Microbial

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1991 Mar, 44(3), 366 - 70
L-669,262, a potent HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor; Joshua H et al.; The microbial transformation of simvastatin (MK-733) by Nocardia autotrophica subspecies amethystina yielded iso-simvastatin-6-one as a minor component . This transformation product is a dienone and is one of the more potent inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase found to date.

Arch Pathol Lab Med, 1991 Mar, 115(3), 299 - 305
The role of the clinical microbiology laboratory in transplantation; Walker RC; The clinical microbiology laboratory plays a central role in any transplantation program . Pretransplantation microbiologic testing often determines prophylactic treatment, donor selection, and blood product use . With suspected infection, rapid microbiologic tests permit prompt therapy but are challenged by an ever-changing diversity of potential pathogens and limited specimen size . Antigen detection and the polymerase chain reaction with nucleic acid hybridization are newer methods that promise earlier detection of such serious infections as disseminated aspergillosis and primary cytomegalovirus and may reveal new microbial causes of various posttransplantation syndromes.

J Dent Res, 1991 Mar, 70(3), 182 - 6
Acid profile in carious dentin; Hojo S et al.; Organic acids in carious dentin from 69 permanent teeth were analyzed by gas chromatography . Lactate, acetate, propionate, and butyrate were detected in most samples, and limited amounts of isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate, caproate, and isocaproate were occasionally detected . Lactate, acetate, and propionate were major acids and altogether accounted for about 90% of total acid in most samples of carious dentin . However, the proportion of these three acids varied among the samples . Some samples contained over 85% lactate, while others contained mainly acetate and propionate . A high percentage of acetate was usually accompanied by an appreciable amount of propionate . All seven samples in carious dentin under fillings or restorations had little lactate, but a high percentage of acetate plus propionate . The differences in acid profiles of carious dentin may reflect differences in the microbial ecology of carious dentin, and a stage of progress of dentin caries or a type of dentin caries.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1991 Mar, 57(3), 744 - 50
Hydrolysis of carbaryl by a Pseudomonas sp . and construction of a microbial consortium that completely metabolizes carbaryl; Chapalamadugu S et al.; Two Pseudomonas spp . (isolates 50552 and 50581) isolated from soil degraded 1-naphthol and carbaryl, an N-methylcarbamate pesticide, respectively . They utilized these compounds as a sole source of carbon . 1-Naphthol was completely metabolized to CO2 by the isolate 50552, while the carbaryl was first hydrolyzed to 1-naphthol and then converted into a brown-colored compound by the isolate 50581 . The colored metabolite was not degraded, but 1-naphthol produced by the isolate 50581 during the exponential phase of growth was metabolized by the isolate 50552 . The two isolates were used to construct a bacterial consortium which completely catabolized carbaryl to CO2 . No metabolite was detected in the cell cultures of the consortium . The isolate 50581 harbored a 50-kb plasmid pCD1, while no plasmid was detected in the isolate 50552 . The isolated bacteria individually or as a consortium may be used for detoxification of certain industrial and agricultural wastes.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1991 Mar, 164(3), 859 - 62
Meconium-stained amniotic fluid: a risk factor for microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity; Romero R et al.; The purpose of this study was to determine whether meconium-stained amniotic fluid is a marker for microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity . Amniocentesis was performed on 707 patients presenting with preterm labor and intact membranes . Meconium-stained amniotic fluid was present in 4.2% (30/707) of patients with preterm labor . The prevalence of positive amniotic fluid cultures was significantly higher in women with meconium-stained amniotic fluid than in women with clear fluid (33% {10/30} vs 11% {75/677}; p = 0.001; odds ratio = 4.01; 95% confidence interval = 1.6 to 9.4) . Patients with meconium-stained amniotic fluid were also more likely to have failed tocolysis and delivered a preterm neonate more frequently than patients with clear fluid (83% {25/30} vs 38% (258/677); p = 0.0001; odds ratio = 8.1; 95% confidence interval = 2.9 to 24.4) . We conclude that meconium-stained amniotic fluid is a risk factor for microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity and preterm delivery in women with preterm labor and intact membranes.

Vopr Med Khim, 1991 Mar-Apr, 37(2), 69 - 72
{Determination of nitrate reductase activity in mixed saliva}; Vavilova TP et al.; A procedure is developed for estimation of nitrate reductase activity in saliva . Effects of pH, temperature and nature of electron donor on the enzymatic activity were studied . The maximal enzymatic activity was found at pH 6.5-7.0; heating and freezing of saliva led to loss of the enzymatic activity . Salivary nitrate reductases are of microbial origin and belong to "terminal" type of nitrate reductases . The enzyme activity varied in the interval 0.8-17.3 mmole/min per I L saliva and did not depend on human sex.

J Dairy Sci, 1991 Mar, 74(3), 871 - 81
Ruminal digestion and microbial utilization of diets varying in type of carbohydrate and protein; Stokes SR et al.; Three ruminally and duodenally cannulated, lactating Holstein cows were used in a 3 x 3 Latin square experiment to study the effects of differing levels of nonstructural carbohydrate and degradable intake protein on ruminal digestibility and microbial protein production . Three diets were formulated to contain 1) 38 and 13.2%, 2) 31 and 11.8%, and 3) 24 and 9% nonstructural carbohydrate and degradable intake protein as percentages of the DM, respectively . Dry matter intakes were similar for all diets (21.9, 21.1, and 18.3 kg/d for diets 1, 2, and 3, respectively) . Likewise, microbial efficiency, as estimated from purine analysis, was unaffected by diet and averaged 24 g of microbial N/kg of OM digested for all treatments . Ruminal digestion of OM averaged 66.6, 65.1, and 55.7% for diets 1, 2, and 3, respectively, resulting in lower microbial N flow per day for diet 3 (317, 333, and 202 g, respectively) . Digestion of nonstructural carbohydrate and CP followed similar trends as did OM digestion, whereas NDF digestion remained similar across all diets . These results indicate that nonstructural carbohydrate greater than 24% and ruminally degradable protein greater than 9% of DM will enhance microbial protein flow from the rumen.

J Cardiovasc Pharmacol, 1991 Mar, 17(3), 508 - 18
Characteristics of the vasorelaxing action of (3E)-4-ethyl-2-hydroximino-5-nitro-3-hexamide FK409, a new vasodilator isolated from microbial sources, in isolated rabbit arteries; Shibata S et al.; We examined the vasoinhibitory effect of (3E)-4-ethyl-2-hydroximino-5-nitro-3-hexamide FK409, a new vasodilator, on contractile responses in isolated rabbit arteries . FK409 (10(-8)-10(-5) M) inhibited contractile responses to norepinephrine (NE), histamine (His), and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in rabbit aorta . The pattern of inhibition by FK409 was not competitive . The inhibitory effect of FK409 on the 5-HT response was much greater than that of nitroglycerin (NG) . A high concentration of FK409 (10(-5) M) was necessary to inhibit the response to KCl (10-70 mM) . The effect of combined treatment with FK409 (10(-5) M) and a subthreshold concentration of nifedipine (10(-9) M) on the KCl response was much greater than a single treatment with either agent . In addition, 3 x 10(-6) M D600, but not FK409 (10(-6) or 10(-5) M), inhibited the increase in the rate of 45Ca influx stimulated by a 40-mM KCl substituted solution . In a Ca2(+)-free medium containing EGTA and nifedipine, FK409 (10(-9)-10(-5) M) inhibited phasic responses to NE, His, and 5-HT, and subsequent sustained responses owing to addition of Ca2+ . The response to caffeine in rabbit iliac arteries incubated in Ca2(+)-free medium was also inhibited by FK409 (10(-6) and 10(-5) M) . In rabbit aorta precontracted with NE (10(-5) M) and partially inhibited by prior exposure to NG (10(-5) M), the relaxing effect of FK409 was slightly attenuated . Pretreatment of tissues with FK409 (10(-6) M) inhibited the relaxing action of NG much more than prior NG inhibited the relaxing action of FK409 . Methylene blue (10(-5) M), but not hemoglobin (10(-6) M), inhibited the relaxing action of FK409, whereas M&B 22,948 (3 x 10(-4) M) potentiated it . FK409 caused a relaxation of precontracted aorta without endothelium that was inhibited by methylene blue . In rabbit aorta precontracted with NE, FK409 (10(-6) M) increased cyclic GMP but not cyclic AMP content . FK409 (10(-5) M) had no effect on the NE-mediated increase in tissue inositol monophosphate (IP) . These results suggest that FK409 inhibits the responses attributed to both intracellular Ca2+ release and Ca2+ influx through receptor-operated channels . The inhibitory effect of FK409 on both the KCl contractile response and KCl-stimulated 45Ca influx appears to be different from that of nifedipine or D600 . Furthermore, the inhibitory action of FK409 may be partially mediated by cyclic GMP.

J Clin Immunol, 1991 Mar, 11(2), 55 - 64
Allergic manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection; Carr A et al.; Drug allergy is the most common and significant allergic manifestation of HIV3 infection . Initially described in patients treated with SMX-TMP for PCP, allergy is now known to involve a multitude of drugs . The pathogenesis of, and risk factors for, allergy in HIV infection are poorly understood, although there is evidence suggesting that allergy is more common with advancing immunodeficiency . HIV-negative subjects with sulfonamide allergy may have drug-specific antibodies and drug metabolite-induced lymphocyte cytotoxicity, abnormalities that could partly explain the allergic mechanisms and which may have future diagnostic potential; these abnormalities have not been described in HIV-infected subjects . Therapy includes avoidance, suppressive agents such as corticosteroids, and desensitization, although the appropriate role for each is not entirely clear . Serum IgE levels have been shown to rise with progressive disease; those patients with higher levels may have a worse prognosis . The mechanisms of this rise are multifactorial, probably a combination of altered T-lymphocyte regulation of IgE synthesis and of production of specific IgE directed against microbial antigens.

J Dent Res, 1991 Mar, 70(3), 226 - 32
Draft results of a workshop to develop guidelines for studies involving microbial incidence or populations in the oral cavity; Krichevsky MI; The following five outlines are the results to date of the Workshop held in Rockville, Maryland, in January, 1990 . The topics considered in these outlines are: (1) validation of immunological and/or nucleic acid identification probes, (2) cross-calibration of methods and/or laboratories for multi-laboratory cooperative studies, (3) choosing methods for identifying or describing microbial populations appropriate to the scientific question asked, (4) microbial ecology methods (e.g., population dynamics) for the oral cavity studies, and (5) epidemiological methods (e.g., incidence, risk factor analysis) for oral microbial studies . Each topic was considered by two independent groups of participants and later rationalized into one . These outlines are meant to be working outlines for evolution of a set of guidelines to advise on designing studies with microbial incidence and/or population components . We are publishing this preliminary version to elicit comment and criticism from people who did not attend the Workshop . (Attendance at the Workshop was necessarily limited by both space and funds) . Some of the topic outlines have been condensed to save Journal space . The full document is available on request . The next stage will be an open forum to gather and discuss further amplification of the "Guidelines", planned for April 17, 1991, Acapulco, Mexico, in conjunction with the IADR/AADR Meeting . Written comments and requests for further information should be sent to the Workshop organizer (MIK) at the above address.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Agents Actions, 1991 Mar, 32(3-4), 188 - 93
Modulation of cellular processes by H7, a non-selective inhibitor of protein kinases; Nixon JS et al.; H7 has been described as a potent inhibitor of protein kinase C (PKC) and has been widely used to investigate the regulatory role of this enzyme in intact cell systems . In this comparative study between H7 and the microbial alkaloid, staurosporine, we found that the former inhibited rat brain PKC and cAMP dependent protein kinase with IC50 values of 18 and 16 microM respectively whereas the latter was a much more potent inhibitor of both kinases with IC50 values of 9.5 nM and 42 nM respectively . H7, at concentrations up to 100 microM, failed to block cellular events induced by phorbol esters, agents which specifically stimulate PKC, yet was a potent inhibitor of IL-2 induced T cell proliferation with an IC50 value of 19 microM . In contrast, staurosporine was a potent inhibitor of both phorbol ester induced p47 phosphorylation in platelet (I50 value = 540 nM) and also CD3 and CD4 down-regulation in T cells (I50 values 200 nM and 50 nM respectively) . Staurosporine was also a potent inhibitor of IL-2 induced T cell proliferation I50 value = 9 nM) . These results provide a strong argument against the use of H7 to probe for PKC involvement in cellular processes.

Eur J Biochem, 1991 Feb 14, 195(3), 849 - 56
Investigations on microbial sulfur respiration . Isolation, purification, and characterization of cellular components from Spirillum 5175; Zophel A et al.; The sulfur-reducing bacterium Spirillum 5175 was investigated with regard to membrane constituents that might be part of the sulfur oxidoreductase which converts elemental sulfur to hydrogen sulfide . Regardless of the electron acceptor used for cultivation of the bacteria, i.e . elemental sulfur, fumarate, or nitrate (Sp . 5175S,F,N), the qualitative pattern of cytochromes and Fe-S proteins did not change significantly, as documented by ultraviolet/visible and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of oxidized (as isolated) and reduced (dithionite) samples . With elemental sulfur the prominent cytochrome exhibited absorption maxima at 553, 522.5 and 426 nm in the reduced state . In fumarate-grown cells two prominent cytochromes were found with maxima at 561, 551, 530, 521 and 430 nm . Two b-type cytochromes with Em at -198 mV and -20 mV vs the standard hydrogen electrode were identified in the membrane fraction of Sp . 5175F . A yellow pigment was extracted and identified as a flexirubin-type pigment . Although present in large quantities, it seemed not to be involved in the reduction of elemental sulfur . Menaquinone, MK 6 (Mr 580) was the prominent quinone identified in Sp . 5175 . Characterization of a second quinone was not attempted because of its much lower concentration . The membrane constituents of Sp . 5175 were solubilized by a variety of detergents and detergent mixtures . A colorimetric procedure with photochemically reduced phenosafranin as the electron donor and cysteamine trisulfide (RS-S-SR, R = -CH2CH2NH2) as the electron acceptor was used to detect sulfur oxidoreductase activity . Three membrane proteins of Sp . 5175 were purified: (1) an {NiFe} hydrogenase, homogeneous by SDS/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, with electron paramagnetic resonance signals as isolated at gx,y,z = 2.01, 2.16, 2.33 (100 K), and a strong signal at g = 2.02 below 20 K; (2) a cytochrome b, Fe-S-dependent fumarate reductase, and (3) a protein apparently linked to the sulfur oxidoreductase activity . In contrast to fumarate reductase, no b-type cytochrome was present in the fractions exhibiting sulfur oxidoreductase activity . The presence of Fe-S centers was demonstrated by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy at 10 K . It is not clear whether the c-type cytochrome in the same fractions is part of the sulfur-reducing apparatus of Sp . 5175.

Am J Surg, 1991 Feb, 161(2), 279 - 83
Germfree animals and technics in surgical research; Cohn I Jr et al.; Germfree animals have been reared to a size, weight, and age permitting the performance of major surgical procedures and the pursuit of a variety of surgical research problems . Germfree dogs have been maintained in the isolator system through three generations, indicating that life, reproduction, and growth are all possible in the absence of microbial contamination . The value of the germfree approach to surgical problems has been utilized in studies of a variety of gastrointestinal problems, shock, cancer, immunology, burns, wound healing, and in direct patient application . Patients have been maintained in isolator environments for prevention of infection, for operative procedures, for treatment of extensive burns, and for management of immune-suppressed individuals . We conclude that germfree animals and germfree technics provide a valuable addition to the armamentarium of the surgeon in both research and clinical applications.

J Theor Biol, 1991 Feb 7, 148(3), 305 - 29
A host-host-pathogen model with free-living infective stages, applicable to microbial pest control; Bowers RG et al.; A model has been investigated of the dynamics of the interaction between two hosts which are both attacked by a common pathogen, where the pathogen has free-living infective stages the population size of which must itself be modelled explicitly, and where the host species do not interact with one another except through their shared pathogen . If either host interacted with the pathogen alone, three broad classes of dynamics would be possible: host regulation, pathogen persistence and pathogen extinction . Here, all possible types of combinations of hosts are examined: regulation-regulation (both hosts would be regulated if they interacted with the pathogen alone), regulation-persistence, regulation-extinction, persistence-persistence persistence-extinction and extinction-extinction . A wide range of dynamics is generated, including a number of patterns quite unlike those found in the one-host pathogen case (e.g . persistence in one host, elimination of the other host) and behaviour contingent on initial densities in the system . For clarity and pertinence, attention is focused on the case where one host is a pest, the pathogen is a potential microbial control agent, and the other host is a non-target species which it is undesirable to harm . The model suggests, broadly, that non-targets are unlikely to be seriously threatened in such cases, and also that non-targets, far from undermining pest control, are quite likely to contribute to its efficacy.

Hum Reprod, 1991 Feb, 6(2), 267 - 76
Relationship between local anti-sperm antibodies and sperm-mucus interaction in vitro and in vivo; Eggert-Kruse W et al.; Sperm-mucus interaction under in-vitro or in-vivo conditions can be affected by local anti-sperm antibodies (ASA) . In a prospective study, a mixed antiglobulin reaction (MAR) test, using immunoglobulin-coated red cells and spermatozoa, was used to detect the presence of IgG and/or IgA on the spermatozoal surface in 209 males of infertile partnerships . The results of direct MAR tests range from 0 to 100% and a significant correlation between MAR % IgG and MAR % IgA (r = 0.74) was found . MAR positive semen samples were significantly more frequent in the group of patients with an inadequate outcome of postcoital testing (PCT) . The sperm-mucus interaction in vitro, evaluated by means of the in-vitro sperm-cervical mucus penetration test (SCMPT) with cervical mucus (CM) of patients' partners, was particularly related to spermatozoal surface antibodies of the IgA class: MAR IgA positive ejaculates were seen in 13.9% of males with inadequate SCMPT versus 4.4% when SCMPT was adequate . The significant correlation between MAR IgA and the sperm penetration ability in vitro could also be proven when donors' CM was taken for the SCMPT, but not when a non-human material was used for in-vitro penetration testing . Microbial colonization of semen specimens did not interfere with the outcome of MAR testing . The pregnancy rate after 12 months was 23% (48/209) and was significantly lower when greater than 30% of spermatozoa were covered with surface ASA of the IgG or IgA class.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Behring Inst Mitt, 1991 Feb, (88), 161 - 9
T-cell reactivity to purified lipophosphoglycan from Leishmania major: a model for analysis of the cellular immune response to microbial carbohydrates; Moll H et al.; The major macromolecule on the surface of Leishmania major promastigotes is a lipophosphoglycan (LPG) . This glycoconjugate plays a key role in determining infectivity and survival of parasites in the mammalian host cell . In addition, L . major LPG is able to induce a host-protective immune response . In this article, we summarise the evidence for recognition of highly purified LPG by T cells and we discuss the potential mechanisms of T-cell stimulation by this non-protein antigen.

J Anim Sci, 1991 Feb, 69(2), 836 - 42
Evaluation of a feed intake model for the grazing beef steer; Hyer JC et al.; Responses of a feed intake model for grazing beef cattle to changes in model parameters, forage composition, and supplementation programs with energy and protein were evaluated . Without supplements, the model systematically underpredicted intake of low-quality (low digestibility) forages and subsequent overprediction was observed for high-quality diets . In general, for a reference diet of Italian ryegrass, the model was relatively insensitive to microbial growth parameters, highly sensitive to the microbial carbohydrate composition constant, and moderately sensitive to the microbial N composition constant . Intake prediction was sensitive to changes in the microbial use rate constant for fiber but insensitive to those for protein and starch . Model predictions were highly sensitive to the amount of nondegradable fiber in each of the forages tested . Supplementation effects on forage intake were quantified by supplementing all forage diets with chemical components equivalent to that provided by 1 kg of corn grain or 1 kg of cottonseed meal . Supplementation of the forage diet with the concentrate source resulted in substitution ratios of forage to supplement intake consistent with in vivo results . As forage quality increased, substitution of concentrate for the forage increased . However, the model failed to predict the increased forage intake typically observed with protein supplementation, suggesting that it is insufficient for intake prediction in protein-limiting situations . Nevertheless, the model correctly predicted effects of energy supplementation and forage composition on forage intake, suggesting that different controls must regulate intake responses to supplemental protein.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1991 Feb, 44(2), 176 - 82
Immunization and protection against malaria during murine pregnancy; Pavia CS et al.; Normal and immune mice were evaluated for their ability to resist infection to the rodent malaria parasite, Plasmodium yoelii, during pregnancy . Parasitemia levels were slightly higher and time-to-death shorter in the nonimmunized pregnant group infected with virulent parasites relative to virgin controls . Subinoculation experiments revealed that numerous virulent organisms were present in the placentas of unprotected gravida but were absent from the fetal livers of their conceptuses . It was also found that mice preimmunized with irradiated P . yoelii survived a usually lethal challenge infection during mid-gestation and delivered healthy newborns . Associated with this protection against transplacental spread of parasites was the additional key finding that placental macrophages were as effective as peritoneal exudate cells in phagocytosing parasite derived material in vitro . This murine malaria-pregnancy model should provide new insights on the various factors (virulence, immunogenicity) of microbial infections affecting the fetal-maternal relationship, as well as on the expression of immune effector mechanisms and immunoregulation, during the reproductive process.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1991 Feb, 44(2), 232 - 40
Microbial conversion of milbemycins: hydroxylation of milbemycin A4 and related compounds by Cunninghamella echinulata ATCC 9244; Nakagawa K et al.; Many strains of zygomycetes and actinomycetes were found to convert milbemycin A4 (1a) to 13 beta-hydroxymilbemycin A4 (1b) . Among these strains, Cunninghamella echinulata ATCC 9244 had the most efficient 13 beta-hydroxylation ability on milbemycins . In the conversion of milbemycin A3 (2a), 29-hydroxymilbemycin A4 (4a), and 30-hydroxymilbemycin A4 (5a) with this strain, only 13 beta-hydroxylated products were obtained . On the other hand, starting from milbemycin A4 (1a) and 5-ketomilbemycin A4 5-oxime (6a), 13 beta,24- and 13 beta,30-dihydroxy derivatives were also isolated along with 13 beta-hydroxylated products . Similarly, conversion of milbemycin D (3a) and LL-F28249 alpha (8a) gave 13 beta- and 28-hydroxy derivatives (8b and 8c).

Ophthalmology, 1991 Feb, 98(2), 146 - 9
Excimer laser ablative treatment of microbial keratitis; Gottsch JD et al.; The 193-nm excimer laser was used to ablate experimental septate fungal (Fusarium) and an atypical mycobacterial (Mycobacterium fortuitum) keratitis in an animal model . The infections were allowed to proceed for 24 and 72 hours . After incubation, ablation with a 193-nm excimer laser with 5.0-mm treatment zones was performed until all suppurative areas were treated . The corneas were excised, halved, homogenized, and plated . All cultures were negative in the 24-hour group . However, in those corneas in which the infections were allowed to proceed to 72 hours, post-treatment cultures were positive for both organisms . Histopathologic examination confirmed that 24-hour infections had been eradicated and that 72-hour infections had organisms present . Three of the eight eyes in the M . fortuitum group perforated during treatment, even though the treatment depth by computer preselection was only 150 microns . Excimer laser photoablation may be a useful technique to eradicate early, localized microbial infections . However, it is apparent that advanced infections with deep stromal involvement and suppuration cannot be eradicated using this technique . Because corneas may be perforated inadvertently during treatment, excimer laser treatment of infectious keratitis should be approached with caution and used for superficial and well circumscribed lesions.

J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol, 1991 Feb, 38(2), 249 - 56
Microbial transformation of steroids--VII . Hydroxylation of progesterone by extracts of Phycomyces blakesleeanus; Smith KE et al.; Post mitochondrial supernatants (S-12 extracts) were prepared from Phycomyces blakesleeanus by grinding washed and frozen mycelial cakes in fine sand and extracting the paste produced with buffer containing Tris-HCl pH 7.8 (0.1 M), EDTA (0.01 M), dithiothreitol (5 mM) and glycerol (10% v/v) . The S-12 extracts, obtained in this way, reproducibly hydroxylated progesterone, producing 7 alpha- and 15 beta-hydroxyprogesterone the major products of whole-cell transformation . Cell-free progesterone hydroxylation was found to be approximately linearly dependent on extract concentration, to require reduced NADP (partly replaceable by NADH), and to be dependent on progesterone (apparent Km calculated to be 4 mM) . K+ and Mg2+ were found not to be required . Maximum progesterone hydroxylation occurred after 2 h at pH 7.8 and at 24 degrees C . Using optimum conditions S-12 extracts were capable of hydroxylating between 5 and 15% of added progesterone (0.2 mM) . Hydroxylation was found to be partially inhibited by carbon monoxide (ca 40%) and almost completely inhibited by azoles, ketoconazole and diconazole . The NADPH and molecular oxygen requirements were replaceable by NaIO4 . These findings strongly suggest that hydroxylation was being catalyzed by cytochrome P-450 . This was confirmed by preparing progesterone-hydroxylating microsomes and Triton N-101-solubilized microsome extracts, and by obtaining a dithionite-reduced carbon monoxide-difference absorption spectrum peak at 455 nm in the solubilized microsome extracts.

J Allergy Clin Immunol, 1991 Feb, 87(2), 581 - 5
Particle penetration into the automotive interior . I . Influence of vehicle speed and ventilatory mode; Muilenberg ML et al.; Penetration of particulate aeroallergens into the interiors of two, new, similar Chrysler Corporation passenger vehicles (having no evidence of intrinsic microbial contamination) was studied on a large circular test track during periods of high pollen and spore prevalence . Impactor collections were obtained at front and rear seat points and at the track center during periods with (1) windows and vents closed and air conditioning on, (2) windows closed, vents open, and no air conditioning, and (3) air conditioner off, front windows open, and vents closed . These conditions were examined sequentially during travel at 40, 50, 60, and 80 kph . Particle recoveries within the two, new, similar Chrysler Corporation passenger vehicles did not vary with the speed of travel, either overall or with regard to each of the three ventilatory modalities . In addition, collections at front and rear seat sampling points were comparable . Highest interior aeroallergen levels were recorded with WO, and yet, these levels averaged only half the concurrent outside concentrations at track center . Recoveries within the cars were well below recoveries obtained outside when windows were closed (both VO and AC modes) . These findings suggest window ventilation as an overriding factor determining particle ingress into moving vehicles . Efforts to delineate additional determinants of exposure by direct sampling are feasible and would appear essential in formulating realistic strategies of avoidance.

Ned Tijdschr Tandheelkd, 1991 Feb, 98(2), 62 - 5
{Recommended protection against infection in the dental office}; Moorer WR; Identification of pathways of microbial contamination and assessment of corresponding infection risks in general dental practice, precede the recommendation of infection control activities . Ten practical and appropriate rules are suggested.

Curr Opin Dent, 1991 Feb, 1(1), 17 - 28
Etiology of periodontal diseases; Caton JG et al.; Periodontal diseases are a series of complex, distinct, pathologic entities caused by the interaction of bacterial plaque and the host . This interaction results in destruction of the supporting alveolar bone and connective tissue . Although bacterial plaque has been implicated as the primary etiologic agent in most forms of periodontal disease, there are local and systemic factors which may modify both microbial and host components . Local factors may favor plaque accumulation and maturation, while systemic factors may modulate and decrease the host's protective response.

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr, 1991 Feb, 12(2), 195 - 203
Chronic diarrhea and malnutrition--histology of the small intestinal lesion; Sullivan PB et al.; The purpose of this study was to quantitate the jejunal lesion in Gambian children with chronic diarrhea-malnutrition syndrome . There were 40 subjects (20 male, 20 female) with a mean age of 19.7 months . All were severely malnourished, with marasmus in 30, marasmic kwashiorkor in 9, and kwashiorkor in 1 . Of subjects tested, 70% were anergic to intradermal challenge with either purified protein derivative or candidin . Jejunal biopsies, performed on every subject after admission to hospital, were studied by computerised image analysis and immunocytochemistry . A spectrum of mucosal changes that varied from "normal" to "flat" was seen . Mucosae with "normal" architecture revealed infiltration of villous epithelium by small lymphocytes, while crypt hypertrophy was invariably present . At the other extreme, the surface epithelium of flat mucosae was less severely infiltrated, although heavy lymphoid infiltrates persisted within crypt epithelium . Immunohistochemical studies revealed that most intraepithelial lymphocytes were of the CD8 + phenotype . Mucosal morphology did not relate to clinical, biochemical, or anthropometric data for each child . These findings are consistent with an intestinal reaction to some environmental antigen (dietary, microbial, or both) of the cell-mediated type . This interpretation is strengthened by the expression of major histocompatibility class 2D locus alloantigens on crypt epithelial cells in the absence of gut-reactive autoantibodies.

Eur J Immunol, 1991 Feb, 21(2), 391 - 5
Growth of Mycobacterium avium in human monocytes: identification of cytokines which reduce and enhance intracellular microbial growth; Denis M; Human monocytes were isolated by standard procedures and their ability to harbor growth of two virulent strains of Mycobacterium avium, TMC724 and TMC7479, was assessed in the absence or presence of cytokines . Both strains of mycobacteria, especially the M . avium TMC7479, grew progressively in untreated human monocytes . Inclusion of certain macrophage-activating cytokines, such as interferon-gamma in the presence of indomethacin or 1.25(OH2)-vitamin D3 (calcitriol) led to significant reductions in bacterial growth at 7 days post-infection . Conversely, treatment of human monocytes with interleukin-(IL) 1, macrophage-colony stimulating factor or IL 3 led to an increased permissiveness of these cells for M . avium . Moreover, these cytokines were shown to increase dramatically extracellular M . avium growth in vitro in tissue culture medium . Further, inclusion of antibodies against IL 1 beta and IL 6 in untreated infected monocytes monolayers led to a reduced growth of M . avium, suggesting that infected monocytes produce factors which enhance their susceptibility to M . avium . Overall, my findings suggest that cytokines may play a bidirectional role in atypical mycobacterial infections, by either increasing or decreasing resistance of the monocyte.

Jpn J Med Sci Biol, 1991 Feb, 44(1), 7 - 16
Evaluation of microbial metabolites for trypanocidal activity: significance of biochemical and biological parameters in the mouse model of trypanosomiasis; Kumar A et al.; Trypanosomiasis is a parasitic disease, prevailing in both humans and animals, caused by a single-cell parasite, Trypanosoma spp . Three microbial metabolites, namely antiamoebin, F-857 and 6-MFA, were evaluated for trypanocidal activity by using a mouse model of trypanosomiasis, which is caused by T . evansi . The significance of the biological and biochemical parameters with respect to physio-pathology of trypanosomiasis and their implications in the evaluation of new trypanocidal compounds were discussed.

