Microflora

Radiats Biol Radioecol, 2001 Jul-Aug, 41(4), 431 - 4
{Quantitative evaluation of 90Sr, 137Cs, 239Pu, 241Am transfer from polluted soil to gastric and intestine juice of cows}; Chizhevskii IV; Quantitative parameters of 90Sr, 137Cs, 239Pu and 241Am transfer from solid phase of soil to gastric, intestine juice of cows as well as to imitating solutions have been estimated on the base of results of laboratory incubation experiments . A prevailing role of enzyme complex and microflora of gastrointestinal tract in radionuclides transfer from solid phase of soil to solution has been shown.

Curr Opin Biotechnol, 2001 Oct, 12(5), 499 - 502
Food processing: probiotic microorganisms for beneficial foods; Schiffrin EJ et al.; Human studies have demonstrated that selected probiotic strains can influence the composition of the intestinal microflora and modulate the host immune system . Considerable promise was also demonstrated for the application of probiotics in human disease . However, the extension of probiotic applications demands increasing scientific attention to their functionality and the identification of molecular structures.

Drug Metab Dispos, 2001 Nov, 29(11), 1440 - 5
Identification of new derivatives of sinigrin and glucotropaeolin produced by the human digestive microflora using 1H NMR spectroscopy analysis of in vitro incubations; Combourieu B et al.; One- and two-dimensional (1)H NMR spectroscopy were used to study the biotransformation of two dietary glucosinolates, sinigrin (SIN), and glucotropaeolin (GTL) by the human digestive microflora in vitro . The molecular structures of the new metabolites issued from the aglycone moiety of the glucosinolate were identified, and the modulation of carbon metabolism was studied by quantifying bacterial metabolites issued from the xenobiotic incubation in the presence or absence of a source of free glucose . Unambiguously and for the first time, it was shown that SIN and GTL were transformed quantitatively into allylamine and benzylamine, respectively . The comparison of the kinetics of transformation of SIN and GTL with and without glucose clearly showed that the presence of glucose did not modify either the nature of the metabolites or the rate of transformation of the glucosinolates (complete degradation within 30 h) . The main end products of the glucose moiety of glucosinolates were characteristic of anaerobic carbon metabolism in the digestive tract (acetate, lactate, ethanol, propionate, formate, and butyrate) and similar to those released from free glucose . This work represents the first application of (1)H NMR spectroscopy to the study of xenobiotic metabolism by the human digestive microflora, demonstrating allyl- and benzylamine production from glucosinolates . Whether these amines are produced in vivo from dietary glucosinolates remains to be established . This would reduce the availability of other glucosinolate metabolites, notably cancer-protective isothiocyanates.

Rev Argent Microbiol, 2001 Jul-Sep, 33(3), 133 - 40
{Clinical and microbiological study of adult periodontal disease}; Nogueira Moreira A et al.; The aim of this study was to carry out a microbiological evaluation of sites with and without clinical evidence of moderate and severe periodontitis and their correlation with clinical parameters . A total of 52 disease sites and 10 healthy sites were selected according to clinical criteria . The following clinical indexes were measured for all the sites: plaque index, gingival index, blood on probing, depth on probing and insertion level . Samples of subgingival plaque were collected for culture and for differential counts of microbial morphotypes . In disease sites the most frequently isolated were: Prevotella intermedia/nigrescens (65%), Porphyromonas gingivalis (23%), Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (23%), Fusobacterium nucleatum (10%) and Peptostreptococcus sp . (31%) . The aerobic gram-positive microflora was predominant in healthy sites . Significant differences were observed in microbial morphotypes between healthy and disease sites: cocci 18.71% and 78.90%, motile rods 46.12% and 16.70%, total spirochetes 26.48% and 2.80%, respectively . The presence of motile rods, spirochetes and P . intermedia/nigrescens were the parameters with most sensitivity to suspect periodontal disease . There were significant differences in the subgingival microflora between healthy and disease sites in patients with moderate and severe periodontitis.

Int J Food Microbiol, 2001 Sep 19, 69(1-2), 37 - 44
The interaction between yeasts and bacteria in dairy environments; Viljoen BC; The general environment from which raw dairy products originate and the microbiological quality of the products in its processed state inevitably admit yeast growth and spoilage . Only part of the primary microflora survives under the selective pressures exerted by the intrinsic and extrinsic biotic factors present, processing procedures and preservatives . Yeasts that possess the proper physiological attributes to counteract the specific ecological determinants will be favored . Eventually, a particular yeast community will develop, and if the environmental factors permit, this characteristic yeast community will result in a specific association contributing positively or negatively to the final product . The association that develops between yeasts and bacteria is governed by specific key properties selecting for a few predominant yeasts . These yeasts may either stimulate or inhibit normal bacterial growth . The extent to which interaction between yeasts and bacteria contribute to the final product is discussed.

Int J Food Microbiol, 2001 Sep 19, 69(1-2), 135 - 40
Identification and biochemical characteristics of yeast microflora of Rokpol cheese; Wojtatowicz M et al.; Yeast microflora on the surface and interior of Rokpol cheese was examined for cheeses produced at three dairies located in Lower Silesia, Poland . Yeast populations on the surface of the cheeses ranged from 10(5)-10(9) cfu/g, but were 10-100 times lower for interior samples . The occurrence and proportions of yeast species varied, depending on the dairy plant and cheese sample . The most frequently isolated species were: Candida famata and C . spherica, followed by C . intermedia and Geotrichum sp . Other species such as Saccharomyces kluyveri, C . kefyr and C . lipolytica were found occasionally . Extracellular and intracellular proteolytic and lipolytic activities were examined for 39 isolates of C . famata.

Bull Tokyo Dent Coll, 2001 May, 42(2), 97 - 100
Effect of weak electric current on reducing oral bacteria in vitro; Ichimura K et al.; The ions generated by weak electric current may be used for removal of dental plaque . Also, it has been judged from changes in the viable bacterial cell count and the amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the saliva that the passage of such a current also has a bactericidal effect on the oral microflora . We confirmed in vitro that 0.5 and 1.0 mA currents that passed for 10 min through phosphate buffered saline containing salivary bacteria were effective in killing the bacteria.

Klin Med (Mosk), 2001, 79(8), 23 - 8
{The course of infectious endocarditis in IV drug abusers and in subjects predisposed to heart diseases}; Mazurov VI et al.; 40 patients with infective endocarditis (IE) abusing intravenous drugs (heroin, opium surrogates) and 9 IE patients predisposed to heart diseases were examined by Duke diagnostic criteria . IE in drug abusers is characterized by acute course of the disease with affection of the intact valves of the right heart (97.5%) and septicemia provoked by high-virulent microflora (Staph . aureus in 65%) . Drug abusers showed the following principal clinical syndromes of IE: thromboembolic (65%); septic with formation of acute DIC syndrome (75%), development of pyodestructive foci in the organs and polyorganic insufficiency (23.3%); acute circulatory insufficiency (37.5%); secondary nephropathy (100%) . In IE abusers with predisposition to heart diseases IE ran subacutely in the presence of bacteriemia caused by low-virulent microflora (Strept . viridans in 11%) or in the absence of microbial growth in blood seeding (78%) . High IE lethality in drug abusers (40%) is explained both by severe complications and concomitant diseases (viral hepatitis B and C, HIV infection, etc.).

J Periodontol, 2001 Sep, 72(9), 1183 - 91
Effect of different mouthrinses on morning breath; van Steenberghe D et al.; BACKGROUND: Morning breath odor is an often-encountered complaint . This double-blind, crossover, randomized study aimed to examine the bad breath-inhibiting effect of 3 commercially available mouthrinses on morning halitosis during an experimental period of 12 days without mechanical plaque control . METHODS: Twelve medical students with a healthy periodontium refrained from all means of mechanical plaque control during 3 experimental periods of 12 days (with intervening washout periods of at least 3 weeks) . A professional oral cleaning preceded each period . During each experimental period, as the only oral hygiene measure allowed, the students rinsed twice a day with one of the following formulations in a randomized order: CHX-Alc (a 0.2% chlorhexidine {CHX} solution); CHX-NaF (CHX 0.12% plus sodium fluoride 0.05%); or CHX-CPC-Zn (CHX 0.05% plus cetylpyridinium chloride 0.05% plus zinc lactate 0.14%) . After 12 days, morning breath was scored via volatile sulfur compound (VSC) level measurements of the mouth air and organoleptic ratings of the mouth air, the expired air, and a scraping of the tongue coating . At the 12-day visit, a questionnaire (subjective ratings) was completed and samples taken from both the tongue coating and the saliva for anaerobic and aerobic culturing and vitality staining . The de novo supragingival plaque formation was also recorded . All parameters were correlated with the baseline registrations . RESULTS: Although oral hygiene during the 3 experimental periods was limited to oral rinses, bad breath parameters systematically improved, with the exception of a slight increase in VSC levels while using CHX-Alc, a finding which was associated with the direct influence of the CHX on the sulfide monitor . The oral microbial load after the use of CHX-NaF remained unchanged, while for the CHX-Alc and CHX-CPC-Zn, significant reductions in both aerobic and anaerobic colony forming units (CFU)/ml were noticed in comparison with baseline data for both tongue coating and saliva samples . The composition of microflora, on the other hand, did not reveal significant changes . The supragingival plaque formation was inhibited, in descending order, by CHX-Alc, CHX-CPC-Zn, and CHX-NaF . The subjective scores for the rinses indicated a higher appreciation for CHX-CPC-Alc and CHX-NaF because of a better taste and fewer side effects . CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that morning halitosis can be successfully reduced via daily use of mouthrinses . CHX-Alc and CHX-CPC-Zn mouthrinses result in a significant reduction of the microbial load of tongue and saliva.

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 2001 Aug, 65(8), 1872 - 5
Role of activity of gastrointestinal microflora in absorption of calcium and magnesium in rats fed beta1-4 linked galactooligosaccharides; Chonan O et al.; Rats fed a diet containing beta1-4 linked galactooligosaccharides (GOS) (5 g/100 g of diet) absorbed calcium and magnesium more efficiently than those fed the control diet . However, the increment obtained through GOS-feeding was reduced by neomycin sulfate (0.67 g/100 g of diet) . Since the decrease in cecal pH in rats fed GOS was suppressed by neomycin-feeding, bacterial action in the digestive tract was considered to be reduced by neomycin-feeding . Our findings suggest that the action of intestinal bacteria is necessary for the effects of GOS.

Carcinogenesis, 2001 Oct, 22(10), 1721 - 5
Intestinal microflora plays a crucial role in the genotoxicity of the cooked food mutagen 2-amino-3-methylimidazo {4,5-f}quinoline; Kassie F et al.; We investigated the impact of the intestinal microflora on the genotoxicity of 2-amino-3-methylimidazo{4,5-f} quinoline (IQ), a mutagenic/carcinogenic heterocyclic amine commonly found in fried meats and fish . In parallel, we also examined the effect of the microflora on the protective effect of glucotropaeolin (GT), a glucosinolate contained in cruciferous vegetables, towards IQ-induced genotoxic effect . Conventional (NF), human flora associated (HFA) and germ free (GF) rats were treated either with 90 mg/kg IQ alone, 150 mg/kg GT alone or a combination of the two by gavage and DNA damage was determined in liver and colon cells using the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) or comet assay . IQ caused a significant effect in both organs of all groups . However, DNA damage was most pronounced in NF animals . In colon cells, DNA migration was 6-fold more in IQ-exposed rats as compared with untreated controls . The effect measured with liver cells was similar . In comparison to NF rats, in HFA rats, tail length of the comets was 22 and 53% lower in liver and colon cells, respectively . Significantly weaker effects were seen in GF animals (66 and 75% lower damage in hepatocytes and colonocytes, respectively, than in NF animals) . Pretreatment with GT led to a complete reduction of IQ-induced DNA damage regardless of the microbial status of the animals . In addition, a moderate decrease in spontaneous DNA damage was seen in animals that received GT alone . Our results show that the microflora has a strong impact on the genotoxic effects of IQ . We conclude that the alkaline SCGE assay with rats harbouring different flora opens new possibilities to investigate the role of intestinal bacteria on health risks caused by dietary carcinogens.

J Clin Microbiol, 2001 Oct, 39(10), 3486 - 90
Molecular analysis of Malassezia microflora on the skin of atopic dermatitis patients and healthy subjects; Sugita T et al.; Members of the genus Malassezia, lipophilic yeasts, are considered to be one of the exacerbating factors in atopic dermatitis (AD) . We examined variation in cutaneous colonization by Malassezia species in AD patients and compared it with variation in healthy subjects . Samples were collected by applying transparent dressings to the skin lesions of AD patients . DNA was extracted directly from the dressings and amplified in a specific nested PCR assay . Malassezia-specific DNA was detected in all samples obtained from 32 AD patients . In particular, Malassezia globosa and M . restricta were detected in approximately 90% of the AD patients and M . furfur and M . sympodialis were detected in approximately 40% of the cases . The detection rate was not dependent on the type of skin lesion . In healthy subjects, Malassezia DNA was detected in 78% of the samples, among which M . globosa, M . restricta, and M . sympodialis were detected at frequencies ranging from 44 to 61%, with M . furfur at 11% . The diversity of Malassezia species found in AD patients was greater (2.7 species detected in each individual) than that found in healthy subjects (1.8 species per individual) . Our results suggest that M . furfur, M . globosa, M . restricta, and M . sympodialis are common inhabitants of the skin of both AD patients and healthy subjects, while the skin microflora of AD patients shows more diversity than that of healthy subjects . To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of a nested PCR as an alternative to fungal culture for analysis of the distribution of cutaneous Malassezia spp.

Acta Odontol Scand, 2001 Aug, 59(4), 244 - 7
Regulation of experimental mucosal inflammation; Strober W et al.; Studies conducted over the past 10 years have provided ample evidence that many types of inflammations arising from basic abnormalities of immune regulation are ultimately 'funneled' through a Th1 or Th2 T cell-mediated immune reaction . Thus, by understanding these types of reactions and, in particular, by identifying their natural checkpoints, one can control the inflammation regardless of its more basic causes . A case in point is the inflammatory disease of the intestine known as Crohn disease, a disease now thought to be due to one or more abnormalities leading to an excessive immune response to elements of the bacterial microflora of the gut . Both in murine models and by study of Crohn disease itself, we have shown that Crohn inflammation is due to a Th1 T-cell abnormality involving overproduction of interleukin (IL)-12, interferon (IFN-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha . In addition, we and others have shown that treatment of mice with anti-IL-12 or other agents that downregulate the level of IL- 12 secretion can have a dramatic effect on the inflammation . This is because anti-IL-12 administration leads to apoptosis of activated Th1 T cells . A second checkpoint of Th1 T-cell-mediated inflammation involves its downregulation by the suppressor cytokine, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta . We have been delivering TGF-beta to mice with experimental intestinal inflammation, using several novel approaches . In particular, we have successfully treated such mice with intranasally administered DNA encoding active TGF-beta . Another approach currently under investigation is delivery of TGF-beta by gene therapy . These and other developments in the understanding of inflammation paint a bright future for cytokine-based therapeutic agents . It is now apparent that these therapies are not only effective and safe but also potentially long-lasting.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2001 Jul-Aug, (4), 95 - 7
{Effect of radio wave-induced hyperthermia on microflora of the prostate in the treatment of prostatitis associated with infertility}; Kuz'min MD et al.; The influence of hyperthermia induced by radiowaves on the microflora of the prostate in cases of male sterility was studied . The use of hyperthermia was shown to produce a stable decrease in bacteriospermia and the persistence potential of bacteria isolated from sperm . Hyperthermia produced a bactericidal effect not only on microorganisms contained in sperm but also on the microflora of prostatic tissues 1 cm deep . The study gave grounds for treating male sterility with the use of hyperthermia induced by radiowaves and a subsequent course of antibiotics to achieve the stable decrease of bacteriospermia and the restoration of the reproductive function.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2001 Jul-Aug, (4), 84 - 6
{Spectrum of microflora isolated from various areas of the female reproductive tract}; Deriabin DG et al.; The composition of microflora in different sections of the reproductive tract of women with disturbances of reproductive function was studied . The study revealed that the spectrum of microorganisms isolated from a bioptic specimen taken from the cavity of the small pelvis was narrower in comparison with such spectrum in material aspirated from the uterine cavity . The latter was narrower in comparison with that in the microflora of the lower sections of the reproductive tract . The possibility for one and the same patient to have both similarities and essential differences in the spectra of microflora in different sections of the reproductive tract was shown.

Stomatologiia (Mosk), 2001, 80(4), 24 - 7
{Microbiology of the buccal mucosa in elderly patients with general somatic diseases}; Tokmakova SI et al.; Sixty-two patients with cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and endocrine diseases aged over 60 years and 27 healthy young people aged 16-18 years (controls) were examined in order to evaluate the qualitative composition and dissemination of oral microflora in elderly people with general somatic diseases . Microbiological study revealed changes in the qualitative composition and dissemination of the oral mucosa microflora, which depended on patient's age, disease, and treatment administered for somatic disease.

Ann Ital Chir, 2001 Mar-Apr, 72(2), 227 - 31
{Necrotizing soft tissue infections as the only clinical manifestation of retroperitoneal colonic perforation}; Piardi T et al.; Necrotizing infections are rapidly progressive potentially lethal bacterial diseases of the soft tissues . In based on the widely varying levels of soft tissues affected and the variety of the microflora, two types of necrotizing soft tissue infections need to be delineated: pure Chlostridial myonecrosis and other necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) . From an etiopathogenetic point of view NSTI can be secondary to perianal or urogenital abscesses, traumatic lesions, wound infections, trophic or decubitus ulcers, oral cavity abscesses; only in a limited number of cases their origin can be idiopathic . Exceptionally it can happen that a NSTI could represent the only clinical manifestation of a retroperitoneal colic perforation . The Authors report their experience regarding two clinical cases recently observed . The first patient, who previously underwent colic resection for sigmoid carcinoma and adjuvant chemotherapy, had developed as only clinical manifestation of retroperitoneal anastomotic fistula a necrotizing infection at the root of the hip, extended along the whole leg . The second patient, with diverticular perforated disease, had developed rhe necrotizing infection in the lumbar region and in the perirenal tissues . Here will be discussed the sensitivity of the possible diagnostic investigative techniques and the therapeutical strategies that brought both the patients to a complete recovery.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2001 May-Jun, (3), 76 - 80
{Effect of the lavage of the digestive tract on microflora in patients with polyps in the large intestine}; Korshunov VM et al.; The microbial status of the intestine and the influence of lavage with polyethylene glycol and balanced electrolyte solution (PEG + E), used in the process of the preparation of patients to polypectomy, on this status were evaluated . The study of microflora was made before oral lavage after, and 48-72 hours later its completion . For control, a group of healthy volunteers, also subjected to oral lavage with PEG + E, was used . The lavage of the digestive tract with PEG + E led to a sharp change in the microbial status in both groups . Some microorganisms, previously absent in the intestine, were found after lavage . The processes of the restoration of intestinal microflora after lavage in healthy volunteers and in patients with polyps had certain differences . In healthy volunteers intestinal microflora was completely restored, and even improved, 48-72 hours after lavage with PEG + E, while at the expiration of this time intestinal microflora in the patients with polyps could be characterized as dysbiotic.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2001 May-Jun, (3), 72 - 5
{Age-dependent characteristics of intestinal microbiocenosis in Kemerovo residents}; Levanova LA et al.; In 873 residents of Kemerovo aged 1-60 years and older the microflora of the large intestine was studied . The study revealed that in all examined subjects dysbiotic changes in the composition of normal microflora were observed . More profound disturbances of microbiocenosis were found in children aged 1-2 years, in adolescents and in adults over 60 years of age.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2001 May-Jun, (3), 57 - 60
{Human microflora in the norm and in pathology studied with laser fluorescence}; Morozova OA et al.; On the basis of experimental and clinical data the use of laser fluorescence for indication of microflora in normal and pathological states has been substantiated . Standardized intensity characteristics of fluorescence integrally reflect the presence and activity of the total microflora and its changes in dysbiosis and pyo-inflammatory diseases . The possibility of its use in clinical practice is shown.

Dig Dis, 2001, 19(2), 144 - 7
Helicobacter pylori treatment: a role for probiotics?
Cremonini F, Canducci F, Di Caro S, Santarelli L, Armuzzi A, Gasbarrini G, Gasbarrini A.
Many new therapeutic strategies are studied to improve Helicobacter pylori eradication rate . Probiotics are live microorganisms which, upon administration, may interact with the human microflora and positively affect the health status . The use of probiotics in the field of H . pylori infection has been proposed for improving eradication rate and tolerability and for compliance of multiple antibiotic regimens used for the infection . Results from laboratory studies and from clinical trials seem to confirm the expectancies, but there is lack of standardization in terms of type of probiotic strain used, dosage and timing of supplementation . Before further ongoing trials and future studies will clarify these points, probiotics could remain a useful adjunct to standard anti-H . pylori therapies, but cannot take the place of other validated options .

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2001 Mar-Apr, (2), 61 - 4
{Intestinal microflora in children from Mongolia, Russia, and Switzerland}; Korshunov VM et al.; Intestinal microflora was studied in 3 groups of children; 55--living in Mongolia, 18--in Switzerland and 28--in Russia . Age of children of both sexual groups was 1.5-3 years . This study revealed that in none of these groups of clinically healthy children living in different regions and having different diet normal intestinal microflora corresponded to the standard considered to be the norm . The revision of norm criteria for normal intestinal microflora in children is recommended.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2001 Mar-Apr, (2), 57 - 61
{Qualitative composition of the normal intestinal microflora in individuals from the various age groups}; Korshunov VM et al.; The study of the microflora of the large intestine in healthy adult volunteers of different age groups (25-36, 55-68 and 88-94 years old), living in Switzerland, has been carried out . As revealed by the analysis of the result obtained in this study, normal intestinal microflora in adults has different qualitative and quantitative characteristics at different periods of their life . The greatest diversity of intestinal microflora is observed at a mature age (55-68 years old), while the poorest microflora is observed in people more advanced in age . The amount of microorganisms inhabiting the intestine reaches its maximum in people of mature age and is low in elderly people . Changes in normal intestinal microflora are probaly linked with morpho-functional transformations in the host body at different periods of life . It is expedient to work out the criteria of norm for the microflora of different age groups with a view to use these criteria for the evaluation of the microbial status of the intestine in persons of different age.

Life Support Biosph Sci, 1999, 6(3), 193 - 7
Experimental microcosms as models of natural ecosystems for monitoring survival of genetically modified microorganism; Popova LYu et al.; An experimental approach for investigation of genetically modified microorganisms (GMMO) introduced into model ecosystems to evaluate potential risk of propagation of recombinant plasmids in surrounding medium has been developed . The object of modeling was Escherichia coli Z905 strain with a recombinant plasmid with bacterial luminescence genes, which was introduced into water microcosms of different structure . The approach involves comprehensive investigation of GMMO at four hierarchical levels: molecular (retaining the structure of the plasmid and expression of cloned genes); cellular (variation of metabolic activity); population (competitive power and metabolic interactions of GMMO with indigenous microflora, migration of recombinant and natural plasmids); ecosystem (effect of GMMO and cloned genes on ecosystem parameters) . The experimental evidence and theoretical estimates are intended to form grounds to develop a basic version of an ecological certificate for different GMMO variants.

Acta Astronaut, 1980 Jan, 7(1), 113 - 21
Study of physiological effects of weightlessness and artificial gravity in the flight of the biosatellite Cosmos-936; Gurovsky NN et al.; In the 18.5-day flight of the Soviet biosatellite Cosmos-936 (3-22, August 1977) com-parative investigations of the physiological effects of prolonged weightlessness (20 rats) and artificial gravity of 1 g (10 rats) were carried out . Throughout the flight artificial gravity was generated by means of animal rotation in two centrifuges with a radius of 320mm . Postflight examination of animals and treatment of the flight data were performed by Soviet scientists in collaboration with the specialists from Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, the German Democratic Republic, Hungary, Poland, Rumania, France and the U.S.A . During the flight the total motor activity of the weightless rats was higher and their body temperature was lower than those of the centrifuged animals . Postflight examination of the weightless rats showed a greater percentage of errors during maze an increase in water intake and a decrease in diuresis; a fall of the resistance of peripheral red cells; an increase in the conditionally pathogenic microflora in the mouth; a decrease of oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and energy expenditures; a drop in the static physical endurance; a decline in the capacity to keep balance on the rail; an increase in the latent period of the lifting reflex, etc . The centrifugal animals displayed lesser or no change of the above type . These findings together with the biochemical and morphological data give evidence that during and after flight adaptive processes in the centrifuged rats developed better.

Adv Space Res, 1999, 24(3), 309 - 18
Understanding plant-soil relationships using controlled environment facilities; Andersen CP et al.; Although soil is a component of terrestrial ecosystems, it is comprised of a complex web of interacting organisms, and therefore can be considered itself as an ecosystem . Soil microflora and fauna derive energy from plants and plant residues and serve important functions in maintaining soil physical and chemical properties, thereby affecting net primary productivity (NPP), and in the case of contained environments, the quality of the life support system . We have been using 3 controlled-environment facilities (CEF's) that incorporate different levels of soil biological complexity and environmental control, and differ in their resemblance to natural ecosystems, to study relationships among plant physiology, soil ecology, fluxes of minerals and nutrients, and overall ecosystem function . The simplest system utilizes growth chambers and specialized root chambers with organic-less media to study the physiology of plant-mycorrhizal associations . A second system incorporates natural soil in open-top chambers to study soil bacterial and fungal population response to stress . The most complex CEF incorporates reconstructed soil profiles in a "constructed" ecosystem, enabling close examination of the soil foodweb . Our results show that closed ecosystem research is important for understanding mechanisms of response to ecosystem stresses . In addition, responses observed at one level of biological complexity may not allow prediction of response at a different level of biological complexity . In closed life support systems, incorporating soil foodwebs will require less artificial manipulation to maintain system stability and sustainability.

J Paleontol, 1984 May, 58(3), 738 - 72
Microfossils in stromatolitic cherts from the upper proterozoic Min'yar formation, southern Ural Mountains, USSR; Nyberg AV et al.; A diverse assemblage of exceptionally well-preserved microorganisms, including several previously unknown taxa, has been discovered in stromatolitic black chert from the ca . 680-790 Ma-old Min'yar Formation (Suite) of the southern Ural Mountains, USSR . Like most ancient and modern stromatolitic communities, the Min'yar microflora is dominated by filamentous and unicellular cyanobacteria . Geologic evidence indicates that the microbial community inhabited a shallow water, presumably marine environment . The microfossils occur in two interlaminated and thinly interbedded sedimentary fabrics: 1, fact to wavy-laminated Stratifera-like stromatolitic laminae that presumably were deposited during periods of little wave action; and 2, intraclast grainstone that formed as a result of desiccation and (or) wave agitation . Microfossils are both better preserved and more abundant in the intraclasts than in the Stratifera-like laminae . The occurrence of probable pseudomorphs after replacement of sulfate minerals provides additional evidence for a shallow water, periodically emergent depositional environment for the Min'yar microbial mats . Kerogenous microfossils are three-dimensionally preserved, permineralized in fine-grained silica of primary or early diagenetic origin . In many aspects the Min'yar assemblage is comparable to that of the well-known ca . 850 Ma-old Bitter Springs Formation of central Australia . The following taxa are herein described: Division? Schizomycophyta or ? Cyanophyta, Biocatenoides sp.; Family Oscillatoriaceae, Eomycetopsis robusta Schopf emend . Knoll and Golubic, Rhicnonema antiquum Hofmann, Entosphaeroides? sp., Palaeolyngbya? sp., Siphonophycus capitaneum n . gen., n . sp.; Family? Oscillatoriaceae or? Rivulariaceae, Caudiculophycus? sp.; Family? Scytonemataceae or? Stigonemataceae, Ramivaginalis uralensis n . gen., n . sp.; Family Chroococcaceae, Sphaerophycus medium Horodyski and Donaldson, Eosynechococcus amadeus Knoll and Golubic, Gloeodiniopsis lamellosa Schopf emend . Knoll and Golubic, Gloeodiniopsis magna n . sp., Eoaphanocapsa oparinii n . gen., n . sp.; Division? Chlorophycophyta or? Rhodophycophyta, Glenobotrydion majorinum Schopf and Blacic . Also discussed in the taxonomic section, but not formally described, are intermediate-diameter tubular sheaths (Oscillatoriaceae), small tubular sheaths enclosed by larger tubular sheaths (Oscillatoriaceae?), and undifferentiated spheroidal unicells.

Acta Astronaut, 1995 May-Jun, 35(9-11), 573 - 6
The problems of microbial safety in regenerative life support systems exploration; Victorov AN et al.; NASA: The hazards of microbial contamination in life support systems onboard spacecraft during long duration missions are presented . Tables present information about microbial characteristics of moisture-containing substrates and wastes submitted to and passing the regeneration system; the content of microflora on different types of polymers typically used in regenerative systems; and medical risks associated with microflora isolated from space object construction materials in spacecraft . Priorities for decontamination are total decontamination, localization of decontaminating equipment before and after regeneration, and physical methods of decontamination .

Bioscience, 1997 Oct, 47(9), 575 - 85
Bios-3: Siberian experiments in bioregenerative life support; Salisbury FB et al.; NASA: The Russian experience with the bioregenerative life support system Bios-3 at Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, is reviewed . A brief review of other bioregenerative systems examines Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Arizona, and the Bios-1 and Bios-2 systems that preceded Bios-3 . Physical details of the Bios-3 facility are provided . The use of Chlorella and higher plants for gas exchange is examined . Long-term studies of human habitation are discussed . Other topics include microflora in Bios-3, the theory of closed systems, and problems for the future .

J Basic Microbiol, 1991, 31(1), 3 - 12
Diversity of micro-fungi in an Antarctic dry valley; Baublis JA et al.; The fungal microflora of a dry valley in Southern Victoria Land near McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, was investigated . Samples were collected from introduced objects such as a mummified penguin and spent chewing tobacco in addition to the sparse soil found in rock fissures, isolated moss colonies, shoreline deposit materials, CaCO3 precipitates, and microbial mat debris obtained from the frozen surface of the lake in the basin of Taylor Valley . Using conventional media and techniques, all collection sites yielded populations of yeasts and filamentous fungi . Water samples and live microbial mats from beneath the lake ice yielded species of fungi along with an abundance of bacteria.

J Br Interplanet Soc, 1992 Jan, 45(1), 39 - 41
Drying as one of the extreme factors for the microflora of the atmosphere; Lysenko SV et al.; An investigation of the effects of drying and drying-rewetting cycles under vacuum conditions of 10(-2) torr at -30 degrees C on conidia of the atmospheric strain Penicillium chrysogenum from 48-77 km heights, collected by meteorological rockets found that survival and restoration of the initial physiological properties were possible through some very efficient protective cellular mechanisms . Such adaptive possibilities explain the widespread diffusion of microbial cells throughout the biosphere of our planet.

Adv Space Res, 1996, 18(1-2), 333 - 7
Selection of sterilization methods for planetary return missions; Trofimov VI et al.; Two tasks must be accomplished to provide planetary protection for Mars return missions: (1) sterilization of the scientific module to be landed on Mars and (2) reliable sterilization of all material returned to Earth, while ensuring the scientific integrity of martian samples . This paper examines similarity and differences between these two tasks, and includes a discussion of technological implementation conditions and the nature of terrestrial and hypothesized martian microflora . The feasibility of a number of chemical and physical (ultraviolet and ionizing radiation and heating) methods of sterilization for use on the ground and onboard are discussed and compared . A combination of different methods will probably be selected as the most appropriate for ensuring planetary protection on the return mission.

J Gravit Physiol, 1994 May, 1(1), P110 - 1
The effects of micro-gravity on hornet's nest building and activity; Ishay JS et al.; Principal scientific objectives: 1.) Comb building by hornet workers in micro-G: randomness of orientation, structural integrity, delay or rapidity of construction, all as a function of developmental state of the hornet . 2.) Dark-light effects on building hornets--will light provide building cues? 3.) Effect of domicile geometry on building practices--will the hornets build in spherical, domed or cube-shaped containers? 4.) Semiconductive properties of hornet cuticle and comb--will these be different than in the controls? Will the yellow granules developed in space be physico-chemically different from control granules? 5.) Post flight experiments--Will the hornets returned from space--build and oviposit as usual? Will the laid eggs embryonate? Will the comb be orientated as usual? How about other parameters of orientation (geotaxis) and social behavior (thigmotaxis)? Will there be any changes in the dominant gut microflora of returned hornets?

Acta Astronaut, 1991, 23, 163 - 9
Problems of microbial ecology in man space mission; Lizko NN; The state of microflora should be considered as one of the important links in chain of the specific functional disorders involving the spaceflight factors effects . At the same time, there occurs an establishment of nonspecific disbiotic response of the human microflora in the space flights of various duration characterized by a decrease up to a reduction of the "defense" group of microorganisms; by an appearance of unusual microorganisms in various biotypes, by accumulation of the potential of pathogenic species of automicroflora with their succeeding colonization and long term persistence . In experimental animal models to simulate dysbacteriosis and with the use of SPF-rats and primates flow aboard Cosmos biosatellites, the significance of indigenous microflora for preserving microecological homeostasis . Theoretically based and experimentally proven need for increasing the colonization resistance is confirmed by the practical use of the measures to stabilize microflora of the cosmonauts during space flights.

Gig Sanit, 2001 Jul-Aug, (4), 15 - 7
{Development of opportunistic microorganisms in the area of disposal of heated waters from atomic power stations}; Suzdaleva AL; Long-term studies conducted on cooling water reservoirs of the Kursk, Kalinin, and Smolensk atomic power stations have indicated that disposal of heated waters causes a considerable increase in the water count of opportunistic microorganisms . Possible factors that promote the increased number of these bacteria . The paper shows it necessary to perform microbiological studies of not only water lands of cooling water reservoirs, but of the inner surface of technical units of the water supply systems of an atomic power stations where favourable conditions may be created for the opportunistic and pathogenic microflora to develop.

J Periodontol, 2001 Aug, 72(8), 977 - 89
Osseointegrated implants in patients treated for generalized chronic periodontitis and generalized aggressive periodontitis: 3- and 5-year results of a prospective long-term study; Mengel R et al.; BACKGROUND: The successful use of osseointegrated implants in periodontally healthy patients has been documented in numerous longitudinal studies in recent years . However, the extent to which these positive results apply to periodontally diseased patients remains unclear . The aim of the present prospective longitudinal study of partially edentulous patients treated for generalized chronic periodontitis and generalized aggressive periodontitis was a clinical, microbiological, and radiographic comparison of teeth and implants and assessment of the implant success rate . METHODS: Five partially edentulous patients treated for generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) and 5 treated for generalized chronic periodontitis (GCP) were enrolled in this study . The GAgP patients received 36 implants, and the GCP patients 12 implants . The teeth were examined 2 to 4 weeks before extraction of the non-retainable teeth (baseline), and 3 weeks after insertion of the final abutments (second examination) . All further examinations were performed during a 3-month recall schedule over a 5-year period for the GAgP patients and over a 3-year period for the GCP patients . At each session clinical parameters were recorded at teeth and implants and the composition of the subgingival microflora was determined by dark-field microscopy and DNA analysis . Intraoral radiographs of the teeth and implants were taken for control purposes at baseline; after insertion of the superstructure; and 1, 3, and 5 years later . RESULTS: The clinical findings indicated healthy periodontal and peri-implant conditions in both patient groups throughout the study . However, an increased probing depth and an attachment loss were recorded in the GAgP patients after the third year (P<0.001) . The distribution of the microorganisms revealed no significant differences between the patient groups or between implants and teeth . Moderate bone loss at teeth and implants was registered in both groups . The success rates recorded were 100% in the GCP patients and 88.8% (maxilla: 85.7%; mandible: 93.3%) in the GAgP patients . CONCLUSIONS: The 3-year and 5-year follow-ups show that osseointegrated implants may be successful in oral rehabilitation of partially edentulous patients treated for generalized aggressive periodontitis and generalized chronic periodontitis . However, as no significant differences were recorded between conditions at teeth and at implants, progression of the disease cannot be ruled out.

