Microorganism

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.

J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 1984 Feb, 87(2), 244 - 50
Management of intracardiac fungal masses in premature infants; Foker JE et al.; Intracardiac fungal masses can develop following episodes of candidemia in premature infants with indwelling right atrial lines . We report the first premortem diagnosis and successful surgical removal of Candida-containing intracardiac masses in three premature infants . All had central venous lines and had been on systemic antibiotics prior to the development of candidemia . By echocardiography, two were pedunculated, solitary masses within the right atrium . Amphotericin B and 5-flucytosine for 21 to 42 days controlled the Candida sepsis, but the masses became increasingly mobile and did not decrease in size . In the third infant, large, irregular masses extended from the right atrium to the main pulmonary artery, and surgical removal was recommended 4 days after the start of antifungal therapy . In all three patients, the masses were nearly the size of the main pulmonary artery and presumably contained viable organisms . Removal was accomplished with the aid of cardiopulmonary bypass for two and inflow stasis for one infant weighing only 1,300 gm . The masses were filled with viable Candida organisms . All patients tolerated the operation well and have been followed up for 1 to 3.6 years without evidence of recurrent Candida infection . The case of a fourth infant, weighing 1,320 gm, is also reported . This infant had a bacteria-containing intra-atrial mass, which was removed successfully with the aid of inflow occlusion . This report documents the following points: (1) Echocardiography provides a noninvasive method of diagnosing the development of intracardiac masses and should be performed in infants who have had candidemia and a central venous line . (2) Prolonged systemic antifungal therapy does not appear to either sterilize or promote regression of the masses . (3) The masses can be safely removed, even in the premature infant, with either inflow stasis or cardiopulmonary bypass . (4) Surgical removal is an effective component of the treatment of infection in these infants.

Infect Immun, 1984 Feb, 43(2), 693 - 9
Morphological study of antigen-sampling structures in the rat large intestine; Bland PW et al.; Organized lymphoid tissue in the rat colon exists as clusters (colonic lymphoid patches) of intramucosal and submucosal follicles in the proximal, mid, and distal colon, interspersed by solitary follicles . The follicular lymphoid cells of colonic lymphoid patches are separated from the gut lumen by a highly specialized lymphoepithelium which lacks mature goblet cells . Cells of this epithelium are of two types: those characterized by an electron-dense cytoplasm, large numbers of apical vesicles and lysosomes, and prolonged extensions of the apical cytoplasm forming thin partitions between the gut lumen and underlying intercellular spaces; and cells with a less electron-dense cytoplasm, distorted mitochondria, and little endoplasmic reticulum . Both cell types bear normal microvilli and have numerous lateral membrane processes which penetrate large intercellular spaces . A ferritin-India ink label infused into the colonic lumen was preferentially adsorbed onto the surface of this follicle-associated epithelium . Indigenous colonic bacteria were observed penetrating the superficial cytoplasm of the electron-dense cells where they were enclosed in lysosomes and digested . An antigen-sampling role is proposed for the colonic lymphoid patch epithelium.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1984 Feb, (2), 23 - 7
{Interaction of Rickettsia akari with the host cell in vitro: multiplication, formation of spheroplast-like forms and its destruction in phagolyosomes}; Popov VL et al.; The electron microscopic study of the interaction of R . akari, strain CK, with the monolayer culture of L-cells was made 4 days after inoculation . Rickettsiae multiplied by transverse binary fission immediately in the cytoplasm of the cells and left the cells by gemmation, surrounded with plasmolemma and a fragment of the host cytoplasm . Alongside with multiplying rickettsiae, spheroplast-like rickettsiae and rickettsiae at the stage of destruction were regularly observed in phagolysosomes . The authors suggest that the normal interaction of rickettsiae with the host cell may be realized by three following routes (1) reproduction, (2) destruction in phagolysosomes and (3) formation of altered (anomalous) forms . The ability of the vegetative forms of rickettsiae and chlamydiae to yield spheroplast-like forms (the initial phase of bacterial L-transformation) indicates that these organisms are similar to bacteria and cannot be themselves regarded as L-forms.

Biomed Mass Spectrom, 1984 Feb, 11(2), 79 - 86
Gas chromatography mass spectrometry of tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers of phthiocerols and mycocerosic alcohols from Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Mallet AI et al.; Mycobacteria synthesize a variety of unusual long-chain fatty acid esters and the systematic analysis of these is of great potential in the classification and identification of these bacteria . This paper describes the extraction, reductive fission and derivatization to tert-butyldimethylsilyl ethers of beta-diesters, the phthiocerol dimycocerosates . The mass spectra of these ethers are characteristic of the parent alcohols and selected ion monitoring techniques have been applied to mixtures extracted from strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

J Appl Bacteriol, 1984 Feb, 56(1), 137 - 43
Glycerol utilization by Brochothrix thermosphacta; Macaskie LE et al.; Growth of the meat spoilage organism, Brochothrix thermosphacta, was supported by either glucose or glycerol with acetoin production . Similar yields of bacteria were obtained at growth-limiting concentrations of either substrate . The rate of uptake of each substrate was similar but glycerol supported higher rates of respiration than glucose . These findings are discussed in relation to metabolism of glycerol and the use of glycerol for meat storage.

Mutat Res, 1984 Feb, 125(2), 195 - 204
Mutagenesis in multinucleate cells: the effects of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine on Phycomyces spores; Roncero MI et al.; Multinucleate cells, such as the spores of the fungus Phycomyces, are unsuitable for the isolation of recessive mutants . Nuclear killing by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (henceforth nitrosoguanidine) eliminates all but one of the nuclei in some of the cells and allows the expression of recessive mutations . Even in the best conditions, only about 35% of the survivors have a single functional nucleus . Functionally uninucleate cells can be positively selected . This involves the exposure to nitrosoguanidine of the spores of a heterokaryon and selection for a recessive marker present in a small fraction of its nuclei . The optimal conditions for nitrosoguanidine mutagenesis in Phycomyces differ from those for bacteria and yeast . Buffer composition and pH are less important than in other organisms . Survival is an exponential function and mutation induction a linear function of the dose of the mutagen (concentration X time) . Spore germination leads to an immediate increase in the number of gene copies per cell, thus further hindering the expression of recessive mutations; dominant mutations are then nearly always isolated in heterokaryotic form.

Biochimie, 1984 Feb, 66(2), 93 - 9
Electron transfer mechanism and interaction studies between cytochrome C3 and ferredoxin; Guerlesquin F et al.; Ferredoxin, cytochrome c3 and hydrogenase are specific partners of the sulfate reduction pathway of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans Norway and might be exemplary for electron exchange mechanism studies . Cytochrome c3 contains four low redox potential haems for 13 000 molecular weight . Two ferredoxins isolated from the same bacteria are dimers of 6 000 molecular weight per subunit (Ferredoxin I: one (4 Fe-4S) cluster per subunit, ferredoxin II: two (4 Fe-4 S) clusters per subunit) . The amino acid sequence of ferredoxin I is reported and compared to the ferredoxin II sequence . The structural characteristics of ferredoxins and cytochrome c3 should allow a discussion on the nature of the interaction . 1H-NMR spectra of ferredoxin I and cytochrome c3 in the absence and presence of ferredoxin are presented.

J Infect Dis, 1984 Feb, 149(2), 264 - 70
Entry of four cephalosporins into the ovine lung; Cohen SH et al.; Following cannulation of the right external jugular vein and the efferent duct of the right caudal mediastinal lymph node (the caudal end of this node having been ligated to cut off the inflow of systemic lymph), sheep were each given one of four "cephalosporins" (cefazolin, moxalactam, cefoperazone, or ceftriaxone) as single doses injected iv over 30 min . All of the drugs appeared in the pulmonary lymph during iv infusion . Peak concentrations in the lymph were attained at 5 min postinfusion with cefazolin, cefoperazone, and ceftriaxone; the peak for moxalactam was attained at 30 min postinfusion . Cefazolin and cefoperazone penetrated better than did ceftriaxone, which penetrated better than did moxalactam . The concentrations of moxalactam, as compared with the other drugs, declined more gradually in both venous blood and pulmonary lymph . In view of the prompt entry and transit through the lungs and the high concentrations attained in the pulmonary lymph, these drugs should be effective in the treatment of pneumonias caused by susceptible bacteria.

J Clin Invest, 1984 Feb, 73(2), 285 - 90
Proton transport and cell function; Ives HE et al.; The past five years have witnessed an explosion of information on the many and varied roles of H+ transport in cell function . H+ transport is involved in three broad areas of cell function: (a) maintenance and alteration of intracellular pH for initiation of specific cellular events, (b) generation of pH gradients in localized regions of the cell, including gradients involved in energy transduction, and (c) transepithelial ion transport . These processes each involve one or more of several H+ translocating mechanisms . The first section of this review will discuss these H+ translocating mechanisms and the second part will deal with the cellular functions controlled by H+ transport.

J Clin Microbiol, 1984 Feb, 19(2), 134 - 9
Interpretive standards and quality control limits for susceptibility tests with ampicillin-sulbactam combination disks; Barry AL et al.; In vitro studies were performed to evaluate susceptibility tests with disks containing 10 micrograms of ampicillin plus 10 micrograms of sulbactam . Interpretive zone standards of less than or equal to 11 mm (resistant), 12 to 13 mm (intermediate), and greater than or equal to 14 mm (susceptible) are proposed . A nine-laboratory coordinated study was performed to establish tentative zone size limits for quality control of ampicillin-sulbactam disks . This included data with a new control strain selected to monitor performance of such combination disks.

Hum Pathol, 1984 Feb, 15(2), 104 - 11
Chemiluminescence: applications for the clinical laboratory; Boeckx RL; The chemical features and applications of chemiluminescence are reviewed, with special attention to bacterial and firefly bioluminescence and to uses of chemiluminescence in direct substrate assays, enzyme assays, solid-phase reactions, and immunoassays.

J Med Microbiol, 1984 Feb, 17(1), 91 - 103
Production and properties of Bordetella pertussis heat-labile toxin; Livey I et al.; Twelve selected strains of Bordetella pertussis were compared quantitatively for their ability to produce heat-labile toxin (HLT); all proved to be active producers, with only a three-fold range between the highest and the lowest . Bordet-Gengou agar, charcoal agar, modified Hornibrook medium and Stainer and Scholte (12G) medium differed little in their ability to support toxin production by three B . pertussis strains . However, cells grown on the solid media for 24 h were slightly more toxic than their counterparts grown for 72 h whereas in the liquid media the opposite was true . The concentration of iron in the medium did not influence HLT production, but high concentrations of nicotinic acid significantly reduced the HLT content of the cells . Crude preparations of toxin underwent only a 10% loss of toxicity per annum at -20 degrees C and were stable for up to 2 weeks at 4 degrees C . At 37 degrees C, toxicity was lost within a few days . The toxin was partially purified by a series of mild procedures and had a mol . wt by gel filtration of 89 000 +/- 10% . HLT was toxoided by treatment with formaldehyde to give a product which was immunogenic in rabbits but not in mice . Because anti-HLT could be absorbed out of the rabbit antisera by treatment with intact B . pertussis, it was concluded that some of the HLT in the bacteria is surface-exposed even though the main part may have a cytoplasmic location.

J Immunol, 1984 Feb, 132(2), 883 - 7
Six antigenic determinants in the surface layer of the archaebacterium Methanococcus vannielii revealed by monoclonal antibodies; Conway de Macario E et al.; The immunogenicity and antigenic characteristics of the unique surface layer (S layer) of Methanococcus vanielii was studied with a panel of six monoclonal antibodies . Six surface determinants were identified for the first time, each recognized by one antibody exclusively . The determinants are proteins, located in the S layer, and accessible to antibody in whole, unfixed, as well as formalinized bacteria . Hence the six antigens and antibodies reported here should be useful for rapid identification of new isolates and for taxonomy of methanogens, notably Methanococcaceae . In this connection two novel applications of the slide immunoenzymatic assay were developed for analyses of monoclonal antibodies and their complementary sites in the bacterial envelope.

Presse Med, 1984 Jan 28, 13(3), 141 - 4
{Prevention of postoperative anaerobic infections . Economic significance of metronidazole suppositories}; Farinotti R et al.; Metronidazole is widely used in the preventive and curative treatment of post-operative anaerobic infections . As the intravenous form is very expensive, a 1 g suppository has been developed . The pharmacokinetics of metronidazole injection and suppository was studied comparatively in 10 healthy subjects . The serum bioavailability of the rectal form was 80% with a peak serum concentration of 10 mg/l four hours after dosing . From calculated pharmacokinetic values it may be suggested that: (1) in cases of elective surgery treatment could begin with the rectal form alone at the rate of one suppository 12-hourly, starting 48 hours before surgery; (2) in emergency surgery, 0,5g of metronidazole i.v . over 20 minutes and a 1 g suppository should be administered at the time of premedication, treatment being continued with one suppository 12-hourly; (3) in patients at high risk of anaerobic infection, one suppository should be given 8-hourly, starting 24 hours before surgery . The main advantage of the rectal treatment is that it is much cheaper than the intravenous treatment administered during the same period.

Scan Electron Microsc, 1984, (Pt 1), 243 - 8
Scanning electron microscopy contribution in oral pathology; Dourov N; The comparative study by optical and scanning electron microscopy provides useful information in oral pathology . Four aspects of the superficial cell surface of the lip and the gingival and lingual mucosa can be described: 1 . parallel microridges; 2 . honeycomb appearance; 3 . microvilli; 4 . a more or less smooth surface . This 4th type is often encountered in cases of leukoplakia and in carcinomas . The variable morphology of the epithelial surface may be related to cells modifications during maturation . In hairy tongue conditions, the filiform papillae are enlarged by cellular conglomerates and by apposition of bacteria and pseudohyphae, while in a case of sclerodermia they were no more visible.

Circ Shock, 1984, 12(4), 241 - 51
Depressed function of isolated hearts from hyperdynamic septic rats; McDonough KH et al.; The aim of this study was to determine if hearts removed from rats in sustained hypermetabolic sepsis possessed normal physiological reserves as defined by Frank-Starling curves . The resting cardiac output of these hearts is elevated in vivo and this is mediated by an increased heart rate . In this study mechanical function was assessed under in vitro conditions in which preload could be varied and controlled . Isolated perfused working hearts from septic animals showed depressed cardiac performance, both in terms of peak systolic pressure development and cardiac output, over a range of left atrial filling pressures . In spite of this depressed function, most hearts from septic animals were able to recover cardiac output and pressure development following an acute ischemic episode . Thus, a loss of myocardial reserve is demonstrable in hearts isolated from septic rats, even though mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac output, and coronary blood flow are well maintained in vivo . This dysfunction is primarily evidenced by an inability to respond appropriately to increased preloads.

J Clin Pathol, 1984 Jan, 37(1), 23 - 6
Spiral organisms in endoscopic biopsies of the human stomach; Rollason TP et al.; A retrospective light microscopic study of 310 consecutive endoscopic gastric biopsy specimens was performed . Spiral bacteria were found in 42% of cases and, apart from occasional organisms in parietal cell canaliculi, were confined to the surface of the glands and epithelium . Electron microscopic study of selected cases showed the bacteria to be approximately 6 micron maximum length and 0.7 micron diameter with a spiral periodicity of 1.2 micron . A significant association between the occurrence of spiral bacteria and gastritis was noted but not with carcinoma, peptic ulceration, or high pH of the gastric aspirate.

Comp Biochem Physiol B, 1984, 77(2), 341 - 7
Two hemoglobin-binding proteins identified in the plasma of the amphibian Taricha granulosa; Francis RT Jr et al.; The plasma of the amphibian newt Taricha granulosa has been shown to be devoid of haptoglobin . Upon hemolysis, Taricha albumin and another protein associate with hemoglobin . The acute-phase response to inflammation observed in birds and mammals appears to be absent in Taricha . Taricha hemoglobin failed to bind to human haptoglobin . Taricha hemoglobin not only failed to dissociate into alpha beta dimers as did human Hb, but formed alpha beta octamers.

Cell Tissue Res, 1984, 235(1), 59 - 63
Studies on the morphology of the isolated perfused rabbit ovary . I . Effect of long-term perfusion; Cajander S et al.; Isolated ovaries from untreated, sexually mature rabbits were introduced into an in vitro perfusion system and perfused with a chemically defined medium containing albumin . The ovaries were perfused for up to 15 h (mean 11.5 h) and then processed for morphological investigation . Both at the light- and electron-microscopical levels, most of the ovaries exhibited a normal structure comparable with ovaries in situ . In two cases, however, marked accumulations of bacteria were found, although not inside the follicles . Since ovulation in the rabbit normally occurs between 9.5-13 h after mating or human chorionic gonadotrophin treatment, this model seems adequate for studies of ovulation in vitro . It is, however, important to study the ovaries microscopically after the perfusion to detect artifacts, e.g., bacterial infection, that may have influence on the process of ovulation.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1984 Jan, 47(1), 213 - 5
Pragmatic criteria to distinguish psychrophiles and psychrotrophs in ecological systems; Gow JA et al.; Optimal incubation times and temperatures were determined for populations of psychrophilic and psychrotrophic bacteria from a seasonally cold ocean . The application of conventional pragmatic criteria did not differentiate the two populations, although they could be distinguished by growth at two temperatures.

