EMBO J, 1991 Feb, 10(2), 467 - 76 The peptide antibiotic microcin B17 induces double-strand cleavage of DNA mediated by E . coli DNA gyrase; Vizan JL et al.; Microcin B17 (MccB17) is a bactericidal peptide antibiotic which inhibits DNA replication . Two Escherichia coli MccB17 resistant mutants were isolated and the mutations were shown to map to 83 min of the genetic map . Cloning of the mutations and Tn5 insertional analysis demonstrated that they were located inside gyrB . The approximate location of the mutations within gyrB was determined by constructing hybrid genes, as a previous step to sequencing . Both mutations were shown to consist of a single AT----GC transition at position 2251 of the gene, which produces a Trp751----Arg substitution in the amino acid sequence of the GyrB polypeptide . The inhibitory effect of MccB17 on replicative cell-free extracts was assayed . In this in vitro system, interaction of MccB17 with a component of the extracts induced double-strand cleavage of plasmid DNA . In vivo treatment with MccB17 also induced a well-defined cleavage pattern on chromosomal DNA . These effects were not observed with a MccB17-resistant, gyrB mutant . Altogether, our results indicate that MccB17 blocks DNA gyrase by trapping an enzyme-DNA cleavable complex . Thus, the mode of action of this peptide antibiotic resembles that of quinolones and a variety of antitumour drugs currently used in cancer chemotherapy . MccB17 is the first peptide shown to inhibit a type II DNA topoisomerase. J Med Microbiol, 1991 Feb, 34(2), 113 - 8 Growth of Legionella spp . under conditions of iron restriction; Goldoni P et al.; The growth inhibiting activity of transferrins, citrate, 2-2' dipyridyl and desferrioxamine methanesulphonate towards Legionella spp . and their serogroups was investigated . The inhibitory activity of all these compounds depended upon the iron-free state of the molecules and was abolished by saturation with iron . No bactericidal effect by transferrins was observed at concentrations up to four times the minimal bacteriostatic concentration . No interaction of transferrins with the legionella cell surface was detected by direct or indirect fluorescence assay, or by dialysis culture experiments in which transferrin was separated from the bacterial cells . The demonstration of a siderophore-like activity in supernates of iron-deficient legionella cultures may account for the ability of Legionella spp . to multiply in conditions of iron restriction. Blood, 1991 Jan 15, 77(2), 393 - 9 Neutrophil function and pyogenic infections in bone marrow transplant recipients; Zimmerli W et al.; In a consecutive entry trial, the incidence and time course of decreased neutrophil function was assessed in 20 patients treated with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) . The aim of the study was to assess the prognostic value of low neutrophil function for late pyogenic infections . Chemotaxis, superoxide production, and phagocytic-bactericidal activity were studied before and 2, 6, 9, and 12 months after BMT . Skin window migration was quantitatively assessed 2 months after BMT . Infectious complications were recorded prospectively with preset criteria during 1 year . Six of the 20 leukemic patients had defective neutrophil function before BMT . Two months after BMT all 10 patients with greater than stage II graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and 6 of 10 patients with less than or equal to stage II GVHD had at least one decreased function . At this time, patients with subsequent pyogenic infections had lower chemotaxis (P less than .05), phagocytic-bactericidal activity (P less than .005), and superoxide production (P less than .025) than those without . Defective skin window migration and combined defects were predictive for late pyogenic infections . At 9 months all tests were normal in seven patients surviving without GVHD . In contrast, at 9 months three of three patients, and at 1 year two of three with chronic GVHD had still decreased neutrophil function . In conclusion, neutrophil function is frequently impaired during the first months after BMT . Combined neutrophil defects predispose to pyogenic infections and indicate the patient at risk. Free Radic Res Commun, 1991, 12-13 Pt 2, 479 - 88 Bactericidal activity of catecholamine copper complexes; Aronovitch J et al.; Washed or growing E . coli cells are killed by epinephrine, norepinephrine or dopamine in the presence of non lethal concentrations of Cu(II) . Killing is enhanced by anoxia and by sublethal concentrations of H2O2 . The rate of killing is proportional to the rate of catecholamine oxidation . The copper epinephrine complex binds to E . coli cells, induces membrane damage and depletion of the cellular ATP pool . The cells may be partially protected by SOD or catalase but not by OH radical scavengers . Addition of H2O2 to cells which were sensitized by preincubation with the epinephrine-copper complex, causes rapid killing and DNA degradation . Sensitized cells are not protected by BSA. Fiziol Zh, 1991 Jan-Feb, 37(1), 94 - 9 {Experimental studies of the effect of Rhabdovirus infection on hematological, immunological and biochemical indicators in cold-blooded animals}; Temnikhanov IuD et al.; Bactericidal activity of blood serum (BABC), content of lysozyme, protein in it were recorded as well as formula and form of erythrocytes, activity of digestive enzymes by results of free amino acid accumulation in the food substrate were determined ten days after rhabdovirus injection to one-year-old carp . It is shown that if there are no clinical symptoms of viremia in carps, BABC, relative number of stab neutrophils and the value of eccentricity index in erythrocytes increase . Simultaneously stimulation of the activity of digestive enzymes and formation of free amino acids in chyme whose content is higher than that in the intact fish are observed in such fish . Free amino acids are discussed for expediency to be used as an additive to the folder for increasing resistivity of fish to infections. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1991 Jan, 27(1), 127 - 36 Bactericidal effects of amoxycillin/clavulanic acid against a Legionella pneumophila pneumonia in the weanling rat; Smith GM et al.; Amoxycillin/clavulanic acid and clavulanic acid have been previously reported to demonstrate bactericidal activity in tissue culture studies against intracellular Legionella pneumophila . A rat model of legionellosis was therefore developed for the purpose of assessing the efficacy of these agents against L . pneumophila in vivo . Therapy by the subcutaneous route was started 12 h after infection when the majority of the bacteria observed in lavage fluid were residing in alveolar macrophages . Treatment with amoxycillin was ineffective in reducing the bacterial counts of L . pneumophila in lung homogenates whereas amoxycillin/clavulanic acid displayed bactericidal effects of the same order as the control antibiotic, erythromycin . Further in-vivo studies are planned to assess the clinical relevance of these findings. Pediatriia, 1991, (3), 47 - 52 {T-activin in multimodal treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus in children}; Kartasheva VI et al.; The efficacy of taktivin was examined by comparison of the time-course of changes in cellular immunity, the course of the underlying disease and the incidence of infectious complications in two groups of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) . The first group included 49 patients aged 8 to 15 years receiving taktivin, the second one 34 children of the same age not given immunomodulatory therapy . The morphofunctional status of the thymus was studied in 9 cases on autopsy . The prolonged treatment with taktivin (for 4 weeks and over) resulted in an increase of the number of patients with the improved health status and reduction of SLE activity, in a rise of the content of serum thymic factor, activation of the processes of T lymphocyte differentiation, in an increase of the lymphocyte count in patients with secondary infection, activation of phagocytosis, rise of bactericidal activity of the serum, which entailed the elimination and prevention of the development of secondary infectious complications . Taktivin promotes the normalization of the thymic structure and exerts a replacement effect. Am J Vet Res, 1991 Jan, 52(1), 169 - 73 In vitro and in vivo evaluation of effects of a heptanoyl tripeptide, FK-565, on porcine macrophage and lymphocyte function; Chitko CG et al.; A series of experiments was performed in vitro and in vivo to determine the influence of FK-565, a heptanoyl tripeptide, on lymphocyte and macrophage function in swine . Compared with values for control cultures, mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte blastogenesis and interleukin-2 production were unaffected in cells preincubated with 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 micrograms of FK-565/ml . Natural killer cell activity was increased by preincubation with 1.0 microgram of FK-565/ml; however, this increase was not statistically significant . In vitro treatment of porcine alveolar macrophages with FK-565 did not enhance cytolytic activity or bactericidal activity . In in vivo experiments, FK-565 given orally to pigs at concentrations of 6 or 60 micrograms.kg-1.d-1 for 5 days did not affect lymphocyte blastogenesis, interleukin-2 production, or alveolar macrophage bactericidal activity . A trend toward increased natural killer cell activity was evident in pigs treated with FK-565 . In contrast, pigs treated with 6 micrograms.kg-1.d-1 had significantly (P less than 0.01) decreased alveolar macrophage cytolytic activity . These data indicate that at the dosages tested, FK-565 is not a suitable immunomodulator for enhancement of nonspecific immunity in swine. Infect Immun, 1991 Jan, 59(1), 216 - 21 Cooperative complement- and bacterial lectin-initiated bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Kurashima C et al.; The recognition of glycoconjugate receptors on sialidase-treated polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) by the Gal/GalNAc-reactive fimbrial lectin of Actinomyces viscosus T14V has previously been shown to initiate lactose-inhibitable phagocytosis and subsequent killing of the bacteria . Although a mutant lacking fimbriae, A . viscosus 147, was not destroyed by this mechanism, the present studies demonstrate that the deposition of C3 fragments on this bacterium by anti-A . viscosus 147 immunoglobulin M (IgM) prior to incubation with either untreated or sialidase-treated PMNs correlated with a reduction in viability of approximately 2 log10 . This bactericidal activity was unaffected by lactose . A similar decrease in viability was observed following the addition of untreated PMNs to A . viscosus T14V preincubated with anti-A . viscosus 147 IgM and complement, conditions favorable for C3- but not lectin-mediated bactericidal activity . Neither IgM nor complement alone was opsonic for either strain, and individually they did not alter killing of A . viscosus T14V by sialidase-treated PMNs or inhibition of this bactericidal activity by lactose . The number of viable A . viscosus T14V cells was decreased by approximately 3.5 log10 when the bacteria were incubated with IgM and complement prior to the addition of sialidase-treated PMNs, and lactose only partially inhibited this response . Thus, the PMN-dependent bactericidal activity initiated by the participation of both the actinomyces lectin and complement was significantly greater than that achieved by either ligand alone. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl, 1991, 185, 1 - 6 The mode of action of colloidal bismuth subcitrate; Lee SP; Colloidal bismuth subcitrate (CBS) is very effective in the treatment of gastroduodenal disorders and appears to act via several mechanisms . It has little acid-neutralizing effect and does not affect acid secretion . It is uncertain whether CBS affects pepsin secretion, but it does inhibit peptic activity . It causes an increase in mucus glycoprotein secretion and may also bind to the gastric mucus layer to act as a diffusion barrier to HCl . CBS accelerates ulcer healing and causes an accumulation of epidermal growth factor around the ulcer . In addition, it has a cytoprotective effect and increases mucosal secretion of prostaglandins and bicarbonate . CBS has bactericidal effects against Helicobacter pylori (which is associated with gastritis and peptic ulcers) . It also prevents adhesion of H . pylori to epithelial cells and can inhibit enzymes secreted by H . pylori, such as proteases, lipases, glycosidases, and phospholipases. Am J Nephrol, 1991, 11(2), 102 - 11 Impaired phagocytosis in dialysis patients: studies on mechanisms; Alexiewicz JM et al.; Dialysis patients have increased susceptibility to infection and this is, in part, due to impaired phagocytic and bactericidal activities of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) . The mechanisms responsible for the reduced phagocytosis are not known . Dialysis patients have elevated blood levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), and available data indicate that PMNL is a target cell for PTH . Chronic exposure to excess PTH may cause accumulation of calcium in PMNL which in turn could adversely affect cellular events leading to their dysfunction . We studied phagocytosis, resting levels of cytosolic calcium {( Ca2+}i), ATP content and the rise in {Ca2+}i in response to ligation of Fc gamma RIII receptors with 3G8 monoclonal antibody in PMNL from 37 dialysis patients and 48 normal subjects . The PMNL from the dialysis patients displayed impaired phagocytosis, elevated resting levels of {Ca2+}i, decreased ATP content and a smaller rise in {Ca2+}i in response to various doses of 3G8 monoclonal antibody as compared to values obtained in PMNL of normal subjects . Our results suggest that derangements in cellular metabolism and possibly an abnormality in Fc gamma RIII interaction with antibody and/or the consequences of such interaction are