J Appl Bacteriol, 1991 Feb, 70(2), 144 - 55
Effect of ciliate protozoa on the activity of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes and fibre breakdown in the rumen ecosystem; Williams AG et al.; The effect of ciliate protozoa on the activity of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes in microbial populations from the digesta solids and liquor fractions of rumen contents was examined after the refaunation of ciliate-free sheep with an A-type rumen protozoal population . Although the culturable rumen bacterial population was reduced after refaunation the number of fibrolytic micro-organisms detected was higher; the xylanolytic bacterial population and numbers of fungal zoospores were increased after refaunation . The proportion of propionic acid was lower in the refaunated animals, whereas the concentration of ammonia and the acidic metabolites acetate, butyrate and valerate were all increased . The range of enzyme activities present in the digesta subpopulations were the same in defaunated and refaunated animals . The activities of the polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, however, were increased in the microbial populations associated with the digesta solids after refaunation, and at 16 h after feeding the activities were 4-8 times (beta-D-xylosidase 20 times) higher than the levels detected in the adherent population from defaunated sheep . The protozoa, either directly through their own enzymes or indirectly as a consequence of their effects on the population size and activity of the other fibrolytic micro-organisms present, have an important role in determining the level of activity of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes in the rumen ecosystem . Although the extent of ryegrass (Lolium perenne) hay digestion was similar after 24 h in the absence or presence of protozoa, the initial ruminal degradation was higher in refaunated sheep.

Behring Inst Mitt, 1991 Feb, (88), 133 - 41
Cloning of microbial epitopes relevant for T- and B-cells; Miles MA et al.; This review summarises, and illustrates, the technology that is available for the molecular cloning and precise identification of T-cell and B-cell epitopes, particularly those of bacteria and parasites . Methods include: selective cloning following subtractive hybridization of nucleic acids; selective screening of expression libraries; analysis of subcloned "epitope libraries" or "deletion constructs"; scanning of multiple synthetic peptides, and computer enhanced prediction . The direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products allows the rapid analysis of epitope heterogeneity occurring among natural populations . Multiple epitopes can be assembled either by synthesis or by the expression of polymeric epitope-bearing peptides . Prospects for probing expression libraries with T-cells are bleak due to the complexities of antigen processing, presentation and T-cell recognition in vitro . Elucidation of the enzymic steps involved in processing, resolution of peptide/MHC II co-crystals, and pairing of a large number of known epitopes with their functional restriction elements will significantly improve the ability to predict T-cell epitopes.

Sci Total Environ, 1991 Jan 15, 101(3), 263 - 8
Microbial dehalogenation of 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl under anaerobic conditions; Mavoungou R et al.; Anaerobic cultures containing 4,4'-dichlorobiphenyl (4,4'CB) were inoculated with various environmental samples . The degradation of the substrate was followed by gas chromatographic analysis . Three of the cultures tested showed an ability to dehalogenate the substrate, as judged by the presence of 4-chlorobiphenyl and biphenyl in those media inoculated with them.

Klin Khir, 1991, (3), 1 - 5
{Plastic surgery using skin and adipose tissue flaps in burns and their sequelae}; Povstianoi NE; The principles of cutaneous plasty in IV degree burns with uncovering, or primary death of the deep structures (tendons, bone, joints) are substantiated . The necessity and possibility to perform early plasty with fatty-cutaneous flaps irrespective of character of the inflammatory process and degree of microbial contamination of the wounds are proved; peculiarities of its different methods (use of interpolated and sliding flaps, Filatov's graft, "Italian plasty", dermotension, plasty with the pedicle graft, free transfer of the fatty-cutaneous flaps) are noted . On the basis of the experience with plasty of more than in 250 sufferers, the frequency of performing its separate types, effectiveness, results of social and vocational rehabilitation of the patients are presented.

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1991 Jan, 65(1), 40 - 6
{Clinical significance of gastrointestinal decontamination under protected environment}; Nagao T et al.; Many infections are caused by the patient's own oro-intestinal microbial flora under a protected environment . Thirty-eight patients with acute leukemia and two patients with blast crisis of chronic myelocytic leukemia were treated under a protected environment with or without prophylactic antibiotics . Antibiotics used for decontamination were vancomycin (V), polymyxin B (P) and nystatin (N) . The number of patients in the VPN, PN and the no antibiotic group were 13, 13 and 14, respectively . While the intestinal microbial flora was almost completely eliminated in VPN group, the number of bacteria decreased slightly in PN group . The mean number of pharyngeal and anorectal bacterial species decreased most markedly in the VPN group, but there were no significant differences among the three groups . The number of febrile days was significantly lower in the VPN and PN group than the no antibiotics group with neutrophil counts of less than 100 microliters . The average number of episodes of infection per patient was lowest in VPN group and highest in the no antibiotic group . These data indicate that VPN administration is effective for eliminating intestinal bacterial flora and resultantly protecting endogenous infections.

Rev Actual Odontoestomatol Esp, 1991 Jan-Feb, 51(400), 51 - 4
{Acute mediastinitis with fatal outcome secondary to odontogenic infection}; Infante Cossio P et al.; This article describes a patient who developed a deep neck and mediastinal infection that was initiated by a odontogenic infection . The history of the patient's illness and the surgical procedures are reviewed and the anatomic and microbial considerations of deep neck infections are discussed . Despite antibiotic therapy, cervicomediastinal drainage, tracheostomy and treatment for septic shock, the patient expired.

Biosens Bioelectron, 1991, 6(2), 125 - 31
A microbial biosensor for trimethylamine using Pseudomonas aminovorans cells; Gamati S et al.; A biosensor system based on the difference in the oxygen uptake response of two microbial electrodes was developed to monitor trimethylamine (TMA) . The first electrode, constructed using Pseudomonas aminovorans grown on TMA, was sensitive to TMA, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), dimethylamine (DMA) and monomethylamine (MMA) . The second electrode responding to TMAO, DMA and MMA was prepared using Ps . aminovorans grown on TMAO . The difference in oxygen uptake was linearly related to the TMA concentration in the range of 5-26 microM . The minimum detectable level was 2.6 microM and the relative standard deviation was determined to be 14% for 16 repeated analyses . When operated and stored at 30 degrees C, the response of the system was stable for only 2 days . However, when the biosensor system was operated at 30 degrees C but stored overnight at 4 degrees C, the system was stable up to 20 days . The biosensor system was applicable for the determination of TMA in fish tissue extracts and the results compared well with those determined by HPLC.

Patol Fiziol Eksp Ter, 1991 Jan-Feb, (1), 32 - 4
{Enzymatic protective systems of saliva in inflammation of the periodontium}; Vavilova TP et al.; The activity of some glycosidases, trypsin-like proteinases, peroxidase, inhibitors of beta-glucuronidase and trypsin-like proteinases, as well as the amount of thiocyanates were studied in mixed saliva (MS), dental deposit (DD) and gums (G) of patients with inflammation of the periodontium . In periodontitis the activity of beta-glucuronidase increases fourfold and that of beta-galactosidase doubles in the G; the activity of beta-glucuronidase and its inhibitors increases, the activity of proteinases diminishes, and the antitryptic activity increases in MS, the activity of peroxidase and the amount of thiocyanates change in this case . Along with the peroxidase-H2O2-thiocyanates system, the inhibitors of beta-glucuronidase and trypsin-like proteinases possess properties of unspecific protection, preventing destruction of the periodontal tissues by glycosides and proteinases of microbial and animal origin.

Biosens Bioelectron, 1991, 6(1), 15 - 20
Microbial sensor system for nondestructive evaluation of fish meat quality; Hoshi M et al.; A microbial sensor system consisting of the bacterium (Alteromonas putrefaciens) immobilized within membranes, a flow cell, an oxygen electrode, peristaltic pumps, a buffer tank, a thermostatically controlled bath and a recorder, was constructed for the nondestructive quality evaluation of bluefin tuna . The chemical compounds on fish meat surfaces which are the indicators of fish meat quality were rapidly determined by using the proposed sensor system . Fish meat quality was determined from the rate of current decrease of the sensor . Good correlations were obtained between fish meat quality and sensor response . One assay could be completed within one minute.

Life Sci, 1991, 48(16), 1591 - 5
Inhibition of vitamin B12-dependent microbial growth by nitrous oxide; Alston TA; In methionine-free media, nitrous oxide inhibits the growth of an auxotrophic strain of Escherichia coli lacking a cobalamin-independent pathway for the de novo synthesis of methionine . Prototrophic E . coli is similarly inhibited by nitrous oxide if the cobalamin-independent pathway is selectively depressed by sulfanilamide . Nitrous oxide thus effectively inactivates cobalamin-dependent 5-methyltetrahydrofolate--homocysteine methyltransferase (methionine synthase, EC 2.1.1.13) in intact bacteria.

Immunogenetics, 1991, 33(3), 178 - 83
Alteration of the T-cell receptor repertoire in A.CA mice expressing an Ead transgene; Ishikawa S et al.; In an effort to generate an A.CA mouse expressing Ed, the Ead gene has been introduced into A.CA mice which lack the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II E molecule . Flow cytometric analysis shows cell surface expression of the E alpha chain on lymphocytes and macrophages in the transgenic mice . Analysis of T-cell receptor (Tcr) genes deleted in some E-expressing mouse strains demonstrates that T cells expressing Tcrb-V5 are partially deleted in these transgenic mice while those expressing Tcrb-V8 and Tcrb-11 are not . In addition, the expressed E alpha d chain can promote Mycoplasma arthriditis mitogen (MAM)-induced T-cell proliferation . The expression of the E alpha chain, presumably as an A beta fE alpha d heterodimer, can alter the peripheral T-cell repertoire and T-cell reactivity to a microbial superantigen.

Exp Cell Res, 1991 Jan, 192(1), 122 - 7
Highly synchronous culture of fibroblasts from G2 block caused by staurosporine, a potent inhibitor of protein kinases; Abe K et al.; The effect of staurosporine, a potent microbial inhibitor of protein kinases, on the cell cycle of cultured fibroblast cells was investigated . A low concentration of staurosporine (1-10 ng/ml) blocked the cell cycle of rat 3Y1 fibroblasts at the early G1 phase within 2 h after serum stimulation . On the other hand, a higher concentration of the drug (100 ng/ml) caused the specific G2 block . Both of these blocks were reversible . After release from the G2 block, highly synchronous transition to M phase was observed and both nuclear and cell divisions were completed within 180 min . This reversible G2 block showed a clear contrast to those by the other G2 arresters, trichostatin A and leptomycin B, which formed proliferative tetraploid cells after release by entering the cells into a new S phase without passage through M phase . The presence of trichostatin A or leptomycin B did not interfere with this synchronous progression through G2/M phases, suggesting that the arrest point of staurosporine was present in late G2 phase following those of trichostatin A and leptomycin B.

Biomed Biochim Acta, 1991, 50(3), 225 - 32
{A thermostable alpha-amylase from Thermoactinomyces vulgaris: purification and characterization}; Heese O et al.; Alpha-amylase from Thermoactinomyces vulgaris (strain 94-2A) was purified by cellulose chromatography and gel-chromatography on Sephadex G-75 and subsequently characterised . The enzyme shows a single band in the polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) . The isoelectric point was determined to be pH 5.4, and the molecular mass was estimated as 53,000 Dalton by PAGE . The amino acid composition was determined; it shows characteristics of other microbial alpha-amylases . A comparison of the N-terminal sequence with that of other alpha-amylases shows a homology of 66.6% to Taka-amylase . The pH-optimum for the alpha-amylase activity is 4.8 to 6.0 and the temperature optimum 62.5 degrees C . The heat inactivation was investigated under different conditions (temperature, time, Ca2+, EDTA).

J Postgrad Med, 1991 Jan, 37(1), 1 - 4
Formalin (0.25%) as topical anti-microbial agent in burns; Nair RG et al.; In a prospective controlled trial, 0.25% formalin spray was compared with 2% silver sulfadiazine cream as the local treatment of burns . Formation and separation of eschar, infection and death rates were recorded . In the group receiving formalin, rates of formation and separation of eschar were significantly more (P less than 0.001 and P less than 0.05 resp.) compared to other group . Infection rate and fatality due to infection were also reduced . Other advantages of formalin are ease of application and the low east.

Crit Rev Microbiol, 1991, 18(2), 159 - 73
Basic and applied aspects of microbial adhesion at the hydrocarbon:water interface; Rosenberg M; Microbial hydrophobicity has been studied since 1924 . During the last decade, various techniques have become available for measuring hydrophobic surface properties of microbial cells . This has led to a surge in investigations suggesting a role for hydrophobicity in adhesion of bacteria to an array of surfaces (oral surfaces, mineral particles, fatty meat, epithelial cells, phagocytes, biomaterials), partitioning at interfaces, as well as gliding mobility . The present manuscript comprises a critical, chronological look at the origins of microbial hydrophobicity research, its development, origins, and applications . Emphasis is placed on microbial adhesion to hydrocarbons, a technique with which the author has the most experience and research interest.

Toxicon, 1991, 29(7), 791 - 806
Plant and microbial toxic proteins as hemilectins: emphasis on canatoxin; Carlini CR et al.; Ribosome-inactivating plant toxic proteins and ADP-ribosylating microbial toxins share a common structural organization . These proteins present domains displaying different biological properties: a target cell membrane-binding component (B-subunit or haptomer) and an enzymatically active component (A-subunit or effectomer) . Interactions of these toxins with the target cells are mediated by the hemilectin-like haptomer, which recognizes and specifically binds to a given glycoderivative present at the cell surface . After binding the holoprotein is internalized via endocytosis . Inside the endocytic compartment the toxin is processed to release its effectomer moiety which catalytically modifies a cytoplasmic component, and this step accounts for its toxic effect . The structural relationships between toxic hemilectins and plant lectins are discussed, with emphasis on the example of canatoxin and concanavalin A, both present in the seeds of the jack bean Canavalia ensiformis . Contrary to other plant toxic proteins, which inhibit protein synthesis, canatoxin-induced toxicity includes central nervous system-mediated effects . In vivo as well as in vitro canatoxin acts as lipoxygenase-mediated secretagogue in several types of cells: blood platelets, mast cells, pancreatic islets and synaptosomes . Elucidation of structure vs biological activity relationships of canatoxin and other toxic proteins may provide data for their utilization as pharmacological tools and as therapeutic agents.

Klin Khir, 1991, (1), 12 - 4
{Use of laser-enzyme therapy in preparing purulent wounds for early plastic closure}; Efendiev AI et al.; The results of treatment of 370 patients with purulent soft tissue diseases have shown that laseroenzymotherapy of the suppurating wounds contributed to their rapid cleaning, maintenance of microbial colonization at a stable low level, activation of reparative processes . This permitted to prepare a wound surface for closure at the nearest days after the operation.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1991, 289, 11 - 31
Wholesomeness and safety of irradiated foods; Swallow AJ; Irradiation with gamma-rays, X-rays or fast electrons can be used to change foodstuffs in beneficial ways or to destroy harmful organisms . Gamma rays do not induce radioactivity in foods, but X-rays and fast electrons can induce short lived radioactivity if sufficiently energetic . This imposes limitations on the energies which can be used, and a short wait between irradiation and consumption may be advisable . Irradiation produces chemical changes in foodstuffs, and some foods are unsuitable for irradiation . With appropriate foods, trials with animals and human volunteers generally show that the product is safe . Some loss in nutritional quality can take place, which could be significant for some individuals, but are unlikely to be important for those on a balanced diet . Irradiation does not eliminate all risk from microbial contamination . Foods to be irradiated should be good quality, and need to be kept under proper conditions after irradiation . Irradiated foods should be appropriately labelled . Tests for radiation would help to enforce necessary controls . If the process is properly carried out on appropriate foods, and all due precautions are taken, irradiated foods are wholesome and safe.

Proc Finn Dent Soc, 1991, 87(2), 287 - 98
Analyses of periodontal glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans . Regulation by microbial, chemical and inflammatory factors; Larjava H et al.; During the last two decades one of the main lines of research in the Department of Periodontology in Turku has related to connective tissue glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans . A general outline of current knowledge about proteoglycans is presented, with a review of most published and unpublished results on periodontal glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans obtained in our Department.

Histochemistry, 1991, 95(5), 529 - 33
Paneth cell degranulation and lysozyme secretion during acute equine alimentary laminitis; Masty J et al.; The equine Paneth cell response to a shift in the microbial balance of the intestinal tract was studied by inducing an acute episode of alimentary laminitis in 6 mature ponies . The normal bacterial population of the gut was modified by administration of a carbohydrate-rich ration . During acute laminitis a dramatic degranulation of the Paneth cells occurred in the intestinal glands throughout the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum . Bacteriocidal lysozyme, which was immunohistochemically identified as a component of the Paneth cell secretory granule, was evident in the glandular lumina and in degranulated Paneth cells . These results indicate that lysozyme is secreted by the equine Paneth cell in an apparent attempt to regulate the changing microbial population induced by carbohydrate overload of the gut . From these observations, it is suggested that the Paneth cell plays a role in the mucosal defense system of the equine intestinal tract.

Proteins, 1991, 9(4), 267 - 79
Thiol protease-like active site found in the enzyme dienelactone hydrolase: localization using biochemical, genetic, and structural tools; Pathak D et al.; The active site of dienelactone hydrolase (DLH), a microbial enzyme of the beta-ketoadipate pathway, has been conclusively located using a combination of crystallographic, biochemical, and genetic techniques . DLH hydrolyzes a dienelactone to maleylacetate and has esterase activity on p-nitrophenyl acetate and trans-cinnamoyl imidazole . The identification of Cys-123 as containing the essential thiol confirms the localization of the active site as suggested by the crystal structure of DLH, and disproves an earlier hypothesis regarding its location . Two mutant proteins have been engineered in which Cys-123 has been converted to a serine (C123S DLH) and an alanine (C123A DLH), respectively . C123S DLH (Km = 9900 +/- 2300 microM; Vmax = 4.4 +/- 0.8 mumol/min-mg) displays burst kinetics with p-nitrophenyl acetate and is 10% as active as DLH (Km = 170 +/- 7 microM; Vmax = 21.1 +/- 0.4 mumol/min-mg) . C123A DLH is inactive . The structures of DLH, C123S DLH, and C123A DLH have been refined at 1.8, 2.2, and 2.0 A, respectively . Comparison of the structures of these proteins demonstrates that the only differences between them are centered at residue 123 . The structures of the active sites of DLH, papain, and subtilisin are similar and are suggestive of the three enzymes having evolved convergently to similar active sites with similar enzymic mechanisms.

Nahrung, 1991, 35(1), 61 - 9
{The characterization of microbial lipases . 2 . The determination of lipase specificity}; Bariszlovich M et al.; Types of lipase specificity are as follows: Positional specificity; fatty acid specificity; stereospecificity; substrate specificity (different rates of lipolysis of different glyceride classes . The acylglycerol used for determination of lipase specificity must be so structured, that specificities are not confused and unambiguous results are obtained . Different substrates and methods for detection of specificity are reviewed and advantages and disadvantages are discussed . Positional specificity can be determined with synthetic dialkylacylglycerols and 2,3-dioleoyl butanediol . Stereospecificity can be detected with enantiomeric dialkylacylglycerols or diacylalkylglycerols.

Crit Rev Biotechnol, 1991, 11(1), 1 - 40
Biotransformation of halogenated compounds; Hardman DJ; As a result of natural production and contamination of the environment by xenobiotic compounds, halogenated substances are widely distributed in the biosphere . Concern arises as a result of the toxic, carcinogenic, and potential teratogenic nature of these substances . The biotransformations of such halogenated substances are reviewed, with particular emphasis on the biocatalytic cleavage of the carbon-halogen bonds . The physiology, biochemistry, and genetics of the biological system involved in the dehalogenation reactions are discussed for three groups of organohalogens: (1) the haloacids, (2) the haloaromatics, and (3) the haloalkanes . Finally, the biotechnological applications of these microbial transformations are discussed . This includes prospects for their future application in biosynthetic processes for the synthesis of halogenated intermediates or novel compounds and also the use of such systems for the detoxification and degradation of environmental pollutants.

Biosystems, 1991, 24(4), 305 - 12
Oxygen toxicity and microbial evolution; Bilinski T; It is postulated that the role of oxygen toxicity in the evolution of life strongly depends on the origin of molecular oxygen, due to the strong redox buffering capacity of Precambrian waters containing large amounts of ferrous and manganese cations . The critical selective pressure could be observed only after aerobic photosynthesis had been developed, due to the high local concentration of oxygen in close vicinity of photosynthesizing cells . It is also postulated that early oxygen-evolving organisms excreted a substantial part of this element in the form of hydrogen peroxide . As a consequence of the high reactivity of this compound with ferrous and manganese cations, an important percentage of iron deposits were produced with H2O2 as a major oxidant after the development of aerobic photosynthesis . It is postulated that negatively charged extracellular polymers of simple pro- and eukaryotic organisms function as sacrificial targets of hydroxyl radicals and at the same time as extracellular equivalents of superoxide dismutases, in these two ways protecting cellular membranes against oxidative damage . The role of oxygen toxicity in developing aerobic mechanisms of iron uptake is also discussed.

Zentralbl Bakteriol, 1991 Jan, 274(4), 481 - 9
Application of impediometry to rapid assessment of liquid culture media; Strassburger J et al.; The impedance method provides as unique opportunity to determine microbial activity and kinetics . Since the metabolic processes depend on the nature and quality of the culture medium, impediometry allows the assessment of liquid culture media . Impedance microbiology represents an approach to quantitative microbiology . We investigated the influence of pH, composition and variation of the amounts of industrially made dry media, overheating during the dissolving or sterilisation processes, and qualitative differences between batches of the same culture medium . Using glucose broth as an example, we showed that impediometry allows quantitative, microbial assessment of culture media . Inaccurate preparation of the culture medium could be detected quickly by the use of impediometry . The method is very simple to perform, requires no sample preparation, allows rapid assessment of liquid culture media, and interprets results automatically with the aid of a microcomputer.

Biosystems, 1991, 25(1-2), 13 - 23
A model for diurnal patterns of carbon fixation in a Precambrian microbial mat based on a modern analog; Rothschild LJ; Microbial mat communities are one of the first and most prevalent biological communities known from the Precambrian fossil record . These fossil mat communities are found as laminated sedimentary rock structures called stromatolites . Using a modern microbial mat as an analog for Precambrian stromatolites, a study of carbon fixation during a diurnal cycle under ambient conditions was undertaken . The rate of carbon fixation depends primarily on the availability of light (consistent with photosynthetic carbon fixation) and inorganic carbon, and not nitrogen or phosphorus . Atmospheric PCO2 is thought to have decreased from 10 bars at 4 Ga (10(9) years before present) to approximately 10(-4) bars today, implying a change in the availability of inorganic carbon for carbon fixation . Experimental manipulation of levels of inorganic carbon to levels that may have been available to Precambrian mat communities resulted in increased levels of carbon fixation during daylight hours . Combining these data with models of daylength during the Precambrian, models are derived for diurnal patterns of photosynthetic carbon fixation in a Precambrian microbial mat community . The models suggest that, even in the face of shorter daylengths during the Precambrian, total daily carbon fixation has been declining over geological time, with most of the decrease having occurred during the Precambrian.

Biotechnol Ther, 1991, 2(3-4), 231 - 9
Clinical applications of recombinant macrophage-colony stimulating factor (rhM-CSF); VandePol CJ et al.; rhM-CSF has diverse in vitro and in vivo hematologic and metabolic effects . Clinical trials with this new biopharmaceutical are now in progress and early results have confirmed preclinical findings . The major demonstrated effects of rhM-CSF include an increase in number and activation of monocytes and macrophages, the ability to enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, enhancement of macrophage microbial phagocytic and killing activity, cholesterol lowering, and platelet lowering . The range of potential indications for the use of rhM-CSF makes the further clinical development of this molecule both a challenge and an opportunity . Investigation of combination therapies with other cytokines or monoclonal antibodies will be an important aspect of future investigations.

Khirurgiia (Sofiia), 1991, 44(6), 27 - 9
{The treatment of suppurative and atonic wounds with the CO2 laser and the helium-neon laser}; Poleganova IU et al.; The doctrine on wounds is the most important and current one in general surgery and reflects the level and development of medicine . Each surgeon should be well acquainted with all processes and stages of wound healing, because treatment of a suppurative wound requires keen knowledge and art . The basic principle of the local treatment of a septic wound is the thorough knowledge on the objective criteria underlying the course of the wound process and on the etiopathogenetic therapy . Laser therapy of wounds accomplishes adequate necrotomy, acts aseptically on the wound surfaces, inhibits the wound microbial flora and stimulates the regeneration processes . The authors record their experience in CO2 laser and helium-neon treatment of 120 patients with suppurative, atonic and decubital wounds over the period 1984-1990.

Sci Prog, 1991, 75(298 Pt 3-4), 265 - 77
Molecular biology: new tools for studying microbial ecology; Morgan JA; The general aim of studies in microbial ecology is to determine the activities of particular groups of organisms in the natural environment . Current developments in molecular biology are providing methods that can be adopted for investigations in microbial ecology . Presently, molecular techniques are being used to determine population and community structures in samples . Following on from this, methods are needed to determine the activities of these organisms in their natural state . This review describes the application of molecular techniques to the study of micro-organisms in environmental samples.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1991, 36(3), 311 - 3
Coordination of activities in the development of microbial culture databases; Bures R; The article deals with the problem of microbial culture data processing . In this field two tasks must be solved . First, data processing within collections themselves, and second, communicating the data to potential users.

Acta Univ Palacki Olomuc Fac Med, 1991, 130, 311 - 22
An analysis of the health condition of personnel exposed to cytostatics at an oncology unit; Medkova J; Attention was paid in this study to the evaluation of the health condition of the hospital personnel exposed to cytostatics at a specialized oncology unit, Faculty Hospital in Olomouc . Questionnaires and interviews were used to examine 44 exposed personnel of the oncology unit and a control group of 32 partners of these workers who held no risk jobs . The questionnaires were focused on personal, family and occupational histories . The exposed female workers were asked for detailed information concerning fertility . The occupational history contained data on the conditions for handling cytostatics . The group of 44 exposed workers were aged from 19 to 63 years, the average age being 34.8 years . There were 38 female and 6 male workers in the group under study . The majority of the group were nurses (23) . The group further consisted of 7 physicians, 8 practical nurses, and 6 cleaners . Of importance to note is that the health nurses of the oncology unit were exposed to cytostatics for 8 or more hours daily . Almost half of the exposed health nurses belonged to the youngest age category (19 to 24 years) . In the health personnel under study, an increased incidence of respiratory diseases, blood diseases, allergies, dermatological affections and eczema, and renal diseases was found . The smokers at the oncology unit (52.3%) outnumbered the non-smokers . The health condition of the 32 persons of the control group was more favourable, increased morbidity due to acute respiratory diseases and diseases of blood components were not seen . The average age of the control group was 41.9 years . It follows from the results obtained that it is necessary to monitor continuously the health condition of personnel exposed to cytostatics, particularly of those working at specialized oncology units where they are exposed to cytostatics throughout their working day . At these workplaces, effects of other unfavourable factors, such as radiation and microbial agents, which may enhance the unfavourable effects of cytostatics, should not be neglected.

Curr Top Microbiol Immunol, 1991, 173, 173 - 8
Analysis of primary T cell responses to intact and fractionated microbial pathogens; Pfeffer K et al.; Freshly isolated human T lymphocytes were tested for their response to mycobacteria, mycobacterial lysates, 2 dimensional (2D) PAGE separated mycobacterial lysates, leishmania and defined leishmanial antigen preparations . While gamma delta T cells proliferated vigorously in the presence of mycobacteria and mycobacteria derived lysates, a significant stimulation from 2 D gel separated lysates was not detected . In addition gamma delta T cells failed to respond towards leishmania or leishmanial components . In the alpha beta T cell compartment some donors, presumably according to their state of immunity against mycobacteria, responded to mycobacteria, mycobacterial lysates and 2 D gel separated mycobacterial lysates . Neither freshly isolated gamma delta T cells nor alpha beta T cells from naive donors did mount a significant immune response against leishmania.

Biol Met, 1991, 4(1), 7 - 13
Iron and bacterial virulence--a brief overview; Griffiths E; Iron is now recognized as playing a vital role in infection . Not only does it restricted availability in tissue fluids present microbial pathogens with the problem of acquiring sufficient for multiplication in vivo, but it also constitutes a major environmental signal which co-ordinately regulates the expression of a number of virulence and metabolic genes . Progress in understanding the strategies used by pathogens for acquiring iron in vivo, and their responses to iron restriction, is providing a fresh insight into microbial pathogenicity.

Biol Met, 1991, 4(1), 62 - 9
The design, synthesis and study of siderophore-antibiotic conjugates . Siderophore mediated drug transport; Miller MJ et al.; The use of conjugates of microbial iron chelators (siderophores) and antibiotics for illicit transport of antibiotics into cells is a potentially powerful method for the rational design of therapeutic agents . The structural complexity of most natural siderophores has impeded progress in this area . Described here are the design, syntheses and preliminary biological studies of several siderophore-beta-lactam antibiotic conjugates . Both hydroxamic-acid-based and catechol-based conjugates with and without amino acid spacers to carbacephalosporins were synthesized and demonstrated to be effective inhibitors of Escherichia coli X580 . Mutant selection was noted for each class of conjugates . Mutants selected from exposure of the E . coli to the hydroxamate conjugates were susceptible to the catechol conjugates and vice versa . Combinations of hydroxamate- and catechol-carbacephalosporin conjugates were most effective inhibitors of E . coli X580.

Chin J Biotechnol, 1991, 7(4), 285 - 91
Interspecific hybridization of Streptomyces by electrofusion; Han L; Two auxotrophic mutants of S . rimosus and S . griseus were obtained through nitrosoguanidine treatment . The equal volume of two protoplast containing 10(9)/ml were mixed and put in the fusion chamber of Shimadzu somatic hybridizer-SSH-C11 . Fifteen seconds after protoplast pearl chains were formed through electrophoresis under high-frequency electric field (800 V/cm 1 MHz), it was turned into high DC pulse field (6 kV/cm) for 20 seconds immediately to make the protoplast to be fused . Colonies were raised on regeneration medium R3 . 34971 colonies were selected and transferred to basic medium containing two antibiotics . Nine of them were prototrophic fusant with double resistance . They had good biological characteristics of parent strain, such as faster growth rate, higher productivity and stronger microbial activity . Bioautographic result showed that it can produce bioactive characteristics that their parents do not have.

Chin J Biotechnol, 1991, 7(3), 221 - 8
The application of simplex method to the estimation of kinetic and energetic parameters of microbial growth; Fang B; Based on the mathematical models derived by the author for describing both batch and continuous microbial cultivation, the application of simplex method to the estimation of mu max, Ks, Ymaxx/s and ms is studied . The paper also presents the methods of determining objective function and initial value of simplex method and of introducing the whole process of estimation with single tank continuous culture of E . coli as an example.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1991, 36(4), 375 - 82
Cell aggregates of Escherichia coli with benzylpenicillin amidase activity; Zeman R et al.; Intact cells Escherichia coli CCM 2843, exhibiting substantial benzylpenicillin amidase activity, were bound mutually with supporting waste microbial cells, native or treated, to obtain an inexpensive biocatalyst for the production of 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA) . The bond was effected by glutaraldehyde (GA) and Sedipur CL-930 (PEI), without any carrier . The optimal concentration of GA was 2%, that of PEI 1% . The optimal biocatalyst was obtained by immobilization of productive cells with their fragments at a mass ratio of 4:1 . The cell aggregates were used for hydrolysis of potassium benzyl-penicillin at a concentration of 5% to 6-APA . After 25 repeated batch conversions the degree of conversion did not decrease; its average value was 96.4%.