Am J Epidemiol, 1984 Jan, 119(1), 124 - 34
Febrile illness in successive cohorts of tourists at a hotel on the Italian Adriatic coast: evidence for a persistent focus of Legionella infection; Rosmini F et al.; Outbreaks of febrile illness consistent with legionellosis occurred in successive groups of vacationers at an Adriatic resort in 1980 . Illness was associated with one of two hotels used by the groups . A cohort study of guests of the suspect hotel revealed 23 cases of febrile illness with pulmonary symptoms, significant antibody titers to Legionella pneumophila, or both, among 291 persons at risk . Two patients died . Attack rates ranged from 0-19% in the nine cohorts of vacationers and were highest among the most elderly . Febrile illness in the last two cohorts of the season was associated with an antibody titer greater than or equal to 128 . L . pneumophila was isolated from shower heads in the suspect hotel, but no association was found between showering and illness or seropositivity . Bacteria identified as L . pneumophila by direct immunofluorescence were also found in water from an adjacent hotel and from the outflow from a common well . No cases were associated with the adjacent hotel.

Obstet Gynecol, 1984 Jan, 63(1), 38 - 43
Use of amniocentesis in preterm gestation with ruptured membranes; Cotton DB et al.; Sixty-one patients with preterm rupture of membranes were studied . Transabdominal amniocentesis was performed successfully in 42 patients (68.8%) . Among these 42, 26 (61.9%) had a lecithin:sphingomyelin (L:S) ratio of 1.8 or greater and 16 (38.1%) demonstrated pulmonary immaturity . Amniotic fluid obtained from vaginal pooling was compared to fluid obtained transabdominally in seven patients and did not demonstrate any significant differences in L:S values . Gram stain and subsequent culturing of amniotic fluid obtained transabdominally was accomplished in 41 patients . Seven of the 41 patients (17.0%) had bacteria on Gram stain and/or subsequent amniotic fluid growth . All patients with either bacteria on Gram stain or a positive amniotic fluid culture developed clinical amnionitis or endometritis . Review of the neonatal morbidity and mortality in relation to gestational age of infants with preterm rupture of membranes suggests that: 1) In infants at less than 32 weeks' gestation, amniocentesis need not be done for pulmonary maturity as the morbidity of prematurity in this group is too high even in the presence of pulmonary maturity . 2) In infants at 32 to 34 weeks' gestation, amniocentesis for L:S ratio, Gram stain, and culture is helpful in selecting those in whom delivery should be instituted . 3) In infants at greater than 34 weeks' gestation, the neonatal morbidity is sufficiently reduced so that delivery should be considered except in cases of suspected delayed pulmonary maturation.

Carcinogenesis, 1984 Jan, 5(1), 29 - 33
Comparative activation of aflatoxin B1 to mutagens by isolated hepatocytes from rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) and coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch); Coulombe RA Jr et al.; Isolated hepatocytes from rainbow trout readily activated aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) to mutagens detectable by S . typhimurium TA 98 . Characterization studies demonstrated that activation efficiency was essentially linear with respect to hepatocyte concentration (5 X 10(5)-2 X 10(7) cell/ml) and AFB1 dose (0-10 micrograms/ml) . This system was employed to assess possible differences in AFB1 activation in hepatocytes from rainbow trout and coho salmon, two species which have been shown in in vivo studies to differ widely in sensitivity to AFB1 carcinogenesis . Activation efficiency was approximately three times greater in trout hepatocytes compared with salmon hepatocytes . This difference was more marked when S20 liver fractions from the two species were used . Analysis of unbound {3H}AFB1 metabolites performed on supernatants of hepatocyte incubations revealed that under the normal conditions of assay, addition of bacteria does not perturb the various pathways of AFB1 metabolism within hepatocytes . These results support other studies which suggest that the greater sensitivity of trout to AFB1 carcinogenicity resides largely in increased initial DNA damage, compared with coho salmon.

J Cell Biochem, 1984, 24(1), 69 - 77
Differential protein insertion into developing photosynthetic membrane regions of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides; Inamine GS et al.; Previous studies have suggested that much of the B800-850 light-harvesting bacteriochlorophyll a-protein complex is inserted directly into the intracytoplasmic photosynthetic membrane of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides . In contrast, the B875 light-harvesting and reaction center complexes are assembled preferentially at peripheral sites of photosynthetic membrane growth initiation . The basis for this apparent site-specific polypeptide insertion was examined during the inhibition of RNA and protein syntheses . The pulse labeling of polypeptides at the membrane growth initiation sites was significantly less sensitive to inhibition by rifampicin, chloramphenicol, or kasugamycin than in the intracytoplasmic or outer membranes . This suggests increased stability for the translation machinery at these membrane invagination sites . Similar differential effects in polypeptide insertion were observed during inhibition of bacteriochlorophyll synthesis through deprival of delta-aminolevulinate to R sphaeroides mutant H-5, which requires this porphyrin precursor . The pulse-labeling patterns observed during the inhibition of both RNA and pigment syntheses were consistent with the uncoupling of polypeptide insertion into the membrane invagination sites from their growth and maturation into intracytoplasmic membranes.

Zentralbl Gynakol, 1984, 106(6), 374 - 8
{Treatment of vulvovaginitis in children and adolescents with metronidazole}; Scharp H et al.; Vulvovaginitis is the most observed genital disease in children and adolescents and dependent from different etiologic factors . Bacteriogenic non specific infections were the most frequent cause in 275 girls . Bacteria were evident in 77.5 per cent, monilia, in 12.7 per cent and trichomonas vaginalis in 3.3 per cent . 143 cases were treated with metronidazole . All patients with trichomoniasis vaginitis became free of trichomonads . The cure rate of the anaerobic infections was 73.1 per cent . No side effects were observed.

Infect Immun, 1984 Jan, 43(1), 84 - 92
Chlamydia trachomatis stimulates human peripheral blood B lymphocytes to proliferate and secrete polyclonal immunoglobulins in vitro; Bard J et al.; Infectious Chlamydia trachomatis (LGV strain), obligate intracellular bacteria, stimulated human peripheral blood lymphocytes to proliferate and secrete immunoglobulins in vitro . In contrast, mock-infected preparations were unable to induce similar responses in peripheral blood lymphocytes . Although levels of immunoglobulin secreted into the media of LGV-stimulated cultures were greater than 10 micrograms/ml, we estimated that less than 1% of these molecules were directed against the bacteria itself, suggesting polyclonal antibody production . Since stimulation with Formalin-killed bacteria resulted in comparable numbers of plaque-forming cells (PFC) as infectious particles, we concluded that the polyclonal immunoglobulin response was not dependent on the in vitro chlamydial infectious process . The polyclonal PFC response induced by LGV was highly sensitive to monocyte inhibition . Although LGV induced proliferation of predominantly B cells, the numbers of generated PFC was increased by the addition of autologous T cells . Neither lymphocyte proliferation nor PFC responses of normal human volunteers correlated significantly with the presence or titer of antichlamydial antibodies in their sera.

Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl, 1984, 86, 75 - 8
Genetic relationships of short and long anaerobic curved rods isolated from the vagina; Christiansen G et al.; DNA from anaerobic curved rods (CR) isolated from the human vagina were analysed regarding sequence homology and guanine + cytosine content . Of the strains of CR tested, ten belonged to the short (SCR) (approximately 1 micron) and eight to the long (LCR) (approximately 2-4 micron) CR type . A low level of homology (5-10%) was found between SCR and LCR . The LCR were a fairly homogeneous group of bacteria, with homologies ranging from 70 to 100% . The SCR fell into three DNA homology groups: one with 85%, and another with approximately 60% homology, while two strains belonging to the latter group hybridized with only 33%.

Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl, 1984, 86, 179 - 84
Haemagglutination by vaginal anaerobic curved rods and its inhibition by oligosaccharides; Mardh PA et al.; Except for occasional (6/45) strains, both the short (21/24) and long (16/21) variants of anaerobic curved rods isolated from the vagina of women with bacterial vaginosis were capable of agglutinating human, guinea pig and sheep erythrocytes . The agglutination was not affected by heat treatment, i.e . up to 80 degrees C for 30 minutes, of the bacteria prior to use . Nor was the agglutination influenced by 50 mM EDTA or 50 mM D-mannose . To elucidate receptors on the erythrocyte membrane responsible for the agglutination, various free oligosaccharides and glycoproteins were tested for haemagglutination-inhibiting capacity, using representative strains of the short variant . Glycoproteins containing terminal lactosamine structures inhibited the agglutination.

Mol Gen Genet, 1984, 198(1), 185 - 6
Equipartition and other modes of partition: on the interpretation of curing kinetics using rep(ts) plasmids; Nordstrom K; One method that has been used to determine the mode of distribution (partition) of bacterial plasmids at cell division is analysis of the kinetics of appearance of plasmid-free cells during exponential growth at a temperature that is non-permissive for the replication of a rep(ts) plasmid . Such an experiment was used by Hashimotoh-Gotoh and Ishii (1982) as the basis for proposing a new model, the Single-Site-Inheritance Model . I claim that this method does not give conclusive results unless the copy number distribution at cell division is known . This distribution can be broad because of the properties of the replication control system and not only because of randomness in partition.

Schweiz Med Wochenschr Suppl, 1984, 17, 12 - 4
{Physiopathology of infectious diarrhea}; Gyr K; The pathogenetic mechanisms of acute infectious diarrhoea are reviewed . Not much is known with respect to viral diarrhoea . Parasites obviously cause diarrhoea, mainly by invasion of the intestinal mucosa . Bacteria act either by invasion or by production of enterotoxins and cytotoxins.

Dev Biol Stand, 1984, 56, 307 - 13
Genetic factors involved in murine resistance to experimental brucellosis; Cannat A et al.; C57 B1/6 are more resistant than DBA2 mice to IV inoculation of Brucella suis 1330 . This difference does not concern the blood clearance of the injected bacteria or the number of infective colonies in the spleen at very early (less than 24 h) or at late (greater than 2 months) stages but the splenic infection at intermediate stages with maximal differences between days 7 and 14 . The "resistance" character is inherited by F1 and backcrosses as a partially dominant character with polygenic control and a better expression of resistance factor(s) in females, independently of male-female matings . Association of the "resistance" character with known genetic markers was investigated using (B6 X DB) X DB backcrosses, BALB/B, BALB/c, C3H/eb and C3H/HeJ mice . No correlation of "resistance" with Ig allotypes, the "d" coat colour or the LPS genes was evidenced . On the other hand significant differences in the number of splenic colonies on day 7 were observed according to the H-2 haplotype or the "b" coat colour phenotypes . These results are discussed in terms of a comparison with the genetics of other facultative intracellular bacteria and of the partially common and partially independent genetic regulation of the functional components of anti-Brucella resistance.

Swed Dent J, 1984, 8(3), 155 - 61
The effect of xylitol on plaque metabolism; Waler SM et al.; Evidence is presented which shows that Strep . mitior and Strep . mutans (which are unable to metabolize xylitol) take yp xylitol and transfer it to xylitol phosphate . Dental plaque also takes up xylitol . In this case a xylitol/protein complex is formed in addition to xylitol phosphate and also some labelled components yet to be identified . It is suggested that accumulation of xylitol phosphate inside the cells may "poison" the bacteria and possibly explain the caries therapeutic effect of xylitol observed in some laboratories.

Z Parasitenkd, 1984, 70(4), 525 - 36
Electron microscope study of the body wall and the gut of adult Loa loa; Franz M et al.; The morphology of the body wall and the gut in the midbody region of adult male and female Loa loa originating from patients in Gabon was studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy . The cuticle of the dorsal and ventral regions consists of ten layers . In the lateral regions the cuticle is thicker and includes two additional layers . The thin hypodermis contains numerous transhypodermal fibres . A row of median cells is situated between the syncytia in each lateral chord . No intracellular bacteria were observed . The cross-sections of each of the four muscle sectors are comprised of approximately 12 muscle cells of the coelomyarian type . The plasm of the gut cells contains large vacuoles and several mitochondria . The intestinal wall surrounds a wide lumen filled with material which occasionally contains cellular structures . The morphology of L . loa is compared with that of adult Onchocerca volvulus and Brugia malayi . The gut of the adult L . loa has the typical nematode morphology, which might be an indication of its normal function in nutrition . The multilayered cuticle with the rather smooth surface, and the prominent muscles correspond to the migratory activity of this filaria.

Arch Oral Biol, 1984, 29(2), 87 - 91
Human oral retention of zinc from mouthwashes containing zinc salts and its relevance to dental plaque control; Harrap GJ et al.; Subjects using 30 mM zinc phenolsulphonate as a mouthwash retained 12 per cent of the zinc . Salivary zinc concentration was increased by using mouthwashes containing 17-35 mM zinc as the sulphate, phenolsulphonate or citrate . For 17 mM zinc sulphate or phenolsulphonate, the effect lasted 3-4 h . Zinc retained in the mouth gave visible fluorescence after rinsing with 8-hydroxyquinoline and was particularly evident on the tongue, cheek mucosa and dental plaque . The concentration of zinc in plaque was increased 13-19-fold 1 h after using 31 or 18 mM zinc phenolsulphonate . A 3-fold increase was still present 6 h later for the 31 mM mouthwash . Zinc salts inhibited acid production from {14C}-glucose in vitro by plaque at concentrations which were found in plaque in vivo after using the mouthwashes . The effect of zinc on the metabolic activity of plaque may reduce the growth rate of plaque-bacteria and so decrease plaque growth.

J Bacteriol, 1984 Jan, 157(1), 73 - 8
Nitrogen fixation and nitrogenase activities in members of the family Rhodospirillaceae; Madigan M et al.; Strains of all 18 species of the family Rhodospirillaceae (nonsulfur photosynthetic bacteria) were studied for their comparative nitrogen-fixing abilities . All species, with the exception of Rhodocyclus purpureus, were capable of growth with N2 as the sole nitrogen source under photosynthetic (anaerobic) conditions . Most rapid growth on N2 was observed in strains of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata . Within the genus Rhodopseudomonas, the species R . capsulata, R . sphaeroides, R . viridis, R . gelatinosa, and R . blastica consistently showed the highest in vivo nitrogenase rates (with the acetylene reduction technique); nitrogenase rates in other species of Rhodopseudomonas and in most species of Rhodospirillum were notably lower . Chemotrophic (dark microaerobic) nitrogen fixation occurred in all species with the exception of one strain of Rhodospirillum fulvum; oxygen requirements for dark N2 fixation varied considerably among species and even within strains of the same species . We conclude that the capacity to fix molecular nitrogen is virtually universal among members of the Rhodospirillaceae but that the efficacy of the process varies considerably among species.

Orig Life, 1984, 14(1-4), 547 - 55
Phylogeny of transfer RNA; Rodriguez-Vargas AM et al.; Phylogenetic trees of transfer RNA specific for phenylalanine, methionine initiator glycine and valine are constructed . Although the exact relationships between taxa cannot be obtained from the mere analysis of the sequences some conclusions can be drawn about the evolution of this molecule.

Blood Cells, 1984, 10(2-3), 505 - 9
Klinokinesis in polymorphonuclear leucocytes; Keller HU et al.; Klinokinesis has previously been demonstrated in bacteria and amoeba but not in metazoan cells . We report here evidence for klinokinesis in leucocytes . Changes in the rate of human and rabbit polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMN) displacement elicited by uniform concentrations of the chemotactic peptide formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (fMLP) were associated with alterations of the klinolocomotion index (KI), the mean angle of turns greater than or equal to 90 degrees and the frequency of changes in direction greater than or equal to 90 degrees . Orthokinesis and klinokinesis had synergistic effects and both elements of chemokinesis may have a substantial influence on PMN velocity . The relationship between speed and changes in the direction of locomotion has been analyzed and the putative role of klinokinesis in chemotactic responses is discussed.

Int Urol Nephrol, 1984, 16(4), 301 - 9
Rhythmic changes of human female uroepithelial squamous cells during menstrual cycle . Transmission and scanning electron microscopic study; Zaviacic M et al.; The cellular component of the fluid of female urethral expulsions was analysed in two healthy women (37-year-old multipara and 27-year-old nullipara) on days 1, 10, 12, 14, 26 and 27 of their menstrual cycle . Transmission and scanning electron microscopy were used to determine standard values of uroepithelial squamous cells of the fluid of female urethral expulsions on different days of the menstrual cycle . In agreement with the known changes of these cells found in cytological smears during the cycle, electron microscopy confirmed characteristic changes in the appearance of the fine cell structure and the space configuration of the squamous cells . Changes in the desmosomal junctions among squamous cells during the cycle were found . Striking adherence of bacteria and mucosubstances to the squamous cell surfaces were observed in the first half of the menstrual cycle and at the time of ovulation.

