J Bacteriol, 1992 Feb, 174(3), 711 - 24 Nucleotide sequence and functional analysis of the complete phenol/3,4-dimethylphenol catabolic pathway of Pseudomonas sp . strain CF600; Shingler V et al.; The meta-cleavage pathway for catechol is one of the major routes for the microbial degradation of aromatic compounds . Pseudomonas sp . strain CF600 grows efficiently on phenol, cresols, and 3,4-dimethylphenol via a plasmid-encoded multicomponent phenol hydroxylase and a subsequent meta-cleavage pathway . The genes for the entire pathway were previously found to be clustered, and the nucleotide sequences of dmpKLMNOPBC and D, which encode the first four biochemical steps of the pathway, were determined . By using a combination of deletion mapping, nucleotide sequence determinations, and polypeptide analysis, we identified the remaining six genes of the pathway . The fifteen genes, encoded in the order dmpKLMNOPQBCDEFGHI, lie in a single operon structure with intergenic spacing that varies between 0 to 70 nucleotides . Homologies found between the newly determined gene sequences and known genes are reported . Enzyme activity assays of deletion derivatives of the operon expressed in Escherichia coli were used to correlate dmpE, G, H, and I with known meta-cleavage enzymes . Although the function of the dmpQ gene product remains unknown, dmpF was found to encode acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (acylating) activity (acetaldehyde:NAD+ oxidoreductase {coenzyme A acylating}; E.C.1.2.1.10) . The role of this previously unknown meta-cleavage pathway enzyme is discussed. Int J Immunopharmacol, 1992 Feb, 14(2), 281 - 91 The toxicity of chemically deglycosylated ricin A-chain in mice; Soler-Rodriguez AM et al.; Tumor-reactive antibodies coupled to ricin or its A-chain (immunotoxins) have been used in rodents and humans to treat a variety of neoplastic diseases . Side-effects of such treatment include hepatotoxicity, vascular leak syndrome, myalgia and low grade fever . At high doses, severe toxicities include liver damage, pulmonary edema, aphasia, rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure . There have been a limited number of toxicologic studies on uncoupled ricin or its A-chain and none on deglycosylated A-chain . Since the latter has been utilized in "second generation" immunotoxins, the current studies were carried out to evaluate the toxicities induced by deglycosylated ricin A-chain (dgA) in mice . The administration of dgA to normal BALB/c mice causes early (24 h) weight loss and late (10 day) accumulation of ascites . These effects could be partially altered by changing the route of injection of dgA from i.v . to i.p . Thus, i.p . administration caused weight loss but not ascites, whereas i.v . administration caused both . Weight loss was associated with reduced fluid intake by the treated mice, and was not associated with increased levels of serum TNF-alpha . SCID mice injected with the same dose of dgA as normal BALB/c mice developed ascites, but it was of lesser severity, suggesting that a functional immune system, differences in microbial flora, or strain differences may be involved in the development of ascites. Neth J Med, 1992 Feb, 40(1-2), 15 - 22 Common variable immunodeficiency in a family; Van Spronsen DJ et al.; Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is mainly characterised by hypo- or agammaglobulinaemia of late onset, usually discovered in the second decade of life . In individuals CVID is associated with a variable impairment of cellular immunity and the susceptibility to microbial infection may vary as well . CVID is described in a mother and a son who suffered from serious bacterial infections . In addition, minor immunological test abnormalities of apparently healthy first degree relatives are described. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1992 Feb, 45(2), 207 - 12 New cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors MC-031 (O-demethylchlorothricin), -032 (O-demethylhydroxychlorothricin), -033 and -034; Kawashima A et al.; In the course of our screening for microbial compounds which possessed inhibitory activities against biosynthesis of cholesterol from mevalonate, we isolated four new compounds from the cultural broth of Streptomyces sp . A7361 . They are structurally related to, but distinct from chlorothricin. J Periodontol, 1992 Feb, 63(2), 137 - 43 Root surface characteristics associated with subgingival placement of monolithic tetracycline-impregnated fibers; Morrison SL et al.; The purpose of this investigation was to inspect and characterize the subgingival root surface after a 10-day exposure in vivo to 25% tetracycline hydrochloride by weight in an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer fiber matrix with and without root planing therapy . The root surfaces were examined by fluorescent-light microscopy (FLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) . Thirty-two teeth were selected for study, 4 from each of 8 patients . The teeth of each patient were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: non-treated control (C), scaling and root planing only (RP), tetracycline-impregnated fiber only (F), and scaling and root planing with tetracycline-impregnated fiber application (RP/F) . SEM revealed a visible reduction in the subgingival microbial flora in both the F and RP/F treatment groups in comparison with the C group specimens . Many of the residual bacteria observed in F and RP/F specimens appeared non-viable, exhibiting obvious loss of membrane integrity . In contrast, the RP specimens exhibited randomly distributed areas of residual subgingival plaque and calculus with newly developing plaque fronts; the plaque fronts undoubtedly having formed during the 10 days post-therapy . All RP/F specimens exhibited an incomplete removal of adsorbed root surface pellicle and demineralization of the subsequently exposed root surface . EDS analysis of large crystals adhering to root surfaces of F and RP/F specimens revealed high chloride peaks, suggesting the presence of residual tetracycline . FLM examination of F and RP/F treated specimens showed a superficial penetration of tetracycline into the root surface of about 10 microns . Areas of demineralized root showed slight tetracycline penetration into exposed dentinal tubules. Math Biosci, 1992 Feb, 108(1), 1 - 55 Microbial predation in a periodically operated chemostat: a global study of the interaction between natural and externally imposed frequencies; Pavlou S et al.; Predator-prey systems in continuously operated chemostats exhibit sustained oscillations over a wide range of operating conditions . When the chemostat is operated periodically, the interaction of the natural oscillation frequency with the external forcing gives rise to a wealth of dynamic behavior patterns . Using numerical bifurcation techniques, we perform a detailed computational study of these patterns and the transitions (local and especially global) between them as the amplitude and frequency of the forcing vary . The transition from low-forcing-amplitude quasiperiodicity to entrainment of the chemostat behavior by strong forcing (involving the concerted closing of resonance horns) is analyzed . We concentrate on certain strong resonance phenomena between the two frequencies and provide an extensive atlas of computed phase portraits for our model system . Our observations corroborate recent mathematical results and case studies of periodically forced chemical oscillators . In particular, the existence and relative succession of several distinct types of global bifurcations resulting in chaotic transients and multistability are studied in detail . The location in the operating diagram of several key codimension 2 local bifurcations of periodic solutions is computed, and their interaction with an interesting feature we name "real-eigenvalues horns" is examined. Antibiot Khimioter, 1992 Feb, 37(2), 31 - 3 {Multifactor study of combined effects of an antibiotic and polysaccharide in experimental infection}; Nikitin AV et al.; Multifactorial analysis was applied to the study of the combined effect of doxycycline and a polysaccharide of microbial origin in experimental plague infection . A marked synergistic action of the antibiotic and polysaccharide used in subtherapeutic doses in treatment of the infection was observed . By the results of the experiments polynomial statistic models of the 2nd order were designed and nomographs or equal level lines were plotted . The models and nomographs described the animal survival rate and lifespan within a wide range of the control parameters . The dose/time regimens for the use of the polysaccharide combination with doxycycline were optimized on the basis of the multifactorial analysis. Antibiot Khimioter, 1992 Feb, 37(2), 28 - 31 {Multifactorial analysis of combined use of an antibiotic and peptidoglycan of microbial origin in experimental plague}; Nikitin AV et al.; The combined effect of doxycycline and microbial peptidoglycan was studied with multifactorial analysis . The drugs were used preventively and therapeutically . The preventive use of doxycycline in the subtherapeutic doses in combination with the immunomodulator resulted in a significant increase in the survival rate rather than the average life-span (ALS) of the experimental animals . The therapeutic use of the drugs was more efficient than the preventive one and resulted in higher survival and ALS . By the results of the experiments polynomial statistic models of the second order were developed and the equal level curves characterizing the survival rate and ALS were plotted . The dose-time regimens of the combined use of doxycycline an peptidoglycan were optimized. Antibiot Khimioter, 1992 Feb, 37(2), 15 - 7 {Ultrastructure of liposomes (interliposomal bonds)}; Zhukov VG et al.; Interliposomal bonds (ILBS) analogous to intercellular bonds (ICBs) in microbial cultures were detected by electron microscopy in the liposomal materials obtained after encapsulation of substances of various chemical structure . Possible nonspecific formation of the bonds between biological membrane-limited objects (ILBs and ICBs) was suggested and formation of such bonds in liposome encapsulated drugs was believed to be of importance. Int J Immunopharmacol, 1992 Feb, 14(2), 185 - 90 Ru 41.740 triggers human mononuclear blood cells to release tumor growth inhibitory factors in vitro; Blomgren H; Ru 41.740 (Biostim) is an immunostimulating drug of microbial origin which may stimulate human mononuclear blood cells (mainly monocytes) to release soluble factors which inhibit replication of several tumor cell lines in vitro . Since this effect may be of clinical importance in the treatment of cancer a number of tests have been conducted in order to find methods to augment this secretion . In vitro tests suggested that this non-specific antitumor activity of Biostim may not be enhanced by concomitant treatment of patients with inhibitors of cyclo-oxygenase and lipoxygenases or by interferons alpha, beta, gamma or the hemopoietic growth factors GM-CSF and G-CSF. J Oral Pathol Med, 1992 Feb, 21(2), 58 - 64 Distribution of cytokeratins in oral cytological smears of HIV-infected patients; Langford A et al.; Cytological smears (CS), taken from the lateral border of the tongue of HIV-seropositive patients (HIV+) (n = 34) and of seronegative controls (HIV-) (n = 16), were examined by means of immunocytochemistry (APAAP) for the distribution patterns of different cytokeratins and MHC class II antigens . Compared with HIV- patients in CS of HIV-infected patients cornification associated cytokeratins 10/11 were increased, while the number of keratinocytes positive for cytokeratins 13/16 was comparable in both groups . Expression of simple epithelial cytokeratins 19, rarely observed in CS of HIV- patients, was a frequent findings in CS of HIV+ patients . Keratinocytes positive for MHC class II antigens were observed in CS of 12/34 HIV+, while all control CS were negative . In the group of HIV+ patients no correlation was found between the clinical presence of HL and the expression of cytokeratins or class II antigens . The altered distribution of cytokeratins may reflect local responses to proliferative stimuli or local inflammation due to the presence of microbial antigens or may occur as a general unspecific reaction in the setting of systemic viral infection . This non-invasive technique seems to be a valuable tool to determine the proliferation rate of oral epithelial cells. Can J Anaesth, 1992 Feb, 39(2), 143 - 50 Changes of expression of endogenous sugar receptors by polymorphonuclear leukocytes after prolonged anaesthesia and surgery; Bardosi L et al.; Anaesthesia and surgery are known to depress granulocyte function in the early postoperative period, leading to deterioration of the immune defence against infection . Carbohydrate-lectin interactions may play an important role in the activities of phagocytic cells in that they facilitate initial host defence in the event of microbial antigenic challenge . A panel of biotinylated (neo)glycoproteins (chemically glycosilated carrier proteins) was used to detect endogenous carbohydrate-binding receptors /lectins/, on peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes of patients undergoing prolonged anaesthesia for replantation surgery . Four hours after induction of anaesthesia, a progressive decline of expression of endogenous sugar receptors on granulocytes was detected using the labelled (neo)glycoproteins lactose-BSA, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine-BSA, D-mannose-BSA, sialic-acid-BSA and D-xylose-BSA . Concomitant changes in peripheral white blood cell counts and the lack of depression in the absence of general anaesthetic agents suggested the existence of a possible relationship between reduced expression of (neo)glycoprotein receptors to impaired granulocyte function and anaesthetic-induced immunodepression. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol, 1992 Feb, 28A(2), 128 - 35 Growth of human renal cortical tissue on collagen gel; Chang SG et al.; A model system for 3-dimensional "native-state" culture of tissues on collagen gels (Proc . Natl . Acad . Sci . USA 86:2013-2017; 1989) has been applied in this study to histologically normal human renal cortical tissue from 11 patients undergoing nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma elsewhere in the kidney . Microbial contamination occurred in 12/90 cultures, the rest (78) were studied by visual inspection, histology, immunohistochemical analysis for pankeratin (epithelial cell origin), vimentin (mesenchymal cell origin), and p-glycoprotein (associated with proximal tubules), transmission electron microscopy (EM), incorporation of tritiated thymidine (3HTdR) . In the first 10 days, explants showed 3HTdR-labeled cells in tubule structures . The surrounding gel was invaded by cells forming tubule structures, sometimes with basement membrane . Some of these cells showed labeling by 3HTdR and immunostaining positive for pankeratin and p-glycoprotein . EM showed well-polarized epithelial cells in tubule structures with tight junctions, interdigitating lateral processes, and microvilli characteristic of proximal and distal convoluted tubules . 3HTdR-labeled cells in tubule structures were observed even 2 mo . after Passage 1, 6 mo . after the initial explantation . Tubule growth was most active and fibroblast proliferation was negligible from 2 to 4 wk postexplantation . The proliferation of tubulelike cells and formation of tubulelike structures in this system represents an opportunity to study human renal cortical tissue in vitro, under conditions more closely resembling in vivo circumstances than are present in other in vitro systems suitable for long-term study . This model has potential use for in vitro toxicology studies and studies of renal physiology. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 1992 Feb, 56(2), 246 - 50 Purification and characterization of a thermostable alkaline protease from alkalophilic Thermoactinomyces sp . HS682; Tsuchiya K et al.; Protease secreted into the culture medium by alkalophilic Thermoactinomyces sp . HS682 was purified to an electrophoretically homogeneous state through only two chromatographies using Butyl-Toyopearl 650M and SP-Toyopearl 650S columns . The purified enzyme has an apparent relative molecular mass of 25,000 according to gel filtration on a Sephadex G-75 column and SDS-PAGE and an isoelectric point above 11.0 . Its proteolytic activity was inhibited by active-site inhibitors of serine protease, DFP and PMSF, and metal ions, Cu2+ and Hg2+ . The enzyme was stable toward some detergents, sodium perborate, sodium triphosphate, sodium-n-dodecylbenzenesulfonate, and sodium dodecyl sulfate, at a concentration of 0.1% and pH 11.5 and 37 degrees C for 60 min . The optimum pH was pH 11.5-13.0 at 37 degrees C and the optimum temperature was 70 degrees C at pH 11.5 . Calcium divalent cation raised the pH and heat stabilities of the enzyme . In the presence of 5 mM CaCl2, it showed maximum proteolytic activity at 80 degrees C and stability from pH 4-12.5 at 60 degrees C and below 75 degrees C at pH 11.5 . The stabilization by Ca2+ was observed in secondary conformation deduced from the circular dichroic spectrum of the enzyme . The protease hydrolyzed the ester bond of benzoyl leucine ester well . The amino acid terminal sequence of the enzyme showed high homology with those of microbial serine protease, although alanine of the NH2-terminal amino acid was deleted. J Biol Chem, 1992 Jan 25, 267(3), 1522 - 7 Purification and characterization of alpha-L-fucosidase from Streptomyces species; Sano M et al.; Streptomyces sp . 142, isolated from a soil sample, produced alpha-fucosidase when cultured in the presence of L-fucose . The enzyme was purified 700-fold with an overall recovery of 17% from a cell-free extract by cation exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography . The apparent molecular weight of the purified enzyme was 40,000 by gel filtration chromatography . The enzyme had a pH optimum of 6.0 and was stable at pH 4.5-7.0 . Substrate specificity studies with oligosaccharides labeled with 2-aminopyridine as the substrate showed that the enzyme specifically hydrolyzed terminal alpha 1-3 and alpha 1-4 fucosidic linkages in the oligosaccharides but did not hydrolyze alpha 1-2 or alpha 1-6 fucosidic linkages or a synthetic substrate, p-nitro-phenyl alpha-L-fucoside . The purified enzyme released L-fucose from a fucosylated glycoprotein, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein . Thus, the substrate specificities of the Streptomyces alpha-fucosidase resembled those of alpha-fucosidases I and III isolated from almond emulsin rather than those of other microbial alpha-fucosidases. Cancer Res, 1992 Jan 15, 52(2), 470 - 3 Different effects of staurosporine, an inhibitor of protein kinases, on the cell cycle and chromatin structure of normal and leukemic lymphocytes; Bruno S et al.; Staurosporine, a microbial alkaloid, is a strong inhibitor of protein kinases . The effects of staurosporine on the cell cycle progression and nuclear morphology of normal human lymphocytes stimulated to proliferate by phytohemagglutinin were studied and compared with the effects of this drug on human lymphocytic leukemic MOLT-4 cells . Exposure of normal lymphocytes to either 5-10 or 50-100 ng/ml of staurosporine resulted in the preferential accumulation of cells in G1 or G1 and G2 phases of the cell cycle, respectively . In contrast, regardless of the concentration (5-100 ng/ml), staurosporine arrested MOLT-4 cells initially in G2; these cells then initiated additional rounds of DNA replication, without division . Staurosporine (5-100 ng/ml) induced severe changes in the nuclear morphology of MOLT-4 cells, manifested as nuclear elongation, deep invaginations of the nuclear membrane, extensive fragmentation, and micronucleation . At concentrations of 5-10 ng/ml, staurosporine had no apparent effect on the nuclear morphology of normal lymphocytes and at 50-100 ng/ml it produced minor changes in the nuclear shapes of these cells . The data indicate that the kinase(s) involved in the regulation of cell exit from G1 and G2, respectively, in normal and leukemic lymphocytes may have different sensitivities to staurosporine, which suggests that the mechanisms controlling exit from G1 in these cells may be different . In MOLT-4 cells the staurosporine-sensitive kinase(s) appear to also be involved in phosphorylation of nuclear constituents essential for organization of gross chromatin structure . The different response of normal versus leukemic lymphocytes to staurosporine, if confirmed on clinical material, opens new strategies of tumor treatment. J Gen Microbiol, 1992 Jan, 138 ( Pt 1), 229 - 38 Preferential expression of one beta-tubulin gene during flagellate development in Physarum; Paul EC et al.; The microbial eukaryote Physarum polycephalum displays several distinct cell types in its life cycle, including amoebae, flagellates and plasmodia . Despite its relative simplicity, Physarum has a tubulin gene family of complexity comparable to that of Drosophila . We have identified beta-tubulin cDNAs from Physarum that are derived from the betA beta-tubulin locus and encode beta 1A tubulin . We have also identified a partial cDNA for the unlinked betB beta-tubulin gene, which encodes beta 1B tubulin . The polypeptide sequences encoded by betA and betB show 99% identity, but the nucleotide sequences show only 85% identity, consistent with an ancient duplication of these genes . The betB gene is expressed in amoebae, flagellates and plasmodia, whereas betA is expressed only in amoebae and flagellates . During the amoeba-flagellate transition the level of betA transcript increases over 100-fold, while the level of betB transcript changes very little . Thus Physarum has a mechanism for regulating the level of discrete beta-tubulin transcripts differentially during flagellate development . A need for this differential regulation could account for the maintenance of the virtually isocoding betA and betB beta-tubulin genes. J Leukoc Biol, 1992 Jan, 51(1), 7 - 12 Mouse T cell clones against Mycobacterium avium: identification of clones that modify resistance against atypical mycobacteria infection; Denis M; Mouse T cell clones against live Mycobacterium avium were generated from the spleens of BALB/c mice infected with M . avium TMC 702 . Eighth clones were of the L3T4+ subset, whereas two were of Lyt2+ subset . Six of the L3T4+ T cell clones were of the TH1 subset whereas two were of the TH2 subset, judged on the profile of cytokine release . One of the Lyt2+ clones exhibited significant cytotoxicity against M . avium-infected mouse macrophages . Transfer of clones to nude BALB/c mice infected with M . avium was associated with insignificant changes in resistance for seven clones . One clone, of the L3T4+/TH2 subset, transferred significant resistance to the infection, also associated with infusion of supernatants from the clone, which was fully inhibited by neutralizing with anti-interleukin 4 . By contrast, infusion of one TH1 clone and the cytolytic Lyt2+ led to increased microbial growth in the spleens and livers of infected mice, which was not apparent on infusion with supernatants . Application of clones' supernatants on infected macrophages had marginal effects on M . avium growth and was not correlated with protective or suppressive activity . Overall, these results suggest that T cells may influence M . avium growth in vivo in a bidirectional manner and also suggest that interleukin 4 may be an important factor in host resistance to M . avium. J Clin Pathol, 1992 Jan, 45(1), 49 - 53 Bacterial toxins: a possible cause of cot death; McKendrick N et al.; AIM: To test the hypothesis that sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) may be caused by toxins of commonly occurring bacteria in infants lacking developed immunity . METHODS: Nasopharyngeal microbial isolates from 22 pairs of SIDS cases and healthy infants matched for age (by month), sex, and sampling time (by month) were compared for lethal toxigenicity . Crude toxin preparations were made from isolates cultured on dialysis membrane overlaid on agar, and these preparations were then tested for lethality by intravenous injection into 11 day old chick embryos . RESULTS: Fifteen (68%) of the SIDS cases were each found to have at least one lethally toxigenic organism in their nasopharyngeal flora; only eight (36%) of the flora of normal infants included a lethally toxigenic species . CONCLUSION: Infants who have died of SIDS have a significantly higher (p less than 0.05) probability than matched healthy infants of having a lethally toxigenic bacterial species in their nasopharyngeal flora. Eur J Anaesthesiol, 1992 Jan, 9(1), 71 - 5 Tympanometry for middle-ear effusion in unconscious ICU patients; Cavaliere F et al.; Eighty-six bilateral impedance audiometries were performed weekly in 35 unconscious ICU patients . Tympanometry showed the presence of middle-ear effusion in 43.3% of the examinations (80% of the patients) . The incidence of effusion was significantly higher in patients older than 50 years, in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients and in the presence of microbial colonization of the upper airways . The acoustic reflex (AR) was characterized by increased threshold values in 23.8% of the examinations and was absent in 41.3% . Abnormal or absent ARs were usually associated with middle-ear effusion or tube malfunction. Nord Med, 1992, 107(1), 4 - 5 {Fever--friend or foe?}; Kouvalainen K; Since the turn of the century intensive research has been carried out to ascertain whether fever is associated with the organism's defence against microbial agents, and evidence is now available concerning the beneficial impact of fever under certain circumstances . However, fever also often gives rise to risks and inimical sequelae . Antipyretics should be used in the correct manner, and when the fever constitutes a hazard to the patient or causes suffering. J Bacteriol, 1992 Jan, 174(2), 541 - 8 Characterization of amino acid aminotransferases of Methanococcus aeolicus; Xing RY et al.; Four aminotransferases were identified and characterized from Methanococcus aeolicus . Branched-chain aminotransferase (BcAT, EC 2.6.1.42), aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT, EC 2.6.1.1), and two aromatic aminotransferases (EC 2.6.1.57) were partially purified 175-, 84-, 600-, and 30-fold, respectively . The apparent molecular weight, substrate specificity, and kinetic properties of the BcAT were similar to those of other microbial BcATs . The AspAT had an apparent molecular weight of 162,000, which was unusually high . It had also a broad substrate specificity, which included activity towards alanine, a property which resembled the enzyme from Sulfolobus solfataricus . An additional alanine aminotransferase was not found in M . aeolicus, and this activity of AspAT could be physiologically significant . The apparent molecular weights of the aromatic aminotransferases (ArAT-I and ArAT-II) were 150,000 and 90,000, respectively . The methanococcal ArATs also had different pIs and kinetic constants . ArAT-I may be the major ArAT in methanococci . High concentrations of 2-ketoglutarate strongly inhibited valine, isoleucine, and alanine transaminations but were less inhibitory for leucine and aspartate transaminations . Aromatic amino acid transaminations were not inhibited by 2-ketoglutarate . 