IARC Sci Publ, 1991, (115), 307 - 20
Risk assessment of ochratoxin A residues in food; Kuiper-Goodman T; Ochratoxin A is a mycotoxin that has been found to occur in foods of plant origin, in edible animal tissues and in human sera and tissues . The ability of ochratoxin A to move up the food chain is associated with its long half-life in certain edible animal species . In this presentation, approaches for the evaluation of the health risks due to the presence of ochratoxin A in food products are described . The major target for ochratoxin A toxicity in all mammalian species tested is the kidney, and endemic nephropathies affecting livestock as well as humans have been attributed to ochratoxin A . Ochratoxin A is also teratogenic, and in the fetus the major target is the developing central nervous system . Recent studies have provided 'clear evidence' for the carcinogenicity of ochratoxin A in two rodent species . It was found to be non-mutagenic in various microbial and mammalian gene mutation assays, but weak genotoxic activity to mammalian cells was noted . In addition, ochratoxin A was found to suppress immune function . On the basis of a carcinogenicity study with ochratoxin A in rats, reported from the National Toxicology Program in the USA, the estimated tolerable daily intake of ochratoxin A in humans ranges from 1.5 to 5.7 ng/kg bw per day, depending on the method of extrapolation used . The worst-case estimate for daily exposure to ochratoxin A from the consumption of pork-based food products and cereal foods for young Canadian children, the highest consumption group on a body weight basis, is probably less than 1.5 ng/kg body weight per day (mean of eaters) . In view of the toxic properties of ochratoxin A, it is recommended that exposure to this toxin be kept to a minimum.

IARC Sci Publ, 1991, (115), 245 - 53
DNA adduct formation in mice treated with ochratoxin A; Pfohl-Leszkowicz A et al.; Several authors have reported the occurrence of renal and hepatic tumours in mice and rats exposed to ochratoxin A in long-term studies . The compound was not mutagenic, however, in various microbial and mammalian gene mutation assays, either with or without metabolic activation . Contradictory results were obtained for induction of unscheduled DNA synthesis and sister chromatid exchange . We showed previously that ochratoxin A causes DNA damage, manifested as single-strand breaks in mouse spleen cells and in vivo . These findings, which suggest that ochratoxin A is weakly genotoxic to mammalian cells, prompted us to search for DNA adducts using a modified 32P-postlabelling method, the sensitivity of which was improved by treatment with nuclease P1 . DNA was isolated from liver, kidney and spleen excised from mice 24, 48 and 72 h after oral treatment with ochratoxin A at 0.6, 1.2 and 2.5 mg/kg body weight . Several adducts were found in the DNA of the three organs, the levels varying greatly . After administration of 2.5 mg/kg body weight, 40 adducts per 10(9) nucleotides were found in kidney DNA and 7 adducts per 10(9) nucleotides in liver after 72 h . The levels of most of the adducts increased from 24 to 72 h, but those of others diminished after 24 or 48 h . Adducts were found in spleen only at 24 and 48 h . These results confirm the genotoxicity of ochratoxin A.

J Basic Microbiol, 1991, 31(6), 453 - 77
Application of immobilized cells for biotransformations of steroids; Schmauder HP et al.; A survey is given of possible solutions and open-ended questions in the biotransformation of steroids (without side chain degradation of sterols) by using immobilized cells . The data of literature between 1975 and 1990 and results of preliminary experiments from the microbial, biochemical, biophysical, physiological, as well as the biotechnological point of view are summarized and discussed.

Acta Microbiol Hung, 1991, 38(3-4), 293 - 304
Fluorogenic and chromogenic substrates--a promising tool in microbiology; Manafi M et al.; During the last few years the use of fluorogenic and chromogenic substrates for rapid and sensitive detection of bacteria has proved to be a powerful alternative to traditional methods . These sophisticated substrates might find widespread application in, for instance, the assay of clinically important enzymes, flow cytometry, and direct epifluorescent filter technique . Specific enzyme detection offers another approach to differential identification and characterization of viable bacteria from a sample . The use of some chromogenic and fluorogenic substrates specific for bacterial enzymes and their applications to microbial identification is reported . Particular emphasis is given to the examination of Escherichia coli and the description of the different techniques as used in routine analysis.

Dtsch Z Mund Kiefer Gesichtschir, 1991 Jan-Feb, 15(1), 24 - 9
{Ultrastructural studies on obstructive palatal sialadenitis in denture wearers}; Fartasch M et al.; The ultrastructural phenomena of obstructive palatal sialadenitis were studied in 7 denture wearers versus 3 non-denture wearers as control . Apart from mucositis severe stagnation of salivary flow in the excretory ducts was observed in patients with dentures with short periods of service . In contrast to the control group there were mucous droplets after exocytosis of the acinus cells that remained intact even in the lumina of the distal excretory ducts . Desquamation of the duct and acinus cells results in a change in the organic components of the secretory mucus . The periductal infiltrate consisted mainly of plasma cells and lymphocytes, whereas neutrophils or macrophages were not observed . Ultrastructurally there was no evidence of an ascending microbial infection of the ducts . Probably, infections do not play an important role in the pathogenesis of obstructive palatal sialadenitis.

J Clin Dent, 1991, 2(4), 83 - 6
The effect of a single episode of chlorhexidine irrigation on the gingival response to scaling and root planing; Tseng PW et al.; The adjunctive effects of subgingival chlorhexidine irrigation on gingival response following scaling and root planing were investigated . Changes in clinical parameters, and microbial composition of subgingival plaque as monitored by dark-field microscopy were assessed in 12 patients over a period of 12 weeks . Two test sites and two matched control sites with probing depth ranging from 4 mm to 7 mm were selected in each patient . Oral hygiene instruction and a single episode of scaling and root planing were carried out . In addition test sites were irrigated with one mL of 0.2% chlorhexidine solution by the operator, while control sites were either irrigated with an equal volume of physiological saline or not irrigated . There were significant improvements in the clinical parameters with little difference between test and control sites . Between the beginning and the end of the study there was a marked reduction in the proportion of spirochaetes with a concomitant increase in coccoid organisms with, again, only minor differences between the test and the control sites . It was concluded that subgingival irrigation with a single application of 0.2% chlorhexidine did not enhance gingival healing, or delay recolonization of pockets by certain micro-organisms (as monitored by dark-field microscopy), when scaling and root planing had been thoroughly carried out immediately prior to irrigation.

C R Seances Soc Biol Fil, 1991, 185(5), 331 - 7
{Enzymatic release of mycobacteria in natural media}; Thorel MF et al.; Polysaccharases release mycobacteria from natural environment . The enzymatic activity works both on the microbial adherence polysaccharides and on the support surfaces (cellulose) . The release of mycobacteria from natural environment increases both the number of isolates and the number of species of mycobacteria.

J Egypt Public Health Assoc, 1991, 66(1-2), 227 - 38
A study of the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of a Saudi Arabian community towards the problem of brucellosis; Bilal NE et al.; The present study included 337 patients, presenting to Asir Central Hospital with fever of more than two weeks duration, or symptoms associated with brucellosis but without fever . Of the 337 subjects examined for knowledge about methods and means of transmission of brucellosis, 309 (92%) were ignorant while only 28 (8%) appeared to possess some knowledge as to the source, type of animal contact and presentation of illness . None of the 337 subjects was able to link the disease with a microbial infection . The most important common practices associated with brucellosis included raw milk consumption, close animal contact and the slaughtering and disposal of wastes . Illiteracy, ignorance and faulty behaviours emphasize the importance of health education of the community, to raise the KAP standard of the full spectrum of brucellosis in the community would be valuable in its prevention and control.

Dev Biol Stand, 1991, 75, 193 - 204
Operator-induced contamination in cell culture systems; Hay RJ; Operator-induced biological contamination in cell cultures is a multifaceted problem involving the unexpected introduction of other animal cells, microbial and viral contaminants . Detailed studies on animal cell cross contaminations have been performed and published . The frequency of detection of problem cultures has been as high as 36% for one service performed in the USA, with interspecific cross contamination accounting for 25% and human intraspecific contamination representing 11% . Awareness of the potential of this problem plus the application of several characterizations are key factors for its control . For example, fluorescent antibody staining, isoenzyme analyses, cytogenetic evaluations and DNA fingerprinting using molecular probes are needed for quality assurance on master seed stocks . Detection of microbial contamination is relatively straightforward, but the prevalence of mycoplasmal infections in cell cultures used in general research is still a significant problem . Detection services report frequencies of infection varying from 10% upwards, depending upon the country and laboratory of origin . The utilization of prescreened reagents and antibiotic-free cultivation, plus the application of improved procedures, such as fluorescent dyes and molecular probes for detection, provide effective means of avoiding mycoplasma infection and facilitating control . For many viruses, the presence of mycoplasma reduces immunoreactivity, suppresses transcriptase and other enzyme activities, reverses viral neutralization etc . The introduction of viral contaminants into cell cultures is perhaps the most problematic, especially where no cytopathic effect is produced . Few cases are documented where technicians infected with specific viruses have introduced these unwittingly into cultures in their care . The potential exists, however, as reports have appeared documenting the considerable stability of rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, rotaviruses and others, in aerosols on workers' hands and safety hood surfaces . The infection of cell cultures via other contaminated cells or reagents such as sera is a related problem . In this regard, the infection of transplantable tumor cell lines with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus from host animals led to an outbreak of the disease in medical center personnel . Similar infection of rat cell lines exposed to animals harboring hantaviruses has been reported . Technical staff in US government laboratories have been infected with human immunodeficiency virus produced in cultured cells . Such serious public health hazards warrant repeated emphasis . The use of multiple cell lines in a given laboratory, including cultures known to be virally infected, compounds the problems and necessitates application of preventive methods both to avoid cross-infections and to document freedom from contamination.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Eye, 1991, 5 ( Pt 5), 549 - 59
Microbial keratitis--the false negative; Ficker L et al.; The investigation of presumed microbial keratitis includes microscopy and culture of corneal specimens obtained by scraping the infiltrated cornea . Routine microscopy fails to identify the infecting organism in about 15% of cases . We discuss the problems presented by 20 such eyes which required further investigation . We present a diagnostic algorithm aimed at reducing the delay in identifying the pathogen and increasing the rate of positive culture . This is important since unusual pathogens may require treatment with drugs other than the 'first line' broad spectrum combination of an aminoglycoside and a cephalosporin . The algorithm allows sequential restaining and reculturing of specimens for more thorough investigation . In addition to the use of special stains and culture conditions, it presents indications for further corneal scrapes and biopsies . Uncontrolled infection resulted in five perforations and penetrating keratoplasty was indicated in 11 cases . The visual outcome for these patients was poor with fewer than 30% achieving 6/12 acuity . The delay in diagnosis increases morbidity and this should be significantly reduced by adopting the algorithm we propose.

Rev Roum Virol, 1991 Jan-Jun, 42(1-2), 17 - 22
{New pathogenetic aspects of the relations between viral and microbial infections and peripheral vasculopathies}; Athanasiu P et al.; The immunofluorescence technique using antisera against some viruses and inframicrobes allowed the detection of pathogens in altered vascular tissues (arteritis and phlebitis-phlebectasia) . Pathomorphological aspects and some dehydrogenase activities in these patients were also investigated.

Nahrung, 1991, 35(6), 581 - 90
Prediction of total body lipid from total body water in rats . Part 1 . Relations between directly measured major body components; Zahn L et al.; Aimed to the construction of a prediction equation for estimations of lipid content from animal water content body composition was determined by whole body analysis of male rats (1) given access, ad libitum, to a commercial standard diet (n = 144; ranging from 60 to 600 g in weight, and from the 4th to the 34th week of age), and (2) showing striking variations with regard to nutritional state, dietary history, enlarged fat deposition, genetic origin, intestinal microbial status, and advanced age (n = 75) . It was shown that a unique coefficient of water content in lipid-free body mass does not exist . The results of statistical analysis for the grouped values of percentage body dry matter (x) and percentage body lipid (y) indicate that the latter can be estimated accurately from body water content directly determined by the use of the quadratic regression equation y = -0.2864 x +0.01615 x2 with a standard deviation of the procedure Sy = +/- 1.40 . This prediction equation is valid for a wide developmental span even under highly different experimental states . Differences between the calculated body lipid contents vs . analytically determined values are smaller than by using a linear regression equation or coefficient(s) of hydration of lipid-free body mass.

Fortschr Ophthalmol, 1991, 88(4), 363 - 7
{Keratoplasty in infancy and early childhood with special reference to the auto-rotation technique}; Meiser S et al.; Between January 1987 and August 1990, a total of 20 keratoplasties were performed in infants and children in the University Eye Hospital, Dusseldorf, accounting for 4% of all keratoplasties during this period . The indications included malformations of the anterior segment and central corneal opacities, mostly of herpetic or microbial etiology . The ages of the patients varied from 2 weeks to 6 years, and the cases were followed up for an average of 2 years . Five (25%) were treated with the autorotation technique . Visual acuity after surgery was satisfactory, although an irregular astigmatism was found in three cases and one child eventually had to have a contact lens fitted . In view of our encouraging results we recommend that ipsilateral rotational autokeratoplasties should be considered more often for suitable forms of central corneal opacyty, particularly for infants and children.

Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl, 1991, 187, 39 - 46
Helicobacter pylori urease: properties and role in pathogenesis; Mobley HL et al.; Urease (urea amidohydrolase, EC 3.5.1.5) catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea to yield ammonia and carbon dioxide . Research on this enzyme has gained momentum since the discovery of Helicobacter pylori as a causative agent of human gastritis . The remarkably high urease activity of each organism has served as the basis of diagnostic tests for the presence of the organism in the urease biopsy test and urea breath test . Urease undoubtedly plays a central role in H . pylori pathogenesis . Hydrolysis of urea with generation of ammonia may enable survival of this acid-sensitive organism in the gastric mucosa . Ammonia generated by urea hydrolysis may also produce severe cytotoxic effects within gastric epithelium . The enzyme also elicits a strong immune response during acute infection, suggesting that this abundant antigen is readily available to the immune system . An increase in serum IgG titer is predictive of ongoing infection . Much progress has been made with regard to the molecular biology of urease . The high molecular weight protein (estimated by several investigators to be 300-520 kDa) has been purified, revealing two distinct subunits of 29.5 kDa and 66 kDa, a unique subunit structure as compared with other microbial ureases . However, amino acid sequences are nevertheless well conserved when compared with other bacterial ureases and that of the jack bean, Canavalia ensiformis . Furthermore, genes encoding urease of H . pylori have been cloned, sequenced, and amplified by the polymerase chain reaction.

Proc Finn Dent Soc, 1991, 87(4), 607 - 19
Posteruptive changes in human dental fluorosis--a histological and ultrastructural study; Fejerskov O et al.; The aim of the present study was to describe the structural features characterizing the severe grades of human fluorotic enamel (TF scores 5-9) with particular emphasis on the posteruptive changes in severely fluorosed teeth . Dental fluorosis is a subsurface hypomineralized lesion deep to a well-mineralized outer enamel surface, which in severe cases breaks apart shortly after eruption . Early signs of posteruptive changes comprise small defects corresponding to the opening of striae of Retzius . The enamel pits which develop after eruption in more severe cases exhibit an increase in mineral content at their base which correspond to the exposed subsurface hypomineralized lesions . Likewise, the extensive removal of surface enamel in the most severe cases of human fluorosis results in a highly varying uptake of mineral into the exposed subsurface hypomineralized lesions . The uptake varies greatly within apparently similar degrees of hypomineralized lesions . In approximal abrasion facets, however, where the subsurface lesions are also exposed, no evidence of mineral uptake was found . At the ultrastructural level, the well-mineralized surface zone consists of large hexagonal enamel crystals separated by rather large intercrystalline spaces in which numerous irregular small crystals are observed . Moreover, the large crystals may exhibit central and peripheral dissolution . In addition, mineral appeared to be deposited into such defects as well as along the side of the crystals, often with the lattices being continuous from the original crystal into the apparently posteruptive formed crystal material . It is concluded that a substantial mineral uptake can take place in exposed porous hypomineralized fluorotic enamel after eruption, but is most likely to be associated with the presence of microbial deposits, the metabolic activity of which may play a keyrole in mineral exchange.

Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol, 1991, 13(4), 623 - 42
Correlation between modification of membrane phospholipids and some biological activity of lymphocytes, neutrophils and macrophages; Galdiero F et al.; Our study considered the possibility of modifying the functional response of human neutrophils, of mouse lymphocytes and macrophages treated with phospholipids having different polar groups, different isomerisms with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from C12 to C20 carbon atoms . The results are as follows . a) Most of the phospholipids containing fatty acids from C12 to C20 cause inhibition of the blastogenic capacity of the polyclonal activators tested . b) The phospholipids tested cause a decrease in adherence of polymorphonuclear leukocytes with the exception of the phosphatidyl-choline containing saturated and unsaturated fatty acids . c) A decrease in polymorphonuclear leukocytes migrational capacity almost always occurs . d) The cells treated with L-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine having fatty acids from C14 to C17 show an increase in chemiluminescence; those treated with phosphatidyl-choline and L-phosphatidyl-glycerol show a decrease of the chemiluminescence; L-phosphatidic acid and L-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine having Microbial fatty acids (FAs) at C16 cause a decrease in the formation of phagolisosomes in the macrophages tested.

Fortschr Ophthalmol, 1991, 88(5), 429 - 30
{Intraocular antibiotic administration for prevention of fibrin reaction after extracapsular cataract extraction? A randomized double-blind study}; Mittelviefhaus H; Postoperative fibrinoid reactions are regarded as a localized form of endophthalmitis caused by microbial contamination of the capsular bag during intraocular lens implantation . The incidence of early fibrinoid reactions within the first 6 postoperative days following extracapsular cataract extraction was examined after intraocular administration of antibiotics vs placebo . In a double-blind randomized trial, 2 mg cefamandol or a placebo was administered in a 0.4-ml volume at the end of the operation . A group of 28 patients received the antibiotic (mean age 74.6 years; 15 f, 13 m), while 33 patients received the placebo (mean age 72,1 years; 21 f, 12 m) . Fibrinoid reactions were observed in 8 out of 61 patients during the first 6 postoperative days . There was no significant difference between the antibiotic group and the placebo group (P = 0.31) . We were unable to reduce the incidence of fibrinoid reactions although we had selected a broad-spectrum cephalosporin for antibiotic treatment . The results give rise to the suspicion that most of the early postoperative fibrinoid reactions we observed were not caused by contamination with bacteria of low pathogenicity.

Eye, 1991, 5 ( Pt 4), 425 - 31
The role of penetrating keratoplasty in the management of microbial keratitis; Kirkness CM et al.; Penetrating keratoplasty was performed as an emergency procedure in 52 eyes which had perforated from acute microbial keratitis and in a further 11 where perforation had not yet occurred . The results are compared with those of keratoplasty in 33 non-infected perforations and 20 eyes where there had been microbial keratitis which had responded to medical therapy leaving a scarred cornea . This latter group had both a better five year survival (90%) compared to all the others (51%), p less than 0.05, and achieved significantly better visual acuities, p less than 0.005.

Ann Biomed Eng, 1991, 19(5), 529 - 45
Cellular engineering; Nerem RM; Cellular engineering applies the principles and methods of engineering to the problems of cell and molecular biology of both a basic and applied nature . As biomedical engineering has shifted from the organ and tissue level to the cellular and sub-cellular level, cellular engineering has emerged as a new area . A cornerstone of much of this activity is cell culture technology, i.e., the ability to grow living cells in the artificial environment of a laboratory . Cellular engineering includes the role of engineering in both basic cell biology research and in the making of products which use living cells, e.g., tissue engineering and bioprocess engineering . The former involves the use of living cells in the development of biological substitutes for the restoration or replacement of function, and the latter the use of living cells to manufacture a biochemical product, e.g., through the use of recombinant DNA technology . In fact, as biomedical engineering has expanded to include the cellular level, and bioprocess engineering has shifted in interest from microbial organisms to include mammalian cells, there are intellectual issues in which an interest is shared by these two formerly separate areas of engineering activity . Cellular engineering thus transcends the field of biomedical engineering.

Rev Roum Virol, 1991 Jan-Jun, 42(1-2), 53 - 8
{The incidence of viral and microbial antigens and the serum interferon titer in certain forms of rheumatism}; Petrescu A et al.; The presence of some viral and inframicrobial antigens in peripheral leukocytes was investigated by the indirect immunofluorescence technique in 120 patients with different forms of rheumatism and 50 clinically healthy controls . Mycoplasma pneumoniae and type 3 para-influenza virus were detected most frequently . The determination of serum interferon titer revealed a rise of this product in rheumatic patients.

Biomed Pharmacother, 1991, 45(2-3), 81 - 6
Modulation of bone marrow cell functions in vitro by bestatin (ubenimex); Blazsek I et al.; Bestatin (ubenimex), the microbial leucil-aminopeptidase B inhibitor, has been shown previously to stimulate both interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-2 production and to enhance T-cell, as well as macrophage mediated immunoreaction when administered in vivo in mice . Here we show that although Bestatin has no direct growth stimulatory activity, it enhances the growth of GM-CFU populations in semisolide culture and stimulates the cell production in liquide organotypic Hematon cultures in synergy with recombinant human GM-CSF . In long term human bone marrow culture Bestatin accelerated the adipocytic differentiation among colony forming stroma cells (F-CFU) . Our data provide further evidences that Bestatin may interact with the hemopoietic cell renewal system at different levels of biological organisation.

Ann Trop Paediatr, 1991, 11(1), 87 - 94
Lipoid pneumonia in children following aspiration of animal fat (ghee); Annobil SH et al.; Exogenous lipoid pneumonia induced by modified animal fat (ghee) in 10 children is described . The initial presentation was of an acute or chronic pneumonia which proved refractory to anti-microbial chemotherapy . The radiological presentation varied from mild perihilar consolidation to diffuse and extensive bilateral involvement, particularly of the posterior lung segments . A history of administration of ghee provided the initial clue to the diagnosis, which was confirmed by demonstration of fat by bronchoalveolar lavage or by open lung biopsy . Eight of the 10 patients improved with either steroid therapy alone or steroids with resection of the most involved lung segments . One patient, who had extensive superinfection with Mycobacterium fortuitum, died . Lipoid pneumonia should be considered in the differential diagnosis of 'non-resolving' pneumonias in communities where the cultural practice of infant feeding with ghee is prevalent . Public awareness through health education about the potential hazards of this practice to infants and children can contribute to reduce the incidence of the problem.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1991 Jan, 36(1), 29 - 31
{Experimental study of protease C--proteolytic enzyme of microbial origin}; Dolgova GV et al.; The specific activity of protease C, a proteolytic enzyme isolated from Acremonium chrysogenum was studied under experimental conditions . Protease C was shown to lyse necrotic biological substrates (dry crusts of burn wounds) and blood clots . By the nature of the effect protease C was analogous to terrilytin and by the level of the effect it was superior in some experiments . Protease C was low toxic and had no mutagenic action.

Biomed Biochim Acta, 1991, 50(4-6), 781 - 9
A novel membrane-bound serine esterase in human T4(+)-lymphocytes is a binding protein of envelope glycoprotein gp120 of HIV-1; Kido H et al.; A novel membrane-bound serine esterase, named tryptase TL2, which is immunologically reactive with the antibody inhibiting induction of syncytia by human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) (HATTORI, T., KOITO, A., TAKATSUKI, K., KIDO, H., and KATUNUMA, N., 1989, FEBS Lett., 248, 48-52), has been purified from a human T4+ lymphocyte clone . The enzyme has a molecular mass of 198 +/- 15 kDa, and is composed of two subunits of 32 kDa and four subunits of 28 kDa . The enzyme was strongly inhibited by the envelope glycoprotein gp120 of HIV-1, by synthetic peptides of V3 domains of gp120 s with the sequence GPGR in their center, which correspond to the principal neutralizing epitopes of the gp120s of various HIV-1 strains, by Kunitz-type inhibitors with the sequence GPCR in their active site, such as trypstatin, H130, and {Arg15, Glu52} aprotinin and by the microbial inhibitors leupeptin and antipain . This enzyme was specifically bound to the inhibitor V3 domain of gp120 of HIV-1, and this binding was blocked by the inhibitors of tryptase TL2, with a central motif GPCR or GPGR sequence in their center, but not by leupeptin and antipain without the motif . These findings suggest that tryptase TL2 is important in target site recognition and binding of HIV-1 in co-operation with CD4 receptor in the initial process of HIV-1 infection.

Virchows Arch B Cell Pathol Incl Mol Pathol, 1991, 60(6), 353 - 63
Handling of cationic antigens in the joint and induction of chronic allergic arthritis . In vivo studies in the rat; Gondolf KB et al.; The aims of the present study were to define, under in vivo conditions, factors governing antigen binding and persistence in the rat joint and to establish a chronic arthritis model by means of a natural polycation . The influence of size as well as charge on antigen handling was examined using a range of chemically cationized proteins and natural polycations . Arthritis was induced by intraarticular challenge in preimmunized rats . Immunofluorescence studies revealed that not only pI, which must exceed pH 8-9, but also molecular size was a decisive parameter: only antigens of more than 40 kD were able to persist for significant periods in joint structures . All existing models of antigen induced chronic arthritis in rodents utilize chemically cationized proteins . We extended this system to natural polycations by showing that lysozyme (pI 11.3; MW 14 kD) in tetrameric, charge conserved form (MW 56 kD) as a model-antigen was able to induce chronic arthritis in the rat . After intraarticular challenge of preimmunized animals the course of inflammation was assessed both by 99mTechnetium-pertechnetate (99mTc) scintigram and from the histology . In contrast to monomeric lysozyme, which evoked only a transient inflammatory response (less than two weeks), tetrameric lysozyme induced a chronic arthritis, which still persisted at day 90 . Our results show that the ability of cationic antigens to trigger chronic arthritis is vitally size dependent . This is also the first report of a natural polycation acting as an arthritogen, thus providing an experimental basis justifying the search for cationic microbial antigens in human post infectious reactive arthritis.

Annu Rev Immunol, 1991, 9, 567 - 89
Autoimmunity to chaperonins in the pathogenesis of arthritis and diabetes; Cohen IR; The immunology of the 65 kd heat shock protein (hsp65) is paradoxical . Microbial and mammalian hsp65 molecules are 50% identical in amino acid sequence and immunologically cross-reactive, so microbial hsp65 looks like self; yet hsp65 is a dominant antigen in infection . Immunity to hsp65 can cause autoimmune diabetes in mice and may be related to autoimmune arthritis in rats and humans, so immunity to hsp65 should be forbidden; yet healthy persons manifest T-cell responses to self-hsp65 . The aim of this chapter is to explore the immunological dominance of hsp65 and its role in autoimmunity--benign and pernicious.

Nahrung, 1991, 35(9), 921 - 48
{Lactose--a potential dietary fiber . The regulation of its microecologic effect in the intestinal tract . 4 . Dietary fiber action of lactose: evaluation with multivariate statistical analysis}; Zunft HJ et al.; The conditions and the intestinal processes responsible for the action of lactose as a potential dietary fibre are described . The beta-galactosidase activity in the rat caecum and colon is influenced by dietary factors: It declines with increasing lactose concentration and it rises with increasing protein and phosphate concentration in the diet . The enzyme activity correlates negatively with the content of lactose, and positively with the content of protein and phosphate in the chymus . The products of lactose hydrolysis are degraded by microbial glycolysis in caecum and colon . The glycolytic products are mainly absorbed and energetically utilized by the macroorganism . Phosphate stimulates the microbial metabolism and, therefore, accelerates the consumption of the energy substrate lactose . Mathematical optimization gives the necessary composition of the diet which causes an intended microecological effect . To minimize the chymus pH (5.1 in the colon ascendens; 4.6 in the colon descendens; 4.3 in the faeces) the lactose content of the diet has to be greater than or equal to 160 mumol/g, the protein content less than or equal to 10 mg/g, and the phosphate content less than or equal to 5.5 mumol/g . The minimal pH value depends to a greater extent on variations in the supply of protein and phosphorus with the diet whereas the response to changes in lactose concentration is less noticeable.

Drugs Exp Clin Res, 1991, 17(4), 243 - 52
Topical treatment of burn wounds with chloroxidating solution and silver sulfadiazine: a comparative study; Mian EU et al.; The present paper reports the results of clinical and laboratory tests carried out on two homogeneous groups of ten burn patients subjected to local therapy, either with isotonic chloroxidating solution Amuchina* or with 1% silver sulfadiazine cream at the Burns Centre of the Pisa University Dermatological Clinic . The local systemic behaviour of the patients examined was evaluated for the containment of septic complications at the burn site . In the group subjected to treatment with chloroxidating solution, sepsis appeared to have a lower incidence in the evolution of dermatitis in the phase of escharolysis, in the formation of granulation tissue, and in the attachment of cutaneous grafts . The systemic involvement (temperature curve, etc.) appeared to be more marked for some patients treated with silver sulfadiazine in response to septic aggression of the burn wounds . On the basis of data referring to the development of the wound granulation and the temperature curve, as well as the microbial presence and the subjective tolerance of the medication, the comparison was favourable, making all necessary allowances, to topical treatment with electrolytic chloroxidating solution; other comparative data were at the limit of significance.

Connect Tissue Res, 1991, 26(4), 247 - 57
Collagenolytic enzymes assayed by spectrophotometry with suspensions of reconstituted collagen fibrils; Bleeg HS; Collagenolytic enzymes were quantitated by a method based on spectrophotometry of suspended reconstituted collagen fibrils . To obtain optically stable suspensions it was necessary to perform a short sonication of the aggregated fibrils at 10 degrees C . When fibrils were cleaved with mammalian fibroblast collagenase at 35 degrees C the triple helical collagen fragments (TCA and TCB) would uncoil spontaneously and the decreasing turbidity was used as an estimate of enzyme activity . The method is a specific collagenase assay since a possible cleavage in the non-helical parts of the collagen molecule with contaminating proteinases is without effect on the turbidity of the suspension and the collagen substrate is not converted to gelatin at 35 degrees C . After 1 h of incubation 0.2 U (equivalent to 0.2 micrograms) of fibroblast collagenase could be detected . In purification procedures with microbial collagenases many fractions were tested by overnight incubations in disposable cuvettes . Sealing of cuvettes with square silicone stoppers allowed rotation of enzyme-substrate mixtures directly in the cuvettes . Only standard laboratory equipment is required for this assay, which is not dependent on radiolabeling or preparation of specific immunologic reagents.

J Biol Chem, 1990 Dec 15, 265(35), 21979 - 85
A novel membrane-bound serine esterase in human T4+ lymphocytes immunologically reactive with antibody inhibiting syncytia induced by HIV-1 . Purification and characterization; Kido H et al.; A novel membrane-bound serine esterase, named tryptase TL2, which is immunologically reactive with the antibody inhibiting induction of syncytia by human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) (Hattori, T., Koito, A., Takatsuki, K., Kido, H., and Kutunuma, N . (1989) FEBS Lett., 248, 48-52), has been purified from a human T4+ lymphocyte clone . The enzyme has a molecular mass of 198 +/- 15 kDa, as judged by gel-permeation liquid chromatography, and is composed of two subunits of 32 kDa and four subunits of 28 kDa, as shown by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . Studies with model peptide substrates showed that the enzyme preferentially recognized L-arginine and cleaved Boc-Gln-Gly-Arg-4-methyl-coumaryl-7-amide and Boc-Gln-Ala-Arg-4-methyl-coumaryl-7-amide with high efficiency at a pH optimum of 8.5 . The enzyme was strongly inhibited by the envelope glycoprotein gp 120 of HIV-1, by synthetic peptides with the sequence GPGR in their center, which corresponds to the principal neutralizing epitope of the gp 120s of various HIV-1 strains, by Kunitz-type inhibitors with the sequence GPCR in their active site, such as trypstatin, HI30, and {Arg15, Glu52}aprotinin and by the microbial inhibitors leupeptin and antipain . Studies on the subcellular distribution of tryptase TL2, immunohistochemical analysis, and cell surface radioiodination indicated that the enzyme is mainly localized in the plasma membrane.

