Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens (Pi/n), Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Fusobacterium (F) and Peptostreptococcus micros (Pm) . Dark field microscopy was used to analyze the relative proportions of Treponema to the total microbial morphotypes . Small Treponeina (ST), Medium Treponema (MT), Large Treponema (LT) and Total Treponema (TT) were determined . Our results showed associations and a correlation between PD and AL, r = 0.62 (p<.0001); PD and Pg X2 = 15.22, r = 0.39 (p<.001); AL and Pg X2 = 10.72, r = 0.32 (p<.001) . A negative correlation was observed between Pg and Pi/n X2 = 12.65, r = -0.35 (p<.001); BP and F X2 = 8.93; GI and F X2 = 8.92 . The present results reveal associations and correlations between some clinical indicators and subgingival plaque microorganisms in patients diagnosed with Chronic Periodontitis. J Clin Microbiol, 2004 Dec, 42(12), 5523 - 7 Culture-independent identification of periodontitis-associated Porphyromonas and Tannerella populations by targeted molecular analysis; de Lillo A et al.; Periodontitis is the commonest bacterial disease of humans and is the major cause of adult tooth loss . About half of the oral microflora is unculturable; and 16S rRNA PCR, cloning, and sequencing techniques have demonstrated the high level of species richness of the oral microflora . In the present study, a PCR primer set specific for the genera Porphyromonas and Tannerella was designed and used to analyze the bacterial populations in subgingival plaque samples from inflamed shallow and deep sites in subjects with periodontitis and shallow sites in age- and sex-matched controls . A total of 308 clones were sequenced and found to belong to one of six Porphyromonas or Tannerella species or phylotypes, one of which, Porphyromonas P3, was novel . Tannerella forsythensis was found in significantly higher proportions in patients than in controls . Porphyromonas catoniae and Tannerella phylotype BU063 appeared to be associated with shallow sites . Targeted culture-independent molecular ecology studies have a valuable role to play in the identification of bacterial targets for further investigations of the pathogenesis of bacterial infections. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, 2004 Sep-Oct, (5), 29 - 31 {The role of leukocytes in mechanism of action of balneopeloidotherapy} {Effects of endotoxin of gram-negative intestinal microflora on adaptation to exercise} {No authors listed} The study of plasm concentration of endotoxin (ET), activity of antiendotoxinic immunity (AEI) and early adaptation to exercise in 61 athletes and 13 students who were not athletes has revealed correlation between the former two and the latter parameters . ET was elevated in all the examinees prior to exercise . In exercise maladaptation both athletes and non-athletes demonstrated high ET levels in blood plasm and low AEI . It is suggested that ET may have a negative effect on exercise adaptation . Elevation of lipopolysaccharide concentration in systemic blood flow and depressed AEI may provoke acute maladaptation after exercise. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 2004 Nov, 93(5 Suppl 3), S33 - 7 Current and potential uses of probiotics; Vanderhoof JA et al.; OBJECTIVE: To present data that support the current and potential use of probiotics in treating or preventing allergic disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and other disorders . DATA SOURCES: Case reports, double-blind studies, and animal studies were reviewed . STUDY SELECTION: Studies were selected based on the expert opinion of the authors . CONCLUSIONS: Well-designed research studies suggest that supplementary consumption of certain probiotic strains may temporarily alter the intestinal microflora of infants and children to produce a beneficial effect . However, generalization of probiotic effects must not be made and critical scientific evaluation must be used in directing patients to select the appropriate probiotic. J Hazard Mater, 2004 Dec 10, 116(1-2), 39 - 48 Degradation of chlorpyrifos contaminated soil by bioslurry reactor operated in sequencing batch mode: bioprocess monitoring; Mohan SV et al.; Bioslurry reactor (SS-SBR) was studied for the degradation of chlorpyrifos contaminated soil using native mixed microflora, by adopting sequencing batch mode (anoxic-aerobic-anoxic) operation . Reactor operation was monitored for a total cycle period of 72 h consisting of 3 h of FILL, 64 h REACT, 2 h of SETTLE, and 3 h of DECANT with chlorpyrifos concentrations of 3000 micrpg/g, 6000 microg/g and 12000 microg/g . At 3000 microg/g of chlorpyrifos concentration, 91% was degraded after 72 h of the cycle period, whereas in the case of 6000 microg/g of chlorpyrifos, 82.5% was degraded . However, for 12000 microg/g of chlorpyrifos, only 14.5% degradation was observed . The degradation rate was rapid at lower substrate concentration and 12000 microg/g of substrate concentration was found to be inhibitory . Chlorpyrifos removal rate was slow during the initial phase of the sequence operation . Half-life of chlorpyrifos degradation (t0.5) was estimated to be 6.3 h for 3000 microg/g of substrate, 17.5 h for 6000 microg/g and 732.2 h for 12000 microg/g . Process performance was assessed by monitoring chlorpyrifos concentration and biochemical process parameters viz., pH, oxidation and reduction potential (ORP), dissolved oxygen (DO), oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and microbial count (CFU) during sequence operation . From the experimental data obtained it can be concluded that the rate-limiting step with the bioslurry phase reactor in the process of chlorpyrifos degradation may be attributed to the concentration of substrate present in either soil or liquid phase . Periodic operations (SBR) by varying individual components of substrate with time in each process step place micro-organisms under nutritional changes from feast to famine and maintains a wide distribution in the population of micro-organisms resulting in high uptake of the substrate in the bioslurry reactor. J Clin Periodontol, 2004 Dec, 31(12), 1048 - 53 Subgingival plaque microbiota in Saudi Arabians after use of miswak chewing stick and toothbrush; Al-Otaibi M et al.; BACKGROUND: The chewing stick, the miswak, is used in many developing countries as the traditional means for oral hygiene . It is prepared from the roots, twigs and stem of Salvadora persica or other alternative local plants . OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of the chewing stick miswak (from S . persica) and toothbrush on subgingival plaque microflora among Saudi Arabian individuals . Further, to investigate whether components extracted from S . persica may interfere with the subgingival plaque micro-organisms . MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen healthy Saudi Arabian male volunteers aged 21-36 years were included in a single-blind, randomized cross-over study . The participants were taught how to use each device properly . Plaque sampling for DNA test was performed at the baseline, 1 week after professional tooth cleaning, and after 3 weeks of either miswak or toothbrush use . Identification and quantification of microbial species were performed by the checkerboard method, using whole genomic, digoxigenin-labelled DNA probes . Inhibition zones around miswak were examined on agar plates with Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and the leukotoxicity of this bacterium was analyzed in a bioassay with macrophages+/-extracts of miswak . RESULTS: Miswak and toothbrushing had a similar influence on the levels of the subgingival microbiota . However, A . actinomycetemcomitans was significantly more reduced by miswak (p<0.05) than by toothbrushing . These results were supported by our in vitro results which, indicated that extracts from S . persica might interfere with the growth and leukotoxicity of A . actinomycetemcomitans . CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to toothbrush use, miswak use significantly reduced the amount of A . actinomycetemcomitans in the subgingival plaque. Klin Khir, 2004 Sep, (9), 37 - 9 {Surgical classification of the diabetic foot syndrome} {Application of Mesim Forte 10000 at chronic pancreatitis} {No authors listed} There was a study of 30 patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) to study the efficiency of action of Mesim Forte 10000 on the functional state of the pancreas and liver at chronic pancreatitis . Patients were given two pills of the drug three times a day during three weeks . The pancreatic elastase and contents of short chain fatty acids in excrements as well as blood concentration of individual fractions of bile acids were investigated before and after the treatment . According to this research, such clinical presentations of CP as pain syndrome, meteorism and stool frequency were greatly reduced as a result of the therapy with the enzymatic drug Mesim Forte 10000 . The increase of the level of the pancreatic elastase depending on the severity of exocrine pancreatic deficiency was determined . At the same time, it was possible to observe the correction of a number of biochemical processes in the gastrointestinal tract related to the exocrine deficiency . In particular, the treatment of the greater part of steatorrhea patients with Mesim Forte 10000 led to apparent changes in the metabolic activity of bacterial microflora resulting in the improvement of the quantity and quality of fatty acids. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 2004 Sep-Oct, 40(5), 602 - 6 {Interaction of the immune system of the organism with saprotrophic opportunistic microflora and possible coupling of the process with the metabolic status of humans: a scientific discussion}; Cellular and physiological effects of probiotics and prebiotics; Gastroenterology Department, European Hospital Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique des Hopitaux de Paris & Paris V University, France . philippe.marteau@egp.ap-hop-paris.frWe review the present knowledge on the biological mechanisms of action of probiotics and prebiotics . They include direct effects in the intestinal lumen or on intestinal or immune cells, and indirect mechanisms through modulation of the endogenous microflora (composition or functions such as butyrate production) or of the immune system. Trends Microbiol, 2004 Dec, 12(12), 562 - 8 Does the microbiota regulate immune responses outside the gut? Noverr MC, Huffnagle GB. Perturbations in the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota composition that occur as a result of antibiotics and diet in "westernized" countries are strongly associated with allergies and asthma ("hygiene hypothesis") . The microbiota ("microflora") plays a crucial role in the development of mucosal tolerance, including the airways . Significant attention has been focused on the role of the microbiota in GI development, immune adaptation and initiation of GI inflammatory diseases . This review covers the post-developmental functions that the microbiota plays in regulating immunological tolerance to allergen exposure outside the GI tract and proposes the question: is the microbiota a major regulator of the immune system? J Environ Qual, 2004 Nov-Dec, 33(6), 2380 - 3 Phosphorus composition of manure from swine fed low-phytate grains: evidence for hydrolysis in the animal; Leytem AB et al.; Including low-phytic-acid grains in swine diets can reduce P concentrations in manure, but the influence on manure P composition is relatively unknown . To address this we analyzed manure from swine fed one of four barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) varieties . The barley types consisted of wild-type barley (CDC bold, normal barley diet) and three low-phytic-acid mutant barleys that contained similar amounts of total P but less phytic acid . The phytic acid concentrations in the mutant barleys were reduced by 32% (M422), 59% (M635), and 97% (M955) compared with