Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health, 1984 Jun, 15(2), 265 - 9 An outbreak of influenza a in the highlands of Papua New Guinea; Canil KA et al.; In December 1982 and the early months of 1983, there was increased reporting of influenza-like illness from hospitals and health centres across the highlands region of Papua New Guinea . During this period, which fell in the highland wet season, influenza A viruses were isolated in routine surveillance specimens from a population of monitored children in the Goroka area in the Eastern Highlands . Influenza A viruses were also isolated in the investigation of a nearby rural outbreak of influenza-like illness . Samples of viruses isolated in these investigations were serotyped as most resembling the A/Philippines/2/82 strain . The contribution of these findings to the epidemiology of influenza in tropical countries, the role of influenza in the pathogenesis of pneumonia and possible interactions with bacteria and porcine influenza strains was discussed. J Clin Microbiol, 1984 Jun, 19(6), 766 - 71 Clinical correlations of serial quantitative blood cultures determined by lysis-centrifugation in patients with persistent septicemia; Whimbey E et al.; The potential clinical value of colony counts determined by the lysis-centrifugation blood culture method was studied by reviewing the records of eight patients with persistent septicemia in whom colony counts were available on at least 3 days . Colony counts of the five patients who survived decreased steadily as the patients improved . One of the three patients who died had counts repeatedly below 1.0 CFU/ml while she was clinically stable and higher counts when her condition deteriorated . Two patients died despite decreasing colony counts . One was improving and died unexpectedly of an unrelated cause; the other died of candidiasis, but declining serial arabinitol/creatinine ratios suggested a partial response to therapy . In addition, septicemia related to infected intravenous catheters was documented by demonstrating large differences in colony counts determined simultaneously from two different sites in two patients and by demonstrating a precipitous drop in CFU per milliliter after removal of the infected catheter in one patient . Routine availability of colony counts appears to be an important advantage of the lysis-centrifugation method. J Dairy Sci, 1984 Jun, 67(6), 1336 - 53 Uptake on postmilking teat antisepsis; Pankey JW et al.; A review of postmilking teat antisepsis in the control of mastitis is presented . History, development, and evaluation of teat dipping are summarized . General usage procedures are discussed, and limitations and hazards are described . Current recommendations for development of efficacy data on teat dips are outlined . Results of efficacy studies of several classes and formulations of teat dips are compiled. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1984 Jun, 81(12), 3728 - 32 Desulfovibrio vulgaris hydrogenase: a nonheme iron enzyme lacking nickel that exhibits anomalous EPR and Mössbauer spectra; Huynh BH et al.; A purification procedure for the periplasmic hydrogenase from Desulfovibrio vulgaris ( Hildenborough , National Collection of Industrial Bacteria 8303) is reported . The purified hydrogenase has a specific activity of 4800 units per mg of protein . Plasma emission studies reveal that this highly active hydrogenase is free of nickel and contains 11 (+/- 1) nonheme iron atoms per molecule . A combined EPR and Mossbauer study indicates that the majority of the iron atoms are bound in the form of iron- sulfur clusters . Two ferredoxin-type {4Fe-4S} clusters have been identified that exhibit normal EPR and Mossbauer parameters; however, no trace of 3Fe cluster is detected by the Mossbauer measurement . In the presence of oxidants, cytochrome c3, and CO, anomalous EPR and Mossbauer spectra indicative of atypical nonheme iron centers are observed. J Virol, 1984 Jun, 50(3), 779 - 83 Detection of DNA and RNA virus genomes in organ systems of whole mice: patterns of mouse organ infection by polyomavirus; Dubensky TW et al.; A technique which detects viral DNA or RNA in situ in the organ systems of whole mice is described . Frozen thin sections from whole mice were transferred directly to nitrocellulose and hybridized to labeled viral DNA, allowing the detection of viral DNA or RNA . By this procedure, polyomavirus infection of newborn mice inoculated intranasally was followed . We found that the initial inoculum could be detected in the nasal cavity, lungs, and stomach lining after a 5-h absorption period . Primary replication of virus was observed in the nasal cavity, submaxillary gland, and lungs, followed by a systemic phase of infection in which the liver, spleen, kidney, and large colon also became infected . Viral RNA as well as DNA could also be detected as shown by infecting mice intracerebrally with vesicular stomatitis virus . Vesicular stomatitis virus-specific RNA was observed only in the brains of these mice . It is most likely that this technique can be applied to general molecular studies of mice . With this method we should be able to detect all viruses, bacteria, plasmids, and organ-specific transcripts to which a cloned probe exists. J Bacteriol, 1984 Jun, 158(3), 897 - 904 Physical mapping and complementation analysis of transposon Tn5 mutations in Caulobacter crescentus: organization of transcriptional units in the hook gene cluster; Ohta N et al.; Using the cloned DNA from the hook protein gene region of Caulobacter crescentus ( Ohta et al., Proc . Natl . Acad . Sci . U.S.A . 79:4863-4867, 1982), we have identified and physically mapped 19 Tn5-induced and 2 spontaneous insertion mutations to this region of the chromosome . These nonmotile mutants define a major cluster of fla genes that covers approximately 17 kilobases on the chromosome (hook gene cluster) . Complementation analysis of the mutants using DNA fragments from the region subcloned in the broad host range plasmid pRK290 has shown that these fla genes are organized into at least five transcriptional units (I to V) . Transcriptional unit II contains at least one gene in addition to the hook protein gene, which makes this the first operon described in C . crescentus . Expression of the hook protein gene and the genetically unlinked flagellin A and B genes by this set of mutants also furnishes additional insights into the hierarchial regulation of flagellar genes . We have found that the spontaneous insertion mutant ( SC511 ) of the hook protein gene ( flaK ) makes no flagellin A or B and that genes downstream from the hook protein gene are required in trans for expression of the hook protein operon and the flagellin A and B genes . Recombination and complementation results thus place flaK , flaJ , flaN , and flaO (R . C . Johnson and B . Ely , J . Bacteriol . 137:627-634, 1979) in the hook gene cluster, identify at least three new genes ( flbD , flbG , and flbF ), and suggest that this cluster may contain several additional, as yet unidentified, fla genes. J Hosp Infect, 1984 Jun, 5(2), 189 - 99 Some factors affecting the efficiency of settle plates; Russell MP et al.; An evaluation has been made of some of the factors which may affect the efficiency of settle plates . Water loss was found to be linear with time . Although the count was reduced over an 8 h period the reduction was not statistically significant . No difference in total bacterial counts could be detected between four, 1/2 h exposures and one, 2 h exposure . The addition of water and the surface area of the plates had no effect on the total count. Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1984 Jun, 52(2), 176 - 82 Staining tissue-derived Mycobacterium leprae with fluorescein diacetate and ethidium bromide; Kvach JT et al.; A fluorescent staining procedure incorporating the use of fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and ethidium bromide (EB) has previously been shown to accurately measure the viability of saprophytic mycobacterial cells . Green-stained cells were shown to be viable and red-stained cells, dead . Staining Mycobacterium leprae cells with FDA/EB, however, was complicated by interfering tissue components which masked the presence of stained bacteria . A petroleum ether separation technique enables M . leprae to be segregated from armadillo liver tissue components and permitted M . leprae to be stained qualitatively equal to the saprophytic mycobacteria . An alternative and technically simpler method of staining M . leprae from human skin biopsies and mouse foot pads was developed which permitted the initiation of a clinical assessment of the staining method . Preliminary data indicate that patients who have undergone three or 24 months of chemotherapy possess a significantly lower percentage of green-stained M . leprae in their tissues than untreated patients . This would be expected if the FDA/EB staining method was providing an accurate measure of viability . M . leprae cells obtained from mouse foot pads which were harvested 5-13 months post-infection displayed more than 90% green-stained cells . There was no correlation between the FDA/EB staining method and the morphological index. Boll Ist Sieroter Milan, 1984 May 31, 63(2), 87 - 99 The legionellosis; Del Piano M et al.; Following the discovery of Legionella pneumophila as the cause of an epidemic of pneumonia at an American Legion Convention in Philadelphia, a group of related bacteria were recognized as additional human pathogens . This newly established bacteria genus, Legionella, includes the agents of Legionnaires' Disease, Pittsburgh pneumonia and several related infections . A number of researches have been performed in the past few years about these bacteria; many of these data are here summarized to give an idea of the most important characteristics of Legionella and of the diseases they cause. Science, 1984 May 25, 224(4651), 831 - 8 Cyclic AMP receptor protein: role in transcription activation; de Crombrugghe B et al.; The structure of this pleiotropic activator of gene transcription in bacteria and its interaction sites at promoter DNA's as well as the role of this protein in the RNA polymerase-promoter interactions are reviewed. Nature, 1984 May 24-30, 309(5966), 301 - 2 Anatomy of a pressure group; Budiansky S; KIE: Budiansky reports on the past and present activities of environmental activist Jeremy Rifkin and his campaign to restrict genetic engineering research . Rifkin, whose recent suit halted a University of California field test involving genetically altered bacteria, is often able to produce affidavits signed by well-known scientists to support his position . Other researchers are concerned that Rifkin's actions, such as his June 1983 petition calling for a ban on engineering of human germ cells and an accompanying letter signed by prominent clergy, will politicize the issues and hamper sensible regulation . Nature . 1984 May 24-30;309(5966):296. Genetic engineering: Rifkin wins interim injunction; Budiansky S; KIE: A University of California field test of genetically altered bacteria has been halted by federal district court Judge John Sirica . His order is the result of a suit filed by Jeremy Rifkin challenging approval of the experiment by the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) of the National Institutes of Health . RAC has also been enjoined from considering similar NIH-funded trials while the case is pending . Rifkin claims that NIH failed to file environmental impact statements on the research . Sirica's preliminary ruling suggests that the final decision will be in Rifkin's favor, but the judge emphasized that he is weighing only the legal issues involved, not the scientific ones . Arch Microbiol, 1984 May, 138(1), 84 - 8 Adhesion of Leptospira at a solid-liquid interface: a model; Kefford B et al.; Two strains of the saprophytic Leptospira biflexa serovar patoc display reversible and irreversible adhesion at a solid-liquid interface . Both forms of adhesion are enhanced in the presence of 20 microM carbonyl cyanide meta-chlorophenyl hydrazone (CCCP), an uncoupler which inhibits motility of the bacteria . Microscopic observations also indicated that motility may have a role in adhesion as only actively motile organisms were seen to detach from the substratum . A dynamic model is proposed for adhesion of these organisms at a solid-liquid interface . It is suggested that the level of reversible adhesion is determined by the comparative rates of attachment (ON phase) and detachment (OFF phase) . As reversible adhesion is mediated by weak forces of attraction, bacterial motility or gentle washing could promote the OFF phase . When motility is inhibited, the OFF phase is reduced and the ON phase continues (as motility is not required for the ON phase) causing the level of reversible adhesion to increase . Since reversible adhesion is a prerequisite for irreversible adhesion, then increased reversible adhesion leads directly to increased irreversible adhesion . Reversible adhesion appears to be mediated by the weak attractive forces of the "secondary minimum" whereas the mechanism facilitating irreversible adhesion of leptospires is not known. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1984 May, 47(5), 1084 - 9 Amino acid and lactate catabolism in trimethylamine oxide respiration of Alteromonas putrefaciens NCMB 1735; Ringo E et al.; The nonfermentative Alteromonas putrefaciens NCMB 1735 grew anaerobically in defined media with trimethylamine oxide as external electron acceptor . All amino acids tested, except taurine and those with a cyclic or aromatic side chain, were utilized during trimethylamine oxide-dependent anaerobic growth . Lactate, serine, and cysteine (which are easily converted to pyruvate) and glutamate and aspartate (which are easily converted to tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates) were metabolized at the fastest rate . Growth with lactate as growth-limiting substrate gave rise to the formation of 40 mol% acetate, whereas serine and cysteine were nearly completely oxidized to CO2 . Molar growth yields with the latter substrates were the same and were 50% higher than with lactate . This showed that more ATP was formed when acetyl coenzyme A entered the tricarboxylic acid cycle than when it was converted via acetyl phosphate to acetate . Also, growth with formate as substrate indicated that the reduction of trimethylamine oxide to trimethylamine was coupled with energy conservation by a respiratory mechanism. Rev Infect Dis, 1984 May-Jun, 6 Suppl 2, S341 - 4 Industrial-scale production of inactivated poliovirus vaccine prepared by culture of Vero cells on microcarrier; Montagnon BJ et al.; In 1980, the authors reported preliminary results of large-scale production of inactivated poliovirus vaccine in which virus was produced in Vero cell culture on a microcarrier . For this first stage of development, 150-liter tanks were used . The virus is now produced in 1,000-liter tanks . The main point concerning the quality of Vero cells, namely the absence of tumorigenicity, has been demonstrated, qualifying them for use in the Institut M erieux cell bank . The purity of the cell line has also been determined by checking for the absence of bacteria, fungi, mycoplasmas, and viruses . The search for oncornavirus and for reverse transcriptase activity was carried out, and the results were negative but are not described in this paper . The quality of the purification process was checked by a search for residual cellular DNA in concentrated, purified, and inactivated vaccine . With use of a molecular hybridization procedure, a specific probe was prepared to detect approximately 50 pg of DNA per filter . The preliminary results show that the purification procedure fulfills the World Health Organization's requirements . T1 oligonucleotide mapping has also shown the identity of poliovirus RNA extracted from virus grown on Vero cells and that from primary monkey kidney cells . These data have led to the awarding of a license by the French government to the Institut M erieux for production of this new, reassessed, inactivated poliovirus vaccine. Nurse Pract, 1984 May, 9(5), 22 - 4 Penile adhesion: the hidden complication of circumcision; Gracely-Kilgore KA; A penile or prepuce adhesion can occur after a circumcision if the remaining skin is not retracted after the circumcision has healed . When a circumcision is done, tissue which would normally be intact is split . Unless proper care is taken, the epithelium of the inner prepuce at the point where the foreskin was removed can reattach to the epithelium of the glans . The result of this is a penile adhesion . Usually the adhesions can be released by simple retraction . Sometimes, however, the fusion is so complete that simple retraction will not work, and the child must be referred to a urologist . Another problem is that smegma or bacteria can collect under the adhesion if it covers the preputial cavity and cause infection . Professionals must look for this problem, and parents must be taught how to care for the normal circumcised penis so that penile adhesions do not develop . This article discusses the formation and identification of penile adhesions, the process by which adhesions can be released, when a referral to a urologist is necessary and the proper care for the circumcised penis. Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1984 May, 97(5), 634 - 5 {Use of a calibrated melamine-formaldehyde latex for the luminescence microscopic study of phagocytosis in a macrophage culture}; Korn MIa et al.; The possibility has been demonstrated of the use of calibrated melamine-formaldehyde latex for studying phagocytosis as an object not undergoing intracellular digestion . Latex was discovered to be actively phagocytized by macrophages and to exert no toxic action on them . A study was made of the time course of changes in the color and brightness of the fluorescence of the latex phagocytized particles in macrophages intravitally fluorochrominated by acridine orange . These changes were demonstrated to be analogous to those observed previously during phagocytosis of bacteria and other objects . The data obtained demonstrate once more the transition of the fluorescent complex from lysosomes to phagosomes and the lack of the relationship of these changes with intracellular death and digestion of the phagocytized objects . The possibility has been also shown to differentiate between phagocytized particles of latex and those located outside the cells. Arch Ophthalmol, 1984 May, 102(5), 728 - 9 Chemical preparation of the eye in ophthalmic surgery . III . Effect of povidone-iodine on the conjunctiva; Apt L et al.; A half-strength povidone-iodine (Betadine) solution was used topically as part of the preoperative chemical preparation of the eye . Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures of the conjunctiva were taken before and after the chemical preparation in 30 consecutive patients; the second eye served as a control . In the control eyes, no significant change in the number of colonies or species of bacteria was found . In the povidone-iodine-treated eyes, the numbers of colonies decreased 91% and the number of species decreased 50% (statistically significant) . We therefore recommend that a half-strength povidone-iodine solution be used as part of the chemical preparation of the eye for surgery. J Clin Microbiol, 1984 May, 19(5), 583 - 7 Clinical laboratory differentiation of Legionellaceae family members with pigment production and fluorescence on media supplemented with aromatic substrates; Vickers RM et al.; A systematic study of pigment production (browning) and fluorescence (extracellular yellow-green and intracellular blue-white) by nine Legionellaceae species was performed . A total of 56 strains representing Tatlockia micdadei (Pittsburgh pneumonia agent), Legionella pneumophila, Legionella jordanis, Legionella longbeachae, Legionella oakridgensis, Legionella wadsworthii, Fluoribacter bozemanae, Fluoribacter gormanii, and Fluoribacter dumoffii could be separated on media supplemented with tyrosine plus cystine, 3,4-diaminobenzoic acid, 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid, and 3-aminotyrosine . Parallel testing by hippurate hydrolysis and the bromocresol purple spot test enabled the identification of Legionellaceae species 24 to 72 h after primary isolation . This schema may be a practical alternative to species-specific antisera methods (slide agglutination or direct immunofluorescence) in the identification of members of the family Legionellaceae. Arch Pathol Lab Med, 1984 May, 108(5), 372 - 3 PAS reaction stains phagocytosed atypical mycobacteria in paraffin sections; Pappolla MA et al.; In 4% formaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, PAS negativity for mycobacteria in the literature has been axiomatic . However, recent observations of disseminated human mycobacteriosis have shown that intracellular (phagocytosed) organisms stained strongly positive with the routine PAS technique . This staining was abolished by a sequential hydrolytic procedure, which suggests that the carbohydrate residues of the mycobacterial peptidoglycolipids are responsible for the reaction . This staining characteristic in tissue sections is of diagnostic importance, since few bacteria of medical relevance are concomitantly acid-fast and PAS positive . The nature of this affinity is for the aqueous form of basic fuchsin. Anat Rec, 1984 May, 209(1), 7 - 20 The organization of actin filaments in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes; Ryder MI et al.; Actin constitutes a major component of the cytoskeleton of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) . In this study, we present a comprehensive view of the organization of actin in various PMN regions and functional states . Transmission electron microscopic observations were made on whole mount, migrating, and phagocytizing PMNs . Positive identification of actin filaments was made through S-1 myosin subfragment labeling . In all PMNs studied, actin filaments were primarily organized as a three-dimensional meshwork . The density of this meshwork was greatest within the cell cortex . At peripheral regions of nonpolarized (viz., no distinct head or tail region) and polarized PMNs, actin filaments organized into parallel bundles or overlapping arcs . These bundles or arcs were oriented either perpendicular or parallel to the cell periphery . At the base of the PMN, actin filaments converged upon dense, plaquelike condensations . This latter pattern of actin organization was also observed in some pseudopods at the cell front and in phagocytic processes engulfing bacteria . In areas of internalized bacteria, the surrounding actin appeared as a loose meshwork . Treatment of PMNs with the antiactin drug, cytochalasin B, revealed shearing of the peripheral actin meshwork, condensation of the meshwork around the nuclear region, and dissolution of the basal plaquelike condensations. Arch Otolaryngol, 1984 May, 110(5), 279 - 80 Rheumatoid factor in otitis media with effusion; DeMaria TF et al.; Because of the pathologic similarities between rheumatoid arthritis and otitis media with effusion (OME), rheumatoid factor (RF) was measured in 156 human middle ear effusion (MEE) and serum samples from patients with chronic OME . Using a quantitative latex agglutination test, we were able to demonstrate RF in the MEEs of 85% of patients with OME . Demonstrable RF titers were found in only 8% of the patients' serum samples . The titers of mucoid MEE samples were seven times higher than those observed in serous MEE samples . The presence of RF was not related to the age of the patient, the presence of viable bacteria in the MEEs, or history of OME. Acta Pathol Microbiol Immunol Scand {A}, 1984 May, 92(3), 157 - 60 Granulomas of spleen and liver in hairy cell leukaemia; Bendix-Hansen K et al.; In 15 patients with hairy cell leukaemia splenic epithelioid granulomas were demonstrated in 4 out of 13 investigated cases (31%) and liver granulomas in 2 out of 10 cases (20%) . Granulomas were never found in bone marrow specimens . Histological stains for mycobacteria, fungi and bacteria failed to demonstrate an etiological agents and culture (sputum) for mycobacteria were only performed in 3 cases, 1 showing Mycobacterium Tuberculosis . Attention to the possible role of atypical mycobacterial infections as an explanation to the often reported unresponsive fever of unknown origin in hairy cell leukaemia and the use of lymph node and/or liver biopsies for culture as well as histology is recommended. Res Vet Sci, 1984 May, 36(3), 259 - 62 Cephalexin: interpretation of sensitivity disc testing in veterinary practice; Crosse R et al.; A regression study using 30 micrograms cephalexin sensitivity discs with bacterial strains isolated from veterinary sources is described . Techniques suitable for use in veterinary investigation laboratories were used and critical zone sizes calculated from a linear regression analysis . Zone sizes of less than or equal to 18 mm, 19 to 20 mm and greater than or equal to 21 mm were found to be suitable to categorise strains as resistant, intermediate or sensitive, respectively . Experience in the use of these recommended critical zone sizes in clinical practice will be necessary before firm recommendations can be made. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1984 May, 47(5), 1090 - 5 Trimethylamine oxide respiration of Alteromonas putrefaciens NCMB 1735: Na+-stimulated anaerobic transport in cells and membrane vesicles; Stenberg E et al.; Alteromonas putrefaciens NCMB 1735 required the presence of NaCl for anaerobic growth with serine, cysteine, and formate as substrate and trimethylamine oxide ( TMAO ) as external electron acceptor . When lactate was substrate, the organism grew equally well in the absence of NaCl . Anaerobic uptake of glutamate, aspartate, serine, cysteine, and lactate in resting cells was strongly stimulated with NaCl, and cytoplasmic membrane vesicles energized by electron transfer from formate to TMAO displayed active Na+-dependent uptake of serine . The data suggested that participation in transport processes was the only vital function of Na+ in A . putrefaciens . Formate- and TMAO -dependent anaerobic serine uptake in vesicles was sensitive to the protonophore carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl-hydrazone and the ionophores valinomycin and gramicidin . Transport-active vesicles contained cytochromes of b and c type, and both serine uptake and TMAO reduction with formate were inhibited with the electron transfer inhibitor 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline N-oxide . Thus, reduction of TMAO to trimethylamine in A . putrefaciens appeared to be coupled with a chemiosmotic mechanism of energy conversion. Scand J Gastroenterol, 1984 May, 19(3), 329 - 33 Endoscopic manometry of the sphincter of Oddi in patients with and without juxtapapillary duodenal diverticula; Viceconte G et al.; The motor activity of the sphincter of Oddi (SO) has been evaluated, by endoscopic manometry, in 48 subjects, 8 with and 40 without duodenal juxtapapillary diverticula . All values were expressed in mm Hg, taking duodenal pressure as zero reference . In subjects with diverticula the SO basal pressure was 14.1 +/- 4.3 mm Hg, peak pressure was 52.3 +/- 17.2 mm Hg, and wave height was 39.75 +/- 14.19 mm Hg; in subjects without diverticula these values were 31.2 +/- 8.9 mm Hg, 93.2 +/- 21.3 mm Hg, and 68.17 +/- 25.86, respectively . The difference was statistically significant (P less than 0.001 for basal and peak pressure; P less than 0.002 for wave height) . Wave frequency was not significantly different in controls (4.99 +/- 1.17/min) and in subjects with diverticula (4.98 +/- 1.13/min) . These findings seem to indicate that in patients with diverticula the SO is insufficient or dysfunctioning . The insufficiency of the SO and a reflux of bacteria from the duodenum into the bile duct could play a major role in the formation of stones in patients with diverticula . The same mechanism could be responsible for duodenopancreatic reflux and possible pancreatic lesion. Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {A}, 1984 May, 257(1), 73 - 82 {A type strain or a neotype strain of Leptospira}; Mochmann H et al.; A deep review of the scientific literature concerning the history of the two oldest icterohaemorrhagiae strains is given in order to promote a decision about the legitimate neotype strain on the genus Leptospira . The strain RGA was found to meet completely the requirements for a Neotype culture given by the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria . Its origin from a patient with Weil's disease through guinea pig passages in 1915 is well documented and its culture is unequivocally described by Ungermann in 1916 . The strain was maintained in pure culture . Since more than 60 years the strain is used for comparative investigations in classification studies in all laboratories performing such tests . At contrary the history of strain Ictero I is very incomplete . The strain was claimed by Yamamoto to be one of the strain isolated by Inada and Ido in 1915 originally designated as Yamasaki . However, the statement the maintenance of these strains because of loss of virulence was discontinued, is repeatedly mentioned in some old publications of the authors . Moreover it is reported that the strain Ictero I because of contamination with a fungus was recultivated after a passage through a splenectomized mouse, i.e . the strain was not maintained in a pure culture . Beside this it is hardly understandable why has the strain not been submitted to other laboratories before 1965 . The strain Ictero I was found to contain an additional thermolabile antigen not present in RGA . At present it is impossible to decide whether this property was already present in the original culture or developed only later, eventually after its mouse passage . Summarizing all these facts, it must be stated that the strain Ictero I cannot be considered to meet all the necessary requirements of its recognition as neotype culture of the Genus Leptospira. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd, 1984 May, 132(5), 274 - 7 {Air pathogen content in the intensive care station of a pediatric clinic}; Kiosz D et al.; The bacterial count of air in 2 intensive care units was examined by membrane filter technique (MD 2 model SM 167 21) . 88 samples of room air and 296 samples of incubator air were studied . The occurrence of bacteria, especially gramnegative rods, was investigated in incubators and in respirators . The results were related to bacterial counts in tracheal secretions from newborns during long term ventilation . The bacterial content of air in the incubators were relatively low . The results were different in two intensive care units leading to changes in the hygienic routine of intensive care units. Can J Microbiol, 1984 May, 30(5), 560 - 4 Reversion of mutations in the thymidine kinase gene in herpes simplex viruses resistant to phosphonoacetate; Campione-Piccardo J et al.; Mutations in the DNA polymerase locus of phage, bacteria, and eukaryotic may change the mutation rates at other loci of the genome . We used resistance to phosphonoacetate to select mutants of herpes simplex virus with mutated DNA polymerase and then determined the reversion frequency of viral thymidine kinase mutation in mutants and recombinants . The results obtained indicate that mutations causing resistance to phosphonoacetate do not affect the mutation rate of the viral genes . This finding is consistent with the existence of two functional regions in the DNA polymerase molecule, one involving the pyrophosphate acceptor site and responsible for resistance to phosphonoacetate and another involved in the editing ability and recognition specificity of the enzyme. Rev Infect Dis, 1984 May-Jun, 6 Suppl 2, S484 - 6 Molecular genetics of poliovirus; Baltimore D; Poliovirus research has reached the point where molecular biologists and those interested in control of the disease can profitably come together . New molecular approaches offer the opportunity to make vaccines by previously inconceivable routes . These include synthesis of antigenic proteins in bacteria and chemical synthesis of antigenic peptides. J Bacteriol, 1984 May, 158(2), 609 - 14 Oxygen-dependent proton efflux in cyanobacteria (blue-green algae); Scherer S et al.; The oxygen-dependent proton efflux (in the dark) of intact cells of Anabaena variabilis and four other cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) was investigated . In contrast to bacteria and isolated mitochondria, an H+/e ratio (= protons translocated per electron transported) of only 0.23 to 0.35 and a P/e ratio of 0.8 to 1.5 were observed, indicative of respiratory electron transport being localized essentially on the thylakoids, not on the cytoplasmic membrane . Oxygen-induced acidification of the medium was sensitive to cyanide and the uncoupler carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone . Inhibitors such as 2,6-dinitrophenol and vanadate exhibited a significant decrease in the H+/e ratio . After the oxygen pulse, electron transport started immediately, but proton efflux lagged 40 to 60 s behind, a period also needed before maximum ATP pool levels were attained . We suggest that proton efflux in A . variabilis is due to a proton-translocating ATP hydrolase (ATP-consuming ATPase) rather than to respiratory electron transport located on the cytoplasmic membrane. J Bacteriol, 1984 May, 158(2), 430 - 40 Genetic analysis and characterization of a Caulobacter crescentus mutant defective in membrane biogenesis; Hodgson D et al.; A mutant of Caulobacter crescentus has been isolated which has an auxotrophic requirement for unsaturated fatty acids or biotin for growth on medium containing glucose as the carbon source . This mutant exhibits a pleiotropic phenotype which includes (i) the auxotrophic requirement, (ii) cell death in cultures attempting to grow on glucose in the absence of fatty acids or biotin, and (iii) a major change in the outer membrane protein composition before cell death . This genetic lesion did not appear to affect directly a fatty acid biosynthetic reaction because fatty acid and phospholipid syntheses were found to continue in the absence of supplement . Oleic acid repressed fatty acid biosynthesis and induced fatty acid degradation in the wild-type parent, AE5000 . The mutant strain, AE6000 , was altered in both of these regulatory functions . The AE6000 mutant also showed specific inhibition of the synthesis of outer membrane and flagellar proteins . Total phospholipid, DNA, RNA, and protein syntheses were unaffected . The multiple phenotypes of the AE6000 mutant were found to cosegregate and to map between hclA and lacA on the C . crescentus chromosome . The defect in this mutant appears to be associated with a regulatory function in membrane biogenesis and provides evidence for a direct coordination of membrane protein synthesis and lipid metabolism in C . crescentus. Yale J Biol Med, 1984 May-Jun, 57(3), 301 - 16 The GABA hypothesis of the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy: current status; Jones EA et al.; Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter of the mammalian brain, can induce coma . Outside the central nervous system it is synthesized by gut bacteria and catabolized largely in the liver . GABA and its agonists, as well as benzodiazepines and barbiturates, induce neural inhibition as a consequence of their interaction with specific binding sites for each of these classes of neuroactive substances on the GABA receptor complex of postsynaptic neurons . In a rabbit model of acute liver failure: (i) the pattern of postsynaptic neuronal activity in hepatic coma, as assessed by visual evoked potentials, is identical to that associated with coma induced by drugs which activate the GABA neurotransmitter system (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and GABA agonists); (ii) the levels of GABA-like activity in peripheral blood plasma increase appreciably before the onset of hepatic encephalopathy, due at least in part to impaired hepatic extraction of gut-derived GABA from portal venous blood; (iii) the blood-brain barrier becomes abnormally permeable to an isomer of GABA, alpha-amino-isobutyric acid, before the onset of hepatic encephalopathy; and (iv) hepatic coma is associated with an increase in the density of receptors for GABA and benzodiazepines in the brain . These findings are the bases of the following hypotheses: (i) when the liver fails, gut-derived GABA in plasma crosses an abnormally permeable blood-brain barrier and by mediating neural inhibition contributes to hepatic encephalopathy; (ii) an increased number of GABA receptors in the brain found in liver failure increases the sensitivity of the brain to GABA-ergic neural inhibition; and (iii) an increased number of drug binding sites mediates the increased sensitivity to benzodiazepines and barbiturates observed in liver failure by permitting increased drug effect. Science . 1984 Apr 27;224(4647):371. Rifkin takes another shot at UC experiment; Norman C; KIE: Activist Jeremy Rifkin has again filed suit to block an experiment by researchers at the University of California at Berkeley involving genetically engineered bacteria . A field test was originally scheduled for 1983 after approval by the National Institutes of Health's Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee, but was delayed after legal action by Rifkin . With that suit still pending, Rifkin filed another when plans were made to go ahead with the test in spring 1984 . A ruling on the recent action is expected at the end of April, and the first suit may go to trial in summer 1984 . Sci Total Environ, 1984 Apr 19, 35(2), 105 - 13 The fate and impact of oil and oil-dispersant mixtures in freshwater pond ecosystems: introduction; Scott BF et al.; Oil and oil-dispersant mixtures were added to the surface waters of a series of man-made ponds . The fate of the oil and dispersant (Norman Wells crude and Corexit 9527 respectively) were studied as well as the impact of the added chemicals on the ponds' ecosystems . Elements of the ecosystems studied include bacteria, fungi, phytoplankton, periphyton , proto- and mesozooplankton , zoobenthos and surface insects . In addition a number of water quality parameters were regularly monitored . Comparisons were made between oil-treated and control ponds, as well as oil-dispersant treated and oil and/or control ponds . This paper describes the experimental set up and provides a summary of the findings reported in the following five papers. Nature . 1984 Apr 19-25;308(5961):681. Rifkin bugs bug; David P; KIE: Activist Jeremy Rifkin is seeking a court injunction to prevent the University of California at Berkeley from proceeding with a controversial frost-retarding experiment involving the release of DNA-modified bacteria into the environment . Rifkin and several environmental groups filed suit in federal court last year to challenge a National Institutes of Health decision to approve the experiment . Biochem Pharmacol, 1984 Apr 15, 33(8), 1249 - 56 Enhancement of neutrophil response by SH-containing compounds: modulation of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production; Rajkovic IA et al.; Anti-inflammatory effects of SH compounds in vivo and their effects on lymphocytes and macrophages in vitro have been described, but little is known about the mechanism of action or their effects on the neutrophil . In the present study the activity of seven low molecular weight non-protein SH compounds was compared . At a concentration of 3 X 10(-4)M all the compounds enhanced the activity of the HMP shunt of zymosan-stimulated neutrophils by 26-48% and that of PMA-stimulated cells by 6-44% above the control value (14.2 nmol CO2/2.5 X 10(6) neutrophils/30 min) . Pretreatment of neutrophils with SH compounds for 15 min resulted in enhanced release of O-.2 by stimulated neutrophils in all cases, with the exception of GSH, by up to 87% above that of control . These effects were largely related to the ability of the compounds to modulate the release of O-.2 and H2O2 by stimulated neutrophils when present in the reaction mixture . Only the compounds alpha-MPG and cysteine had a mild preserving effect on the intracellular GSH concentration of stimulated neutrophils . None of the compounds tested had any adverse effect on phagocytosis or killing of opsonized bacteria by the neutrophils . SH compounds may protect sensitive SH groups of functional proteins by providing an easily accessible source of oxidizable SH groups in times of high oxidative stress, and their ability to interact with oxygen products could in part explain their anti-inflammatory properties. J Biochem (Tokyo), 1984 Apr, 95(4), 983 - 94 Flavin and iron-sulfur containing ferredoxin-linked glutamate synthase from spinach leaves; Hirasawa M et al.; Ferredoxin-dependent glutamate synthase (native enzyme) {EC 1.4.7.1} of spinach has been purified to homogeneity in the presence of 2-oxoglutarate and sodium chloride and the properties of the enzyme have been studied . The molecular weight of the enzyme was estimated to be 140,000 by gel filtration . Subunit analysis by SDS-gel electrophoresis yielded a single protein band whose molecular weight was about 170,000 . This purified enzyme showed a flavo-protein-like absorption spectrum having maxima at 279 and 438 nm with shoulders at 415 and 460 nm and a broad band around 360 nm . Fluorometric data indicated the presence of 2 mol of flavin per mol of the enzyme . Preliminary paper chromatography results indicated the presence of FAD and FMN in the purified enzyme . The enzyme also contained 4 mol of acid-labile sulfide and 4 g-atoms iron per mol of enzyme . In the absence of 2-oxoglutarate and/or sodium chloride, the purified enzyme was separated by either DE-52 cellulose chromatography or gel filtration with Ultrogel AcA 34 into two molecular forms (modified enzymes) with considerable inactivation . When reduced methyl viologen plus ferredoxin was used as the electron donor, the purified (native) enzyme showed high ferredoxin-dependent activity with a specific activity of 100 units/mg protein . Methyl viologen-dependent activity was negligible in the absence of ferredoxin . Kinetic properties and results of ESR studies were described . The results indicate that ferredoxin-linked glutamate synthase of spinach leaves is an iron-sulfur flavoprotein. Avian Dis, 1984 Apr-Jun, 28(2), 426 - 34 Mycoplasma challenge studies in budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and chickens; Bozeman LH et al.; An upper respiratory condition that resulted in 20% mortality in a flock of yellow-naped Amazon parrots was apparently caused by a concomitant infection of mycoplasmas and bacteria . Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), M . iowae, and an unidentified mycoplasma were isolated from the affected parrots . Budgerigars were experimentally infected with a parrot strain of MG designated MG(P) 1669 as well as with the R strain of MG and the F10-2 strain of M . synoviae (MS) . Air-sac lesions were evident in all groups of challenged budgerigars, and MS and MG were cultured from the tracheas, air sacs, and lungs of the budgerigars up to 5 weeks postexposure . Serological findings were ambiguous and therefore considered unreliable . White leghorn and commercial broiler chickens challenged with the MG(P) 1669 isolate did not exhibit any significant air-sac lesions relative to the controls . However, MG was cultured from both groups of experimentally infected birds . Eight weeks after exposure, the white leghorns were seropositive to all MG antigens used in the agglutination test. Gann, 1984 Apr, 75(4), 370 - 8 Early cellular responses in the peritoneal cavity of mice to antitumor immunomodulators; Morikawa K et al.; The early cellular responses to antitumor immunomodulators and conventional inducers, especially the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) responses, were examined in the peritoneal cavity of mice to investigate their effect on primary defense mechanisms . Immunomodulators were classified into 5 groups in terms of PMN response on the basis of its duration (declining or persistent) and extent (high or low induction): 1) TAK (beta-1,3-glucan)-type (high, persistent), 2) lentinan-type (high, declining), 3) yeast mannan-type (low, declining), 4) LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-type (low, persistent), 5) others (no effect) . Since the general PMN response is of the declining type, the persistence of PMN with TAK- and LPS-type immunomodulators is a characteristic of the PMN-inducing activity . With respect to the extent, TAK- and lentinan-type immunomodulators induced larger numbers of PMN and macrophages than conventional inducers . These results suggest that some types of immunomodulators have effects on the early host-defense mechanism . From the viewpoint of the general self-defense mechanism we also compared these PMN responses with those to bacteria and to tumor inoculation, and the properties of substances inducing high PMN response, i.e., those with the quality of "foreignness," are discussed. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand, 1984 Apr, 28(2), 199 - 200 Infection risks from cannulae used to maintain intravenous access; Saloheimo S et al.; In an experimental in vitro study, it was shown that the rate of infection through the injection route was higher with Venflon cannulae than with Intraflux cannulae (P less than 0.01) . A restricted use of cannulae with injection side ports is recommended. J Appl Bacteriol, 1984 Apr, 56(2), 321 - 6 The general utility of a glycerophosphate-Tris buffered medium; Douglas J et al.; An easily prepared medium, originally designed for the cultivation of lactic phages, has been found to have much wider application . Experience in its use over a ten year period with a range of physiologically diverse bacteria, for teaching and research are summarized and evaluated. J Appl Bacteriol, 1984 Apr, 56(2), 193 - 9 Temperature and water activity minima for growth of spoilage moulds from meat; Lowry PD et al.; Five species of fungi were isolated from mould spoilage on meat other than black spot . 'White spot' colonies yielded Chrysosporium pannorum or an Acremonium sp.; 'whiskers' colonies yielded Thamnidium elegans or Mucor racemosus, and blue-green colonies yielded Penicillium corylophilum . Chrysosporium pannorum was moderately xerotolerant with a minimum growth temperature of -5 degrees C . The Acremonium sp . and P . corylophilum showed a similar level of xerotolerance but had a minimum growth temperature of -2 degrees C . Mucor racemosus was no more xerotolerant than many spoilage bacteria and did not grow below -1 degree C, but grew rapidly at 3 degrees C and above . Thamnidium elegans grew at -7 degrees C on supercooled medium and an intrinsic minimum growth temperature of -10 degrees C was indicated . However, the low xerotolerance of this species precluded growth on frozen media below -5 degrees C . It seems therefore that -5 degrees C is the practical limiting temperature for mould growth on meat, and mould spoilage usually indicates that surfaces of freezer stored meats have approached and possibly exceeded 0 degrees C. Chem Biol Interact, 1984 Apr, 49(1-2), 13 - 25 Drug residue formation from ronidazole, a 5-nitroimidazole . V . Cysteine adducts formed upon reduction of ronidazole by dithionite or rat liver enzymes in the presence of cysteine; Wislocki PG et al.; When ronidazole (1-methyl-5-nitroimidazole-2-methanol carbamate) is reduced by either dithionite or rat liver microsomal enzymes in the presence of cysteine, ronidazole-cysteine adducts can be isolated . Upon reduction with dithionite ronidazole can react with either one or two molecules of cysteine to yield either a monosubstituted ronidazole-cysteine adduct substituted at the 4-position or a disubstituted ronidazole-cysteine adduct substituted at both the 4-position and the 2-methylene position . In both products the carbamoyl group of ronidazole has been lost . The use of rat liver microsomes to reduce ronidazole led to the formation of the disubstituted ronidazole-cysteine adduct . These data indicate that upon the reduction of ronidazole one or more reactive species can be formed which can bind covalently to cysteine . The proposed reactive intermediates formed under these conditions may account for the observed binding of ronidazole to microsomal protein and the presence of intractable drug residues in the tissues of animals treated with this compound . They may also account for the mutagenicity of this compound in bacteria. Cancer Lett, 1984 Apr, 22(3), 337 - 41 Phagocyte-induced mutation in Chinese hamster ovary cells; Weitzman SA et al.; Human phagocytic cells elaborate toxic oxygen metabolites which can cause mutations in bacteria and sister chromatid exchanges in cultured mammalian cells . In the present study we demonstrate that human phagocytes can induce mutations in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1984 Apr, 129(4), 614 - 8 Presence of aminoglycoside acetyltransferase and plasmids in Mycobacterium fortuitum . Lack of correlation with intrinsic aminoglycoside resistance; Hull SI et al.; Isolates of the 3 biovariants of Mycobacterium fortuitum exhibited 3 patterns of resistance when tested against 9 aminoglycosides . Examination of cell lysates from the 3 groups revealed 15/15 isolates to contain an aminoglycoside acetyltransferase (AAC) resembling AAC (3)-III or (3)-IV found in bacterial species . The enzyme did not appear to confer resistance, as its activity did not correlate with any pattern of resistance . The DNA extraction revealed plasmids in only 2 of 8 isolates tested, suggesting no relationship of plasmids to intrinsic aminoglycoside resistance or the presence of the AAC . These studies, combined with current knowledge of ribosomal resistance, suggest altered cellular transport or permeability as the mechanism of intrinsic aminoglycoside resistance in this species, although the patterns of resistance are different from those observed in other bacteria with nonenzymatic aminoglycoside resistance . This is the first demonstration of specific aminoglycoside-modifying enzymes among mycobacterial species and the first report of plasmids in M . fortuitum. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1984 Apr, 129(4), 625 - 8 Contaminated condensate in mechanical ventilator circuits . A risk factor for nosocomial pneumonia? Craven DE, Goularte TA, Make BJ. We studied ventilator circuit colonization and condensate formation in 30 mechanical ventilators during the first 24 h after a circuit change . Parts of the circuit nearest the patient were more frequently contaminated and had the highest levels of colonization . There was rapid colonization of tubing after a circuit change; 33% of the ventilators were colonized at 2 h, 64% at 12 h, and 80% at 24 h . The median level of colonization at 24 h was 7 X 10(4) organisms/ml . Water condensate collected in the ventilator circuits at a mean rate of 30 ml/h (range, 10 to 60 ml/h) . At 24 h, 80% of the condensate samples were contaminated at a median level of 2 X 10(5) organisms/ml . The bacteria isolated from the condensate usually correlated with organisms previously isolated from the patient's sputum, suggesting that the patient's oropharyngeal flora is the primary source of circuit colonization . Highly contaminated condensate in the ventilator circuit may be a significant risk factor for nosocomial pneumonia . We suggest that circuit condensate be emptied regularly, handled as infectious waste, and that special efforts be taken to prevent contaminated condensate from inadvertently washing into the patient's tracheobronchial tree. Med Interne, 1984 Apr-Jun, 22(2), 141 - 5 The frequency of allergens implicated in bronchial asthma in different areas of Romania; Chirila M et al.; The study carried out on 582 asthma patients and 164 healthy controls, ranging in age from 5 to 60 years, dwelling in four different towns ( Sibiu , Medias, Baia Mare, Sighetul Marma tiei ) showed that the most frequently involved antigen in allergic bronchial asthma was house dust (50.3 to 86%), followed by Dermatophagoides pteronissinus and atmospheric fungi, and the most frequently encountered associations were likewise between these allergens, hence the orientation towards a specific hyposensitizing therapy . In these localities with a rich gramineous vegetation there was a high per cent of sensitization to the polen of these plants . Sensitization to woollen hairs has been reported in a high percent in the region of Maramure s and is linked to its ethnical characteristics . In many cases the patients also exhibited hypersensitiveness to bacteria, associated with environmental allergens, the vicious circle realized by an allergic-infectious mechanism being known . The conclusions of the study on the etiology of bronchial asthma in these geographical areas will be used as a basis for the treatment and its orientation. Am J Otol, 1984 Apr, 5(4), 291 - 4 Toynbee phenomenon and middle ear disease; Jorgensen F et al.; Most kinds of acute otitis media are caused by bacteria transported from the nasopharynx to the middle ear through the eustachian tube . In this investigation the middle ear pressure after Toynbee 's maneuver--swallowing against occluded nostrils--has been registered . Two percent of normal individuals without middle ear disease developed a positive middle ear pressure, while 56 percent of patients with middle ear disease got a positive middle ear pressure . We suggest that the positive pressure created in the nasopharynx at the time of Toynbee 's maneuver is a factor in middle ear disease. Clin Podiatry, 1984 Apr, 1(1), 199 - 209 The infected implant; Sorto LA Jr; In summary, I believe that when faced with a definitely diagnosed deep infection involving a joint replacement of the foot, the treatment of choice is incision and drainage of the wound with removal of the implant and all necrotic bone and soft tissue . Postoperatively, some form of drainage-promoting system should be instituted . Three techniques for promoting drainage have been discussed: open packing, which technically is the easiest to accomplish, but necessitates either delayed primary closure, healing by secondary intention, or in some cases skin grafting; this obviously increases disability time; standard closed suction irrigation, which has the advantage of primary wound closure but the disadvantage of requiring around-the-clock supervision to ensure against blockage of fluid flow, especially through the egress tube; and the Sorto modification of the one-tube in-out drainage system, which has the same advantage as closed suction irrigation (primary wound closure) without the risk of blockage of the egress tube . The key to successful management of an infected implant is immediate and aggressive treatment once a definitive diagnosis is made . Although the systemic use of antibiotics is an important adjunct in the total treatment plan, one must think in terms of altering the local environment in which the offending organisms grow and multiply . This is best accomplished by decompressing the infected wound by incision and drainage; removing all necrotic tissue or foreign bodies (that is, implants); and continuously promoting drainage postoperatively . Parenteral antibodies are only effective if the blood system through which they travel reaches the local site of infection . This cannot readily occur in the presence of increased soft-tissue tension created by an infectious process . In the words of Louis Pasteur, when dealing with an infection, "The bacteria is nothing, it is the environment in which it grows that is everything." Chemioterapia, 1984 Apr, 3(2), 132 - 5 Open study on the antidiarrhoeal effectiveness of the L 105 compound; Fiorentino F et al.; The therapeutical effectiveness of L 105, a new drug preparation exhibiting antidiarrhoeal activity and containing Rifaxidin, was tested on 22 patients with acute gastroenteric syndrome of bacterial aetiology . In all patients there was a prompt restoration of intestinal function by the 2nd treatment day . Both local and systemic drug tolerance proved to be good in all cases. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1984 Apr, 47(4), 693 - 8 Production of two phosphatases by Lysobacter enzymogenes and purification and characterization of the extracellular enzyme; von Tigerstrom RG; Lysobacter enzymogenes produces an extracellular phosphatase (EC . 