Klin Med (Mosk), 2001, 79(6), 39 - 41
{Impact of the impaired intestinal microflora on the course of acne vulgaris}; Volkova LA et al.; The paper deals with studies of the intestinal microflora in 114 patients with acne vulgaris (94 and 20 with its papulopustular and nodulocystic forms) . Sixty-one (54%) patients have either the first (21%) or second (78.7%) impaired bacterial microflora . At the same time, there are no great differences in the content of the intestinal microflora in different forms of acne . It is noted that adding intestinal microflora-correcting agents to combined therapy in patients with papulopustular acne vulgaris and verified dysbacteriosis reduces the duration of treatment by over twice and makes its duration the same as that in patients without dysbacteriosis.

J Environ Monit, 2001 Aug, 3(4), 394 - 7
Toxic effect caused on microflora of soil by pesticide picloram application; Prado AG et al.; The toxic effect of the herbicide picloram on the microbial population of a typical Brazilian red Latosol soil was studied in a series of microcalorimetric experiments . The activity of the soil was stimulated by the addition of 6.0 mg of glucose and 6.0 mg of ammonium sulfate, under 34.8% controlled moisture, to a 1.50 mg soil sample, at 298.15 +/- 0.02 K . The net thermal effect due to the addition of the picloram to the soil was determined by interpreting the power-time curves, which were recorded on the microcalorimeter . The total thermal effect evolved by the microorganisms was affected by the increasing doses of herbicide, and varied from 0 to 10.00 micrograms g-1 . An increase in picloram exposure caused a decrease of the original thermal effect, reaching a null value above 20.89 micrograms of herbicide per gram of soil . The decreases of the thermal effect evolved by microorganisms and the increase of the lag phase period are associated with the death of the microbial population . The effects caused by picloram application in this typical Brazilian soil resulted in a strong effect on the soil microbial communities.

Khirurgiia (Mosk), 2001, (7), 42 - 4
{Features of surgical infection of soft tissues}; Fadeev SB et al.; Microflora from surgical infection foci of soft tissues was studied in 92 patients with local, 78 patients with spread and 10 patients with generalized forms of pyo-inflammatory processes . Increase of bacterial contamination of surgical infection foci, more frequent detection of gram-negative bacteria, associations of microorganisms, high antibiotics resistance and persistent characteristics of bacteria in spread and generalized forms of surgical infections were found . Increase of persistent potential of infective agents is significant for prolongation of the disease and generalization of infectious process.

J Med Chem, 2001 Aug 30, 44(18), 3001 - 13
Novel azo derivatives as prodrugs of 5-aminosalicylic acid and amino derivatives with potent platelet activating factor antagonist activity; Carceller E et al.; This paper describes the synthesis of a series of azo compounds able to deliver 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) and a potent platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist in a colon-specific manner for the purpose of treating ulcerative colitis . We found it possible to add an amino group on the aromatic moiety of our reported 1-{(1-acyl-4-piperidyl)methyl}-1H-2-methylimidazo{4,5-c}pyridine derivatives or on British Biotech compounds BB-882 and BB-823 maintaining a high level of activity as PAF antagonist . A selected compound UR-12715 (49c) showed an IC(50) of 8 nM in the in vitro PAF-induced aggregation assay, and an ID(50) of 29 microg/kg in the in vivo PAF-induced hypotension test in normotensive rats . Through attachment of 49c to the 5-ASA via azo functionality we obtained UR-12746 (70) . Pharmacokinetics experiments with {14C}-70 allow us to reach the following conclusions, critical in the design of these new prodrugs of 5-ASA . Neither the whole molecule 70 nor the carrier 49c were absorbed after oral administration of {14C}-70 in rat as was demonstrated by the absence of plasma levels of radioactivity and the high recovery of it in feces . Effective cleavage of azo bond (84%) by microflora in the colon is achieved . These facts ensure high topical concentrations of 5-ASA and 49c in the colon . Additionally, 70 exhibited a potent anticolitic effect in the trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis model in the rat . This profile suggests that UR-12746 (70) provides an attractive new approach to the treatment of ulcerative colitis.

Lik Sprava, 2001 Mar-Apr, (2), 84 - 6
{Microbial intestinal disturbances in children with frequent acute complicated pneumonia}; Shamsiev FM; In the investigation designed to study intestinal microflora in children with acute complicated pneumonia having developed against the background of frequently recurring diseases such as acute respiratory infections, 91.1 percent of pediatric examinees demonstrated microecologocal disturbances in the intestines, with grade III dysbacteriosis in 46.6 percent . In that case the enterocolitic syndrome in pneumonia should be regarded as a clinical manifestation of disturbances in biocenosis of the intestines, in the functional capability of its microflora . Intestinal dysbacteriosis aggravates the course of acute complicated pneumonia in children at early ages and warrants a purposive therapy normalizing the intestinal microflora.

Vopr Pitan, 2001, 70(3), 6 - 8
{Microbiological aspect of balanced nutrition}; Kuiarov AV et al.; Analysis of modern resources of normal human microflora correction has shown an importance of microbiological aspect in principles of a balanced feeding for realization of the optimum mechanism of normal human microflora maintenance.

Mutat Res, 2001 Jun 27, 493(1-2), 39 - 54
A comparison of intraperitoneal and oral gavage administration in comet assay in mouse eight organs; Sekihashi K et al.; One of the important advantages of the comet assay is its ability to detect genotoxicity in many different organs . Since the exposure route of the test compounds is likely to influence the genotoxicity detected in a given organ, it is an important factor to consider when conducting the assay . In this study, we compared the effects of numerous model compounds on eight organs when administered to mice by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection and oral (p.o.) gavage.Groups of four mice were treated once i.p . or p.o . at the identical proportion of LD50 for each route, and the stomach, colon, liver, kidney, bladder, lung, brain, and bone marrow were sampled 3, 8, and 24h after treatment . For 19 of the 20 tested mutagens with various modes of action, genotoxicity in some organs varied with treatment route; only the genotoxicity of methyl methane sulfonate was not affected . Treatment route, however, did not produce a qualitative difference in the genotoxicity of promutagens at the sites of conversion to ultimate mutagens, with aromatic hydrocarbons as the exception . When chemicals with positive responses in at least one organ were considered to be comet assay-positive, the administration route made no difference . Since azo reduction is mediated by azo reductase synthesized in the gastrointestinal wall and by gut microflora and i.p.-administered azo dyes bypass their activation site (colon), the administration route is expected to make a difference in their in vivo genotoxicity . Direct-acting mutagens are expected to affect the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract when given p.o . For those mutagens, however, the administration route did not make a qualitative difference in gastrointestinal tract genotoxicity . Moreover, although the gastrointestinal mucosa is the first site to be exposed to p.o . administered agents, the peak times in the stomach tended to be the same as in most other organs . Based on those results, we concluded that the genotoxicity at high exposures was due to a systemic effect, and that both routes are acceptable for the comet assay when the liver and gastrointestinal organs are sampled, so long as appropriate dose levels for systemic exposure are selected for each route.

J Food Prot, 2001 Aug, 64(8), 1138 - 44
Effect of different levels of beef bacterial microflora on the growth and survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on beef carcass tissue; Berry ED et al.; The influence of various levels of endogenous beef bacterial microflora on the growth and survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on bovine carcass surface tissue was investigated . Bacterial beef microflora inoculum was prepared by enriching and harvesting bacteria from prerigor lean bovine carcass tissue (BCT) and was inoculated onto UV-irradiated prerigor BCT at initial levels of 10(5), 10(4), 10(3), and <10(3) CFU/cm2 . Additional control BCT was inoculated with sterile H2O . E . coli O157:H7 was inoculated onto all tissues at an initial level of 10(2) CFU/cm2 . Following a 48-h incubation at 4 degrees C, BCT was incubated up to 14 days at 4 or 12 degrees C, either aerobically or vacuum packaged . Regardless of the microflora level, there was no substantial growth of E . coli O157:H7 on BCT during storage at 4 degrees C under either aerobic or vacuum-packaged conditions . Instead, viable cell numbers at 4 degrees C remained constant, with no reduction in numbers associated with the different beef microflora levels . E . coli O157:H7 grew on all BCT stored at 12 degrees C, regardless of microflora inoculation treatment, reaching higher populations on aerobic samples than on vacuum-packaged samples in 10 days . However, the presence of the beef microflora did appear to delay the onset of growth or slow the growth of the pathogen, and E . coli O157:H7 counts on BCT without added microflora were generally higher following 7 to 10 days of 12 degrees C storage than those counts on BCT inoculated with beef microflora . These data demonstrate the importance of temperature control during meat handling and storage to prevent the outgrowth of this pathogen and indicate that proper sanitation and processing practices that prevent and reduce contamination of carcasses with E . coli O157:H7 are essential, regardless of background microflora levels.

Cent Eur J Public Health, 2001 Aug, 9(3), 133 - 9
Comparison of the indoor air quality in mould damaged and reference buildings in a subarctic climate; Hyvarinen A et al.; The purpose of this study was to search for objective parameters most relevant to indicate microbial problems of buildings in cold climate . Various indoor characteristics were compared in nine buildings with known history of moisture problems and visible mould (index) and in nine matched reference buildings . The concentrations of airborne viable fungal had a clear difference between the two groups of buildings . In this study, airborne concentrations of viable bacteria, formaldehyde, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) and the occurrence of house dust mites in these index buildings were compared with the levels of the pollutants in matched reference buildings . Fungal growth and flora on moist building materials were also studied . The concentrations of TVOC were slightly higher in the index buildings than in the reference buildings . However, the differences in the concentrations or appearance of any of the studied pollutants were not significant . These parameters do not seem to be relevant indicators of microbial growth or surrogates of microbial exposure . Thus, fungal concentration and composition of fungal genera in the air still seems to be the best indicator for moisture problems among the studied pollutants . In the moist building materials, some fungal genera, such as Ulocladium and Chaetophoma were detected that were not found in indoor air showing that building material samples give additional information on the microflora of the building.

Rev Biol Trop, 2000 Dec, 48(4), 897 - 918
{Index of the Venezuelan marine microflora: diatoms, dinoflagellates and cocolithophorids}; Diaz-Ramos JR; The marine phytoplankton of Venezuela has been studied on a regular basis since the mid 20th century . However, a species checklist that can be used as a framework for taxonomic studies is lacking . In this paper, an index of the marine microflora of Venezuela is presented for the first time . The index includes only those diatoms (89 centric and 186 pennate species), dinoflagellates (eight naked and 154 thecate species) and coccolithophores (24 species) for which formal diagnosis and illustrations (drawings and/or photographs) have been reported in the scientific literature (journals and/or first degree or master's theses) . It is ordered alphabetically according to class, order, family, and species . It includes the author (s) of the taxa.

Dent Clin North Am, 2001 Jul, 45(3), 469 - 78, v-vi
Maternal oral health; Casamassimo PS; Maternity changes a woman's body and can have an effect on fetal oral health . Prenatal counseling can improve oral health of both mother and child . Maternal diet, self-care, and lifestyle can lead to permanent changes in the offspring's oral health . Transmission of maternal oral microflora and use of fluorides are important in a baby's oral health early in life.

Klin Khir, 2001 Mar, (3), 41 - 3
{Treatment of purulent-inflammatory complications of the soft tissues wounds in elderly and senile patients}; Shevchenko VS et al.; Experience of treatment of elderly and senile patients with purulent infection of the soft tissues wounds was summarized . For raising of the therapeutic effect of the local treatment the introduction of new combined medicinal forms, composition of which was scientifically substantiated according to the wound process pathogenesis with special attention to its phase and character of microflora (kind of microorganism and its sensitivity to antimicrobic agents), is perspective.

Free Radic Biol Med, 2001 Aug 1, 31(3), 304 - 14
Intestinal release and uptake of phenolic antioxidant diferulic acids; Andreasen MF et al.; Diferulic acids are potent antioxidants and are abundant structural components of plant cell walls, especially in cereal brans . As such, they are part of many human and animal diets and may contribute to the beneficial effect of cereal brans on health . However, these phenolics are ester-linked to cell wall polysaccharides and cannot be absorbed in this form . This study provides the first evidence that diferulic acids can be absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract . The 5-5-, 8-O-4-, and 8-5-diferulic acids were identified in the plasma of rats after oral dosing with a mixture of the three acids in oil . Our study also reveals that human and rat colonic microflora contain esterase activity able to release 5-5-, 8-O-4-, and 8-5-diferulic acids from model compounds and dietary cereal brans, hence providing a mechanism for release of dietary diferulates prior to absorption of the free acids . In addition, cell-free extracts from human and rat small intestine mucosa exhibited esterase activity towards diferulate esters . Hence, we have shown that esterified diferulates can be released from cereal brans by intestinal enzymes, and that free diferulic acids can be absorbed and enter the circulatory system . Our results suggest that the phenolic antioxidant diferulic acids are bioavailable.

Mikrobiologiia, 2001 May-Jun, 70(3), 370 - 3
{Bacterial microflora on disinfected sugar beets}; Kanivets VI et al.; Sugar beet seeds disinfected with the carbofuran-containing insecticide adifur and the fungicide tachygaren by seed-producing firms were found to be abundantly populated with bacterial microflora . The bacteria isolated from the seed surface were identified to a species level . The selection of bacteria with respect to pesticide resistance may lead to the obtaining of agronomically useful bacterial strains.

J Vet Pharmacol Ther, 2001 Apr, 24(2), 117 - 24
Albendazole sulphoxide enantiomeric ratios in plasma and target tissues after intravenous administration of ricobendazole to cattle; Cristofol C et al.; The comparative concentration profiles of the (+) and (-) albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO) enantiomers obtained in plasma and in selected target tissues/fluids after intravenous (i.v.) administration of a racemic formulation of ricobendazole (RBZ) to cattle were characterised . Fourteen Holstein calves received RBZ (racemic solution, 150 mg/mL) by i.v . administration at 7.5 mg/kg . Jugular blood samples were collected over 48 h post-treatment (plasma kinetic trial) and two animals were sacrificed at either 4, 12, 20, 28 or 32 h post-treatment to obtain samples of abomasal/small intestine mucosal tissue, abomasal/small intestine fluids, bile, liver and lung tissue (tissue distribution study) . The (-)ABZSO enantiomer was depleted significantly faster from plasma compared with the (+)ABZSO antipode . The plasma AUC for (+)ABZSO (38.3 microg . h/mL) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared with that obtained for (-)ABZSO (20.5 microg . h/mL) . The (+)ABZSO enantiomer was the predominant antipode measured in bile, abomasal fluid and abomasal mucosa . For instance, at 12 h post-treatment the (+)/(-) concentration ratios were: 12.9 (plasma), 1.62 (abomasal mucosa), 13.0 (abomasal fluid), 2.92 (intestinal mucosa), 9.87 (intestinal fluid) and 21.5 (bile) . No marked differences between the concentration profiles of both enantiomers were observed in the liver tissue . Albendazole (ABZ) was recovered from the liver, lung and gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal tissues of RBZ-treated calves up to 32 h post-treatment, probably produced by a GI microflora-mediated sulphoreduction of RBZ . An enantioselective kinetic behaviour may account both for the faster depletion of the (-) enantiomer and for the higher availabilities of the (+) antipode observed in plasma and in most of the tissues/fluids investigated . The simultaneous evaluation of the plasma kinetics and tissue concentration profiles of both enantiomeric forms reported here, may help to interpret the relationship between chiral behaviour and pharmacological action for sulphoxide derivatives of benzimidazole (BZD) methylcarbamate anthelmintics.

J Clin Periodontol, 2001 Aug, 28(8), 796 - 805
Changes in subgingival microflora and humoral immune response following periodontal therapy; Darby IB et al.; OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of scaling and root planing (SRP) on the microflora and humoral immune response in adult periodontitis . MATERIALS & METHODS: Clinical measurements, subgingival plaque samples, gingival crevicular fluid and sera were taken from 4 sites in 28 adult periodontitis patients before and after SRP . Polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the presence of A . actinomycetemcomitans, P . gingivalis, B . forsythus, P . intermedia, and T . denticola . ELISA was used to investigate the systemic and local antibody titres to these organisms, and thiocyanate dissociation for the determination of serum antibody avidity . RESULTS: SRP produced a good clinical improvement . On a subject basis there was little significant change in the microflora . However, on a site basis, there were significant reductions in P . intermedia, B . forsythus and T . denticola . There was little change in systemic and local antibody titres following SRP, although there was a significant reduction in antibody avidity to P . gingivalis and P . intermedia CONCLUSION: Post-therapy clinical improvement was associated with a reduction in bacterial prevalence, but statistical significance was only reached at a site level and this microbial reduction was not significant for all organisms . No significant post-therapy effects on the humoral immune response were noted other than a reduced antibody avidity to P . gingivalis and P . intermedia . The lack of a clear pattern in the humoral immune response may reflect a failure of the host response to produce adequate levels of biologically functional antibodies, and complex interactions between the subgingival flora and the host response.

Reprod Nutr Dev, 2001 Mar-Apr, 41(2), 187 - 94
Fibrolytic activities and cellulolytic bacterial community structure in the solid and liquid phases of rumen contents; Michalet-Doreau B et al.; Four sheep were fed an alfalfa hay diet . Rumen content samples were collected three hours after feeding in order to total microorganism population (TP), solid attached population (SAP) and solid attached firmly population (SAFP) . Fibrolytic specific activities (xylanase, CMCase and beta-glycosidases) were estimated by the amount of reducing sugars or p-nitrophenol released from the appropriate substrate . The distribution of the three main cellulolytic bacterial species (Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus and Ruminococcus flavefaciens) was quantified by dot-blot hybridisation using specific 16S-rRNA-targeting probes . Specific activities of polysaccharidase enzymes were higher in SAP than in TP, and in SAFP than in SAP . The sum of RNA of the three cellulolytic bacterial species represented on average 9% of the total bacterial RNA, and increased after filtration . In all samples, the relative population size of F . succinogenes was higher than that of R . albus and of R . flavefaciens . These results demonstrate that the most active enzymes are secreted by the particle-associated microorganisms . The differences in composition of the microflora between the solid and liquid phase suggest that bacteria are not equally distributed throughout the rumen content: the cellulolytic species are present in a higher proportion in the solid phase of rumen contents.

Environ Toxicol Chem, 2001 Jul, 20(7), 1457 - 64
Characterization of enzymes involved in biotransformation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in terrestrial isopods; de Knecht JA et al.; Little is known about the capacity of terrestrial invertebrates to transform organic soil pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) . Studies were designed to characterize microsomal mixed function oxygenase and accompanying conjugation enzymes from the hepatopancreas of the terrestrial isopods Porcellio scaber and Oniscus asellus using pyrene and 1-hydroxypyrene as model substrates . The hydroxylation of pyrene and the formation of pyreneglucoside and pyrenesulfate appeared to be sensitive measures for the activity of cytochrome P450 aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH), uridinediphosphateglucosyltransferase (UDPGT), and aryl sulfotransferase (ST), respectively . Treatment with the antibiotic riphampicine demonstrated that the enzyme activities originate from the animals themselves and not from symbiotic microflora present in the hepatopancreas and the gut . In both species, ST has a very high affinity for 1-hydroxypyrene with Km values two orders of magnitude lower than that of UDPGT . The Vmax values of UDPGT, however, are 10- to 20-fold higher than that of ST . Taking the P450 activities into consideration, both species are expected to transform PAHs in an equally effective way . When the isopods were fed with food containing benz{a}pyrene and 3-methyl-cholanthrene, none of the enzyme activities appeared to be inducible except for a small enhancement of UDPGT in O . asellus . Our findings indicate that terrestrial isopods have a high, noninducible capacity for biotransformation of PAHs and that the sulfate conjugation pathway is as important as the carbohydrate conjugation pathway . This conclusion is consistent with the low body residues of parent PAHs found in the field.

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 2001 May, 32(5), 534 - 41
Gas production by feces of infants; Jiang T et al.; BACKGROUND: Intestinal gas is thought to be the cause abdominal discomfort in infants . Little is known about the type and amount of gas produced by the infant's colonic microflora and whether diet influences gas formation . METHODS: Fresh stool specimens were collected from 10 breast-fed infants, 5 infants fed a soy-based formula, and 3 infants fed a milk-based formula at approximately 1, 2, and 3 months of age . Feces were incubated anaerobically for 4 hours at 37 degrees C followed by quantitation of hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methanethiol (CH3SH), and dimethyl sulfide (CH3SCH3) in the head-space . RESULTS: H2 was produced in greater amounts by breast-fed infants than by infants in either formula group, presumably the consequence of incomplete absorption of breast milk oligosaccharides . CH4 was produced in greater amounts by infants fed soy formula than by infants on other diets . CO2 was produced in similar amounts by infants in all feeding groups . Production of CH3SH was conspicuously low by feces of breast-fed infants and production of H2S was high by soy-formula-fed infants . CH3SCH3 was not detected . Only modest changes with age were observed and there was no relation between gas production and stool consistency, although stools were more likely to be malodorous when concentrations of H2S and/or CH3SH were high . CONCLUSIONS: Gas release by infant feces is strongly influenced by an infant's diet . Of particular interest are differences in production of the highly toxic sulfur gases, H2S and CH3SH, because of the role that these gases may play in certain intestinal disorders of infants.

Environ Pollut, 2001, 113(3), 255 - 62
Hydrocarbon deposition and soil microflora as affected by highway traffic; Tuhackova J et al.; The proximity of a busy highway (90,000 vehicles/day) increased the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil at the depth of 5-15 cm from 106 ng/g as a grassland background to 3095 ng/g dry soil at the highway verge (a sum of 10 PAH species) . The PAH concentration was related to the distance from the source and exhibited a biphasic character, which is interpreted in terms of bimodal distribution of the exhaust microparticles with different rates of deposition . Similarly, the tendency of benz(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene to decrease their proportion with distance from the highway, in contrast to phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(a)pyrene, and benzo(g,h,i)perylene, was attributed to their prevalent localisation on the heavier particle fraction . The abundance of bacteria (8.33 x background) and fungi (3.17 x background) close to the highway is thought to be a consequence of hydrocarbon deposition from the traffic that serves as a significant energetic input into the soil . The elevated concentrations of hydrocarbon substrates, as indicated by PAHs, increased both the absolute and relative numbers of the microbial degraders of diesel fuel, biphenyl, naphthalene, and pyrene . Their maximum numbers at 0.5-1.5 m from the pavement reached 1.3 x 10(4), 1.2 x 10(5), 1.1 x 10(4), and 6.6 x 10(3) colony-forming units (CFU) or infection units per gramme dry soil, respectively . On the other hand, the number of anthracene degraders (1.1 x 10(3) CFU per g dry soil) remained close to the detection limit of the enumeration technique used (0.1-0.2 x 10(3) per g dry soil), consistently with the absence of anthracene and higher linear PAHs in the investigated soil samples . The amounts of persisting PAHs justify artificial inoculation with effective degrader strains in the vicinity of motorways.

Environ Toxicol, 2001 Jun, 16(3), 197 - 208
Preliminary risk assessment of the wet landscape option for reclamation of oil sands mine tailings: bioassays with mature fine tailings pore water; Madill RE et al.; Chemical and biological assays have been carried out on the "pore water" that results from the settling of the tailings that accompany bitumen recovery from the Athabasca oil sands . Examination of the nonacidic extracts of pore water by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy allowed the identification of numerous two- to three-ring polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), to a total concentration of 2.6 micrograms/L of pore water . The PACs were biodegraded by microflora naturally present in the pore water . Acute toxicity was associated principally with the acidic fraction (naphthenic acids) of pore water extracts according to the Microtox assay; other work has shown that acute toxicity dissipates fairly rapidly . Both individual PACs and concentrated pore water extracts showed minimal levels of binding to the rat Ah receptor and induced minimal ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activity in primary rat hepatocytes, showing an insignificant risk of inducing monooxygenase activity . Taken together with previous work showing negligible mutagenic activity of these extracts, we conclude that it should be possible to develop tailing slurries into biologically productive artificial lakes.

Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 2001 Jul, 281(1), G144 - 50
Mechanism of thiamine uptake by human colonocytes: studies with cultured colonic epithelial cell line NCM460; Said HM et al.; Thiamine (vitamin B(1)) is essential for normal cellular functions and growth . Mammals cannot synthesize thiamine and thus must obtain the vitamin via intestinal absorption . The intestine is exposed to a dietary thiamine source and a bacterial source in which the vitamin is synthesized by the normal microflora of the large intestine . Very little is known about thiamine uptake in the large intestine . The aim of this study was, therefore, to address this issue . Our results with human-derived colonic epithelial NCM460 cells as a model system showed thiamine uptake to be 1) temperature- and energy dependent, 2) Na(+) independent, 3) increased with increasing buffer pH from 5 to 8 and after cell acidification but inhibited by amiloride, 4) saturable as a function of concentration, 5) inhibited by thiamine structural analogs but not by unrelated organic cations, and 6) inhibited by modulators of a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-mediated pathway . NCM460 cells and native human colonic mucosa expressed the recently cloned human thiamine transporter THTR-1 (product of the SLC19A2 gene) at both mRNA and protein levels . These results demonstrate for the first time that human NCM460 colonocytes possess a specific carrier-mediated system for thiamine uptake that appears to be under the regulation of an intracellular Ca(2+)/calmodulin-mediated pathway . It is suggested that bacterially synthesized thiamine in the large intestine may contribute to thiamine nutrition of the host, especially toward cellular nutrition of the local colonocytes.

Mikrobiologiia, 2001 Mar-Apr, 70(2), 253 - 8
{Coexistence of transgenic Escherichia coli strains and natural microorganisms in experimental aquatic microcosms}; Kargatova TV et al.; In experimental aquatic microcosms (AMCs), the population of the Escherichia coli strain Z905 harboring the recombinant plasmid pPHL7 (AprLux+) was found to gradually accumulate AMC-adapted cells, which retained the plasmid but differed from the original cells in some biochemical and physiological characteristics . Both the original and the AMC-adapted E . coli cells could coexist with the native AMC microflora for a year or longer . When introduced into AMCs together with native pseudomonads, the AMC-adapted E . coli Z905-33 (pPHL7) cells were more competitive than nonadapted cells.

Inflamm Bowel Dis, 2001 May, 7(2), 136 - 45
Adaptation of bacteria to the intestinal niche: probiotics and gut disorder; Dunne C; The gastrointestinal tract is a complex ecosystem host to a diverse and highly evolved microbial community composed of hundreds of different microbial species . The interactions that occur between this complex microbial community and the human host have become the focus of scientific research due to increases in the incidence of illnesses associated with deficient or compromised microflora (e.g., gastrointestinal tract infections, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), irritable bowel syndrome, antibiotic-induced diarrhea, constipation, food allergies, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers) . Effective multidisciplinary research programs now complement conventional microbiology with molecular ecology techniques to provide culture-independent analysis of the gastrointestinal ecosystem . Furthermore, as we acquire an understanding of gut microflora composition and processes such as intestinal adherence, colonization, translocation, and immunomodulation, we are also elucidating mechanisms by which these can be influenced . This knowledge not only allows scientists to define the activities and interactions of "functional food"-borne beneficial bacteria in the gut, but will also provide the scientific basis for the development of innovative biotechnology-based products tailored to prevent specific diseases and promote overall human gastrointestinal health.

Am J Clin Nutr, 2001 Jun, 73(6), 1094 - 100
Determinants of serum enterolactone concentration; Kilkkinen A et al.; BACKGROUND: The lignan enterolactone, which is produced by the intestinal microflora from dietary precursors, may protect against hormone-dependent cancers and cardiovascular diseases . OBJECTIVE: We examined the cross-sectional associations between the serum enterolactone concentration and variables related to diet and health in Finnish adults . DESIGN: Serum enterolactone was measured by using time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay in 2380 Finnish men and women aged 25-64 y who were participating in a cross-sectional national survey in 1997 . Background information was collected with self-administered questionnaires and the diet was assessed with a food-frequency questionnaire . RESULTS: The median serum enterolactone concentration was 13.8 nmol/L (range: 0-95.6 nmol/L) in men and 16.6 nmol/L (range: 0-182.6 nmol/L) in women . Multiple regression analyses showed positive associations in men between the serum enterolactone concentration and constipation, consumption of whole-grain products, and intake of fruit and berries . In women, the serum enterolactone concentration was positively and independently associated with consumption of vegetables, subject age, and constipation and was negatively associated with smoking . Furthermore, female subjects of normal weight had significantly higher serum enterolactone concentrations than did their underweight or obese peers . CONCLUSIONS: The serum enterolactone concentration varies widely in the population . Of the variables we examined, the most important determinants of the serum enterolactone concentration were consumption of lignan-containing foods and constipation; however, these appeared to explain only a small part of the variation . Therefore, the role of gut microflora in the metabolism of lignans might be very important . Further studies will also be needed to determine the bioavailability and absorption rate of lignans.

Microbiol Res, 2001, 156(1), 83 - 6
Epiphytic microflora of poplar clones susceptible and resistant to infection by Dothichiza populea; Weyman-Kaczmarkowa W et al.; One-year-old poplar shoots (nodes, internodes and lenticels) of clones susceptible to infection by the pathogenic fungus Dothichiza populea, viz . Populus nigra Italica and P . Robusta, resistant ones, viz . P . Grandis and P . Hybrida 275, as well as a hybrid of a susceptible and a resistant clone, viz . P . maximowiczii x P . nigra (P . Kornik 42), were used . The plate method was employed to determine: 1 . the abundance of the epiphytic microflora on a mineral medium with glucose; 2 . the quantitative composition of epiphytic communities by determining the numbers of typical bacteria (including rod-shaped, spherical and sporulating forms), actinomycetes and yeasts in microscopic preparations from epiphyte colonies; 3 . the abundance and level of activity of epiphytes antagonistic towards Dothichiza populea . In all poplar clones the epiphytic microflora was most abundant on nodes and least abundant on lenticels . In the resistant clones epiphytes were 7 (P . Grandis) to as many as 84 times (P . Hybrida 275) less numerous than in the susceptible ones . In the microflora communities of the susceptible poplars, rod-shaped bacteria were the most abundant, and in the resistant ones and the hybrid, yeasts, which made up from 60% to 70% of the strains tested . Spherical and sporulating bacteria as well as actinomycetes were found in numbers not exceeding 4% of the total number of epiphytes . The proportion of antagonistic microflora in whole epiphytic communities was higher in the resistant clones and the hybrid than in the susceptible clones, with the microflora having a more restrictive effect on the development of the pathogen.

GMHC Treat Issues, 1996 Apr, 10(4), 1 - 4
Slow progress on HIV vaccines; Santiago L; AIDS: News on recent progress made in developing an effective HIV vaccine was presented at this winter's Conference on Advances in AIDS Vaccine Development . Presentations covered developments in areas such as mucosal immunity and vaccine delivery mechanisms . In spite of some impressive results, it appears that pharmaceutical companies are not interested in investing in vaccine development . The work done on vaccines that evoke neutralizing antibodies showed promise in causing antibody production in animal and human tests, but it is unclear whether these antibodies will protect against HIV infection . The ALVAC vaccine is in early studies and is being met with enthusiasm since it acts on both cellular and humoral immunity . Studies on various mucous membranes in the body indicate that some membranes are more prone to infection, and that vaccination could target the most susceptible areas . New goals addressed include preventing disease, not infection, by means of vaccines and by use of barriers, such as male and female condoms, and by maintaining overall health . One study indicated that the use of microbiocides could disrupt normal vaginal microflora, which have been shown to kill HIV .

J Mol Microbiol Biotechnol, 2001 Jul, 3(3), 467 - 70
An evolutionary alternative system for aryl beta-glucosides assimilation in bacteria; Faure D et al.; Some bacteria of the soil microflora or of the digestive systems of mammals can grow on aryl beta-glucosides as sole carbon sources . The bgl operon of E . coli is the paradigm for such a catabolic pathway . In Azospirillum irakense, the two adjacent genes salAB encode beta-glucosidases which are required for salicin assimilation . In this report, we analyse the sequence of salC, the last gene to be identified in the salCAB operon and investigate the phylogenetic origins of the sal and bgl genes . The results suggest an alternative model for the assimilation of aryl beta-glucosides in bacteria.

Can J Microbiol, 2001 Apr, 47(4), 302 - 8
A comparison of sole carbon source utilization patterns and phospholipid fatty acid profiles to detect changes in the root microflora of hydroponically grown crops; Khalil S et al.; Sole carbon source utilization (SCSU) patterns and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) profiles were compared with respect to their potential to characterize root-inhabiting microbial communities of hydroponically grown crops . Sweet pepper (Capsicum annum cv . Evident), lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv . Grand Rapids), and four different cultivars of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cvs . Gitana, Armada, Aromata, and Elin) were grown in 1-L black plastic beakers placed in a cultivation chamber with artificial light . In addition to the harvest of the plants after 6 weeks, plants of one tomato cultivar, cv . Gitana, were also harvested after 4 and 8 weeks . The cultivation in this study was performed twice . Principal component analysis was used to analyze the data . Both characterization methods had the ability to discriminate between the root microflora of different plant species, cultivars, and one tomato cultivar at different ages . Differences in both SCSU patterns and PLFA profiles were larger between plant species than between cultivars, but for both methods the largest differences were between the two cultivations . Still, the differences between treatments were always due to differences in the same PLFAs in both cultivations . This was not the case for the SCSU patterns when different plant ages were studied . Furthermore, PLFA profiles showed less variation between replicates than did SCSU patterns . This larger variation observed among the SCSU data indicates that PLFA may be more useful to detect changes in the root microflora of hydroponically grown crops than the SCSU technique.

Oral Dis, 2000 Nov, 6(6), 371 - 5
Production of volatile sulphur compounds in diseased periodontal pockets is significantly increased in smokers; Khaira N et al.; OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken in order to test the hypothesis that the consequences of tobacco smoking may include increased synthesis of toxic volatile sulphur compounds in diseased periodontal pockets . DESIGN: A cross-sectional, parallel study comparing groups of smokers and non-smokers with periodontitis and the level of volatile sulphur compounds in the gingival sulci of these subjects . PATIENTS AND METHODS: Levels of volatile sulphur compounds were measured in diseased periodontal sites of 12 smokers and 11 non-smokers using a portable sulphide monitor . Anaerobic and aerobic counts of the total cultivable subgingival microflora of both groups were also determined . RESULTS: The percentage of sites per subject with high levels of sulphides (> or = 10 units) detected in moderate (4-6 mm) and deep (> or = 7 mm) periodontal pockets was found to be significantly higher in smokers, compared to non-smokers (P = 0.040 and P = 0.005, respectively) . No significant difference in the microbiological parameters tested were observed between the two groups . CONCLUSIONS: Increased production of volatile sulphur compounds may represent a further mechanism of increased susceptibility to periodontitis in smokers and also help to explain the reported association between smoking and halitosis.

Rev Biol Trop, 2000 Jun-Sep, 48(2-3), 511 - 7
The influence of air pollution on the phyllosphere microflora composition of Tillandsia leaves (Bromeliaceae); Brighigna L et al.; The effect of air pollution on total phyllospheric microflora from two species of the epiphytic neotropical genus Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae) was studied by comparing unpolluted plants living in a forest (Escazu, San Jose) with polluted ones from an urban site of Costa Rica (San Jose city) . Dilutions of homogenized leaf samples were plated on media suitable for each microbial group . For each microorganism group, total counts were performed and purified strains of randomly chosen colonies were identified . There was a global reduction in the number of living microorganisms due to pollution effects, especially yeasts and bacteria, while nitrogen-fixing microorganisms and fungi were less affected . Our results showed that the phyllosphere microflora of Tillandsia plants living in a tropical urban environment changes in terms of number and species composition of yeasts and bacteria with respect to plants living in unpolluted environment.

J Clin Periodontol, 2001 May, 28(5), 404 - 10
Clinical and microbial evaluation of a histatin-containing mouthrinse in humans with experimental gingivitis; Mickels N et al.; OBJECTIVE: P-113, a 12 amino acid histatin-based peptide, was evaluated in a mouthrinse formulation for safety, prevention of the development of experimental gingivitis, and for its effects on periodontal flora . METHOD: 159 periodontally healthy subjects abstained from oral hygiene procedures and self-administered either 0.005%, 0.01%, 0.05% P-113 or placebo mouthrinse formulations twice daily over a four week treatment period . During this time, the safety, anti-plaque, and anti-gingivitis effects of P-113 were evaluated . RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in plaque (p=0.046) and a reduction in gingivitis (p=0.086) for subjects using 0.01% P-113 mouthrinse . Significantly more subjects in the 0.01% and 0.05% treatment groups showed a small increase in plaque index of <0.25 as compared to the placebo group (p<0.05) . Similar trends were noted for changes in the % of sites with bleeding on probing in the 0.01% P-113 group . There were no treatment-related adverse events, and there were no adverse shifts in supragingival microflora during the study . CONCLUSION: These data suggest that P-113 mouthrinse is safe and reduces plaque, gingivitis and gingival bleeding in the human experimental gingivitis model.