that in the wild-type barley, respectively . Phosphorus concentrations were approximately one-third less in manures from animals fed low-phytic-acid barleys compared with those fed the wild-type variety . Phytic acid constituted up to 55% of the P in feed, but only trace concentrations were detected in NaOH-EDTA extracts of all manures by solution (31)P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy . Phosphate was the major P fraction in the manures (86-94% extracted P), with small concentrations of pyrophosphate and simple phosphate monoesters also present . The latter originated mainly from the hydrolysis of phospholipids during extraction and analysis . These results suggest that phytic acid is hydrolyzed in swine, possibly in the hind gut by intestinal microflora before being excreted in feces, even though the animals have little phytase activity in the gut and derive little nutritional benefit from phytate P . We conclude that feeding low-phytic-acid grains reduces total manure P concentrations and the manure P is no more soluble than P generated from normal barley diets. Acta Vet Scand, 2004, 45(1-2), 87 - 98 Influence of cereal non-starch polysaccharides on ileo-caecal and rectal microbial populations in growing pigs; Hogberg A et al.; The effect of cereal non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) on the gut microbial populations was studied in 5 growing pigs between 39-116 kg body weight according to a Latin square design . The diets were composed to contain different NSP levels . The control diet had a normal NSP content (139 g/kg dry matter (DM)), 2 diets had a low total amount of NSP (95 and 107 g/kg DM) and 2 diets had a high amount of total NSP (191 and 199 g/kg DM) . Furthermore, one of the diets within each category had a content of insoluble NSP similar to the control diet and one had a high content of insoluble NSP . Samples were collected from the ileum, via intestinal post valve T-caecum (PVTC) cannulas surgically inserted at the ileo-caecal ostium, and from the rectum . The total microbial flora of the ileal samples were analysed for by defining base pair length with terminal restriction fraction length polymorphism (T-RFLP) . The microbial diversity of the coliform flora of the ileal and rectal samples were defined by biochemical fingerprinting . It was observed that many terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) disappeared when new diets were introduced and that some characteristic TRFs were found in the high and low NSP diets, respectively . Both the total gut microflora and the coliform flora were influenced by the dietary NSP content. Vet Microbiol, 2004 Nov 30, 104(1-2), 63 - 71 Risk assessment of transmission of capsule-deficient, recombinant Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae; Inzana TJ et al.; Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the etiologic agent of swine pleuropneumonia . Live, non-encapsulated vaccine strains have been shown to be efficacious in preventing acute disease in pigs . Recombinant DNA technology has the advantage of generating defined mutants that are safe, but maintain critical immunoprotective components . However, some recombinant strains have the disadvantage of containing antibiotic resistance genes that could be transferred to the animal's normal bacterial flora . Using DNA allelic exchange we have constructed attenuated, capsule-deficient mutants of A . pleuropneumoniae that contain a kanamycin resistance (Kn(R)) gene within the capsule locus of the genome . Following intranasal or intratracheal challenge of pigs the encapsulated parent strains colonized the challenge pigs, and were transmitted to contact pigs . In contrast, the capsule-deficient mutants were recovered only from the challenged pigs and not from contact pigs . Each kanamycin-resistant colony type recovered from the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts of pigs challenged with the recombinant strain was screened with a probe specific for the Kn(R) gene . All probe-positive colonies were assayed for the specific Kn(R) gene by amplification of a 0.9 kb fragment of the antibiotic resistance gene by PCR . The 0.9 kb fragment was amplified from the recombinant A . pleuropneumoniae colonies, but not from any of the heterologous bacteria, indicating there was no evidence of transmission of the Kn(R) gene to resident bacteria . Following aerosol exposure of 276 pigs with recombinant, non-encapsulated A . pleuropneumoniae the recombinant bacteria were not recovered from any nasal swabs of 75 pigs tested or environmental samples 18 h after challenge . Statistical risk analysis, based on the number of kanamycin-resistant colonies screened, indicated that undetected transmission of the Kn(R) gene could still have occurred in at most 1.36% of kanamycin-resistant bacteria in contact with recombinant A . pleuropneumoniae . However, the overall risk of transmission to any resident bacteria was far lower . Our results indicate there was little risk of transmission of capsule-deficient, recombinant A . pleuropneumoniae or its Kn(R) gene to contact pigs or to the resident microflora. Med Dosw Mikrobiol, 2004, 56(1), 93 - 8 {Diagnostic value of Gram stain for assessment of vaginal smears during pregnancy}; Wasiela M et al.; The main aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic value of Giemsa stained method with Gram stained method for the evaluation of vaginal smears among pregnant women . A study population comprised 111 pregnant between 6 and 30 weeks of gestation . The vaginal smears from every subject was diagnosed according to Giemsa and Gram stained method and micro-organisms were isolated by culture . In 29.3% cases diagnosed as normal flora (2a) on the basis of Giemsa method bacterial vaginosis was detected in Gram stains according to Spiegel's criteria and pathological microflora in concentration > or = 10(5) CFU/ml was cultured among 75.9% of them . Among 31.7% women who had grade 3a (abnormal) in Giemsa stains method normal flora was diagnosed on the basis on Gram's method and from 17.1% pregnant women from this group we did not isolated any pathogens . For evaluation of vaginal smears during pregnancy the Giemsa method should be replaced by Gram stained method. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2004 Nov, 51(5), 785 - 98 Skin diseases associated with Malassezia species; Gupta AK et al.; The yeasts of the genus Malassezia have been associated with a number of diseases affecting the human skin, such as pityriasis versicolor, Malassezia (Pityrosporum) folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and--less commonly--with other dermatologic disorders such as confluent and reticulated papillomatosis, onychomycosis, and transient acantholytic dermatosis . Although Malassezia yeasts are a part of the normal microflora, under certain conditions they can cause superficial skin infection . The study of the clinical role of Malassezia species has been surrounded by controversy because of their fastidious nature in vitro, and relative difficulty in isolation, cultivation, and identification . Many studies have been published in the past few years after the taxonomic revision carried out in 1996 in which 7 species were recognized . Two new species have been recently described, one of which has been isolated from patients with atopic dermatitis . This review focuses on the clinical, mycologic, and immunologic aspects of the various skin diseases associated with Malassezia . It also highlights the importance of individual Malassezia species in the different dermatologic disorders related to these yeasts. Eur J Immunol, 2004 Dec, 34(12), 3389 - 400 Microbial colonization induces oligoclonal expansions of intraepithelial CD8 T cells in the gut; Helgeland L et al.; Two populations of CD8(+) IEL generally express restricted, but apparently random and non-overlapping TCR repertoires . Previous studies in mice suggested that this could be explained by a dual origin of CD8(+) IEL, i.e . that CD8alphabeta(+) IEL derive from a few peripheral CD8(+) T cell lymphoblasts stimulated by microbial antigens in gut-associated lymphoid tissue, whereas CD8alphaalpha(+) IEL descend from an inefficient intestinal maturation pathway . We show here that the gut mucosa, instead, becomes seeded with surprisingly broad and generally non-overlapping CD8 IEL repertoires and that oligoclonality is induced locally after microbial colonization . In germ-free (GF) rats, both CD8alphabeta(+) and CD8alphaalpha(+) IEL displayed surprisingly diverse TCR Vbeta repertoires, although beta-chain diversity tended to be somewhat restricted in the CD8alphaalpha(+) subset . CDR3 length displays in individual Vbeta-Cbeta and Vbeta-Jbeta combinations generally revealed polyclonal distributions over 6-11 different lengths, similar to CD8(+) lymph node T cells, and CDR3beta sequencing provided further documentation of repertoire diversity . By contrast, in ex-GF rats colonized with normal commensal microflora, both CD8alphabeta(+) and CD8alphaalpha(+) IEL displayed oligoclonal CDR3 length distributions for most of the Vbeta genes analyzed . Our data suggest that microbial colonization induces apparently random clonal expansions of CD8alphabeta(+) and CD8alphaalpha(+) IEL locally in the gut. Biol Pharm Bull, 2004 Nov, 27(11), 1810 - 3 Inhibitory effect of Chunghyuldan in prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide biosynthesis of lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 cells; Cho KH et al.; Chunghyuldan (Daio-Orengedokuto in Japanese) (CHD) has been used as an antihyperlipidemic and antiischemic agent in Korea . To evaluate in vitro the efficacy of Chunghyuldans (CHDs) metabolized with and without human intestinal microflora against brain ischemia, we investigated its anti-inflammatory effect on LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells . Both metabolized CHD (MCHD) and CHD showed antioxidant activities in vitro, and inhibited nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) productions in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells . These also inhibited enzyme activities and protein expressions of inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells . MCHD-inhibitory activity against NO and PGE2 productions in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells was more potent than those of CHD . These results suggest that CHD may show potent anti-inflammatory activity in vivo and can improve brain ischemia. J Food Prot, 2004 Oct, 67(10), 2240 - 7 Influence of fruit variety, harvest technique, quality sorting, and storage on the native microflora of unpasteurized apple cider; Keller SE et al.; Apple variety, harvest, quality sorting, and storage practices were assessed to determine their impact on the microflora of unpasteurized cider . Seven apple varieties were harvested from the tree or the ground . The apples were used fresh or were stored at 0 to 4 degrees C for < or = 5 months and were pressed with or without quality selection . Cider yield, pH, Brix value, and titratable acidity were measured . Apples, postpressing apple pomace, and cider samples were analyzed for aerobic bacteria, yeasts, and molds . Aerobic bacterial plate counts (APCs) of ciders from fresh ground-picked apples (4.89 log CFU/ml) were higher than those of ciders made from fresh, tree-picked apples (3.45 log CFU/ml) . Quality sorting further reduced the average APC to 2.88 log CFU/ml . Differences among all three treatment groups were significant (P < 0.0001) . Apple and pomace microbial concentrations revealed harvest and postharvest treatment-dependent differences similar to those found in cider . There were significant differences in APC among apple varieties (P = 0.0001) . Lower counts were associated with varieties exhibiting higher Brix values and higher titratable acidity . Differences in APC for stored and fresh apples used for cider production were not significant (P > 0.05) . Yeast and mold counts revealed relationships similar to those for APCs . The relationship between initial microbial load found on incoming fruit and final cider microbial population was curvilinear, with the weakest correlations for the lowest apple microflora concentrations . The lack of linearity suggests that processing equipment contributed to cider contamination . Tree-picked quality fruit should be used for unpasteurized cider production, and careful manufacturing practices at cider plants can impact both safety and quality of the final product. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2004 Oct, 191(4), 1130 - 2 Culture-independent analysis of vaginal microflora: the unrecognized association of Atopobium vaginae with bacterial vaginosis; Verstraelen H et al.; Although the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis remains elusive, a few microorganisms, such as Gardnerella vaginalis, are considered markers on Gram stain or culture . Culture-independent analysis of vaginal microflora using 16S rDNA cloning and sequencing of total bacterial communities reveals the gram-positive Atopobium vaginae as a predominant species in disturbed vaginal flora. Microbiol Immunol, 2004, 48(10), 755 - 9 Genotype analysis of Malassezia restricta as the major cutaneous flora in patients with atopic dermatitis and healthy subjects; Sugita T et al.; Lipophilic yeasts of the genus Malassezia colonize the skin surface of humans and are an exacerbating factor in atopic dermatitis (AD) . Two species, M . restricta and M . globosa are major cutaneous microflora in both AD patients and healthy subjects . We compared the DNA sequences of the intergenic spacer (IGS) region, located between the 26S and 5S rRNA genes of M . restricta colonizing the skin surfaces of 13 AD patients and 12 healthy subjects, and of three CBS stock strains as references . The IGS 1 sequences were divided into two major groups, corresponding to AD patients and healthy subjects . These findings suggest that a specific genotype of M . restricta plays a significant role in AD, although M . restricta commonly colonizes both AD patients and healthy subjects. Fogorv Sz, 2004 Aug, 97(4), 151 - 5 {Periodontal abscess: etiology, diagnosis and treatment}; Valyi P et al.; The periodontal abscess is an acute destructive process in the periodontium resulting in localized collections of pus communicating with the oral cavity through the gingival sulcus or other periodontal sites and not arising from the tooth pulp . The prevalence of periodontal abscess is relatively high and it affects the prognosis of the tooth . Periodontal abscesses can develop on the base of persisting periodontitis but can also occur in the absence of periodontitis . The cause of the development of periodontal abscess originating from chronic periodontitis is the marginal closure of a periodontal pocket, or the pocket lumen might be too tight to drain the increased suppuration due to changes in the composition of subgingival microflora, alteration of bacterial virulence or host defenses . Diagnosis of a periodontal abscess is based on medical and dental history as well as oral examination (pocket depth, swelling, suppuration, mobility, sensibility of the tooth) . The most prevalent group of bacteria: P . gingivalis, P . intermedia, B . forsythus, F . nucleatum and P . micros . Previous studies have suggested that the complete therapy of the periodontitis patients with acute periodontal abscess has to do in two stages: the first stage is the management of acute lesions, then the second stage is the appropriate comprehensive treatment of the original and/or residual lesions . The management of acute lesions includes establishing drainage via pocket lumen, subgingival scaling and root planing, curettage of the lining pocket epithelia and seriously inflamed connective tissue, compressing pocket wall to underlying tooth and periodontal support, and maintaining tissue contact . Some authors recommend the incision or to establish drainage and irrigation, or a flap surgery, or even extraction of hopeless teeth . We recommend the use of systemic antibiotics as a preventive measure of systemic disease or in case of systemic symptoms. Odontology, 2004 Sep, 92(1), 1 - 8 Tobacco smoking and chronic destructive periodontal disease; Bergstrom J; Tobacco smoking is the main risk factor associated with chronic destructive periodontal disease . No other known factor can match the strength of smoking in causing harm to the periodontium . The harmful effects manifest themselves by interfering with vascular and immunologic reactions, as well as by undermining the supportive functions of the periodontal tissues . The typical characteristic of smoking-associated periodontal disease is the destruction of the supporting tissues of the teeth, with the ensuing clinical symptoms of bone loss, attachment loss, pocket formation, and eventually tooth loss . A review of the international literature that has accumulated over the past 20 years offers convincing evidence that smokers exhibit greater bone loss and attachment loss, as well as more pronounced frequencies of periodontal pockets, than non-smokers do . In addition, tooth loss is more extensive in smokers . Smoking, thus, considerably increases the risk for destructive periodontal disease . Depending on the definition of disease and the exposure to smoking, the risk is 5- to 20-fold elevated for a smoker compared to a never-smoker . For a smoker exposed to heavy long-life smoking, the risk of attracting destructive periodontal disease is equivalent to that of attracting lung cancer . The outcome of periodontal treatment is less favorable or even unfavorable in smokers . Although long-term studies are rare, available studies unanimously agree that treatment failures and relapse of disease are predominantly seen in smokers . This contention is valid irrespective of treatment modality, suggesting that smoking will interfere with an expected normal outcome following commonplace periodontal therapies . The majority of available studies agree that the subgingival microflora of smokers and non-smokers are no different given other conditions . As a consequence, the elevated morbidity in smokers does not depend on particular microflora . The mechanisms behind the destructive effects of smoking on the periodontal tissues, however, are not well understood . It has been speculated that interference with vascular and inflammatory phenomena may be one potential mechanism . Nicotine and carbon monoxide in tobacco smoke negatively influence wound healing . Smoking research over the past two decades has brought new knowledge into the domains of periodontology . Even more so, it has called into question the prevailing paradigm that the disease is primarily related to intraoral factors such as supra- and subgingival infection . Smoking research has revealed that environmental and lifestyle factors are involved in the onset and progression of the disease . Being the result of smoking, destructive periodontal disease shares a common feature with some 40 other diseases or disorders . As a consequence, periodontal disease should be regarded as a systemic disease in the same way as heart disease or lung disease . Thus, chronic destructive periodontal disease in smokers is initiated and driven by smoking . Its progression may or may not be amplified by unavoidable microbial colonization . Glycobiology . 2004 Oct 13; {Epub ahead of print} Regulation of intestinal ontogeny: effect of glucocorticoids and luminal microbes on galactosyltransferase and trehalase induction in mice; Nanthakumar NN et al.; Intestinal maturation can be influenced by intrinsic factors (glucocorticoid hormones) and by extrinsic factors (resident microflora); their relative roles in ontogeny of mouse intestinal trehalase expression, a marker of general gut development, and of beta1,4-galactosyltransferase (betaGT), a marker of glycosyltransferase development, were investigated . In conventional (CONV) mice, betaGT and trehalase gene expression rapidly increased to adult levels by the fourth postnatal week . In germ-free (GF) mice, betaGT expression remained at initial low levels and was rapidly induced upon reintroduction of luminal microbes of the adult gut, but not of microbes characteristic of the suckling gut . Similar developmental patterns were observed for colonic galactosyl beta1,4-linked glycoconjugates, products of betaGT activity . These results indicate an essential role for microbes in the ontogeny of betaGT . In both CONV and GF mice, CA precociously accelerated the ontogeny of betaGT and trehalase until maturation of the gut occurred (day 22) . In the mature gut of CONV mice, both betaGT and trehalase are elevated and insensitive to CA; in GF mature mice, the expression of betaGT remains low, while the expression of trehalase was at mature levels, regardless of CA treatment . These changes in enzyme activity were accompanied by parallel changes in mRNA, implying transcriptional regulation . Thus, both microbes and cortisone regulate gut ontogeny, but only suckling gut responds to CA, an intrinsic factor, while adult gut betaGT expression remains sensitive to microflora, an extrinsic factor . However, induction of the adult pattern of glycosyltransferase expression in mature gut requires colonization by microflora typical of adult gut, suggesting an essential role for intestinal colonization in the ontogeny of normal intestinal mucosal cell surface glycoconjugate receptors. Yale J Biol Med, 2003 Jul 1, 76(4), 149 - 54 Formulation and roentgenographic studies of naproxen-pectin-based matrix tablets for colon drug delivery; Rao KP et al.; A study has been carried out to assess the potential use of pectin in combination with two added hydrocolloids, i.e., hydroxy-propyl-methyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose in varied concentrations and coated with ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate phthalate . The results of in vitro drug release showed that the matrix tablets prepared with pectin, hydroxy ethyl cellulose (20 percent) when coated with ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate phthalate were found to be 63.0 percent, 8.4 percent, and 4.5 percent, respectively, in after eight hours during drug release study period . These results were confirmed with the results of roentgenographic studies in nine healthy human volunteers to find the shape and integrity of the dosage form . The X-ray photographs revealed that the enteric-coated tablet was visible only up to 5.5 hours and at the end of eighth hour, the photograph has not shown any presence of tablet indicating the loss of shape and size by the microflora present in the colon region . So, the results of in vitro and roentgenographic studies revealed that pectin, hydroxy ethyl cellulose (20 percent) base coated with ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate phthalate was found to be a promising carrier for naproxen to colon. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2004 Jul-Aug, (4), 90 - 3 {Immunoregulation of the amount of intestinal gram-negative microflora}; Protective effect of lactulose on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colonic inflammation in rats; Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto Pharmacological University, Yamashina, Kyoto, Japan . rumigy@yahoo.com Promising results have recently been obtained with pre- and probiotic therapy in ulcerative colitis (UC) . The prebiotic potential of lactulose is well established, but it has not yet been investigated in experimental colitis models . The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of lactulose on an UC model induced by 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) solution added to drinking water for 7 days in male Wistar rats . Lactulose (300-1000 mg/kg) or 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA; 150 mg/kg) was administered orally twice daily for 6 days . Colonic ulceration area, colon length, body weight changes, diarrhea/bloody feces, colonic mucosal myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and histology were examined . Treatment of animals with DSS for 7 days resulted in severe colonic lesions accompanied by diarrhea, bloody feces, a decrese in body weight, shortening of the colon length, and an increase in MPO activity as well as TBARS, compared to normal rats . Lactulose treatment ameliorated DSS-induced colitis in a dose-dependent manner, and at 1000 mg/kg all of the parameters examined, except TBARS, were shown to improve significantly as compared to controls . Daily administration of 5-ASA also significantly reduced the severity of colonic lesions following DSS treatment . These results demonstrated the protective effect of lactulose in this rat colitis model and suggested that the background of this lactulose effect may be due to alterations of colonic microflora. J Agric Food Chem, 2004 Oct 20, 52(21), 6418 - 24 Microbial metabolites of ingested caffeic acid are absorbed by the monocarboxylic acid transporter (MCT) in intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayers; Konishi Y et al.; It was previously reported that m-coumaric acid, m-hydroxyphenylpropionic acid (mHPP), and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid (DHPP) are major metabolites of ingested caffeic acid formed by gut microflora and would be transported by the monocarboxylic acid transporter (MCT) . We have directly measured their absorption characteristics in Caco-2 cells using a coulometric detection method involving HPLC-ECD . The proton-coupled directional transport of m-coumaric acid, mHPP, and DHPP was observed, and the transport was inhibited by an MCT substrate . The permeation of m-coumaric acid and mHPP was concentration-dependent and saturable: The Michaelis constant for m-coumaric acid and mHPP was 32.5 and 12.9 mM, respectively, and the maximum velocity for m-coumaric acid and mHPP was 204.3 and 91.2 nmol (min)(-1) (mg protein)(-1), respectively . By contrast, the permeation of DHPP was nonsaturable even at 30 mM and was inversely correlated with the paracellular permeability of Caco-2 cells . Our results demonstrate that these compounds are absorbed by the MCT, although DHPP is mainly permeated across Caco-2 cells via the paracellular pathway . MCT-mediated absorption of phenolic compounds per se and their colonic metabolites would exert significant impact on human health . J Clin Microbiol, 2004 Oct, 42(10), 4702 - 8 Application of molecular fingerprinting for qualitative assessment of small-intestinal bacterial diversity in dogs; Suchodolski JS et al.; The aims of this study were to evaluate the use of molecular fingerprinting for assessment of bacterial diversity in canine duodenal juice and to evaluate the variation in the small intestinal microflora at repeated sampling . Two groups of dogs were used . Duodenal juice was collected from eight dogs euthanized for an unrelated project (group 1) . Duodenal juice was also collected endoscopically from six dogs at weekly intervals for a total of 3 weeks (group 2) . The variable V6-V8 region of bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA was amplified, and PCR amplicons separated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) . The reproducibility of DGGE profiles and variations in bacterial diversity between dogs were evaluated by comparing similarity indices (Dice's coefficient; 100% represents complete identity) of DGGE profiles from group 1 dogs . Weekly variations in the flora of the small intestine were evaluated by comparison of DGGE profiles from different time points within the same individuals in group 2 . The mean (+/- standard deviation) similarity of DGGE profiles of duodenal juice between the dogs in group 1 was 38.3 +/- 15.7% (range, 12.5 to 76.65%) . There was a significantly higher variation in DGGE profiles between different dogs than between duplicates obtained from the same dog (P < 0.0001) . DGGE profiles from samples collected at different time points varied within individuals, possibly due to variation over time or slight variation in sampling location . DGGE profiles indicate that dogs have a highly diverse microflora of the small intestine, with marked differences between individual dogs. Anat Rec, 2004 Nov, 281A(1), 1201 - 11 Facts, fallacies, fears, and frustrations with human pheromones; Wysocki CJ et al.; Among primates in general, pheromones are of variable importance to social communication . Data on humans have generated the greatest controversy regarding the existence of pheromonal communication . In this review, the likelihood of pheromonal communication in humans is assessed with a discussion of chemical compounds produced by the axilla that may function as pheromones; the likelihood that the vomeronasal organ (VNO), a putative pheromone receptor organ in many other mammals, is functional in humans; and the possible ways pheromones operate in humans . In the human axilla, the interactions between the cutaneous microflora and axillary secretions render this region analogous to scent glands found in other primates . Both the chemistry of axillary secretions and their effects on conspecifics in humans appear to be analogous to other mammalian pheromone systems . Whichever chemical compounds serve a pheromonal function in humans, another unknown is the receptor . Although the VNO has been implicated in the reception of pheromones in many vertebrates, it is not the only pathway through which such information has access to the central nervous system; there is ample evidence to support the view that the olfactory epithelium can respond to pheromones . Furthermore, if a chemical activates receptors within the VNO, this does not necessarily mean that the compound is a pheromone . An important caveat for humans is that critical components typically found within the functioning VNO of other, nonprimate, mammals are lacking, suggesting that the human VNO does not function in the way that has been described for other mammals . In a broader perspective, pheromones can be classified as primers, signalers, modulators, and releasers . There is good evidence to support the presence of the former three in humans . Examples include affects on the menstrual cycle (primer effects); olfactory recognition of newborn by its mother (signaler); individuals may exude different odors based on mood (suggestive of modulator effects) . However, there is no good evidence for releaser effects in adult humans . It is emphasized that no bioassay-guided study has led to the isolation of true human pheromones, a step that will elucidate specific functions to human chemical signals . (c) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Neuroimmunomodulation, 2004, 11(6), 376 - 84 IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha expression in rat periapical lesions and dental pulp after unilateral sympathectomy; Bletsa A et al.; OBJECTIVES: Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by bone resorption, and sympathetic nerves are known to modulate bone resorption and bone remodeling . Higher numbers of osteoclasts and larger periapical lesions have been observed after sympathectomy in rats, but the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effect of sympathetic nerves on osteoclasts are unknown . This study aimed to test the hypothesis that sympathetic nerves inhibit the production of the bone-resorbing pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha in rat periapical lesions . METHODS: Rats were unilaterally sympathectomized and apical lesions were induced by exposing the dental pulp of molar teeth to the oral microflora . We quantified the cytokines IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemical analysis was done for qualitative localization . Pulp from intact incisor teeth was tested as a control . RESULTS: We showed that IL-1 alpha was increased, but not TNF-alpha, in the periapical lesions on the sympathectomized side . Both IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha were expressed in unexposed pulp . TNF-alpha was significantly decreased in the denervated incisor pulp, whereas the level of IL-1 alpha remained unchanged . CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that sympathetic nerves have an inhibitory effect on IL-1 alpha in periapical lesions and a stimulatory effect on TNF-alpha in the intact rat pulp. Am J Pathol, 2004 Oct, 165(4), 1257 - 68 CD4+CD45RBHi interleukin-4 defective T cells elicit antral gastritis and duodenitis; Dohi T et al.; We have analyzed the gastrointestinal inflammation which develops following adoptive transfer of IL-4 gene knockout (IL-4(-/-)) CD4(+)CD45RB(Hi) (RB(Hi)) T cells to severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) or to T cell-deficient, T cell receptor beta and delta double knockout (TCR(-/-)) mice . Transfer of IL-4(-/-) RB(Hi) T cells induced a similar type of colitis to that seen in SCID or TCR(-/-) recipients of wild-type (wt) RB(Hi) T cells as reported previously . Interestingly, transfer of both wt and IL-4(-/-) RB(Hi) T cells to TCR(-/-) but not to SCID mice induced inflammation in the gastric mucosa . Notably, TCR(-/-) recipients of IL-4(-/-) RB(Hi) T cells developed a more severe gastritis with erosion, apoptosis of the antral epithelium, and massive infiltration of macrophages . This gastritis was partially dependent on the indigenous microflora . Recipients of both wt and IL-4(-/-) RB(Hi) T cells developed duodenitis with multinuclear giant cells, expansion of mucosal macrophages, and dendritic cells . Full B cell responses were reconstituted in TCR(-/-) recipients of RB(Hi) T cells; however, anti-gastric autoantibodies were not detected . We have now developed and characterized a novel model of chronic gastroduodenitis in mice, which will help in our understanding of the mechanisms involved in chronic inflammation in the upper gastrointestinal tract of humans. J Nutr, 2004 Oct, 134(10), 2691 - 7 Intake of whole grains and vegetables determines the plasma enterolactone concentration of Danish women; Johnsen NF et al.; The mammalian lignan enterolactone (ENL), which is produced from dietary plant-lignan precursors by the intestinal microflora, may protect against breast cancer and other hormone-dependent cancers . This cross-sectional study examined which variables related to diet and lifestyle were associated with high plasma concentrations of ENL in Danish postmenopausal women . Plasma ENL was measured by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay in 857 Danish women aged 50-64 y who participated in a prospective cohort study . Diet was assessed using a semiquantitative FFQ, and background information on lifestyle was collected using a self-administered questionnaire . Multiple analyses of covariance were completed in two steps . The median plasma ENL concentration was 27 nmol/L (range 0-455 nmol/L) . In covariance analyses, positive associations were found between consumption of cereals, vegetables, and beverages and plasma ENL concentration . When analyzing subgroups of these food groups, the associations were confined to whole-grain products, cabbage, leafy vegetables, and coffee . For fat and the nondietary variables, negative associations between BMI, smoking, and frequency of bowel movements and plasma ENL concentration were observed . These data show that foods high in ENL precursors are associated with high concentrations of ENL . Furthermore, smoking, frequent bowel movements, and consumption of fat seems to have a negative affect on the ENL concentration . In conclusion, whole grains and vegetables are the most important dietary providers of plant lignans for the concentration of ENL in Danish postmenopausal women, and if ENL is found to protect against cancer or heart disease, the intake of whole grains and vegetables should be increased. J Nutr, 2004 Oct, 134(10), 2623 - 7 Equol, a metabolite of daidzein, inhibits bone loss in ovariectomized mice; Fujioka M et al.; Soybean isoflavones have structures similar to that of estrogen and have received