3.1.3.1) during the stationary phase of growth . The cells also produce a cell-associated alkaline phosphatase . This enzyme is found in the particulate fraction of cell extracts and may be membrane bound . The production of both phosphatases, especially the extracellular enzyme, is reduced by inorganic phosphate . The extracellular phosphatase was purified to a specific activity of 270 U/mg primarily by chromatography on carboxymethyl cellulose and gel filtration . The enzyme is stable under normal storage conditions but is rapidly inactivated above 70 degrees . It consists of one polypeptide with an approximate molecular weight of 25,000 . The pH optimum is 7.5, and the Km for p-nitrophenylphosphate is 2.2 X 10(-4) M . The enzyme degrades a number of other phosphomonoesters but at a reduced rate compared with the rate obtained with p-nitrophenylphosphate . Phosphate and arsenate inhibit the enzyme, but EDTA and other chelating agents have no effect . The lack of a metal ion requirement for activity, the lower molecular weight, the soluble nature of the enzyme, and the lower pH optimum clearly distinguish the extracellular phosphatase from the cell-associated phosphatase and from other bacterial phosphatases. J Bacteriol, 1984 Apr, 158(1), 264 - 8 Intermediary carbon metabolism of Azospirillum brasilense; Loh WH et al.; Azospirillum brasilense Sp 7 grew rapidly in AZO medium containing reduced nitrogen and succinate as an energy source, with a doubling time of 43 min . No growth was measured with glucose as the sole carbon source . In contrast, Azospirillum lipoferum Sp 59b could grow in media containing either succinate or glucose with a doubling time of 69 min and 223 min, respectively . Warburg-Barcroft respirometry showed that the rate of oxygen consumption by A . brasilense Sp 7 on glucose medium (0.034 mumol of O2 min-1 mg-1 of cell protein) was only one-quarter of that on succinate medium (0.14 mumol of O2 min-1 mg-1) . Radioisotopic labeling showed that very little glucose was assimilated by A . brasilense Sp 7 as compared to succinate . High respiration rates were measured on A . lipoferum Sp 59b with either succinate (0.15 mumol of O2 min-1 mg-1) or glucose (0.13 mumol of O2 min-1 mg-1) as the sole carbon source . The pattern of CO2 evolution from differentially labeled succinate indicated that A . brasilense Sp 7 had a complete tricarboxylic acid cycle . Assimilation of most of the radioactivity from labeled succinate, pyruvate, and acetate into lipids suggested a strong anabolic metabolism and the presence of an active malic enzyme of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase . The distribution of radioactivity from differentially labeled pyruvate showed that gluconeogenesis competed with pyruvate dehydrogenase . Uptake and incorporation of labeled acetate also indicated the presence of a glyoxylate cycle in A . brasilense Sp 7. Mutat Res, 1984 Apr, 136(1), 1 - 8 Effect of liver enzymes on the mutagenicity of nitroheterocyclic compounds: activation of 3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-3-(1-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)- 1,2-benzisoxazole and deactivation of nitrofurans and nitroimidazoles in the Ames test; Skeggs HR et al.; The effect of liver enzymes (S9) on the mutagenic response of nitroimidazoles and nitrofurans in the Ames test was evaluated with strain TA100 . A diminished response was observed with a 5-nitroimidazole and 5-nitrofurans when the S9 preparation was incorporated in the agar layer . Preincubation with S9 under anaerobic conditions prior to adding the bacteria resulted in a greater and sometimes complete loss of the mutagenic effect . The loss of mutagenic potency was dependent on both incubation time and quantity of the S9 preparation . These results suggest that metabolites formed after reductive metabolism are neither mutagenic (presumably due to the loss of the nitro group) nor capable of activation to mutagenic metabolites . One 5-nitroimidazole, 3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-3-(1-methyl-5-nitro -1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1,2-benzisoxazole (MK-0436), gave an increased response in the presence of S9 in both the plate test and when preincubated under aerobic conditions . 7 metabolites were produced by the incubation . 4 monooxygenated metabolites were isolated and found to possess significant mutagenic activity . 2 synthetic dihydroxy analogs were more mutagenic than MK-0436 . Similar results were obtained with S9 preparations from human liver and the livers of control, phenobarbital and Aroclor-1254 pretreated rats. Clin Orthop, 1984 Apr, (184), 236 - 40 Periarticular malacoplakia; Fehring TK et al.; Malacoplakia is a granulomatous process that occasionally affects the musculoskeletal system . It is thought to be caused by a dysfunction in mononuclear cells and their inability to lyse bacteria effectively . A strong correlation between this entity and immunosuppression has been noted . When a granulomatous mass is present in an immunosuppressed patient, the diagnosis of malacoplakia should be considered. J Wildl Dis, 1984 Apr, 20(2), 79 - 85 Rotavirus-associated diarrhea in young raccoons (Procyon lotor), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes); Evans RH; Electron microscopy and a commercial ELISA test for rotavirus antigen were used to diagnose rotavirus infection in diarrheic raccoons (Procyon lotor), striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) . Gross and histopathological changes in two raccoons and two red foxes were found to be very similar to those described previously in rotavirus mediated diarrhea in other animals . While an etiology for the diarrhea is not definitively established, it would appear to involve rotavirus alone or possibly in concert with enteropathogenic coliform bacteria, overfeeding of a commercial kitten milk replacer and the stresses of captivity. J Clin Oncol, 1984 Apr, 2(4), 336 - 52 Interferons in the treatment of human cancer; Kirkwood JM et al.; The interferons are the best known of biologic antineoplastic agents . Progress with the clinical application of interferons to cancer has been slow and complicated by the need for attention to a new spectrum of therapeutic and toxic effects manifest by the interferons . This summary of current phase I and II trial results with the interferons establishes their clinical potential . The maximally tolerated dosages of the most common species of interferon alpha produced in eukaryotic cells as well as by recombinant DNA technology in bacteria are now described in a variety of different disease states . "Naturally" produced eukaryotic as well as bacterially synthesized interferons have a similar, wide range of biologic effects in vitro and in vivo . Antiviral, antiproliferative, immunologic, and enzymologic functions of the interferons relevant to antineoplastic functions are under study . Knowledge of these mechanisms should improve the clinical results obtained in human cancer . Species and subspecies differences in the activity of interferons may lead to selective use of the pure interferon subspecies, alone or in combination . The use of the interferons and other antineoplastic biologics, such as antibody or chemotherapy, are subsequent goals that are now on the horizon. Contact Dermatitis, 1984 Apr, 10(4), 240 - 4 Contact dermatitis due to endotoxin in irradiated latex gloves; Shmunes E et al.; This case report describes contact dermatitis of the dyshidrotic type of the hands of a worker subjected to minor trauma . The source of the irritation was linked to bacterial endotoxin in latex gloves . Irradiated sterilized gloves and software may contain significant endotoxin levels because the irradiation does not affect endotoxin itself . The irradiation of the bacteria actually increases endotoxin levels when the bacterial count is elevated . Sweating under these gloves may enhance entry into the skin with subsequent reaction as endotoxin is water soluble. J Bacteriol, 1984 Apr, 158(1), 156 - 62 Caulobacter crescentus fatty acid-dependent cell cycle mutant; Hodgson D et al.; A fatty acid auxotroph of Caulobacter crescentus, AE6001, which displays a strict requirement for unsaturated fatty acids to grow on glucose as the carbon source has been isolated . Starvation of AE6001 for unsaturated fatty acids resulted in a block in the cell cycle . Starved cultures accumulated at the predivisional cell stage after a round of DNA replication had been completed and after a flagellum had been assembled at the pole of the cell . Cell division and cell growth failed to occur probably because the mutant was unable to synthesize a membrane . An analysis of double mutants containing the fatB503 allele and other mutations in membrane biogenesis demonstrated that the cell cycle of AE6001 blocked at a homeostatic state . The addition of oleic acid to starved cultures permitted cell division and the initiation of a new round of DNA replication . The coincident block in both the initiation of DNA replication and membrane assembly, exhibited by starved cultures of this mutant, suggests that the fatB503 gene product may be involved in the coordination of these events. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis, 1984 Apr, 2(2), 129 - 37 Methanol fixation . An alternative to heat fixation of smears before staining; Mangels JI et al.; Methanol fixation of Gram-stained smears was compared to heat fixation . Smears were prepared in duplicate from direct clinical specimens, blood culture bottles, and bacterial colonies . Results from this study show that methanol fixation is superior in every instance to heat fixation . The morphology of bacteria and tissue cells was not distorted, little or no background debris was observed, and a better Gram reaction was noted. Nucleic Acids Res, 1984 Mar 26, 12(6), 2595 - 604 Phylogeny of the conserved 3' terminal structure of the RNA of small ribosomal subunits; Van Knippenberg PH et al.; The strongest conserved part of the RNA of small ribosomal subunits is probably located near the 3' end . This paper reviews the primary and secondary structures of some 40 sequenced 3' termini and tries to classify these structures according to common features and differences . The regions under consideration contain at the 5' side an almost universal, supposedly single-stranded stretch of nucleotides with the sequence--AAGUCGUAACAAGGU-- . This is followed by a stem-loop structure . The stem always contains 9 basepairs (including U-G pairs) and no mismatches or bulged nucleotides . The loop of the hairpin is either (m2)GGm62Am62A (bacteria, chloroplasts and mitochondria) or UGm62Am62A (cytoplasm) . The hairpin is, in most cases, followed at the 3' side by--GGAUCA-- . Next to it bacteria and chloroplasts contain the so-called "Shine and Dalgarno" sequence --CCUCC-- . The stem region of the hairpin contains a conserved A-U U-G junction . The two basepairs between this junction and the loop are either of type 1 (G-C G-C) or type 2 (C-G C-G) . Classification according to type links certain bacteria with mitochondria of yeast and plants and others with chloroplasts and with animal mitochondria. Minerva Med, 1984 Mar 17, 75(11), 543 - 9 {Response of the body to tuberculous infection}; Dianzani MU; After a summary of the aspecific defensive host mechanisms against bacteria, Author examines the granulocytes structure containing A and B granules, and he observes that phagocytosis is different in extension and in significance into granulocytes or into macrophages . Particularly, M . tuberculosis can survive and multiply into macrophages . This fact can explain the further pathologic tubercular manifestations, that morphologically are dominated by granulomas forming . Activated macrophages are important in granulomas forming, but also the role of a specific response needs be considered . From an attentive investigation of recent literature, we can demonstrate that T lymphocytes are the main defending agents against M . tuberculosis, through interaction with macrophages . This picture is a step forward to understand the antitubercular defensive mechanisms and it is a useful acquisition also in clinical practice. Am J Med, 1984 Mar, 76(3), 421 - 8 Neutropenia, fever, and infection; Brown AE; With the advances in the management of various neoplastic diseases and subsequent improvement in "disease-free" states, complications of therapy--particularly, infectious complications--have evolved as stumbling blocks to survival . Among neutropenic (absolute neutrophil count below 1,000/mm3) patients with cancer, infection is the major autopsy-determined cause of death . With expected "cure rates" of childhood leukemia approaching 60 to 70 percent, it seems unreasonable to lose such patients to an infectious cause of death, yet this, indeed, happens . The purpose of this review is to (1) define the magnitude of the problem; (2) describe the various agents responsible for infections in neutropenic patients; (3) attempt to more sharply define degrees of neutropenia and mechanical defenses; and (4) consider various approaches to studying and treating these infections. Surg Gynecol Obstet, 1984 Mar, 158(3), 260 - 6 Reasons for delay of the diagnosis of acute appendicitis; Buchman TG et al.; The essence of the problem, as previously reported, indicated that few complications of acute appendicitis occur as long as the infection is contained within the appendix, but once the invading bacteria have penetrated the peritoneal appendicular surface or have invaded the regional circulation, any one or more of a series of serious complications can develop . Thus, rightfully, emphasis has been placed upon early removal of the inflamed appendix before penetration has occurred as the best method of preventing complications . We have shown that early appendectomy is predicated on early diagnosis and that diagnostic delay is not limited to extremes of age . The diagnosis may be obscured by an accurate, although misleading, history of prior acute attacks, by precident acute disease, such as viral gastroenteritis and by unimpressive symptoms blunted by intercurrent chronic illness, such as diabetes mellitus . If the elements