Microflora

Biodegradation, 1999 Feb, 10(1), 51 - 62
Degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with three to seven aromatic rings by higher fungi in sterile and unsterile soils; Gramss G et al.; Seven commercial 3- to 7-ring (R) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) as well as PAH derived from lignite tar were spiked into 3 soils (0.8 to 9.7% of organic carbon) . The disappearance of the original PAH was determined for the freshly spiked soils, for soils incubated for up to 287 d with their indigenous microflora, and for autoclaved, unsterile and pasteurized soils inoculated with basidiomycetous and ascomycetous fungi . Three to 12 d after spiking, 22 to 38% of the PAH could no longer be recovered from the soils . At 287 d, 88.5 to 92.7%, 83.4 to 87.4%, and 22.0 to 42.1% of the 3-, 4-, and 5- to 7-R PAH, respectively, had disappeared from the unsterile, uninoculated soils . In 2 organic-rich sterile soils, the groups of wood- and straw-degrading, terricolous, and ectomycorrhizal fungi reduced the concentration of 5 PAH by 12.6, 37.9, and 9.4% in 287 d . Five- to 7-R PAH were degraded as efficiently as most of the 3- to 4-R PAH . In organic-rich unsterile soils inoculated with wood- and straw-degrading fungi, the degradation of 3- to 4-R PAH was not accelerated by the presence of fungi . The 5- to 7-R PAH, which were not attacked by bacteria, were degraded by fungi to 29 to 42% in optimum combinations of fungal species and soil type . In organic-poor unsterile soil, these same fungi delayed the net degradation of PAH possibly for 2 reasons . Mycelia of Pleurotus killed most of the indigenous soil bacteria expected to take part in the degradation of PAH, whereas those of Hypholoma and Stropharia promoted the development of opportunistic bacteria in the soil, which must not necessarily be PAH degraders . Contemporarily, the contribution of the fungi themselves to PAH degradation may be negligible in the absence of soil organic matter due to the lower production of ligninolytic enzymes . It is concluded that fungi degrade PAH irrespective of their molecular size in organic-rich and wood chip-amended soils which promote fungal oxidative enzyme production.

J Invest Surg, 1999 May-Jun, 12(3), 147 - 50
Postsurgical adhesion formation in germfree and ex-germfree rats--a study using three scoring scales; Bothin CG et al.; Postsurgical adhesions occur commonly after surgical procedures and are the source of substantial postoperative morbidity . No preventive or prophylactic regimen against adhesions has proven successful in all circumstances . The reasons for this are not clear . The basic mechanisms causing adhesion formation have not been elucidated fully, and furthermore, lack of accurate methods of measuring adhesions may be a contributing factor . Postoperative adhesions may occur in all kinds of surgery but are especially prominent in the abdomen, where the bowel flora may be a compromising factor . This study was undertaken to study the influence of the gastrointestinal microflora on adhesion formation . Germfree and ex-germfree DA rats were subjected to a cecal crush model, and adhesions were evaluated after 7 days using 3 different scoring scales . Germfree rats formed significantly fewer adhesions than their ex-germfree (conventionalized) counterparts . The differences were so great that all three scoring scales achieved significance (p < .005) . This study corroborates that the endogenous bowel flora per se is involved in adhesion formation without causing frank infection.

J Food Prot, 1999 Jul, 62(7), 756 - 60
Enhancing microbiological safety of fresh orange juice by fruit immersion in hot water and chemical sanitizers; Pao S et al.; Trials were conducted with hot water and chemicals to sanitize Valencia oranges contaminated by natural microflora or inoculated with Escherichia coli . Microbial loads and sensory quality of fresh juice extracted from surface-heated fruit were also evaluated . E . coli on fruit surfaces was reduced by either hot water or chemical treatments . An estimated 5-log reduction of E . coli was attained by immersing inoculated fruit in hot water at 80 degrees C for 1 min or 70 degrees C for 2 min . Immersing inoculated fruit in various chemical solutions at about 30 degrees C for 8 min only reduced E . coli by about 1.8- to 3.1-log cycles on nonstem-scar surfaces of the fruit . In general, both hot water and chemical treatments were less effective at removing microflora from the stem-scar area . Rapid hot-water immersions at 80 degrees C for 1 min and 70 degrees C for 2 min reduced both fruit-surface and initial juice microbial loads without altering original sensory quality of fresh juice.

Curr Opin Oncol, 1999 Jul, 11(4), 261 - 6
Research advances in oral mucositis; Peterson DE; Oral mucositis is a common toxicity of high-dose chemotherapy and upper mantle head and neck radiation . Published evidence from the past 14 months provides insight into the multiple possible mechanisms . In addition, the data highlight the clinical importance that this lesion exerts relative to infection risk, quality of life, and cost of care . Oral mucositis has emerged as a dose-limiting toxicity in selected cancer therapy models . Thus, it has direct impact on duration of disease remission, cure rates, and long-term survival . Because of its importance in the clinical setting, oral mucositis remains under extensive laboratory and clinical investigation . Advances in the 1980s relative to infection prevention and reduced duration of profound neutropenia via growth factors have elevated oral mucositis to a prominent toxicity of cancer therapy . A contemporary model for mucositis involving four principal phases was published in 1998 . Future research will likely add further insight into this model relative to the roles of mucosal immune dysregulation, colonizing microflora, and wound-healing mechanisms . Basic and clinical studies directed to these several components may well lead to effective preventive strategies in the future, with positive impact on quality of life and survival of cancer patients.

Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1999 Jun 30, 878, 335 - 46
Clinical trials of a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor in human periodontal disease . SDD Clinical Research Team; Ashley RA; After demonstration by Golub et al . of the ability of the tetracyclines to inhibit elevated collagenolytic activity in animal models of periodontal diseases, a clinical development program was initiated to demonstrate the potential of a subantimicrobial dose of doxycycline (SDD) to augment and maintain the improvements in clinical parameters of adult periodontitis (AP) afforded by conventional nonsurgical periodontal therapy . Clinical trials were carried out in which a number of different SDD dosing regimens and placebo were compared in patients administered a variety of adjunctive nonsurgical therapies . Measured parameters included levels of collagenase activity in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and gingival specimens, clinical attachment levels (cALv), probing pocket depths (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and subtraction radiographic measurements of alveolar bone height . When used as an adjunct to either scaling and root planing or supragingival scaling and dental prophylaxis, SDD was shown to reduce collagenase levels in both GCF and gingival biopsies, to augment and maintain cALv gains and PD reductions, to reduce BOP, and to prevent loss of alveolar bone height . These clinical responses arose in the absence of any significant effects on the subgingival microflora and without evidence of an increase in the incidence or severity of adverse reactions relative to the control groups . It is proposed that one of the mechanisms of action of SDD is as an inhibitor of pathologically elevated MMPs, including neutrophil and bone cell collagenases (MMP-8 and MMP-13), which are associated with the host response in chronic AP, and that SDD provides a novel systemic approach to the management of AP.

Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet, 1999 Jan-Mar, 24(1), 31 - 7
Influence of diet on the pattern of gastrointestinal biotransformation of netobimin and albendazole sulphoxide in sheep; Virkel G et al.; The in vitro biotransformation of the anthelmintic compounds, netobimin (NTB) pro-drug and albendazole sulphoxide (ABZSO), by ruminal fluid obtained from sheep fed either hay or concentrate-based diets was investigated . No metabolic activity was observed in boiled samples of ruminal fluid, which confirms the importance of ruminal microflora in the metabolism of the xenobiotics under investigation . NTB pro-drug was efficiently biotransformed by ruminal fluid in vitro . Albendazole (ABZ) and its sulphoxide derivative were the metabolic products recovered . The thioether ABZ was formed by sulphoreduction of ABZSO by ruminal fluid in vitro . A more efficient nitroreduction of NTB and sulphoreduction of ABZSO were observed for ruminal fluid collected from sheep fed the concentrate diet . The type of diet determines the composition and distribution of the microbial population in the rumen; this affects the pattern of drug biotransformation in the gastrointestinal tract, which may impact on drug therapy.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1999 Jul 20, 96(15), 8359 - 64
Dynamics of Helicobacter pylori colonization in relation to the host response; Blaser MJ et al.; The dynamics of Helicobacter pylori colonization from its acquisition through the development of steady-state are examined through a mathematical model that includes the host response . The model encompasses both host and microbiological variation . The individual capacity of the host response is shown to be a key model parameter, leading to either transient or persistent colonization, whereas the growth rate of that response has little effect . Analyses of competing strains indicate that each must occupy a specific niche, otherwise exclusion occurs . The model implies that there exists a lower bound on the host response to the indigenous microflora that is consistent with current biological views of H . pylori . Parallel models may be useful in understanding other persistent host-microbial interactions.

Crit Rev Microbiol, 1999, 25(2), 121 - 53
From field barley to malt: detection and specification of microbial activity for quality aspects; Noots I et al.; Barley grain carries a numerous, variable, and complex microbial population that mainly consists of bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi and that can partly be detected and quantified using plating methods and microscopic and molecular techniques . The extent and the activity of this microflora are determined by the altering state of the grain and the environmental conditions in the malt production chain . Three ecological systems can be distinguished: the growing cereal in the field, the dry barley grain under storage, and the germinating barley kernel during actual malting . Microorganisms interact with the malting process both by their presence and by their metabolic activity . In this respect, interference with the oxygen uptake by the barley grain and secretion of enzymes, hormones, toxins, and acids that may affect the plant physiological processes have been studied . As a result of the interaction, microorganisms can cause important losses and influence malt quality as measured by brewhouse performance and beer quality . Of particular concern is the occurrence of mycotoxins that may affect the safety of malt . The development of the microflora during malt production can to a certain extent be controlled by the selection of appropriate process conditions . Physical and chemical treatments to inactivate the microbial population on the barley grain are suggested . Recent developments, however, aim to control the microbial activity during malt production by promoting the growth of desirable microbial cultures, selected either as biocontrol agents inhibiting mycotoxin-producing molds or as starter cultures actively contributing to malt modification . Such techniques may offer natural opportunities to improve the quality and safety of malt.

Gut, 1999 Aug, 45(2), 223 - 8
Gut origin of sepsis: a prospective study investigating associations between bacterial translocation, gastric microflora, and septic morbidity; MacFie J et al.; AIMS: To investigate the "gut origin of sepsis" hypothesis . METHODS: Prospective controlled study of 279 surgical patients in which cultures of nasogastric aspirates were compared with those obtained from mesenteric lymph nodes taken at laparotomy and the organisms cultured from subsequent septic complications . Bacterial translocation was confirmed if positive cultures were obtained from mesenteric lymph nodes . Postoperative sepsis was defined as any positive culture in the postoperative period . Bacterial species obtained in gastric microflora, mesenteric lymph nodes, and postoperative septic complications were compared . RESULTS: Only 85/279 patients (31%) had a sterile nasogastric aspirate; the most frequently identified organism was Candida spp . (54%) and the most common enteric organism cultured was E coli (20%) . Multiple organisms were isolated in 39% and occurred more frequently in patients aged over 70 years, those undergoing non-elective surgery, and in those requiring proximal gastrointestinal surgery . Postoperative sepsis was more common in these patients . Bacterial translocation occurred in 21% and was significantly more frequent in those with multiple organisms in their nasogastric aspirates . E coli was the commonest organism isolated from the lymph node specimens (48%) and septic foci (53%) . Fungal translocation did not occur . An identical genus was identified in the nasogastric aspirate and the septic focus in 30% of patients, in the nasogastric aspirate and the lymph node in 31%, and in the lymph node and a postoperative septic focus in 45% . CONCLUSIONS: Proximal gut colonisation is associated with both increased bacterial translocation and septic morbidity . The commonality of organisms identified supports the gut origin of sepsis hypothesis.

Coll Antropol, 1999 Jun, 23(1), 117 - 24
Inflammatory mediators in saliva of patients with rapidly progressive periodontitis during war stress induced incidence increase; Aurer A et al.; Rapidly progressive periodontitis (RPP) results from the interaction between the periodontal microflora and the host . Stress is believed to play an important role in determining host responses, and it has been proposed that hyperactivity of host defense mechanisms significantly increases tissue destruction typical for this disease . During a period of four months we have diagnosed 20 patients with acute RPP, all of them active participants in battles of the Croatian liberation war with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related symptoms . In these patients we analyzed biochemical parameters in unstimulated saliva and performed microbiological analyses of periodontal pockets . These findings were compared with those of patients with adult periodontitis (AP), edentulous and healthy persons, none of whom participated in the war . Persons with AP had reduced concentrations of host humoral defense factors in saliva (C-reactive protein, C3 component of complement, and aplha alpha 2-macroglobulin), while patients with RPP had increased concentration of interleukin-6 (IL-6) . IL-6 is released by host inflammatory cells and is a mediator of bone resorption . Actinobacillus actinomycetemcommitans and Peptostreptococcus were more frequently isolated from patients with RPP . We interpret these results as indicators of the importance of stress in the causation of RPP, with host inflammatory hyperactivity playing an important role in tissue destruction, specially alveolar bone resorption possibly caused by increased local levels of IL-6.

J Nutr, 1999 Jul, 129(7 Suppl), 1398S - 401S
Concepts in functional foods: the case of inulin and oligofructose; Roberfroid MB; Recent advances in biosciences support the hypothesis that diet modulates various body functions . Diet may maintain well-being and reduce the risk of some diseases . Such discoveries have led to the concept of "functional food" and the development of the new discipline, i.e., "functional food science." A practical and simple definition of a "functional food" is a food for which a claim has been authorized . The food components to be discussed as potential "functional food ingredients" are the inulin-type fructans, i.e., chicory inulin and oligofuctose . The targets for their effects are the colonic microflora, the gastrointestinal physiology, the immune functions, the bioavailability of minerals, the metabolism of lipids and colonic carcinogenesis . Potential health benefits include reduction of risk of colonic diseases, noninsulin-dependent diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and cancer . The documentation of such benefits requires scientific evidence that must be evaluated in terms of "health claims." Previous assessments have concluded that, in terms of "functional claims," strong evidence exists for a prebiotic effect and improved bowel habit . The evidence for calcium bioavailability is promising, and positive modulation of triglyceride metabolism is undergoing preliminary evaluation . Scientific research still must be done to support any "disease risk reduction claim," but sound hypotheses do already exist for designing the relevant human nutrition trials.

J Nutr, 1999 Jul, 129(7 Suppl), 1395S - 7S
Functional foods and health promotion; Milner JA; Statements about the ability of selected foods to reduce the risk of diseases and to enhance the quality of life continue to captivate, and at times polarize, opinions . Interests in these "functional" foods and their active components are being propelled by increasing health care cost, recent legislative events and mounting scientific evidence . Increasingly, scientists are being asked to clarify the precise role that foods have in maintaining and promoting health . Accepting this movement as an opportunity to "optimize nutrition" rather than as a way in which to endorse good or bad foods or as a marketing gimmick will surely make it more acceptable to many scientists . However, the response to functional foods depends on several factors, including genetics, physiologic state and the composition of the entire diet . Although evaluation of the benefits or risks of foods normally does not entail the same extensive examination as that required of drugs, this does not negate the need for sound scientific information for making recommendations to the consumer . Identification of sensitive and reliable biomarkers will be key to adequate assessment of the true effect of foods and their components . Inulin and oligofructose are components of the diet that deserve added attention for their potential health benefits . Evidence that oligofructose and inulin alter several biomarkers, including gastrointestinal transit time, experimentally induced neoplasia and colonic microflora, suggests that these nondigestible carbohydrates are naturally occurring dietary constituents that may improve the quality of life and increase disease resistance in both humans and animals.

J Appl Microbiol, 1999 Jun, 86(6), 1033 - 8
Total counts, culturable and viable, and non-culturable microflora of a French mineral water: a case study; Defives C et al.; The changes in bacterial counts during the storage of a natural mineral water from a French spring were studied . Samples were taken from the spring and the bottling line . Viable cultivable (VC) bacteria were counted on R2A medium . Total counts, viable and dead bacteria were counted using the LIVE/DEAD Bac Light VIABILITY kit and epifluorescence microscopy . Viable but non-cultivable (VNC) bacteria were estimated by difference between viable and VC counts . Isolates were clustered by phenotype . The microflora in the spring water increased from < 10-3 x 10(5) bacteria ml-1 after 6 d in storage and then stabilized . Mechanical bottling increased the allochthonous bacteria in the water that stabilized at 10(5) bacteria ml-1 . Maximal growth is controlled by the low concentration of nutrients in the mineral water and the lysis of dead cells . The allochthonous bacteria came from the aquifer and colonized the filling line . The changes in the VC and VNC populations showed that the bacteria used starvation-survival and entry into the VNC state to adapt to the bottling stress and the enclosed oligotrophic environment.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1999 Jul, 65(7), 3158 - 63
Formation of hyodeoxycholic acid from muricholic acid and hyocholic acid by an unidentified gram-positive rod termed HDCA-1 isolated from rat intestinal microflora; Eyssen HJ et al.; From the rat intestinal microflora we isolated a gram-positive rod, termed HDCA-1, that is a member of a not previously described genomic species and that is able to transform the 3alpha,6beta, 7beta-trihydroxy bile acid beta-muricholic acid into hyodeoxycholic acid (3alpha,6alpha-dihydroxy acid) by dehydroxylation of the 7beta-hydroxy group and epimerization of the 6beta-hydroxy group into a 6alpha-hydroxy group . Other bile acids that were also transformed into hyodeoxycholic acid were hyocholic acid (3alpha, 6alpha,7alpha-trihydroxy acid), alpha-muricholic acid (3alpha,6beta, 7alpha-trihydroxy acid), and omega-muricholic acid (3alpha,6alpha, 7beta-trihydroxy acid) . The strain HDCA-1 could not be grown unless a nonconjugated 7-hydroxylated bile acid and an unidentified growth factor produced by a Ruminococcus productus strain that was also isolated from the intestinal microflora were added to the culture medium . Germfree rats selectively associated with the strain HDCA-1 plus a bile acid-deconjugating strain and the growth factor-producing R . productus strain converted beta-muricholic acid almost completely into hyodeoxycholic acid.

Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 1999 Jun, 29(3), 238 - 61
Evaluation of veterinary drug residues in food for their potential to affect human intestinal microflora; Cerniglia CE et al.; The use of veterinary drugs in food-producing animals may result in trace quantities of the drugs or their metabolites being present as residues in food . The effects of veterinary drugs intended for use in food-producing animals on intestinal microflora are evaluated in drug registration since these residues may pose a risk due to their antibiotic activity . This article reviews the different in vivo and in vitro experimental test systems and approaches used by animal health industries, contract laboratories, and regulatory authorities to assess the safety of veterinary drug residues in foods for human consumption . Furthermore, we propose a systematic approach to assess the effects and safety of veterinary drug residues on the human intestinal microflora .

Microb Ecol, 1999 Jul, 38(1), 1 - 26
Bacterial Interactions in Early Life Stages of Marine Cold Water Fish; Hansen GH et al.; > Abstract The intensive rearing of various fish species in aquaculture has revealed intimate relationships between fish and bacteria that eventually may affect establishment of a "normal" mucosal microflora or result in disease epizootics . Interactions between bacteria and mucosal surfaces play important roles both at the egg and larval stages of marine fish . Bacterial adhesion and colonization of the egg surface occur within hours after fertilization . The diverse flora which eventually develops on the egg appears to reflect the bacterial composition and load of the ambient water, but species-specific adhesion at the egg surface may also play a role in development of the egg epiflora . Proteolytic enzymes produced by members of the adherent epiflora may cause serious damage to the developing egg and may also affect further adhesion of the epiflora . Ingestion of bacteria at the yolk sac stage results in establishment of a primary intestinal microflora which seems to persist beyond first feeding . Establishment of a gut microflora is likely to undergo several stages, resulting in an "adult" microflora weeks to months after first feeding . Ingested bacteria may serve as an exogenous supply of nutrients or essential factors at an early life stage . Early exposure to high bacterial densities is probably important for immune tolerance, and thus for the establishment of a protective intestinal microflora . Successful rearing of early life stages of several marine fish species depends on knowledge of the complex interactions among the cultured organisms and the bacterial communities which develop at the mucosal surfaces and in the ambient water and rearing systems . The routine use of antibiotics during rearing of fish larvae is not advisable, since it may increase the risk of promoting antibiotic resistance and adversely affect the indigenous microflora of the larvae . The use of probiotics has proven advantageous in domestic animal production, and the search for effective probiotics may have a great potential in aquaculture of marine organisms . Bacteria with antagonistic effects against fish pathogens have been successfully administered to several fish species, resulting in decreased mortality or increased growth rate.http://link.springer-ny.com/link/service/journals/00248/bibs/38n1p1.html

J Food Prot, 1999 Jun, 62(6), 610 - 4
Comparison of three protocols for the isolation of Arcobacter from poultry; Johnson LG et al.; The microaerophilic bacterium Arcobacter has received increasing attention in recent years regarding its presence in food products . There exist a limited number of methods for the detection of this microorganism, with currently available methods being cumbersome to perform, time consuming, and limited in specificity . The objective of this study was to develop a selective enrichment broth to isolate accurately three Arcobacter spp . from concentrated chicken microflora by comparing the efficacy of various selective and growth-promoting additives in order . This newly developed enrichment broth was incorporated into an isolation protocol using a previously developed plating medium, and this new protocol was compared with two existing methods for the isolation of Arcobacter from poultry . Method 1 consisted of enrichment in Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson-Harris Polysorbate 80 broth followed by plating on cefoperazone-vancomycin-amphotericin B medium . Method 2 consisted of enrichment in Arcobacter selective broth and plating onto Arcobacter selective medium . Method 3 (the JM method), used a newly developed enrichment broth followed by plating on a previously described JM agar . The JM method isolated Arcobacter strains in 42 out of 50 broiler chicken samples, while methods 1 and 2 detected the organism in only 24 and 15 out of 50 samples, respectively.

J Clin Periodontol, 1999 Jun, 26(6), 401 - 4
Intra-familial distribution of Fusobacterium nucleatum strains in healthy families with optimal plaque control; Suchett-Kaye G et al.; Fusobacterium nucleatum, a Gram-negative anaerobic rod associated with periodontal disease, is also found in healthy individuals and is considered part of the indigenous oral microflora . Although intra-familial transmission of periodontal pathogens has been documented, there are no data relating transmission of F . nucleatum . This study investigated the distribution of F . nucleatum strains in 4 strictly healthy families . 32 F . nucleatum strains were isolated from 19 individuals (8 parents and 11 children aged 1-13 years) . DNA was extracted and digested with the restriction endonucleases EcoRI, TaqI and HindIII . The digests were separated by electrophoresis through 0.8% agarose gels at 40 V overnight, in TBE buffer containing 1 microg/ml ethidium bromide, and photographed . The DNA was transferred to nylon filters by Southern blotting and hybridized with a digoxigenin labelled E . coli rRNA probe (Kit Dig DNA Labelling mixture - Boehringer) . Probed DNA was visualized colorimetrically (CSPD Luminescent Detection Kit Boehringer) and photographed (Amersham) . We found that 10/11 children shared identical ribotypes with at least one of their respective parents . Some of the children also harbored a unique additional ribotype . On the basis of indistinguishable restriction endonuclease and ribotype patterns these results support the hypothesis that intra-familial transmission of F . nucleatum is possible.

Int J Food Microbiol, 1999 Apr 1, 48(1), 59 - 65
A survey of the microbiological quality of bottled water sold in the UK and changes occurring during storage; Armas AB et al.; Eight brands of domestic and imported bottled water were microbiologically analysed within three hours of purchase at a local supermarket . Viable numbers of microorganisms were estimated on Plate Count Agar (PCA) and PCA diluted to quarter and tenth strengths (1/4 PCA and 1/10 PCA) and incubated at temperatures of 10, 15, 25 and 37 degrees C . Plate count agar diluted to 1/4 and 1/10 incubated at 25 degrees C yielded the highest initial counts, up to 10(4) cfu ml(-1) . Pseudomonas spp . was the predominant species . After 6 months of storage at room temperature (18-25 degrees C), few quantitative and qualitative differences were found in the microflora.

Exp Anim, 1999 Apr, 48(2), 95 - 100
Blood biochemical characteristics, cecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acid composition in fistula implanted rats; Sakata T et al.; We raised an experimental rat implanted with a cecal fistula and investigated various characteristics of fistula-implanted rats . Male F344/N Sic rats at 14 weeks of age were divided into three groups, the fistula group (n = 5) which consisted of fistula-implanted rats, the sham group (n = 7) which consisted of sham-operated rats, and the control group (n = 7) which were not subjected to any surgical procedure . Four weeks after the fistula implantation surgery, we compared the blood biochemical indices, the microflora composition and the short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) concentration in cecal contents of fistula-implanted rats with those of sham-operated and control rats . The blood albumin concentration of the fistula group was significantly lower than that of the sham group and the control group, and the hematocrit value of the fistula group was significantly lower than that of the control group, but there were no significant differences in the SCFA concentration and the microflora composition among these three groups . In conclusion, it was considered that the fistula-implanted rats are useful for taking cecal contents and determining the microflora composition and the metabolites concentration at any time, without disturbing the physiological functions of the intestinal tract.

Vet Res, 1999 Mar-Jun, 30(2-3), 299 - 316
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC); Dho-Moulin M et al.; Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) cause aerosacculitis, polyserositis, septicemia and other mainly extraintestinal diseases in chickens, turkeys and other avian species . APEC are found in the intestinal microflora of healthy birds and most of the diseases associated with them are secondary to environmental and host predisposing factors . APEC isolates commonly belong to certain serogroups, O1, O2 and O78, and to a restricted number of clones . Several experimental models have been developed, permitting a more reliable evaluation of the pathogenicity of E . coli for chickens and turkeys . Hence, virulence factors identified on APEC are adhesins such as the F1 and P fimbriae, and curli, the aerobactin iron sequestering system, K1 capsule, temperature-sensitive hemagglutinin (Tsh), resistance to the bactericidal effects of serum and cytotoxic effects . Experimental infection studies have shown that the air-exchange regions of the lung and the airsacs are important sites of entry of E . coli into the bloodstream of birds during the initial stages of infection and that resistance to phagocytosis may be an important mechanism in the development of the disease . They have also demonstrated that F1 fimbriae are expressed in the respiratory tract, whereas P fimbriae are expressed in the internal organs of infected chickens . The role of these fimbrial adhesins in the development of disease is not yet, however, fully understood . The more recent use of genetic approaches for the identification of new virulence factors will greatly enhance our knowledge of APEC pathogenic mechanisms . Diagnosis of APEC infections is based on the clinical picture, lesions and isolation of E . coli . This may be strengthened by serotyping and identification of virulence factors using immunological or molecular methods such as DNA probes and PCR . Approaches for the prevention and control of APEC infections include the control of environmental contamination and environmental parameters such as humidity and ventilation . Antibiotherapy is widely used, although APEC are frequently resistant to a wide range of antibiotics . Vaccines containing killed or attenuated virulent bacteria protect against infection with the homologous strain but are less efficient against heterologous strains . Hence, vaccination for colibacillosis is not widely practised because of the large variety of serogroups involved in field outbreaks.

Ann Nutr Metab, 1999, 43(1), 60 - 5
Effects of guar gum and cellulose on cecal enzyme activity and cecal short-chain fatty acids in young and aged mice; Tamura M et al.; The effects of cellulose or guar gum on cecal enzyme activity and cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in young and aged mice were studied . Male Crj:CD-1 (ICR) mice were fed an MF diet for 4 (young mice) or 23 months (aged mice) . The MF diet was then replaced with a semisynthetic diet supplemented with 5% guar gum or 5% cellulose . The mice were fed the guar gum or cellulose diet for 3 weeks . There was no significant difference in cecal content between the two diet groups . There were no significant differences in total short-chain fatty acid production between the young mice fed the cellulose and those fed the guar gum diet, and between the aged mice fed the cellulose and guar gum diet . There were significant differences in cecal enzyme activity between the young mice fed the cellulose and those fed the guar gum diet . Beta-glucuronidase activity was significantly higher in the young mice fed the guar gum diet than in those fed the cellulose diet . There were also significant differences in cecal enzyme activity between the aged mice fed the cellulose diet and those fed the guar gum diet . Beta-glucuronidase activity was significantly higher in the aged mice fed the guar gum diet than in these fed the cellulose diet . Beta-glucosidase activity was significantly lower in the aged mice fed the guar gum diet than in those fed the cellulose diet . The effect of cellulose on the microflora between the young and aged mice might be different from the effect of guar gum . The degree of adaptation to the diet of microflora in young and aged mice fed the cellulose diet might differ from that in those fed the guar gum diet . The higher enzyme activities of microflora in aged animals compared to young animals, might have some relation with the incidence of colon cancer in aged animals.

Clin Exp Immunol, 1999 Jun, 116(3), 521 - 6
Mode of delivery directs the phagocyte functions of infants for the first 6 months of life; Gronlund MM et al.; Factors that direct the immune responsiveness of the newborn beyond the immediate post-natal period are not known . We investigated the influence of mode of delivery and type of feeding on the phagocyte activity during the first 6 months of life . Sixty-four healthy infants (34 delivered vaginally and 30 by elective Caesarean section) were studied at birth and at the ages of 2 and 6 months . Phagocyte functions were studied by measuring the chemiluminescence (CL) activity of whole blood and isolated leucocytes and by investigating the expression of phagocyte receptors (FcgammaRI (CD64), FcgammaRII (CD32), FcgammaRIII (CD16), CR1 (CD35), CR3 (CD11b) and FcalphaR (CD89)) on neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils by using receptor-specific MoAbs and immunofluorescence flow cytometry . Infants born by elective Caesarean section had significantly higher CL activity than those delivered vaginally during the entire 6-month follow up . In addition, infants who received formula feeds had significantly higher CL activity at 6 months of age and higher expression of FcgammaRI-, Fcalpha- and CR3-receptors on neutrophils than infants exclusively breast-fed . We suggest that stress reaction associated with labour influences the phagocytic activity measured in the cord blood but later during infancy the intraluminal antigens, gut microflora and diet, become important determinants in immune programming of human individuals.

Pediatr Dent, 1999 May-Jun, 21(3), 186 - 91
Growth and development considerations in the diagnosis of gingivitis and periodontitis in children; Bimstein E et al.; Increasing information emphasize the relevance of the prevention, early diagnosis and early treatment of periodontal diseases in children . In order to avoid erroneous diagnosis and unnecessary treatments, the pediatric dentist is required to differentiate between pathologic processes and normal changes that take place in the periodontum with age . The present review outlines structural and functional changes of the periodontal structures, the establishment and maturation of the oral microflora and immune defense reactions to periodontal pathogens in children and adolescents . The age-related tendency to develop gingivitis, that is evident in children and adolescents, may be related to changes in the bacterial composition of the dental plaque, the inflammatory cell response, hormonal changes, morphological differences, tooth eruption and shedding . The hormonal influence on the gingival tissues and the composition of the dental plaque are of particular relevance during puberty . Large ranges for the prevalence of attachment loss, periodontitis or destructive periodontal disease in children and adolescents have been reported . The variance in values may be related to population characteristics, method of examination or diagnostic criteria that may include measurements of attachment loss and distances from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar bone crest, both of which may be either physiological or pathological . The pediatric dentist should be able to diagnose gingival inflammation, attachment loss or distances from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar crest which are out of proportion to the child's age and the amount of dental plaque . These may be indicative of a high susceptibility to periodontal diseases or reflect systemic conditions that affect the periodontum.

J Microbiol Methods, 1999 May, 36(1-2), 107 - 14
Analysis of bacterial communities on historical glass by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of PCR-amplified gene fragments coding for 16S rRNA; Rolleke S et al.; The present study describes the analysis of bacterial communities on historical window glass by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of PCR-amplified 16S rDNA fragments . So far, only a few studies have been published in which the microflora and the corrosion mechanisms of glass surfaces have been investigated . Some microorganisms, especially fungi, have been isolated from different glass samples in the past . However, our results demonstrate that bacterial communities on biodeteriorated glass surfaces are much more complex than previously believed . In addition, bacteria were identified, which have never been isolated from glass samples before.

Fogorv Sz, 1999 Apr, 92(4), 99 - 110
{The effect of smoking on the spread and frequency of periodontal disease}; Gera I; In recent years substantial data accumulated in the literature supporting the direct detrimental effect of tobacco smoking on periodontal health . The significantly inferior periodontal condition of smokers cannot be solely attributed to poor oral hygiene, increased calculus formation and altered subgingival microflora . Smoking imposes a direct threat to the periodontal tissues . Smokers with excellent oral hygiene show significantly less periodontal bone height and attachment level than matches non-smokers . Smoking entails a 2.5 to 3.5 risk ratio for severe periodontal attachment loss . Smoking also interferes with the outcome of nonsurgical and surgical periodontal treatment and impairs periodontal regeneration . The pathomechanism of the tobacco smoking related periodontal destruction is just partly understood . Tobacco products can alter normal host responses to neutralize infections and can also stimulate pathologic mechanisms to destroy the surrounding tissues . Tobacco products can directly impair polymorphonuclear leukocyte functions . Smokers have less salivary IgA and decreased serum IgG concentration as well as depressed number of helper T lymphocytes . Consequently smoking today is considered as one of the major risk factors for destructive periodontitis . Periodontitis is also considered as a decisive risk factor for systemic diseases especially for cardiovascular disorders . A strong association has been shown between periodontal disease and coronary heart diseases, as well as between periodontal disease and cerebrovascular diseases (stroke) . The subgingival microflora and the continuous latent bacteremia and endotoxemia originated from the periodontal pockets might be responsible for the damage of the vascular endothelial integrity, platelet functions and blood coagulation . Modern periodontal epidemiology rediscovered the old ide of "focal infections" and indicated that the general health has a crucial impact on the periodontal health and periodontal disease has also a major impact on the general health status of the patient.

Am J Vet Res, 1999 May, 60(5), 563 - 70
Synergistic effects of concurrent challenge with bovine respiratory syncytial virus and 3-methylindole in calves; Bingham HR et al.; OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential synergy between bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and 3-methylindole (3MI) in inducing respiratory disease in cattle . ANIMALS: 20 mixed-breed beef calves . PROCEDURE: A 2 X 2 factorial design was used, with random assignment to the following 4 treatment groups: unchallenged control, BRSV challenge exposure (5 X 10(4) TCID50 by aerosolization and 5.5 X 10(5) TCID50 by intratracheal inoculation), 3MI challenge exposure (0.1 g/kg of body weight, PO), and combined BRSV-3MI challenge exposure . Clinical examinations were performed daily . Serum 3MI concentrations, WBC counts, PCV, total plasma protein, and fibrinogen concentrations were determined throughout the experiment . Surviving cattle were euthanatized 7 days after challenge exposure . Pulmonary lesions were evaluated at postmortem examination . RESULTS: Clinical respiratory disease was more acute and severe in cattle in the BRSV-3MI challenge-exposure group than in cattle in the other groups . All 5 cattle in this group and 3 of 5 cattle treated with 3MI alone died or were euthanatized prior to termination of the experiment . Mean lung displacement volume was greatest in the BRSV-3MI challenge-exposure group . Gross and histologic examination revealed that pulmonary lesions were also most severe for cattle in this group . CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Feedlot cattle are commonly infected with BRSV, and 3MI is produced by microflora in the rumen of all cattle . Our results suggest that there is a synergy between BRSV and 3MI . Thus, controlling combined exposure may be important in preventing respiratory disease in feedlot cattle.

Reprod Nutr Dev, 1999 Mar-Apr, 39(2), 201 - 12
Nutritional value of the proteins of soybeans roasted at a small-scale unit level in Africa as assessed using growing rats; Ouedraogo CL et al.; Increasing the roasting time of soybeans from 15 (RSF15) to 25 (RSF25) min led to an important decrease in the antitryptic activity and immunoreactivity of the storage globulins, but it did not seem to greatly affect the concentrations of the indispensable amino acids in the protein . The RSF15 and RSF25 flours were used as the only protein sources in balanced diets for growing rats, and they were compared to a diet based on casein in a pair-feeding experiment . When roasted as usually happens at the workshop level (RSF15), soybean flour induced a significant hypertrophy of the pancreas . Increasing the roasting time by up to 25 min considerably improved the nutritional value of the soybean protein, without apparent consequence on the levels of free amino acid pools in the plasma and muscles . The data also indicated that the tissues of the small and large intestines of the young rat were sensitive to the hyperactivity of the intestinal microflora, and also possibly to the residual activity of some antinutritional factors.

Planta Med, 1999 Apr, 65(3), 277 - 8
Micropropagation and in vitro flowering of Rauvolfia tetraphylla; a potent source of anti-hypertension drugs; Sarma D et al.; A simple protocol for in vitro mass multiplication of Rauvolfia tetraphylla (Apocynaceae) has been developed . The endophytic microflora was controlled by adopting integrated measures . Multiple shoot development was achieved on MS + Kin (0.1-0.2 mg/l) + BAP (0.4-0.5 mg/l) media . Rooting from in vitro shoots occurred on NAA containing media . In vitro flowering was induced in shoot multiplication media.

Vestn Otorinolaringol, 1999, (2), 11 - 4
{Polypous ethmoiditis}; Filatov VF et al.; Investigations of etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of polypous ethmoiditis show the role of chronic inflammation, sensitization and autoimmune reactions in mechanisms of nasal polyposis (NP) . The development of postoperative recurrences of NP depends on the microflora, defective microcirculation, permeability of the histohematic barriers of the nasal and labyrinthine mucosa and metabolism of glycosaminoglycanes in the above mucosa . Adequate treatment methods are suggested: He-Ne laser radiation, UV blood radiation, cryotherapy, corticosteroids . Promising are also autovaccine, autovaccine with tissue (polypous) antigen, ozone solutions.