attention as alternatives to hormone replacement therapy for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis . Daidzein, a major isoflavone found in soybean, is metabolized to equol by gut microflora, and the metabolite exhibits a stronger estrogenic activity than daidzein . However, there is no direct evidence that equol affects bone metabolism . In this study, we examined the effect of equol on the inhibition of bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) mice . Female mice (8 wk old) were assigned to 5 groups as follows: sham-operated (sham), OVX, OVX + 0.1 mg/d equol administration (0.1 Eq), OVX + 0.5 mg/d equol administration (0.5 Eq), and OVX + 0.03 microg/d 17beta-estradiol administration (E(2)) . Equol and E(2) were administered s.c., using a mini-osmotic pump . At 4 wk after the intervention, uterine weight was less in the OVX mice than in sham-operated mice (P < 0.05) . The weight was maintained in the E(2) group . In contrast, administration of equol at doses used in this study did not affect uterine atrophy in OVX mice . Bone mineral density (BMD) for the whole body in the OVX group measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was lower than that in the sham group, whereas administration of 0.5 mg/d Eq as well as E(2) maintained the BMD . The BMD of the femur and lumbar spine in the OVX group was also lower than those in the sham group, and treatment with 0.5 mg/d Eq maintained it . Notably, the BMD of the proximal femur in the 0.5 Eq group was the same as that of the sham group . E(2) inhibited bone loss from all regions induced by OVX . These results suggest that equol, a major metabolite of daidzein, inhibits bone loss apparently without estrogenic activity in the reproductive organs of OVX mice. Med Tekh, 2004 Jul-Aug, (4), 20 - 2 {Bactericidal and biologically stable coatings for medical implants and instruments}; Abdullin ISh et al.; The experimental research showed the fine-film coating based on hafnium nitride to inhibit the pathogenic microflora and to exert the bactericidal effect by far less versus that of antibiotics; at the same time, the concentration of hafnium ions in the solution is just within the sensitivity limit detectable by the most recent registration methods--it amounts to less than 10(-10) mol/l . Therefore, according to the research results, the use of such coatings based on hafnium nitride is promising in manufacturing the surgical metal implants and medical instruments. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 2005 Feb, 288(2), G403 - 6 Epub 2004 Sep 23. Elevated flagellin-specific immunoglobulins in Crohn's disease; Sitaraman SV et al.; Crohn's disease (CD) is driven by seemingly aberrant immune responses directed toward commensal enteric microflora . However, the specific antigens targeted by this immune response remain largely undefined . Herein, we demonstrate that common enteric flagellins are one such target of the CD-associated immune response . Thus flagellin may not only drive acute inflammation via activation of Toll-like receptor 5-mediated gene expression but may also serve as a target of the adaptive immune response that maintains the chronic inflammation characteristic of CD. J Dairy Sci, 2004 Oct, 87(10), 3189 - 97 Does smearing inoculum reflect the bacterial composition of the smear at the end of the ripening of a French soft, red-smear cheese? Feurer C, Vallaeys T, Corrieu G, Irlinger F. The microbial community composition and dynamics during the production of a French soft, red-smear cheese were investigated . The colonization efficiency of the smearing inoculum was followed, and the parts played by the inoculum used and the resident microflora were tentatively estimated . Single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) was applied to 2 productions of a soft, red-smear cheese produced by the same dairy plant at 4-mo intervals . Microbial composition of the different cheese samples analyzed was found to be reproducible from one production to another . However, the composition of the surface flora of both cheeses at the end of the ripening did not reflect the composition of the smearing inoculum used, qualitatively as well as quantitatively . These results were confirmed by those obtained when assessing the microbial composition of the culturable flora by the spread plate technique . The inoculum used by the industry had low resiliency potentialities against colonization of cheeses by resident organisms . Therefore, fitness and colonization potential of smearing inocula should be carefully assessed by the industry before use . The use of Arthrobacter strains as part of the smearing inoculum should be evaluated. Am J Ind Med, 2004 Oct, 46(4), 371 - 4 Exposure to bioaerosols: allergic reactions and respiratory function in Polish hop growers; Gora A et al.; BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of work-related symptoms in hop growers and their relation to bioaerosols exposure . The study group comprised 69 hop growers and 58 office workers as controls . The examination included: physician-administrated questionnaire, PEF measurements, skin prick test, agar-gel precipitation test, and migration inhibition test . Microbiological air sampling was performed on all farms . RESULTS: The concentrations of total airborne microflora ranged from 2.08 to 129.6 x 10(3) CFU/m3 . Airborne endotoxin and dust concentrations ranged from 26 to 6250 ng/m3 and 0.2-31.7 mg/m3, respectively . Altogether 52.2% of farmers complained of work-related symptoms . Positive skin reactions to microbial allergens were significantly more frequent in a group of hop growers with work-related respiratory symptoms compared to the rest of the farmers (18% vs 2%, P <0.05) . Positive reactions in agar-gel precipitation test and in the leukocyte migration inhibition test were not correlated with the occurrence of work-related symptoms . The mean daily PEF values in farmers were lower compared to controls (469.7 +/- 127.5 vs 562.9 +/- 123.8; P <0.001) . PEF (amp%mean) was higher in farmers compared to controls (9.3% vs 8.1%; P <0.05) . CONCLUSION: Despite relatively lower exposure to bioaerosols, compared to farmers in other branches of agriculture, over 50% of hop growers complained of work-related symptoms . This may be partly due to the effects of microbial allergens and toxins and partly to the irritant or allergic properties of hop plant itself. J Agric Food Chem, 2004 Sep 8, 52(18), 5764 - 8 Fungal microflora and ochratoxin a risk in French vineyards; Sage L et al.; To evaluate the ochratoxin A risk in French vineyards, five winemaking regions were investigated . An exhaustive survey of the fungal microflora of 60 grape samples was carried out at two development stages of the berries: end of veraison and harvest time . Potentially toxinogenic fungi isolated from grapes were assessed in vitro for ochratoxin A production . Ochratoxin A was also quantified in musts by high-performance liquid chromatography after cleanup on immunoaffinity columns . Among the 90 species identified, almost half are listed as mycotoxin producers, but only 2 are potentially ochratoxinogenic: Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus niger . Among these strains, only A . carbonarius, isolated from the Languedoc region at harvest time, was found to produce ochratoxin A . These results were in accordance with the presence of ochratoxin A in French southern region musts (0.01-0.43 microg/L) and confirmed the major implication of A . carbonarius in ochratoxin A contamination. Clin Chim Acta, 2004 Oct, 348(1-2), 63 - 8 Bioavailability of ellagic acid in human plasma after consumption of ellagitannins from pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice; Seeram NP et al.; BACKGROUND: Ellagic acid (EA) and hydrolyzable ellagitannins (ETs) are dietary polyphenols found in fruits and nuts and implicated with potent antioxidant, anticancer and antiatherosclerotic biological properties . Unfortunately, there are no reports on the bioavailability studies of EA or ETs in the human body . We conducted in vivo studies whereby a human subject consumed pomegranate juice (PJ) (180 ml) containing EA (25 mg) and ETs (318 mg, as punicalagins, the major fruit ellagitannin) . METHODS: A rapid plasma extraction procedure utilizing acidic precipitation of proteins, followed by HPLC-UV analyses, was employed . RESULTS: EA was detected in human plasma at a maximum concentration (31.9 ng/ml) after 1 h post-ingestion but was rapidly eliminated by 4 h . The calibration curve for quantification of EA was linear (r2 = 0.9975) over the concentration range from 1000 to 15.6 ng/ml . CONCLUSIONS: Since EA has reportedly strong affinity for proteins and poor absorption in small animals, further studies to investigate whether the presence of free EA in human plasma may be due to its release from the hydrolysis of ETs, facilitated by physiological pH and/or gut microflora action, is warranted . EA can be considered as a biomarker for future human bioavailability studies involving consumption of ETs from food sources. Ying Yong Sheng Tai Xue Bao, 2004 Jun, 15(6), 1005 - 8 {Variation of microflora and enzyme activity in continuous cropping cucumber soil in solar greenhouse}; Ma Y et al.; Variation of microflora and enzyme activity in solar greenhouse soil continuous cropping for 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 years was studied, in addition to the relationship between soil properities and microflora and enzyme activity . The results showed that number of bacteria, actinomyce as well as total microflora showed a trend with a saddle-shaped curve, while the number of fungi appeared an liner increase . Continuous cropping soil microflora shifted from bacteria type to fungi type significantly, of which Ammoniation bacterium and Fusarium oxysporum were main physiology groups . Path analysis results showed that microelements (Mn, Cu, Fe), organic matter, available N and bulk density are main restricted factors of soil microflora and enzyme activity in solar greenhouse. Int J Food Microbiol, 2004 Oct 1, 96(1), 29 - 34 Moulds isolated from Istrian dried ham at the pre-ripening and ripening level; Comi G et al.; The aim of this study is to define the mould strains growing on the surface during the pre-ripening and the ripening phases of Istrian ham, and their toxic potential . The mould microflora was predominantly represented by five genera, which were isolated on the ham surfaces of three different producers investigated . The identified species were similar in the both tested periods, demonstrating that the contamination came mainly from the air and the ripening chambers (seasoning rooms), rather than the raw meat . Eurotium spp., Aspergillus spp . and Penicillium spp . were the main strains isolated . The presence and growth of the different strains depended on the temperature of ripening and the relative humidity in the ripening chambers, since the hams were home made products and not matured in controlled conditions . The toxic potential of isolated strains was also investigated . None of the tested moulds can produce mycotoxins and for this reason the Istrian hams do not represent a health hazard . Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2004 Oct, 20 Suppl 4, 75 - 8 Review article: antibiotics and probiotics in inflammatory bowel disease; Kruis W; Treatment with antibiotics in inflammatory bowel disease has a long tradition and is widely used . The indications for antibiotic therapy are wide ranging, from specific situations such as abscesses or fistulae, to patients with severe disease (as an unspecific 'protective' measure), and to address the hypothesis that the enteric flora as a whole, or specific microorganisms such as mycobacteria, are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease . The best-studied single antibiotic compound is metronidazole . However, overall, the scientific basis for the use of antibiotics is limited, which may reflect a lack of interest from sponsors within the pharmaceutical industry . Despite this weak evidence base, antibiotics are a globally established therapeutic tool in inflammatory bowel disease . Growing evidence from human and animal studies points towards a pivotal pathogenetic role of intestinal bacteria in inflammatory bowel disease . In view of these experimental findings, clinical trials have been undertaken to elucidate the therapeutic effects of probiotics in inflammatory bowel disease . Probiotics are viable nonpathogenic microorganisms which confer health benefits to the host by improving the microbial balance of the indigenous microflora . So far, of the many candidates, one specific strain (Escherichia coli Nissle 1917) and a mixture of eight different bacteria have demonstrated convincing therapeutic efficacy in controlled studies . Maintenance therapy in ulcerative colitis and prevention therapy, as well as the treatment of pouchitis, have emerged as areas in which probiotic therapy offers a valid therapeutic alternative to current treatments . Further investigations may detect additional clinically effective probiotics and other clinical indications. Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2004 Oct, 20 Suppl 4, 18 - 23 Review article: gut flora and inflammatory bowel disease; Marteau P et al.; The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease involves interactions between the host susceptibility, mucosal immunity and intestinal microflora . There is therefore great interest in the changes in the endogenous flora in inflammatory bowel disease patients and in the establishment of potential genetic variations in host responses to endogenous bacteria . In this review, we summarize the modifications in the various regional ecosystems in the gastrointestinal tract during inflammatory bowel disease (luminal bacteria in faeces or inside the gastrointestinal tract, bacteria in mucus and bacteria directly attached to the mucosa) . Results were obtained following a 'candidate microorganism strategy' and, as is occurring increasingly frequently, following a 'full description strategy', which has progressed largely due to the development of culture-independent techniques . The possibility of modifying the ecosystem using prebiotics or probiotics offers hope for new treatment developments, particularly in the prevention of relapse. Appl Environ Microbiol, 2004 Sep, 70(9), 5485 - 92 Integration of microbial ecology and statistics: a test to compare gene libraries; Schloss PD et al.; Libraries of 16S rRNA genes provide insight into the membership of microbial communities . Statistical methods help to determine whether differences in library composition are artifacts of sampling or are due to underlying differences in the communities from which they are derived . To contribute to a growing statistical framework for comparing 16S rRNA libraries, we present a computer program, integral -LIBSHUFF, which calculates the integral form of the Cramer-von Mises statistic . This implementation builds upon the LIBSHUFF program, which uses an approximation of the statistic and makes a number of modifications that improve precision and accuracy . Once integral -LIBSHUFF calculates the P values, when pairwise comparisons are tested at the 0.05 level, the probability of falsely identifying a significant P value is 0.098 for a study with two libraries, 0.265 for three libraries, and 0.460 for four libraries . The potential negative effects of making the multiple pairwise comparisons necessitate correcting for the increased likelihood that differences between treatments are due to chance and do not reflect biological differences . Using integral -LIBSHUFF, we found that previously published 16S rRNA gene libraries constructed from Scottish and Wisconsin soils contained different bacterial lineages . We also analyzed the published libraries constructed for the zebrafish gut microflora and found statistically significant changes in the community during development of the host . These analyses illustrate the power of integral -LIBSHUFF to detect differences between communities, providing the basis for ecological inference about the association of soil productivity or host gene expression and microbial community composition. Acta Derm Venereol, 2004, 84(4), 277 - 84 The vulvar skin microenvironment: influence of different panty liners on temperature, pH and microflora; Runeman B et al.; The aim of this study was to confirm findings that vapour-impermeable panty liners might impair skin climate, and to assess their impact on the skin microflora . Temperature, surface pH and aerobic microflora were measured on vulvar skin of 102 women . The mean skin temperature was 1.1 degrees C higher when using a vapour-impermeable panty liner compared with not using one . Use of panty liners with vapour-permeable back sheets and acidic cores resulted in skin temperature, pH and microflora levels that were very close to those observed in persons not using liners . The temperature, pH and total number of microorganisms were significantly lower for users of vapour-permeable panty liners than for users of vapour-impermeable ones (p <0.05, p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) . The microorganism densities were usually higher when using the vapour-impermeable panty liner, but mean differences were minor . The use of panty liners seems not to imply a microbial risk for normal, healthy women. Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 2004 Jul, 20 Suppl 2, 1 - 9 New pathophysiological mechanisms in irritable bowel syndrome; Barbara G et al.; Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional, multifactorial disease characterized by abdominal pain and erratic bowel habit . Changes in gastrointestinal motor function, enhanced perception of stimuli arising from the gut wall and psychosocial factors are thought to be major contributors for symptom generation . In recent years, several additional factors have been identified and postulated to interact with these classical mechanisms . Reduced ability to expel intestinal gas with consequent gas trapping and bowel distension may contribute to abdominal discomfort/pain and bloating . Abnormal activation of certain brain regions following painful stimulation of the rectum suggests altered processing of afferent signals . An acute gastrointestinal infection is now a recognized aetiological factor for symptom development in a subset of IBS patients (i.e . post-infectious IBS), who are probably unable to down-regulate the initial inflammatory stimulus efficiently . Furthermore, low-grade inflammatory infiltration and activation of mast cells in proximity to nerves in the colonic mucosa may also participate in the frequency and severity of perceived abdominal pain in post-infectious and non-specific IBS . Initial evidence suggests the existence of changes in gut microflora, serotonin metabolism and a genetic contribution in IBS pathophysiology . These novel mechanisms may aid a better understanding of the complex pathophysiology of IBS and to develop new therapies. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2004, 13(3), 289 - 91 Comparison of the dietary cobalt intake in three different Australian diets; Hokin B et al.; Differences in the dietary intake of cobalt were assessed for vegans, lacto-ovo-vegetarian and non-vegetarian Australians using food intake logs, and daily or average trend recall over three months . A significant decrease in cobalt intake was observed for the lacto-ovo-vegetarian population compared with the intake in vegans and omnivores . There is no RDI for cobalt, however, the cobalt intake of Australians was similar to that reported in other countries . Microflora above the terminal ileum have been shown to produce significant amounts of biologically available vitamin B12 . This study was unable to demonstrate a correlation between elemental cobalt intake and serum vitamin B12 concentrations in humans, as has been shown in vitro. Indian J Dent Res, 2003 Oct-Dec, 14(4), 284 - 8 Genetic engineering and dental caries; Agarwal S et al.; Dental caries, a multifactorial disease requires four principle factor: the host, the microflora, the substrate & time for its occurrence and can be prevented or managed by elimination/modification of either of the above factors . The conventional preventive measure being followed for long time for the dental caries are not successful to the desirable extent due to their non avaibailaballity in the rural areas, lack of awareness & inaccessibility of dental services . Therefore, the focus has now been shifted to submicroscopic level to ensure that these measures can be reached to the farthest areas & each & every member of the population is benefitted . Few of the measures taken are . i) Genetically modifying the S . Mutans: ii) Searching The antagonist peptides to work against the specific enzyme system (Glucosyltransferase) of S . Mutans . iii) Changing the oral environment by those Genetically modified organisms that will produce bases (instead of acids) & these bases provides a milieu favoring remineralization . This paper discusses various ways in which genetically modified strains of microogranisms or genetically modified strains of microogranisms of genetically modified foods can help in the prevention of caries. Oral Microbiol Immunol, 2004 Oct, 19(5), 309 - 13 Effects of low dose chlorhexidine mouthrinses on oral bacteria and salivary microflora including those producing hydrogen sulfide; Sreenivasan PK et al.; BACKGROUND/AIMS: Clinical studies have demonstrated the considerable effects of chlorhexidine on dental plaque and oral microbiota as well as improvements in indices of oral health . This investigation examined the efficacy of lower concentrations of chlorhexidine . METHODS: Mouthrinses with 0.03%, 0.06%, 0.12% chlorhexidine and a control rinse without chlorhexidine were examined . Alamar blue, an oxidation-reduction dye with fluorescent end-points proportional to bacterial viability, was used to determine bacterial viability . Further clinical studies examined the effects of these rinses on salivary bacteria and on bacteria producing hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) and implicated in halitosis . RESULTS: In laboratory tests, a significant dose-dependent effect was observed with Actinomyces viscosus as a model system using the Alamar blue procedure (P < 0.05) . Clinical studies examined the effects 1.5 h and 3 h post-treatment on salivary bacteria and bacteria producing H(2)S . The first study compared the control rinse with the 0.03% and 0.06% chlorhexidine rinses; a second study compared the effects of the control rinse and the 0.06% and 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinses . In both studies, chlorhexidine rinses demonstrated significant dose-dependent effects post-treatment on salivary bacteria vs . the control rinse (P < 0.05) . Significant decreases in H(2)S-producing bacteria were noted with these chlorhexidine rinses vs . the control rinse (P < 0.05) . CONCLUSION: The results highlight the dose-dependent relationships noted in laboratory and clinical tests which have potential implications for the use of lower doses of chlorhexidine to inhibit oral bacteria, including those implicated in halitosis. Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk, 2004, (6), 35 - 40 {The viral and bacterial nature of dysplasia and of cervical carcinoma}; Afanas'ev MS et al.; The role of the infection component in etiopathogenesis of dysphasia and cervical carcinoma as well as optimization of their diagnosis and treatment schemes are discussed in the paper . On the basis of published data and authors' independent examinations, a tense relationship between the presence of dysphasia and cervical carcinoma, on the one hand, and sexually-transmitted genital infection and/or bacterial vaginosis present in the medial history, on the other hand, was verified . An intensity of vagina-microflora dysbacteriosis in genital clamidiosis and in dysphasia of cervical carcinoma as observed in women as well as an evaluation of immunoglobulins' levels in vaginal secretions can be a prognosticating criteria for a conducted treatment . A high efficiency and feasibility were shown of adding the recombinant alpha2-interferon to the combined treatment of genital clamidiosis and to preventing it from being chronic as well as to correcting the dysplastic impairments an to preventing the malignant neoplasms in the neck of uterus. Cancer Treat Rev, 2004 Oct, 30(6), 555 - 62 New approaches to prevent intestinal toxicity of irinotecan-based regimens; Alimonti A et al.; BACKGROUND: Irinotecan is a selective inhibitor of topoisomerase I, an enzyme part of the replication and transcription system of DNA . Irinotecan is employed, with different modalities, in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, and recently it has been officially approved in association with fluorouracil (FU) and leucovorin (LV) as a first-line option in metastatic colorectal cancer . RESULTS: One of the problems linked to the administration of this drug is the high intestinal toxicity, which constitutes its dose limiting toxicity (DLT) . In routine practice, loperamide is employed as symptomatic drug for the treatment of CPT-11-induced diarrhoea, but is not completely adequate to control the problem . The role of the intestinal bacterial microflora in the pathogenesis of CPT-11-induced intestinal toxicity has been recently discovered . The active metabolite of CPT-11, SN38, is generated from CPT-11 by sieric carboxylesterase, and subsequently conjugated to SN38-G by hepatic UDP-glucuronyltransferase . SN38-G is the inactive metabolite of CPT-11 and is excreted into the small intestine, from which it is eliminated in the faeces . Some studies have shown the ability of intestinal bacterial beta-glucoronidases to transform SN38-G into SN38, causing direct damage to the intestinal mucosa . Thus, alternative strategies such as intestinal alkalinization and anti-cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) therapy have been explored . CONCLUSIONS: In this review, we will illustrate the mechanisms which cause the CPT-11-induced diarrhoea and the potential measures available to prevent it. Ann Univ Mariae Curie Sklodowska {Med}, 2003, 58(2), 42 - 6 Preoperative chemotherapy as a predisposing factor for colonization of upper respiratory tract with Candida spp . in patients with non-small cell lung cancer; Furmanik F et al.; In the present study 48 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were included--20 patients from control group and 28 patients after at least one course of preoperative chemotherapy . The analysis of nasopharyngeal microflora in these patients suggests that preoperative chemotherapy can be regarded as a predisposing factor for colonization of mucous membrane of throat with yeast-like fungi--Candida spp. Microbiol Immunol, 2004, 48(8), 579 - 83 A new yeast, Malassezia yamatoensis, isolated from a patient with seborrheic dermatitis, and its distribution in patients and healthy subjects; Sugita T et al.; Over the last few years, new Malassezia species have been found regularly in Japanese subjects . We isolated another new Malassezia species from a Japanese patient with seborrheic dermatitis (SD), and named it M . yamatoensis . In its physiological characteristics and the utilization of Tween by M . yamatoensis is similar to that of M . furfur and M . dermatis . It is distinguished by its growth temperature . To examine the distribution of the microorganism in the skin of patients with SD and atopic dermatitis (AD), and healthy subjects, we applied transparent dressings to the skin, and detected M . yamatoensis DNA using a non-culture-based method that consisted of nested PCR with specific primers . M . yamatoensis DNA was detected from 3 of 31 SD patients (9.7%), 5 of 36 AD patients (13.9%), and 1 of 22 healthy subjects (4.6%) . Therefore, M . yamatoensis is a rare member of the cutaneous microflora. Arkh Patol, 2004 May-Jun, 66(3), 19 - 23 {Electron-radioautographic study of differential influence of biologically active wound covering on the process of regeneration}; In vitro and ex vivo activation of the TLR5 signaling pathway in intestinal epithelial cells by a commensal Escherichia coli strain; INSERM, EMI-0212, 156 rue de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris, FranceThe capacity of non-pathogenic enteric bacteria to induce a pro-inflammatory response is under debate in terms of its effect on the symbiosis between the mammalian host and its commensal gut microflora . Activation of NF-kappaB and induction of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and CCL-20 by the commensal Escherichia coli strain MG1655 were first studied in vitro in the human intestinal epithelial cell (IECs) lines HT29-19A and Caco-2, transfected or not with plasmids encoding dominant negative Toll-like receptor (TLR) 5 and myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88) adaptor protein . The response of enterocytes in situ was then assessed using murine ileal biopsies mounted in Ussing chambers . Commensal E . coli induced NF-kappaB DNA binding, NF-kappaB transcriptional activity, CCL-20 expression, and IL-8 secretion in the human IEC lines . E . coli MG1655 flagellin was necessary and sufficient to trigger this pro-inflammatory pathway via its interaction with TLR5 and the subsequent recruitment of the adaptor protein MyD88 . Following epithelial cell polarization, signaling could be induced by live E . coli and flagellin on the apical side of HT29-19A . The in vivo relevance of our findings was confirmed, because immunohistochemical staining of murine ileum demonstrated expression of TLR5 in the apical part of enterocytes in situ . Furthermore, flagellin added on the mucosal side of murine ileal biopsies mounted in Ussing chambers induced a basolateral production of KC, a functional murine homolog of human IL-8 . These findings provide strong evidence that flagellin released by flagellated commensal bacteria in the intestinal lumen can induce a pro-inflammatory response in enterocytes in vivo. Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci, 2003, 68(2 Pt A), 163 - 6 Treatment of waters polluted with crude oil and heavy metals by means of a natural wetland; Groudeva VI et al.; In the Dolni Dubnik oil deposit, Northern Bulgaria, waters polluted with crude oil and heavy metals (iron, manganese, zinc, cadmium, lead, copper) were treated by means of a natural wetland located in the deposit . The waters had a pH in the range of about 4.5-6.5 and contained about 1-5 mg/l oil . The concentrations of heavy metals usually were about 2-4 times higher than the relevant permissible levels for waters intended for use in the agriculture and industry . The watercourse through the wetland covered a distance of about 100 m and the water flow rate varied in the range of about 0.2-0.8 l/s . The wetland was characterized by an abundant water and emergent vegetation and a diverse microflora, including different oil-degrading bacteria and fungi . The treatment of the polluted waters by means of the above-mentioned wetland markedly depended on the temperature but was efficient during the different climatic seasons, even during the cold winter months at temperatures close to 0 degrees C . The oil content in the wetland effluents in most cases was decreased to less than 0.2 mg/l, and the concentrations of heavy metals were decreased below the relevant permissible levels . The removal of oil was connected with its microbial degradation . The removal of heavy metals was due to different processes but the microbial dissimilatory sulphate reduction and the sorption of metals on the organic matter and clay minerals present in the wetland played the main role. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2004, 13(Suppl), S24 - 5 Intestinal microflora: negotiating health outcomes with the warring community within us; Chin J; Digestion of food and absorption of nutrients constitutes the primary role of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of mammals . An extremely large surface area created by the complex involution of crypts and villi, and lined with epithelial cells has evolved to facilitate these functions . Some of the 400 species of micro-organisms in the GIT that are adherent, have exploited and adapted to particular microniches in different compartments of this vast intestinal real estate while the rest abound as free living entities sequestered in mucus or complexed with digesta in the lumen . Whether localised or in transit, these bacteria are continuously competing for survival1 . The ability to persist and propagate or be ultimately eliminated, is dependent to a large extent upon the armoury of each combatant . Susceptibility or immunity of each strain to the arsenal of bacteriocins or quorum sensing factors produced by another constitutes a community at war . While only a thin layer of epithelial cells known as enterocytes separates the host from the warring factions, they must form an effective barrier against incursions and introgressions by intestinal microflora . Erosion of this barrier integrity by stress, inflammation or disease would lead to translocation of bacteria into the blood stream . If pathogenic, the host would die from septicaemia unless the micro-organisms are eliminated by the immune system . For this reason, the bulk of cells aligned behind the layer of intestinal epithelial cells are immune cells that include lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, polymorphonuclear leukocytes and dendritic cells . These immune cells form a nexus of innate and acquired immune capability that constitutes a formidable barrier against intending or inadvertent translocators . Immune responses are not initiated only when barrier integrity is compromised . TOLL receptors on the lumenal surface of basolateral enterocytes can signal the presence of "dangerous" or pathogenic microbes and therefore arm the immune system . Alternatively, danger signals including soluble molecules that transgress enterocytes despite a tight barrier junction, can be detected by TOLL receptors on macrophages and dendritic cells . Signalling provides the main pathway of immune activation when the barrier integrity is intact and is the main mechanism for countering a suppressed or tolerized default intestinal immune response . Suppression of immune responsiveness is mandated in the GIT to prevent undesirable responses against dietary antigens that can lead to allergic disorders like food intolerance . The GIT has evolved its own hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) to balance reactivity with tolerance and this balance can be manipulated by diet, using nutraceutical supplements . Indeed, nutritional strategies can be used to derive health outcomes by manipulating warfare between bacteria and bacteria, as well as preparing defence of the host against intruders . A mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease initiated by the enterocyte denuding agent dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) was used to explore the intimate tripartite relationship between the host, intestinal bacteria and diet . In this model, DSS reproducibly initiates an inflammatory response in the colon . It is believed that barrier integrity, once compromised by DSS, facilitates an inflammatory response against harmful enteric bacteria populations . Use of antibiotics that target these bacteria significantly reduces the severity of inflammatory pathology . Following the same principle, modulation of the good-bad bacteria balance by administration of probiotic bacteria also significantly reduced the inflammatory response associated with DSS treatment . Another example of dietary manipulation of gut microflora was provided by a series of studies designed to examine the benefits of low glycemic index diets normally recommended for diabetics . In these studies, rats fed a LGI starch supplement for 10 