of periumbilical pain, anorexia, nausea or vomiting and the migration of pain to the right lower abdominal quadrant are contained within the clinical history, one must suspect transmural progression of acute appendicitis; frequent inpatient examinations will allow earliest diagnosis and, thereby, fewest perforations and their attendant serious complications . Misdiagnosis is common . Any patient observed for an ostensibly nonsurgical acute condition of the abdomen who fails to improve markedly during a brief course of appropriate specific or supportive therapy must be thoroughly re-evaluated as a potential surgical candidate . Despite the proliferation of accessible laboratory tests and imaging procedures, the early diagnosis of appendicitis rests upon the clinical skills of the physician . A high index of suspicion is crucial . As Doctor Warfield M . Firor, former senior surgeon commented: "Pain and tenderness at any point where the appendix can lie must raise the diagnostic possibility of appendicitis." J Bacteriol, 1984 Mar, 157(3), 727 - 32 Evidence that subcellular flagellin pools in Caulobacter crescentus are precursors in flagellum assembly; Huguenel ED et al.; To study the assembly of the Caulobacter crescentus flagellar filament, we have devised a fractionation protocol that separates the cellular flagellin into three compartments: soluble, membrane, and assembled . Radioactive labeling in pulse-chase and pulse-labeling experiments has demonstrated for the first time that both soluble and membrane-associated flagellin pools are precursors in the assembly of the flagellar filament . The results of these experiments also indicate that flagellar filament assembly occurs via the translocation of newly synthesized flagellins from the soluble pool to the membrane pool to the assembled flagellar filaments . It is not possible to conclude whether the soluble flagellin fraction is synthesized cytoplasmically or as a loosely associated membrane intermediate which is released during lysis . It is clear, however, that the soluble and membrane flagellins are in physically and functionally distinct pools . The implications of these findings for the study of protein secretion from cells and the invariant targeting of flagellar proteins to the stalk-distal pole of the dividing cell during flagellum morphogenesis are discussed. Health Phys, 1984 Mar, 46(3), 695 - 9 Metabolic models for methyl and inorganic mercury; Bernard SR et al.; We have derived two different models representing the metabolic behavior of both inorganic and methyl mercury . Simple three- and four-compartment models fit the short-term data very well . However, it was necessary to add long-term compartments to the data so the model would be in keeping with the long-term data as observed in Reference Man, ICRP Publication 23 and in industrial experience (ICRP75) . One concept not used in our models is biotransformation . It has been established that in the rat methyl mercury undergoes a biotransformation that cleaves the carbon-methyl bond and releases inorganic mercury (No 70; No 71) . However, we were unable to find any human data . Since methylation of inorganic mercury is known to occur, it might be expected that methylation would occur in mammals . Rowland et al . have shown that the contents of the rat cecum can synthesize methyl mercury from mercuric chloride (Row 77) . Furthermore, they also showed that bacteria from human feces can cause methylation . Clearly, a model incorporating biotransformation would be useful but it must await further experimental evidence. Gut, 1984 Mar, 25(3), 238 - 45 Intragastric N-nitrosation is unlikely to be responsible for gastric carcinoma developing after operations for duodenal ulcer; Keighley MR et al.; Three groups of patients studied after operations which had cured their duodenal ulcer were compared with a control group (no operation, n = 8) . The surgical procedures included: proximal gastric vagotomy (n = 7), truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty (n = 7), truncal vagotomy and antrectomy (n = 8) . Samples of gastric juice were aspirated half hourly or hourly over 24 hours for measurement of pH, counts of all identified bacteria, nitrite and total N-nitrosocompounds . Although the pH over 24 hours was significantly higher after proximal gastric vagotomy (p less than 0.05) and truncal vagotomy and antrectomy (p less than 0.001) than controls, there was no difference between truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty and controls . Counts of nitrate reducing bacteria over 24 hours were also significantly higher after truncal vagotomy and antrectomy than controls (p less than 0.1) but no differences were observed between the other groups . Only after truncal vagotomy and antrectomy was nitrite over 24 hours significantly increased compared with controls (p less than 0.01) . Despite these higher values after truncal vagotomy and antrectomy, there was no significant difference in total N-nitrosocompounds between any of the four groups . Whereas bacterial counts and nitrite increased with pH, no correlation was found between total N-nitrosocompounds and pH . These results provide no evidence that exposure to total N-nitrosocompounds is increased after operations for duodenal ulcer. Clin Pediatr (Phila), 1984 Mar, 23(3), 163 - 5 Baby powder use in infant skin care . Parental knowledge and determinants of powder usage; Hayden GF et al.; One hundred parents of infants aged 2 weeks to 6 months were surveyed at the time of routine well-child visits to assess parental knowledge about baby powder and to determine whether hospital policy of providing a free powder sample to newly delivered mothers was unwittingly promoting powder usage . Most parents (69%) reported regular baby powder use as part of routine infant skin care . Powder-users were significantly more likely than nonusers to attribute to baby powder the ability to kill bacteria and yeast and to prevent diaper rash (p less than 0.01) . Even among nonusers, fewer than half were aware that aspiration/ingestion of baby powder was a potential health hazard . Almost all parents reported receiving a free sample of baby powder while in the hospital as part of a complimentary gift pack provided by the manufacturers . Most powder-users were currently using a brand they had received as a sample, and eight parents cited the receipt of a sample as the major determinant for selecting a particular brand of powder . The short- and long-term effects of distributing sample packs to newly delivered parents deserve further study. Cell Immunol, 1984 Mar, 84(1), 200 - 5 Dialyzable leukocyte extract (transfer factor) in the treatment of superinfected fistulating tuberculosis of the bone; Zielinski CC et al.; The effect of the addition of dialyzable leukocyte extract (DLE)(transfer factor) to tuberculostatic drugs in the treatment of superinfected fistulating tuberculosis of bones and joints was evaluated in a controlled study . Eleven patients whose disease had persisted for a mean of 20 +/- 4.8 years and had proved to be resistant to antibiotics and tuberculostatic drugs were treated with an additional combined tuberculostatic drug regimen consisting of isoniazide, ethambutol, and rifampin for a control period of 2 years; after this therapy had failed as judged by the persistence of the superinfected fistulae and of the symptoms, DLE was added to the regimen . The result of this therapeutic approach was evaluated after another 2 years . Through this therapy, a closure of the fistulae was achieved in 9 out of the 11 patients (P less than 0.001) with a concomitant decrease of symptoms . DLE may prove beneficial in the treatment of patients with superinfected fistulating tuberculous osteomyelitis. N Engl J Med, 1984 Mar 1, 310(9), 553 - 9 Ventriculostomy-related infections . A prospective epidemiologic study; Mayhall CG et al.; We concluded a prospective epidemiologic study of ventriculostomy-related infections (ventriculitis or meningitis) in 172 consecutive neurosurgical patients over a two-year period to determine the incidence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of the infections . Ventriculitis or meningitis developed in 19 of 172 patients (11 per cent) undergoing a total of 213 ventriculostomies . When data from all these cases plus five cases of nonventriculostomy-related infection were combined, cerebrospinal-fluid pleocytosis was more significantly associated with the diagnosis of ventriculitis or meningitis (P less than 0.0001) than were fever and leukocytosis (P = 0.07) . Risk factors for ventriculostomy-related infections included intracerebral hemorrhage with intraventricular hemorrhage (P = 0.027), neurosurgical operations (P = 0.016), intracranial pressure of 20 mm Hg or more (P = 0.019), ventricular catheterization for more than five days (P = 0.017), and irrigation of the system (P = 0.021) . Previous ventriculostomy did not increase the risk of infection with subsequent procedures . We conclude that ventriculostomy-related infections may be prevented by maintenance of a closed drainage system and by early removal of the ventricular catheter . If monitoring is required for more than five days, the catheter should be removed and inserted at a different site. Clin Immunol Immunopathol, 1984 Mar, 30(3), 374 - 86 Mitogen-induced hyperproliferation response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with severe generalized periodontitis: lack of correlation with proportions of T cells and T-cell subsets; Engel D et al.; Severe generalized periodontitis (SGP) is a localized inflammatory disease which differs clinically from common periodontitis in that it leads to remarkable extensive alveolar bone loss in relatively young adults . There is evidence that B-cell responses to bacterial substances may play a major role in the pathogenesis of this disease . In the present report, we show that a B-cell mitogen from Actinomyces viscosus (AVIS) bacteria provokes a hyperproliferation response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) from these patients . In addition, AVIS-stimulated PBMNC from SGP patients proliferate for longer periods in culture than do PBMNC from control subjects . There were, however, no differences between patients and controls in the numbers of immunoglobulin-secreting cells in these cultures as determined by an indirect plaque-forming cell assay . The possibility that differences in numerical proportions of regulatory T-cell subsets may play a role in the mitogen-induced hyperproliferation phenomenon is examined . PBMNC were stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated monoclonal antibodies OKT3, OKT4, and OKT8 in order to identify, respectively, total T cells, helper/inducer, and suppressor/cytotoxic subsets . Flow cytometric analysis of such specifically stained cell preparations from 14 control subjects and 14 SGP patients did not reveal any significant differences between the proportions of total T cells or T-cell subsets of the two groups . Furthermore, there were no statistically significant correlations between the magnitude of proliferation responses and the proportions of total T cells or either of the T-cell subsets. Biochem Pharmacol, 1984 Mar 1, 33(5), 799 - 805 Aerobic reduction of 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde semicarbazone by rat liver xanthine dehydrogenase; Kutcher WW et al.; Previous work in several laboratories has shown that enzymatic reduction of nitroheterocyclic compounds to reactive but uncharacterized metabolites that damage DNA constitutes an important "activation" step in both bacteria and hypoxic mammalian cells . However, since the known mammalian enzymes having nitroreductase activity are reported to be strongly inhibited by molecular oxygen, the relation of reductive activation to the toxic and mutagenic effects of nitroheterocyclic compounds in intact animals or aerobic cultured cells is unclear . We report here that the process of net nitroreduction of 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde semicarbazone (nitrofurazone) by rat liver xanthine dehydrogenase was considerably less sensitive to inhibition by oxygen than was nitroreduction catalyzed by rat liver or milk xanthine oxidase . The dehydrogenase is the native form of xanthine oxidoreductase and is known to change to the oxidase form as liver extracts are aged or treated with various agents . Incubation at 65 degrees rapidly converted the dehydrogenase form to the oxidase form with concomitant loss of aerobic nitroreductase activity . Similarly, much of the aerobic nitroreductase activity was lost when the preparation was treated with p-hydroxymercuribenzoate but was regained upon subsequent treatment with dithiothreitol . Intermediates generated in the aerobic nitroreduction process bound tightly and probably covalently to protein . Thus, it is possible that aerobic reduction of nitrofurans and other nitroheterocyclic and nitroaromatic components by xanthine dehydrogenase may constitute a significant "activation" process which contributes to the toxic action of such agents. J Dent Res, 1984 Mar, 63(3), 452 - 4 Neutrophil receptor modulation in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases; Van Dyke TE; The role of the neutrophil as a primary protective cell in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease has been well established . In this paper, the role of receptor modulation on the neutrophil surface is discussed as a possible mechanism for neutrophil functional abnormalities . Using localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) as a model, the direct inhibition of neutrophils by bacterial products is discussed as a possible mechanism for local neutrophil dysfunction . In both disease processes, neutrophil receptor modulation plays a central role. Nurs Res, 1984 Mar-Apr, 33(2), 80 - 5 Clean vs . sterile tracheotomy care and level of pulmonary infection; Harris RB et al.; As reported in the literature and observed in clinical practice, a variety of tracheotomy care procedures (tracheotomy suctioning and cleaning techniques) are currently used . The purpose of this research was to determine if clean tracheotomy care was more effective