Clin Diagn Lab Immunol, 1999 May, 6(3), 434 - 6
Estimation of growth rates of Escherichia coli BJ4 in streptomycin-treated and previously germfree mice by in situ rRNA hybridization; Rang CU et al.; The growth physiology of Escherichia coli during colonization of the intestinal tract was studied with four animal models: the streptomycin-treated mouse carrying a reduced microflora, the monoassociated mouse with no other microflora than the introduced strain, the conventionalized streptomycin-treated mouse, and the conventionalized monoassociated mouse harboring a full microflora . A 23S rRNA fluorescent oligonucleotide probe was used for hybridization to whole E . coli cells fixed directly after being taken from the animals, and the respective growth rates of E . coli BJ4 in the four animal models were estimated by correlating the cellular concentrations of ribosomes with the growth rate of the strain . The growth rates thus estimated from the ribosomal content of E . coli BJ4 in vivo did not differ in the streptomycin-treated and the monoassociated mice . After conventionalization there was a slight decrease of the bacterial growth rates in both animal models.

Reprod Nutr Dev, 1999 Jan-Feb, 39(1), 27 - 48
Intestinal absorption, blood transport and hepatic and muscle metabolism of fatty acids in preruminant and ruminant animals; Hocquette JF et al.; Current research on lipid metabolism in ruminants aims to improve the growth and health of the animals and the muscle characteristics associated with meat quality . This review, therefore, focuses on fatty acid (FA) metabolism from absorption to partitioning between tissues and metabolic pathways . In young calves, which were given high-fat milk diets, lipid absorption is delayed because the coagulation of milk caseins results in the retention of dietary fat as an insoluble clot in the abomasum . After weaning, the calves were fed forage- and cereal-based diets containing low levels of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) but leading to high levels of volatile fatty acid (VFA) production by the rumen microflora . Such differences in dietary FA affect: i) the lipid transport system via the production of lipoproteins by the intestine and the liver, and (ii) the subsequent metabolism of lipids and FA by tissues . In preruminant calves, high-fat feed stimulates the secretion of triacylglycerols (TG)-rich lipoproteins (chylomicrons, very-low density lipoproteins (VLDL)) . Diets rich in polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) stimulate the production of chylomicrons by the intestine (at peak lipid absorption) and of high density lipoproteins by the liver, leading to high blood concentrations of cholesterol . High levels of non-esterified FA (NEFA) uptake by the liver in high-yielding dairy cows in early lactation leads to TG infiltration of the hepatocytes (fatty liver) . This is due to the low chronic capacity of the liver to synthesise and secrete VLDL particles . This abnormality in hepatic FA metabolism involves defects in apolipoprotein B synthesis and low availability of apolipoproteins and lipids for VLDL packaging . Fatty liver in calves is also caused by milk containing either soybean oil (rich in n-6 PUFA), or coconut oil (rich in C12:0 and C14:0) . The ability of muscle tissue to use FA as an energy source depends on its mitochondrial content and, hence, on many physiological factors . The uptake and partitioning of LCFA between oxidation and storage in muscle is regulated by the activity of key intracellular enzymes and binding proteins . One such protein, carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT I) controls the transport of LCFA into mitochondria . Metabolites derived from LCFA inhibit glucose oxidation, decrease the activity of CPT I and decrease the efficiency of ATP production by mitochondria . Most research on tissue lipid metabolism in ruminants is focused on: i) the partitioning of FA oxidation between intracellular peroxisomes and mitochondria in the liver and in muscles; (ii) the regulation of lipid metabolism by leptin, a recently discovered hormone secreted by mature adipocytes; and iii) the effects of activation of the nuclear receptors (PPARs and RXR) by LCFA or by phytol metabolites derived from chlorophyll.

J Gastroenterol, 1999 Feb, 34(1), 54 - 60
Colonization of microflora in mice: mucosal defense against luminal bacteria; Fukushima K et al.; To investigate the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease, it is critical to develop a system that uses simple and reproducible models for analyzing the "normal" mucosal defense mechanism . In the present study, germ-free mice were conventionalized by the oral administration of microorganisms prepared from the feces of genetically identical mice . Histological assessment and mucin characterization of small intestine and colon were then carried out . Histological findings in the gut were site-dependent and clearly time-dependent . Acute inflammation was most evident in the cecum . The cecal mucosa exhibited hyperplastic changes in epithelial cells, infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells, crypt abscesses, and epithelial projections on the epithelial surface 7 days after conventionalization . Some of the changes were similar to those seen in human ulcerative colitis . The histological findings in the conventionalized mice were comparable to those in specific pathogen-free mice after 28 days . Mucin histochemistry revealed that bacterial colonization altered the number of rectal goblet cells and the mucin composition in a time-dependent fashion . Although this model shares only some characteristics of human inflammatory bowel disease, it is unique in demonstrating the acquisition of mucosal defense . Understanding of this process is critical for the elucidation of inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis.

Probl Khig, 1997, 22, 17 - 24
{An experimental study of a microbiological index in the complex setting of standards for lead, copper and zinc in the soil}; Balabanov Ts et al.; Anthropological pollutions falling in the soil by different routes evolve multitude unfavourable consequences for human being and health . The present publication considers a laboratory survey on the influence of lead, copper and zinc by their combined presence in soil onto soil autocleaning ability . The results from the experiments will serve the goals of complex hygiene standards of these three soil pollutants . A number of micro-organisms, relating to soil as an ecological compartment, are tested by two hygienic microbiological methods . The results from experiments point out as maximum permissible concentration (MPC) the following combination of concentrations within the range of the microbiological index: lead--54 mg/kg, copper--90 mg/kg, zinc--165 mg/kg . Concentrations over the above-mentioned have an oppressive effect on saprophytic microflora in higher rate than the observed impact of pathogenic micro-organisms . In conditions of MPC higher than the reached ones the autocleaning ability of the soil is threatened and thus a basis with unfavourable epidemiological indicators is established.

Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, 1999 Apr, 220(4), 271 - 5
Tea and health: the underlying mechanisms; Weisburger JH; Detailed multidisciplinary research on the effect of tea and the associated tea polyphenols has led to major advances on the underlying mechanisms . In most studies, green and black tea have similar effects, four of which are reviewed in this paper . 1) Tea polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that may play a role in lowering the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol, with a consequent decreased risk of heart disease, and also diminish the formation of oxidized metabolites of DNA, with an associated lower risk of specific types of cancer . 2) Tea and tea polyphenols selectively induce Phase I and Phase II metabolic enzymes that increase the formation and excretion of detoxified metabolites of carcinogens . 3) Tea lowers the rate of cell replication and thus the growth and development of neoplasms . 4) Tea modifies the intestinal microflora, reducing undesirable bacteria and increasing beneficial bacteria . The accumulated knowledge suggests that regular tea intake by humans might provide an approach to decrease the incidence of and mortality from major chronic diseases.

Med Klin (Munich), 1999 Feb 15, 94 Suppl 1, 6 - 11
{"Targeted delivery" in the gastrointestinal tract}; Leopold CS; Drug delivery to the intestine has become attractive to researchers with the main interest in the delivery of peptide drugs to the large intestine and the treatment of colonic diseases . There are currently 4 strategies that are pursued to reach colon specificity: 1 . by relying on the pH difference between the small and the large intestine; 2 . by exploiting the enzymatic activity of the colonic microflora; 3 . by relying on the relatively constant small intestinal transit time and 4 . by taking advantage of the increase of the luminal pressure in the colon due to strong peristaltic waves . Drug delivery to the small intestine may be achieved by pH-controlled and time-controlled drug release mechanisms . Diffusion-controlled systems allow drug delivery over the entire gastrointestinal tract.

Eur J Biochem, 1999 Apr, 261(1), 148 - 54
Two-dimensional electrophoresis of Malassezia allergens for atopic dermatitis and isolation of Mal f 4 homologs with mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase; Onishi Y et al.; The yeast Malassezia furfur is a natural inhabitant of the human skin microflora that induces an allergic reaction in atopic dermatitis . To identify allergens of M . furfur, we separated a crude preparation of M . furfur antigens as discrete spots by 2-D PAGE and detected IgE-binding proteins using sera of atopic dermatitis patients . We identified the known allergens, Mal f 2 and Mal f 3, and determined N-terminal amino acid sequences of six new IgE-binding proteins including Mal f 4 . The cDNA and genomic DNA encoding Mal f 4 were cloned and sequenced . The gene was mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase and encoded Mal f 4 composed of 315 amino acids and a signal sequence of 27 amino acids . We purified Mal f 4, which had a molecular mass of 35 kDa from a membrane fraction of a lysate of cultured cells . Thirty of 36 M . furfur-allergic atopic dermatitis patients (83.3%) had elevated serum levels of IgE to purified Mal f 4, indicating that Mal f 4 is a major allergen . There was a significant correlation of the Phadebas RAST unit values of Mal f 4 and the crude antigen, but not between Mal f 4 and the known allergen Mal f 2.

Eur J Clin Invest, 1999 Jan, 29(1), 33 - 40
The effects of ABT-229 and octreotide on interdigestive small bowel motility, bacterial overgrowth and bacterial translocation in rats; Nieuwenhuijs VB et al.; BACKGROUND: Interdigestive small bowel motility has a regulatory function on the microflora of the upper small bowel . Here we investigate the effects of ABT-229 and octreotide on morphine-induced dysmotility, the accompanying bacterial overgrowth and bacterial translocation . METHODS: Rats were fitted with jejunal myoelectrodes and a subcutaneous cannula for continuous infusion of saline or morphine . Fasting motility was measured for 6 h on four occasions: one control measurement (day 0) and three measurements on consecutive days (days 1-3) while receiving saline alone (group A), morphine alone (group B), saline + ABT-229 (group C), morphine + ABT-229 (group D), saline + octreotide (group E) or morphine + octreotide (group F) . Samples from the mesenteric lymph node complex (MLN), liver, spleen, duodenum and ileum were taken for quantitative microbial culturing on day 4 . RESULTS: Neither ABT-229 nor octreotide increased the number of propagated activity fronts during saline infusion . During morphine-induced dysmotility, ABT-229 induced more propagated activity fronts in group D (13.4, 9.8 and 8.8 per 6 h) than in group B (7.0, 4.5, 3.8 per 6 h) on days 1, 2 and 3 (P < 0.05 for all days) Octreotide did not induce more propagated activity fronts . Disruption of small bowel motility by morphine led to bacterial overgrowth in the duodenum . ABT-229 and octreotide did not reduce the bacterial growth levels . The total incidence of bacterial translocation was significantly higher in the morphine-treated animals than in the saline-treated animals . Neither ABT-229 nor octreotide reduced the bacterial translocation incidence . The number of propagated activity fronts on day 3 and duodenal bacterial growth correlated significantly in groups A, E and F . CONCLUSIONS: ABT-229, but not octreotide, reduced morphine induced dysmotility . Small bowel bacterial overgrowth and bacterial translocation were not prevented . Fasting small bowel motility has a regulatory function on the intestinal microflora of the upper small bowel.

Am J Med, 1999 Jan 25, 106(1A), 20S - 23S; discussion 50S-51S
Nutritional regulation of gene expression; Cousins RJ; Genes are regulated by complex arrays of response elements that influence the rate of transcription . Nutrients and hormones either act directly to influence these rates or act indirectly through specialized signaling pathways . Metabolites of vitamins A and D, fatty acids, some sterols, and zinc are among the nutrients that influence transcription directly . Components of dietary fiber may influence gene expression indirectly through changes in hormonal signaling, mechanical stimuli, and metabolites produced by the intestinal microflora . In addition, consumption of water-soluble fibers may lead to changes in gene expression mediated through indirect mechanisms that influence transcription rates . In the large intestine, short-chain fatty acids, including butyric acid, are produced by microflora . Butyric acid can indirectly influence gene expression . Some sources of fiber limit nutrient absorption, particularly of trace elements . This could have direct or indirect effects on gene expression . Identification of genes in colonic epithelial cells that are differentially regulated by dietary fiber will be an important step toward understanding the role of dietary factors in colorectal cancer progression.

Chemosphere, 1999 Mar, 38(6), 1305 - 11
Inefficiency of Mycobacterium chlorophenolicum PCP-1 to enhance mineralization of pentachlorophenol in soil microcosms; Combrisson J et al.; We examined the mineralization of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in sterile and non-sterile soil with or without added bacteria (Mycobacterium chlorophenolicum PCP-1) . The soil used had no history of PCP contamination . Microcosms (30 g dry weight of soil) were incubated with labelled PCP (6.76% 13C, a non-radioactive stable isotope, 22 mg kg-1 dry weight) for 60 days . M . chlorophenolicum PCP-1 (7.8 x 10(6) cells g-1 dry weight) was added to some samples . 50% of the PCP was mineralized in non-sterile soil with or without the exogenous bacteria . Only 5% of the PCP was mineralized in sterile soil with or without bacteria . These data suggest that the PCP was not accessible to M . chlorophenolicum and that the indigenous soil microflora can mineralize PCP.

J Nutr, 1999 Feb, 129(2S Suppl), 490S - 493S
Cellular uptake of biotin: mechanisms and regulation; Said HM; This review describes our knowledge of biotin transport in the small intestine of humans and other mammals and presents recent findings in the area . Previous studies have shown that biotin transport across the brush border membrane of the small intestinal absorptive cells occurs via a carrier-mediated, Na+ gradient-dependent, electroneutral mechanism . Exit of biotin out of the enterocyte, i.e., transport across the basolateral membrane, also occurs via a carrier-mediated process, but the process is Na+ independent and electrogenic . Recent studies from our laboratory have shown that the uptake process of biotin in Caco-2 cells, a human-derived cultured intestinal epithelial cell line, are under the cellular regulation of both a protein kinase C- and a Ca/calmodulin-mediated pathway . In addition, the uptake process is shared by another water-soluble vitamin, pantothenic acid . For the first time, other recent studies have detected the existence of a Na+-dependent, carrier-mediated mechanism for biotin uptake at the apical membrane of colonocytes, which could theoretically mediate absorption of the biotin synthesized by colonic microflora . This system was again found to be shared by pantothenic acid, which is also synthesized by the normal microflora of the large intestine.

Physiol Res, 1998, 47(5), 357 - 63
Early ontogeny of monocytes and macrophages in the pig; Rehakova Z et al.; Prenatal development of cord blood monocytes and tissue macrophages was studied in pig foetuses by immunophenotyping and functional assays . The function of peripheral blood monocytes was compared in germ-free and conventional piglets . First macrophages were identified by electron microscopy in foetal liver on the 25th day of gestation . Monoclonal antibodies against porcine CD45 and SWC3 antigens were used for flow cytometric identification of myelomonocytic cells in cell suspensions prepared from the yolk sac, foetal liver, spleen and cord blood . Leukocytes expressing the common myelomonocytic antigen SWC3 were found in all organs studied since the earliest stages of development . Opsonized zymosan ingestion assay was used to determine the phagocytic capacity of foetal mononuclear phagocytes isolated from cord blood, liver and spleen . In the foetal liver, avid phagocytosis of apoptic cells had been found to occur before cells were able to ingest zymosan in vitro . The first cells capable of ingesting zymosan particles were found on the 40th day of gestation in umbilical blood and 17 days later in foetal spleen and liver . Their relative proportion increased with age . Cord blood monocytes and peripheral blood monocytes in germ-free piglets had low oxidatory burst activity as shown by iodonitrophenyl tetrazolium reduction assay . A remarkable increase of oxidatory burst activity was observed in conventional piglets, probably due to activation of immune mechanisms by the microflora colonizing gastrointestinal tract.

Khirurgiia (Mosk), 1999, (1), 9 - 11
{Etiopathogenetic principles fo surgical treatment for purulent wounds}; Svetukhin AM et al.; Application of gas-liquid chromatography methods and mass-spectrometry enabled the authors to develop objective criteria, which provided prompt acceptance of quantity information about the stage ams severity of the wound process, its influence on the organism and prognosis of expectant complications (taking into account aerobic or anaerobic components of microflora) and early correction of surgical policy.

Lik Sprava, 1998 Oct-Nov, (7), 170 - 4
{Microflora as a risk factor for workers in the manufacture of mixed feeds}; Chudnovets AIa; Microbial contamination of the industrial environment was studied at the animal-feed factories in Ukraine . Microorganisms and microscopic fungi are detectable in the air of production areas in concentrations appreciably exceeding MPL (50,000/m3 of air) . The microscopic fungi group is represented by a wide range of potentially harmful strains, a great many of which fungi are producers of mycotoxins . The above industrial conditions can exert an adverse effect on the organism of workers and serve as a risk factor for the health of people.

Biochemistry (Mosc), 1999 Jan, 64(1), 40 - 6
Secretory immunoglobulins A from human milk possess affinity to oligonucleotides and nucleic acids; Kit YY et al.; The antibody (AB) fraction containing sIgA and IgG was isolated from human milk by Protein A-Sepharose chromatography and was shown to possess affinity to DNA-cellulose . Ion-exchange HPLC of these AB on a TSK DEAE-5PW column resulted in the isolation of a fraction containing sIgA and oligonucleotides (ON) . Gel-filtration of the AB fraction revealed the presence of ON with length 4-8 nucleotides co-isolating with sIgA . sIgA Preparations purified on DEAE-Fractogel and DNA-cellulose contained lipids which were phosphorylated in the presence of {gamma-32P}ATP . The affinity of HPLC-purified IgG and sIgA to calf thymus DNA, Escherichia coli DNA and total tRNA, and plasmid DNA was demonstrated . IgG was shown to bind to thymus DNA and E . coli DNA, and sIgA was shown to bind to E . coli DNA and tRNA . Nucleic acids of intestinal microflora are supposed to participate in induction of the secretory immune response.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1998 Nov-Dec, (6), 57 - 60
{Comparative analysis of general and local immunoreactivity in patients with chronic vulvovaginitis of mixed etiology}; Uchevatkina AE et al.; The clinical and pathogenetic importance of local immunity in patients with chronic vulvovaginitis (CVV) caused by fungi of the genus Candida or by mixed microflora was studied . 73 patients were examined during the period of exacerbation and 11 patients, at the phase of the remission of the disease . The levels of interferon, interleukin 1 beta, interleukin 8 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in vaginal washings (VW) were determined for the evaluation of local reactiveness and the subpopulation composition of peripheral blood lymphocytes was established . Patients with CVV in the phases of exacerbation and remission were found to have essential differences in the content of cytokines in VW, while the results obtained in the groups of patients at the stage of remission and control subjects were found to be highly similar.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1999 Feb, 65(2), 846 - 8
Isolation of Deinococcus species from commercial oyster extract; Chan WF et al.; Deinococci with radiation resistance greater than that of Deinococcus radiophilus (ATCC 27603) were isolated from three commercial oyster extracts stored at 4, 20, and 30 degreesC . During storage the number of other bacteria declined and deinococci became the predominant group in the microflora, particularly at 20 degreesC, although at 30 degreesC the number of deinococci as well rapidly declined . The results suggest that the natural habitat of deinococci is an aerobic environment containing a slightly elevated saline content, soluble protein, and low sugar levels.

Int J Food Microbiol, 1998 Nov 24, 45(1), 3 - 6
Quality control of culture media--perspectives and problems; Curtis GD et al.; The Working Party on Culture Media (WPCM) of the International Union of Microbiological Societies (IUMS) has promoted and facilitated the development of methods for quality control of culture media used for the detection and enumeration of food-borne microorganisms since the early 1980s . While progress has been made in establishing protocols to test for productivity and selectivity of media, problems associated with the influence of food constituents and background microflora, as well as the presence of sublethally injured cells in test foods, are yet to be fully addressed before optimum methods for assessing the quality of media can be defined . However, for various reasons, the development of standardised procedures which account for the influence of food constituents or state of debilitation of target microorganisms may not be practical or even desirable.

Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult, 1998 Sep-Oct, (5), 17 - 9
{Changes in the intrabronchial microflora of patients with chronic bronchitis after inhaling mineral water}; Bellometti S et al.; The authors' investigations show that inhalations of sodium chloride bromine-iodine water given in spray modify intrabronchial microflora of patients with chronic bronchitis reducing the number of the pathogenic bacteria and elevating the number of bacteria typical for physiological composition of the bronchial mucus.

Aviakosm Ekolog Med, 1998, 32(5), 57 - 62
{Residential colonization of orbital complex "Mir" environment by penicillium chrysogenum and problem of ecological safety in long-term space flight}; Viktorov AN et al.; Results of many years of the survey of highly specific evolution of quantitative and species composition of microflora of the MIR environment are reviewed . Analysis of the data enabled listing of microorganisms-declinous fungi with the ability of residential colonization of structural materials of the interior and equipment of habitable modules of the space station . Results of the studies of variability and level of similarity/affinity on the basis of DNA, polymorphism of strains isolated in space flight, convincingly confirmed this characteristic in the Penicillium chrysogenum cultures . In view of the common origin determined from the signs of genetic alliance, the P . chrysogenum strains isolated on MIR in 1995 can be considered descendants of the cultures found at the beginning of the MIR operation . This ecological expansion of P . chrysogenum in the space station environment gains in prominence due to the fact that representative of this particular species known for its active biodestructive nature were, as a rule, detected in the areas where structural materials of the SALYUT and MIR space stations incurred biological degradation.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 1998 Dec, 12(12), 1185 - 200
Review article: olestra and its gastrointestinal safety; Thomson AB et al.; Olestra is a fat substitute made from sucrose and vegetable oil . Olestra is neither digested nor absorbed, and therefore adds no calories or fat to the diet . Because the gut is the only organ that is exposed to olestra, the potential for olestra to affect gastrointestinal structure and function, and the absorption of nutrients from the gut, has been investigated . Histological evaluations performed after long-term feeding studies have shown no indications that olestra causes injury to the gastrointestinal mucosa . Olestra is not metabolized by the colonic microflora, and has no meaningful effects on the metabolic function of these organisms . Studies of gastrointestinal transit have shown that the consumption of olestra with food does not affect gastric emptying, or small or large bowel transit times . Olestra does not affect the absorption of macronutrients, water-soluble vitamins or minerals . It causes a dose-responsive decrease in the availability of the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K; however, this potentially adverse effect is offset by the addition of vitamins to olestra-containing foods . Olestra has no consistent effect on the amount of total bile acids excreted in the faeces, and therefore probably has no significant effect on bile acid absorption . The occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhoea, loose stools, gas and abdominal cramping, after consumption of olestra under ordinary snacking conditions is comparable to that following consumption of triglyceride-containing snacks.

Arch Pharm Res, 1998 Feb, 21(1), 17 - 23
Intestinal bacterial metabolism of flavonoids and its relation to some biological activities; Kim DH et al.; Flavonoid glycosides were metabolized to phenolic acids via aglycones by human intestinal microflora producing alpha-rhamnosidase, exo-beta-glucosidase, endo-beta-glucosidase and/or beta-glucuronidase . Rutin, hesperidin, naringin and poncirin were transformed to their aglycones by the bacteria producing alpha-rhamnosidase and beta-glucosidase or endo-beta-glucosidase, and baicalin, puerarin and daidzin were transformed to their aglycones by the bacteria producing beta-glucuronidase, C-glycosidase and beta-glycosidase, respectively . Anti-platelet activity and cytotoxicity of the metabolites of flavonoid glycosides by human intestinal bacteria were more effective than those of the parental compounds . 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid and 4-hydroxyl-phenylacetic acid were more effective than rutin and quercetin on anti-platelet aggregation activity . 2,4,6-Trihydroxybenzaldehyde, quercetin and ponciretin were more effective than rutin and ponciretin on the cytotoxicity for tumor cell lines . We insist that these flavonoid glycosides should be natural prodrugs.

Br J Nutr, 1998 Sep, 80(3), 231 - 4
Effects of the bacterial status of rats on the changes in some liver cytochrome P450 (EC 1.14.14.1) apoproteins consequent to a glucosinolate-rich diet; Nugon-Baudon L et al.; The aim of the present work was to investigate the influence of the intestinal microflora on the changes in hepatic cytochrome P450 apoproteins induced by dietary glucosinolates . Ten rats harbouring a conventional digestive microflora were offered either a diet containing 390 g myrosinase-free rapeseed meal/kg (n 5) or a control diet devoid of glucosinolates (n 5) . A similar trial was performed using germ-free rats . After 4 weeks of exposure to the dietary regimens, animals were slaughtered and their livers removed for preparation of microsomes and analysis of cytochrome P450 (EC 1.14.14.1) . The glucosinolate-rich diet decreased the concentration of total cytochrome P450 in conventional rats only (-34%) . The bacterial status did not modify the concentration of apoproteins CYP1A2 and CYP2B1/B2, but greatly decreased the concentration of the male constitutive isoform CYP2C11 (-53 and -45% respectively in conventional and germ-free rats) . Germ-free rats fed on the glucosinolate-rich diet had a greater concentration of CYP3A (+139%) and a lower concentration of CYP2E1 (-32%) than their counterparts fed on the control diet . However, these differences were absent in conventional animals . On the whole, the influence of the intestinal microflora on the changes in hepatic cytochrome P450 due to the consumption of cruciferous vegetables is very complex and obviously involves different mechanisms according to the apoprotein.

Scand J Immunol, 1998 Dec, 48(6), 585 - 91
Influence of intestinal microflora on murine bone marrow and spleen macrophage precursors; Nicaise P et al.; To investigate the adjuvant effect of intestinal flora on macrophage-colony-stimulating factor-responsive macrophage progenitors from spleen and bone marrow, we compared progenitor numbers and phenotypic characteristics of in vitro matured macrophages in germ-free and flora-associated mice (conventional, Escherichia coli-monoassociated and conventionalized mice) . The data obtained show that the flora affected differentially bone marrow and spleen progenitors . It increased the numbers of progenitors in the spleen but not in the bone marrow . It did not modify the expression of F4/80, Mac-1 and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II on bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM), while it clearly up-regulated MHC class II expression on spleen-derived macrophages (SDM) . This effect was more pronounced in flora-associated ex germ-free mice than in conventional mice and it was greatly enhanced in the absence of M-CSF . In vitro stimulation by lipopolysaccharide had no effect on marker expression of BMDM, while it decreased F4/80 and enhanced MHC class II molecules on SDM from germ-free and flora-associated mice . However, the expression of MHC class II remained lower in germ-free mice . Enhancement of MHC class II molecule expression on SDM may contribute to the protective role of flora, because successful immune responses are dependent on the expression of these molecules.

Int J Colorectal Dis, 1998, 13(5-6), 196 - 207
Pouchitis: pathophysiology and treatment; Kuhbacher T et al.; Pouchitis is a potential complication after proctocolectomy and restorative ileoanal anastomosis . It is more frequent in UC than in familial polyposis . Little is known about the etiopathology of pouchitis . Risk factors include the presence of extraintestinal manifestations, primary sclerosing cholangitis, cessation of smoking, and previous course of disease . A host of pathophysiological pathways have been identified as potential mechanisms of pouchitis, which include inflammatory mediators, adhesion molecules, oxygen radical species, p-ANCA, and short-chain fatty acids . The microflora in the pouch may also be an important factor in causing inflammation . The risk of developing cancer in cases of pouchitis has not been established as clearly as in those of UC . Particular attention should be paid to patients who have remaining anorectal mucosa after pouch construction . Experience in the treatment of chronic relapsing and chronic refractory pouchitis is limited . The continuation of conventional anti-inflammatory treatment is successful only in a small percentage of patients . New biological response-modifying therapies which target novel immunoregulatory molecules in IBD will also have impact on the systemic and topical treatment of pouchitis.

Klin Khir, 1998, (8), 25 - 6
{Dysbiotic changes of colonic microflora in patients with Crohn's disease}; Kravchenko TI; In patients with Crohn's disease the dysbiotic changes in colonic lumen was revealed, what was testified by reducing the quantity of saprophytic and increasing the quantity of the conditionally-pathogenic microorganisms . The application of "Salofalk" preparation do not influence the colonic microflora composition.

Ann Agric Environ Med, 1998, 5(2), 169 - 75
Study on exposure of pig farm workers to bioaerosols, immunologic reactivity and health effects; Mackiewicz B; Occupational inhalation of organic dust may be a cause of numerous symptoms and diseases . Organic dust consists of various biological compounds which induce inflammatory reactions in the lungs on an immunotoxic or allergic basis . Bacteria and their metabolites, moulds and their spores, mycotoxins, glucans, and other still unidentified substances, can be potential aetiologic factors of diseases caused by organic dust . The aim of this study was to determine the concentration and composition of airborne microflora in typical Polish swine buildings and to assess the health conditions of the workers employed within them . Total concentration of microorganisms in the air of five examined swine breeding farms ranged from 613.7-1246.7 x 10(3) cfu/m3 (mean value 930.6 x 10(3) cfu/ m3).The examination of 53 employees working in the swine buildings included their medical history, physical examination, spirometry, and allergological tests . Work-related symptoms were reported by 31 (58.5%) of the subjects . No abnormal findings were present upon physical and spirometric examinations . The results suggest the common occurrence of work-related respiratory disease in swine workers, mostly corresponding to the Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS).

Can J Microbiol, 1998 Sep, 44(9), 905 - 9
Tannin-tolerant ruminal bacteria from East African ruminants; Odenyo AA et al.; Three strains of tannin-tolerant rumen bacteria were isolated from enrichment cultures of rumen microflora of sheep, goat, and antelope and established in medium containing high concentrations of crude tannin extract or tannic acid . These three strains (EAT2, ES3, and EG19), characterized as Selenomonas species, were curved rods, obligately anaerobic, Gram negative, highly motile, and grew in media containing 50 g of tannin extract/L and 50-70 g of tannic acid/L . Strain EAT2 was able to hydrolyze gallic acid, while strains ES3 and EG19 hydrolyzed tannic acid but not gallic acid . All isolates were able to grow in media containing up to 8 g of condensed tannins/L . Growth was very slow when soluble carbohydrate was not added to the medium.

Am J Clin Nutr, 1998 Dec, 68(6 Suppl), 1333S - 1346S
Phytoestrogens: the biochemistry, physiology, and implications for human health of soy isoflavones; Setchell KD; The importance of estrogens in homeostatic regulation of many cellular and biochemical events is well illustrated by the pathophysiologic changes that occur with estrogen deficiency . Many of the major diseases of Western populations are hormone dependent and epidemiologic data have shown a strong association between their incidence and diet . In particular, the importance of a plant-based diet is evident from the current dietary recommendations that emphasize an increase in the proportion and amount of fruit and vegetables that should be consumed . Although interpretation of the role of individual components of the diet is difficult from epidemiologic and dietary studies, it is recognized that there are many plant-derived bioactive nonnutrients that can confer significant health benefits . Among these phytochemicals is the broad class of nonsteroidal estrogens called phytoestrogens, and in the past decade there has been considerable interest in the role of isoflavones because of their relatively high concentrations in soy protein . The isoflavones in modest amounts of ingested soy protein are biotransformed by intestinal microflora, are absorbed, undergo enterohepatic recycling, and reach circulating concentrations that exceed by several orders of magnitude the amounts of endogenous estrogens . These phytoestrogens and their metabolites have many potent hormonal and nonhormonal activities that may explain some of the biological effects of diets rich in phytoestrogens.

Mt Sinai J Med, 1998 Oct-Nov, 65(5-6), 362 - 9
Periodontal disease: an overview for physicians; Fenesy KE; Periodontitis is now seen as resulting from a complex interplay of bacterial infection and host response, often modified by behavioral factors . There has been a fundamental change in the prevailing periodontal disease model of the 1960s, which suggested that the susceptibility to periodontitis increases with age, and that all individuals are susceptible to severe periodontal disease . More recent research has changed the belief in universal susceptibility to the current view that only some 5-20% of any population suffer from severe generalized periodontitis, and that only moderate disease affects a majority of adults . One major risk factor is smoking, as there is now a clear association between smoking and periodontal disease independent of oral hygiene, age, or any other risk factor . In human periodontitis, there is no simple, direct pathogen-disease link . There are three pathogens that have a strong association with progressive periodontal disease: Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, spirochetes of acute necrotizing gingivitis, and Porphyromonas gingivalis . These pathogens may be the cause of continued loss of periodontal attachment in all periodontal disease classifications despite diligent periodontal therapy . This loss of attachment, or destruction of the periodontal ligament and loss of adjacent supporting bone, is seen in adult periodontitis, as well as in early-onset periodontitis, which affects young persons who otherwise appear healthy . The three forms of early-onset periodontitis are prepubertal periodontitis, localized and generalized juvenile periodontitis, and rapidly progressive periodontitis . They are distinguished from adult periodontitis by the age of onset of the disease, the rapid rate of disease progression, manifestations of defects in host response, and the composition of the subgingival microflora . Prepubertal periodontitis is associated with attachment loss around teeth of the deciduous and/or permanent dentition, and is often associated with severe congenital defects of hematological origin, and alterations in neutrophil chemotaxis function . Periodontitis may also be associated with systemic conditions such as metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, female hormonal alterations), drug-induced disorders, hematologic disorders/leukemia, and immune system disorders . These systemic disorders have been documented as capable of affecting the periodontium and/or treatment of periodontal disease . In order to rationally treat and prevent periodontal disease, we need to know the etiologic agents for specific patients, and the mechanism of bacterial pathogenesis in periodontitis . In systemic diseases in which the periodontal tissues are affected as well, early detection and carefully managed therapeutics with the physician and periodontist working together may prove beneficial to the patient's general health and quality of life.

Br J Nutr, 1998 Aug, 80(2), 199 - 204
The bioavailability of alpha- and beta-carotene is affected by gut microflora in the rat; Grolier P et al.; The present study examined whether the intestinal microflora could affect the bioavailability and vitamin A activity of dietary alpha- and beta-carotene in the rat . In the first set of experiments, we used conventional, germ-free (axenic), and human-flora-associated (heteroxenic) rats . In a second series, conventional rats were treated with either an antibiotic mixture or a potent inhibitor of gastric secretion (Omeprazole) . All animals were first depleted of vitamin A over 4 weeks and then were fed on a sterilized diet supplemented with 14 mg beta-carotene and 3 mg alpha-carotene/kg for 2 weeks . In both experiments, a reduction in the intestinal microflora resulted in an increased storage of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and vitamin A in the liver . Neither the nature of the metabolism of the intestinal microflora (aerobic or anaerobic) nor treatment with omeprazole, to modify intestinal pH, induced a significant effect on the measured variables . When incubated with 15 mumol beta-carotene/l for 72 h, neither the anaerobic nor the aerobic sub-fractions obtained from rat or human faeces contributed to beta-carotene degradation or to vitamin A synthesis . These findings suggest that reduction in gut microflora results in a better utilization of alpha- and beta-carotene by rats, although bacteria do not have a direct effect on the bioavailability of these pigments.

Vopr Pitan, 1998, (4), 11 - 7
{Physiological role of dietary carbohydrates in diet of hungarian population . Epidemiological study}; Biro D et al.; Authors reviews--upon literature data--the metabolism of carbohydrates, with special regard to lipogenesis, which is of less importance and has no role in obesity . Out of the plasma lipids, in the case of extreme sugar consumption, only the level of triglicerides shows increase . Sugar is one but not the only factor caries . Sugar promotes the learning and remembering function of the brain and possibly, affects behaviour, too . Oligosaccharides may contribute to the favourable changes in the intestinal microflora . Carbohydrates and within them, sugars, play no unfavourable role in the development of diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular disease, when nutrition is well balanced.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1998, 157(4), 46 - 9
{Portal and systemic bacteremia as a manifestation of the functional failure of the enteral barrier in acute intestinal obstruction}; Chernov VN et al.; A complex investigation of 72 patients, with acute bowel obstruction (ABO) having clinico-laboratory signs and symptoms of endotoxicosis (ET), was carried out . It was proven that ABO was accompanied by profound decrease of the immuno-secretory function of the small bowel and its extensive bacterial contamination as a result of significant increase in the concentration of gram-negative symbiotic microflora, which leads to increased permeability of bowel barrier . Consequently there is massive translocation of the internal medium of the organism by enteral microflora and most of all in the portal zone and in the presence of inadequate hepatic barrier function--the systemic blood supply which corresponds to the clinical picture of endotoxic shock.