Infect Immun, 2001 Jun, 69(6), 3719 - 27
Selective enhancement of systemic Th1 immunity in immunologically immature rats with an orally administered bacterial extract; Bowman LM et al.; Infant rats primed during the first week of life with soluble antigen displayed adult-equivalent levels of T-helper 2 (Th2)-dependent immunological memory development as revealed by production of secondary immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) antibody responses to subsequent challenge, but in contrast to adults failed to prime for Th1-dependent IgG2b responses . We demonstrate that this Th2 bias in immune function can be redressed by oral administration to neonates of a bacterial extract (Broncho-Vaxom OM-85) comprising lyophilized fractions of several common respiratory tract bacterial pathogens . Animals given OM-85 displayed a selective upregulation in primary and secondary IgG2b responses, accompanied by increased gamma interferon and decreased interleukin-4 production (both antigen specific and polyclonal), and increased capacity for development of Th1-dependent delayed hypersensitivity to the challenge antigen . We hypothesize that the bacterial extract functions via enhancement of the process of postnatal maturation of Th1 function, which is normally driven by stimuli from the gastrointestinal commensal microflora.

J Appl Microbiol, 2001 May, 90(5), 733 - 40
Biogeochemical cycling bacteria as indices of pond fertilization: importance of CNP ratios of input fertilizers; Jana BB et al.; AIMS: The influence of carbon-nitrogen and nitrogen-phosphorus ratios of input fertilizers, and that of pond water, on the growth of heterotrophic and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria of water and sediment, was examined in relation to fertilizer mineralization indices using different modes of fertilization through inorganic and organic sources . METHODS AND RESULTS: The first experiment used carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus ratios varying from 12 : 2 : 1 to 151 : 6 : 1, applied at the rate of 0.043 g l(-1) week(-1), whereas in the second ratios varied from 25.6 : 6.2 : 1 to 150 : 12 : 1 applied once at the rate of 3.33 g l(-1) . Different fertilizers (cattle dung, poultry droppings, urea, single superphosphate and starch) were mixed in different proportions to achieve the desired carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus ratio . The heterotrophic and phosphate-solubilizing populations were more responsive to an early manuring phase than later, implying that pond fertilization was microbiologically more dynamic in the earlier phase . The carbon-nitrogen and nitrogen-phosphorus ratios of 11.8 (88.6 : 7.5) and 7.5 (7.5 : 1), respectively, of input fertilizers favoured growth of both heterotrophic and phosphate-solubilizing bacterial populations much better than the other ratios tested . Likewise, water carbon-nitrogen and nitrogen-phosphorus ratios of 11.9 and 3.34 induced bacterial growth . The carbon-nitrogen ratios of 12.63 (101 : 8) (input fertilizer)-4.54 (water), and nitrogen-phosphorus ratios of 8 (8 : 1) (input fertilizer)-2.93 (water), gave gross primary productivity values higher than the remaining ratios, exhibiting overall curvilinear relationships . The values of gross primary productivity were the direct function of values of fertilizer mineralization indices for carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus . CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the mixed fertilizer (carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus-88.6 : 7.5 : 1) comprising cattle dung (95%), poultry droppings (2.5%), urea (2%) and single superphosphate (0.5%), applied at the rate of 23,000 kg ha(-1) year(-1), was a suitable cost-effective fertilization option for aquaculture practices . SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: As chemical fertilizers are expensive and cause some adverse effects on the soil structure, composition, microflora and other characteristics of the pond, mixed combinations of inorganic and organics with narrow range of carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus ratio can be suitable and cost-effective fertilization tools in aquaculture practices, which is to be linked with the microbial activities of the pond.

Med Hypotheses, 2001 Apr, 56(4), 448 - 50
Redefining 'self': the role of microflora (commensals) mismatch in the development of GvHD after allogeneic stem cell transplantation and some possible remedies; Singh HP et al.; The discovery of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules and their role in allorecognition has facilitated the initiation of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in human beings . HLA mismatch to a large extent explains the phenomenon of graft rejection and graft versus host disease (GvHD) . Incidence of GvHD even in syngeneic transplants suggests a role for extra genetic factors in the causation of GvHD . We hereby propose a hypothesis that the definition of 'self' (in the immunological sense) should be broadened to include both genetically determined molecules (e.g . HLA) and the microbial flora that colonize an individual . This hypothesis explains several observations about GvHD which can not fully be accounted for by the HLA mismatch theory and gives some clues towards circumventing GvHD .

J Periodontol, 2001 Apr, 72(4), 454 - 60
The characteristic cellular organization and CEACAM1 expression in the junctional epithelium of rats and mice are genetically programmed and not influenced by the bacterial microflora; Heymann R et al.; BACKGROUND: The epithelial cell adhesion molecule CEACAM1 exhibits an interesting dynamic expression during tooth development . It is first expressed in the reduced enamel epithelium, its expression then increases in the orally faced reduced epithelium and the overlying oral epithelium that then fuse to give rise to the junctional epithelium . The expression of CEACAM1 remains at high levels in the junctional epithelium, in contrast to the surrounding oral sulcular epithelium which shows much lower expression levels . We investigated if the high expression levels of CEACAM1 and the loosely organized cells characteristic of the junctional epithelium are genetically programmed or result from bacterial infiltration . METHODS: Oral tissues from germ-free rats and mice and animals with conventional bacterial flora were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemical staining for CEACAM1 . RESULTS: The junctional epithelium of both germ-free and conventional animals was identical with respect to both CEACAM1 expression and morphology . Also the presence of leukocytes was the same in both types of animals . CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the characteristic morphology and the high expression levels of CEACAM1 in the junctional epithelium are genetically programmed and not a result of bacterial infiltration . This suggests that CEACAM1 has an important role for the structural integrity of the junctional epithelium . This conclusion was supported by the observation that the junctional epithelium does not express any E-cadherin, which is another abundant epithelial cell adhesion molecule.

J Dent Educ, 2001 Apr, 65(4), 313 - 21
Impact of tobacco use on periodontal status; Johnson GK et al.; This article reviews the effects of smoked and smokeless tobacco on periodontal status, including the impact of smoking on periodontal therapy and potential mechanisms for the adverse effects of tobacco on the periodontium . Approximately half of periodontitis cases have been attributed to either current or former smoking . Both cigar and cigarette smokers have significantly greater loss of bone height than nonsmokers, and there is a trend for pipe smokers to have more bone loss than nonsmokers . Unlike smokers, who experience widespread periodontal destruction, the most prevalent effects of smokeless tobacco are localized to the site of placement, in the form of gingival recession and white mucosal lesions . Smoking has an adverse effect on all forms of periodontal therapy, and up to 90 percent of refractory periodontitis patients are smokers . The pathogenesis of smoking-related periodontal destruction has been attributed to alterations in the microflora and/or host response . Some data indicates that smoking may increase levels of certain periodontal pathogens, but there is more evidence that smoking has a negative effect on host response, such as neutrophil function and antibody production . An encouraging finding is that periodontal disease progression slows in patients who quit smoking and that these individuals have a similar response to periodontal therapy as nonsmokers . The facts presented in this paper will assist dental health professionals in treatment-planning decisions and provide them with important information to share with patients who use tobacco products.

FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol, 2001 Apr, 30(3), 235 - 40
Usage of Aplysia lectin interactions with T antigen and poly-N-acetyllactosamine for screening of E . coli strains which bear glycoforms cross-reacting with cancer-associated antigens; Gilboa-Garber N et al.; Aplysia gonad lectin (AGL), which strongly agglutinates cancer cells, was found, in the present study, to bind to erythrocyte T antigen, in addition to its affinity to Ii system antigens . These antigens were reported to be overexpressed and to contribute to tumor progression and invasion . In healthy human sera, there are antibodies against them, stimulated by the normal intestinal microflora, which bear similar glycoforms . Since the levels of these antibodies were reported to be lower in most cancer patients' sera, we have examined the applicability of AGL to isolation of enteric commensal Escherichia coli strains which bear glycoforms cross-reacting with the cancer-associated antigens . Among 30 E . coli isolates examined, two were agglutinated by AGL . One of them was also agglutinated by certain related galactophilic lectins, which bind to the T and Tn antigens . The agglutination of the two bacteria by healthy human sera, as a group, was stronger than that displayed by the cancer patients' sera . These results indicate that AGL might be useful for identification of the desired bacteria, which could potentially serve for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Int J Parasitol, 2001 May 1, 31(5-6), 628 - 31
The endosymbionts of tsetse flies: manipulating host-parasite interactions; Dale C et al.; Through understanding the mechanisms by which tsetse endosymbionts potentiate trypanosome susceptibility in tsetse, it may be possible to engineer modified endosymbionts which, when introduced into tsetse, render these insects incapable of transmitting parasites . In this study we have assayed the effect of three different antibiotics on the endosymbiotic microflora of tsetse (Glossina morsitans morsitans) . We showed that the broad-spectrum antibiotics, ampicillin and tetracycline, have a dramatic impact on tsetse fecundity and pupal emergence, effectively rendering these insects sterile . This results from the loss of the tsetse primary endosymbiont, Wigglesworthia glossinidia, which is eradicated by ampicillin and tetracycline treatment . Using the sugar analogue and antibiotic, streptozotocin, we demonstrated specific elimination of the tsetse secondary endosymbiont, Sodalis glossinidius, with no observed detrimental effect upon W . glossinidia . The specific eradication of S . glossinidius had a negligible effect upon the reproductive capability of tsetse but did effect a significant reduction in fly longevity . Furthermore, elimination of S . glossinidius resulted in increased refractoriness to trypanosome infection in tsetse, providing further evidence that S . glossinidius plays an important role in potentiating trypanosome susceptibility in this important disease vector . In the light of these findings, we highlight progress made towards developing recombinant Sodalis strains engineered to avoid potentiating trypanosome susceptibility in tsetse . In particular, we focus on the chitinase/N-acetyl-D-glucosamine catabolic machinery of Sodalis which has previously been implicated in causing immune inhibition in tsetse.

Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 2001 Apr, 25(4), 513 - 6
Effect of 4-methylpyrazole on endogenous plasma ethanol and methanol levels in humans; Sarkola T et al.; BACKGROUND: Endogenous methanol and ethanol levels are found in human blood . It is assumed that these compounds are derived mainly from microflora in the gastrointestinal tract and that the small amounts formed are consequently eliminated, mainly in the liver, by the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) pathway . The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of 4-methylpyrazole (4-MP), a specific ADH inhibitor, on endogenous plasma methanol and ethanol levels in healthy women and men . METHODS: A double-blind placebo-controlled interventional study was carried out . RESULTS: A significant elevation in plasma endogenous ethanol and methanol levels was observed after intake of 4-MP (10-15 mg/kg p.o.) . For methanol levels, a linear increase from 20 +/- 14 micromol/l before intake to 39 +/- 22 micromol/l at 420 min from intake of 4-MP (levels 20 +/- 14 micromol/l and 14 +/- 9 micromol/l during the corresponding placebo time points) was found . For ethanol, concentrations increased from levels below detection limit (i.e., < 5 micromol/l, determined by headspace gas chromatography) before intake to 30 +/- 20 micromol/l at 195 min from intake of 4-MP . A small increase in ethanol levels, to 13 +/- 8 micromol/l, but not in methanol levels, was observed after the intake of lingonberry juice containing no ethanol or methanol . No sex differences in the ethanol and methanol levels before or after the intake of 4-MP were found . CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides conclusive evidence for a constant endogenous production as well as clearance of ethanol and methanol in humans . In addition, the study shows that the ethanol and methanol produced are, at least in part, eliminated by the ADH pathway.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2001 May, 67(5), 2345 - 53
Biotransformations of paralytic shellfish toxins by bacteria isolated from bivalve molluscs; Smith EA et al.; Due to the possibility that bacteria could be involved in the clearance of paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) from bivalve molluscs, investigations into which, if any, bacteria were able to grow at the expense of PST focused on several common shellfish species . These species were blue mussels, oysters, razor fish, cockles, and queen and king scallops . Bacteria associated with these shellfish were isolated on marine agar 2216 and characterized by their carbon utilization profiles (BIOLOG) . Selected isolates from groups demonstrating 90% similarity were screened for their ability to metabolize a range of PST (gonyautoxins 1 and 4 {GTX 1/4}, GTX 2/3, GTX 5, saxitoxin, and neosaxitoxin) using a novel screening method and confirming its results by high-performance liquid chromatography . Results suggest that molluscan bacteria have different capacities to utilize and transform PST analogues . For example, isolates M12 and R65 were able to reductively transform GTX 1/4 with concomitant production of GTX 2/3, while isolate Q5 apparently degraded GTX 1/4 without the appearance of other GTXs . Other observed possible mechanisms of PST transformations include decarbamoylation by isolate M12 and sulfation of GTXs by isolates Q5, R65, M12, and C3 . These findings raise questions as to the possible role of bacteria resident in the shellfish food transport system . Some researchers have suggested that the microflora play a role in supplying nutritional requirements of the host . This study demonstrates that bacteria may also be involved in PST transformation and elimination in molluscan species.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2001 May, 67(5), 2145 - 55
Predator-specific enrichment of actinobacteria from a cosmopolitan freshwater clade in mixed continuous culture; Pernthaler J et al.; We investigated whether individual populations of freshwater bacteria in mixed experimental communities may exhibit specific responses to the presence of different bacterivorous protists . In two successive experiments, a two-stage continuous cultivation system was inoculated with nonaxenic batch cultures of the cryptophyte Cryptomonas sp . Algal exudates provided the sole source of organic carbon for growth of the accompanying microflora . The dynamics of several 16S rRNA-defined bacterial populations were followed in the experimental communities . Although the composition and stability of the two microbial communities differed, numerous members of the first assemblage could again be detected during the second experiment . The introduction of a size-selectively feeding mixotrophic nanoflagellate (Ochromonas sp.) always resulted in an immediate bloom of a single phylotype population of members of the class Actinobacteria (Ac1) . These bacteria were phylogenetically affiliated with an uncultured lineage of gram-positive bacteria that have been found in freshwater habitats only . The Ac1 cells were close to the average size of freshwater bacterioplankton and significantly smaller than any of the other experimental community members . In contrast, no increase of the Ac1 population was observed in vessels exposed to the bacterivorous ciliate Cyclidium glaucoma . However, when the Ochromonas sp . was added after the establishment of C . glaucoma, the proportion of population Ac1 within the microbial community rapidly increased . Populations of a beta proteobacterial phylotype related to an Aquabacterium sp . decreased relative to the total bacterial communities following the addition of either predator, albeit to different extents . The community structure of pelagic microbial assemblages can therefore be influenced by the taxonomic composition of the predator community.

Int J Paediatr Dent, 2000 Dec, 10(4), 298 - 305
An investigation of the oral status and reported oral care of children with heart and heart-lung transplants; al-Sarheed M et al.; AIM: To investigate the oral health status and oral microflora of children who have received heart and heart-lung transplants . Parental knowledge and current practice of oral health procedures by the child were also investigated . SAMPLE AND METHOD: Thirty-five children attending the Cardio-Thoracic Transplant Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children were included . Measurements were compared with children matched by age and gender attending the trauma clinic at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Eastman Dental Hospital . Teeth were examined for the presence or absence of caries or enamel defects . Plaque deposition, gingivitis, gingival bleeding and gingival enlargement were measured and a swab was taken to look at the oral microbial flora . A questionnaire was used to assess parental knowledge of dental health procedures and the current practice of these . RESULTS: There were no significant differences between transplant and control children in caries experience, plaque or gingivitis . Children with heart or heart-lung transplants had significantly greater numbers of enamel defects and more gingival enlargement than control children, children in the heart transplant group had significantly more gingival bleeding . There was little difference in the dental knowledge and reported behaviour of the transplant group compared to the control group . CONCLUSION: The dental needs of heart and heart-lung transplant patients treated at the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children were similar to those of the control group in this study, however further improvement could be made in educating parents and children on the importance of caries prevention and good oral hygiene.

J Agric Food Chem, 2001 Apr, 49(4), 1751 - 60
Screening of intestinal microflora for effective probiotic bacteria; O'Sullivan DJ; Increasing consumer awareness of health-promoting intestinal bacteria has fueled the addition of viable probiotic bacteria as functional ingredients in certain foods . However, to effectively market the enhanced attributes of these foods, the added probiotic bacteria need to have scientific credibility . The scientific rationale for using many of the strains of probiotic bacteria currently on the market is weak . Furthering the current understanding of what features a bacterium needs to have for effective probiotic functionality will enable the selection of strains with a more credible scientific rationale . To screen for effective strains, one must understand the microbial diversity in the intestines of healthy individuals . The advent of molecular tools has greatly enhanced our ability to accomplish this . These tools comprise genetic fingerprinting, specific probes, molecular speciation, and techniques for the in situ analysis of specific microbial groups in the intestine . This review will detail these scientific approaches and how their impact will improve criteria for selection of probiotic bacteria.

Scand J Gastroenterol, 2001 Mar, 36(3), 265 - 9
Increased levels of specific leukocyte- and platelet-derived substances during normal anti-tetanus antibody synthesis in patients with inactive Crohn disease; Nielsen HJ et al.; BACKGROUND: Crohn disease is considered a consequence of inappropriate upregulation of immune reactions evoked by the intestinal microflora or luminal antigens . Since the intestinal mucosa is continuously exposed to tetanus toxoid we studied the antibody response to tetanus toxoid booster immunization in patients with Crohn disease and the subsequent release of various inflammatory mediators and growth factors in blood . METHODS: Ten patients with inactive disease and no concurrent medication and 12 age-and gender-matched healthy volunteers with anti-tetanus antibody levels less than 0.1 IU/ml were inoculated with 1 ml (6 Lf units) of tetanus toxoid vaccine . The anti-tetanus antibody levels were determined in serum obtained before inoculation and after 7, 14 and 28 days, respectively . C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), histamine, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined in serum or plasma obtained on the same days . RESULTS: After inoculation anti-tetanus antibody levels were equally raised in patients and healthy volunteers . Pre-inoculation CRP levels were below the upper level of the normal range (<10 mg/l) in all inoculated patients/volunteers . No differences in IL-6, TNF-alpha, MPO or histamine levels between patients and healthy volunteers were observed . CRP levels were within the normal range and IL-6, TNF-alpha, MPO and histamine levels were unchanged in patients and volunteers during the study period . The levels of VEGF, TIMP-1 and PAI-1 were unchanged in the healthy volunteers during the study period, but were significantly (P < 0.05) increased at day 14 in patients with Crohn disease . At day 28 the levels had fallen to pre-inoculation levels, apart from PAI-1, which was still significantly (P<0.05) increased . CONCLUSIONS: In patients with inactive Crohn disease, booster immunization against tetanus toxoid seems to result in normal anti-tetanus antibody synthesis, but it may cause inappropriate release of certain bioactive substances, which are known to play a major role in modulation of the inflammatory response.

Epidemiol Infect, 2001 Feb, 126(1), 11 - 8
P fimbriae, capsule and aerobactin characterize colonic resident Escherichia coli; Nowrouzian F et al.; Resident and transient Escherichia coli strains from the colonic microflora of 13 Swedish schoolgirls were analysed for carriage of genes encoding a range of adhesins (P, type 1 and S fimbriae, Dr haemagglutinin and three varieties of the P fimbrial papG adhesin) and other virulence traits (K1 and K5 capsule, haemolysin and aerobactin) using multiplex PCR . Forty-four percent of the resident clones carried genes for P fimbriae, K1 or K5 capsule, and aerobactin, compared with only 3% of transient clones (P < 0.0001) . The P-fimbriated clones most often had the class II variety of the P-fimbrial adhesin gene papG and this adhesin was significantly associated with persistence of a strain . S fimbriae and type 1 fimbriae were equally common in resident and transient strains . The results indicate that not only P fimbriae, but also, certain capsules and the ability to produce the siderophore aerobactin might contribute to persistence of E . coli in the large intestine.

J Clin Lab Anal, 2001, 15(2), 55 - 8
Increases of IgA milk concentrations correlate with IgA2 increment; Tregoat V et al.; IgA, IgA1, and IgA2 concentrations were determined in 81 defatted human milk samples: colostrum (days 1-5, n = 42), transitional milk (days 6-14, n = 18) and mature milk (days 15-75, n = 21) by immunonephelometry . Correlations were found between total IgA levels and the concentrations of both IgA subclasses (P < 0.0001) . The levels of the three molecules decreased over lactation with significant differences (P < 0.05) between colostrum and transitional milk levels and between colostrum and mature milk . Colostral IgA1 and IgA2 mean concentrations dropped respectively from 10.89 +/- 2.12 g/L, and 15.41 +/- 2.10 g/L to 1.83 +/- 0.73 g/L and 3.40 +/- 1.25 g/L in transitional milk reaching finally to 0.36 +/- 0.07 g/L and 0.27 +/- 0.06 g/L in mature milk . IgA2 concentrations were higher than those of IgA1 when the total IgA level was high . The IgA2 levels in colostrum could be an adaptation resistance of IgA to potentially harmful pathogens able to secrete IgA proteases and also a way to regulate colonization of the microflora in the newborn .

Cancer Res, 2001 Mar 15, 61(6), 2395 - 8
Intestinal microflora are necessary for development of spontaneous adenocarcinoma of the large intestine in T-cell receptor beta chain and p53 double-knockout mice; Kado S et al.; This study was conducted to confirm the hypothesis that intestinal microflora are required for the development of adenocarcinoma in the colon of the TCRbeta and p53 double-knockout (TCRbeta-/- p53-/-) mouse . Germ-free TCRbeta-/- p53-/- mice were produced . At 7 weeks of age, the animals were divided into two groups (n = 10/group), and one of these groups was conventionalized . Animals of both groups were subjected to histopathological examination for adenocarcinoma of the colon at 4 months of age . There was no development of adenocarcinoma of the colon among the germ-free mice, whereas in the conventionalized group, adenocarcinomas of the ileocecum and cecum were detected in 70% of animals . These results indicate the usefulness of the TCRbeta-/- p53-/- mouse as a colon cancer animal model that develops spontaneous adenocarcinoma of the colon early in life, and suggest that intestinal microflora play a major role in the development of adenocarcinoma of the colon in this animal model.

J Clin Periodontol, 2001 Mar, 28(3), 212 - 9
Smoking and subgingival microflora in periodontal disease; Bostrom L et al.; AIM: The present investigation was undertaken to analyze the influence of smoking on the periodontal disease associated subgingival microflora . The population included 33 smokers and 31 non-smokers in the age range 36-86 years . METHODS: Microbial samples were obtained from 4 sites per patient . The checker-board DNA-DNA hybridization technology was used for detection of the bacterial species P . gingivalis, P . intermedia, P . nigrescens, B . forsythus, A . actinomycetemcomitans, F . nucleatum, T . denticola, P . micros, C . rectus, E . corrodens, S . noxia and S . intermedius . RESULTS: Using score 1 as cutoff, contrasting colonized versus non-colonized patients, 8 out of 12 species were detected in > or = 90% of both smokers and non-smokers . Using score 4 as cutoff, contrasting heavily colonized patients versus non-colonized and less heavily colonized patients, the detection rates decreased in both smokers and non-smokers . No significant differences in detection rates were observed between smokers and non-smokers . Logistic regression analysis indicated that neither smoking, probing depth nor gingival bleeding influenced the occurrence of the species analyzed . The lack of a smoking exposure dose-response further supported the indication of a limited influence of smoking . CONCLUSION: Smoking exerts little, if any, influence on the subgingival occurrence of several of the bacteria most commonly associated with periodontal disease.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2001 Apr, 67(4), 1821 - 9
Predictive modeling of the shelf life of fish under nonisothermal conditions; Koutsoumanis K; The behavior of the natural microflora of Mediterannean gilt-head seabream (Sparus aurata) was monitored during aerobic storage at different isothermal conditions from 0 to 15 degrees C . The growth data of pseudomonads, established as the specific spoilage organisms of aerobically stored gilt-head seabream, combined with data from previously published experiments, were used to model the effect of temperature on pseudomonad growth using a Belehradek type model . The nominal minimum temperature parameters of the Belehradek model (T(min)) for the maximum specific growth rate (micro(max)) and the lag phase (t(Lag)) were determined to be -11.8 and -12.8 degrees C, respectively . The applicability of the model in predicting pseudomonad growth on fish at fluctuating temperatures was evaluated by comparing predictions with observed growth in experiments under dynamic conditions . Temperature scenarios designed in the laboratory and simulation of real temperature profiles observed in the fish chill chain were used . Bias and accuracy factors were used as comparison indices and ranged from 0.91 to 1.17 and from 1.11 to 1.17, respectively . The average percent difference between shelf life predicted based on pseudomonad growth and shelf life experimentally determined by sensory analysis for all temperature profiles tested was 5.8%, indicating that the model is able to predict accurately fish quality in real-world conditions.

J Neuroimmunol, 2001 Apr 2, 115(1-2), 46 - 52
Restraint stress elevates the plasma interleukin-6 levels in germ-free mice; Nukina H et al.; Several recent reports demonstrated that restraint stress elevates plasma IL-6 levels; however, the precise mechanism whereby stress stimuli trigger the production of IL-6 remains to be clarified . In this study, in order to elucidate whether or not the intestinal microflora contribute to the stress-induced IL-6 elevation, the plasma IL-6 response of germ-free (GF) mice, which are indeed devoid of indigenous microflora, was compared to that of specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice . The plasma IL-6 level increased after 1 h of restraint stress and thereafter gradually decreased in GF mice as well as in SPF mice . In addition, such a stress-induced IL-6 elevation was also found in the mice reconstituted with SPF feces . The expression levels of IL-6 mRNA in the liver increased after 1 h of stress in both GF and SPF mice based on the findings of a semiquantitative RT-PCR method, although no such increase was observed in the spleen and kidney of both groups of mice.These results thus indicate that restraint stress is capable of elevating the plasma IL-6 levels independently of the intestinal microflora and the liver is one of the main sources responsible for the increased plasma IL-6 during stress.

Can Vet J, 2001 Mar, 42(3), 199 - 203
{Comparison of four protocols for preoperative preparation in cattle}; Bedard S et al.; This study was designed to evaluate 4 preoperative skin preparations, that is, more specifically, to compare the efficacy of chlorhexidine gluconate (CG) and povidone-iodine (PI), as well as 2 hair removal techniques (clipper alone or clipper followed by razor) for preoperative skin preparation in cattle . The 4 protocols resulted in a significant decrease in the number of bacterial colony-forming units (cfu) . Group 4 (clipping + shaving + CG) had a significantly lower number of preoperative cfu per gel plate compared with groups 1 (clipping + PI) and 3 (clipping + shaving + PI) . Skin reaction frequency was significantly higher in groups 3 and 4 (47.8% for both protocols) than in groups 1 and 2 (clipping + PI or CG) (8.7% for both) . Wound infection frequency was 4.3% (4/92) and no significant difference was observed between the 4 treatment groups . The 4 protocols tested were equivalent as to efficacy and satisfactorily decreased skin microflora . Clipping alone was shown to be preferable to clipping plus shaving as a method of hair removal in cattle, with fewer skin reactions and no more wound infections.

Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk, 2001, (1), 27 - 31
{Human microecology studies at Department of Microbiology with Virology and Immunology, I.M . Sechenov Moscow Medical Academy}; Vorob'ev AA et al.; Studies of human microflora in health and disease and during exposure to professional and ecological factors is a traditional problem solved for many years by staff members of Department of Microbiology with Virology and Immunology, I . M . Setchenov Moscow Medical Academy . The purpose of research is to develop methods and means for diagnosis and prevention of human microbiocenosis disorders . Fundamental and applied research in cooperation with prophylactic and clinical institutions and departments yielded data contributing to solution of many pressing problems in prevention and diagnosis of infectious diseases.

J Food Prot, 2001 Mar, 64(3), 325 - 34
Microbiological sampling of meat cuts and manufacturing beef by excision or swabbing; Gill CO et al.; Groups of 25 beef or pork loin primal cuts or of pieces of stored or not stored manufacturing beef were sampled by excision and by swabbing with cotton wool, sponge, and gauze . Total aerobic counts, coliforms, and Escherichia coli from each sample were enumerated . Values for the mean log10, log10 mean, and/or the log10 total numbers recovered were calculated for each set of 25 bacterial counts . Those statistics indicated that, for product sampled without storage, swabbing with cotton wool or sponge recovered about 30%, and swabbing with gauze recovered about 10% of the bacteria recovered by excision sampling; but that for product sampled after storage, swabbing with cotton wool or sponge recovered about 50% and swabbing with gauze recovered about 15% of the bacteria recovered by excision sampling . However, the incidences of samples positive for coliforms and E . coli were less for stored than for nonstored product with all methods of sampling . The findings indicate that the conditions of meat surfaces, the handling of product, and the state of the microflora might all affect the numbers of bacteria recovered by any sampling technique . Thus, the relationship between the numbers recovered by excision or any selected swabbing technique may differ for different types of noncomminuted, raw meat product.

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol, 2001 Apr 6, 58(1), 9 - 15
Detection of Epstein-Barr virus in tonsillar tissue of children and the relationship with recurrent tonsillitis; Endo LH et al.; Recurrent tonsillitis has been the subject of much investigation . Events considered to predispose to or cause recurrent tonsillitis (RT) include the misuse of antibiotic therapy in acute bouts, alterations in the microflora, structural changes in crypt epithelium and certain viral infections . Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection usually occurs in early childhood and can persist in palatine tonsil lymphocytes to induce tonsillitis at a later date . We have examined the presence of EBV in palatine tonsils in order to assess the relationship between this virus and recurrent acute tonsillitis . Tonsils were obtained from 85 patients, 2--14 years old (mean 5.6 years old) who underwent tonsils and adenoid (T&A) removal because of recurrent tonsillitis (RT) or T&A hypertrophy (TH) . Tissues specimens were processed for non-isotopic in situ hybridization (ISH) using EBER 1/2 oligonucleotides (EBER RNA) . The indications for surgery were RT in 42 patients and TH in 43 patients . In 25 out of 85 cases (29.4%) a positive EBER RNA reaction (15 RT and 33 TH) was found . The chi(2)-test showed no statistically significant difference in frequency of positive results between RT and TH group . We conclude that tonsils of children can be colonized by EBV and that the virus may be implicated in RT and TH.

Mikrobiol Z, 2000 Sep-Oct, 62(5), 29 - 36
{Use of biological stimulants to decrease negative effect of pesticides on the soil microflora}; Iutyns'ka HO et al.; Natural and synthetic biostimulants have been studied for their effect on resistance of soil microbe associations to pesticides . It has been shown that in the presence of growth-stimulating preparations (ivin, emistym, agrostimulin) in the microbial groups the number of microorganisms resistant to such fungicides as phenpiclonyl, fluodioxonyl, diphenoconasol increases . The activity of redox-systems which can initiate the oxidative destruction of pesticides increased in microbial associations under the simultaneous use of biostimulants and fungicides.

Br J Nutr, 2000 Nov, 84 Suppl 1, S69 - 74
Oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates in bovine milk and colostrum; Gopal PK et al.; Oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates are some of the most important bioactive components in milk . A great deal of information is available on the biological function of the components from human milk . Their primary role seems to be in providing protection against pathogens by acting as competitive inhibitors for the binding sites on the epithelial surfaces of the intestine . Evidence is also available to support the role of some of these components as growth promoters for genera of beneficial microflora in the colon . Compared with human milk, levels of oligosaccharides in bovine milk are very low . Nevertheless, a number of neutral and acidic oligosaccharides have been isolated from bovine milk and characterised . The highest concentration of these molecules is found in early postparturition milk (colostrum) . The chemical structure of the oligosaccharides and many of the glycoconjugates from bovine milk are similar to those in human milk . It is likely that bovine oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates can be used in milk products as bioactive components in human nutrition.

Biofactors, 2000, 13(1-4), 115 - 20
Proanthocyanidins and human health: systemic effects and local effects in the gut; Scalbert A et al.; Proanthocyanidins share common properties with other polyphenols, in particular their reducing capacity and ability to chelate metal ions . However, their polymeric nature clearly makes them different . They have a high affinity for proteins and their absorption through the gut barrier is likely limited to the molecules of low polymerization degree and to the metabolites formed by the colonic microflora, as suggested by in vitro experiments . The nutritional significance of proanthocyanidins is discussed in relation to their physico-chemical properties and bioavailability.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2001 Jan-Feb, (1), 71 - 3
{Intestinal microecology of the adult population of Mongolia, Switzerland, and Russia}; Korshunov VM et al.; The study of intestinal microflora was made in clinically healthy young adults living in rural areas of Mongolia, in Russia (Moscow) and in Switzerland, as well as in Swiss citizens of elderly age groups (55-68 and 87-94 years) . Essential differences in the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of intestinal microflora both in the inhabitants of different countries as well as in people belonging to different age groups in the same country were established . The results of the study demonstrated the expediency of working out the criteria of the norm for intestinal microflora both for the population of different countries and for people living in the same country, but belonging to different age groups.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2001 Jan-Feb, (1), 69 - 71
{Intestinal dysbacteriosis in different age groups of residents of Kemerovo}; Levanova LA et al.; The state of microflora of the large intestine in 877 persons of different age groups in Kemerovo was studied . The study revealed that intestinal dysbacteriolysis of various degrees of severity was rather widely spread among the residents of the city . The main groups of risk, found to comprise young children, adolescents and people above 60 years of age, were established.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2001 Jan-Feb, (1), 67 - 9
{Microbiocenosis of the large intestine in acute complicated pneumonia in children}; Shamsiev FM et al.; Fifty-six children of early age with pneumonia developed on the background of frequent respiratory infections were placed under observation . In 91.1% of these cases microecological disturbances in the intestine were detected, 46.6% of the patients having third-degree dysbacteriolysis . In such cases it is more correct to regard the "intestinal" syndrome as the clinical manifestation of disturbances in the biocenosis of the intestine, the state of its microflora . Intestinal dysbacteriosis aggravates the course of acute aggravated pneumonia in children and requires the inclusion of special therapy aimed at normalizing intestinal microflora.

Water Res, 2001 Mar, 35(3), 720 - 8
Microcosms-experiments to assess the potential for natural attenuation of contaminated groundwater; Althoff K et al.; Groundwater samples from six wells of a former gas plant site were characterised using chemical, microbial and ecotoxicological methods . Degradation studies were performed in batch-culture under aerobic conditions with the groundwater samples containing their autochthonous microflora and original contaminant mixture . The highest O2-consumption (3 mmol 100 ml-1), combined with BTEX (8.3 mg l-1) and naphthalene (171.3 mg l-1) degradation, as well as formation of organic acids was found after N- and P-supplementation with the highest contaminated groundwater sample . The other highly polluted groundwater sample showed no activity obviously because of the toxicity of some compounds . The major part of the PAHs and BTEX was eliminated in the assays with the low contaminated groundwater samples . The results indicate that the microbial degradation capacity and thereby the natural attenuation capacity in each groundwater differ and cannot be assessed simply by chemical, microbial and toxicological data . Additionally activity tests with authentic groundwater samples with and without nutrient supplementation are recommended.

Acta Paediatr, 2001 Jan, 90(1), 7 - 8
Establishment of intestinal microbial functions at birth: bilirubin and bacteria; Midtvedt T; At birth, several "cross-talks" are rapidly established between the child and its developing microflora . Bile pigments and bile acids represent host-derived compounds that are acted upon by this microflora, thereby creating possibilities for several cross-talks of both physiological and pathophysiological importance . The major aim of this article was to characterize and quantitate individually the bilirubin pigments by newly developed methods . The results clearly demonstrate that quantitative and qualitative alterations in bilirubin metabolism occur shortly after birth . CONCLUSION: It is hoped that the methodological improvements will create new interest in bilirubin and its metabolism in early infancy.