than sterile as measured by levels of postoperative pulmonary infection . Ten hospitals with large Head and Neck/ENT services were selected as data collection sites . At these centers a minimum of 15 tracheostomy patient charts were reviewed pre- and postoperatively for clinical and laboratory data related to infection . Patient level of infection was defined using the Weighted Level of Pulmonary Infection Tool, which was constructed for this study . Three categories of aseptic type emerged (clean, sterile, and mixed) because existing tracheotomy care procedures did not fall into one of the two hypothesized types . Data were analyzed using a maximum likelihood approach to mixed model analysis of variance or covariance . The findings indicated significant differences among the three procedures with laboratory, but not clinical, data . Laboratory data supported practicing clean procedures as those associated with the least postoperative infection. Calcif Tissue Int, 1984 Mar, 36(2), 214 - 8 Co-isolation of proteolipids and calcium-phospholipid-phosphate complexes; Boyan BD et al.; This study demonstrates that calcium-phospholipid-phosphate complexes (CPLX) and calcifiable proteolipid are associated in vivo by establishing that they can be co-isolated from calcified bacteria . Both of these membrane constituents, which support apatite formation in vitro, have been isolated independently from Bacterionema matruchotii . However, isolation of proteolipid was preceded by demineralization in 2N formic acid, thereby dissociating bound Ca, whereas isolation of CPLX included sonication of calcified bacteria in 2:1:1.5 chloroform:methanol:Tris buffer, thereby dissociating any protein . Co-isolation is possible by demineralizing the calcified bacteria with 50 mM phthalic acid, pH 5.5, followed by extraction with 2:1 chloroform:methanol, and precipitation of crude phospholipid with acetone . CPLX and proteolipid are present in all Sephadex LH-20 chromatographic fractions of the crude phospholipid and of diethyl ether precipitates of the crude phospholipid . CPLXs contain protein:phospholipid:Ca:Pi but differ in relative composition from each other and from independently isolated CPLX . The Ca:phospholipid:Pi molar ratio of diethyl ether precipitable proteolipid-CPLX is most similar to previously published values for CPLX . The protein content of CPLX accounts for all of the proteolipid apoprotein in each Sephadex LH-20 fraction. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr, 1984 Mar-Apr, 8(2), 181 - 6 Care of the central venous catheterization site: the use of a transparent polyurethane film; Vazquez RM et al.; Studies of care of patients with central venous catheters report a 3-7% incidence of catheter-induced sepsis when sterile gauze and tape are used as an occlusive dressing . The technique requires that the dressing be changed three times each week for catheterization site inspection . From June 1979 to September 1980, a noncomparative evaluation of a transparent, self-adhesive, polyurethane dressing which is permeable to water vapor but not bacteria was performed . This dressing was used for the care of 100 consecutive patients with central venous catheters . Dressing life averaged 5.3 days with silicone rubber catheters and 4.3 days for polyvinyl chloride catheters . One patient developed catheter induced sepsis (incidence 1%) . This dressing material: (1) is acceptable for use as a dressing of central venous catheters; (2) continuously permits inspection of the insertion sites; (3) decreases nursing hours; (4) provides a comfortable dressing which secures the catheter to the patient; and (5) is durable even when exposed to high humidity therapy devices, or when possible permits the patient to take showers. Vet Clin North Am Large Anim Pract, 1984 Mar, 6(1), 91 - 105 Management of thermal injuries in large animals; Geiser DR et al.; The pathophysiology and histopathology of thermal burns in large animals is very similar to that in humans . Burns are classified as first degree, superficial and deep second degree, third degree, and fourth degree, depending upon the depth of thermal injury . Most severe burns will produce a local and a systemic response--both of which must be properly treated to increase the patient's chances for survival . The systemic response is mainly characterized by hypovolemia, fluid and electrolyte loss, protein loss, pulmonary edema, increased caloric requirements, and depressed immune responses . The local response is one of inflammation, vasospasm fluid accumulation, and electrolyte shifts depending upon the extent of the thermal injury . In all burn cases, the total patient should be evaluated . There is a tendency to focus on the wound, and systemic problems may be overlooked . In many cases, the thermal wound cannot be accurately evaluated for a few days, especially in large animals . An attempt should be made to estimate the depth of the burn, because treatment will vary accordingly . The treatment method must consider several problems . These include evaporative fluid and electrolyte loss, protection against mechanical injury, prevention of bacterial invasion and infection, maintenance of body temperature, and removal of nonviable tissue while leaving viable germinal tissue for healing . Thermal injuries in large animals present several additional problems . Many burns in large animals involve a large surface area, which increases the fluid, electrolyte, and caloric losses . Because most veterinary hospitals are not equipped to control the patient's surroundings, extensive bacterial contamination of the burn is of major concern . Patient restraint must also be a consideration to prevent further injury of the healing wound . Many patients are pruritic, and proper measures must be taken to prevent self-mutilation . There is also a lack of technically trained personnel to monitor and properly treat burn patients. Z Urol Nephrol, 1984 Mar, 77(3), 145 - 9 {Cell electrophoresis studies of peripheral blood lymphocytes in patients following kidney transplantation}; Templin R et al.; In 111 patients (control group, dialysis patients, kidney recipients) the behaviour of T lymphocytes was observed using an automatic measuring apparatus ( Parmoquant cytopherometer ) and the spontaneous rosette test . The Parmoquant method gives no information on the process of rejection, but it helps to identify risk situations due to bacteria of viruses . In cases of rejection after the second post-operative week, the results of the two methods are reversed. Int J Lepr Other Mycobact Dis, 1984 Mar, 52(1), 19 - 25 Development of an ELISA for detection of antibody in leprosy; Douglas JT et al.; An ELISA system was developed for detection of antibodies in leprosy using whole cells of bacteria as an antigen . Whole cells of M . smegmatis, M . vaccae, M . scrofulaceum, M . leprae, C . diphtheriae, and C . xerosis were compared . M . smegmatis was the most reactive against lepromatous sera with OD492 readings 1.5 times and five times higher than the others . In addition, when M . smegmatis were coated to microtiter plates with a volatile ammonium acetate/carbonate buffer and air dried, the antigen coating was found to be three times more reactive than antigen coated with nonvolatile Na borate buffer . Autoclaving M . smegmatis increased the reactivity with lepromatous sera 1.4- to 2.3-fold . M . leprae was found to be 4-10 times more reactive than autoclaved M . smegmatis . Autoclaving M . leprae did not increase reactivity . Antibody titers of some lepromatous sera had endpoint titers of greater than 1:10,000 . Both antihuman IgG and antihuman IgA, IgM, and IgG combined conjugates were found to be equally effective in detecting high levels of antibody in patients with multibacillary diseases. Infect Immun, 1984 Mar, 43(3), 1054 - 7 Functions of human neutrophilic granulocytes after in vivo exposure to interferon alpha; Einhorn S et al.; The ability of neutrophilic granulocytes to phagocytize yeast particles and to reduce Nitro Blue Tetrazolium at rest and on activation with bacterial stimuli was monitored in 32 patients receiving treatment with human interferon alpha . The ability of these cells to attach to and ingest yeast particles was not altered to any major extent during 1 year of interferon treatment . In most patients, the Nitro Blue Tetrazolium-reducing activity increased after the first injection of interferon . During prolonged treatment with interferon alpha, 1 week to 1 year, granulocytes activated with bacteria exhibited a reduced Nitro Blue Tetrazolium activity in most patients. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, 1984 Mar, 175(3), 320 - 7 Antibody-mediated enhancement of dengue virus infection in mouse macrophage cell lines, Mk1 and Mm1; Hotta H et al.; Antibody-mediated enhancement of dengue type 2 virus (D2V) replication in murine macrophage cell lines (Mk1 and Mm1) was studied . While both Mk1 and Mm1 supported D2V replication in the absence of enhancing antibodies, virus production was enhanced when both cell lines were inoculated with D2V in the presence of dengue type 1 virus (D1V)-hyperimmune rabbit IgG, D1V-hyperimmune mouse ascitic fluids, or D2V-hyperimmune mouse ascitic fluids at subneutralizing concentrations . The enhancement ratios were greater in Mk1 than in Mm1 . Type-specific neutralizing monoclonal anti-D2V antibody also mediated D2V replication enhancement in Mk1 to the same extent as mediated by three other enhancing antibodies described above . In contrast, however, the same monoclonal antibody mediated only a slight and smaller magnitude of D2V replication enhancement in Mm1 than did the other enhancing antibodies . Fluorescent antibody observations revealed that virus replication enhancement in both Mk1 and Mm1 was due primarily to an increase in the numbers of virus-infected cells . D2V infection enhancement in Mk1 by the anti-D2V mouse ascitic fluids at a dilution showing nearly 50% plaque-reduction activity was markedly suppressed by addition of complement to the inocula, whereas that by the monoclonal antibody, which has been identified as mouse IgG1, was not . Phagocytoses of tritiated thymidine-labeled bacteria by Mk1 and Mm1 were also enhanced when the bacteria had been opsonized with antibody . The phagocytosis enhancement ratios were again greater in Mk1 than in Mm1. Am J Otolaryngol, 1984 Mar-Apr, 5(2), 80 - 92 Experimental otitis media with effusion induced by nonviable Hemophilus influenzae: cytologic and histologic study; Okazaki N et al.; In an earlier study the authors demonstrated that formalin-killed Hemophilus influenzae induces serous-type middle ear effusion in chinchillas and provides an excellent model for the study of human otitis media with effusion . The present study was initiated to evaluate the morphologic and histologic changes that occur in the middle ear after injection of this organism . All of the experimental animals injected with formalin-killed H . influenzae in the present study had straw-colored serous-type effusions within four days after injection . The submucosal thickness, mononuclear cell density, and capillary permeability all increased dramatically in the experimental animals . Marked bleeding, tissue edema, and cellular infiltration in the submucosa were prominent findings after injection of the inactivated bacteria . Half of the experimental animals had histologic evidence of marked proliferation of epithelial cells resembling adhesive otitis media . These findings suggest that nonviable H . influenzae are capable of inducing severe inflammatory changes in the middle ear and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion and its sequelae. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1984 Mar, 81(5), 1341 - 5 Analysis of the pleiotropic regulation of flagellar and chemotaxis gene expression in Caulobacter crescentus by using plasmid complementation; Bryan R et al.; The biosynthesis of the single polar flagellum and the proteins that comprise the chemotaxis methylation machinery are both temporally and spacially regulated during the Caulobacter crescentus cell-division cycle . The genes involved in these processes are widely separated on the chromosome . The region of the chromosome defined by flaE mutations contains at least one flagellin structural gene and appears to regulate flagellin synthesis and flagellar assembly . The protein product of the adjacent flaY gene was found to be required to regulate the expression of several flagellin proteins and the assembly of a functional flagellum . We demonstrate here that each of these genes is also required for the expression of chemotaxis methylation genes known to map elsewhere on the chromosome . In order to study the regulation of these genes, plasmids were constructed that contain either an intact flaYE region or deletions in the region of flaY . These plasmids were mated into a wild-type strain and into strains containing various Tn5 insertion and deletion mutations and a temperature-sensitive mutation in the flaYE region . The presence of a plasmid containing the flaYE region allowed the mutant strains to swim and to exhibit chemotaxis, to synthesize increased amounts of the flagellins, to methylate their "methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins" (MCPs), and to regain wild-type levels of methyltransferase activity . Chromosomal deletions that extend beyond the cloned region were not complemented by this plasmid . Plasmids containing small deletions in the flaY region failed to restore to any flaY or flaE mutants the ability to swim or to assemble a flagellar filament . When mated into a wild-type strain, plasmids bearing deletions in the flaY region were found to be recessive . The pleiotropic regulation of flagellin synthesis, assembly, and chemotaxis methylation functions exhibited by both the flaY and flaE genes suggest that their gene products function in a regulatory hierarchy that controls both flagellar and chemotaxis gene expression. Am Rev Respir Dis, 1984 Mar, 129(3), 413 - 8 Receptors for human IgG subclasses on human alveolar macrophages; Naegel GP et al.; The biology of individual heavy chain subclasses of human IgG (IgG1-4) in lung host