Immunology, 1998 Nov, 95(3), 443 - 9
Expression of CD2 on porcine B lymphocytes; Sinkora J et al.; Remarkable interspecies differences in CD2 expression on B lymphocytes have been reported in mammals . Human and rat B cells lack CD2, whilst B lymphocytes in mice are CD2+ . In pigs, B cells have been supposed not to express CD2 . We show here, however, that CD2 is present at a low level on a prominent subset of porcine B cells . Moreover, we describe changes in the proportions of CD2+ and CD2- B-cell subsets during ontogeny . Before contact with microflora, the majority of peripheral surface immunoglobulin M+ (sIgM+) B cells express CD2 and sIgM+CD2- B cells are rare . Shortly after colonization of conventional (CV) piglets with complex intestinal microflora, numerous CD2- B cells appear in the periphery and their relative number increases with age in both CV and specific pathogen-free (SPF) pigs . However, monoassociation of germ-free (GF) piglets with a single Escherichia coli strain does not result in a significant increase of sIgM+CD2- B cells in the periphery . We suggest that CD2 is down-regulated in porcine B lymphocytes upon activation with microflora in mucosa-associated lymphatic tissues . In bone marrow (BM), we identified putative porcine B-cell precursors . These cells express CD2 at low density and do not bear either the common myelomonocytic antigen or T and B-lymphocyte receptors . Similar to mouse and human pre-B cells, this lymphocyte-sized subset expresses CD25 and class II antigens . CD2 positivity of these cells indicates that CD2 is expressed earlier than sIgM during B lymphopoiesis in pigs.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1998, 43(5), 545 - 50
Autoimmunity, immunodeficiency and mucosal infections: chronic intestinal inflammation as a sensitive indicator of immunoregulatory defects in response to normal luminal microflora; Tlaskalova-Hogenova H et al.; Despite the fact that target antigens and the genetic basis of several autoimmune diseases are now better understood, the initial events leading to a loss of tolerance towards self-components remain unknown . One of the most attractive explanations for autoimmune phenomena involves various infections as possible natural events capable of initiating the process in genetically predisposed individuals . The most accepted explanation of how infection causes autoimmunity is based on the concept of "molecular mimicry" (similarity between the epitopes of an autoantigen and the epitopes in the environmental antigen) . Infectious stimuli may also participate in the development of autoimmunity by inducing an increased expression of stress proteins (hsp), chaperones and transplantation antigens, which leads to abnormal processing and presentation of self antigens . Superantigens are considered to be one of the most effective bacterial components to induce inflammatory reactions and to take part in the development and course of autoimmune mechanisms . It has long been known that defects in the host defense mechanism render the individual susceptible to infections caused by certain microorganisms . Impaired exclusion of microbial antigens can lead to chronic immunological activation which can affect the tolerance to self components . Defects in certain components of the immune system are associated with a higher risk of a development of autoimmune disease . The use of animal models for the studies of human diseases with immunological pathogenesis has provided new insights into the influence of immunoregulatory factors and the lymphocyte subsets involved in the development of disease . One of the most striking conclusion arising from work with genetically engineered immunodeficient mouse models is the existence of a high level of redundancy of the components of the immune system . However, when genes encoding molecules involved in T cell immunoregulatory functions are deleted, spontaneous chronic inflammation of the gut mucosa (similar to human inflammatory bowel disease) develops . Surprisingly, when such immunocompromised animals were placed into germfree environment, intestinal inflammation did not develop . Impairment of the mucosal immune response to the normal bacterial flora has been proposed to play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of chronic intestinal inflammation . The use of immunodeficient models colonized with defined microflora for the analysis of immune reactivity will shed light on the mode of action of different immunologically important molecules responsible for the delicate balance between luminal commensals, nonspecific and specific components of the mucosal immune system.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1998, 43(5), 531 - 4
Differences in development of lymphocyte subpopulations from gut-associated lymphatic tissue (GALT) of germfree and conventional rats: effect of aging; Stepankova R et al.; The aim of the study was to compare the phenotype of lymphocyte subpopulations of the GALT (gut-associated lymphatic tissue) in germfree (GF) and conventionally (CV) reared rats, i.e . to analyze the effect of microbial colonization on the development of intestinal lymphocyte subsets . Surface marker characteristics were studied in cell suspensions isolated from Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen and the intraepithelial lymphocyte compartment of 2- and 12-month old inbred AVN rats . The pattern of T lymphocyte phenotypes in Peyer's patches, mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen determined by FACS analysis did not reveal differences between GF and CV rats . In contrast, a 2-month conventionalization of GF rats led to substantial changes in the composition of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte subsets (IELs): increase of CD4+, CD8 alpha+, CD8 beta+, TcR alpha/beta+ bearing lymphocytes was observed after colonization of rats with normal microflora . Surprisingly, the relative numbers of lymphocytes bearing TcR gamma/delta+ did not change during conventionalization . The effect of aging was also studied and differences in IELs composition of aged (GF) and (CV) rats were found to be more pronounced: 6.6% and 30% of lymphocytes bearing TcR alpha/beta were present among IELs in two-month old GF and CV rats, respectively . 30% of IELs in 2-month old GF rats, 80% of IEL from 12-month old CV rats were found to bear TcR alpha/beta . This finding demonstrates that during conventionalization and aging the TcR alpha/beta bearing population of IELs substantially expands . It suggests that mainly this lymphocyte subset responds to microflora stimuli and is probably involved in the protection of the epithelial cell layer of intestinal mucosa.

Chem Biol, 1998 Oct, 5(10), R245 - 9
Molecular biological access to the chemistry of unknown soil microbes: a new frontier for natural products; Handelsman J et al.; Cultured soil microorganisms have provided a rich source of natural-product chemistry . Because only a tiny fraction of soil microbes from soil are readily cultured, soil might be the greatest untapped resource for novel chemistry . The concept of cloning the metagenome to access the collective genomes and the biosynthetic machinery of soil microflora is explored here.

Aviakosm Ekolog Med, 1998, 32(3), 62 - 6
{The study of biocide effectiveness of ultraviolet treatment in media stimulating space station environment}; Vasin VB et al.; An experiment was performed to study the biocide effect of ultraviolet treatment of simulated space station milieu . UV generated by low and moderately power-intensive sources (from 10 W to 1 kW) showed a good promise for decontaminating, within the reach, solid structural materials, and the air and water in the cabin . For instance, within 10 minutes of the UV-treatment aerial bacteria in 20 m3 were reduced in 12 to 30 times while fungal microflora was fully suppressed . Water containing spores and vegetative cells of both pathogenic and nonpathogenic microorganisms became essentially sterile after 4 to 10 minutes of treatment with low UV (in the order of 0.01 W/cm2) . Different UV modalities can lay the basis for development of specific technologies of microbial decontamination of various spacecraft.

Aviakosm Ekolog Med, 1998, 32(3), 54 - 8
{The effect of opportunistic pathogenic microflora in drinking water on the cellular composition of the splenic lymphoid tissue of rats}; Vovkogon AD; In a 6-month study of the morphologic reactions of spleenic immune structures to antigen attacks of varying intensity, one group of Wistar male rats was given water containing 100 opportunistic pathogens per 1 ml, the other, water containing 1,000 opportunistic pathogens per 1 ml . In the control, rats drank sterile water . In the second experimental group, spleenic sites of reproduction reduced the relative count of lymphocytes and mitoticly dividing cells and increased the counts of immature plasmocytes and macrophages . Destructively changed cells grew in number in the mantle, the marginal zone, the lymphoid nodes w/o reproduction sites, PALC and the cellular (lymphoid) aggregation in the red pulp in both experimental groups . There were immature eosinophils in the marginal zone and red pulp cellular aggregations in the second experimental group . Lymphoid nodes w/o reproduction sites and PALC showed a significant reduction in the relative count of middle lymphocytes . Relative counts of middle lymphocytes in the red pulp cellular aggregation as well as plasmocytes and macrophages were on the rise whereas the count of small lymphocytes decreased.

Am J Physiol, 1998 Nov, 275(5 Pt 1), C1365 - 71
Biotin uptake by human colonic epithelial NCM460 cells: a carrier-mediated process shared with pantothenic acid; Said HM et al.; Previous studies showed that the normal microflora of the large intestine synthesizes biotin and that the colon is capable of absorbing intraluminally introduced free biotin . Nothing, however, is known about the mechanism of biotin absorption in the large intestine and its regulation . To address these issues, we used the human-derived, nontransformed colonic epithelial cell line NCM460 . The initial rate of biotin uptake was found to be 1) temperature and energy dependent, 2) Na+ dependent (coupling ratio of 1:1), 3) saturable as a function of concentration {apparent Michaelis constant (Km) of 19.7 microM}, 4) inhibited by structural analogs with a free carboxyl group at the valeric acid moiety, and 5) competitively inhibited by the vitamin pantothenic acid (inhibition constant of 14.4 microM) . Pretreatment with the protein kinase C (PKC) activators phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and 1, 2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol significantly inhibited biotin uptake . In contrast, pretreatment with the PKC inhibitors staurosporine and chelerythrine led to a slight, but significant, increase in biotin uptake . The effect of PMA was mediated via a marked decrease in maximal uptake velocity and a slight increase in apparent Km . Pretreatment of cells with modulators of the protein kinase A-mediated pathway, on the other hand, showed no significant effect on biotin uptake . These results demonstrate, for the first time, the functional existence of a Na+-dependent, specialized carrier-mediated system for biotin uptake in colonic epithelial cells . This system is shared with pantothenic acid and appears to be under the regulation of an intracellular PKC-mediated pathway.

Dev Immunol, 1998, 6(3-4), 171 - 8
Antigenic stimuli do not influence thymic B lymphocytes: a morphological and functional study in germ-free and conventionally reared piglets; Cukrowska B et al.; We have recently reported that thymic B lymphocytes (TBL) are the first B-cell subpopulation undergoing isotype switching to IgG and IgA during embryonic life . The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of antigenic stimulation on TBL location and activity using a germ-free (GF) newborn pig model, in which maternal antibodies and antigens do not affect B-cell development . Immunohistological analysis showed that TBL were disseminated mainly in the thymic medulla . There were no differences in the distribution of TBL, both in GF newborn piglets before and after colonization with Escherichia coli and in older conventionally reared (CONV) piglets . The number of immunoglobulin (Ig)-secreting cells measured by the ELISPOT method was not influenced by microflora and food antigens . IgM-positive cells secreting IgM and CD45RC-positive cells spontaneously producing IgM, IgG, and IgA were detected in newborn thymus . Our findings suggest that TBL differentiation and Ig switching to IgG and IgA-secreting cells is not influenced by external antigens and that the thymic microenvironment plays an important role in this process.

Scanning Microsc, 1996, 10(3), 905 - 15; discussion 915-6
Common epidermal lesions of the bowhead whale, Balaena mysticetus; Henk WG et al.; Samples of common skin abnormalities from 23 subsistence-harvested bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) were examined . Most lesions fell into three broad classes: shallow lacerations, circular depressions, and epidermal sloughing . Both circular depression lesions and epidermal sloughing lesions may be divided into more than one subgroup based on morphological criteria . Examination of each of the subgroups using light and scanning electron microscopy suggests relationships among the subgroups of a class . These proposed relationships are discussed, as are some possible etiologies . Scanning electron microscopy reveals abundant bacteria and diatoms present in association with each lesion class but no evidence of a particular association characteristic of a lesion class . The microflora were especially abundant wherever the stratum spinosum was exposed at the skin surface.

J Nutr, 1998 Nov, 128(11), 1969 - 77
The 15N amino acid dilution method allows the determination of the real digestibility and of the ileal endogenous losses of the respective amino acid in pigs; Hess V et al.; We assessed the influence of sampling site when using the isotope dilution method to determine ileal endogenous N losses . Three growing pigs were prepared with ileorectal anastomoses and fitted with three catheters (portal, jugular and carotid) . A 15N-leucine solution was infused for 24 d, alternating between the carotid artery and the jugular vein . Blood was sampled from the portal catheter and from the systemic catheter not used for the infusion . The pigs were fed successively a protein-free diet, an isolated pea protein diet and a hydrolyzed pea protein diet according to a Latin-square design . The 15N was transferred from leucine to isoleucine, valine, alanine, glycine and proline . Free 15N alanine, glycine and valine enrichments were closer to the respective amino acid enrichments in secretory tissues in the portal vein than in the systemic blood . The enrichment of total nitrogen was higher in the trichloroacetic acid-soluble fraction of the plasma than in the ileal digesta of pigs fed the protein-free diet . Lysine enrichment was significantly different from zero in all tissues except muscle, suggesting that essential amino acids can be synthesized by microflora and used for protein synthesis in the host . We conclude that the total nitrogen isotope dilution method is inappropriate to determine the endogenous loss of amino acids . Moreover, the amino acid dilution method should be performed with portal blood sampling . The main limitation of this method is that a number of essential amino acid losses cannot be determined.

J Periodontol, 1998 Oct, 69(10), 1127 - 30
Association of oxygen tension in human periodontal pockets with gingival inflammation; Tanaka M et al.; The objective of this study was to investigate the association of the oxygen tension in the periodontal pockets with clinical parameters of gingival inflammation of the maxillary anterior teeth of 32 patients . The pocket oxygen tension (pO2) was measured by a polarographic method with electronic compensation for temperature change . The oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SO2) in the gingiva was determined with tissue reflectance spectrophotometry . Gingival crevicular fluid flow (GCF) was measured with electronic impedance . No significant association was found between pocket pO2 and the modified gingival index, the plaque index, and GCE Pocket pO2 showed significant correlation with probing depth (r = -0.57, P = 0.0005) . Significant correlation was observed between pocket pO2 and gingival SO2 (r = 0.69, P < 0.0001) . When all variables were entered into a multiple regression model, only gingival SO2 had a significant independent effect on the pocket pO2 (P = 0.0005) . These results indicate that the oxygen sufficiency in the gingiva has a significant independent influence on the pocket oxygen tension . These studies provide the basis for understanding the oxygen tension in the periodontal pocket, which likely is a major determinant of the subgingival microflora . The studies may also lead to the development of methods for diagnosing and monitoring periodontal diseases.

J Food Prot, 1998 Oct, 61(10), 1375 - 7
A rapid microbiological method for enumerating Escherichia coli from broiler chicken carcasses; Edmiston AL et al.; Experiments were conducted to evaluate a rapid method for enumerating Escherichia coli from broiler chicken carcasses . In three separate trials, carcasses were obtained from a commercial processing plant, temperature abused at 37 degrees C for 0, 3, 6, 9, or 12 h, and then rinsed . E . coli were enumerated from carcass rinses using Petrifilm E . coli count plates (PC) and by placing the rinse into double-strength colifiform medium supplemented with 2% dextrose (CMD) . The CMD mixture was placed into a Bactometer module and conductance was measured at 44 degrees C . Once a detection time (DT) was recorded, the sample was immediately recovered from the module well, diluted, and spread onto plate count agar . Colonies on plates at the highest dilution from each module well were randomly selected and identified . After 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h of temperature abuse, E . coli was the bacterial species identified 97, 92, 88, 87, and 61% of the time, respectively . These results indicate that the medium/temperature combination was excellent for enumerating E . coli from samples that contain mixed microflora using conductance . Significant linear correlations were observed between time of abuse (TA) and log10 PC (LPC) or DT (R2 = 0.86 and R2 = -0.90, respectively) . A significant linear correlation was observed between LPC and DT (R2 = -0.92) . This rapid method (1 to 7.6 h) for enumeration of E . coli on chicken should provide a way to determine E . coli levels before a product is shipped, and it should aid the poultry industry in meeting the E . coli testing requirement of the U.S . Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service pathogen reduction regulation.

Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1998 Aug, 17(8), 542 - 50
Primary and secondary peritonitis: an update; Laroche M et al.; Intraabdominal infections are commonly encountered in clinical practice and represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality . The most common etiology is contamination of the peritoneal space by endogenous microflora secondary to loss of integrity of the gastrointestinal tract which results in secondary peritonitis . Primary peritonitis or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is less common and usually occurs in the presence of ascites without an evident source of infection . Peritonitis associated with chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis is not discussed in this review . This review summarizes the significant progress which has been made with regard to primary and secondary peritonitis in the last two decades . The review emphasizes the issues of etiology, pathogenesis, microbiology, diagnosis, medical treatment and prevention.

Dig Dis Sci, 1998 Oct, 43(10), 2291 - 5
Microflora of gastric biopsies from patients with duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer: a comparative study of patients from Korea, Colombia, and the United States; Osato MS et al.; It remains unclear why the spectrum of H . pylori-related diseases differs among different geographic regions . We examined the non-H . pylori contamination rates of the stomach in patients with duodenal ulcer or gastric adenocarcinoma from three different regions with different spectra of H . pylori-related diseases . Gastric biopsies were cultured from patients with duodenal ulcer or histologically proven gastric cancer from Seoul, Korea; Bogota, Colombia; and Houston, Texas . The frequency of non-H . pylori contamination was tallied in relation to the clinical diagnosis . Cultures from 247 duodenal ulcer patients and 165 patients with gastric cancer had bacterial growth . H . pylori was isolated from 207 (73.7%) patients with duodenal ulcer and 90 (47.1%) patients with gastric cancer (P < 0.001) . In patients with duodenal ulcer (DU) or gastric cancer (GC), the rate of positive cultures for H . pylori were not statistically different (P > 0.143 for DU, P > 0.190 for GC) between regions . The frequency of isolation ranged from 69% to 79% for DU patients and from 39% to 50% for gastric cancer patients . Non-H . pylori bacterial contamination was found more frequently (63%) in Colombian duodenal ulcer patients compared to 30% ulcer patients from the United States or Korea (P < 0.001) . Non-H . pylori growth occurred in 50.8-75.5% of cancer patients and was significantly lower in US patients than in patients from either Colombia or Korea (P < 0.01) . The geographic location as well as disease status affects the rate of H . pylori recovery and non-H . pylori contamination of the stomach and may play a role in the geographic differences in manifestation of H . pylori infection . The fact that the proportion of gastric cancer patients in the United States with non-H . pylori contamination was significantly less than that of Korea or Colombia shows that the notion of an almost universal increase in gastric microbial content in gastric adenocarcinoma should be reconsidered.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1998, 43(8), 23 - 7
{Epidemiology of infectious inflammatory diseases and role of Candida in newborns}; Samsygina GA et al.; The results of a 20-year microbiological monitoring of full-term newborns with infectious inflammatory diseases hospitalized from maternity homes of Moscow are presented . The incidence of candidiasis within that period was shown to increase 7 times at the account of the events of cutaneous and mucocutaneous candidiasis, gastrointestinal candidiasis and candidiasis of the central nervous system . One of the sources of the endogenic contamination of the newborns and infants was their intestinal microflora . In 4.6 per cent of the patients the meconium contamination by Candida was stated during the first days after the birth.

Med Mycol, 1998 Apr, 36(2), 97 - 106
The effects of Malassezia on pro-inflammatory cytokine production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro; Kesavan S et al.; Malassezia spp., the causative agents of pityriasis versicolor, are members of the normal human cutaneous microflora . Utilizing a combination of both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and bioassay, we have investigated the ability of both formalin-preserved and viable Malassezia (serovars A, B and C) to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-6, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha) release by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) in vitro, over a 48-h co-incubation period . The results demonstrated that formalin-preserved Malassezia (serovars A, B and C) at mid-exponential phase were generally able to induce a pro-inflammatory cytokine response at a yeast cell to PBMNC ratio of 1:1 . In addition, the results consistently demonstrated that at a yeast cell to PBMNC ratio of 20:1, formalin-preserved Malassezia, irrespective of serovar, growth phase or PBMNC donor, were capable of significantly (P<0.05) decreasing the release of both immunochemical IL-6 and IL-1beta plus bioactive IL-1beta and TNF-alpha below that of unstimulated culture medium control values . This was apparent following 24- and 48-h co-incubation times, where maximal cytokine production was detected after 24 h . Similar results were obtained for the effect of viable Malassezia on pro-inflammatory cytokine release by PBMNC . Our results suggest that a possible inhibitory component, present perhaps within the cell wall of Malassezia, was responsible for this depressive effect on pro-inflammatory cytokine production.

Gut, 1998 Jul, 43(1), 71 - 8
Inflammatory bowel disease-like enteritis and caecitis in a senescence accelerated mouse P1/Yit strain; Matsumoto S et al.; BACKGROUND: A new subline of the senescence accelerated mouse (SAM) P1/Yit strain has been established which shows spontaneous enteric inflammation under specific pathogen free (SPF) conditions . AIMS: To elucidate the pathogenesis of enteric inflammation in this new subline . METHODS: The SPF and germ free (GF) SAMP1/Yit strains were used . Histological, immunological, and microbiological characterisation of the mice with enteric inflammation was performed . RESULTS: Histologically, enteritic inflammation developed as a discontinuous lesion in the terminal ileum and caecum with the infiltration of many inflammatory cells after 10 weeks of age . the activity of myeloperoxidase, and both immunolocalisation and mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase increased in the lesion . CD3-epsilon positive T cells, neutrophils, and macrophages were more numerous in the inflamed mucosa of the SAMP1/Yit strain . The GF SAMP1/Yit strain did not show any inflammation in the intestinal wall, by the age of 30 weeks, and the enteritis and caecitis developed 10 weeks after the conventionalisation of the GF SAMP1/Yit strain . CONCLUSION: Enteric inflammation in the ileum and caecum developed in the SAMP1/Yit strain . The pathophysiological characteristics of the disease in this mouse have some similarities to those of human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) . This mouse strain should be a useful model system for elucidating the interaction between the pathogenesis of IBD and the gut microflora.

Anesteziol Reanimatol, 1998 Jul-Aug, (4), 20 - 2
{Carbapenems (thienam and Meronem) . Their clinical and economic efficacy}; Mariutin PV et al.; The authors describe 229 cases of carbapenem use in intensive care wards . Tienam was used in 205 cases since 1993, meronem in 24 cases since 1996 . There were 149 men and 80 women aged 15-76 years (mean age 46.4 +/- 0.7 years) . Carbapenemes were administered by 5-7-day courses in a daily dose of 2-6 g (2-4 g for tienam and 2-6 g for meronem) . Carbapenemes were administered as monotherapy; in 196 cases nisoral was added to antibiotic therapy starting from day 3 as an antimycotic agent . Bacteriological studies were carried out in 367 patients (413 inoculations) . Sensitivity of cultured microflora to disks with tienam (329 tests) and meronem (97 tests) showed their high activity towards gram-positive and gram-negative flora . The results were less demonstrative in cerebral abscesses, which is explained by specific pharmacokinetics of tienam . Analysis of the cost/efficacy ratio confirmed the economic efficacy of this group of drugs.

Clin Infect Dis, 1998 Sep, 27(3), 471 - 3
Entamoeba gingivalis in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected patients with periodontal disease; Lucht E et al.; Necrotic periodontal disease is a progressive painful oral lesion in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected patients, and the etiology is unknown . Earlier studies of HIV-1-infected patients have shown significant changes in the viral and fungal oral microflora . The aim of this study was to relate the occurrence of protozoa to clinical symptoms and immunosuppression . Oral symptoms were registered in 45 patients at different stages of the HIV-1 infection and in 15 HIV-seronegative healthy controls . Saliva and dental plaque were analyzed for the presence of protozoa . Entamoeba gingivalis was the only protozoa found in the oral cavities of HIV-1-infected patients with periodontal disease . Its presence was not related to the degree of immunodeficiency but to the HIV diagnosis . This study describes for the first time the findings of E . gingivalis in the oral cavities of HIV-1 infected patients.

J Clin Periodontol, 1998 Sep, 25(9), 759 - 65
Subgingival microflora and treatment in prepubertal periodontitis associated with chronic idiopathic neutropenia; Kamma JJ et al.; Prepubertal periodontitis affects both primary and permanent dentition . The purpose of this study was to examine the composition of subgingival microflora of the permanent dentition in an 11-year-old Caucasian female, who had premature exfoliation of her deciduous teeth on her 5th year of age, and the response of this condition to the antibiotic therapy and supportive periodontal care . Gingival tissues were highly inflamed and alveolar bone loss was detected radiographically . The girl had experienced frequent upper respiratory tract infections, tonsilitis and recurrent otitis media . Her mother had history of early onset periodontitis associated with chronic idiopathic neutropenia . Blood chemistry tests and immunological examinations were also performed . Subgingival plaque samples were collected from the proximal sites of permanent molars, incisors, canines and maxillary premolars . 27 different microbial species were isolated from the subgingival microflora . Among the predominant species were Porphyromonas gingivalis (17.6%-7.3%), Prevotella intermedia (12.4%-4.7%), Capnocytophaga sputigena (14.4%-10.4%), Capnocytophaga ochracea (13.2%-6.9%) and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (9.3%-5.5%) . Periodontal treatment consisted of scaling, root planing in conjunction with antibiotic administration of Augmentin 312.5 mg and Flagyl 200 mg, each t.i.d . for 10 days . 3 weeks after the antibiotic therapy, bacterial samples were collected from the same sites . All the periodontal pathogens were recovered in lower levels and A.actinomycetemcomitans was almost eliminated in the 3-week period . The evaluation of clinical indices at 3, 6 and 12 months showed that periodontal treatment in conjunction with antibiotics was effective and rapidly followed by marked clinical improvement . The microbiological monitoring at 3, 6 and 12 months after antibiotic treatment and each time prior to supportive periodontal care, revealed that the periodontal pathogens fluctuated in low levels even 12 months after treatment and could be maintained at low level by supportive periodontal care at 3-month intervals.

Clin Oral Implants Res, 1998 Aug, 9(4), 209 - 17
Peri-implant microflora of implants with cemented and screw retained suprastructures; Keller W et al.; The aims of this study were to compare clinical and microbiological features in the peri-implant area of implants carrying either screw retained or cemented suprastructures, and to investigate the relationship between the peri-implant microflora, the microbiota on the inner surface of removable suprastructures, and the periodontal microflora within the same subject . In 15 partially edentulous patients with ITI implants used as abutments for crown and bridge reconstructions, microbial samples were taken i) from the deepest periodontal pocket of each quadrant, ii) from the sulcus of the implants and iii) from the internal surface of the screw retained suprastructures . The samples were cultured using continuous anaerobic techniques . Five patients were found with both screw retained (S) and cemented (C) suprastructures . In these subjects the mean total cultivable counts were significantly higher in peri-implant samples from group C than in samples from group S . Furthermore, peri-implant samples of group S yielded a higher proportion of coccoid cells in the darkfield microscope and demonstrated absence of large spirochetes . From the 15 patients, Porphyromas gingivalis was detected in 10% of the periodontal samples and in only one peri-implant sample . Prevotella intermedia was detected in 33% of the periodontal and in 30% of the peri-implant samples . Fusobacterium spp . had a prevalence of 58% in the periodontal samples and was recovered from 50% of the peri-implant samples . Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was not detected in any dental or peri-implant sample . In 1 case, however, the organism was recovered from the internal surface of the suprastructure . Linear regression analysis showed a significant relationship between the frequency of micro-organisms in peri-implant samples of group S and in samples from the inner surface of the suprastructure . Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the incidence of micro-organisms in dental samples and i) in peri-implant samples of group S and ii) in samples from the internal suprastructure surface . These findings indicate, that the microbial leakage through the gap between the suprastructure and the abutment plays an important role in the bacterial colonization of the internal part of screw retained crowns and bridges . The study furthermore confirms the impact of the dental microflora on the microbial colonization of implants . This factor appears to be more important than the mode of fixation of the suprastructure.

J Dent Res, 1998 Sep, 77(9), 1674 - 83
Commensal communism and the oral cavity; Henderson B et al.; The world we live in contains unimaginable numbers of bacteria, and these and other single-celled creatures represent the major diversity of life on our planet . During the last decade or so, the complexity and intimacy of the interactions which occur between bacteria and host eukaryotic cells during the process of infection have begun to emerge . The study of such interactions is the subject of the new discipline of cellular microbiology . This intimacy of bacteria/host interactions creates a major paradox . The average human being is 90% bacteria in terms of cell numbers . These bacteria constitute the commensal or normal microflora and populate the mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract, and the surface of the skin . In bacterial infections, much of the pathology is due to the release of a range of bacterial components (e.g., modulins such as lipopolysaccharide, peptidoglycan, DNA, molecular chaperones), which induce the synthesis of the local hormone-like molecules known as pro-inflammatory cytokines . However, such components must also be constantly released by the vast numbers of bacteria constituting the normal microflora and, as a consequence, our mucosae should constantly be in a state of inflammation . This is patently not the case, and a hypothesis is forwarded to account for this "commensal paradox", namely, that our commensal bacteria and mucosal surfaces exist in a state of bio-communism, forming a unified "tissue" in which interactions between bacteria and epithelia are finely balanced to ensure bacterial survival and prevent the induction of damaging inflammation . Evidence is emerging that bacteria can produce a variety of proteins which can inhibit the synthesis/release of inflammatory cytokines . The authors predict that such proteins are simply one part of an extensive signaling system which occurs between bacteria and epithelial cells at mucosal surfaces such as those found in the oral cavity.

Otolaryngol Pol, 1997, 51 Suppl 25, 184 - 7
{Bacterial flora of the mouth cavity and pharynx and postop wound infection in laryngeal cancer treatment}; Lukomski M et al.; The study was carried out on 12 surgically treated patients with carcinoma laryngis . Isolation and identification of oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and postoperative neck wound microflora were performed . Failures in neck wounds healing resulting from bacterial flora were compared . Sources of wound infection were found due to biochemical features and antibiotics sensibility.

Cancer Chemother Pharmacol, 1998, 42(4), 280 - 6
Inhibition of intestinal microflora beta-glucuronidase modifies the distribution of the active metabolite of the antitumor agent, irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) in rats; Takasuna K et al.; PURPOSE: SN-38, a metabolite of irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11), is considered to play a key role in the development of diarrhea as well as in the antitumor activity of CPT-11 . We have previously found that the inhibition of beta-glucuronidase, which hydrolyzes detoxified SN-38 (SN-38 glucuronide) to reform SN-38, in the lumen by eliminating the intestinal microflora with antibiotics, markedly ameliorates the intestinal toxicity of CPT-11 in rats . In this study we compared the disposition of CPT-11 and its metabolites in rats treated with and without antibiotics . METHODS: Rats were given drinking water containing 1 mg/ml penicillin and 2 mg/ml streptomycin from 5 days before the administration of CPT-11 (60 mg/kg i.v.) and throughout the experiment . CPT-11, SN-38 glucuronide and SN-38 concentrations in the blood, intestinal tissues and intestinal luminal contents were determined by HPLC . RESULTS: Antibiotics had little or no effect on the pharmacokinetics of CPT-11, SN-38 glucuronide or SN-38 in the blood, or in the tissues or contents of the small intestine, which has less beta-glucuronidase activity in its luminal contents . In contrast, antibiotics markedly reduced the AUC1-24 h of SN-38 (by about 85%) in the large intestine tissue without changing that of CPT-11, and this was accompanied by a complete inhibition of the deconjugation of SN-38 glucuronide in the luminal contents . CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that SN-38, which results from the hydrolysis of SN-38 glucuronide by beta-glucuronidase in the intestinal microflora, contributes considerably to the distribution of SN-38 in the large intestine tissue, and that inhibition of the beta-glucuronidase activity by antibiotics results in decreased accumulation of SN-38 in the large intestine.

Xenobiotica, 1998 Aug, 28(8), 779 - 84
Differential in vitro hepatic and intestinal metabolism of ifosfamide in the rat; Lu H et al.; 1 . Metabolism of ifosfamide (IF) in intestinal and hepatic microsomes has been investigated in the rat . The generation of three primary metabolites, 4-hydroxyifosfamide (HOIF), N2-dechloroethylifosfamide (N2D) and N3-dechloroethylifosfamide (N3D), was followed . 2 . Microflora in rat small intestine showed no metabolic activity towards IF . The overall metabolic activity was higher in the hepatic microsomes than in the intestinal microsomes, and the hydroxylation pathway accounted for 53.6% of total IF metabolism in the hepatic microsomes . In contrast, hydroxylation of IF in intestinal microsomes was only 9.8% of the total monitored metabolic activity and N3-dechloroethylation of IF was a major pathway, constituting 73.0% of the monitored activity . 3 . In summary, the intestinal metabolism of IF was demonstrated for the first time and these in vitro data indicate that the intestinal metabolism of IF could contribute significantly to the overall first-pass metabolism.

Zentralbl Bakteriol, 1998 Jul, 288(1), 87 - 92
Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in the human oral microflora; Pulverer G et al.; In this paper, the frequency of the microaerophilic gram-negative bacterium Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Ac) which is a component of the normal human oral microflora was investigated . Ac could be cultivated from oral material (molar sulcus and/or mucous membrane of the cheek) from 55 out of 405 healthy adults examined . This overall Ac frequency of 13.6% corresponds well to the few other reports existing in literature . A short discussion about the possible pathogenic potential of Ac is given at the end of the paper.

J Clin Periodontol, 1998 Aug, 25(8), 612 - 6
Semi-automated measurement of motility of human subgingival microflora by image analysis; Ojima M et al.; The purpose of this investigation was to quantitatively estimate bacterial motility by image analysis, and to apply this method for the measurement of motility of human subgingival microflora . We developed a semi-automated method for the quantification of bacterial motility using video microscopy, digitization and image processing . Moving images of both authentic bacterial samples and clinical samples were recorded using a phase contrast microscope with a high speed (1/100 s) shutter camera . The motility was evaluated by measuring the total number of pixels remaining after the subtraction of 2 serial video images . The total number of pixels was significantly correlated with both the sum of the velocity of each bacterial cell and the number of motile bacteria on the same original images . Motility of subgingival microflora from 140 clinical samples tested was measured at 0 pixels to 3600 pixels, whereas the effect of Brownian movement was less than 150 pixels . The motility of subgingival microflora estimated with this image analysis system did not differ much from objective judgments by the naked eyes of experts . These results suggest that a semi-automated image analysis system may be useful in the evaluation of the motility of human subgingival microflora.

Infection, 1998 Jul-Aug, 26(4), 232 - 3
Escherichia coli as a probiotic?
Jansen GJ, Wildeboer-Veloo AC, van der Waaij D, Degener JE.
The influence of oral treatment with a suspension of non-pathogenic Escherichia coli cells (commercially available as: Symbioflor II) on the morphological composition of the gut microflora and on the systemic humoral immune response (the IgG-, IgA- and IgM-isotype) against the bacterial cells in the Symbioflor II preparation was measured . After a pretreatment period of 21 days, ten healthy human volunteers ingested 1*10(8) cells of E . coli daily for 14 days . Thereafter a follow-up period of 28 days completed the study . The results of this study indicated that no effect of the treatment on the composition of the gut microflora could be observed . However, the immune-fluorescence measurements revealed a significant increase in circulating amounts of IgG directed against the administered E . coli cells . It is concluded that the treatment only resulted in a specific humoral immune response, while the gut microflora is not modulated.

Emerg Infect Dis, 1998 Jul-Sep, 4(3), 382 - 9
Detection and identification of previously unrecognized microbial pathogens; Relman DA; Features of a number of important but poorly explained human clinical syndromes strongly indicate a microbial etiology . In these syndromes, the failure of cultivation-dependent microbial detection methods reveals our ignorance of microbial growth requirements . Sequence-based molecular methods, however, offer alternative approaches for microbial identification directly from host specimens found in the setting of unexplained acute illnesses, chronic inflammatory disease, and from anatomic sites that contain commensal microflora . The rapid expansion of genome sequence databases and advances in biotechnology present opportunities and challenges: identification of consensus sequences from which reliable, specific phylogenetic information can be inferred for all taxonomic groups of pathogens, broad-range pathogen identification on the basis of virulence-associated gene families, and use of host gene expression response profiles as specific signatures of microbial infection.

Scand J Immunol, 1998 Aug, 48(2), 192 - 5
Release of the soluble co-receptor (protein Fv) of secretory immunoglobulins after colonization of axenic rats by the human gut microflora; Andrieux C et al.; The presence of protein Fv (pFv), a soluble co-receptor of human gut antibodies, was investigated in heteroxenic rats as a function of the presence of the human digestive microflora . This endogenous molecule was not detected in the stools of axenic rats but was found in those of heteroxenic animals . The release was delayed for 1 week after colonization and found to be independent from the kinetics of bacteria-induced short-chain fatty acids issued from the catabolism of carbohydrates and of proteins . The similar bacterial composition of pFv-positive and of pFv-negative stools, and the lack of induction by different dominant bacterial genera, suggest that non-dominant species must be involved . These results indicate that human colonic flora is a major inducer of pFv and thus participates in increasing the efficiency of the intestinal immunity by this additional mechanism known to maintain and augment the polymeric status of secretory immunoglobulin (Ig)A.

Ann Surg, 1998 Aug, 228(2), 188 - 93
The role of interdigestive small bowel motility in the regulation of gut microflora, bacterial overgrowth, and bacterial translocation in rats; Nieuwenhuijs VB et al.; OBJECTIVE: To clarify the role of the migrating motor complex (MMC) in the regulation of small intestinal microflora and bacterial translocation . SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: The intestinal microflora may serve as a source of infectious microorganisms . Failure of regulatory mechanisms of the intestinal flora could therefore play an important role in the pathogenesis of gut-derived infections . METHODS: Rats were fitted with small intestinal myoelectrodes . MMCs were measured on a control day and 3 consecutive days during continuous administration of morphine or placebo . Mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, peripheral blood, duodenum, and ileum samples were cultured quantitatively . RESULTS: The mean MMC cycle length in placebo-treated animals was 15.1+/-0.5 minutes . MMCs were completely disrupted after morphine treatment . Total bacterial growth in the duodenum was 7.27+/-0.34 10log colony-forming units (CFU)/g with placebo and 8.28+/-0.27 CFU/g with morphine . In placebo-treated animals, the mean MMC cycle length the day before culturing correlated with total bacterial growth in the duodenum . Translocation incidences to the mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and blood were 0/8, 1/8, 0/8, and 0/8 with placebo and 7/8, 6/8, 5/8, and 0/8 with morphine . The overall translocation incidence was 1/8 in placebo-treated animals and 8/8 in morphine-treated animals . CONCLUSIONS: The MMC is an important mechanism controlling bacterial growth in the upper small bowel . Its disruption with morphine promotes duodenal bacterial overgrowth and bacterial translocation.