2-Ketoglutarate may play an important role in the regulation of amino acid biosynthesis in methanococci. Clin Immunol Immunopathol, 1992 Jan, 62(1 Pt 2), S3 - 10 Inflammatory cytokines; Cerami A; The immune system produces cytokines and other humoral factors to protect the host when threatened by inflammatory agents, microbial invasion, or injury . In some cases this complex defense network successfully restores normal homeostasis, but at other times the overproduction of immunoregulatory mediators may actually prove deleterious to the host . Some examples of immune system-mediated injury have been extensively investigated including anaphylactic shock, autoimmune disease, and immune complex disorders . More recently it has become clear that the cytokine cachectin/tumor necrosis factor (TNF) occupies a key role in the pathophysiology associated with diverse inflammatory states and other serious illnesses including septic shock and cachexia . For example, when cachectin/TNF is produced by resident macrophages during early microbial infection, it mediates an inflammatory response that may alienate and repel the attacking organisms . If the infection spreads, however, the subsequent release of large quantities of cachectin/TNF into the circulation may be catastrophic and trigger a state of lethal shock . These toxic effects occur by direct action of TNF on host cells and by the interaction with a cascade of other endogenous mediators including interleukin-1 and interferon-gamma . The biology of cachectin/TNF will be reviewed, along with the potential for modulating the effects of this pluripotent molecule in a variety of pathologic states. Adv Biochem Eng Biotechnol, 1992, 46, 161 - 85 Use and engineering aspects of immobilized cells in biotechnology; Furusaki S et al.; A short review of the research in the past two years (1990-1991) on immobilized whole cells, such as microbial, plant, and animal cells, is presented including a discussion from an engineering point of view . Recent works concerning the intraparticle mass transfer effect on immobilized microbial cells by the authors and their co-workers are also introduced . Finally, future prospects of the immobilized cell system will be discussed. Jpn J Ophthalmol, 1992, 36(1), 108 - 16 Molecular mimicry: uveitis induced in Macaca fascicularis by microbial protein having sequence homology with retinal S-antigen; Singh VK et al.; S-antigen (S-Ag), a well characterized 45-kDa protein in the photoreceptor cells, induces predominantly T-cell-mediated autoimmune uveitis when injected into experimental animals . Recently, we have shown that native histone H3 protein derived from yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), or a synthetic peptide that is homologous with S-Ag peptide M in having six consecutive amino acids, induces experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) similar to that induced by native S-Ag in the Lewis rat . In this study, monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) immunized with histone H3 peptide developed a strong cellular immune response to this peptide as well as to peptide M . However, no significant inflammation or hypervascularization was observed in the retina or the iris during the experimental period, when they were examined clinically with an inverted ophthalmoscope . Histopathological examination showed that all monkeys injected with histone H3 peptide or with native histone H3 lost a large number of photoreceptor rod cells and developed neovascularization in the outer nuclear cell layer of the retina . These histopathological findings in the monkey retina closely resemble those seen in human patients with some types of uveitis . The possible involvement of microbial proteins having sequence homology with normal retinal proteins in the pathogenicity of human uveitis is discussed. Acta Microbiol Hung, 1992, 39(1), 13 - 9 Effect of microbial immunomodulants on the course of LCMV infection in old mice with thymus involution; Szeri I et al.; Old mice with thymus involution were treated intraperitoneally with a live vaccine containing a mesogenic strain of attenuated Newcastle Disease Virus or with Mannozym (M, 1% zymosan suspension) . One day after the treatments mice were infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) intracerebrally . The fatal course of the consequent LCMV infection was stimulated by each of the pretreatments, indicating that the cellular immune response was stimulated . The results are compared with results of experiments carried out on suckling, young adult and old mice in similar experimental systems . The authors' previous publication suggesting that the direction and degree of the immunomodulant effect may be influenced by the actual age-dependent condition of the lymphoid system, have been confirmed. Schweiz Monatsschr Zahnmed, 1992, 102(2), 163 - 71 {Do new diagnostic tests improve the differential diagnosis and therapy of periodontitis? A review}; Mombelli A; New diagnostic tools give access to information that was previously not available by classical clinical means . This includes methods for the determination of the composition of the microbial flora or for monitoring specific reactions of host tissues to the accumulation of plaque . DNA-probes, monoclonal antibodies and enzyme assays have already been advertised and are sold to dentists . The practical value of new tests depends upon the possibility to improve the efficacy of treatment based on previously inaccessible information . This paper reviews frequently raised clinical questions, the possible answers coming from new diagnostica, and the potential impact of this knowledge on periodontal therapy. Biosens Bioelectron, 1992, 7(4), 273 - 7 A novel microbial sensor using luminous bacteria; Lee S et al.; A novel microbial sensor system that uses luminous bacteria was developed for the determination of both glucose and toxic compounds . The sensor system consisted of a membrane with luminous bacteria immobilized upon it and a photomultiplier . Measurements were based on the in vivo intensity of the light emitted by the bacteria, as this is affected by their environment . A linear relationship was observed between increased luminescence and concentrations of glucose between 0.05 mM and 0.55 mM . The relative standard deviation was 10% for 0.55 mM glucose (n = 10) . Toxic compounds such as benzalkonium chloride, sodium dodecyl sulphate and chromium(VI) were also detected by measuring the decrease in luminescence in their presence. Blood Cells, 1992, 18(1), 7 - 25 Photochemical inactivation of viruses with psoralens: an overview; Hanson CV; In the presence of longwave ultraviolet light, psoralen derivatives photoreact with the nucleic acids within intact viruses and cells . This photoreaction can leave protein antigens and other surface components relatively unmodified, while eliminating the infectivity of a wide range of infectious agents . The kinetics of inactivation differ among RNA and DNA viruses photoreacted with different derivatives of psoralen . The inactivation kinetics are nonlinear as a result of photodegradation of psoralens and the unexplained biphasic inactivation of some viruses . In spite of these complexities, the photoreaction is capable of generating broad safety margins in the disinfection of microbial products under gentle, physiologic conditions . The psoralen photoreaction provides a potential method for inactivating both known and unknown viruses in active blood products . Psoralen-inactivated viruses have already proven useful as noninfectious antigens for use in immunoassays and as successful experimental vaccines. Int J Clin Lab Res, 1992, 21(3), 221 - 6 Heat shock proteins in health and disease; Kaufmann SH; Heat shock proteins are among the most abundant proteins of the biosphere . They not only play a major role under stress conditions but also perform important physiological functions . The present review summarizes the potential contribution of heat shock proteins to health and disease related to immunity: their contribution to antibody assembly and antigen presentation; their role in host cell protection against "immune stress"; their participation in tumor surveillance; their relation to gamma/delta T-cell recognition; their function as microbial virulence factors; their dominant antigenicity for the immune response against microbial pathogens; and their possible role as autoantigens . The findings summarized here illustrate the marked liaison between heat shock proteins and the immune response, which may be both beneficial and detrimental to the host. Vestn Otorinolaringol, 1992 Jan-Feb, (1), 16 - 8 {Use of helium-neon laser device LTM-01 in the treatment of patients with chronic suppurative otitis media}; Svistushkin VM et al.; The all-purpose small-sized portable helium-neon laser unit LTM-I has been tested in a clinic . The unit is constructed on the basis of a quantum generator of 0.5-1.0 mW with a wave length of 632.8 nm . The unit is provided with special appliances allowing emission to be brought to the external auditory passage and the tympanic cavity . The unit was used to treat 110 patients with chronic purulent middle otitis . Exposure lasted 10-12 min . The treatment course consisted of 7-12 sessions . The favourable effect was noted by the 6-7th day of treatment in 52 patients with chronic purulent mesotympanitis with a protracted torpid course . Improvement of the cytological picture, disappearance of the microbial flora, normalization of immunological indices made it possible to arrive at a conclusion on the existence of a certain adaptogenic mechanism of action of laser emission. Eur Surg Res, 1992, 24(2), 77 - 83 Neurotensin reduces microbial translocation and improves intestinal mucosa integrity after abdominal radiation; Vagianos C et al.; The effect of neurotensin (NTN) on preventing microbial translocation and preserving intestinal mucosal integrity after abdominal radiation was studied in rats . Animals were divided into the following groups: I (control), II (radiation control) and III (radiation and NTN) . Radiation (1,100 cGy) was administered on the 1st day to groups II and III . NTN (300 micrograms/kg) was given intraperitoneally to group III animals, once daily for 3 days . On the 4th day, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) were obtained and cultured . Villi per centimeter (V/cm), villus height (Vh) and mitoses per crypt (M/c) were evaluated from ileal mucosa . Radiation increased positive MLN cultures, while treatment with NTN reduced them significantly . V/cm and Vh also returned to normal levels after NTN treatment, while M/c were increased in all irradiated animals . It was shown that NTN reduces bacterial translocation after abdominal radiation . Examination of ileal mucosa indicates that this can be attributed to the improvement of the mucosal integrity, due to the trophic effect of the hormone on the gut. Annu Rev Med, 1992, 43, 147 - 55 Detection of microbial nucleic acids for diagnostic purposes; Engleberg NC et al.; The last decade has seen an explosion of interest in the use of molecular genetic techniques to diagnose infectious diseases . Specific molecular probes have been developed for nearly all of the significant, known microbial pathogens . The evolution of incrementally more powerful technologies, particularly gene amplification, has made it possible to detect pathogens with exquisite sensitivity, as well as specificity, based on their nucleic acids . As increasingly rapid and automated methods have become incorporated into successive generations of probe tests, these diagnostics have gained increasing acceptance for routine clinical use. Reprod Nutr Dev, 1992, 32(1), 73 - 81 Intestinal mucosal morphometry and ileal epithelial renewal in conventional and germ-free rats fed an amylomaize starch diet; Meslin JC et al.; Intestinal mucosal morphometry and ileal epithelial renewal were studied in conventional (CV) and germ-free (GF) rats fed either poorly digestible amylomaize or normal maize starch diets . Intestinal morphometry and position of labelled enterocytes were studied at various times after tritiated thymidine injection . With amylomaize starch diet, no difference was observed in the size of crypts (C), villi (V) and C + V between duodenum and jejunum both in CV and GF rats . In the ileum, however, values were significantly lower than those in the duodenum and jejunum . Furthermore, the presence of the microbial flora led to higher values when compared with GF values . Despite the morphological modifications in the ileum, no significant difference was detected in the labelled cell positions and epithelial renewal time between CV and GF values . This suggests that the resistant part of amylomaize starch was responsible for the modification in mucosal morphometry and the longer ileal epithelium renewal time in CV rats which then becomes similar to that in GF rats. J Biomater Appl, 1992 Jan, 6(3), 216 - 50 Trends in the development of bioresorbable polymers for medical applications; Pulapura S et al.; The gradual shift from biostable prostheses to degradable, temporary implants represents one of the most significant trends in biomaterials research . In view of this trend, medical applications of degradable implant materials were reviewed with special emphasis on orthopedic polymeric implants . Among the polymeric implant materials derived from natural sources, collagen, various polysaccharides such as cellulose, and microbial polyesters have been intensively investigated . Among the synthetic, degradable polymers, aliphatic polyesters such as poly(glycolic acid), poly(lactic acid), poly(caprolactone) and polydioxanone, are most commonly investigated . Only recently, several new classes of polymers such as poly(ortho esters), polyanhydrides, and degradable polycarbonates have been introduced as potential implant materials . A particularly versatile group of new biomaterials with promising engineering properties are the "pseudo"-poly(amino acids), amino acid derived polymers in which conventional peptide bonds have been replaced by various chemical linkages. CLAO J, 1992 Jan, 18(1), 53 - 5 Microbial changes in the ocular environment with contact lens wear; Elander TR et al.; A group of 30 subjects, each fit with a single disposable or non-disposable soft contact lens, was further randomized to a daily wear or extended wear schedule to determine the effect of lens wear on the normal conjunctival flora . Cultures of the subjects' inferior cul-de-sacs were taken at baseline before any lens wear and after one week of lens wear . Additionally, each subjects' lens was removed in a sterile manner and cultured at the end of the one week wear period . In all subjects, the fellow eye was used as a control . There were no statistically significant differences with respect to bacterial culture results between experimental and control eyes . Also, there were no significant differences between the pre- and post-lens wear groups . And no significant differences were found when the larger groups were broken down into different wear schedules and lens types and compared . The results of this study suggest that the ocular flora is not markedly changed after one week of contact lens wear . Also raised is the question of whether an altered ocular flora is an etiologic factor in the development of infectious keratitis in contact lens wearers. Biopharm Drug Dispos, 1992 Jan, 13(1), 1 - 22 Use of a microbial model for the determination of drug effects on cell metabolism and energetics: study of citrulline-malate; Briand J et al.; Euglena gracilis can be used as a microbial model to study the effect of drugs on lactate metabolism and gluconeogenetic synthesis . The cell growth and metabolism have been characterized in a 33 mM lactate medium, non-supplemented or supplemented by dl-malate or by l-citrulline alone or by the compound formed by the stoichiometric combination of the two components: the citrulline-malate (Stimol) . The malate of the complex accelerated the ammonium disappearance, while the citrulline facilitated the lactate consumption . A synergistic action of the complex, by comparison with the additive effects of the individual components, on most of the parameters studied was detected . A remarkable resistance to anoxia, and a quicker recovery under aeration of the cells supplemented with CM, were evident: after carbonation for 2 min the total nucleotides in the medium were increased by 44 per cent with an unchanged energy charge; and after a prolonged (20 min) anoxia followed by an aeration, the capacities of the cells to synthesize ATP in the presence of excesses of both ADP and phosphate were two-fold higher in Stimol treated cells than in control. J Periodontol, 1992 Jan, 63(1), 39 - 43 Day-long reduction of oral malodor by a two-phase oil:water mouthrinse as compared to chlorhexidine and placebo rinses; Rosenberg M et al.; Few scientific investigations have addressed the ability of mouthrinses to reduce oral malodor for periods longer than 3 hours . In the present report, we have employed simple, recently described techniques to assess the day-long reduction in oral malodor of a novel 2-phase oil:water mouthrinse (TPM), as compared to a corresponding placebo rinse, and to a commercial 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse . Sixty dental students were divided randomly into 3 groups, and instructed to use one of the rinses prior to bedtime and the following morning . Measurements carried out in the late afternoon, about 8 to 10 hours following rinsing, were compared with baseline measurements carried out in the late afternoon of the previous day . Volatile sulphide levels were measured using a portable industrial sulphide monitor . Microbial levels were estimated using a simple rinsing technique employing sterilized milk . These quantitative techniques were corroborated by organoleptic (hedonic) ratings of a single odor judge . Both TPM and chlorhexidine brought about significant decreases in volatile sulphides (P less than 0.05) as compared to the placebo group . These results were corroborated by the organoleptic data . Similarly, both chlorhexidine and TPM were highly effective in reducing microbial levels as measured by the rinsing technique, in comparison to the placebo group . Chlorhexidine appeared to be more effective than TPM in all measurement categories, although only in the case of microbial activity was there a significant (P less than 0.05) difference between the two groups. J Wildl Dis, 1992 Jan, 28(1), 10 - 20 Serological and microbial survey of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) from six western states; Fritz BA et al.; From 1986 to 1989, sera from wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), including three subspecies (M . gallopavo intermedia, M . gallopavo merriami and M . gallopavo mexicana) trapped in six western states were tested for antibody to Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) (n = 724), M . synoviae (MS) (n = 461) and M . meleagridis (MM) (n = 354) using the rapid plate agglutination (RPA) assay . Subsamples of these sera were also evaluated using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay for antibody to MG (n = 664) and MS (n = 403) . Attempts were made to isolate mycoplasmas by swabbing the trachea and cloaca of 190 live wild turkeys and from various tissues (sinus, nasal turbinates, trachea, lung, ovaries and oviduct) from 76 turkeys at necropsy . Isolates were identified using an immunobinding assay . Seroprevalence of MG, MS and MM in the RPA test was highly variable among years and geographic sites, ranging from 0 to 85%, 0 to 87%, and 0 to 83%, respectively, for each mycoplasma species . Of the 724 wild turkey sera tested, 200 (28%) were positive using the RPA assay, while only 20 (3%) of 664 sera tested using the HI assay were positive (at a titer greater than/= 1:80) for antibody to MG . Of the 461 sera tested 178 (39%) were RPA positive for MS, whereas none of the 403 samples tested by HI were positive for MS . Antibody to MM was detected in 72 (20%) of 354 turkey sera tested by RPA . Mycoplasmas were cultured from 81 (30%) of 266 wild turkeys, including 48 that were sampled live and 33 that were examined by necropsy . Mycoplasmas were isolated from every population in which culture was attempted . M . gallopavonis (MGP) was isolated from 37 (46%) of 81 birds which yielded mycoplasma, representing seven of 12 populations sampled . MG was isolated from lower respiratory tissues of one Rio Grande wild turkey trapped in Texas . M . synoviae was isolated from five of 16 Merriam's wild turkeys trapped in Arizona . Sera of birds from which MG or MS was isolated were positive to the respective antigen in the RPA test, but were negative by the HI assay . The RPA test was effective in identifying MG and MS infected turkeys despite lack of confirmation by the HI test . These data suggest that apparently healthy wild turkeys can carry pathogenic mycoplasmas and the currently used field test (RPA) can identify culture positive wild turkeys . Serological screening using the RPA test should be conducted on all wild turkeys prior to relocation. J Dairy Sci, 1992 Jan, 75(1), 140 - 54 Effect of formic acid or formaldehyde treatment of alfalfa silage on nutrient utilization by dairy cows; Nagel SA et al.; Third-cutting alfalfa with 37% DM was ensiled untreated or treated with either 2.8 g of formic acid/100 g of DM or .31 g of formaldehyde/100 g of DM and fed to lactating dairy cows in two experiments . Silage treated with formic acid had the lowest pH and concentrations of NPN, NH3, and total free AA . Both treatments decreased rumen in vitro protein degradability but did not affect in vitro rumen plus pepsin digestibility . In trial 1, part 1, 22 Holstein cows received a standard diet for 18 d postpartum and then were fed for 6 wk one of three diets containing 98% alfalfa silage DM . Although DMI was comparable, yields of milk, SCM, fat, protein, lactose, and SNF were higher when treated silages were fed . Plasma concentrations of branched-chain, essential, and total AA increased when formic acid-treated silage was fed . Rumen pH and concentrations of NH3 and VFA were similar for all diets . Rumen escape protein, estimated using 15N as a microbial protein marker, was increased more by formic acid than by formaldehyde treatment . In trial 1, part 2, supplementation with 4.8% fish meal increased concentration of milk protein and yields of milk, protein, lactose, and SNF . Milk urea concentration was higher on the untreated silage diet . Total tract apparent DM and N digestibilities were not affected by silage treatment, although fish meal decreased apparent DM digestibility . In trial 2, 80:20 alfalfa silage:ground corn diets were fed to 12 midlactation cows in a 3 x 3 Latin square study . Milk production was unaffected, but milk protein concentration and DMI were higher when treated silages were fed . Feeding treated silages increased plasma concentrations of branched-chain AA, essential AA, and total AA . Formaldehyde and especially formic acid treatment effectively improved utilization of nutrients in alfalfa silage by lactating dairy cows. Cancer Immunol Immunother, 1992, 34(5), 321 - 8 Hierarchy of in vitro sensitivity and resistance of tumor cells to cytotoxic effector cells, cytokines, drugs and toxins; Safrit JT et al.; Drug resistance of tumor cells has led to the development of other therapeutic modalities including biological response modifiers, lymphokine-activated killer cells (LAK), and cytokines alone and in combination . The premise of these alternative modalities is that drug resistance can be overcome by other cytotoxic agents or cytotoxic effector cells . However, the relationship between tumor cell sensitivity to these different agents and the cytotoxicity caused by drugs is not known or well understood . Thus, understanding the relationship between these different systems of tumor cell cytotoxicity is essential for optimal therapeutic intervention . To this end, we compared the tumor cell cytotoxicity mediated by recombinant tumor necrosis factor (rTNF), cytotoxic effector cells (natural killer cells, monocytes, LAK cells), chemotherapeutic drugs, and microbial toxins . Human tumor cell lines sensitive and resistant to rTNF or drugs were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the other cytotoxic modalities . Sensitivity was considered as tumor cell cytotoxicity above 15% while resistance refers to that below 10% . Cell lines tested consisted of several histological types such as brain, lung, colon and ovarian tumors . In our experiments, cell lines made resistant to rTNF by coculture were also relatively resistant to unactivated monocytes and their supernatants . These lines were sensitive to all other methods tested including activated monocytes, natural killer and LAK cells, drugs, and toxins . The tumor lines naturally resistant to rTNF were found to have various degrees of sensitivity and resistance to these other systems . Upon the analysis of our data, a pattern emerged that suggested a hierarchy of sensitivity and resistance of the tumor cells to the cytotoxic mechanisms explored . From a majority of cell lines resistant to rTNF to a minority of lines resistant to LAK, we found an interesting gradation of sensitivity and/or resistance to the other cytotoxic modalities employed . The hypothesis of an underlying common mechanism of action within these systems is discussed. Yao Xue Xue Bao, 1992, 27(1), 22 - 5 {Microbial degradation of beta-sitosterol: production of delta 4-androstene-3,17-dione}; Wang JY et al.; Degradation of the side chain of beta-sitosterol (Ib) gave delta 4-androstene-3,17-dione (II) and a small amount of delta 1,4-androstene-3,17-dione (III) by Mycobacterium vaccae 209-20 . The yield of the product II was 32%. Dent Mater, 1992 Jan, 8(1), 16 - 20 Inhibition of microbial adherence and growth by various glass ionomers in vitro; Palenik CJ et al.; This study measured the in vitro inhibition of growth and adherence of five oral bacteria by glass-ionomer materials . Disks were prepared from two cavity liners and four restorative class materials, by use of Teflon plates with circular wells, five mm wide and two mm deep . The bacterial species tested included: A . viscosus, S . mitis, S . mutans, L . casei, and S . sanguis . Growth inhibition studies were performed by the spreading of 0.1 mL of standardized inocula over agar plates produced with selective media, followed by the direct application of glass-ionomer disks onto the agar . On other plates, disks were placed onto uninoculated agars for 48 h, followed by bacterial inoculation . All agar plates were incubated under optimal growth conditions for each bacterial species . The four restorative materials were also placed aseptically into sterilized bovine incisors and placed into sucrose containing broth media, inoculated with S . mutans for three days . Adhering materials were disclosed and scored . An ion-exchange electrode was used to measure fluoride release over a seven-day period for all six glass ionomers . The two cavity liners and two of the restorative materials produced the largest growth inhibition zones by direct contact . No growth inhibition occurred when the specimens were allowed to come into contact with the agars prior to inoculation . All four restorative materials reduced bacterial accumulations on enamel surfaces by over 80% . Elevations in short-term fluoride release levels were positively correlated with growth inhibition. J Basic Microbiol, 1992, 32(3), 185 - 92 Magnetotactic bacteria from freshwater lakes in Georgia; Matitashvili EA et al.; Several species of magnetotactic bacteria were discovered in the lakes and ponds of Georgia . Electron microscopic analysis of the bacteria showed a great variety of microbial forms as well as magnetosome arrangements . Pyramidal, cubical or hexagonal magnetic grains could be seen in different species of bacteria . The linear organization of magnetic particles was prevailing, although gathered magnetosomes were also seen . Magnetometric measurement of magnetic particles obtained from coccoid bacteria was performed . Remnent acquisition curves, as well as thermomagenetic curves of investigated material showed that the magnetosomes under study contained pure single-domain magnetite. Ter Arkh, 1992, 64(2), 74 - 7 {The function of the small intestine based on hydrogen test data in men who have been exposed to small doses of ionizing radiation in the cleanup of the sequelae of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station}; Liubchenko PN et al.; Sixty-seven participants of the elimination of Chernobyl accident sequels were examined . Of these, 30 persons (44.8%) showed normal characteristics of the three small intestinal functions studied: activity of the intestinal enzyme beta-galactosidase, motility and microbial dissemination, 23 (34.3%) deficiency of the intestinal enzyme beta-galactosidase, and 24 (35.8%) bacterial dissemination of the small intestine . In 12 persons (17.9%), the deficiency of beta-galactosidase was associated with dysbiosis of the small intestine . The incidence of hypolactasia did not exceed the characteristic typical on the whole of the population of the Moscow region. Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1992, 37(1), 3 - 11 Biological effects of the antibiotic brefeldin A (decumbin, cyanein, ascotoxin, synergisidin): a retrospective; Betina V; Brefeldin A has been recently characterized to act as an inhibitor of intracellular protein export with profound effects on the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus in animal cells . Manifold activities of the antibiotic (under different names) published in the 1960's and 1970's are reviewed: effects on fungal growth and morphogenesis, inhibition of mitosis in plant cells, cytotoxicity, cancerostatic, antiviral and antinematodal activity and peculiar effects on DNA, RNA and protein synthesis in microbial and animal cells. Microbios, 1992, 72(292-293), 161 - 6 Microbial contamination of ambient air by ultrasonic humidifier and preventive measures; Oie S et al.; The microbially contaminated ultrasonic humidifier (UH) causes humidifier fever . The number of airborne viable bacteria was determined when the UH was operating, and other methods to humidify the air of hospital wards were also examined . A UH contaminated with 10(5) bacteria ml(-1), a level common in hospitals, increased the bacterial count in the air from 860 m(-3) to 88,000 m(-3) at a distance of 3 m from the humidifier . Thus UH in hospitals may contaminate the air and be a potential hazard to patients . Contamination was slight when a washable and disinfectable ultrasonic nebulizer was used with disinfection at 24 h intervals . In tracheostomy patients requiring a high degree of air humidification, ultrasonic nebulizers which are readily washed and disinfected are recommended. Retina, 1992, 12(4), 336 - 40 Intravitreal corticosteroids as an adjunct in the treatment of bacterial and fungal endophthalmitis . A review; Schulman JA et al.; The use of intravitreal corticosteroids in the management of endophthalmitis remains controversial . Several clinical and experimental reports are reviewed that suggest that intravitreal corticosteroid therapy, when used in conjunction with antibiotics with and without vitrectomy, reduces the intraocular inflammatory process and secondary complications associated with microbial endophthalmitis. Respiration, 1992, 59(4), 211 - 4 Increased prevalence of IgG-induced sensitization and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (humidifier lung) in nonsmokers exposed to aerosols of a contaminated air conditioner; Baur X et al.; Specific IgG antibodies against antigens of a contaminated air conditioner were estimated in serum of 134 workers of a printing company . Altogether 64% of the workers investigated revealed significantly elevated levels (> 3 U/ml) of IgG antibodies specific to these antigens as compared to a nonexposed control group . The occurrence of IgG antibodies for microbial extracts were 25% for Fusarium, 23% for Penicillium notatum, 13% for Alternaria tenuis, 12% for Aureobasidium pullulans, 9% for Sphaeropsidales species, 3% for Micropolyspora faeni, 2% for Aspergillus fumigatus and 2% for Thermoactionomyces vulgaris . Out of the 86 workers with elevated IgG antibodies for air conditioner antigens, 59 were nonsmokers . Considering a cut-off level of 10 U/ml IgG for high values, the proportion of smokers to nonsmokers becomes even more pronounced (6 to 36 respectively, binominal test p < 0.001) . This is despite the fact that the distribution of smokers and nonsmokers among the 134 workers is approximately equal (60 to 74) . All 3 workers with clinical diagnosis of humidifier lung or humidifier fever belonged to the nonsmoker group . Our findings indicate that crude water extracts of contaminated air conditioners are the best choice as antigen source for the diagnosis of humidifier lung in exposed workers . Nonsmokers are shown to have a high risk for immunological sensitization. Dev Biol Stand, 1992, 76, 25 - 37 Methods for authenticating cell lines; Hay RJ; Methods for authentication of cell lines include tests for microbial contamination, verification of the species of origin, documentation of particular characteristics or functions and the absolute identification of individual cell lines . Experience indicates that mycoplasma contamination is still a serious problem in the cell culture field, with estimates on frequencies of infection varying from 10% upwards . The utilization of pre-screened reagents and antibiotic-free cultivation, plus the application of improved procedures, such as fluorescent dyes and molecular probes for detection, provide effective means to avoid mycoplasma infection and facilitate control . Viral contamination is perhaps more problematic, especially where no overt cytopathic effect results . The potential exists for the introduction of viruses from the cell culture technician or reagents used . Representative problem viruses are listed with standard procedures for screening . Detailed studies on animal cell cross contaminations have been performed and published . The frequency of detection of problem culture varied from 17-36% in studies performed in the USA . Both interspecies and intraspecies contaminations have been involved . Awareness of the potential for this problem plus the application of several characterization procedures are key factors for control . For example, fluorescent antibody staining, iso-enzyme analysis, cytogenetic evaluation and DNA finger-printing using molecular probes are needed for quality assurance on seed stocks . The critical importance of generating well-characterized reference cell stocks for use over the years is emphasized. Eye, 1992, 6 ( Pt 4), 400 - 3 Cataract as a complication of severe microbial keratitis; Lotti R et al.; Complicated cataract results from local ocular disease; we report five cases that followed severe anterior segment infection . Three patients had Pseudomonas keratitis and two Acanthamoeba keratitis . All patients had severe keratitis and iridocyclitis . Mature cataracts developed after a mean of 5.5 months from the onset . Cataract formation with severe keratitis may be attributable to bacterial toxins, iridocyclitis and treatment toxicity . All these factors may cause cataract by interference with lens metabolism . One of our cases had no steroid treatment; the remaining four had between 7.7 and 28.14 mg of topical steroid (256-938 drops of Dexamethasone 0.1%) . Cataract formation may result from severe microbial keratitis alone but is probably enhanced by concurrent treatment with high doses of topical steroid . The potential for cataract formation must be considered when managing microbial keratitis with the use of steroids and when planning surgical rehabilitation of the anterior segment. Stomatologiia (Mosk), 1992 Jan-Feb, (1), 22 - 4 {The microbial status of the periodontal pocket}; Balashov AN et al.; Analysis of components helped reveal the true relationships between the counts of individual representatives of the bacterial association in the contents of 18 periodontal pouches . Though the authors did their best to select a group of patients with the periodontitis course as similar as possible, the multidimensional grouping method has demonstrated the heterogeneity of this group . Four types of periodontal pouches were distinguished, differing by their bacterial status; this probably requires a differentiated approach to its correction. Dev Biol Stand, 1992, 77, 129 - 36 A sequential multi-assay protocol for the preclinical assessment of natural product complex carbohydrate immunomodulators; Williams DL et al.; A major barrier to the understanding, development and utilization of natural product complex carbohydrate immunomodulators has been the lack of standardization during pre-clinical efficacy and safety testing . In addition, it has been our experience that no single assay system or model is adequate for assessing preclinical efficacy and safety of these agents . To address these important issues, our laboratory group has developed a sequential multi-assay protocol for the preclinical evaluation of natural product complex carbohydrate immunomodulators . This sequential multi-assay screening protocol is divided into four phases: 1) physiochemical characterization of the carbohydrate polymer; 2) evaluation of immune stimulatory activity; 3) assessing in vivo anti-microbial activity and anti-tumor efficacy and 4) preclinical safety evaluation . This sequential protocol provides an effective, reproducible and rational approach to the preclinical assessment of complex carbohydrate immunomodulators that, in our experience, is predictive of clinical safety and efficacy. Folia Biol (Praha), 1992, 38(3-4), 258 - 62 H-2 influence on ankylosing enthesopathy of the ankle (ANKENT); Capkova J et al.; Joint disease, ankylosing enthesopathy (ANKENT) of the ankle, occurs naturally in mice . ANKENT depends on the genetical constitution, sex, and age, and its frequency varies among inbred strains of normal mice . We found the highest frequency of ANKENT in B10.BR (H-2k) males . The H-2k haplotype appears to be a relative risk factor, which increases the susceptibility to ANKENT . The aetiology of ANKENT is unknown but an involvement of microbial agents in the environment is supposed. Environ Mol Mutagen, 1992, 20(4), 225 - 45 Development of a specific-locus assay in the ad-3 region of two-component heterokaryons of Neurospora: a review; de Serres FJ; In recognition of the need for a more comprehensive data base for genetic risk assessment of human exposure to mutagenic agents in the environment, a model system was developed for specific-locus studies in Neurospora crassa . This lower eukaryotic organism permits the utilization of microbial techniques for recovery of large numbers of specific-locus mutations at two closely linked loci as well as their subsequent genetic analysis . In particular, this assay makes possible exploratory experiments with different environmental mutagens to obtain data on a wide variety of experimental conditions . Such data make it possible to study induction kinetics and mutational spectra in a manner that is not as yet feasible in higher eukaryotic organisms . The adenine-3 (ad-3) specific-locus assay was modeled after the 2-gene, morphological specific-locus assay in the dilute-short-ear region of the mouse, and it also detects forward-mutations at two closely linked loci, namely, ad-3A and ad-3B . Because ad-3 mutations are recovered by a direct method, based on the accumulation of a reddish-purple pigment in the vacuoles of the mycelium rather than their requirement for adenine, this system is both a morphological and biochemical specific-locus assay . The use of the ad-3 assay system in experiments with different environmental mutagens has provided precise dose-response curves not only for inactivation, but also the overall induction of ad-3 mutations . Genetic characterization of these ad-3 mutations by a series of 3 rapid and simple genetic tests permits the identification of 18 subclasses of gene/point mutations, and 12 subclasses of multilocus deletion mutations . These subclasses also include 3 different classes of multiple-locus mutations with separate sites of recessive lethal damage either in the immediately adjacent regions or elsewhere in the genome . In summary, this specific-locus assay provides a capability that is unique among eukaryotic organisms for the recovery and analysis of genetic damage at 2 closely linked loci. J Clin Lab Anal, 1992, 6(5), 275 - 89 Contemporary concepts of autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases; Nakamura MC et al.; No single theory or mechanism can explain the phenomenon of autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases . Not all autoimmune responses are harmful or "forbidden." Considerable research has indicated that autoimmune response may be normal and important in the regulation of the immune system . Autoimmunity may play a role in a wide range of clinical states including physiological clearance of dead cells, and cell components, aging, response to viral and microbial infections, and generalized immunological diseases . There are many factors involved in autoimmunity including genetic, hormonal, immunological, and environmental factors . The susceptibility to autoimmune diseases is multifactorial and polygenic . There is a definite association of the autoimmune diseases with MHC alleles . Also, non-MHC genes are involved in disease susceptibility . Numerous mechanisms of autoimmunity have been discussed . There may be an alteration with dysregulation of the immune system with defective generation of normal suppressor mechanisms or an altered neuroendocrine regulation . The altered immune system will make the host more susceptible to autoimmune disease . Autoimmune reactions can occur in a host with a normal immune system . Some examples are as follows: 1 . Infection or damage to host target organ with release or alteration of autoantigen 2 . Molecular mimicry or cross-reactivity between virus or bacteria and host autoantigens 3 . Abnormal expression of MHC molecules by antigen-presenting cells in target cells resulting in activation of autoreactive T-cells . 