Neurotoxicology, 1984 Summer, 5(2), 141 - 58
Technoeconomic and environmental assessment of industrial organotin compounds; Wilkinson RR; Current uses of organotins include heat stabilizers for polyvinyl chloride (PVC), catalysts for polyurethane foam and silicone rubber, biocides, and animal health products . Domestic production consumption in 1982 is about 28 million pounds, and overall growth is estimated at 7 percent per year . Physical properties of organotins, including solubility in water, octanol-water partition coefficients, and Freundlich adsorption isotherm constants, are not well characterized . Analytical methods for tin in environmental and biological matrices involve concentration, separation, and identification by chromatography, spectrometry, and spectroscopy . Environmental fate and effects of organotins are not well understood . Degradation reactions may yield a complex set of products, including inorganic tin oxide . The effects of exposure of workers and release of organotins to the environment at point sources have been documented . Nonpoint sources of environmental exposure include discard and sanitary landfill disposal of plastics and direct release of biocides to aquatic or marine environments . Other dissipative uses of organotins which pose potential human risk include PVC food wrapping and bottles and rigid potable water pipe . The long term health effects of low level exposure to organotins are not known . Toxic metal cycling in the environment, including biomethylation of inorganic tin by naturally occurring bacteria, is of rising concern.

Arzneimittelforschung, 1984, 34(1), 55 - 61
{Clinical experience with urokinase therapy}; Tilsner V; Clinical Experience with the Urokinase Therapy Although all the biochemical details of fibrinolytic therapy are not yet clear, this type of treatment has found its place . Due to its lower risk of haemorrhage and non-existent allergenic properties urokinase is usually preferred and in certain cases must be used exclusively, although it is still the more expensive . It is to be hoped, that the promising experiments for cheaper production of urokinase by bacteria, will bring financial relief.

J Reprod Fertil, 1984 Jan, 70(1), 327 - 32
Effect of stage of cycle, sampling frequency and recovery of micro-organisms on total protein content of mare uterine flushings; Strzemienski PJ et al.; Mares with sound reproductive tracts were divided into two groups . In Group I (N = 12), uteri were flushed once per oestrous cycle during alternate cycles while in Group II (N = 8) mares were flushed twice in a cycle for 2 contiguous cycles . Total protein concentrations and total recoverable protein of uterine flushings taken on Day 3 of oestrus and Day 8 after ovulation in each of the 2 groups and between the 2 groups did not differ significantly . The length of oestrus and dioestrus was not affected by the flushing procedures . Total recoverable protein and total protein concentrations of flushings were higher at Day 3 of oestrus and Day 8 and 15 after ovulation (P less than 0.01) when a micro-organism was isolated from the uterus before flushing.

Ann Rech Vet, 1984, 15(3), 365 - 74
{Experimental paratuberculosis: pathogenicity of mycobactin-dependent mycobacteria strains to calves}; Thorel MF et al.; The pathogenicity for calves of two strains of wood-pigeon mycobacteria isolated in our laboratory, one strain isolated in the United Kingdom, one strain isolated from a Roe-deer in Denmark and three strains of M . paratuberculosis, were compared . Seven groups of four 3 to 4 week-old calves were infected by the intravenous route using 10(6) to 10(9) viable units . They were slaughtered one year after the exposure or earlier if their state required it . The macroscopic and microscopic lesions and cultures from the mesenteric lymph nodes, ileon and caecum were studied . At necropsy, the post-mortem findings were hardly significant . However, the histopathological studies showed lesions identical to the classical aspects of paratuberculosis in cattle, both in animals inoculated with M . paratuberculosis and those inoculated with wood-pigeon mycobacteria . The isolation of the bacteria showed that all animals were infected . The experimental infection was able to reproduce a disease resembling paratuberculosis with M . paratuberculosis (except the strain 2103) and with wood-pigeon mycobacteria, but it has not been able to distinguish the disease caused by M . paratuberculosis from the one caused by wood-pigeon mycobacteria.

Z Rechtsmed, 1984, 93(2), 111 - 6
{Dependability of ABO findings in stored blood samples}; Schwerd W et al.; Report on the occurrence of "acquired" A or B in stored blood samples . This bacterial alteration is of importance when an indirect experimental investigation with the absorption-elution technique is needed in advanced cases of hemolysis . One has to consider this disturbing factor in identification tests (alcoholic blood samples) . In dried blood stains we did not notice this problem, but it has to be taken into account in genitals stains.

Nahrung, 1984, 28(10), 1065 - 80
{The enzymatic degradation of DDT . 1 . Main degradation pathways}; Kujawa M et al.; First investigations on the degradation of DDT were already carried out at the beginning of its application . Its metabolism, however, is not yet absolutely clear till now . Main degradation pathways are considered: Reductive dechlorinations, successive dehydrochlorinations to unsaturated compounds as well as oxidations to aldehydes, alcohol and carboxylic acid . Decarboxylations of carboxylic acids are considered to be dependent on the species concerned . Between various organisms only quantitative differences are evident.

Comp Biochem Physiol B, 1984, 79(2), 269 - 77
Protochordate immunity--II . Diverse hemolymph lectins in the solitary tunicate Styela clava; Wright RK et al.; Hemolymph lectins (agglutinins) of the tunicate Styela clava were analyzed by agglutination, cross-absorption and carbohydrate-hemagglutination inhibition using several vertebrate erythrocytes . Lectin activity was heat labile, dependent on divalent cations and refractory to neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes . Four lectins with different carbohydrate specificities were found . Carbohydrate specificities included L-rhamnose, D-glucuronolactone, maltose, D-galactosamine, D-mannosamine, D-galactose, hyaluronic acid and bacterial lipopolysaccharide . Since S . clava lectins can be inhibited by carbohydrates found in the extracellular capsule or cell wall of most bacteria, we propose that the lectins may be part of the tunicate immuno-defense system.

Bull Pan Am Health Organ, 1984, 18(3), 295 - 99
Immunization against leprosy: progress and prospects; Noordeen SK et al.; PIP: The complex biology of the leprosy organism, the course of the disease, and the atypical human immune response to both vaccination and infection by Mycobacterium leprae are reviewed . Since the 1960s several trials of vaccination with BCG, the tuberculosis-causing Mycobacterium related to the leprosy organism, have showed varied degrees of protection against leprosy . In the 1970s, M . leprae was grown for the first time, in captured wild armadillos, so material is now available for vaccine trials against leprosy itself . The material does indeed evoke delayed hypersensitivity and protective immunity in animal hosts . There are, however, several important difficulties in designing human trials with a M . leprae vaccine . The first is the paradox that lepromatous leprosy patients, who lack cell-mediated immunity to M . leprae, respond negatively to the lepromin skin test, while leprosy-free persons respond positively, since in them the skin test acts as a micro-vaccine . There are many practical and ethical factors to consider in planning vaccine trials, such as the obligation to give patients effective chemotherapy, which may obscure trial results . Another is the finding that a significant proportion of recipients in small-scale trials to date develop neuritis from vaccine . Studies suggest that combined BCG and M . leprae vaccines, and 2 other modified M . leprae strains developed in India, can induce cell-mediated immunity in leprosy patients . Some way must be found to monitor recipients in large-scale trials because of this, in other words, to distinguish bacteria-free leprosy patients who develop cellular mediated immunity from persons getting the disease . Development of an effective leprosy vaccine will be more economical than long-term drug treatment, but it will take at least 10 years before successful, large trials are completed .

Scan Electron Microsc, 1984, (Pt 3), 1379 - 89
Scanning electron microscopy of the normal and experimentally infected ocular surface; Hazlett LD et al.; Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the normal pup and adult mouse ocular surface . Various fixatives were examined and categorized into those which stabilize and preserve ocular mucus associated with surface corneal epithelial cells and those which do not, but allow good visualization of surface detail for scanning electron microscopy . Desquamation patterns of corneal epithelial surface cells in the mouse pup and adult were examined, compared with each other and with desquamation patterns originally reported for several other animal species . Once the normal cytoarchitecture of the corneal surface and its associated ocular mucus was established for the mouse pup and the adult animal, the murine ocular response to P . aeruginosa infection was studied . Those studies revealed that in the pup, after inoculation of bacteria beneath the eyelid, with no corneal scarification, organisms adhered preferentially to young surface cells and quickly penetrated the corneal and conjunctival epithelium . In contrast, scarification of the corneal surface had to precede topical bacterial inoculation for infection to occur in the adult cornea . In this model, bacteria adhered initially to the wound site and to aged cells but did not preferentially adhere to young surface cells . An extracellular virulence factor, exotoxin A, produced by the bacteria, was also examined to determine its role in P . aeruginosa pathogenesis . Studies using toxin A, have shown that it was capable of inducing epithelial and endothelial cell death and corneal necrosis in the adult scarified cornea . In the pup, where no scarification preceded toxin A challenge, little corneal epithelial damage was produced when compared with the infection model . Nonetheless, as with bacterially challenged pups, experimental toxin A treated animals died within 24 hr following toxin administration.

Nahrung, 1984, 28(6-7), 659 - 66
Mechanisms of malabsorption in the "Contaminated Small-Bowel syndrome"; Gracey M; The mucosa of the upper small intestine in humans is repeatedly exposed to potentially harmful environmental influences: infective, toxic and antigenic . One of the most significant manifestations of the control over environmental risks is how the upper intestinal milieu is kept relatively sterile and pathogen-free despite constant exposure to a potentially hostile and pathogen-ridden environment . This control is lost in the so-called "Contaminated Small-Bowel Syndrome" when profuse numbers of bacteria contaminate the contents of the upper bowel . This can occur in a vast array of clinical situations ranging from infancy to old age . The consequences of upper intestinal bacterial overgrowth are very diverse . The mechanisms causing diarrhoea and malabsorption in this syndrome illustrate facets of pathophysiology of many inter-relating processes of intestinal digestion and absorption.

Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol, 1984, 221(5), 214 - 29
Retinitis pigmentosa: a quantitative study of the apical membrane of normal and dystrophic human retinal pigment epithelial cells in tissue culture in relation to phagocytosis; Boulton M et al.; The phagocytic capabilities of both normal and dystrophic human retinal pigment epithelial cells were assessed by challenging cultures with both non-biological and biological particles . Cells from either source ingested both carbon particles and latex microspheres . Quantification of the phagocytic process in relation to microspheres showed that uptake was linear over an 8 h period and the rate was dose-dependent . All cultures phagocytosed rod outer segments from a variety of species, but excluded bacteria . By using bovine rod outer segments labelled with {H3} choline both normal and dystrophic cells were still accumulating label 24 h subsequent to challenge; however, this technique had significant problems . The introduction of any particulate matter into the culture medium resulted in changes in the apical membrane of the recipient cells . Such responses were quantified in terms of apical projections per unit area . Counts were always greater in cells challenged with biological material even if the material was not engulfed.

Dev Biol Stand, 1984, 56, 649 - 56
Biological properties and dog response to a variant (M-) strain of Brucella canis; Carmichael LE et al.; Wild type (virulent) B . canis organisms are always rough and growth becomes extremely mucoid (M+) after several days of incubation, especially on media pH 7.2 . The mucoid growth of virulent (M+) B . canis and the marked tendency for M+ bacteria, and extracted cell wall antigens, to aggregate at acid pH (pH less than 6.5) are markedly diminished in a less mucoid (M-) variant . The M+ and M- Brucella, and their extracted cell wall antigens, also differ in hydrophobic properties; the M+ organisms (and antigens) being the more hydrophobic . Immunoelectrophoresis and immunodiffusion analysis also revealed differences between the two strains . Prolonged survival (greater than 1 year) of B . canis in host tissues, with the production of abortions or epididymitis/orchitis is a principal expression of B . canis virulence . Pathogenicity studies in Beagles have indicated that the M- variant is reduced in virulence, since dogs given high doses of the M- strain by the subcutaneous or conjunctival/oral routes remained asymptomatic . Abortions did not occur in experimentally infected pregnant bitches and there was no epididymitis/orchitis in inoculated males . Nevertheless, M- bacteria persisted in the spleen, prostate tissue of some males, and in the lymph nodes for 3 to 9 postinoculation months . Serological responses of dogs to the M-organisms were generally weaker and less enduring than in dogs infected with the M+ Brucella . Sera from dogs infected with the M- strain generally reacted weakly in agglutination tests, especially when the antigen was B . ovis . The minimum infectious dose of M + B . canis was at least five times less than that of the M - Brucella (conjunctival or subcutaneous routes).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dev Biol Stand, 1984, 56, 623 - 8
The epidemiology of brucellosis in animals; Nicoletti P; The Brucella spp . may infect a wide variety of both domesticated and feral animals . However, classic symptoms are usually limited to hosts typically associated with singular bacterial species . The host-parasite relationship is influenced by many factors such as age, gestation, virulence and number of bacteria . Environmental conditions such as animal density affect exposure to infection . A diagnosis of herd infection is usually simple, but individual diagnoses can be complicated . Influences such as incubation period, vaccine titers, and heterospecific antigenic stimuli must be considered . A wide variety of test methods is available . The control of animal brucellosis is affected by many factors and is made difficult by modern agricultural practices such as increases in herd size and commerce . These and ancient practices such as nomadism may limit the effectiveness of organized programs . The use of vaccines will continue to play a major role in control in most countries . Research will hopefully lead to the development of more accurate and simple diagnostic methods, improved vaccines, and a better understanding of the host-parasite compatibility . New delivery mechanisms may prove beneficial in chemotherapy.

Ann Nutr Metab, 1984, 28(5), 288 - 96
Studies on the in vivo utilisation and the in vitro enzymatic reduction of methionine sulphoxide in rats and rat tissues; Aksnes A; The aim of the present study was to gather information on the utilisation of methionine sulphoxide as a source of methionine in the rat, and to find out where and to what extent reduction of methionine sulphoxide takes place . Carcass analysis of rats fed methionine sulphoxide and cystine as the only sulphur-containing amino acids showed that methionine had been formed . This is taken as evidence for reduction and utilisation of methionine sulphoxide in rats . Enzymatic reduction of methionine sulphoxide in different rat tissues was not detected using various reducing agents and assay conditions . Bacteria were found to reduce methionine sulphoxide, with eventual secretion of methionine into the medium . The reduction was stereospecific as only L-methionine-l-sulphoxide was reduced . Weight gain and content of methionine sulphoxide in blood plasma and intestine were similar in rats fed in the presence or absence of antibiotics, indicating that bacteria in the intestine were not responsible for the utilisation of methionine sulphoxide in the rat.

Eur Urol, 1984, 10(4), 272 - 5
A light and electron microscopic study of urothelium from patients with chronic cystitis; Smith AF; Urothelial tissues from two groups of patients were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy . Group A (n = 7) had no evidence of clinical or morphological abnormality . Group B (n = 9) consisted of patients with recurrent bacterial and abacterial cystitis . 6 of the 9 patients in group B showed hyperplastic urothelium in their biopsy specimens . The superficial cells contained a significantly greater number of immature cells when compared to controls (p less than 0.001) . As it has been shown that bacteria attach more easily to immature cells, it is possible that their persistent presence among the luminal cells of the bladder epithelium is a contributory factor to the recurrence of cystitis.

Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl, 1984, 86, 153 - 5
Motile curved rods in women attending a STD clinic; Hallen A et al.; Motile anaerobic curved rods were cultured from vaginal discharge of 19 of 262 women attending an STD clinic . In 26 women, motile rods were observed by examination of wet smears . In all 5 specimens culture-positive for motile anaerobic curved rods of the long type, motile rods were observed in the wet smears, while in only 6 of the 14 specimens culture-positive for motile anaerobic curved rods of the short type, were motile rods seen in wet smears.

G Batteriol Virol Immunol, 1984 Jan-Jun, 77(1-6), 86 - 93
{Gamma-interferon: physico-chemical and biological characteristics}; Gribaudo G et al.; In the present study we discuss some aspects of the Interferon System, with particular regard to the immune interferon (IFN-gamma) that, besides its antiviral activity, displays the capability to modulate the immune response against a variety of antigens such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa and tumor cells.

Biosystems, 1984, 17(2), 127 - 34
Alteration with age of symbiosis of gene expression in aphid endosymbionts; Ishikawa H; Aphid endosymbionts in vivo in young hosts synthesized almost exclusively only one protein, symbionin . The synthesis of symbionin declined with age of the host and instead the endosymbiont began to express some of its own genes which were expressed in vitro but were repressed in vivo in young host . A prolonged treatment of young host with cycloheximide brought about a physiological state similar to that in old insect . Though in the very old insect symbionin was no longer produced by its endosymbiont, the host seemed to depend almost entirely upon the gene products of the endosymbiont.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1984, 50(4), 383 - 96
Coenzymes of methanogenesis from hydrogen and carbon dioxide; Keltjens JT; Methanogenic bacteria gain their energy for growth from the conversion of a number of simple carbon compounds to methane . With a few exceptions all species known to date are able to reduce CO2 at which hydrogen acts as the electron donor . The reduction of CO2 can formally be considered to proceed through the formyl, the formaldehyde and the methyl level of reduction . These C1-units do not occur as free intermediates, but they remain bound to a number of unique coenzymes during the process . In this paper a survey is given of the structures and functions of these compounds; it deals with methanopterin derivatives, carbon dioxide reduction (CDR) factor, factor F430 and coenzyme M derivatives . A model of the process of methanogenesis that integrates previous ones and that allocates a function to the various coenzymes is presented.