J Food Prot, 1998 Jan, 61(1), 14 - 8
Comparison of the SimPlate total plate count method with Petrifilm, Redigel, conventional pour-plate methods for enumerating aerobic microorganisms in foods; Beuchat LR et al.; The SimPlate Total Plate Count (TPC) method, developed by IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., is designed to determine the most probable number of aerobic microorganisms in foods . The 24-h test was compared to the conventional plate count agar (PCA) method, the Petrifilm Aerobic Count plates, and the Redigel Total Count procedure for enumerating microflora in 751 food samples . Results using the SimPlate TPC method were highly correlated (r > or = 0.96) with results from other test methods . Slopes (0.96-0.97) were not significantly different from 1, and y intercepts (-0.03-0.08) were not different from O . The SimPlate has a high counting range (> 1600 most probable number per single dilution), thus requiring fewer dilutions of samples compared to other methods evaluated . Some foods, e.g., raw liver, wheat flour, and nuts, contain enzymes that gave false-positive reactions on SimPlates . Overall, however, the SimPlate TPC method is a suitable alternative to conventional PCA, Petrifilm, and Redigel methods for estimating populations of mesophilic aerobic microorganisms in a wide range of foods.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther, 1998 Jul, 12(7), 591 - 603
Review article: issues in oral administration of locally acting glucocorticosteroids for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease; Friend DR; Inflammatory bowel diseases are treated in some cases by local administration of anti-inflammatory drugs . Local delivery of drugs in the colon following oral administration may lead to improved efficacy/side-effect profiles and may improve patient compliance . This review covers a number of issues important in the design of oral delivery systems of glucocorticosteroids for local therapy of colonic inflammation . The choice of specific glucocorticosteroids is based on the drug's physicochemical and pharmacological properties . The conditions under which an orally administered glucocorticosteroid (or other drug) must be delivered to treat ulcerative colitis are also discussed . These conditions include variations in local pH, transit throughout the gastrointestinal tract, the potential role of gut microflora, and drug dissolution in both the healthy and diseased large intestine . The effective delivery of topically-active glucocorticosteroids in ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis patients is complex, but if successful could improve their usefulness.

Reprod Nutr Dev, 1998 May-Jun, 38(3), 289 - 96
Selective in vitro degradation of the sialylated fraction of germ-free rat mucins by the caecal flora of the rat; Fontaine N et al.; Mucins, which are synthesized throughout the gastrointestinal tract, may be degraded by the microflora of the large intestine . The present study was undertaken to determine the differential fate of the various types of mucins . Mucins from germ-free rats were incubated in vitro in the presence of whole caecal flora from the conventional rat . Neutral, acidic and acidic sulphated mucins were spectrophotometrically assayed over time upon anaerobic incubation . Sialylated mucins were more rapidly degraded (90%) than the other two types after 1 h and almost completely within 4 h . Neutral and acidic sulphated mucins, with a 10-fold and 30-fold lower content than the sialylated fraction in the original substrate, were more slowly degraded and to a lesser extent within 4 h, (55 and 40%, respectively) . The method used in the present study made it possible to investigate the activity of gut bacteria towards the various types of mucins . The degradation of the three mucin types was not uniform, the highest rate and extent of degradation being observed for sialylated mucins.

Am Surg, 1998 Aug, 64(8), 718 - 21; discussion 721-2
The effects of bacterial overgrowth and hemorrhagic shock on mucosal immunity; Gordon DM et al.; Impairment in systemic and mucosal immune function is noted after hemorrhagic shock (HS) . Overgrowth of gut microflora is common after shock insults and may act as a reservoir for intensive care unit-acquired infections and subsequent remote organ failure . Secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA), the principle immunoglobulin in intestinal secretions, is the first line of defense of mucosal surfaces . Although HS and gut bacterial overgrowth are often temporarily related, their combined effect on IgA is unknown and served as the basis for this study . After sham or HS, self-filling blind loops (SFBL) were created to affect bacterial overgrowth . Intestinal secretions were obtained 7 days later from SFBL and jejunal segments for quantitative culture . Gut washings were also obtained and secretory IgA levels determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay . Bacterial overgrowth in the SFBL was associated with significant increases in IgA levels in the sham group only . IgA levels were depressed in both jejunal and SFBL segments in the HS group . Impaired humoral mucosal defense may be important mechanistically in the development of nosocomial infections and organ failure after HS, particularly with concurrent gut bacterial overgrowth.

J Vet Dent, 1995 Sep, 12(3), 87 - 91
Use of an oral antiseptic bioadhesive tablet in dogs; Gruet P et al.; V3703 (Stomadhex) is a tablet with bioadhesive properties enabling it to remain in place for several hours after it has been placed on the oral mucosa . It continuously releases chlorhexidine and niacinamide . In a study conducted in 15 dogs, the tablets were well tolerated by the animals . The product significantly reduced (p < 0.05): dental plaque; quantitative periodontopathogen and total anaerobic bacterial counts; spirochetes; and halitosis when used daily over a 14 day period . Gingivitis was also reduced, though not significantly (p = 0.07) . Stomadhex treatment can provide a carry-over effect following dental scaling by reducing oral microflora and retarding the reappearance of dental plaque.

Contraception, 1998 Jun, 57(6), 381 - 4
Influence of hormonal contraceptives on microbial flora of gingival sulcus; Klinger G et al.; To determine a possible influence of two different hormonal contraceptives on bacterial microflora of gingival sulcus, subgingival plaque samples of 29 healthy women aged between 20 and 32 years were investigated bacteriologically before subjects took a contraceptive and 10 and 20 days after subjects started the medication . In 14 women, and oral contraceptive containing 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg desogestrel (preparation A) was used, and 15 women took a contraceptive containing 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 2.00 mg dienogest (preparation B) daily over 21 days . There were no changes in clinical parameters of the teeth investigated during 3 weeks of the study . The periodontopathogenic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were never detected throughout the study . On the other hand, the periodontopathogenic species Prevotella intermedia was found in plaque samples of 22 women . The content of this microorganism showed only a little change between the pretreatment period and plaque sampling after 10 days of contraceptive treatment, but a striking increase occurred after 20 days of contraceptive treatment, especially in the preparation A group . In this respect, there was a significant difference between preparations A and BPIP: Several studies have suggested an association between sex hormones and chronic inflammatory periodontal disease . This study investigated the impact of two oral contraceptives (OCs) on bacterial microflora of gingival sulcus samples obtained from 29 women 20-32 years of age recruited from Jena (Germany) University Women's Hospital . Study participants were randomly assigned to receive an OC containing either 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.15 mg of desogestrel (n = 14) or 0.03 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 2.00 mg of dienogest (n = 15) . Subgingival plaque samples were obtained before and 10 and 20 days after the initiation of OC use . No changes in clinical parameters of the upper incisors (i.e., bleeding on probing, pocket depth, plaque) occurred in either study group during 21 days of OC use . Although Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were not detected, 22 plaque samples showed evidence of the periodontopathogenic bacteria Prevotella intermedia . The mean cultivable content of this microorganism increased significantly in users of the OC containing desogestrel from 1.2% at day 10 of OC use to 10.0% at day 20, but decreased slightly in women assigned to the OC containing dienogest and a higher dose of ethinyl estradiol . Good oral hygiene is essential in pregnancy and during OC use to compensate for hormonal influences and prevent gingivitis .

Vet Hum Toxicol, 1998 Aug, 40(4), 216 - 8
Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) toxicosis in cattle; Kerr LA et al.; Four of approximately 15 dry cows introduced on a 10-acre fescue-clover-orchard grass-Dallis grass pasture in East Tennessee became recumbent . Clinical findings included depression, muscle tremors, increased heart and respiratory rates, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hyperkalemia, azotemia, and elevated creatinine phosphokinase . Three cows recovered; 1 died . Differential diagnoses considered were hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, rabies and toxicoses from Amaranthus retroflexus (pigweed), Quercus spp (oak), Cassia spp (senna) oxalate (Aspergillus niger or flavus), mycotoxicosis, lead, arsenic or insecticides . Pigweed toxicosis was confirmed based on clinical and postmortem findings, partially ingested pigweed in the pasture, and ruling out other possible causes . Several factors probably contributed to this incident: since the cattle were newly introduced to the pasture, the cattle may have been attracted to the pigweed in the new pasture and became addicted to it; their rumen microflora had little time to acclimate to the pigweed; and dry weather produced poor forage quality thus forcing the cows to eat the pigweed.

Singapore Med J, 1998 Apr, 39(4), 145 - 50
The role of dietary nucleotides in neonatal and infant nutrition; Yu VY; Human milk has a higher concentration of nucleotides than bovine milk which is the source of most infant formulas . As the composition of human milk is considered the 'gold standard,' an increasing number of infant formulas are supplemented with nucleotides . This review summarises the biology of human milk nucleotides and evaluates the studies which investigated the clinical benefits of feeding infants with nucleotide-supplemented formulas . Although dietary nucleotides have been suggested to have beneficial gastrointestinal and immunological effects, nucleotide-supplemented formula feeding has not been shown to confer the same benefits as breast feeding, and randomised controlled trials have yet to prove that healthy term infants fed nucleotide-supplemented formulas compared to those fed nonsupplemented formulas, have accelerated physical growth and neurological development, better growth and development of their gastrointestinal tract resulting in improved digestive and absorptive functions, enhanced development of their immune system resulting in increased resistance to infection and lower bacterial and viral infection rates during infancy, and a more favourable intestinal microflora associated with a lower rate of infectious diarrhoea . However, a randomised controlled trial has reported that term infants with severe intrauterine growth retardation do have better catch-up growth with nucleotide supplementation . The hypothesis that nucleotides are semi-essential nutrients needs to be further studied, in particular in the presence of prematurity, fetal growth retardation, intestinal injury and limited nutrient intake . As no deleterious effects have been reported with the use of nucleotide-supplemented formulas, the first of which was introduced over 30 years ago, such products are considered safe when nucleotides are supplemented to an amount equivalent to the free nucleotide concentration of human milk . More basic and clinical research studies are awaited to further define the biology and role of human milk nucleotides, and to critically assess the potential benefits and appropriate level of nucleotide supplementation of infant formula.

Dermatology, 1998, 196(4), 474 - 7
Ketoconazole shampoo: effect of long-term use in androgenic alopecia; Pierard-Franchimont C et al.; BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of androgenic alopecia is not fully understood . A microbial-driven inflammatory reaction abutting on the hair follicles might participate in the hair status anomaly . OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine if ketoconazole (KCZ) which is active against the scalp microflora and shows some intrinsic anti-inflammatory activity might improve alopecia . METHOD: The effect of 2% KCZ shampoo was compared to that of an unmedicated shampoo used in combination with or without 2% minoxidil therapy . RESULTS: Hair density and size and proportion of anagen follicles were improved almost similarly by both KCZ and minoxidil regimens . The sebum casual level appeared to be decreased by KCZ . CONCLUSION: Comparative data suggest that there may be a significant action of KCZ upon the course of androgenic alopecia and that Malassezia spp . may play a role in the inflammatory reaction . The clinical significance of the results awaits further controlled study in a larger group of subjects.

Aviakosm Ekolog Med, 1998, 32(2), 61 - 8
{Comparative evaluation of microorganisms biological characteristics isolated in the orbital complex "Mir" on different phases of its operation}; Viktorov AN et al.; Colonizing and bio-destructive activities and pathogenetic potential of microorganisms isolated from the MIR environment at different phases of its operations were tested and evaluated in comparison with standard "museum" cultures of analogous species . Comparison of bacterial and fungal species revealed certain cultural, biochemical, and morphological distinctions of the "flight" strains . However, to assess the character and the risk associated with peculiar evolution of microflora in long-term space missions, more careful investigations should be followed with the use of the strain genetic labeling and other modern techniques.

Acta Otolaryngol, 1998 Jun, 118(3), 381 - 5
Ribotyping of strains of Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis cultured from the nasopharynx and middle ear of children with otitis media; Brygge K et al.; Moraxella (Branhaomella) catarrhalis is frequently present in the nasopharyngeal microflora of small children, especially during episodes of acute otitis media . By means of ribotyping (restriction endonuclease analysis of chromosomal DNA combined with rRNA probing), we studied the genetic heterogeneity of 78 cultures of M . catarrhalis obtained from different localities in the nasopharynx of nine young children with secretory otitis media . Using HindIII and PstI as endonucleases, five different ribotypes were recognized, representing at least five different genotypes of M . catarrhalis . The distribution of these types was found to be almost identical to the distribution among 16 M . catarrhalis strains cultured from middle ear exudates of 16 children with acute otitis media . Ribotype HAPA was found in two-thirds of all the cultures investigated, and 44% of the children harboured more than one ribotype in the nasopharynx at the same time . The vast majority of the nasopharyngeal M . catarrhalis cultures were beta-lactamase positive . One child had both a HAPA ribotype, beta-lactamase-negative strain in the nasopharyngeal secretions, and HAPA ribotype, beta-lactamase-positive strains at the entrance of the eustachian tube, the nasopharyngeal tonsils, the folds of the nasopharyngeal tonsils and the oropharynx . All except one of the M . catarrhalis strains cultured from middle ear exudates were beta-lactamase positive.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1998, 43(6), 20 - 3
{Isolation and identification of Mycobacterium cultures antagonistic to phytopathogenic microflora}; Kozlovskaia NV et al.; A number of saprophytic bacteria were isolated from natural substrates . Their identification showed that the majority of the isolates belonged to the genus Mycobacterium . The previously developed test-system including treatment of soil substrates by alkali and the use of optimal nutrient media provided preferencial isolation of saprophytic mycobacteria . The primary studies demonstrated that the cultures belonging to the genus Mycobacterium had antifungal properties and might be promising for screening antagonists of phytopathogens.

Oral Dis, 1997 Dec, 3(4), 254 - 61
Characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis patients with self-reported sicca symptoms: evaluation of medical, salivary and oral parameters; Jensen JL et al.; OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence of sicca symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-patients, and to evaluate medical, salivary, and oral parameters in matched subgroups of patients with and without sicca symptoms as well as in healthy controls . PATIENTS AND METHODS: The prevalence of self-reported sicca symptoms was examined by a postal questionnaire in a representative cohort of RA-patients (n = 105, aged 52-74 years, disease duration 10-20 years, 77% females, 56% RF-positive) . Patient subgroups and controls (9-10 in each group) underwent examinations of disease activity, blood analyses, tests of tear and salivary secretion, and examination of oral mucosa and microflora . Analyses of salivary acidic proline-rich proteins (PRPs), statherin and histatins were performed . RESULTS: One or more sicca symptoms were reported by 65% of RA-patients . Sicca patients (having > or = 4 sicca symptoms) had a more active and severe disease with higher scores for disability, fatigue and tender joints than patients without such symptoms . Other significant findings in the sicca group were lower values of unstimulated whole saliva, output of PRPs, statherin and histatins in submandibular saliva, and higher counts of oral Candida species . CONCLUSIONS: Sicca symptoms were prevalent in RA . Qualitative and quantitative salivary tests distinguished between sicca and non-sicca RA-patients, though overlap was considerable for some parameters.

Stomatologiia (Mosk), 1998, 77(3), 37 - 8
{A comparative evaluation of the efficacy of the isolated and joint use of dioksizol and low-frequency ultrasound in the combined treatment of phlegmons of the maxillofacial area}; Agapov VS et al.; The effects of dioxycol and low-frequency ultrasound alone and in combinations on the microflora of suppurative wounds formed after opening of maxillofacial phlegmons are assessed in 142 patients . Clinical and laboratory findings indicate a higher efficacy of combined use of these treatment modalities, which are recommended for optimal local treatment of purulent maxillofacial wounds.

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 1998 May-Jun, 40(1-2), 154 - 9
Impact of wastewater treatment plant discharge on enzyme activity in freshwater sediments; Montuelle B et al.; The biological self-purification processes are a central point for the ecological states of rivers . The degradation efficiency of pollutants is mainly due to the microflora and can be detected with enzyme-activity tests . Extracellular-enzyme activity of freshwater sediments was measured, in a microcosm, versus different pollution levels caused by organic wastewater treatment plant (WTP) discharges . Biochemical evaluation of Vmax values for each exoenzyme appears to be a function of the organic matter content of the WTP effluent (Fig . 2) . Glucosidase and peptidase reveal a significant negative correlation (respectively, r = 0.99, with P < 0.02; and r = 0.853, with P < 0.08) of Vmax versus DOC concentration (i.e., an inhibition effect) . The same relationships were observed with K(m) values, beta-Glucosidase and aminopeptidase activity are well described by the Michaelis-Menten equation, but linearization with the Lineweaver-Burk equation does not fit with a simple type of inhibition . Two sediments (sand and silt) have been tested, and the differences in the exoenzyme activity of the two sediments after WTP effluent input could be explained by their physicochemical differences . The effects of WTP effluents on a freshwater sediment indicate that, in the current experiments, the microbial potential exoenzyme activity does not increase: this finding implies that, in rivers, the global hydrolytic potential could remain steady down-stream of a discharge point.

J Dairy Sci, 1998 May, 81(5), 1412 - 9
Dietary supplements of folic acid during lactation: effects on the performance of dairy cows; Girard CL et al.; The present experiment was undertaken to determine the effects of dietary supplements of folic acid administered from 4 wk prepartum to 305 d of lactation on lactational performance . Sixty-three Holstein cows were assigned to 22 blocks of 3 cows according to lactation number, milk production, and body weight (BW) . Within each block, cows received 0, 2, or 4 mg of folic acid/kg of BW per d . Dietary supplements of folic acid increased serum and milk folates but affected milk production and composition of primiparous and multiparous cows differently . Supplementary folic acid had little effect on milk production and composition of primiparous cows, except that milk production decreased during the first 100 d of lactation . However, during a complete lactation (3 to 305 d after calving), supplementary folic acid was associated with increased milk production by multiparous cows (8284 +/- 560, 8548 +/- 380, and 8953 +/- 191 kg for cows fed diets supplemented with 0, 2, and 4 mg of folic acid/kg of BW per d, respectively) . The percentage of ash in milk was decreased for cows fed the highest amount of dietary folic acid . During the first 100 d of lactation, supplementary folic acid was associated with a lower concentration of nonprotein nitrogen in the milk of multiparous cows . The present study confirms results obtained previously, suggesting that, although the supply of folates from an unsupplemented diet and the ruminal microflora is sufficient to avoid a deficiency in folic acid, supplementary folic acid may increase the milk production of cows in the second lactation or greater.

Bioessays, 1998 Apr, 20(4), 336 - 43
Host-microbial symbiosis in the mammalian intestine: exploring an internal ecosystem; Hooper LV et al.; The mammalian intestine contains a complex, dynamic, and spatially diversified society of nonpathogenic bacteria . Very little is known about the factors that help establish host-microbial symbiosis in this open ecosystem . By introducing single genetically manipulatable components of the microflora into germfree mice, simplified model systems have been created that will allow conversations between host and microbe to be heard and understood . Other paradigms of host-microbial symbiosis suggest that these interactions will involve an exchange of biochemical signals between host and symbionts as well as among the bacteria themselves . The integration of molecular microbiology, cell biology, and gnotobiology should provide new insights about how we adapt to a microbial world and reveal the roles played by our indigenous, 'nonpathogenic' flora.

Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1998, 43(1), 97 - 103
Screening of white-rot fungi for their ability to mineralize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil; Martens R et al.; Soil samples from an agricultural field contaminated with 10 ppm 14C-benz(a)anthracene in glass tubes were brought into contact with cultures of wood-rotting fungi, precultivated on wheat straw substrate . Forty-five strains of white-rot fungi and four brown-rot fungi were tested for their ability to colonize the soil and to mineralize 14C-benz(a)anthracene to 14CO2 within a 20-week incubation time . Twenty-two white-rot fungi and all brown-rot fungi were unable to colonize the soil . Twenty-three strains of white-rot fungi, all belonging to the genus Pleurotus, colonized the soil . During the experiment the non-colonizing fungi and their substrate disintegrated more and more to a nonstructured pulp from which water diffused into the soil . The same phenomenon was observed in the control which contained only straw without fungus and contaminated soil . In samples with colonizing fungi the substrate as well as the mycelia in the soil remained visibly unchanged during the entire experiment . Surprisingly, most samples with fungi not colonizing the soil and the control without fungus liberated between 40 and 58% of the applied radioactivity as 14CO2 whereas the samples with the colonizing fungi respired only 15-25% as 14CO2 . This was 3-5 times more 14CO2 than that liberated from the control (4.9%) which contained only contaminated soil without straw and fungus . A similar result was obtained with selected colonizing and noncolonizing fungi and soil contaminated with 10 ppm 14C-pyrene . However, in pure culture studies in which 14C-pyrene was added to the straw substrate, Pleurotus sp . (P2), as a representative of the colonizing fungi, mineralized 40.3% of the added radioactivity to 14CO2 . The noncolonizing fungi Dichomitus squalens and Flammulina velutipes liberated only 17.2 or 1.7%, respectively, as 14CO2 . These results lead to the hypothesis that the native soil microflora stimulated by the formed products of straw lysis is responsible for high degradation rates found with noncolonizing fungi.

Khirurgiia (Mosk), 1998, (4), 42 - 5
{Combined therapy of trophic ulcers with protracted healing}; Babadzhanov BR et al.; The results of treatment of 126 patients with trophic ulcers of the low extremities were analyzed . Trophic ulcers in 74 patients (58.7%) appeared due to postthrombophlebitic disease, in 25 patients (19.8%) due to primary varicose veins of lower limbs, in 15 (11.9%) patients due to obliterative diseases of peripheral vessels and in 12 (9.5%)--other diseases . The duration of the illness made up from 1 to 50 years . In 26 patients (group 1) low-intensity laser irradiation (LLI) was used together with combined conservative therapy; in 32 patients (group 2) hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO), in 21 (3 group)--combined application of LLI and HBO was used . The examination of regional macrohemodynamics and microcirculation in 39 patients showed decrease of rheographic index (RI) in the shin, increase of the arterioles tone and venous outflow disturbance . The use of LLI and HBO resulted in undoubtful increase of RI and improvement of microcirculatory indexes . As a result of combined application of LLI and HBO microflora of the ulcers lowered from 10 and 10 per 1 gr in patients of group 1 and 2, respectively, in patients of group 3 there was no growth of pathogenic microflora . The investigation of humoral and cellular immunity after the application of LLI and HBO demonstrated strong immunocorrective action.

Aviakosm Ekolog Med, 1998, 32(1), 68 - 73
{Influence of various microbial contents in drinking water on cellular composition of lymphoid plaque in the small intestine of the rat}; Maslenikov IV; Morphological investigations of rats after extended period of drinking water with varying amounts of conventionally pathogenic microflora revealed changes in the cellular composition of different morphological/functional sections of lymphoid plaques in the small intestine which depended on concentrations of microorganisms . Comparing with the control, sites of lymphoid node reproduction were significantly richer in the relative number of plaques and large lymphocytes when water contained 1,000 microbial bodies in 1 cm3 . Concentrations of microorganisms higher, the parameters tended down to referential levels . Rise in water concentrations of microorganisms was associated with a decrease in the relative number of small lymphocytes, i.e . main members of the cell in lymphoid nodule mantle with the reproduction site, and an increase in the number of plasmatic cells and macrophages in the diffuse lymphoid tissue . Lymphoid nodes lacking the reproduction sites were observed in the control and in the group of animals who drank minimum microbes (100 cells in 1 cm3) . These nodules were viewed again in the rats who had drunk maximum antigens (1 000,000 cells in 1 cm3) . These changes point to proliferation and differentiation of lymphoid cells driven by water microorganisms, and inhibition of these processes by water concentrations of conventionally pathogenic microflora above 1,000 microbial bodies in 1 cm3.

Aviakosm Ekolog Med, 1998, 32(1), 29 - 35
{Human cellular immunity and space flights}; Lesniak AT et al.; Results of studying cellular immunity of crew members of long-term space missions, data of an experiment with extended head-down tilting of human subjects (HDT), and data obtained in the course of adapting immunologic test methods for the use in microgravity are summarized . Disorders in immunologic reactivity were shown to occur under the conditions of space flight . They included decreases in both quantitative and functional indices of cellular immunity, and emergence of signs of sensibilization to different allergens . The modified tests were evaluated by efficacy of determination of the proliferative activity of lymphocytes in minimal volumes of capillary blood inside one-piece syringes with a medium containing PHA and the Cytodex-1 suspension, evaluation of natural cytotoxicity on the level of an effector cell (number of peripheral blood lymphocytes capable of producing conjugates with fixed target cells) . Sensibilization to allergens of normal human microflora was tested in analogs of routine hematocrit capillaries used for examination of healthy donors under ordinary rest-work regimen . No significant differences between the standard and modified tests were revealed . The proposed test modifications are quite simple in use and require minimum of equipment.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1998 Jan, 73(1), 15 - 23
A review of available systems to investigate transfer of DNA to indigenous soil bacteria; Clerc S et al.; The deliberate or accidental release of genetically engineered microorganisms (GEMs) in the environment has led to some questions concerning microbial survival, transfer of DNA to the indigenous microflora and environmental consequences . Amongst horizontal gene transfer mechanisms, conjugation is probably the most frequent in the environment . With the aim of evaluating risks associated with environmental release of GEMs and their engineered DNA, studies of conjugative gene transfer between a donor strain and indigenous microflora have been conducted . Such studies required the development of a donor counterselection system to prevent growth of donor cells on transconjugant selective plates . This review summarizes the known and potential donor counterselection systems.

Egypt Dent J, 1994 Jan, 40(1), 617 - 24
Microleakage of oral microflora for porcelain and some porcelain repair materials--in vitro study; Badawi BA et al.; Repairing porcelain fractures has become of interest to the dentist . The intra oral fracture of metal-ceramic restorations may be due to inadequate metal support, excessive porcelain thickness, technical flaws, and occlusal forces . Various techniques for intra oral porcelain repair have been suggested . The resin-porcelain junction has been in question since the advent of the porcelain veneer for cast metal restorations . To enhance this, several intermediary products and techniques have been developed to increase the chemical bond between the fractured porcelain and the repair materials . Clinical procedures for porcelain repair has required roughening of porcelain surface with a rotary abrasives, application of silane followed by composite to replace the contour of the restoration (2, 13, 14) . Laboratory data suggested that the strong bond of the repair materials was developed.

Biol Pharm Bull, 1998 Apr, 21(4), 360 - 5
Metabolism of kalopanaxsaponin B and H by human intestinal bacteria and antidiabetic activity of their metabolites; Kim DH et al.; To investigate the relationship between the intestinal bacterial metabolism of kalopanaxsaponin B and H from Kalopanax pictus (Araliaceae), and their antidiabetic effect, kalopanaxsaponin B and H were metabolized by human intestinal microflora and the antidiabetic activity of their metabolites was measured . Human intestinal microflora metabolized kalopanaxsaponin B to kalopanaxsaponin A, hederagenin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside and hederagenin . The main metabolites of kalopanaxsaponin B were kalopanaxsaponin A and hederagenin . Kalopanaxsaponin H was metabolized to kalopanaxsaponin A and I, hederagenin 3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranoside and hederagenin . The main metabolites of kalopanaxsaponin H were kalopanaxsaponin I and hederagenin . Among kalopanaxsaponin B, H and their metabolites, kalopanaxsaponin A showed the most potent antidiabetic activity, followed by hederagenin . However, the main components, kalopanaxsaponin B and H, in K . pictus were inactive.

Stomatologiia (Mosk), 1998, 77(2), 35 - 6
{The clinical value of determining erythrocyte sorption capacity and the levels of middle molecules and circulating immune complexes in assessing endotoxemia in patients with abscesses and phlegmons of the maxillofacial area}; Karshiev KhK; The intoxication degree in abscesses and phlegmons of maxillofacial area may be extremely variable and connected with the microflora type, the patient's age and reactivity of the organism . We believe that the most promising markers of endogenous intoxication are the indices of sorption ability of erythrocytes, medium-weight molecule level and circulating immune complexes.

J Marmara Univ Dent Fac, 1993 Sep, 1(4), 342 - 6
Dental procedures and infective endocarditis: current approaches of periodontology departments from different centres (Part 2); Akincibay H et al.; Dental procedures performed in the oral cavity, which normally harbours an intensive microflora, can cause bacteraemia and death may result from progressive cardiac damage or uncontrollable septicemia . Different approaches to infective endocarditis related prophylaxis were found, from periodontology departments from different countries . It is our opinion of that, periodontology departments must alert related departments regarding the importance of specific bacteria involved in periodontal disease in the development of infective endocarditis following dental procedures.

J Clin Periodontol, 1998 Mar, 25(3), 260 - 7
Gingival ulceration in HIV infection . A case series and case control study; Robinson PG et al.; All cases of HIV-associated gingival ulceration seen at a dedicated dental clinic in a 5-year period were reviewed and compared against other patients attending the clinic . 94 (7.1%) of 1308 patients had 146 episodes of gingival ulceration . 89 patients had 140 episodes similar to acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) and responded well to conventional treatment for ANUG . The cases were compared with 269 controls in logistic regression . Gingival ulceration was associated with oral candidiasis, lower age and lack of AIDS diagnosis possibly due to a protective effect of co-trimoxazole medication . 5 patients with neutropenia had extensive ulceration without the microflora of ANUG . Histopathology, viral and bacterial culture revealed non-specific changes . The ulcers did not respond to the treatment regimen for ANUG but responded to treatment of their neutropenia . Gingival ulceration is not common in HIV infection . Most cases resemble severe ANUG . It is more frequent in younger people, those with oral candidiasis and without AIDS . Co-trimoxazole may be protective . A minority of cases with ulceration and associated neutropenia resembled the non-specific oral ulceration associated with HIV.

P R Health Sci J, 1997 Dec, 16(4), 359 - 67
Prevalence of skin reactions to aeroallergens in asthmatics of Puerto Rico; Montealegre F et al.; In Puerto Rico, although a high prevalence of asthma has been reported, the sensitization rates to aeroallergens in these patients is unknown . The purpose of this study using a case control design, was to determine and compare the rates of sensitization to common aeroallergens in an asthmatic population of 576 asthmatics and 144 healthy controls . A skin prick test was conducted using standardized extracts of Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) and D . pteronyssinus (Dp), house dust (HD), cat hair and epithelium (CT), dog hair and dander (DG), grass pollen mix (PG), tree pollen mix (PT), weed pollen mix (PW), Aspergillus mix (AM), mold mixes A (MA) and B (MB), Periplaneta americana (PA) and Alternaria-Hormodendrum mix (AH) . In addition, an extract from the domestic mite Blomia tropicalis (Bt) was also used . A wheal > or = 3 mm2 was considered a positive reaction . In addition, a standardized questionnaire was administered and a preliminary domestic mite identification survey was conducted . The analysis of the data showed that 85.8% of the asthmatics had at least one positive reaction and 61.6% of them had positive skin reactions to atleast one mite species . Asthmatics reacted to domestic mites 6.19 times more than the control group (p < 0.0001) and was the largest significant difference found in this study for any allergen tested . Preliminary identification of the acarologic fauna in southern Puerto Rico demonstrated that Blomia tropicalis, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, D . farinae and E . maynei are the dominant domestic mite species found in homes of asthmatic individuals . These results demonstrate that domestic mites are a very important source of sensitizing aeroallergens for asthmatic patients in Puerto Rico . Based upon the mite survey, Blomia tropicalis plays an important role in allergic sensitization, in addition to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D . farinae . The skin prevalence to pollens and to molds may not reflect the true prevalence of sensitization to these allergens . Pollen identification and counts, and a survey of microflora of Puerto Rico are needed in order to identify and validate important allergens that eventually could be incorporated into a more appropriate panel for testing sensitization in susceptible individuals.

Klin Lab Diagn, 1998 Mar, (3), 38 - 40
{Study of antibiotic sensitivity of microorganisms by the method of diffusion in agar layers}; Serov GD et al.; The proposed method for assessing microorganism sensitivity in solid and semisolid liquid nutrient media provides more accurate results and permits isolation of resistant forms of bacteria and studies of antibiotic interactions . Bacteriological study of latent growth zones of bacteria, although rather long, makes the results more reliable . The method can be used for assessing the microflora sensitivity in patients without resorting to isolation of pure cultures and in biotechnology for isolation of new antibiotics.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1998 Mar, 178(3), 511 - 5
Immunoglobulin A response against Gardnerella vaginalis hemolysin and sialidase activity in bacterial vaginosis; Cauci S et al.; OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the immunoglobulin A immune response to Gardnerella vaginalis hemolysin and sialidase activity in vaginal fluids from patients with bacterial vaginosis . STUDY DESIGN: Nonpregnant women who were examined at a gynecologic clinic, in an age range of 18 to 62 years, were enrolled . The study population comprised 131 healthy volunteers, 32 women with bacterial vaginosis that was positive for immunoglobulin A to Gardnerella vaginalis hemolysin, 40 women with bacterial vaginosis that was negative for immunoglobulin A to Gardnerella vaginalis hemolysin, and 19 women with Candida vaginitis . Bacterial vaginosis was diagnosed by clinical criteria and Gram stain . RESULTS: Sialidase activity was present in 75% (54/72) of patients with bacterial vaginosis . Women having bacterial vaginosis and lacking a specific immunoglobulin A response had a significantly higher level of sialidase activity than patients who had an immune response against Gardnerella vaginalis hemolysin . Sialidase activity was detected in 87% (35/40) of the former subgroup of patients with bacterial vaginosis and in 59% (19/32) of women of the latter subgroup . No sialidase activity was measured in patients with candidiasis . Specificity of the assay for healthy controls was 95% (124/131 women without sialidase activity) . CONCLUSIONS: Sialidases produced by Prevotella bivia and other microorganisms present in the microflora of patients with bacterial vaginosis are very likely a virulence factor not only by destroying the mucins and enhancing adherence of bacteria but also by impairing a specific immunoglobulin A immune response against other virulence factors such as cytotoxin from Gardnerella vaginalis.

Indian J Exp Biol, 1998 Jan, 36(1), 99 - 103
Azo reductase activity of microbial population from gastrointestinal tract segments of various animals species; Singh S et al.; Azo reductase activity of microbial population of stomach, small intestine, caecum and large intestine of different animals was investigated . There was low activity in stomach flora of wistar rat and 3 strains of mice . Flora of proximal portion of small intestine in different species revealed that carnivorous animals exhibited maximum activity followed by grazing animals . Maximum activity in middle portion of small intestine was noted in dog (98.2%), while minimum was observed in guinea pig (23.3%) . Majority of test animals revealed maximum floral azo reductase activity (58-98%) in caecum . Activity in proximal portion of large intestine was highest in dog while pigeon and guinea pig had least activity (23.3-27.1%) . Appreciable microbial activity in distal end of large intestine was noted in sheep and goat . In all the 15 animal species investigated caecum showed maximum activity followed by pre and post caecal segments while stomach possessed the least . The results suggest that inter-species differences exist in microbial reductive activity which may be due to variation in composition and distribution of GI tract microflora and thus can influence toxicological implication of various dyes.

J Anim Sci, 1998 Mar, 76(3), 906 - 14
Methane output and lactation response in Holstein cattle with monensin or unsaturated fat added to the diet; Sauer FD et al.; We measured effects of continuous vs twice-daily feeding, the addition of unsaturated fat to the diet, and monensin on milk production, milk composition, feed intake, and CO2-methane production in four experiments in a herd of 88 to 109 milking Holsteins . Methane and CO2 production increased with twice-daily feeding, but the CO2:CH4 ratio remained unchanged . Soybean oil did not affect the milkfat percentages, but fatty acid composition was changed . All saturated fatty acids up to and including 16:0 decreased (P < .01), whereas 18:0 and trans 18:1 increased (P < .001) . The 18:2 conjugated dienes also increased (P < .01) when the cows were fed soybean oil . Monensin addition to the diet at 24 ppm decreased methane production (P < .01); the CO2:CH4 ratios reached 15, milk production increased (P < .01), and milkfat percentage and total milkfat output decreased (P < .01), as did feed consumption, compared with cows fed diets without monensin (P < .05) . Milk fatty acid composition showed evidence of depressed ruminal biohydrogenation: saturated fatty acids (P < .05) decreased and 18:1 increased (P < .001); most of the increase was seen in the trans 18:1 isomer . As with soybean oil feeding, addition of monensin also increased (P < .05) the concentration of conjugated dienes . The monensin feeding trial was repeated 161 d later with 88 cows, of which 67 received monensin in the diet in the first trial and 21 cows were newly freshened and had never received monensin . Methane production again decreased (P < .05), but this time the CO2:CH4 ratio did not change and all other monensin-related effects were absent . The ruminal microflora in the cows that had previously received monensin seemed to have undergone some adaptive changes and no longer responded as before.

Dig Dis Sci, 1998 Jan, 43(1), 162 - 5
Colonic luminal hydrogen sulfide is not elevated in ulcerative colitis; Moore J et al.; It has been proposed that the reduction in n-butyrate oxidation by colonic epithelial cells observed in ulcerative colitis may be related to exposure to reduced forms of sulfur derived from dissimilatory sulfate reduction by luminal microflora . This study aims to compare stool sulfide concentrations in control and colitic subjects . Control subjects had significant colorectal disease excluded by virtue of their selection . Patients with ulcerative colitis were stratified by disease extent and activity, and by salicylate drug use . Stool sulfide was measured using a direct spectrophotometric method on NaOH (free sulfide) and zinc acetate (total sulfide) stool slurries . Fifteen control and 19 colitic subjects were studied . There was no significant difference in stool sulfide between control and colitic patients (free sulfide, control = 0.52 (0.17), colitic = 0.45 (0.10), t = 0.36, P = 0.71, total sulfide, control = 1.33 (0.21), colitic = 0.96 (0.15), t = 1.44, P = 0.16) . Disease extent or activity did not significantly influence stool sulfide . These results do not support a primary etiologic role for luminal sulfide in ulcerative colitis.

J Vet Pharmacol Ther, 1998 Feb, 21(1), 47 - 53
The use of microbiological end-points in the safety evaluation and elaboration of maximum residue limits for veterinary drugs intended for use in food producing animals; Woodward KN; The safety evaluation of veterinary drugs intended for use in food producing animals relies heavily on the results of toxicity studies in laboratory animals, supported where possible by any data resulting from human exposure . The general approach involves the calculation of an acceptable daily intake which in turn can be used to elaborate maximum residue limits . It is an approach used in the European Union, in other countries and at the international level . In recent years, concern has been expressed over the presence of microbiologically active residues of veterinary drugs in food and their possible effects on the human gastrointestinal microflora . Methodologies for conducting microbiological safety studies have been investigated and approaches to microbiological safety assessments have been debated . The whole approach has proved to be controversial, partly because there are considerable doubts over the ability of low concentrations of antibiotic substances to produce adverse effects on the human gut flora and partly because there are no validated methods for testing for these attributes . This paper reviews the problems in some detail and discusses the regulatory consequences.

Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst, 1995, 12(2-3), 101 - 49
Approaches and opportunities in colon-specific drug delivery; Rubinstein A; With the determination of the exact mode of action of sulfasalazine 20 years ago, attention and interest was drawn to the colonic delivery of drugs . A few years before that it became clear that some orally administered laxative drugs are active only after arrival at the large intestine . This resulted in research activity that led to the development of colonic dosage forms . Two major approaches were reported: (1) protective coats that bring the dosage form as close as possible to the colon after oral administration, (2) prodrugs, polymeric prodrugs, and biodegradable polymers that are degraded mostly by the unique enzymes of the colon . Usually, these enzymes are related to the normal colonic microflora . The new drug carriers were examined in vitro and in vivo (laboratory animals) . Recently, an increasing number of studies suggest the use of polysaccharide hydrogels for oral delivery of colon-specific drug carriers . Colonic delivery of drugs is associated with the local delivery of salicylate derivatives to the large intestine for the topical treatment of ulcerative colitis and sometimes the local treatment of irritable bowel syndrome . A common belief is that colonic delivery for orally administered protein drugs is possible because of the postulated low proteolysis activity in the large intestine, an assumption that requires further verification . Yet, other opportunities for colonic delivery of drugs also exist . Some recent examples include bypassing small intestine metabolism, achieving constant absorption rates for some molecules, and delivering cationized antioxidant enzymes to the colonic epithelium . This article reviews the surge of research activity in the new area of colon-specific drug delivery systems and suggests some possible therapeutic opportunities in this field.

Int J Food Microbiol, 1997 Sep 16, 38(2-3), 85 - 93
Assessment of the hygienic performances of an air-cooling process for lamb carcasses and a spray-cooling process for pig carcasses; Gill CO et al.; The air-cooling process for carcasses at a lamb slaughtering plant and the blast-plus-spray-cooling process for carcasses at a pig slaughtering plant were examined . Temperature histories were collected from the deep leg, the aitch bone pocket surface and randomly selected surface sites of carcasses passing through each process . For each process, sets of 25 temperature histories were collected for each type of site, with a single history being collected from each of 75 randomly selected carcasses . A swab sample was obtained from a randomly selected site on each of 25 randomly selected carcasses entering and 25 leaving each process . Total aerobic counts, coliforms and Escherichia coli were enumerated in each sample . Lamb carcasses resided in the chiller for between 17.5 and 66.8 h, and pig carcasses for between 14.8 and 24.5 h . All the lamb carcasses attained deep leg and aitch bone pocket surface temperatures < 7 degrees C as did most pig carcasses . However, those temperatures remained > 13 degrees C in 8% of pig carcasses . Such inadequate cooling of pig carcasses was not apparent in temperature histories from randomly selected surface sites as such sites on both pig and lamb carcasses all attained temperatures < 7 degrees C . Proliferation values for E . coli and psychotrophic pseudomonads calculated for the temperature history from each randomly selected surface site indicated that growth of E . coli on either lamb or pig carcasses would be undetectable, but that increases in the log numbers of total aerobic counts of > 1 and < 1 during the cooling processes could be expected for lamb and pig carcasses respectively . Enumerations of bacteria showed that bacteria on pig carcasses behaved much as would be expected from the temperature histories from randomly selected sites . However, on lamb carcasses the log numbers of bacteria were reduced by about 0.5, 1.5 and 2 for total aerobic counts, coliforms, and E . coli, respectively . The findings indicate that microbiological data are required to properly assess the microbiological effects of carcass cooling processes because, in some, factors other than temperature determine the behavior of the microflora.

Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent, 1997 Aug, 17(4), 368 - 77
The influence of end abutment and cantilever fixed partial dentures on periodontal health; Stelzel M et al.; The influence of end abutment and cantilever fixed partial dentures on periodontal health was examined in 12 patients with periodontally reduced residual dentition . The prosthetic appliances had been integrated for 4 to 6 years before the first follow-up examination and had no technical defects at baseline . Two follow-up examinations were performed at a 12-month interval to record clinical and microbiologic parameters of 62 abutment teeth, 45 of which were fitted with end abutment fixed partial dentures and 17 with cantilever fixed partial dentures . Both types of fixed partial dentures were represented in all patients . The patients were on a 6 to 8-week recall schedule throughout the study period and had good oral hygiene . At both examinations, subgingival plaque samples were taken at all proximal surfaces and evaluated by dark-field microscopy . The clinical parameters used were Gingival Index, Plaque Index, pocket probing depth, and attachment level . The results showed that both types of fixed partial dentures were compatible with periodontal health subject to optimal oral hygiene . The clinical parameters recorded remained stable at a very low level throughout the study period and were almost identical in both groups . A slight gain in clinical attachment level, with a mean value of 0.19 mm for abutment teeth fitted with cantilever fixed partial dentures and of 0.32 for end abutment fixed partial dentures, was registered during the study period . The composition of the subgingival plaque showed a microflora reflecting virtually health periodontal conditions . The proportion of motile rods and spirochetes was slightly elevated in both groups . In conclusion, it can be stated that both fixed partial denture types display identical characteristics in the periodontally damaged dentition and do not lead to deterioration of the periodontal situation if oral hygiene is closely monitored.

Periodontal Clin Investig, 1997 Spring, 19(1), 27 - 35
The effect of an absorbable collagen membrane on the subgingival microflora; Wang HL et al.; The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of use of an absorbable collagen membrane in guided tissue regeneration (GTR) therapy upon the subgingival microflora . The study group consisted of 12 systemically healthy patients with bilateral mandibular furcation defects with attachment loss > or = 6 mm; one site was randomly assigned for GTR treatment while the contralateral site received surgical flap debridement only . Subgingival plaque samples were collected by paper point on the day of surgery and at 2, 4 and 6 months post-surgery . Three sites were sampled in each patient: a collagen membrane site, a control surgical site, and an unoperated control site . Plaque samples were transported in a non-phosphated buffer solution and examined by phase-contrast microscopy . Cocci, rods, spirochetes, fusiforms, curved rods, and total bacteria were recorded per 10 high-power fields . Following statistical analysis utilizing the Bonferroni (Dunn) t test, no differences in total bacterial counts were found among the sites at any of the time intervals examined . Total bacterial counts were found lower at both the collagen membrane and control surgical sites post-surgery as compared to unoperated control sites, but these differences were not statistically significant (P > .05) . In addition, no significant differences were detected in bacterial profiles between sites or individual time points . Results from this 6-month limited clinical trial suggest that the placement of an absorbable collagen membrane as part of a standard surgical regimen for GTR therapy does not alter the local microflora.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1997, 156(5), 31 - 3
{The characteristics of the clinical course and treatment of suppurative wounds of the abdominal wall after the removal of a destructively altered appendix}; Zulkarneev RA et al.; Under analysis are specific features of the clinical course and treatment of infectious complications of the abdominal wall wounds in 209 patients after destructive forms of appendicitis . The microflora of the purulent wound contained gram-negative bacteria in combination with anaerobic nonclostridial flora . The electrochemically activated solution of potassium chloride EHAR-anolit and the endoscopic method were used in complex treatment of the purulent wounds . The recommended method of treatment makes the period of healing the wounds shorter and improves the results of treatment.

J Clin Dent, 1997, 8(5), 145 - 9
Clinical evaluation of the effect of a hydrogen peroxide mouth rinse, sodium bicarbonate dentifrice, and mouth moisturizer on oral health; Shibly O et al.; The objective of this 60-day single-blind, parallel trial, using 150 subjects, was to evaluate the effect of a 20% sodium bicarbonate dentifrice, a 1.5% hydrogen peroxide solution and a mouth moisturizer on oral tissues and microflora . Subjects were randomly assigned to one of five groups . The treatments were: 1) Sage dentifrice (sodium bicarbonate) . Toothette Plus containing baking soda saturated with the hydrogen peroxide solution and use of a mouth moisturizer, 2) Crest dentifrice, Toothette Plus containing baking soda saturated with the hydrogen peroxide solution and use of a mouth moisturizer, 3) Crest dentifrice, Toothette Plus containing baking soda with a control solution and no mouth moisturizer, 4) Crest dentifrice, Toothette (without baking soda), saturated with a control solution and no mouth moisturizer, and 5) Crest dentifrice, Toothette saturated with 1.5% flavored H2O2 and no mouth moisturizer . From a subgroup of 35 patients (seven from each group) buccal smears for exfoliative cytology were taken as were supragingival microbiological samples from the mesial aspect of first molars (pooled) . Buccal smears were evaluated for signs of histopathological changes . Microbiological samples from supra- and subgingival plaque for P . gingivalis, P . intermedia, A . actinomycetemcomitans . A viscosus, F . nucleatum, F . sanguis and C . albicans were evaluated . Clinical parameters measured were a stain index (SI), the modified gingival index (MGI), and a plaque index (PI) . There were no adverse changes in the oral microflora and no anaplastic or other pathological changes in any subjects . Clinical parameters showed a statistically significant reduction in the MGI ranging from 26.7-29.9% with no significant differences among the groups (p > 0.05) . The PI showed small reductions in all groups except group 2, but the differences were not statistically significant from each other or baseline (p > 0.05) . The SI revealed slight increases in all groups and no differences among the groups . It can be concluded that use of Sage dentifrice, Toothette Plus saturated with Perox-A-Mint and Sage Mouth Moisturizer are safe to oral tissues . Using these components did not result in clinically noticeable stain formation, promote plaque formation, or produce any significant adverse changes in the oral microflora.

Ont Dent, 1996 Nov, 73(9), 26 - 30
Systemic antibiotics in periodontal therapy . Friend or foe?
Hiltz AM.
Systemic antibiotic therapy appears to be beneficial in resolving certain periodontal infections and associated disease . An important point to be stressed though is that antibiotic therapy should be based on a comprehensive microbiological analysis of the disease-associated microflora and related antibiotic susceptibilities, rather than used indiscriminately which may induce antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria and possible superinfection . Finally, systemic antibiotic therapy should never be used solely as a substitute for mechanical debridement with or without surgery but rather as a valuable adjunct in particular periodontal cases.

Oral Microbiol Immunol, 1996 Dec, 11(6), 371 - 80
Oral diseases, mycology and periodontal microbiology of HIV-1-infected women; Brady LJ et al.; HIV-1 infection is increasing more rapidly among heterosexual women . Relatively limited information is available on HIV-related oral pathoses in these individuals . To gain insight into the type and occurrence of oral lesions in this population, 25 HIV-1 infected women including asymptomatic, symptomatic and AIDS patients were examined clinically and sampled for detection of oral yeast and characterization of their subgingival microbial flora . Sixty percent of the subjects were African-American, with 80% infected via heterosexual contact . Oral candidiasis was the most common nonperiodontal oral lesion, observed in 44% of the patients . Oral yeast was cultured from all women with candidiasis and 76% of the total subjects . Oral hairy leukoplakia was clinically diagnosed in 16% of the subjects . Clinically mild to moderate gingivitis and periodontitis were observed in 84% and 52% of the patients, respectively . Candidiasis and the presence of cultivable yeast were observed in patients with low, intermediate, and high CD4+ T lymphocyte numbers . Plaque samples were collected from each subject and enumerated by predominant cultivable methods, selective media and microscopy . No differences were detected in the microflora associated with seropositive women with existing periodontitis relative to those without periodontitis or to seronegative women with periodontitis . Candidiasis was the most notable oral clinical manifestation in the HIV-1-infected women and may be a useful clinical indicator of early immune dysfunction mediated by HIV-1.

Xenobiotica, 1997 Dec, 27(12), 1225 - 36
Biliary excretion and microfloral transformation of major conjugated metabolites of 2,4-dinitrotoluene and 2,6-dinitrotoluene in the male Wistar rat; Mori MA et al.; 1 . Major biliary conjugates of the male Wistar rat dosed orally with 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) or 2,6-dinitrotoluene (2,6-DNT) were examined by hplc using potassium 2,4-dinitrobenzyl glucuronide (potassium 2,4-DNB-G), potassium 2,6-dinitrobenzyl glucuronide (potassium 2,6-DNB-G), pyridinium 2,4-dinitrobenzyl sulphate (pyridinium 2,4-DNB-S) and pyridinium 2,6-dinitrobenzyl sulphate (pyridinium 2,6-DNB-S) as authentic compounds . Other metabolites were also examined by hplc . In addition, metabolites formed by incubation of potassium 2,4-DNB-G and potassium 2,6-DNB-G with rat intestinal microflora under nitrogen were examined by hplc . 2 . Conjugates detected directly from bile following administration of 2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT were 2,4-DNB-G and 2,6-DNB-G, which accounted for 35.0 and 51.5% of the administered dose respectively . No peaks corresponding to pyridinium 2,4-DNB-S and pyridinium 2,6-DNB-S were detected in bile samples . 3 . 2-Amino-4-nitrotoluene, 4-amino-2-nitrotoluene, 2,4-diaminotoluene and 4-acetylamino-2-nitrobenzoic acid (0.02-0.12% of the dose excreted in 24 h), in addition to the known metabolites 2,4-dinitrobenzyl alcohol (2,4-DNB), 2,4-dinitrobenzaldehyde and 2,4-dinitrobenzoic acid (0.09-0.14%), were detected in ether extracts of bile of rat given 2,4-DNT . 2,6-Dinitrobenzyl alcohol (2,6-DNB), 2-amino-6-nitrotoluene and 2,6-dinitrobenzaldehyde (0.02-0.03%), which are known metabolites, were detected in ether extracts of bile from rat given 2,6-DNT . 4 . Potassium 2,4-DNB-G was transformed by the anaerobic incubation of rat intestinal microflora into 2,4-DNB, 4-amino-2-nitrobenzyl alcohol and 2-amino-4-nitrobenzyl alcohol . Potassium 2,6-DNB-G was transformed into 2,6-DNB and 2-amino-6-nitrobenzyl alcohol by the anaerobic incubation . Time-course studies showed that 2,4-DNB, 4-amino-2-nitrobenzyl alcohol, 2-amino-4-nitrobenzyl alcohol and 2,6-DNB, 2-amino-6-nitrobenzyl alcohol peaked at 30, 75, 120 and 10, 50 min respectively . 5 . These results, together with previous findings, show that 2,4-dinitrobenzaldehyde and 2,6-dinitrobenzaldehyde, which are potent mutagens, are formed either by the hepatic metabolism of 2,4-DNB and 2,6-DNB formed by the intestinal metabolism of 2,4-DNB-G and 2,6-DNB-G excreted in bile or by the direct hepatic metabolism of 2,4-DNT and 2,6-DNT.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1995 Jul-Aug, (4), 99 - 101
{The significance of individual carboxylic acids in the feces in the diagnosis of dysbacteriosis}; Mitrokhin SD et al.; During the survey of children with different state of intestinal microflora the amount of carboxylic acids excreted with feces by these children was found to depend on the degree of the microecological imbalance of the intestine . As revealed in this study, significant changes in the excretion of a number of volatile fatty acids released as metabolites of intestinal microflora were observed as early as at the initial stages of the development of microbiological imbalance.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1995 Jul-Aug, (4), 95 - 8
{An analysis of the information system controlling the status of the normal skin microflora and in pathology}; Mal'tsev VN et al.; The skin microflora of healthy adults and patients with acute respiratory diseases has been studied . As revealed in this study, the optimum conditions for functioning the information system are observed in summer . After the action of unfavorable factors the activity of the system deteriorates due to the appearance of disturbances in the paths of the transmission of information . In response, the content of general information in the system increases, while the volume of useful information, necessary for the realization of the effector function, decreases . To stabilize its activity, the system spends its information reserves . These changes in the activity of the system, controlling the permanence of microflora and immunity, are slightly pronounced in winter and reach their maximum manifestation at the peak of acute respiratory disease.

Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig, 1997, 48(2), 149 - 61
{The breakdown of aromatic hydrocarbons in the aqueous environment}; Bogacka T et al.; The purpose of this study was to establish the dynamics and kinetics of the aromatic hydrocarbons breakdown in aqueous environment . The investigated compounds were: benzene, toluene, m-xylene, p-xylene and styrene . These substances even in low concentrations threaten surface waters taken for municipal purposes because of their toxicity and also mutagenic and tumorigenic properties . The study was carried out under model conditions simulating the environment of river water moderately contaminated and laboratory water ecosystem . The obtained results indicate that the concentration of aromatic hydrocarbons, river microflora adapted to the environment of aromatic hydrocarbons as well as decreased temperature affected the process of the aromatic hydrocarbons' degradation . Due to the significant evaporation, the studied compounds are present in river water only for a short period of time . The half-times calculated in accordance with the kinetic equation of 1st order amounted to 1.1- 8.7 days; the contribution of evaporation was on average 28% . When the microflora had been adapted to the presence of these compounds, the process of degradation was as rule more rapid for both investigated temperatures (20 degrees C and 8 degrees C) and for most of the series . This process was slowed down by temperature fall to about 8 degrees C, but only in the range of low concentrations (1-32 mg/l) . This regularity was not observed for higher concentrations up to 146 mg/l . The mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons at concentrations of 3.14-37.11 mg/l, exposed for 20 days to water ecosystem under dynamic conditions was reduced up to 99% . The investigated aromatic hydrocarbons were not absorbed by Elodea canadesis and Physa fortinalis and were weakly condensed in Lebistes reticulatis (cumulation coefficients-0.5-22.8) . In the case of bottom sediments, it was stated that these compounds were not cumulated . The investigated concentrations of aromatic hydrocarbons didn't have a positive or negative effect on the aquatic biocenosis settled in the ecosystem.

Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi, 1996 Jul-Dec, 100(3-4), 148 - 51
{The sampling of pathological specimens for the diagnosis of infections in different clinical units}; Deac L et al.; The probes sampled from patients, in hospital environment, sterility control departments, air microflora, medical personnel, were tested for the global number of germs and for the positivity registered . Between 1983 and 1994, 12,785 samples for microbiological examination were sampled, aiming to give emphasis to the nosocomial from units like: internal medicine and cardiology; surgery and intensive care; neonatology and pediatrics; obstetrics and gynecology . 7,430 samples were microbiologically positive, proving the potential circulation of facultatively aerobic and aerobic-anaerobic bacterial populations . Our investigations aimed to know more about the microbial structure inside the chosen medical units . The positivity of the samples differed widely from one unit to another, and was partially influenced by the number of the accomplished investigations . The selection of the different medical services was governed by the idea of knowing that the hospitalised patients have a much higher risk of exposure to nosocomial infections, than the patients from other medical services with beds.

J Clin Gastroenterol, 1997 Dec, 25(4), 653 - 8
Crohn's disease and Escherichia coli . A new approach in therapy to maintain remission of colonic Crohn's disease?
Malchow HA.
Involvement of pathogenic or potentially pathogenic bacteria in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease has long been suggested because, among other reasons, the inflammatory response resembles that in infectious bowel diseases . Elevated antibody levels to pathogen antigens and a changed metabolic activity of the intestinal microflora have been detected in patients with Crohn's disease . Several studies have revealed a possible etiologic link between intestinal microorganisms and inflammatory bowel disease . Therefore, several therapeutic strategies, including reduction or dilution of bacterial components in the intestine by antibiotics or intestinal lavage, respectively, inactivation of inflammatory bacterial products, and reconstitution of intestinal microflora have been employed, substantiating the idea that dysfunction of the intestinal mucosal barrier and an alteration of bacterial composition contribute to the inflammatory disease . However, the beneficial effect of restoration of the physiologic intestinal microflora in colonic inflammation by exogenous administration of a viable nonpathogenic bacterium has not been investigated before in a placebo-controlled study . Promising results came from the present pilot study in which the nonpathogenic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 was tested for efficacy and tolerance in maintaining remission in patients with colonic Crohn's disease . Application of the physiologic bacteria reduced the risk for relapse and minimized the need for glucocorticoids . Therefore we are convinced that in Crohn's disease parts of the intestinal microflora, including the host's immune response toward indigenous flora or an impairment of the gut flora's metabolic activity are involved in the development or at least in the onset of relapse from remissive of colonic Crohn's disease . However, more data are necessary to prove the benefit of E . coli strain Nissle 1917 as a new therapy to maintain remission of colonic Crohn's disease.

J Clin Periodontol, 1997 Dec, 24(12), 914 - 9
Topical metronidazole application in recall patients . Long-term results; Stelzel M et al.; The aim of this randomised study in split-mouth design, in which 24 patients from the recall programme of Marburg University Department of Periodontology were enrolled, was to compare topical application of a metronidazole 25% dental gel with subgingival scaling . The clinical parameters used were pocket probing depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP); these were recorded at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 14, 18 and 24 months after completion of treatment . In addition, plaque samples were taken from all mesial pockets for evaluation by dark-field microscopy . All patients had at least one tooth in each quadrant with a PPD of 5 mm or more showing BOP when they entered the study . The treatment consisted of 2 applications of dental gel in 2 randomly selected quadrants (on days 0 and 7) as well as subgingival scaling of the remaining quadrants . Statistical evaluation of all sites with a baseline PPD of 5 mm or more showed that both methods led to a significant reduction in PPD and BOP in the first 6 months . The average reduction in PPD was 1.3 mm in the gel group and 1.5 mm in the scaling group, with the tendency to bleeding being reduced by ca . 50% in both groups . After 24 months, improvements of 0.6 mm and 0.5 mm respectively were observed in PPD . The tendency to bleeding had undergone a slight increase but was still below baseline values . No statistically significant differences were observed between the two methods, although the results recorded with subgingival scaling were slightly better . Dark-field microscopy revealed a shift in the composition of the bacterial flora, suggesting a more physiological situation, which was maintained for 6 months before reverting consistently after 18 months to the baseline values of the plaque composition . Overall, application of a metronidazole 25% dental gel led in recall patients to an improvement in the investigated clinical and microbiological parameters comparable with subgingival scaling . After 24 months, the clinical parameters still displayed a very slight improvement over baseline values; after 18 months the microflora had reverted to its baseline composition.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1998 Jan, 64(1), 359 - 62
Impact of inoculation protocols, salinity, and pH on the degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and survival of PAH-degrading bacteria introduced into soil; Kastner M et al.; Degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and survival of bacteria in soil was investigated by applying different inoculation protocols . The soil was inoculated with Sphingomonas paucimobilis BA 2 and strain BP 9, which are able to degrade anthracene and pyrene, respectively . CFU of soil bacteria and of the introduced bacteria were monitored in native and sterilized soil at different pHs . Introduction with mineral medium inhibited PAH degradation by the autochthonous microflora and by the strains tested . After introduction with water (without increase of the pore water salinity), no inhibition of the autochthonous microflora was observed and both strains exhibited PAH degradation.

Hum Exp Toxicol, 1997 Nov, 16(11), 629 - 35
The role of mouse intestinal microflora in the metabolism of trichloroethylene, an in vivo study; Moghaddam AP et al.; 1 . Both trichloroethylene and its metabolite, dichloroacetic acid, produce liver tumors peroxisome proliferation and other adverse cellular alterations in rodents . 2 . The hepatic mechanism by which dichloroacetic acid is formed is not conclusively demonstrated, but pharmacokinetic models have successfully associated its formation with trichloroacetic acid as immediate precursor . 3 . Previous investigations have shown that dichloroacetic acid is formed from trichloroacetic acid by gut microflora isolated in vitro . 4 . To determine the impact of gut microflora on dichloroacetic acid formation from a trichloroethylene dose in vivo, we developed a procedure which reduced gut microflora some 3 orders of magnitude below published levels . 5 . The administration of trichloroethylene to control mice and to mice whose gut was practically sterile resulted in equivalent concentrations of dichloroacetic acid and other metabolites in blood and liver, but significantly different content of these metabolites in cecum contents . 6 . These data indicate that gut microflora contribute minimally, if at all, to the formation of circulating dichloroacetic acid under these conditions.

J Reprod Fertil Suppl, 1997, 51, 283 - 93
New techniques using transcervical uterine cannulation for the diagnosis of uterine disorders in bitches; Watts JR et al.; A technique for collecting uterine samples from bitches without the need for surgery was developed . This technique involved visualizing the cervix with a rigid endoscope and passing a catheter through the cervix into the uterus . Samples for microbiology and cytology were obtained by the infusion and aspiration of sterile normal saline . This technique allowed uterine microbiology and cytology of the normal bitch throughout the reproductive cycle . Microorganisms were frequently recovered from the uterus during pro-oestrus and oestrus, but rarely at other stages of the reproductive cycle . The uterine microflora often reflected the vaginal microflora during pro-oestrus and oestrus . The cells found in uterine cytology samples from normal bitches included endometrial epithelial cells, leukocytes, erythrocytes, cervical cells, spermatozoa and bacteria . The types, proportions, morphology and numbers of cells varied throughout the reproductive cycle . The endoscope could be passed into the uterus and the endometrium examined from parturition until day 23 post partum . These procedures and contrast hysterography were used to investigate the reproductive tract of bitches . The above techniques have facilitated the diagnosis of postpartum metritis (n = 3), pyometra (n = 2), endometritis (n = 1), abortion (n = 1), retained placenta (n = 1), postpartum uterine rupture (n = 1), endometrial subinvolution (n = 1) and misalliance (n = 1) in 21 bitches investigated.

J Clin Periodontol, 1997 Nov, 24(11), 836 - 43
Loss of deciduous teeth and germs of permanent incisors in a 4-year-old child . An atypic prepubertal periodontitis? A clinical, microbiological, immunological and ultrastructural study; Sixou JL et al.; A 4-year-old child was referred, in April 1988, to Rennes Dental School (France) for deciduous tooth mobility with premature loss of 4 deciduous teeth and germs of 2 permanent incisors . Microbiological examinations by culture revealed the presence of the periodontal pathogen Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans . Immunofluorescence of plaque samples revealed the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis that had not been isolated by culture . Neutrophil functions were within normal ranges . Transmission electron microscopy of gingiva showed a disorganised epithelium . The connective tissue was infiltrated by inflammatory cells . The basement membranes were normal, but the connective tissue-epithelium interface was mainly composed of short rete pegs . Scanning electron microscopy of extracted deciduous teeth revealed lack of cementum, lacunae in the cementum and lack of fibrillar insertion on the middle part of the root . Skin lesions, mainly situated on face, were observed . Treatment was by extraction of mobile deciduous teeth combined with 3-week courses of metronidazole . Clinical and microbiological follow-up was continued over a 7-year period . No periodontal lesions have been detected since eruption of the permanent teeth . The present subgingival and lingual microflora (December 1995) is composed of bacteria associated with periodontal health . However, the future appearance of a hitherto undetected systemic disease is still possible.

Cancer Res, 1997 Dec 1, 57(23), 5305 - 8
Intravenous administration of irinotecan elevates the blood beta-glucuronidase activity in rats; Kaneda N et al.; 7-Ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) is the active metabolite of an anticancer drug, irinotecan (CPT-11) . Severe late diarrhea is the dose-limiting toxic effect of CPT-11 . This diarrhea has been examined regarding biliary excretion and deconjugation of SN-38 glucuronide by the enzyme beta-glucuronidase (beta-GL) in intestinal microflora . Prompted by the enzymological and structural similarity of CPT-11 to organophosphorus and carbamate insecticides, we studied the effect of CPT-11 on blood beta-GL activity in rats . The i.v . injection of CPT-11 in rats significantly elevated their plasma beta-GL activity (with phenolphthalein glucuronide as a substrate) at doses of 10 and 40 mg/kg, with peak activity observed 2-3 h after administration . SN-38 lactone and carboxylate had no effect on the plasma beta-GL level . The enhancement of the activity was also observed in serum using SN-38 glucuronide as a substrate . The serum beta-GL levels showed a close correlation between these substrates . The enhancement of plasma (serum) beta-GL activity is suggested to be a result of the release of beta-GL from liver microsomes . Serum and microsomal carboxylesterase were not significantly affected by CPT-11 administration.

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 1997 Nov, 147(1), 101 - 9
In vitro methylation of inorganic arsenic in mouse intestinal cecum; Hall LL et al.; The capacity of mouse intestinal cecal microflora to methylate inorganic arsenicals (iAs) was examined in vitro under conditions of restricted bacterial growth . Cecal contents incubated under anaerobic conditions at 37 degrees C for 21 hr methylated up to 40% of either 0.1 microM arsenite (iAsIII) or 0.1 microM arsenate (iAsV) . Methylarsenic (MAs) was the predominant metabolite; however, about 3% of either substrate was converted to dimethylarsenic (DMAs) . Over the first 6 hr, the rate of methylation was several times greater for iAsIII than for iAsV . There was a 3-hr delay in the production of methylated metabolites from iAsV, suggesting that reduction of iAsV to iAsIII before methylation could be rate limiting . Over the concentration range of 0.1 to 10 microM of iAsIII or iAsV, there was an approximately linear increase in the production of MAs and DMAs . There was evidence of saturation or inhibition of methylation at 100 microM of either substrate . Substrate concentration had little effect on MAs/DMAs ratio . Incubation of cecal contents at 0 degrees C abolished methylation of either arsenical . Under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, cecal tissue homogenates produced little MAs or DMAs from either arsenical . Addition of potential methyl group donors, L-methionine and methylcobalamin, into cecal contents significantly increased the rate of methylation, especially for iAsV . Addition of glutathione, but not L-cysteine, had a similar effect . Selenite, a recognized inhibitor of iAs methylation in mammalian tissues, inhibited methylation of either substrate by cecal contents . These data suggest that cecal microflora are a high capacity methylation system that might contribute significantly to methylation of iAs in intact animals .

Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 1997 Oct, 26(2), 210 - 8
Review and analysis of the effects of olestra, a dietary fat substitute, on gastrointestinal function and symptoms; Freston JW et al.; Olestra, a dietary fat substitute, was recently made available to consumers in savory snacks in three cities . Early reports of gastrointestinal complaints attributed to olestra attracted media coverage and fostered confusion among physicians and consumers about the nature of olestra and its effects on the digestive system . We reviewed all published studies of olestra's gastrointestinal effects and all relevant unpublished studies submitted to the Food and Drug Administration . Each study was analyzed by a group of expert gastroenterologists and epidemiologists . The symptoms reported with olestra ingestion are similar to those reported with ingestion of fiber and sorbitol, although the mechanisms involved in changing stool characteristics differ among these food additives . Olestra's effects on stool habit and characteristics are due to its presence in the stool . Large amounts are more likely to induce gastrointestinal symptoms than small amounts . There is no evidence that olestra induces pathological change in bowel function: there is no increased fluid or electrolyte nor is there altered gastrointestinal motility or microflora . Olestra and triglyceride ingestion resulted in a similar frequency of symptoms in normal adults and children and in people with chronic inflammatory bowel disease in remission . Olestra traverses the digestive tract intact to become a stool additive . Some subjects develop a change in bowel habit and stool characteristics due to the presence of more olestra in the stool . These changes resemble those associated with ingestion of sorbitol and fiber .

Carcinogenesis, 1997 Sep, 18(9), 1739 - 43
High acetaldehyde levels in saliva after ethanol consumption: methodological aspects and pathogenetic implications; Homann N et al.; Chronic ethanol ingestion leads to an enhanced risk of upper gastrointestinal tract cancer . Although many hypotheses for the tumor promoting effect of alcohol exist, the pathogenetic mechanisms remain unclear since alcohol in itself is not carcinogenic . Acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of ethanol, has been shown to have multiple mutagenic effects and to be carcinogenic to animals . Previous research has revealed that acetaldehyde can be formed from ethanol via microbial alcohol dehydrogenase . Thus, at least part of the proposed tumorigenic effect of ethanol may be linked to local production of acetaldehyde from ethanol by oral microflora . In this study we demonstrate the production of marked amounts of acetaldehyde in saliva after ingestion of moderate amounts of ethanol . Considerable inter individual variation in acetaldehyde production capacity is also shown . In vivo acetaldehyde production is significantly reduced after a 3-day use of an antiseptic mouthwash (chlorhexidine) . In vitro acetaldehyde production was shown to be linear in time, inhibited by 4-methylpyrazole and it could not be saturated under ethanol conditions that are relevant in vivo . There was a significant positive correlation between salivary acetaldehyde production in vitro and in vivo . We conclude, that the microbial formation of acetaldehyde in saliva could be one explanation for the tumor promoting effect of ethanol on the upper gastrointestinal tract . Moreover, this may support the epidemiological finding, that poor oral hygiene is an independent risk factor for oral cavity cancer.

Arch Tierernahr, 1997, 50(4), 321 - 9
Transformation of nivalenol by gastrointestinal microbes; Hedman R et al.; The capacity of the gastrointestinal microflora of pig, cow, and chicken to metabolize nivalenol (NIV) and deoxynivalenol (DON) was studied both in vivo and in vitro . Before feeding NIV to pigs, no metabolites of NIV or DON were formed in anaerobic incubates of the toxins with the pigs feces . However, after one week on a diet containing 2.5 or 5 ppm NIV, nearly all excreted NIV in feces had been de-epoxidated in five of six pigs . After three weeks on the NIV diet also the sixth pig had acquired this ability . Deoxynivalenol was also de-epoxidated when incubated in vitro with the microorganisms that formed de-epoxy-NIV in vivo . Anaerobic incubation of NIV and DON with cow rumen fluid produced de-epoxides of both toxins in a high proportion . No de-epoxide of NIV, but another unidentified metabolite was found in feces from chicken fed 2.5 or 5 ppm NIV for three weeks.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1997 Jul-Aug, (4), 87 - 8
{The role of persisting opportunistic intestinal microflora in dysbiosis in the occurrence of hepatobiliary system diseases}; Valyshev AV et al.; The state of microbiocenosis in the intestine of 89 patients with surgical pathology of biliary ducts was determined . Dysbiotic disturbances of different severity were detected in 96.6% of the examined persons . High occurrence of dysbiosis of the large intestine and the presence of the capacity for inactivating natural host resistance factors in different representatives of intestinal microflora were regarded as the cause of the development and maintenance of the inflammatory processes of the biliary ducts.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1997 Jul-Aug, (4), 111 - 5
{The differentiated correction of the local immunity of the reproductive tract by using lysozyme and immunoglobulins in pregnant women with a genital infection}; Dolgushin II et al.; Pregnant women with genital infection were locally treated with lysozyme and immunoglobulins . The use of these preparations was found to normalize the characteristics of local immunity, to influence the composition of the genital microflora and to lead to the disappearance of the clinical symptoms of the disease and to a decrease in the frequency of relapses of the inflammatory process.

Acta Microbiol Immunol Hung, 1997, 44(2), 147 - 53
Contribution to the study of surface microflora on Cantal cheese; Chabalier C et al.; Bacteria and mould were isolated from microflora of Cantal cheese rind . They were identified and the influence of pH, temperature and water activity on growth rate were studied . An equation for growth rate mu(h-1) relative to temperature is described according to a mathematical model.

Am J Physiol, 1997 Sep, 273(3 Pt 1), G565 - 70
Epithelial cell growth and differentiation . III . Promoting diversity in the intestine: conversations between the microflora, epithelium, and diffuse GALT; Gordon JI et al.; Homeostasis in the self-renewing mouse intestinal epithelium appears to be regulated in large part by cell nonautonomous mechanisms . The society of nonpathogenic bacteria that resides in the intestine is an important source of instructions that modify epithelial differentiation programs . The stability of this society is remarkable given its numerical, compositional, and spatial complexity, the openness of the ecosystem, and the fact that the epithelium is replaced so rapidly . The ability of components of this society to influence epithelial differentiation may represent a critical step in allowing specific groups of organisms to be assembled in specific regions of the gut . Simplified model systems have been created to define and dissect the conversations between microbe and host . These systems use inbred strains of mice that are raised under germ-free conditions and then monocontaminated with a single component of the microflora . The results suggest that a trialogue involving communications between the microflora, the epithelium, and the diffuse gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) may play a key role in establishing and maintaining the spatial diversity of this remarkable ecosystem.

