Med Prog Technol, 1993, 19(2), 83 - 8 VAD Biomer blood sacs: mechanical tests and ultrastructural observations; Bedini R et al.; Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) are a support to the heart function and are used as bridge to transplantation for a brief period in patients awaiting a donor heart . They consist of two sacs with two artificial valves that allow blood flow, the whole connected to a specific electronic equipment . This study examines the performance of a segmented-polyurethane elastomer, namely Biomer, that has been extensively used to manufacture pneumatically actuated VAD blood sacs . Specimens obtained from three VAD blood sacs explanted from three human patients and specimens from one unimplanted blood sac were investigated for mechanical performance of the material and for the changes it undergoes as a result of mechanical stress and interaction with the surrounding biological environment . The application of tensile strength at break yielded no relevant differences between unimplanted and explanted specimens . Biomer exhibited a high elongation at break for both groups, with somewhat lower values for explanted specimens . SEM observations carried out on the inner surface--in contact with blood--of unstressed explanted specimens showed no thrombotic deposits, calcifications, microbial contamination or structural changes . The complementary broken surfaces of stressed specimens showed a distinctive fracture pattern. Adv Protein Chem, 1993, 44, 99 - 123 PapD and superfamily of periplasmic immunoglobulin-like pilus chaperones; Hultgren SJ et al.; The formation of a P pilus requires a molecular chaperone in the periplasm and a molecular usher in the outer membrane . Each pilus is composed of six different types of proteins that are assembled into a composite fiber in a defined order . The correct folding of subunits into domains that can serve as assembly modules requires an association with the periplasmic chaperone . PapD is the prototype member of the family of bacterial pilus chaperones that have a three-dimensional structure consistent with an immunoglobulin fold . In general, proteins with an immunoglobulin fold structure have molecular recognition functions in eukaryotic cells that are often integrated with effector functions . PapD has also a recognition function, binding nascently translocated pilus subunits and maintaining them in assembly-competent conformations . The association of the chaperone with the subunit triggers the targeting of the latter to an outer membrane usher . The usher serves as a molecular gatekeeper, allowing the ordered incorporation of the pilus subunits into the pilus structure from the periplasmic chaperone complexes . The two immunoglobulin-like domains of PapD are oriented to form a cleft that contains the subunit binding site . This is a different binding paradigm from that used by either antibodies or the growth hormone receptor . The blend of genetics, biochemistry, X-ray crystallography, and carbohydrate chemistry in the study of pili biogenesis will continue to give insight into some of the most basic intellectual challenges in molecular biology concerning how proteins fold into domains that serve as modules for the formation of larger assemblies, and relating these processes to microbial pathogenesis. Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1993-94, 64(2), 177 - 86 A-factor and streptomycin biosynthesis in Streptomyces griseus; Horinouchi S et al.; Accumulating data have shown that the metabolites with a gamma-butyrolactone ring functions as an autoregulatory factor or a microbial hormone for the expression of various phenotypes not only in a variety of Streptomyces spp . but also in the distantly related bacteria . A-factor, as a representative of this type of autoregulators, triggers streptomycin biosynthesis and cellular differentiation in Streptomyces griseus . A model for the A-factor regulatory cascade on the basis of recent work is as follows . At an early step in the A-factor regulatory relay, the positive A-factor signal is first received by an A-factor receptor protein that is comparable in every aspect to eukaryotic hormone receptors, and then, via one or more regulatory steps, transmitted to an A-factor-responsive protein that binds to the upstream activation sequence of the strR gene, a regulatory gene in the streptomycin biosynthetic gene cluster . The StrR protein thus induced appears to activate the other streptomycin biosynthetic genes . This review summarizes the characteristics of A-factor as a microbial hormone and the A-factor regulatory relay leading to streptomycin production. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1993 Jan-Feb, (1), 40 - 5 {The structure of populations of the causative agents of infectious diseases and the mechanism of the development of the epidemic process}; Beliakov VD et al.; The parameters of clonality and preservation capacity, characterizing the population structure of the causative agents of infectious diseases, have been worked out on the basis of the clonal concept and the concept of self-restructuring of microbial populations . Different correlations between these parameters determine the existence of 9 independent groups of infections . The mechanisms and manifestations of the epidemic process of these infections have been described and the priority directions of anti-epidemic measures formulated. Antibiot Khimioter, 1993 Jan, 38(1), 28 - 33 {Clinical regularities of the interaction of pancreatic and microbial RNase with cells in vitro}; Kurinenko BM et al.; The kinetics of interaction of exogenic RNAses with isolated cell culture of the human amnion FL was studied in a mathematical model . It was shown that by a number of kinetic parameters the pancreatic RNAse had higher affinity to the cells which quite agreed with higher cytotoxicity of the enzyme as compared to that of the microbial RNAse in regard to the cell culture. Rev Roum Virol, 1993 Jan-Jun, 44(1-2), 61 - 7 {The pathomorphological aspects of arteriopathies associated with viral and microbial infections}; Petica M et al.; Presence of Mycoplasma, Chlamydia, Rickettsia burnetii, influenza type B, herpes and adenoviruses was detected by immunofluorescence in artery fragments collected from patients with arteriopathy . Pathohistological examination of the samples revealed inflammatory--lympho-histiocytic infiltration--and mostly dystrophic alterations . Arteriopathies were localised mostly at the pelvic limb level, especially on femoral artery . Their incidence was statistically significant. Biodegradation, 1993, 4(2), 101 - 5 A microbial biosensor system for dihalomethanes; Henrysson T et al.; A biosensor system able to measure dichloromethane (DCM) and other dihalomethanes has been developed . The analysis is based on Hyphomicrobium DM2 cells immobilized in alginate . A combination of transducers consisting of a flow-calorimeter followed by a chloride-sensitive electrode has been used . By this design it was possible to monitor different aspects of the cell metabolism from one and the same pulse of substrate . The detection limit for the biosensor was 0.1 microM dichloromethane . The biosensor system can be used for continuous measurements in a sample stream. Genet Eng (N Y), 1993, 15, 225 - 36 The use of microparticle injection to introduce genes into animal cells in vitro and in vivo; Johnston SA et al.; The biolistic technology has had a tremendous impact on plant and microbial research and development . The experience to date indicates that it should also have important uses with animal applications . The in-chamber system should prove increasingly valuable for transfecting non-dividing cells, primary cells, and other difficult-to-transfect targets . The hand-held version is currently useful for in situ transfection of cells in skin, but has limited effectiveness for internal organ transfection . This limitation may be lessened with further improvements in gun design and microprojectile coating . For gene therapy the most promising applications of this technology appear to be for genetic immunization and protocols which elicit an anti-tumor response. Planta, 1993, 189(4), 561 - 6 Physiological and biochemical characterization of glyoxalase I, a general marker for cell proliferation, from a soybean cell suspension; Paulus C et al.; Using a strictly auxin-dependent soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cell suspension, we studied the correlation of auxin-dependent cell proliferation and the activity of glyoxalase I (S-lactoylglutathione-lyase EC 4.4.1.5), and enzyme generally associated with cell proliferation in animal, microbial and, as reported recently, also plant systems . We found the activity of glyoxalase I to be modulated during the proliferation cycle, with a maximal activity between day 2 and day 4 of culture growth . After starving the culture of auxins for three subsequent periods, both the enzyme activity and cell-growth could be re-initiated with auxin . Enzyme activity reached its maximum 1 d before cell number was at a maximum . The enzyme was purified to homogeneity and characterized. Biotechnol Prog, 1993 Jan-Feb, 9(1), 81 - 5 Application of an on-line turbidimeter for the automation of fed-batch cultures; Yamane T; Recent advances in the technology of continuous in situ turbidity measurements in microbial cultivations are reviewed . Some characteristics of commercially available on-line laser turbidimeters are estimated in relation to requirements of sensors for microbial cultures . A system for the automation of fed-batch cultures using an on-line turbidimeter is proposed . Experimental data are presented concerning fed-batch cultures grown on synthetic and natural complex media . In situ turbidity data were found to be particularly useful for the automation of the feeding of natural complex nutrient solutions by converting the data into dry cell mass concentration and at the same time utilizing the instantaneous data on the culture broth volume through a computer. J Gerontol, 1993 Jan, 48(1), M19 - 25 Transient normalization of lymphocyte blastogenic and specific antibody responses following boosting of healthy elderly subjects with tetanus toxoid; Armitage KB et al.; The diminished in vitro blastogenic response of lymphocytes from the elderly to mitogenic stimuli is cited as evidence of immunosenescence, but the response to specific microbial antigens has not been well characterized . We measured the response to tetanus toxoid before and after boosting in young and elderly subjects . Elderly subjects (age > or = 70) and young controls (age < 35) were subjected to clinical, laboratory, and nutritional evaluation to ensure a cohort of healthy subjects . Responses of lymphocytes from the elderly to the mitogens phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A were markedly diminished compared to those from the young . For all subjects, the average in vitro blastogenic response to tetanus toxoid of lymphocytes from elderly subjects (n = 23) was significantly diminished compared to young controls (n = 23; 31,985 +/- 4502 vs 14,411 +/- 3714 cpm, p < .01) . Following boosting with tetanus in those subjects in whom boosting with tetanus toxoid was indicated, blastogenesis was comparable between elderly (n = 17) and young subjects (n = 7; 38,078 +/- 11,451 vs 42,103 +/- 9247 cpm) . The boosted response to tetanus apparently was not sustained, since in the subset of subjects with a history of tetanus immunization in the past 10 years, the response of the elderly was much less than that of the young . Thus, a cohort of healthy elderly with diminished blastogenic responses to mitogens was capable of at least a transiently normal response to tetanus post boosting. FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1992 Dec 15, 79(1-3), 461 - 7 Diversity of Pseudomonas plasmids: to what extent? Boronin AM. Results obtained in studies of the biology of Pseudomonas plasmids are presented here as a mini-review . These data indicate that plasmids are ubiquitous in Pseudomonas, but the frequency of their occurrence varies greatly in particular species, or groups of species and in different microbial habitats . Some species of Pseudomonas, for instance P . aeruginosa, possess great diversity of plasmids both from the viewpoint of their incompatibility properties and their ability to endow bacteria with additional features such as resistance to antibiotics or heavy metals, degradation of xenobiotics or inhibition of phage development. FEMS Microbiol Lett, 1992 Dec 15, 79(1-3), 169 - 76 Physiological and energetic aspects of bacterial metabolite overproduction; Tempest DW et al.; This review attempts to provide a rational explanation for microbial metabolite over-production, a phenomenon manifest with many wild-type and mutant organisms . After analysing the relationships between catabolic and anabolic processes within the growing cell (which point to the presence of sufficient kinetic control elements to ensure a stringent coupling between the two), consideration is given to mechanisms that might allow the rate of catabolism to be varied independently of the rate of anabolism . It is in this latter context that an excretion of specific metabolites appears to play a key role. Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 1992 Dec, 6(6), 659 - 69 Review article: urease, gastric ammonium/ammonia, and Helicobacter pylori--the past, the present, and recommendations for future research; Graham DY et al.; The presence of ammonium in gastric contents was described in 1852; urease activity in the stomach was identified 70 years later . The discovery of gastric urease resulted in intense research activity to discover its origin, function, and relation to the gastric levels of ammonium and urea . Interest in urease waned in the 1960s as most pertinent questions appeared to have been addressed and there was strong evidence that gastric urease was not a property of the stomach but was of microbial origin . Identification of Helicobacter pylori as the source of urease in the stomach in the last decade has resulted in a rebirth of interest in gastric urease and its products . There is little actual evidence to support a role for toxicity of ammonia in relation to H . pylori and the bulk of the evidence suggests that the products of urease activity are not toxic and may even be beneficial . The purpose of this review is to examine the older literature and to examine new findings in the perspective of what is already known and to suggest areas remaining to be examined . We ask, 'What is old, what is new, and what needs to be done?' Nature, 1992 Dec 10, 360(6404), 593 - 7 CD1b restricts the response of human CD4-8- T lymphocytes to a microbial antigen; Porcelli S et al.; Molecules encoded by the human CD1 locus on chromosome 1 (ref . 