Klin Med (Mosk), 2000, 78(12), 40 - 3
{Renal involvement in convalescents after icterohemorrhagic leptospirosis}; Mel'nik GV et al.; Icterohemorrhagic spirochetosis convalescents develop slowly regressing renal dysfunctions most frequent of which are chronic renal failure, pyelonephritis and tubulointersticial nephritis, arterial hypertension . Renal disorders may be due to immunopathological reactions followed by activation of bacterial microflora . Damage from commissures at the sites of prior hemorrhage is also possible . In bovine leptospirosis renal damage is not so severe but it tends to progression . So, renal affection in leptospirosis is a specific pathology observed in any clinical form of the disease and demands surveillance in the regions of local focuses.

Quintessence Int, 2000 Sep, 31(8), 527 - 33
Minimal intervention: a new concept for operative dentistry; Mount GJ et al.; The term minimal intervention is relatively new in dentistry and has been introduced to suggest to the profession that it is time for change in the principles of operative dentistry . The disease should be treated first; the surgical approach should be undertaken only as a last resort and then with the removal of as little natural tooth structure as possible . This article discusses the advances in techniques and materials that have led to change and attempts to put them into perspective . Treatment should begin with identification and elimination of the disease . There will then be a need for limited restoration of actual cavitation arising from demineralization of the tooth crown . Restorations, per se, will not prevent or eliminate disease . Caries is a bacterial infection and, until the microflora is controlled, all restorations are at risk of further demineralization in remaining tooth structure . This leads to the continuum of replacement dentistry that keeps the profession occupied for much of its productive time . If this cycle is to be broken, the profession must first acknowledge the primacy of prevention.

Endod Dent Traumatol, 2000 Apr, 16(2), 84 - 90
Extraradicular infection: a methodological study; Sunde PT et al.; Whether bacteria live or die in periapical lesions of endodontic origin is debated . Sampling of periapical bacteria is difficult due to possible contamination from the indigenous microflora . The aim of this study was to examine whether bacteria were present in periapical lesions of asymptomatic teeth before sampling or were transferred there during sampling . Thirty patients with root-filled teeth and periapical radiolucencies were divided into two groups, each containing 15 patients . In Group 1, a marginal incision was made to explore the periapical lesion . In Group 2, a submarginal incision was made . Before incision, the gingiva and mucosa were washed with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate . Bacterial samples were taken from the mucosa before reflecting the flap, and from the alveolar bone and the periapical lesion immediately after . All samples were cultured anaerobically on all-purpose and selective media . In Group 1, 12 of the 15 patients (80%) yielded bacteria from their mucosal samples despite the chlorhexidine wash . Bacterial growth was observed in all samples (100%) from the alveolar bone while the periapical lesions gave bacterial growth in 11 of 15 cases (73%) . In Group 2, bacteria were cultured from the mucosa in 11 of 15 (73%) patients . Three samples (20%) from the alveolar bone and 10 from the periapical lesions (67%) gave positive growth . The predominant cultivable bacteria were anaerobic . Phenotypic profiling, performed with the data-based API bioMerieux system, indicated that the sampling technique used prevented mucosal bacteria from reaching the exposed bone and the periapical lesions . Profiling also indicated that following marginal incision, bacteria from the periodontal pocket might have reached the underlying tissues by surgeon-released bacteremia or direct translocation . Most organisms detected in the periapical lesions were clearly different from the bacteria present at neighboring sites and appeared to have been there before sampling.

J Endod, 2000 Mar, 26(3), 153 - 5
Effects of a bacterial cell wall fragment on monocyte inflammatory function; Safavi KE et al.; Gram-negative bacteria recovered from necrotic pulps of teeth with periapical lesions have been shown to promote bone resorption through the effects of their lipopolysaccharide (LPS) . Recently, it was shown that microflora of root-filled teeth with persisting periapical lesions consisted mainly of single species of Gram-positive bacteria . But Gram-positive bacteria do not contain LPS and their role in the development of periapical lesions is not clearly understood . The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of muramyl dipeptide (MDP), a cell wall component of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, on cytokine release from monocytes . Human monocyte cultures were treated with MDP or LPS and interleukin-1 beta, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in the supernatants were estimated . MDP and LPS stimulated cytokine release, but the effect of MDP was significantly less than that of LPS.

Mikrobiologiia, 2000 Nov-Dec, 69(6), 850 - 4
{Effect of Trichoderma species fungi on soil micromycetes, causing infectious conifer seedling lodging in Siberian tree nurseries}; Iakimenko EE et al.; Soils in the tree nurseries studied were characterized by a lower species diversity of fungi than adjacent virgin soils . In particular, the relative abundances of representatives of the genera Mucor, Chaetomium, and Trichoderma in the nursery soil were two times lower than in adjacent virgin soils . On the other hand, the nursery soil exhibited greater abundances of fungi of the genus Fusarium, which are causative agents of many diseases of conifer seedlings . To appreciate the efficiency of biocontrol of the infectious diseases of conifer seedlings, we introduced several indigenous Trichoderma strains into the nursery soil and found that this affected the species composition of soil microflora considerably . Changes in the species composition of mycobiota beneficially influenced the phytosanitary state of soils and reduced the infectious lodging of conifer seedlings.

Mol Gen Mikrobiol Virusol, 2000, (4), 20 - 4
{Effect of increased pressure and changed gaseous media on biological properties of microorganisms}; Andreeva EA et al.; Bacterial contamination of diving outfit and inner surfaces of pressure complex increases at the expense of expansion of gram-negative microflora during long exploitation of undersea complexes . Gram-negative bacteria were hypothesized to effectively adapt to hyperbaric conditions . We investigated the effect of hyperbaric conditions and changed gaseous environment on the cultural and morphological characteristics of colonies, growth rate and time of generation of test cultures (P . aeruginosa ATCC 10145, E . coli Tg1, and Bac . subtilis GB2036) . Phenotypically modified clones were selected for subsequent analysis of changes at a genetic level . Experiments revealed no essential changes in the studied properties under the effect of extreme conditions.

J Emerg Med, 2001 Feb, 20(2), 167 - 93
5th Annual David R . Boyd, MD Lecture: Revolutionary advances in wound repair in emergency medicine during the last three decades . A view toward the new millennium; Edlich RF et al.; This lecture provides an overview of advances in wound repair devised by our multidisciplinary team of physicians, scientists, and students . Our collective efforts have devised products, drugs, and concepts that are facilitating wound repair without infection and with the least possible scar . Some of the beneficial products and drugs developed or identified by our laboratory include nitrile examination and surgical gloves, magnification loupes, high pressure syringe irrigation, Shur Clens, as well as a wide variety of different wound closure techniques . In addition, our studies of the mechanism of wound injury, soil infection-potentiating fractions, dynamic and static skin tensions, and microflora of the skin have become important predictors of the outcomes of wound repair . During the new millennium, the computerized clinical information system as well as studies of tissue regeneration should dramatically change our approaches to wound repair.

Gastroenterology, 2001 Feb, 120(3), 622 - 35
Inflammatory bowel disease: immunodiagnostics, immunotherapeutics, and ecotherapeutics; Shanahan F; Treatment options for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) reflect a continuing shift from empiricism to strategies based on improved understanding of the pathophysiology of disease . In susceptible individuals, IBD appears to be the result of defective regulation of mucosal immune interactions with the enteric microflora . This has prompted research directed at the interface of the traditional disciplines of immunology, microbiology, and epithelial cell biology . Whereas immunodiagnostics have been of limited clinical value in IBD, assessments of mucosal rather than systemic immune function are promising . Therapeutically, there is an increasing trend toward more aggressive and earlier use of immunomodulatory agents, particularly for prevention of relapse, with cytokine manipulation as a bridge therapy to achieve remission in patients with acute severe disease . Although most drug treatments are directed toward altering the host response, the rationale for manipulating the enteric flora appears sound and will be the basis of additional future therapeutic strategies . Notwithstanding the widening range of options for drug therapy in IBD, other outcome modifiers and well-established principles of managing chronic disease are as important as ever.

Oral Oncol, 2001 Feb, 37(2), 153 - 8
Poor dental status increases acetaldehyde production from ethanol in saliva: a possible link to increased oral cancer risk among heavy drinkers; Homann N et al.; Epidemiological data support evidence that poor dental status increases oral cavity cancer risk especially among heavy alcohol consumers, but the causality of this finding is unclear . The enzymatic conversion of ethanol by the physiological oral microflora may lead to an accumulation of the highly carcinogenic intermediate acetaldehyde . This study was conducted to evaluate the role of dental status on the microbial production of acetaldehyde from ethanol in saliva . The microbial acetaldehyde production from ethanol was related to the dental score in 132 volunteers . After adjustment for smoking, alcohol consumption, age and gender, poor dental status was shown to lead to an approximately twofold increase in salivary acetaldehyde production from ethanol (P=0.02) . Our results could be an important factor underlying the role of poor dental hygiene and status in oral cancer risk associated with ethanol drinking.

Biochem Pharmacol, 2001 Jan 15, 61(2), 199 - 206
Hydroxylamine-containing inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis and impairment of colon cancer cell growth; Milovica V et al.; Polyamine synthesis (by the action of ornithine decarboxylase {ODC} and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase {SAMDC}) and polyamine content are high in colon cancer . In addition, colonic lumen is rich in polyamines synthesised by colonic microflora; for this reason, polyamine depletion in colon cancer may be a logical approach to impair growth of colon cancer cells . We evaluated highly specific and reportedly non-toxic hydroxylamine-containing inhibitors of ODC (1-aminooxy-3-aminopropane, APA) and SAMDC (S-(5'-deoxy-5'-adenosyl)-methylthioethyl-hydroxylamine, AMA) in human colon cancer cells (Caco-2 and HT-29) in culture . APA depleted ODC activity within 24 hr, more rapidly than did difluoromethylornithine . APA and AMA in combination (100 microM each) reduced ODC and SAMDC activities to undetectable levels within 24 hr and intracellular polyamines to 8-23% of control . The resulting growth arrest could be reversed only by twice as much spermidine as is physiologically present in the colonic lumen . In concentrations sufficient to deplete growth, APA and AMA were not toxic . Simultaneous treatment with APA, AMA, and 5-fluorouracil reduced colon cancer cell survival more potently than treatment with 5-fluorouracil alone . The hydroxylamine-containing ODC and SAMDC inhibitors APA and AMA are potent inhibitors of colon cancer cell proliferation and might be therapeutically promising in colon cancer.

Am J Clin Nutr, 2001 Feb, 73(2 Suppl), 444S - 450S
Probiotics: effects on immunity; Isolauri E et al.; The gastrointestinal tract functions as a barrier against antigens from microorganisms and food . The generation of immunophysiologic regulation in the gut depends on the establishment of indigenous microflora . This has led to the introduction of novel therapeutic interventions based on the consumption of cultures of beneficial live microorganisms that act as probiotics . Among the possible mechanisms of probiotic therapy is promotion of a nonimmunologic gut defense barrier, which includes the normalization of increased intestinal permeability and altered gut microecology . Another possible mechanism of probiotic therapy is improvement of the intestine's immunologic barrier, particularly through intestinal immunoglobulin A responses and alleviation of intestinal inflammatory responses, which produce a gut-stabilizing effect . Many probiotic effects are mediated through immune regulation, particularly through balance control of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines . These data show that probiotics can be used as innovative tools to alleviate intestinal inflammation, normalize gut mucosal dysfunction, and down-regulate hypersensitivity reactions . More recent data show that differences exist in the immunomodulatory effects of candidate probiotic bacteria . Moreover, distinct regulatory effects have been detected in healthy subjects and in patients with inflammatory diseases . These results suggest that specific immunomodulatory properties of probiotic bacteria should be characterized when developing clinical applications for extended target populations.

J Med Microbiol, 2000 Apr, 49(4), 349 - 53
Characteristic distribution pattern of Helicobacter pylori in dental plaque and saliva detected with nested PCR; Song Q et al.; The precise mode of transmission and the natural reservoir for Helicobacter pylori are unknown . PCR assays have proved to be highly sensitive and specific and are regarded as the method of choice for detecting H . pylori DNA in the oral cavity . The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and distribution of H . pylori in the oral cavity . Forty-two patients undergoing gastroscopy were investigated for the presence of H . pylori in dental plaque and saliva by nested PCR, and in the stomach by the 13C-urea breath test . Samples tested comprised dental plaque from molars, premolars and incisors and saliva . Two sets of primers homologous to the 860-bp fragment of H . pylori DNA, which have been shown previously to be highly sensitive and specific, were used for nested PCR . Eleven patients (26.2%) were infected with H . pylori in the stomach . H . pylori DNA was identified in dental plaque samples from 41 patients (97%) and in 23 saliva samples (55%) . The prevalence in dental plaque from molars, premolars and incisors was 82%, 64% and 59%, with an odds ratio of 3.18, 1.24 and 1 (reference), respectively . In conclusion, H . pylori was present in the oral cavity of 97% of tested patients, with a characteristic distribution that was independent of the infection status of the stomach . Thus H . pylori may belong to the normal oral microflora.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 2000 Feb, 15(1), 27 - 32
Heterogeneity of Porphyromonas gingivalis strains in the induction of alveolar bone loss in mice; Baker PJ et al.; These experiments examine alveolar bone loss in a model in which specific pathogen-free mice are exposed orally with Porphyromonas gingivalis . Alveolar bone loss was induced as a result of a specific infection with P . gingivalis, rather than other environmental antigens . Infection with live P . gingivalis was required, as significant bone loss did not follow gavage with formalin-killed P . gingivalis . The virulence of different strains of P . gingivalis was compared . Two laboratory strains of the bacteria (ATCC 53977 and W50) and a mutant strain lacking the 43-kDa fimbrillin (strain DPG3) induced bone loss . P . gingivalis 381, however, did not induce bone loss . There was a strong immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response to infection with each strain but a significant serum IgA response only to strain 381 . These studies show that in mice with a background oral microflora bone loss is induced by a specific infection with P . gingivalis and that bacterial strain variation is important in determining whether alveolar bone loss will ensue.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 2000 Aug, 15(4), 218 - 25
Inhibition of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxicity by bacteria from the subgingival flora; Johansson A et al.; Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans produces a pore-forming leukotoxin that lyses human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes . Certain proteolytic bacteria may coexist with A . actinomycetemcomitans in periodontal pockets . We aimed therefore to examine whether oral bacteria can modify the leukotoxicity of A . actinomycetemcomitans . A total of 55 strains representing 45 bacterial species of the subgingival flora were tested . Each strain was incubated with the highly toxic strain of A . actinomycetemcomitans HK 1519 and the leukotoxic activity of the suspension against human polymorphonuclear leukocytes was determined from the activity of the lactate dehydrogenase released upon lysis of the leukocytes . Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Prevotella melaninogenica and Prevotella loeschii inhibited the leukotoxicity of A . actinomycetemcomitans cells as well as the activity of leukotoxin purified from the same strain . The bacterial strains without the ability to block leukotoxic activity also failed to destroy pure leukotoxin even after 5 h of incubation . The proteolytic degradation of leukotoxin by P . gingivalis was mainly dependent on the activity of the enzymes R- and K-gingipains . P . intermedia and P . nigrescens also degraded the leukotoxin by enzymes . The results imply a role of the periodontal microflora in modifying the virulence of A . actinomycetemcomitans by destroying its leukotoxin.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 2000 Jun, 15(3), 139 - 50
Protective and destructive immune reactions in apical periodontitis; Marton IJ et al.; Apical periodontitis is initiated primarily by the mixed microflora of infected root canals . Continuous flow of bacteria and their products through the apical foramen induces influx, activation and coordinated interaction of immune-inflammatory cells within the periapical area . Successful mobilization of host defense mechanisms prevents abundant extraradicular bacterial invasion . However, anti-infective effector mechanisms are not restricted to killing the invading microorganisms but also destroy normal tissue components and induce bone absorption, resulting ultimately in the loss of the affected teeth . Moreover, autocrine and paracrine loops of stimulation may lead to the perpetuation of the local inflammatory lesion and may also alter the function of remote tissues and organs . This review attempts to summarize current knowledge about the pathogenic mechanism of apical periodontitis, focusing on the formation of a special granulation tissue that effectively fights bacteria originated from the infected pulp chamber and, by exerting this protective function, also contributes to harmful local and distant events . The dynamic equilibrium between defensive and destructive mechanisms may provide a pathobiological basis for better understanding of clinical signs and symptoms of various forms of apical periodontitis lesions and influence treatment strategy and practice.

J Allergy Clin Immunol, 2001 Jan, 107(1), 153 - 9
Antibiotic use during infancy promotes a shift in the T(H)1/T(H)2 balance toward T(H)2-dominant immunity in mice; Oyama N et al.; BACKGROUND: Recent epidemiologic studies indicate that antibiotic use in infancy may be associated with an increased risk of development of atopy; however, its precise mechanism remains to be elucidated . OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to clarify whether one such antibiotic, kanamycin, affects the T(H)1/T(H)2 balance . METHODS: BALB/c mice at 3 and 52 weeks of age were orally administered 600 mg/d kanamycin sulfate for 7 consecutive days . Blood samples were collected on weeks 0, 10, 18, and 26 after the cessation of kanamycin treatment, and the effect of the kanamycin treatment on the T(H)1/T(H)2 balance was evaluated on the basis of both the in vivo antibody levels and the in vitro splenocyte cytokine secretion pattern . RESULTS: The administration of kanamycin increased the serum levels of total IgG1 and IgE while decreasing the serum IgG2a levels . Moreover, when spleen cells were stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3 antibody in vitro, such kanamycin treatment enhanced the in vitro IL-4 secretion while reducing the in vitro IFN-gamma secretion . The basal IL-12 p70 secretion levels of splenic dendritic cells in the kanamycin-treated mice were lower than those in the control mice, although no significant difference was seen in IL-12 p40 levels between either group of mice . CONCLUSION: These results suggested that antibiotic use during infancy may indeed quantitatively disturb, qualitatively disturb, or both the intestinal microflora and thereby prevent postnatal T(H)1 cell maturation, thus resulting in a T(H)2-polarized immune deviation.

Urologiia, 1999 Jul-Aug, (4), 36 - 9
{Treatment of chronic prostatitis complicated by asthenozoospermia using transurethral radio-wave hyperthermia}; Kuz'min MD et al.; The efficacy of transurethral radiowave hyperthermia (TRH) provided by Thermex-2 unit (Dyrex Systems Ltd, Israel) was studied in combined treatment of patients with chronic prostatitis complicated by asthenozoospermia (patent of RF N 2111773) . The treatment reduced intensity of bacteriospermia, improved functional activity of spermatozoa as a result of attenuation of the opportunistic microflora . Mechanisms of action of TRH in therapy of chronic prostatitis are discussed.

Chemosphere, 2001 Jan, 42(1), 35 - 43
Fluorine in the soils of the White Sea Basin and bioindication of pollution; Evdokimova GA; Assessment of the pollution level of soils and vegetation by fluorine and heavy metals and also of the state of the soil microflora in the impact zone of Kandalaksha aluminium factory is discussed . The significant pollution of natural media by fluorine in the basin of the White Sea is established . Concentration of the total fluorine in the organogenic horizon of the Al-Fe-humus podzol soil at a distance of 20 km in the northern direction from the source of emission exceeds the background level by a factor of 3 . In the epicentre of emission the amount of total fluorine in the soil exceeds the background level by a factor of 7-8 (Tolerable Amount: 4-5-fold) . It is noted that the soil becomes more alkaline under the influence of fluorine and the increased content of chromium along the soil profile exceeds PC by a factor of 3 in the vicinity of the factory . The differences in the dimensions of bacterial and fungi biomass along the gradient of pollution were not revealed in the impact zone . But the changes in the taxonomic structure of fungi and in the level of their domination along the gradient of pollution were estimated . Floristic composition of the soil algae is represented mainly by unicellular green algae with Chlamydomonas elliptica and Bracteacoccus minor predominating.

Nutr Rev, 2000 Nov, 58(11), 333 - 40
Exclusive breast-feeding: does it have the potential to reduce breast-feeding transmission of HIV-1?
Smith MM, Kuhn L.
Exclusive breast-feeding is unambiguously the optimal infant feeding practice and is universally promoted in the absence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) . It is associated with reduced morbidity and mortality from diarrheal and respiratory diseases . Recent findings suggest that exclusive breast-feeding may pose less risk of HIV-1 transmission than the more common practice of mixed feeding (i.e., breast-feeding concurrent with the feeding of water, other fluids, and foods), which has important infant feeding policy implications for low-resource settings . This paper reviews the biologic mechanisms associated with exclusive breast-feeding that provide protection against gastrointestinal, respiratory, and atopic diseases, and evaluates the relevance of these mechanisms for HIV-1 transmission . Potential mechanisms include reduction in dietary antigens and enteric pathogens that may maintain integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier and limit inflammatory responses of the gut mucosa; promotion of beneficial intestinal microflora that may increase resistance to infection and modulate the infant's immune response; alteration in specific antiviral or anti-inflammatory factors in human milk that may modulate maternal hormonal or immunologic status; and maintenance of mammary epithelial integrity that may reduce viral load in breast milk.

Clin Exp Allergy, 2000 Dec, 30(12), 1759 - 70
Uptake of the yeast Malassezia furfur and its allergenic components by human immature CD1a+ dendritic cells; Buentke E et al.; Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with increasing prevalence, though still little is known of the pathomechanisms and the causes of the disease . Patients with AD often have specific IgE reactivity to the yeast Malassezia furfur (M . furfur), present in the normal microflora on human skin . To investigate the possible interaction of immature and mature antigen-presenting dendritic cells with the yeast M . furfur and its allergenic components . Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs) generated from human peripheral blood were allowed to interact with FITC-labelled whole M . furfur yeast cells, M . furfur extract, a recombinant allergen from M . furfur designated rMal f 5 and M . furfur mannan, in the absence of IgE antibodies . Interaction and uptake were detected using flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy . Internalization of M . furfur yeast cells and yeast components by immature MDDCs was found using confocal laser scanning microscopy . Results from flow cytometric studies showed that a median of 94% (range, 65-98%) of the immature CD1a+ MDDCs were M . furfur extract positive, 81% (75-97%) rMal f 5 positive and 93% (62-98%) mannan positive . Mature CD1a+ MDDCs were significantly less efficient in this respect, with the corresponding figures only 26% (6-37%, P < 0.01), 6% (2-15%, P < 0.05) and 32% (9-50%, P < 0.01), respectively . Uptake of the non-glycosylated rMal f 5 by immature CD1a+ MDDCs was decreased to 27% (15-38%) by inhibition of pinocytosis . The binding of M . furfur extract and mannan was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by methyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside, suggesting uptake via the mannose receptor . Human immature CD1a+ MDDCs can efficiently take up M . furfur and allergenic components from the yeast in the absence of IgE antibodies, implying that sensitization of AD patients to M . furfur can be mediated by immature dendritic cells in the skin.

Chemosphere, 2001 Jan, 42(1), 35 - 43
Fluorine in the soils of the White Sea Basin and bioindication of pollution; Evdokimova GA; Assessment of the pollution level of soils and vegetation by fluorine and heavy metals and also of the state of the soil microflora in the impact zone of Kandalaksha aluminium factory is discussed . The significant pollution of natural media by fluorine in the basin of the White Sea is established . Concentration of the total fluorine in the organogenic horizon of the Al-Fe-humus podzol soil at a distance of 20 km in the northern direction from the source of emission exceeds the background level by a factor of 3 . In the epicentre of emission the amount of total fluorine in the soil exceeds the background level by a factor of 7-8 (Tolerable Amount: 4-5-fold) . It is noted that the soil becomes more alkaline under the influence of fluorine and the increased content of chromium along the soil profile exceeds PC by a factor of 3 in the vicinity of the factory . The differences in the dimensions of bacterial and fungi biomass along the gradient of pollution were not revealed in the impact zone . But the changes in the taxonomic structure of fungi and in the level of their domination along the gradient of pollution were estimated . Floristic composition of the soil algae is represented mainly by unicellular green algae with Chlamydomonas elliptica and Bracteacoccus minor predominating.

J Prosthet Dent, 2000 Nov, 84(5), 492 - 8
Periodontal tissue responses after insertion of artificial crowns and fixed partial dentures; Knoernschild KL et al.; PURPOSE: The purpose of this review was, first, to critically evaluate published evidence on the effects of artificial crowns and fixed partial dentures (FPDs) on adjacent periodontal tissue health, and second to synthesize this evidence into meaningful summaries . Restoration qualities that contribute to inflammatory responses were identified based on strength of evidence, and variables that should be controlled in future investigations were outlined . Such information is necessary to accurately predict the prognosis of periodontal tissues adjacent to crowns or FPDs . METHODS: Clinical trial and epidemiologic evidence published in English was collected . The effects of crowns or FPDs on gingival inflammation, probing depths, and bone loss were evaluated based on accuracy of measurement, reliability of measurement, and/or appropriateness of data analysis . RESULTS: Crowns and FPDs increased the incidence of advanced gingival inflammation adjacent to restorations, particularly if restorations had intracrevicular finish line placement, poor marginal adaptation, or rough surfaces . However, because of the limitation in the accuracy and reliability of probing depth measurements, reports of greater mean probing depths of crowned teeth, which tended to be less than 1 mm greater than control teeth, should be questioned . Finally, crowns and FPDs in general did not accelerate the rate of adjacent bone loss . CONCLUSION: Clinically deficient restorations, as well as clinically acceptable restorations, can contribute to gingival inflammation . However, with the limitations of the applied methods of measurement, current evidence has not shown an increased attachment loss adjacent to crowns or FPDs . Future trials should document periodontal health before therapy and periodically after restoration insertion so that each tooth serves as its own control . In future studies, the periodontal disease history of the patient, the influence of the restoration on plaque formation, and the composition of the crevicular microflora must be recorded.

Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 2000 Dec, 279(6), G1148 - 54
Bioavailability of the flavanone naringenin and its glycosides in rats; Felgines C et al.; Naringenin, the predominant flavanone in grapefruit, mainly occurs as glycosides such as naringenin-7- rhamnoglucoside or naringenin-7-glucoside . This study compared kinetics of absorption of naringenin and its glycosides in rats either after a single flavanone-containing meal or after adaptation to a diet for 14 days . Regardless of the diet, circulating metabolites were glucurono- and sulfoconjugated derivatives of naringenin . The kinetics of absorption of naringenin and naringenin-7-glucoside were similar, whereas naringenin-7-rhamnoglucoside exhibited a delay in its intestinal absorption, resulting in decreased bioavailability . After naringenin-7-glucoside feeding, no glucoside was found in the cecum . However, after feeding naringenin-7-rhamnoglucoside, some naringenin-7-rhamnoglucoside accumulated in cecum before being hydrolyzed by intestinal microflora . Adaptation to flavanone diets did not induce accumulation of plasma naringenin . Moreover, flavanone cecal content markedly decreased after adaptation, and almost no naringenin-7-rhamnoglucoside was recovered after naringenin-7-rhamnoglucoside feeding, suggesting that an adaptation of cecal microflora had occurred . Overall, these data indicate that flavanones are efficiently absorbed after feeding to rats and that their bioavailability is related to their glycosidic moiety.

Chem Res Toxicol, 2000 Nov, 13(11), 1082 - 6
Reduction of 1,3-diphenyl-1-triazene by rat hepatic microsomes, by cecal microflora, and in rats generates the phenyl radical metabolite: nn ESR spin-trapping investigation; Kadiiska MB et al.; An ESR spin-trapping technique was used to determine whether free radical metabolites are formed as a result of the reduction of 1, 3-diphenyl-1-triazene (DPT) in vivo and in vitro by components of the cytochrome P450 (P450) mixed-function oxidase system in microsomes or by gut microflora in anaerobic cecal incubations . The ESR spectrum of the DMPO-phenyl radical adduct was detected in a microsomal incubation containing DPT, DMPO, and NADPH with the following hyperfine coupling constants: a(N) = 15.95 G and = 24.37 G . The amplitude of the spectrum from the phenyl radical adduct generated in microsomal incubations of DPT with DMPO and NADPH was not attenuated by the P450 inhibitor 1-aminobenzotriazole (ABT) or by carbon monoxide, indicating that P450 is not significantly involved in phenyl radical formation . The formation of a DMPO-phenyl radical adduct was also catalyzed by recombinant human cytochrome P450 reductase . Addition of anti-rat P450 reductase antibody led to an attenuation of the signal in incubations containing either microsomes or reductase . Low concentrations of DMPO-phenyl radical adducts were detected by ESR in the toluene extract of cecal contents containing DPT and the spin trap . In the in vivo experiments with rats treated with DPT and the spin trap DMPO, the six-line ESR signal of the DMPO-phenyl radical adduct was readily detected in bile 40-60 min after rats were treated with DPT and DMPO . The results show for the first time that the phenyl radical is formed by the reduction of DPT and may indicate a toxic potential for this chemical.

Microbiol Res, 2000 Sep, 155(3), 215 - 20
Influence of salinity on methanogenesis and associated microflora in tropical rice soils; Pattnaik P et al.; In a laboratory incubation study, methane (CH4) production in two saline soils and a nonsaline soil sample was investigated under flooded conditions . Mean CH4 production was remarkable (630.86 ng CH4/g) in nonsaline alluvial soil, but low (12.97 ng CH4/g) in acid sulfate saline (Pokkali) soil which was attributed to the high sulfate content of the later . CH4 production was also low in the coastal saline (Canning) soil (142.36 ng CH4/g) but increased upon leaching the soil of its salt content . Addition of salts to the nonsaline alluvial soil at 4, 8, 16 and 20 dS/m progressively decreased CH4 production . The inhibition of CH4 production was related to low microbial activities as reflected by decreased microbial biomass C and low soil microbial population including that of methanogens.

Expert Opin Investig Drugs, 2000 Aug, 9(8), 1829 - 40
The therapeutic potential of phytoestrogens; Wiseman H; Phytoestrogens, such as the soya isoflavones genistein and daidzein, are currently being extensively investigated through both molecular, preclinical and clinical studies to determine their potential health benefits . Phytoestrogens may protect against chronic diseases such as hormone-dependent cancer (e.g., breast and prostate cancer), cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis . Investigations of phytoestrogen metabolism and bioavailability are also of great relevance . Conversion by gut microflora of daizein to its isoflavan metabolite equol, which is a more potent oestrogen and anti-oxidant, occurs only in some individuals (about 35% of subjects tested are equol excretors) . This has considerable implications for daidzein bioavailability and also for cancer risk . Oxidative damage has been implicated in the development of heart disease and cancer and soya phytoestrogens have been reported to decrease plasma F(2)-isoprostane concentrations (biomarker for in vivo lipid peroxidation) and increase low density lipoprotein oxidation resistance . This anti-oxidant action of phytoestrogens could potentially contribute to their therapeutic efficacy . The findings from the current ongoing studies are all likely to contribute to determining the potential use of phytoestrogens as therapeutic agents.

Med Pr, 2000, 51(4), 351 - 5
{Microflora of the farming work environment as an occupational risk factor}; Krysinska-Traczyk E; The paper presents the results of the studies concerning the air mould fungi concentration in the work environment during grain threshing, flax breaking and thyme cleaning . A high level of fungi was observed in the air at all workplaces with the highest concentrations during grain threshing . Of the total number of 12 farms, in 8 the air mould fungi concentration exceeded the proposed standard of 50,000 CFU/m3 . Among the species containing cereals, flax and thyme, mould fungi of Alternaria alternata sp.--an etiologic factor of allergic respiratory diseases--occurred most frequently . During flax breaking, the presence of fungi of Fusarium poae sp., which affect grain husks and cause a great economic loss in agriculture, was observed . Mould fungi of Aspergillus candidus sp . were found during thyme cleaning . These fungi have been reported to be an etiologic factor of organic dust toxic syndrome among secondary school students employed in the grain dust environment polluted with the spores of Aspergillus candidus . The results obtained show that the agricultural work environment is considerably polluted with the spores of mould fungi of allergenic and immunotoxic properties, which cause a high degree of health risk to people employed in agriculture.

Gastroenterology, 2000 Nov, 119(5), 1340 - 7
Increased gastrointestinal ethanol production in obese mice: implications for fatty liver disease pathogenesis; Cope K et al.; BACKGROUND & AIMS: Similarities in the hepatic responses to obesity and ethanol exposure suggest that these conditions evoke common pathogenic mechanisms . Thus, it is possible that ethanol exposure is increased in obesity . Given that intestinal bacteria can produce ethanol, the aim of this study was to determine if the intestinal production of ethanol is increased in obesity . METHODS: Breath was collected from genetically obese, ob/ob male C57BL/6 mice and lean male littermates at different ages (14, 20, and 24 weeks) and times of the day (9 AM, 3 PM, and 9 PM) . Obese mice (24 weeks old) were then treated with neomycin (1 mg/mL) for 5 days, and sampling was repeated . RESULTS: Breath collected in the morning from 24-week-old obese mice had a higher ethanol content than breath from their lean littermates (271 vs . 78 pmol/mL CO(2); P < 0.0001) . Subsequent studies in 14- and 20-week-old mice showed that exhaled ethanol increased with age in obese (from 26 to 107 pmol/mL CO(2); P < 0 . 002) but not lean (29 and 12 pmol/mL CO(2)) mice and was greater in older obese mice than in older lean mice (P < 0.0006) . Obese mice showed a diurnal increase in breath ethanol in the morning that decreased through the afternoon and evening (107 to 33 to 13 pmol/mL CO(2)) . Neomycin treatment decreased morning breath ethanol levels by 50% (from 220 to 110 pmol/mL CO(2); P < 0.0003) . CONCLUSIONS: Even in the absence of ethanol ingestion, ethanol can be detected in exhaled breath . In obesity, an age-related increase in breath ethanol content reflects increased production of ethanol by the intestinal microflora . Hence, intestinal production of ethanol may contribute to the genesis of obesity-related fatty liver.

J Nutr, 2000 Nov, 130(11), 2733 - 8
Polymeric proanthocyanidins are catabolized by human colonic microflora into low-molecular-weight phenolic acids; Deprez S et al.; Polymeric proanthocyanidins are common constituents of many foods and beverages . Their fate in the human body remains largely unknown . Their metabolism by human colonic microflora incubated in vitro in anoxic conditions has been investigated using nonlabeled and (14)C-labeled purified proanthocyanidin polymers . Polymers were almost totally degraded after 48 h of incubation . Phenylacetic, phenylpropionic and phenylvaleric acids, monohydroxylated mainly in the meta or para position, were identified as metabolites by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) . Yields were similar to those previously reported for flavonoid monomers . These results provide the first evidence of degradation of dietary phenolic polymers into low-molecular-weight aromatic compounds . To understand the nutritional properties of proanthocyanidins, it is therefore essential to consider the biological properties of these metabolites.

Singapore Med J, 2000 Jul, 41(7), 324 - 6
Throat swab in the chronic tonsillitis: how reliable and valid is it?
Kurien M, Stanis A, Job A, Brahmadathan, Thomas K.
INTRODUCTION: The diagnostic test of swabbing the surface of the tonsil as a culture specimen for the determination of the organism responsible for the tonsil infection is still in practice, despite controversy . To date there has been no reports of establishing the reliability and validity of this common diagnostic test by appropriate statistical test of Likelihood ratios taking into consideration the specificity and sensitivity . AIMS: To assess the reliability and validity of throat swab in the diagnosis of bacterial microflora in chronic tonsillitis . PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 40 patients clinically diagnosed to have chronic tonsillitis undergoing tonsillectomy was undertaken . The reliability of the throat surface swab was then assessed and validated with the reference (gold) standard of tonsil core culture . RESULTS: The likelihood ratio of this diagnostic test being positive (LR +ve) was 0.84 to similar and 1.3 to general organism pathogen . CONCLUSION: Routine culture of the throat by surface swab in the accurate diagnosis of bacterial flora in chronic tonsillitis is neither reliable nor valid . The clinical implications of this investigation which is still very popular is discussed.