Acta Otolaryngol Suppl, 1984, 411, 71 - 81
Implanted material tolerance studies for a multiple-channel cochlear prosthesis; Shepherd RK et al.; We have performed a number of temporal bone and animal studies in order to evaluate the histopathological effects of intracochlear electrode implantation and chronic electrical stimulation . Our results indicate that (a) the insertion of a free-fit scala tympani array results in minimal damage to the membranous labyrinth; (b) the materials used in the electrode array evoke mild tissue reactions when implanted subcutaneously, in muscle, or within the scala tympani; (c) intracochlear electrical stimulation for periods of 500 to 2000 hours, using carefully controlled biphasic pulses, does not adversely affect the population or neural activity of the primary auditory neurones; (d) labyrinthine infection severely reduces the number of viable spiral ganglion cells; (e) an adequate fibrous tissue seal of the round window can prevent the spread of infection from the bulla to the implanted cochlea in cats, following inoculation of the bulla cavity with bacteria; (f) bone growth is not associated with electrical stimulation per se; (g) the electrode arrays show minimal platinum dissolution and no apparent degradation of the Silastic carrier following periods of long-term intracochlear electrical stimulation.

Dev Biol Stand, 1984, 56, 491 - 4
An enzyme immunoassay for bovine brucellosis using a monoclonal antibody specific for field strains of Brucella abortus; Gorrell MD et al.; The success of various attempts to discriminate serologically between vaccinated cattle and those infected with field strains of Brucella abortus has been limited . A reliable assay that has this discriminating ability would greatly benefit the Australian Brucellosis Eradication Scheme . Studies of similar diagnostic problems have shown that species and strain-specific monoclonal antibodies with diagnostic potential can be produced . Therefore, the production of monoclonal antibodies specific for Br . abortus field strains was attempted . Spleen cells from Balb/C mice immunized with formalin-killed Br . abortus strain 544 were fused with P3/NSI-1 Ag4-1 cells using polyethylene glycol 4000 . The resulting hybrid cells were screened by ELISA using soluble fractions of sonicated, heat-killed (60 degrees C, 1 h) bacteria as antigen . More than 200 cultures of hybrid cells contained detectable amounts of antibody to both field and vaccine strains of Brucella . However, one monoclonal antibody, Br 25, was found to bind field strains of Br . abortus biotypes 1 and 2, but not strain 19, Br . suis, Br . melitensis, or Br . ovis . The titre of Br 25 hybridoma cell culture supernatant is over 2 000, Br 25 cells injected into mice produce ascites fluid having titres of more than 100 000 . A sandwich ELISA incorporating successive incubations of Br 25, soluble Brucella antigen, bovine sera and labelled anti-bovine immunoglobulin was developed . Sera from cattle that had been either vaccinated with strain 19 and infected were tested in the ELISA . In this ELISA most infected cattle were positive, whether vaccinated or not, whereas uninfected and vaccinated cattle were negative.

Basic Life Sci, 1984, 28, 319 - 30
Manipulation of methanotrophs; Lidstrom ME et al.; Methanotrophs have interesting properties concerning the oxidation and dehalogenation of both straight-chain and aromatic hydrocarbons . However, the potential of these bacteria in the degradation of these compounds cannot be assessed until more experiments are carried out . It seems likely that genetic capabilities will play a major role in the exploitation of these bacteria . We have shown that it is possible to use recombinant DNA techniques to generate mutants and transfer genes in methanotrophic bacteria.

Am J Vet Res, 1984 Jan, 45(1), 32 - 4
Application of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of Brucella antigens in vaginal discharge of cows; Chen IM et al.; An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for detecting Brucella abortus . Carbodiimide cyanamide was used as an antigen-coupling agent and NH4Cl was used to neutralize residual active charges present on the cuvette surface . Suitable ELISA reactions were observed in vaginal swabs placed in phosphate-buffered saline solution . The ELISA described may be useful under controlled laboratory conditions for detecting B abortus-infected cows shedding bacteria in vaginal secretions.

Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol, 1984, 73(4), 357 - 62
Comparative adjuvant activities of Legionella pneumophila and Mycobacterium tuberculosis; McMaster PR et al.; Adjuvant activity of heat-killed Legionella pneumophila was demonstrated and compared with that of inactivated Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv . The two species of bacteria were suspended separately in oil and Arlacel A . Bovine serum albumin (BSA) in saline was then emulsified within the respective adjuvants and injected intradermally into guinea pigs . Antibodies to the BSA antigen in the sera of the animals were quantitated with the kinetic-dependent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (k-Elisa) . Guinea pigs immunized with BSA in adjuvant with killed L . pneumophila produced high titers of anti-BSA antibody, which, on the average, were nearly as high as in those immunized with BSA in complete Freund's adjuvant with M . tuberculosis H37Rv, and which were much greater than in others immunized with incomplete adjuvant, lacking bacteria . Moreover, with a polypeptide hapten, the L . pneumophila evoked as much or more antibody in rabbits as the mycobacterium adjuvant . The effect of the legionella adjuvant upon the cellular immune response was examined using skin tests . For this purpose guinea pigs were immunized with picryl-guinea pig albumin in these adjuvants . 6 weeks later, they were skin-tested with that antigen . They showed reactions which appeared to have immediate as well as delayed components when examined grossly and histologically . Others, immunized with incomplete adjuvant, did not exhibit delayed reactions . Accordingly, heat-killed L . pneumophila acts as a potent adjuvant . Under the circumstances of these experiments, it was as effective as heat-killed M . tuberculosis.

Rev Argent Microbiol, 1984, 16(2), 93 - 6
{Isolation of atmospheric-nitrogen-fixing spirilla from the waters of the Paraná delta and other rivers}; Alvarez R; Seventeen strains of Spirillum-like organisms (2) were isolated from the Parana Delta and other rivers (Table 1), using the following medium: 0.5% malic acid; 0.4% KOH; 0.5% K2HPO4; 0.005% yeast extract; pH was adjusted to 7 with KOH and 0.15% agar . The organisms produced a white, dense and sub-superficial pellicle in this medium, and streaking them on plates, single colonies could be isolated . They were easily recognized thanks to the Congo red added to the medium, because the bacteria, as it happens with Azospirillum species (6) (Spirillum lipoferum) (1), concentrated the strain . Using a colorimetric determination for ethylene (5), nitrogenase activity was detected in all the strains and in the NFb and potato-agar media the colonies were typical of Azospirillum (3) . In PSS-semisolid and solid media, the growth was similar to that observed with Azospirillum strains . The isolated organisms developed in this medium better at 28 degrees C than at 37 degrees C, and the same was observed with 8 strains of Azospirillum isolated from plan roots of different species obtained from temperate regions . Some physiological tests were performed to identify the isolated organisms (Table 2) . None of the isolated strains could be classified as a known species of Spirillum (4, 7), according to these tests . As thirteen strains showed properties in common with the terrestrial species A . brasilense and the others with A . lipoferum (8) they were tentatively identified as members of these species . Further studies are needed to ensure the classification of these strains and to determine the importance of these bacteria in the nitrogen balance of the waters from where they were isolated.

Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl, 1984, 86, 251 - 6
Numerical taxonomy of motile anaerobic curved rods isolated from vaginal discharge; Pahlson C et al.; Numerical analysis of phenotypic data on 38 strains of anaerobic curved rods (CR) and 7 reference strains indicated that the curved rods could be split into two types, anaerobic long (LCR) and short curved rods (SCR) . In addition, a subcluster was formed within the cluster of SCR by strains that are both morphologically and biochemically intermediate between the LCR and SCR group . None of the reference strains could be grouped into the clusters of CR . DNA-base composition was 52-54 mol% GC for LCR and 56-58 mol% GC for SCR . Serologically the two groups are distinct.

Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl, 1984, 86, 113 - 6
Primary isolation of curved rods from women with vaginal discharge; Hjelm E et al.; The occurrence of motile anaerobic curved rods in vaginal discharge was studied in 94 samples from women attending an STD clinic . Almost all wet smear preparations of discharge contained motile rods . Anaerobic curved rods were isolated from 46% of the samples . Of 28 specimens studied by culture and immunofluorescence, 21 were confirmed to harbour motile anaerobic curved rods . Culture was performed with a dilution and sampling technique that is too time-consuming for diagnostic routines, but it enhanced the precision of information on motile anaerobic curved rods in vaginal secretion . More selective and rapid methods for identification of these bacteria are desirable.

Acta Otolaryngol Suppl, 1984, 414, 138 - 42
Aspects of biological potentials of mononuclear cells in middle ear effusions; Sipila P; Mononuclear phagocytes are cells common in the subepithelial space of the mucosa of the middle ear and in middle ear effusion during an attack of otitis media . Here we review studies to date on biological potentials of aural macrophages in the pathogenesis of otitis media . The origin of aural macrophages may be in the circulating pool of monocytes in the blood, in the pre-existing population of macrophages in the mucosa of the middle ear, in proliferation of macrophages in the middle ear, or in nasopharyngeal and tonsillar tissues . Macrophages demonstrate great phagocytic activity in eliminating tissue-debris, bacteria, and viruses . It seems likely that the secretory products of macrophages--such as lysozyme, components of complement, prostaglandins, collagenase, and other biologically active agents--play an important part in the pathogenesis of otitis media . There is also evidence available that aural macrophages play an important role in the regulation of lymphocytic response to antigens in active otitis media.

Leber Magen Darm, 1984 Jan, 14(1), 18 - 26
{Life-threatening infections after splenectomy--the overwhelming post- splenectomy infection syndrome}; Keller HW et al.; About 2.5% of the patients, on whom splenectomy is done, die later from fulminant bacterial infection . This particular late sequelae usually occurs within 5 years after surgery, however, - especially in adults, - it has been observed also decades after splenectomy . Pneumococci have been identified as infectious agents in about 70% of the cases concerned . This syndrome is caused by deficient clearance of bacteria, which is due to reduced phagocytosis, decreased IgM-production, disturbances of the complement system and lack of tuftsin . Prevention of this syndrome may be achieved by using surgical procedures saving part of the spleen, by appropriate use of antibiotics and by vaccination against pneumococci.

Annu Rev Microbiol, 1984, 38, 315 - 38
The disease spectrum, epidemiology, and etiology of toxic-shock syndrome; Chesney PJ et al.; From this composite picture of the history and recent developments related to TSS, several points are clear . TSS is not a new disease, and TST-producing strains of S . aureus are not new . What is new is the recent dramatic increase of this disease in young women who use tampons during menses and who lack antibody to TST . What is also new is the recognition that the disease commonly recurs but only in menstrually associated cases . What remains to be determined are the precise role of tampons, the factors leading to toxin induction, and the mechanism of action of this potent toxin . In order to better determine what these factors and mechanism of action are, and to determine if the TST marker protein is in fact the critical toxin, a reliable animal model is badly needed . Finally, a reliable laboratory test to confirm the clinical diagnosis is another high-priority need . The further unraveling of the secrets of this complex disease may greatly enhance our understanding of the disease associated with this toxin, of the intricacies of toxin production by other bacteria, and of the role that exogenous cofactors play in disease processes.

Adv Exp Med Biol, 1984, 177, 169 - 203
Safety of megavitamin therapy; Omaye ST; Carbon compounds that are needed in small amounts in the diet because they are not made in the body of vertebrates are defined as vitamins . Excluded from this definition are vitamins D, K, and niacin which can be synthesized by the organism or, as in the case of vitamin K, by the host's intestinal bacteria . Lack of such vitamins can result in characteristic deficiency diseases . The therapeutic use of such compounds (megavitamin intake) is based on the spectacular effect of vitamins on deficiency diseases; however, evidence that the ingestion of large amounts of vitamins beyond the "Recommended Daily Allowances" (RDA) is beneficial is not within the basic concept of nutrition . Vitamins, like many substances, may be toxic when taken in large quantities, especially the fat-soluble vitamins, and the concept of "more is better" is a common misconception . Vitamin supplements can be suggested only in the unusual cases of patients having inadequate intake, disturbed absorption (genetic or otherwise), or increased tissue requirements . A well-balanced diet that includes a wide variety of foods from each of the four food groups is adequate for the supply of vitamins, as well as other nutrients, in healthy people . This paper will review some of the recent findings regarding vitamin toxicity and the mechanisms of toxicity.

Cell Tissue Res, 1984, 237(3), 619 - 27
Crypt architecture of tonsilla lingualis in the monkey, Macaca fascicularis . A correlated light- and scanning electron-microscopic study; Nair PN et al.; Crypts of the lingual tonsil were investigated in 10 male and female Macaca fascicularis by use of correlated light- and scanning-electron microscopy . Counting of crypt openings provided an estimate of the total number of respective crypto-lymphatic units, which were found to range from 20 to 39 . Crypt openings appeared in three distinct morphological varieties, i.e . circular, oval or slit-like . Tonsillar units existed individually or were arranged in a rosary fashion below a slit-like mucosal fold serving as a common exit . Although the crypt epithelium was generally non-keratinized, individual cells showing a surface pattern similar to that of the keratinized cells could be encountered . The crypt epithelium was frequently fragmented and showed heavy mononuclear cell infiltration and surface discontinuities, with lymphoid cells coming in contact with luminal contents . The crypt lumen either appeared as a simple epithelial invagination or existed as a complex, cavernous pouch with many blind-ending diverticula . The lumen contained a mixture of exfoliated epithelial cells, leucocytes and bacteria . The secretory ducts of the posterior lingual glands opened occasionally at various levels into the crypt lumina or independently to the exterior.

Ultramicroscopy, 1984, 13(1-2), 57 - 70
Three-dimensional reconstruction of imperfect two-dimensional crystals; Saxton WO et al.; An outline is given of the general methodology of 3D reconstruction on the basis of correlation averages of the 2D projections: this hybrid real space/Fourier space approach substantially alleviates one of the most serious limitations on obtaining high resolution 3D structures, namely crystal distortions . The paper discusses some of the technical problems involved, namely optimisation of tilt increments, a posteriori tilt angle determination, extraction of lattice line data from averaged unit cells, and stain/protein boundary determination . The approach is illustrated by application to a 2D crystal from a bacterial cell envelope.

Zentralbl Gynakol, 1984, 106(9), 624 - 5
{The use of Biozym as a cleaning and disinfecting agent in gynecology and obstetrics}; Spitzbart H et al.; This paper outlines the results of investigations about the germicidal behaviour of the protease containing substance Biozym . It has been noted, that a concentration of 2.5 per cent is satisfactory for a definite effect . Biozym shows no significant effect against yeast . By this reason it is possible to clean and to desinfect bacterial contaminated matters.

Infection, 1984 Jan-Feb, 12(1), 10 - 3
Defective phagocyte Aspergillus killing associated with recurrent pulmonary Aspergillus infections; Fietta A et al.; An apparently healthy boy was suffering from recurrent Aspergillus infections . No classical conditions of immunodeficiency were found . Studies on the patient's phagocytic system revealed neutrophils and monocytes to function normally except in Aspergillus killing (microbicidal activity for bacteria and Candida was normal) . Aspergillus killing mechanisms may be complex and peculiarly selective, possibly involving both oxygen-dependent and independent mechanisms.

Dtsch Z Verdau Stoffwechselkr, 1984, 44(1), 1 - 5
{Rotavirus and malabsorption . Immunofluorescence microscopy studies of small intestine specimens}; Fiehring C et al.; Only 20% of the total of diarrheas in childhood are caused by bacteria . Compared to it, very often the causes for such diseases are viruses, especially rotavirus . The virus - localisation is known to be in enterocytes of the duodenal or jejunal mucosa . So it is probable that a destruction of villous structure linked with diminishing of enzyme activities-especially of lactase--can occur . 53 mucosa specimens were investigated from children by means of fluorescence microscopy . Cryo-cut-slices (8-10 mu) were fixed in acetone and marked with self-prepared rotavirus-hyperimmuneserum (against SA11-virus) and examined using the microscope Fluoval . The distribution of fluorescence along the villi or flat surface was semiquantitatively evaluated . All the investigated children - aged 1-15 years - had been suspected for malabsorption . In 23 of them rotavirus antigen was detected and partly a low activity of disaccharidases, especially of lactase, but also there were simultaneously 7 cases of confirmed coeliac disease in this group . So we conclude: In some patients the rotavirus infection is a complication of malabsorption syndromes; or in other cases it is an asymptomatic accidental finding in the small intestine mucosa.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1984 Jan, (1), 75 - 80
{Indirect immunofluorescence reaction of systemic and local humoral immunity in patients with inflammatory lung diseases . III . Secretory IgA antibodies to S . pneumoniae and H . influenzae autostrains}; Vishniakova LA et al.; In acute pneumococcal infection with the clinical picture of acute bronchitis or the exacerbation of chronic bronchitis 88-93% of patients showed the formation of secretory IgA to S . pneumoniae autostrains, i.e . a high correlation between the occurrence of these bacteria in the sputum and the local immune response of the body . The characteristic feature of antipneumococcal secretory IgA is their earlier, more intensive and less prolonged formation in comparison with that of serum antibodies . During the exacerbation of chronic bronchitis only in 28% of the patients secretory IgA to H . influenzae autostrains and low correlation between the formation of secretory and serum antibodies were detected.