J Chromatogr, 1990 Dec 14, 534, 151 - 9
High-performance liquid chromatography of the antihistamine pyrilamine and its N-oxide using electrochemical detection; Billedeau SM et al.; The electrochemical behavior of the over-the-counter antihistamine drug pyrilamine and its N-oxide analogue, have been studied by several voltammetric methods . Cyclic voltammograms of pyrilamine maleate in 0.1 M ammonium acetate at pH 7.0 indicated a quasi-reversible electrode process by observing a wave at + 0.85 V and + 1.30 V in the initial anodic sweep followed by a wave at - 1.30 V versus Ag/AgCl . Differential pulse and hydrodynamic voltammetry of pyrilamine and the N-oxide were examined to determine oxidation potentials for use in high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ED) . Differentiation between pyrilamine and its N-oxide was achieved in HPLC-ED analyses at a detection potential of + 0.7 V and + 0.9 V versus Ag/AgCl with tandem ultraviolet detection at 254 nm . Utility of the HPLC-ED method was demonstrated by the analysis of pyrilamine and the N-oxide in microbial biotransformation samples.

Clin Mater, 1991, 7(1), 3 - 13
Factors influencing the performance of temporary skin substitutes; Nangia A et al.; Advances in our knowledge of the wound healing process has led to the development of various synthetic skin substitutes, which when applied to the wound surface provide a microclimate conducive to healing . The requirements of an ideal temporary skin substitute are presented . This review also provides an updated account of the preclinical evaluation procedures utilized to assess these demands, particularly important parameters such as water vapour permeability, adherence to excised wound surface, oxygen permeability, mechanical properties, microbial permeability and exudate soaking capacity.

Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 1990 Dec, 38(6), 339 - 47
Microbial pathogenicity and host defense mechanisms--crucial parameters of posttraumatic infections; Schluter B et al.; Posttraumatic and postoperative infections which may be either localized or turn into sepsis are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in surgical patients . They derive from the imbalance between microbial pathogenicity factors and the host defense system . The virulence mechanisms include adhesion, chemotaxis, invasion, resistance, and production of toxins . In addition, local and/or systemic immune functions in these patients are altered . Unspecific as well as specific cellular and humoral defense mechanisms are affected . The interaction of defined microbial pathogenicity factors with immune effector cells results in the activation of a variety of inflammatory mediators; they are a prerequisite for protective immunity but also induce local or systemic damage in the host when they occur in excessive amounts or when their metabolism is inadequately controlled . The analysis of the pathophysiological events during infection in surgical patients by taking advantage of modern molecular and cell biological methods may contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

J Anim Sci, 1990 Dec, 68(12), 4361 - 75
Substitution of DL-methionine for soybean meal as a winter supplement for gestating cows grazing native range; Lodman DW et al.; A winter grazing study was conducted to determine whether DL-methionine could replace soybean meal as a N supplement for gestating beef cows . During two winters (Trial 1, n = 51; Trial 2, n = 60), crossbred beef cows grazed native foothill range . Three treatment groups were supplemented with either none (CON), DL-methionine (7.5 g Trial 1 and 9 g Trial 2) in .5 kg beet pulp carrier (BPM) or .4 kg soybean meal (SBM) . Cows were supplemented individually every other day . Small differences were noted in cow BW, condition score and blood metabolites . Unsupplemented cows lost the greatest amount of BW (P less than .01) in both trials and lost more (P less than .05) condition during Trial 1 than cows fed BPM or SBM supplements . Blood samples were obtained on two consecutive days during each trial (45 d and 25 d prepartum) and analyzed for blood urea N, total bilirubin, creatinine, albumin, total protein and cholesterol . A treatment x day preparatum interaction (P less than .05) was noted for blood urea . Blood urea nitrogen declined as gestation length increased for CON and SBM cows, but blood urea of BPM-supplemented cows remained low and unchanged . In situ forage digestion was measured in 12 ruminally cannulated cows (four/treatment) . In both trials, in situ rate of NDF disappearance was greater (P less than .05) for SBM than for BPM . In Trial 2, a treatment x sampling hour interaction was detected for purine concentration of whole ruminal contents; SBM maintained greater purine concentrations throughout the 48-h supplementation cycle than BPM did . Principal component analysis suggested that ruminal ammonia limited the microbial growth response to DL-methionine . Therefore, alternate-day supplementation of DL-methionine plus beet pulp did not effectively substitute for soybean meal in these trials.

Am J Infect Control, 1990 Dec, 18(6), 354 - 64
The effect of surgical handwashing routines on the microbial counts of operating room nurses; Pereira LJ et al.; Many factors may affect the efficiency of handwashing techniques . This study examined two interdependent factors: the time taken to wash the hands and the type of antiseptic solution used . A 3-minute initial scrub and 30-second consecutive scrub regimen was compared with a current standard regimen of a 5-minute initial scrub and a 3-minute consecutive scrub . Chlorhexidine gluconate 4% and povidone-iodine 7.5% were the antiseptics used in the two regimens . The sample (n = 34) was drawn from nurses employed in the operating room suite of a 950-bed hospital . Chlorhexidine gluconate was found to be responsible for lower numbers of colony-forming units of bacteria than povidone-iodine . The duration of the scrub had no significant effect on the numbers of bacteria when povidone-iodine was used . The optimal regimen was found to be the 5-minute initial and 3-minute consecutive scrubs with chlorhexidine gluconate.

Int J Food Microbiol, 1990 Dec, 11(3-4), 305 - 11
The effect of treatment with buffered lactic acid on microbial decontamination and on shelf life of poultry; Zeitoun AA et al.; The use of buffered lactic acid systems compared with unbuffered lactic acid solutions enhances the decontaminating effect and increases shelf life of chicken legs . A reduction of about 2 pH units of the chicken skin is obtained by treatment with 10% lactic acid buffer . The buffer keeps the pH of the skin lower than that of untreated legs . Legs treated with 10% lactic acid buffer have a shelf life of 12 days at 6 degrees C, which means an increase of 6 days compared with the shelf life of untreated legs.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1990 Dec, 43(12), 1519 - 23
The kapurimycins, new antitumor antibiotics produced by Streptomyces . Physico-chemical properties and structure determination; Yoshida M et al.; The kapurimycins A1, A2 and A3 were revealed to be new antitumor antibiotics with molecular formula of C27H26O9, C26H24O9 and C27H24O9, respectively . The structures of the kapurimycins were determined by NMR spectroscopic analysis . The kapurimycins are new class of polycyclic microbial metabolites having the tetrahydroanthra-gamma-pyrone skeleton and the beta, gamma-unsaturated delta-keto carboxylic acid structure . The individual components of the kapurimycins differ from one another in the side chain at the pyrone ring of the molecule.

J Exp Med, 1990 Dec 1, 172(6), 1609 - 14
Human keratinocytes are a source for tumor necrosis factor alpha: evidence for synthesis and release upon stimulation with endotoxin or ultraviolet light; Kock A et al.; Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), in addition to being cytotoxic for certain tumor cells, has turned out as a multifunctional cytokine that is involved in the regulation of immunity and inflammation . Since human keratinocytes have been demonstrated to be a potent source of various cytokines, it was investigated whether epidermal cells synthesize and release TNF-alpha . Supernatants derived from normal human keratinocytes (HNK) and human epidermoid carcinoma cell lines (KB, A431) were tested both in a TNF-alpha-specific ELISA and a bioassay . In supernatants of untreated epidermal cells, no or minimal TNF-alpha activity was found, while after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or ultraviolet (UV) light, significant amounts were detected . Western blot analysis using an antibody directed against human TNF-alpha revealed a molecular mass of 17 kD for keratinocyte-derived TNF-alpha . These biological and biochemical data were also confirmed by Northern blot analysis revealing mRNA specific for TNF-alpha in LPS- or ultraviolet B (UVB)-treated HNK and KB cells . In addition, increased TNF-alpha levels were detected in the serum obtained from human volunteers 12 and 24 h after a single total body UVB exposure, which caused a severe sunburn reaction . These findings indicate that keratinocytes upon stimulation are able to synthesize and release TNF-alpha, which may gain access to the circulation . Thus, TNF-alpha in concert with other epidermal cell-derived cytokines may mediate local and systemic inflammatory reactions during host defense against injurious events caused by microbial agents or UV irradiation.

Khirurgiia (Mosk), 1990 Dec, (12), 89 - 93
{Use of carbon dioxide laser in the complex treatment of patients with trophic ulcers and non-healing wounds}; Vert'ianov VA et al.; Examination of 307 patients with trophic and sluggish wounds showed that the use of a focussed carbohydrate laser beam with an energy density of 800-1000 J/cm2 makes it possible to remove pyonecrotic masses and microbial flora from the wound surface in one-stage, rapidly, without bleeding and without injury to the underlying healthy tissues and, in most cases, to make it sterile . A defocused beam of this laser applied locally with an energy density of radiation ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 J/cm2 produces a marked stimulating effect on processes of reparative regeneration in the irradiated tissues and allows one in this way to reduce the term of wound healing and the term of the patient's hospital stay by 1.4 times.

J Invest Dermatol, 1990 Dec, 95(6 Suppl), 132S - 137S
Recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) in dermatology; Mahrle G et al.; This paper gives a short review on the function, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic application of recombinant interferon-gamma (rIFN-gamma) in dermatology . Simultaneously, our own experiences are presented for 57 patients (phase II study) suffering from genital warts (21 patients), psoriatic arthritis (10 patients), psoriasis vulgaris (three patients), malignant melanoma (six patients), bowenoid papulosis (four patients), Behcet's disease (four patients), basal cell carcinoma (six patients), as well as herpes simplex recidivans, epidermodysplasia verruciformis, and mycosis fungoides (one patient each) . We conclude that there might be an indication for treatment with rIFN-gamma in genital warts, bowenoid papulosis, Behcet's disease, and microbial infections, such as leprosy and cutaneous leishmaniasis . Even though there are reports of a limited beneficial effect of rIFN-gamma on arthritis and skin lesions in psoriasis, we failed to observe any in 10 patients . The main side effects in our low-dose study (50-100 micrograms/d) were mild fever (78%), fatigue (78%), and myalgia (65%) . Laboratory tests revealed an increase in the serum triglyceride level, in particular, in psoriatic patients.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 Dec, (12), 19 - 21
{A polarographic method in assessing the cultural properties of the EV vaccinal strain}; Martynov NV et al.; The kinetic and regulatory characteristics of the oxidation metabolism of glucose, whose differences in collection cultures correspond to their capacity for growth in fluid culture medium under the conditions of aeration and the periodic addition of glucose, have been proposed on the basis of the polarographic method used for the registration of microbial breath in vaccine strain EV . Pronounced metabolic disturbances resulting from the prolonged storage of the stock culture and working standards of strain EV lead to the deterioration of their working properties.

Bol Med Hosp Infant Mex, 1990 Dec, 47(12), 797 - 808
{Cytokines and their role as health and disease mediators . New approaches to old problems}; Garcia-Lloret MI et al.; The cytokines are multifunctional polypeptide hormones, produced by a variety of cells, that participate in the regulation of many biological processes . Essentially acting as intercellular messengers, they play a central role in the maintenance of homeostasis in normal tissues . Cytokines are key mediators of both local and systemic immune-inflammatory responses; therefore, disturbances in their secretion, response and/or regulation have been implicated in the pathophysiology of several conditions in which an exaggerated auto-destructive component appears to play a role . Conversely, deficits in cytokine production probably impair the host's ability to mount an effective immune response and may underlie the increased susceptibility to microbial infection observed, for example, in the neonate or in the malnourished patient . A review of the principal aspects of the biology of cytokines is presented together with the evidence supporting their involvement in several pathological states and the potential therapeutic applications of these mediators as novel immunomodulating agents.

J Endod, 1990 Dec, 16(12), 589 - 95
Therapy-resistant foreign body giant cell granuloma at the periapex of a root-filled human tooth; Nair PN et al.; Although the primary etiological factor of periapical lesions is microbial, there are other independent factors that can adversely affect the outcome of endodontic treatment . In this communication, we present morphological evidence in support of the role of a foreign body reaction of periapical tissue to root-filling materials . The specimen consisted of a surgical biopsy of an asymptomatic periapical lesion which persisted after a decade of postendodontic follow-up . The biopsy was processed for correlated light and electron microscopy and was analyzed by various microtechniques . The unique feature of the lesion was the presence of vast numbers of large multinucleated cells and their cytoplasmic inclusion bodies . Morphologically, these multinucleated cells resembled foreign body giant cells . They contained characteristic birefringent cytoplasmic inclusions which on electron-probe X-ray microanalysis consistently revealed the presence of magnesium and silicon . The magnesium and silicon are presumably the remnants of a root-filling excess which protruded into the periapex and had been resorbed during the follow-up period . These observations strongly suggest that in the absence of microbial factors, root-filling materials which contain irritating substances can evoke a foreign body reaction at the periapex, leading to the development of asymptomatic periapical lesions that may remain refractory to endodontic therapy for long periods of time.

Inflammation, 1990 Dec, 14(6), 663 - 8
Wound tissue respiratory burst and local microbial inflammation; Belotsky SM et al.; Local and systemic chemiluminescent (CL) response was measured in 32 patients with wound infection and in 27 patients with crush syndrome complicated by severe wound infection . The level of wound CL depends upon the local microbial concentration and the dynamics of wound healing . CL response of neutrophils in circulation was higher in higher local CL response, but extremely high wound microbial concentration (greater than 10(8) CFU/g) suppressed both local and systemic responses . No metabolic reserve was observed in wound tissue . Wound healing was characterized by changes in the mode of local CL response: from a prevalence of luminol-dependent (neutrophilic) CL to a prevalence of lucigenin-independent (macrophagal) CL.

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 1990 Dec, 20(3), 234 - 40
Focus on toxicological aspects of pesticide chemical interaction in drinking water contamination; Cova D et al.; Toxicological aspects related to chemical and microbial degradation of pesticides in water and to products deriving from the interaction with xenobiotics found in water are reviewed . Other aspects considered are those related to compounds formed in potabilization processes and to water contamination by pesticide synthesis by-products or intermediates . These problems refer to scarcely investigated issues which are nevertheless very interesting because of their impact on human health.

Clin Rheumatol, 1990 Dec, 9(4), 475 - 82
Apheresis enhances the selective removal of antinuclear antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus; Colburn KK et al.; Apheresis suppresses clinical manifestations of lupus and reduces levels of antinuclear antibodies implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) . It is not known, however, if reduced levels of antinuclear antibodies are due to nonspecific removal, or specific mechanisms associated with decreased production, or enhanced clearance from the circulation . In order to distinguish between specific and nonspecific effects of apheresis on antinuclear antibodies in SLE, we compared plasma levels of IgG antibodies to DNA and IgG antibodies to microbial antigens in 13 SLE patients before and after apheresis . Although apheresis lowered plasma levels of IgG (21% mean reduction), there was a disproportionate reduction in IgG antibodies to DNA (42% mean reduction, p less than 0.13) . In marked contrast, reduction in antibodies to microbial antigens did not exceed those of plasma IgG . A rapid rebound of serum anti-DNA antibodies following apheresis in certain SLE patients suggests that the selective reduction in anti-DNA antibodies is due to enhanced clearance from the circulation rather than decreased production . These results indicate that apheresis enhances selective removal of antinuclear antibodies in some patients with SLE.

Khirurgiia (Mosk), 1990 Dec, (12), 79 - 84
{General principles of the treatment of suppurative wounds and suppurative surgical diseases}; Svetukhin AM et al.; The article discusses the results of treatment of 7,092 patients with purulent wounds and septic surgical diseases by means of a suggested method of active surgical management . The main principles of the method are as follows: preoperative examination and preparation of the patients for operation for 12-36 hours; radical excision of all purulent and nonviable tissues followed by active drainage and treatment under conditions of controlled abacterial medium or by ointments on a water-soluble base; use of auxiliary methods for the treatment of the wound surface (pulsed stream of antiseptics, ultrasonic cavitation, vacuum treatment); performance of laboratory tests (microbial dissemination per 1 g tissue, cytologic and morphologic studies, values of tissue hemostasis) as an objective criterion of the course of the wound process and for determining whether the wound surface is ready for closure; accomplishment of intensive therapy; early closure of the wound surface with sutures or by plastic operations . Analysis of the data allows the conclusions that active surgical treatment may be accepted as an optimal and universal method for the management of purulent wounds of any etiology and septic surgical diseases . With its application, the terms of treatment are shortened due to most economical mechanisms of healing by first intention, and good functional and cosmetic results are produced . Such an effect is due to the pathogenetic character of all components of the method.

Clin Invest Med, 1990 Dec, 13(6), 297 - 304
The encephalopathy associated with septic illness; Young GB et al.; Physicians and surgeons have long recognized that septic illness may be accompanied by abnormal brain functions; however, no systematic, comprehensive study has been done to define the clinical and laboratory features of the syndrome of sepsis-associated encephalopathy . We undertook such a prospective study in a tertiary care hospital and found that of 69 patients with fever and microbial cultures, 32 had marked brain dysfunction, 17 showed mild encephalopathy, and 20 were clinically nonencephalopathic . Severe cases showed obtundation and paratonic rigidity while milder cases showed confusion, inappropriate behavior, inattention, disorientation, and writing errors . There were no focal neurological deficits . The following factors correlated with the severity of brain dysfunction: adult respiratory distress syndrome; fatal outcome; certain types of EEG abnormality; axonal peripheral neuropathy; elevated peripheral white blood cell count; elevated serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, creatinine, phosphate, potassium, and urea; reduced blood pressure and reduced serum albumin level . Our data suggest that brain functions fail with dysfunction of other organs in septic illness . Pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed . The brain dysfunction should be regarded as potentially reversible, even in severely encephalopathic cases . Prompt control of the infection is the most important measure in controlling the encephalopathy and in preventing the increased mortality found with severely encephalopathic patients.

Actual Odontostomatol (Paris), 1990 Dec, (172), 697 - 707
{Types of interbacterial coaggregation in dental plaque}; Robert JC et al.; Scanning electron microscopic observations of teeth-gingiva fragments removed among children or dogs made an important contribution to our knowledge of the composition of the microbial flora in gingival crevice . It was possible to appreciate special relationships between forms as "corn-cob" or "bristle brush" arrangements . The development of these formations were observed: coccal form apposition preceded corn-cob organization; abundant extra-cellular amorphous material preceded bristle brush arrangement . Inter or/intra bacterial calcification models are proposed to explain calculus formation.

Xenobiotica, 1990 Dec, 20(12), 1281 - 97
Microbial models of mammalian metabolism: biotransformations of phenacetin and its O-alkyl homologues with Cunninghamella species; Reddy CS et al.; 1 . The analgesic compound phenacetin and its O-alkyl homologues were metabolized by Cunninghamella elegans to yield the O-dealkylation product paracetamol (acetaminophen), and metabolites resulting from omega-1 hydroxylation and further oxidations . 2 . Structural identification was based upon physical, spectral and chromatographic comparisons of isolated metabolites with synthetic standards generated by alkylation of paracetamol with the appropriate alkyl halide, epoxide, or alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone . 3 . The rank order of O-dealkylation within the homologous series based upon either substrate disappearance or phenol formation was found to be ethyl greater than isopropyl greater than n-propyl greater than n-butyl greater than methyl.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1990 Nov 12, 1047(2), 141 - 7
Dual effects of staurosporine on arachidonic acid metabolism in rat peritoneal macrophages; Watanabe M et al.; Staurosporine is a microbial anti-fungal alkaloid having a most potent inhibitory activity on protein kinase C and is recently found as a non-12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (non-TPA)-type tumor promoter of mouse skin, although tumor promotion induced by a TPA-type tumor promoter teleocidin is suppressed by staurosporine . When rat peritoneal macrophages were incubated in the medium containing various concentrations of staurosporine, prostaglandin E2 production and release of radioactivity from {3H}arachidonic acid-labeled macrophages were stimulated at concentrations of 1 and 10 ng/ml . But higher concentrations of staurosporine such as 100 and 1000 ng/ml showed no stimulative effect on prostaglandin E2 production although cytoplasmic free calcium levels were increased in a dose-dependent manner . Staurosporine-induced stimulation of prostaglandin E2 production was inhibited by treatment with cycloheximide, suggesting that a certain protein synthesis is prerequisite for the stimulation of arahcidonic acid metabolism . At higher concentrations (100 and 1000 ng/ml), staurosporine inhibited TPA-type tumor promoter (TPA, teleocidin and aplysiatoxin)-induced stimulation of arachidonic acid metabolism probably due to the inhibition of protein kinases . Tumor promotion activity and anti-tumor promotion activity of staurosporine might be explained by the fact that the lower concentrations of staurosporine stimulate arachidonic acid metabolism and the higher concentrations of staurosporine inhibit the tumor promoter-induced arachidonic acid metabolism, respectively.

J Chromatogr, 1990 Nov 9, 520, 325 - 31
Procedure for the purification of streptavidin by hydrophobic interaction chromatography; Schwidop WD et al.; A procedure is described for the purification of hydrophobic microbial proteins such as streptavidin from Streptomyces avidinii, using Benzyl-DC bead cellulose as the column material . The separation is rapid with a high loading capacity and sufficient resolution for preparative uses . Advantages are discussed especially for industrial purposes.

Lipids, 1990 Nov, 25(11), 738 - 41
Analysis of cholesterol and desmosterol in cultured cells without organic solvent extraction; Goh EH et al.; Cultured cell sterols such as cholesterol and desmosterol are usually extracted into organic solvents before they are quantified with cholesterol esterase and oxidase . A method to quantify these cultured cell sterols using cholesterol enzymes without prior organic solvent extraction is described . In this method, a suspension or monolayer of cultured L-M, U-937, or PC-12 cells is digested with 0.1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and the digest treated with microbial cholesterol enzymes . The quantity of oxidized sterols produced by the reaction can be measured easily with high-pressure liquid chromatography, when a mixture of sterols is present, or by the production of hydrogen peroxide when only one sterol is present . This method is easier and safer to use than solvent extraction and can greatly expedite the quantitation of cultured cell sterols . Preliminary data show that other lipids such as choline phospholipids, triglycerides, and fatty acids can also be directly quantified in SDS cell digest by using specific enzymes to transform these lipids into hydrogen peroxides.

J Clin Periodontol, 1990 Nov, 17(10), 685 - 92
Changes in subgingival microbiota during puberty . A 4-year longitudinal study; Gusberti FA et al.; It was the purpose of the present investigation to monitor the composition of the subgingival microbiota at selected sites in individuals passing through puberty and to correlate observed changes with the development of pubertal maturation . Between the ages of 11 and 14 years, pubertal and skeletal maturation was monitored annually in 22 boys and 20 girls . During this time, subgingival microbial samples were taken every 4th to 5th month (10 times in 4 years) mesially of the upper first molars . High values in total bacterial counts were reached after the onset of puberty, followed by a decrease towards the end of the observation period . The frequency of detection of Actinomyces odontolyticus and of Capnocytophaga sp . increased with time . The frequencies of other selected species, specifically of black pigmenting Bacteriodes sp . were not found to increase when tested by linear and quadratic models of time trend . However, a statistically significant rise in the frequency of detecting B . intermedius and B . melaninogenicus was noted in the initial pubertal phase identified by the onset of testicular growth in boys (p = 0.05) . A significant relationship also existed between testes growth and increase of A . odontolyticus (p less than 0.01) . In girls, a similar increase was obtained for A . odontolyticus when studied in relation to the Tanner scores for breast development (p less than 0.01) . The changes observed in the subgingival microbiota during puberty may be related to the development of gingivitis, which was demonstrated by a higher tendency for gingival bleeding during the course of the pubertal maturation process.

J Intern Med, 1990 Nov, 228(5), 451 - 5
A randomized trial of the effect of three non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents in ameliorating cancer-induced fever; Tsavaris N et al.; Paraneoplastic fever is well known, and is not an uncommon problem in daily practice . In an effort to ameliorate tumour-induced fever we randomized 48 patients to receive three different non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs: Naproxen (500 mg d-1), Indomethacin (75 mg d-1) or Diclophenac sodium (75 mg d-1) . All patients had solid tumours, and microbial infection had been excluded . All three drugs were equally effective in bringing the temperature down to normal for a period of 30-33 d . Naproxen had the most rapid effect . In cases of fever relapse with the first drug, when the other two drugs were given instead, both proved equally effective . No side-effects were observed . We conclude that Naproxen, Indomethacin and Diclophenac sodium are equally effective in ameliorating paraneoplastic fever . In relapse, a second drug given subsequently can be effective as well.

APMIS, 1990 Nov, 98(11), 957 - 68
Role of bacterial debris in inflammatory diseases of the joint and eye; Fox A; Several distinct rheumatic conditions (including Lyme arthritis, Reiter's syndrome and rheumatic fever) as well as certain forms of the blinding disease, uveitis, may share a common etiology . In each instance specific bacterial pathogens may infect a distant site, which on interaction with the immune system, leads to a sterile inflammation in the joint or eye . These "reactive" conditions may result, in some cases, from prior localization of non-viable bacterial remnants (including the cell wall or peptidoglycan) or alternatively "dormant" fastidious bacteria in the affected joint or eye where they act as persisting antigens . Classical culture techniques, would not detect the presence of these putative microbial antigens . Alternative approaches for detection of ubiquitous components of bacteria in the host (using appropriate chemical, molecular and immunological techniques) are discussed.

Med Clin North Am, 1990 Nov, 74(6), 1617 - 31
Sexually transmitted arthritis syndromes; Keat A; Sexually transmitted infections may provoke a wide variety of rheumatic lesions . Disseminated N . gonorrhoeae infection leads to septic arthritis, which may be rapidly destructive but which responds promptly to appropriate antibiotic therapy . In contrast, both gonococcal and nongonococcal infections may lead to aseptic "reactive" arthritis or Reiter's syndrome . Inheritance of HLA B27 confers a relative risk of 30 to 50 times for the development of this condition . The demonstration of C . trachomatis antigen in joint material from a minority of patients suggests that direct interaction between microbial components and class I HLA antigens in the joint may be central to the pathogenesis of this disease . Arthralgia and arthritis occur in up to 50% of individuals in the prodrome of hepatitis B infection . Joint symptoms may be accompanied by urticarial or cutaneous vasculitic lesions, especially on the legs; both features resolve with the onset of jaundice . Hepatitis B infection is also a major cause of necrotizing vasculitis, which may or may not be associated with overt hepatitis . Seronegative arthritis, including Reiter's syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, and undifferentiated arthritis, a Sjogren's-like syndrome, vasculitis, and myopathies have been described in association with HIV infection . It is clear that synovitis occurs in those patients despite the fact that HIV is present in immune cells within the joint during inflammatory arthritis and that both antigen presentation and lymphocyte responsiveness within the joint are impaired . Nevertheless, synovitis may occur in the presence of marked CD4-positive lymphocyte depletion . Rheumatic syndromes, including arthralgia, inflammatory arthritis, and neuropathic arthritis, may occur during any stage of congenital or acquired syphilis . Syphilitic synovitis responds well to antibiotic therapy, but neuropathic lesions cannot be treated effectively . Septic arthritis has rarely been described as a complication of disseminated Mycoplasma or Urea-plasma infections, and joint lesions sometimes associated with erythema nodosum have also been reported in lymphogranuloma venereum and granuloma inguinale.

Am J Trop Med Hyg, 1990 Nov, 43(5), 551 - 6
Increased abundance, size, and longevity of food-deprived mosquito populations exposed to a fungal larvicide; Wilson ML et al.; To determine whether the quantity of food available to mosquitoes in their aquatic environment limits the effectiveness of microbial pathogens as biological control agents, experimentally well-nourished and malnourished larval Aedes aegypti (Linn.) were exposed to graded inocula of the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium anisopliae . First instar larvae were provided access either to 3 or to 5 mg of food, and lots from each food regimen were inoculated with 20, 40, 60, or 80 micrograms of fungal spores/ml water . Application of the fungus to well-nourished larvae reduced the proportion developing to the adult stage, and increased the size of those adults that developed; their survival was not affected . In the case of malnourished larvae, such applications appeared not to effect the proportion of larvae that matured, and, paradoxically, increased the size and longevity of these resulting adults . By destroying a portion of the larvae, the pathogen apparently reduced competition among malnourished larvae, thereby enhancing their survival, as well as the size of the resulting adults . Thus, biocontrol agents may fail when used as larvicides against such nutrient-deprived mosquitoes as frequently occur in nature.

Ultrasonics, 1990 Nov, 28(6), 415 - 21
Microbial content of aerosols produced from suspensions exposed to megahertz frequency ultrasound; Grundy MA et al.; A piezo-electric bowl transducer was used to generate aerosols by focusing ultrasound in the frequency range 1-7 MHz at a liquid/air interface . Atomization at the liquid surface and the production of a fountain contributed to aerosol formation . When the liquid consisted of suspensions of representatives from the viral, bacterial, and yeast groups of micro-organisms (covering a 0.2-11.5 microns size range) living organisms were isolated from the aerosols at all frequencies . The fountains were implicated as a major source of air-borne micro-organisms because significant numbers of isolates were obtained in the presence of fountains but in the absence of obvious atomization, and theoretical predictions make the sizes of droplets arising from atomization at the higher frequencies too small to have carried some of the larger organisms.

Br J Nutr, 1990 Nov, 64(3), 765 - 75
Effect of defaunation on protein and fibre digestion in sheep fed on ammonia-treated straw-based diets with or without maize; Ushida K et al.; Using a defaunating method which preserved bacteria and fungi in the rumen, the effect of protozoa on protein and fibre digestion was studied in six adult wethers in relation to the nature of the diet . Sheep were given daily, 42 g dry matter (DM)/kg metabolic body-weight (W0.75), one of two isonitrogenous diets: one contained ammonia-treated wheat straw as the only energy source (diet S) and the other was supplemented with maize grain pellets (diet SM) . Mean daily intakes (g/d) of nitrogen, neutral-detergent fibre and acid-detergent fibre were respectively 22, 573 and 373 for diet S and 23, 450 and 334 for diet SM . Elimination of protozoa increased duodenal non-ammonia-nitrogen flow . This result was mainly due to an increase in microbial protein flow and, to a lesser extent, to a higher dietary protein flow . Defaunation markedly increased the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis . Maize-grain supplementation had a net positive effect on this variable in defaunated sheep, but not in faunated sheep . Cell-wall carbohydrates were less well digested in the defaunated rumen, and the negative effect of defaunation was greatest with the diet SM . Intestinal fibre digestion increased in the defaunated sheep especially in those fed on diet SM, but not enough to compensate for the decrease in rumen digestion.