4 . Drug administration Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants, 1992 Summer, 7(2), 220 - 7 Clinical parameters of evaluation during implant maintenance; Bauman GR et al.; This paper reviews investigations concerning the clinical parameters of evaluating dental implants during the maintenance phase of therapy . Clinical parameters that are discussed include mobility, gingival alterations, tissue movement, probing and attachment level measurements, bleeding upon probing, occlusion, and microbial monitoring . The role of implant radiology is discussed and encompasses radiographic interpretation, interval, and technique. Eur J Histochem, 1992, 36(2), 149 - 59 Morphological and histochemical study of supragingival human calculus and dental plaque using ruthenium hexammine trichloride and acridine orange; Silvestrini G et al.; Ruthenium hexammine trichloride (RHT) and acridine orange were used to preserve and visualize anionic groups in human plaque and dental calculus . RHT-reacting material was present on the membrane of micro-organisms and in intermicrobial spaces of the calcifying areas, and seems to correspond to, and derive from, acidic glyco- and phospholipids of the plasma membrane of the micro-organisms . However, the presence of acidic salivary peptidoglycans cannot be ruled out . Two types of calcification were found: extramicrobial and intramicrobial . The former consisted of calcified deposits irregularly scattered in the intermicrobial matrix . They were in close relationship with RHT-reacting material, or were placed inside vesicular structures delimited by a membrane . Intramicrobial calcification consisted of small aggregates of needle-shaped crystals and/or of granular deposits; in both cases, they either masked the whole cytoplasm of the micro-organisms, or were located only over the plasma membrane . These results suggest that mineral deposition occurs in connection with acidic components of intermicrobial matrix, microbial plasma membranes, and cytoplasms . The addition of RHT and acridine orange to fixing and decalcifying solutions yields satisfactory preservation of dental calculus and plaque, and apparently reduces loss of their anionic organic components and increases their electron density . However, these substances are not sufficient to preserve all ultrastructural details in decalcified areas, probably because the inorganic substance prevents reaction of acridine orange and RHT with the organic components of the calcified matrix. Crit Rev Immunol, 1992, 11(5), 281 - 303 Function and specificity of human gamma/delta-positive T cells; Kabelitz D; gamma/delta+ T-cells are a recently identified subpopulation of T-lymphocytes expressing an "alternative" T-cell receptor (TCR) molecule consisting of disulfate-linked or nonlinked gamma and delta chains . Despite a limited number of V gamma and V delta genes in the germ line, there is a large and diverse gamma delta TCR repertoire due to extensive N region variability . Recently developed monoclonal antibodies against V gamma and V delta gene products are useful reagents for the identification and isolation of gamma/delta+ T-cell subpopulations . The physiological significance of gamma/delta+ T-cells is still unknown . However, accumulating evidence indicates that human gamma/delta+ T-cells frequently recognize bacterial ligands as well as certain tumor cells . Interestingly, reactivity towards microbial antigens is usually restricted to a subpopulation of gamma/delta+ T-cells expressing a V gamma 9/V delta 2 TCR . However, different bacteria-reactive V gamma 9+/V delta 2+ gamma/delta+ T-cells display extensive N region variability, suggesting the involvement of a gamma/delta-specific superantigen in these responses . Little is known about the role of gamma/delta+ T-cells under pathological conditions . Rare cases of gamma/delta+ T-cell leukemias and lymphomas have been described . In addition, discrete changes in the distribution of gamma/delta+ T-cell subpopulations have been observed during HIV infection . Current thinking favors the interpretation that gamma/delta+ T-cells play a role in the immune reaction during infection and in the regulation of physiological or pathophysiological autoimmune responses. Annu Rev Immunol, 1992, 10, 519 - 60 Cyclosporin A, FK-506, and rapamycin: pharmacologic probes of lymphocyte signal transduction; Sigal NH et al.; CsA, FK-506, and rapamycin are microbial products with potent immunosuppressive properties that result primarily from a selective inhibition of T lymphocyte activation . Although chemically unrelated, CsA and FK-506 affect a similar subset of calcium-associated signaling events involved in the regulation of lymphokine gene expression, activation-driven T-cell death and exocytosis . Rapamycin has structural similarity with FK-506 but suppresses T-cell activation at a different level, mainly through inhibition of proliferation induced by growth-promoting lymphokines . CsA interacts with an abundant 17 kDa protein, termed cyclophilin, that possesses peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase) activity . Additional, minor cyclophilin-like molecules have been identified . Both FK-506 and rapamycin interact with FKBP, a 12 kDa protein, which, although unrelated to cyclophilin, is also abundant and ubiquitous, has a similar enzymatic activity, and is a member of a larger family of FKBPs . All three immunosuppressants inhibit the PPIase activity of their respective binding proteins . However, nonimmunosuppressive analogs of CsA and FK-506 are also inhibitory, indicating that inhibition of PPIase activity is not directly implicated in immunosuppression . Moreover, only a small fraction of the cellular pool of the major forms of cyclophilin or FKBP needs to be occupied by the drugs in order to achieve maximal immunosuppression . These observations suggest that complexes formed between the drugs and their major binding proteins may affect the function of other, unidentified, molecules or, alternatively, that minor binding proteins may play a role in the drugs' action . Further characterization of the biochemical processes altered by CsA, FK-506, and rapamycin should yield important insights into the signal transduction pathways involved in T-cell activation and should help in the development of novel immunosuppressive agents. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1992 Jan, 45(1), 118 - 23 Microbial transformation of immunosuppressive compounds . I . Desmethylation of FK506 and immunomycin (FR 900520) by Actinoplanes sp . ATCC 53771; Chen TS et al.; The immunosuppressants FK506 and FR 900520 were desmethylated by Actinoplanes sp . ATCC 53771 to yield various O-desmethylated products . The products were isolated and purified by solvent extraction and HPLC chromatography, and identified by NMR and MS spectroscopy. Biodegradation, 1992, 3(2-3), 171 - 88 The cellulose paradox: pollutant par excellence and/or a reclaimable natural resource? Bayer EA, Lamed R. The various aspects of cellulose as a pollutant are considered in view of its lack of toxicity on the one hand and its recalcitrant durable nature on the other . The microbial degradation of cellulosics is discussed, and the contrast between its success in handling natural cellulosic wastes versus its failure to cope with man-made refuse is described . Research carried out in the past decade has demonstrated that cellulolytic organisms are provided with cell surface multifunctional multienzyme conglomerates, called cellulosomes, which are capable of solubilizing solid cellulosic substrates . The intriguing properties of such complexes include their cohesive nature, their many enzymatic components, and a characteristic glycosylated cellulose-binding, 'scaffolding' component . The latter appears to serve as a substrate-targeting carrier, which delivers the other (hydrolytic) components to the cellulose . Progress in establishing efficient model systems for in vitro solubilization of purified cellulose or natural cellulosic substrates has been achieved using purified cellulosome preparations, fortified with beta-glucosidase and pectinase . The latter enzymes were required in order to alleviate the phenomenon of product inhibition which reduces the efficiency of the free cellulosome . Such combined enzyme systems are proposed as examples of future tailor-made cellulolytic systems for the degradation of natural cellulosics. Sci Prog, 1992, 76(301-302 Pt 3-4), 479 - 96 Microbial life at high pressures; Bartlett DH; Deep-sea environment have selected for the evolution of unusual bacterial extremophiles which are adapted to life at high pressures . This review briefly characterises barophilic bacteria; compares and contrasts high pressure effects on cellular and biochemical processes in both barosensitive and barophilic bacteria; and presents molecular and genetic approaches which have been used to examine the basis of high pressure sensitivity in terrestrial barosensitive bacteria, or to dissect barophilic processes in deep-sea bacteria. Probl Khig, 1992, 17, 117 - 22 {An evaluation of the genotoxicity activity of the microbial preparation bulmoscide}; Mirkova E et al.; The genotoxic activity of the microbial preparation bulmoscid "in vivo" for somatic cells of mammals is studied by micronucleus method in marrow of mice . The experiments are performed on inbred mice C57BL6 of both sexes at unrepeated oral introduction of the preparation in two doses: 2200 mg/kg-1 (2.64.10(10) cells kg-1), and 1100 mg/kg-1 (1.32.10(10) cells kg-1) presenting 80% and respectively 40% of the unrepeated maximum tolerable dose of "Bulmoscid" for mice (2750 mg/kg-1) . The genotoxic index, frequency of micronuclear polychromatophilic erythrocytes (MPE) in marrow is determined in dynamics on the 24, 48 and 72 hour after the introduction of the preparation . The data of the performed cytogenetic analysis in marrow of C57BL6 mice of both sexes point out that the preparation "Bulmoscid" possesses no clastogenic activity for mammals . The data received are extrapolated also in direction of absence of genotoxic potential for germinative cells. Adv Perit Dial, 1992, 8, 316 - 24 Swan neck presternal ("bath tub") catheter for peritoneal dialysis; Twardowski ZJ et al.; We hypothesize that the swan neck catheter for peritoneal dialysis with exit in the presternal area will have better exit site healing and a decreased incidence of exit site infection than currently used peritoneal dialysis catheters with the exit located on the abdomen . The chest is a very stable structure, with minimal wall motion, especially of the upper chest and over the sternum . Hence, a catheter exit located on the chest will be subjected to only minimal movement . Decreased piston like movement of the catheter at the exit site reduces inward transfer of outer microbial flora . Moreover, a tight garment is usually not worn on the chest and there is less pressure on the exit . Based on this rationale a new catheter (swan neck presternal) has been designed . The presternal peritoneal dialysis catheter is composed of two flexible (silicon rubber) tubes joined through a titanium connector at the time of implantation . The device has been dubbed as a "bath tube" catheter because, with the exit on the chest, a patient may take a tub bath without the risk of exit contamination due to submersion . Two such catheters were implanted in two patients . One patient had multiple problems (including chronic exit site infection) with a previously implanted swan neck Missouri 2 catheter, the other patient was originally rejected as a peritoneal dialysis candidate due to extreme obesity . Both catheters healed well in 6 weeks and the exits have not become infected during the first 8 months . These preliminary experiences with 2 catheters support the rationale of their design. Virchows Arch B Cell Pathol Incl Mol Pathol, 1992, 62(4), 271 - 4 Low incidence of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) in chronically inflamed human lungs; Delventhal S et al.; The relevance of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) in man is still under discussion . Animal experiments indicate that the development of BALT is dependent on microbial stimulation . Therefore, the incidence of BALT was investigated retrospectively in specimens removed during surgical procedures on patients with chronic pulmonary inflammation . All these patients had severe chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis, but BALT was found in only 8% . In patients with BALT and a malignant tumor, occlusion of a bronchus with poststenotic pneumonia was always present and BALT was observed exclusively in areas peripheral to the occlusion . In man other compartments of the lung must be responsible for the immune function of BALT found in animals. Life Sci, 1992, 51(18), 1445 - 51 HS-142-1, a novel polysaccharide of microbial origin, specifically recognizes guanylyl cyclase-linked ANP receptor in rat glomeruli; Sano T et al.; HS-142-1, a novel polysaccharide, of microbial origin had been characterized as a specific antagonist of guanylyl cyclase-linked atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptors (ANP-GC receptor) in bovine adrenal cortex . The effect of HS-142-1 on ANP receptors of rat glomeruli were examined . HS-142-1 blocked rat ANP (r-ANP)-stimulated cGMP production in a concentration-dependent manner, although it caused only slight inhibition in the specific binding of {125I}-rANP to the glomeruli where only a small portion of the binding sites are coupled to guanylyl cyclase . HS-142-1 recognized the 135K ANP receptor which is thought to be ANP-GC receptors but did not recognized 60K receptor, guanylyl cyclase-free type from affinity cross-linking studies with glomerular membranes . These results indicate that HS-142-1 is a specific antagonist for the ANP-GC receptor in rat glomeruli, and that it will be a powerful tool for understanding the physiological roles of ANP in renal responses. Drug Metab Dispos, 1992 Jan-Feb, 20(1), 38 - 46 Microbial models of mammalian metabolism . Biotransformations of N-methylcarbazole using