33) are recognized by selected CD4-8- T-cell clones expressing either alpha beta or gamma delta T-cell antigen receptors . The known structural resemblance of CD1 molecules to antigen-presenting molecules encoded by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes on human chromosome 6 (refs 3, 4, 34, 35), suggested that CD1 may represent a family of antigen-presenting molecules separate from those encoded in the MHC . Here we report that the proliferative and cytotoxic responses of human CD4-8- alpha beta TCR+ T cells specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis can be restricted by CD1b, one of the four identified protein products of the CD1 locus . The responses of these T cells to M . tuberculosis seemed not to involve MHC encoded molecules, but were absolutely dependent on the expression of CD1b by the antigen-presenting cell and involved an antigen processing requirement similar to that seen in MHC class II-restricted antigen presentation . These results provide, to our knowledge, the first direct evidence for the proposed antigen-presenting function of CD1 molecules and suggest that the CD1 family plays a role in cell-mediated immunity to microbial pathogens. Thorax, 1992 Dec, 47(12), 1015 - 8 Notification of tuberculosis: how many cases are never reported? Sheldon CD, King K, Cock H, Wilkinson P, Barnes NC. BACKGROUND: Notification of tuberculosis is essential for local contact tracing and for assessing the national incidence of tuberculosis . The accuracy of notification figures is uncertain . This study examined the notification rates of all patients diagnosed as having tuberculosis at two hospitals in the East End of London over five years . METHODS: In a retrospective survey of all patients aged 16 years or more presenting with tuberculosis to the London Chest Hospital or the Royal London Hospital from 1 January 1985 to 31 December 1989, cases of tuberculosis were identified from microbiology and histology records, statutory notifications, necropsy reports, coroners' records, hospital activity data, and death certificates . Clinical data were obtained from case notes and notification was determined from the local authority notification lists . RESULTS: Six hundred and nine adult patients with tuberculosis were identified . Notes were available for 580 cases (95%), of which 426 (73%) had been notified . The proportion of cases notified varied according to the specialty of the clinician in charge of the patient at diagnosis . Patients with a past history of tuberculosis and those who died within one year were less likely to have had their tuberculosis notified . Age, race, and lack of microbial or histological confirmation of diagnosis did not influence the proportion of cases notified . One hundred and eighty five patients had smear positive sputum, but 25 of these cases (14%) were not notified . Eighty five patients who had presented with pulmonary tuberculosis did not have their disease notified; 20 (24%) had smear positive sputum . CONCLUSIONS: Many cases of tuberculosis are not notified (27%) . Fourteen per cent of all sputum smear positive cases of tuberculosis were not notified, and these patients are a considerable public health risk . The true incidence of tuberculosis in the area studied is at least one third higher than current notification figures suggest. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1992 Dec, 45(12), 1837 - 47 Production of new anthracycline antibiotics by microbial 4-O-methylation using a specific daunorubicin-negative mutant; Johdo O et al.; Microbial 4-O-methylation using a specific daunorubicin-blocked, nonproducing mutant provided the new anthracycline antibiotics 4-O-methylbetaclamycin T, 4-O-methylyellamycin A and 4-O-methyl-13-hydroxyoxaunomycin, from which 4-O-methyloxaunomycin and 4-O-methyl-6-deoxyoxaunomycin were then prepared by further photochemical N-demethylation . Antitumor activities in vitro and in vivo against L1210 cells were compared with those of their 4-O-demethyl derivatives . It was found that all the 4-O-methyl derivatives had a markedly reduced cytotoxicity in vitro as compared with the 4-O-demethyl compounds . However, some of them were endowed with a significantly improved antitumor activity in vivo. Pharm Res, 1992 Dec, 9(12), 1540 - 5 Hydrogels for site-specific drug delivery to the colon: in vitro and in vivo degradation; Brondsted H et al.; Novel hydrogels based on N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N-t-butylacrylamide, and acrylic acid cross-linked with azoaromatic compounds of varying length and electron density of the azo bond were synthesized . The cross-links are degradable by microbial azoreductases present predominantly in the colon, and the gels appear to be suitable for colon-specific drug delivery . The degradability in vitro and in vivo was found to be related to the degree of swelling of the gels . The higher the degree of swelling, the higher the degradability . However, structural and electronic factors were also shown to influence reduction of azo bonds. Steroids, 1992 Dec, 57(12), 579 - 92 The cortisone era: aspects of its impact . Some contributions of the Merck Laboratories; Hirschmann R; The announcement in 1949, by Hench at the Mayo Clinic, that cortisone had a dramatic beneficial effect on bed-ridden patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis ushered in the cortisone era . This medical landmark was made possible by the prior steroid research of distinguished chemists and biologists in several countries . The first partial synthesis of cortisone by Sarett was the culmination of a worldwide chemical effort . This work ultimately enabled the process research department at Merck, under the direction of Max Tishler, to perform the 37-step conversion of deoxycholic acid to cortisone on a scale that made the initial clinical trials possible . In spite of the enormity of the project, and the fact that neither of two closely related analogs of cortisone had shown any interesting biological activity . Merck elected to embark on this synthetically challenging project . The clinical results reported in 1949, combined with the complexity of the partial synthesis, stimulated highly innovative research to discover new routes to cortisone and to cortisol, the active hormone . This research, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry in the United States, Mexico, and Europe, demonstrated, among other things, the value of microbial transformations in synthetic sequences . The recognition that the chronic administration of cortisol produces several unexpected side effects stimulated an intensive effort in many countries to discover an analog with an improved therapeutic index . This led to more novel chemistry and many analogs were discovered that proved to be more potent than cortisol . Prednisolone, discovered at the Schering Corporation, was the first compound that combined a high level of anti-inflammatory activity with reduced salt retention . Derek Barton contributed greatly to steroid research during the 1950s by applying creative structural thinking to systematize a host of seemingly unrelated chemical and biological observations . The cortisone era had a profound impact on drug discovery also, since it led to the logical application of steric and electronic concepts to medicinal chemistry . Last, but not least, the cortisone era taught medicinal chemists many important lessons about drug-receptor interactions. Microbiol Rev, 1992 Dec, 56(4), 561 - 76 Biological control of chestnut blight: an example of virus-mediated attenuation of fungal pathogenesis; Nuss DL; Environmental concerns have focused attention on natural forms of disease control as potentially safe and effective alternatives to chemical pesticides . This has led to increased efforts to develop control strategies that rely on natural predators and parasites or that involve genetically engineered microbial pest control agents . This review deals with a natural form of biological control in which the virulence of a fungal pathogen is attenuated by an endogenous viral RNA genetic element: the phenomenon of transmissible hypovirulence in the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica . Recent progress in the molecular characterization of a hypovirulence-associated viral RNA has provided an emerging view of the genetic organization and basic expression strategy of this class of genetic elements . Several lines of evidence now suggest that specific hypovirulence-associated virus-encoded gene products selectively modulate the expression of subsets of fungal genes and the activity of specific regulatory pathways . The construction of an infectious cDNA clone of a hypovirulence-associated viral RNA represents a major advancement that provides exciting new opportunities for examining the molecular basis of transmissible hypovirulence and for engineering hypovirulent strains for improved biocontrol . These developments have significantly improved the prospects of using this system to identify molecular determinants of virulence and elucidate signal transduction pathways involved in pathogenic responses . In addition, novel approaches are now available for extending the application of transmissible hypovirulence for management of chestnut blight and possibly other fungal diseases. FEMS Microbiol Rev, 1992 Dec, 9(2-4), 323 - 31 Fungal degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates and a semiquantitative assay for screening their degradation by terrestrial fungi; Matavulj M et al.; The current problems with decreasing fossile resources and increasing environmental pollution by petrochemical-based plastics have stimulated investigations to find biosynthetic materials which are also biodegradable . Bacterial reserve materials such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) have been discovered to possess thermoplastic properties and can be synthesized from renewable resources . Poly-beta-hydroxybutyric acid (PHB) is at present the most promising PHA; and BIOPOL, its copolymer with poly-beta-hydroxy-valerate (PHV), is already industrially produced (ICI, UK), and used as packaging material (WELLA, FRG) . According to the literature, PHA degradation has so far mainly been observed in bacteria; only under certain environmental conditions has fungal degradation of PHAs been indicated . Since fungi constitute an important part of microbial populations participating in degradation processes, a simple screening method for fungal degradation of BIOPOL, a PHA-based plastic, was developed . Several media with about 150 fungal strains from different terrestrial environments and belonging to different systematic and ecological groups were used . PHA depolymerization was tested on three PHB-based media, each with 0.1% BIOPOL or PHB homopolymer causing turbidity of the medium . The media contained either a comparatively low or high content of organic carbon (beside PHA) or were based on mineral medium with PHA as the principal source of carbon . The degradation activity was detectable due to formation of a clear halo around the colony (Petri plates) or a clear zone under the colony (test tubes).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Mol Biother, 1992 Dec, 4(4), 184 - 7 Relation between the biologic activities and chemical structures of synthetic microbial lipopeptide analogs in mice; Shimizu T et al.; Mitogenicity, lethal toxicity, and antitumor activity against Meth A fibrosarcoma of chemically synthesized lipopeptide analogs, S-{2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)-2R-propyl}-N-{(2,2,2)-tri- chloroethoxycarbonyl: Troc group}-cysteinyl-seryl-seryl-asparaginyl-alanine (compound KAB-2), which contain the amino acid sequence of lipopeptide in Escherichia coli, S-{2,3-bis(palmitoyloxy)- 2R-propyl}-N-(Troc- or amino-group)-cysteinyl-asparaginyl-seryl-glycyl-glycine (compound KAB-14 or -20), which is found in the amino acid sequence of lipopeptide in Streptomyces, and the compounds binding one to six amino acids, were examined . The analogs showed the mitogenic activity toward splenocytes of C3H/He mice . Low concentrations (0.4 and 2.0 micrograms/ml) of compounds KAB-20 and -21, which have five and six amino acids, respectively, increased the incorporation of {3H}thymidine better than a high concentration (50 micrograms/ml), suggesting that KAB compounds carrying amino groups exert better mitogenicity than KAB compounds carrying Troc group . The decrease of amino acid number in lipopeptide analogs appears to result in a lowering of mitogenicity at low concentrations . KAB-14 and KAB-2 did not exhibit the lethality at a high dose of 50 micrograms/mouse in galactosamine-loaded C57BL/6 mice . By twice intravenous injections of 50 micrograms against Meth A fibrosarcoma in BALB/c mice, KAB-2 showed a higher inhibitory effect than KAB-14 . Based on these results, we concluded that the difference of amino acid sequence in the synthetic lipopeptides affects the potency of biologic activities. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Dec, 58(12), 3941 - 8 Gene probe analysis of soil microbial populations selected by amendment with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid; Holben WE et al.; Soils with a history of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) treatment at field application rates and control soils with no prior exposure to 2,4-D were amended with 2,4-D in the laboratory . Before and during these treatments, the populations of 2,4-D-degrading bacteria were monitored by most-probable-number (MPN) enumeration and hybridization analyses, using probes for the tfd genes of plasmid pJP4, which encode enzymes for 2,4-D degradation . Data obtained by these alternate methods were compared . Several months after the most recent field application of 2,4-D (approximately 1 ppm), soils with a 42-year history of 2,4-D treatment did not have significantly higher numbers of 2,4-D-degrading organisms than did control soils with no prior history of treatment . In response to laboratory amendments with 2,4-D, both the previously treated soils and those with no prior history of exposure exhibited a dramatic increase in the number of 2,4-D-metabolizing organisms . The MPN data indicate a 4- to 5-log population increase after one amendment with 250 ppm of 2,4-D and ultimately a 6- to 7-log increase after four additional amendments, each with 400 ppm of 2,4-D . Similarly, when total bacterial DNA from the soil microbial community of these samples was analyzed by using a probe for the tfdA gene (2,4-D monoxygenase) or the tfdB gene (2,4-dichlorophenol hydroxylase) a dramatic increase in the level of hybridization was observed in both soils.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1992 Dec, 167(6), 1588 - 94 Association of cervicovaginal infections with increased vaginal fluid phospholipase A2 activity; McGregor JA et al.; OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine if phospholipase A2 was detectable within vaginal fluid and to correlate its presence with the presence of common lower genital tract infection or microbial conditions . STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant women were examined at the first prenatal visit with standard clinical evaluations and microbiologic cultures or tests . Vaginal fluid samples were evaluated for phospholipase A2 activity by means of a standardized enzyme fluorometric assay . Data were stratified to control for coexisting infections . RESULTS: Phospholipase A2 activity was detected among 29.8% of women and was independently associated with the presence of bacterial vaginosis (p < 0.001), Trichomonas . vaginalis (p < 0.04), and Chlamydia trachomatis (p < 0.02) . The percentage of women with phospholipase A2 activity and the level of activity was increased in the presence of more than one infection . CONCLUSIONS: Elevated reproductive tract phospholipase A2 concentrations among pregnant women may play roles in the pathogenesis of preterm labor and birth . Identification of pregnant women with increased concentrations in vaginal fluid may allow for development of effective intervention strategies to reduce the risk of preterm birth. J Immunol, 1992 Dec 1, 149(11), 3727 - 34 Effects of cytokines from activated immune cells on vascular cell growth and HIV-1 gene expression . Implications for AIDS-Kaposi's sarcoma pathogenesis; Barillari G et al.; Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) arises more frequently in homosexual and bisexual men than in other groups of HIV-1 infected individuals . Clinico-epidemiologic data indicate that homosexuals often are infected with multiple microbial agents and/or subjected to other antigenic stimuli, preceding or accompanying HIV-1 infection . Signs of immune activation, in fact, frequently have been detected in these individuals, and the onset of KS can precede any sign of immunodeficiency . These data have suggested that products from activated immune cells may affect the development of AIDS-KS . Here we report that conditioned media from activated or dysregulated T cells contain a variety of cytokines that promote the growth of spindle cells derived from KS lesions of AIDS patients (AIDS-KS cells) and induce normal vascular cells, potential cell progenitors of the AIDS-KS cells, to acquire features of the KS cell phenotype ("spindle" cell morphology and growth responsiveness to the mitogenic effect of extracellular HIV-1 Tat protein) . The same conditioned media or cytokines promote HIV-1 gene expression and rescue defective HIV-1 proviruses, interrupting HIV-1 latency and increasing Tat production . The cellular and viral effects of cytokines are increased in an additive or synergistic manner by picomolar concentrations of extracellular Tat . These data suggest that cytokines produced by activated immune cells cooperate with HIV-1 infection in AIDS-KS pathogenesis. Mol Pharmacol, 1992 Dec, 42(6), 982 - 90 Inhibition by HS-142-1, a novel nonpeptide atrial natriuretic peptide antagonist of microbial origin, of atrial natriuretic peptide-induced relaxation of isolated rabbit aorta through the blockade of guanylyl cyclase-linked receptors; Imura R et al.; HS-142-1, a specific nonpeptide antagonist for the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptor, equally blocked rat ANP (rANP)-, porcine brain natriuretic peptide-, or porcine C-type natriuretic peptide-stimulated GMP production in cultured bovine aortic smooth muscle (BASM) and bovine aortic endothelial (BAE) cells in a concentration-dependent fashion, at concentrations of 1-300 micrograms/ml . But, even at 300 micrograms/ml, HS-142-1 only weakly inhibited the specific binding of 125I-rANP to the BASM and BAE cells, where only a small portion of the binding sites are linked to guanylyl cyclase . Further, with BAE cell membranes, HS-142-1 recognized only the 135-kDa ANP receptor, which is thought from 125I-rANP affinity cross-linking studies to be the guanylyl cyclase-linked receptor . HS-142-1 also, if anything, inhibited the labeling of 135-kDa ANP receptors in the affinity cross-linking studies with BASM membranes, suggesting that a major portion of the 135-kDa ANP receptors are HS-142-1 insensitive and only a small portion of the 135-kDa ANP receptors are responsible for the blockade by HS-142-1 of GMP production in BASM cells . At a concentration of 100 micrograms/ml, HS-142-1 reversibly prevented ANP-induced relaxation of the isolated rabbit thoracic aorta induced to contract with 3 x 10(-7) M phenylephrine, but not the relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside, isoproterenol, or papaverine . These results suggest that HS-142-1 specifically inhibits natriuretic peptide-induced vasorelaxation through the blockade of guanylyl cyclase-linked natriuretic peptide receptors . HS-142-1 thus will be a powerful tool for understanding the physiological roles, in vasculature, of natriuretic peptides, which contribute to the homeostasis of blood pressure and intravascular volume. Z Ernahrungswiss, 1992 Dec, 31(4), 269 - 77 {The effect of a supplement of microbial phytase on zinc availability}; Rimbach G et al.; A study of 35 (5 x 7) male, individually housed, albino rats (initial average weight = 50 g) was undertaken to examine the effect of an addition of microbial phytase to a diet containing phytate on the availability of zinc . The rats were fed a semisynthetic diet based of egg white and cornstarch over a 3-week period . All diets were supplemented with 20 mg Zn/kg . Group I (control) was fed the basal diet free of phytic acid (PA) and phytase . By replacing cornstarch by Na-phytate (0.5% in group II and 1.0% group III), molar phytate: Zn ratios of 25 and 50:1 were obtained, respectively . In groups IV (0.5% PA) and V (1.0% PA) 1000 U of microbial phytase were added . A molar phytate:Zn ratio of 25 (group II) and 50:1 (group III) resulted in a dose-dependent depression of growth and feed efficiency ratio . These negative effects of the addition of PA could be completely counteracted by the supplementation of 1,000 U of phytase in group IV and partially so in group V . Similarly, the apparent absorption and retention of Zn, Zn-concentration in femur and testes and different Zn-status-parameters in plasma (Zn-concentration, percent unsaturated plasma-Zn binding capacity, activity of alkaline phosphatase) were improved by adding 1,000 U microbial phytase/kg diet . The present study shows that an addition of microbial phytase to phytate-rich diets considerably improves the availability of Zn in growing rats. J Periodontol, 1992 Dec, 63(12 Suppl), 1102 - 9 DNA probe and enzyme analysis in periodontal diagnostics; Loesche WJ; Recent research in periodontology has indicated that a finite number of bacterial species are associated with periodontal disease . This has generated the hypothesis that periodontal disease is essentially an infection due to one or more of the putative periodontopathogens; i.e., the specific plaque hypothesis (SPH) . This microbial specificity paradigm has already changed the way researchers and some clinicians view periodontal disease . The clinician must heed several cautions signs, however, if he is to use the SPH to provide treatment options that could enhance the delivery of care . There are several diagnostic technologies that can be used to detect and semi-quantitate those bacterial species that have been identified as periodontopathogens . This paper discusses diagnostic tests based upon the detection in plaque of DNA segments or enzyme activity(ies) that are unique for one or more of the suspected periodontopathogens. J Anim Sci, 1992 Dec, 70(12), 3909 - 15 Effects of supplemental protein source and alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment of wheat straw on site of nutrient digestion and flow of nitrogenous compounds to the duodenum of steers; Sultan JI et al.; The objective of this study was to determine the effects of soybean meal (SBM) or spray-dried blood meal (BM) supplementation of diets based on untreated (UNT-WS) or alkaline hydrogen peroxide-treated wheat straw (AHP-WS) . A 4 x 4 Latin square design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used . Variables included nutrient digestion and flow to the duodenum . Four Simmental steers (average weight 477 kg) fitted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were fed 65% UNT-WS or AHP-WS based diets in 12 equal portions daily . Diets were formulated to contain 10% CP . Chromic oxide was used as the digesta flow marker and purines were used as the microbial marker . There were no straw type x protein source interactions . Total tract and ruminal OM digestibility were approximately 25% greater (P < .04) when AHP-WS was fed than when UNT-WS was fed . Source of protein did not affect (P > .10) OM or fiber digestion in the rumen or total tract . Ruminal digestion of NDF and ADF was increased (P < .01) by 51 and 40%, respectively, when AHP-WS was fed than when UNT-WS was fed . Main effect means (P > .10) for N flow to the duodenum as a percentage of N intake were 128.2, 142.5, 133.4, and 137.6 for UNT-WS, AHP-WS, SBM, and BM treatments, respectively . Despite increased (P < .01) ruminal OM digestion for AHP-WS, microbial N flow to the duodenum was greater (P < .01) when UNT-WS was fed than when APH-WS was fed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) J Exp Anim Sci, 1992 Dec, 35(3), 110 - 9 Changes in colonic mucins of germfree rats in response to the introduction of a "normal" rat microbial flora . Rat colonic mucin; Enss ML et al.; In order to determine the influence of bacterial colonization on amount and composition of colonic mucins, germfree male AS/Ztm rats were colonized with a rat specific intestinal flora for different times (2, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 120 days) . The amount of colonic mucins was determined by gel filtration on Sepharose CL-4B; the relative amount of acidic mucins was calculated after ion exchange chromatography . In addition, cecal weight and dry matter of feces were monitored . While germfree and SPF rats revealed similar amounts of colonic mucins (7.0 vs . 7.2 mg mucin/300 g body weight), the initial phase of association was characterized by considerably decreasing values . After four weeks of association, the total amount of colonic mucins had almost equalized in the two groups . The amount of acidic mucins, having decreased during the first three weeks of colonization, rendered values comparable to the SPF mucins after four months of adaptation . Cecomegaly in germfree rats disappeared within the first two days, while solidification of the intestinal content occurred within four months . Mucin losses during initial phase of association are attributed 1 . to the disappearance of the cecal mucin pool, and 2 . to the mucin degrading activity of some bacterial strains known to be present in the intestinal flora . Further development is conducted by a stimulation of mucin secretion, described to follow the colonization . The initially increased secretion of neutral mucins is attributed to a pronounced release of immature mucin glycoproteins, while the shift to more acidic mucins is considered to result from stimulated secretion as well as from a selective bacterial degradation of neutral mucin components. Clin Lab Med, 1992 Dec, 12(4), 787 - 803 Inactivation of microbial contaminants of blood components; AuBuchon JP et al.; Despite the low risk of transfusion-transmitted infection currently present in the blood supply, processes to inactivate contaminating viruses and bacteria may improve the safety of transfusion even further . A variety of techniques, using both physical and chemical processes, are being explored . Particularly promising is adaptation of the solvent/detergent technique (already in use for plasma derivatives) to plasma for transfusion . Inactivation of viruses in cellular components may require a combination of techniques, possibly including leukocyte depletion filtration, photoactive compounds, and subsequent washing . Concerns about potential toxicity of the agents employed and retention of component efficacy after treatment and storage remain unresolved, however. Ugeskr Laeger, 1992 Nov 30, 154(49), 3510 - 1 {Pseudomonas bacteremia developing after whirlpool bath}; Hojbjerg T et al.; Whirlpools may be responsible for transmission of microbial infections among the bathers if the technical hygienic conditions in the care of the bath are not observed . Two cases of infection with Pneudomonas bacteria were observed after use of whirlpools in a deluxe summer chalet . On the basis of the documented cases, the necessity for specific requirements concerning the installation, running and control of whirlpools used commercially should be considered . In their advisory brochures, the responsible authorities should ensure that the requirements made concerning whirlpools should be intensified so that these baths in summer chalets which are rented out should be subject to public control . Owners and users of whirlpools should be aware of the importance of meticulous hygiene in their care. Clin Infect Dis, 1992 Nov, 15 Suppl 1, S5 - 32 General guidelines for the clinical evaluation of anti-infective drug products . Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Food and Drug Administration; Beam TR Jr et al.; This document provides new general guidelines for the design and execution of studies evaluating anti-infective drugs for the prevention or treatment of infectious diseases . The first step in evaluation is the determination of in vitro microbial susceptibility . Next, studies are conducted in animals . Several animal models provide information useful in the prediction of appropriate dosing and activity in humans . If the results of these studies are favorable, staged clinical trials are then conducted . These guidelines reflect changes in the practice of medicine, dealing with topics such as the switch from parenteral to oral drug administration during a course of therapy, treatment in settings other than acute-care hospitals, and the use of alternative comparison drugs for the study of indications or dosing schedules not covered by the product label . Because further changes in practice are anticipated, the present guidelines will need to be updated and revised periodically. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1992 Nov-Dec, 28(6), 803 - 17 {Enzymatic reactions in biotechnology (48th Bach lecture)}; Bezborodov AM; The paper is the 48th Bach Lecture presented under the same title . It covers the biochemical mechanisms of the biogenesis of microbial biosynthetic products, role of acetyl-CoA, function of the succinate-glycine cycle, reactions of the hexose-monophosphate pathway of carbon metabolism . The reversible action of hydrolases in enzymatic catalysis and degradation of xenobiotics are discussed . The data on redox reactions are pooled . Such modern biotechnological processes as epoxidation, synthesis of acrylamide and some monomers involved in chemical syntheses of polymers, synthesis of oligosaccharide and fluorine-containing amino acids are considered . Promising commercial applications of biocatalysis are discussed. J Exp Biol, 1992 Nov, 172, 179 - 92 V-ATPases in phagocytic cells; Grinstein S et al.; V-ATPases in phagocytic cells are known to mediate the acidification of most intracellular organelles . Proton-pump-mediated acidification of these organellar compartments is vital to numerous cell processes, including receptor recycling, protein processing and sorting and microbial degradation . Recent studies have suggested a role for V-ATPases in cytoplasmic pH homeostasis . The present discussion will review the current knowledge regarding the presence of V-ATPases in both the plasmalemmal and organellar membranes of phagocytic cells, the regulation of proton pump activity in these locations and the functional significance of pump-mediated proton translocation. Clin Exp Dermatol, 1992 Nov, 17(6), 463 - 5 Distal phalangeal metastasis of a chondrosarcoma presenting initially as bilateral onycholysis; Lambert D et al.; Onycholysis is the detachment of a nail plate from its distolateral attachments . There are numerous aetiologies: congenital, traumatic, microbial, toxic, dermatological, systemic and benign or malignant tumours . We report a case with onycholysis of the ring-fingers of both hands whose symmetrical and bilateral characteristics temporarily confused the diagnosis. Nutrition, 1992 Nov-Dec, 8(6), 412 - 7 Fine-bore peripheral catheters versus central venous catheters for delivery of intravenous nutrition; Kohlhardt SR et al.; We present a descriptive study of 229 consecutive inpatients requiring intravenous nutrition . These patients received either complete peripheral intravenous nutrition via a fine-bore silicone catheter (n = 80) or short Teflon catheter (n = 15) or received conventional central intravenous nutrition (n = 134) . Nutrient delivery was similar for both systems, providing 0.2-0.4 g N.kg-1 x day-1 and 0.13-0.15 mJ.kg-1 x day-1 from preparations containing 4.3 MJ/L total energy (65-75% lipid: 25-35% glucose for peripheral support and 100% glucose for central delivery) with 6 g N/L . We compared the incidence of catheter complication and the probability of catheter function over time for the peripheral and conventional central systems . Venous access complications were seen only with central venous catheterization (10.4%) . Chemical phlebitis occurred in 17% of fine-bore catheters and 91.4% of Teflon catheters . The infective phlebitis rate of fine-bore silicone catheters was 1.02% and daily risk of phlebitis 0.016%, with no instance of device-related bacteremia or sepsis . Central-line microbial contamination (21.7%) and catheter-related sepsis (3%) were significantly greater (p < 0.0005, chi 2 goodness-of-fit test) than with fine-bore silicone and Teflon catheters . The probability of complication-free function against time was similar (0.75 < p < 0.90, log-rank test) in fine-bore silicone catheters and central venous catheters . We conclude that fine-bore silicone catheters provide long-term phlebitis-free delivery of complete peripheral intravenous nutrition. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1992 Nov, 45(11), 1746 - 52 Epoxomicin, a new antitumor agent of microbial origin; Hanada M et al.; An actinomycete strain No . Q996-17 produced a novel compound, epoxomicin, which exhibited in vivo antitumor activity against B16 melanoma . Structural studies indicated that it is a new member of the epoxy-beta-aminoketone group, and is closely related to eponemycin. J Dairy Sci, 1992 Nov, 75(11), 3084 - 90 Effect of microbial inoculant on quality of alfalfa hay baled at high moisture and lamb performance; Emanuele SM et al.; The effectiveness of a microbial hay inoculant in high moisture alfalfa hay was evaluated . Alfalfa (third cutting) was baled at 72% DM without or with inoculant and at 82% DM without inoculant during yr 1 . In yr 2, alfalfa (second cutting) was baled at 75% DM without or with inoculant and at 82% DM without inoculant . Application rate of inoculant was 3.8 L/.98 tonne each year . At this application rate, 90 billion cfu were applied per .98 tonne of forage . Hays were core sampled at 0, 14, 30, and 60 d after baling to determine chemical composition . By d 30, all hays had DM content of 89% . In yr 2, 12 wether lambs were assigned to three treatments in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square . Treatments were chopped, low moisture hay plus corn; chopped, inoculated high moisture hay plus corn; and chopped, high moisture hay plus corn . All diets contained 63% alfalfa hay, 35% ground corn, and 2% minerals and vitamins . In yr 1, inoculated and low moisture hays were not different in chemical composition but were higher in CP and lower in NDF than high moisture hay . Neither NDF nor CP were different among the three hays in yr 2 . Average daily gain was not different on the three diets . The feed to gain ratio was lowest for the inoculated hay, intermediate for the low moisture hay, and highest for the high moisture hay diet . Daily gain and feed to gain ratio were not different for lambs fed the inoculated hay baled at 75% DM compared with lambs fed untreated hay baled at 82% DM. Int J Microcirc Clin Exp, 1992 Nov, 11(4), 383 - 401 Circulatory adaptation to the increased metabolism in the skin at the site of the tuberculin reaction; Abbot NC et al.; The sequence of changes at the site of a positive tuberculin test response were studied in 19 healthy young adults who had been immunised with BCG in childhood . The development of erythema preceded that of induration and both were most intense at 48-72 h . The strongest reactions showed higher laser Doppler (LD) flux at the periphery than at the center (central relative slowing) . All showed a substantial reduction in steady-state (ss) tcpO2 from 24 h onwards and the oxygen consumption rate (mlO2.kg-1.min-1), calculated from the rate of fall in tcpO2 during temporary cuff occlusion of arterial input, was raised (greater than two-fold) throughout the period of study (to 96 h) . The density of lymphocytes and macrophages in the inflammatory infiltrate in the dermis was related to the fall in tcpO2.ss and to the extent of thickening of the dermis . These experiments showed that the previously healthy dermal microcirculation can adapt to temporary increase in metabolic demands of leucocytes emigrated from the circulation into the tissue: in intense delayed hypersensitivity (DHS) reactions there is considerable hypoxia and respiratory debt, but maintenance of viability in the short-term . It is likely that similar adaptations occur in the period of establishment of microbial infection. Arch Ophthalmol, 1992 Nov, 110(11), 1559 - 62 Risks of keratitis and patterns of use with disposable contact lenses; Matthews TD et al.; Disposable soft contact lenses have been marketed as a safer alternative to conventional soft lenses . We undertook a case-control study of patients attending the casualty unit of an eye hospital to quantify the relative risk of keratitis in disposable lens wear and to establish associated patterns of use . All eligible contact lens users were identified and asked to complete a questionnaire (n=242) . Keratitis, microbial or sterile, was the most common complication in disposable lens users, occurring in 16 of 41 subjects . The relative risks for all lens types were estimated by comparison with rigid lenses (the referent) . Both extended- and daily-wear disposable lenses were associated with higher risks of keratitis than other lens types including conventional extended-wear lenses . Poor hygiene, disinfectant system failure, and lens type may all account for these statistically significant trends. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1992 Nov 1, 201(9), 1404 - 6 Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides as the cause of a subauricular abscess and mastitis in a goat; Blikslager AT et al.; A 6-year-old female goat was admitted with right-sided subauricular swelling and facial nerve paralysis . Mastitis developed subsequently . The subauricular swelling localized to a mass and was excised . Mycoplasma mycoides subsp mycoides was cultured from samples obtained from the mass and mammary gland . After clinical improvement, the goat was discharged to the owner with instructions to isolate the goat and to submit milk samples from the rest of the herd for microbial culturing . Mycoplasma spp can spread to other tissues from an initial site of infection . In goats with clinical signs similar to those of the goat of this report, samples should be obtained for microbial culture on Mycoplasma medium . Goats infected with Mycoplasma spp should be isolated or culled because of the risk of transmission to uninfected animals. Fertil Steril, 1992 Nov, 58(5), 1046 - 55 Differentiation of round cells in semen by means of monoclonal antibodies and relationship with male fertility; Eggert-Kruse W et al.; OBJECTIVE: To differentiate round cells in semen samples of subfertile men and evaluate the clinical significance during infertility investigation . PATIENTS: One hundred and eight randomly chosen couples with a median duration of infertility of 4 (range, 1 to 20) years presenting at the outpatient infertility clinic of the University of Heidelberg, Germany . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differentiation of round cells in semen by means of monoclonal antibodies (mABs) and a streptavidin-biotin system for staining . Correlation of results with medical history, outcome of clinical examination, sperm analysis, microbial screening of both partners, evaluation of sperm functional capacity in vivo by means of the postcoital test (PCT) and in vitro with the standardized crossed sperm-cervical mucus penetration test (SCMPT) and the subsequent fertility in a prospective study . RESULTS: The method used for differentiation of round cells proved to be practical and suitable for routine use . The percentage of leukocytes ranged from 0% to 58% with a median of 3% . Number of round cells and percentage of leukocytes did not differ markedly with regard to andrologic history, clinical findings, for example, varicocele, results of standard sperm analysis, and microbial colonization of semen samples . However, high rates of leukocytes of the round cells correlated with reduced sperm count and morphology and results of PCT . Leukocyte-positive (> 15% leukocytes) specimens were also significantly more frequent in case of inadequate SCMPT and reduced sperm penetration ability in vitro . CONCLUSIONS: In asymptomatic patients (in terms of genital tract infection), the majority of round cells consist of immature germ cells and < 5% are white blood cells . The streptavidin-biotin system and the mABs used in this study proved to be useful to identify patients with elevated rates of leukocytes in semen possibly reflecting subclinical genital tract infection with influence on sperm functional capacity and subsequent fertility . Thus the procedure can be recommended to be included in a comprehensive evaluation of male fertility. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol, 1992 Nov, 43(6), 543 - 7 Bioconversion of steroids by Cochliobolus lunatus--II . 