responsible, at least in part, for the impaired phagocytosis of PMNL of dialysis patients . Our data are consistent with the notion that excess PTH may play an important role in the processes leading to impaired phagocytosis. Acta Leprol, 1991, 7(4), 321 - 6 Ofloxacin for the treatment of leprosy; Ji B et al.; Among the major commercially available fluoroquinolones, ciprofloxacin was inactive against M . leprae in mice; pefloxacin was active, 50 mg/kg daily showed bacteriostatic activity but 150 mg/kg daily displayed bactericidal activity; ofloxacin was more active than pefloxacin, 50 mg/kg daily exerted the same level of bactericidal effect as pefloxacin 150 mg/kg daily, and ofloxacin 150 mg/kg displayed profound killing activity . Two clinical trials with 6 months of pefloxacin and/or ofloxacin in 31 previously untreated lepromatous patients have been completed . Pefloxacin 400 mg twice daily or 800 mg once daily or ofloxacin 400 mg once daily were equally effective; definite clinical improvement with drastically decrease of morphological index to the baseline were observed in all patients at 2 months after beginning of treatment; about 99.99%, or 4 "logs", of organisms viable on Day 0 were killed by 22 doses of either pefloxacin or ofloxacin . The side effects from the two trials were rare and mild, and the patients tolerated extremely well the combinations of pefloxacin/ofloxacin plus multidrug therapy (MDT) regimen for multibacillary leprosy recommended by WHO . The amount of rifampicin-resistant mutants in lepromatous patients before treatment are no more than 4 "logs", thus, all rifampicin-resistant mutants may be eliminated by 22 doses of either pefloxacin or ofloxacin . It is, therefore, possible that the combination of ofloxacin and rifampicin may considerably shorten the required duration of MDT. Sov Med, 1991, (7), 29 - 31 {The clinico-laboratory assessment of the efficacy of dalargin in treating acute suppurative-inflammatory processes of the maxillofacial area}; Bazhanov NN et al.; The data obtained by the authors provide evidence on dalargin effect on immune condition of patients with pyoinfammation of maxillofacial soft tissues . Dalargin administration leads to a rise in T-sensitive lymphocyte subpopulation in all the patients as well as stimulates functional activity of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils . Similar results were obtained in vitro with dalargin addition to leukocytic suspension despite the absence of the drug bactericidal activity. Microbiol Immunol, 1991, 35(4), 315 - 24 The analysis of the defense mechanism against indigenous bacterial translocation in X-irradiated mice; Kobayashi T et al.; The defense mechanism against indigenous bacterial translocation was studied using a model of endogenous infection in X-irradiated mice . All mice irradiated with 9 Gy died from day 8 to day 15 after irradiation . The death of mice was observed in parallel with the appearance of bacteria from day 7 in various organs, and the causative agent was identified to be Escherichia coli, an indigenous bacterium translocating from the intestine . Decrease in the number of blood leukocytes, peritoneal cells and lymphocytes in Peyer's patches or mesenteric lymph nodes was observed as early as 1 day after irradiation with 6 or 9 Gy . The mitogenic response of lymphocytes from various lymphoid tissues was severely affected as well . The impairment of these parameters for host defense reached the peak 3 days after irradiation and there was no recovery . However, in vivo bactericidal activity of Kupffer cells in mice irradiated with 9 Gy was maintained in a normal level for a longer period . It was suggested that Kupffer cells play an important role in the defense against indigenous bacteria translocating from the intestine in mice. Diagn Cytopathol, 1991, 7(1), 57 - 9 Fine-needle aspiration cytology in a case with features of chronic granulomatous disease; Drut R; Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of enlarged cervical lymph nodes of a 9-yr-old boy complaining of progressive weight loss showed a combination of a necrotizing granulomatous process and pigmented histiocytes . The diagnosis of chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) of childhood was proposed, and it was later confirmed by histology . Although the NBT test was negative, the patient responded well to prolonged bactericidal therapy with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole associated with parenteral nutrition, indicating a rare case of CGD with a negative Nitro-Blue Tetrazolium (NBT) test . The cytologic findings appear to be unique for this disease. Prog Food Nutr Sci, 1991, 15(1-2), 43 - 60 Folate status and the immune system; Dhur A et al.; Folic acid plays a crucial role in DNA and protein synthesis, suggesting that every mechanism in which cell proliferation intervenes may be altered . Cell-mediated immunity is especially affected by folate deficiency: the blastogenic response of T lymphocytes to certain mitogens is decreased in folate-deficient humans and animals, and the thymus is preferentially altered . The effects of folic acid deficiency upon humoral immunity have been more thoroughly investigated in animals than in humans, and the antibody responses to several antigens have been shown to decrease . Conversely, the phagocytic and bactericidal capacities of polymorphonuclear cells have been studied mainly in folate-deficient humans . However results in this field are controversial . Alterations in immune system functions could lead to decreased resistance to infections, as commonly observed in folate-deficient humans and animals. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1991 Jan, 35(1), 180 - 1 In vitro activity of azithromycin against clinical isolates of Legionella species; Edelstein PH et al.; The activities of azithromycin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin against 21 Legionella isolates were measured by an agar dilution method and in macrophages . The MICs for 90% of strains tested were 2.0, 1.0, and 0.5 micrograms/ml for azithromycin, erythromycin, and ciprofloxacin, respectively . Azithromycin and ciprofloxacin were both bactericidal in the macrophage system, but erythromycin was bacteriostatic. Acta Cient Venez, 1991, 42(5), 257 - 65 {Synthesis of 1-substituted nitroimidazoles and its evaluation as radiosensitizing agents}; Adams DR et al.; The synthesis of various substituted nitroimidazoles with lipophilic and hydrophilic side chains as potential radiosensitizing agents is described . The starting material employed was 4(5)-nitroimidazole, which was alkylated via the sodium salt with various chloro-methylated, substituted alcohols and esters, in order to obtain analogues of misonidazole, metronidazole and desmethylmisonidazole of known radiosensitizing and bactericidal activity . Some final products were assayed for their radiosensitizing properties giving negative results under the testing conditions used. Gig Tr Prof Zabol, 1991, (8), 20 - 1 {Microbial contamination of the air in the wood-processing industry}; Petretskii VV et al.; Studies of the microbial dissemination levels in wood-processing and furniture-producing plants facilitated establishing of their increased bacterial and fungus contamination . Possible sensibilization of these factors necessitated hygienic and sanitary measures (ventilation, hermetization of the equipment, aspiration, dust-cleaning, bactericidal light devices provision) which lowered the bacterial contamination level by 40-60% . The high morbidity rate caused by upper respiratory diseases (56.1%) conditioned further elaboration of inhalation techniques as part of therapeutic and preventive measures . The techniques should be developed with due account of the bacterial and fungus contamination of industrial dusts and possible human sensibilization to these factors. Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi, 1991 Jan-Jun, 95(1-2), 63 - 5 The efficiency of some natural drugs in the treatment of burns; Zanoschi C et al.; In this paper we present an original product for burns . It is an ointment with bacteriostatic, bactericidal and epithelializing action and it is make up in accordance with technology of sunflower oil, beeswax, sintopholin, chloramphenicol, procaine, and vitamin E . An experimental study on burnt animals in order to prove the efficiency of the product was carried out . For histological investigation tegument was collected from the burnt area . A rapid evolution of epithelialization was found in case of treated animals as distinguished from control sample, where the infected crust was far from being healed . We also present some photos in account with the upper fact. Braz J Med Biol Res, 1991, 24(11), 1099 - 102 Stability and expression of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli adherence plasmid pMS49 in the presence of human colostrum; Silva ML et al.; Adhesion of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) to HeLa cells is inhibited by human colostrum . In the present study we investigated the effect of colostrum on the stability of pMS49, an EPEC adherence plasmid coding for localized adhesion and ampicillin (Ap) resistance . The plasmid was highly stable after serial passage of bacterial cultures in Tryptic Soy Broth containing 67%, 50%, 10% (v/v) or no human colostrum . A few variants (0.4%) with a low adherence were observed regardless of the treatment given . Human colostrum did not enhance their emergence . No bactericidal or bacteriostatic effect of colostrum was observed under the experimental conditions used . A specific process regulating plasmid expression is supposed to occur in EPEC strains, giving rise to variants with a lower concentration of the outer-membrane adherence-related protein and consequently lower adherence ability . This process seems to also occur for Ap-resistance genes coded in the same plasmid. Ann Rech Vet, 1991, 22(4), 387 - 94 {Pharmacokinetics of colistin sulfate administered by intravenous and intramuscular routes in the calf}; Renard L et al.; Pharmacokinetic characteristics of an extemporaneous form of colistin sulfate in young calves were studied for a dosage of 25,000 IU.kg-1 . The intravenous route (IV) is characterized by a 3-compartment model whose main parameters are: volume of distribution (1.02 l.kg), body clearance (0.15 l.h-1 kg-1) and mean residence time (3.87 h) . By intramuscular route (IM), a mean serum peak of 37 IU.ml-1 was reached at a mean time of 0.5 h . The mean half-time of terminal phase (6.47 h) does not differ significantly from that of the intramuscular route (4.52 h) . Absolute bioavailability calculated based on 4 calves was 109 +/- 28% . Repeated IM administrations seem to be adapted to maintain a bactericidal activity and to reduce risks of toxicity and neurological disorders (25,000 IU.kg-1) every 12 h over 3d. Acta Microbiol Hung, 1991, 38(2), 107 - 15 Response of Escherichia coli strains carrying plasmid(s) and their plasmidless derivatives to bactericidal activity of human serum and polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Siegfried L et al.; Ten virulence plasmid(s) and antibiotic resistance plasmid(s) carrying Escherichia coli strains isolated from stool of infants with diarrhoea and their plasmidless derivatives were examined for response to bactericidal activity of human serum and intracellular killing of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) . Plasmid(s) carrying isolates exhibited a significantly higher resistance to serum and phagocytosis. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz), 1991, 39(1-2), 109 - 15 The effect of vitamin E on granulocyte function in patients with recurrent infections; Malkowska-Zwierz W et al.; The influence of vit . E treatment on metabolic and bactericidal granulocyte activity in patients with recurrent infections was studied by chemiluminescence and phagocytosis assays . Vit . E serum level was significantly diminished before therapy . Six weeks supplementation with 200-300 mg/day of vit . E resulted in improvement of clinical status and normalisation of alpha-tocopherol serum level . Bactericidal activity of granulocytes was lower in patients than in the respective controls and it slightly rose after vit . E therapy . Before, therapy, patients granulocytes showed metabolic activity above or within the control range . Vit . E treatment increased, had no effect or decreased granulocyte metabolic activity, but never below the control range. Klin Khir, 1991, (12), 16 - 9 {The use of an electrolytic solution of sodium hypochlorite in acute suppurative diseases of the soft tissues}; Lelianov AD et al.; The effect of electrolysis sodium hypochlorite solution (ENaClO) on the course of an inflammatory process in 233 patients with purulent pathology of different etiology was studied . ENaClO was obtained by means of electrolysis of the isotonic sodium chloride solution in the electrochemical cell . It was established that ENaClO had a pronounced bactericidal action contributing to acceleration of an inflammatory focus clearance of purulent-necrotic masses, stimulation of local immunity, activation of reparative processes. J Fr Ophtalmol, 1991, 14(10), 537 - 45 {Preventive chemo-antibiotic treatment of postoperative endophthalmitis in planned open eyeball surgery . Apropos of 2,337 cases}; Haut J et al.; A protocol combining chemoprophylaxis and antibioprophylaxis has been used since January 1st, 1990 for all patients (2,337 cases) undergoing planned open eyeball surgery (except emergencies) . The chemoprophylaxis is local, by eyedrops (picloxidin) during the days before surgery, and by eyewash of the conjunctival cul-de-sac with iodized polyvidone immediately before surgery . The systemic antibioprophylaxis associates two bactericidal antibiotics with a wide spectrum and good intraocular penetration, active on 89 to 90% of the bacteria incriminated in postoperative endophthalmitis: a ureidopenicillin, piperacillin, and a fluoroquinolone, ciprofloxacin; the adverse effects are minimal . Although the sample size does