J Clin Periodontol, 1984 Jan, 11(1), 1 - 15
Role of the polymorphonuclear leukocyte in periodontal health and disease; Miller DR et al.; This review presents evidence for lysosomal enzymes being at least partly responsible for the tissue destruction seen in periodontal disease . However, many other inflammatory and immunologic mechanisms have been identified that can contribute to tissue destruction (Nisengard 1977) . The relationship of PMN to the periodontal tissues is equivalent to the proverbial double-edged sword . The localized tissue destruction that may be due to the extracellular release of PMN enzymes in individuals with normal cell function must be weighed against the role of PMN in containment of gingival bacteria and their products . The consequences of qualitative and/or quantitative abnormalities of neutrophils are far more undesirable for the periodontium . It therefore seems logical to propose that the role of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the gingival tissues is primarily a defensive one . The presence of neutrophils in the gingival crevice has been shown to reflect the inflammatory condition of the tissues . Due to their availability, it may prove beneficial to use gingival crevicular PMN activity as a reliable clinical index of disease activity . The development of appropriate tests to measure PMN may eventually lead to better diagnostic criteria, including the definition of active versus inactive disease.

Chemotherapy, 1984, 30(1), 18 - 25
Properties of brodimoprim as an inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductases; Then RL et al.; Based on both IC50 and Ki values, brodimoprim (BDP) was often found to be two- to threefold more effective than trimethoprim (TMP) against a great variety of different bacterial dihydrofolate reductases (DHFR) . In all cases BDP was found to be a reversible, tight-binding inhibitor . The higher affinity for enzymes relatively insensitive to TMP, like those of Nocardia, which is paralleled by higher in vitro activity, may be therapeutically useful . BDP also often inhibited plasmid-coded, TMP-resistant DHFRs, as well as altered chromosomal TMP-resistant DHFRs at lower concentrations than TMP did, this property, however, being therapeutically irrelevant . A higher affinity was also observed for eucaryotic DHFRs, the specificity, however, remaining similar to that of TMP.

Med Clin North Am, 1984 Jan, 68(1), 201 - 19
Alcohol and the respiratory tract; Krumpe PE et al.; Possible mechanisms by which alcohol may adversely affect the respiratory system are considered . Alcohol ingestion impairs glottic reflexes, and alcoholics are predisposed to pneumonias and lung abscesses from aspiration of oropharyngeal bacteria . Alcohol intoxication also increases the frequency of sleep apnea and may result in respiratory failure from oversedation.

Infect Control, 1984 Jan, 5(1), 18 - 22
Hygienic hand disinfection; Rotter ML; The purpose of hygienic hand disinfection is to render hands safe after contact with pathogens . Comparing effects of disinfection procedures on infection ratios is too difficult for routine purposes but the degerming efficacy may be determined in laboratory tests with volunteers . In the Vienna test model the efficacy of a specific procedure being tested is compared to that of a standard disinfection (rubbing into hands 3 ml of isopropanol 60% v/v, 30 seconds, twice) tested in parallel with the same volunteers . This ensures standardization, thus comparability of results between laboratories, and provides the investigator with a yardstick for efficacy . The model includes artificial contamination, assessment of the release of test bacteria (E . Coli ATCC 11229) before and after disinfection by the finger tip method, and addition of neutralizers to sampling fluids . Alcohols in appropriate concentrations are highly effective (log reductions: greater than 4.0) whereas procedures employing disinfectant detergents act like soap (log reductions: less than or equal to 3.2) and may cause dissemination of pathogens.

Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl, 1984, 86, 207 - 10
Vaginal colonization of pig-tailed macaques by Gardnerella vaginalis; Johnson AP et al.; Ten pig-tailed macaques inoculated intravaginally with Gardnerella vaginalis organisms were colonized for 11-39 days . In contrast, 4 tamarins and 3 chimpanzees inoculated similarly failed to become colonized . Examination of Gram-stained vaginal smears obtained from infected pig-tailed macaques failed to demonstrate clue cells, a feature which is pathognomonic of non-specific vaginitis in humans . Additionally, the pH value, the levels of non-volatile fatty acids and the anaerobic flora of the macaque vagina differed from these aspects of the human vagina . While these differences indicate that gardnerella-infected macaques are unsuitable as a model of gardnerella-associated vaginitis in humans, such animals may prove useful for studying selected aspects of the biology of G . vaginalis such as the adhesion and interaction of the bacteria with the vaginal mucosa.

Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl, 1984, 86, 201 - 5
The grivet monkey as a model for study of vaginitis . Challenge with anaerobic curved rods and Gardnerella vaginalis; Mardh PA et al.; The grivet monkey was used as an experimental model for vaginitis . Gardnerella vaginalis was used for challenge in one monkey . G . vaginalis plus a long variant (LCR) of a hitherto unclassified anaerobic curved rod (CR) in another 2 monkeys, this LCR alone in 2, a short variant (SCR) of CR in 2, and G . vaginalis plus SCR in one monkey . All the bacterial strains had been isolated from human vaginal specimens . In the 2 monkeys exposed to G . vaginalis plus LCR, distinct signs of bacterial vaginosis characterized by a thin, grey and translucent discharge appeared after 5 days and were still present at the end of the 6-week observation period . LCR alone produced, if anything, a slight increase in the vaginal discharge after about 4-5 weeks . In the remaining monkeys there was no increase of vaginal secretion . The CR could still be isolated at the end of the observation period . LCR persisted for 9 months in one monkey, without having produced any obvious signs of vaginitis, which, however, did appear when the monkey was challenged with G . vaginalis too . G . vaginalis could be recovered up to 12 days after incubation in the monkeys also infected with CR, but at no time from the monkey challenged with G . vaginalis only . Bacteria of the G . vaginalis morphotype could be observed in Gram-stained vaginal smears collected throughout the observation period . Although having certain limitations, the model would seem to be of use for the study of bacterial vaginosis . Such a model in primates has not hitherto been available.

Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl, 1984, 86, 195 - 9
Can Gardnerella vaginalis and anaerobic curved rods attach to vaginal epithelial cells in vitro, resulting in clue cells?
Fredricsson B, Moller AK, Nord CE.
Vaginal epithelial cells were taken from asymptomatic patients and from patients with non-specific vaginosis . Four bacterial species-Gardnerella vaginalis, Wolinella succinogenes and short and long anaerobic curved rods-were tested in vitro regarding attachment to the epithelial cells . In most experiments the curved rods and W . succinogenes attached to the cells . Less often, incubation with G . vaginalis resulted in cell attachment . There was no difference in attachment ability between the short and long rods . Clue cells were not often produced in these in vitro experiments.

Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl, 1984, 86, 191 - 3
Studies on the mechanism of adhesion of Gardnerella vaginalis to human erythrocytes; Ison CA et al.; A quantitative method using radiolabelled bacteria was used to examine the adherence of Gardnerella vaginalis to human erythrocytes . Adherence was mannose resistant, but inhibited by D-galactose and D-galactosamine . It was independent of temperature, but reduced at pH 3 . There was considerable variation in the adherence of different isolates of G . vaginalis to human erythrocytes.

Eur J Respir Dis Suppl, 1984, 135, 34 - 46
Changes in beta-adrenergic responses as a consequence of infection with micro-organisms; Terpstra GK et al.; The B . pertussis model of atopy as proposed by Szentivanyi in 1968 has been a starting point for much research involving the pathogenesis of COLD . Moreover, it supplied more insight into the pharmaco-therapeutic approach toward this group of diseases . In this review, it is shown that products of bacteria considered to be a constituent of the normal flora of the human upper respiratory tract, such as H . influenzae, elicit changes in adrenoceptor responsiveness which are compatible with an enhanced tendency toward bronchoconstriction . One of the features of human atopy is enhanced mediator release after appropriate stimuli resulting in bronchoconstriction . This phenomenon can be mimicked in an animal model, the H . influenzae-vaccinated rat or guinea pig; enhanced histamine synthesis and release are found in vivo as well as in vitro . The effects point in the direction of a beta-adrenergic defect which is not only demonstrable in biochemical but also in physiologically oriented parameters . Pulmonary smooth muscle tissue appears to be less responsive to beta-adrenergic agonists and has an enhanced tendency to contract . The view that these changes are indeed the reflection of changes in adrenoceptor systems has been investigated in guinea pigs and rats . In both species impairment of beta-adrenergic systems together with a reduction in the number of beta 2-adrenoceptors was found after vaccination . Also the involvement of other factors, e.g., catecholamines, has been demonstrated . Comparable changes occur within the pulmonary adrenoceptor populations of COLD patients, suggesting disturbed homeostasis in the autonomic nervous system, possibly leading to bronchoconstriction . The question whether a bacterial factor is important in these changes and might induce, sustain or enhance the effects of other factors or even have a role in the pathogenesis of COLD is discussed in this review.

Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek, 1984, 50(1), 33 - 7
Preliminary evidence for a pyridine nucleotide cycle in Bordetella pertussis; McPheat WL; Preliminary evidence that Bordetella pertussis has a functional pyridine nucleotide cycle was the observation that {14C}-nicotinic acid was rapidly metabolized during its uptake by the bacteria to pyridine nucleotides and nicotinamide . Nicotinamide deamidase activity, necessary for the completion of the cycle by conversion of nicotinamide to nicotinic acid, was found in a soluble extract (20 000 X g supernatant) of B . pertussis cell lysates.

Gene, 1984 Jan, 27(1), 67 - 73
Screening recombinant phage M13 plaques with RNA probes; a one-step procedure which identifies clones containing either of the complementary DNA strands; Looney JE et al.; We describe a method for detecting specific DNA sequences cloned in M13 phage vectors, based on the procedure of Woo (in Wu, R., Methods in Enzymology, Vol . 68, Academic Press, New York, 1979, pp . 389-395) . M13 plaques are adsorbed to a nitrocellulose filter that has been pre-saturated with bacteria . The filter is incubated on an agar plate to amplify the phage; the DNA is alkali-denatured and then hybridized with a radioactive RNA probe . Unlike standard procedures, this method detects and distinguishes M13 plaques containing phage particles which harbor either the coding or non-coding (RNA-like) DNA strand, when single-stranded RNA is used as probe . We have optimized this procedure with M13 clones containing mouse histidine tRNA gene sequences and have used it to determine the sequence of both strands of a mouse glycine tRNA gene.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1984 Jan, 25(1), 83 - 7
Kinetic disposition of intravenous ceftriaxone in normal subjects and patients with renal failure on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis; Ti TY et al.; The kinetic disposition of a single intravenous dose of ceftriaxone (250 to 665 mg) was studied in six normal subjects and nine patients with renal insufficiency and normal hepatic function . In normal subjects, ceftriaxone was eliminated with a t1/2 beta of 5.2 h (range, 4.1 to 5.8) . The total body clearance (Qb) was 13.5 ml/kg per h (range, 8.4 to 23.3), and renal clearance was 8.3 ml/kg per h (range, 5.8 to 13.3) . In patients with severe renal insufficiency requiring peritoneal or hemodialysis, the mean t1/2 beta was prolonged to 13.4 h (range, 7.7 to 15.8) and the mean Qb was reduced to 6.9 ml/kg per h (range, 3.4 to 12.8) . The apparent volumes of distribution (Vc and Vss) were not different from those determined in normal subjects . Peritoneal dialysis did not remove ceftriaxone . The dialysate of three patients on continuous peritoneal dialysis did not contain any measureable ceftriaxone, and the kinetic disposition in these patients was similar to the hemodialysis patients between their dialysis treatment . During a 4-h hemodialysis session, the total body clearance of ceftriaxone was reduced, perhaps secondary to a decrease in hepatic blood flow induced by the hemodialysis procedure . After a 12- or 24-h dose regimen, predicted trough concentrations of ceftriaxone in plasma at steady state derived from kinetic data generated from the study and assuming linear pharmacokinetic behavior were well above the minimum inhibitory concentrations of most sensitive bacteria, suggesting the feasibility of a once-a-day dosage regimen especially for patients with severe renal insufficiency.

Invest New Drugs, 1984, 2(2), 227 - 9
Inhibition of human B lymphocyte differentiation by a stable metabolite of cyclophosphamide (ASTA Z 7557, INN mafosfamide); Gorski A et al.; We have evaluated the immunosuppressive effect of a new stable derivative of cyclophosphamide (ASTA Z 7557) on human lymphocyte immunoglobulin biosynthesis in vitro . When graded amounts of the drug are added to lymphocyte cultures stimulated with the helper T cell-dependent activator (PWM), a marked inhibition of B cell proliferation and differentiation occurs . Lymph node cells are particularly sensitive to the drug, while splenocytes are relatively resistant . The agent exerts only a minor effect on immunoglobulin synthesis triggered by a direct B cell stimulant (S . paratyphi bacteria).

Histochemistry, 1984, 81(1), 93 - 8
Novel application of aniline blue . Fluorescent staining of glycogen and some protein structures; Shennawy IE et al.; The present study shows that aniline blue can be used as a fluorescent stain for glycogen . The dye is also helpful in tracing pathological and autolytic changes in lysosomes, mitochondria, erythrocytes and nuclei, and it can also be used for demonstrating bacteria in tissue sections and smears . The techniques used are simple, rapid and inexpensive . Spectrophotometric studies on aniline blue solutions have shown that aniline blue fluorescence was enhanced by the addition of certain proteins, or of glycogen to the dye solution . In case of albumen which has the maximum effect, enhancement is dependent upon the albumen-dye ratio . The mechanism of staining is mainly due to self quenching, but there is also an evidence of the presence of hydrophobic reaction.

Birth Defects Orig Artic Ser, 1984, 20(1), 131 - 47
Immunology of cytomegalovirus: immunosuppressive effects during infections; Ho M; Acute CMV infection in the mouse results in depressed antibody production, IFN induction, lymphocyte proliferation responses to mitogens, allogeneic skin graft rejection, and clearance of certain bacteria and fungi from the blood stream . CMV mononucleosis in humans is associated with decreased lymphocyte proliferation responses to mitogens and herpesvirus antigens, decreased IFN production, and reversal of the T-helper to suppressor cell ratio . In recent studies, we have shown that NK activity is depressed after renal transplantation and the use of cyA, and is poorly enhanced by the addition of IFN to in vitro assays . In vitro induction of alpha-IFN as well as gamma-IFN by NDV and enterotoxin-A is also inhibited . These deficits may contribute to the severity of CMV infections in this patient population.

Folia Biol (Praha), 1984, 30 Spec No, 2 - 6
Genome organization and transcription in archaebacteria; Schnabel H et al.; The genome organization of the archaebacteria is investigated in three model systems: a) rRNA genes of various archaebacteria, b) a plasmid of 15.6 kb from Sulfolobus acidocaldarius which exists in free or integrated form, c) the 59 kb genome of phage phi H of Halobacterium halobium as a model for the unusual structural variability of DNA in this organism . Several variants of this phage have been isolated, their genomes differ by several insertions, a deletion, and an inversion . The frequent inversion and circularization of a 12 kb segment of DNA appears to be linked to the presence of two copies of an IS element at its flanks . DNA-dependent RNA polymerases have been isolated from a large number of archaebacteria including representatives of 4 families of the novel order Thermoproteales . As shown by immunological methods, they are closely related to those of eukaryotes . Two different types of RNA polymerase exist in the two main branches of the archaebacteria . The role of one component of the enzyme of Thermoplasma acidophilum was elucidated using an in vitro transcription system.

Mol Gen Genet, 1984, 197(1), 150 - 60
Characterization of mutations that lie in the promoter-regulatory region for glnA, the structural gene encoding glutamine synthetase; McCarter L et al.; In enteric bacteria products of nitrogen regulatory genes ntrA, ntrB and ntrC are known to regulate transcription both positively and negatively at glnA, the structural gene encoding glutamine synthetase {L-glutamate:ammonia-ligase (ADP-forming), EC 6.3.1.2} . We have characterized two types of cis-acting mutations in the glnA promoter-regulatory region . One type, which we have called promoter Up {glnAp (Up)}, elevates transcription of glnA to high levels without need for ntr-mediated activation but leaves expression sensitive to ntr-mediated repression . The other type renders glnA transcription insensitive to repression but leaves it normally responsive to activation . Properties of the two types of promoter-regulatory mutations suggest that sites for ntr-mediated activation of glnA transcription are functionally distinct from sites for ntr-mediated repression.