J Infect, 1990 Nov, 21(3), 305 - 7
Life threatening Branhamella catarrhalis pneumonia in young infants; Dyson C et al.; Branhamella catarrhalis is a common nasopharyngeal commensal organism but is also a recognised pathogen . Lower respiratory tract infections caused by this organism have been reported in adults but not, to our knowledge, in otherwise healthy infants . Two infants, born prematurely, suffered near fatal pneumonia . Branhamella catarrhalis was the only microbial pathogen isolated in each case . We suggest that initial antibiotic therapy for severe pneumonia in young infants should be tailored to cover B . catarrhalis infection.

J Laryngol Otol, 1990 Nov, 104(11), 862 - 4
Antibiotic/steroid ear drop preparations: a cost-effective approach to their use; Reilly G et al.; Otorrhoea is a common otological complaint reflecting infection in the outer and/or middle ear . Guidelines as to which antibiotic/steroid ear drop preparation to use in a treatment regime are few and no studies comparing the different types of preparation are available . This paper reviews the antibiotic/steroid ear drop preparations used by consultant surgeons and general practitioners and presents a two fold rationale for deciding which preparation to use, based on microbial sensitivity and cost.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1990 Nov, 82(2), 326 - 32
The expression of gamma delta T cell receptor and the prevalence of primed, activated and IgA-bound T cells in Behçet's syndrome; Fortune F et al.; Mucosal ulceration of the oral, and to a lesser extent genital tissues is an essential feature of Behcet's syndrome and is associated with changes in the IgA class of immune responses . Indeed, a significant increase in the proportion of cytophilic IgA1 was found in circulating CD8 and CD4 cells (P less than 0.01), with a corresponding decrease in IgA-Fc receptors on these T cells . Furthermore, 30-40% of the cytophilic IgA1 on T cells may have been of the polymeric secretory type and the rest of the monomeric variety . IgA isotype of B cells was also significantly increased (P less than 0.001), without an overall change in circulating B cells . However, a surprising finding was the significant up-regulation of gamma delta T cell receptor in the CD8 (P less than 0.01) in the absence of a change in the proportion of alpha beta T cell receptor . The results suggest that some common microbial antigen might initiate at the mucosal surface an immune defence reaction characterized by T cells with gamma delta receptors and IgA-specific B cells . However, IgA1 bound to circulating T cells may down-regulate the central T cell function.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1990 Nov, (11), 79 - 83
{Specific hyposensitization of microbial allergy by using a synthetic artificial polyelectrolyte}; Dobritsa VP et al.; In this work the effectiveness of complex immunotherapy, including specific inhalation hyposensitization with the introduction of artificial synthetic polyelectrolite, was studied . Specific allergen produced a good effect (75%) in the inhalation hyposensitization of hemophilic allergy . The intramuscular injection of artificial synthetic polyelectrolite, made in addition to the inhalation of allergen, produced a better desensitizing effect than the separate administration of allergen or polyelectrolite . The multiple administration of polyelectrolite produced a desensitizing effect on allergic reactions of type I with the tendency towards the decrease of reactions of type IV . Good prospects for the development of methods for special treatment with homologous allergen in combination with NA-5 in cases of microbial sensitization under the control of immunocompetent cells were shown.

Vet Med (Praha), 1990 Nov, 35(11), 657 - 65
{Changes in amino acid levels in bacteria adhering to rumen epithelium in sheep after oral administration of very low doses of mercury}; Legath J et al.; The effect of low concentrations of mercury taken in the diet (4 mg per a head and day) on the amino acid composition in the proteins of rumen bacteria adhering to the dorsal and ventral parts of the rumen was studied in six sheep . Though the mercury did not influence the amino acid concentration in hydrolyzates of epimural bacteria, low-mercury doses caused significant changes of some amino acids, as compared with the control group of animals . The levels of alanine, histidine, threonine, serine and glycine were significantly decreased and at the same time the levels of proline, valine, isoleucine, tyrosine, lysine and phenylalanine were significantly increased . It was stated in our experiment that the levels of histidine, alanine and threonine in hydrolyzates of epimural bacteria of the rumen were significantly decreased both in the sheep given the balanced feed ration with additions of mercury and nitrogen (according to the standard) and in the sheep given a low-nitrogen diet . Similarly, the levels of proline, tyrosine and phenylalanine in the hydrolizates of epimural bacteria in rumen were significantly increased both with the low-nitrogen diet and in the normal -nitrogen diet with mercury supplement . The results suggest that unexplained disorders frequently occurring in the microbial synthesis in the rumen might be caused by long-continued administration of feed contaminated with extremely low concentrations of heavy metals . The problem deserves detailed investigation in future studies, oriented to explaining the biosynthesis disorders in rumen, reducing the production ability of ruminants.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1990 Nov, 35(11), 27 - 9
{Multifactor analysis of the combined use of an antibiotic and a low molecular weight immunomodulator of microbial origin in experimental plague infection}; Nikitin AV et al.; Multifactorial analysis of the combined effect of rifampicin and a low molecular immunomodulator of microbial origin in experimental plague infection was performed . Synergism of the antibiotic used in the subtherapeutic doses and the immunomodulator was shown . By the results of the study polynomial statistic models of the second order describing the survival rate and average life-span of the experimental animals were developed and nomographs (equal level curves) were plotted for rapid estimating the therapy quantitative parameters . Optimization of the combined use of rifampicin and the immunomodulator on the basis of the multifactorial analysis was achieved.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1990 Nov, 35(11), 24 - 7
{Multifactor analysis of the combined action of doxycycline and a peptidoglycan of microbial origin on the immune response}; Nikitin AV et al.; Multifactorial analysis of the combined action of a microbial peptidoglycan and doxycycline on the immune response to antigens of the vaccine EV fraction 1 was made . Nomograms or equal level curves characterizing delayed hypersensitivity (DH) and antibody titers in various doses of the peptidoglycan and the antibiotic were plotted by the experimental data with a computer . The peptidoglycan had a pronounced immunomodulatory action on DH and antibody titers . However, the types of regulation of the both responses markedly differed . With multifactor analysis, the range of the values of the operating parameters, i.e . the drug doses and the time of their administration providing the required levels of DH and antibodies under the conditions of the combined therapy were defined.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Oct, 56(10), 3023 - 8
Degradation of vinyl acetate by soil, sewage, sludge, and the newly isolated aerobic bacterium V2; Nieder M et al.; Vinyl acetate is subject to microbial degradation in the environment and by pure cultures . It was hydrolyzed by samples of soil, sludge, and sewage at rates of up to 6.38 and 1 mmol/h per g (dry weight) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively . Four yeasts and thirteen bacteria that feed aerobically on vinyl acetate were isolated . The pathway of vinyl acetate degradation was studied in bacterium V2 . Vinyl acetate was degraded to acetate as follows: vinyl acetate + NAD(P)+----2 acetate + NAD(P)H + H+ . The acetate was then converted to acetyl coenzyme A and oxidized through the tricarboxylic acid cycle and the glyoxylate bypass . The key enzyme of the pathway is vinyl acetate esterase, which hydrolyzed the ester to acetate and vinyl alcohol . The latter isomerized spontaneously to acetaldehyde and was then converted to acetate . The acetaldehyde was disproportionated into ethanol and acetate . The enzymes involved in the metabolism of vinyl acetate were studied in extracts . Vinyl acetate esterase (Km = 6.13 mM) was also active with indoxyl acetate (Km = 0.98 mM), providing the basis for a convenient spectrophotometric test . Substrates of aldehyde dehydrogenase were formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, and butyraldehyde . The enzyme was equally active with NAD+ or NADP+ . Alcohol dehydrogenase was active with ethanol (Km = 0.24 mM), 1-propanol (Km = 0.34 mM), and 1-butanol (Km = 0.16 mM) and was linked to NAD+ . The molecular sizes of aldehyde dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase were 145 and 215 kilodaltons, respectively.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Oct, 56(10), 2963 - 6
Microbial colonization of aquifer sediment exposed in a groundwater well in northern Germany; Hirsch P et al.; Microbial growth within the water-saturated subsurface environment was investigated by exposing sandy sediments to groundwater for 12 weeks at a depth of 10 or 20 m in a stainless-steel groundwater well . Washing and heating the sediment to 600 degrees C (removal of organic carbon) prior to the exposure did not prevent the natural microbial community from colonizing the sterilized sediment samples . Total cell counts of more than 10(7) or 10(8) per g of dried sediment were obtained . Viable cell counts of 10(5) cells per g on oligotrophic media indicated the presence, within the exposed sediment, of a highly active and multiplying biota . Microscopic analysis of enrichments inoculated with exposed sediment samples revealed a total of 45 different morphotypes, approximately 42% of the microbial community observed in previous studies of this site . The interstitial water running off of the retrieved sediment contained only 17 morphotypes and had up to 6 x 10(5) viable cells per ml.

Burns, 1990 Oct, 16(5), 358 - 67
Preclinical evaluation of skin substitutes; Nangia A et al.; The important requirements of a skin substitute such as water vapour permeability, adherence to the excised wound surface, oxygen permeability, mechanical properties, impermeability to micro-organisms and exudate soaking capacity have been highlighted . Two commercial synthetic skin substitutes, Bioclusive and Geliperm, have been used to establish the preclinical assessment procedures for skin substitutes . Two in vitro techniques, the 'Water Cup' and the 'Inverted Cup,' and two in vivo methods involving a 'Ventilated Hygrometer Chamber' system and an Evaporimeter have been employed to assess and compare the water vapour permeability of the skin substitutes under controlled conditions . An Evaporimeter, which is very simple to operate, provides more accurate results . A simple test has been designed to evaluate the early adherence of the skin substitutes to the excised wound surface of rats . The pulling force and the peeling force required to remove the membrane from the wound surface have been measured and these forces have been found to depend upon the composition of the membrane . An oxygen permeability cell has been fabricated which measures the dissolved oxygen permeability of the skin substitutes . The detection of oxygen is based on the electrocatalytic reduction of oxygen at the surface of a noble metal . The tensile properties of the skin substitutes have been measured by an International Standard procedure and both the skin prostheses are associated with some drawbacks . An in vitro method of testing the microbial permeability of the skin substitutes has been designed which simulates an oozing colonized wound that a skin substitute faces in cases of septicaemia . Both the test materials were impermeable to both bacteria and fungi and will provide an effective barrier . The effectiveness of the skin substitutes to absorb wound exudate from the wound surface has been evaluated by soaking the pieces of the membranes in water, plasma and serum and observing their weight gain . The soaking capacity depends upon the composition and nature of the material . The procedures developed have been employed to evaluate a hydrogel type synthetic skin substitute recently formulated in our laboratory.

Burns, 1990 Oct, 16(5), 325 - 8
Bashkirian train-gas pipeline disaster: the American military response; Becker WK et al.; The United States Army Institute of Surgical Research was asked to provide burn care assistance in June 1989 following the explosion of leaking methane/propane gas in the Central Soviet Union, which destroyed two passenger trains and injured 800 passengers . A 17-member burn team flew from San Antonio, Texas, to Ufa, USSR and assisted in the management of 150 burn patients in a general medical-surgical hospital . Early problems included heavily colonized burn wounds, with a microbial flora that demonstrated broad antibiotic resistance . As wound complications were controlled, 28 operative procedures were performed to excise and graft the burn wounds . The recommendations for burn disaster management, based on our experience in Ufa, should be of assistance to other groups that may be asked to provide similar assistance in the future.

J Anim Sci, 1990 Oct, 68(10), 3371 - 81
Effects of mastication and microbial contamination on ruminal in situ forage disappearance; Olubobokun JA et al.; In an experiment to determine the effects of mastication and microbial contamination on in situ forage disappearance, samples of masticated (M) or nonmasticated alfalfa hay (AH), orchardgrass hay (OGH) and bermudagrass hay (BGH) were incubated in the rumen of two steers for 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 h . Using diaminopimelic acid as a marker, microbial DM and CP contamination ranged from 10.3 to 22.3% and 46.3 to 95.3% of residual DM and CP, respectively . Percentage contamination was influenced by both time of incubation and forage treatment (P less than .001) . Corrected DM and CP disappearances (DMD and CPD) were higher than apparent disappearances (P less than .001) . Maximal NDF and ADF disappearances (NDFD and ADFD) obtained at 96 h were 58.2, 52.4; 62.7, 62.3 and 56.7, 52.6% for AH, OGH and BGH, respectively . Lag times (h) for corrected DMD and CPD were shorter (at least P less than .05) than for apparent disappearances, except for corrected CPD of AH . There were no differences (P greater than .10) in lag time of NDFD or ADFD among forages . Rates of disappearance (%/h) of corrected DMD and CPD were faster (at least P less than .01) than for apparent disappearances . The total quantity of microbial CP (mg CP/g DM) associated with residues varied with time depending on forage type (P less than .001) . There was a significant relationship between the quantity of microbial CP contamination and the extent of disappearance . Masticated forages followed trends similar to those of nonmasticated forages, but the effect of mastication was not consistent . Results support the need for microbial correction of in situ forage residues.

J Am Acad Dermatol, 1990 Oct, 23(4 Pt 2), 779 - 81
Problems of resistant dermatophytes; Jones HE; Recalcitrant fungal infections are defined as infections that are difficult or impossible to eradicate despite seemingly adequate treatment with appropriate oral or parenteral antibiotics . Relative or absolute microbial resistance is only one of the many causes of recalcitrance . Others include failure of the patient to comply with the prescribed treatment regimen, drug degradation in the liver, drug-drug interactions, reabsorption or washout of the drug from the stratum corneum, and failure of the drug to reach the stratum corneum . Excretion in the eccrine sweat is the principal pathway by which griseofulvin and ketoconazole, the two currently available oral antifungal agents, are delivered to the stratum corneum . Measures that promote delivery of these drugs to this site by enhancing sweating and minimizing drug run-off and absorption onto clothing may aid in optimizing the therapeutic response to these agents.

Int Dent J, 1990 Oct, 40(5), 313 - 8
Correlation between caries prevalence (DMFS) and periodontal condition (CPITN) in more than 2000 patients; Frentzen M et al.; The CPITN (Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs) and DMFS (Decayed-Missing-Filled Surfaces) index were evaluated simultaneously to provide information on the mutual influences of periodontal disease and caries . With the aid of an electronic database system the data of the caries index and periodontal index of more than 2000 patients aged between 18 and 80 years were stored and calculated . As expected, the CPITN and DMFS values increased with age . When the CPITN was selected as a reference the DMFS was found to change with increasing CPITN . With the examination method used in this study no correlation could be established between the prevalence of caries and periodontal condition, although both conditions have a common aetiological factor: microbial plaque.

J Am Dent Assoc, 1990 Oct, 121(4), 467 - 70
Reviewing nonsurgical periodontal therapy; Low SB et al.; Selection of the appropriate case and clinical competency in treatment modalities results in success in nonsurgical periodontal therapy . The patient with early periodontitis with significant local factors in the form of professionally accessible plaque and calculus is the most receptive to nonsurgical periodontal treatment . The clinician must make decisions centering around the important question, "Can the patient, or moreover, can the therapist delivering the debridement, gain access to the microbial subgingival plaque on a frequent basis below the host defense threshold of the respective patient?" If the answer is "yes," nonsurgical periodontal therapy will be rewarding . If the answer is "no," other modalities such as periodontal surgery must be instituted.

Gaoxiong Yi Xue Ke Xue Za Zhi, 1990 Oct, 6(10), 529 - 37
Preparation and use of double-labelled enterobactin; Bergstrom CP et al.; Double-labelled 3H/14C-enterobactin was isolated from bacterial cultures, and evaluated as a potential tool for studying the mammalian metabolism of this iron chelator . Microbial yields were low, but adequate, with a final 3H/14C ratio of 2.95 to 1 . Studies conducted with mice indicated that considerable metabolism and rapid elimination of an intraperitoneally injected sample had occurred in 24 hours.

Arch Biol Med Exp (Santiago), 1990 Oct, 23(2), 159 - 64
{Immobilization of microbial lactase}; Illanes A et al.; Lactase (beta-D galactoside-galactohydrolase, E.C.3.2.1.23) is a relevant enzyme to the dairy industry as it modifies undesirable functional and nutritional properties derived from the lactose content in milk and dairies, and as a way of recovering or upgrading cheese whey . This latter aspect has been considered to develop an enzyme catalyst suitable for the continuous hydrolysis of whey permeate . The selection of enzyme and support and the immobilization procedure has been reported previously . Results obtained in the immobilization of fungal lactase on activated chitin have prompted us to scale-up the procedure, a system being developed in which the enzyme is immobilized within the reactor (in situ) . Results are presented for the in situ immobilization of lactase with and without recirculation of the reagents . Previous procedure was reproduced, although moderate profiles of activity were generated through the catalyst bed which were not eliminated by recirculation . Packed bed reactors with immobilized lactase were operated at varying flowrates and lactose concentrations, results being compared, in terms of substrate conversion and reactor productivity, with a theoretical model based on the corresponding kinetic expression and ideal flow regime . Deviations are significant at high flowrates which is attributed to backmixing and channeling through the catalyst bed . The model fits reasonably well at low flowrates and high feed substrate concentration . Productivity was 58 g of glucose/l.h at 40 ml/h of 120 g/l of lactose . Stability of the immobilized lactase was assessed in long-term reactor operation with whey permeate (35 g/l of lactose) at 40 degrees C and pH 4.0 . Operational half-life was 120 days.

Anesthesiology, 1990 Oct, 73(4), 625 - 31
Use of a chlorhexidine dressing to reduce microbial colonization of epidural catheters; Shapiro JM et al.; We performed a prospective randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a chlorhexidine dressing in reducing the microbial flora at the insertion site of epidural catheters . These catheters were used for acute pain management and were dressed either by a standardized method or with a CHX/urethane sponge composite . Microbial colonization of the catheter developed in 9 of 31 controls (29.0%) and 1 of 26 (3.8%) catheters with the CHX dressing (P less than 0.05%) . The CHX dressing caused no adverse effects . The data suggest that delivery of antiseptic to the catheter wound site reduces catheter colonization with a possible reduction in the risk of epidural catheter-related infection.

Dent Update, 1990 Oct, 17(8), 330, 332 - 4
Chemical control of plaque; Hogg SD; Plaque is generally accepted as the prime agent in the aetiology of gingivitis and caries . However, it has been estimated that the oral microbial load must be reduced by some 99.9% in order to produce a significant effect on plaque formation--and mechanical tooth cleaning alone is unlikely to achieve this . Considerable effort has therefore been put into researching chemical means of controlling plaque . In the final article of this eight-part series, the author reviews the efficacy and modes of action of the chemical agents currently available.

Int J Biol Macromol, 1990 Oct, 12(5), 311 - 4
Evidence for microbial polysaccharide preparations containing polyester substituents; Giammatteo PJ et al.; CPMAS 13C-n.m.r . spectroscopy was employed to characterize the composition and solid phase morphology of gellan, welan, rhamsan and NW11 . Spectra indicated that commercial preparations of these polysaccharides, which share a similar molecular backbone, contain a non-carbohydrate component exhibiting four inequivalent carbon atoms . Isolation of this component, followed by 13C-n.m.r . in CHCl3 and MS analysis, revealed its structure to be poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate) . Evidence is presented which suggests that this polyester may be a covalent adduct to the above polysaccharides, although this cannot be unambiguously determined at this time . Further experimentation is in progress.

Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo), 1990 Oct, 38(10), 2834 - 7
14 alpha-hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,6,17-trione as a mechanical-based irreversible inhibitor of estrogen biosynthesis; Yoshihama M et al.; Various derivatives of androst-4-ene-3,17-dione derived from microbial transformation were evaluated as inhibitors of human placental aromatase . 14 alpha-Hydroxyandrost-4-ene-3,6,17-trione was the most potent inhibitor showing a time-dependent, pseudo-first-order inactivation of aromatase in the presence of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate with apparent Ki of 1.3 microM and Kinact of 0.23 min-1 . This compound also inhibited aromatase in rat ovary and suppressed serum estradiol levels in in vivo experiments.

Biol Chem Hoppe Seyler, 1990 Oct, 371(10), 1005 - 8
Microbial metabolism of quinoline and related compounds . VI . Degradation of quinaldine by Arthrobacter sp; Hund HK et al.; Quinaldine catabolism was investigated with the bacterial strain Arthrobacter sp., which is able to grow aerobically in a mineral salt medium with quinaldine as sole source of carbon, nitrogen and energy . The following degradation products of quinaldine were isolated from the culture fluid and identified: 1H-4-oxoquinaldine, N-acetylisatic acid, N-acetylanthranilic acid, anthranilic acid, 3-hydroxy-N-acetylanthranilic acid and catechol . 3-Hydroxy-N-acetylanthranilic acid was not further metabolized by this organism . A degradation pathway is proposed.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Oct, 56(10), 2957 - 62
Production of dissolved DNA, RNA, and protein by microbial populations in a Florida reservoir; Paul JH et al.; Production of dissolved macromolecules by ambient autotrophic and heterotrophic microbial populations was measured in a eutrophic Florida reservoir by in situ labeling with various radioactive substrates . When {3H}thymidine was used as the precursor, production of labeled dissolved DNA, RNA, and protein was observed . The rate of production of labeled dissolved macromolecules was 3.1% the rate of cellular incorporation of {3H}thymidine, and the production of dissolved DNA represented 2.3% the rate of cellular DNA incorporation . Microautotrophic populations labeled with NaH{14C}CO3 produced dissolved RNA and protein at rates of 0.24 and 0.11 micrograms of C/liter per h, respectively, or 1.8% the total rate of carbon fixation, with no measurable dissolved DNA production . In an attempt to specifically label phytoplankton DNA, samples were incubated with {3H}adenine or 32Pi in the presence and absence of the photosynthetic inhibitor 3-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,1-dimethylurea (DCMU) . Although DCMU inhibited 14C fixation by approximately 99%, this antimetabolite had only a slight effect on {3H}adenine incorporation and no effect on 32P incorporation into cellular macromolecules . Significant amounts of dissolved DNA were produced in both {3H}adenine and 32Pi incubations, but again DCMU had no effect on the production rates . These results indicate that actively growing populations of both phytoplankton and bacterioplankton produced dissolved RNA and protein, while only active bacterioplankton produced measurable quantities of dissolved DNA . Dead or senescent phytoplankton may have produced dissolved DNA, but would not be measured in the relatively short incubations used . These findings also indicate that {3H}adenine and 32Pi primarily labeled heterotrophic bacterioplankton and not phytoplankton in this environment.

J Biotechnol, 1990 Oct, 16(1-2), 1 - 15
Immobilization of microbial cells by adsorption; Klein J et al.; Immobilized cells cover a wide area of applications and are essential components of many biotechnological processes . In general it can be distinguished between two immobilization methods: (1) entrapment into polymers and (2) natural adsorption onto porous and inert support materials . The immobilization by adsorption is discussed by the following criteria: biomass loading, strength of adhesion, enzymatic stability/specific activity of the biocatalyst, effectivity/reaction engineering and operational stability.

Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 1990 Sep 29, 329(1255), 369 - 73
Modelling of microbial processes that govern degradation of organic substrates in soil, with special reference to pesticides; Soulas G et al.; We tried to develop deterministic models for kinetics of 2,4-D breakdown in the soil based on the following considerations: (i) at low concentrations degradation results from maintenance consumption by a large fraction of the soil microbial population; (ii) at high concentration in addition to the maintenance consumption there is a growth-associated carbon incorporation by a small specific microbial population . Values for the biokinetic parameters are consistent with those commonly found in the literature . Comparison between observed and simulated curves suggests that a non-negligible part of the pesticidal carbon exists as microbial by-products.

J Theor Biol, 1990 Sep 21, 146(2), 269 - 87
On the two-compartment model for estimating the rate and extent of feed degradation in the rumen; France J et al.; An analysis of the compartmental scheme used to determine the rate and extent of ruminal degradation of feeds is presented . Attention is given to the kinetic representation of the degradation of the potentially degradable fraction . Changing the kinetic order of the rate, and introducing indigestible substrate inhibition and microbial activity into its representation, are investigated . This leads to response functions such as the Gompertz and logistic for describing the cumulative disappearance of potentially degradable substrate during in-sacco and in-vitro incubation.

Acta Crystallogr C, 1990 Sep 15, 46 ( Pt 9), 1612 - 7
Structure and molecular mechanics of ferrirhodin; Fidelis K et al.; C41H64FeN9O17.7 1/2H2O, Mr = 1146.0, orthorhombic, P2(1)2(1)2(1), a = 9.740 (7), b = 16.764 (10), c = 32.632 (17) A, V = 5328 (6) A3, Z = 4, D chi = 1.43 g cm-3, Mo K alpha, lambda = 0.71069 A, mu = 3.26 cm-1, F(000) = 2428, T = 138 (2) K, R = 0.0986 for 3543 observed reflections . Ferrirhodin, a ferrichrome siderophore (iron transport agent) was isolated from low-iron cultures of Aspergillus versicolor and A . nidulans . The compound is isomeric with another microbial siderophore, ferrirubin, but is different in having cis, rather than trans, anhydromevalonic acid as acyl groups . The conformation of the molecular backbone and iron coordination geometry compares well with ferrirubin and other ferrichrome structures . The differences between the acyl groups of ferrirubin and ferrirhodin are explored using molecular-mechanics modeling.

Chest, 1990 Sep, 98(3), 600 - 7
Analysis of airflow obstruction by bronchoalveolar lavage following bone marrow transplantation . Implications for pathogenesis and treatment; St John RC et al.; The development of airflow obstruction, most often due to bronchiolitis, is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in recipients of allogeneic BMT . Current consensus holds that this airways disease is the result of chronic GVHD and/or CMV infection . However, recent studies of idiopathic forms of BRO have demonstrated a striking influx of neutrophils into the lungs of affected individuals . Reasoning that the immune cell populations involved in tissue injury associated with either CGVHD or CMV infection would consist predominantly of lymphocytes, we tested this hypothesis by performing BAL in 12 adults with minimal or absent smoking histories who developed significant airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC = 80.7 +/- 1 percent preBMT and 56.8 +/- 2.4 percent postBMT; p less than 0.001) following allogeneic BMT . Eleven of 12 patients had evidence of chronic, stable GVHD at the time of the study . In contrast to non-BMT patients with BRO, BAL defined two distinct patterns of lung inflammation in the BMT patients with airflow obstruction: (a) neutrophil predominance (five patients; neutrophil percentage = 20.2 +/- 6.6 percent); and (b) lymphocyte predominance (three patients; lymphocyte percentage = 35.9 +/- 12.1 percent) . These data suggest that the pattern of inflammation in the lungs of BMT patients with BRO is not uniform and is not associated with active microbial infection . From these results, it is inferred that the airways injury in BMT patients may reflect diverse pathogenetic mechanisms initiated in the context of CGVHD and cytotoxic drug therapy.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1990 Sep, 35(9), 28 - 9
{Experimental study of a novel formulation for local application based on gentamicin, erythromycin and protease C}; Dolgova GV et al.; A novel formulation for local application based on an enzyme of microbial origin, C protease, and two antibiotics, gentamicin and erythromycin, was studied on various experimental models in rats with respect to its effect on necrotic tissues and recovery of the skin and hypodermic tissue defects due to wounds . It was found that even within the first days of the application the formulation induced lysis of the primary crust, lowered exudation and promoted debridement, reduced the wound size and completely closed it . By its effect the formulation was similar to iruxol . In chronic experiments on animals with long-term application of the formulation to the skin and wound surfaces it showed no unfavourable general toxic or organotropic properties . The local irritating action was insignificant.

Izv Akad Nauk SSSR Biol, 1990 Sep-Oct, (5), 694 - 700
{The reaction of microbial associations on separate areas of mammalian skin to a change in the physiologic state of the animals}; Sokolov VE; Changes in the physiological state of mammal organism and stressor action cause the reaction of microbial associations on naked skin parts . The peculiarities of the reaction have been described.

J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1990 Sep-Oct, 73(5), 792 - 8
Fast and simple liquid chromatographic determination of nonphosphorylated thiamine in infant formula, milk, and other foods; Nicolas EC et al.; A very fast and simple method for determination of nonphosphorylated thiamine in infant formula products, milk, and other nonfortified foods using reverse-phase ion-pairing liquid chromatography (LC) has been developed . Sample preparation consists of merely acid treatment to precipitate protein, followed by gravity filtration . No concentration, extraction, derivatization, or preliminary column cleanup is necessary . The chromatography is done on muBondapack C18 with an aqueous mobile phase containing 0.15% sodium hexane sulfonate, 20% MeOH, 1.5% HOAc, and 0.1% EDTA at a flow rate of 2.5 mL/min . Ultraviolet detection at 248 nm is used . A typical run takes 7 min, and 60 samples can be processed in 4 h . Results average from 96 to 104% of theory for the infant formula products analyzed . A 99 to 103% recovery of spike has been demonstrated . Method precision is good (2 to 4% RSD, short-term, and 2 to 5% RSD, long-term, depending on sample type) . Peak separation from thiamine phosphate esters is achieved . Specificity is demonstrated by UV spectral scan and absorbance ratios . Equivalency to a microbial method (validated against the official AOAC fluorometric method) was established . The method is used for high-volume quality control testing of milk-based infant formula products in the ready-to-use, concentrate, or powder form.

J Dairy Sci, 1990 Sep, 73(9), 2309 - 17
Effective control of microbial populations in polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane systems; Bohner HF et al.; Sanitizers currently used in the food industry are not efficient in destroying bacterial populations in polysulfone UF membrane systems . A new sanitizer composition that releases chlorous acid and chlorine dioxide from sodium chlorite at pH 2.7 was evaluated . Polysulfone UF membranes were soiled for 2.5 h by circulating and concentrating Cheddar cheese whey and skim milk . A cleaning regimen was established whereby acid and caustic cleaning solutions were circulated to clean the UF membrane system . Restoring permeate flux to initial values did not indicate that the system was effectively cleaned . The UF system was sanitized by recycling sanitizer solutions . Stainless steel and membrane surfaces were examined by swabbing to determine bacterial populations and sections of membranes were removed for examination using a scanning electron microscope . The new sanitizer appeared to control microbial populations effectively in UF membrane systems.

Food Addit Contam, 1990 Sep-Oct, 7(5), 677 - 83
Stability of sorbic acid in intermediate moisture systems; Ledward DA; Intermediate foods are a heterogeneous group of foods which are stabilized by lowering their water activity to a level insufficient to support bacterial growth, typically about 0.85 . However, moulds and yeasts are able to grow at these water activities and it is usual to add an antimycotic such as sorbate to ensure microbial stability . Sorbate, though, is liable to oxidation and in model systems adjusted to a water activity of 0.85 some of the oxidation products were found to be potential reactants in non-enzymic browning reactions with lysine, glutamate and haemoglobin solutions when stored at 38 degrees C or 65 degrees C . Oxidation led to an increase in pH and the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances . In some intermediate moisture meat products prepared by cook-soak equilibration in a variety of humectant solutions, 0.3% sorbate induced the formation of covalent linkages between proteins on storage at 38 degrees C . The concentration of sorbate in the meats decreased by a factor of 2 during 4 months at this temperature . The effects of such reactions on the quality of the food are discussed.