not allow statistical, analysis the results of this study (the absence of any endophthalmitis) are very encouraging in comparison with those of the literature, those of the same department during the years before the protocol, and those of the other departments in the same hospital which carry out the same surgery under the same conditions. Arch Microbiol, 1991, 156(6), 449 - 54 A colicin M derivative containing the lipoprotein signal sequence is secreted and renders the colicin M target accessible from inside the cells; Olschlager T; Colicin M is only released in very low amounts by cells harbouring this plasmid encoded colicin, due to the lack of a release (lysis) protein . A fusion gene (lpp'cma) was constructed which determined two proteins: Lpp'-Cma composed of the signal sequence of the murein lipoprotein (Lpp) and colicin M (Cma), and unaltered colicin M . Cells expressing the fusion gene released 50% of the total colicin M into the culture medium, compared to 1% found in the medium of cells synthesizing only colicin M . The release resulted from partial cell lysis caused by colicin M since a colicin M tolerant strain remained unaffected . Lpp'-Cma thus mimics phenotypically the action of colicin release proteins but displays a different lysis mechanism . In strains defective in components of the colicin M uptake system, Lpp'-Cma caused lysis as effectively as in uptake proficient strains . Apparently, Lpp'-Cma renders the colicin M target site accessible from inside the cell which stands in contrast to the action of colicin M which is only bactericidal when provided from outside. Proc Finn Dent Soc, 1991, 87(4), 549 - 54 Combination chemotherapy of dental plaque infections; Meurman JH et al.; Chemotherapy against dental plague micro-organisms has proved effective in combatting both caries and periodontal disease . Chlorhexidine is the drug of choice when a broad-spectrum antiplaque agent is called for . However, because its mechanism of action is unspecific and the high concentrations needed for maximum effect may cause side effects, combination chemotherapy has been suggested . Chlorhexidine has been successfully combined with fluoride and, more recently, with xylitol . The combination allows the use of less concentrated solutions than if the agents were administered alone . Further, the mode of bactericidal action of chlorhexidine, fluoride and xylitol appears to be additive . A new aspect in the prevention is to control the primary bacterial colonization at the very moment when teeth erupt . To achieve this, new ways of delivering chemotherapeutic and other preventive agents are called for. Vutr Boles, 1991, 30(1), 41 - 4 {Changes in the clinico-functional and immunological indices of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease, the allergic form, following combined climatotherapy at Sandanski health resort}; Petrovska Ia et al.; 20 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who were treated in the resort of Sandanski, Bulgaria, during the autumn of 1988 were investigated for changes of some clinical, functional and immunologic indices--secretory immunoglobulins, lysozyme, serum bactericidal activity . The results revealed an improvement of the clinical indices mean in 50% of the patients, of the expiratory spirometric indices in mean 47% of the patients . Other findings were a distinct tendency towards a decrease of IgG and albumin in the saliva and an increase of the secretory IgA together with a statistically significant increase of the indices characterizing the nonspecific defence mechanisms of the lung. Arkh Patol, 1991, 53(7), 30 - 6 {Structural-functional characteristics of phagocytes in the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid in acute focal pneumonia}; Kop'eva TN et al.; The alveolar macrophages and neutrophils of the bronchoalveolar fluid from 37 patients with acute focal pneumonia were studied cytochemically . A comparison group consisted of 20 patients with primary chronic bronchitis, 11 subjects without pulmonary affections served control . Phagocytes with a high motile, oxygen-dependent bactericidal and hydrolytic activity as well as with increased level of absorptive capacity prevailed during the peak of the disease and its regression . At the phase of convalescence the number of phagocytes with a high oxygen-dependent bactericidal and hydrolytic activity decreased but their high absorptive activity was retained. J Med Microbiol, 1991 Jan, 34(1), 19 - 22 Protein- and RNA-synthesis independent bactericidal activity of ciprofloxacin that involves the A subunit of DNA gyrase; Lewin CS et al.; Ciprofloxacin, unlike nalidixic acid, can kill Escherichia coli cells in the absence of synthesis of protein or RNA . Hence, chloramphenicol or rifampicin do not abolish the bactericidal activity of ciprofloxacin against wild-type E . coli . Protein and RNA synthesis were not required for the bactericidal activity of ciprofloxacin against nalB, nalC and nalD mutants of E . coli . However, the addition of chloramphenicol or rifampicin abolished the bactericidal activity of ciprofloxacin against a nalA mutant in nutrient broth . It is concluded that the ability of ciprofloxacin to kill E . coli in the absence of protein or RNA synthesis involves the A subunit of DNA gyrase. Ter Arkh, 1991, 63(12), 123 - 5 {The chrysotherapy of patients with Reiter's disease}; Kovalev IuN et al.; Chrisanol therapy was provided to 172 men suffering from Reiter's disease, having histocompatibility antigen B35 and its combination with B27 as well as B17 and B11 indicating that the articular syndrome may run a persistent and grave course . Chrisanol therapy brought about a decrease of the activity of complement, lysozyme, bactericidal activity of blood serum, a reduction of the content of serum IgG, and autoimmune reactions parameters . Chrisanol therapy was tolerated well . The ten-year follow-up revealed relapses in 8.3% of the patients. Free Radic Res Commun, 1991, 12-13 Pt 1, 53 - 7 The use of water-soluble radical scavengers to detect hydroxyl radical formation by polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Thomas MJ et al.; The polymorphonuclear leukocyte secretes both O2- and H2O2 when stimulated by various soluble or particulate stimuli . Since a reaction involving iron, O2-, and H2O2 could generate the hydroxyl radical (HO.) there has been speculation that the HO . may participate in the bactericidal activity of the neutrophil . A variety of water-soluble HO . scavengers have been used to test for the participation of HO . and the results imply that HO . might participate . However, other workers have not been able to detect the formation of significant amounts of HO . by the activated neutrophil . We have examined the effect of several commonly used HO . radical scavengers on the ability of the neutrophil to secrete O2- and H2O2 . Several of these compounds actively inhibit secretion without affecting the viability of the neutrophil . After considering the various complications inherent in using water soluble radical scavengers, we suggest that they only be used with well defined experimental systems. Pharm Weekbl Sci, 1990 Dec 14, 12(6A), 275 - 9 Pharmacokinetics of cefuroxime in pregnant patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes; Roumen FJ et al.; To 6 pregnant patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes, cefuroxime prophylaxis was given 1,500 mg three times daily intravenously . Cefuroxime concentrations were assayed in maternal plasma and amniotic fluid during pregnancy and in umbilical cord blood, placenta, and membranes after delivery . Our results showed a high rate of transplacental transfer of cefuroxime . Bactericidal levels could be demonstrated in maternal plasma, and in amniotic fluid leaking from the vagina . Therapeutically active levels were present in the newborns . The absorption of cefuroxime by the foetal membranes was high . Although the neonatal morbidity in this high-risk population was low, the data are still too preliminary to advise the routine prophylactic use of cefuroxime to pregnant patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes. Lepr Rev, 1990 Dec, 61(4), 330 - 40 Relationships between PGL-1 antigen in serum, tissue and viability of Mycobacterium leprae as determined by mouse footpad assay in multibacillary patients during short-term clinical trial; Chanteau S et al.; In connection with a 56-day controlled clinical trial for comparing the therapeutic effects between pefloxacin and ofloxacin in 21 lepromatous patients, we have studied the relationships between PGL-1 antigen level in serum and in skin and serum PGL-1 antibody titre on the one hand, and the viability of Mycobacterium leprae, as measured by serial mouse footpad inoculations, and other bactericidal parameters on the other . Before and during treatment, significant correlation was found between serum PGL-1 level and the morphological index (MI), and with the number of viable organisms per mg skin tissue . However, neither serum PGL-1 antibody titre nor skin PGL-1 antigen level showed significant change during the 56-day trial . Because the reduction of serum PGL-1 level was well correlated but less pronounced as compared with the evolution of viable organisms during treatment, the serum PGL-1 antigen assay may be useful as an early indicator of response to chemotherapy in short-term clinical trial, but it is unlikely to replace mouse footpad inoculation for the evaluation of viability of M . leprae. Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1990 Dec, 58(4), 641 - 50 A longitudinal study of the incidence of leprosy in a hyperendemic area in Zaire, with special reference to PGL-antibody results . The Yalisombo Study Group; Groenen G et al.; Between 1984 and 1988, yearly surveys for leprosy were done among the 1500 people living in a previous leprosy segregation village in Zaire . In 1984 lepromin tests and phenolic glycolipid (PGL) antibody tests were done in a significant part of the population . The prevalence of the disease at that time was 16.1%, the proportion of multibacillary cases was 11.3% overall and 22% among active cases . Prior to 1984, 23% of paucibacillary cases and 56% of multibacillary cases had presented themselves spontaneously to the Leprosy Service . The exposure to the infection is uniform, but there is a suggestion of family clustering of cases . In spite of a rapidly bactericidal treatment of all known cases in 1984 and thereafter, the annual incidence of 0.34% did not decrease during the 4 years of the study . The PGL antibody test did not contribute to the diagnosis, classification or prognosis of the disease. Infect Dis Clin North Am, 1990 Dec, 4(4), 661 - 76 General principles of therapy of pyogenic meningitis; Tauber MG et al.; In bacterial meningitis, several pharmacodynamic factors determine therapeutic success-when defined as sterilization of the CSF: (1) Local host defense deficits in the CNS require the use of bactericidal antibiotics to sterilize the CSF . (2) CSF antibiotic concentrations that are at least 10-fold above the MBC are necessary for maximal bactericidal activity . Protein binding, low pH, and slow bacterial growth rates are among the factors that may explain the high antibiotic concentrations necessary in vivo . (3) High CSF peak concentrations that lead to rapid bacterial killing appear more important than prolonged suprainhibitory concentrations, probably because very low residual levels in the CSF prevent bacterial regrowth, even during relatively long dosing intervals . (4) Penetration of antibiotics into the CSF is significantly impaired by the blood-brain barrier and thus, very high serum levels are necessary to achieve the CSF concentrations required for optimal bactericidal activity . Beyond these principles, recent data suggests that rapid lytic killing of bacteria in the CSF may have harmful effects on the brain because of the release of biologically active products from the lysed bacteria . Since rapid CSF sterilization remains a key therapeutic goal, the harmful consequences of bacterial lysis present a major challenge in the therapy of bacterial meningitis . Currently, dexamethasone represents that only clinically beneficial approach to reduce the harmful effects of bacterial lysis, and novel approaches are required to improve the outcome of this serious infection. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Dec, 56(12), 3888 - 9 Bactericidal effectiveness of modulated UV light; Bank HL et al.; Studies were designed to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed modulated UV light waveforms for killing bacteria . Exposure of five strains of bacteria to the modulated information encoded in the light decreased the colony population from a confluent lawn to less than 20 colonies . However, approximately 2,000 colonies survived treatment with the same intensity and time of exposure to UV light lacking the modulated information. Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1990 Dec, 190(5-6), 500 - 10 The assessment of the bactericidal activity of surface disinfectants . III . Practical tests for surface disinfection; Reybrouck G; The results of both previous articles on the comparison of practical tests for surface disinfection are summarized . They are the DGHM test of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology, the AFNOR test NF-T 72-190 of the French Association for Standardization, the quantitative carrier test (QCT) of Van Klingeren, the Leuven test and the quantitative surface disinfection test (QSDT) . The comparison of the techniques followed in these tests seems to indicate that the differences in the operating technique are likely to influence the test results . There is, however, a close correlation among the results of all but the AFNOR test, although there remains a statistically significant difference in the reduction factors: the Leuven test and the QCT are the more severe tests, whereas the AFNOR and DGHM tests are the less severe ones . The QSDT gives divergent results, which could be attributed to the influence on the resuscitation of the surviving bacteria. Aust Dent J, 1990 Dec, 35(6), 505 - 8 Pulpal reactions in rat incisors to Caridex; Wedenberg C et al.; This study examined the in vivo effects of Caridex, a chemomechanical caries removal system, on rat pulpal tissue . Rat incisors were opened and the pulps exposed to Caridex or physiological saline and sealed with calcium hydroxide . After various time periods, teeth were extracted and examined by light microscopy . Histological evaluation revealed an almost identical response in both test and control teeth which consisted of a transient inflammatory reaction and a limited necrosis in adjacent pulp tissue . Within seven days, formation of hard tissue matrix was seen below the necrotic area and on pulpal walls . It was suggested that the high pH of Caridex may have contributed to the necrotizing effect of calcium hydroxide in adjacent pulp tissue and the formation of hard tissue matrix . Additionally, the solution is most probably bactericidal . The results suggest that the system can be used as a caries removal agent on humans without unfavourable side effects on the dental pulp. Gematol Transfuziol, 1990 Dec, 35(12), 17 - 9 {Immunity status in persons participating in liquidation of the effects of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant}; Kozyreva TV et al.; The time course study of the immunity status of 57 subjects who were engaged in liquidation of consequences of the catastrophe at Chernobyl NPS in May-December, 1986, has revealed a high frequency of disorders in bactericidal and digestive activities of neutrophils, as well as in the functional activity of T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood . The incidence rate of subjects with disturbed functional activity of T-lymphocytes is significantly higher in the group of subjects with suppressed capacity of blood lymphocytes for DNA repair as compared to those with normal levels of blood lymphocyte capacity for DNA repair. Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1990 Dec, 190(5-6), 511 - 22 {Chlorine covers on skin surfaces . I . Determination of the covering strength with the DPD cuvette method}; Gottardi W et al.; A new photometric micro method for the quantitative determination of "chlorine covers" on skin surfaces is presented . It is based on the formation of the dye emerging from the reaction of the bound chlorine with iodide and diethyl-p-phenylene diamine (DPD) . In contrast to the already described "glove-method" (Hyg . + Med . 13 (1988) 157) it can be applied to all regions of the body and enables a valuation of the specific chlorine cover (micrograms Cl2/cm2) . Further features of the method are a small demand of time and work, and--on grounds of the high sensitivity--only a small measuring area (approximately 1.5 cm2) which allows repeated measurements for improving the statistical safety . However, since the different skin areas take up variable amounts of chlorine this can be done only at limited areas . Founded upon a comprehensive error analysis a precision (calculated variation coefficient) of +/- 3-4% for flat and +/- 8-9% for curved (finger tips) skin areas with not too small chlorine covers (greater than 0.3 microgram Cl2/cm2) has been evaluated . Failing a reference method resp . standard areas with known chlorine covers the accuracy of the method could not exactly be ascertained . Owing to an estimation of the most important systematic errors the method might yield results slightly to low (deviation from the true value: approximately -5 to -10%) . In spite of this restriction the DPD-cuvette-method is a very useful analytical procedure and the chlorine cover measured herewith and expressed as microgram Cl2/cm2 represents a new skin related parameter, which not only allows an estimation of persistent bactericidal effects on skin surfaces, but also might be useful as an indicator for the roughness of the skin. FEMS Microbiol Immunol, 1990 Dec, 2(5-6), 245 - 58 Bacteria-phagocyte interactions: emerging tactics in an ancient rivalry; Cross AS et al.; Although phagocytes appear to have a redundancy of both oxidative and non-oxidative killing mechanisms, nevertheless, bacterial pathogens are still able to evade these defenses in vivo and cause lethal infection . As the mechanisms by which phagocytes function have become detailed at the molecular level, both the recognition of specific bacterial virulence determinants and their effects at specific sites in the phagocyte are also being identified . Knowledge of these interactions may permit the use of immunomodulators either to neutralize these virulence determinants or to enhance the bactericidal capabilities of the phagocyte. Pediatr Res, 1990 Dec, 28(6), 667 - 70 Murine hybridoma antibodies enhance bactericidal activity of human cord blood against K1 Escherichia coli strains; Kim KS et al.; Murine hybridoma antibodies directed against the capsule and O-side chain determinants of the Escherichia coli strain Bort (018ac:K1:H7) were evaluated for their ability to enhance bactericidal activity of cord blood against K1 E . coli strains possessing O antigens common in neonatal E . coli infection, i.e . 018, 07, and 01 . The antibodies to the K1 capsule and O-side chain efficiently enhanced cord polymorphonuclear leukocyte-mediated killing of K1 encapsulated E . coli strain possessing a homologous O antigen, but the IgM antibody to the K1 capsule exhibited approximately 10-fold greater activity than did the IgG3 antibody to O-side chain (weight basis) . Both antibodies required complement for their opsonic activities . Our findings indicate that antibodies directed against the capsule and O-lipopolysaccharides are able to restore the opsonic activity of cord blood against K1 E . coli, suggesting that these antibodies may be useful in the prevention and therapy of neonatal E . coli infection. Tubercle, 1990 Dec, 71(4), 287 - 91 Thiacetazone: in vitro activity against Mycobacterium avium and M . tuberculosis; Heifets LB et al.; Bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of thiacetazone was determined for 68 M . avium clinical isolates and 14 wild drug-susceptible M . tuberculosis strains . The drug had equally low bactericidal activity against both mycobacterial species . The inhibitory activity against most of the M . avium strains was greater than it was against M . tuberculosis . The broth determined MICs for 65 of 68 M . avium strains were between 0.02 and 0.15 micrograms/ml, while the MICs for M . tuberculosis ranged from 0.08 to 1.2 micrograms/ml. Am J Hosp Pharm, 1990 Nov, 47(11), 2508 - 10 Sterility of insulin in prefilled disposable syringes; Jackson EA et al.; The sterility of insulin in prefilled syringes that had been prepared by visiting nurses in patients' homes and stored in their refrigerators for one month was studied . Twenty elderly diabetic patients requiring weekly home-nursing visits were enrolled in the study . At the initial study visit, a nurse filled 15 syringes with the type and amount of insulin being used by the patient . Seven syringes constituted the patient's supply for the coming week; the remaining eight syringes were appropriately labeled and placed in a separate part of the refrigerator . Upon returning to replenish the patient's insulin supply during each of the following four weeks, the nurse removed two of the stored syringes for subsequent culturing . The culture medium used was appropriate for bacteria that are usual skin flora and therefore are most likely to cause touch contamination during the syringe-filling process . Control-positive cultures were prepared by intentionally contaminating two vials of 0.9% sodium chloride injection and two vials of NPH insulin with Staph . aureus and Staph . epidermidis . Insulin from 159 syringes was tested, and no bacterial growth was detected by daily readings of cultures for one week . Of the contaminated control syringes, those containing sodium chloride injection produced positive cultures at each of the study weeks; the contaminated insulin samples, although positive at week 0, had become negative by week 3, confirming the bactericidal activity of one or more of the components of this insulin product . Prefilled insulin syringes that are prepared by nurses using good aseptic technique and are stored in the patient's refrigerator appear to remain sterile for up to one month after preparation. Kekkaku, 1990 Nov, 65(11), 719 - 21 {Bactericidal activity of ofloxacin against Mycobacterium kansasii}; Tsukamura M; Bactericidal activity of ofloxacin against Mycobacterium kansasii was observed in in-vitro experiment . Tested bacteria were suspended to a concentration of one mg wet weight per ml in 10 ml of Dubos liquid medium containing no drug or containing 1 or 3 micrograms/ml ofloxacin and incubated at 37 degrees C . The number of colony-forming units contained in a 0.02 ml-sample of the Dubos liquid medium was counted after incubation for 0, 1, 3 and 7 days . The number of colonies was counted in Ogawa egg medium, to which was inoculated a 0.02 ml-sample of dilutions of the medium by a spiral loop that can deliver a 0.02 ml-sample by one inoculation . The bactericidal activity of ofloxacin against M . kansasii appeared after incubation of 3 days or later . This characteristic was different from the bactericidal activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which appeared after incubation of 24 hours. Infect Immun, 1990 Nov, 58(11), 3640 - 4 Chlamydicidal activity of human alveolar macrophages; Nakajo MN et al.; Pneumonia due to Chlamydia trachomatis is a disease limited mainly to infants under 6 months of age . Rare cases have been reported in immunocompromised adults . One possible reason for the propensity of the pneumonia to occur in the very young may be related to differences in the phagocytic and bactericidal capacity of alveolar macrophages (AMs) in young infants and adults . At birth a function of AMs is clearance of surfactant-related material from the alveolar surface . Studies in animals have suggested that engorgement of AMs with surfactant-related lipids may reduce the microbicidal capacity of these cells . In the present study we determined that AMs obtained from healthy, nonsmoking adults were capable of killing both human biovars of C . trachomatis, with complete killing observed by 48 h after inoculation . Preincubation of AMs from adults with surfactant did not reduce the capacity of the cells to kill C . trachomatis. Infect Immun, 1990 Nov, 58(11), 3759 - 64 Bordetella pertussis adenylate cyclase toxin: intoxication of host cells by bacterial invasion; Mouallem M et al.; Bordetella pertussis produces extracytoplasmic adenylate cyclase toxin (AC toxin) which penetrates target cells and, upon activation by host calmodulin, generates high levels of intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) . As a result, bactericidal functions of immune effector cells are impaired . Since a considerable amount of AC toxin is associated with the bacterium, it was proposed that the toxin may be delivered by direct interaction of the organism with the target cells (E . L . Hewlett, M . C . Gray, and R . D . Pearson, Clin . Res . 35:477A, 1987) . Incubation of CHO cells with intact B . pertussis led to formation of intracellular cAMP at levels comparable to those produced in CHO cells by equivalent activities of isolated AC toxin . cAMP accumulation induced by the whole bacteria appeared after a lag of 40 to 60 min and reached high levels within 2 to 3 h, whereas adherence of the bacteria proceeded rapidly and reached a maximal level within 80 min . Sera of pertussis patients completely blocked cAMP accumulation induced by the whole bacteria without having a major effect on either bacterial adherence or cAMP production by the AC toxin . Cytochalasins B and D, inhibitors of bacterial invasion, abrogated the cAMP response to the whole bacteria but not the response to the AC toxin . These agents did not affect bacterial adherence . Transmission electron micrographs revealed that B . pertussis, within the time course of cAMP induction, invaded CHO cells . We suggest that cAMP induction by B . pertussis is caused by the entry of the whole bacteria into CHO cells rather than by delivery of AC toxin during bacterial adherence . This route of cell intoxication may be relevant to the pathogenesis of whooping cough. FASEB J, 1990 Nov, 4(14), 3239 - 44 Relationship between growth of Escherichia coli and susceptibility to the lethal effect of paraquat; Minakami H et al.; Paraquat, which mediates increased O2- production within Escherichia coli, inhibits growth without causing cell death in a minimal medium, whereas it allows growth while decreasing viability in a rich medium . Agents or conditions that inhibit growth in the paraquat-containing rich medium prevent this loss of viability . Antibiotics, chelating agents, nutritional paucity, and excess paraquat all acted this way . NaCl added to 0.2 M to the plates used for enumeration after paraquat exposure did not significantly decrease viable cell counts, although it did so after exposure to a cationic detergent . DNA, rather than cell membranes, thus seems to be a more likely target for the oxygen-derived free radicals engendered by the cycles of enzymatic reduction and autoxidation of paraquat . Inhibition of growth decreases the likelihood that DNA replication will precede DNA repair . Investigators seeking to evaluate the bactericidal actions of paraquat under a variety of conditions will need to be cognizant of this need for growth. Fiziol Zh, 1990 Nov-Dec, 36(6), 97 - 100 {Phagocytic activity of peripheral blood monocytes and peritoneal macrophages in the progeny of animals with experimental chronic liver disease}; Briukhin GV et al.; Peripheral blood monocytes and peritoneal macrophages (phagocytic index, phagocytosis intensity, metabolic level) in the offspring of mice with chronic experimental autoimmune liver affection have been studied for different parameters of their phagocytic properties . The obtained results testify to absorption and bactericidal activity disturbance of mononuclears studied in this group of animals. Patol Fiziol Eksp Ter, 1990 Nov-Dec, (6), 34 - 6 {Sensitivity of phagocytes in the blood and bronchoalveolar tract to hydrocortisone in acute injury of the respiratory organs}; Makarova OP et al.; Pneumonia was modelled in experiments on female hybrid mice (CBA X C57Bl)F1 by intratracheal administration of 0.1 ml of 0.4% AgNO3 solution . The functional activity of alveolar macrophages and neutrophils of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood after administration of hydrocortisone (125 mg/kg) was studied in the early stage of pneumonia . The bactericidal and absorptive capacity of neutrophils of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and blood diminished considerably under the effect of the hormone . The inhibiting effect of hydrocortisone on the bactericidal activity of alveolar macrophages from the focus of inflammation was more marked than the effect on the cells of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from the lungs of intact animals. Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1990 Nov, 34(11), 2061 - 4 Action of 1-isonicotinyl-2-palmitoyl hydrazine against the Mycobacterium avium complex and enhancement of its activity by m-fluorophenylalanine; Rastogi N et al.; In the present work, we investigated whether resistance to isoniazid (INH) of organisms belonging to the Mycobacterium avium complex was caused by the bacterial cell envelope, with the cell wall and the outer layer acting as an exclusion barrier . We observed that this exclusion barrier was most efficient in excluding the hydrophilic drug INH, as this drug could not penetrate a wall matrix formed of various polymethylated lipidic or amphipathic substances . Two main strategies were proposed for circumventing this drug resistance: (i) synthesis of amphipathic derivatives of otherwise highly hydrophilic drugs and (ii) inhibition of synthesis of the bacterial outer layer . The purpose of this work was to demonstrate that attaching a palmitic acid side chain to INH rendered it growth inhibitory against M . avium complex bacteria and that the concomitant use of this amphipathic INH derivative with m-fluorophenylalanine (an inhibitor of mycoside C biosynthesis which causes the disruption of the bacterial outer layer) resulted in further enhancement of its activity, leading to a bactericidal effect. Anat Rec, 1990 Nov, 228(3), 306 - 14 Functional, physical, and ultrastructural localization of CD15 antigens to the human polymorphonuclear leukocyte secondary granule; Buescher ES et al.; A murine monoclonal IgM antibody, M3, which interferes with both polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) phagocytosis and bactericidal activity, was used to examine the subcellular location of antigens bearing 3-fucosyllactosamine (CD15 antigens) within this cell type . Percoll gradient-separated secondary granule fractions were rich in CD15 antigens, with at least seven antigens recognizable in SDS-PAGE/electroblot studies . Sonication/sedimentation experiments using secondary granule fractions showed that both soluble and sedimentable CD15 antigens were present . Exposure of purified PMN to the secondary granule secretagogue phorbol myristate acetate caused extracellular release of two or three CD15 antigens, which could be purified by immunoprecipitation using antibody M3 . Triton X-114 phase-partition experiments showed that secondary granule fraction CD15 antigens could be partitioned into hydrophilic (aqueous phase) and hydrophobic (detergent phase) antigens, suggesting that several of these antigens were integral secondary granule membrane components . Ultrastructurally, PMN intracellular granules showed two patterns of CD15 expression, localization over both granule matrix/granule membrane and localization to only granule membrane . Colocalization studies showed that lactoferrin and CD15 antigens were both present in a subset of intracellular granules, confirming a secondary granule location for these antigens. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1990 Nov, 138(11), 737 - 41 {Effect of natural porcine surfactant (Curosurf) on the function of neutrophilic granulocytes}; Speer CP et al.; In this study we have analyzed various phagocytic functions of human neutrophils exposed to either biochemically well defined porcine surfactant (Curosurf) or a phospholipid preparation . Adherence, random migration and chemotactic response to zymosan activated serum and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine were normal in surfactant treated neutrophils; surfactant was not a chemotactic stimulus . In contrast, phagocytosis of S . aureus by neutrophils exposed to surfactant (100 micrograms/ml) or phospholipids (100 micrograms/ml) was impaired (surfactant: t30 49.5 +/- 9.0%, t60 65.0 +/- 8.0%; phospholipids: t30 66.3 +/- 12.6%, t60 78.0 +/- 7.8%; controls: t30 78.1 +/- 8.9%, t60 90.1 +/- 6.2%; p less than 0.001 at t30, t60 for surfactant, p less than 0.05 at t60 for phospholipids) . Due to the smaller number of S . aureus ingested, bactericidal activity of surfactant or phospholipid treated neutrophils was slightly reduced when compared to controls (surfactant t30 p less than 0.05, surfactant t60 p less than 0.001, phospholipids t60 p less than 0.05) . Surfactant or phospholipids had no bactericidal activity . Uptake of candida was identical in surfactant or phospholipid treated neutrophils with untreated controls; the same was true with the number of candida per cell ingested . Phagocytosis-associated chemiluminescence and production of superoxide anion by neutrophils of either source in response to phorbol myristate acetate and opsonized zymosan was also identical. J Gen Microbiol, 1990 Nov, 136 ( Pt 11), 2165 - 72 Gonococcal outer-membrane protein PIB: comparative sequence analysis and localization of epitopes which are recognized by type-specific and cross-reacting monoclonal antibodies; Butt NJ et al.; Comparison of the inferred amino acid sequence of outer-membrane protein PIB from gonococcal strain P9 with those from other serovars reveals that sequence variations occur in two discrete regions of the molecule centred on residues 196 (Var1) and 237 (Var2) . A series of peptides spanning the amino acid sequence of the protein were synthesized on solid-phase supports and reacted with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) which recognize either type-specific or conserved antigenic determinants on PIB . Four type-specific mAbs reacted with overlapping peptides in Var1 between residues 192-198 . Analysis of the effect of amino acid substitutions revealed that the mAb specificity is generated by differences in the effect of single amino acid changes on mAb binding, so that antigenic differences between strains are revealed by different patterns of reactivity within a panel of antibodies . The variable epitopes in Var1 recognized by the type-specific mAbs lie in a hydrophilic region of the protein exposed on the gonococcal surface, and are accessible to complement-mediated bactericidal lysis . In contrast, the epitope recognized by mAb SM198 is highly conserved but is not exposed in the native protein and the antibody is non-bactericidal . However, the conserved epitope recognized by mAb SM24 is centred on residues 198-199, close to Var1 , and is exposed for bactericidal killing. Z Kinderchir, 1990 Oct, 45(5), 267 - 72 {Prevention and treatment of necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn infant from the pediatric point of view}; Pohlandt F; 1 . Enteral feeding and factors promoting hypoxia and ischaemia of the gut are thought to cause necrotising enterocolitis of the newborn but have not been proven as factors in the pathogenesis of NEC . Enteral feeding may be started in principle on the first day of life at a rate of 10-20 ml/kg/day . Controlled results to the contrary have not been published . 2 . Drugs which have a high osmolarity should be diluted with milk as far as possible to avoid mucosal damage . 3 . In cases of epidemic NEC, infants with proven disease should be isolated . The use of a bactericidal and virucidal disinfectant is imperative for hand disinfection . 4 . Early diagnosis and early treatment are necessary to prevent progression to advanced stages . 5 . Antibiotic treatment should be selected to cover the entire bacterial spectrum of the ward . 6 . Frequent physical, radiological and ultrasound examinations should be done to monitor the course of the disease . Laboratory analyses should include: acid-basis status, leukocytes, differential blood picture, thrombocytes, C-reactive protein, haematocrit, serum electrolytes . 7 . Large amounts of fluid may be necessary to prevent and treat hypovolaemic shock . 8 . Abdominal paracentesis helps to recognise peritonitis and intestinal gangrene and allows surgical treatment as early as possible. FEMS Microbiol Immunol, 1990 Oct, 2(3), 125 - 7 Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori haemagglutination activity by human salivary mucins; Mentis A et al.; Thirty isolates of Helicobacter pylori from gastric biopsies agglutinated human erythrocyte suspensions . Crude mucin preparations derived from saliva of 20 different donors were examined for their ability to inhibit haemagglutination . All mucin preparations exhibited strong inhibitory activity . Removal of sialic residues from mucin preparations by treatment with neuraminidase resulted in a substantial reduction of their inhibitory activity . The mucin preparations had no bactericidal or aggregation activity for H . pylori . These results are discussed in the context of the role of mucins in colonization of the gastric mucosa by H . pylori. Minerva Med, 1990 Oct, 81(10), 707 - 12 {Netilmicin in a single daily dose for treatment of systemic infections}; Andreoni M et al.; The Authors report the results obtained in 35 patients of either sex suffering from various systemic infections and treated with netilmicin . Netilmicin has been intramuscularly administered in once daily dose of 4.5 mg/kg (mean daily dose 294.3 mg) for a mean duration of 17.8 days . The clinical resolution of the infections has been achieved in 97.1% (34 patients) of the study population; only one patient showed failure . Thirty-three of the 35 baseline causative pathogens have been eradicated . The local and systemic tolerability was good . The serum pharmacokinetics showed bactericidal levels of netilmicin and no serum accumulation. Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1990 Oct, 110(10), 372 - 5 {Effects of mineral dust on generation of superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide by alveolar macrophages, granulocytes and monocytes}; Gusev VA et al.; Phagocytosis of quartz dust by alveolar macrophages and monocytes of rabbits and human monocytes and granulocytes is accompanied by stimulation of substrateless recovery of nitroblue tetrazolium to formazan . It reflects activation of oxygen-dependent bactericidal phagocyte system and generation of active oxygen forms . Less fibrogenic and cytotoxic dust of aluminium oxide increased formazan formation insignificantly . Extracellular generation of superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide was not discovered during phagocytosis of quartz by alveolar macrophages and monocytes . Incubation of human granulocytes with silica caused, on contrary, considerable increase in exogenous generation of superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide . Less fibrogenic dust of aluminium oxide under the conditions had no effect on generation of hydrogen peroxide and induced acute decrease in generation of superoxide radicals by granulocytes . The obtained results testify both to the essential part of active oxygen form during pathologic processes with pneumoconiosis, and also to a great similarity among biochemical processes, characterizing interaction of alveolar macrophages and monocytes with mineral dust. J Clin Lab Immunol, 1990 Oct, 33(2), 61 - 8 Differential function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes between in vivo and in vitro in tumor-bearing mice; Shinomiya N et al.; In the present report, we compared activities of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) such as phagocytosis and bactericidal activity in vivo with those in vitro in sarcoma 180 (S 180)-bearing mice . Mice showed a remarkable leukocytosis and in increase in PMN fraction of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) after intraperitoneal injection of S 180 cells . Tumor-bearing mice infected with Escherichia coli (E . coli) intravenously and intraperitoneally showed an apparent delay in the clearance of bacteria compared to the non-tumor-bearing control mice . However, PBL of tumor-bearing mice showed a high phagocytic activity against beads and a high chemiluminescence (CL) activity . Dichlorofluorescein (DCFH) oxidation capacity of peripheral blood PMN in S 180-bearing mice after stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) was about the same or a little stronger than that in control mice . On the contrary, serum and ascites of tumor-bearing mice strongly suppressed the phagocytic and bactericidal activities of casein-induced PMN against E . coli . During the early phase of E . coli infection, serum level of complement (C3) was not depressed in tumor-bearing hosts . From these results, it is concluded that leukocytosis and activation of functions of PMN in tumor-bearing mice were observed in vitro but they were not effective for the protection in the early phase of actual E . coli infection in vivo . The delay of in vivo clearance may be accounted for by a suppressive effect of serum components in tumor-bearing mice. Biochemistry, 1990 Sep 18, 29(37), 8529 - 34 Identification of a voltage-responsive segment of the potential-gated colicin E1 ion channel; Merrill AR et al.; The voltage dependence of channel activity of the bactericidal protein colicin E1 was found to be correlated with insertion into the membrane bilayer of a specific segment of the 178-residue COOH-terminal thermolytic