Contraception, 1997 Aug, 56(2), 89 - 96
A phase I comparative study of contraceptive vaginal films containing benzalkonium chloride and nonoxynol-9 . Postcoital testing and colposcopy; Mauck CK et al.; Benzalkonium chloride (BZK) has been shown in in vitro and in vivo studies to immobilize sperm, to be active against STD-causing organisms, and to penetrate and thicken cervical mucus . A US clinical study of a sponge containing 60 mg BZK showed life table pregnancy rates at 6 and 12 months of 11.7 and 18.9 per 100 women, respectively . BZK is not currently marketed in the US as a contraceptive . The present study aimed to assess 1) the ability of a new contraceptive vaginal film containing either of two doses of BZK to prevent the penetration of sperm into midcycle cervical mucus; 2) the effect of the film on the vaginal epithelium; and 3) the acceptability of the film . All results were compared with VCF, a currently marketed film containing nonoxynol-9 (N-9) . Ten women underwent two baseline cycles of postcoital testing in which no film was used, followed by three test cycles in which Allendale-BZK film, a new film containing either 19 or 25 mg BZK, or VCF, containing 70 mg N-9, was used . The sequence of testing cycles was randomized . In each cycle, condoms were used prior to midcycle, then a midcycle cervical mucus specimen was examined to ensure midcycle characteristics and the absence of sperm . Each woman then had intercourse using either no film (baseline cycles) or a test film (test cycles) and returned 2-3 h afterwards . Cervical mucus was again assessed for adequacy and the presence of sperm . Each woman also underwent colposcopy, using a protocol developed by the World Health Organization . The average number of progressively motile sperm seen per high power field was as follows: first baseline cycle, 22.2; second baseline cycle, 22.1; test cycle with film containing 19 mg BZK, 0.2; test cycle with film containing 25 mg BZK, 0.0; and test cycle with VCF containing 70 mg N-9, 0.0 . There was no significant difference between baseline cycles or among test cycles in the average number of progressively motile sperm seen (p = 0.78 and p > or = 0.75, respectively) . The average number of progressively motile sperm seen in each test cycle did, however, differ significantly from the average number seen in either baseline cycle (p < 0.01) . Colposcopy showed superficial de-epithelialization without underlying inflammation in 15-20% of baseline cycles, regardless of whether colposcopy was done before or after coitus; in 50% of cycles in which either dose of BZK was used; and in 69% of cycles in which VCF was used . In all cases women were asymptomatic . Erythema and petechiae were also seen on colposcopy although at a lower frequency than de-epithelialization . There was no difference in the acceptability of the films . A vaginal contraceptive containing either 19 or 25 mg BZK in a new film base appears to be comparable with VCF in preventing sperm from entering midcycle cervical mucus and may be somewhat less disruptive to the vaginal epitheliumPIP: Both in vitro and in vivo studies have confirmed the capability of benzalkonium chloride (BZK) to immobilize sperm, protect against sexually transmitted pathogens, and penetrate and thicken cervical mucus . In this Phase I study, 10 US women underwent 2 baseline cycles followed by 3 experimental cycles in which either a new contraceptive vaginal film containing 19 or 25 mg of BZK or a currently marketed film containing 70 mg of nonoxynol-9 (N-9) was used . After a midcycle cervical mucus specimen was analyzed, each woman had intercourse using either no film or a test film and was evaluated 2-3 hours later . The average number of progressively motile sperm seen per high power field was as follows: first baseline cycle, 22.2; second baseline cycle, 22.1; test cycle with film containing 19 mg BZK, 0.2; test cycle with film containing 25 mg BZK, 0.0; and test cycle with film containing 70 mg N-9, 0.0 . Colposcopy revealed superficial de-epithelialization without underlying inflammation in 15-20% of baseline cycles, 50% of BZK test cycles, and 69% of cycles in which the N-9 film was used . Women rated both films as neutral or pleasant in terms of appearance, smell, and feel . These findings suggest that contraceptive vaginal films containing either 19 or 25 mg of BZK are as effective as N-9 containing films and may be somewhat less disruptive to the vaginal epithelium . However, since each woman used each BZK film only once, the effects of multiple use on the vaginal epithelium and microflora require further study .

Biochem Pharmacol, 1997 Jul 1, 54(1), 165 - 71
Tryptanthrins: a novel class of agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor; Schrenk D et al.; 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and related environmental pollutants exert most of their adverse effects such as immunosuppression, induction of endocrine dysfunction, tumor promotion, and teratogenicity via the aryl hydrocarbon or dioxin receptor . While most potent agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor are of synthetic origin, an increasing number of natural compounds are now recognized as receptor agonists . Our findings demonstrated that some tryptanthrin derivatives biosynthesized in incubations of Candida lipolytica with tryptophan and anthranilic acid or its derivatives were agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor . The biosynthetic products 8-methyltryptanthrin, 8-chlorotryptanthrin, and 8-bromotryptanthrin induced cytochrome P4501A1 mRNA and protein in rat hepatocytes in primary culture, characteristic features of aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists . Log-probit analysis of the catalytic activity of cytochrome P4501A1, 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), revealed EC50 induction values of 1.7, 0.25, and 0.17 microM for 8-methyltryptanthrin, 8-chlorotryptanthrin, and 8-bromotryptanthrin, respectively . Interestingly, the nonsubstituted tryptanthrin molecule, biosynthesized from the common physiological precursors tryptophan and anthranilic acid, was also active as an inducer . The specificity of the inducing effect of tryptanthrins was demonstrated in gel retardation experiments in Hepa-1 mouse hepatoma cells, showing the characteristic interaction of the activated aryl hydrocarbon receptor with an oligonucleotide containing a xenobiotic-responsive element . It is suggested that the receptor may be part of a defense system protecting higher organisms from secondary metabolites formed by the microflora of the host or its environment.

Br J Clin Pract, 1997 Apr-May, 51(3), 138 - 9
Throat swabs in chronic tonsillitis: a time-honoured practice best forgotten; Robinson AC et al.; We have estimated that in 1995 more than 2 million pounds was spent by the National Health Service on throat swabs used to investigate chronic tonsillitis in the UK . This study was devised to assess the value of this investigation . The surface microflora, obtained using a throat swab, was compared with the microflora of the deep tonsil in 30 cases of chronic tonsillitis . None of the throat swabs grew pathogenic organisms, while in 16 cases, heavy growths of recognised pathogens were grown from the tonsillar tissue . This paper demonstrates that throat swabs have little value in the management of chronic tonsillitis, and if the investigation was omitted in this condition, a substantial saving could be made.

Am J Physiol, 1997 Aug, 273(2 Pt 1), G480 - 5
Tapeworm infection decreases intestinal transit and enteric aerobic bacterial populations; Dwinell MB et al.; Intestinal myoelectric patterns in rats are altered after chronic luminal infection with the tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta . This study evaluates whether these altered patterns were associated with changes in intestinal fluid transit and endogenous enteric microbe levels . Luminal transit, measured throughout the small intestine during the interdigestive state, was significantly decreased during tapeworm infection . Reduced transit was regional, occurring in the same location as that of the tapeworm and maximal myoelectric alterations . In other experimental systems, aerobic and anaerobic bacterial overgrowth is associated with decreased transit; however, reduced transit during tapeworm infection was unexpectedly associated with decreased numbers of aerobic bacteria, whereas anaerobic bacterial populations remained unchanged . The lack of overgrowing endogenous microflora suggests that overgrowth is not responsible for tapeworm-stimulated alterations in host myoelectric patterns . We speculate that a tapeworm secretion could be responsible for both transit and motility changes while delayed intestinal transit could prevent tapeworm expulsion, aid the tapeworms' migration, and contribute to the digestion and absorption of nutrients by hosts and/or parasites.

J Hosp Infect, 1997 Jul, 36(3), 171 - 80
Microbiological quality of ice in hospital and community; Wilson IG et al.; A survey was undertaken in response to a report of a clinical infection which had been related to an ice-making machine on a hospital ward . A detailed study of the ice microflora of 27 ice-making machines was performed . In a subsequent survey, ice samples (N = 194) from establishments such as bars and hotels were examined for bacterial indicators of hygiene . Samples from hospital ice-making machines yielded low numbers of a wide range of potentially opportunistic micro-organisms, many of environmental rather than clinical origin . For ice sampled in the community, the total aerobic plate count (TAPC) at 37 degrees C for 95% of the samples was < 500 cfu/mL, and at 22 degrees C 75% had < 500 cfu/mL . Examination for coliforms showed that 69% of samples contained no coliforms, but 20% contained > 100 coliforms/100 mL . Escherichia coli was detected in three samples but in very low numbers . This report investigates the relevance of ice machines to the control of hospital infection, the hygiene of ice in the community, discusses the microbiological quality of ice and proposes possible guidelines.

Scand J Gastroenterol, 1997 Jul, 32(7), 691 - 9
Endogenous prostaglandins and microflora modulate DNA synthesis and neuroendocrine peptides in the rat gastrointestinal tract; Uribe A et al.; BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that E2 prostaglandins and the microflora may participate in the regulation of endocrine cells and of gastrointestinal cell kinetics . Our aim is to examine the actions of endogenous prostaglandins and of the microflora on gastrointestinal cell proliferation and tissue levels of neuroendocrine peptides . METHODS: Germfree and ex-germfree rats were treated with subcutaneous placebo or 1.5 mg/kg indomethacin for 3 days . All rats were labeled with 3H-methyl-thymidine, and biopsy specimens from different parts of the gastrointestinal tract were processed for autoradiography . DNA synthesis was estimated by the labeling index, except in the oxyntic mucosa, where the total number of labeled cells present in 7.5 mm mucosa was used . The concentration of neuroendocrine peptides was determined by radioimmunoassay . RESULTS: In the germfree rat, indomethacin reduced DNA synthesis in the fundus, duodenum, and proximal jejunum (P < 0.05) and the number of villous cells throughout the small intestine (P < 0.05) . Exposure to microflora increased DNA synthesis in the proximal and distal jejunum, ileum, and colon (P < 0.05 versus germfree controls) and the number of crypt cells in the distal small intestine and colon (P < 0.05) and reduced the number of villous cells in the small intestine (P < 0.05) but did not affect tissue concentrations of neuroendocrine peptides . Indomethacin increased the concentration of somatostatin in the stomach, duodenum, and colon of germfree rats (P < 0.001), the concentration of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and enteroglucagon in the proximal and distal jejunum and ileum (P < 0.001), and the concentration of glucagon in the colon (P < 0.05) . The concentrations of somatostatin, CGRP, and glucagon were lower in indomethacin-treated ex-germfree rats than in indomethacin-treated germfree rats (P < 0.01) . CONCLUSIONS: Indomethacin selectively reduced DNA synthesis in the upper gastrointestinal tract of germfree rats, indicating a basal stimulatory role for endogenous prostaglandins on cell proliferation . Endogenous prostaglandins modulate synthesis or release of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine peptides . Somatostatin may mediate indomethacin-induced reduction of DNA synthesis . The microflora stimulates cell proliferation and influences tissue levels of neuroendocrine peptides in a manner opposite to that of indomethacin.

FEBS Lett, 1997 Jun 2, 409(1), 12 - 6
Bioavailability of rutin and quercetin in rats; Manach C et al.; Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant which is widely distributed in edible plants, mainly as glycosides such as rutin . It has been reported to be absorbed in mammals, but its metabolism needs further investigation to evaluate its possible physiological effects . We compared the evolution of the absorption of quercetin and rutin in rats fed with supplemented diets . Rutin was absorbed more slowly than quercetin because it must be hydrolysed by the cecal microflora, whereas quercetin was absorbed from the small intestine . Conjugated derivatives of quercetin, and its methylated forms isorhamnetin and tamarixetin, were recovered in plasma from rats receiving the two kinds of experimental diets after the first meal, but after 10 days, no traces of tamarixetin were detected anymore . The rate of elimination of quercetin metabolites seems very low, and high plasma concentrations are easily maintained with a regular supply of quercetin or rutin in the diet.

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 1997 Jun, 37(1), 37 - 44
Toxicity of increased amounts of chemicals and the dose-response curves for heterogeneous microbial populations in soil; Welp G et al.; The paper deals with the interpretation and classification of dose-response curves in order to understand the way in which the heterogeneous soil microbial population behaves under chemical stress . The evaluation is based on a set of about 500 toxicity tests, in which geometrically increasing doses of toxicants were applied to soil samples . The responses of the microflora were measured by various methods, e.g., Fe(III) reduction, substrate induced respiration, arginine ammonification, and several enzyme activities . The data reveal that microbial populations in soil react more complexly than homogeneous groups of test subjects which are common in classical toxicology . The diverse types of dose-response curves are attributed to a varying sensitivity of different parts of the soil microflora and influences of the habitat soil . A proposal for the interpretation and classification of microbial dose-response curves is presented . Four basic types of dose-dependent effects and several combined sequences of them can describe the reaction patterns found up to now . Since experiments with heterogeneous populations are lacking in classical toxicology, the results can be used as a key for further research regarding the toxicity of chemicals against plant, animal, and human populations.

Int J Food Microbiol, 1997 May 20, 36(2-3), 221 - 5
Effect of temperature and agitation on enrichment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef using modified EC broth with novobiocin; Blais BW et al.; The effects of temperature and agitation on the enrichment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in meat using modified EC broth with novobiocin (mEC + n) were studied . Enrichment at 37 degrees C was compared to 42 degrees C, both with and without shaking . Incubation at 42 degrees C without shaking effectively suppressed ground beef microflora while allowing good growth of E . coli O157:H7 cells . Cells inoculated into ground meats (beef, pork, turkey) were readily detected by enrichment for 24 h in mEC + n at 42 degrees C without shaking, followed by screening the enrichment cultures using a rapid and inexpensive commercially available enzyme immunoassay system, the E . coli O157 Rapitest.

Vet Immunol Immunopathol, 1997 May, 56(1-2), 119 - 31
Porcine gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT): stimulation by colonization with the gastric bacterial pathogen, Helicobacter pylori; Green WB et al.; The presence and features of mucosa associated lymhoid tissue (MALT), analogous to Peyer's patches, in the cardia of the lesser curvature of the porcine stomach are described . The gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (gastric-MALT) is histologically distinct from gastric inflammation associated with colonization by normal gastric microflora and experimental bacterial colonization with a human gastric bacterial pathogen, Helicobacter pylori . The gastric-MALT consists of well-demarcated encapsulated and organized lymphoid tissue, intimately associated with overlying gastric epithelium, centered below the muscularis mucosae and drained by efferent lymphatics . Gastric-MALT was identified in all piglets studied including microbially sterile uninfected gnotobiotes; these structures were enlarged with age and local (gastric) antigenic stimulation . Significant (P < 0.05) expansion of the gastric-MALT occurred in H . pylori-infected gnotobiotic piglets . These distinct morphologic features and location in the cardia suggest that lymphoid elements in the gastric-MALT are involved in gastric antigen processing and regional lymphoid maturation, differentiation and proliferation in the stomach.

Palliat Med, 1997 May, 11(3), 225 - 32
Clinical trial of a mucin-containing oral spray for treatment of xerostomia in hospice patients; Sweeney MP et al.; Thirty-five hospice patients complaining of dry mouth entered a double-blind, single-phase placebo-controlled trial of a mucin-containing oral spray (Saliva Orthana) for the relief of xerostomia . The sprays were administered ad libitum for two weeks by the patients themselves, with nursing help as necessary . A detailed history and examination were undertaken, together with collection of microbiological specimens, at entry and after seven and 14 days of spray usage, respectively . Thirty-one patients were available for follow-up at seven days and 26 patients after 14 days . Relief of oral dryness during the day was reported by 9/15 patients on Saliva Orthana and 10/16 patients on placebo by day 7, with a similar degree of improvement maintained to day 14 . The corresponding figures by day 7 for relief of dryness at night were 8/15 for Saliva Orthana and 8/16 for placebo . There were no statistically significant differences between those on active and those on placebo spray for any of the oral symptoms recorded . Neither spray had any major impact on the oral microflora . However, the majority of patients in both treatment groups wished to continue using a mouth spray at the end of their involvement in the trial . Whilst the data from this study provide no evidence for increased benefit of a mucin-containing spray over a mucin-free placebo among xerostomic hospice patients, it is clear that both sprays provided worthwhile symptomatic relief of oral dryness for many of the participants.

Cornea, 1997 May, 16(3), 265 - 73
Contact lens-related microbial keratitis: Part II: Pathophysiology; Liesegang TJ; The literature is reviewed concerning the pathophysiologic effects of contact-lens wear, the microbiology of contact-lens wear, the change in microflora with contact-lens wear, the contamination of contact lenses and contact-lens products, patient compliance, and corneal interaction with the contact lens . Hypoxia and hypercapnia are the most significant changes in the cornea as a result of contact-lens wear . Changes take place in the conjunctival flora in patients with contact lenses . Compliance of patients and contamination of contact lenses and contact-lens products are significant risk factors . The corneal interaction with the contact lens can overwhelm the protective mechanisms of the cornea, increasing the ability of microbes to adhere to the cornea and progress to microbial keratitis . Some of the factors associated with microbial keratitis are modifiable and should stimulate the contact-lens industry to develop better contact lenses and contact lens products and also permit ophthalmologists to obtain better informed consent from their patients.

Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet, 1997 Apr-Jun, 22(2), 97 - 101
Involvement of the rat gut epithelial and muscular layer, and microflora in chiral inversion and acyl-glucuronidation of R-fenoprofen; Sattari S et al.; In the presence of excised human and rat gut, the pharmacologically inactive R enantiomers of both ibuprofen and fenoprofen (FN) are bioinverted to their anti-inflammatory antipodes . In an attempt to further localize the site of inversion, we incubated R-FN, in oxygenated (O2:CO2, 95:5, v/v) Krebs-Henseleit solution (37 degrees C, pH 7.4) for 3 h in the presence of the intestinal contents, epithelium and muscular layer of upper jejunum and everted jejunum sack of antibiotic treated (500 mg/kg neomycin and erythromycin b.i.d . for 3 days) and control adult female Sprague-Dawley rats . The formation of S-FN and acylglucuronidated FN was examined in the incubation medium using a stereospecific HPLC assay . The metabolic activities are reported per g of wet tissue . The extent of inversion by the everted rat gut was substantial (30.7 +/- 5.1%) but no significant differences between the control and germ-eradicated rats was observed . The epithelial cells were found to be the major site of inversion in the intestinal wall (37.5 +/- 4.7%) with the muscular layer (7.8 +/- 2.1%) and intestinal contents (5.7 +/- 2.2%) contributing only to a small extent to the process . Both enantiomers were substantially acyl-glucuconjugated in the epithelial and muscular layers, and the intestinal content.

Clin Infect Dis, 1997 Apr, 24(4), 609 - 19
Current practices of preoperative bowel preparation among North American colorectal surgeons; Nichols RL et al.; In North America, the rate of infections following colorectal surgery decreased after the introduction of oral antibiotic bowel preparation against colonic microflora . Eight hundred eight board-certified colorectal surgeons were surveyed for their current bowel preparation practices before elective procedures . The 471 responders (58%) all use mechanical preparation: oral polyethylene glycol solution (70.9% of the respondents), oral sodium phosphate solution with or without bisacodyl (28.4%), and "traditional" methods of dietary restriction, cathartics, and enemas (28.4%) . Most surgeons (86.5%) add oral and parenteral antibiotics to the regimen; 11.5% add only parenteral antibiotics, 1.1% add only oral antibiotics, and 0.9% add no antibiotics . Generally (77.8% of cases), oral neomycin and erythromycin or metronidazole are combined with a perioperative parenteral antibiotic . Most individuals start the preparation as outpatients the day before surgery, and the parenteral drugs are added to the regimen 1-2 hours before the procedure . The use of outpatient bowel preparation is increasing; however, patient selection is critical, and education is needed to reduce the rate of complications.

Immunol Cell Biol, 1997 Apr, 75(2), 176 - 80
A possible role of pre-existing IgM/IgG antibodies in determining immune response type; Seledtsov VI et al.; On the basis of the data indicating the existence of two types of immuno-protection, namely macrophage-mediated and mast cell-basophil-mediated, it is argued that by reacting with potential pathogens, pre-existing IgM and IgG antibodies (both natural and induced by environmental microflora) might promote involvement of macrophages in the presentation process, favouring the generation of pathogen-specific T helper 1 (Th1), but not Th2, responses . Alternatively, the failure of these antibodies to effectively recognize pathogens might be associated with active involvement of pathogen-specific B cells in presenting Ag and, as a consequence, with the predominant development of Th2, rather than Th1, responses.

J AOAC Int, 1997 Mar-Apr, 80(2), 335 - 40
Comparison of sorbitol MacConkey and hemorrhagic coli agars for recovery of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from brie, ice cream, and whole milk; Hammack TS et al.; The relative efficacies of hemorrhagic coli (HC) agar and several formulations of sorbitol MacConkey (SorMac) agar, with and without 0.1% (w/v) 4-methyllumbelliferyl-beta-D-glucuronide (MUG), in recovering unstressed and heat-stressed Escherichia coli O157:H7 from Brie cheese, ice cream, and whole milk were determined . Recovery of unstressed E . coli O157:H7 was determined quantitatively by spread-plating diluted samples onto different agars and performing plate counts . Recovery of stressed E . coli O157:H7 was determined qualitatively by enriching samples in modified trypticase soy broth, streaking the incubated enrichments, and isolating E . coli O157:H7 colonies from the agars . HC agar and the SorMac agar formulations did not differ significantly in their ability to recover unstressed E . coli O157:H7 from ice cream and whole milk; however, HC agar recovered significantly more unstressed E . coli O157:H7 from Brie cheese than did the SorMac agar formulations . Bacteriological Analytical Manual and Oxoid SorMac agar formulations made from individual ingredients, did not differ significantly in recovering unstressed E . coli O157:H7 from Brie cheese . The efficiency of the commercially available Oxoid SorMac agar could not be determined because of overgrowth by indigenous microflora . HC and SorMac agars did not differ significantly in recovering stressed E . coli O157:H7 from Brie cheese, ice cream, and whole milk . MUG had no apparent effect on recovery of either stressed or unstressed E . coli O157:H7 from the dairy foods examined.

J Clin Periodontol, 1997 Mar, 24(3), 146 - 52
Interleukin-8 and beta-glucuronidase in gingival crevicular fluid; Chung RM et al.; Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) play a critical role in the host's response to the subgingival microflora . Interleukin-8 (IL-8) is a potent chemotactic and activating factor for PMN . In this study, the presence of IL-8 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was examined in relation to the PMN indicator beta-glucuronidase (beta G), as well as clinical parameters of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease . Data was obtained from 30 patients with periodontitis and 14 healthy controls . For the control group, GCF and clinical data were obtained only once . For the periodontitis patients, clinical data and GCF samples were collected prior to treatment, and GCF samples were again collected 2 weeks after scaling and root planing . Comparing control and periodontitis patients prior to treatment, IL-8 concentration was lower in the patients with periodontitis . Scaling and root planing resulted in either an increase or a decrease in total IL-8 and IL-8 concentration GCF . A reduction in total IL-8 or IL-8 concentration was accompanied by a corresponding reduction in beta G activity . An increase in total IL-8 or IL-8 concentration after scaling and root planing was associated with an increase in beta G activity in some patients and a reduction in beta G activity in other patients . The periodontitis patients who did not demonstrate a linkage between IL-8 and beta G activity in GCF were those individuals with the highest beta G activity prior to treatment . As elevated beta G activity in GCF has been associated with an increased risk for probing attachment loss, the absence of a direct relationship between IL-8 in GCF and PMN recruitment into the gingival crevice may characterize individuals at risk for progression of periodontitis.

Curr Biol, 1997 Feb 1, 7(2), R75 - 7
Paving the way for pathogens?
Schauer DB.
Indigenous intestinal microflora are known to afford protection against colonization by pathogenic microorganisms . However, the metabolic activity of at least one species of the indigenous microflora can induce expression of surface glycoconjugates, which may in turn confer susceptibility to infection.

Akush Ginekol (Sofiia) . 1997;36(1):5.
{Protracted labor ending with a cesarean section--a high-risk factor for puerperal infection}; Lazarov L; The author undertakes a study to investigate the protracted delivery with different duration of prematurely ruptured membranes, to investigate and to compare the morbidity and structure of patients . To investigate the lochia secretions and to compare the microflora of the patients with ruptured membranes at different times with a view to their influence by antibiotic prophylaxis . At the end author makes appropriate conclusions.

Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl, 1997, 223, 99 - 104
Role of animal models for the pathogenesis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease; Dieleman LA et al.; The etiology of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis is still unknown . Recent studies including animal models of intestinal inflammation have identified interactions between the mucosal immune system, host genetic susceptibility and environmental factors, including normal intestinal microflora . Although the ideal animal model of IBD has not been found, each model can study pathogenetic factors such as acute intestinal injury and healing, acute and chronic inflammation, regulation by key cytokines, T-lymphocyte mediation, the role of luminal bacteria, immunoregulatory factors and genetic susceptibility . The relevance of these studies for the treatment of IBD is also discussed.

Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk, 1997, (3), 30 - 4
{Immunomodulating action of eubiotics}; Lopatina TK et al.; The study was undertaken to study the immunomodulating action of 3 bacterial agents: bifidumbacterin, acylact, and biosporine used in various abnormalities accompanied by intestinal dysbacteriosis . Surveys were made of children permanently residing in the radionuclide-contaminated areas of the Bryansk Region, those from northern areas of the Russian Federation, those who suffered from atopic dermatitis; adult patients with severe systemic disease (chronic postinfection polyarthritis); chronic adult patients with spinal injury due to compression fractures of the spinal cord . The immunological parameters in all the above patient groups were shown to differ in the lower absolute or relative counts of most lymphocytic populations . The addition of bacterial drugs into their therapy promoted normalization of the intestinal microflora and led to improvement or complete normalization of immunological parameters . With this, bifidumbacterin and acylact were demonstrated to be potent, but mild immunomodulators as they significantly improved or normalized the status of the baseline suppressed immune system and virtually failed to affect normal immunological parameters . The earlier data obtained with biosporine provide evidence for that this bacterial agent has immunomodulating activity; however, it is necessary to comprehensively study its effects on the immune system in health and in disorders typical of various abnormalities.

Vestn Ross Akad Med Nauk, 1997, (3), 23 - 6
{Analysis of ordinary microbial relationships in human colonic dysbacteriosis}; Nesvizhskii IV et al.; A relationship between the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of representatives of the normal microflora in biocenosis of the colonic lumen (CL) was studied in 18 patients with subacute bacterial endocarditis, 18 patients with rheumatic heart disease, 13 with chronic renal failure and 50 healthy individuals without clinical signs of dysbacteriosis . The number of intermicrobial relationships was found to be rather small both in health and in disease . However, a disease shows a considerably greater number of different relations, synergic ones in particular . Analysis indicated that in the conditions under study 72 to 93% of relations that were realized in the healthy human CL biotope disappeared and the established intermicrobial relationships were found 86-97% quite new . Summing up, the authors have concluded that, first, the CL microflora exists under the conditions of excess nutrient substrate and is not a factor of self-regulation, second, changes in the body's metabolic systems are primary in the diseases examined, which the normal lumenal microflora is responsive to.

Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl, 1997, 222, 107 - 11
Microflora-associated defense stimulating factors; Pulverer G et al.; Mucosal surfaces are habitats for the physiological microflora and are closely related to the mucosal immune compartment (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, MALT) . Recently, considerable evidence has accumulated showing that various members of the physiological microflora liberate low molecular weight substances which, apparently, are essential for the adequate immune response of the host . Antibiotic decontamination (e.g . of the BALB/c mouse gastrointestinal tract) results in a lack of generation of immunopriming microbial substances leading to immunosuppression . Biochemical analysis of the microbial substances revealed reproducible chromatographic fractions which selectively influence maturation, proliferation and activation of mononuclear immune cells.

Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl, 1997, 222, 41 - 4
Effects of lactulose and lactitol on colonic microflora and enzymatic activity; Ballongue J et al.; The effects of lactulose and lactitol (2 x 10 g/d) were studied in 36 healthy volunteers in comparison to placebo . All parameters studied were affected by both treatments, lactulose in general leading to more pronounced changes compared to lactitol . Probiotic bacteria were increased, and putrefactive bacteria and potential pathogens were significantly reduced . These variations in colonic flora had the following consequences: (i) a reduced activity of pro-carcinogenic enzymes: azoreductase, 7 alpha-dehydroxylase, beta-glucuronidase, nitroreductase and urease activity; (ii) a global increase of short-chain fatty acids in faeces; (iii) an effect on pH and moisture of faeces, and (iv) also on aromatic compounds such as phenol, cresol, indole and skatol . The findings suggest that lactulose and lactitol are not comparable in their effect on the colonic microflora, its metabolism, and the consequent probiotic effects on human health . The differences found may also be of clinical relevance suggesting that neither compound is equipotent.

Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl, 1997, 222, 28 - 31
Modification of the intestinal microflora using probiotics and prebiotics; Fuller R et al.; Probiotics and prebiotics modulate the composition of the human gut microbiota . The beneficial effects may result from suppression of harmful microorganisms or stimulation of organisms which contribute in a positive way to the nutrition and health of the host . Both types of supplement represent an attempt to reconstitute the gut flora to its normal composition which has been adversely affected by dietary and environmental stresses.

Nutr Cancer, 1997, 27(3), 250 - 5
Effects of high- and low-risk diets on gut microflora-associated biomarkers of colon cancer in human flora-associated rats; Hambly RJ et al.; Formulated diets associated with a high risk (HR) or low risk (LR) for colon cancer were used to assess the effect of diet on putative metabolic biomarkers in human flora-associated rats: The HR diet was high in fat and sucrose and low in calcium and fiber; the LR diet was low in fat and high in starch, calcium, and fiber . The nutrient-to-energy ratio and energy intake were the same for both diets . Body and liver weights were significantly higher in animals fed the HR diet, possibly due to greater energy availability from fat . Cecal weights were significantly higher in animals fed the LR diet, presumably due to a bulking effect of the fiber and increased bacterial biomass . The HR diet significantly altered cecal bacterial enzyme activity: beta-glucuronidase activity increased 2.5-fold, and beta-glucosidase activity was halved . Ammonia production and the bacterial metabolism of 2-amino-3-methyl-7H-imidazo{4,5-f} quinoline (IQ) to 7-hydroxy-IQ (7OHIQ) were significantly higher in animals fed the HR diet . The HR diet, which contained factors common to diets consumed throughout the Western world, increased beta-glucuronidase activity, elevated cecal ammonia concentrations, and enhanced the genotoxic risk from 7OHIQ formation, three putative metabolic biomarkers of colorectal cancer . The significance of the reduction in beta-glucosidase is unclear.

New Microbiol, 1997 Jan, 20(1), 55 - 62
Effect of orthodontic therapy with fixed and removable appliances on oral microbiota: a six-month longitudinal study; Petti S et al.; The present study evaluated microbiological and clinical changes occurring during the first six months of orthodontic therapy with fixed and removable appliances and the consequent risk for gingivitis and periodontal disease . This study was justified by the disagreement among different authors: only some of them reported gingivitis development and changes in dental plaque composition during orthodontic therapy with fixed appliances, others did not . Thirty, 7-to-15-year-old children, fifteen with fixed and fifteen with removable appliances, previously motivated to oral hygiene, completed the study . They were clinically examined by a dentist at baseline and at the end of the study . Three supra and subgingival microflora samples were collected from the first molars, when the appliances were inserted (T0), 6-8 weeks later (T1) and 6-7 months later (T2) . Microflora was examined using dark-field and light microscopes and cultural methods . An indicator of healthy status (percentage of Gram positive cocci in total bacterial count) and some risk indicators for gingivitis (bacterial count evaluated with light microscope, percentage of Gram negative rods) and for periodontitis (motile rod and spirochete percentages, presumptive Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis prevalence) were investigated . Patients with fixed appliances were clinically healthy at T2; yet they showed significantly increased counts, motile rods, subgingival spirochetes and a decrease of Gram positive cocci . At T2, patients with removable appliances were clinically healthy and the only significant microbiological changes were supragingival motile rods and subgingival spirochetes . These data suggest that in the oral hygiene motivated patients of the present study, gingivitis and periodontitis do not occur, during the first six months of treatment: the significant modification of oral microbiota, shown by subjects with fixed appliances, however, suggests that the risk for gingivitis in the following months of therapy is still high and the risk for periodontitis cannot be excluded.

J Anat, 1996 Dec, 189 ( Pt 3), 561 - 5
Bacterial translocation and gut microflora in obstructive jaundice; Parks RW et al.; Bacterial translocation from the gut is implicated in the pathophysiology of complications associated with obstructive jaundice . Absence of intraluminal bile salts and their antiendotoxic effects may result in overgrowth of bacteria, promoting bacterial translocation . The large bowel is the largest source of gram negative bacteria but the small bowel is more permeable . This study investigated the effect of obstructive jaundice on bacterial translocation and on the indigenous luminal microflora at 3 sites in the gastrointestinal tract . Significant bacterial translocation was demonstrated following 7 d of bile duct ligation compared with control or sham operated groups . A qualitative disturbance of the caecal indigenous microflora was demonstrated in jaundiced rats . There was no 'site-to-site' variation in the indigenous microflora at the 3 intestinal sites studied . We conclude that experimental obstructive jaundice for 1 wk promotes bacterial translocation without significant quantitative disturbance of the intestinal microflora in the small intestinal or caecum.

J Clin Periodontol, 1996 Nov, 23(11), 1032 - 8
Microbiological and immunohistological findings in a patient with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome; Kleinfelder JW et al.; The following communication is a case history of an 11 year-old female patient suffering from Papillon-Lefevre syndrome . Since a massive occurrence of A . actinomycetemcomitans had been found in the subgingival microflora of the periodontal pockets, the patient was treated with repeated subgingival scaling, with an adjunct Amoxicillin and Metronidazol treatment . A bacteriological examination of the girl's family proved that several brothers and sisters as well as one parent also carried . A . actinomycetemcomitans, showing 3 different strains of this bacterium within the family . An immunohistological examination of the gingival tissue showed a massive inflammatory infiltrate which was dominated by plasma cells . The histological investigation of the first molars did not show morphological abnormalities of the root cementum . Posttreatment clinical and radiographical improvement of the periodontal conditions is reported despite the recurrent finding of A . actinomycetemcomitans.

Trends Microbiol, 1996 Nov, 4(11), 430 - 5
The indigenous gastrointestinal microflora; Berg RD; The indigenous gastrointestinal (GI) tract microflora has profound effects on the anatomical, physiological and immunological development of the host . The indigenous microflora stimulates the host immune system to respond more quickly to pathogen challenge and, through bacterial antagonism, inhibits colonization of the GI tract by overt exogenous pathogens . Indigenous GI bacteria are also opportunistic pathogens and can translocate across the mucosal barrier to cause systemic infection in debilitated hosts.

J Appl Bacteriol, 1996 Nov, 81(5), 518 - 24
The influence of gamma radiation and substrate on mycotoxin production by Fusarium culmorum IMI 309344; O'Neill K et al.; Mycotoxin production (deoxynivalenol (DON), acetyl deoxynivalenol (A DON) and zearalenone) by Fusarium culmorum inoculated on to maize (heat sterilized, irradiation sterilized and non-sterile) and irradiated to 1 kGy or 3 kGy, or unirradiated, was investigated over a period of time . Lowest mycotoxin production was observed on non-sterile maize which may be due to the presence of a competitive microflora on non-sterile maize which may be due to the presence of a competitive microflora on non-sterile maize . In general, mycotoxin production was higher on heat-sterilized grain as compared to irradiation-sterilized maize . It was suggested that this pattern of mycotoxin production was possibly caused by changes in the grain brought about by autoclaving, which favoured mycotoxin production and possibly induced changes in irradiation-sterilized maize which inhibited mycotoxin production . On sterile maize, there was no significant difference in DON production by unirradiated, 1 kGy and 3 kGy irradiated cultures up to 56 d of incubation; between days 56 and 77 of incubation, DON production increased rapidly with largest increases occurring in irradiated (1 kGy and 3 kGy) cultures . On non-sterile grain, neither DON nor A DON were detected in unirradiated cultures of F . culmorum but were detected in cultures irradiated to 1 kGy and 3 kGy . In practice grain should be stored under conditions of temperature and moisture content which prevent fungal growth . However, in this study, the grain was stored under conditions that were approaching ideal for growth of the test organism . The results highlight that irradiation disinfestation of grain must be combined with good grain handling practices so that excessive mycotoxin production can be prevented during storage.

Int J Food Microbiol, 1996 Nov, 33(1), 1 - 18
Microbial and biochemical spoilage of foods: an overview; Huis in 't Veld JH; During harvesting, processing and handling operations food may become contaminated with a wide range of microorganisms . Subsequently, during distribution and storage only a small fraction of these will develop and cause serious deteriorations . Which microorganisms will develop or what (bio)chemical reactions occur is dependent upon food derived or environmental factors . This paper will describe the main mechanisms involved in the loss of food quality for the most important food commodities . Food spoilage may be caused by a wide range of reactions including some that are mainly physical or chemical, others due to action of enzymes or microorganisms . The primary factors associated with food spoilage are associated with intrinsic food properties (e.g., endogenous enzymes, substrates, sensitivity for light, oxygen) and (cross)contamination during harvesting, slaughter and processing in combination with temperature abuse . For fresh foods the primary quality changes may be categorized as (i) bacterial growth and metabolism resulting in possible pH-changes and formation of toxic compounds, off-odours, gas and slime-formation, (ii) oxidation of lipids and pigments in fat-containing foods resulting in undesirable flavours, formation of compounds with adverse biological effects or discoloration . Although interrelated with the microbial spoilage, the last category is 'purely' chemical in nature and will, all other things being equal, increase in importance with decreasing temperature . Little is known about the relationship between microbial activity and (bio)chemical spoilage parameters under different packaging and storage conditions . Although there is much progress in the characterisation of the total microflora and metabolites developing during spoilage, not much is known about the identification of specific microorganisms in relation to food composition . Despite the fact that food spoilage is a huge economical problem world wide, it is obvious that the mechanisms and interaction leading to food spoilage are very poorly understood.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1996 Oct, 70(2-4), 347 - 58
Clinical uses of probiotics for stabilizing the gut mucosal barrier: successful strains and future challenges; Salminen S et al.; Probiotic bacteria are used to treat disturbed intestinal microflora and increased gut permeability which are characteristic to many intestinal disorders . Examples include children with acute rotavirus diarrhoea, subjects with food allergy, subjects with colonic disorders and patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy and sometimes changes associated with colon cancer development . In all such disease states altered intestinal microflora, impaired gut barrier and different types of intestinal inflammation are present . Successful probiotic bacteria are able to survive gastric conditions and colonize the intestine, at least temporarily, by adhering to the intestinal epithelium . Such probiotic microorganisms appear to be promising candidates for the treatment of clinical conditions with abnormal gut microflora and altered gut mucosal barrier functions . They are also promising ingredients to future functional foods and clinical foods for specific disease states provided that basic requirements for strains and clinical studies are carefully followed.