Teratog Carcinog Mutagen, 1984, 4(4), 329 - 40
Lack of in vivo and in vitro genotoxicity with the nonsteroid, antiinflammatory agent sodium meclofenamate; Kropko ML et al.; Sodium meclofenamate (Meclomen), CI-583, is an anthranilic acid salt developed as a nonsteroidal, antiinflammatory agent . A multitest battery of short-term tests was employed to characterize the genotoxic and mutagenic potential of the compound by measuring point mutations in bacteria, induction of sister-chromatid exchange, chromosome aberrations, and gene mutations in mammalian cells in vitro . In vitro assays included metabolic activation . The in vivo assay was for chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells from rats . At toxicity-limited doses for each assay, no activity was detected in the bacterial or mammalian cell mutation assays, and sister-chromatid exchange frequencies were not increased over control rates . When sodium meclofenamate was evaluated in vitro, chromosome aberrations were induced under metabolic activation in CHO cells . Chromosome aberrations and clastogenic activity were not demonstrated after oral administration of Meclomen to male rats . It was concluded that sodium meclofenamate does not possess overt mutagenic potential under these conditions . The activity seen in vitro with CHO cells after metabolic activation did not correlate with the results from the other tests and was attributed to the formation of reactive metabolites not present or formed in in vivo systems.

Comp Biochem Physiol A, 1984, 79(2), 311 - 6
Iron-rich particles in European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.); Hanson M et al.; Magnetic material in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) was investigated by a combination of magnetic susceptibility measurements, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis and transmission electron microscopy . It was shown that the magnetic material is associated with iron . The main part of the iron is present in the form of iron-rich particles with irregular shapes about 100-3000 A large . The structures of magnetite (Fe3O4), hematite (alpha-Fe2O3) and alpha-iron (bcc structure) were identified . The particles are composed of more than one of these phases with magnetite being a minority phase when present . The iron-rich particles found in the eel are different from the materials reported for bacteria or bees.

Virchows Arch B Cell Pathol Incl Mol Pathol, 1984, 45(2), 147 - 55
Ultrastructural localization of NADPH-oxidase activity in murine peritoneal macrophages during phagocytosis of Brucella . Correlation with the production of superoxide anions; Gay B et al.; The localization of the enzyme NADPH oxidase in mouse peritoneal macrophages unstimulated or after phagocytosis of Brucella suis was investigated by electron microscopy in normal mice and mice immunized against B . suis . The enzyme was clearly visualized on mitochondrial cristae, smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and the plasma membrane; its activity correlated mainly with the state of the endoplasmic reticulum which itself reflected macrophage activation . The enzyme turnover appeared to be accelerated after phagocytosis; the phagosome membrane was seldom stained by the enzyme reaction . These macrophages were also examined for the production of superoxide anions in vitro, either unstimulated or after phagocytosis . Phagocytosis increased the production of superoxide anions, especially in immunized animals . These results are discussed with regard to the role that the products of oxidative metabolism play in the inactivation of bacteria by phagocytic cells.

Comput Radiol, 1984 Jan-Feb, 8(1), 29 - 36
The role of CT in the evaluation of patients with intracranial CNS infectious-inflammatory disorders; Weisberg LA; Infections of the CNS may be caused by diverse etiologies . These include bacteria, viruses, mycoses, protozoa, helminths . In these CNS infections there is a breakdown in the blood-brain barrier . The most common clinical forms of intracranial CNS infections include meningitis, cerebritis-abscess formation, and dural infections . These conditions may be complicated by infarction, hydrocephalus, brain atrophy unless the CNS infection in detected early . The introduction of CT has markedly enhanced our ability to diagnose early and initiate therapy rapidly . In most disorders early diagnosis has caused a dramatic decrease in mortality and morbidity . Since the introduction of CT, clinical outcome in patients with cerebritis-brain abscess has markedly changed . In this paper the role of CT in the evaluation of intracranial CNS infection will be reviewed.

J Mol Evol, 1984, 21(1), 54 - 7
The case for a polyphyletic origin of mitochondria: morphological and molecular comparisons; Stewart KD et al.; The comparative morphology and pigmentation of protists suggest that those with tubular mitochondrial cristae belong to a different lineage than those with lamellar cristae and that the evolutionary divergence might have been very early . We propose that the difference in cristal morphology is the result of separate origins of the mitochondria from endosymbionts related to the Rhodospirillaceae (purple nonsulfur bacteria) but differing in the morphology of their internal membranes . Comparisons of the cytochromes c of protists and the Rhodospirillaceae and of 16s rRNA T1 oligonucleotide catalogs in the Rhodospirillaceae do not contradict, and in fact provide support for, the idea . More extensive evidence may be lacking simply because cytochromes c have been studied in very few protists with tubular mitochondrial cristae.

Int J Immunopharmacol, 1984, 6(4), 389 - 93
Modification of polymorphonuclear leucocyte function by imidazoles; Rowan-Kelly B et al.; The effect of five imidazole derivatives (metronidazole, tinidazole, clotrimazole, miconazole and ketoconazole) on human polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) was examined in vitro . Metronidazole and tinidazole had no apparent effect on either PMNL chemotactic response or PMNL fungal/bacterial killing . In contrast, clotrimazole, miconazole and ketoconazole inhibited PMNL chemotaxis . In addition, miconazole and ketoconazole were shown to depress the ability of PMNL to kill bacteria and fungi.

Crit Rev Immunol, 1984, 5(1), 55 - 93
Natural killer cells and interferon; Welsh RM; Natural killer cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes found in all examined vertebrates and implicated as mediators of tumor surveillance in experimental animal models . Normally cytotoxic for a selective group of tumor target cells, NK cells can be dramatically activated to a level of high cytotoxicity by interferon and interferon-inducing agents, such as viruses, bacteria, lectins, and synthetic polynucleotides . These interferon-activated cells differ physically and antigenically from nonactivated precursor cells . All types of interferon (alpha, beta, and gamma) are capable of activating NK cells . Conversely, interferon treatment of target cells renders them resistant to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity . Tumor cells induce interferon synthesis in leukocyte cultures, and the interferon-producing cell has properties in common with NK cells . The complexities of these effector cell-target cell-interferon interactions will be discussed.

J Cell Biochem, 1984, 26(2), 107 - 16
Fibronectin and wound healing; Grinnell F; I have tried to briefly review the evidence (summarized in Table II) indicating that fibronectin is important in cutaneous wound healing . Fibronectin appears to be an important factor throughout this process . It promotes the spreading of platelets at the site of injury, the adhesion and migration of neutrophils, monocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells into the wound region, and the migration of epidermal cells through the granulation tissue . At the level of matrix synthesis, fibronectin appears to be involved both in the organization of the granulation tissue and basement membrane . In terms of tissue remodeling, fibronectin functions as a nonimmune opsonin for phagocytosis of debris by fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and under some circumstances, macrophages . Fibronectin also enhances the phagocytosis of immune-opsonized particles by monocytes, but whether this includes phagocytosis of bacteria remains to be determined . In general, phagocytosis of bacteria has not appeared to involve fibronectin . On the contrary, the presence of fibronectin in the wound bed may promote bacterial attachment and infection . Because of the ease of experimental manipulations, wound healing experiments have been carried out on skin more frequently than other tissues . As a result, the possible role of fibronectin has not been investigated thoroughly in the repair of internal organs and tissues . Nevertheless, it seems reasonable to speculate that fibronectin plays a central role in all wound healing situations . Finally, the wound healing problems of patients with severe factor XIII deficiencies may occur because of their inability to incorporate fibronectin into blood clots.

Dev Biol Stand, 1984, 57, 99 - 105
Standardization for diagnostic purposes of a monoclonal antibody against Legionella pneumophila; Petitjean F et al.; A monoclonal antibody against Legionella pneumophila has been produced and characterized . The antibody was of the gamma-3 isotype and recognised the lipopolysaccharides of the bacteria as was confirmed by Western blotting . Preliminary assays were performed for the detection of the antigen in clinical samples in order to set up a rapid laboratory technique for the early diagnosis of legionellosis . By using an immuno-enzymatic technique, less than 30 000 bacteria or corresponding antigens could be detected in a few hours.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1983 Dec 28, 117(3), 788 - 93
Correlation of H2O2 production and liver catalase during riboflavin deficiency and repletion in mammals; Lee SS et al.; A substantial decrease in liver peroxisomal catalase was found during riboflavin deficiency in rats . This decrease is greater than that found among other hemoproteins and seems to follow decrease in flavin-dependent peroxisomal oxidases . This is not due to a general depression of peroxisomal enzymes, since Cu-dependent urate oxidase activity was not changed . Furthermore, the level of catalase activity as well as flavin-dependent oxidases was restored by riboflavin repletion . These results suggest that hydrogen peroxide, the substrate for catalase produced by several flavoprotein oxidases, induces catalase in mammals as has been indicated for certain bacteria.

Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1983 Dec 16, 117(2), 530 - 5
Reduction of bisulfite by the trithionate pathway by cell extracts from Desulfotomaculum nigrificans; Akagi JM; Bisulfite was reduced to sulfide by cell extracts of Desulfotomaculum nigrificans . When trithionate was added to reaction mixtures reducing bisulfite, sulfide formation was inhibited with accumulation of thiosulfate . The thiosulfate reductase activity of cell extracts was found to be inhibited by trithionate . Trithionate alone was reduced to thiosulfate and purified bisulfite reductase (P582) was not affected by trithionate . It is concluded that the pathway for bisulfite reduction in Dt . nigrificans includes trithionate and thiosulfate as intermediate compounds.

J Biol Chem, 1983 Dec 10, 258(23), 14576 - 84
Molecular cloning of cDNA for rat L-type pyruvate kinase and aldolase B; Simon MP et al.; Two double-stranded cDNA recombinant pBR322 plasmid libraries were constructed starting from high carbohydrate diet rat liver poly(A)+ mRNA, either fractionated by denaturing sucrose gradient centrifugation for the cloning of L-type pyruvate kinase cDNA, or nonfractionated for aldolase B . Both libraries were screened with single-stranded cDNA probes reverse transcribed from fasted or high carbohydrate diet rat liver mRNAs . mRNAs from fasted animals were also fractionated by sucrose gradient centrifugation and mRNAs from the fed animals were, in addition, further purified by high performance liquid gel filtration chromatography . Those clones hybridizing with the "positive" probe (from animals fed the high carbohydrate diet) and not with the "negative" one (from fasted animals) were preselected and their plasmid DNA was purified and analyzed by positive hybridization-selection . Thirty of 4500 bacteria colonies transformed by recombinant plasmids were preselected by differential screening for pyruvate kinase, and 8 of 864 colonies for aldolase B . Twenty-two recombinant plasmids for pyruvate kinase and two for aldolase B were shown to contain specific cDNA inserts by positive hybridization-selection . Plasmids DNAs of some pyruvate kinase and aldolase B clones (whose inserts ranged from 700 to 1050 bases in length) were labeled by nick translation and used as probes for Northern blot hybridization . The pyruvate kinase cDNA probes recognized mainly a 3400-base RNA species which was detected in high carbohydrate diet rat liver, but not in fasted rat liver and in tissues which do not synthesize L-type pyruvate kinase . In addition, some pyruvate kinase probes hybridized with minor RNA species of about 2000 bases in length, only observed after carbohydrate diet . For aldolase B, the recombinant plasmid DNA hybridized with a single RNA species of 1750 bases . This RNA, detected in kidney, small intestine and liver, was induced by a high carbohydrate diet and increased with liver development . The rat probe cross-hybridized with human aldolase B messenger RNA.

Bull Assoc Anat (Nancy), 1983 Dec, 67(199), 363 - 74
{Failures at in vitro fertilization: electron microscopic studies of unfertilized oocytes and undivided ova}; Arnal F et al.; We have examined by electron microscopy the non fertilized oocytes and the non divided eggs after assay of in vitro fertilization . We have observed three blocking points; 1) absence of fusion of the gametes, either because of oocyte immaturity or over-maturity, either because of spermatozoa phagocytosis by follicle cells transformed in phagocytic cells, in presence of intra or extra-cellular bacteria; 2) fusion of the gametes but absence of spermatic nucleus decondensation; 3) fusion of the gametes and pronuclei formation but absence of amphimixy . Two causes are evident: failure of oocyte maturation in vivo or in vitro, and bacterial contamination problems after female or male infra-clinical infections.

Gastroenterol Jpn, 1983 Dec, 18(6), 530 - 7
The fine structure of pancreatic stones as shown by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray probe microanalyser; Harada H et al.; To delineate the process of pancreatic stone formation, stones from four patients were studied with a scanning electron microscope and X-ray probe microanalyser . The stones consisted of a central core and surrounding shell . Two kinds of stones were demonstrated: one had a core composed of a calcium-rich amorphous substance and interlacing fibrils; the other had a core consisting of multiple cavities with smooth walls composed of a calcium-deficient amorphous substance . The shells showed a common structure: zones of layers or bands of a calcium-rich amorphous substance, network fibrils filled with a calcium-rich amorphous substance, and laminated parallelogrammic or polygonal plates of calcite parallel to the surface in one layer and oblique or perpendicular in the next layer . Calcium was in the crypto-crystalline state as well as crystalline state of calcite . Crystalline calcite showed spiral and epitaxial growth along with findings of dissolution, resembling cholesterol crystals of gall stones . Pancreatic stones are probably formed through central core formation and layered growth of a shell . Comparison of stones and protein plugs suggests that protein plugs can grow to stones with calcite deposition accompanied by precipitation of network fibrils and an amorphous substance.

Med Hypotheses, 1983 Dec, 12(4), 359 - 67
The fundamental chemistry of life . An attempt to define and identify the basic reaction responsible for life's creation and evolution; Holt JA; All natural growth follows exponential characteristics which vary from a simple exponential equation (non-solid cancer, bacteria) to complex Gompertzian functions describing solid cancer and multicellular organisms . Like all chemical processes the reagents (energy sources of food) react during life to produce vital energy, but in addition also create the next generation of life . This latter reaction is unique in that a simple proportional increase in the reagents creates an exponential increase in products: it is the sole invariable criterion of all life . The target of combined ionising and non-ionising radiations in cancer cells appears to be identical with this fundamental exponential chemical reaction . Identification of this target as a system of anaerobic glycolysis suggests that life's first reaction is a unique one whereby a simple proportional increase in available glucose causes an exponential proportional increase in energy which is available solely for reproduction.

Z Hautkr, 1983 Dec 1, 58(23), 1669 - 86
{Biochemical aspects of the inflammatory reaction - with special reference to oxygen}; Goerz G et al.; This article gives a synopsis of the inflammatory reactions as well as its mediators under special consideration of the efferent part of the reaction . There is no doubt that histamine, complement, and the kinin system play an essential role; arachidonic acid (eicosatetraenic acid) and its metabolites, however, have gained comparable significance: prostaglandines, prostacyclines, and thromboxanes as metabolites of the cyclo-oxygenase, the leucotrienes SRS-A (slow reacting substances of anaphylaxis) and ECF (eosinophilic chemotactic factor) mediated via lipoxygenase . Moreover, oxygen and its metabolites hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), peroxide radicals (O-2), and hydroxyl radicals (.OH) as well as activated oxygen (singulett oxygen (1O2) play an important part with all aerobic living organisms . Inborn enzyme deficiency of the oxygen metabolism such as NADPH oxidase or cytochrome b-245 deficiency lead to chronic septic granulomatosis . The disease is characterized by reduced resistence against infections, decreased phagocytosis, insufficient killing of bacteria by leucocytes, and diminished oxygen burst . Thus the underlying enzyme deficiency leads to reduced formation of peroxide radicals frequently causing infections with septic complications . On the other hand, increased formation or reduced degradation of peroxide radicals may result in pathological reactions like chromosomal alterations, lipidperoxidation or oxidation of sulph-hydryl groups . The fact that increased peroxide radical formation may cause inflammation or chromosomal aberration is of importance with regard to the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases of unknown etiology, such as systemic scleroderma or lupus erythematodes . The enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) converts peroxide radicals (O-2) into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) which can be inactivated by catalase or peroxidase . Consequently, treatment with SOD may have an effective influence on chronic inflammatory dermatoses of unknown pathogenesis.

J Exp Zool, 1983 Dec, 228(3), 459 - 69
Calorimetric techniques for metabolic studies of cells and organisms under normal conditions and stress; Hammerstedt RH et al.; When cells are subjected to stress, an early result is a shift in type and rate of metabolism to reflect their new conditions . The availability of metabolites, their endogenous vs exogenous origins, and the rates at which they can be used, besides availability of oxygen, dictate cell and tissue response . Measurement of heat output in such a response is a means for monitoring cells and tissues . Differential heat conduction calorimeters are reviewed to provide a listing of instrument parameters important in optimum practical use . Data obtained with one cell system, mammalian sperm, are presented to provide an example of how the combination of calorimetry and carbon balance, plus calculation from thermodynamic constants, permit an assessment of the importance of endogenous metabolism to total cellular metabolism.

J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1983 Dec, 36(12), 1671 - 82
Components and degradation compounds of the avoparcin complex; McGahren WJ et al.; The isolation and characterization of many of the components of the avoparcin complex are described . A number of mild degradations products from this complex are similarly treated . Conditions for the analytical and preparative HPLC resolution of these materials are outlined.