J Parenter Sci Technol, 1990 Sep-Oct, 44(5), 272 - 7
Validation and environmental monitoring of aseptic processing . Committee on Microbial Purity; MHC restricted and non-restricted killer lymphocytes; Department of Experimental and Clinical Microbiology, University of Sheffield Medical School, UKCytotoxic lymphocytes are either MHC-restricted (cytotoxic T-cells) or nonrestricted (natural killer NK-cells), although cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage are also cytotoxic, and lymphocytes or phagocytic cells expressing Fc-receptors for immunoglobulin can function as antibody-dependent killer cells (referred to as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity: ADCC) . Antigen-specific T-lymphocytes recognise their target antigen in the context of MHC class I components, focusing their attack only against those cells expressing the relevant antigen specificity on their cell surface . A more primitive and alternative mechanism exists whereby NK-cells, classified as large granular lymphocytes (LGL), are able to kill in a non-specific manner, not requiring prior sensitisation to antigen . Both antigen-specific T-cells and LGL mediate their cytotoxicity through the release of cytotoxic molecules at the target-effector cell interface . LGL also have a regulatory role in the immune system through the release of cytokines, and can be distinguished from T-lymphocytes by the expression of distinct phenotypic markers (CD16+, CD56+) and they lack CD3 antigen expression or rearranged alpha/beta or gamma/delta T-cell receptor gene products . Cytotoxic activity is positively regulated by interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon (IFN), whilst prostaglandins and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta) diminish activation and effector pathways . Cytotoxicity mediated by NK- and T-cell populations are principally involved in the defence against microbial infections and neoplasia; the abrogation of cytotoxicity either by direct interaction of 'suppressor factors' with effector cells, or indirectly by reducing cytokine production can inevitably lead to the proliferation of the disease.

Ophthalmology, 1990 Sep, 97(9), 1137 - 42
HLA associations and ancestry in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease and sympathetic ophthalmia; Davis JL et al.; A strong association with HLA antigens DR4, DRw53, and Bw54 has previously been reported among Japanese patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH) and sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) . In the United States, no firm association between HLA-A or -B loci and VKH has been found previously; testing for HLA-DR loci has not been performed to date . The authors performed HLA typing of 23 American patients with VKH and 8 patients with SO . When VKH patients were compared with racially matched controls without disease and patients with other types of uveitis, strong associations with HLA-DR4 and HLA-DRw53 were found . The strongest associations observed in this sample were with HLA-DQw3, an antigen which is in positive linkage disequilibrium with DR4, and with the HLA-DR4/DQw3 haplotype . The small number of patients with SO precluded statistical analysis; however, similar HLA associations were noted . The patients also were questioned regarding their ancestry . The anecdotal association of VKH with American Indian ancestry was confirmed . It appears that the ethnoracial association may be explained by HLA type . One possible explanation for identical HLA associations in two diseases with different precipitating events yet similar ocular manifestations is development of an altered immune response to exogenous microbial antigen with subsequent autoimmunity . Further definition of the genetic susceptibility to VKH and SO may help define the pathophysiology of both diseases and allow the prediction of which patients are at increased risk for SO.

J Clin Microbiol, 1990 Sep, 28(9), 1903 - 5
Reproducibility and indices of discriminatory power of microbial typing methods; Hunter PR; When microbial strain-typing methods are compared, the most important characteristics are typeability, reproducibility, and discriminatory power . While typeability and reproducibility can be presented as numerical values, indices of discriminatory power have only recently been described . This paper examines the relationship between reproducibility and indices of discriminatory power . In an individual typing method, an inverse relationship between reproducibility and discriminatory power appears as the number of test differences required in order to distinguish between strains is increased . A method of standardizing the discriminatory power of a typing method to a predetermined reproducibility is presented . In this way the discriminatory powers of different typing methods can be compared while being standardized for the effect of reproducibility.

Allerg Immunol (Paris), 1990 Sep, 22(7), 285 - 6
{Research on Kathon CG in cosmetic and personal hygiene products}; Vezia V et al.; Kathon is an anti-microbial agent that is used as a preservative in cosmetics and bodily hygiene products . At the recommended levels of usage Kathon is innocuous and has a recognised efficacy . Nevertheless, following reappearance of contact allergic eczemas due to cosmetics and bodily hygiene products different authors have reported increase in sensitisation to it . We have met the same problems in the Service de Dermatology++ of the Hospital Sainte Marguerite at Marseille and we wished to make a deeper examination of the question and to ascertain whether the current cosmetics contained Kathon CG . For this we have developed a technique of liquid chromatography and tested 44 creams . Eight contained Kathon CG, of which 2 were responsible for contact eczema in patients.

Infect Dis Clin North Am, 1990 Sep, 4(3), 391 - 408
Musculoskeletal infection, microbial adhesion, and antibiotic resistance; Gristina AG et al.; Osteomyelitis and intra-articular infection are septic diseases that present pathogenic features characteristic of molecular mechanisms involving adhesion to substrata . In this review, mechanisms of microbial adhesion to bone and cartilage as substrata are presented and related to host tissue response and to antibiotic treatment.

J Clin Periodontol, 1990 Sep, 17(8), 588 - 93
Irrigation with chlorhexidine to resolve naturally occurring gingivitis . A methodologic study; Brownstein CN et al.; This study compared oral irrigation and rinsing with chlorhexidine (CHX) and placebo in the treatment of naturally occurring chronic gingivitis . 44 subjects with at least 6 interproximal sites which bled on probing were randomly distributed on a double-blind basis into 4 treatment groups, placebo-rinse, CHX-rinse (0.12%), placebo-irrigation and CHX-irrigation (0.06%) . A half-mouth was scaled 2 weeks prior to therapy in all groups . Rinses were performed 2 times daily and irrigation was performed once a day by means of an oral irrigator with the tip directed at a right angle to the tooth . Subjects continued with routine oral hygiene without instruction . The active treatment period was 2 months . Parameters were recorded at baseline and at 60 days . At the conclusion, marginal plaque was cultured for predominant microbial types . CHX-rinse (0.12%) and CHX-irrigation (0.06%) significantly reduced (p less than 0.05) plaque . Gingival bleeding decreased by 26% in both scaled and unscaled sites following CHX (0.12%) rinses and by 40% at both types of sites following CHX (0.06%) irrigation . Bleeding was reduced with CHX-irrigation greater (p less than 0.05) than with the placebo-irrigation . The mean log of colony-forming units of Actinomyces species was significantly lower (p less than 0.05) in the CHX (0.12%) rinse and CHX (0.06%) irrigator groups than in the placebo groups . These data therefore indicate that delivery of CHX (0.06%) by an oral irrigator is an effective means of treating naturally occurring gingivitis.

J Clin Periodontol, 1990 Sep, 17(8), 580 - 7
Subjective criteria and probing attachment loss to evaluate the effects of plaque control and root debridement; Vanooteghem R et al.; 11 adult patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis were treated with oral hygiene instruction and an initial, single episode of root debridement . Before therapy, 3 independent clinicians examined all patients and identified sites that in their opinion probably would not respond to the therapy and would continue to lose attachment . On 2 occasions, 3 and 12 months later, the clinicians re-examined and re-evaluated all patients and all sites . The results of therapy were also monitored by probing attachment level measurements performed every 3rd month . All 11 patients completed 24 months of follow-up, and 6 subjects were available until 36 months . Sites with probing attachment loss after 12, 24 and 36 months were identified using linear regression analysis and compared to the clinicians' prediction of probing attachment loss . The results demonstrated a limited agreement between probing attachment loss determined by linear regression and the clinicians' predictions of probing attachment loss . It appears that the traditional clinical signs and factors used to forecast and identify periodontal disease activity are only moderately associated with probing attachment loss . This suggests that attachment loss may be caused by several factors, at least following initial therapy . The progression of an inflammatory disease of microbial etiology may be only 1 of such causes . Further studies are needed to clarify the nature and cause of probing attachment loss.

J Anim Sci, 1990 Sep, 68(9), 2598 - 602
Feeding value of wood sugar concentrate for feedlot cattle; Zinn RA; Six crossbred steers (344 kg) with "T" cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum (6 cm from the pyloric sphincter) were used in a crossover experiment to evaluate the feeding value of wood sugar concentrate (WSC) in a finishing diet for feedlot steers . Composition of WSC was as follows: DM, 49.5%; ash, 19.2%; N, .1%; hydrolyzable sugars, 38.9% and lignosulfonate, 28.8% . Dietary treatments consisted of a finishing diet based on steam-flaked corn supplemented or not supplemented with 10.5% WSC (DM basis) . Adding WSC to the diet increased (P less than .10) passage of OM to the small intestine . However, passage of N constituents (non-ammonia N, microbial N and feed N) was not affected (P greater than .10) . Postruminal digestion of OM and N was depressed (P less than .05) 11.5% and 6.7%, respectively, with WSC supplementation . Total tract digestibilities of OM and GE were depressed (P less than .01) 4.1 and 4.2%, respectively . Adjusting for constituent passage of the basal diet, estimated digestible OM and DE values for WSC used in this trial were 42.7% and 2.02 Mcal/kg . WSC (DM basis) had 76% and 64%, respectively, of the energy value of hemicellulose extract (masonex) and cane sugar molasses . Because a high level (10% of diet DM) of WSC depressed postruminal N digestion, WSC levels of feedlot diets that are marginal in protein should not exceed 5% of diet DM.

J Assoc Off Anal Chem, 1990 Sep-Oct, 73(5), 681 - 7
Evaluation of APHA and AOAC II methods for phosphatase in butter and differentiation of milk and microbial phosphatases by agarose-gel electrophoresis; Murthy GK et al.; Salted and unsalted butters with 3 levels of phosphatase were prepared with both raw and pasteurized cream containing 36% fat . Test samples were analyzed for phosphatase by the modified method of the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the official AOAC method, 16.256 (1984, 14th Ed., 1990 15th Ed., 946.02) . In the APHA method, weighing of solid frozen butter for testing yielded repeatable results . Addition of 0.0-1.0 mg magnesium to the butter had little effect on phosphatase activity in the APHA modified rapid colorimetric method (MRCM), but caused the phosphatase activity to decrease in the AOAC method . Phosphatase in salted and unsalted butters was quite stable at -17 +/- 1 degrees C and at 3.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C; however, within 2 to 4 days, freshly prepared butters stored at 22 +/- 1 degrees C developed reactivated and/or microbial phosphatases that were both heat-labile and heat-stable . At 22 +/- 1 degrees C, frozen butters showed decreased milk phosphatase activity before producing microbial phosphatase . Heat-labile phosphatases in salted and unsalted butters were inactivated at 62.8 degrees C for 10 min, and the phosphatase lability was partially due to the heat-denaturing effect of NaCl in salted butter . Some heat-stable phosphatases in unsalted butter survived at 66 degrees C for 30 min . Differentiation of milk phosphatase from microbial phosphatases was difficult by both methods; however, they were successfully differentiated by the agarose-gel electrophoretic technique.

Br J Nutr, 1990 Sep, 64(2), 525 - 40
Improvement of phosphorus availability by microbial phytase in broilers and pigs; Simons PC et al.; Techniques have been developed to produce microbial phytase for addition to diets for simple-stomached animals, with the aim to improve phosphorus availability from phytate-P in plant sources . The activity of the crude microbial phytase showed pH optima at pH 5.5 and 2.5 . The enzyme was able to degrade phytate in vitro in soya-bean meal, maize and a liquid compound feed for pigs . When microbial phytase was added to low-P diets for broilers the availability of P increased to over 60% and the amount of P in the droppings decreased by 50% . The growth rate and feed conversion ratio on the low-P diets containing microbial phytase were comparable to or even better than those obtained on control diets . Addition of microbial phytase to diets for growing pigs increased the apparent absorbability of P by 24% . The amount of P in the faeces was 35% lower.

Mol Plant Microbe Interact, 1990 Sep-Oct, 3(5), 327 - 33
Isolation and characterization of a proteinaceous inhibitor of microbial proteinases induced during the hypersensitive reaction of tobacco to tobacco mosaic virus; Geoffroy P et al.; A proteinase inhibitor is strongly induced in tobacco leaves reacting hypersensitively to tobacco mosaic virus . The tobacco inhibitor is highly active against four different serine endoproteinases of fungal and bacterial origin (EC 3.4.21.14) but inhibits poorly two serine endoproteinases of animal origin, trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4) and chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1) . The inhibitor has been purified to homogeneity by successive steps of conventional and high-performance liquid chromatography . When electrophoresed under denaturing conditions, it behaves as a small polypeptide with a molecular weight of about 6,000 . From its amino acid composition and NH2-terminal amino acid sequence analysis, it appears that the inhibitor belongs to the potato inhibitor I family . A polyclonal antiserum was raised against the purified tobacco inhibitor and was used in immunoblotting experiments to follow inhibitor accumulation during the hypersensitive reaction of tobacco to tobacco mosaic virus . The inhibitor is highly efficient and might represent a potent fungicide and/or bactericide to be used in plant biotechnology.

Indian J Med Res, 1990 Sep, 91, 355 - 9
Detection of mycobacterial antigen in cerebrospinal fluid in patients with chronic meningitis by inhibition enzyme linked immunosorbent assay; Radhakrishnan VV et al.; In a retrospective study, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from 50 patients of chronic meningitis were investigated for tuberculous etiology by inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . CSF specimens from 10 patients of tuberculous meningitis in whom Mycobacterium tuberculosis was isolated, formed the positive control group of this study . The assay yielded positive results in CSF specimens for mycobacterial antigens in 8 of the 50 patients of chronic meningitis . No false positive results were recorded in 50 patients of non-meningitic (negative control group) neurological diseases . Inhibition ELISA procedure described here is reproducible and had 100 per cent specificity for tuberculous etiology . This assay could be applied as a diagnostic tool for tuberculous etiology, particularly in patients of chronic meningitis in whom repeated CSF cultures for any microbial agents are negative.

Pol J Pharmacol Pharm, 1990 Sep-Oct, 42(5), 471 - 7
Lack of genotoxic activity of metronidazole and P1 derivative in two eukaryotic tests; Konopacka M et al.; Metronidazole {1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-5-nitroimidazole} and P1 derivative {1-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxypropyl)-2-methyl-4-nitroimidazole} were investigated for their genotoxic activity in two eukaryotic tests: mitotic recombination in yeast and micronucleus test in mice . Both compounds showed no genotoxicity in these eukaryotic assays contrary to their well-documented mutagenic activity in microbial short-term tests.

Tokai J Exp Clin Med, 1990 Sep, 15(5), 387 - 94
Calorimetric analysis of microbial growth: with special reference to quantitative evaluation of drug action; Takahashi K; Our research method for the calorimetric characterization of the biological effects of drugs and other chemicals on metabolic activities of living cells is outlined . The effects of various substances on different microbial systems were studied quantitatively using a calorimeter, and the results were used to plot drug potency curves for each drug . The method was also used to study microbial activity in soil . It was found to be a useful technique for the quantitative characterization of pollutants in ecological systems.

Immunol Lett, 1990 Sep, 25(4), 359 - 65
Targeted killing of yeast expressing a HIV-1 peptide by antibody-conjugated glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase; Chouchane L et al.; The epitope recognized by monoclonal antibody directed against the HIV-1 recombinant gp160 protein was precisely delineated by using a number of peptides comprising amino acid positions 302-330 of the protein . Two different enzymes, glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase, were then coupled to distinct antibody molecules and the efficacy of the immunoenzymes in killing yeast cells which express the recognized peptide was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis . The antibody-glucose oxidase conjugate alone was cytotoxic only at large doses (over 35 micrograms/ml) while in the presence of the antibody-horseradish peroxidase conjugate, killing was observed at nine times lower concentrations (4 micrograms/ml) . The procedure described here may provide a new immunotherapy tool for microbial infection.

J Dent Res, 1990 Sep, 69(9), 1592 - 8
Limit of resolution of flow cytometry for the detection of selected bacterial species; Obernesser MS et al.; The enumeration of bacteria in dental plaque samples is a vital but time-consuming procedure that uses standard cultural methods . Flow cytometry has proven to be a useful tool for the analysis of eukaryotic cells . In the present investigation, the utility of this technology for the enumeration of bacteria in mixtures was explored . Rabbit antisera were produced against the putative periodontal pathogens A . actinomycetemcomitans, B . intermedius, B . gingivalis, E . corrodens, W . recta, B . forsythus, as well as the frequently isolated supragingival species S . sanguis . Cross-reactive antibodies were removed by absorption, and the specificity of each antiserum was confirmed by being tested against a panel of 235 oral microbial strains (79 genera; 94 species) by means of ELISA . Conditions were established for the indirect immunofluorescent labeling of cells without agglutination with use of a goat anti-rabbit Ig-FITC second antibody . When an internal bead standard was used, it was found that unstained bacteria were enumerated by light-scattering parameters with poor efficiency (less than 3%) . However, cells exposed to FITC either in the presence of specific or non-specific first antibody were enumerated with high efficiency (102.6 +/- 29.3%), indicating that a small amount of non-specific binding of fluorochrome facilitates bacterial detection . Clear discrimination between specifically- and non-specifically-stained bacteria was achieved with all six rabbit antisera . Mixtures of known composition were made (1) with pure cultures or (2) with a known species and supragingival plaque devoid of that species by culture . The results from both approaches with various species combinations revealed that the limit of resolution for accurate quantitation of a selected species was approximately 5%, although specific organisms could be detected qualitatively when present at approximately 1%.

J Clin Periodontol, 1990 Aug, 17(7 ( Pt 2)), 474 - 8
Ecosystems: development, functions and consequences of disturbances, with special reference to the oral cavity; Midtvedt T; Some general rules for the development and maintenance of microbial ecosystems are outlined . Studies on germ-free animals have given valuable baselines concerning structures and functions in the host per se . The oral cavity represents several consortia of micro-organisms, governed by factors deriving from the host, the diet and/or the micro-organisms . Alterations in these factors, as well as intake of antibiotics, etc., may give disturbances, which can be analyzed according to general guidelines.

Inflammation, 1990 Aug, 14(4), 375 - 87
In vitro aggregation of bovine neonatal neutrophils . A comparative study with adult cattle; Zwahlen RD et al.; Deficient in vitro functions of neonatal neutrophils have been reported in various species . They may be functionally related to the well-known susceptibility of newborn individuals to microbial infections . To evaluate an early step in the sequence of neutrophil activation, neutrophils from adult cows (A-PMN) and newborn calves (N-PMN) were stimulated with zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP) or with the lipid mediator platelet-activating factor (PAF): Aggregation was recorded kinetically in a standard aggregometer and measured quantitatively as the area under the aggregation curve (AUAC) . The mean +/- SEM of the AUAC of the first 2.5 min of the reaction induced with ZAP was similar in N-PMN and A-PMN . However, N-PMN deaggregated only partially, whereas A-PMN deaggregated almost completely (P less than 0.05) . This may indicate a mechanism of microvascular sequestration in vivo with the potential to inhibit chemotaxis . PAF (10(-5)-10(-10) M) aggregated N- and A-PMNs similarly and dose-dependently with a maximal reaction at 10(-6) M . Inhibition of aggregation induced by 10(-6) M PAF was evaluated by preincubation with four antiinflammatory drugs: dexamethasone (Dex: 5.1, 51.0, 510.0 microM), flumethasone (Flu: 12.2 and 122.0 microM), phenylbutazone (PB: 0.33 and 3.3 mM), and flunixin meglumine (Flxin: 51 and 510 microM) . Dex and Flu each inhibited (P less than 0.05) PAF-induced N-PMN aggregation at the highest dose, and A-PMN aggregation at the two higher doses . PB and Flxin each inhibited aggregation of N- and A-PMNs at all doses used . We compared the inhibition rate in both age groups and could demonstrate that Dex, Flu, and Flxin each at the highest dose, and PB at all doses used, inhibited PAF-induced aggregation less (P less than 0.05) in N-PMNs than in A-PMNs . These functional differences indicate hyperirritability of N-PMNs, and they need further elucidation to help understand mechanisms of increased neonatal susceptibility.

Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol, 1990 Aug, 3(2), 131 - 5
Is the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) an integral structure of the lung in normal mammals, including humans?
Pabst R, Gehrke I.
In the respiratory tract, lymphoid aggregates with a specialized epithelium have been called bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) and compared to the organized lymphoid tissue of the gut (GALT), e.g., Peyer's patches . BALT might play a central role in antigen uptake, initiating immune responses and disseminating primed lymphoid cells in the respiratory tract . In the present study, lungs of mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, pigs, cats, and humans have been studied with respect to the presence and number of BALT and the dependence of BALT on age and microbial stimulation . BALT is not a constitutive structure in all these species . Its frequency varies widely, from 100% in rabbits and rats, 50% in guinea pigs, 33% in pigs, to its absence in cats and all normal human lungs . BALT seems to be a lymphoid structure which is not present in all the species studied but can develop in the lung after stimulation . This is in contrast to lymphoid organs, such as lymph nodes or Peyer's patches, which can always be found . These species differences are of major importance in interpreting the clinical relevance of experiments in animal models on the lung immune system, e.g., antigen uptake, immunostimulation, or lung transplantation.

J Appl Bacteriol, 1990 Aug, 69(2), 206 - 10
A model system for the study of food container leakage; McEldowney S et al.; A model system to study food container leakage was developed . The model system allows the independent investigation of the effect of physical factors such as vacuum and contents viscosity, and microbial factors on the leakage process . The design, construction and operation of the container leakage model system is described.

Can J Microbiol, 1990 Aug, 36(8), 585 - 9
Esterase activity of pure cultures of rumen bacteria as expressed by the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenylpalmitate; Fay JP et al.; Seventy-four strains of rumen bacteria comprising 20 genera were tested for the ability to hydrolyze p-nitrophenylpalmitate (PNPP-C16) . This ability was detectable in all cultures tested, but the level of activity was quite variable . Known lipolytic strains of these bacteria showed generally low levels of activity in this assay, which suggests that the hydrolysis of this artificial substrate indicates a general esterase activity and not a lipase activity, as reported in the literature . The highest activity was found to occur in strains known to be feed-particle-associated digesters of starch, pectin and cellulose . In fractionated rumen contents, p-nitrophenylpalmitase activity was largely associated with feed particles . Although the in vivo role of the enzymes that hydrolyze PNPP-C16 remains obscure, it appears that they are primarily of microbial origin, and may be important in hydrolyzing ester bond-containing compounds from plant material.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1990 Aug, 34(8), 1600 - 1
Activity of compound G2 isolated from alfalfa roots in experimental dermatophyte infection; Evron R et al.; Compound G2 isolated from alfalfa roots was applied topically to skin lesions of guinea pigs experimentally infected with the dermatophyte Trichophyton mentagrophytes var . granulare . After 12 to 15 applications, 80% of the infected lesions were cured, as judged by clinical and microbial criteria, compared with 20% of the untreated lesions which healed spontaneously (P less than 0.01).

Kansenshogaku Zasshi, 1990 Aug, 64(8), 963 - 6
{Studies of intestinal microbial flora in the post-BMT (bone marrow transplantation) patients under a protected environment}; Yonekura S et al.; The changes of microbial burdens of six patients with leukemia (four patients with acute leukemia; two patients with chronic leukemia) were studied before and after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) under protected isolation . Oral nonabsorbable and topical antibodies were administered prophylactically to all patients . Under a protected environment, genus and species number of intestinal microbial flora were not so decreased in all patients who were treated with antibiotics, but no episodes of severe septicemia were detected due to intestinal microbial flora . From many previous reports, the same pathogen was isolated from both blood culture and stool in the patients with septicemia, however, no septicemia developed in our cases in spite of residue of many intestinal bacteria . These data have demonstrated a significant advantage of treatment with protected isolation and intensive antibiotic prophylaxis through oral, topical and intravenous administration for severe infection prevention.

J Clin Periodontol, 1990 Aug, 17(7 ( Pt 2)), 508 - 15
Oral complications associated with cancer therapy . An M . D . Anderson Cancer Center experience; Toth BB et al.; Oral complications associated with cancer therapy may not be inevitable . The intensity and duration can be prevented or alleviated by correcting existing oral-dental pathology and maintaining meticulous oral care . Microbial (bacterial, fungal and viral) assessment not only allows appropriate documentation of mucositis versus mucosal infection but directs therapeutic treatment.

FEBS Lett, 1990 Aug 1, 268(2), 334 - 8
Gene expression during tuber development in potato plants; Prat S et al.; Potato tubers are modified stems that have differentiated into storage organs . Factors such as day-length, nitrogen supply, and levels of the phytohormones cytokinin and gibberellic acid, are known to control tuberization . Morphological changes during tuber initiation are accompanied by the accumulation of a characteristic set of proteins, thought to be involved in N-storage (i.e . patatin) or defense against microbial or insect attack (i.e . proteinase inhibitor II) . Additionally, deposition of large amounts of starch occurs during tuber formation, which is paralleled by an increase in sucrose synthase and other enzymes involved in starch biosynthesis (i.e . ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, starch synthases, and branching enzyme) . Potential controlling mechanisms for genes expressed during tuberization are discussed.

Exp Cell Res, 1990 Aug, 189(2), 157 - 62
Expression of spasmolysin (FIM-A.1): an integumentary mucin from Xenopus laevis; Hauser F et al.; In the past, a unique type of precursor for a secretory protein was discovered . It contains a central repetitive domain rich in threonine residues and terminal cysteine-rich domains . Due to striking homologies of these terminal domains with pancreatic spasmolytic polypeptide, originally the name "prepro-spasmolysin" was proposed . Here we show that the mature protein has a MW of about 130 kDa, consisting of about 70% carbohydrate and 30% protein . Similar O-linked glycoproteins have been found in mucins from human intestine . For this and numerous other reasons we decided to rename this glycoprotein "frog integumentary mucin A.1" (FIM-A.1) . Furthermore, analysis of the protein with specific antibodies against the predicted C-terminal end indicates that FIM-A.1 is probably not processed at pairs of basic residues . In situ hybridization as well as immunofluorescence studies revealed that FIM-A.1 is expressed and stored exclusively in mature mucous glands of Xenopus laevis skin . Only cone cells at the proximal part of these glands do not synthesize FIM-A.1 . In contrast, all other physiologically active peptides from X . laevis skin investigated so far are synthesized in granular glands . A hypothetical function of FIMs for defense against microbial infections is discussed.

Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol, 1990 Aug, 30(3), 248 - 50
Investigation of spontaneously aborted concepti for microbial DNA: investigation for cytomegalovirus DNA using polymerase chain reaction; Putland RA et al.; Karyotypic analysis of concepti spontaneously aborted in the first trimester shows approximately 50% of these concepti contain abnormal chromosomes . In order to determine whether cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may play a role in the early loss of pregnancies with either normal or abnormal chromosomes, we have developed an assay to amplify CMV DNA in DNA extracts from spontaneously aborted concepti using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) . Using PCR, we were unable to detect CMV DNA in any of 350 spontaneously aborted concepti . Viral cultures were also negative when 36 of these were tested . Our results suggest that CMV infection is an unlikely cause of pregnancy loss in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Diabet Med, 1990 Aug, 7(7), 624 - 7
A prospective study of the hazards of multiple use of disposable syringes and needles in intensified insulin therapy; Chlup R et al.; The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential hazards of multiple use of disposable syringes and needles for insulin injections over a long period of time . A special syringe container (pen-case) was developed to carry the syringe with insulin . In the microbial trial 24 patients, each injecting insulin for 1 week with one disposable needle, were studied for 201 patient-weeks with 5829 injections . Cultures of 154 needles, 155 syringe rinses, 154 pen-case rinses and the remains of insulin in 201 vials revealed no relevant contamination . In the clinical trial 100 diabetic patients were followed up for up to 7 years . Each syringe was reused for 1 to 12 weeks and each needle for 1 to 40 days (4 to 200 injections) . Only sporadic redness not exceeding 4 mm2 was seen at sites of about 560,000 insulin injections . Thus, the repeated use of syringes and needles in one diabetic patient may be recommended as a convenient and safe approach in insulin administration.

Odontostomatol Proodos, 1990 Aug, 44(4), 225 - 37
{Use of experimental animals in caries research}; Karyda-Maniatopoulos AM et al.; Animal models have been used extensively in biomedical research . The choice of the most appropriate model for a given research project is fundamental and depends upon specific characteristics of the animal . In the field of Preventive Dentistry the rodent species possess certain advantages which make them extremely useful in caries research and in dental plague pathogenicity . In caries research, rats have been used successfully to study anticaries efficacy of chemical agents, immunization, cariogenicity of diet, maturation of enamel and bacterial involvement in caries process . In this paper the dental characteristics of the rats are discussed emphasizing on the structure of their teeth, oral flora and composition of the saliva . Some of the experimental methods and procedures commonly used for microbial sampling, caries scoring and preparing diet are also described . In addition, an emphasis in given to certain experimental variables, which if not identified and strictly controlled, can attribute to a great variability and inaccuracy of the results . Finally, a basic experimental design for animal caries tests is suggested . In the last few decades, progress in caries research has substantially resulted from the utilization of the animal model system which have enabled examination of various facets of this disease under controlled laboratory conditions . The knowledge gained so far has been successfully applied on man with regard to diagnosis, treatment and prevention on dental caries.

Can J Microbiol, 1990 Aug, 36(8), 579 - 82
NMR study of 13CO2 incorporation into short-chain fatty acids by pig large-intestinal flora; De Graeve KG et al.; The nuclear magnetic resonance technique was used to study carbon dioxide reduction by the pig large-intestinal flora . Washed bacterial cell suspensions were incubated for 6 and 15 h under 13CO2 and H2 as the gas phase and with a buffer containing NaH13CO3 and cellobiose and amino acids (casein hydrolysate) as substrates . Methane was produced in all incubation media . Significant amounts of single- as well as multiple-labelled acetate and butyrate were formed, demonstrating synthesis of acetate from H2 + CO2 . Propionate was labelled mainly on the carboxyl group, which was attributed to an enzymatic exchange of the carboxyl group of propionate with 13CO2 . These results indicate that the reduction of CO2 to acetate may be an important pathway for microbial production of acetate in the pig large intestine even in the presence of methanogenesis.

Eur J Clin Invest, 1990 Aug, 20(4), 453 - 7
Endotoxin-stimulated peritoneal macrophages obtained from continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients show an increased capacity to release interleukin-1 beta in vitro during infectious peritonitis; Fieren MW et al.; Interleukin-1 (IL-1) release by peritoneal macrophages obtained from patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) was studied in nine patients during an infection-free period and eight patients during an infectious peritonitis, using an ELISA for IL-1 beta . Without exogenous stimulation with LPS, peritoneal macrophages from infected and uninfected patients released the same amounts of IL-1 beta, 183 +/- 40 pg ml-1 24 h-1) per 10(6) cells (means +/- SEM) and 251 +/- 96 pg ml-1, respectively . However, in response to a dose of 5 micrograms ml-1 of LPS, peritoneal macrophages released significantly more (P less than 0.005) IL-1 beta during peritonitis (6579 +/- 2793 pg ml-1 24 h-1 per 10(6) cells) compared with the infection-free period (1040 +/- 182 pg ml-1) . These findings show that after microbial invasion of the peritoneal cavity, peritoneal macrophages are primed in vivo to release an increased amount of IL-1 beta in vitro after subsequent exogenous stimulation with LPS, indicating that peritoneal macrophage activation for IL-1 beta secretion occurs in steps.

Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 1990 Aug, 19(4), 250 - 1
Glass bead sterilisation of surgical dental burs; Schutt RW et al.; Since burs used in OMF surgery are a source of microbial contamination, sterilisation of the burs is an important aspect of infection control . A two-part study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of using the glass bead steriliser to sterilise long-shank burs . The laboratory and clinical studies indicated that the glass bead steriliser was effective in sterilising long-shank burs in 60 s.