Vet Res Commun, 2000 Sep, 24(6), 379 - 87
In vitro metabolism of fumonisin B1 by ruminal microflora; Caloni F et al.; Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium moniliforme and F . proliferatum . Little is known of its metabolic fate after oral ingestion in ruminants, but these animals are reported to be tolerant towards FB1 . The metabolism of this mycotoxin was evaluated following incubation (1 microg/ml) in ruminal fluid for up to 72 h, in the presence or absence of alfalfa as a substrate for microbial growth, using a model rumen (sealed flask, anaerobic conditions, exclusion of light, gentle agitation, 39 degrees C) . The decrease in FB1 concentration and the production of short-chain fatty acids were determined . FB1 had no effect on SCFA production . After 72 h incubation, FB1 depletion was 12% and 18% in samples with and without alfalfa, respectively . No hydrolysed metabolites (aminopolyols or aminopentol) were detected . These results indicate that FB1 is poorly metabolized in the rumen and suggest that such metabolism is not the cause of the tolerance to this toxin displayed by ruminants.

Wound Repair Regen, 2000 Jul-Aug, 8(4), 258 - 63
Randomized clinical trial of the effect of semi-occlusive dressings on the microflora and clinical outcome of acute facial wounds; Thomas DW et al.; This study investigated whether treatment with occlusive, hydroactive polyurethane dressings affects the microflora and clinical outcome of acute wounds . A randomized, controlled trial was performed on 60 patients with acute facial lacerations . Following primary closure, patients were provided with either a dry-gauze dressing or a hydroactive polyurethane dressing (Cutinova Thin) . The wounds were assessed clinically and microbiologically prior to closure, then after 5, 28 and 56 days . The dressing, which was removed at day 5, was also sent for microbiological culture . Wounds treated with the polyurethane dressing showed improved comfort and contour (p < 0.04), less erythema (p < 0.03) and less potential for scarring (p < 0.01) at day 5 . At day 28 and day 56, there were no significant differences in the clinical assessment between the test and control groups (p > 0.05) . A total of 518 isolates were recovered from the patients during the study . Mean number of isolates and bacterial growth density were calculated in both groups . A similar range of microorganisms were obtained from both treatment groups with no clear difference in organism colonization . This study shows the potential usefulness of facial wounds as a human model for studying acute wound healing responses and anti-scarring therapy . While short-term, clinical benefits of occlusive dressings were evident in the management of acute wounds, these data clearly show that all studies of scarring following acute wounding should extend over at least 3 months post-injury to allow for spontaneous improvement to occur.

Physiol Behav, 2000 Aug-Sep, 70(3-4), 287 - 96
Attention to metabolic hunger and its effects on Helicobacter pylori infection; Ciampolini M et al.; A significant decrease in the bacterial count of small intestinal mucosa has been observed in children with recurrent diarrhea or abdominal pain in the time that has elapsed from the previous meal . Humans may be trained to recognize metabolic feelings of hunger that are associated with a steady and slightly lower glycemia than baseline, between 4.7 and 3.9 mmol/L (intervention) . An eating habit associated with a decrease in preprandial glycemia prevented diarrhea relapses, and was expected to impair intestinal microflora growth, including Helicobacter pylori in the stomach . The development of Helicobacter pylori infection might be prevented during childhood, and recovery from infection may be expected with intervention . The improvement in attention to metabolic feelings consisted of acquiring a predictive ability of glycemia by distinction between unsolicited hunger feelings (metabolic hunger) and those associated with external cues . Matching intake to the inbetween energy needs served to predict the subsequent emergence of the metabolic hunger . The matching was further compensated for the early or late emergence of metabolic hunger at the subsequent meals . Fruit and vegetables were increased to avoid abrupt glycemia lowering . This intervention was trained in 5-month periods . Subjects (209, 44, and 58) completed their training during 4-year periods between 1982 and 1994, and were enrolled in a prospective, controlled, randomized, interventional, preventive, and cohort study . The "prevention" hypothesis was tested in a subgroup of 86 healthy infants who were recalled in the years 1996 to 1998 . A "recovery" study of approximately a 1-year intervention was investigated in 47 healthy subjects between ages 5 and 25, who were positive for anti-H . pylori and had no need for an immediate antibiotic treatment at entry . The following behavioral factors were recorded in a 7-day home diary and calculated: the fraction of meals induced by metabolic hunger out of 21 main mealtimes; average preprandial glycemia (DAP glycemia); daily intakes, activity; and bedtime hours . The decrease in preprandial glycemia was the objective measure of compliance with the recognition of "metabolic" hunger . Anthropometric measures and blood tests were obtained for nutritional and functional verifications . Average preprandial glycemia was 8.5 and 8.6% lower in the intervention groups than the control groups in the "prevention" and "recovery" studies, respectively, at the end of follow-up (p<0.05 and <0.001, respectively) . A 4.7% seroprevalence of H . pylori infection was observed in the intervention group, with 30.2% in the control group at a mean age of 10 years after approximately an 8-year follow-up in the "prevention" study (p<0.0005) . The seroprevalence decreased to 9 of 24 (37.5%) under intervention as opposed to 20 of 23 controls (87%) in the recovery study (p<0.002) . A significant positive correlation was found between DAP glycemia and the anti-H . pylori serum antibody concentration (r = 0.52; p = 0.0002) . A decrease in the level of immune stimulation by H . pylori infection was observed due to the intervention, which may have a preventive and therapeutic role on the infection.

Pflugers Arch, 2000, 440(5 Suppl), R129 - 31
Protein-polyphenol interactions and in vivo digestibility of buckwheat groat proteins; Skrabanja V et al.; A rat model system, based on a diet with (Nb+) or without (Nb-) the inclusion of 0.7% of a 2:1 (w/w) mixture of Bacitracin and Neomycin sulfate (Nebacitin) was used to elucidate interactions of polyphenols with proteins in buckwheat . The treatment with the antibiotic Nebacitin suppresses the microflora in the large intestine and is used to obtain an estimate of the digestion occurring in the small intestine . Experimental buckwheat samples were obtained in order to contain different levels of polyphenol and were subjected to different hydrothermal treatments . It was found that a considerable interaction between polyphenols and proteins appeared during the hydrothermal treatment, and this interaction reduces the digestion of proteins through the small and large intestine . Microbial processes in the colon enhance the digestibility of protein, blocked by polyphenols in hydrothermally processed buckwheat.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 2000 Oct 1, 191(1), 71 - 7
Survival of free DNA encoding antibiotic resistance from transgenic maize and the transformation activity of DNA in ovine saliva, ovine rumen fluid and silage effluent; Duggan PS et al.; To assess the likelihood that the bla gene present in a transgenic maize line may transfer from plant material to the microflora associated with animal feeds, we have examined the survival of free DNA in maize silage effluent, ovine rumen fluid and ovine saliva . Plasmid DNA that had previously been exposed to freshly sampled ovine saliva was capable of transforming competent Escherichia coli cells to ampicillin resistance even after 24 h, implying that DNA released from the diet could provide a source of transforming DNA in the oral cavity of sheep . Although target DNA sequences could be amplified by polymerase chain reaction from plasmid DNA after a 30-min incubation in silage effluent and rumen contents, only short term biological activity, lasting less than 1 min, was observed in these environments, as shown by transformation to antibiotic resistance . These experiments were performed under in vitro conditions; therefore further studies are needed to elucidate the biological significance of free DNA in the rumen and oral cavities of sheep and in silage effluent.

Proc Nutr Soc, 2000 Aug, 59(3), 489 - 96
Phyto-oestrogens through the life cycle; Cassidy A et al.; The growing interest in the role of phyto-oestrogens in human health has prompted scientists to evaluate the risk : benefit which would result from consuming high levels of these compounds at different stages of the life cycle . These compounds have been shown to exert a wide range of hormonal and non-hormonal activities in animals and in vitro, and these activities suggest plausible mechanisms for potential health effects in human subjects consuming phyto-oestrogen-rich diets . In addition, experimental and epidemiological data are available supporting the concept that phyto-oestrogen-rich diets exert physiological effects in vivo; however, their relative importance to human health remains to be elucidated . Our understanding of factors involved in their absorption and metabolism, including the role of intestinal microflora, is limited, and these factors together with dose-related effects may well be important in determining clinical efficacy.

FEBS Lett, 2000 Sep 15, 481(2), 164 - 8
DNA stability in plant tissues: implications for the possible transfer of genes from genetically modified food; Chiter A et al.; The potential for transfer of antibiotic resistance genes from genetically modified (GM) plant material to microbes through genetic recombination in the human or animal gut is a consideration that has engendered caution in the use of GM foods . This study was aimed at defining the optimal physical and chemical conditions necessary to ensure sufficient fragmentation of DNA in plant tissues to a size where it would be unlikely to be stably transferred to bacterial gut microflora . The ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase small subunit (Rubisco SS) genes are of similar size (approximately 1.4 kb) to transgenes present in GM plants . DNA analysis and PCR amplification of Rubisco SS genes showed that fresh maize and maize silage contained high molecular weight DNA and intact Rubisco SS genes . Relatively high temperatures and pressurised steam were necessary to degrade fully genomic DNA and Rubisco SS genes in maize and wheat grains, the source of most animal feedstuffs . Furthermore, chemical expulsion and extrusion of oilseeds resulted in residues with completely degraded genomic DNA . These results imply that stringent conditions are needed in the processing of GM plant tissues for feedstuffs to eliminate the possibility of transmission of transgenes.

J Clin Periodontol, 2000 Sep, 27(9), 675 - 81
Chemokine RANTES in gingival crevicular fluid of adult patients with periodontitis; Gamonal J et al.; BACKGROUND, AIMS: This study presents the first evidence on the presence of the chemokine RANTES in the gingival fluid crevicular (GCF) of patients with periodontitis . RANTES is a chemokine that selectively attracts and activates macrophages and lymphocytes . Leucocytes play a critical role in the host response to the subgingival microflora . METHOD: In this study, the presence de RANTES in GCF was determined in samples obtained from adult patients with periodontitis and from control subjects with clinically healthy gingiva . GCF was collected from different probing depths (<3 mm, 4-6 mm, >6 mm) (n = 72); and active (n = 12) and inactive sites (n = 12) . An active site was defined as attachment loss >2 mm, as determined by sequential probing and the tolerance method . GFC was collected for 30 s using Periopaper strips, and RANTES was quantified by ELISA . RESULTS: The presence of RANTES was detected exclusively in the group of patients with periodontitis, presenting a total amount of 40.43+/-16 pg and a concentration 67.80+/-41 pg/microl . RANTES concentration was significantly higher in probing depth <3 mm than in probing depth >6 mm (87.24 versus 51.87, p = 0.014) . Total amount and concentration in the GCF samples from active sites were higher that in inactive sites (p>0.05) . CONCLUSIONS: The finding that RANTES is found only in patients with periodontitis, may represent a general feature of chronic inflammatory in periodontal diseases . Finally, RANTES may be implicated in the biological mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis and progression of periodontal disease.

Minerva Stomatol, 2000 Jan-Feb, 49(1-2), 27 - 34
Tetracycline fibres used to control bacterial infection during guided tissue regeneration (GTR); Sbordone L et al.; AIMS: The colonization of suspected periodontal pathogens during the healing of periodontal defects treated by guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with e-PTFE membranes and tetracycline fibers was investigated . METHODS: Fifteen patients, each with one pair of angular periodontal bone defects of comparable size and morphology were recruited for the study . In a matched-pair study design, the test defects were treated with e-PTFE membranes in combination with tetracycline fibers, while control defects were treated with e-PTFE membranes alone . Microbiological specimens were taken from control as well as from test sites preoperatively (T0), intraoperatively (T1), two weeks after surgery (T2) and from membranes at time of removal (T3) . Cultural methods were used to identify the following species: Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) and Actinobacillus actinomicetemcomitans (Aa) . RESULTS: At baseline and T1, none of the suspected periodontal pathogens were detected at test or control sites . Levels of P . intermedia and F . nucleatum, as mean percentages of total culturable microflora, were detected at levels significantly higher in control sites than test sites at times T2 and T3 . CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study suggest that e-PTFE membranes are frequently colonized by periodontal pathogens, and that bacterial colonization of healing sites after GTR procedures can be kept under control with a controlled delivery system releasing tetracycline.

Mikrobiol Z, 2000 May-Jun, 62(3), 26 - 35
{The effect of antibiotic preparations and their combinations with probiotics on the intestinal microflora of mice}; Furzikova TM et al.; Antibiotic drugs (biseptol, polymyxin, canamycin) as well as their combinations with probiotics biosporin and subalin have been studied for their effect on mice intestine microflora . It has been established that under peroral administration of the above drugs dysbacteriosis of the 2-3rd degrees arises in animals; under their combined use with probiotics one can prevent the development of dysbacteriosis to considerable extent . It has been shown that dysbacteriosis of the 2-3rd degrees can be liquidated for 5-7 days, using probiotics biosporin and subalin . No self-recovery of normal intestinal microbiocenosis is observed in this period . Inconsiderable variations in the composition of normoflora under combined use of antibiotics with probiotics are renewed on the 3-5th day after stopping the drugs intake.

J Immunol, 2000 Aug 15, 165(4), 2012 - 9
Intestinal microflora and diversification of the rabbit antibody repertoire; Lanning D et al.; The rabbit establishes its primary Ab repertoire by somatically diversifying an initial repertoire that is limited by restricted VH gene segment usage during VDJ gene rearrangement . Somatic diversification occurs in gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT), and by about 1-2 mo of age nearly all Ig VDJ genes are somatically diversified . In other species that are known to establish their primary Ab repertoire by somatic diversification, such as chicken, sheep, and cattle, diversification appears to be developmentally regulated: it begins before birth and occurs independent of exogenous factors . Because somatic diversification in rabbit occurs well after birth in GALT, the diversification process may not be developmentally regulated, but may require interaction with exogenous factors derived from the gut . To test this hypothesis, we examined Ab repertoire diversification in rabbits in which the appendix was ligated shortly after birth to prevent microbial colonization and all other organized GALT was surgically removed . We found that by 12 wk of age nearly 90% of the Ig VDJ genes in PBL were undiversified, indicating that intestinal microflora are required for somatically diversifying the Ab repertoire . We also examined repertoire diversification in sterilely derived remote colony rabbits that were hand raised away from contact with conventional rabbits and thereby acquired a different gut microflora . In these remote colony rabbits, GALT was underdeveloped, and 70% of the Ig VDJ genes in PBL were undiversified . We conclude that specific, currently unidentified intestinal microflora are required for Ab repertoire diversification.

Biol Pharm Bull, 2000 Jul, 23(7), 830 - 3
Metabolism of rhaponticin and chrysophanol 8-o-beta-D-glucopyranoside from the rhizome of rheum undulatum by human intestinal bacteria and their anti-allergic actions; Kim DH et al.; Rhaponticin and chrysophanol 8-o-beta-D-glucopyranoside isolated from the rhizomes of Rheum undulatum (Family Polygonaceae) are metabolized to rhapontigenin and chrysophanol, respectively, by human intestinal microflora . Most intestinal bacteria isolated from human feces catalyzed these metabolic pathways . Among rhaponticin and chrysophanol 8-o-beta-D-glucopyranoside and their metabolites, rhapontigenin had the most potent inhibitory activity on a hyaluronidase, a histamine release from mast cell and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) PCA reaction . The inhibitory activity of rhapontigenin was more potent than that of disodium cromoglycate, one of the commercial anti-allergic drugs . These results suggest that rhaponticin in the rhizomes of R . undulatum is a prodrug that has an extensive anti-allergic property.

J Nutr, 2000 Aug, 130(8S Suppl), 2073S - 85S
Dietary intake and bioavailability of polyphenols; Scalbert A et al.; The main dietary sources of polyphenols are reviewed, and the daily intake is calculated for a given diet containing some common fruits, vegetables and beverages . Phenolic acids account for about one third of the total intake and flavonoids account for the remaining two thirds . The most abundant flavonoids in the diet are flavanols (catechins plus proanthocyanidins), anthocyanins and their oxidation products . The main polyphenol dietary sources are fruit and beverages (fruit juice, wine, tea, coffee, chocolate and beer) and, to a lesser extent vegetables, dry legumes and cereals . The total intake is approximately 1 g/d . Large uncertainties remain due to the lack of comprehensive data on the content of some of the main polyphenol classes in food . Bioavailability studies in humans are discussed . The maximum concentration in plasma rarely exceeds 1 microM after the consumption of 10-100 mg of a single phenolic compound . However, the total plasma phenol concentration is probably higher due to the presence of metabolites formed in the body's tissues or by the colonic microflora . These metabolites are still largely unknown and not accounted for . Both chemical and biochemical factors that affect the absorption and metabolism of polyphenols are reviewed, with particular emphasis on flavonoid glycosides . A better understanding of these factors is essential to explain the large variations in bioavailability observed among polyphenols and among individuals.

Am J Clin Nutr, 2000 Aug, 72(2), 395 - 400
Isoflavone phytoestrogens consumed in soy decrease F(2)-isoprostane concentrations and increase resistance of low-density lipoprotein to oxidation in humans; Wiseman H et al.; BACKGROUND: Oxidative damage to lipids may be involved in the etiology of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease in general, and cancer . The soy isoflavone phytoestrogens, genistein and daidzein, and equol (a daidzein metabolite produced by intestinal microflora) are antioxidants in vitro; equol is a particularly good inhibitor of LDL oxidation and membrane lipid peroxidation . OBJECTIVE: We sought to investigate the effects of a diet enriched with soy containing isoflavones on in vivo biomarkers of lipid peroxidation and resistance of LDL to oxidation, compared with a diet enriched with soy from which the isoflavones had been extracted . DESIGN:: A randomized, crossover design was used to compare diets enriched with soy that was low or high in isoflavones in 24 subjects . Plasma concentrations of an F(2)-isoprostane, 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2)(alpha) (8-epi-PGF(2)(alpha)), a biomarker of in vivo lipid peroxidation, and resistance of LDL to copper-ion-induced oxidation were determined . RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of 8-epi-PGF(2)(alpha) were significantly lower after the high-isoflavone dietary treatment than after the low-isoflavone dietary treatment (326 +/- 32 and 405 +/- 50 ng/L, respectively; P = 0.028) and the lag time for copper-ion-induced LDL oxidation was longer (48 +/- 2.4 and 44 +/- 1.9 min, respectively; P = 0.017) . Lag time for oxidation of unfractionated plasma and plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde, LDL alpha-tocopherol, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and isoflavonoids did not differ significantly between dietary treatments . CONCLUSIONS: Consumption of soy containing naturally occurring amounts of isoflavone phytoestrogens reduced lipid peroxidation in vivo and increased the resistance of LDL to oxidation . This antioxidant action may be significant with regard to risk of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease in general, and cancer.

J Clin Periodontol, 2000 Jul, 27(7), 520 - 5
Beta-lactamase producing bacteria in the subgingival microflora of adult patients with periodontitis . A comparison between Spain and The Netherlands; Herrera D et al.; BACKGROUND/AIMS: Countries with a high per capita antibiotic use frequently demonstrate a high level of drug resistance . The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence and levels of beta-lactamase producing bacteria in the subgingival microflora in adult patients with periodontitis in Spain and The Netherlands, and to characterise beta-lactamase producing bacteria in both patient samples . METHOD: Patients with moderate to severe periodontitis were consecutively selected and asked to report on: current systemic disorders and medications, history of use of antibiotics, and smoking habits . Clinical variables included probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, plaque, bleeding on probing, and suppuration . Pooled subgingival samples of 4 selected sites were anaerobically cultured in blood agar plates with and without amoxicillin, and amoxicillin/clavulanate . Bacterial colonies growing on amoxicillin plates but not on amoxicillin/clavulanate plates were tested for beta-lactamase production . beta-lactamase producing bacteria were isolated and identified . RESULTS: 31 patients were studied in the Spanish group and 30 in the Dutch group . Comparable mean gender and ages were found . Evaluation of previous antibiotic use revealed that, in the previous 12 months, 54.8% of patients in the Spanish group and 10% in the Dutch group reported antibiotic use (p<0.001) . The prevalence of beta-lactamase producing bacteria was 87.1% in the Spanish group and 73.3% in the Dutch group . Total counts of beta-lactamase producing bacteria on amoxicillin plates (p<0.01), the mean number of different beta-lactamase producing colonies per patient (p<0.001), and the number of amoxicillin resistant colonies (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the Spanish group . 74 beta-lactamase producing strains in the Spanish group and 33 in the Dutch group were isolated for identification . 23 out of 35 identified strains in the Spanish group, and 32 out of 33 in the Dutch group belonged to Prevotella genus . CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of beta-lactamase producing bacteria has been evaluated in two distinct populations, belonging to two European countries with clear differences in antibiotic usage policy . A higher prevalence and a more complex beta-lactamase producing microflora, were found in the Spanish group, associated with a higher antibiotic consumption . This study shows that a higher use of beta-lactam antibiotics is reflected in the % of beta-lactamase producing bacteria in the subgingival microflora of patients with periodontitis . This information may be important in the treatment of severe periodontitis.

Can J Microbiol, 2000 Jun, 46(6), 520 - 4
Inactivation of phytotoxin produced by the rice sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani; Sriram S et al.; The rice sheath blight pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani, produces a toxin designated as RS-toxin, a carbohydrate compound containing mainly alpha-glucose and mannose . Different microflora were tested for RS-toxin inactivation . Isolates of Trichoderma viride inactivated this toxin when it was provided as the sole food source, and these isolates reduced the severity of toxin-induced symptoms and electrolyte leakage from rice cells . The best-performing isolate, TvMNT7, produced two extracellular proteins of 110 and 17 kDa . The high molecular mass protein was shown to have alpha-glucosidase activity . The purified 110 kDa protein was able to reduce RS-toxin activity.

Toxicol Sci, 2000 Aug, 56(2), 282 - 9
The disinfection by-products dichloro-, dibromo-, and bromochloroacetic acid impact intestinal microflora and metabolism in Fischer 344 rats upon exposure in drinking water; George SE et al.; Human consumption of chlorinated drinking water has been linked epidemiologically to bladder, kidney, and rectal cancers . The disinfection by-product (DBP) dichloroacetic acid is a hepatocarcinogen in Fischer 344 rats and B6C3F1 mice . The objective of this study is to determine the effect of the DBPs dichloro-, bromochloro-, and dibromoacetic acids (DCA, BCA, DBA) on intestinal microbial populations and their metabolism, with emphasis on enzymes involved in the bioactivation of procarcinogens and promutagens . One-month-old male Fischer 344 rats were provided water ad libitum containing 1 g/l DCA, BCA, or DBA for up to 5 weeks . At 1, 3, and 5 weeks of treatment, beta-glucuronidase (GLR), beta-galactosidase (GAL), beta-glucosidase (GLU), nitroreductase (NR), azoreductase (AR), and dechlorinase (DC) activities were determined in cecal and small and large intestinal homogenates . After 5 weeks of treatment, intestinal populations were enumerated on selective media . Cecal GAL (DCA, BCA, DBA) and GLR (DCA, DBA) activities were reduced after 1 and 3 weeks of treatment and GAL activity was elevated at 5 weeks (BCA) . Large intestinal GAL (DCA, BCA) and GLU (DCA, BCA, DBA) activities were elevated after 5 weeks of treatment . Week 5 cecal AR (DCA, BCA, DBA), NR (DCA), and DC (DCA, DBA) activities were reduced . Even though some significant changes in intestinal populations were observed, use of selective media was not sensitive enough to explain fluctuations in enzyme activity . Haloacetic acids in the drinking water alter intestinal metabolism, which could influence bioactivation of promutagens and procarcinogens in the drinking water.

J Anim Sci, 2000 Jul, 78(7), 1875 - 84
Effect of dietary formates on growth performance, carcass traits, sensory quality, intestinal microflora, and stomach alterations in growing-finishing pigs; Overland M et al.; Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of adding salts of formic acid to diets for growing-finishing pigs . In Exp . 1, 72 pigs (23.1 kg and 104.5 kg initial and final BW) were used to evaluate the effect of Ca/Na-formate and K-diformate on performance and carcass traits . Treatments were organized in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement with two feeding regimens (limit and semi-ad libitum feeding) and three diets (control, .85% Ca/Na-formate, and .8% K-diformate) . No significant feeding regime x diet interaction was found . The K-diformate diet increased overall ADG of pigs compared with the control and Ca/Na-formate diets, but had no effect on ADFI or gain/feed (G/F) ratio . Neither K-diformate nor Ca/Na-formate had any effect on carcass lean or fat content . In Exp . 2, 10 limit-fed pigs (24.3 kg and 85.1 kg initial and final BW) were used to study the effect of K-diformate on performance and sensory quality of pork . Adding .8% K-diformate to diets increased ADG (P < .13) and G/F (P < .04), but had no effect on sensory quality of the pork or content of formate in liver, kidney, or muscle tissue of pigs . In Exp . 3, 96 limit-fed pigs (27.1 kg and 105 kg initial and final BW) were used to determine the effect of adding K-diformate to diets on performance, carcass traits, and stomach keratinization and(or) lesions . Adding K-diformate (0, .6, or 1.2%) to diets increased ADG and ADFI (linear P < .01) . The K-diformate reduced the percentage of carcass fat (linear P < .03) and fat area in the cutlet (linear P < .09) and increased percentage lean in the ham (linear P < .01), flank (linear P < .02), loin (linear P < .09), and neck and shoulder (linear P < .09) . The K-diformate had no negative effect on stomach alterations . In Exp . 3, the concentration of coliform bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract was evaluated in eight control and eight 1.2% K-diformate-fed pigs . The K-diformate reduced the number of coliforms in the duodenum (P < .03), jejunum (P < .02), and rectum (P < .10) of pigs . In conclusion, K-diformate improved growth performance and carcass quality of growing-finishing pigs, whereas Ca/Na-formate had no effect . K-diformate had no adverse effect on sensory quality of pork or on stomach alteration scores.

Adv Microb Physiol, 2000, 42, 25 - 46
The intestinal microflora: potentially fertile ground for microbial physiologists; Tannock GW; The intestinal microflora provides opportunities for microbial physiological research . The metabolic interactions of bacterial inhabitants of the intestinal community, bacterial bioenergetics, preferential utilization of substrates as energy sources by specific bacterial species, and intercellular signalling are among the topics of challenging research awaiting the attention of microbial physiologists.

Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 2000 Jul, 279(1), G186 - 91
Enteric microflora contribute to constitutive ICAM-1 expression on vascular endothelial cells; Komatsu S et al.; Quantitative estimates of endothelial cell adhesion molecule expression have revealed that some adhesion molecules {e.g., intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1)} are abundantly expressed in different vascular beds under normal conditions . The objective of this study was to determine whether the enteric microflora contribute to the constitutive expression of ICAM-1 and other endothelial cell adhesion molecules in the gastrointestinal tract and other regional vascular beds . The dual radiolabeled monoclonal antibody technique was used to measure endothelial expression of ICAM-1, ICAM-2, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and E-selectin in conventional, germ-free mice and germ-free mice receiving the cecal contents of conventional mice to reestablish the enteric microflora (total association) . Constitutive ICAM-1 expression was significantly lower in the splanchnic organs (pancreas, stomach, small and large intestine, mesentery, and liver), kidneys, skeletal muscle, and skin of germ-free mice compared with their conventional counterparts . These differences were abolished after total association of germ-free mice with the indigenous gastrointestinal flora . The expression of ICAM-2, VCAM-1, and E-selectin in the various tissues studied did not differ between conventional and germ-free mice . These findings indicate that the indigenous gastrointestinal microflora are responsible for a significant proportion of the basal ICAM-1 expression detected in both intestinal and extraintestinal tissues.

Med Mycol, 2000 Jun, 38(3), 239 - 47
The effects of lipid extraction on the immunomodulatory activity of Malassezia species in vitro; Kesavan S et al.; Malassezia spp . are believed to be the causative agents of pityriasis versicolor and are strongly implicated in seborrhoeic dermatitis . The yeast also forms part of the normal human cutaneous microflora . We have previously shown that when Malassezia yeast cells are incubated with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), they are capable of reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines produced . In order to test the hypothesis that this immunoevasive phenomenon may be related to the unusually high level of lipid in the Malassezia yeast cell wall, we have compared the immunomodulatory capacity of normal and lipid-depleted yeast cells . Stationary phase yeast cells of Malassezia sympodialis, M . globosa and M . restricta were treated with chloroform/methanol to extract the surface lipids . The lipid-depleted and non-depleted yeast cells were then co-cultured with human PBMCs from three different human donors at a ratio of 20 yeasts per leukocyte for 24 h . The levels of interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were then determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . The results demonstrated that extraction of lipid reversed the yeast cell capacity to reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines . The levels of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha produced in response to lipid-extracted Malassezia of all three species were either no different from or significantly greater (P < 0.05; ANOVA) than the constitutive control levels . These results suggest that the lipid microfibrillar layer of Malassezia may prevent the yeast cells from inducing inflammation and provide an explanation for the normal commensal status of the organism on human skin . The hypothesis that the lipid layer is absent or altered in seborrhoeic dermatitis may provide an explanation for the inflammatory nature of this dermatosis.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 2000, 159(2), 48 - 50
{A method for the surgical treatment of patients with chronic postoperative osteomyelitis of the sternum}; Gorelov FI et al.; The authors share their experiences with diagnosing and surgical treatment of chronic postoperative osteomyelitis of sternum developed in 36 patients after operations on the heart, lungs and organs of mediastinum . The purulent process can be liquidated in all the patients due to performing saving resection of the sternum and plasty of the bone defect with local tissues, application of a gauze-cotton roll pressing the subcutaneous fat into the bone defects formed after treatment of the affected portions of the sternum, administration of antibiotics according to sensitivity of the microflora.

J Agric Food Chem, 2000 Jun, 48(6), 2448 - 53
Multiple compound quality index for cold-smoked salmon (Salmo salar) developed by multivariate regression of biogenic amines and pH; Jorgensen LV et al.; Production of biogenic amines during chill storage of 12 lots of cold-smoked salmon was studied . These data allowed for a multiple compound quality index to be developed by multivariate regression (partial least square regression) . The quality index was based on concentrations of cadaverine, histamine, putrescine, and tyramine and pH and showed good correlation with sensory assessments . Biogenic amines were indicators of spoilage rather than casual agents of spoilage off-flavors . Four different biogenic amine profiles were found at the time of spoilage in cold-smoked salmon . These were the results of differences in the spoilage microflora . Histamine was detected above regulatory limits but below toxic levels . Measurements of salt and dry matter for calculation of water phase salt could be substituted by rapid water activity measurements.

Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 2000 Jun, 24(6), 873 - 7
High salivary acetaldehyde after a moderate dose of alcohol in ALDH2-deficient subjects: strong evidence for the local carcinogenic action of acetaldehyde; Vakevainen S et al.; BACKGROUND: Due to a point mutation, aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) isoenzyme is deficient in 30% to 50% of Asians . Among Asian ALDH2-deficient heavy drinkers, the risk for digestive tract cancers is markedly increased (odds ratio 3.4-54.2) . The reason for this is unknown but could be due to the local carcinogenic action of acetaldehyde . METHODS: Salivary and blood acetaldehyde levels were determined in 20 healthy Asians after a moderate dose of alcohol (0.5 g/kg of body weight) . Salivary acetaldehyde production capacity from ethanol in vitro was measured also . ALDH2 genotype of the Asians was determined from isolated leukocyte-deoxyribonucleic acid by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism method . Acetaldehyde content of parotid gland saliva was measured in three ALDH2-deficient Asians and three White subjects with normal ALDH2 after the same dose of ethanol . RESULTS: Seven of the Asians were heterozygous for the mutant ALDH2*2 allele (flushers) . They had two to three times higher salivary acetaldehyde levels than the Asians (n = 13) with normal ALDH2 throughout the follow-up period of 240 min (p < 0.001) . Only in the flushers did the parotid gland contribute to salivary acetaldehyde production . The in vitro capacity of saliva to produce acetaldehyde from ethanol was equal in both groups . The flushers' blood acetaldehyde levels were only one ninth of the levels in saliva . CONCLUSIONS: By using this human "knockout model" for deficient acetaldehyde removal, we found that in addition to oral microflora, acetaldehyde in saliva may also originate from the oxidation of ethanol in the parotid gland . When combined with earlier epidemiological data, these results offer a strong evidence for the local carcinogenic action of acetaldehyde in humans.

Int Dent J, 1999 Feb, 49(1), 33 - 40
Oral health and microflora in an institutionalised elderly population in Canada; Kuc IM et al.; A cross-sectional study was undertaken to assess the oral health of a group of elderly, long-term care, institutionalised residents in a facility in Edmonton, Canada . In addition, the oral occurrence of Candida and coliform micro-organisms was evaluated to examine the relationship between oral health status and oral prevalence of these opportunistic pathogens . The mean age of 63 examined individuals was 83.4 (+/- 17.6) years; 28.6 per cent were dentate with a DMF score of 22.4; 4.5 per cent of teeth exhibited root caries . Of the edentate, 55.5 per cent were wearing complete maxillary and mandibular dentures; 59 per cent of the maxillary dentures and 20 per cent of mandibular dentures were found to exhibit good retention and stability while the remaining prostheses were deemed to be poor; 17 per cent of individuals had neither teeth or dentures . Denture stomatitis was the most common mucosal lesion and was found amongst one third of the denture wearers . Three quarters of the residents harboured oral yeasts, 30 per cent coliforms and a significant number exhibited poor oral hygiene and oral pathoses for which remedial treatment was readily available in the form of subsidised dental care.

Int Dent J, 1999 Feb, 49(1), 15 - 26
Caries-risk assessment; Reich E et al.; Dental caries has a multifactorial aetiology in which there is an interplay of three principal factors: the host (saliva and teeth), the microflora (plaque), and the substrate (diet), and a fourth factor: time . There is no single test that takes into consideration all these factors and can accurately predict an individual's susceptibility to caries . The risk of dental caries can be evaluated by analysing and integrating several causative factors . These include caries experience (initial caries lesions and established caries defects, secondary caries and present caries activity), fluoride use, extent of plaque present, diet, bacterial and salivary activity and social and behavioural factors.

J Clin Periodontol, 2000 Jun, 27(6), 405 - 10
Relation of motility of subgingival microflora as a clinical parameter to periodontal disease status in human subjects; Ojima M et al.; BACKGROUND/AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between the motility of subgingival microflora and 5 clinical parameters commonly used in dental clinics . METHOD: The clinical parameters were pocket depth, gingival inflammation, plaque accumulation, bleeding on probing and pus discharge . The motility of human subgingival microflora was estimated as the number of pixels remaining after subtraction of serial video frames using a high speed shutter camera and image analysis system, and was defined as the sum of pixels of 10 successive subtractions per sample over a 10-s time period . RESULTS: The bacterial motility showed significant positive, moderate or low associations with the five clinical parameters . The highest correlation was observed between the bacterial motility and pocket depth (r=0.36, p=0.0001) . Furthermore, clinically defined periodontal healthy and diseased sites were significantly different with respect to the bacterial motility (p<0.0001) . To determine whether the bacterial motility was dependent or independent of the other clinical variables, the data were analyzed based on common factor analysis . Three factors were extracted and explained about 75% of the variance of the original 6 clinical parameters . Only the bacterial motility had a positive coefficient for all these three factors . The plot of bacterial motility was placed separately from those of other variables in the scatterplot of the loadings of factor 2 versus factor 1 and factor 2 versus factor 3 . CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that bacterial motility may be an independent variable among the clinical parameters . Taken together, these data indicate that bacterial motility provides unique information about the clinical periodontal condition and may be a useful tool for the monitoring of subgingival plaque in relation to periodontal disease.

J Clin Periodontol, 2000 Jun, 27(6), 377 - 86
The periodontal abscess: a review; Herrera D et al.; BACKGROUND/AIMS: The periodontal abscess is a frequent periodontal condition in which periodontal tissues may be rapidly destroyed . Its importance is based on the possible need of urgent care, the affectation of tooth prognosis, and the possibility of infection spreading . There is scant information in the scientific literature regarding this condition and most of it has been published as case reports and text books, where conclusions are not evidence-based, but rather empirical observations made by recognised clinicians . The aim of this review was to critically analyse all available information on this subject in the dental and medical literature, including information on its prevalence, proposed etiologies and pathogenesis, diagnosis, microbiology and treatment alternatives . SUMMARY: The periodontal abscess is the 3rd most frequent dental emergency, and it is specially prevalent among untreated periodontal patients and periodontal patients during maintenance . Different etiologies have been proposed, and 2 main groups can be distinguished, depending on its relation with periodontal pockets . In the case of a periodontitis-related abscess, the condition may appear as an exacerbation of a non-treated periodontitis or during the course of periodontal therapy . In non-periodontitis related abscesses, impaction of foreign objects, and radicular abnormalities are the 2 main causes . The abscess microflora seems to be similar to that of adult periodontitis, and it is dominated by gram-negative anaerobic rods, including well-known periodontal pathogens . Complications and consequences include tooth loss and the spread of the infection to other body sites . Diagnosis and treatment is mainly based on empiricism, since evidence-based data are not available . The role of systemic antibiotics, in the treatment of periodontal abscesses, is especially controversial.