Int J Pancreatol, 1996 Oct, 20(2), 119 - 25
Alterations in intestinal motility and microflora in experimental acute pancreatitis; Leveau P et al.; CONCLUSION: A delay in intestinal transit time appears as an early event in acute pancreatitis, preceding intestinal bacterial overgrowth and translocation . BACKGROUND: Septic complications, primarily caused by bacteria of enteric origin, are frequent in severe acute pancreatitis . Impairment in intestinal motility probably plays a pathophysiological role in the development of bacterial overgrowth and ensuing translocation . METHODS: In the present study, the influence of acute pancreatitis on intestinal motility was evaluated by measuring small intestinal transit time in the rat . Acute pancreatitis was induced by the retrograde intraductal infusion of 0.2 mL taurodeoxycholate . Intestinal transit time was studied by intraduodenal injection of Krebs' phosphate-buffered solution labeled with Na2(51)CrCO4, and 1 h small intestinal transit was measured at 1, 3, 12, and 24 h, after induction of pancreatitis . Bacterial overgrowth was evaluated by measuring Escherichia coli counts in the colon and distal small intestine, and bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes, the liver, spleen, and pancreas was determined . RESULTS: A delayed small intestinal transit time was noted from 3 h on after induction of acute pancreatitis, with most of the radioactivity retained in the first two intestinal segments . Overgrowth of E . coli was noted 12 h after induction of pancreatitis in both the colon and distal small intestine, and at the same time-point, a significant increase in the incidence of bacterial translocation to mesenteric lymph nodes was seen.

Br J Nutr, 1996 Oct, 76(4), 627 - 37
Polyamine and intestinal properties in adult rats; Deloyer P et al.; We questioned whether polyamines coming from the diet or produced by intestinal microflora or by intracellular metabolism influence intestinal functions . Therefore, we compared pathogen-free rats and germ-free rats receiving a diet with low polyamine content and either treated or not treated with difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) and/or methylglyoxal bis (guanylhydrazone) (MGBG) . Wet weight, protein content, DNA content, sucrase (EC 3.2.1.48), maltase (EC 3.2.1.20) and lactase (EC 3.2.1.23) specific activities, amounts of putrescine, spermidine and spermine were measured in the mucosa of the proximal and distal intestine . Body weight was also determined . Rats without microflora had a higher specific activity of maltase and higher amounts of spermidine and spermine but lower lactase specific activity than pathogen-free animals; the low-polyamine diet given to germ-free rats had little effect on the functional variables measured (decrease of maltase and lactase specific activities) and did not modify the amounts of polyamines . DFMO and/or MGBG administered to germ-free rats receiving a low-polyamine diet induced modifications of most of the variables studied . Body weight and wet weight of proximal and distal intestine decreased, disaccharidase specific activities decreased, and amounts of polyamines changed according to the inhibitor used . Thus, our results showed that the deprivation of polyamine supply from microflora or from the diet failed, under our experimental conditions, to affect the intestinal properties analysed but exogenous and endogenous polyamine restriction altered general properties of the organism as well as intestinal functions.

J Clin Periodontol, 1996 Oct, 23(10), 934 - 40
The effect of supragingival plaque control on the subgingival microflora in human periodontitis; Hellstrom MK et al.; The aim of the present trial was to study if carefully practiced supragingival plaque control influenced the subgingival microbiota at periodontal sites with suprabony, infrabony, or furcation pockets . 12 subjects, 5 males and 7 females aged 44 to 69 years (mean age 55 years) participated in the study . None of the participants had during the last 12 months received periodontal therapy, and none of the subjects had used antibiotics during a 3-month period preceding the study . Following a screening examination, 6 to 8 sites per subject were selected which had a probing depth of > or = 5 mm . Among these sites, 1-3 sites had a suprabony location, 1-3 sites had an infrabony location, and 1-3 sites were associated with a furcation defect . The selected sites were exposed to a baseline examination at which the following parameters were recorded: plaque, gingivitis, probing pocket depth and probing attachment level . A bacterial sample was obtained from each of the selected sites: 2 sterile paper points were inserted into the pocket and kept in place for 30 seconds . The paper point samples were removed, placed in a vial containing an anaerobically prepared transport medium, and processed using routine procedures . Following the baseline examination, each subject was given a case presentation, received thorough supragingival scaling and was instructed to practice proper plaque control with the use of toothbrush and dentifrice . During the subsequent 30 weeks they were recalled 2-3xper week for professional tooth cleaning . Each session was handled by a dental hygienist and required about 15 min . Re-examinations were performed after 30 weeks . The findings indicated that professionally delivered and frequently repeated supragingival tooth cleaning, combined with careful self-performed plaque control had a marked effect on the subgingival microbiota of moderate to deep periodontal pockets . Thus, at sites with suprabony and infrabony pockets, as well as at furcation sites, the meticulous and prolonged supragingival plaque removal reduced the total number of microorganisms that could be harvested, as well as the % of sites with P . gingivalis.

Alcohol Clin Exp Res, 1996 Oct, 20(7), 1206 - 10
Increased acetaldehyde production by mouthwashings from patients with oral cavity, laryngeal, or pharyngeal cancer; Jokelainen K et al.; Excessive ethanol consumption is associated with an increased risk of oral cavity, laryngeal, and pharyngeal cancer . Ethanol has been shown to be oxidized to acetaldehyde by microflora of the upper respiratory tract . As a highly toxic and reactive compound, acetaldehyde of microbial origin has been incriminated as a possible carcinogenic factor behind alcohol-associated malignancies of the upper respiratory tract . The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the acetaldehyde producing capacity of mouthwashings obtained from patients with oral cavity, laryngeal, or pharyngeal cancer to that of mouthwashings from controls . The ability of mouthwashings to produce acetaldehyde from ethanol in vitro was determined by incubating them in closed vials containing various concentrations of ethanol (0-44 mM) at 37 degrees C for 1 hr . Acetaldehyde formed during the incubation was then analyzed by head space gas chromatography . Acetaldehyde production by mouthwashings increased with raising ethanol concentration in both groups . Acetaldehyde production by mouthwashings from patients with oral cavity, laryngeal, or pharyngeal cancer was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that of the controls . Increased acetaldehyde formation from ethanol in the upper respiratory tract could thus contribute to the pathogenesis of alcohol-associated oral cavity, laryngeal, and pharyngeal cancers.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1996 Oct, 175(4 Pt 1), 812 - 7
Interleukin-6 concentrations in cervical secretions identify microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes; Rizzo G et al.; OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to determine whether cytokine levels in cervical secretions were increased in the presence of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity in patients with preterm labor and intact membranes and to relate concentrations to cytokine levels in amniotic fluid, cervicovaginal microflora, and the presence of chorioamnionitis . STUDY DESIGN: Cervical secretions were sampled immediately before amniocentesis in 92 patients admitted for preterm labor with singleton pregnancies and intact membranes . Amniotic fluid was cultured and the following cytokines were measured in amniotic fluid and cervical secretions: interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 . The cervicovaginal microflora and placentas (n = 42) were also analyzed . RESULTS: A total of 19.56% (18/92) of the amniotic fluid cultures had positive results . All the cytokines tested showed significantly higher levels in cervical secretions in the presence of intraamniotic infection . There were significant relationships between the concentrations of interleukin-6 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in amniotic fluid and cervical secretions . A concentration of interleukin-6 in cervical secretions > 410 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 66.8% and a specificity of 90.5% and a relative risk of 7.7 for intraamniotic infection, higher than the other cytokines tested . There were no relationships between the presence of bacterial vaginosis and cervicovaginal pathogens and cervical cytokine levels . In the presence of chorioamnionitis, cervical concentrations of interleukin-6 and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist were significantly increased in spite of negative amniotic fluid culture results . CONCLUSION: The measurement of interleukin-6 in cervical secretions may help to noninvasively identify intraamniotic infection among pregnancies with preterm labor and intact membranes.

Klin Lab Diagn, 1996 Sep-Oct, (5), 39 - 41
{Diagnosis of urogenital chlamydiosis using rapid immunoenzyme method: Abbott TestPack Chlamydia}; Nazarova EK et al.; Twenty women suffering from chronic genital inflammations were screened for urogenital chlamydiosis using Abbott Testpack Chlamydia kit for enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and NIARmedik Chlamoscan kit for immunofluorescent method . The cells were scraped off from the cervical canal during the second phase of the cycle . In addition, smears were taken from the vagina and cervical canal to be screened for microflora using Romanowsky-Giemsa staining . EIA detected C . trachomatis antigens in 3 (15%) out of 20 examinees, whereas direct immunofluorescence revealed these antigens in only 2 (10%) patients . The results differed in a patient with urogenital candidiasis . Evidently, the system of special filters in the Testpack Chlamydia releases the cell suspension from concomitant cell dendrites, blood, mucus, and thus increases the sensitivity of the test.

J Dent Res, 1996 Sep, 75(9), 1627 - 30
Serendipity or luck: stumbling on gingival crevicular fluid; Krasse B; The word "serendipity" comes from the tale "The Three Princes from Serendip" by Horace Walpole . It is defined as an aptitude for making fortunate discoveries accidentally." The demonstration of crevicular fluid was truly an accidental discovery . Niels Brill, a successful private practitioner in Copenhagen with prosthodontics as a specialty, and Bo Krasse, associate professor of cariology, were examining the microflora of gingival pockets in a dog . Before the samples were taken, gingiva and teeth were disinfected with an iodine solution . The solution disappeared from different pockets at different speeds . After intravenous injection of a fluorescein solution, the occurrence of fluorescein could be recorded on filter paper strips . Thus, after stumbling on the disappearance of iodine from the cervical areas of the teeth, two non-periodontologists managed to demonstrate why it disappeared . This article describes the details of the discovery and subsequent studies, and offers some reflections by one of the original authors 37 years later.

Technol Health Care, 1996 Sep, 4(3), 317 - 22
Lost in the pocket: the current status of periodontal diagnosis; Lavine WS et al.; A number of "state of the art" diagnostic procedures based on data generated by technological advances in microbiology, immunology and molecular cell biology have been developed to assist the dentist in identifying patients at risk of acquiring periodontal disease or who are currently experiencing loss of periodontal attachment . This paper challenges the assumptions upon which these tests are based and presents an alternative hypothesis of the natural history of periodontal disease . This hypothesis considers the microflora of the oral cavity and the inflammatory response of the host to be part of an ecosystem which has evolved over many years of interaction and adaptation between unicellular and multicellular organisms . These interactions have resulted in the selection of biological strategies that provide intrinsic benefits to the host and to the microorganisms comprising the indigenous flora.

Am J Physiol, 1996 Sep, 271(3 Pt 1), E563 - 73
Diurnal pattern of the interrelationships among leucine oxidation, urea production, and hydrolysis in humans; el-Khoury AE et al.; We investigated in six healthy adult men, who received an adequate intake of protein (1 g.kg-1.day-1), the relationship among urea production, excretion, and hydrolysis . At the end of a 6-day diet-adjustment period, subjects were studied using a 24-h continuous intravenous {1-13C}leucine and {15N,15N}urea tracer protocol (A . E . El-Khoury, N . K . Fukagawa, M . Sanchez, R . H . Tsay, R . E . Gleason, T . E . Chapman, and V . R . Young . Am . J . Clin . Nutr . 59: 1000-1011, 1994) to determine rates of irreversible protein nitrogen loss and urea kinetics . By combining leucine and urea kinetic data, we found a significant degree of urea hydrolysis over the 24-h period but no evidence to support the thesis that there is a net retention or "salvage" of the urea nitrogen liberated . Our measurements revealed little or no urea hydrolysis during the fed 12-h period of the 24-h tracer protocol but substantial hydrolysis during the 12-h fasting phase . Furthermore, a mass balance model and calculations (APPENDIX) indicated that nitrogen salvage, if any, is quantitatively indistinguishable from insensible nitrogen losses and aggregate estimation errors, accounting for no more than 5% of the nitrogen intake . We conclude that urea hydrolysis, via the intestinal microflora, although representing a component of the overall cycles of nitrogen flow within the body, does not contribute via a net retention of amino nitrogen to the maintenance of body nitrogen homeostasis in healthy adults consuming an adequate diet.

Cancer Res, 1996 Aug 15, 56(16), 3752 - 7
Involvement of beta-glucuronidase in intestinal microflora in the intestinal toxicity of the antitumor camptothecin derivative irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) in rats; Takasuna K et al.; Irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11), an antitumor camptothecin derivative, causes severe forms of diarrhea clinically . We characterized CPT-11-induced diarrhea histologically and enzymologically and assessed the relationships between intestinal toxicity and the activity of the enzymes that play a key role in the major metabolic pathway of CPT-11 in rats . CPT-11 (60 mg/kg i.v . for 4 days) induced intestinal toxicity characterized by severe chronic diarrhea, loss of body weight, and anorexia . Histological damage was most severe in the cecum . The segmental difference in the degree of the damage showed good correlation with the beta-glucuronidase activity in the contents of the lumen in each case, but not with the intestinal tissue carboxylesterase activity, which converts CPT-11 to its active form (7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin) . Inhibition of the beta-glucuronidase activity in the intestinal microflora by antibiotics (1 mg penicillin and 2 mg streptomycin per ml of drinking water) markedly ameliorated the diarrhea and reduced cecal damage . Analysis of CPT-11 and its metabolites in the feces indicated that antibiotics completely inhibited the deconjugation of the glucuronic conjugate of 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin by beta-glucuronidase . It is suggested that CPT-11-induced diarrhea would be attributable to the damage to the cecum, and that the inhibition of the beta-glucuronidase activity in the intestinal microflora is a major protective effect of antibiotics.

J Clin Periodontol, 1996 Aug, 23(8), 717 - 23
The importance of immunoglobulin-breakdown supporting the growth of bacteria in oral abscesses; Jansen HJ et al.; Oral bacteria play an important role in the causation of oro-facial abscesses . However, they can also be involved in brain, liver and lung abscesses . To persist, it is essential that these bacteria can grow on those sites . The main source of nutrients for growth in abscesses is likely to be tissue exudate, which is rich in serum-derived proteins, and relatively poor in free amino acids and carbohydrates . Degradation of intact proteins seems a crucial step in providing the peptides necessary for energy generation . The aim of this study was to investigate the capacity of microorganisms from asscesses to degrade serum proteins, in particular immunoglobulins . To this end, samples were taken by aspiration from 16 odontogenic abscesses . It was found that pus from abscesses differed strongly in the concentration of viable bacterial cells . The ability of the abscess microflora to degrade serum proteins was investigated after growth of the sample in heat-inactivated human serum . The microflora from abscesses with a high concentration (n = 10) of bacteria strongly degraded immunoglobulins, whereas breakdown of immunoglobulins was virtually absent after growth of the microflora from low-bacterial concentration (n = 6) abscesses . Bacteriological analyses revealed the presence of at least one proteinase-producing species, like Porphyromonas, black-pigmented Prevotella species, or Actinomyces meyeri, in abscesses with a high density of bacteria, but not in those with low bacterial density . The results indicate that the capacity to degrade intact proteins, in particular immunoglobulins, is a major determinant of bacterial growth in abscesses.

J Anim Sci, 1996 Aug, 74(8), 2010 - 20
Acquired aversions as the basis for varied diets of ruminants foraging on rangelands; Provenza FD; Ruminants eat an array of plant species that vary in nutrients and toxins . This selection makes intuitive sense, but no theories adequately explain this diversity . Some maintain it reduces the likelihood of overingesting toxins, whereas others contend it meets nutritional needs . Nevertheless, herbivores seek variety even when toxins are not a concern and nutritional needs are met . I offer another explanation for this behavior, one which encompasses the avoidance of toxins and the acquisition of nutrients . A key concept in this theory is aversion, the decrease in preference for food just eaten as a result of sensory input (a food's taste, odor, texture, i.e., its flavor) and postingestive effects (effects of nutrients and toxins on chemo-, osmo-, and mechano-receptors) unique to each food . Aversions are pronounced when foods contain toxins or high levels of rapidly digestible nutrients; they also occur when foods are deficient in specific nutrients . Aversions occur even when animals eat nutritionally adequate foods because satiety (satisfied to the full) and surfeit (filled to nauseating excess) represent points along a continuum, and there is a fine line between satiety and aversion . Thus, eating any food is likely to cause a mild aversion, and eating a food too frequently or in excess is likely to cause a strong aversion . Aversions are involuntary and are not the result of conscious decisions by an animal . Aversions yield benefits (e.g., obtain a balanced diet, reduce ingestion of toxic foods, optimize foraging and rumination times, sample foods, maintain a diverse microflora in the rumen) that are often mistaken as the cause of varied diets . In this article, I discuss the subtle ways in which aversions diminish preference and cause animals to eat a variety of foods.

Planta Med, 1996 Aug, 62(4), 289 - 92
Radical scavenger activity of three flavonoid metabolites studied by inhibition of chemiluminescence in human PMNs; Merfort I et al.; 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, and 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid, metabolites which arise from quercetin glycosides, respectively, from flavones and probably from procyanidins by the human intestinal microflora, have been tested for their effects on oxygen radical production by human PMNs stimulated with FMLP or opsonized zymosan . Oxygen radicals were detected by luminol-augmented chemiluminescence measurements . Furthermore free radical scavenging activity of these metabolites was investigated in a cell-free system in which oxygen radicals were generated by horseradish peroxidase with H2O2 as substrate . 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid reduced considerably chemiluminescence in PMNs in an amount which was much more pronounced than those of the other two metabolites . Concentrations of 1 mumol/l showed an inhibition by 84% with FMLP as stimulant and by 15% with opsonized zymosan, indicating that different signal transduction pathways are influenced in PMNs . Using the same conditions the unmetabolized quercetin showed an inhibition of chemiluminescence by 74% (FMLP), resp . 20% (opsonized zymosan) . In the cell free system 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid suppressed much more effectively chemiluminescence than 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid . In contrast, 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionic acid led to an increase of chemiluminescence generated in the cell-free system (FMLP and zymosan), i.e . by 30% by 25%, at the highest concentration of 4 mumol/l . In conclusion, flavonoid metabolites differ in their effects on free radical production of PMNs and their radical scavenging potencies.

Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1996 Jul 23, 791, 434 - 42
The role of botfly myiasis due to Dermatobia hominis L.Jr . (Diptera:Cuterebridae) as a predisposing factor to New World screwworm myiasis (Cochliomyia hominivorax coquerel) (Diptera:Calliphoridae); Ruiz-Martinez I et al.; In the tropics, the botfly Dermatobia hominis and the NWS Cochliomyia hominivorax are the most important myiasis agents in cattle . It is frequently reported that furuncular lesions due to D . hominis are a predisposing cause for screwworm myiasis . Our results pointed out that only 5.2 to 7.4% of C . hominivorax gravid females oviposited in the offered furuncular lesions . Of 3242 eggs layed on botfly lesions (BFL), only 82 (2.5%) developed to second instar and died . In the flies tested, the furuncular lesions due to Dermatobia were used as food supply in 81.3% of the cases . In our opinion, the role of pH, the microflora associated with BFL, and the foruncular structure were the reasons for this lack of attraction . BFL do not serve as a predisposing factor for screwworm myiasis in the tropics.

Lik Sprava, 1996 Jul-Sep, (7-9), 86 - 9
{The contamination of the upper respiratory tract of children with representative opportunistic microflora}; Nemchenko OO et al.; In this paper, findings are submitted from 11-yr bacteriological examination of children from the pre-school institutions in the city of Lviv . Stability was ascertained as was high level of nasopharyngeal carriage of the leading representatives of conditionally pathogenic microflora, an association was established to some disease forms . There is the need for the bacteria carriers to be identified in a purposeful and persevering fashion, with the relevant sanitary measures to be instituted in such individuals.

Lik Sprava, 1996 Jul-Sep, (7-9), 113 - 5
{The interrelationship of the results of microbiological blood and lymph studies with the severity of the course of acute pancreatitis}; Pugaev AV et al.; With the purpose of studying the routes for infecting the necroses of pancreas in the time course of development of acute pancreatitis, microbiological investigation were carried out on blood (n = 49) and lymph (n = 11) . Comparative evaluation of the microflora composition in different milieus of the organism showed that it is only under aerobiosis that bacteria are recovered from blood and lymph, which fact makes it possible to distinguish the above microflora from the pus of retroperitoneal and pancreatic abscesses . No regularities were found in the patterns of bacterial strains recoverable from blood of those patients with acute pancreatitis relative to phases of disease course.

Eur J Surg, 1996 Jul, 162(7), 567 - 71
Effects of obstructive jaundice and external biliary diversion on bacterial translocation in rats; Cakmakci M et al.; OBJECTIVE: To find out the rate of translocation of bacteria to visceral organs in obstructive jaundice, and whether the absence of bile within the intestine or the presence of obstructive jaundice itself promotes bacterial translocation . DESIGN: Prospective, controlled experimental animal study . SETTING: University hospital, Turkey . SUBJECTS: 40 Inbred albino rats weighing 160-220 g . INTERVENTIONS: Three groups of rats were studied: sham operated controls (n = 15), ligation of the common bile duct (CBD) (n = 15), and CBD-ligation and proximal external biliary division through a Silastic catheter (n = 10) . Specimens of distal small bowel mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), liver, spleen, and lung were obtained on the 10th postoperative day, and quantitative bacteriological analysis done . Caecal aerobic microflora were also measured for qualitative and quantitative comparisons . RESULTS: The translocation of bacteria to MLN, liver, and spleen, but not to the lungs, was slightly but not significantly increased by ligation of the CBD . Ligation of the CBD with simultaneous external biliary diversion caused increase translocation to all organs examined (with the increases to the MLN (p = 0.012), liver (p = 0.009), and spleen (p = 0.028) being significant) . There was no difference in the raised bacterial counts in MLN and visceral organs after ligation of the CBD or biliary diversion . The pattern of caecal microflora did not change in any group . CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the absence of bile from the gut may promote bacterial translocation to visceral organs.

J Pharm Pharmacol, 1996 Jul, 48(7), 689 - 93
Development and validation of a pig model for colon-specific drug delivery; Gardner N et al.; The purpose of this investigation was to develop a pig model for colonic drug delivery and to validate the model by determining whether the physiology of the pig colon had been significantly altered after the surgical implantation of a gut cannula into the terminal ileum of the pig . A fistula was created in the terminal ileum of the pig, and a cannula fitted for the purpose of directly administering drug formulations to a point just anterior to the ileocaeco-colonic valve of the gastrointestinal tract . The cephalic vein of the pig was also cannulated to enable continued blood sampling . Sulphasalazine was used as the model drug for the validation study . In the intact colon, sulphasalazine is metabolized by the gut microflora to sulphapyridine which is then absorbed . Sulphasalazine was administered orally to non-fistulated and fistulated pigs and then ileally, via the gut cannula, to fistulated pigs . Absorption of sulphapyridine was monitored by HPLC analysis of plasma samples . There was no significant difference in the absorption obtained for the three groups . Thus it is demonstrated that the colon physiology had not been altered . The colonic pig model is ideal for studying factors affecting the colonic absorption of drugs and as a means for developing drug delivery systems with improved absorption properties.

J Clin Periodontol, 1996 Jul, 23(7), 698 - 703
Topographic distribution of subgingival plaque along root surfaces of human periodontally diseased teeth . A descriptive study; Crespi R et al.; The purpose of this study was to characterize the topographical distribution and organization of subgingival plaque in periodontally diseased teeth . 26 extracted teeth were fixed and processed for undecalcified histological evaluation . The sections were cut perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth and analyzed by phase-contrast microscopy . The coronal portion of the analyzed roots showed a dense accumulation of filamentous forms, fusiform rods, coccoid forms and loosely aggregated spirochetes . The middle and apical portions showed a non-uniform distribution of the microflora, with microorganisms representing all the known morphotypes . Furthermore, plaque was detected below undisturbed periodontal fibers, indicating that plaque not only forms apically, but also in a lateral direction, penetrating and colonizing below areas where periodontal fibers are inserted into the root surface.

Vet Surg, 1996 Jul-Aug, 25(4), 336 - 41
Comparative evaluation of two surgical scrub preparations in cattle; Desrochers A et al.; One hundred seventeen cattle that had undergone surgery were assigned randomly to two preoperative skin preparation protocols . Group 1 (60 animals) skin preparation was with povidoneiodine soap and isopropyl alcohol, whereas group 2 (57 animals) had skin preparation with chlorhexidine gluconate and isopropyl alcohol . Quantitative microbial culture plates were used to estimate the number of colony forming units (CFUs) before skin preparation (prescrub), after skin preparation (postscrub), after surgery (postoperative), and in room air (environment) . A significant decrease in CFU occurred postscrub for both skin preparations (P < .05) . Chlorhexidine and alcohol preparation resulted in significantly fewer CFUs (LSMean +/- SE = 2.79 CFU +/- 1.74) and a greater percentage reduction in CFUs (98.64% +/- 2.01) postscrub than providone and alcohol (LSMean +/- SE = 10.27 CFUs +/- 1.51, 93.29% +/- 1.85); (P < .005) . Group 2 had a significantly higher frequency of negative cultures postscrub (49.1%) compared with group 1 (18.3%) (P < .001) . The number of postoperative CFUs were not significantly different between the two treatment groups . Wound infection frequency for clean surgical procedures was not significantly different between the two skin preparation protocols (group 1 = 9.8%, group 2 = 10.7%), however, infection frequency was significantly higher for surgical procedures with a ventral abdominal approach (5 of 14, 35.7%,) compared with a flank approach (1 of 41, 2.4%) or other approaches (orthopedic procedures) (1 of 16, 6.3%) (P < .05) . Both skin preparation protocols were effective and safe in decreasing the skin microflora population of cattle before surgery and although preparation with chlorhexidine gluconate and alcohol resulted in less CFUs immediately postscrub, the frequency of surgical wound infection was similar for both protocols.

Infect Immun, 1996 Jul, 64(7), 2794 - 8
Decreased expression of mannose-specific adhesins by Escherichia coli in the colonic microflora of immunoglobulin A-deficient individuals; Friman V et al.; Most Escherichia coli isolates can express type 1 fimbriae with mannose-specific adhesins . These adhesins bind to the oligosaccharide chains of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) . Thus, in addition to specific antibody activity, secretory IgA possesses a broad reactivity with bacteria expressing type 1 fimbriae . The absence of secretory IgA in colonic secretions, as seen in IgA deficiency, might therefore alter the ability of type 1-fimbriated E . coli to colonize the large intestines of these individuals . In the present study, 10 E . coli isolates from each of 17 IgA-deficient and 17 age-matched control individuals were assessed for the carriage of the fim gene cluster by DNA-DNA hybridization and for the expression of type 1 fimbriae by hemagglutination of guinea pig erythrocytes . The contribution of type 1-fimbria-mediated adherence to HT-29 colonic cells was also analyzed . The proportion of fim+ E . coli isolates was lower in IgA-deficient than in control individuals (74 versus 94%, P < 0.05), as was the proportion of isolates expressing type 1 fimbriae in vitro (69% versus 85%, P < 0.05) . The median mannose-sensitive adherence to HT-29 cells was lower for isolates from IgA-deficient individuals than from the controls (9 versus 26 bacteria per cell, P < 0.05) . Isolates expressing type 1 fimbriae showed lower adherence to HT-29 cells when they were derived from IgA-deficient individuals than when they were derived from control individuals (15 versus 27 bacteria per cell, P < 0.05) . The results suggest that the interaction of type 1 fimbriae with secretory IgA contributes to the large intestinal colonization by these bacteria.

Semin Respir Infect, 1996 Jun, 11(2), 109 - 18
Severe exacerbations of COPD patients: the role of pulmonary infections; Fagon JY et al.; Infection is usually considered the main cause of acute exacerbation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) . However, uncertainty persists concerning the exact role of bacterial and viral infection in this setting because of the confusing and conflicting data on the role of tracheobronchial microflora and the usefulness of antibiotics in treating this disease . Most COPD patients have evidence of lower respiratory tract chronic bacterial colonization during remission periods as well as during acute exacerbations . This is evidenced by using microbiological analysis of secretions, which reflect all the respiratory tract (sputum), the lower respiratory tract (transtracheal aspiration), or the distal respiratory tract (protected specimen brush) . Potentially pathogenic organisms can be recovered from the respiratory tract secretions of virtually all patients with COPD at some time during the course of their disease . Absence of difference in isolation of potentially pathogenic organisms between remission periods and acute exacerbations suggests that bacterial infection is probably not the predominant cause of acute exacerbations in COPD . In contrast, data indicate that the association between viral infections and acute exacerbations is clearer than that with bacteria, affecting probably more than 20% of cases . The role of antibiotic therapy in acute exacerbations of COPD remains controversial . (1) Clearly, antibiotic therapy is urgently required in COPD patients with pneumonia . (2) Review of the conflicting results of studies evaluating the role of antibiotic therapy for preventing acute exacerbations suggests that there is no clear-cut rationale for prophylactic treatment of infection for all patients with COPD; it seems, however, that such treatment may be of some use in highly selected patients, such as those with many exacerbations in the winter . (3) Similarly, data are conflicting concerning the curative use of antibiotic therapy, with some studies suggesting acceleration of recovery, prevention of acute deterioration, and longer period of freedom from recurrent exacerbations; conversely many patients recover from exacerbations without resorting to an antibiotic . Unfortunately, no clear data identify patients who could benefit from antibiotic treatment, probably justifying most clinicians' choice to treat acute exacerbations as infectious events.

J Clin Microbiol, 1996 Jun, 34(6), 1576 - 8
Highly toxic clone of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in geographically widespread cases of juvenile periodontitis in adolescents of African origin; Haubek D et al.; The bacterium Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans has been implicated in the pathogenesis of juvenile periodontitis as the etiologic agent on the basis of several lines of circumstantial evidence . A matter of extensive debate is whether A . actinomycetemcomitans is an exogenous contagious pathogen or an opportunistic pathogen that resides in the normal oral microflora . Here we show evidence of a single clone of A . actinomycetemcomitans isolated from multiple patients with juvenile periodontitis in members of families of African origin living in geographically widespread areas . The clone is characterized by a 530-bp deletion in the leukotoxin gene operon, resulting in a significantly increased production of leukotoxin.

Parasitology, 1996 Jun, 112 ( Pt 6), 545 - 52
Ecology of anti-microbials produced by bacterial associates of Steinernema carpocapsae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora; Jarosz J; Based on the ability of bacterial associates of entomopathogenic nematodes to produce antibiotic compounds on artificial media, it has been commonly accepted that Xenorhabdus sp . and Photorhabdus sp . inhibit a wide range of invading microorganisms in insects infected with Steinernema spp . or Heterorhabditis spp . Therefore, the question of whether antibiotic compounds produced by the primary form of bacterial symbionts associated mutualistically with S . carpocapsae and H . bacteriophora explain why insect carcasses do not putrefy but provide nutritional requirements for insect parasitic rhabditoid nematodes to complete their life-cycle was examined . Laboratory bioassays of anti-bacterial activity on nutrient agar and during parasitism in larvae of Galleria mellonella have confirmed earlier observations that in virto colonies of the primary form of X . nematophilus and P . luminescens produced agar-diffusible antibiotic compounds of a broad spectrum of anti-bacterial activity; their role in parasitism seems doubtful, however . This hypothesis is supported by a low antibiotic potency of a limited spectrum of anti-bacterial activity throughout the life-cycle of the parasites, principally in Galleria infected with S . carpocapsae . Since the lack of putrefaction cannot be explained simply by antibiotic inhibition of contaminating bacterial microflora, other competition mechanisms must be operating in parasitized insects . I postulated that a rapid and massive colonization of the insect body by nematophilic bacteria creates unfavorable conditions for the growth and multiplication of bacterial (proteolytic) contaminators making the insect carcass decay-resistant . In the case of H . bacteriophora, low antibiotic activity at an early stage of parasitism could support the colonization by P . luminescens of the host.

J Appl Bacteriol, 1996 May, 80(5), 479 - 86
Computer-aided comparison of protein electrophoretic patterns for grouping and identification of heterotrophic bacteria from mineral water; Ferreira AC et al.; The microflora of a natural mineral water was studied immediately after bottling (T0) and after 7 d storage (T7) during 6 months, and isolates were clustered by SDS-PAGE of whole-cell protein profiles . Isolates from each cluster were further characterized by API 20NE, fatty acid composition and quinone profiles . The numerical analysis of the electrophoregrams of all bacteria isolated from the mineral water formed 15 clusters and five unclustered strains . Except for five minor clusters, all clusters were composed of strains isolated over several months . The numerical analysis of the electrophoregrams of bacteria isolated immediately after bottling formed 15 clusters while after 7 d storage only four of these populations could be isolated, indicating the populations present in the mineral water were stable and that changes occurring after bottling probably resulted from a selection process . Only one unclustered strain was identified simultaneously by all the systems, as Sphingomonas paucimobilis . The monitoring of the aquifer and the bottling system, and the construction of a large database with bacteria of the autochthonous flora allows the detection of alterations in the aquifer by changes in the microflora.

Head Neck, 1996 May-Jun, 18(3), 242 - 7
Whole salivary flow rates following submandibular gland resection; Jacob RF et al.; BACKGROUND . Patients with head and neck neoplasms receive therapeutic neck dissections which may include the submandibular gland unilaterally or bilaterally . The clinical consequences of salivary gland resection could be reduced salivary output, altered cariogenic microflora, and increased incidence of dental caries . METHODS . This investigation evaluated whole salivary flow rates of patients who had received unilateral (n = 29) or bilateral (n = 8) submandibular gland resections and compared them with noncancer control subjects (n = 29) . RESULTS . Unstimulated and stimulated (paraffin) flow rates were significantly lower in both resection groups compared with those of the noncancer group, ranging from p < .002 to p < .02 . Although flow rates were lower in the bilateral group than in the unilateral group, the differences between these two groups were statistically significant (p < .02) only for stimulated saliva . Xerostomia was reported by one third of the resection subjects . CONCLUSION . In view of the significantly lower flow rates observed in the resection groups (especially for unstimulated saliva), topical fluoride therapy should be considered for those patients whose past caries activity would indicate an increased caries risk associated with partial loss of salivary function.

J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol, 1996 May, 58(2), 217 - 23
Antibiotic resistance and enhanced insecticide catabolism as consequences of steroid induction in the gram-negative bacterium Comamonas testosteroni; Oppermann UC et al.; The effects of steroid induction on antibiotic resistance against the fungal steroid fusidic acid (ramycin; 16-(acetyloxy)-3 alpha,11 alpha-dihydroxy-29-dammara-17(20), 24-dien-21-oic-acid) as well as on carbonyl reduction and degradation of the novel anti-insect agent NKI 42255 (2-(1-imidazolyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-methyl-1-propanone) were studied in the Gram-negative soil bacterium Comamonas testosteroni strain ATCC 11996 . Cells grown with testosterone as inducing agent showed a 5-6-fold elevation of antibiotic resistance against the fungal steroid fusidic acid . Furthermore, testosterone induction caused a faster uptake and different metabolism of the anti-insect agent NKI 42255 compared to control cultures, revealing carbonyl reduction of the substrate keto group as an initial degradation step in induced cells . It is concluded that the formerly described steroid inducible hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases/carbonyl reductases present in Comamonas testosteroni contribute to these altered phenotypes, thus establishing steroid-inducible catabolic pathways as important defense processes against natural and synthetic toxicants in certain bacteria, which are present in the intestinal microflora of mammalian species as well as in soil samples.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1996 May-Jun, (3), 86 - 8
{The dynamics of the species composition and antilysozymal activity of ejaculate microflora under the action of local hyperthermia}; Ivanov IuB et al.; Changes in the antilysozyme activity of bacteria under the action of high temperature and short-wave hyperthermia have been studied . The regulating influence of these factors on the species composition and persistence characteristics of the microflora of ejaculate obtained from sterile patients has been demonstrated . A method for the treatment of male sterility is proposed.

Toxicol Pathol, 1996 May-Jun, 24(3), 305 - 14
The interactions of diet and colonic microflora in regulating colonic mucosal growth; Whiteley LO et al.; The colonic mucosa can adapt its growth to alterations in diet . Metabolites from colonic microflora are frequently implicated as the primary factor in mediating the colonic mucosal response to diet; however, there is also evidence indicating that diet may have a direct effect in mediating this response . The aim of this study was to determine the role of diet, microflora, and microflora metabolites in altering the growth of the colonic mucosa . Two 28-day feeding studies were conducted using Sprague-Dawley rats . The first study compared the growth of the colonic mucosa in germ-free and conventional rats fed 6 different diets . The second study compared the growth of the colonic mucosa to the concentration of bacterial-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFs), bile acids, and ammonia . The diets that were fed consisted of (1) AIN-76a diet without dietary fiber; (2) standard AIN-76a diet, which contained 5% cellulose; (3) AIN-76a diet with 5% guar gum; (4) a "Western" human diet with 20% fat and 10% cellulose; (5) AIN-76a diet formulated to mimic Diet 4 in fat content but with 2.5% cellulose; and (6) Purina Rodent Chow . Quantitative volumetric and stereologic analysis was used to assess changes in total colonic mucosal volume as a measure of mucosal growth . In germ-free rats, Diets 2-4 and 6 induced a significant increase (18-38%) in mucosal volume compared to Diet 1 . In conventional animals, only Diets 4 and 6 induced a significant increase (up to 63%) in mucosal volume compared to Diet 1 . Relative to the germ-free animals, only conventional animals on Diets 4 and 6 had an increase in mucosal volume . The increases in mucosal volume in Diets 4 and 6 were not consistently associated with increased SCFAs, ammonia, or bile acids . There was a wide range in the colonic concentrations of SCFAs (2-fold), ammonia (6-fold), and bile acids (10-fold) . The presence of colonic microflora in and of itself does not lead to enhanced colonic mucosal growth . Rather, there are unique interactions between specific types of diet and microflora that lead to a growth-promoting effect . This effect could not be explained by alterations in the concentration of SCFAs, ammonia, or bile acids in colonic contents.