the fungus Cunninghamella echinulata; Yang W et al.; The fungal metabolism of N-methylcarbazole (NMC) was investigated during the development of microbial models of mammalian metabolism . NMC was metabolized by the fungus Cunninghamella echinulata (ATCC 9244) to generate four metabolites: carbazole, N-hydroxymethylcarbazole (NHMC), 3-hydroxycarbazole, and 3-hydroxy-NHMC . Carbazole and NHMC are two major metabolites previously identified in mammalian systems, while 3-hydroxycarbazole and 3-hydroxy-NHMC have not been previously reported as metabolites of NMC . Structural identification of the four metabolites was based upon spectral (UV, MS, and NMR) and chromatographic (TLC and HPLC) comparisons with synthetic standards . These studies demonstrate that C . echinulata catalyzes the two principal biotransformations observed in mammalian systems with NMC: aliphatic hydroxylation to yield the (relatively) stable carbinolamine NHMC (with slow decomposition to the N-dealkylated product, carbazole) and aromatic hydroxylation in the 3-position. Agressologie, 1992, 33 Spec No 3, 140 - 2 {Comparison of polyurethane and polyethylene for central venous catheter in intensive care units}; Touquet S et al.; Polyurethane (PU) and polyethylene (PE) central venous catheters were compared for their respective responsabilities in catheter related sepsis (CRS) . From may 1988 to may 1989, 300 central venous catheters were inserted . Insertion sites were freely chosen by physicians . The polymer type was randomized . Catheters were removed after 10 days in place . Microbial loads were assessed on insertion sites, catheter hubs and tips, and blood drawn through the catheters lumen . One hundred eighty three catheters were available for complete evaluation (101 PE, 82 PE) . Eleven were responsible for CRS, 4 were colonized (BB3 according to Brun-Buisson's classification), 19 were contaminated (BB2), and 149 were sterile (BB1) . When comparing the "infected" group (CRS+BB3) and the "noninfected" (BB2 + BB1), no difference appeared between the tested polymers . CRS were significantly associated with insertion into the internal jugular vein . It seems useless to exclude from clinical practice any of the biomaterials tested. Am J Physiol, 1992 Jan, 262(1 Pt 1), L92 - 9 Expression of peroxidase activity in rat tracheal epithelial cells associated with Mycoplasma pulmonis; Kinbara M et al.; Endogenous peroxidase activity has not been localized in the tracheal mucosal epithelial cells of specific pathogen-free (SPF) rats . After natural infection with Mycoplasma pulmonis in SPF rats, peroxidase activity became localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear envelope, and Golgi apparatus of tracheal ciliated or mucous secretory cells . Some secretory cells occasionally had peroxidase-positive secretory granules . At 1 wk M . pulmonis was found to attach to these epithelial cells, which then showed positive peroxidase activity at 2 wk . Serum antibody titers against M . pulmonis were positive at 5 wk . These results suggest that virulent mycoplasma infection and interaction with the tracheal epithelial cells trigger the de novo expression of peroxidase activity, which seems to play a role in mucosal anti-microbial defense mechanisms. J Immunol, 1992 Jan 1, 148(1), 177 - 81 Neutrophil stimulation and priming by direct contact with activated human T lymphocytes; Zhang JH et al.; The concept that T lymphocytes regulate neutrophil function has an important implication in the understanding of the role of these cells in immunity against infection and in inflammatory diseases, but evidence for this concept is primarily derived from the effects of lymphokines on neutrophils . We now present evidence to show that living or paraformaldehyde-fixed mitogen-activated T lymphocytes, as well as an activated T cell line (HUT-78), induce by cell-cell contact, an oxygen-dependent respiratory burst measured by both the lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence assay and superoxide production . Neutrophils reacted with purified human T lymphocytes which had been activated by culture in the presence of PHA and PMA for 72 h showed a marked and significant respiratory burst compared with neutrophils treated with T lymphocytes cultured in the absence of these mitogens . Similar results were observed with the paraformaldehyde-fixed T cell line (HUT-78) . The ability to stimulate neutrophils required intact paraformaldehyde-fixed T cells, and neutrophil stimulation failed to occur if the T cells and neutrophils were separated by membrane filters . mAb to TNF-alpha, and TNF-beta blocked the ability of rTNF-alpha and TNF-beta to stimulate neutrophils but did not block the neutrophil response induced by activated T cells . Pretreatment of neutrophils with the activated T lymphocytes enhanced the response to the tripeptide, FMLP . It is therefore conceivable that activated T lymphocytes attracted at sites of inflammation influence neutrophil activity by direct plasma membrane interaction which clearly represents an efficient microbial defence mechanism, minimizing tissue damage during inflammation. Zhongguo Ji Sheng Chong Xue Yu Ji Sheng Chong Bing Za Zhi, 1992, 10(3), 211 - 4 {Comparison of mosquito larvicidal efficacy between microbial encapsulated BTI (EBTI) and standard BTI (SBTI)}; Zhang ZH et al.; A comparative study was conducted on the efficacy of mosquito larvicides EBTI and SBTI . The results showed that: 1 . The residual efficacy of EBTI was remarkably higher than that of SBTI at 0.007-0.002ppm BTI concentration (P < 0.01), the mosquito larvae mortality of EBTI remained 100% until the 4th week; in contrast, the mosquito larva mortality of SBTI gradually and obviously declined from the 2nd to 4th week after treatment (x2 = 8.17-24.08), and reached 0 at the 4th week . 2 . The lowest BTI concentration of EBTI at which a high efficacy persisted for 4 weeks was 0.007ppm BTI, the mosquito larva mortality remaining 100%. Biomed Pharmacother, 1992, 46(10), 491 - 4 Anti-infectious effect of C granulosum-derived P40 immunomodulator given by aerosolization and intranasal instillation; Bizzini B et al.; It is known that C granulosum-derived P40 immunomodulator displays strong anti-microbial effects in mice by the intravenous route . Since microbial contamination of humans occurs in many instances via the airways, the effect of P40 on infections was investigated when it was given intranasally or by aerosolization . In order to augment its bioavailability, P40 was derivatized by coupling with polylysine chains (P40-PL) . The results showed that P40-PL exercised a significant protective effect, both by the intranasal route and by aerosolization on both influenza and K pneumoniae infections produced by aerosolization or intranasal instillation . Stimulation of the phagocytic capacity of alveolar macrophages by these types of treatment is likely to account for the increased resistance of mice toward microbial infections. Nauchnye Doki Vyss Shkoly Biol Nauki, 1992, (2), 25 - 32 {Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors of microbial origin}; Selezneva AA et al.; The data on spreading of inhibitors of alpha-glucosidases with microbial origin are given . Physiochemical characteristics of acorbose--a known inhibitor of alpha-glucosidases--and new inhibitor isolated from Streptomyces sp . are given in detail. Adv Exp Med Biol, 1992, 327, 13 - 23 Prospects for human mucosal vaccines; Mestecky J et al.; The selective induction of antibodies in external secretions and mucosal T cell-mediated immunity are desirable for the prevention of various systemic as well as predominantly mucosa-restricted infections . An enormous surface area of mucosal membranes is protected primarily by antibodies that belong, in many species, to the IgA isotype . Such antibodies are produced locally by large numbers of IgA-containing plasma cells distributed in subepithelial spaces of mucosal membranes and in the stroma of secretory glands . In humans and in some animal species, plasma-derived IgA antibodies do not enter external secretions in significant quantities and systemically administered preformed IgA antibodies would be of little use for passive immunization . Systemic administration of microbial antigens may boost an effective S-IgA immune response only in a situation whereby an immunized individual had previously encountered the same antigen by the mucosal route . Immunization routes that involve ingestion or possibly inhalation of antigens lead to the induction of not only local but also generalized immune responses, manifested by the parallel appearance of S-IgA antibodies to ingested or inhaled antigens in secretions of glands distant from the site of immunization . Convincing evidence is available that antigen-sensitized and IgA-committed precursors of plasma cells and T cells from IgA inductive sites (e.g., BALT, GALT, and tonsils) are disseminated to the gut, other mucosa-associated tissues, and exocrine glands . However, due to the limited absorption of desired antigens from the gut lumen of orally immunized individuals, repeated large doses of antigens are required for an effective S-IgA response . Novel antigen delivery systems for the stimulation of such responses has been briefly reviewed here . These, of course, include genetically engineered bacteria and viruses, CT/CFB, liposomes and microspheres . Live attenuated or genetically manipulated bacteria expressing other microbial antigens have been used for selective colonization of GALT . Unique antigen packaging and the use of adjuvants suitable for oral administration hold promise for an efficient antigen delivery to critical tissues in the intestine and deserve extensive exploration . The oral immunization route appears to have many advantages over systemic immunization; however, one must consider alternate IgA inductive sites and compartmentalization within the Common Mucosal Immune System . In addition to providing immunity on mucosal surfaces, which are the most common sites of entry of infectious agents, the mucosal routes of administration are more acceptable and do not require stringent criteria applicable for injectable vaccines, storage problems may be simplified, and large populations of individuals can be immunized simultaneously without the assistance of highly trained health personnel. Postepy Hig Med Dosw, 1992, 46(4), 361 - 79 {The role of iron in immunologic processes}; Tegowska E; Iron, apart a for long time well-known function connected with: transportation (hemoglobin), storage (myoglobin), and utilize (cytochromes, cytochrome oxidase) oxygen for respiration, has a critical role in host-pathogen interactions . Iron is essential for microbial growth, but also for immune function . The role of iron in infection, thermoregulation, acute lymphocytic leukemia, neoplasia, rheumatoid arthritis, stimulation of free radical reactions, and studies with iron chelation therapy are discussed. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl, 1992, 193, 28 - 32 Does the stomach adapt to Helicobacter pylori? Tytgat GN. To shed some light on the question of gastric adaptation to Helicobacter pylori infection, an overview is given of the various histopathological and clinical consequences of H . pylori infection in man . H . pylori infection can be considered as a chronic bacterial infection . For many individuals there is a balance between a low degree of infection and a low degree of inflammation . The microbial or host factors in adaptation of this balance are largely unknown . If and how 'downregulation' of the inflammatory/immune response does occur need further study. Acta Physiol Hung, 1992, 80(1-4), 423 - 5 Antiinflammatory effect of a protein kinase C inhibitor (K-252a) on the development of the dextran-induced paw edema in the rat (preliminary results); Papp M et al.; The effect of a metabolite of Nocardiopsis sp . as a protein kinase C inhibitor from microbial origin was investigated on the onset and development of dextran-induced paw edema in the rat . It was published that this compound (K-252a) interferes with histamine release from mast cells, while dextran-induced paw and nose edema are induced by vasoactive agents, like histamine etc., released from the disrupted mast cells . The antiinflammatory effect of the K-252a is effectuated by the inhibition of protein kinase C . Groups of male Wistar rats with 180-200 g b.w . were used; each group consisted of 10-10 rats . The following groups were consisted: rats given orally DMSO (control), rats given 1 mg/kg, or 3 mg/kg b.w . of K-252a dissolved in DMSO and given p.o . one hour before dextran injection . Dextran (BDH Chem . LTD, molW: 200.000, England) was injected intraperitoneally in 10% solution, in a dose of one ml/100 g b.w . Volume of the hind leg was measured by a mercury plethysmometer . Time-sequence of the edema was followed . Increase in volume of hind leg paw was related to its 0-min volume in % . Results were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis-test . Edema of the legs and noses appeared in each of the control rats in one hour . The 1 mg/kg dose of K-252a retarded the appearance of the edema by 1 hour, the 3 mg/kg dose, however, prevented its onset for 4 hours.