Biotechnology (N Y), 1990 Aug, 8(8), 732 - 5
Potent and specific inhibitors of protein kinase C of microbial origin; Tamaoki T et al.; Potent and specific inhibitors of protein kinase C have been found in streptomyces and fungi: Staurosporine, an alkaloid from Streptomyces sp., is the most potent inhibitor of protein kinases with an IC50 in the nanomolar range . UCN-01 (7-hydroxy staurosporine), isolated from Streptomyces sp., is a selective inhibitor of protein kinase C with antitumor activity . Calphostin, isolated from the fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides, specifically inhibits protein kinase C (IC50 = 0.05 microM) without inhibiting other protein kinases . Microbial metabolites appear to be a promising source of inhibitors that target signal transduction pathways of eukaryotes.

Agric Biol Chem, 1990 Aug, 54(8), 2101 - 5
Production of benzoylformic acid from phenylglycine by Saccharomycopsis lipolytica; Kanzaki H et al.; Microbial production of benzoylformic acid (BF), which can be used as a substrate of enzymatic synthesis of (R)-(-)-mandelic acid, was investigated . Among 145 strains of yeasts and actinomycetes, Saccharomycopsis lipolytica (IAM 4964) was the best producer of BF from DL-phenylglycine (DL-PG) . Culture conditions for BF production by the organism were optimized . When 0.2% fructose as a carbon source and 0.7% Bacto-tryptone as a nitrogen source were used in the presence of 4% DL-PG, 14.5 mg/ml of BF was produced (about 37% molar yield) in 4 days of cultivation . BF was synthesized from the L-form of PG, but not from the D-form . The BF was isolated from culture broth in a crystalline form and physicochemically identified.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1990 Jul 20, 1035(1), 44 - 50
Formation of a stable L-ascorbic acid alpha-glucoside by mammalian alpha-glucosidase-catalyzed transglucosylation; Yamamoto I et al.; Enzymatic transglucosylation from maltose to L-ascorbic acid (AA) with mammalian tissue homogenates was determined by a high-performance liquid chromatography method and compared with the reaction catalyzed by alpha-glucosidase from Aspergillus niger . The homogenates of small intestine and kidney had a high transglucosylase activity to form a new type of glucosylated AA, which was associated with alpha-glucosidase activity . The new compound was demonstrated to be an equimolar conjugate of AA and glucose by the spectral and quantitative analyses . In particular, it showed a high stability in a neutral solution and no reducing activity toward cytochrome c and a dye . These properties were very different from those of AA and L-ascorbic acid alpha-glucoside formed with alpha-glucosidase from A . niger, but they were consistent with those of L-ascorbic acid 2-O-phosphate and L-ascorbic acid 2-O-sulfate . Moreover, it exhibited a reducing power associated with AA after mild acid hydrolysis or treatment with rat intestinal alpha-glucosidase . These results indicate that it should be assigned the 2-O-alpha-glucoside structure . Consequently, it is concluded that mammalian alpha-glucosidase is able to form a very stable and nonreducing form of glucosylated AA through a specific transglucosylation reaction distinct from that of microbial alpha-glucosidase.

Biochem Pharmacol, 1990 Jul 15, 40(2), 343 - 50
Characterization of specific {3H}dimethylstaurosporine binding to protein kinase C; Gross JL et al.; The microbial alkaloid staurosporine is a member of a recently described family of protein kinase inhibitors . {N,N-dimethyl-3H}N-dimethylstaurosporine ({3H}DMS) was prepared from staurosporine by methylation with {3H}methyl iodide . Since staurosporine inhibits protein kinase C (PKC) most potently, the binding of {3H}DMS to this enzyme was examined . Unlike {20-3H(N)}phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate ({3H}PDBu) binding to PKC, {3H}DMS binding was not calcium or phosphatidylserine (PS) dependent . Binding was reversible, with a T1/2 of 69 min and a Koff of 0.01/min . Non-specific binding was defined by a 500-fold molar excess of staurosporine and was less than 10% of total {3H}DMS binding . Specific binding of {3H}DMS was consistent with a single class of binding sites with a Kd of 3.8 +/- 0.6 nM and a Bmax of 675 +/- 30 pmol/g tissue . In competition experiments, staurosporine inhibited {3H}DMS binding with a Ki of 4.7 +/- 0.6 nM, indicating that the two alkaloids had a similar potency for PKC . Also, unlabeled DMS and staurosporine inhibited {3H}DMS binding and PKC catalysis with equivalent potencies . Highly purified rat brain PKC bound equimolar amounts of {3H}PDBu and {3H}DMS . In contrast, crude rat brain PKC, which had been proteolysed to generate a PS and Ca2+ independent enzyme (PK-M) retained the ability to bind {3H}DMS, but not {3H}PDBu . In addition, the kinase inhibitors K-252a and H-7 {1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine} inhibited {3H}DMS binding, whereas PDBu did not . These results indicate that {3H}DMS is a useful ligand to identify catalytic inhibitors of kinase activity and to explore their mechanisms of action.

Science, 1990 Jul 13, 249(4965), 165 - 9
Common modifications of trimeric G proteins and ras protein: involvement of polyisoprenylation; Finegold AA et al.; The heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins act at the inner surface of the plasma membrane to relay information from cell surface receptors to effectors inside the cell . These G proteins are not integral membrane proteins, yet are membrane associated . The processing and function of the gamma subunit of the yeast G protein involved in mating-pheromone signal transduction was found to be affected by the same mutations that block ras processing . The nature of these mutations implied that the gamma subunit was polyisoprenylated and that this modification was necessary for membrane association and biological activity . A microbial screen was developed for pharmacological agents that inhibit polyisoprenylation and that have potential application in cancer therapy.

J Clin Periodontol, 1990 Jul, 17(6), 356 - 63
5-year follow up of periodontal intraosseous defects treated by root planing or flap surgery; Renvert S et al.; Intraosseous, periodontal defects in 12 subjects initially treated by root planing alone (21 defects) or by flap surgery (21 defects) were monitored during a 5-year postoperative interval . Maintenance therapy during this interval was limited to reinforcement of oral hygiene and tooth polishing every 6 months . No subgingival instrumentation was performed at the defect sites . Longitudinal clinical measurements demonstrated that surgically-treated lesions responded with somewhat more reduction of probing depth and more gain of probing bone level than root-planed lesions . Mean gains of probing attachment level were similar for the 2 treatments . Some relapse of the clinical conditions could be observed towards the end of the 5-year observation interval compared to the results at year 1 and year 2 . However, the majority of defects subjected to either treatment showed 60-month recordings of probing attachment and probing bone levels equal to or slightly improved compared to those at baseline . Counts from cultures of subgingival, microbial samples were obtained at 42, 48 and 60 months . No significant difference between the 2 therapies was observed for the investigated groups of micro-organisms.

Br J Radiol, 1990 Jul, 63(751), 532 - 4
Bacterial contamination of contrast media stored after opening; Lisle D et al.; A barium suspension, iohexol, iopamidol and ioxaglate which were diluted with tapwater and 0.9% NaCl and dextrose saline (4% and 0.18%) were made into aliquots of 10 ml and stored at 4 degrees C, room temperature and 37 degrees C for 8 weeks . Regular handling and bacterial cultures were performed . These studies confirmed that environmental organisms do contaminate these solutions and that they also support viable organisms, but do not become significantly colonized at room temperature or 4 degrees C . The solutions should be stored at room temperature or at 4 degrees C . The diluted barium solution was the contrast medium least contaminated and if it is not contra-indicated for other reasons should be used in preference to low osmolality water soluble contrast media on the basis of its cost, radiological contrast and low microbial contamination rate.

J Anim Sci, 1990 Jul, 68(7), 2042 - 51
Inhibition of proteolysis in alfalfa silages using heat at harvest: effects on digestion in the rumen, voluntary intake and animal performance; Charmley E et al.; The effects of proteolysis on digestion and animal performance were studied using heat to inhibit proteolysis at ensiling . Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) was ensiled either after wilting for 24 h (control; C) or after heating (100 degrees C) in a crop dehydrator for 2 min (heated; H) . In Exp . 1, eight wethers, cannulated in the rumen and duodenum, were given the silages to determine the effects of heat treatment of alfalfa on the digestion of silage . In Exp . 2, growing lambs had ad libitum access to the silages to determine the effects of heat treatment on intake, animal performance and body composition . Heat treatment inhibited protease activity; protein N accounted for 33.5 and 61.3% and ammonia N 15.5 and 5.1% of total N in C and H silages, respectively . Heat treatment reduced mean post-feeding ruminal ammonia N concentration (P less than .05), ruminal pH (P less than .05) and the acetate: propionate ratio (P less than .001) in ruminal fluid . Heat treatment increased duodenal flow of non-ammonia N (P less than .05) and amino acids (P less than .05), the amount of N absorbed (P less than .05) in the small plus large intestine and also increased the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (P less than .05) . In Exp . 2, although intake and gain were higher (P less than .001) for H-fed than for C-fed lambs, there were no differences (P greater than .05) in empty body composition . The results indicated that inhibition of proteolysis by heat treatment at ensiling can increase utilization of silage N within the rumen, increase voluntary intake and result in a higher rate of gain by lambs fed alfalfa silage.

CLAO J, 1990 Jul-Sep, 16(3), 184 - 8
Disposable contact lenses vs . contact lens maintenance for extended wear; Josephson JE et al.; We compared a disposable extended wear contact lens modality with conventional extended wear over a 6-week period . To do so, we refit 31 patients who had successfully worn conventional extended wear contact lenses for more than 1 year . One eye was fit with the AcuvueR disposable contact lens, and a new extended wear lens of the type the patient had been wearing was placed on the other eye . At weekly intervals the disposable lens was discarded and a new disposable lens inserted . At the same time, the conventional lens on the fellow eye was cleaned, disinfected, and reinserted . After 6 weeks the ocular response, subjective impressions, and condition of the lenses in the two eyes were compared . Both lenses were then cultured . Three subjects had to discontinue disposable lens wear because of adverse reactions to trapped cellular debris and corneal microcysts . Although the results were not statistically significant, the Acuvue lens appeared to perform better than or equal to the conventional lens in biomicroscopic observation, visual acuity measurement, and subjective patient preference . Eighty-seven percent of patients preferred to continue with the disposable system . There were no differences found in the type or degree of microbial contamination of the lenses.

Arch Ophthalmol, 1990 Jul, 108(7), 1001 - 5
Topical anti-inflammatory agents in an animal model of microbial keratitis; Gritz DC et al.; Topical steroids potentiate Pseudomonas keratitis in the absence of concomitant antibiotic therapy . The effects of other anti-inflammatory agents on microbial keratitis are unknown, but if these agents do not intensify the infection, they may be useful in the initial management of microbial keratitis by limiting ulceration and thus the size of the resultant corneal scar . In rabbit models of untreated Pseudomonas keratitis and pneumococcal keratitis, topical 1% prednisolone phosphate, 0.03% flurbiprofen sodium, and vehicle were applied hourly . In cases of Pseudomonas keratitis, prednisolone worsened the clinical disease, and flurbiprofen further worsened the disease . When combined with effective antibiotic therapy, neither anti-inflammatory agent worsened the disease . In pneumococcal keratitis, neither anti-inflammatory agent worsened the disease . Topical anti-inflammatory agents should be used with caution in cases of microbial keratitis at least until effective antibiotic therapy has been instituted.

Mol Gen Genet, 1990 Jul, 222(2-3), 353 - 60
Bean pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins deduced from elicitor-induced transcripts are members of a ubiquitous new class of conserved PR proteins including pollen allergens; Walter MH et al.; We have searched for induced transcripts in a cDNA library derived from bean cell supension cultures treated with an elicitor from Colletotrichum lindemuthianum . Six independently isolated cDNAs corresponding to rapidly induced small mRNAs have been classified by their DNA sequence and slightly different induction behaviour into two groups . 5'- and 3'-untranslated regions exhibit little similarity, but the deduced small acidic proteins designated PvPR1 and PvPR2 are 89% identical . No relationship was found with the well-characterized PR1 proteins from tobacco . However, the PvPR proteins are closely related to pI49 in pea (64% identity), pSTH2 in potato (41% identity) and PcPR1-1 in parsley (39% identity), which are also induced in response to elicitor or microbial attack . Moreover, a major pollen allergen in birch (BetvI) has a 44% identity with PvPR1 proteins . These similarities establish a ubiquitous class of conserved defense-related proteins and suggest a common yet still unknown function . Southern blot analysis indicates that PvPR protein gene organization is highly complex with an estimated copy number of more than 12 genes.

Environ Health Perspect, 1990 Jul, 87, 309 - 35
Toxicity and carcinogenicity of potassium bromate--a new renal carcinogen; Kurokawa Y et al.; Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is an oxidizing agent that has been used as a food additive, mainly in the bread-making process . Although adverse effects are not evident in animals fed bread-based diets made from flour treated with KBrO3, the agent is carcinogenic in rats and nephrotoxic in both man and experimental animals when given orally . It has been demonstrated that KBrO3 induces renal cell tumors, mesotheliomas of the peritoneum, and follicular cell tumors of the thyroid . In addition, experiments aimed at elucidating the mode of carcinogenic action have revealed that KBrO3 is a complete carcinogen, possessing both initiating and promoting activities for rat renal tumorigenesis . However, the potential seems to be weak in mice and hamsters . In contrast to its weak mutagenic activity in microbial assays, KBrO3 showed relatively strong potential inducing chromosome aberrations both in vitro and in vivo . Glutathione and cysteine degrade KBrO3 in vitro; in turn, the KBrO3 has inhibitory effects on inducing lipid peroxidation in the rat kidney . Active oxygen radicals generated from KBrO3 were implicated in its toxic and carcinogenic effects, especially because KBrO3 produced 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine in the rat kidney . A wide range of data from applications of various analytical methods are now available for risk assessment purposes.

ASAIO Trans, 1990 Jul-Sep, 36(3), M349 - 51
Development of a polyurethane percutaneous access device for long-term vascular access; Allan A et al.; The percutaneous placement of intravascular devices creates a portal for microbial invasion that can result in local infections or septicemia . In nature, resistance to "exist site" infection in percutaneous organs, such as teeth, is prevented by a dense collagen/epithelial barrier . A new percutaneous access device has been developed that incorporates a porous polyurethane "button" at the subdermal level . This device promotes the development of a collagen/epithelial interface, thus inhibiting sinus formation . Twelve percutaneous access devices (PCADS) were implanted in calves; eight devices were utilized for venting of, and hard wire passage to, an implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and served as controls . Four devices were utilized for long-term vascular access . The PCADS remained in situ for 2-127 days (mean 70) . Excellent healing was apparent in all cases, and no exit site or catheter related infections occurred . Histologic examination demonstrated fibroblastic in-growth and collagen deposition within the porous polyurethane, which provides a barrier to epithelial migration and firmly anchors the device . These PCADS appear to reduce exit site infections and may improve upon currently available long-term vascular access catheters.

Eur J Pediatr, 1990 Jul, 149(10), 700 - 4
Bare lymphocyte syndrome--combined immunodeficiency and neutrophil dysfunction; Will N et al.; A 4-year-old girl presented with recurrent infections . Immunoglobulin deficiency (serum and secretory IgA, serum IgG3) neutropenia and neutrophil dysfunction (defective spontaneous migration and chemotaxis) were found . T-lymphocyte counts were normal and they responded to phytohaemagglutinin but were not stimulated by Concanavalin A, pokeweed mitogen and microbial antigens in vitro . Delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity testing to purified protein derivative and candidin was negative . Despite bacille Calmette-Guerm vaccination and candidiasis, near normal beta-2-micro-globulin and human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I concentrations were detected on mononuclear cells and phytohaemagglutinin-induced lymphoblasts . HLA class II antigens (HLA-DP, -DQ, -DR) were not expressed . These observations indicated a bare lymphocyte syndrome (BLS) type II . This is the first time neutrophil dysfunction has been noted in association with BLS.

Pediatr Nephrol, 1990 Jul, 4(4), 331 - 4
99mTechnetium dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy in the diagnosis of acute pyelonephritis in rats; Wikstad I et al.; The use of 99mtechnetium dimercaptosuccinic acid (99mTc-DMSA) scintigraphy for the early diagnosis of pyelonephritis has been evaluated in a study performed on adolescent female Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to an ascending Escherichia coli infection . The rats were studied with DMSA scintigraphy either before and 5 days after the infection or 5 and 28 days after the infection . One group of rats received anti-microbial treatment during days 6-11 . After the last DMSA scintigraphy the rats were sacrificed and the kidneys prepared for light microscopy study . Kidney morphology was normal and DMSA uptake was high and homogeneous in all control rats . The majority of the rats exposed to E . coli developed inflammatory changes, on light microscopy which extended to various degrees in the renal parenchyma . Five days after the infection the DMSA uptake was consistently reduced, if the inflammatory lesion on light microscopy involved more than 15% of the renal cortex . Twenty-eight days after infection the inflammatory changes were less extensive than at 5 days . The DMSA uptake had usually improved . At this time, however, areas of decreased DMSA uptake could be detected even if the light microscopy changes involved less than 15% of the parenchyma . Microscopical lesions were less frequent and less extensive in the treated than in the untreated rats . The complete return to normal of previously abnormal DMSA uptake was only observed in treated rats . In a few untreated rats cortical scars had formed by day 28 . The scars appeared in areas with decreased DMSA uptake at 5 days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Periodontal Res, 1990 Jul, 25(4), 230 - 5
Assessment of the efficacy of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, Naprosyn, in the treatment of gingivitis; Johnson RH et al.; A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine the effects of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug Naprosyn (naproxen) on gingival inflammation . The enrollment of 114 patients provided 102 patients valid for efficacy evaluation, each having a mean gingival index (GI) score of 1.5 or greater at test-teeth sites . Patients were given oral Naprosyn 500 mg b.i.d . or placebo for 30 days . At 28 d, full-mouth prophylaxis was performed . Gingival index, modified sulcular bleeding index (SBI), and plaque index (PII) scores were taken at baseline, at 28 d, and at 30 d . When the 28-d index measurements were compared to baseline, the drug had no significant effect on plaque index scores or gingival inflammation . Statistically, Naprosyn enhanced the resolution of gingival inflammation following removal of microbial plaque . Thus, although this drug does not suppress the inflammation-inducing properties of plaque, Naprosyn may enhance recovery following plaque removal.

J Exp Med, 1990 Jul 1, 172(1), 239 - 44
Localization of gamma/delta T cells to the intestinal epithelium is independent of normal microbial colonization; Bandeira A et al.; Using monoclonal antibodies identifying all gamma/delta and alpha/beta T cell receptors in cytofluorometric analysis, we have compared the composition of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (i-IEL) in euthymic and athymic germ-free (GF) and conventional (SPF) mice . The results show a marked influence of microbial colonization in the numbers of single-positive (CD4+ or CD8+) alpha/beta i-IEL, but little effect in the pool size or characteristics of gamma/delta i-IEL . In young athymic mice, virtually no alpha/beta i-IEL are detected, while considerable numbers of gamma/delta i-IEL remain, though reduced in GF animals.

Dent Mater, 1990 Jul, 6(3), 154 - 7
Effect of microbial contamination and pH changes in storage solutions during in vitro assays of bonding agents; Fotos PG et al.; A study of pH changes in, and microbial colonization of, storage solutions being utilized during an in vitro evaluation of luting agent solubility has been made . Microbial growth in storage solutions was observed to occur at as high as 10(5) colony-forming units (cfu)/mL after seven days' incubation . A strong time-dependent inverse correlation between pH and cfu was found, with the pH dropping to as low as 5.3 (p less than 0.01) . Decreases in pH were not found in presterilized control samples (p less than 0.05) . Further, it was demonstrated that presterilization with ethylene oxide or the addition of respiratory inhibitors prevented both microbial colonization and the pH drop when compared with controls (p less than 0.001) . These data suggest that studies of dental materials which include incubations in various fluids should be controlled for the potential effects of micro-organisms and their effect on pH.

Biotechnology (N Y), 1990 Jul, 8(7), 629 - 33
A molecular biological approach to reducing dietary amino acid needs; Rees WD et al.; Rapid developments in transgenic animal technology make it possible to consider introducing new metabolic capabilities into animals, using genes from other species . Lysine and threonine are both essential amino acids in mammals, and are commonly the first and second limiting amino acids, respectively, for protein accretion in pigs and poultry fed cereal based diets . Here we consider the potential for transgenic animals with microbial biosynthetic pathways for these amino acids.

Cancer Lett, 1990 Jun 30, 52(1), 13 - 9
Comparative gastrointestinal enzyme activity and activation of the promutagen 2,6-dinitrotoluene in male CD-1 mice and male Fischer 344 rats; Chadwick RW et al.; Comparative intestinal nitroreductase, azo reductase, beta-glucuronidase, dechlorinase and dehydrochlorinase activities in young male Fischer 344 rats and young male CD-1 mice were measured in vitro while the comparative biotransformation of 2,6-dinitrotoluene to mutagenic metabolites was determined in vivo . The mice, which exhibit a high spontaneous incidence of hepatomas, had markedly greater nitroreductase activity and metabolized significantly more 2,6-dinitrotoluene to mutagenic metabolites than did Fischer 344 rats, which show a low incidence of liver tumors . Results of this study indicate that species differences in the incidence of hepatomas may be influenced by microbial flora and/or the biotransformation of xenobiotics in the G.I . tract.

J Chromatogr, 1990 Jun 27, 510, 59 - 69
Application of receptor-affinity chromatography to bioaffinity purification; Weber DV et al.; Receptor-affinity chromatography based upon the receptor-ligand interactions has been utilized for the purification of recombinant human interleukin-2 (rIL-2) from microbial and mammalian sources . The receptor-affinity purification process of rIL-2 is used as a model system to demonstrate the utility of this approach for the purification of recombinant proteins . The receptor-affinity purified biomolecule is shown to be biochemically and biologically more homogeneous than the immunoaffinity purified material.

Eur J Biochem, 1990 Jun 20, 190(2), 285 - 90
Purification and characterization of serine-glyoxylate aminotransferase from a serine-producing methylotroph, Hyphomicrobium methylovorum GM2; Izumi Y et al.; Serine--glyoxylate aminotransferase was purified to complete homogeneity from a serine-producing methylotrophic bacterium, Hyphomicrobium methylovorum GM2, which possesses the serine pathway . This is the first microbial serine--glyoxylate aminotransferase to be purified . The enzyme has a molecular mass of about 140 kDa and consists of four subunits of identical mass, i.e . 40 kDa . The holoenzyme exhibited absorption maxima at 282 nm and 408 nm, and a shoulder at about 315-345 nm in potassium phosphate pH 7.0; it contained 4 mol pyridoxal 5'-phosphate/mol enzyme . Isoelectric focusing showed that the enzyme had a pI value of 6.9 . The Km values for glyoxylate and L-serine were 0.23 mM and 4.98 mM, respectively, and the enzyme showed high specificity for these substrates . The transamination between glyoxylate and L-serine seemed to be nearly irreversible . These data indicated that this serine--glyoxylate aminotransferase plays an essential role in methanol assimilation through the serine pathway in H . methylovorum GM2.

Vrach Delo, 1990 Jun, (6), 44 - 5
{The interrelationship of allergy and respiratory organ diseases}; Pukhlik BM et al.; It was established that chronic pathology of the system of respiratory organs and allergic diseases show certain relationships due to the microbial sensibilization, repeated employment of medicinal agents immunological disorders and other factors . Association of allergic diseases and pathology of the respiratory organs should be recognized in time during prophylactic screenings and treatment of these patients.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1990 Jun, 43(6), 601 - 6
A54145, a new lipopeptide antibiotic complex: microbial and chemical modification; Fukuda DS et al.; A54145 is a complex of acidic lipopeptide antibiotics produced by Streptomyces fradiae NRRL 18158, NRRL 18159, and NRRL 18160 . Each antibiotic factor consists of a peptide core bearing an N-terminal acyl substituent . N-Lys-tert-BOC-protected A54145 complex was deacylated by Actinoplanes utahensis; three protected core peptides were isolated . A54145 antibiotic analogs were synthesized by acylation of the tryptophan N-terminus with 2,4,5-trichlorophenyl active esters, followed by deblocking with trifluoroacetic acid.

Bone Marrow Transplant, 1990 Jun, 5(6), 425 - 30
Gynecological abnormalities following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation; Schubert MA et al.; Forty-four post-pubertal women were studied 261-4628 days after allogeneic transplantation to determine the nature and degree of gynecological abnormalities following bone marrow transplantation . Evaluations included pelvic examinations, exfoliative cytology, serum gonadotropin levels, direct preparations for micro-organisms, and microbial cultures . Pelvic abnormalities were detected in 35 of 44 (80%) women and resembled atrophic changes known to occur after ovarian failure . Findings included reduced vaginal elasticity and rugal folds, pale tissues, small vaginal, uterine and cervical size, atrophic vulvovaginitis, introital stenosis, and loss of pubic hair . Atrophic abnormalities were noted in 33 of 36 recipients of total body irradiation (TBI) compared to two of eight women not prepared with TBI (p = 0.02) . Vasomotor symptoms were reported in 67% of TBI recipients compared to 38% of those not given TBI . Elevated serum gonadotropin levels suggested that TBI had caused the ovarian failure . Recognition of these gynecological abnormalities can lead to earlier hormone replacement, alleviating unnecessary discomfort and improving the well-being of the marrow transplant recipient.

J Periodontol, 1990 Jun, 61(6), 339 - 42
Estimation of dental plaque levels and gingival inflammation using a simple oral rinse technique; Tal H et al.; A simple, non-invasive test (the Oratest) has recently been proposed, which provides an estimate of oral microbial levels based on the rate of oxygen depletion in expectorated milk samples . Following 30 seconds of vigorous rinsing with sterilized milk, 3 ml of the expectorate is added to a test tube containing the redox indicator, methylene blue, and the time required for a color change from blue (i.e., aerobic conditions) to white (anaerobic conditions) at the bottom of the test tube is recorded . In the present study, Oratest scores were compared to clinical parameters (Plaque Index {PI} and Gingival Index {GI}) in a group of 49 volunteers . Significant correlations were found between the logarithm of Oratest results and PI (r = -0.58; P = 0.001) as well as GI (r = -0.66; P = 0.001) . The data indicate that the Oratest provides a reliable estimate of gingival inflammation, thus extending the previously reported strong correlations between Oratest scores and microbial counts . The data suggest that the Oratest may have potential as a clinical and research tool.

Fertil Steril, 1990 Jun, 53(6), 1037 - 43
Chlamydial infection--a female and/or male infertility factor?
Eggert-Kruse W, Gerhard I, Naher H, Tilgen W, Runnebaum B.
After screening a large series (n = 491) of asymptomatic males of infertile partnerships for chlamydial immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies (Chlam AB), no significant influence of past chlamydial infection was found with regard to semen analysis, postcoital testing, in vitro sperm-cervical mucus penetration tests with hormonally standardized cervical mucus, circulating antisperm antibodies (detected with three different methods), local IgG and IgA antibodies (detected by means of the mixed antiglobulin reaction test) on the sperm surface, the sperm-cervical mucus contact test, and a microbial screening of semen samples for mycoplasmas and other potentially pathogenic micro-organisms . However, when the findings were correlated with infertility factors of patients' female partners and the subsequent pregnancy rate in a prospective study, a significant positive correlation of male Chlam AB with a tubal factor in their wives as cause of the couple's infertility was found . The results suggest that the main influence of Chlamydia trachomatis on male fertility is based on sexual transmission and negative influence on tubal function of female partners, but not on reduced sperm functional capacity.

Environ Res, 1990 Jun, 52(1), 99 - 106
Effect of ionization on microbial air pollution in the dental clinic; Gabbay J et al.; The use of spray-producing instruments in the dental clinic continuously creates a potentially harmful contamination of the room environment . In the present study a 13.5-kV corona discharge ionizing generator was used in order to investigate the effect of ions on the microbial air pollution of the dental clinic . Samples of microbial air population were collected in 9-cm-diameter plates containing either Bacto-Brain Heart Infusion Agar or Bacto-Mitis Salivarius Agar and exposed to different time periods in various locations of an active dental clinic . Microbial air levels in the dental clinic were significantly reduced with the generator (by 40-50%) . The data suggest that the ionizing generator can be used to reduce the microbial air pollution within the dental clinic, thus reducing the environmental hazard of infections to the staff.

J Mol Recognit, 1990 Jun, 3(3), 137 - 41
Investigation of dye/protein interaction and its application to enzyme purification; Glemza AA; In this review the results of the interaction of the active dyes used in the USSR textile industry with microbial enzymes and blood serum proteins are discussed . The complexity of dye/protein interaction and the dependence of this interaction on different factors is demonstrated . Some practical aspects of the use of dye containing sorbents are presented and discussed . Their suitability for RNA ligase and DNA ligase, acetate kinase, alcohol dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase purification and blood serum protein fractionation is demonstrated.

Semin Dermatol, 1990 Jun, 9(2), 126 - 32
Pelvic inflammatory disease; Paavonen J; Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and PID-related sequelae have risen to alarming proportions and are a major public health problem . During the last two decades, an epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases has led to an epidemic of PID that has now led to a secondary epidemic of tubal infertility and ectopic pregnancies . The direct and indirect economic consequences caused by PID to the community are enormous . The spectrum of clinical manifestations of PID is extremely broad, leading to major diagnostic problems in clinical practice . Although PID is the most preventable cause of tubal damage, PID and PID-related sequelae remain one of the most neglected areas in modern medicine . Prevention of PID should be the main goal of the appropriate diagnosis and treatment of lower genital tract infections . Only better understanding of the risk factors, microbial etiology, pathophysiology, immunopathology, and manifestation of PID can ultimately lead to improved therapeutic results and decrease in the current epidemic of acute, chronic, and late complications of PID.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1990 Jun, 43(6), 634 - 8
Aladapcin, a new microbial metabolite that enhances host resistance against bacterial infection . Production, isolation, physico-chemical properties and biological activities; Shiraishi A et al.; We have constructed a new screening system for detecting microbial products that enhance host resistance against bacterial infection . It was found that a new compound with such activity is produced by a soil isolate classified as Nocardia sp . SANK 60484 . The compound was isolated from the culture filtrate of the organism and named aladapcin after its amino acid composition . Aladapcin was obtained as an amphoteric white amorphous powder with the molecular formula, C13H25N5O5 . It consists of 2 mol of D-alanine and 1 mol of meso-diaminopimelic acid . From the analysis of IR, 1H NMR and FAB-MS spectra, the structure was assigned to be a tripeptide . Aladapcin enhanced host resistance against an experimental Escherichia coli infection in mice at doses ranging between 1 and 100 micrograms/kg.