colicin channel peptide . The insertion into the bilayer was detected by an increase in labeling by one of two different lipophilic photoaffinity probes or by a decrease in iodination of peptide tyrosines from the external solution . Imposition of a potassium diffusion potential of -100 mV resulted in an increase of 35-60% in the labeling of the peptide by the lipophilic probe in the bilayer and a concomitant decrease in labeling of Tyr residues in the peptide by the iodination reagent in the external solution . The change in labeling decreased upon dissipation of the membrane potential with a half-time of about 1 min . The labeling change was localized to a 36-residue peptide segment bounded by alanine-425 and by tryptophan-460 . This segment containing seven positively charged residues at low pH is a voltage-sensitive region that inserts into the membrane bilayer when the channel is turned on by the potential and is extruded from it when the voltage is removed and the channel is turned off. Infection, 1990 Sep-Oct, 18(5), 291 - 3 Cardiobacterium hominis endocarditis in a patient with a hypersensitivity reaction to penicillin . Successful treatment with partial resection of the posterior mitral valve leaflet and antibiotic therapy with cefazolin; Christen RD; A 43-year-old patient with preexisting mitral valve prolapse and Cardiobacterium hominis endocarditis with partial destruction of the posterior mitral valve leaflet is described . Successful treatment was achieved with partial resection of the posterior mitral valve leaflet and antibiotic therapy . Because of a hypersensitivity reaction, initial therapy with penicillin G and gentamicin was stopped and substituted with cefazolin . No relapse of endocarditis was observed after 12 months of follow-up . Using micro broth dilution technique the isolated strain was shown to be most susceptible to penicillin G, cephalothin, and ciprofloxacin, with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 0.00025, 0.004, and 0.002 mg/l, respectively; and with minimal bactericidal concentrations (99.9% killing) of 0.25, 0.12, and 0.008 mg/l, respectively . We conclude that cephalosporins of the first generation or ciprofloxacin may be good alternatives to penicillin G in the treatment of C . hominis infection in patients known to be hypersensitive to penicillin. Khirurgiia (Mosk), 1990 Sep, (9), 98 - 103 {Use of pervomur in surgery}; Melekhov PA et al.; The authors show the results of 15-year use of Pervomur solutions for sterilization of surgical material and treatment of the hands of surgeons in medical institutions of the country . Due to the high bactericidal properties of the agent its disinfectant effect is produced within a short time, which is of particular importance in mass admission of casualties in field conditions, in remote and mountainous wilderness, during natural disasters , and in performing surgical interventions on ships under conditions of prolonged autonomous cruises . The absence of an unfavourable effect of solutions of the agent on live tissue allows it to be considered a very promising antiseptic not only for sterilization but also for topical treatment of purulent wounds and cavities, particularly in contamination by polyinfection. Cleve Clin J Med, 1990 Sep, 57(6), 558 - 62 Diagnosis and management of infective endocarditis; Keys TF; Advances in chemotherapy and surgery have significantly improved the outcome of infective endocarditis, but the disease remains a therapeutic challenge with an overall mortality of 20% . More cases of infective endocarditis seen today are associated with prosthetic heart valves, intravenous drug abuse, or complications of medical and surgical technology . Prosthetic valve endocarditis occurs in 1% to 4% of patients with prosthetic valves . Echocardiography is not a precise diagnostic test for endocarditis, but it helps detect a variety of cardiac lesions, including valvular incompetence, annular ring abscesses, and sometimes vegetations . Serum bactericidal titers are predictive of neither cure nor treatment failure . The principal indication for urgent surgical intervention is acute valvular dysfunction . Other considerations for surgery include evidence of myocardial invasion, infection by antibiotic-resistant organisms, and large vegetations . For patients at risk of infective endocarditis, antibiotic prophylaxis during invasive procedures is an accepted practice. Pol Arch Med Wewn, 1990 Sep, 84(3), 138 - 43 {Effect of hemodialysis fluids with different pH values and buffer types used in peritoneal dialysis on the phagocyte system in the peritoneal cavity . The experimental part}; Szczylik C et al.; In a four-hour exchange of dialysing fluid in 120 healthy mice it was checked whether and in what degree changes of the pH of the dialysing fluid in the range from 5.09 to 7.02 and change of the buffer in the dialysing fluid (acetate, lactate) have an effect on the phagocytic and bactericidal ability of the phagocytic cells in the peritoneal dialysate . The study of the count of phagocytic cells, their bactericidal ability (NBT test) and phagocytosis ability (latex test) showed that neither the type of the used buffer nor pH changes of the dialysing fluid in the range 5.09-6.18 had no effect on the defensive properties of the phagocytes in healthy peritoneal cavity . The observation of a statistically significant increase in the proportion of cells of low phagocytic ability in the group of mice receiving acetate buffer of pH 7.02 requires further studies. Tubercle, 1990 Sep, 71(3), 205 - 8 Minimal bactericidal and inhibitory concentrations of ofloxacin on Mycobacterium fortuitum at pH 7 and 5: therapeutic implications; Yew WW et al.; Mycobacterium fortuitum infections of sternotomy wounds have been successfully treated with ofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone . We studied the MBCs and MICs in vitro of this antibiotic on the organism under neutral pH (7) and acidic pH (5) and found marked escalation of these values under the latter condition . This provides hints on the therapy of these infections under in vivo settings. Tubercle, 1990 Sep, 71(3), 199 - 204 In-vitro bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity of isoniazid on the Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare complex; Tsukamura M; Isoniazid inhibited the growth of Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare strains at concentrations of 0.1-25 micrograms/ml and was even bactericidal for several strains . The bactericidal activity was observed in relatively susceptible strains . The susceptibility did not correlate with colonial morphology but correlated with species identification . Mycobacterium avium strains were more resistant to isoniazid than Mycobacterium intracellulare strains. Am J Vet Res, 1990 Sep, 51(9), 1363 - 9 Synovial fluid pH, cytologic characteristics, and gentamicin concentration after intra-articular administration of the drug in an experimental model of infectious arthritis in horses; Lloyd KC et al.; Chemical and cytologic effects and bactericidal activity of gentamicin in septic synovial fluid were evaluated in an experimental model of infectious arthritis in horses . Septic arthritis was induced by inoculation of approximately 7.5 X 10(6) colony-forming units of Escherichia coli into 1 antebrachiocarpal joint in each of 16 clinically normal adult horses . Clinical signs of septic arthritis were evident 24 hours after inoculation . Horses were allotted to 3 groups: group-1 horses (n = 5) each were given 150 mg of gentamicin (50 mg/ml; 3 ml) intra-articularly (IA); group-2 horses (n = 5) each were given 2.2 mg of gentamicin/kg of body weight, IV, every 6 hours; and group-3 horses (n = 6) each were given buffered gentamicin, consisting of 3 mEq of sodium bicarbonate (1 mEq/ml; 3 ml) and 150 mg of gentamicin (50 mg/ml; 3 ml), IA . Synovial fluid specimens were obtained at posttreatment hour (PTH) 0, 0.25, 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24 via an indwelling intra-articular catheter . Synovial fluid pH was evaluated at PTH 0, 0.25, and 24 . Microbiologic culture and cytologic examination were performed on synovial fluid specimens obtained at PTH 0 and 24, and gentamicin concentration was measured in all synovial fluid specimens . At PTH 0, E coli was isolated from synovial fluid specimens obtained from all horses . Synovial fluid pH was lower (range, 7.08 to 7.16) and WBC count was higher (range, 88,000 to 227,200 cells/microliters) and predominantly neutrophilic (95 to 99%) at PTH 0 than before inoculation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Przegl Dermatol, 1990 Sep-Oct, 77(5), 307 - 12 {Production of superoxide free radicals by peripheral blood leukocytes in patients with psoriasis treated by the Re-PUVA-C method}; Kaszuba A et al.; The investigations were carried out in 20 patients with severe forms of psoriasis, and in 18 healthy subjects . The generation of free superoxide radicals by polymorphonuclear leukocytes of peripheral blood was evaluated by Bellavite et al . (1983) method by use superoxide dismutase of Sigma firm . The obtained results may confirm alterations in PMNL functions in patients with psoriasis observed by many authors . It may confirm the probability of damage of membrane structures and alterations in their bactericidal functions. J Infect Dis, 1990 Sep, 162(3), 700 - 4 Killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by neutrophils: a nonoxidative process; Jones GS et al.; To determine the role of oxygen radicals in the killing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by neutrophils, the effects of free-radical inhibitors and enzymes, catalase, superoxide dismutase, taurine, deferoxamine, and histidine were evaluated . Changes in the viability of M . tuberculosis were determined by agar plate colony counts and a radiometric assay . No impairment in killing was seen with any of the inhibitors or enzymes . Patients with chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) have a defect in the NADPH oxidase pathway, causing their neutrophils to be unable to generate oxygen radicals . If these radicals are involved in killing, then CGD neutrophils should be less effective killers of M . tuberculosis than normal neutrophils . There was no evidence by either measure of M . tuberculosis viability that CGD neutrophils were less bactericidal than normal neutrophils . Killing by normal neutrophils was also effective in the absence of serum . These results lead to the conclusion that the mechanism by which M . tuberculosis is killed by neutrophils is independent of the oxygen metabolic burst. Pathol Biol (Paris), 1990 Sep, 38(7), 682 - 9 {Piperacillin-amikacin combinations: killing curves}; Chanal M et al.; Bactericidal activity as a function of time of piperacillin (PIP) and amikacin (AKN) alone and in combination was evaluated by killing curves technique on 23 clinical isolates: E . coli (6), K . pneumoniae (5), E . cloacae (6) and P . aeruginosa (6), for which the minimal inhibitory concentrations ranges of piperacillin were 0.25 to 64 mg/l and of amikacin 1 to 8 mg/l . For each species, the strains were chosen according to the most frequent phenotypes: beta-lactams susceptible, penicillinase (Pase), cephalosporinase (Case) and Pase + Case producers . Killing curves were carried out with the following concentrations (mg/l): piperacillin (2, 16, 64); amikacin (4, 8, 16); piperacillin (2) + amikacin (4); piperacillin (16) + amikacin (8); piperacillin (64) + amikacin (16) . Antibiotic concentrations corresponded to pharmacokinetics and/or to critical values of piperacillin and amikacin . Bactericidal activity was defined as a 4 log 10 decrease in CFU/ml between 2 and 24 hours . When piperacillin (64) was combined with amikacin (16), the bactericidal effects were nearly the same as those with amikacin alone . But piperacillin (16) + amikacin (8) combination had bactericidal effect for the majority of strains (21/23) and it prevented for some of them the bacterial regrowth observed with amikacin alone at the same concentration . A bactericidal activity without regrowth (until the 24th hour) was obtained for 9 strains; 2 susceptible E . coli, 3 K . pneumoniae (chromosomal Pase producer) and 4 cefotaxime susceptible E . cloacae, with low dose combination piperacillin (2) + amikacin (4) . Finally, only combinations piperacillin (64) + amikacin (16) or piperacillin (16) + amikacin (8) had bactericidal activity on 2 Ticarcillin-resistant P . aeruginosa, the two antibiotics being separatedly bacteriostatic.