Am J Pathol, 1983 Dec, 113(3), 300 - 8
Tubulointerstitial inflammation, cast formation, and renal parenchymal damage in experimental pyelonephritis; Ivanyi B et al.; Some basic changes in experimental pyelonephritis were studied by transmission and scanning electron microscope . Initially, bacteria settled and multiplied in capillaries and venules . Leukocytes first marginated and then escaped from the capillaries, particularly to the wide peritubular interstitium . After opening the tubular basement membrane, the infiltrating leukocytes were immediately localized in the tubular wall between epithelial cells but were never seen between the epithelial cells and the underlying basement membrane . The inflammatory cells seemed not to be able to pass through the tight junctions of the nonnecrotic tubular epithelium . As a consequence of severe inflammatory injury, the tight junctions exhibited alterations of intermediate junction type . Where circumscribed necrosis of the tubular walls occurred, leukocytes appeared in the lumen . Thus, pus casts originated from these sites, apparently as drainage of interstitial abscesses . The secondary/regressive and regenerative/tubular changes were similar to those occurring after various tubular lesions.

Crit Care Med, 1983 Dec, 11(12), 948 - 50
Initial aminoglycoside levels in the critically ill; Summer WR et al.; Twenty-six consecutive patients admitted to the medical ICU with presumed sepsis or septic shock had their initial serum aminoglycoside level determined 1 h after completion of a 20-min infusion of tobramycin, 2 mg/kg . There was a poor correlation between the dose received and the measured aminoglycoside level; 59% of the patients had initial blood aminoglycoside concentrations below the recommended peak level of 5 micrograms/ml . An underestimation of the volume of distribution in critically ill patients best explains the low serum aminoglycoside levels produced by the currently recommended dosage schedule.

Kidney Int Suppl, 1983 Dec, 16, S229 - 33
Evidence for generation of the precarcinogen nitrosodimethylamine in the small intestine in chronic renal failure; Lele PS et al.; We have previously reported raised concentrations of dimethylamine and also bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine in CRF . Evidence for in vivo NDMA formation in the same site in CRF is now presented . Gastroduodenal intubation was performed in 9 healthy volunteers and 7 patients with advanced chronic renal failure . Blood, gastric, and duodenal aspirates were analyzed for NDMA . NDMA levels in control and CRF patients for blood were normal, but for gastric aspirate they were 67 +/- 13 and 312 +/- 68 (P less than 0.001) and for duodenal aspirate they were 70 +/- 21 and 319 +/- 47 (P less than 0.001), respectively . The results of bacterial cultures confirmed small intestinal bacterial overgrowth . We thus demonstrated statistically significant differences between NDMA concentrations in the control subjects and patients for both gastric and duodenal aspirates . This suggests that there is increased intestinal generation of NDMA in uremia . The presence of this precarcinogen may be linked with the reported increase in the incidence of cancer in CRF.

Br J Exp Pathol, 1983 Dec, 64(6), 612 - 6
Kinetics of placental colonization of mice inoculated intravenously with Brucella abortus at day 15 of pregnancy; Bosseray N; When 15-day pregnant mice were challenged i.v . with 1 to 2 X 10(4) virulent Brucella abortus Strain 544, the bacteria were recovered from all the placental discs and spleens of the dams, as few as 5 min post-challenge . Kinetics in both organs differed greatly . In spleens, the fraction of the inoculum recovered increased from 3-20%, from 5 min-6 h post-challenge . Brucella multiplication was low from 24-72 h . In each placenta, there was first an immediate dissemination of less than 0.1% of the inoculum . Then, some brucella disappeared leaving about 20% of the placentas free of infection, the others being infected with as few as 3 Brucella CFU on average, 4-6 h post-challenge . Brucella then multiplied in colonized placentas, leading to an average of 10(4) brucella CFU per placenta at 72 h post-challenge.

J Infect Dis, 1983 Dec, 148(6), 1108 - 13
Development of human and calf Cryptosporidium in chicken embryos; Current WL et al.; Cryptosporidium is a newly recognized, zoonotic protozoan that produces short-term, flu-like, gastrointestinal illness in immunocompetent humans and prolonged, severe, diarrhea in immunocompromised individuals . Successful completion of the life cycle, from sporozoite to infective oocyst, of isolates of Cryptosporidium from humans and calves was demonstrated in endoderm cells of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of chicken embryos maintained at 37 C . The human and calf isolates of Cryptosporidium were morphologically and developmentally indistinguishable when grown in chicken embryos . The human isolate also completed its entire life cycle in the CAMs of chicken embryos maintained at 35 C and 41 C . Oocysts recovered from endoderm cells of infected CAMs produced heavy infections in suckling mice . The timing, presence, and morphology of developmental stages in CAM cells during the first eight days after inoculation of sporozoites were similar to those in enterocytes of mice inoculated with oocysts . The method described is safe and convenient for cultivating and studying Cryptosporidium in a bacteria-free environment; the system also lends itself to well-established procedures for evaluating antiprotozoan drugs.

J Bacteriol, 1983 Dec, 156(3), 1369 - 72
Metabolism of various carbon sources by Azospirillum brasilense; Westby CA et al.; Azospirillum brasilense Sp7 and two mutants were examined for 19 carbon metabolism enzymes . The results indicate that this nitrogen fixer uses the Entner-Doudoroff pathway for gluconate dissimilation, lacks a catabolic but has an anabolic Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas hexosephosphate pathway, has amphibolic triosephosphate enzymes, lacks a hexose monophosphate shunt, and has lactate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and glycerokinase . The mutants are severely deficient in phosphoglycerate and pyruvate kinase and also have somewhat reduced levels of other carbon enzymes.

Aust N Z J Med, 1983 Dec, 13(6), 647 - 51
Human insulin; Larkins RG; Two methods of synthesis of human insulin have been developed to the stage of commercial production . One entails synthesis of human insulin by bacteria ("biosynthetic" human insulin) and one entails the conversion of pork insulin into human insulin by an amino acid substitution ("semisynthetic" human insulin) . Both forms of human insulin have been shown to be safe, and to have similar efficacy and pharmacokinetics to purified pork insulin . Human insulin given by subcutaneous injection has been shown to elicit antibody formation in man, although the extent of this may be slightly less than in the case of purified pork insulin, and is certainly less than in the case of beef insulin and beef-pork combinations . The clinical significance of these differences in immunogenicity is doubtful . However there are rare defined situations, such as allergy to pork insulin and antibody-mediated insulin resistance where human insulin has been shown to have advantages over purified pork insulin . Bacterial synthesis of insulin provides an assured supply for the world's future needs, and it is conceivable that further technological refinement may make bacterial synthesis cheaper than extraction and purification of animal insulins . However, current evidence provides no basis for recommending human rather than purified animal insulin for the routine management of insulin dependent diabetes.

Carcinogenesis, 1983 Dec, 4(12), 1631 - 7
Inhibition of the mutagenicity of bay-region diol-epoxides of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by phenolic plant flavonoids; Huang MT et al.; Myricetin, robinetin and luteolin inhibited the mutagenic activity resulting from the metabolic activation of benzo{a}-pyrene and (+/-)-trans-7,8-dihydroxy-7,8-dihydrobenzo{a}-pyrene by rat liver microsomes . These naturally occurring plant flavonoids and seventeen additional flavonoids and related derivatives with phenolic hydroxyl groups inhibited the mutagenic activity of (+/-)-7 beta,8 alpha-dihydroxy-9 alpha,10 alpha-epoxy-7,8,9,10- tetrahydrobenzo{a}pyrene (B{a}P 7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide-2), which is an ultimate mutagenic and carcinogenic metabolite of benzo{a}pyrene . Several flavonoids without phenolic hydroxyl groups or with methylated phenolic hydroxyl groups were inactive . The mutagenic activity of 0.05 nmol of BP 7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide-2 towards strain TA 100 of S . typhimurium was inhibited 50% by incubation of the bacteria and the diol-epoxide with myricetin (2 nmol), robinetin (2.5 nmol), luteolin (5 nmol), quercetin (5 nmol), 7-methoxyquercetin (5 nmol), rutin (5 nmol), quercetin (5 nmol), delphinidin chloride (5 nmol), morin (10 nmol), myricitrin (10 nmol), kaempferol (10 nmol), diosmetin (10 nmol), fisetin (10 nmol), or apigenin (10 nmol) . Considerably less antimutagenic activity was observed for dihydroquercetin, naringenin, robinin, D-catechin, genistein, kaempferide and chrysin . Pentamethoxyquercetin, tangeretin, nobiletin, 7,8-benzoflavone, 5,6-benzoflavone, and flavone, which lack free phenolic groups, were inactive . The antimutagenic activity of hydroxylated flavonoids results from their direct interaction with B{a}P 7,8-diol-9,10-epoxide-2 since the rate of disappearance of the diol-epoxide from cell-free solutions in 1:9 dioxane:water was markedly stimulated by myricetin, robinetin and quercetin . Myricetin was a highly potent inhibitor of the mutagenic activity of bay-region diol-epoxides of benzo{a}pyrene, dibenzo{a,h}pyrene and dibenzo{a,i}pyrene, but higher concentrations of myricetin were needed to inhibit the mutagenicity of the chemically less reactive benzo{a}pyrene 4,5-oxide and bay region diol-epoxides of benz{a}anthracene, chrysene and benzo{c}phenanthrene.

Immunopharmacology, 1983 Dec, 6(4), 259 - 66
The effect of azathioprine on terminal differentiation of human B lymphocytes; Gorski A et al.; The effect of azathioprine on the terminal differentiation of human B cells triggered in vitro by pokeweed mitogen and S . aureus Cowan I bacteria was studied . AZ caused an enhancement of Ig synthesis in its lower concentrations, a phenomenon dependent on the inactivation of suppressor T cells . Higher drug concentrations impaired T-helper function as well as B cell differentiation of peripheral blood, lymph node, and spleen lymphocytes.

Postgrad Med, 1983 Dec, 74(6), 79 - 84, 88
Diaper dermatitis . Factors to consider in diagnosis and treatment; Honig PJ; Diaper dermatitis is a common problem in infants and young children . Although the pathogenesis of diaper dermatitis is not well defined, many associated factors have been identified, including individual predisposition to atopic or seborrheic dermatitis, occlusion and friction caused by the diaper, and overgrowth of bacteria and yeast . General treatment goals involve keeping the diaper area as dry as possible, washing the area as infrequently as possible, and avoiding tight-fitting diapers . Petrolatum, talc, baking soda, and fluorinated topical steroidal medications should be avoided . If all else fails, toilet training provides the final answer.

J Hosp Infect, 1983 Dec, 4(4), 399 - 402
A comparative study of intravenous cannulae--'Venflon' with valved sideport and 'Intraflux' with membranous sideport; Jakobsen CJ et al.; The rate of contamination of the inner surface of 'Venflon' type cannulae with valved injection sideports was compared with that of 'Intraflux' type cannulae with membranous injection sideports . Of 46 'Venflon' cannulae and 34 'Intraflux' cannulae, 17.4 per cent and 20.6 per cent, respectively, were contaminated and no correlation of contamination of lumen was found with frequency of use of the sideports in the different cannulae, or with duration of use of the cannulae.

Acta Trop, 1983 Dec, 40(4), 311 - 20
Immunity and rickettsial infection: a review; Tringali GR et al.; Immunity to rickettsiae is enhanced by both T-lymphocytes and humoral antibodies; however, the principal effector of rickettsial killing is the macrophage . Lymphokines may play an important role . There is undoubtedly a complex in vivo interaction between the immune, phagocytic, and inflammatory host defenses against these obligate intracellular bacteria.

Postgrad Med, 1983 Dec, 74(6), 141 - 8, 150-1
Pharmacotherapy of inflammatory bowel disease . Part 1 . Sulfasalazine; Das KM; Published studies suggest that sulfasalazine is effective in treating mild to moderate attacks of ulcerative colitis . Its usefulness in severe attacks has not been adequately tested . Published reports also justify the use of sulfasalazine to prevent recurrence of ulcerative colitis . It is not clear how long maintenance therapy should be continued, but evidence to date favors prolonged treatment in the absence of side effects . In treatment of Crohn's disease, sulfasalazine has been shown to be effective when disease involves the colon or the colon and small intestine . Maintenance therapy does not prevent relapse . Recent studies have indicated that 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) may be the therapeutic moiety of sulfasalazine, and sulfapyridine (SP) may be related to most of the side effects . Therefore, research is under way to develop a product that contains 5-ASA without the sulfonamide component and that is capable of reaching the colon without being absorbed in the upper small intestine.

J Biol Chem, 1983 Nov 25, 258(22), 13506 - 12
Isolation and comparison of two molecular species of the BAL 31 nuclease from Alteromonas espejiana with distinct kinetic properties; Wei CF et al.; The extracellular nuclease from Alteromonas espejiana sp . BAL 31 can be isolated as two distinct proteins, the "fast" (F) and "slow" (S) species, both of which have been purified to homogeneity . The F and S species of the nuclease have molecular weights, respectively, of 109 X 10(3) and 85 X 10(3), and both are single polypeptide chains with an isoelectric pH near 4.2 . Both species catalyze the degradation of single-stranded and linear duplex DNAs to 5'-mononucleotides . The degradation of linear duplex DNA occurs through a terminally directed hydrolysis mechanism that results in the removal of nucleotides from both the 3' and 5' ends . Apparent Michaelis constants (Km) have been obtained for the exonuclease activities of both species and for the activity against single-stranded DNA of the S species . The Km for the hydrolysis of single-stranded DNA catalyzed by the F species has not been obtained because the reaction velocity was maximal even at the lowest substrate concentrations accessible in the photometric assay . The ratio of the turnover numbers for the exonuclease activities of the two species indicates that the F species will shorten linear duplex DNA at a rate 27 +/- 5 (S.D.) times faster than an equimolar concentration of the S species in the limit of high substrate concentration, while the corresponding ratio for the activities against single-stranded DNA (1.2 +/- 0.1) shows that the two species are similar with respect to hydrolysis of this substrate . In the limit of high substrate concentrations, the F and S species break phosphodiester bonds in single-stranded DNA at rates 1.3 +/- 0.3 and 33 +/- 2 times those for the exonucleolytic degradation of linear duplex DNA, respectively . It has not been established whether the two species are physically related.

Biochim Biophys Acta, 1983 Nov 23, 735(3), 380 - 6
Interaction of biologically active molecules with phospholipid membranes . I . Fluorescence depolarization studies on the effect of polymeric biocide bearing biguanide groups in the main chain; Ikeda T et al.; Interaction of poly(hexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride) (PHMB), which is a polymeric biocide bearing biguanide groups in its main chain, with phospholipid bilayers was studied by the fluorescence depolarization method . A strong interaction of PHMB with negatively charged bilayers composed of phosphatidylglycerol(PG) alone or of PG and phosphatidylcholine (PC) was observed, whereas neutral PC bilayers were not affected . On adding PHMB, the fluorescence polarization of diphenylhexatriene embedded in the negatively charged bilayers was reduced to a great extent, especially in the gel phase . This was interpreted in terms of PHMB-induced expansion and fluidization of the bilayer, which enables the probe molecule to undergo less-hindered torsional motion . Similarity between PHMB and polymyxin B in the structure, the mode of action against bacteria and the interaction with lipid membranes is discussed.

J Mol Biol, 1983 Nov 15, 170(4), 1045 - 8
Occurrence of a single helix of the collagen type in globular proteins; Soman KV et al.; The occurrence of an eight-residue long segment of polypeptide chain in collagen helical conformation has been detected in bacteriochlorophyll a-protein by the application of an algorithm for identifying secondary structures in globular proteins from their alpha-carbon positions . This segment spans residues 277 to 284 of the protein and is the longest known stretch of collagen helix to be observed in globular proteins.

J Immunol Methods, 1983 Nov 11, 64(1-2), 7 - 16
Glutaraldehyde stabilisation of antibody-linked erythrocytes for use in reverse passive and related haemagglutination assays; Cranage MP et al.; A simple method for stabilising antibody-linked red blood cells by the addition of low concentrations of glutaraldehyde is described . Fresh and stabilised reagent-linked cells were shown to compare favourably in reverse passive haemagglutination for the measurement of human immunoglobulin isotypes, G, A and M and for the detection of respiratory syncytial and herpes simplex viruses . Stabilised cells were also used to detect antibodies to bacteria and to a soluble antigen adsorbed to a solid phase by mixed haemagglutination reactions.

J Biol Chem, 1983 Nov 10, 258(21), 13148 - 54
Identification of the target amino acids in the site-specific inactivation of triose phosphate isomerase by ferrate anion; Steczko J et al.; Ferrate anion, an analog of orthophosphate anion, very rapidly inactivates triose phosphate isomerase from chicken muscle . The inactivation can be prevented by the presence of competitive inhibitors . Of the 247 amino acids known to be present in each of the identical monomers of this dimeric enzyme, Trp-168, located in the active site pocket, as well as Trp-191 and His-248 are destroyed . The partial loss of Tyr-164 also occurs . Trp-168 is known from published crystallographic studies to be located in the active site cavity harboring Glu-165 . The gamma-carboxylate group of Glu-165 is believed to serve as the nucleophile which catalyzes the isomerization . Tyr-164, Glu-165, and Trp-168 are known to be conserved in all of the triose phosphate isomerases which have been sequenced, including those obtained from mammals, chicken, fish, yeast, and bacteria . It is suggested that the chemical modification of Trp-168 alters its shape and hydrophobic character in a manner that adversely affects the conformation of the active site cavity . When the chicken enzyme is treated with ferrate in the presence of the competitive inhibitor phosphoglycolate, only His-248 is destroyed . Thus, His-248, which is the COOH-terminal amino acid, cannot be essential for activity . This observation is consistent with the knowledge that it is not invariant in the enzyme from various species.