Chemosphere, 2000 Oct, 41(7), 1029 - 35
Effect of a triazole fungicide on the cellulose decomposition by the soil microflora; Munier-Lamy C et al.; The effect of flutriafol on the cellulose decomposition was studied in the laboratory as a dose-response experiment using a trade marked formulation . Cellulose degradation rates were determined by the weight loss from cellulose filter disks buried in soil samples and by the CO2 evolved during batch incubation experiments . To amounts recommended for field applications and ten-fold these dosages, flutriafol did not affect the cellulose decomposition ability of the soil-microflora . Highest dosages provoked an initial inhibitory effect, followed by a stimulation in cellulolytic activity . Possible reasons for the dose-response relationship were changes in the soil microflora in favour of bacteria, indicating the importance of the persistence and repeated applications of flutriafol.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2000 Jul, 66(7), 2996 - 3003
A new method to monitor airborne inoculum of the fungal plant pathogens Mycosphaerella brassicicola and Botrytis cinerea; Kennedy R et al.; We describe a new microtiter immunospore trapping device (MTIST device) that uses a suction system to directly trap air particulates by impaction in microtiter wells . This device can be used for rapid detection and immunoquantification of ascospores of Mycosphaerella brassicicola and conidia of Botrytis cinerea by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) under controlled environmental conditions . For ascospores of M . brassicicola correlation coefficients (r(2)) of 0.943 and 0.9514 were observed for the number of MTIST device-impacted ascospores per microtiter well and the absorbance values determined by ELISA, respectively . These values were not affected when a mixed fungal spore population was used . There was a relationship between the number of MTIST device-trapped ascospores of M . brassicicola per liter of air sampled and the amount of disease expressed on exposed plants of Brassica oleracea (Brussels sprouts) . Similarly, when the MTIST device was used to trap conidia of B . cinerea, a correlation coefficient of 0.8797 was obtained for the absorbance values generated by the ELISA and the observed number of conidia per microtiter well . The relative collection efficiency of the MTIST device in controlled plant growth chambers with limited airflow was 1.7 times greater than the relative collection efficiency of a Burkard 7-day volumetric spore trap for collection of M . brassicicola ascospores . The MTIST device can be used to rapidly differentiate, determine, and accurately quantify target organisms in a microflora . The MTIST device is a portable, robust, inexpensive system that can be used to perform multiple tests in a single sampling period, and it should be useful for monitoring airborne particulates and microorganisms in a range of environments.

Can J Microbiol, 2000 May, 46(5), 433 - 40
Monitoring by laser-flow-cytometry of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading Sphingomonas sp . strain 107 during biotreatment of a contaminated soil; Thomas JC et al.; A flow cytometric method (FCM) was used to detect and accurately enumerate a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial strain, Sphingomonas sp . 107, inoculated into a soil sample artificially contaminated with pyrene . To compare the FCM method with colony forming unit (CFU) assays, a rifampicin-resistant Sphingomonas sp . 107 was obtained which could be distinguished from the indigenous microflora, since there was no organism resistant to rifampicin in the soil that could transform indole to indigo (naphthalene dioxygenase activity) . By combining light-scattering profiles (i.e., morphological properties), ethidium bromide influx (i.e., cell wall permeability), and fluorescence in situ hybridization against the 16S rRNA (i.e., detection specificity), we could enumerate the bacterial population of interest from the indigenous microflora and soil debris during the biotreatment . The FCM technique revealed that the number of inoculated Sphingomonas cells decreased gradually for 15 days of incubation before reaching a steady level of 7 to 12 x 10(5) cells.g-1 of soil . Similar values were obtained with the CFU assay . During this period, pyrene concentration decreased from 632 to 26 mg.kg-1 of dry soil . The FCM detection was improved by adding blocking reagent to the hybridization buffer to minimize the non-specific attachment of the fluorescent probe to soil particles . Combined with the improvements in probe technology, FCM detection was shown to be a good alternative to the conventional culture methods for the analysis of bacterial populations in environmental samples . This technique could be potentially useful for the detection of microorganisms that grow poorly in culture.

J Theor Biol, 2000 Jul 7, 205(1), 53 - 72
Predictive modeling of mixed microbial populations in food products: evaluation of two-species models; Vereecken KM et al.; Predictive microbiology is an emerging research domain in which biological and mathematical knowledge is combined to develop models for the prediction of microbial proliferation in foods . To provide accurate predictions, models must incorporate essential factors controlling microbial growth . Current models often take into account environmental conditions such as temperature, pH and water activity . One factor which has not been included in many models is the influence of a background microflora, which brings along microbial interactions . The present research explores the potential of autonomous continuous-time/two-species models to describe mixed population growth in foods . A set of four basic requirements, which a model should satisfy to be of use for this particular application, is specified . Further, a number of models originating from research fields outside predictive microbiology, but all dealing with interacting species, are evaluated with respect to the formulated model requirements by means of both graphical and analytical techniques . The analysis reveals that of the investigated models, the classical Lotka-Volterra model for two species in competition and several extensions of this model fulfill three of the four requirements . However, none of the models is in agreement with all requirements . Moreover, from the analytical approach, it is clear that the development of a model satisfying all requirements, within a framework of two autonomous differential equations, is not straightforward . Therefore, a novel prototype model structure, extending the Lotka-Volterra model with two differential equations describing two additional state variables, is proposed to describe mixed microbial populations in foods .

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1999 Jul-Aug, (4), 70 - 4
{The immuno-microbiological characteristics of the small intestine and the translocation of the enteral microflora in acute intestinal obstruction}; Chernov VN et al.; The complex examination of 72 patients with acute ileus (AI) of nontumor nature with different severity of endotoxicosis was carried out . The study revealed that AI was accompanied by deep suppression of the immunosecretory and motor evacuatory function of the small intestine, as well as by its pronounced bacterial contamination, mainly due to the significant quantitative prevalence of Gram-negative microflora . The combination of these factors played the key role in the increase of the permeability of the enteric barrier for symbiotic microflora and its massive translocation from the intestinal tract to the internal organs of the body (peritoneal exudate, portal bed), which directly correlated with the severity of endotoxicosis in AI patients . The deficiency of the barrier function of the liver was accompanied by the penetration of infective agents into the general blood stream, thus causing the development of endotoxic shock in AI patients . The analysis of the results thus obtained made it possible to determine the main ways for the elimination of intestinogenic intoxication in AI; they should be aimed at the bacterial decontamination of the small intestine, the restoration of its motor evacuatory and protective barrier functions, the liquidation of portal and systemic bacteremia, the correction of the functional deficiency of the liver.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1999 Jul-Aug, (4), 11 - 4
{The microbiological characteristics of soft-tissue surgical infection}; Fadeev SB et al.; The dynamic study of microflora in the foci of surgical infection of soft tissues was made . In 45 patients the course of the infectious process was characterized by the change of causative agents in the course of the disease . As established in this study the frequency of changes in the species composition of microflora in the foci of surgical infection in the course of the disease directly correlated with the occurrence of purulent septic complications requiring repeated surgical intervention . Changes in the species composition of causative agents should be regarded as their adaptation to the anti-infectious protection of the body, which is one of the regulatory mechanisms of the parasitic system.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1999 May-Jun, (3), 58 - 61
{The nature of the respiratory tract microflora and the immunity indices in a severe form of bronchial asthma in children}; Fedorov IA et al.; 65 children with the severe course of bronchial asthma (BA) were examined . The character of respiratory tract microflora, humoral immunity characteristics, mediators, of inflammation and pathomorphological features of the bronchial tree during the severe course of BA in children at the period of remission were studied . The specific features of the colonization of the bronchial tree by microflora in the severe form of BA were established . The severe course of BA in children at the period of remission was characterized by a higher content of tumor necrosis factor and an increase in the lysozyme activity of bronchoalveolar fluid . Disturbances in the proportion of cAMP and cGMP in smooth muscles and an increase in the number of apudocytes containing adrenalin and serotonin may probably be one of the mechanisms of bronchial hyperreactivity.

Inflamm Bowel Dis, 2000 May, 6(2), 107 - 15
Probiotics and inflammatory bowel disease: is there a scientific rationale?
Shanahan F.
Most conventional forms of drug therapy suppress or modify the host immunoinflammatory response and neglect the other contributor to disease pathogenesis-the environmental microflora . Probiotics are live microbial food ingredients that alter the enteric microflora and have a beneficial effect on health . The rationale for using probiotics in IBD is mainly based on evidence from human studies and experimental animal models implicating intestinal bacteria in the pathogenesis of these disorders . The relationship between bacteria and intestinal inflammation is complex and does not appear to reflect a simple cause and effect . Similarly, the field of probiotics is complex and in need of rigorous research . Until the indigenous flora are better characterized and mechanisms of probiotic action defined, the promise of probiotics in IBD is unlikely to be fulfilled . Because of strain-specific variability and clinical and therapeutic heterogeneity within Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, it cannot be assumed that a given probiotic is equally suitable for all individuals . Although preliminary results of probiotic therapy in animal models and humans with ulcerative colitis and pouchitis have been encouraging, their efficacy in treatment or maintenance of remission of Crohn's disease remains to be clarified . However, the circumstantial evidence for some form of biotherapeutic modification of the enteric flora in Crohn's disease seems compelling . In the future, probiotics may offer a simple adjunct to conventional therapy with the emphasis on diet shifting from one of nutritional replenishment alone to a more functional role.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 2000 Jun, 66(6), 2471 - 8
Influence of cadmium and mercury on activities of ligninolytic enzymes and degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by Pleurotus ostreatus in soil; Baldrian P et al.; The white-rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus was able to degrade the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) benzo{a}anthracene, chrysene, benzo{b}fluoranthene, benzo{k}fluoranthene, benzo{a}pyrene, dibenzo{a,h}anthracene, and benzo{ghi}perylene in nonsterile soil both in the presence and in the absence of cadmium and mercury . During 15 weeks of incubation, recovery of individual compounds was 16 to 69% in soil without additional metal . While soil microflora contributed mostly to degradation of pyrene (82%) and benzo{a}anthracene (41%), the fungus enhanced the disappearance of less-soluble polycyclic aromatic compounds containing five or six aromatic rings . Although the heavy metals in the soil affected the activity of ligninolytic enzymes produced by the fungus (laccase and Mn-dependent peroxidase), no decrease in PAH degradation was found in soil containing Cd or Hg at 10 to 100 ppm . In the presence of cadmium at 500 ppm in soil, degradation of PAHs by soil microflora was not affected whereas the contribution of fungus was negligible, probably due to the absence of Mn-dependent peroxidase activity . In the presence of Hg at 50 to 100 ppm or Cd at 100 to 500 ppm, the extent of soil colonization by the fungus was limited.

J Food Prot, 2000 May, 63(5), 668 - 83
Microbiology of potatoes and potato products: a review; Doan CH et al.; Many types of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms exist on fresh, minimally processed, and fully processed potato products . Potatoes are processed into many products including frozen, dried, ready-to-eat, and minimally processed . The microbiological quality of finished potato products is influenced by the natural microflora, processing, handling, and human contact . The natural microflora of potatoes are influenced by soil and airborne inocula, agricultural practices, harvesting methods, and storage conditions . The microflora of processed products are influenced by all of the factors and conditions affecting the natural microflora as well as the processes applied to the product . Increased consumer demand for new and existing potato products highlights the importance of ensuring their microbiological safety . This review considers the sources of microorganisms, microflora, foodborne disease pathogens, and outbreaks associated with, and selected microbiological research involving, potatoes and potato products.

J Food Prot, 2000 May, 63(5), 563 - 7
Efficacy of ultraviolet light for reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 in unpasteurized apple cider; Wright JR et al.; This study examined the efficacy of UV light for reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 in unpasteurized cider . Cider containing a mixture of acid-resistant E . coli O157:H7 (6.3 log CFU/ml) was treated using a thin-film UV disinfection unit at 254 nm . Dosages ranged from 9,402 to 61,005 microW-s/cm2 . Treatment significantly reduced E . coli O157:H7 (P < or = 0.0001) . Mean reduction for all treated samples was 3.81 log CFU/ml . Reduction was also affected by the level of background microflora in cider . Results indicate that UV light is effective for reducing this pathogen in cider . However, with the dosages used in this experiment, additional reduction measures are necessary to achieve the required 5-log reduction.

Hum Immunol, 2000 Jun, 61(6), 555 - 8
Germ-free mice do not develop ankylosing enthesopathy, a spontaneous joint disease; Rehakova Z et al.; Ankylosing enthesopathy (ANKENT) is a naturally occurring joint disease in mice with numerous parallels to human ankylosing spondylitis (AS) . Similarities between AS and ANKENT include not only affected tissue (joint entheses) but also association of the disease with genetic background, including MHC genes, gender, and age . Young males with the C57Bl/10 background have been described to suffer from ANKENT and, among H-2 congenic strains, high frequency of afflicted joints has been recorded in B10.BR (H-2(k)) males . Interestingly, the incidence of ANKENT is higher in conventional (CV) males that in their specific-pathogen-free (SPF) counterparts . The latter finding suggests that microbes could play a role as an ANKENT-triggering agent . To further examine this hypothesis we have established a germ-free (GF) colony of B10.BR mice and observed ANKENT incidence in both GF males and their conventionalized (ex-GF) male littermates; 20% of ex-GF males developed ANKENT before 1 year of age . In contrast, no joint disease was observed under GF conditions (p < 0.0001) . Our results show that live microflora is required in ANKENT pathogenesis.

Stomatologiia (Mosk), 2000, 79(2), 17 - 9
{The use of nitatsid and gipozol'-N in the combined treatment of acute inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial area}; Tarasenko SV et al.; Combined drugs with a hydrophilic base, nitacide and hyposol-n, were used in combined therapy of acute purulent inflammations of the maxillofacial area . Time course of clinical parameters and changes in microflora were studied in patients administered different local treatments with different inflammatory reactions . The data indicate a high efficiency of the drugs, which optimized local therapy of suppurative wounds and are recommended for wide practical use.

G Chir, 2000 Apr, 21(4), 196 - 204
{Transplantation of the intestines and bacterial translocation}; Sileri P et al.; Infections, sepsis and multiple organ failure syndrome are associated with high morbidity and mortality in human and experimental small bowel transplantation (SBTx) . These complications are attributed to bacterial translocation demonstrated in animal and human studies . Bacterial translocation (BT) is defined as the passage of viable bacteria from the intestinal lumen to other tissues or organs . BT has been associated with different clinical and experimental situations, hemorrhagic shock, trauma, bowel obstruction, immunodepression, total parenteral nutrition, antibiotics . Although BT has been investigated in several small and large animal models of SBTx, precise information on the mechanisms involved are not available . It is possible that the operative procedure by itself may promote BT for the interaction of a number of factors such as preservation, ischemia/reperfusion, abnormal motility, lymphatic disruption and aberrant systemic venous drainage, acute or chronic rejection and antibiotic therapy . Furthermore, the potent immunosuppressive therapy used in these patients may augment the deleterious effects caused by BT . In this review we examined the existing literature concerning BT with particular regard to intestinal transplantation, to better understand the alterations in the symbiotic relationship between immunocompromised host and his gut microflora after SBTx.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2000 Mar-Apr, (2), 103 - 5
{Mixed urogenital infection in men}; Deriabin DG et al.; High occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) caused by a combination of different infective agents was established . In 62.5% of cases such diseases took a course typical for mixed infections . Combinations of infective agents of STD were found to have several typical associations, e.g . Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis in combination with opportunistic microflora . The microbiocenosis of the reproductive tract was shown to form under the influence of a complex of endogenous (natural biological) and exogenous (sexual behavioral) factors leading, in each particular case, to the formation of stable associations.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 2000 Mar-Apr, (2), 98 - 100
{The microflora of the reproductive tract in women during intrauterine interventions}; Konstantinova OD et al.; The species compositions and persistence factors of the vaginal and cervical microflora of the reproductive tract of women in cases of intrauterine interventions (medical abortion, intrauterine contraception) were studied . Women with inflammatory complications following intrauterine interventions were found to have the same species of bacteria in their vaginal and cervical microflora . In addition, an increase in the values of the persistence factors of vaginal microflora was registered in women practicing intrauterine contraception and a decrease in the persistence potential of vaginal microflora was registered after abortion.

J Periodontol, 2000 Apr, 71(4), 550 - 4
Pocket oxygen tension in smokers and non-smokers with periodontal disease; Hanioka T et al.; BACKGROUND: Smoking is associated with destructive periodontal disease . Pocket oxygen tension (pO2) is likely to be a major environmental determinant of the subgingival microflora, which is a primary etiological factor of the disease . This study aimed to compare the pocket pO2 in smokers and non-smokers with periodontal disease . METHODS: Pocket oxygen tension was compared in 27 smokers and 34 non-smokers by considering 2 confounding factors, probing depth and oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (S(O2)), in the gingiva . The pO2 was determined using oxygen microelectrode by polarographic method with an electronic compensation circuit for subgingival temperature . Gingival S(O2) was determined using tissue reflectance spectrophotometry . RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the modified gingival index and the plaque index between smokers and non-smokers . The pO2 was significantly lower in smokers (21.9+/-9.6 mmHg) than in non-smokers (33.4+/-8.4 mmHg) . The difference was highly significant (P <0.0001) and was consistent when the confounding factors were considered . Correlation between the PO2 and probing depth approached statistical significance in smokers (r = -0.36, P = 0.0674) and significance in non-smokers (r = -0.41, P = 0.0174) . Correlation of the PO2 to the gingival S(O2) was highly significant in non-smokers (r = 0.57, P = 0.0005), but no association was found in smokers (r = -0.08, P= 0.6975) . CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that pO2 is lower in smokers than in non-smokers, and that the pO2 in smokers is not influenced by gingival oxygen sufficiency . The present study may provide the basis of understanding environmental factors possibly associated with microbial flora in the pockets of smokers.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 2000 Feb, 53(2), 131 - 6
Isolation and identification of antifungal N-butylbenzenesulphonamide produced by Pseudomonas sp . AB2; Kim KK et al.; An antifungal bacterial strain, isolated from a greenhouse soil sample, inhibits growth of microflora nearby . It was selected for further studies of bacterial antifungal properties . This isolate was identified as a Pseudomonas sp . based on carbohydrate utilization, and other biochemical and physiological tests . Petri plate assay revealed that the Pseudomonas sp . exhibited antifungal activity against the plant pathogens, Pythium ultimum, Rhizoctonia solani, Phytophthora capsici, Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum . Using direct inhibition bioassay on TLC plates after ethyl acetate extraction of the culture filtrate, we correlated antifungal activity with production of antifungal compounds . An antifungal antibiotic was isolated from the culture filtrate and was identified as N-butylbenzenesulphonamide . ED50, values of the N-butylbenzenesulphonamide against P . ultimum, P . capsici, R . solani, and B . cinerea were 73, 41, 33 and 102 ppm, respectively.

Arkh Patol, 2000 Mar-Apr, 62(2), 33 - 7
{Pathogenetic characteristics of late spontaneous miscarriage in ascending infection of amnion: reaction of placenta}; Glukhovets NG; Results of pathomorphological examination of placenta in 262 cases of late spontaneous miscarriages produced by ascending infection of fetal liquids with opportunistic microflora are presented . Sequential involvement in the exudative inflammatory process of the fetal membranes was observed (placenta and umbilical cord) depending on the term of pregnancy and duration of placenta contact with the infected fetal liquids . Exudative funiculitis was observed not infrequently this indicating direct involvement of the fetus in the intrauterine infectious process.

FEMS Microbiol Ecol, 2000 Apr 1, 32(1), 43 - 51
Effect of Cd-containing wood ash on the microflora of coniferous forest humus; Fritze H et al.; The use of wood ash in forestry has been questioned because the cadmium (Cd) concentration of ash, which varies between 1 and 20 mg kg(-1) ash, exceeds the level allowed for fertilizers (3 mg kg(-1)) used in agriculture . To investigate the combined and separated effects of Cd and ash on the forest humus microflora, pumice or wood ash, spiked with a water-soluble (CdCl(2)) or -insoluble (CdO) form of Cd at three levels (0, 400 and 1000 mg kg(-1)), were applied at a fertilization level of 5000 kg ha(-1) in a laboratory microcosm study . The trial consisted of 60 microcosms (five replications per treatment), which were incubated in darkness at +20 degrees C and a constant relative air humidity of 60% . After two months the humus in the microcosms was sampled . Analyses of CO(2) evolution to measure the overall microbial activity and of phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) pattern to measure microbial community structure were performed . The substrate-use patterns of Biolog EcoPlates were analyzed as a measure of bacterial functionality . Finally the bacterial (3)H-thymidine incorporation in the presence of different concentrations of Cd and the number of colony forming units (cfu) of bacteria on nutrient agar in the presence of 0, 5 and 20 mg Cd l(-1) agar were applied to measure Cd tolerance . The use of pumice (pH of humus under the pumice 4.0) did not induce any changes in the above variables compared to two untreated microcosms (humus pH 3.9) . Pumice was therefore used to distribute the Cd evenly over the humus surface in order to estimate the possible effect of Cd without ash (pH of humus under the ash 7.0) . The application of ash increased the microbial activity, changed the PLFA and substrate-use patterns and increased cfu compared to the humus under pumice . The form and level of Cd in the ash had no further effect on this result . In the humus under pumice the level, but not the form of Cd decreased the microbial activity and changed the PLFA pattern compared to the unspiked pumice . None of the treatments induced bacterial tolerance to Cd . Ash thus protected the humus microflora from the harmful effects of Cd.

J Invertebr Pathol, 2000 Feb, 75(2), 152 - 62
Influence of insect larvae and seedling roots on the host-finding ability of Steinernema feltiae (Nematoda: Steinernematidae); Hui E et al.; The ability of nematode foragers to locate appropriate insect hosts is essential to their performance as successful biological control agents . We investigated the host-finding ability and chemotaxis of Steinernema feltiae in the presence of cues from Galleria mellonella larvae and tomato and radish seedling roots, given individually and in combination, over 120 min . In agar arena tests, infective juveniles of S . feltiae responded positively to unsterilized and sterilized larvae and tomato seedling roots and negatively to unsterilized radish seedling roots . This negative response changed following surface sterilization of these seeds . The response of the infective juveniles to a combination of larva and seedling roots depended on the nature of the individual cues and their proximity to each other . For example, the response of the nematodes to a combination of cues from a sterilized larva and an unsterilized tomato seedling root placed adjacent to each other was intermediate to the separate responses to cues from a sterilized larva and an unsterilized tomato seedling root given individually . However, the response of the nematodes to a combination of adjacent cues from a sterilized larva and an unsterilized radish seedling root was not significantly different from that to cues from an unsterilized radish seedling root given individually . When the cues from the larva and seedling roots were separated by a distance, the response of the nematodes favored the larva . However, this positive effect was lessened when the larva was surface sterilized as compared with the response to the unsterilized larva . The altered responses of the infective juveniles to target cues following surface sterilization suggest that cues from the larval cuticle and seedling roots, such as those associated with their surface microflora, may significantly influence their host-finding ability . The use of entomopathogenic nematodes as biological control agents under field applications can be improved by careful consideration of the application protocols and by the recognition that chemical alterations of the soil rhizosphere may influence their host-finding ability.

Obes Surg, 1993 Aug, 3(3), 239 - 245
Intestinal Microflora Settlement in Patients with Jejunoileal Bypass for Morbid Obesity; Rosina M et al.; Intestinal microflora settlement was evaluated in this retrospective study of 49 patients with jejunoileal bypass who required reoperation . Colonic microflora was observed in the samples of the contents of the functioning jejunum and ileum but not in 55% of the samples from the middle of the excluded loop . Colonization of the excluded loop was not detected in patients without clinical signs of bacterial overgrowth but was significantly frequent (p < 0.01) in those with clinical signs (bloating, migratory arthralgias, rashes, skin lesions) . However, positive excluded loop cultures were not always associated with clinical manifestations . No significant correlation was observed between bacteriology of the contents of the excluded loop and bypass results . The success of an intestinal bypass may depend not only on anatomic and functional adaptation to the new, surgically created conditions, but also to the attainment of microbiological equilibrium in the intestinal ecosystem.

Carcinogenesis, 2000 Apr, 21(4), 663 - 8
Increased salivary acetaldehyde levels in heavy drinkers and smokers: a microbiological approach to oral cavity cancer; Homann N et al.; The pathogenetic mechanisms behind alcohol-associated carcinogenesis in the upper digestive tract remain unclear, as alcohol is not carcinogenic . However, there is increasing evidence that a major part of the tumour-promoting action of alcohol might be mediated via its first, toxic and carcinogenic metabolite acetaldehyde . Acetaldehyde is produced from ethanol in the epithelia by mucosal alcohol dehydrogenases, but much higher levels derive from microbial oxidation of ethanol by the oral microflora . In this study we investigated factors that might alter the composition and quantities of the oral microflora and, consequently, influence microbial acetaldehyde production . Information about dental health, smoking habits, alcohol consumption and other factors was obtained by a questionnaire from 326 volunteers with varying social backgrounds and health status, e.g . oral cavity malignancy . Paraffin-induced saliva was collected and the microbial production of acetaldehyde from ethanol was measured . Smoking and heavy drinking were the strongest factors increasing microbial acetaldehyde production . Whether poor dental status may alter local acetaldehyde production from ethanol remained unanswered . Bacterial analysis revealed that mainly gram-positive aerobic bacteria and yeasts were associated with higher acetaldehyde production . Increased local microbial salivary acetaldehyde production due to ethanol among smokers and heavy drinkers could be a biological explanation for the observed synergistic carcinogenic action of alcohol and smoking on upper gastrointestinal tract cancer . It offers a new microbiological approach to ethanol-associated carcinogenesis at these anatomic sites.

Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2000 Mar, 12(3), 267 - 73
The role of the resident intestinal flora in acute and chronic dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice; Hans W et al.; OBJECTIVE: There is increasing evidence that the intestinal microflora plays an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease . In the present study, we examined the role of the resident intestinal flora in our model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute and chronic colitis in mice . METHODS: Acute colitis was induced in BALB/c mice with 5% DSS in their drinking water for 7 days . Chronic colitis was established after four cycles of feeding 5% DSS for 7 days and water for 10 days . For eliminating intestinal bacteria, mice were injected intraperitoneally with metronidazole and ciprofloxacin . We analysed four parameters: (1) body weight, (2) length of the colon, (3) histological score, and (4) myeloperoxidase activity . RESULTS: In acute DSS colitis treatment with antibiotics led to an improvement of the histological parameters (epithelial damage, P< 0.05; inflammatory infiltrate, P< 0.05) and colon length (P < 0.0028) . A significant reduction in granulocyte infiltration was indicated by a 52.6% reduced myeloperoxidase activity in colonic biopsies . By contrast, in chronic colitis, treatment of mice with antibiotics failed to show significant effects . CONCLUSION: In acute DSS-induced colitis bacteria and/or bacterial products play a major role in initiation of inflammation but not in chronic DSS colitis.

Ugeskr Laeger, 2000 Mar 6, 162(10), 1361 - 6
{Chronic inflammatory bowel disease--pathogenic concepts and therapeutic perspectives}; Madsen JR; Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is considered to be a consequence of inappropriate upregulation of immune reactions evoked by the colonic microflora . Abnormalities observed in IBD may be explained, at least in part, by an unfavourable balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines . Conventional drug treatment of IBD may soon be replaced by more selective inhibitors that act centrally in the inflammatory process . Immunoneutralisation with chimeric anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) antibodies reduces treatment refractory IBD, including fistular Chrons' disease, but recombinant human TNF alpha-receptor fusion proteins may be equally effective with potentially fewer side effects . This view also applies to chimeric antibodies directed against cytokines or adhesion molecules . Potentially more promising are antisense oligonucleotides and matrix-metalloproteinase inhibitors . Whether sustained remission can be achieved probably depends on successful unravelling of the aetiology of IBD.

Int Immunol, 2000 Apr, 12(4), 425 - 30
The peripheral CD8 T cell repertoire is largely independent of the presence of intestinal flora; Bousso P et al.; While numerous studies have analyzed the shaping of T cell repertoires by self or foreign peptides, little is known on the influence of commensal self peptides derived from the intestinal flora (IF) . Here, we have analyzed naive and immune repertoires in mice devoid of IF {germ-free (GF) mice} . First, by means of an extensive CDR3beta sequencing strategy, we show that the naive peripheral CD8 T cell repertoire does not exhibit a major imprint of IF antigens . Second, using MHC-peptide tetramers, CDR3beta length distribution analyses and TCR sequencing, we show that cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses specific for two distinct epitopes are quasi-identical in normal and GF mice . Our findings indicate that, in general, peptides derived from the intestinal microflora have little if any influence on CTL responses in the mouse.

J Appl Microbiol, 2000 Jan, 88(1), 161 - 9
Effect of biocontrol strains of Trichoderma on plant growth, Pythium ultimum polulations, soil microbial communities and soil enzyme activities; Naseby DC et al.; Five strains of Trichoderma with known biocontrol activities were assessed for their effect upon pea growth and their antagonistic activity against large Pythium ultimum inocula . The effect of Trichoderma inocula upon the indigenous soil microflora and soil enzyme activities in the presence and absence of Pythium is assessed . In the absence of Pythium, Trichoderma strain N47 significantly increased the wet shoot weight by 15% but did not significantly affect the dry weight, whilst strains T4 and N47 significantly increased the root weights by 22% and 80%) respectively . Strains TH1 and N47 resulted in significantly greater root lengths . Pythium inoculation significantly reduced the root length and the number of lateral roots and nodules, and significantly increased the root and rhizosphere soil fungal populations . Pythium inoculation significantly reduced the plant wet and dry shoot weights and significantly increased the wet and the dry shoot/root ratio . All the Trichoderma strains reduced the number of lesions caused by Pythium and increased the number of lateral roots . The effect of the Pythium on emergence and shoot growth was significantly reduced by all the Trichoderma strains except strain To10 . Inoculation with Trichoderma strains TH1 and T4 resulted in significantly greater wet root weights (62% and 57%, respectively) in the presence of Pythium compared to the Pythium control . Strain N47 significantly increased the shoot/root ratio compared to the Pythium control . Inoculation with Trichoderma strains T4, T12 and N47 significantly reduced Pythium populations . Pythium increased the activity of C, N and P cycle enzymes, whilst four Trichoderma strains reduced this effect, indicating reduced plant damage and C leakage . Overall, strains T4 and N47 had the greatest beneficial characteristics, as both these strains improved plant growth in the absence of Pythium and reduced plant damage in the presence of Pythium . The dual properties of these strains improve the commercial application, giving them an advantage over single action inocula, especially in the absence of plant pathogens.

Mikrobiol Z, 1999 Nov-Dec, 61(6), 15 - 21
{The homeostasis of the microbial communities in soils polluted by heavy metals}; Andreiuk EI et al.; Homeostatic potentialities of microbial communities in soils contaminated with heavy metals have been studied . To estimate the effect of contaminants on the soil microflora it was proposed to use the indices characterizing homeostasis of microbial community: microorganism survivability in contaminated soil and the period of restoration of their number, sensitivity to certain contaminants . In the model experiments on dark-grey podzolized soil it was shown that contamination with heavy metals (Cu2+, Cd2+, Sr2+, Pb2+, Hg2+) in the doses of 2 and 4 maximum permissible concentrations provokes a short-term inhibition of microorganisms development after which their number restores . Introduction of the mixture of metals evokes more intensive inhibition and extends the period of microorganism number restoration as compared with the effect of certain metals in the same doses.

Klin Med (Mosk), 2000, 78(2), 26 - 30
{Disbiotic conditions in patients operated and reoperated for heart defects and ischemic heart disease}; Litasova EE et al.; Bacteriological examination of angiocardiac system, biocenosis of the intestine and upper respiratory tracts was made in 3473 patients who were to be operated or reoperated for congenital or acquired valvular defects in the presence of chroniosepsis and chronic septic endocarditis, complicated IHD . 375 patients with other diseases served control . 74 of them have undergone surgery for varicose veins of the legs . Preoperative contamination with opportunistic microflora was found in the heart, major vessels, veins of the majority of the patients . There was also dysbiosis of natural biotops . Patients with valvular defects to be reoperated 2-20 years after the initial operation on the heart had infection in the angiocardiac structures, severe dysbiosis of natural biotops, i.e . advanced dysbiosis--severe persistent condition with permanent source of endogenic infection complicated the underlying disease and bringing postoperative septic complications.

J Nutr, 2000 Feb, 130(2S Suppl), 426S - 431S
Modulation of the gastrointestinal tract of infants by human milk . Interfaces and interactions . An evolutionary perspective; Goldman AS; Human milk contains agents that affect the growth, development and functions of the epithelium, immune system or nervous system of the gastrointestinal tract . Some human and animal studies indicate that human milk affects the growth of intestinal villi, the development of intestinal disaccharidases, the permeability of the gastrointestinal tract and resistance to certain inflammatory/immune-mediated diseases . Moreover, one cytokine in human milk, interleukin (IL)-10, protects infant mice genetically deficient in IL-10 against an enterocolitis that resembles necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in human premature infants . There are seven overlapping evolutionary strategies regarding the relationships between the functions of the mammary gland and the infant's gastrointestinal tract as follows: 1) certain immunologic agents in human milk compensate directly for developmental delays in those same agents in the recipient infant; 2) other agents in human milk do not compensate directly for developmental delays in the production of those same agents, but nevertheless protect the recipient; 3) agents in human milk enhance functions that are poorly expressed in the recipient; 4) agents in human milk change the physiologic state of the intestines from one adapted to intrauterine life to one suited to extrauterine life; 5) some agents in human milk prevent inflammation in the recipient's gastrointestinal tract; 6) survival of human milk agents in the gastrointestinal tract is enhanced because of delayed production of pancreatic proteases and gastric acid by newborn infants, antiproteases and inhibitors of gastric acid production in human milk, inherent resistance of some human milk agents to proteolysis, and protective binding of other factors in human milk; and 7) growth factors in human milk aid in establishing a commensal enteric microflora.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1999, 467, 723 - 7
Absorption of trigonelline from the small intestine of the specific pathogen-free (SPF) and germ-free (GF) rats in vivo; Yuyama S; After the direct injection of trigonelline (Tg) to the upper end of the duodenum in SPF and GF rats, the remaining Tg in the contents of small intestine was determined after fractionation by ion-exchange and Nucher column chromatography, and by using a high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) . When Tg was injected to the upper end of the duodenum of SPF rats, the remaining Tg in the sac markedly decreased with time . The results obtained from the experiment with GF rats almost correspond to that with SPF rats . It was therefore clear that Tg is not destroyed by the small intestinal microflora and a greater part of Tg is absorbed from the small intestine.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1999, 467, 403 - 8
Tryptanthrins and other tryptophan-derived agonists of the dioxin receptor; Schrenk D et al.; 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related environmental pollutants exert most of their adverse effects via the aryl hydrocarbon or dioxin receptor (AhR) . While most potent agonists of the AhR are of synthetic origin, an increasing number of natural compounds is now recognized as receptor agonists . Our findings demonstrate that some tryptanthrin derivatives biosynthesized in incubations of Candida lipolytica with tryptophan and anthranilic acid or its derivatives activate the AhR measured as induction of cytochrome P4501A1 mRNA and protein in rat hepatocytes in primary culture . The specificity of the inducing effect of tryptanthrins was demonstrated in gel retardation experiments in Hepa-1 mouse hepatoma cells using an oliogonucleotide comprising the sequence of the dioxin-responsive element . Furthermore, unidentified AhR agonists were formed in incubations of rat feces with a minimal medium supplemented with tryptophan . It is suggested that the receptor may be part of a defense system protecting higher organisms from secondary tryptophan-derived metabolites formed by the microflora of the host or its environment.