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 1990 Sep-Oct, 14(5 Suppl), 218S - 222S Free radicals, arachidonic acid metabolites, and nutrition; Foegh ML et al.; Oxygen reactive species are normally formed in cells and play an essential part of the bactericidal activity of phagocytic cells . The damaging effect of these oxygen reactive species is prevented by the endogenous scavengers SOD, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, circulating transferrin, ascorbic acid, and membrane-bound alpha-tocopherol . However, when excess amounts of oxygen radicals and hydrogen peroxide are formed, as in reperfusion injury or trauma, the endogenous scavengers are insufficient to react with these active molecules . Lipid peroxidation is an important part of the formation of oxygen reactive species . Lipid peroxidation, especially peroxidation of LDL, may have a significant role in atherosclerosis . Thus dietary manipulation of PG and TX formation through either feeding cold water fish oils or plant oils containing high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids may be a two-edged sword . Also, the dietary manipulation of arachidonic acid through increasing its precursor linoleate may cause a decrease in the immune response as seen in animal experiments . The marine oils may be regarded as a natural aspirin in that formation of PGs of the bisenoic series will be replaced by the PGs of the trienoic series . This results in the formation of TXA3, which is biologically inactive, and PGI3, which is biologically active like PGI2 . This may have no physiologic consequences but it is used to illustrate a possible mechanism for the postulated beneficial cardiovascular effects of these oils . The issues and the mechanisms are controversial and frequently highly speculative . The subject is a boon for the lipid biochemist and nutritionist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) APMIS, 1990 Sep, 98(9), 828 - 38 Serum sensitivity of a diversity of Escherichia coli antigenic reference strains . Correlation with an LPS variation phenomenon; Stawski G et al.; One hundred and ninety-four E . coli O, K and H antigen reference strains and some strains of certain O:K types were examined for resistance to the bactericidal effect of normal human serum by the method of Olling . A strain was defined as serum-resistant when less than 50% and serum-sensitive when greater than 90% bacteria were killed . Fifty-seven reference strains were serum-sensitive, 21 of them produced K antigens which apparently had no protective role . Thirty-seven reference strains were serum-resistant, and 13 of these produced no K antigen; thus the O antigens might by themselves be protective in these cases . K- mutants of the serum-resistant O8:K87 strains were serum-sensitive, and the O9:K9 strain changed from being serum-resistant to being partly resistant when the K antigen was lost; mutants of the O6:K13 strain with no or a small amount of K13 were less resistant than the original K+ strain; similar mutants of the O22:K13 reference strain did not show any decrease in serum resistance . Strongly related to 022 is 083, and results with several 083 strains pointed to the importance of this O antigen for serum resistance . In an O83:K14 strain a spontaneous variation occurred in LPS from a few to many repeating units; this variation was accompanied by a change from serum sensitivity to serum resistance. Cancer, 1990 Aug 15, 66(4), 684 - 8 Influence of chemotherapeutic agents on superoxide anion production by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Hara N et al.; The effects of 11 chemotherapeutic agents on superoxide anion (O2-) production were examined in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) . All drugs, except predonine, were found to suppress O2- production in PMNL . Adriamycin (doxorubicin), mitomycin C, vindesine, cisplatin, etoposide, nimustine, and pepleomycin suppressed O2- production at relatively low drug concentrations, whereas methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil and vincristine suppressed O2- production at high drug concentrations . Time-dependent suppression of O2- production was evaluated in four drugs, namely Adriamycin (doxorubicin; Adria Laboratories, Columbus, OH), cisplatin, vindesine, and methotrexate . Only Adriamycin showed suppressive effect on PMNL-derived O2- production in a time-dependent manner . Production of O2- by PMNL is a fundamental element for its bactericidal activity . The authors' results showed suppression of O2- production in PMNL in the presence of chemotherapeutic agents . This indicates a relationship between chemotherapy drugs and susceptibility to infection . The influence of chemotherapeutic agents on O2- production by PMNL should thus be taken into consideration when assessing defense mechanisms and susceptibility to infection of patients treated with these drugs. J Infect Dis, 1990 Aug, 162(2), 560 - 3 The vir locus affects the response of Bordetella pertussis to antibiotics: phenotypic tolerance and control of autolysis; Tuomanen E et al.; Eradication of Bordetella pertussis from the respiratory tract occurs slowly even when bactericidal antibiotics are used . The rate of killing of B . pertussis was found to be proportional to growth rate: virulent, slowly growing strains were killed over days, while rapidly growing strains (either avirulent or virulent modulated by growth conditions to avirulent) were killed over hours . Minimum inhibitory concentrations and binding of antibiotics to membrane targets were equivalent in virulent and avirulent cells, suggesting differences in antibiotic response might reflect differences in activities of the autolytic cascade . This was supported by the finding that cell wall degradation was less than 40% per day in virulent strains and greater than 70% per day in avirulent strains . Penem antibiotics, known to rapidly kill even slowly growing bacteria, demonstrated a more-than-twofold greater rate of killing of slowly growing virulent strains compared with ampicillin or erythromycin . This suggests the potential for improved therapeutic efficacy in vivo . Thus, the vir locus, which determines phase transition in B . pertussis, is apparently the first example of a sensor-transducer system controlling phenotypic tolerance and antibiotic-induced autolytic activity. Curr Eye Res, 1990 Aug, 9(8), 725 - 32 Tolerance of intravitreal povidone-iodine in rabbit eyes; Whitacre MM et al.; Povidone-iodine is frequently instilled on to the conjunctival surface prior to intraocular surgery in order to prevent septic endophthalmitis . A small amount of povidone-iodine is inevitably introduced into the eye when it is used in this manner . The toxicity of intravitreal povidone-iodine was assessed in rabbit eyes by injecting 0.1 ml of povidone-iodine in concentrations of 0.05%, 0.5% and 5% into the vitreous cavity . The injected eyes were evaluated by clinical examination, anterior segment and fundus photography, endothelial cell counts, electroretinography and histopathology . Compared to control eyes, no changes were observed in all 6 eyes injected with 0.1 ml of 0.05% povidone-iodine solution . 9 of 10 eyes tolerated a concentration of 0.5% with no detectable adverse changes . One eye developed a temporary mild iritis and mild suppression of the ERG . Intra-retinal hemorrhages, edema, arteriolar narrowing and retinal edema were seen one week following injection . Mild retinal necrosis of the same area was seen on histology . All 4 eyes injected with 5% povidone-iodine developed temporary hypotony and iridocyclitis . A dense cataract developed in all eyes . Full thickness retinal necrosis and a profound lasting reduction in the ERG was produced in all of these eyes . No corneal epithelial or endothelial changes were observed in any eye in this series . Low concentrations of intravitreal povidone-iodine likely to be produced by instillation prior to surgery are tolerated by rabbit eyes . The concentrations tolerated by the studied eyes are near reported bactericidal levels. Kekkaku, 1990 Aug, 65(8), 519 - 25 {Bactericidal activities of rifampicin, ethambutol, enviomycin and streptomycin on Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare complex strains}; Tsukamura M et al.; Bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities of rifampicin, ethambutol, enviomycin and streptomycin on Mycobacterium avium-Mycobacterium intracellulare complex (MAI complex) strains were determined . The susceptibility testings were made in Ogawa egg medium, and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined as the lowest concentration of drugs, in which the growth of 20 to 100 colony-forming units was completely inhibited . The MICs correspond to the MICs that can inhibit the growth of 95 to 99% of bacterial population . Bactericidal activity was determined in a modified Dubos liquid medium (1.3 g of Dubos TB Broth Base were dissolved in 180 ml of distilled water and this solution was supplemented by 20 ml of bovine serum) . A one ml-sample of bacterial suspensions (10 mg wet weight per ml) was added to 9 ml of the Dubos liquid medium, and the medium was incubated at 37 degrees C for 0, 1, 3 and 7 days under shaking condition (56 strokes per minute; 8 cm amplitude) . The bactericidal activity was measured as the number of colony-forming units contained in a 0.02 ml-sample of the medium . The bactericidal activities of rifampicin and ethambutol were weak or absent even in strains 13008 and 13016, which were very susceptible to all four drugs . However, the bactericidal activities of streptomycin and enviomycin could be observed in these strains.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Clin Exp Immunol, 1990 Aug, 81(2), 352 - 6 Stimulation of neutrophil elastase and myeloperoxidase release by IgG fragments; Eckle I et al.; Human leucocyte elastase (HLE) cleaves IgG into Fab and Fc fragments . The Fc fragment bears an elastase-specific antigen and has previously been reported to be found in synovial fluid during rheumatoid arthritis . In addition, biological activity of elastase-specific Fc fragments has been described in modulating granulocyte oxidative metabolism . To investigate further regulatory effects of the elastase-induced IgG cleavage products, we tested the elastase and myeloperoxidase release of granulocytes . IgG fragments induce no enzyme release of unstimulated neutrophils . But elastase and myeloperoxidase release of cytochalasin b/FMLP-treated neutrophils is stimulated in a dose-dependent manner by the Fab fragments . The extent of stimulation depends on stimulus concentration and is at its maximum for low (e.g . 2.5 x 10(-8) M) FMLP concentration . Ten nanomoles Fab/4 x 10(6) PMN augment elastase release to 206% and myeloperoxidase release to 155% after pre-stimulation with 2.5 x 10(-8) M FMLP . Fc fragments stimulate elastase release to 162% but no MPO release . Untreated IgG1 and analog Fab and Fc fragments produced by papain cleavage react similarly . Elastase-generated IgG fragments may therefore up-regulate their concentration by simulating elastase release . The concomitantly stimulated release of myeloperoxidase may influence bactericidal activity and termination of oxidative burst. Bull Tokyo Dent Coll, 1990 Aug, 31(3), 199 - 203 Bactericidal effects on subgingival bacteria of irrigation with a povidone-iodine solution (Neojodin); Nakagawa T et al.; This study was undertaken to determine the optimal concentration of a povidone-iodine solution (Neojodin: NJD) for irrigation of subgingival pockets . Three different dilutions were prepared (undiluted, 20%, and 10%) . Statistically significant reduction of total colony forming units (CFU) was shown after irrigation with undiluted NJD solution when compared to control sites . Although reduction was not significant after irrigation with 20% or 10% NJD solution, total CFU were reduced to less than 1% in several sites, which was not true with biological saline. Zentralbl Bakteriol, 1990 Aug, 273(3), 344 - 61 A comparative study on the activation of J-774 macrophage-like cells by gamma-interferon, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and lipopeptide RP-56142: ability to kill intracellularly multiplying Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium avium; Rastogi N et al.; The J-774 macrophage-like cell line has been established as a model for intracellular multiplication of pathogenic mycobacteria, permitting assessment of the intracellular bactericidal action of the macrophages after addition of both the drugs and immunomodulators . In this study, the action of immunomodulators was investigated . Significant morphological changes were demonstrated under the optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the degree of macrophage activation was also measured by acid phosphatase (AcPase) cytochemistry, release of free oxygen radicals and by their ability to hinder the intracellular multiplication of virulent strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) and Mycobacterium avium (M.av) . For This purpose, the macrophages were left to multiply during 3 days in the presence of 50 U/ml of recombinant murine gamma-interferon (INF), 4 micrograms/ml of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (D3) and 50 micrograms/ml of lipopeptide RP-56142 (RP) added separately or in various possible combinations, and these "activated" cells were then challenged with viable bacteria . Parallel controls included bacterial multiplication in nonactivated macrophages and also extracellularly but under the same experimental conditions as in the macrophage experiments . Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using the AcPase marker to localize phagosome-lysosome fusion (PLF) in infected cells was also performed . Although all the immunomodulators used significantly changed the morphology of treated cells and increased the % of AcPase-positive cells, none had any effect on the release of oxygen radicals . On the other hand, guinea-pig alveolar macrophages which served as a parallel positive control, were activated by INF and D3 (but not RP) to release superoxide anions . Our data suggest that differential killing mechanisms for intracellular M.tb and M.av may exist . The results obtained also showed that established mycobactericidal mechanisms of the host could not solely account for the antimycobacterial effects observed . Consequently, mechanisms not yet revealed may account for some of the antimycobacterial effects observed. Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 1990 Jul 23, 241(1300), 3 - 5 Resistance to human serum of gonococci in urethral exudates is reduced by neuraminidase; Parsons NJ et al.; Gonococci examined directly from urethral exudates are resistant to killing by human serum, but most strains become susceptible on subculture . Previous work with gonococci grown in vitro indicates that resistance in vivo is due to sialylation of gonococcal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by a host factor, cytidine 5'-monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-NANA) or a related compound present in urogenital secretions and blood cells including phagocytes, which exude during inflammation . This sialylation inhibits the reaction between bactericidal IgM in serum and its target LPS sites . Here, we confirm the indication by using gonococci grown in vivo . Crucial to the above conclusions was the marked reduction of CMP-NANA-conferred serum resistance when gonococci were treated with neuraminidase to remove sialyl groups from their LPS . We now show that the serum resistance of gonococci in urethral exudates was reduced by treatment with neuraminidase from more than 95% (calculated in relation to controls incubated with heated serum) to 2-11% according to sample and incubation time . Subculture of the gonococci also reduced resistance to 9-11% but resistance was restored to more than 95% by incubation with CMP-NANA . This work is the culmination of an investigation that underlines the need to identify specific host factors and the virulence determinants they induce in vivo in future studies of pathogenicity. Arch Ophthalmol, 1990 Jul, 108(7), 942 - 4 Coryneform endophthalmitis . Two case reports; McManaway JW 3rd et al.; Recent clinical studies have emphasized the importance of diphtheroids, previously regarded as nonpathogenic bacteria or contaminants, as causes of ocular disease . We encountered two patients with endophthalmitis following cataract extraction and anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation . Both patients had previously been treated with subconjunctival and/or oral corticosteroids for presumed sterile endophthalmitis . Vitreous cultures in each case yielded pure growth of a diphtheroid that was subsequently identified as coryneform group A-4 . The clinical response to standard intraocular therapy with gentamicin and cefazolin was delayed, although both patients eventually had restoration of functional vision . A comparison of the antibiotic minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations of the isolates may help to explain the delayed response to therapy seen in these two patients. J Assoc Physicians India, 1990 Jul, 38(7), 495 - 8 Free radicals: biology and relevance to disease; Das UN; Free radicals are the major mediators of the bactericidal and cytotoxic actions of polymorphonuclear leucocytes, macrophages and monocytes, and can stimulate lymphocytes mitogenically . Hydrogen peroxide induces interferon production by human macrophages and activates NK (natural killer) cells; interferon can in turn enhance free radical generation in the cells . Anti-cancer drugs such as doxorubicin, vincristine and adriamycin; radiation; and haematoporphyrin derivative-induced photosensitization all can augment free radical generation and thus, cause tumour cell lysis . Our recent studies suggest that some polyunsaturated fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid can selectively kill tumour cells but not normal cells in vitro by virtue of their capacity to augment free radical generation in the tumour cells . Thus, free radicals have both harmful and beneficial actions. Biologicals, 1990 Jul, 18(3), 173 - 80 Acellular and whole cell pertussis vaccines protect against the lethal effects of intracerebral challenge by two different T-cell dependent humoral routes; Wiertz EJ et al.; Athymic (nu/nu) and euthymic (+/nu) BALB/c mice were immunized with a whole cell pertussis vaccine or with an acellular vaccine which contained detoxified pertussis toxin (PT) and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) . Only the euthymic mice were protected against intracerebral challenge with virulent Bordetella pertussis which implies involvement of T-cells . As a cell transfer from mice immunized with whole cell or acellular vaccine prior to the challenge did not protect naive euthymic recipients, cellular immunity seems to be non-protective as an effector mechanism . Mice could be protected passively against a challenge by administration of immune sera . Therefore, T-cell dependent humoral immune responses to B . pertussis appear to be crucial for protection . The humoral response was further studied with athymic and euthymic mice . In euthymic mice the whole cell vaccine induced antibodies to FHA, pililipopolysaccharides (LPS) and an outer membrane protein (OMP) preparation, whereas the acellular vaccine induced antibodies to PT, FHA and OMP . Both IgM and IgG could be detected . From the nude mice only those immunized with the whole cell vaccine showed an antibody response which consisted of low titres of IgM directed to LPS . Sera from both +/nu and nu/nu mice immunized with the whole cell vaccine were bactericidal in vitro . These data demonstrate that in the mouse model protection to intracerebral challenge with B . pertussis is T-cell dependent as is the humoral response to PT, FHA, OMP and pili . The T-independent B-cell activation by the whole cell preparation is due to the presence of LPS.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Gig Sanit, 1990 Jul, (7), 60 - 3 {Substantiation of the tactics of short-wave ultraviolet irradiation of the air in hospital premises}; Ioirish AN; It has been found out, that the level of microbic dissemination of the air of premises for the treatment of children increases 3-10 times following carrying out various functional activities in them . To reduce air contamination it is reasonable to use irradiation of bactericidal lamps of DB 30-1 type with specific power of 1.5 W/m3 for the first 20 min . after the work has been fulfilled in the premises. J Antimicrob Chemother, 1990 Jul, 26(1), 45 - 53 The effects of single and combined antibiotics on the growth of Legionella pneumophila using time-kill studies; Barker JE et al.; The combinations of erythromycin with rifampicin, with ciprofloxacin or with amoxycillin, and ciprofloxacin plus rifampicin were tested by the time-kill curve method to assess their bactericidal activity against Legionella pneumophila . Rifampicin-resistant strains were found in broth cultures of the micro-organism even before exposure to the drug . In the presence of MBCs of rifampicin, the sensitive organisms were killed, allowing the resistant mutants to multiply . In broths containing both erythromycin and rifampicin, the rifampicin-resistant mutants were killed more rapidly than by erythromycin alone . In addition, erythromycin was effective in preventing the growth of amoxycillin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant organisms . Fortunately resistance to erythromycin was not detected by these time-kill studies . Thus for patients with severe forms of Legionnaires' disease, erythromycin should be combined with other more inhibitory drugs, such as rifampicin or ciprofloxacin, to enhance bactericidal activity. J Inorg Biochem, 1990 Jul, 39(3), 237 - 45 Stereochemical and biochemical aspects of some organoboron complexes of sulphur donor ligands; Singh VP et al.; Synthetic, structural and biochemical aspects of some organoboron complexes of sulphur containing ligands having ONS and SNNS donor systems have been described . The ligands were prepared by the condensation of 1-phenyl-1,3-butanedione, 2,4-pentanedione, diphenylethanedione, 2,3-butanedione, ethanedial and 1,4-benzenedialdehyde with 2-mercaptoaniline . The unimolar reactions between phenylboronic acid and these thio-ligands have produced Ph.B (ONS) and Ph.B . (SNNS) type of biologically active complexes . These have been characterized by elemental analysis, molecular weight determinations, and conductivity measurements . Based on UV, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and 11B NMR spectral studies, a tetracoordinated state of boron has been established in all the derivatives . The ligands and their corresponding organoboron complexes have been tested in vitro against a number of pathogenic fungi and bacteria and found to possess remarkable fungicidal and bactericidal properties. Pediatr Res, 1990 Jul, 28(1), 24 - 7 A sedative effect of dopamine on the respiratory burst in neonatal polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Matsuoka T; Studies were performed to examine the effect of dopamine on the functions of neonatal polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) . Cord blood PMN were treated with dopamine and assayed for their superoxide anion production by the ferricytochrome C reduction method and for their myeloperoxidase-hypochlorous system ability by the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence using a synthetic chemotactic factor, N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine, as a stimulus . Dopamine inhibited N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced O2- production by neonatal PMN: when PMN were treated with 10(-5) M and 10(-4) M dopamine, the percentage inhibition values were 51 and 71%, respectively . Dopamine also inhibited the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence . PMN mobility and bactericidal ability were not affected by dopamine . Therapeutic dopamine plasma levels (873.5 +/- 174.0 ng/mL, n = 13, mean +/- SEM) observed in sick infants corresponded with the in vitro dopamine concentrations to inhibit the respiratory burst . Dopamine may be one of the drugs useful for reducing the oxygen-induced tissue damage associated with PMN in neonatal intensive care patients. J Infect Dis, 1990 Jun, 161(6), 1262 - 8 Treatment of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection of beige mice with liposome-encapsulated aminoglycosides; Bermudez LE et al.; Free and liposome-encapsulated amikacin are active in vitro against intracellular Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) . To examine whether liposome-encapsulated aminoglycosides might kill intracellular MAC more effectively in vivo, beige mice were infected with MAC strain 101 (serotype 1) and after 1 week were treated intravenously every other day (5 doses total) with amikacin liposomes (0.2, 1, or 4 mg/dose), amikacin solution (0.2, 1, or 2 mg), gentamicin liposomes or gentamicin solution (0.2 or 1 mg), placebo liposomes (without aminoglycosides), or buffer . Amikacin and gentamicin liposomes significantly reduced bacterial counts in blood, liver, and spleen (98.5%, 92.7%, and 92.8%, respectively, for the 1-mg dose of amikacin and 92.8%, 99.7%, and 99.4% for gentamicin; 95.7%, 69.7%, and 89.1%, respectively, for the 0.2-mg dose of amikacin and 49.9%, 76.7%, and 89.1% for gentamicin) compared with placebo liposomes and buffer . Equivalent doses of free drug were not associated with significant decreases in viable bacteria . Thus, aminoglycoside liposomes improved bactericidal effects over conventional treatment in disseminated MAC infection, offering potential application in treating MAC infection in humans. Mol Gen Genet, 1990 Jun, 222(1), 37 - 40 Colicin M is only bactericidal when provided from outside the cell; Harkness RE et al.; The colicin M structural gene, cma, was subcloned in a vector which allowed temperature-inducible control of its expression . Induction of expression of cma in colicin M uptake proficient strains was lethal for the host cell when the colicin M immunity protein was not present . In liquid culture cells lysed, and no colonies were formed on solid media . These effects were not observed in mutants defective in the colicin receptor (FhuA) or uptake functions (TonB, TolM), nor in wild-type cells treated with trypsin prior to induction of cma expression . It was concluded that cytoplasmic colicin M is not toxic for the producing cell . To exert a lethal effect the colicin has to enter the cell from outside . Cells expressing cma released small amounts of colicin M. Pathol Biol (Paris), 1990 Jun, 38(5 ( Pt 2)), 557 - 60 {Efficacy of the combination of ceftazidime/vancomycin in the first line treatment of infection in neutropenic children}; Schaison G et al.; Infection is the first reason of mortality in children with bone marrow aplasia . It justifies the immediate treatment initiation before bacteriological cultures results . First line probabilistic treatment must have a bactericidal activity on the pathogens and must be atoxic . The empirical therapy consisted of ceftazidime 100 mg/k/d and vancomycine 40 mg/k/d three times a day . We treated 41 patients, ranged from 0.5 to 17 years (mean 9.5 years) . 27 lymphoblastic leukaemias, 10 myeloblastic leukaemias, 4 lymphomas, presenting post therapeutic prolonged aplasia: PMN less than 500/mm3 . 23 strains were isolated from 15 patients . 12 Gram+: 7 ceftazidime sensitive, 12 vancomycine sensitive and 11 Gram-: 10 ceftazidime sensitive . Only one is resistant to ceftazidime + vancomycine . Apyrexia was obtained in less than 48 hours in 36 patients . Mean treatment duration was 16 days . Hyperthermia relapsed 17 times and was susceptible to ampho B ten times, although no candida was isolated . When ceftazidime + vancomycine combination failed, other antibiotic treatment was ineffective . There were 4 superinfections (2 in blood, 1 enteric, 1 pharyngeal) and 2 germs were ceftazidime resistant . In conclusion: ceftazidime + vancomycine combination is a very effective treatment of infection in the neutropenic children: 88% success . 95% of the germs are sensitive to, at least, one of the 2 antibiotics . There are very few superinfections . Tolerance is excellent. J Dairy Sci, 1990 Jun, 73(6), 1508 - 14 Growth of Escherichia coli in milk from endotoxin-induced mastitic quarters and the course of subsequent experimental Escherichia coli mastitis in the cow; Lohuis JA et al.; The objective of this study was to assess growth of Escherichia coli in milk from endotoxin-induced mastitic quarters and to relate the in vitro findings to the course of experimental E . coli mastitis . Whole and skim milks from 24 rear quarters of 12 cows were inoculated with E . coli 0:157 and incubated at 38 degrees C . Growth of E . coli 0:157 was not inhibited in milk collected from rear quarters immediately prior to endotoxin infusion . However, growth inhibition occurred in all but one whole mastitic milk samples collected from mastitic quarters 18 h after infusion of .1 mg of endotoxin . Skim milk samples from mastitic quarters were bactericidal in four cows (7 quarters), whereas growth occurred in skim mastitic milk from 17 quarters of nine cows . Rear quarters of all cows were inoculated with 10(4) cfu of E . coli 0:157 19 h after the quarters had been infused with endotoxin . Clinical parameters and milk production were monitored during 36 h and 21 d, respectively . None of the inoculated quarters developed signs of inflammation, and secreta from inoculated quarters were b