defenses has become important now that specific deficiencies of certain subclasses (IgG2 and IgG4) can be associated with chronic sinopulmonary infections and that IgG4 can be increased in forms of hypersensitivity lung disease . Because IgG is an important opsonic antibody that promotes attachment of bacteria or particles to phagocytes, the relative binding of IgG subclasses to membrane receptors on human alveolar macrophages might predict the efficacy of specific opsonin-mediated phagocytosis . With in vitro cultured normal alveolar macrophages, various IgG complexes were assessed for receptor binding with a rosetting assay . For respiratory cells in culture for 24 h, about 25% of the macrophages bound IgG3 and about 10% bound IgG1; binding with IgG2 and IgG4 complexes was minimal . In macrophage cultures maintained for as long as 6 days, this pattern of binding persisted . However, in very short-term cultures, 30 min and 105 min after cell adherence had occurred, binding was much greater for IgG3 complexes (about 60%); likewise IgG1 and IgG4 bound to about 20% of the cells . The IgM erythrocyte complexes, usually showing no binding at later time points in culture, bound to 20% of the cells, acutely . Therefore, our studies found that IgG3 consistently bound to more alveolar macrophages than the other subclasses, including IgG1 . Also, the duration in culture of adherent cells may significantly affect the pattern of binding. Mol Biol (Mosk), 1984 Mar-Apr, 18(2), 323 - 31 {The human mitochondrial genome and evolution of transfer methionine RNA}; Mikel'saar RN; The recently deciphered sequence of the human mitochondrial genome is analyzed in the light of an archigenetic hypothesis, according to which mitochondria are derived neither from pro- nor eukaryotes but from more primitive organisms . The possibility that animal mitochondria have only one gene both for elongator and initiator methionine tRNA is supported but C-A pair forming cytosine in the anticodon of these tRNAs is considered to be unmodified . The evolution of the gene and of the codon reading pattern of the methionine tRNA is discussed. Acta Virol, 1984 Mar, 28(2), 159 - 73 Rickettsiaceae and Chlamydiaceae: comparative electron microscopic studies; Avakyan AA et al.; The structure and cytopathology of obligate intracellular bacteria belonging to families Rickettsiaceae and Chlamydiaceae and their interaction with eukaryotic host cells were compared in electron microscopic studies . "Rickettsia-like" and "chlamydia-like" types of organization of bacterial cells and their interaction with host cells are presented . The rickettsia-like type is characterized by short rod-shaped cells multiplying freely ( extravacuolarly ) in the cytoplasm or nucleoplasm of the host cell; the chlamydia-like type has spherical cells multiplying inside the cytoplasmic vacuole limited by the host membrane . The rickettsia-like type includes the genus Rickettsia and rod-shaped symbionts from genera Wolbachia and Symbiotes ; the chlamydia-like type falls into genera Chlamydia, Ehrlichia, Cowdria and Neorickettsia . The transitional types represented by Wolbachia persica (type 1), Coxiella and Rickettsiella (type 2) are also described . The possible evolutional relationships of the genera comprising both families are considered and their classification is proposed. Science, 1984 Feb 24, 223(4638), 798 - 9 Despite doubts RAC moving to widen role; Fox JL; KIE: The Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) of the National Institutes of Health has encountered setbacks in its attempt to increase its regulatory authority over genetic engineering ventures . Competing claims by the Environmental Protection Agency have been supported in a congressional report authored by Rep . Albert Gore, Jr . (D-Tenn.) which is critical of RAC's actions in approving experimental release of genetically-modified organisms into the environment . During a 6 Feb 1984 public meeting, RAC faced a barrage of criticism led by activist Jeremy Rifkin, and learned of a U.S . Court of Appeals decision blocking its consideration of a proposed field test with engineered bacteria . Nature, 1984 Feb 16-22, 307(5952), 646 - 7 Dual role for Dictyostelium contact site B in phagocytosis and developmental size regulation; Chadwick CM et al.; Three cohesion molecules have been discovered in the slime mould Dictyostelium discoideum . Two of these molecules are involved in morphogenesis at the aggregation stage of the life cycle and thereafter, and may also provide an essential trigger for late gene expression . The third glycoprotein 126 (gp126) or contact site B, is present on axenically grown vegetative amoebae and persists to the aggregation stage where it is involved in the side-to-side cohesion of cells in aggregation streams . It is puzzling that vegetative amoebae should possess a cohesion molecule because their solitary habit does not necessitate cohesion . However, they do need to adhere to the substratum and adhesion of bacteria to the cells is a prerequisite for phagocytosis . Vogel et al . have proposed that the same receptor is involved in phagocytosis and cohesion . It has also been suggested that contact site B-mediated cohesion is a trigger for development . Using a specific antibody against gp126, we now show that contact site B is a phagocytosis receptor . Furthermore, contact site B is involved in regulating the size of aggregates formed during morphogenesis; it also seems to be involved in cell-substratum adhesion but is not a developmental trigger. Nature . 1984 Feb 16-22;307(5952):584. Watch on human experiments; Budiansky S; KIE: The National Institutes of Health's Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) has reaffirmed its role as reviewer of recombinant DNA research with human subjects and of any proposals to release recombinant organisms into the environment . Review is binding on recipients of federal research funds, and government agencies and industry have agreed to comply voluntarily with RAC guidelines . Activist Jeremy Rifkin protested against RAC's recent closing of a session to the public in order to discuss the planned release of frost-resistant bacteria into the environment by a private firm, and a proposal by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences to reduce the required containment level for research involving the cloning of a gene that codes for a dysentery-causing toxin . Jpn J Antibiot, 1984 Feb, 37(2), 185 - 97 {Fundamental and clinical studies on forphenicinol, a small-molecular immunomodulator}; Ishibashi T et al.; Forphenicinol , a small-molecular immunomodulator, was orally administered to 10 long-term hospitalized patients with decreased pulmonary function, mainly, due to obsolete tuberculosis . The patients were grouped equally into 2, the first group received 50 mg of forphenicinol /day for 4 weeks and the second group received forphenicinol for a total period of 1 year, according to the following dose-schedule; 100 mg/day for the first 2 months, 400 mg/day for the next 6 months and 200 mg/day for the last 4 months . Investigations were made on the serum levels and safety of forphenicinol in all of these patients . The results of the investigations were as follows . Peak levels of forphenicinol were attained, in most cases, 2 hours after the administration and the average peak levels on the 14th day were 1.37 micrograms/ml for the dose of 50 mg/day, 5.02 micrograms/ml for 100 mg/day, 7.49 micrograms/ml for 200 mg/day and 15.02 micrograms/ml for 400 mg/day . There was no difference between the serum peak levels on the 1st and 14th days, in the patients who received forphenicinol at the dose of 50 or 100 mg/day . This finding led us to conclude that forphenicinol may not be accumulated in the body when it is administered repeatedly . Neither any side effects nor any abnormal values in the laboratory analysis of samples were observed for forphenicinol . The following improvement were observed, in the patients who received forphenicinol on a long-term basis (1 year); diminution of thick-walled cavity in 1 patient with atypical mycobacteriosis and in another patient with drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, negative sputum culture for bacteria was observed during this whole period of forphenicinol treatment. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1984 Feb, 47(2), 223 - 8 Pasteurization of naturally contaminated water with solar energy; Ciochetti DA et al.; A solar box cooker (SBC) was constructed with a cooking area deep enough to hold several 3.7-liter jugs of water, and this was used to investigate the potential of using solar energy to pasteurize naturally contaminated water . When river water was heated either in the SBC or on a hot plate, coliform bacteria were inactivated at temperatures of 60 degrees C or greater . Heating water in an SBC to at least 65 degrees C ensures that the water will be above the milk pasteurization temperature of 62.8 degrees C for at least an hour, which appears sufficient to pasteurize contaminated water . On clear or partly cloudy days, with the SBC facing magnetic south in Sacramento, bottom water temperatures of at least 65 degrees C could be obtained in 11.1 liters of water during the 6 weeks on either side of the summer solstice, in 7.4 liters of water from mid-March through mid-September, and in 3.7 liters of water an additional 2 to 3 weeks at the beginning and end of the solar season . Periodic repositioning of the SBC towards the sun, adjusting the back reflective lid, and preheating water in a simple reflective device increased final water temperatures . Simultaneous cooking and heating water to pasteurizing temperatures was possible . Additional uses of the SBC to pasteurize soil and to decontaminate hospital materials before disposal in remote areas are suggested. Anat Rec, 1984 Feb, 208(2), 271 - 8 Phenoxyethanol as a nontoxic substitute for formaldehyde in long-term preservation of human anatomical specimens for dissection and demonstration purposes; Frolich KW et al.; Formaldehyde has recently been declared a potential carcinogen . Occupational health authorities throughout the world are therefore likely to put stricter regulations to its use also within anatomical disciplines . We have been able to reduce the atmospheric concentration of formaldehyde in our dissection rooms to below the detection limit of a conventional Drager tube multigas analyzer (i.e., below 0.5 ppm or 0.6 mg formaldehyde/m3 air), by extracting previously formaldehyde-fixed material for more than 3 months in 1% phenoxyethanol in tap water . In this fluid our material has remained soft and flexible with a consistency and color retention suitable for dissection and demonstration purposes for up to 10 years . Fungal attacks are rare and we have been unable to raise bacteria from such specimens . Even the microscopical structure of most tissues remains satisfactory after 5 years in 1% phenoxyethanol . The unpleasant and irritating smell traditionally felt in dissection rooms is almost absent in our facilities, but some of our students still mention slight odor, headache, drowsiness, and mild eye, nose, and throat irritation during their dissection practice periods. Pathol Biol (Paris), 1984 Feb, 32(2), 85 - 9 Kinetics of the uptake of rifampicin and tetracycline into mouse macrophages . In vitro study of the early stages; Najar I et al.; The in vitro uptake by mouse peritoneal macrophages, of chlortetracycline (by fluorescence microscopy) and of tetracycline and rifampicin (by scintillation spectrometry of radioactive antibiotics) has been studied over a six hours period, using various concentrations of the antibiotics, close to the therapeutic concentrations . The incidence of the conditions of the assays, especially that of the use of heterologous serum for the cultivation of cells, has been investigated; a medium supplemented with homologous serum at low concentration has been devised with the technique . The uptake of these antibiotics was a three-phases process suggesting the superposition to a passive diffusion of either an active incorporation, or a restriction of the outflow (perhaps associated) . This led to a rather high concentration of the antibiotics into cells, although other studies have shown that this concentration is not as active on intracellular bacteria as one could expect from the in vitro sensitivity. J Clin Microbiol, 1984 Feb, 19(2), 161 - 3 Effects of overnight refrigeration on the microscopic evaluation of sputum; Penn RL et al.; Microscopic evaluation of sputum permits selection of specimens suitable for culture, assessment of likely pathogens, and the best interpretation of culture results . We prospectively evaluated 50 sputum specimens which were promptly submitted to our clinical laboratory; smears and cultures were performed both immediately and after 20 h of refrigeration . Specimens were grouped according to the numbers of squamous epithelial cells and neutrophils per low-power field present on coded Gram-stained smears . The numbers of bacteria in five oil immersion fields were used to characterize smears for predominant, mixed, or scanty forms . After refrigeration, only three specimens changed group from a definite loss of squamous epithelial cells, and only two changed group from a definite loss of neutrophils . Based on cellular composition, the majority of samples would have been processed identically both before and after refrigeration . In contrast, organism forms detected on smears and their relative quantities were dramatically altered after refrigeration . A predominant smear form was gained in 11 and lost in 8 refrigerated specimens . The frequent changes on smears observed overall resulted from both increases and decreases in numbers of bacteria and yeasts . The majority of sputum culture results were insignificantly affected by the refrigeration of specimens . We conclude that 20 h of refrigeration renders sputum useless for the microscopic evaluation of potential pathogens and the subsequent interpretation of culture results . However, overnight refrigeration does not affect the determination from smears of sputum suitability for culture based on cellular composition. <