Dev Comp Immunol, 2000 Mar-Apr, 24(2-3), 325 - 42
Immunity, vaccination and the avian intestinal tract; Muir WI et al.; Defence of the intestinal mucosal surface from enteric pathogens is initially mediated by secretory IgA (SIgA) . As oral immunization of non-replicating antigen induces minimal SIgA antibody titers, novel immunization strategies which selectively induce mucosal immune responses in mammals are now being assessed in chickens . The strategies reviewed include the route of antigen delivery, the incorporation of antigenic components in delivery vehicles, the inclusion of immunomodulators in the vaccine formula or in the diet, and manipulation of intestinal microflora . The differences in anatomical organization and immunological mechanisms between birds and mammals must be considered when manipulating avian intestinal immunity with the latest immunotechnologies developed for mammals . Our knowledge of the function and functioning of the avian mucosal system is discussed . Progress in our understanding of this system, the location of precursor IgA B cells and antigen sampling by these sites is not as advanced as knowledge of the mammalian system, highlighting the need for ongoing research into the avian application of novel vaccination strategies.

Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care, 1999 Nov, 2(6), 481 - 4
Methods for assessing the potential of prebiotics and probiotics; Rycroft CE et al.; Prebiotics and probiotics are microflora management tools designed to improve human health . Both are dietary materials that fortify components of the gut flora seen as 'beneficial' . Gut flora modulation is an important area of the nutritional sciences, however, it is imperative that reliable methodologies be used to determine efficacy . This review will discuss the current techniques used in prebiotic and probiotic research.

Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk, 1999, (12), 13 - 8
{Problem in the diagnosis of anaerobic infections and dysbacteriosis in clinical dentistry}; Aleksandrov MT et al.; The fluorescence technique was proposed for rapid diagnosis of anaerobic infection . It determines the microbiocenosis of a wound, the gastrointestinal tract, maxillofacial region, and other pathologically changed organs and tissues . The technique allows one to follow the time course of changes in the microflora and in the pathological process during the treatment and follow-up of a patient . An attempt was made to establish a rapid diagnosis of intestinal dysbacteriosis and to evaluate its severity . A real-time feed-back unit was developed for the diagnosis of anaerobic infection . An anaerobic microflora model in dental caries was used to work out criteria for the informative value of the proposed technique and it was clinically tested.

Trends Plant Sci, 2000 Mar, 5(3), 128 - 33
The role of root border cells in plant defense; Hawes MC et al.; The survival of a plant depends upon the capacity of root tips to sense and move towards water and other nutrients in the soil . Perhaps because of the root tip's vital role in plant health, it is ensheathed by large populations of detached somatic cells - root 'border' cells - which have the ability to engineer the chemical and physical properties of the external environment . Of particular significance, is the production by border cells of specific chemicals that can dramatically alter the behavior of populations of soilborne microflora . Molecular approaches are being used to identify and manipulate the expression of plant genes that control the production and the specialized properties of border cells in transgenic plants . Such plants can be used to test the hypothesis that these unusual cells act as a phalanx of biological 'goalies', which neutralize dangers to newly generated root tissue as the root tip makes its way through soil.

J Nutr, 2000 Mar, 130(3), 522 - 7
Colonic cell proliferation and aberrant crypt foci formation are inhibited by dairy glycosphingolipids in 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine-treated CF1 mice; Schmelz EM et al.; Dietary sphingomyelin (SM) inhibits early stages of colon cancer (appearance of aberrant crypt foci, ACF) and decreases the proportion of adenocarcinomas vs . adenomas in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-treated CF1 mice . To elucidate the structural specificity of this inhibition, the effects of the other major sphingolipids in milk (glycosphingolipids) were determined . Glucosylceramide (GluCer), lactosylceramide (LacCer) and ganglioside G(D3) were fed individually to DMH-treated (six doses of 30 mg/kg body weight) female CF1 mice at 0.025 or 0.1 g/100 g of the diet for 4 wk . All reduced the number of ACF by > 40% (P < 0.001), which is comparable to the reduction by SM in earlier studies . Immunohistochemical analysis of the colons revealed that sphingolipid feeding also reduced proliferation, with the most profound effect (up to 80%; P < 0.001) in the upper half of the crypts . Since the bioactive backbones of the glycosphingolipids (i.e., ceramide and other metabolites) are the likely mediators of these effects, the susceptibility of these complex sphingolipids to digestion in the colon was examined by incubating 500 microgram of each sphingolipid with colonic segments from mice and analysis of substrate disappearance and product formation by tandem mass spectrometry . All of the sphingolipids (including SM) disappeared over time with a substantial portion appearing as ceramide . Partially hydrolyzed intermediates (such as GluCer from LacCer or G(D3)) were not detected, which suggests that the cleavage involves colonic (or microflora) endoglycosidases . In summary, consumption of dairy SM and glycosphingolipids suppresses colonic cell proliferation and ACF formation in DMH-treated mice; hence, many categories of sphingolipids affect these key events in colon carcinogenesis.

Stomatologiia (Mosk), 2000, 79(1), 55 - 7
{The dynamics of the colonization by the microbial flora of the mouth of the different materials used for dental prosthetics}; Tsarev VN et al.; Colonization of materials used for making dentures with oral microflora was studied in 12 patients with chronic generalized medium severe periodontitis during remission . Time course of dentures colonization with representatives of oral microflora (S . sanguis, Peptostreptococcus sp., Prevotella oralis) and with bacteria pathogenic for the periodontium (Prevotella melaninogenica, A . naeslundii, Fusobacterium sp.) depends on the material from which the dentures are made . Minimal colonization of bacteria pathogenic for the periodontium was observed on cermet dentures.

Gastrointest Endosc Clin N Am, 2000 Apr, 10(2), 233 - 44
The microbial flora of the gastrointestinal tract and the cleaning of flexible endoscopes; Chu NS et al.; Technologic advances in the last 30 years have resulted in the development of complex, expensive, and heat sensitive medical instrumentation, including flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes . Because of the design complexity and the region of use, gastrointestinal endoscopes present special challenges to cleaning . If instruments are not properly cleaned the disinfection or sterilization procedure can fail and increase the possibility of infection transmission from one patient to another . Although the cleaning process removes intestinal microflora, the washing process itself may introduce a saprophytic or environmental microbial flora . It has been repeatedly shown that endoscope cleaning, not the disinfection or sterilization procedure, controls the success of the reprocessing procedure.

Mikrobiol Z, 1999 Sep-Oct, 61(5), 72 - 7
{The resistance of soil microorganisms to soil pollution by heavy metals}; Iutyns'ka HO et al.; Microbial communities of grey podzolized soil of Left-Bank Ukraine are characterized by high potential resistance to pollution with heavy metals: above 40% of organotrophic microorganisms are capable to resist to pollution with a mixture of heavy metals (Cu2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Zn2+) in a dose of 20 MPC of each metal . Relative amount of resistant microorganisms in polluted soil increases up to 93% . White zeolites and biohumus are promising for reclamation of soils polluted with heavy metals . They decrease toxic effect of heavy metals on soil microflora and promote development of microflora resistant to pollution.

Br J Nutr, 1999 Nov, 82(5), 419 - 26
Enhancement of butyrate production in the rat caecocolonic tract by long-term ingestion of resistant potato starch; Le Blay G et al.; Some data suggest that the colonic microflora may adapt to produce more butyrate if given time and the proper substrate . To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of prolonged feeding of resistant potato starch on butyrate production . Rats were fed on either a low-fibre diet (basal) or the same diet supplemented with 90 g resistant potato starch/kg (PoS) for 0.5, 2 and 6 months . Short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations were determined in caecal and colonic contents at the end of each ingestion period . Total SCFA concentration increased over time throughout the caecocolonic tract with PoS, but was not modified with the basal diet . While propionate concentration was unchanged, butyrate concentration was highly increased by PoS at each time period in both the caecum and colon . Moreover, the butyrogenic effect of PoS increased over time, and the amount of butyrate was increased 6-fold in the caecum and proximal colon and 3-fold in the distal colon after 6 months compared with 0.5 months . Accordingly, the ratio butyrate:- total SCFA increased over time throughout the caecocolonic tract (12.6 (SE 2.8) v . 28 (SE 1.8)% in the caecum, 10.5 (SE 1.4) v . 26.8 (SE 0.9)% in the proximal colon, and 7.3 (SE 2.4) v . 23.9 (SE 2.7)% in the distal colon at 0.5 v . 6 months respectively), while the proportion of acetate decreased . Neither the proportion nor the concentration of butyrate was modified over time with the basal diet . Butyrate production was thus promoted by long-term ingestion of PoS, from the caecum towards the distal colon, which suggests that a slow adaptive process occurs within the digestive tract in response to a chronic load of indigestible carbohydrates.

Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol, 2000 Feb, 278(2), G191 - 6
Nutrient tasting and signaling mechanisms in the gut V . Mechanisms of immunologic sensation of intestinal contents; Shanahan F; Immune perception of intestinal contents reflects a functional dualism with systemic hyporesponsiveness to dietary antigens and resident microflora (oral tolerance) and active immune responses to mucosal pathogens . This facilitates optimal absorption of dietary nutrients while conserving immunologic resources for episodic pathogenic challenge . Discrimination between dangerous and harmless antigens within the enteric lumen requires continual sampling of the microenvironment by multiple potential pathways, innate and adaptive recognition mechanisms, bidirectional lymphoepithelial signaling, and rigorous control of effector responses . Errors in these processes disrupt mucosal homeostasis and are associated with food hypersensitivity and mucosal inflammation . Mechanisms of mucosal immune perception and handling of dietary proteins and other antigens have several practical and theoretical implications including vaccine design, therapy of systemic autoimmunity, and alteration of enteric flora with probiotics.

Am J Physiol Cell Physiol, 2000 Feb, 278(2), C270 - 6
Riboflavin uptake by human-derived colonic epithelial NCM460 cells; Said HM et al.; Normal microflora of the large intestine synthesize a number of water-soluble vitamins including riboflavin (RF) . Recent studies have shown that colonic epithelial cells possess an efficient carrier-mediated mechanism for absorbing some of these micronutrients . The aim of the present study was to determine whether colonic cells also possess a carrier-mediated mechanism for RF uptake and, if so, to characterize this mechanism and study its cellular regulation . Confluent monolayers of the human-derived nontransformed colonic epithelial cells NCM460 and {(3)H}RF were used in the study . Uptake of RF was found to be 1) appreciable and temperature and energy dependent; 2) Na(+) independent; 3) saturable as a function of concentration with an apparent K(m) of 0.14 microM and V(max) of 3.29 pmol x mg protein(-1) x 3 min(-1); 4) inhibited by the structural analogs lumiflavin and lumichrome (K(i) of 1.8 and 14.1 microM, respectively) but not by the unrelated biotin; 5) inhibited in a competitive manner by the membrane transport inhibitor amiloride (K(i) = 0.86 mM) but not by furosemide, DIDS, or probenecid; 6) adaptively regulated by extracellular RF levels with a significant and specific upregulation and downregulation in RF uptake in RF-deficient and oversupplemented conditions, respectively; and 7) modulated by an intracellular Ca(2+)/calmodulin-mediated pathway . These studies demonstrate for the first time the existence of a specialized carrier-mediated mechanism for RF uptake in an in vitro cellular model system of human colonocytes . This mechanism appears to be regulated by extracellular substrate level and by an intracellular Ca(2+)/calmodulin-mediated pathway . It is suggested that the identified transport system may be involved in the absorption of bacterially synthesized RF in the large intestine and that this source of RF may contribute toward RF homeostasis, especially that of colonocytes.

Mikrobiol Z, 1999 Sep-Oct, 61(5), 85 - 96
{The interrelation of microbial ecosystems and human immunity}; Fedorovskaia EA et al.; An analytical survey of literature on the problem of the study of interrelations between the immune status of the organism and microbial ecology of a man is presented . The criteria which characterize normal flora of human organism varying in the process of evolutionary adaptation, interaction with microorganism and response of the immune system, its participation in formation of protective functions of the organism are considered . It is shown that the proceeding character and the finite result of different infectious processes depend on the state of the organism immune system . A possibility of correction of certain immunological indices with the help of representatives of normal microflora has been considered . A conclusion has been made on the necessity to solve the problem of infectious diseases and complications in a complex of microbiological and immunological investigations.

Quintessence Int, 1999 May, 30(5), 357 - 69
Modeling of the oral malodor system and methods of analysis; Kleinberg I et al.; Bacterial putrefaction is the central metabolic process involved in oral malodor and can easily be modeled in the salivary sediment system developed from centrifuged whole saliva . Methods used in this system for examining malodor have included measurement of (1) head space (gaseous-phase) and liquid-phase odors, organoleptically; (2) volatile sulfur compounds, by means of an electrochemical sensory instrument; (3) pH, Po2, and oxidation-reduction potential with appropriate respective electrodes; (4) the malodorous compounds indole and skatole, colorimetrically; (5) substrate levels and their effects; and (6) bacterial numbers and types . The simplicity of the system permits other analyses to be easily added, if needed, and the influence of factors and agents that affect oral malodor to be assessed . Addition of odorigenic or non-odorigenic pure cultures to the mixed bacterial flora of the system enables modification of the microflora composition and high- and low-odor-production microflora to be simulated and compared . Modeling validity has been enhanced by the use of complementary in vivo methods, such as a method used to measure the ability or potential of an oral microbial flora to produce malodor . The method involves in vivo challenge testing with cysteine, an amino acid, and measuring the hydrogen sulfide produced . Oral malodor is a multifactorial condition and models enable its systematic study and the quantitative testing of antimalodor agents.

J Hosp Infect, 2000 Jan, 44(1), 59 - 64
Interferential therapy machines as possible vehicles for cross-infection; Lambert I et al.; Interferential therapy machines are used to apply alternating electric currents to patients for the treatment of various musculo-skeletal complaints . The potential for such machines to transfer skin microflora from one patient to another during treatment was investigated . The efficacy of the current disinfection procedure of the machines was also evaluated . In both the laboratory and clinical situation, interferential treatment, (which involves the direct application of electrodes to the skin surface) resulted in the transfer of micro-organisms from the skin of one subject to another . To decrease the likelihood of transmission of micro-organisms via interferential therapy machines, it is recommended that both the suction cups and sponges are disinfected with 70% isopropyl alcohol after the treatment of each patient . The use of disposable electrodes could also be considered .

Crit Rev Oral Biol Med, 1999, 10(4), 487 - 503
Glucose and lactate metabolism by Actinomyces naeslundii; Takahashi N et al.; Actinomyces are among the predominant bacteria in the oral microflora . This review discusses the glucose and lactate metabolism of Actinomyces naeslundii and its ecological significance in dental plaque . This bacterium has the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas (EMP) pathway as the main route to degrade glucose . The EMP pathway-derived metabolic intermediates, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) and pyruvate, are further converted into different end-products, depending on the environment . Under anaerobic conditions in the absence of bicarbonate, the pyruvate is converted into lactate by a lactate dehydrogenase . In the presence of bicarbonate, the PEP is combined with bicarbonate and then converted into succinate through the succinate pathway, while the pyruvate is converted into formate and acetate through the pyruvate formate-lyase pathway . Under aerobic conditions, the pyruvate liberates acetate and CO2 through a pathway initiated by a pyruvate dehydrogenase . A . naeslundii strains also degrade lactate, aerobically, to acetate and CO2 through the conversion of lactate into pyruvate by a NAD-independent lactate dehydrogenase . These strains also synthesize glycogen from a glycolytic intermediate, glucose 6-phosphate . Besides atmospheric conditions and bicarbonate, the intracellular reduction-oxidation potential, carbohydrate concentration, and environmental pH also modulate the metabolism of A . naeslundii . Some of the phosphorylating enzymes involved in A . naeslundii metabolism--e.g., GTP/polyphosphate (PPn)-dependent glucokinase, pyrophosphate (PPi)-dependent phosphofructokinase, UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, and GDP/IDP-dependent PEP carboxykinase--are unique to A . naeslundii and have not been found in other oral bacteria . The utilization of PPn and PPi as phosphoryl donors, together with glycogen synthesis and lactate utilization, could contribute to the efficient energy metabolism found in A . naeslundii . Through this flexible and efficient metabolic capacity, A . naeslundii can adapt to fluctuating environments and compete with other bacteria in dental plaque . Further, this bacterium may modify the dental plaque environment and promote the microbial population shifts in dental plaque.

FEMS Microbiol Lett, 2000 Jan 15, 182(2), 367 - 73
Impact of electrical cable insulating oil on the mineralisation of {1-(14)C}glucose in soil; Reid BJ et al.; Subsurface high voltage electric cables are commonly insulated using dodecylbenzene in combination with mineral oil . This work assessed the impact of increasing concentrations of cable insulating oil (0-10% dry weight) on soil microbial respiration as determined by mineralisation of {1-(14)C}glucose (11 microg C g(-1) soil) . Acute impact was assessed from 0 days to 21 days, and chronic impact was assessed after 300 days . This study found that cable insulating oil increased respiratory activity of soil microflora . The extent of impact was found to depend on both oil concentration and the length of oil-soil contact time . Following acute exposure (21-days oil-soil contact time), it was found that oil concentrations up to 1% promoted a significant (P<0.05) increase in the extent of {1-(14)C}glucose mineralisation to (14)CO(2) relative to the control . In contrast, higher concentrations of cable insulating oil (5% and 10%) promoted no significant (P0.05) increase in the extent of {1-(14)C}glucose mineralisation to (14)CO(2) relative to the control . Following chronic exposure (300-days oil-soil contact time), the extent of mineralisation was greater at all oil concentrations applied relative to the control . For oil concentrations up to and including 1%, there was a decrease in the extent of elevation in mineralisation relative to the values after 21-days exposure . At higher oil concentrations, namely 5% and 10%, the extent of elevation in mineralisation was comparable with that after 21-days oil-soil contact time . We suggest that the increase in mineralisation of glucose indicates that cable insulating oil is a readily available carbon source to the carbon-limited soil microflora.

Lancet, 1999 Dec 18-25, 354(9196), 2112 - 5
Risk of acute coronary events according to serum concentrations of enterolactone: a prospective population-based case-control study; Vanharanta M et al.; BACKGROUND: The lignan enterolactone, produced by the intestinal microflora from dietary precursors, has been implicated in protection against cancer . We investigated the association of serum enterolactone concentration with the risk of acute coronary events in a prospective nested case-control study in middle-aged men from eastern Finland . METHODS: Enterolactone was measured by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay in serum from 167 men who had an average 7.7 years of follow-up to an acute coronary event and from 167 control men . Both cases and controls were from a cohort of 2005 men who had no clinical coronary heart disease (CHD) at baseline . The controls were matched for age, examination year, and residence . Acute coronary events were registered prospectively . FINDINGS: The mean baseline serum enterolactone concentration was lower among the cases than the controls (18.2 {SD 21.1} vs 23.5 {18.2} nmol/L, p=0.001) . The men in the highest quarter of the enterolactone distribution (>30.1 nmol/L) had a 58.8% (95% CI 24.1-77.6, p=0.005) lower risk of acute coronary events than men in the lowest quarter . After adjustment for the nine most strongly predictive risk factors, men in the highest enterolactone quarter had a 65.3% (11.9-86.3, p=0.03) lower risk than men in the lowest quarter . INTERPRETATION: Healthy men with high serum concentrations of enterolactone had a lower risk of acute coronary events than men with lower concentrations . These findings support the hypothesis that plant-dominated fibre-rich food lowers the risk of CHD.

J Trauma, 1999 Dec, 47(6), 1045 - 50; discussion 1050-1
Synergistic effects of Candida and Escherichia coli on gut barrier function; Diebel LN et al.; BACKGROUND: Disruption of the indigenous gut microflora with overgrowth of gram-negative bacteria and Candida species is common in the critically ill patient . These organisms readily translocate in vitro, which may cause septic complications and organ failure . A synergistic effect between Escherichia coli and C . albicans in polymicrobial infections has been demonstrated . An interaction between these organisms at the mucosal barrier is unknown . METHODS: Ca(CO2) monolayers were grown to confluence in a two compartment culture system . E . coli and C . albicans or E . coli alone were added to the apical chambers . Secretory immunoglobulin A was added to half of the apical chambers as well . Cell cultures were incubated for a total of 240 minutes . Basal media were sampled at timed intervals for quantitative culture . Monolayer integrity was confirmed by serial measurement of transepithelial electrical resistance . RESULTS: Secretory immunoglobulin A decreased bacterial translocation across Ca(CO2) monolayers challenged with E . coli alone . Transepithelial passage of E . coli was significantly increased by coculture of bacteria with C . albicans . Augmentation of bacterial translocation by Candida occurred even in the presence of secretory immunoglobulin A . CONCLUSIONS: Candida colonization of the GI tract may impair mucosal barrier defense against gram-negative bacteria . The clinical role of gut antifungal prophylaxis in protecting against gut derived gram-negative sepsis is speculative.

Clin Exp Allergy, 2000 Jan, 30(1), 122 - 31
Positive atopy patch test reactions to Pityrosporum orbiculare in atopic dermatitis patients; Tengvall Linder M et al.; BACKGROUND: Pityrosporum orbiculare, although a part of our normal cutaneous microflora, can cause skin infections and induce specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E antibodies in atopic dermatitis patients . P . orbiculare is therefore considered to be one of the trigger factors for atopic dermatitis . OBJECTIVE: To investigate if P . orbiculare can induce an eczematous reaction in atopic dermatitis patients, seborrhoeic dermatitis patients and healthy controls . METHODS: Fifteen atopic dermatitis patients, eight seborrhoeic dermatitis patients and eight healthy controls were patch tested with extract of P . orbiculare on non-lesional, tape-stripped skin of the back . NaCl was used as a negative control . The patch tests were evaluated after 24, 48 and 72 h . Skin biopsies were taken from P . orbiculare patch test sites at 24 h and 72 h, from NaCl patch test sites at 72 h, from non-lesional skin and, in the atopic dermatitis patients, also from lesional skin . The skin biopsies were investigated with immunohistochemical techniques . P . orbiculare-specific IgE in serum was analysed with RAST . RESULTS: Specific IgE to P . orbiculare was found in serum from 13/15 atopic dermatitis patients and in eight of them a positive patch test reaction to P . orbiculare was observed, with a maximal reaction at 48 h . Significantly higher serum levels of P . orbiculare-specific IgE were detected in patch test-positive compared with patch test-negative atopic dermatitis patients (P < 0 . 01) . The seborrhoeic dermatitis patients and healthy controls were RAST and patch test-negative for P . orbiculare . In the patch test-positive atopic dermatitis patients an infiltration of CD4+ T cells and eosinophils was observed at the P . orbiculare patch test sites together with an upregulation of ICAM-1 and HLA-DR expression . CONCLUSIONS: P . orbiculare can induce an eczematous reaction in sensitized atopic dermatitis patients and may be an important trigger factor in these patients . The P . orbiculare patch test can be of diagnostic value in this subgroup of atopic dermatitis patients.

Proc Nutr Soc, 1999 Aug, 58(3), 729 - 32
Environment and infant immunity; Bjorksten B; Pregnancy is associated with a skewing towards T-helper (Th)2-like cell populations . During the first years of life, the neonatal immune responses towards allergens deviate towards a balanced Th1 and Th2-like immunity . The difference between atopic and nonatopic individuals may be how readily the immune deviation takes place . The high prevalence of allergies in industrialized countries is in contrast with the low prevalence of allergies in Eastern Europe, with a life style similar to that prevailing in Western Europe 40 years ago . The discussion on the impact of environmental changes on the incidence of asthma and other allergies has been limited mostly to the possible effects of a deteriorating air quality, poorly ventilated houses and an increased exposure to certain allergens, notably house dust mites . None of these factors can more than marginally explain the observed regional differences in the prevalence of allergic diseases . The concept of 'life style' should therefore be expanded considerably . The mother is a significant 'environmental factor' in early infancy . Human milk contains components that enhance the maturation of the immune system of the newborn infant . However, there are considerable individual variations in the composition of human milk . Recent studies indicate an imbalance in the gut flora of allergic, compared with non allergic infants, and in Swedish children compared with Estonian children . As the microbial flora drives the maturation of the immune system, changes in its composition may play a role for the higher prevalence of allergy . The future search for significant environmental factors should be directed towards other areas that have not yet been explored . The intestinal microflora is one of these factors that deserve a closer analysis.

J Theor Biol, 1999 Dec 7, 201(3), 159 - 70
A prototype model structure for mixed microbial populations in homogeneous food products; Dens EJ et al.; An important factor which has not been included in many models in the field of predictive microbiology is the influence of a background of microflora in a food product . It is however generally known that the growth of a microorganism as a pure culture can be substantially different from its growth in a mixed culture, due to microbial interactions . Because of the importance of these interactions and the lack of suitable modeling techniques in the field of predictive microbiology to describe them, the potential of models in other research fields-namely ecology-to deal with interactions is explored in previous work of the authors . However, a model structure for microbial growth in food products cannot simply be copied from those elaborated in ecology . The structure of a predictive growth model is indeed typical, primarily due to the explicit modeling of a lag phase . The current paper proposes a prototype model structure for growth of mixed microbial populations in homogeneous food products . The model is able to describe a lag phase and reduces to a classical predictive growth model in the special case of single-species growth .

Int J Food Microbiol, 1999 Dec 1, 53(1), 21 - 31
Use of time-temperature integrators and predictive modelling for shelf life control of chilled fish under dynamic storage conditions; Taoukis PS et al.; A systematic approach for fish shelf life modelling and Time Temperature Integrator (TTI) selection in order to plan and apply an effective quality monitoring scheme for the fish chill chain was developed . The temperature behaviour of the natural microflora of the Mediterranean fish boque (Boops boops) was studied and growth of the specific spoilage bacteria Pseudomonas spp . and Shewanella putrefaciens was modelled and correlated to organoleptic shelf life . Arrhenius and square root functions were used to model temperature dependence of maximum growth rates . Bacterial growth and shelf life models were validated under dynamic storage conditions with independent variable temperature experiments . The response of several TTIs from similar storage experiments was also modelled . The reliability of the TTI monitoring was cumulatively expressed by the error in the TTI derived effective temperature (Teff) for different variable temperature distributions . Teff was directly translated to shelf life of the fish.

Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 1999 Oct, 30(2 Pt 2), S87 - 93
Precision of estimates of an ADI (or TDI or PTWI); Speijers GJ; Factors influencing the precision of an acceptable daily intake (ADI) are discussed in this paper . As the same principles apply to tolerable daily intake (TDI) or provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI), although not specifically mentioned, this paper also refers to TDI and PTWI . The allocation of an ADI is in principle based on the most critical (many times the lowest) no-observed (adverse)-effect level {NO(A)EL} established in toxicological studies in experimental animals or in humans by applying a uncertainty factor for extrapolation from animals or humans to the general human population (and for the extrapolation from high to low intake levels) . As the ADI predicts a virtual safe intake level for a life span exposure, to establish a NO(A)EL in general the toxicological database should include long-term studies, otherwise only a provisional ADI will be allocated for which a higher uncertainty factor is applied . The validity of an ADI greatly depends on the precision of the toxicological studies considered for the safety of a food additive or contaminant . The precision of the ADI is also inversely related to the uncertainty factors applied, although these uncertainty factors are not totally independent of the completeness and precision of the toxicological data from which a NO(A)EL is derived . This paper focuses on the precision of the toxicological data and the established NO(A)EL . Human data on the toxicity of a chemical which are preferred for the safety evaluation or hazard assessment are frequently not available or incomplete with respect to a quantitative dose-response assessment . Epidemiological studies will have inherent difficulties for hazard assessment such as possible confounders, restricted number of toxicological end points which can be studied, and limited quantitative data on oral exposure levels . Case report studies include the same limitations but in addition the exposure data are usually very imprecise due to reconstruction of the possible dose level(s) . Case reports of intoxication are mainly restricted to acute and at best subacute effects . Controlled human exposure studies (human volunteer studies) are restricted in their experimental design such as the level of the dose and the toxicological end points due to medical ethical reasons . Therefore, quite rarely a safety evaluation of a food chemical will be solely based on human data . In the practice of hazard assessment of chemicals in foods the experimental animal studies will be totally or partly the basis for establishing an ADI . In these toxicological studies in animals there are many experimental variables which can affect the precision of an ADI, such as (1) duration of the experiment, dose ranges, identity, and purity of the substance; (2) the parameters and toxicological end points studied; (3) the species and strain used; (4) the gut microflora of the test animals; (5) dietary composition; (6) statistics performed; and (7) knowledge about the kinetic behavior and metabolism (e.g., elimination half-life and bioavailability of the chemical and its main metabolites) of the chemical considered . How these factors can influence the precision of a NO(A)EL, respectively the ADI, is illustrated by several examples . In relation to the question of incidental excursions of an ADI, it can be concluded that due to the variation in precision of experiments slight incidental excursions would not lead to an increased risk . However, to answer in general the question of how often and/or how much the total intake of a chemical in food may exceed the ADI is not possible . This should be considered case by case . To answer such a question, the precision for those studies representative for incidental excursions should be considered . Other factors which should be considered are (1) type of effect on which the ADI was based, (2) mechanism of toxicity, (3) toxicokinetics and metabolism, and (4) difference in NO(A)ELs from short-term toxicity studies with the NO(A)EL on

J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1999 Dec, 104(6), 1119 - 27
The intrauterine and postnatal environments; Bjorksten B; Pregnancy is associated with a strong skewing toward T(H)2 cytokine pattern, which enables the survival of the fetus, including fetal allergen-specific immune responses . The postnatal maturation of the immune system which is characterized by the development of a balanced T(H)1/T(H)2 immunity is genetically determined and modified by the environment . The process seems to proceed at a slower rate in atopic than in nonatopic infants . There is a close immunologic interaction between the mother and her offspring through the breast milk . Individual variations in the composition of human milk may explain the controversy with regard to the possible allergy-preventive effects of breast-feeding . Recurrent respiratory infections have been suggested to enhance immune deviation . The microbial flora are a more likely source, however, because they are a major driving force in the maturation of the immune system . Changes in its composition, as a consequence of an altered lifestyle and diet, may play a role in the higher prevalence of allergy . So far, primary prevention of allergy has failed . Future studies should therefore focus on factors enhancing immune deviation (ie, "success" factors) rather than on "risk" factors . The intestinal microflora is one of these factors that deserves closer analysis.

Cancer Res, 1999 Nov 15, 59(22), 5768 - 72
Ceramide-beta-D-glucuronide: synthesis, digestion, and suppression of early markers of colon carcinogenesis; Schmelz EM et al.; Dietary sphingolipids inhibit chemically induced colon cancer in mice . The most likely mediators of this effect are the metabolites ceramide (Cer) and sphingosine, which induce growth arrest and apoptosis in transformed cells . Sphingolipids are digested in both the upper and the lower intestine; therefore, a more colon-specific method of delivery of sphingolipids might be useful . A Cer analogue with a D-glucuronic acid attached at the primary hydroxyl of N-palmitoyl-D-sphingosine (Cer-beta-glucuronide) was synthesized and evaluated as a substrate for Escherichia coli beta-glucuronidase and colonic digestion, as well as for suppression of early events in colon carcinogenesis in CFI mice treated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine . Purified beta-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31) and colonic segments (as a source of colonic enzymes and microflora) hydrolyzed Cer-beta-glucuronide to release Cer, as analyzed by tandem mass spectrometry . More than 75% of the Cer-beta-glucuronide was cleaved in an 8-h incubation with the colonic segments . When Cer-beta-glucuronide was administered for 4 weeks as 0.025% and 0.1% of the diet (AIN 76A) to 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-treated mice, there were significant reductions in colonic cell proliferation, as determined by in vivo BrdUrd incorporation, and in the appearance of aberrant crypt foci . The effect of dietary Cer-beta-glucuronide on aberrant crypt foci correlated significantly with the length of the colon, which suggests that Cer-beta-glucuronide was most effective when there was a larger compartment for digestion . Thus, synthetic sphingolipids that target the colon for the release of the bioactive backbones offer a promising approach to colon cancer prevention.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1999 Dec, 65(12), 5409 - 20
Quantification of bias related to the extraction of DNA directly from soils; Frostegard A et al.; In recent years, several protocols based on the extraction of nucleic acids directly from the soil matrix after lysis treatment have been developed for the detection of microorganisms in soil . Extraction efficiency has often been evaluated based on the recovery of a specific gene sequence from an organism inoculated into the soil . The aim of the present investigation was to improve the extraction, purification, and quantification of DNA derived from as large a portion of the soil microbial community as possible, with special emphasis placed on obtaining DNA from gram-positive bacteria, which form structures that are difficult to disrupt . Furthermore, we wanted to identify and minimize the biases related to each step in the procedure . Six soils, covering a range of pHs, clay contents, and organic matter contents, were studied . Lysis was carried out by soil grinding, sonication, thermal shocks, and chemical treatments . DNA was extracted from the indigenous microflora as well as from inoculated bacterial cells, spores, and hyphae, and the quality and quantity of the DNA were determined by gel electrophoresis and dot blot hybridization . Lysis efficiency was also estimated by microscopy and viable cell counts . Grinding increased the extracellular DNA yield compared with the yield obtained without any lysis treatment, but none of the subsequent treatments clearly increased the DNA yield . Phage lambda DNA was inoculated into the soils to mimic the fate of extracellular DNA . No more than 6% of this DNA could be recovered from the different soils . The clay content strongly influenced the recovery of DNA . The adsorption of DNA to clay particles decreased when the soil was pretreated with RNA in order to saturate the adsorption sites . We also investigated different purification techniques and optimized the PCR methods in order to develop a protocol based on hybridization of the PCR products and quantification by phosphorimaging.

J Appl Microbiol, 1999 Oct, 87(4), 491 - 9
Validating predictive models of food spoilage organisms; Pin C et al.; The accuracy and bias of a predictive model for the maximum specific growth rate of Pseudomonas spp . were studied by means of percentage discrepancy and bias indicators . These were calculated for observations obtained both in laboratory media and in food . When independent pseudomonad data generated in broth were compared with model predictions, the error was smaller than in the case of food . The extent to which the food structure and composition of the microflora contribute to the overall error of the model was quantified.

Inflamm Bowel Dis, 1999 Nov, 5(4), 262 - 70
Interleukin-10 gene-deficient mice develop a primary intestinal permeability defect in response to enteric microflora; Madsen KL et al.; The normal intestinal epithelium provides a barrier relatively impermeable to luminal constituents . However, patients with inflammatory bowel disease experience enhanced intestinal permeability that correlates with the degree of injury . IL-10 gene-deficient mice were studied to determine whether increased intestinal permeability occurs as a primary defect before the onset of mucosal inflammation or is secondary to mucosal injury . At 2 weeks of age, IL-10 gene-deficient mice show an increase in ileal and colonic permeability in the absence of any histological injury . This primary permeability defect is associated with increased mucosal secretion of interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and does not involve an increase in nitric oxide synthase activity . Colonic permeability remains elevated as inflammation progresses, while ileal permeability normalizes by 6 weeks of age . IL-10 gene-deficient mice raised under germ-free conditions have no inflammation, and demonstrate normal permeability and cytokine levels . This data suggests that the intestinal permeability defect in IL-10 gene-deficient mice occurs due to a dysregulated immune response to normal enteric microflora and, furthermore, this permeability defect exists prior to the development of mucosal inflammation.

Infect Dis Clin North Am, 1999 Dec, 13(4), 833 - 50, vi
Oral microflora as a cause of endocarditis and other distant site infections; Lockhart PB et al.; Bacteremia originating from the oral cavity is common, but the role of bacteremia in the genesis of infective endocarditis and other distant site infections is unclear . Only a small percentage of oral flora have been associated with distant site infection . Important issues remain unresolved concerning the identification of patients at risk, the relative risk from invasive dental procedures versus naturally occurring bacteremia, and the impact of prophylactic antibiotics on the incidence, nature, magnitude, and duration of bacteremia from the oral cavity . This article addresses the controversies in infection management in patients at risk for distant site infection.

Nippon Rinsho, 1999 Nov, 57(11), 2508 - 15
{DDS preparations of drugs for inflammatory bowel disease}; Takada K; To increase the therapeutic efficiency of the drugs used for inflammatory bowel disease(IBD), DDS technology is useful . Drugs used for IBD are glucocorticosteroids and 5-aminosalicylic acid(5-ASA) and its derivatives . DDS preparations of these drugs are classified according to their delivery mechanisms, i.e., chemical DDS, sustained release DDS and colon delivery system . Recent development of DDS technology has enabled the colon delivery of these drugs . They are 1)pH sensitive device, 2) time-controlled device, 3)polymer coating device that is degradable by intestinal microflora and 4)pressure-controlled device . Several DDS preparations of prednisolone and 5-ASA and their pharmacokinetic characteristics are described precisely.