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Braz J Med Biol Res, 1992, 25(11), 1131 - 5 Human antibodies to dengue and yellow fever do not react in diagnostic assays for hepatitis C virus; Yoshida CF et al.; Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a recently described causative agent of the great majority of post-transfusion non A-non B hepatitis and is classified within the Flaviviridae family . Due to a high prevalence of anti-HCV and other flaviviruses circulating in Brazil, such as dengue and yellow fever, we investigated the possibility of serological cross-reactivity between these viruses . Different panels of human sera positive for dengue type 1 (9 cases) and type 2 (7 cases) from 6 patients naturally infected with yellow fever and from 94 adults vaccinated against the 17D strain of yellow fever were tested against HCV antigens used in diagnostic assays . Two enzyme immunoassay systems were tested: one, an in-house test using recombinant antigens from core, NS3 and NS5 regions of the HCV genome (Research Foundation for Microbial Disease of Osaka University, Japan); and another, using synthetic peptides representing immunodominant epitopes of structural core and non-structural NS4 and NS5 HCV regions (INNOTEST HCV Ab, Innogenetics, Belgium) . A line immunoassay (INNO-LIA HCV Ab, Innogenetics, Belgium) was used as a confirmatory test . In this, HCV antigens are coated as discrete lines on a nylon strip with plastic backing . Besides 4 control lines on each strip, a total of 6 HCV lines are present: line A consists of several NS4 epitopes, line B consists of several NS5 epitopes and lines C-F contain several core epitopes . This test not only confirms but differentiates antibodies to hepatitis C virus . No positive results were detected with these tests, indicating that hepatitis C infection can be evaluated by current assays in regions where flaviviruses are endemic. Rev Roum Virol, 1992 Jan-Jun, 43(1-2), 47 - 58 {Complex studies of virology, microbiology, biochemistry and epidemiology in the adults of a semi-closed community vaccinated against influenza with the inactivated NIVGRIP vaccine intranasally}; Steiner N et al.; A study was conducted on the specific and non specific immunomodulator effects of the inactivated vaccine NIVGRIP . The results revealed the seroconversion of HAI antibodies against influenza and mumps viruses and the reduction of viral and microbial flora of the pharynx . The kinetics of some proteins specific to the acute stage (siderophiline antitrypsin, microglobulin, complement C1q and C2 factors, C reactive protein and fibronectin) was also investigated and significant quantitative modifications were noticed in vaccinated subjects . The mean illness duration (acute respiratory disease) was three times as short in vaccinated subjects as in controls. Matrix Suppl, 1992, 1, 263 - 8 Localization of cleavage sites for human fibroblast collagenase in the bait region of five mammalian alpha-macroglobulins; Sottrup-Jensen L et al.; The interaction between human fibroblast collagenase and five mammalian alpha-macroglobulins (human alpha 2-macroglobulin and pregnancy zone protein, rat alpha 1- and alpha 2-macroglobulin and rat alpha 1-inhibitor 3) is discussed . Complex formation involves specific limited proteolysis in the alpha-macroglobulin bait regions, activation of the internal beta-cysteinyl-gamma-glutamyl thiol esters, conformational changes and covalent complex formation . For human alpha 2-macroglobulin, and rat alpha 1-macroglobulin and alpha 2-macroglobulin it is estimated that the overall rate constant of complex formation is greater than 1.10(6) M-1s-1, while it is much lower for human pregnancy zone protein and rat alpha 1-inhibitor 3 . More than 95% of the complexed collagenase is covalently bound . The identification of the sites of specific limited proteolysis in the bait regions of the five alpha-macroglobulins shows that cleavage may take place in sequences that are not related to those identified earlier in the collagens . These results greatly expand the repertoire of sequences known to be cleaved by fibroblast collagenase, and suggest that this proteinase has a primary substrate specificity resembling that of the microbial proteinase thermolysin as it preferentially cleaves at the NH2-terminal side of large hydrophobic residues . In addition, the results highlight the unique structure of the flexible alpha-macroglobulin bait region in that it can accommodate a conformation required by the highly restrictive fibroblasts collagenase . It is suggested that alpha-macroglobulins may play an important role in locally controlling the activity of collagenases and perhaps other proteinases of the extracellular matrix. Clin Lab Haematol, 1992, 14(4), 273 - 80 Patterns of primary degranulation as indicated by the mean myeloperoxidase index (MPXI) during bacteraemia in lymphoma transplants treated with growth factors; Tsakona CP et al.; The pattern of changes in neutrophil myeloperoxidase (MPO) before, during and after bacteraemia was studied in 34 patients recovering from autologous bone marrow transplantation for relapsed Hodgkin's disease and non Hodgkin's lymphomas . Thirteen patients received haemopoietic growth factors (7 received M-CSF, 3 received G-CSF and 3 GM-CSF) . The mean peroxidase index (MPXI) produced as part of a routine FBC performed by a flow cytochemistry blood autoanalyser (Technicon H*1) was used as a parameter to assess the MPO and subsequently the azurophil degranulation . The manufacturer's normal values for MPXI range from -10 to +10 . Median MPXI on the day of documented bacteraemia was just below normal in the control and M-CSF groups (-10.8 and -8.9 respectively), but it was much below normal in the G-CSF (-16.5, P < 0.05) and even lower in the GM-CSF group (-39.6, P < 0.02); this correlated well with the decreased bacteraemia incidence in the last two groups . Although contact of neutrophils with bacterial chemoattractants resulted in primary degranulation in all groups, the pattern of changes in MPO content was different, suggesting that neutrophils primed in vivo with various haemopoietins respond to the challenge of microbial agents via different pathways. Viral Immunol, 1992 Winter, 5(4), 265 - 72 Humoral responses to the immunodominant gag and env epitopes of human T-lymphotropic virus type I among Melanesians; Lal RB et al.; The immune responsiveness to the immunodominant B-cell epitopes of human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I), derived from the external envelope glycoprotein (recombinant MTA-1(162-209), synthetic Env-1(194-214), and Env-5(242-257)) and the gag-encoded matrix protein (Gag-1a(102-117)), was analyzed in 19 HTLV-I-seropositive and 51 HTLV I-seroindeterminate Melanesians from Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands . The reactivities of seropositive Melanesian specimens to MTA-1 (100%), Env-5 (89%), and Gag-1a (79%) were similar to that seen with U.S . specimens, while reactivity to Env-1 was lower in Melanesian specimens (68%) . Minimal reactivity was found to the env epitopes among the 51 HTLV-I-seroindeterminate Melanesians, but 29 (57%) reacted to Gag-1a . The failure to detect HTLV-I gag, pol, env, and tax gene sequences by polymerase chain reaction among the seroindeterminate Melanesians suggests that such reactivities to the Gag-1a epitope represent cross-reacting antibodies with closely related microbial or cellular proteins. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1991 Dec 31, 181(3), 1456 - 61 HIV-1 protease inhibitory activity of L-694,746, a novel metabolite of L-689,502; Lingham RB et al.; L-689,502 is a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 protease activity in vitro . Microbial biotransformations of L-689,502 by cultures belonging to the genus Streptomyces sp . were performed . Extracts of culture broths were examined for the production of metabolites of L-689,502 that could inhibit HIV-1 protease activity . One culture, MA 6804 (Streptomyces lavendulae, ATCC 55095), produced L-694,746 that, while being structurally related to L-689,502, is a novel metabolite and a potent inhibitor of HIV-1 protease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1991 Dec 15, 88(24), 11231 - 5 Point mutation in the cytoplasmic domain of the neutrophil p22-phox cytochrome b subunit is associated with a nonfunctional NADPH oxidase and chronic granulomatous disease; Dinauer MC et al.; Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a congenital disorder in which phagocytes cannot generate superoxide (O2-) and other microbial oxidants due to mutations in any one of four components of the O2(-)-generating complex, NADPH oxidase . We report here a female CGD patient in whom a missense mutation in one of these components, the p22-phox subunit of the neutrophil membrane cytochrome b {where phox indicates phagocyte oxidase (used to designate protein components of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase)} results in a nonfunctional oxidase and failure of neutrophils to produce O2- in response to phorbol 12-myristrate 13-acetate . Cytochrome b in the patient's neutrophils was normal in appearance and abundance as determined by visible spectroscopy and by immunoblots of the gp91 and p22 subunits . However, the neutrophil plasma membranes were devoid of activity in the cell-free oxidase activation system, whereas the cytosol functioned normally . We postulated that the patient was homozygous for a mutation in p22 that results in the synthesis of normal levels of a nonfunctional cytochrome b . A single-base substitution (C----A) was found in the patient's mononuclear cell p22-phox cDNA that predicts a nonconservative Pro----Gln substitution at residue 156 . The same mutation was also identified in all clones sequenced from patient genomic DNA, demonstrating homozygosity for the mutant allele . An antipeptide antibody against p22 residues 153-164 was found to bind only to permeabilized neutrophils, indicating that the mutation occurs in a cytoplasmic domain . These studies establish that this domain of p22-phox is cytoplasmic and that mutations in this region can have profound effects on cytochrome b function. Acta Stomatol Belg, 1991 Dec, 88(4), 183 - 6 Sterilization potential of the CO2 laser; Nammour S et al.; To test the sterilizing potential of the CO2 laser, two turbines and 70 stainless steel strips have been prepared . Five microns of suspensions (microbial and salivary) have been set and exposed to the laser beam (20 seconds, power of 5 W) . The experiments of sterilization, after drying of the suspension did not show any positive result . When the experiments have been done immediately after deposing the suspension and without letting the latter to dry, the results have been positive and the sterilization complete . These experiments show that the CO2 laser has an important potential of sterilization that deserved to be exploited and developed. Steroids, 1991 Dec, 56(12), 586 - 8 Microbial degradation of 2 alpha, 3 alpha-dihydroxy-5 alpha-cholestan-6-one by Mycobacterium vaccae; Vorbrodt HM et al.; 2 alpha,3 alpha-Dihydroxy-5 alpha-cholestan-6-one (3), which had the substitution pattern of brassinosteroids in the A/B-ring moiety, was transformed by Mycobacterium vaccae to give 2 alpha,3 alpha,6 alpha-trihydroxy-5 alpha-androstan-17-one (4) and 2 alpha-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (5) . The structures of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic methods, especially 1H nuclear magnetic resonance studies. Antibiot Khimioter, 1991 Dec, 36(12), 13 - 5 {Multi-factor analysis of combined effects of rifampicin and peptidoglycan of microbial origin on immune response}; Nikitin AV et al.; Multifactorial analysis of the combined action of rifampicin and a microbial peptidoglycan on the immune response to antigens of the vaccine EV fraction 1 was performed . The results were computer-processed and the second order equations describing delayed hypersensitivity (DH) and antibody titers were derived . Nomographs or equal level curves showing interrelations of the investigated factors were plotted . The character of the combined action on DH and antibody titers was heterogeneous . The peptidoglycan had a pronounced immunostimulant action on DH and, to a lesser extent, influenced the humoral response . Conditions for the peptidoglycan use aimed at immunostimulation were optimized with application of multifactorial analysis. J Med Virol, 1991 Dec, 35(4), 241 - 5 Inhibition of lymphocyte proliferation induced in vitro by microbial antigens in HIV-infected subjects; Maria VA et al.; In the course of a study of lymphocyte responses to microbial antigens in HIV-infected patients, we detected a previously unrecognized phenomenon of inhibition of lymphocyte baseline proliferation, induced by the presence of tetanus toxoid and Escherichia coli in the cultures . The effects of tetanus toxoid and Escherichia coli on lymphocyte proliferation in vitro were assessed by comparing the 3H-thymidine uptake by lymphocytes cultured without stimulant with the uptake of lymphocytes cultured in the presence of the antigens . Twenty-six patients with HIV infection (20 asymptomatic/persistent generalized lymphadenopathy, 2 AIDS-related complex, 4 AIDS) were investigated and the controls were 33 healthy individuals without evidence of HIV infection . Eight out of 22 asymptomatic/PGL and ARC patients progressed to full-blown AIDS in the mean follow-up of 26 months . The inhibition of proliferation was considered to be significant when the uptake of 3H-thymidine was reduced by 20% in the presence of the antigens . Using these criteria, 50% of the patients studied with tetanus toxoid and 36% of those studied with E . coli had evidence of the inhibitory phenomenon . Seven of the eight patients who developed AIDS during the observation period had the inhibitory phenomenon . In the group of patients without the inhibitory signs only one evolved to AIDS during the follow-up . The possibility of this phenomenon being related to an induction of suppressor cell activity by the antigens is discussed. Acta Paediatr Jpn, 1991 Dec, 33(6), 778 - 84 Etiological role of phagocytes in Kawasaki disease; Kuratsuji T et al.; The numbers of immature neutrophils and monocytes in the peripheral blood are increased in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease . These phagocytes contain toxic granules and vacuoles in the cytoplasm . Phagocytes are primed and activated to release active oxygen species, lysosome enzymes and chemical mediators, which injure cultured endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells . One of the possible factors causing cardio-vascular complications in Kawasaki disease is these activated phagocytes . Some microbial agents or their produc