weeks, developed colon pathology associated with an increase in haemolytic bacteria . These animals were also immunologicallyologically less responsiveness than controls not fed the supplement . Shifts in the population dynamics of enteric bacteria can also be modulated by supplements containing decoctions of various mushroom or herbal extracts . Some of these supplements possessed statin-like properties and were capable of changing recipient responses to immunological challenge . With the advent of sensitive molecular tools such as PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and t-RFLP (terminal-Restricition Fragment Length Polymorphism), both cultivable and non-culturable bacteria populations can be analysed . At the same time, the development of microarrays including PAM (Patterned Antibody Microarrays), will permit accurate dissection of the immune response to dietary change or supplementation . Armed with these tools, it is now timely to critically re-address the role of diets and dietary supplements in generating desirable health outcomes that are no longer delimited by our perception of the foods we ingest as simply being nutritional. Nutr Rev, 2004 Jun, 62(6 Pt 1), 235 - 42 Dietary modification of the intestinal microbiota; Mai V; Humans harbor a consortium of commensal bacteria in their gut that are thought to be crucial for normal health . However, the extent of microbial diversity in the gut and the physiologic functions of the microflora have not yet been fully characterized . Molecular tools are now available to characterize the associations between diet, microflora composition, and health in greater depth . New molecular studies have confirmed earlier culture-based observations that diet has a role in the regulation of microflora composition . In the near future, new insight into these associations should allow for the design of specific diets aimed at improving health by modulating microflora. Adolesc Med Clin, 2004 Feb, 15(1), 67 - 90, ix Inflammatory bowel disease; Fish D et al.; Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), collectively known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are idiopathic, life-long, destructive chronic inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract that typically manifest during late childhood and adolescence . These chronic relapsing diseases may have devastating effects on patients . New medical progress in IBD includes genetics, gut ecology and microflora, immune mechanisms, and targeted biologic therapies . This article reviews the current understanding of the etiopathogenesis of IBD, the emerging epidemiologic data in pediatric IBD, clinical presentations, diagnostic evaluation, distinctions between adult and pediatric-onset disease, and a comprehensive review of both conventional and new therapies, highlighting age-specific issues such as growth, sexual delay, and psychological and behavioral health. Cell, 2004 Jul 23, 118(2), 229 - 41 Recognition of commensal microflora by toll-like receptors is required for intestinal homeostasis; Rakoff-Nahoum S et al.; Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a crucial role in host defense against microbial infection . The microbial ligands recognized by TLRs are not unique to pathogens, however, and are produced by both pathogenic and commensal microorganisms . It is thought that an inflammatory response to commensal bacteria is avoided due to sequestration of microflora by surface epithelia . Here, we show that commensal bacteria are recognized by TLRs under normal steady-state conditions, and this interaction plays a crucial role in the maintenance of intestinal epithelial homeostasis . Furthermore, we find that activation of TLRs by commensal microflora is critical for the protection against gut injury and associated mortality . These findings reveal a novel function of TLRs-control of intestinal epithelial homeostasis and protection from injury-and provide a new perspective on the evolution of host-microbial interactions. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 2004 Nov, 287(5), G993 - 7 Epub 2004 Jul 15. Gastrointestinal nitric oxide generation in germ-free and conventional rats; Sobko T et al.; Nitric oxide (NO) is a central mediator of various physiological events in the gastrointestinal tract . The influence of the intestinal microflora for NO production in the gut is unknown . Bacteria could contribute to this production either by stimulating the mucosa to produce NO, or they could generate NO themselves . Using germ-free and conventional rats, we measured gaseous NO directly in the gastrointestinal tract and from the luminal contents using a chemiluminescence technique . Mucosal NO production was studied by using an NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor, and to evaluate microbial contribution to the NO generation, nitrate was given to the animals . In conventional rats, luminal NO differed profoundly along the gastrointestinal tract with the greatest concentrations in the stomach {>4,000 parts per billion (ppb)} and cecum (approximately 200 ppb) and lower concentrations in the small intestine and colon (< or =20 ppb) . Cecal NO correlated with the levels in incubated luminal contents . NOS inhibition lowered NO levels in the colon, without affecting NO in the stomach and in the cecum . Gastric NO increased greatly after a nitrate load, proving it to be a substrate for NO generation . In germ-free rats, NO was low (< or =30 ppb) throughout the gastrointestinal tract and absent in the incubated luminal contents . NO also remained low after a nitrate load . Our results demonstrate a pivotal role of the intestinal microflora in gastrointestinal NO generation . Distinctly compartmentalized qualitative and quantitative NO levels in conventional and germ-free rats reflect complex host microbial cross talks, possibly making NO a regulator of the intestinal eco system. Altern Med Rev, 2004 Jun, 9(2), 180 - 197 The causes of intestinal dysbiosis: a review . Hawrelak JA, Myers SP. Alterations in the bowel flora and its activities are now believed to be contributing factors to many chronic and degenerative diseases . Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis have all been linked to alterations in the intestinal microflora . The intestinal dysbiosis hypothesis suggests a number of factors associated with modern Western living have a detrimental impact on the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract . Factors such as antibiotics, psychological and physical stress, and certain dietary components have been found to contribute to intestinal dysbiosis . If these causes can be eliminated or at least attenuated then treatments aimed at manipulating the microflora may be more successful Appl Environ Microbiol, 2004 Jul, 70(7), 3884 - 92 Comparison of Euryarchaea strains in the guts and food-soil of the soil-feeding termite Cubitermes fungifaber across different soil types; Donovan SE et al.; Termites are an important component of tropical soil communities and have a significant effect on the structure and nutrient content of soil . Digestion in termites is related to gut structure, gut physicochemical conditions, and gut symbiotic microbiota . Here we describe the use of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis to examine methanogenic archaea (MA) in the guts and food-soil of the soil-feeder Cubitermes fungifaber Sjostedt across a range of soil types . If these MA are strictly vertically inherited, then the MA in guts should be the same in all individuals even if the soils differ across sites . In contrast, gut MA should reflect what is present in soil if populations are merely a reflection of what is ingested as the insects forage . We show clear differences between the euryarchaeal communities in termite guts and in food-soils from five different sites . Analysis of 16S rRNA gene clones indicated little overlap between the gut and soil communities . Gut clones were related to a termite-derived Methanomicrobiales cluster, to Methanobrevibacter and, surprisingly, to the haloalkaliphile Natronococcus . Soil clones clustered with Methanosarcina, Methanomicrococcus, or rice cluster I . T-RFLP analysis indicated that the archaeal communities in the soil samples differed from site to site, whereas those in termite guts were similar between sites . There was some overlap between the gut and soil communities, but these may represent transient populations in either guts or soil . Our data do not support the hypothesis that termite gut MA are derived from their food-soil but also do not support a purely vertical transmission of gut microflora. Drug Metab Dispos, 2004 Oct, 32(10), 1154 - 61 Epub 2004 Jun 30. Identification and metabolism of a novel dihydrohydroxy-S-glutathionyl conjugate of a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonist, MK-0767 {(+/-)-5-{(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-yl)methyl}-2-methoxy-N-{{(4-trifluoromethyl) phenyl}methyl}benzamide}, in rats; Reddy VB et al.; MK-0767 {(+/-)-5-{(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-yl)methyl}-2-methoxy-N-{{(4-trifluoromethyl)phenyl}methyl}benzamide} is a novel thiazolidinedione-containing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha/gamma agonist . In rats dosed orally with {14C}MK-0767, a dihydrohydroxy-S-glutathionyl conjugate of the parent compound was identified in the bile using liquid chromatography-mass spectometry and 1H NMR techniques . The formation of the conjugate likely proceeded via an arene oxide intermediate . The corresponding cysteinylglycine and cysteinyl conjugates likely formed from the further metabolism of the dihydrohydroxy-S-glutathionyl conjugate also were detected in rat bile . The dihydrohydroxy-S-glutathionyl conjugate was formed in vitro following the incubation of MK-0767 and glutathione with rat, dog, or monkey liver microsomes, and its formation was NADPH-dependent; however, this conjugate was not detected in human liver microsomal incubations . When incubated with rat intestinal contents, the dihydrohydroxy-S-glutathionyl conjugate was reduced to the parent compound (MK-0767), suggesting the involvement of intestinal microflora in its metabolism . There was no reduction of the conjugate by rat intestinal cytosol. Folia Microbiol (Praha), 2004, 49(2), 191 - 3 GATC-specific restriction--modification systems in ruminal bacteria; Piknova M et al.; The GATC-specific restriction and modification activities were analyzed in 11 major bacterial representatives of ruminal microflora . Modification phenotype was observed in 13 out of 40 ruminal strains . MboI isoschizomeric restriction endonucleases were detected in 10 bacterial strains tested; three strains lacked any detectable corresponding endonuclease activity . The only examined strain of Mitsuokella multi-acida was found to possess a different type of endonuclease activity . This is the first report on restriction activity in ruminal treponemes M . multiacida and Megasphaera elsdenii. Folia Microbiol (Praha), 2004, 49(2), 165 - 8 Comparison of digestive microflora between feedlot cattle with and without infection by Cryptosporidium andersoni; Holko I et al.; The influence of cryptosporidial abomasitis on digestive anaerobic microflora in feedlot cattle with spontaneous Cryptosporidium andersoni colonization of abomasum was shown . Significant differences were found after the cultivation of abomasal content . Scopulariopsis brevicaulis was detected in damaged areas of infected abomasum . PCR analysis of ruminal fluid showed no differences between the two animal groups regarding qualitative composition of anaerobic and facultative anaerobic rumen microflora . The concentration of volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, butyrate) and ammonia in the rumen content showed that examined metabolic parameters were within normal limits except for ammonia content, which was higher in infected (291 mg/kg) than in healthy animals (203 mg/kg). Eur J Clin Nutr, 2004 Jul, 58(7)