Lakartidningen, 1999 Oct 6, 96(40), 4306 - 12
{Why is the prevalence of allergy increasing? Changed microbial load is probably the cause}; Strannegard O et al.; The prevalence of allergic disease is increasing dramatically in industrialised countries . Environmental factors that are putative causes of this increase are to be sought among those that induce a shift in T-helper cell (Th1/Th2) balance toward Th2 immunity dominance, and whose natural occurrence is consistent with epidemiological evidence of regional differences in allergy prevalence . Of such factors, changes in the panorama of bacterial and viral infections, altered intestinal microflora, and changes in dietary habits (particularly increased consumption of omega-6 fatty acids) seem to be the most likely causes of the increased prevalence of allergic diseases . There are also other factors, however, such as diesel exhaust particles, tobacco smoke and environmental toxins, which may partly fulfil the immunological and epidemiological criteria . As several of these putative environmental factors exert powerful effects in vitro, the increase in allergy prevalence is hardly surprising.

Gastroenterology, 1999 Nov, 117(5), 1089 - 97
The intestinal mucus layer from patients with inflammatory bowel disease harbors high numbers of bacteria compared with controls; Schultsz C et al.; BACKGROUND & AIMS: Whether the bacterial flora contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by increased penetration in mucus, increased adherence to epithelial cells, or invasion of the epithelium is unknown . We therefore studied the spatial distribution of bacteria in the mucosa of rectal biopsy specimens from patients with IBD and from controls . METHODS: Rectal biopsy specimens from 19 patients with IBD and from 14 controls were studied by using nonradioactive ribosomal RNA in situ hybridization . Total mucosal surface length examined for each patient was measured, and the number of bacteria visualized was estimated semiquantitatively . RESULTS: No bacteria were observed in biopsy specimens from 10 controls (71%) and 6 IBD patients (32%) (P = 0.04; odds ratio, 5.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-23.9) . IBD rectal specimens contained significantly more bacteria than control samples (P = 0.004) . Bacteria were localized within the mucus layer but did not adhere to the epithelial cells and were not present within the lamina propria . There was no correlation between the numbers of bacteria present and either the degree of inflammation or the use of anti-inflammatory agents or sulfasalazine compounds . CONCLUSIONS: The intestinal mucus in IBD patients is less protective against the endogenous microflora than in controls, resulting in increased association of luminal bacteria with the mucus layer.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1999 Jul-Nov, 76(1-4), 265 - 78
Analysis of the intestinal microflora: a renaissance; Tannock GW; The ability of microbial ecologists to analyse the composition of complex bacterial communities has been greatly enhanced by the application of molecular methodologies . The use of these techniques should enable an accurate record of the identity and population dynamics of the inhabitants of the intestinal tract to be obtained, and should promote an improved comprehension of the relationship between the microflora and the human host . This, in turn, will lead to a new concept of the intestinal microflora of humans.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1999 Jul-Nov, 76(1-4), 199 - 205
Intestinal microflora and the interaction with immunocompetent cells; Blum S et al.; The intestinal mucosal surface is colonised by the comensal microflora that attains very high numbers of bacterial cells in the distal intestine, more specifically in the colon . At the same time these extensive areas are the interface with the external environment, through which most pathogens initiate infectious processes in mammals . Intestinal mechanisms of defense need to discriminate accurately between comensal, symbiotic microflora, and exogenous pathogens . Today we do not fully understand the essence of the mechanism of discrimination but, probably, innate as well as adaptive immune responses participate in this process . We have explored, in in vitro models, the capacity of mucosal immunocompetent cells to discriminate amongst signals delivered by different types of bacteria . We have found at least two different patterns of innate response to gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, and within this last group big differences are observed between species . We have only worked with non-pathogenic bacteria in what may represent the modulation of the physiological host status . The understanding of these modulatory functions could render a unique possibility for the use of food-borne bacteria to prevent or correct intestinal problems associated with food allergy, inflammatory bowel disease, and autoimmunity.

Infect Immun, 1999 Nov, 67(11), 6161 - 3
Binding of pili from uropathogenic Escherichia coli to membranes secreted by human colonocytes and enterocytes; Goetz GS et al.; PapG adhesins mediate the binding of uropathogenic Escherichia coli . Although receptors for these adhesins have not been demonstrated in intestinal epithelia, the colonic microflora includes strains of uropathogenic E . coli . We now report that surfactant-like particles secreted by the human intestine contain receptors for PapG adhesins and may provide an intestinal habitat for uropathogenic bacteria.

Aviakosm Ekolog Med, 1999, 33(4), 28 - 35
{The syndrome of reduced colonization of periodontium tissues during long-term anti-orthostatic hypokinesia}; Volozhin AI et al.; Effects of antiorthostatic hypokinesia (AOH, -6 degrees) during 60 and 120 days on the parodontium in 10 human subjects aged 24-33 yr . have been studied . Clinical, functional, immunologic, and microbiological analyses were performed 30 days prior to, on days 7 and 30, and on day 7 since the experiment . The parodontium was assessed by relevant indices, immunoglobulines in the oral fluid, and bacteriological parameters determined with the anaerobic cultivation technique . AOH was found to reduce the colonisation resistance of the parodontium due to obviously, the immunologic inertia and consequent changes in the qualitative composition of microflora . It is concluded that the parodontium responds to extreme conditions by replacement of the commensal microflora by opportunistic and obligate parodontosis pathogens.

Scand J Gastroenterol, 1999 Sep, 34(9), 898 - 903
Low trehalase activity is associated with abdominal symptoms caused by edible mushrooms; Arola H et al.; BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether maldigestion of trehalose causes abdominal symptoms and which available diagnostic method best distinguishes intolerant from tolerant subjects . METHODS: A 25-g oral trehalose load test was performed in 64 subjects . The 19 experiencing clear symptoms constituted the trehalose-intolerant subjects . Changes from base-line levels of blood glucose, breath hydrogen, and methane and symptoms were recorded after the test . Trehalase activity was determined in serum and on a duodenal biopsy specimen obtained by endoscopy . RESULTS: Intolerant subjects were best differentiated from tolerant subjects by changes in breath gases (hydrogen and methane) and duodenal trehalase to sucrase ratio . The change in breath gases correlated inversely with duodenal trehalase activity, duodenal trehalase to sucrase ratio, and plasma trehalase activity . The correlation between serum and duodenal trehalase activities was on the order of 0.6 . Two subjects were found to have trehalase deficiency . CONCLUSIONS: It is obvious that trehalose maldigestion can cause symptoms similar to those of lactose maldigestion and intolerance . Three factors control the genesis of symptoms: 1) the activity of small-bowel trehalase: if it is low, trehalose is maldigested and more trehalose is passed into the colon; 2) the maldigested trehalose, which causes osmotic water flow into the colon, resulting in loose stools and diarrhea; and 3) most importantly, the microflora of the colon, from which symptoms will arise if there are bacteria capable of producing gases from maldigested trehalose . If colonic bacteria cannot produce gases, then distention of the abdomen and intestinal gas expulsion as eructations and flatus will not occur.

J Dent Res, 1999 Sep, 78(9), 1525 - 34
The predominant Actinomyces spp . isolated from infected dentin of active root caries lesions; Brailsford SR et al.; Actinomyces are Gram-positive pleomorphic rods (GPPR) which form a large proportion of the oral microflora of all mammals . They have been implicated in root caries, although their role in dental caries initiation and progression is not well-understood . Many studies have focused on Actinomyces naeslundii, but few reports have documented other members of the GPPR . Therefore, we investigated the GPPRs isolated from infected dentin of active root caries lesions (n = 9) to determine which species were the most frequently isolated . The GPPR were isolated under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions and identified by biochemical and physiological tests to the species level according to the new taxonomy . Of 654 GPPR isolates investigated, 607 were identified as belonging to the genus Actinomyces . Of these, 242 were identified as A . israelii, 225 as A . gerencseriae, 109 as A . naeslundii, 15 as A . odontolyticus, and 13 as A . georgiae . Individual strains of A . israelii (n = 56) and A . gerencseriae (n = 46) were also investigated at the DNA level by means of Repetitive Extragenic Palindromic polymerase chain-reactions (REP-PCR) for the study of clonal diversity . Although only a small number of isolates was investigated, REP-PCR showed that the genotypes of both A . gerencseriae and A . israelii populations were heterogeneous within individual root caries lesions . A . gerencseriae and A . israelii strains from the same lesions did not share the same REP-PCR patterns, showing the robustness of the identification scheme . A significantly greater proportion of A . gerencseriae was isolated from the aerobic plates (p < 0.05), while the proportion of A . israelii was significantly (p < 0.05) greater from anaerobic plates . The role of individual Actinomyces spp . in the root caries process remains unclear, since various populations of GPPRs were isolated from individual active root caries lesions.

Vestn Otorinolaringol, 1999, (5), 47 - 50
{Clinical and experimental rationale of policatan administration in upper respiratory tract inflammation}; Spasov AA et al.; Experimental and clinical trials of policatan in ENT inflammation have established that maximal antiinflammatory effect of the drug manifests in experimental serotonin, histamine and corragenin edema, less pronounced--in formaline-induced edema . The drug accelerated healing of infected burn ulcer in rabbit nose by 37% . This may be explained not only antiinflammatory effect of policatan, but also by stimulation of macrophage phagocytosis and bacteriostatic potential . Policatan proved effective in acute and chronic maxillary sinusitis, chronic frontal sinusitis and rhinitis, chronic hyperplastic maxilloethmoiditis . The drug reduced contamination with pathogenic and opportunistic microflora and reestablished saprophyte microflora.

Nippon Saikingaku Zasshi, 1999 Aug, 54(3), 659 - 65
{A comparison of sensitivity between direct plate culture, immunomagnetic separation and polymerase chain reaction for the isolation of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157}; Sata S et al.; Sensitivities of direct plate culture (DPC) method, immunomagnetic separation (IMS) method, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for successful detection Escherichia coli O157 in the food samples were compared . Three lots of minced beef and three lots of radish sprout, both of which were commercially retailed, were enriched with non-selective broth media at 36 degrees C for 6 h . After enrichment, the cultures of the minced beef and those of the radish sprout were found to have background microflora at ca.10(5)-10(7) CFU/ml and ca.10(8) CFU/ml, respectively . The cultures were then experimentally inoculated with E . coli O157 strains at various final concentrations ranging from ca.10 to 10(7) CFU/ml . The samples thus prepared were subjected to the above three methods to evaluate their detection limits . For the samples of minced beef, the detection limits of the DPC method was 10(2) CFU/ml whilst that of the IMS method was ca.10 CFU/ml . For the samples of radish sprout, the detection limits of the DPC method, the IMS method, and the PCR assay were ca.10(4) CFU/ml, ca.10(2) CFU/ml, and ca.10(6) CFU/ml, respectively . There results strongly suggest that the IMS method is most sensitive method for the detection of O157 from food samples among the methods currently available.

Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol, 1999 Jul, 123(3), 235 - 9
Variation of mucin distribution in the rat intestine, caecum and colon: effect of the bacterial flora; Meslin JC et al.; The influence of the intestinal microflora on mucin types was studied in the small intestine, caecum and colon of conventional (CV) rats as compared to germ-free (GF) rats . A colorimetric method was used on purified water-soluble mucin extracted from mucosal scrapings and contents . Variations occurred between the three anatomical sites both in the mucosas and intestinal contents of GF rats . In CV rats, the presence of the bacterial flora led to different effects depending on the intestinal site: in the small intestinal mucosa, neutral and sulphomucins values were higher whereas sialomucin was much lower . Conversely, sialomucin was higher in the caecal and colonic mucosas and contents whereas sulphated mucins were decreased significantly in caecal contents and caecal and colonic mucosas . These variations in the contents may reflect the bacterial mucolytic activity and the effect of bacterial metabolites on the mucosa.

Int J Food Microbiol, 1999 Sep 15, 50(1-2), 45 - 57
Selection and design of probiotics; Klaenhammer TR et al.; Over the past 5 years the probiotic field has exploded with a number of new cultures, each purported to elicit a variety of benefits . Lists of functional characteristics and benefits, in vivo, are now commonplace to any presentation on probiotics . Scientifically established health claims remain among the highest priorities to companies who seek to establish solid health benefits that will promote their particular probiotic . The scientific community faces a greater challenge and must objectively seek cause and effect relationships for many potential and currently investigated probiotic species and strain combinations . Rational selection and design of probiotics remains an important challenge and will require a platform of basic information about the physiology and genetics of candidate strains relevant to their intestinal roles, functional activities, and interactions with other resident microflora . In this context, genetic characterization of probiotic cultures is essential to unequivocally define their contributions to the intestinal microbiota and ultimately identify the genotypes that control any unique and beneficial properties . Strain selection and differentiation, based on the genetic complement and programming of a candidate probiotic, then becomes feasible . Looking ahead, it will be vital to the development of this exploding field to correlate important characteristics in probiotics with known genotypes and regulatory controls that are likely to affect functionality and beneficial outcomes, in vivo.

Mikrobiol Z, 1999 May-Jun, 61(3), 63 - 70
{Microbial cenoses of the nasopharynx}; Babich EM et al.; The review is devoted to nasopharyngeal microflora, its significance for macroorganisms, and to relations between main representatives of nasopharyngeal microbial associations.

Parasitol Today, 1999 Oct, 15(10), 409 - 13
Infochemicals in mosquito host selection: human skin microflora and Plasmodium parasites; Braks MA et al.; The interaction between the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae and its human host has traditionally been viewed within a bitrophic context, considering only the human and the mosquito . Recently, the influence of the Plasmodium parasite on the interaction has been recognized, because it affects the physiology and/or behaviour of humans and mosquitoes . However, studies on odour-mediated host-seeking behaviour of An . gambiae and other Diptera have provided evidence that a fourth group of organisms should be taken into consideration . Human skin microflora play a role in the production of odorous compounds that might function as kairomones for mosquitoes . Here, Marieta Braks, Rob Anderson and Bart Knols introduce the role of human microflora into the process of odour-mediated host selection and review the interaction in a multipartite context so as to identify research avenues that will enhance our limited knowledge of this aspect of malaria transmission.

FEBS Lett, 1999 Sep 17, 458(2), 224 - 30
The small intestine can both absorb and glucuronidate luminal flavonoids; Spencer JP et al.; We have studied the perfusion of the jejunum and ileum in an isolated rat intestine model with flavonoids and hydroxycinnamates and the influence of glycosylation on the subsequent metabolism . Flavone and flavonol glucosides and their corresponding aglycones are glucuronidated during transfer across the rat jejunum and ileum and this glucuronidation occurs without the need for gut microflora . Furthermore, this suggests the presence of glycosidases as well as UDP-glucuronyl transferase in the jejunum . In contrast, quercetin-3-glucoside and rutin are mainly absorbed unmetabolised . The results suggest that the more highly reducing phenolics are absorbed predominantly as glucuronides (96.5%+/-4.6) of the amount absorbed, whereas monophenolic hydroxycinnamates and monophenolic B-ring flavonoids are less predisposed to glucuronidation and higher levels of aglycone (88.1%+/-10.1) are detected on absorption through both the jejunum and ileum.

Ann Med, 1999 Aug, 31(4), 288 - 92
Healthy gut microflora and allergy: factors influencing development of the microbiota; Kirjavainen PV et al.; In humans, microbial colonization of the intestine begins just after birth . However, development of the normal flora is a gradual process, which is initially determined by factors such as composition of the maternal gut microflora, environment and possibly also by genetic aspects . A number of variables, such as the degree of hygiene, mode of delivery, use of antibiotics or other medication and a need for nursing in incubators, can all have a substantial effect on microbial colonization and development . Current knowledge on the significance and impact of such alterations on the health of the infant is poor . However, the essential role of the gut microflora in the development of the gut immune system indicates that a close relationship between allergic sensitization and the development of the intestinal microflora may occur in infancy . Intestinal micro-organisms could down-regulate the allergic inflammation by counterbalancing type 2 T-helper cell responses and by enhancing antigen exclusion through an immunoglobulin (Ig)A response . The efficacy of probiotics (microbial food additions) in the management of food allergy has been demonstrated, and these data suggest that also prebiotics, food components that target certain indigenous gut bacteria, can possibly be used for this purpose . In conclusion, the developmental pattern of the normal gut microbiota in allergic infants poses an important research avenue, as the role of the gut microflora in the mechanisms of allergy, and thereby the possible targets for efficient bacteriotherapy, are currently undetermined.

Eur Cytokine Netw, 1999 Sep, 10(3), 365 - 72
The intestinal microflora regulates cytokine production positively in spleen-derived macrophages but negatively in bone marrow-derived macrophages; Nicaise P et al.; Besides its role as a barrier against potential pathogens, intestinal flora is presumed to protect the host by priming the immunological defense mechanisms . In this respect, the influence of intestinal flora on macrophage precursors was examined, and its modulating effect was compared on LPS-induced cytokine production by macrophages derived from bone marrow and spleen precursors (BMDM and SDM respectively) . The regulation of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha and IL-12 production in macrophages from germ-free and from three groups of flora-associated mice, conventional, conventionalized and E . coli-mono-associated mice, was investigated . The whole flora inhibited IL-1, TNF-alpha and IL-12 secretion by BMDM, whereas it had a stimulatory effect on IL-12 secretion by SDM . Implantation of E . coli alone enhanced cytokine secretion by BMDM but had a more limited effect than whole flora on SDM, enhancing only TNF-alpha and IL-12 secretion . Study of expression of mRNA showed a correlation with protein secretion for IL-6 but not for TNF-alpha and IL-1 . IL-12 enhancement in BMDM seemed to be dependent on regulation of p35 mRNA expression while it was correlated to increased p40 mRNA expression in SDM . The results demonstrated that intestinal flora modulated bone marrow and spleen macrophage cytokine production in a differential manner and suggested a role for bacteria other than E . coli among the whole flora . The contrasting effects exerted by the intestinal flora on bone marrow and spleen precursors are an interesting observation in view of the different functions of these organs in immunity . The finding that intestinal flora enhanced IL-12 production in spleen is also potentially important since this cytokine is implicated in the determination of the relative levels of Th1 and Th2 responses and plays a pivotal role in host defense against intracellular microorganisms.

Mutat Res, 1999 Jul 21, 444(1), 175 - 80
Genotoxicity studies on the azo dye Direct Red 2 using the in vivo mouse bone marrow micronucleus test; Rajaguru P et al.; The clastogenicity of the azo dye Direct Red 2 (DR2) has been investigated using the murine bone marrow micronucleus assay . A potent dose-dependent response was observed following oral gavage of DR2 up to 4 mg/kg, after which significant toxicity to the erythroid compartment was observed . The route of administration had a significant effect on the frequency of micronucleus formation: intraperitoneal injection was approximately two-fold less clastogenic than the equivalent dose delivered orally (p<0.05) . The requirement for activation of DR2 by intestinal microflora was indicated by the fact that mice given acid-treated water prior to administration of DR2 showed a significant reduction (40%; p<0.001) in micronucleated polychromatic erythrocyte formation . The implications of these findings for the health and safety of occupationally exposed workers are discussed.

Lik Sprava, 1999 Apr-May, (3), 129 - 31
{Diagnostic problems in diphtheria infection}; Demikhovskaia EV; The problem of diagnosis of diphtherial infection has come to acquire especially significance at the present stage because here in Ukraine we have no legitimate standard procedure for identification of a case of diphtheria and because interpretation of results of bacteriological and serological studies in patients who might have diphtheria is often faulty . The diagnosis of atypical cases of mild localized diphtheria in the vaccinated subjects relies on the presence of chronic ENT-affections and a history of predisposition to sore throat . It is necessary that parallel culturing be done of smears obtained from the nasopharynx for diphtheria and pathogen microflora in order that no possibility of angina of other microbe etiology might be entertained . Isolation of nontoxicogenic strains C diphtheria in the absence of clinical signs of diphtheria should not prompt us to diagnose a patients as having this problem . Serologic investigation of the patients serum in the passive hemagglutination test for the presence of antitoxic antibodies can be recommended for use to verify the vaccination history in those having been taken ill rather than to aid in the differential diagnosis of diphtheria and bacteria-carrier states . Results of bacteriological and serological investigations do not give much ground for rejection or confirmation of the diagnosis made.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1999 Sep, 65(9), 3855 - 61
Transduction of enteric Escherichia coli isolates with a derivative of Shiga toxin 2-encoding bacteriophage phi3538 isolated from Escherichia coli O157:H7; Schmidt H et al.; We investigated the ability of a detoxified derivative of a Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2)-encoding bacteriophage to infect and lysogenize enteric Escherichia coli strains and to develop infectious progeny from such lysogenized strains . The stx(2) gene of the patient E . coli O157:H7 isolate 3538/95 was replaced by the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (cat) gene from plasmid pACYC184 . Phage phi3538(Deltastx(2)::cat) was isolated after induction of E . coli O157:H7 strain 3538/95 with mitomycin . A variety of strains of enteropathogenic E . coli (EPEC), enteroinvasive E . coli (EIEC), Stx-producing E . coli (STEC), enterotoxigenic E . coli (ETEC), enteroaggregative E . coli (EAEC), and E . coli from the physiological stool microflora were infected with phi3538(Deltastx(2)::cat), and plaque formation and lysogenic conversion of wild-type E . coli strains were investigated . With the exception of one EIEC strain, none of the E . coli strains supported the formation of plaques when used as indicators for phi3538(Deltastx(2)::cat) . However, 2 of 11 EPEC, 11 of 25 STEC, 2 of 7 EAEC, 1 of 3 EIEC, and 1 of 6 E . coli isolates from the stool microflora of healthy individuals integrated the phage in their chromosomes and expressed resistance to chloramphenicol . Following induction with mitomycin, these lysogenic strains released infectious particles of phi3538(Deltastx(2)::cat) that formed plaques on a lawn of E . coli laboratory strain C600 . The results of our study demonstrate that phi3538(Deltastx(2)::cat) was able to infect and lysogenize particular enteric strains of pathogenic and nonpathogenic E . coli and that the lysogens produced infectious phage progeny . Stx-encoding bacteriophages are able to spread stx genes among enteric E . coli strains.

J Invest Dermatol, 1999 Aug, 113(2), 156 - 61
Selective cloning of allergens from the skin colonizing yeast Malassezia furfur by phage surface display technology; Lindborg M et al.; The yeast Malassezia furfur, also known as Pityrosporum orbiculare (ovale), is part of the normal microflora of the human skin but has also been associated with different skin diseases including atopic dermatitis . More than 50% of atopic dermatitis patients have positive skin test and specific IgE to M . furfur extracts; however, the pathophysiologic role of these IgE-mediated reactions in the development of the disease remains unknown . The yeast is able to produce a wide panel of IgE-binding proteins, variably recognized by sera of individual patients . In order to assess the contribution of individual components to the disease, highly pure allergen preparations are required . We have cloned M . furfur allergens from a cDNA library displayed on the phage surface, sequenced the inserts and produced recombinant proteins in Escherichia coli . Phage displaying IgE-binding proteins were selectively enriched from the library using IgE from a M . furfur-sensitized atopic dermatitis patient as a ligand . We were able to identify five different inserts coding for IgE-binding polypeptides . Three of the sequenced cDNA encode incomplete gene products with molecular masses of 21.3 kDa (MF 7), 14.4 kDa (MF 8), and 9.7 kDa (MF 9), respectively, having no sequence similarity to known proteins . The other two cDNA encode allergens of 18.2 kDa (Mal f 5) and 17.2 kDa (Mal f 6) . Mal f 5 shows significant homology to M . furfur allergens Mal f 2, Mal f 3 and an Aspergillus fumigatus allergen Asp f 3 . Mal f 6 has significant homology with cyclophilin . All of the recombinant polypeptides were capable of binding serum IgE from atopic dermatitis patients in immunoblotting experiments . The availability of pure recombinant M . furfur allergens will allow the careful investigation of the role of IgE-binding proteins in atopic dermatitis.

Altern Med Rev, 1999 Aug, 4(4), 249 - 65
Nutritional and botanical interventions to assist with the adaptation to stress; Kelly GS; Prolonged stress, whether a result of mental/emotional upset or due to physical factors such as malnutrition, surgery, chemical exposure, excessive exercise, sleep deprivation, or a host of other environmental causes, results in predictable systemic effects . The systemic effects of stress include increased levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, a decline in certain aspects of immune system function such as natural killer cell cytotoxicity or secretory-IgA levels, and a disruption of gastrointestinal microflora balance . These systemic changes might be a substantial contributor to many of the stress-associated declines in health . Based on human and animal research, it appears a variety of nutritional and botanical substances - such as adaptogenic herbs, specific vitamins including ascorbic acid, vitamins B1 and B6, the coenzyme forms of vitamin B5 (pantethine) and B12 (methylcobalamin), the amino acid tyrosine, and other nutrients such as lipoic acid, phosphatidylserine, and plant sterol/sterolin combinations - may allow individuals to sustain an adaptive response and minimize some of the systemic effects of stress.

Med Hypotheses, 1999 Apr, 52(4), 325 - 7
No man is an island; no island is an island: does the immune network extend beyond the limits of skin?
Rewald E, Francischetti MM, Gonzalez C.
Now that we are moving towards a post-antibiotic era, it may be necessary to reevaluate our concept of immunology . A long-standing handicap may be that, thus far, we have focused exclusively on the individual and his own immune machinery . A search for community interactions, also involving microflora, may provide clues for our survival under the extremely unhygienic conditions of the past as well as the present . Among the many adverse factors, could there also be hidden beneficial effects as well? If so, the development of such factors to therapeutic significance would be a worthwhile challenge . Diverse historical chronicles and a certain resistance shown by infants in shanty towns, after the maternal immune protection has faded and until their own immune system is fully developed, led us to postulate that adaptation is a prerequisite for any subject in order to benefit from unhygienic crowded conditions.

Br Poult Sci, 1999 May, 40(2), 266 - 74
A comparison of ileal digesta and excreta analysis for the determination of amino acid digestibility in food ingredients for poultry; Ravindran V et al.; 1 . The apparent ileal and excreta digestibilities of amino acids in 15 samples representing 12 food ingredients were determined using 5-week-old male broiler chickens . The ingredients included 3 samples of cereals (wheat, maize and sorghum), 6 samples of plant protein meals (soyabean meal, cottonseed meal, canola meal and sunflower meal) and 6 samples of animal protein meals (meat meal, meat-and-bone meal, feather meal and fish meal) . 2 . The test ingredients were incorporated as the sole source of dietary protein in assay diets . Each diet was offered ad libitum to 3 pens (4 birds/pen) from d 35 to d 42 post-hatching . Total collection of excreta was carried out during the last 4 d . All birds were killed on d 42 and the contents of the lower half of the ileum were collected . Apparent ileal and excreta amino acid digestibilities were calculated using acid-insoluble ash as the indigestible marker . 3 . The influence of site of measurement was found to vary among food ingredients, among samples within an ingredient and among different amino acids within an ingredient . Ileal amino acid digestibility values were similar in some ingredients, but significantly lower or higher in others than the corresponding excreta values . 4 . Average ileal and excreta amino acid digestibilities in sorghum and maize were similar, but significant differences were observed for individual amino acids . In contrast, ileal amino acid digestibility values were higher than the corresponding excreta digestibility values in wheat . 5 . The average ileal and excreta digestibilites of amino acids in the 3 soyabean meal samples were similar although small, but significant differences were noted for individual amino acids . Site of measurement had no effect on the digestibility of amino acids in canola meal . Digestibilities of valine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, histidine, glutamic acid, alanine and tyrosine in sunflower meal and those of valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, glutamic acid and alanine in cottonseed meal were lower by excreta analysis . 6 . Digestibilities in animal protein meals, with the exception of blood meal and fish meal, were consistently higher by excreta analysis . Ileal-excreta differences in individual amino acid digestibilities were more evident in feather meal, meat meal and meat-and-bone meal . 7 . Threonine and valine were the indispensable amino acids that were more frequently influenced by the site of measurement . Of the dispensable amino acids, aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid and alanine were the most affected . 8 . Differences determined between ileal and excreta digestibilities in the present study clearly demonstrate that amino acid metabolism by hindgut microflora in chickens may be substantial and that digestibilities measured in the terminal ileum are more accurate measures of amino acid availability than those measured in the excreta.

Can J Gastroenterol, 1999 Jul-Aug, 13(6), 509 - 16
Intestinal inflammation and the gut microflora; McKay DM; The idea that the enteric microflora play a role in the pathogenesis or pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not new . Indeed, identification of an infective cause for chronic IBD, and particularly for Crohn's disease, has been the focus of extensive research efforts . During the 1990s, there has been a noticeable re-emergence of interest in the link between bacteria and functional bowel disorders, and the value of antibiotic therapy to treat gut inflammatory disorders . A variety of experimental evidence from both laboratory model systems and clinical investigations is reviewed with respect to a pivotal role for enteric bacteria in gut inflammation . The voluminous scientific literature on this subject precludes any comprehensive synopsis of the area; instead, pertinent studies are cited to illustrate the ability of bacteria and their products to evoke or exacerbate gut inflammation.

Int J STD AIDS, 1999 Jul, 10(7), 442 - 7
Mucinase and sialidase activity of the vaginal microflora: implications for the pathogenesis of preterm labour; Howe L et al.; Evidence linking bacterial vaginosis (BV) to chorioamnionitis and spontaneous preterm birth is mounting . Successful treatment of BV could reduce the rate of late miscarriage and preterm birth . Mucinase and sialidase activity have been implicated in the pathogenesis of BV . This study extends the work of previous studies to investigate sialidase, other known mucin degrading enzymes and overall mucin degrading activity in samples of vaginal fluid from women with and without BV . Samples from 31 women were diagnosed for BV, and tested for enzyme activity using established assays . Activity was recorded in all samples . Significant increases in activity were detected in BV samples for sialidase using a mucin (BSM P<0.005) and serum type glycoprotein (AGP P<0.005) substrates, beta-galactosidase (P<0.001), and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase (P<0.01) . No significant increases in BV patients were detected in O-glycanase, proteinase, arylesterase, sulphatase or whole mucinase activities . These results support the hypothesis that certain BV-associated enzymes may detrimentally affect the mucosal barrier, permitting bacteria access to the uterus.

Immunology, 1999 May, 97(1), 18 - 25
Physiological roles of gammadelta T-cell receptor intraepithelial lymphocytes in cytoproliferation and differentiation of mouse intestinal epithelial cells; Matsumoto S et al.; In this study we aimed to elucidate the physiological role of gammadelta intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) in the mouse intestine . For this purpose, we used T-cell receptor (TCR) Vgamma4/Vdelta5 transgenic mice (KN 6 Tg: BALB/c background, H-2d), and compared the immunological and physiological characteristics of the intestinal tracts of KN 6 Tg and non-transgenic (non-Tg) littermates . In KN 6 Tg littermates, 95% of small intestinal (SI) and large intestinal (LI) IEL expressed gammadelta TCR, and their TCR was replaced by Tg gammadelta TCR . In these mice, class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression was up-regulated in the SI epithelium, compared with the non-Tg littermates, under specific pathogen-free (SPF) conditions . Competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that the mRNAs of the I-Ealpha chain on the SI epithelial cells was higher in KN 6 Tg than in non-Tg littermates . However, in the LI, class II MHC molecules were not expressed in either KN 6 Tg or non-Tg littermates . The epithelial cell mitotic index in the SI, but not in the LI, was higher in KN 6 Tg than in non-Tg littermates under SPF conditions . However, differentiation markers for SI epithelial cells, such as alkaline phosphatase and disaccharidase (lactase, maltase and sucrase) activities, were similar in KN 6 Tg and non-Tg littermates . MHC class II molecule expression on the SI epithelium was absent in germ-free (GF) Tg mice, but was induced under SPF conditions, coinciding with the increase of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) mRNA in gammadelta TCR SI-IEL . These findings suggest that gammadelta TCR IEL regulate epithelial cell regeneration and class II MHC expression, but not cell differentiation in the SI . However, these functions were not observed in the gammadelta TCR IEL in the LI . In addition, the activation step in the gammadelta TCR SI-IEL is dependent on the presence of gut microflora.

Oral Oncol, 1999 Mar, 35(2), 132 - 7
A double-blind crossover trial of Oral Balance gel and Biotene toothpaste versus placebo in patients with xerostomia following radiation therapy; Epstein JB et al.; Following therapeutic irradiation of the head and neck, patients with profound xerostomia have complaints associated with oral dryness, effects upon use of oral prosthesis, speech, and taste . In addition, xerostomia may lead to risk of oral infections and rampant demineralization of teeth . The use of topical Oral Balance gel and Biotene toothpaste (Laclede Professional Products, Gardena, CA) versus carboxymethylcellulose gel and commercial toothpaste applications was assessed in a 2-week double-blind, crossover design . The palliative effects of Oral Balance gel and Biotene toothpaste were superior to the effects of a placebo . No effect on oral colonization by Candida species and cariogenic oral microflora was seen with use of the topical agents.

J Appl Microbiol, 1999 Jul, 87(1), 125 - 30
Antibiotic amendment for suppression of indigenous microflora in feed sources for an Escherichia coli auxotroph lysine assay; Erickson AM et al.; Growth responses of lysine auxotrophic mutants of Escherichia coli have been used as a measurement of bioavailable lysine in protein sources and animal feeds . Sterilizing feed samples by autoclaving to eliminate non-specific background growth of indigenous feed micro-organisms prior to conducting the bacterial assay may introduce chemical and physical alterations to the feeds, influencing the estimation of available feed lysine . In this study, an antibiotic- and antifungal-supplemented medium was constructed to support growth of an E . coli lysine auxotroph assay organism, and was tested for its ability to repress indigenous bacterial and fungal growth in feed samples . To determine which antibiotics to include, an ampicillin-sensitive E . coli lysine mutant strain (ATCC no . 23812) was screened for antibiotic resistance and transformed with a plasmid carrying an ampicillin resistance gene . Maximum optical density quantitative response of the E . coli auxotroph to lysine was not altered by the antibiotic medium amendments (ampicillin, novobiocin and cycloheximide) . Indigenous microfloral growth in a variety of typical animal feeds was suppressed in the presence of the antistatic agents . The estimated lysine recovery was 91.6% and 98.1% when the medium was used in an assay of available lysine in a lysine-supplemented feed . This indicates that the antibiotic-amended basal medium can be used for the E . coli-determined lysine availability of a variety of animal feeds without prior sterilization of the feed sources.

J Oral Pathol Med, 1999 Aug, 28(7), 317 - 22
Oral and ocular sicca symptoms and findings are prevalent in systemic lupus erythematosus; Jensen JL et al.; The aims of this study were 1) to examine the frequency of oral and ocular sicca symptoms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); 2) to compare saliva and tear volume, salivary proteins, and features of the oral microflora and mucosa to a matched healthy control group; and 3) to relate the findings to disease parameters . Median disease duration was 5.5 (0.5-28) years, disease activity 5 (2-20), damage score 1 (0-7), and Schirmer I test 7.5 (0-30 mm) . Seventeen and twelve patients complained of oral and ocular dryness, respectively . Unstimulated whole saliva and proline-rich proteins in submandibular saliva were significantly reduced in SLE . Oral microbial counts were generally higher in the patients than controls, and the number of oral mucosal changes was increased . The results show that sicca symptoms, although frequent, were not correlated to secretory rates of saliva or tears, but to oral microbial counts . There was no obvious correlation to patient's age, disease activity or duration.

Izv Akad Nauk Ser Biol, 1999 Mar-Apr, (2), 152 - 7
{The comparative growth characteristics of variants of a recombinant Escherichia coli strain and of the representatives of aboriginal microflora in aqueous microecosystems under selective and nonselective conditions}; Kargatova TV et al.; We have studied the kinetic characteristics of several isolates of Escherichia coli Z905 recombinant strain after introduction of the strain into model aquatic ecosystems . Most E . coli Z905 isolates grown as batch cultures under selective conditions (0.5 microgram/ml ampicillin) showed better kinetic characteristics of growth than did related species of native microflora, which originally populated laboratory microcosms.

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