11 beta-hydroxylation of 17 alpha, 21-dihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 17-acetate in dependence of the inducer structure; Undisz K et al.; The 11 beta-hydroxylase of the filamentous fungus Cochliobolus lunatus m 118 was induced with the substrate 17 alpha, 21-dihydroxypregna-1,4-diene-3,20-dione 17-acetate (11 beta-deoxyprednisolone 17-acetate) itself, substrate analogues, different pregnane compounds, sterols, intermediates of microbial sterol side-chain degradation or bile acids, together with 24 different steroids in a standardized test system . The resulting 11 beta-hydroxylation rate, leading to prednisolone 17-acetate and prednisolone, respectively, was determined and compared with the hydroxylation rate of non-induced cultures . The transformation yield strongly depended on the inducer structure . The microbial sterol side-chain degradation intermediates (20S)-20-hydroxymethylpregn-4-en-3-one and the corresponding pregna-1,4-diene compound caused the highest induction effects (induction factors 5.1 and 4.9, respectively) . The metabolism of (20S)-20-hydroxymethylpregna-1,4-dien-3-one during the cultivation was elucidated . The induction effect decreased with the rising oxidation of the inducer . The significant increase of the 11 beta-hydroxylation rate of 1-dehydro-pregnane substrates by specific induction allows alternative pathways to glucocorticoid partial syntheses. J Virol, 1992 Nov, 66(11), 6721 - 7 Coexpression of the simian immunodeficiency virus Env and Rev proteins by a recombinant human adenovirus host range mutant; Cheng SM et al.; Recombinant human adenoviruses (Ads) that replicate in the intestinal tract offer a novel, yet practical, means of immunoprophylaxis against a wide variety of viral and bacterial pathogens . For some infectious agents such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the potential for residual infectious material in vaccine preparations must be eliminated . Therefore, recombinant human Ads that express noninfectious HIV or other microbial proteins are attractive vaccine candidates . To test such an approach for HIV, we chose an experimental model of AIDS based on simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection of macaques . Our data demonstrate that the SIV Env gene products are expressed in cultured cells after infection with a recombinant Ad containing both SIV env and rev genes . An E3 deletion vector derived from a mutant of human Ad serotype 5 that efficiently replicates in both human and monkey cells was used to bypass the usual host range restriction of Ad infection . In addition, we show that the SIV rev gene is properly spliced from a single SIV subgenomic DNA fragment and that the Rev protein is expressed in recombinant Ad-SIV-infected human as well as monkey cells . The expression of SIV gene products in suitable live Ad vectors provides an excellent system for studying the regulation of SIV gene expression in cultured cells and evaluating the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of SIV proteins in macaques. Biotechnol Prog, 1992 Nov-Dec, 8(6), 514 - 20 The use of pressure to modify enzyme activity in reversed micelles; Rao AM et al.; Pressurization of enzyme-containing AOT-water-isooctane reversed micelles with low molecular weight gases leads to markedly different responses in activity characteristics . Microbial lipases exhibit a total cutoff in activity with as low a pressure as 2 MPa and a remarkable activity regain with depressurization . The observation also holds for reaction in monophasic organic solvents . The protease, alpha-chymotrypsin, is unaffected by pressurization until a critical pressure wherein micellar instability occurs . The use of pressure as a switch for lipase reaction in nonaqueous media is discussed. Enzyme Microb Technol, 1992 Nov, 14(11), 911 - 6 Resolution of 4-amino-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid methyl esters using hydrolytic enzymes; Mahmoudian M et al.; A number of esterases (EC 3.1.1.1) and lipases (EC 3.1.1.3) of microbial and mammalian origin were screened for the ability to resolve racemic 4-amino-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid methyl ester derivatives as potential intermediates in the production of carbocyclic nucleosides . Surprisingly, functionalization of the remote amino group had a profound effect on both the rate and enantioselectivity of hydrolysis of the methyl ester . 4-(Benzoylamino)-2-cyclopentenecarboxylic acid, methyl ester (V) with pig liver esterase gave the highest enantioselectivity . The residual ester, which was of the correct absolute stereochemistry {(+) 1S, 4R} for carbocyclic nucleoside synthesis, could be obtained in high optical purity . Optimization of pH, solvent type, and concentration improved the enantioselectivity of the process by a further twofold. Trends Biotechnol, 1992 Nov, 10(11), 402 - 8 Enzymatic synthesis of acrylamide: a success story not yet over; Kobayashi M et al.; The application of enzymatic transformations is attracting increasing attention . Until recently, such an approach has generally been confined to producing fine chemicals difficult to obtain through conventional chemical methods . Microbial nitrile hydratase (NHase) has now been applied to the industrial, kiloton-scale production of the important chemical commodity acrylamide . Recent progress in understanding microbial nitrile metabolism at both the gene and protein levels is permitting improvement of the acrylamide production process. Drug Metab Dispos, 1992 Nov-Dec, 20(6), 882 - 8 Microbial models of mammalian metabolism . N-dealkylation of furosemide to yield the mammalian metabolite CSA using Cunninghamella elegans; Hezari M et al.; Furosemide (Lasix), a widely used diuretic, is metabolized by the fungus Cunninghamella elegans (ATCC 36112) to 4-chloro-5-sulfamoyl anthranilic acid (CSA), a metabolite also present in mammalian systems . This metabolite was isolated following preparative-scale incubations of C . elegans, and was characterized by comparison with standard CSA using 13C-NMR, mass spectrometry (high-resolution mass spectra, electron impact mass spectra), UV, TLC, and HPLC with fluorescence detection . Because a known complication with furosemide studies is the spontaneous formation of CSA by decomposition of furosemide during incubation, extraction, and/or analysis, a time course study was conducted to determine the rate of CSA formation caused by metabolism vs . the relatively low rate of CSA formation caused by spontaneous decomposition. Pediatr Med Chir, 1992 Nov-Dec, 14(6), 571 - 5 {Role of "leukocyte adhesion molecules" in early periodontal disease}; Vierucci S; The purpose of this paper is to focus on functional characteristics of leukocyte adhesion molecules, on their localization and specific ligands . In fact, leukocyte chemotaxis and adhesion to endothelium is an essential step in promoting adequate immune response to bacterial infections . Since periodontal health is highly dependent on neutrophil function against the microbial dental plaque, defects in chemotaxis and adhesion of leukocytes to endothelium often result in severe, early onset periodontitis . Furthermore, oral lesions may be the only clinical manifestation of neutrophil impairment. Acta Cytol, 1992 Nov-Dec, 36(6), 900 - 4 Phenotypic analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage lymphocytes from acquired immunodeficiency patients with and without Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia; Guzman J et al.; A study was performed to reveal possible differences in lymphocyte subpopulations from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of acquired immunodeficiency patients with and without Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia . Forty-one consecutive human immunodeficiency virus-seropositive patients were studied . Pneumocystis carinii infection was detected in the BAL fluid from 18 patients . The BAL lymphocyte subpopulations were determined by surface marker analysis with the immunoperoxidase slide assay . No significant differences in the percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were found between the two groups . The percentage of CD57+ natural killer (NK) cells was significantly higher in the Pneumocystis carinii-negative group than in the -positive group . Since NK cells protect from microbial infections, it is conceivable that the loss of CD57+ NK cells may be one of the phenomena leading to the immunodeficiency state that underlies the pulmonary complications characteristic of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1992 Nov, 167(5), 1231 - 42 Evaluation of rapid diagnostic tests in the detection of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity; Coultrip LL et al.; OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine and compare the value of several rapid diagnostic tests in the detection of intraamniotic infection . STUDY DESIGN: Gram stain, intraamniotic glucose level determination, leukocyte esterase assay, and the Limulus amebocyte lysate assay were performed on 144 amniotic fluid specimens retrieved by transabdominal amniocentesis in 136 patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes or preterm labor . Diagnostic indices for a positive amniotic fluid culture and the development of clinical infection were calculated for each rapid test . Receiver-operator characteristic curves were generated to help select the optimal glucose level and combination of tests to detect intraamniotic infection . RESULTS: The greatest sensitivity for predicting either a positive culture or subsequent clinical infection in preterm labor patients and in predicting clinical infection in patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes was demonstrated by a low glucose level . The Gram stain provided the greatest positive predictive value in patients with preterm labor . Combining the Gram stain and measurement of intraamniotic glucose levels did not improve sensitivity above glucose alone or positive predictive value above Gram stain alone . CONCLUSION: Leukocyte esterase determination and Limulus amebocyte lysate assay are insensitive indicators of intraamniotic infection . Selection of Gram stain or glucose level measurement alone or in combination as an appropriate screen for intraamniotic infection will depend on the clinicians' false-positive rate threshold. J Chromatogr, 1992 Oct 30, 624(1-2), 195 - 209 Chromatographic methods for tetracycline analysis in foods; Barker SA et al.; The tetracyclines have served for decades as an important class of antibiotics in food animal health and production . As such, they have also been a source of concern for residue monitoring authorities around the world . In response to this concern a number of microbial inhibition, immunoassay and bacterial receptor methods have evolved for the detection of this class of compounds in various foods of animal origin . However, these methods often lack specificity and are subject to false positive and false negative results . For these reasons a number of chromatographic methods for the separation and determination of the tetracyclines isolated from foods have been developed that are capable of identifying and quantifying individual tetracycline drugs . We present here an overview of tetracycline analytical methods, including microbial inhibition, immunoassay and receptor technologies for detection, techniques for isolation from food matrices, and thin-layer chromatographic, high-performance liquid chromatographic, gas chromatographic and mass spectrometric procedures for determination of this class of compounds . A discussion of the variables involved in such methodology and a review of method criteria are offered. FEBS Lett, 1992 Oct 26, 311(3), 281 - 4 Structural relationship between lipases and peptidases of the prolyl oligopeptidase family; Polgar L; In prolyl oligopeptidase and its homologues, which constitute a new serine protease family, the order of the catalytic Ser and His residues in the amino acid sequence is the reverse of what is found in the trypsin and subtilisin families . The exact position of the third member of the catalytic triad, an Asp residue, has not yet been identified in the new family . Recent determination of the three-dimensional structures of pancreatic and microbial lipases has shown that the order of their catalytic residues is Ser, Asp, His, and this fits the order Ser, His of prolyl oligopeptidase . However, there is no sequence homology between lipases and peptidases, except for a 10-residue segment, which encompasses the essential Ser, and for the immediate vicinity of the catalytic Asp and His residues . This comparison identifies the catalytic Asp residue in the prolyl oligopeptidase family . The relative positions of the three catalytic residues in peptidases and microbial lipases were the same and this indicated structural and possibly evolutionary relationship between the two families. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1992 Oct 20, 1132(3), 290 - 6 Regulation of translation and proteolysis during the development of embryonic dorso-ventral polarity in Drosophila . Homology of easter proteinase with Limulus proclotting enzyme and translational activation of Toll receptor synthesis; Gay NJ et al.; The generation of dorso-ventral polarity during Drosophila embryogenesis is regulated by the action of 12 maternally expressed gene products, the dorsal group . These products act together to form a dorso-ventral nuclear gradient of the transcription factor dorsal . At least three of the dorsal group genes (snake, easter and gastrulation defective) encode secreted serine proteinases which probably function during early development in the perivitelline compartment of the embryo . Here, we report that the easter proteinase is homologous in its light chain sequence to the haemocyte proclotting enzyme (PCE) of the Japanese horseshoe crab Tachypleus tridentatus . PCE is the terminal member of a proteolytic cascade activated in response to microbial polysaccharides and acts to cleave coagulogen, an invertebrate equivalent of fibrinogen . On the basis of this homology we are able to predict with confidence the overall primary structure of the easter proteinase, its mode of activation and its substrate specificity . The result also suggests that easter functions zygotically in haemocytes in a Drosophila defence response analogous to that found in Tachypleus . We also show here that the Toll receptor protein is absent in early cleavage embryos but accumulates rapidly at the syncitial blastoderm stage, the developmental stage at which its function is required . This finding suggests that translation of Toll mRNA is regulated in response to fertilisation and egg deposition . These two observations are consistent with a model of dorso-ventral pattern formation in which a proteolytic cascade is activated uniformly in the perivitelline compartment of the embryo and causes the release of ventrally localised ligands of the Toll receptor . A possible alternative model in which a proteolytic cascade is activated in response to a ventrally restricted signal is also discussed. J Clin Invest, 1992 Oct, 90(4), 1558 - 67 Myasthenia gravis . CD4+ T epitopes on the embryonic gamma subunit of human muscle acetylcholine receptor; Protti MP et al.; In myasthenia gravis (MG) an autoimmune response against muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR) occurs . Embryonic muscle AChR contains a gamma subunit, substituted in adult muscle by a homologous epsilon subunit . Antibodies and CD4+ cells specific for embryonic AChR have been demonstrated in MG patients . We identified sequence segments of the human gamma subunit forming epitopes recognized by four embryonic AChR-specific CD4+ T cell lines, propagated from MG patients' blood by stimulation with synthetic peptides corresponding to the human gamma subunit sequence . Each line had an individual epitope repertoire, but two 20-residue sequence regions were recognized by three lines of different HLA haplotype . Most T epitope sequences were highly diverged between the gamma and the other AChR subunits, confirming the specificity of the T cells for embryonic AChR . These T cells may have been sensitized against AChR expressed by a tissue other than innervated skeletal muscle, possibly the thymus, which expresses an embryonic muscle AChR-like protein, containing a gamma subunit . Several sequence segments forming T epitopes are similar to regions of microbial and/or mammalian proteins unrelated to the AChR . These findings are consistent with the possibility that T cell cross-reactivity between unrelated proteins ("molecular mimicry"), proposed as a cause of autoimmune responses, is not a rare event. Math Biosci, 1992 Oct, 111(2), 295 - 313 The growth of pure and simple microbial competitors in a moving distributed medium; Kung CM et al.; The dynamics of pure and simple competition between two microbial species are examined for the case of interaction arising in a distributed and nonstagnant environment . The environment is modeled as a tubular reactor . It is shown that for relatively small values of the dispersion coefficient (i.e., for small, but nonzero, backmixing of the medium), the two competing populations can coexist in a stable steady state . It has been assumed that the species grow uninhibited and that if there are maintenance requirements they are satisfied from endogenous sources . From numerical studies it has been found that a necessary condition for coexistence is that the net specific growth rate curves of the two competitors cross each other at a positive value of the concentration of the rate-limiting substrate . The model equations have been numerically solved by using the methods of orthogonal and spline collocation. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1992 Oct, 45(10), 1626 - 32 Inhibition of acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase activity by cyclodepsipeptide antibiotics; Tomoda H et al.; The effect was studied of the fungal cyclodepsipeptide antibiotics beauvericin and seven distinct enniatins on acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) activity . In an enzyme assay using rat liver microsomes, all the compounds were found to inhibit ACAT activity . The drug concentration that caused 50% inhibition (IC50 value) of the enzyme activity was determined to be 3.0 microM for beauvericin, indicating that the compound is one of the most potent ACAT inhibitors of microbial origin . Enniatins exhibited much higher IC50 values of 22 to 110 microM . More hydrophobic enniatins showed more potent inhibitory activity . Furthermore, the ACAT inhibitory activity was evaluated as inhibition of cholesteryl ester formation in a cell assay using J774 macrophages . Calculation of the ratio, CD50 value (the drug concentration causing 50% cell damage)/IC50 value of cholesteryl ester formation, indicated that beauvericin shows the highest specificity . These data indicate that beauvericin is one of the most potent and specific ACAT inhibitors of microbial origin. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 1992 Oct, 40(10), 2749 - 52 Phenolic constituents in Erythrina x bidwilli and their activity against oral microbial organisms; Iinuma M et al.; Five flavonoid compounds, including two new isoflavanones, were isolated from the root bark of Erythrina x bidwilli . Their structures were determined to be 2,10-di(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)-3,9-dihydroxypterocarpan (erythrabyssin II), 6,8-di(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)-7,2',4'-trihydroxyisoflavanone (bidwillon A), 8-gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl-2',4'-dihydroxy-{6",6"-di-methylpyrano - (2",3":7,6)}isoflavanone (bidwillon B), 8-gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl-7,4'-dihydroxyisoflavone (8-gamma,gamma-dimethyl-allyldaidzein), and 8-gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl-5,2',4'-trihydroxy-{6",6"-dimethylpyrano+ ++- (2",3":7,6)}isoflavone (auriculatin), by means of spectroscopic analysis . Some potent activities against oral microbial organisms (Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia) were shown in these flavonoid compounds. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd, 1992 Oct, 201(4), 231 - 3 {Persistence and transient conjunctival pathogen colonization before planned intraocular interventions}; Rummelt V et al.; The risk of a postoperative endophthalmitis is influenced by the presence of a significant bacterial colonisation of the conjunctiva before intraocular surgery . Between February and August 1990 we performed conjunctival smears in 481 patients 1) on the eve of the operation and 2) just before planned intraocular surgery, to evaluate a persistent or transient microbial colonisation of the conjunctiva . 352 patients showed insignificant ("negative") and 129 patients a significant ("positive") bacterial growth in the first conjunctival smear . 96% of the patients (n = 336) had a negative result in both smears . 30% of the patients (n = 37) with a positive conjunctival smear showed a persisting bacterial colonisation, whereas 70% of the patients (n = 92) had a transient colonisation of the conjunctiva with a negative second smear . As a persisting microbial colonisation of the conjunctiva may be an important factor for the development of postoperative endophthalmitis, we recommend prophylactic conjunctival smears before surgery to diminish the risk of intraocular infections after surgery. Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 1992 Oct, 34(1-2), 127 - 38 Identification and characterization of rat intestinal lamina propria cells: consequences of microbial colonization; Woolverton CJ et al.; Germ-free (GF) animals exhibit an abnormally diminished, cell-mediated immune response which can be rapidly normalized by bacterial colonization of the intestine . This conventionalization suggests that the development and/or regulation of the immune system is dependent upon intestinal bacteria or their products . Here we consider the ontogeny of gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) immunocytes by isolating and characterizing the intestinal lamina propria cells (LPC) of GF rats responding to bacterial colonization or an irrelevant protein antigen, and compared to LPC of specific pathogen-free (SPF) rats which were conventionalized (CV) from birth . Isolation of cells was accomplished by successive EDTA washings of small intestine to remove the epithelium, and enzymatic digestion of the tissue generating single-cell suspensions . Resulting cell suspensions were characterized by monoclonal antibodies directed against leukocyte epitopes using flow cytometry . Functional characterization was measured by the tritiated thymidine proliferation assay with concanavalin A (Con A) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as co-stimulators . Germ-free and SPF rats had fewer total LPC than CV rats . Antibody staining revealed that GF rats had fewer total leukocytes than CV and SPF rats, and that CV rats had a greater percentage of T-cells and cells positive for the C3 receptor than GF rats . Co-stimulation of LPC with mitogens only increased proliferation of cells from CV rats compared to GF and SPF rats . In addition, spleen cells from CV rats demonstrated significantly enhanced proliferative responses compared to spleen cells from GF rat and were more analogous to spleen cells from SPF rats in their ability to proliferate in vitro, with and without mitogens . We conclude that T-cells and CD35-positive (C3BR+) cells are recruited and/or proliferate in response to intestinal bacteria and/or their products, and that this results in the induction of immune competency. Oncol Nurs Forum, 1992 Oct, 19(9), 1337 - 42 Management of neutropenic enterocolitis in the patient with cancer; Smith LH et al.; Neutropenic enterocolitis is a life-threatening condition often seen in patients experiencing prolonged periods of neutropenia from conditions such as leukemia and lymphoma and from aggressive chemotherapy regimens . Its exact pathologic process remains unclear; however, it has been proposed that direct cytotoxic damage occurs to the bowel mucosa with subsequent microbial invasion complicated by the lack of adequate neutrophil response . The damage may progress to bowel perforation and septic shock . Early recognition and management by healthcare team members are crucial for the improved prognosis of these individuals . Controversy continues to exist concerning management options and the timing of these interventions . This article outlines nursing and medical management of the patient with neutropenic enterocolitis. J Anim Sci, 1992 Oct, 70(10), 3238 - 47 Manipulation of amino acid supply to the growing ruminant; Merchen NR et al.; Quality of protein (indicated by amino acid {AA} composition) that enters the small intestine (SI) of growing ruminants is dictated largely by the AA composition of microbial protein . The AA supply is well-balanced and, although individual AA can be experimentally determined to be first- or second-limiting, it seems that several AA (sulfur AA, lysine, histidine, and possibly threonine, valine, and isoleucine) may be colimiting in many circumstances . Quality of the postruminal AA supply can be altered by increasing (maximizing) net microbial protein synthesis, manipulating supplemental protein source, or feeding ruminally protected AA . Defaunating the rumen increases postruminal AA supply by increasing flow of both bacterial and nonbacterial AA . Defaunation has little effect on proportions of individual AA entering the SI . Different feed proteins vary greatly in the quantity of individual AA that they supply for absorption from the SI . Most proteins are a poor source of at least one essential AA; feeding combinations of proteins may be the most practical approach to supplying AA in optimal proportions . Feeding individual ruminally protected AA can alter the profile of AA reaching the SI, but work is needed to identify dietary conditions under which use of such products will be most beneficial. J Anim Sci, 1992 Oct, 70(10), 3223 - 33 Quantification of intraruminal recycling of microbial nitrogen using nitrogen-15; Firkins JL et al.; Studies were done to derive a technique to quantify intraruminal recycling of microbial nonammonia nitrogen (NAN) . After dosing 15NH4+ into the rumen, ruminal NH3N and NAN pools were sampled over time for analyses of 15N enrichment . Compartmental analysis of both pools was used to quantify the percentage of microbial NAN that recycles in the rumen . Microbial NAN does not need to be fractionated from total NAN, assuming that only microbial NAN becomes labeled with 15N and that the ratio of microbial NAN:nonmicrobial NAN remains constant over time . Based on the data obtained from eight nonlactating cattle fed 85% corn silage diets at 1.5 to 1.0% BW, percentage of intraruminal recycling of microbial NAN was related to efficiency of bacterial protein synthesis (grams of CP/100 g of OM truly digested) in a curvilinear manner (y = 100 - .073x2) . From this function, recycling was predicted to be approximately 75% for dairy cows consuming 50:50 forage:concentrate diets at 3.5% of BW . However, more data are needed to evaluate intraruminal recycling of microbial NAN using this technique under different dietary conditions. J Anim Sci, 1992 Oct, 70(10), 2959 - 69 Comparative feeding value of supplemental fat in steam-flaked corn- and steam-flaked wheat-based finishing diets for feedlot steers; Zinn RA; One hundred thirty crossbred steers (324 kg) were used in a 121-d comparative slaughter trial to evaluate the feeding value of fat in steam-flaked corn- (SFC) or wheat- (SFW) based diets . Treatments consisted of an 88% concentrate finishing diet containing 1) SFC, no fat; 2) SFC, 6% yellow grease (YG); 3) SFC, 6% cottonseed oil soapstock (COS); 4) SFW, no fat; 5) SFW, 6% YG; and 6) SFW, 6% COS . There were no interactions (P greater than .10) between grain type and performance response to supplemental fat . Fat supplementation increased (P less than .05) ADG by 7.3% and decreased (P less than .01) DMI/gain by 10.6% . Fat supplementation decreased (P less than .05) ruminal OM digestion by 5% and net flow of microbial N to the small intestine by 14.5% but did not affect (P greater than .10) total tract digestion of OM, ADF, or starch . Substituting SFW for SFC did not influence (P greater than .10) ADG but tended (P greater than .10) to increase DMI/gain and decreased (P less than .05) the NEm and NEg of the diet by 3.4 and 4.3%, respectively . Ruminal OM digestion was similar (P greater than .10) for SFC and SFW . Flow of microbial N to the small intestine was 12% greater (P less than .05) with SFW . Total tract digestibilities of OM and starch were similar (P greater than .10) for both grains . However, ADF digestion was lower (34%, P less than .01) with SFW . It is concluded that the feeding value of supplemental fat is similar for wheat- and corn-based finishing diets . The performance response to supplemental YG and COS was similar . The NEm and NEg values of YG were 6.35 and 4.93 Mcal/kg, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for COS were 5.69 and 4.60 Mcal/kg . Supplementation of growing-finishing diets with up to 6% (.45 kilograms/day) of fat did not directly influence body composition . The NE value of SFW was approximately 96% of the value of SFC. CLAO J, 1992 Oct, 18(4), 232 - 6 A European fitting philosophy for aspheric, high-Dk RGP contact lenses; Kok JH; Microbial keratitis, the most serious complication of contact lens wear, is most frequently associated with soft contact lenses . Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens wearers are less often affected . Increased use of high-Dk RGP lenses could reduce the number of cases of microbial keratitis . In Europe, aspheric high-Dk RGP lenses are very popular . This article presents practical guidelines for computer-aided fitting of aspheric RGP lenses . Base curve selection using the keratometer to determine the corneal topography is described . This method, which is inexpensive and time-saving, is suitable for fitting cosmetic contact lenses or lenses used in treating such corneal pathology as keratoconus. J Vet Med Sci, 1992 Oct, 54(5), 891 - 5 Experimental Tonsillophilus suis granuloma in rats and guinea pigs; Murakami S et al.; Rats and guinea pigs were experimentally infected by intradermal and intraperitoneal inoculation of T . suis . These animals were observed for pathologic changes at various stages . Macroscopic observation disclosed visible grayish white soft nodules at the injection site in those inoculated intradermally and many grayish white nodules in the peritoneum of those inoculated intraperitoneally . Histopathological examination revealed the presence of characteristic microbial elements in the centre of the lesions . Various stages of the lesions were recognized; the early stage being abscess, the advanced stage being pus-forming granuloma and the final stage being residual granuloma . The microbial elements were composed of spores, thalli and multilocular tubers . Clubs were formed around microbial elements in rats inoculated intradermally and in guinea pigs inoculated intraperitoneally . The characteristic T . suis lesions in pigs were reproduced by experimental infection of this organisms in rats and guinea pigs, and thus the pathogenicity of T . suis was confirmed. Cancer Res, 1992 Oct 1, 52(19), 5353 - 8 Differential inhibition of the epidermal growth factor-, platelet-derived growth factor-, and protein kinase C-mediated signal transduction pathways by the staurosporine derivative CGP 41251; Andrejauskas-Buchdunger E et al.; The microbial alkaloid staurosporine is a potent but nonselective inhibitor of protein kinases . The derivative CGP 41251 has been shown to exert a high degree of selectivity for inhibition of protein kinase C activity . Both compounds are powerful inhibitors of proliferation of both normal and transformed cells in vitro and exert antitumor efficacy in vivo . In this work we have studied the mode of action of these compounds by analyzing their effects on early events in the induction of proliferation by different growth stimuli . Both drugs blocked the phorbol ester-induced expression of the c-fos proto-oncogene . The effect of CGP 41251 was reversible, since its removal led to a normal expression of c-fos mRNA in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate . Submicromolar concentrations of CGP 41251 and staurosporine directly inhibited both the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor autophosphorylation and the c-fos mRNA expression induced by PDGF stimulation of intact BALB/c 3T3 cells . In contrast, ligand-induced epidermal growth factor receptor autokinase activity in A431 carcinoma cells and epidermal growth factor-dependent c-fos mRNA expression were relatively insensitive to inhibition by CGP 41251 . Staurosporine suppressed signal generation by the epidermal growth factor receptor by reducing overall levels of the receptor . We conclude that CGP 41251 is a potent reversible inhibitor of protein kinase C and PDGF-mediated signal transduction . It inhibits the kinase activity of both protein kinase C and the PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase and the subsequent signaling cascade . The broad inhibition of kinases by staurosporine is also reflected at the cellular level and might contribute to the high toxicity of this compound, in comparison to CGP 41251. Mol Ecol, 1992 Oct, 1(3), 175 - 81 The nodular endophytes of Coriaria spp . form a distinct lineage within the genus Frankia; Nick G et al.; Repeated attempts at isolating the Frankia endophyte of Coriaria spp . have not yielded infective microbial cultures that could fulfil Koch's postulates . In order to circumvent the critical isolation step, nodule endophytes of Coriaria were characterized directly by means of specific amplification of nodule DNA (PCR) followed by sequencing of part of the 16S rDNA gene . Three closely related sequences were obtained from nodules originating from France, Mexico and New Zealand, containing unique sequences different from all other Frankia strains characterized so far . The sequences obtained were closest (with 5 or 6 substitutions) to those of Frankia alni and those of Casuarina-infective Frankia strains, respectively . Two nucleotides unique to the Coriaria endophyte sequences were used to define specific primers, resulting in a hybridization test that could discriminate between Frankia DNAs originating from Coriaria nodules and those recovered from all cultured Frankia strains tested . The endophytes of Coriaria thus appear to form a distinct Frankia lineage. Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin, 1992 Oct, 10(8), 462 - 5 {Annual cost of microbial immunological tests for HIV-positive individuals in a hospital center}; Maroto MC et al.; The goal of this study is to increase the knowledge of the AIDS cost in a hospital . We have studied the HIV patients diagnosed during a year in our hospital and the charges of the serological tests performed to them . 20.8% of the tests were to study antibodies against HIV (only 20% were positive) . After patient distribution between extra or intrahospital origin, we highlight that 61% of the charges are attributed to patients who do not belong to the hospital but to its catchment area . We emphasize the problem that AIDS patients are creating to hospital, being necessary that personal select only useful tests honestly. Kidney Int Suppl, 1992 Oct, 38, S68 - 77 Interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor and their naturally occurring antagonists during hemodialysis; Dinarello CA; Cytokines are polypeptides which possess various biological properties affecting host defense function and response to disease . Two cytokines, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) induce fever, hypotension and inflammation when injected into animals or human subjects . In humans injected with either IL-1 or TNF, sleepiness, generalized myalgias and headache are commonly reported . Therefore, the production of IL-1 and TNF as a consequence of hemodialysis was hypothesized to explain, in part, the signs and symptoms of the dialysis patient . Laboratory studies confirmed that the activation of complement and the passage of microbial products from the dialysate into the blood compartment induces the synthesis of IL-1 and TNF . Although elevated production of IL-1 and TNF in the mononuclear cells and in the circulation of patients during and after hemodialysis have been reported, these levels have not been a consistent finding and are low compared to the amount of dialysis related symptoms . Recent studies, however, demonstrate that IL-1 and TNF have naturally occurring antagonists which specifically block the biological activities of these two cytokines . The IL-1 receptor antagonist blocks IL-1 binding to cells but has no IL-1 activity of itself . Soluble TNF receptors prevent TNF from binding to its cellular receptors and hence serve as anti-TNF mechanisms . These inhibitors are currently in clinical trials for sepsis where efficacy has been demonstrated; however, the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR) are likely candidates for use in dialysis patients with symptomatic hypotension . Although levels of IL-1Ra and sTNFR are elevated in patients on HD, these levels reflect the host response to inflammation . It is unclear whether acute or chronic administration of IL-1Ra or sTNFR will be beneficial in treating some of the acute or chronic changes seen in dialysis patients. J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 1992 Oct, 263(1), 241 - 5 Pharmacological profile of HS-142-1, a novel nonpeptide atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) antagonist of microbial origin . II . Restoration by HS-142-1 of ANP-induced inhibition of aldosterone production in adrenal glomerulosa cells; Oda S et al.; Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is known to inhibit the aldosterone production by adrenal glomerulosa cells stimulated by angiotensin II . However, the mechanism of the inhibitory action is still somewhat uncertain . In this study we used HS-142-1, a novel nonpeptide antagonist for ANP receptor, to examine the role of cyclic GMP in the inhibition of aldosterone production by ANP . Aldosterone production by isolated bovine adrenal glomerulosa cells was stimulated by angiotensin II at a concentration of 10(-8) M . The angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone production was inhibited by rat ANP in a dose-dependent manner at concentrations ranging from 10(-9) to 10(-7) M . HS-142-1, at concentrations of 0.1 to 100 micrograms/ml, reversed the inhibition by ANP of the angiotensin II-stimulated aldosterone production . On the other hand, intracellular concentration of cyclic GMP increased rapidly as early as 1 min after the exposure of the cells to 10(-8) M ANP in the presence of angiotensin II . This increase of intracellular cyclic GMP level was again reduced by HS-142-1 at concentrations similar to those that reversed the inhibition by ANP of the aldosterone production . These results suggest that ANP inhibits the aldosterone production through a guanylyl cyclase-coupled pathway in adrenal glomerulosa cells. Crit Care Nurse, 1992 Oct, 12(7), 64 - 71 Pneumocystosis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Timby BK; Nurses need to be aware that pneumocystosis is one of the most common and lethal opportunistic infections among AIDS patients . They are extremely susceptible because HIV impairs physiological mechanisms for microbial defense . Patients exhibit only minor symptomatology while the unchecked P carinii organisms accumulate and replicate . Eventually as the sporozoans create a physical barrier between the alveolar-capillary membranes, ventilation becomes impaired and severe hypoxemia develops . Early clinical and diagnostic studies mimic the findings characteristic of ARDS . Unless correct staining techniques are used on sputum specimens, the organism often escapes identification . Thus, the diagnosis and specific treatment of PCP is often delayed . While supporting ventilation, the treatment of choice is administration of antimetabolite drugs, either trimethoprim-sulfame-thoxazole or pentamidine isethionate . The search for more effective, as well as safer, treatment of PCP continues . Life-threatening nursing diagnoses such as impaired gas exchange urgently require priority attention . Besides physical care, the severe hypoxemia demands nursing approaches to help the critically ill patient deal with fear and powerlessness . The nurse also assumes a surrogate role to patients abandoned by family and friends . The psychosocial aspects of nursing care require enormous skill and finesse, because the blood and respiratory isolation precautions can communicate mixed messages to lonely, frightened patients. Res Microbiol, 1992 Oct, 143(8), 785 - 90 A one-step microbial DNA extraction method using "Chelex 100" suitable for gene amplification; de Lamballerie X et al.; "Chelex 100" chelating resin has been previously proposed for the rapid extraction of human DNA for polymerase chain reaction . Protocols are given for the rapid extraction of bacterial and viral DNA from cultures or clinical samples . The DNA samples obtained were suitable for use in polymerase chain reaction. Adv Colloid Interface Sci, 1992 Sep 28, 41, 101 - 25 Nonlamellar phases formed by membrane lipids; Lindblom G et al.; A brief review of membrane lipids forming cubic and reversed hexagonal phases is presented . An emphasis is made on anionic lipids and particular microbial lipids. Biochem J, 1992 Sep 15, 286 ( Pt 3), 923 - 7 Modification of vertebrate and algal prolyl 4-hydroxylases and vertebrate lysyl hydroxylase by diethyl pyrocarbonate . Evidence for histidine residues in the catalytic site of 2-oxoglutarate-coupled dioxygenases; Myllyla R et al.; A search for conserved amino acid residues within the cDNA-derived amino acid sequences of 2-oxoglutarate-coupled dioxygenases revealed the presence of two distinct motifs, spaced 49-71 amino acids apart, toward the C-terminal regions of these proteins . Each of the two common motifs contains an invariant histidine residue at a conserved position . The 2-oxoglutarate-coupled dioxygenases function in diverse processes, including the post-translational hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues in vertebrate collagens and the biosynthesis of microbial cephalosporins, yet they have a common reaction mechanisms, which requires the binding of Fe2+, 2-oxoglutarate, O2 and ascorbate at the catalytic site . The two regions of homology, and specifically the identical histidines, potentially represent functionally important sites related to their catalytic activity . Modification of histidine residues by diethyl pyrocarbonate inactivated vertebrate and algal prolyl 4-hydroxylase and vertebrate lysyl hydroxylase, indicating that histidine residues function in the catalytic site of these 2-oxoglutarate-coupled dioxygenases . Inactivation was prevented by the presence of co-substrates, but not by the peptide substrate . It is proposed that the histidine residues in the conserved motifs may function as Fe(2+)-binding ligands. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol, 1992 Sep-Oct, 11(5-6), 247 - 63 Ecotoxicological testing: small is reliable; Cairns J Jr et al.; The focus of environmental regulations has changed significantly since the introduction of the bioassay as a standard means of assessing environmental impact . Prominent in this change is an increasing emphasis on protecting the integrity of natural ecosystems, which incorporate community- and system-level properties as well as organismal and population processes . Consequently, support for the use of multispecies testing has widened to include not only ecologists in academia but environmental scientists in the regulatory and industrial sector as well . The reason for this trend is clear: the additional environmental realism gained from tests utilizing communities of organisms allows for greater insight into the potential hazard of chemicals and other forms of human activity to natural ecosystems that cannot be obtained from single species tests alone . Many of the problems cited for multispecies testing early in their evolution as a hazard assessment tool have been refuted or overcome . In particular, the use of natural microbial communities minimizes several shortcomings typically associated with multispecies toxicity testing . This article includes the utility of microcosm and mesocosm tests using aquatic microbial communities as hazard assessment tools in conjunction with accumulating information on their performance in toxicity testing protocols . An increasing body of experimental evidence supports an expansion in the use of these tests for a variety of regulatory and research purposes . A shift in research focus is needed, however, to answer remaining questions and further refine standard protocols for these valuable ecotoxicological tools. Mol Cell Biol, 1992 Sep, 12(9), 3827 - 33 Isolation of a gene required for programmed initiation of development by Aspergillus nidulans; Adams TH et al.; In contrast to many other cases in microbial development, Aspergillus nidulans conidiophore production initiates primarily as a programmed part of the life cycle rather than as a response to nutrient deprivation . Mutations in the acoD locus result in "fluffy" colonies that appear to grow faster than the wild type and proliferate as undifferentiated masses of vegetative cells . We show that unlike wild-type strains, acoD deletion mutants are unable to make conidiophores under optimal growth conditions but can be induced to conidiate when growth is nutritionally limited . The requirement for acoD in conidiophore development occurs prior to activation of brlA, a primary regulator of development . The acoD transcript is present both in vegetative hyphae prior to developmental induction and in developing cultures . However, the effects of acoD mutations are detectable only after developmental induction . We propose that acoD activity is primarily controlled at the posttranscriptional level and that it is required to direct developmentally specific changes that bring about growth inhibition and activation of brlA expression to result in conidiophore development. J Cell Physiol, 1992 Sep, 152(3), 646 - 53 Reversible G1 arrest of a human lung epithelial cell line by staurosporine; Lin Y et al.; Staurosporine, a microbial-derived protein kinase inhibitor, reversibly blocked non-synchronized, replicating cultures of the human lung epithelial cell line EKVX in the G1 phase of cell cycle and inhibited DNA synthesis and cell replication . The mechanism of this cell-cycle arrest in EKVX cells by staurosporine was likely due to inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) because: 1) dose-dependent inhibition of DNA synthesis occurred at levels of staurosporine that inhibit phosphorylation of PKC substrate, 2) inhibition of DNA synthesis was also seen after treatment with another PKC inhibitor H7, but not by the chemically similar HA1004, which has a relative inhibitory specificity for cAMP-dependent protein kinase, and 3) the DNA synthesis was not inhibited by specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors Genistein and Lavendustin A at concentrations that inhibit tyrosine kinase activity . Removal of staurosporine from cell culture media resulted in a rebound in PKC activity and synchronized DNA synthesis in EKVX cultures . The reversibility of the inhibition was noted even after 5 days of treatment with staurosporine, and DNA synthesis remained synchronized for at least two rounds of cell replication after removal of staurosporine . Flow cytometric analysis confirmed that more than 90% of the cell population was blocked in the G1 phase after cells were treated with staurosporine for 24 h . Agents such as staurosporine may be useful for synchronizing cell populations to study cell-cycle specific biochemical events important for the regulation of cell replication in the EKVX cell line. Int J Food Microbiol, 1992 Sep, 17(1), 37 - 45 Inhibition of PCR by components of food samples, microbial diagnostic assays and DNA-extraction solutions; Rossen L et al.; We have tested the influence on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of a large number of compounds found in food, in media used for selective propagation of food-borne pathogens or in DNA-extraction methods . PCR was found to be sensitive to large volumes of complex food samples containing high amounts of fat and protein, however, an extraction procedure based on treatment with hot NaOH/SDS reduced the effect significantly . Some culture media (Fraser, MLEB, MRB and Rappaport) interfered with the analysis and for most of the media it was possible to assign the inhibitory effect to one or more individual components . Several compounds (detergents, lysozyme, NaOH, alcohols, EDGA, EGTA) used in DNA extraction procedures were found to have some inhibitory effect . The inhibitory effects need to be taken into consideration when designing new tests. Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg, 1992 Sep-Oct, 86(5), 517 - 9 Determination of anti-giardial activity in vitro by means of soluble formazan production; Wright CW et al.; A new microplate assay for the determination of activity in vitro against Giardia intestinalis has been developed in which viability is measured by soluble formazan production from a tetrazolium reagent . Metabolic reduction of the latter gives rise to a coloured product which may be determined directly by optical density measurement . Using this method the anti-giardial activities of more than 20 anti-microbial compounds have been assessed . The results obtained with a number of known anti-giardial agents, including metronidazole (50% inhibitory concentration {IC50} = 2.98 microM) and furazolidone (IC50 = 4.14 microM), compare well with previously published data; mepacrine, however, was found to produce a biphasic dose-response curve from which two IC50 values (0.816 and 6.83 microM) were obtained . This method provides a convenient means by which the search for new anti-giardial agents may be facilitated. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol, 1992 Sep-Oct, 28(5), 694 - 7 {Sorption of enzymes on ion exchange resins of various structure}; Rudometova NV et al.; The isothermic adsorption of microbial and animal enzymes on carboxyl and sulpha-cation exchange resins was studied . The adsorption isotherms are curves with a maximum . The adsorption of alpha-amylase was studied in the presence of organic solvents . It was found that organic solvents influenced the isothermic adsorption of alpha-amylase, which is associated with changes in the interactions between protein molecules in solution . The adsorption system was in equilibrium in all the cases. Biofizika, 1992 Sep-Oct, 37(5), 900 - 9 {Conservativeness of residues in nonpolar nuclei of microbial ribonucleases}; Il'in VA et al.; We present the application of a new method for analysis of nonpolar structure of proteins . A detailed analysis of the composition and properties of nonpolar nuclei and microclusters of microbial ribonucleases with known sequence have been carried out on the basis of 3D-structure of RNase Pbi and that of RNase Ti . It has been shown that all residues in nonpolar nuclei have high homology, about 95% for proteins with an identical scheme of S-S bridges and about 75% for nonidentical scheme of S-S bridges . The stability of nonpolar nuclei, conservation of their composition and their position in the protein globule allows one to assume that they play an important functional role in protein structure and possibly can be considered as independent structural elements of 3D-structure of a protein. Immunol Today, 1992 Sep, 13(9), 345 - 8 The role of hsp90 in fungal infection; Matthews R et al.; The immunodominant antigens of many microbial pathogens are heat shock proteins (hsps) . In systemic candidal infections, a major target of protective antibody is an epitope shared with human hsp90 . Here, Ruth Matthews and James Burnie suggest that fungal hsp90 plays a key pathogenic role in systemic infection by either binding to certain serum proteins, causing them to malfunction, or by mimicking the functional activity of other proteins. J Dairy Sci, 1992 Sep, 75(9), 2517 - 23 Effects of lasalocid and undegradable protein on growth and body composition of Holstein heifers; Steen TM et al.; Effects of lasalocid (0 or 200 mg/d per head) and undegradable intake protein (32 vs . 42% of CP in concentrate) on growth and body composition were evaluated using 32 Holstein heifers (253 kg initial BW, SE = 4) . Heifers were housed in an open barn in eight pens of 4 heifers and fed 12.7 kg per pen daily of experimental concentrate with medium quality fescue hay for ad libitum consumption for 12 28-d periods . Body measurements were taken every 28 d; ultrasonic fat and muscle depths at the 13th rib, empty body fat, and protein were measured every 84 d . Heart girth and fat and muscle depth at the 13th rib increased when lasalocid and undegradable protein were fed individually, but not in combination . Rates of average daily gain and feed efficiency were not increased significantly when lasalocid and undegradable protein were fed . Data suggest that the combination of lasalocid and undegradable protein may have impaired microbial protein synthesis in the rumen, thereby influencing changes in body composition. J Dairy Sci, 1992 Sep, 75(9), 2447 - 53 In vivo degradation of protein in diets formulated for two degradabilities; Seymour WM et al.; In vivo protein degradability of two basal diets and bacterial protein synthesis were determined in four lactating dairy cows equipped with ruminal and duodenal cannulas . The diets contained corn silage, high moisture corn, and either soybean meal or a 60:40 mixture of soybean meal and corn gluten meal . Diets had calculated ruminal protein degradabilities of 69.3 and 62.3%, respectively . Both diets contained approximately 14% CP and 21% ADF . Duodenal flows of total N, total protein N, microbial N, and duodenal recovery of ingested N tended to be higher for the soybean meal and corn gluten meal diet; ruminally degraded CP was significantly lower than for the soybean meal diet . Ruminal ammonia and plasma urea concentrations tended to be higher for the soybean meal diet, as were molar percentages of butyrate and valerate . Ruminal and total tract apparent digestibilities of CP and OM were not significantly different between diets . Ruminal degradation of protein in the two diets differed by the amount predicted by the NRC system for lactating cows, although absolute values were lower than most previous estimates for similar diets. J Clin Periodontol, 1992 Sep, 19(8), 595 - 600 Clinical effects of simultaneous ultrasonic scaling and subgingival irrigation with chlorhexidine . Mediating influence of periodontal probing depth; Reynolds MA et al.; The clinical and microbial effects of a single episode of simultaneous ultrasonic scaling and subgingival irrigation with chlorhexidine (CHX) were studied as a function of clinical probing depth in patients with adult periodontitis . 60 patients were randomly assigned to receive subgingival irrigation under cavitation with either sterile water or 0.12% CHX delivered through the tip of an ultrasonically activated scaler as part of initial periodontal therapy in a double-blind study design . 3 periodontal sites were randomly selected for examination from each patient on the basis of clinical probing depth, with 1 site being selected within each of the following ranges: 1-3 mm, 4-6 mm, and 7-9 mm . Pretreatment and post-treatment (days 14 and 28) clinical assessments included a plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and clinical probing depth (CPD) . Subgingival specimens also were collected from 1-3 mm and 4-6 mm sites on a random subset of patients (15 per group) . Plaque counts of spirochetes and motile organisms were made by darkfield