J Periodontol, 1996 May, 67(5), 490 - 6
In vitro permeability evaluation and colonization of membranes for periodontal regeneration by Porphyromonas gingivalis; Ricci G et al.; The use of membranes for periodontal regeneration is well established . In clinical use, the exposure of membranes to the oral microflora may result in a pathway for periodontal infections . An important role in this process is played by Porphyromonas gingivalis . The purpose of the present study was to examine the colonization of 6 different bioresorbable and nonresorbable membranes for periodontal regeneration by the strain DSM 20709 of P . gingivalis and to determine the time needed by this microorganism to pass through the membranes . A device consisting of a tube sealed with the membranes and filled with a medium suitable for the growth of P . gingivalis was incubated in a bigger tube containing the same medium to study the process of colonization and the crossing of membranes . The outer tube was inoculated with 10(4) cells of P . gingivalis DSM 20709 . The passage of bacteria through the membranes was monitored at 6, 24, and 48 hours by counting the number of cells in the inner tube . The colonized membranes were observed using a scanning electron microscope . Differences in the behavior of the 6 membranes analyzed were demonstrated.

J Mass Spectrom, 1996 Apr, 31(4), 367 - 76
Gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometric comparison of N-acetyl- and N-pivaloyl amino acid esters to measure 15N isotopic abundances in physiological samples: a pilot study on amino acid synthesis in the upper gastro-intestinal tract of minipigs; Metges CC et al.; There is evidence that in animals and also in humans, non-specific nitrogen is used for de novo synthesis of indispensable amino acids by the microflora of the gastro-intestinal tract . Gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry was applied to investigate whether lysine of intestinal origin is available for body protein synthesis . Two minipigs with an end-to-end ileorectal anastomosis received orally equimolar amounts of 15N as ammonium chloride or urea twice a day for 10 days . Samples of blood and ileal digesta were collected before and throughout the 10 days; tissue samples were taken at termination of the experiment . The N-acetyl-n-propyl (NAP)- and N-pivaloyl-i-propyl (NPP)-amino acid esters were evaluated for the determination of the 15N content of lysine and 16 other amino acids ranging from natural abundance to an enrichment of 0.6 APE 15N in a complex mixture of proteinogenic amino acids and several matrices . At natural abundances for all amino acids analysed, NAP and NPP derivatives gave mean precisions of 0.5 and 0.3/1000 delta 15N, respectively . The mean precision for NPP derivatives at enrichments between 0.42 and 1.10 AP 15N ranged between 1.0-15.0/1000 delta 15N . 15N from ammonium chloride was incorporated into lysine and in all other amino acids of serum albumin to a 2.5 times higher degree than from urea . Somewhat lower, but significant, lysine enrichments were detected in liver, duodenum and jejunum . After 10 days of ingestion of 15N-labeled urea a significant 15N enrichment in lysine of serum albumin could not be detected, although lysine in the ileal digesta was significantly labeled by day 5 . This is the first report providing evidence that the microflora in the upper gastrointestinal tract of pigs is capable of synthesizing lysine de novo and that this lysine is available for body protein synthesis.

Dent Clin North Am, 1996 Apr, 40(2), 263 - 75
Host factors affecting disease transmission; Muzyka BC; In prevention of transmission of infectious disease, the host uses a variety of protective mechanisms and can elicit many different responses . Nonspecific defense mechanisms include an intact integument (skin and mucous membranes) . The host also can use specialized substances it may secrete, such as mucin or fatty acids to prevent colonization or to inhibit growth of potential pathogens . Specialized surface structures are also used by the host in prevention of disease transmission . These structures include cells composed of keratin and cells with cilia . Additionally, nonspecific protection can be achieved through the actions of the host's nonpathogenic microflora . If these nonspecific barriers to microorganism invasion are breached, other host interactions occur . Complement has many nonspecific actions that may be used to control invasion of microorganisms . PMLs are an additional line of defense the host has available in prevention of infection . These cells are responsible for intracellular killing of pathogens through the use of enzymatic and oxidative mechanisms . The mononuclear phagocyte system allows for elimination of foreign material and debris from the inflammatory reaction . Additionally, the macrophages process and present antigens to T lymphocytes . B lymphocytes differentiate to produce plasma cells, which produce specific antibodies aimed at the invading microorganism . T lymphocytes are involved in the killing of pathogenic microorganisms and in the production of powerful immune modulators known as lymphokines . Fever and inflammation also serve to stimulate reactions aimed at destroying and removing the pathogen from the host system . These factors all play an important role in prevention of disease transmission in a human host.

Eur J Immunol, 1996 Apr, 26(4), 914 - 21
The expansion and selection of T cell receptor alpha beta intestinal intraepithelial T cell clones; Regnault A et al.; In conventional mice, the T cell receptor (TCR) alpha beta+ CD8 alpha alpha+ and CD8 alpha beta+ subsets of the intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) constitute two subpopulations . Each comprise a few hundred clones expressing apparently random receptor repertoires which are different in individual genetically identical mice (Regnault, A., Cumano, A., Vassalli, P., Guy-Grand, D . and Kourilsky, P., J . Ep . Med . 1994 . 180: 1345) . We analyzed the repertoire diversity of sorted CD8 alpha alpha and CD8 alpha beta TCR alpha beta+ IEL populations from the small intestine of individual germ-free mice that contain ten times less TCR alpha beta+ T cells than conventional mice . The TCR beta repertoire of the CD8 alpha alpha and the CD8 alpha beta IEL populations of germ-free adult mice shows the same degree of oligoclonality as that of conventional mice . These results show the intestinal microflora is not responsible for the repertoire oligoclonality of TCR alpha beta+ IEL . The presence of the microflora leads to an expansion of clones which arise independently of bacteria . To evaluate the degree of expansion of IEL clones in conventional mice, we went on to measure their clone sizes in vivo by quantitative PCR in the total and in adjacent sections of the small intestine of adult animals . We found that both the CD8 alpha alpha and the CD8 alpha beta TCR alpha beta IEL clones have a heterogeneous size pattern, with clones containing from 3 x 10(3) cells up to 1.2 x 10(6) cells, the clones being qualitatively and quantitatively different in individual mice . Cells from a given IEL clone are not evenly distributed throughout the length of the small intestine . The observation that the TCR alpha beta IEL populations comprise a few hundred clones of very heterogeneous size and distribution suggests that they arise from a limited number of precursors, which may be slowly but continuously renewed, and undergo extensive clonal expansion in the epithelium.

J Am Vet Med Assoc, 1996 Apr 1, 208(7), 1048 - 51
Quantity and distribution of Malassezia organisms on the skin of clinically normal dogs; Kennis RA et al.; OBJECTIVE--To define the extent to which Malassezia organisms can be recovered from the skin of clinically normal dogs and to assess differences in organism recovery related to anatomic sampling site and to method of collection . DESIGN--Prospective, controlled study . ANIMALS--19 clinically normal dogs . PROCEDURE--The number of Malassezia pachydermatis organisms were determined in fungal cultures of samples obtained from the skin of clinically normal dogs, using an adhesive tape method to obtain samples from 10 sites/dog . Additionally, 3 methods (direct impression, swabbing technique, and superficial skin scraping) that are commonly used for obtaining samples for cytologic examination were evaluated . RESULTS--Malassezia organisms were found in low numbers as part of the microflora of the skin of clinically normal dogs . Number of organisms differed significantly for various anatomic locations (chin, highest number; inguinal and axillary regions, lowest number) . Malassezia organisms were identified more frequently by use of adhesive tape and fungal culturing than by the methods used for cytologic examination . However, comparing methods used for obtaining samples for cytologic examination with each other, marked differences were not detected in our ability to recover yeast organisms among the 3 techniques . CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS--Although Malassezia spp is part of the microflora of the skin of clinically normal dogs, it is extremely difficult to detect the organism by any of the 3 sampling methods used for sample collection for cytologic examination . Therefore, anatomic site and method of sample collection should be considered when attempting to make a diagnosis of Malassezia dermatitis.

Fiziol Zh Im I M Sechenova, 1996 Mar, 82(3), 95 - 102
{The digestive characteristics of fishes (the biocenotic aspects)}; Kuz'mina VV; The cavity, membrane and intracellular digestion is added by two additional types of digestion in the fish: a symbiont digestion and an induced autolysis . As the intensity of processes maintained by the enzyme systems of the victim and a symbiont depends upon the structure and conditions of the biocenosis, the latter are regarded as an ecological component . The enzymes of microflora and objects of feeding contribute much to digestive processes in fish and take part in the adaptation of their digestive system to the character of the food and specifics of the biocenosis.

Lett Appl Microbiol, 1996 Mar, 22(3), 237 - 43
The isolation and detection of Escherichia coli O157 by use of immunomagnetic separation and immunoassay procedures; Bennett AR et al.; The use of immunomagnetic separation (IMS) techniques has been reported to reduce the total test time, and improve the sensitivity, of microbiological tests done on foods . This approach is being adopted in epidemiological investigations into suspected foodborne outbreaks of Escherichia coli O157 infection and has gained acceptance by public health laboratories and the food industry . This study demonstrated the ability of a commercially available IMS procedure, Dynabeads anti-E . coli O157, to enable detection of a few cells of E . coli O157 in 25 g of inoculated minced beef, giving results 1 d earlier than a cultural analysis of similar sensitivity . With correct choice of enrichment broths, IMS may increase isolation rate of E . coli O157 compared to that obtained using conventional cultural methods . It is suggested that this may be due to an increase in relative concentration of E . coli O157 compared with the background microflora present in minced beef, which may reduce reliability of non-IMS detection procedures by masking or mimicking target cells on selective/differential solid media . The use of an immunoassay incorporating an IMS step, EHEC-Tek (Organon-Teknika), enabled detection of a few cells of E . coli O157 in 25 g of minced beef . Comparison of the IMS-ELISA with a standard ELISA procedure (Tecra) indicated the sensitivity of the latter system to be greater, perhaps resulting in the higher isolation rate . The use of a method to reliability isolate and detect extremely low levels of E . coli O157 in a food is necessary to aid reduction in the incidence of this most serious of foodborne pathogens.

Immunology, 1996 Mar, 87(3), 487 - 92
Thymic B cells of pig fetuses and germ-free pigs spontaneously produce IgM, IgG and IgA: detection by ELISPOT method; Cukrowska B et al.; The aim of this study was to investigate spontaneous immunoglobulin production and a pattern of isotype switching by thymic B lymphocytes (TBL) as compared with cells isolated from spleen during early ontogeny using a pig model in which B-cell development is not influenced by maternal regulatory factors . A sensitive ELISPOT assay was therefore employed to detect immunoglobulins in pig fetuses, colostrum-deprived germ-free (GF) piglets as well as conventionally (CONV) reared pigs . The first spontaneously immunoglobulin-secreting cells in the thymus were detected in 67-day-old fetuses (the length of gestation period in pigs is 114 days), their number increasing during fetal ontogeny . In contrast to fetal splenic cells, which secrete exclusively IgM, fetal thymic immunoglobulin-secreting cells were determined to undergo spontaneous isotype switching to IgG and IgA . In 28-day-old GF piglets and 3-month-old CONV pigs the number of thymic immunoglobulin-secreting cells of all isotypes was comparable to the number of thymic immunoglobulin-secreting cells detected in the newborn thymus . Considerable augmentation of IgG and IgA production by splenic immunoglobulin-secreting cells in CONV pigs was observed as compared to GF newborns and GF piglets, in which IgG- and IgA-secreting cells were detected occasionally . Our results indicate that TBL represent the first B-cell population in early fetal ontogeny spontaneously undergoing isotype switching to IgG and IgA; in the postnatal period the TBL population does not appear to be influenced by external antigenic stimuli of conventional microflora.

Med Tekh, 1996 Mar-Apr, (2), 42 - 3
{Non-coherent infrared therapy in inflammatory diseases and facial injuries}; Deriabin EI; The paper presents the basic specifications of a UZO laser therapy device which has been used to examine the effect of non-coherent infrared radiation on the microflora of purulent wounds and the repair of osseous tissue in experimental animals . A clinical aspect of the investigations involved the efficiency of laser and non-coherent infrared radiation in the treatment of patients with inflammatory diseases and injuries of the maxillofacial region . Based on their experimental and clinical findings, the authors come to the conclusion that the clinically significant characteristic of laser radiation is its monochromatism.

Arkh Patol, 1996 Mar-Apr, 58(2), 8 - 13
{Role of gram-negative bacterial endotoxins in infectious and non-infectious diseases}; Likhoded VG et al.; The role of gram-negative bacteria endotoxin in infectious and non-infectious pathology is reviewed . It is shown that endotoxin may induce some injuries to the lungs, liver, kidney and blood vessels . It is suggested that intestinal microflora endotoxin may take part in the development of many pathological processes . The basis of the endotoxin effect is its capacity to interact with cell membrane . Intravascular blood coagulation and endotoxin shock resulting in the patient's death may occur at high doses of endotoxin.

Arkh Patol, 1996 Mar-Apr, 58(2), 41 - 5
{Endotoxin-induced injury to the endothelium}; Iakovlev MIu et al.; Literature and own data on endotoxin- induced injuries to endothelium are reviewed . It is shown that endotoxin can cause, hyperactivation of granulocytes, activation of complements, local endothelial injuries and some increase of vascular cell wall permeability, oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and LDL-LPS complexes, binding of LPS with high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and some decrease of HDL ability to bind cholesterol, stimulation of endothelial and smooth muscle cell replication in local injuries to vessel wall . Low doses of endotoxin were found in blood plasma and on granulocytes surface in healthy and sick subjects . It is concluded that intestinal microflora endotoxin may play an essential role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

J Periodontol, 1996 Mar, 67(3), 254 - 63
Immunological, genetic, and microbiological study of family members manifesting early-onset periodontitis; Nakagawa M et al.; From the standpoint of host-parasite interactions, family studies help us understand the host defensive factors and the molecular mechanisms involved in the periodontal immune response . In this study, we report the immunological profile of host-defensive functions, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) phenotypes, and the microflora of a mother (rapidly progressive periodontitis), an older son (periodontally healthy), a younger son (localized juvenile periodontitis), and a daughter (localized juvenile periodontitis) . We examined the peripheral neutrophil functions, phenotypic and functional analysis of peripheral lymphocytes, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titers against periodontopathic bacteria, serological type of HLA class II antigens, and bacterial flora in all periodontal pockets . The results showed that Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was dominant in the pockets of all subjects . The mother and two sons showed a depressed neutrophil chemotaxis to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine . All subjects except the older son exhibited low T4/T8 ratios . The mother and daughter had raised levels of IgG titers to Porphyromonas gingivalis . All subjects had HLA phenotypes of DRw52 and DQ1 in common . We found that the family members had similar disorders in certain defensive functions . This family has been a model for our understanding of the host defensive factors in the development of early-onset periodontitis.

J Clin Periodontol, 1996 Mar, 23(3 Pt 2), 263 - 7
Rationale of mechanical plaque control; Westfelt E; Patients who have received extensive periodontal treatment also demonstrate a high susceptibility to periodontal disease . Maintenance of periodontal health following therapy includes a lifelong supportive care consisting of daily removal of the microbial plaque by the patient, supplemented by professional care in an individually designed programme . Mechanical supragingival plaque control by self care is of utmost importance . The goal is to create a positive attitude by information and motivation to give the patient knowledge and confidence . The patient should be advised to use appropriate aids and technique . A soft brush, an interspace brush, interdental tooth brushes or tooth picks are recommended in periodontal patients . Professional tooth cleaning involves removal of supragingival plaque from all tooth surfaces using mechanically driven instruments and fluoride prophy paste and, when indicated, removal of calculus and subgingival plaque . Disclosing solution is used to visualize the plaque to the patient and to the clinician in order to reinforce instruction in oral hygiene . Oral hygiene measures alone seem to have limited effect on subgingival microflora in cases of severe disease . In shallow and moderately deep pockets a good plaque control can change the subgingival flora towards a more "healthy" composition . Subgingival plaque removal is performed with hand- and/or ultrasonic instruments . Cracks within the cementum, grooves, fissures, resorption lacunae, furcations may create difficulties in cleaning the root surface . Ultrasonic instrumentation has a beneficial effect in creating a smooth surface without extensive removal of cementum . Besides, the cavitational activity contributes to plaque removal which makes the instrument further suitable during maintenance therapy . The result of the debridement is assessed on the healing response in the tissues . The frequency of maintenance visits must be given on an individual basis according to the needs of every special patient . The visit includes plaque evaluation (disclosion), oral hygiene instruction, probing depth measurements, registration of bleeding on probing, scaling (plaque removal) if indicated, tooth polishing, fluoride application and radiographs if indicated . The goal is to identify and treat signs of recurrence of periodontal disease in order to prevent further loss of attachment.

J Clin Periodontol, 1996 Mar, 23(3 Pt 1), 180 - 7
The effect of a single mechanical treatment on the subgingival microflora in patients with HIV-associated gingivitis; Hofer D et al.; The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of a single episode of scaling and root planing on clinical periodontal parameters and on the subgingival microflora in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and HIV-negative subjects . 13 subjects participated and were clinically scored at days -7, 7, 30 and 90 . 7 subjects were infected with HIV and presented an HIV-associated gingivitis . 6 subjects were HIV-negative with at least 12 teeth affected by conventional gingivitis . No significant differences were seen between both groups regarding the presence of P . gingivalis, P . intermedia and A . actinomycetemcomitans . The mean plaque index (PlI) was 1.79 in the HIV-negative and 1.29 in the HIV-positive group . The mean gingival index (GI) was higher in the HIV-positive group (HIV-positive: 1.55; HIV-negative: 1.47) . Whereas, the PlI decreased significantly in the HIV-negative group during the course of the study, no change was observed in the HIV-positive group . GI as well as bleeding upon sampling decreased significantly in both patient groups during the same period . The bacterial counts decreased from day -7 to day 7 and generally remained on a lower level until day 90 . Small differences were seen in the microbiological flora of the HIV-positive and the HIV-negative subjects following mechanical treatment.

Semin Immunol, 1996 Feb, 8(1), 11 - 8
B-1 cells and their reactivity with the murine intestinal microflora; Kroese FG et al.; IgA secreting cells located in the lamina propria of the gut are a prominent feature of the mucosal immune system, which serves to protect the body from the continuous threat to infection by intestinal bacteria . In this review we summarize briefly the evidence that these IgA secreting cells have a dual origin and are derived either from conventional B cells or from B-1 cells . Furthermore, we show both at polyclonal and monoclonal levels that the major antigenic target of B-1 cell derived IgA are normal intestinal bacteria . Coating of intestinal bacteria with IgA is thought to result in immune exclusion, as shown for pathogenic bacteria . However, the bacterial microflora of the gut is an extremely stable ecosystem, despite the fact that the majority of intestinal bacteria are coated with IgA . We speculate here that these apparent contradictory functions of the humoral immune system, i.e . removal of bacteria and maintaining the normal gut flora might be exerted by IgA antibodies produced by the two B-cell lineages . The fixed and biased repertoire of B-1 cells might play a role in maintaining the normal intestinal flora . When pathogenic bacteria penetrate into the gut, conventional B cells may be induced in the Peyer's patches to produce high affinity, narrowly tuned IgA antibodies, leading to immune exclusion.

J Clin Periodontol, 1996 Feb, 23(2), 63 - 7
Dark field microscopy of the subgingival microflora in insulin-dependent diabetics; Seppaa B et al.; The subgingival microflora was assessed by means of dark field microscopy in 106 pockets of 47 subjects with long-term insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDD) . The microbiota of 55 healthy sulci (probing depth < 4 mm) and 51 periodontally diseased (probing depth > or = 4 and 6 mm) pockets were analyzed . The mean duration of the IDD of the diabetic subjects was 23.7 years (range from 10 to 41 years) . The diabetic patients, aged 30-65 years, were under medical treatment at the III Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki Central Hospital, and at 2 clinics of the Helsinki Health Centre . Based upon their long-term medical records, 26 subjects were assessed to have poorly controlled insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (PIDD) and 21 had controlled insulin-dependent diabetes (CIDD) . The PIDD subjects exhibited higher mean blood glucose levels (12.9 +/- 4.6 mmol/l, mean +/- S.D.) than the CIDD subjects (7.9 +/- 3.6 mmol/l) (p < 0.001, t-test) . The mean glycosylated hemoglobin HBA1 (HBA1c) levels were 11.2 +/- 4.6% (10.3 +/- 1.2%) and 8.8 +/- 1.8% (7.7 +/- 1.4%) for PIDD and CIDD subjects, respectively . These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, t-test) . For each individual, site-specific recordings were made for plaque index and bleeding index scores, probing depth, loss of attachment and radiographic loss of alveolar bone . Dark field microscopy analysis of the presence of spirochetes, motile rods, cocci, non-motile rods, filaments and fusiforms was performed in the total of 106 pockets . According to the results of the dark field microscopy, the % of spirochetes and motile rods in the periodontally diseased pockets was significantly higher in the PIDD than in the CIDD subjects (9.2 +/- 13.4% and 10.8 +/- 14.3% versus 4.0 +/- 5.2% and 3.1 +/- 3.2%, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, chi 2-test, respectively) . Moreover, the PIDD subjects had lower mean %s of coccoid cells in periodontally diseased sites than the CIDD subjects (52.1 +/- 20.8% versus 60.7 +/- 9.0%, p < 0.001, chi 2-test).

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol, 1996 Feb, 17(2), 114 - 8
The microbiology of colonization, including techniques for assessing and measuring colonization; Greene JN; Organisms living on our external and internal body surfaces are the first contact for many potentially pathogenic invaders . Factors that alter this microenvironment include antibiotics, the host immunity, and the various diseases of man and their treatment . Predicting when colonization leads to infection remains an important challenge for every clinician . The maintenance and breakdown of colonization resistance by changes in the native microflora and the body's natural mucosal coating by various extrinsic and intrinsic factors is reviewed in this article . Quantitative culture methods developed to improve the predictive value of a given sampling technique (most notably with bronchoscopy) is presented . Besides improving diagnostic capabilities, quantitative cultures can be used successfully as an epidemiologic tool for some outbreak investigations.

J Periodontol, 1996 Feb, 67(2), 78 - 85
Periodontal and microbiological changes associated with the placement of orthodontic appliances . A review; Atack NE et al.; This review examines specific aspects of orthodontic treatment and periodontal health, namely the effects of orthodontic banded attachments on periodontal disease and more specifically the microflora found around the gingival margins . This review highlights critical developments in orthodontic techniques and microbiological advances which have helped clarify the interrelationships between orthodontic appliances and periodontal disease . Suggestions as to how these may be modified are made, as well as targeting specific areas for research.

J Nutr, 1996 Feb, 126(2), 403 - 9
Hepatic cytochrome P450 and UDP-glucuronosyl transferase are affected by five sources of dietary fiber in germ-free rats; Nugon-Baudon L et al.; The influence of dietary fiber on xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes (XME) was assessed using germ-free rats fed inulin and other sources of fiber (wheat bran, carrot, cocoa and oat) . The consumption of cocoa fiber greatly modified the hepatic cytochrome P450 isoenzymatic profile, causing a strong enhancement of 1A2 and 2B1/B2 forms, concomitant with a significant decrease of the constitutive form 2C11, compared with all of the other types of fiber . Moreover, rats fed the cocoa fiber diet had a higher specific activity of hepatic UDP-glucuronosyl transferase than their carrot fiber- and wheat bran-fed counterparts . Intestinal UDP-glucuronosyl transferase was unaffected by the type of ingested fiber . Diet composition also did not alter the specific activity of glutathione-S-transferase in the liver, small intestine, or colon . Using earlier results obtained in heteroxenic rats, we show that intestinal microflora plays a key role in some of the effects of fiber on XME, although this is not a necessary prerequisite for all of the liver alterations.

HPB Surg, 1996, 10(1), 11 - 20
Influence of the gut microflora and of biliary constituents on morphological changes in the small intestine in obstructive jaundice; Quraishy MS et al.; Increased amounts of intestinal endotoxin are absorbed in obstructive jaundice . The precise mechanism is not known but the increased absorption may arise from alterations in the luminal contents, in the intestinal flora, in the gut wall or in interactions between all three . To examine the effects of the intestinal flora we have compared the morphological changes in the small intestine in obstructive jaundice in germ free and conventional rats while the effects of bile constituents have been examined by addition of bile constituents to the diet of bile duct ligated rats . Changes in the intestine were examined, histologically, by enzyme histochemistry, and by transmission and scanning electron microscopy . The results showed no differences in response between germ free and conventional rats . Feeding of diets containing bile salts exacerbated the lesion . Feeding of diets containing cholesterol, however, reduced the degree of intestinal changes produced by cholestasis and completely antagonised the increase in damage caused by feeding of bile salts.

Morfologiia, 1996, 110(6), 89 - 92
{Structural changes in the thymus and spleen of white rats during the recovery after long-term physical loading}; Tkachuk MG et al.; In the experiment on 30 outbred rats, subjected to systemic long term physical loads it was shown that unfavourable changes in immune system organs may arise not only affected by acting loads but also during repair after their finishing . 2 weeks after sharp ceasing of exercises increase of involutive changes in lymphoid organs (reduction of thymus and spleen sizes, disappearance of lymphoid nodules with germinative centers in spleen and great number of degenerating cells) so as decrease of the organism resistance were found . This was suggested by growth of pathogenic microflora colonies on the agar . In gradual reduction of physical load it was managed to escape from unfavourable changes in both organs.

Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig, 1996, 47(2), 181 - 95
{Distribution of chlorophenols in a water environment}; Bogacka T et al.; The purpose of this study was to establish the distribution of the selected chlorophenols of point (2,4-DCF, 2,6-DCF, 2,4,5-TCF and 2,3,6-TCF) and nonpoint origin (2,4,6-TCF,2,3,4,6-TeCF and PCF) under conditions simulating the environment of river and distilled water and laboratory water ecosystem . The distribution process developed in accordance with the kinetic equation of 1st order, the average degradation half-time at 20 degrees C amounted: model of river -23, 58-76, 92 days, and model of distilled water-36, 53-47, 25 days . The rate degradation in river and distilled water indicates that the river water microorganisms have no influence on the degradation of determined compounds . When the microflora had been adapted to the presence of chlorophenols the process of degradation was as rule more rapid both investigated temperatures (20 degrees C and 7 degrees C) . This process was slowed down by temperature fall to about 7 degrees C . The mixture of chlorophenols at concentration of 10 and 50 micrograms/l when exposed for 20 days to water ecosystem under dynamic conditions, was found to be reduced up 13% . Chlorophenols were not absorbed by Elodea canadensis and Physa fortinalis and weakly by Lebistes reticulatus (cumulation coefficients -0.42-30.27) . In the case residual DCP and TCP -weakly (4.71-46.23 micrograms/kg) . The investigated concentrations of chlorophenols didn't exert positive effect on the aquatic biocenosis (except Lebistes reticulatus), settled in the ecosystem.

Antibiot Khimioter, 1996, 41(10), 30 - 1
{Enterotoxigenicity of gram-negative microorganisms isolated from the region of congenital cleft palate in children}; Vadachkoriia ZO et al.; One hundred and ninety four stains of opportunistic gram negative bacteria were isolated from 106 children with congenital cleft palate . 83 of them (42.7 per cent) reduced enterotoxin . For comparison, microflora of the oral cavity in 32 healthy children was investigated and 40 strains of opportunistic gram negative organisms were isolated . Only 3 of them proved to be enterotoxigenic . Therefore, the frequency of the enterotoxigenic bacteria in the children with cleft palate was higher than that in the healthy children.

Mycopathologia, 1996, 135(1), 21 - 7
Effect of medicating ingredients and other additives on microflora present on swine and chicken feeds from a Manitoba mill; Mills JT et al.; The occurrence of microfloral components on medicated and non-medicated swine and chicken feed pellets and crumbles, produced in a Manitoba feed mill between June 1991 and October 1992, was determined . Addition of medicates to feeds generally decreased bacterial incidence and increased that of Eurotium spp . fungi . The effect was less pronounced when copper sulphate was added to medicated swine feeds.

Acta Oncol, 1996, 35(7), 959 - 64
Colon-specific prodrugs of 5-radioiodo-2'-deoxyuridine; Baranowska-Kortylewicz J et al.; Two glycoside-based prodrugs, 125IUdR-5'-beta-D-glucopyranoside and 125IUdR-5'-beta-D-galactopyranoside, were synthesized . This selection was dictated by the abundance of appropriate enzymes in the GI tract of mice and similar levels of beta-D-glycosidases in human and rodent large intestine . Studies to establish the ability of colonic microflora to release 125IUdR were conducted in vitro and in Swiss Webster mice . Both prodrugs released 125IUdR in the presence of the corresponding enzymes or the GI content homogenates in vitro, and in vivo . Luminal enzymes in the proximal and distal small intestine in mice degraded less than 10% of each prodrug whereas enzymes from the colonic/caecal lumen of mice released nearly 100% of 125IUdR . 125IUdR freed by bacterial glycosidases was stable in the GI content . No significant amounts of other metabolites or deiodination products were observed . Total radioactivity recovered as by-products was less than 10% . The efflux of prodrugs from the GI tract after oral administration in mice was slow and limited . Unlike 125IUdR, prodrugs were not dehalogenated in vivo as indicated by biodistribution and imaging studies.

Oper Dent, 1996 Jan-Feb, 21(1), 4 - 11
Tunnel defects in dentin bridges: their formation following direct pulp capping; Cox CF et al.; This study was conducted to observe the formation and nature of tunnel defects in dentin bridges, assess the nature of the associated soft tissue elements, and note the relationship of pulp inflammation and necrosis associated with these defects . A total of 235 teeth with class 5 cavity preparation exposures were randomly distributed throughout the dentitions of 14 adult rhesus monkeys . Each pulp was exposed and left open to the oral microflora at one of four time intervals, flushed with saline, debrided, capped with one of two hard-set calcium hydroxide medicaments {Ca(OH)2 (Dycal or Life)} and restored with a dispersed-phase amalgam alloy . Observation times were 14 days, 5 weeks, and 1 and 2 years . A total of 192 dentin bridges formed against the Ca(OH)2 medicaments Life or Dycal in 235 pulp-capped teeth . Considering all four capping periods, 89% of all dentin bridges contained tunnel defects (172 of 192) . Forty-one percent (78) of the 192 dentin bridges were associated with recurring pulp inflammation or necrosis and were always associated with the presence of inflammatory cells and stained bacterial profiles . This study demonstrates that a statistically significant number of dentin bridges contain multiple tunnel defects, most of which appear to remain patent . These patent tunnels fail to provide a hermetic seal to the underlying pulp against recurring infection due to microleakage . Most Ca(OH)2 medicaments have been reported to disintegrate and wash out after 6 months, leaving a void underneath the restoration and thereby a pathway for bacterial infection . This study reemphasizes the need to employ biologically relevant measures that will provide a long-term clinical seal against microleakage following direct pulp capping with Ca(OH)2 medicaments alone.

Ginecol Obstet Mex, 1996 Jan, 64, 26 - 35
{Prevalence of bacterial vaginitis and vaginosis: association with clinical and laboratory features, and treatment}; Rivera LR et al.; This was a cross-sectional study meant to determine the prevalence of vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis among open population females from Cuernavaca City . The relationship between clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnosis and response to therapy were evaluated as well . A group of 405 sexually active women were enrolled between January and July, 1994 . The patients were attending the City Hospital for a regular gynecological consultation, upon their informed consent, they answered a specifically designed questionnaire and had a vaginal secretion sampling . Cotton swabs containing such secretions were employed to measure pH, estimate amines production (fishy odor) and perform both direct microscopic examination and Gram stained smears, which allowed the recognition of yeasts, Trichomonas vaginalis, "clue" cells and normal microflora . Treatments were clotrimazole for candidiasis and metronidazole for trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis . Data obtained were analyzed with statistical programs SPSS/PC and EGRET . Overall, 193 out of 405 women (47.7%) had some genital infection; most frequent was candidiasis with a prevalence of 105/405 (26%), bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis were present in 67/405 (16.5%) and 7/405 (1.7%) of the population, respectively . Clinical features associated to candidiasis were vulvar itching, dyspareunia, vulvar and cervical erythema, cervical inflammation and vaginal secretion . The only sign consistently observed in bacterial vaginosis patients was a yellow secretion . Women with T . vaginalis showed cervical lesions, friability, microhemorragic zones and vaginal secretion . One important factor linked to bacterial vaginosis was to have had premature labor . Therapeutic responses, with clinical and microbiological cure, were 92% for candidiasis; 93% for bacterial vaginosis; and 100% for trichomoniasis . In conclusion, it is of relevance to stimulate sexually active women to care for their genital health to medically diagnose, avoid and control the very common infections assessed in this paper.

J Clin Lab Anal, 1996, 10(5), 233 - 8
Hormonal modulation of the vaginal bacterial flora in experimental polycystic ovarian disease; Singh KB et al.; Rats exposed to constant light develop polycystic ovarian (PCO) disease with persistent estrus, representing an estrogen-dominant condition . Herein, we report that fluctuations seen in the vaginal microflora in cyclic rats were not observed in PCO rats with persistent estrus . The vaginal-cervical mucosa of PCO rats showed numerous adherent bacteria by scanning electron microscopy, similar to that seen in proestrus and estrus rats, but unlike the diestrus rats in which fewer organisms adhered to the mucosa . Administration of human chorionic gonadotropin induced ovulation in PCO rats, which was associated with a significant decrease in serum estradiol, an increase in progesterone, and a significant decrease in the estradiol/progesterone ratio compared with baseline values (P < 0.01) . This also resulted in an influx of leukocytes in the vagina with a significant decrease in vaginal anaerobic as well as aerobic bacterial flora . These data demonstrate that loss of cyclic ovarian activity in PCO rats with persistent estrus causes increased bacterial colonization of the vaginal-cervical mucosa, and the ovarian hormones appear to modulate the colonization of bacteria in the lower genital tract.

Reprod Nutr Dev, 1996, 36(1), 31 - 42
Effect of a high sulfur diet on rumen microbial activity and rumen thiamine status in sheep receiving a semi-synthetic, thiamine-free diet; Alves de Oliveira L et al.; A semi-synthetic thiamine-free diet was used on weaned lambs to test the effect of a high sulfur level on the rumen, microbial activity and on the microbial production of thiamine . In vivo and in vitro kinetic studies, as well as the determination of the thiamine concentrations and thiaminase activity in the rumen, were performed during the 16 week experiment . A high sulfur level (0.6%) in the diet, in comparison with a normal sulfur level (0.2%), did not modify the microbial activity of the rumen with the exception of a slightly retarded decrease in the volatile fatty acid (VFA) rumen concentration . The rumen thiamine level and the thiaminase activity were not modified by the dietary sulfur level . In contrast, the rate of sulfate reduction into sulfide in the rumen increased progressively with the 0.6% sulfur diet . In conclusion, a high sulfur level (0.6%) in the diet of sheep did not modify the thiamine status of the rumen . It strongly increased the production of sulfides but an adaptation period of several weeks was required by the rumen microflora to reduce sulfate at a maximal rate.

Biol Pharm Bull, 1996 Jan, 19(1), 77 - 82
Pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen sulfate after oral administration in rats: analysis of plasma profiles exhibiting a non-linear second peak; Sawamoto T et al.; The pharmacokinetics of the two-peak plasma profiles of orally administered acetaminophen sulfate (APAPS), a major conjugated metabolite of acetaminophen (APAP), in rats was examined by a two-compartment model having two delivery routes with individual time lags: a direct delivery route of APAPS absorbed in an unchanged form and an indirect one where APAPS was absorbed as APAP after deconjugation in the lower intestine . Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by a non-linear least squares program, MULTI(FILT), based on the fast inverse Laplace transform algorithm . Plasma APAPS concentration profiles after oral doses were simulated satisfactorily . In a dose escalation study, the peroral availability of APAPS derived from the direct route was not changed significantly with the doses . However, that from the indirect route was decreased with the dose escalation, suggesting the contribution of a capacity-limited deconjugation of APAPS to APAP by the intestinal microflora to the non-linear pharmacokinetics of orally administered APAPS . The absorption of peroral APAPS in rats at a dose range of 30 to 120 mg APAP eq/kg could be summarized as follows: (1) approximately 25% (22 to 32%) of orally administered APAPS are absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract in an unchanged form; (2) more than 50% (50 to 98%) are deconjugated to APAP in the lower intestinal tract; and (3) the latter plays a significant role as an indirect and non-linear APAPS delivery system because considerable amounts of APAP thus absorbed are rapidly reconjugated to APAPS in the systemic circulation, which gives the second plasma APAPS peak.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1996 Jan-Feb, (1), 70 - 4
{The microflora characteristics of the large intestine in infectious endocarditis}; Vorob'ev AA et al.; The state of the microflora of the large intestine in 18 patients with infectious endocarditis (IE) was studied . The study revealed that the existing specific features of the microbial picture of the large intestine were caused by changes in the content of some representatives of the indigenous group of microbes, as well as in the concentration and occurrence of transitory microbial species . Changes in the character of the microbial picture were found to depend on the activity of IE, as well as on the dynamics of the disease . In the course of this study no correlations between changes in the microbial picture of the intestine and the sex of the patients, as well as between the fact of the infection being primary or not and the presence of different clinical symptoms and syndromes of IE, were established . On the basis of the data thus obtained the most informative diagnostic signs reflecting the general character of changes typical of this disease were selected.

Biol Neonate, 1996, 69(1), 30 - 5
Transmission of mother's microflora to the newborn at birth; Mandar R et al.; Our aim was to study the initial microbial colonization of the newborns by comparing it with their mothers' vaginal microflora . Nineteen mother-newborn pairs were examined at delivery . We found a close association, both qualitative and quantitative, between the individually different microflora of a mother's vagina and that of her newborn . The degree of contamination of the newborn significantly correlated with the counts of microorganisms found in the vagina of mothers . In 85% of investigated individual mother-newborn pairs we revealed similar predominant microorganisms . There were no cases of the mothers and their newborns harbouring similar potentially pathogenic prevailing microorganisms.

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