Ophthalmology, 1990 Jun, 97(6), 729 - 33
Sclerokeratitis after keratoplasty in atopy; Lyons CJ et al.; The authors report a series of five markedly atopic patients in whom a severe sclerokeratitis developed within 1 to 4 weeks of keratoplasty . The onset was acute with discomfort, photophobia, hyperemia, and mucus production . This resulted in early loosening of sutures and was associated with microbial keratitis in two cases and graft rejection in one . The inflammatory reaction was controlled with high-dose oral steroids and did not recur when the treatment was terminated . Serum IgE levels were elevated in all these patients (range, 421-8434 kU/l) . Binding of this IgE onto the surface of mast cells in the conjunctiva with subsequent degranulation may be involved in the pathogenesis of the induced inflammation . Principal recommendations include the use of interrupted sutures and early immunosuppression with high-dose oral steroids at the onset of this condition together with the control of risk factors for microbial keratitis.

AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses, 1990 Jun, 6(6), 775 - 84
Enzyme immunoassay for detection of hybrids between PCR-amplified HIV-1 DNA and a RNA probe: PCR-EIA; Coutlee F et al.; An enzyme immunoassay was developed to detect human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) DNA amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR-EIA) . A set of primers (outer set) was used in PCR to amplify a segment of the HIV-1 gag gene from peripheral blood mononuclear cells . Hybrids between the amplified DNA and a RNA probe were measured in a microtiter plate immunoassay using a beta-D-galactosidase-conjugated monoclonal antibody to DNA-RNA hybrids and a fluorescent substrate . A second set of primers (nested set) located within the outer set was used in PCR with a known template to prepare the probe . One primer of the nested set included the T7 RNA polymerase promoter at its 5' end allowing transcription of a single-stranded RNA probe . Ten copies of HIV-1 DNA could be detected by PCR-EIA (42 fluorescent units with a background of 18 fluorescent units) compared with a detection limit of 1000 copies by ethidium bromide-stained agarose gel . HIV-1 DNA was detected by PCR-EIA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 32 of 33 seropositive patients (range 54-810 fluorescent units), and 0 of 25 seronegative patients (range 20-40 fluorescent units) (sensitivity 97%; specificity 100%) . PCR-EIA offers a practical and nonisotopic method to objectively measure PCR-amplified HIV-1 DNA and has the potential for the measurement of other microbial pathogens in human body fluids.

J Dent Res, 1990 Jun, 69(6), 1337 - 42
An assessment of recent advances in the study of the chemistry and biochemistry of dental plaque fluid; Margolis HC; This paper discusses key points made during the symposium in the light of work carried out in other laboratories . It is emphasized that the unique importance of plaque fluid is that the net result of chemical changes induced by microbial activity is reflected in this medium, which is in intimate contact with the enamel surface, and that this medium is accessible to chemical and biochemical analyses . However, in order to assess the cariogenic potential of plaque, we must consider the properties of both whole plaque and plaque fluid together . Although it is apparent that results of plaque fluid composition are sensitive to both isolation and the storage procedures utilized, plaque fluid appears to be a distinct entity within the oral cavity . Technical advances have been made which allow for the determination of the activity of selected ions (hydrogen, calcium, phosphate, potassium, fluoride) in plaque fluid obtained from a single site within the mouth . It appears, however, that such data alone may be insufficient to define the cariogenic potential of plaque appropriately . Evidence is presented from which it can be concluded that, with use of pooled samples of plaque obtained from individuals with clear differences in caries experience, results on plaque and plaque fluid composition can be obtained which are consistent with noted differences in caries susceptibility . The importance of base production is also discussed, and it is noted that few studies have been carried out to elucidate the role of proteins found in plaque fluid . In conclusion, recent advances in the study of plaque fluid have provided new insights into the mechanism of caries formation which are also germane to the formation of dental calculi.

J Nutr, 1990 Jun, 120(6), 639 - 48
Manipulation of the functional activity of the gut by dietary and other means (antibiotics/probiotics) in ruminants; Parker DS; The mucosa of the gut is some of the most metabolically active tissue in the body . This paper discusses the methodology used to assess enterocyte cell metabolism and nutrient uptake in the reticulorumen and small intestine of ruminant species . Metabolism of volatile fatty acids and glucose by this tissue may limit the availability of essential nutrients to peripheral tissues, and the extent to which this may vary between concentrate-based and forage-based diets is discussed . Factors that affect the development and expression of metabolite uptake by the enterocyte are considered in addition to the influence that manipulation of the microbial flora of the gut by the use of antibiotic growth promoters or probiotics may have upon this process . Data are presented to show that the use of antibiotic compounds in ruminant feeds can influence the rate of cell turnover in the small intestine and the rate of glucose uptake by isolated brush border vesicles.

J Invest Dermatol, 1990 Jun, 94(6 Suppl), 74S - 78S
Epithelial polymeric immunoglobulin receptors; Huff JC; The secretory immune system, which leads to secretion of polymeric immunoglobulins along mucosal surfaces, has not been shown to have any definite role in cutaneous immunology, although the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor, secretory component (SC), has been found in sweat glands and possibly in the epidermis . The purpose of this study is to examine normal human skin and cultured human keratinocytes for the presence of SC . Positive staining for SC was found in sections of normal human skin along the basement membrane zone with use of a polyclonal antibody to SC and focally on the surfaces of epidermal cells with use of a monoclonal antibody to SC . Granular cell-surface fluorescence of an intensity far less than that of the positive control HT 29 cells was seen when cultured human keratinocytes were stained for SC by indirect immunofluorescence (IF) . Study of lysates of both HT 29 cells and HK by immunoblotting have been negative, perhaps due to destruction of the protein or loss of antigenicity during the extraction process . If human keratinocytes are capable of expression of SC, and the receptor can interact with IgA and IgM, this might be a mechanism for protection of the skin from microbial agent or foreign antigens and might be relevant to the deposition of IgA seen in certain skin diseases.

Scand J Dent Res, 1990 Jun, 98(3), 235 - 41
Non-specific cleavage of collagen by proteinases in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate; Bleeg HS; Proteolytic degradation of collagen normally requires specific collagenases of either mammalian or microbial origin . We have observed, among many detergents, a unique effect of sodium dodecyl (= lauryl) sulfate after preincubation of insoluble collagen (type I) with detergent . When treated fibrils were isolated and resuspended in detergent-free buffer, they were very sensitive to cleavage by non-specific proteases like trypsin, elastase, and subtilisin . We suggest that dodecyl sulfate causes a structural change in the collagen molecule which abrogates the resistance of collagen to most proteolytic enzymes . These observations may have implications for collagen and connective tissue research in general and especially to periodontal research . Lauryl sulfate (2-5%) is included in the majority of toothpaste formulations as a foaming agent, and our results again raise the question whether toothbrushing with lauryl sulfate may accelerate periodontal destruction by synergism with bacterial and host proteases . It may also bind to the collagen in exposed root surfaces and thus affect the stability of their hard tissues.

Infect Dis Clin North Am, 1990 Jun, 4(2), 315 - 41
In defense of mucosal surfaces . Development of novel vaccines for IgA responses protective at the portals of entry of microbial pathogens; McGhee JR et al.; A common mucosal immune system occurs in mammalian species, where antigen stimulation of BALT and GALT induces an exodus of specific lymphocytes that home to the various mucosal effector sites . These responses are finely regulated and T cells and cytokines are of central importance for ultimate plasma cell differentiation and for production of S-IgA antibodies in our external secretions . The current need for vaccines, including those to respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tract infections as well as the universal efforts to develop immunity to HIV and AIDS, compels us to continue to better understand how we can use the common mucosal immune system to advantage for eventual prevention of infectious diseases . This article summarizes the various antigen delivery strategies and progress of oral vaccines for induction of protective mucosal immune responses to various viral and bacterial diseases.

J Anim Sci, 1990 Jun, 68(6), 1648 - 55
Factors that determine rates of cyanogenesis in bovine ruminal fluid in vitro; Majak W et al.; Strained ruminal fluid was collected from cattle fed five diets at two locations to determine in vitro rates of cyanogenesis from the glycosides amygdalin, prunasin and linamarin . Rates of dissociation for the corresponding aglycones, benzaldehyde cyanohydrin and acetone cyanohydrin, also were determined . Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in ruminal fluid was determined with a modified method of HCN analysis that independently measured the overall rate of cyanogenesis and the nonenzymatic dissociation of cyanohydrins, the intermediate products in the degradation of cyanogenic glycosides to HCN . Rate of dissociation of cyanohydrins in ruminal fluid was pH-dependent, with high rates of dissociation (as expressed by the rate constant or half-life of the reaction) occurring at pH greater than 6 and slower rates at pH 5 to 6 . Cyanohydrin dissociation was most rapid when cattle were fasted for 24 to 48 h and ruminal pH was high; rate of dissociation was much slower during feeding and digestion . When the glycosides were examined, highest rates of cyanogenesis (mg HCN.liter-1.s-1) were observed after a 24-h postprandial period . Hence, cattle are most susceptible to poisoning by cyanogenic plants when the pH of ruminal fluid is elevated (for rapid dissociation) and also when the activity of microbial beta-glucosidase is adequate for rapid hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds . Rates of cyanogenesis were higher when ruminal inocula were from cattle fed fresh alfalfa or cubed alfalfa hay rather than grain or long hay . Rates of HCN production were slowest using inocula from cattle fed grain; rates for the three glycosides were negligible at the 3 and 6 h postprandial sampling times.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Exp Med, 1990 Jun 1, 171(6), 2153 - 8
Helper T cell-dependent human B cell differentiation mediated by a mycoplasmal superantigen bridge; Tumang JR et al.; Experimentally induced murine graft-vs.-host disease may be characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, autoantibody formation, and immune complex-mediated organ system damage that mimics SLE . These autoimmune phenomena are mediated by abnormal Th-B cell cooperation, across MHC disparities, in which donor-derived allospecific Th cells recognize and interact with MHC class II antigens on the surface of recipient B cells . Microbial toxins, termed superantigens, which bind to MHC class II molecules and activate selected T cells based on TCR variable gene usage, may induce a similar form of Th-B cell interaction . In the present study, we generated and characterized human Th cell lines reactive with the Mycoplasma arthritidis superantigen (MAM) . The essential observation is that resting human B cells bind MAM and present it to superantigen-reactive autologous or allogeneic Th cells, resulting in both Th cell activation and a consequent polyclonal Ig response by the superantigen-bearing B cells.

FEMS Microbiol Rev, 1990 Jun, 6(2-3), 105 - 15
16S rRNA sequences reveal uncultured inhabitants of a well-studied thermal community; Ward DM et al.; Molecular methods are beginning to reveal inhabitants of natural microbial communities which have never before been cultured . Our approach involves selective cloning of naturally occurring 16S rRNA sequences as cDNA, and comparison of these sequences to a database which includes 16S rRNA sequences of isolated community members . We provide here an overview of the method and its potential for community analysis . A 16S rRNA sequence retrieved from the well-studied hot spring cyanobacterial mat in Octopus Spring (Yellowstone National Park) is shown as an example of one contributed by an uncultured member of the community.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 Jun, 56(6), 1963 - 6
Amplification of the rbcL gene from dissolved and particulate DNA from aquatic environments; Paul JH et al.; The carboxylation of ribulose biphosphate by the enzyme ribulosebisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase is the mechanism for CO2 fixation and primary production in nearly all ecosystems on this planet . Although certain algal isolates and higher plants contain conserved nucleotide sequences in the large subunit of the gene (rbcL) for this enzyme, such genes from natural microbial assemblages have not been heretofore examined . Using oligonucleotide primers designed for conserved regions of the rbcL gene of a Synechococcus sp . (Anacystis nidulans), we have amplified rbcL from DNA preparations from planktonic samples from a Florida reservoir and from algal isolates by the polymerase chain reaction . We have also detected rbcL by gene amplification in the extracellular DNA fraction of this reservoir, indicating that phytoplankton can be a source of dissolved DNA . These results suggest that gene amplification can be applied for the detection of conserved genes encoding enzymes involved in important ecological functions in aquatic environments.

Acta Odontol Scand, 1990 Jun, 48(3), 153 - 9
Subpopulations of lymphocytes in connective tissue from adolescents with periodontal disease; Modeer T et al.; Mononuclear cell populations were studied in gingival biopsy specimens from adolescents (n = 10) with at least one periodontal pocket with an increased probing depth (greater than 5 mm) . The marginal bone loss was measured on radiographs, subgingival plaque samples were collected from the lesions, and the microbial flora was identified . Specimens from gingivitis lesions (n = 5) were used as controls . The mononuclear cell populations in the specimens were detected by using monoclonal antibodies defining functional T-lymphocyte subpopulations, B lymphocytes, and monocytes . All gingival specimens from patients with increased probing depth showed large lymphocyte infiltrates, most of which were CD 3-antigen-positive cells (T lymphocytes) . Few (2%) infiltrating T cells expressed receptors for interleukin-2 . B cells were detected in most specimens from the periodontitis group and varied from less than 1% to 21% . This study indicates that lesions in adolescents with early signs of periodontitis are characterized predominantly by T-cell lesions with relatively few cell aggregates of B cells present.

J Biotechnol, 1990 Jun, 14(3-4), 273 - 83
Polyelectrolyte precipitation of beta-galactosidase fusions containing poly-aspartic acid tails; Zhao JY et al.; Protein recovery from industrial microbial processes can be very expensive, often exceeding the cost of protein production . We have genetically engineered 3 beta-galactosidase (beta-gal) fusion proteins containing poly-aspartic acid tails to test the effect of the tails on recovery by the relatively inexpensive method of polyelectrolyte precipitation . The fusion proteins, designated T1, T2, and T3, were constructed with C-terminal tails of 5, 11, and 16 aspartic acid residues, respectively . The fusion proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, and purified by affinity chromatography . T1 and T2 had specific activities similar to that of wildtype beta-gal, whereas the specific activity of T3 was about half that of T1 and T2 . The increased net charge of the fusion proteins compared to wildtype beta-gal was indicated both by ion-exchange chromatography and their migration pattern in non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis . All three tails enhanced polyethyleneimine (PEI) precipitation of the fusion proteins compared to wildtype beta-gal . At a low PEI/protein ratio (0.01, g g-1), recovery by precipitation of T2 and T3 was more than 2 X that of the beta-gal control, whereas that of T1 was only slightly greater than that of the control . At a higher PEI/protein ratio (0.03, g g-1) the amount of precipitation of all three fusion proteins was nearly the same, about 1.5 X that of the control.

Mech Ageing Dev, 1990 May 30, 54(2), 143 - 61
Impaired humoral immune responses to mycobacterial antigen in aged murine gut-associated lymphoid tissues; Kawanishi H et al.; Senescence-related alterations of local gut mucosal immune responses to enteric mycobacterial antigen (Ag) were examined . Both aged (greater than 24 months old) and young adult (4-5 months old) BALB/c mice were enterically immunized with crude Mycobacterium paratuberculosis (M . paratbc) protoplasmic Ag, and in vitro Ag- and class-specific immunoglobulin (g) production by lymphocytes from gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) (Peyer's patches, PP; mesenteric lymph nodes, MLN) and non-GALT (spleen, SPN) were determined against semipurified M . paratbc Ag . Ag-specific spontaneous immunoglobulin production by aged B cells from both GALT and non-GALT was enhanced only to a minor extent . Similarly, the functional activity of the Ag-specific T (Th) (CD3+, CD4+) cell in both GALT and non-GALT was not profoundly affected by senescence (qualitative preservation) . However, that of the suppressor T (Ts) (CD3+, CD8+) cell was considerably diminished (qualtative defect) . Thus, oral tolerance (systemic immunologic hyporesponsiveness) to M . paratbc Ag in aged mice is impaired . These age-related changes, manifested as hyperreactive humoral responses to the enteric microbial Ag, are due, at least in part, to hyporeactivity of the Ts cell, resulting in relative hyperfunction of the Ag-specific Th cell, despite the quantitative defect of the latter cell.

Gene, 1990 May 14, 89(2), 163 - 9
Genomic DNA structure of two new horseradish-peroxidase-encoding genes; Fujiyama K et al.; Genomic DNAs encoding the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) isozymes, prxC2 and prxC3, were cloned and sequenced . By comparing the sequences of the HRP isozyme-encoding genes, prxC1a and prxC1b and their cDNA {Fujiyama et al., Eur . J . Biochem . 173 (1988) 681-687}, , it was concluded that prxC2 and prxC3 consisted of four exons and three introns as in the prxC1 gene family . The position of introns in coding regions were the same in all four prx genes . Genes prxC2 and prxC3 coded for 347 and 349 amino acid (aa) residues, respectively, including putative signal sequences at the N termini . In the flanking regions of both genes, putative promoters and polyadenylation signals were found . Nucleotide sequence homology in the coding region was 71% between prxC1a and prxC2, and 66% between prxC1a and prxC3 . The aa sequence homologies in plant and microbial peroxidases were compared.

FEBS Lett, 1990 May 7, 264(1), 40 - 2
Phosphorylation of rat liver inorganic pyrophosphatase by ATP in the absence and in the presence of protein kinase; Vener AV et al.; Cytoplasmic inorganic pyrophosphatase of rat liver can be phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase on a serine residue with a concomitant increase in enzymic activity . Phosphorylation is also observed in the absence of protein kinase, but in this case much higher concentrations of ATP are required and the stability characteristics of the phosphoenzyme resemble those of an acyl phosphate . Kinase-free phosphorylation of the animal inorganic pyrophosphatase, unlike that of microbial pyrophosphatases, does not activate the enzyme . Pyrophosphatase may thus provide a new example of an enzyme whose evolution involves convergence of regulatory phosphorylation mechanisms.

Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1990 May, 190(1-2), 62 - 71
{Induction of a microbial colonization of the walls of copper pipes through which drinking water flows}; Tuschewitzki GJ; Bacterial colonization developed within one month on the surface of a copper pipe used for the transport of drinking water . No severe signs of corrosion could be detected within six weeks . Dividing cells and the formation of microcolonies indicated active metabolism and multiplication of the bacteria and not only a more or less passive adsorption on the copper from the bulk phase.

Br J Nutr, 1990 May, 63(3), 489 - 502
The effect of fishmeal on the digestion of grass silage by growing cattle; Beever DE et al.; The effect of two levels of fishmeal substitution (50 (FM1) and 150 (FM2) g/kg) of a grass silage control diet (C) on the rumen digestion of organic matter and nitrogen, and the small intestinal disappearance of amino acids was examined in young growing cattle each equipped with simple PVC cannulas in the dorsal sac of the reticulo-rumen, the proximal duodenum and the terminal ileum . The silage was a primary growth of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) (+formic acid) with a total N content of 22 g/kg dry matter (DM) (diet C) . Fishmeal substitution increased this to 26 (diet FM1) and 34 (diet FM2) g/kg DM . On diets C and FM1, approximately 0.71 of digestible organic matter intake was apparently digested in the rumen, but this was significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced on diet FM2 (0.60) . Whilst duodenal flows of non-ammonia N and total amino acids were significantly (P less than 0.01) increased at the highest level of fishmeal inclusion only, the synthesis of microbial N was significantly (P less than 0.001) reduced by fishmeal inclusion, and feed N degradability declined progressively in response to increased fishmeal . Both levels of fishmeal addition caused a significant (P less than 0.05) reduction in the fractional outflow rate of water from the rumen, and on the highest level of fishmeal significant (P less than 0.05) increases in rumen ammonia concentration and rumen propionate molar proportions were observed . The net effect of the highest level of fishmeal substitution was to increase amino acid absorption from the small intestine by 0.47 compared with the control diet (P less than 0.05), but due to an elevated ileal flow of amino acid no such effect was detected at the lowest level of fishmeal substitution . Composition of the absorbed amino acid fraction was relatively unaffected by the treatments imposed, despite large changes in the composition of the duodenal protein . The apparent non-linearity of response to fishmeal substitution is discussed and the amino acid supply findings are compared with the protein retention findings obtained in an earlier study by Gill et al . (1987) . By two methods of calculation it was estimated that the amino acid N fraction disappearing from the small intestine was utilized with an efficiency of between 0.51 and 0.53 and no apparent effects due to diet or level of amino acid supply were detected.

Anal Biochem, 1990 May 1, 186(2), 301 - 5
A simple and sensitive method for the estimation of microbial lipase activity; Veeraragavan K; A simple and sensitive method for the estimation of microbial lipase activity is described . In this method, lipase (EC 3.1.1.3) is incubated with an emulsified substrate and the fatty acid formed is estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography . The emulsified substrate, triolein, is prepared with various solubilizers, bovine serum albumin, gelatin, ovalbumin, gum arabic, Triton X-100, and n-octyl-glucopyranoside, in suitable buffers . The oleic acid, one of the products formed in the reaction, is separated on an ODS column with a premixed acetone-acetonitrile solvent system . Results with various lipase activities showed gum arabic to be the best among various solubilizers used to prepare the emulsified substrate . Also the effects of mono- and divalent ions on microbial lipase activities are analyzed . Finally, this method is compared with two other methods, titration and reversed micelles, and found to be simple and more sensitive.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1990 May, 56(5), 1476 - 9
Type of closure prevents microbial contamination of cosmetics during consumer use; Brannan DK et al.; The dispensing closure used for containers plays an important role in protecting cosmetics from in-use microbial contamination . This hypothesis was tested by aseptically packing unpreserved shampoo and skin lotion into containers with three different closure types which provided various degrees of protection against consumer and environmental microbial insults . Shampoo was packed in containers with slit-cap (n = 25), flip-cap (n = 25), or screw-cap (n = 28) closures . Skin lotion was packed in containers with pump-top (n = 21), flip-cap (n = 18), or screw-cap (n = 21) closures . The products were then used by volunteers under actual in-use conditions for 3 (shampoo) or 2 (skin lotion) weeks . After use, the products were evaluated for microbial contamination by using standard methods for enumeration and identification . The standard screw-cap closure provided only minimal protection against microbial contamination of both the shampoo (29% contamination incidence) and the skin lotion (71%) . The slit-cap closure on the shampoo container and the flip-cap closure on the skin lotion container provided slightly enhanced degrees of protection (21 and 39% contamination incidence, respectively) . The greatest amount of protection (i.e., lowest contamination incidence) was provided by the flip-cap closure for the shampoo container (0%) and the pump-top closure for the skin lotion container (10%) . As a result, closure type plays an important role in protecting poorly preserved products from in-use microbial contamination.

J Neurosurg, 1990 May, 72(5), 821 - 3
Successful laboratory growth and analysis of CUSA-obtained medulloblastoma samples . Technical note; Oakes WJ et al.; The development of the Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA) has facilitated neurosurgical intervention for removal of central or peripheral nervous system tumors adjacent to or within vital structures . However, laboratory studies defining the phenotypic and genotypic properties of these tumors, both in cell culture and as xenografts in immunoincompetent animals, require viable tumor fragments free of microbial or red blood cell contamination . This report describes the use of a readily available sterile trap with the CUSA which, in conjunction with centrifugation and ammonium chloride lysis of the bloody aspirate, allowed collection of concentrated viable human medulloblastoma tumor cells . These cells were successfully established in cell culture and as transplantable xenografts in athymic mice.

J Infect Dis, 1990 May, 161(5), 1013 - 6
Gamma delta T cell receptor-bearing lymphocytes during Epstein-Barr virus infection; De Paoli P et al.; Lymphocytes bearing gamma delta T cell receptors (TCR) constitute a minor subpopulation of human peripheral blood lymphocytes . Their role and function during microbial infections are largely unknown . In 10 patients with Epstein-Barr virus-induced infectious mononucleosis, the gamma delta TCR-expressing T cell population expanded during the acute phase . These cells were largely delta TCS1-, CD4-, and CD8- but expressed activation antigens such as human leukocyte antigen-DR and CD38 . The convalescent phase of infectious mononucleosis was characterized by a relative persistence of gamma delta T cells . Together these data suggest a possible role of gamma delta T cells in the control of primary Epstein-Barr virus infection in humans.

Infect Immun, 1990 May, 58(5), 1461 - 70
Cross-reactivity and sequence homology between the 65-kilodalton mycobacterial heat shock protein and human lactoferrin, transferrin, and DR beta subsets of major histocompatibility complex class II molecules; Aguas A et al.; Immunogold ultracytochemistry and Western immunoblotting showed that polyclonal antibodies against human lactoferrin bind to the highly immunogenic 65-kilodalton (kDa) heat shock protein of mycobacteria . The fast-growing mycobacterial species Mycobacterium smegmatis showed a higher density of these receptors for antilactoferrin sera than the slow-growing M . avium . Polyclonal antibodies against mycobacteria (M . bovis BCG) recognized human lactoferrin . Comparison of the amino acid sequence of lactoferrin with that of the 65-kDa protein of M . tuberculosis revealed seven instances of four amino acid sequence homology between the microbial and the human iron-binding protein . Four of these tetrapeptide sequences were also shared with the human transferrin molecule . The shared amino acid sequence KDLL was also present in the DR1, DR3, and DR4 subsets of the DR beta subregion of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules . The molecular mimicry between the 65-kDa mycobacterial protein and the human proteins (lactoferrin, transferrin, and MHC class II molecules) offers a molecular setting for mycobacteria-associated, T-cell-dependent autoimmune disease, namely, for rheumatoid arthritis.

Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 1990 May, 45(5), 264 - 6
{Development of plaque-induced gingival pockets in an animal experiment}; Hillmann G et al.; Single teeth and resected jaw specimens including periodontal tissue were prepared as saw-cut thin-ground specimens without previous decalcification . The specimens were classified into 4 stages of pathogenesis to allow studies into the mechanisms of gingival pocket formation . Examination of the preparations under the light microscope indicated that the pathologic gingival pockets caused by microbial plaque might be formed by degenerative alterations in the second or third innermost cell layer of the junctional epithelium . The intercellular contacts were dissolved and, thus, cyst-like cavities were formed within the epithelium . The contact between tooth enamel/cementum--basal membrane--epithelial cells, however, was maintained . Artifacts could be ruled out by comparing preparations of single teeth with those of entire jaw segments.

Br J Surg, 1990 May, 77(5), 487 - 92
Gut barrier function and the surgeon; Saadia R et al.; There is accumulating evidence that multiple organ failure is not always the result of an established septic focus . Increasing attention has centred on the gut as a reservoir of bacteria (and bacterial endotoxins) that can traverse the intestinal mucosal barrier (a process called 'bacterial translocation') and initiate the septic state . Although the link between haemorrhagic shock and sepsis was recognized decades ago, the full experimental demonstration of this phenomenon is more recent . It was shown to occur in three main settings: physical disruption of the gut mucosa, impaired defence mechanisms and altered gut microbial ecology . Conditions such as haemorrhagic shock, burns, protein malnutrition and sepsis are seen in the severely ill surgical patient or the multiply injured, and are known to cause various combinations of circumstances favourable to bacterial translocation and endotoxin absorption . These may play an important role in the mortality of the critically ill.

Rheum Dis Clin North Am, 1990 May, 16(2), 363 - 75
Kawasaki syndrome; Wortmann DW et al.; Kawasaki syndrome is an acute, self-limited illness of young children which is characterized by prolonged fever, mucositis, skin changes, and cervical lymphadenopathy . Most investigators favor a microbial agent or agents as the trigger of KS followed by an immune-mediated vasculitis with a predilection for the coronary arteries . Serious complications include coronary artery aneurysms, aneurysmal thrombosis, and death . Aspirin has been the conventional treatment for KS, but it has not been shown to alter the basic pathology . Recently intact intravenous gamma globulin has been shown to reduce the frequency of coronary artery abnormalities . Definitive therapy of KS, however, awaits the discovery of its cause and pathogenesis.

Arch Tierernahr, 1990 May-Jun, 40(5-6), 459 - 73
Sites of digestion in beef steers fed bermudagrass hay and supplemented with high-nitrogen feeds alone or mixed with tallow; Landis KM et al.; Five crossbred beef steers (329 kg) were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square experiment with 14-d periods to determine the effects of supplementation with high-nitrogen (N) feeds alone or mixed with tallow on sites of digestion with a basal diet of bermudagrass hay . Hay was 1.93% nitrogen, 75% neutral detergent fibre and fed at 1.83% of body weight (dry matter; DM) . Supplements were basal (B; 105 g DM): 81.8% dried molasses product (DMP) and 18.2% calcium carbonate (CC); soybean meal (S; 942 g DM): 88.0% soybean meal, 9.8% DMP and 2.2% CC; S mixed with 9.8% tallow (SF; 1041 g DM); corn gluten and blood meals (CB; 662 g DM): 62.5% corn gluten meal, 20.8% blood meal, 13.6% DMP and 3.0% CC; CB mixed with 13.2% tallow (CBF; 757 g DM) . Total N intake was 117, 185, 187, 174 and 172 g/d, and duodenal N flow was 121, 148, 143, 162 and 169 g/d for B, S, SF, CB and CBF, respectively, being lower for B than for other treatments and higher for supplements with the corn gluten and blood meal mix than for soybean meal (P less than 0.05) . Duodenal microbial N flow was 39, 51, 49, 38 and 45 g/d for B, S, SF, CB and CBF, respectively, being greater (P less than 0.05) for supplements with soybean meal than with corn gluten and blood meals . Duodenal flow of feed N was greater (P less than 0.05) with than without high-N feeds and for supplemental corn gluten and blood meals than for soybean meal (78, 90, 86, 117 and 116 g/d for B, S, SF, CB and CBF, respectively) . In conclusion, mixing of tallow and high-N feeds did not affect the extent of ruminal N disappearance, and soybean meal supplementation increased duodenal N flow less than did supplementation with corn gluten and blood meals . Increased duodenal N flow with soybean meal was associated with about equal elevations of ruminal outflow of microbial and feed N, whereas the corn gluten-blood meal mix affected the intestinal protein supply by increasing ruminal escape of feed protein.

J Med Virol, 1990 May, 31(1), 54 - 8
Key issues in the selection of an expression system for vaccine antigens; Ellis RW et al.; Three criteria by which the appropriate host cell is chosen for the expression of a recombinant-derived vaccine antigen are efficacy, safety, and scale-up . Efficacy for a vaccine antigen refers to the ability of the host cell to produce a vaccine antigen capable of eliciting a protective immune response . A concern for safety of a vaccine antigen relates to residual DNA in the final product, especially when derived from continuous mammalian cell lines as opposed to microbial cells . Since tens (or hundreds) of millions of doses of a widely used vaccine might be injected into healthy infants and young children during the lifetime of the product, safety is a critical issue, such that the use of a microbial expression system might be preferable to the use of a continuous cell line in certain circumstances.

Parodontol, 1990 May, 1(2), 165 - 71
{Clinical aspects of gingival hyperplasia}; Kleber BM et al.; This paper demonstrates the clinical variety of gingival enlargement . An increase of the number of individuals who suffer from local or general enlargement caused by microbial gingival inflammation or different drugs can be demonstrated . All imbalances of leukopoesis or homeostasis require particular diagnostic attention by dentists, because early diagnosis is decisive for patient prognosis.

Enzyme Microb Technol, 1990 May, 12(5), 322 - 9
Microbial processes for ascorbic acid biosynthesis: a review; Boudrant J; L-Ascorbic acid is an important product currently made using the Reichstein process, which is mainly chemical . Recently, bacteria have been identified that are able to transform in a very efficient way glucose to 2,5-keto-D-gluconic acid and this product to 2-keto-L-idonic acid, precursor of L-ascorbic acid . When the corresponding strains are used together, it is possible to get 2-keto-L-idonic acid directly from glucose . Moreover, new strains have been constructed by introducing a gene from a strain responsible for the second step into a strain responsible for the first step . By using one of the new strains, the transformation can be performed in a single step with only one strain . However, the classical process still remains the most competitivePublication Types:

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