J Theor Biol, 1983 Nov 7, 105(1), 13 - 23
A theory of excitation transfer in photosynthetic units; Kudzmauskas S et al.; A theory of the excitation kinetics in the bacteria photosynthetic unit with regard to its globular structure is presented . It assumes that the excitation transfer between globulae is carried out by means of the mechanism of incoherent excitons, at the same time considering the finite time of the excitation fixation in the reaction center . A method of local perturbations is used with a view to finding a solution to the given problem . The expressions obtained for the fluorescence decay time and its quantum yield are discussed in connection with the multiple experiments considering the cubic as well as the hexagonal probable structure of the photosynthetic unit . The analysis given shows that the period of the excitation transfer between globulae equals 10 to 100 psec and the number of the globulae is less than 35 . These conclusions fall in with the initial assumption of the energy transfer between globulae by incoherent excitons . Without considering the globularity, the consistency of the theory with experimental data becomes difficult.

Jpn J Surg, 1983 Nov, 13(6), 546 - 8
Adjuvant effect of heparin on peritonitis induced in rats; Bagree MM et al.; The caecal apex in rats was ligated and animals given no treatment died at an early period . When kanamycin intraperitoneally (i.p.) or kanamycin i.p . plus heparin 20 units subcutaneously (s.c.) were given, 75 per cent of rats died within 10 days after development of peritonitis . In rats given kanamycin and heparin i.p., 25 per cent of rats died at much the same time . On the contrary, survival rates were 100 per cent in rats treated with kanamycin and heparin i.p . and heparin s.c . (total dose of heparin was same as given to other groups) . In these rats, bacteria were not cultured from the fluid obtained in the peritoneal cavity . These results suggest that when heparin is given i.p . or s.c., it plays a significant role as an adjuvant in the treatment of peritonitis along with the usual chemotherapy.

Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol, 1983 Nov, 5(9), 649 - 54
Concentrations of cefazolin sodium in ischemic extremities; Numata M; Patients with ischemic extremities were administered 2 g of cefazolin sodium (CEZ) intravenously from the unaffected extremity . Blood samples were periodically taken from both affected and unaffected extremities and concentrations of CEZ in both samples were compared . No statistically significant difference was observed in the concentration of CEZ in affected and unaffected extremities, which suggested that systematic administration of CEZ has satisfactory effects on ischemic extremities.

J Infect, 1983 Nov, 7(3), 236 - 47
A study of respiratory infections in the elderly to assess the role of respiratory syncytial virus; Morales F et al.; A prospective study was performed from 1 December 1981 to 31 May 1982 in two departments of geriatric medicine in Edinburgh . This yielded 159 cases of acute respiratory tract infection (RTI) . Twelve of these were undoubtedly associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), 14 with influenza A and 18 with influenza B (as established in each case by a fourfold or greater increase in antibody titre) . Eighty-five of the 159 patients with RTI and RSV titres of 32 or greater . Their significance is discussed . The undoubted RSV infections all involved the lower respiratory tract and were associated with prolonged illness . This epidemic of RSV infection was confined to one of the two hospitals . It lasted less than four weeks and was probably hospital-acquired.

Z Gastroenterol, 1983 Nov, 21(11), 628 - 36
{Hydrogen (H2) breath tests in the diagnosis of small intestine diseases}; Wildgrube HJ et al.; We have applied the ion sensitive analysis of hydrogen (H2) in expired air in intervals of five minutes for five hours to determine carbohydrate malabsorption . In 19 patients with lactose malabsorption the increase in hydrogen was prior (45, SE 13 min) to healthy volunteers (142, SD 71 min, p less than 0.01) . In comparison to blood glucose with the breath test no false positive results were observed . D-xylose absorption measured by breath test and renal excretion for five hours was determined in 24 volunteers and 12 patients with various intestinal diseases . There was a good correlation between both methods . In all patients the area under the concentration-time-curve was elevated (2077, SD 1260 ppm H2/5h) compared to healthy volunteers (434, SD 271 ppm H2/5h, p less than 0.01) . Small bowel transit time was determined by ingestion of lactulose . In 32 healthy persons transit time was 85, SD 19 min . In 10 patients an early increase in hydrogen indicated bacterial overgrowth in the small bowel while 14C-Cholylglycine-breath test was abnormal in only six patients . The hydrogen breath test measured by ionsensitive mode is noninvasive, well tolerated, semiquantitative, and ideally suited for screening of intestinal disorders.

Burns Incl Therm Inj, 1983 Nov, 10(2), 79 - 85
Phagocytic activity of granulocytes and alveolar macrophages after burn injury measured by chemiluminescence; Schmidt K et al.; Despite substantial progress in handling the acute phase, about 50 per cent of all severely burned patients are still subject to lethal infections during the later stages of the burn disease . Such patients frequently succumb to infections by opportunistic bacteria and viruses of normally low virulence indicating that the antiinfectious host defences are severely compromised . The present study was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of severe thermal injury on the two major categories of phagocytic cells, the circulating phagocytes of the blood and the alveolar macrophages as one population of the fixed phagocytes of the reticulo-endothelial system . The cells were isolated from burned and unburned rats . For quantitative assessment of the phagocytic function the chemiluminescence associated with the phagocytosis of opsonized zymosan particles was measured, using luminol as a chemiluminigenic probe . It turned out that as a consequence of the thermal trauma the phagocytic activity as measured by chemiluminescence is reduced in granulocytes as well as in alveolar macrophages.

J Infect Dis, 1983 Nov, 148(5), 823 - 35
The kinetics of early inflammatory events during experimental pneumonia due to Legionella pneumophila in guinea pigs; Davis GS et al.; An animal model of Legionella pneumophila pneumonia was developed to study aerosol infection, pathogenesis, and pulmonary host defense mechanisms . Guinea pigs were exposed in an inhalation facility that limited the aerosol of L pneumophila to the snout . Bronchoalveolar lavage was used to sample airspace cells, secretions, and bacteria during developing infection in 79 exposed animals and 13 uninfected controls . An influx of polymorphonuclear neutrophils followed exponential bacterial growth during the initial three days of infection and coincided with limitation of the increase in bacteria recovered . A macrophage influx occurred at three to five days . Bacteria were eliminated from the lung by 11 days after exposure . Albumin in lavage fluid peaked at two days . Most viable L pneumophila organisms were associated with alveolar macrophages, whereas most of the bacteria associated with polymorphonuclear neutrophils were nonviable . Recruited, and possibly immune, defenses appear to be required for successful resolution of legionella pneumonia.

J Bacteriol, 1983 Nov, 156(2), 649 - 55
Murein structure and lack of DD- and LD-carboxypeptidase activities in Caulobacter crescentus; Markiewicz Z et al.; High-pressure liquid chromatography of a muramidase digest of murein sacculi from Caulobacter crescentus showed that the absence of D-alanine carboxypeptidase activity in the cells was reflected by a very high content of pentapeptide in the murein . Approximately half of the pentapeptide side chains were shown to contain glycine, which replaced D-alanine as the terminal amino acid.

Fertil Steril, 1983 Nov, 40(5), 655 - 60
Selection of human spermatozoa according to their relative motility and their interaction with zona-free hamster eggs; Forster MS et al.; Human spermatozoa were separated according to their motility by centrifuging semen on discontinuous Percoll gradients . Fractions of the gradients were examined for sperm motility, velocity, viability, morphology, bacteria, and sperm function using the hamster ova sperm penetration assay . The percentage of motile sperm increased from 40% to 60% motile sperm in 60% Percoll to 90% to 100% Percoll . Sperm velocity increased proportionately . Staining showed that greater than 90% of sperm in the 100% Percoll were alive and had normal morphology, and that only sperm cells were found in Percoll concentrations greater than 80% . Sperm isolated in the 80% to 100% Percoll fractions penetrated hamster ova much more frequently than sperm found in the 60% to 70% fractions or than sperm that had not been separated on a Percoll gradient.

Br J Radiol, 1983 Nov, 56(671), 871 - 5
Radiosensitisation of cells in vitro with misonidazole: dependence on endogenous sulphydryl; Walker H et al.; The radiosensitisation conferred upon hypoxic mammalian cells by misonidazole can be reduced by the addition of exogenous sulphydryl compounds and enhanced by the diminution of endogenous non-protein sulphydryl compounds (NPSH) . A similar enhancement of the effect of misonidazole has been demonstrated in bacteria which are genetically low in NPSH . In the experiments reported here, the radiosensitising ability of various concentrations of misonidazole on anoxic populations of a single strain of mammalian cells, containing different amounts of NPSH, has been measured . At misonidazole concentrations of 3mM and less, about twice as much misonidazole was required to confer the same degree of radiosensitisation on the cells which contained a high concentration of NPSH as was needed for cells which contained half the amount of NPSH . At these concentrations, misonidazole did not deplete endogenous NPSH . 5mM misonidazole conferred the same enhancement of sensitivity in both high- and low-NPSH-containing cells . The oxygen enhancement ratio, and extrapolation number of the survival curves, for cells irradiated without misonidazole were not affected by the variation in NPSH.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1983 Nov, 80(22), 6740 - 4
Correlation between rate constant for reduction and redox potential as a basis for systematic investigation of reaction mechanisms of electron transfer proteins; Meyer TE et al.; Rate constants for the reduction of approximately 40 electron transfer proteins by photoreduced flavins have been determined by laser flash photolysis techniques . The data for a series of 12 homologous cytochromes and 10 homologous high redox potential ferredoxins (HiPIPs) are in excellent agreement with semi-empirical equations relating rate constant and thermodynamic redox potential that have proven applicable to nonbiological electron transfer systems . These correlations allow the establishment of relative reactivities within structurally homologous classes of biological oxidation-reduction proteins, including cytochromes and HiPIPs, and a variety of nonhomologous heme-, iron-sulfur-, copper-, and flavin-containing proteins . A qualitative correspondence is shown to exist between such relative reactivity and the extent of solvent exposure of the redox centers in a particular structural class . The implications of these results are considered, and it is concluded that free energy relationships provide a sound basis for systematic analysis of reaction mechanisms of electron transfer proteins.

Poult Sci, 1983 Nov, 62(11), 2183 - 6
Mold inhibitory activity of an N-oxime ether; Burditt SJ et al.; A N-oxime ether (CG-97967), representative of a new class of mold inhibitors that have promising in vitro activity, was tested for activity in unaltered corn meal . Using inhibition of the production of respiratory CO2 as the criterion of antifungal activity, the N-oxime ether was equal or superior to propionic acid in three batches of corn meal . Further testing against pure cultures of fungi, yeast, and bacteria revealed that the experimental compound was unstable and was inactivated by heating, which caused an oxidative decarboxylation . These results suggest that use of the N-oxime ether would be inappropriate in pelleted poultry feed.

J Clin Microbiol, 1983 Nov, 18(5), 1040 - 6
Serogrouping and subtyping of Legionella pneumophila with monoclonal antibodies; Joly JR et al.; Monoclonal antibodies directed against Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1 to 6 were produced by fusing splenocytes of BALB/c mice with the Sp 2/0-Ag14 or the NSO mouse myeloma cell lines . Specificity of these antibodies was determined by indirect fluorescent-antibody staining: 8 reacted with L . pneumophila serogroup 1 and, respectively, 13, 6, 6, 5, and 10 reacted with serogroups 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6; all except 5 were serogroup specific, and none presented cross-reactions with six other species of Legionellaceae . Serogroup determination of 35 isolates of L . pneumophila with seven selected monoclonal antibodies resulted in correct serogrouping in all instances; a pool of the same seven monoclonal antibodies stained intensely all strains of L . pneumophila without any staining of the other species of Legionellaceae . When 24 serogroup 1 isolates of L . pneumophila were stained with eight serogroup 1-specific monoclonal antibodies, the staining patterns could be clustered in five distinct groups . These hybridomas thus represent an unlimited source of standard reagent that could be used in the detection and serogrouping of L . pneumophila; differences in staining patterns could be used as epidemiological markers for these bacteria.

Br J Anaesth, 1983 Nov, 55(11), 1113 - 7
Randomized controlled trial of physiotherapy for postoperative pulmonary complications; Morran CG et al.; A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy to assess the value of routine chest physiotherapy . One hundred and two patients entered the study: 47 patients developed no pulmonary complications, 29 had pulmonary atelectasis and a further 26 developed chest infection . The pattern of changes in arterial oxygen tension in the period after operation supported the clinical allocation of the patients . Of 51 patients not receiving physiotherapy, 11 developed atelectasis and 19 chest infection . Of 51 treated patients, 18 developed atelectasis and seven chest infection . Routine prophylactic postoperative chest physiotherapy decreased significantly the frequency of chest infection (P less than 0.02).

J Clin Pathol, 1983 Nov, 36(11), 1207 - 14
A review of the current status and techniques of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for treatment of leukaemia; Prentice HG; Bone marrow transplantation is now an accepted component in the overall therapy of acute and chronic (myeloid) leukaemia for some selected patients . Some of the obstacles to success have been partially overcome . Many advances in supportive care have been made . Pneumocystis carinii and herpes simplex infections are preventable . Effective decontamination of the gastrointestinal tract for bacteria and fungi is now readily achievable and may have reduced the risk of serious systemic infections . New antibiotics which, in combination, are effective in life-threatening infections are under study . Recent developments in the prevention or amelioration of graft versus host disease (GvHD) have included T lymphocyte depletion in the donor marrow and the use of the fungal polypeptide cyclosporin A . Less than 10% of patients would now be expected to succumb to this complication . Outstanding problems remaining to be resolved are the improvement in the antileukaemic conditioning prior to transplantation and the prevention or treatment of cytomegalovirus infection in the seropositive recipient . This infection can cause pneumonitis and is currently the single most frequent transplant related cause of mortality.

J Protozool, 1983 Nov, 30(4), 692 - 700
Scanning electron microscopy of attached trophozoites of pathogenic Entamoeba histolytica; Gonzalez-Robles A et al.; The surface morphology of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites of HM 1:IMSS (axenic and monoxenic) and HK9 (axenic) strains cultured on plastic and MDCK cell substrates was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) . The conditions for processing trophozoites were determined by comparing the SEM observations with the morphology of living amebas examined by light microscopy . The most frequent surface differentiations in all the amebas observed with SEM were lobopodia . Round cytoplasmic projections were found in approximately half of the axenic amebas . Endocytic stomas and filopodia were more common in monoxenic cultures while the uroid was found in only 2-8% of all examined amebas . The basal surfaces of the trophozoites, involved in both attachment and cytolysis, showed no unusual features, except for the presence of a small number of short filopodia at the outer edge . No differences were found in the morphology of amebas grown on artificial and natural substrates . These observations demonstrate that there are significant quantitative differences in the surface morphology of cultured trophozoites of different strains of E . histolytica and that association with bacteria produces an increase in the relative number of surface specializations of the parasite.

J Dairy Sci, 1983 Nov, 66(11), 2263 - 70
Transfer of plasma sulfate from blood to rumen . A review; Kandylis K; Sulfate of blood plasma recycled to the rumen is potentially an important source of sulfur for rumen bacteria, especially when the diet is low in sulfur, in much the same way as ammonia released from urea and transferred from the blood is a source of nitrogen . Estimates of recycling of endogenous sulfur to the rumen vary considerably among various roughage diets . Transfer of plasma sulfate from blood to rumen is attributable mainly to salivary sulfate, whereas direct flow of sulfate across the rumen epithelium is of minor importance . Regression analyses show that the rate of transfer of sulfate from blood plasma to the rumen for given diets is related to concentrations of sulfate in plasma . It is suggested that during sulfur deprivation, utilization of sulfate recycled to the rumen can be of considerable significance to sulfur economy of the ruminant.

Infect Immun, 1983 Nov, 42(2), 692 - 5
Species specificity of Bordetella adherence to human and animal ciliated respiratory epithelial cells; Tuomanen EI et al.; Bacteria of the genus Bordetella adhere preferentially to ciliated respiratory epithelial cells . We investigated the specificity of this unique tropism by assessing the concentration-dependent adherence of the three Bordetella species to ciliated cells from different hosts . Bordetella pertussis and Bordetella parapertussis adhere better to human ciliated cells than to those from rabbits, mice, or hamsters . In contrast, Bordetella bronchiseptica demonstrates preferential adherence to nonhuman mammalian ciliated cells of rabbits, mice, and hamsters . There was no attachment of any Bordetella organisms to chicken ciliated cells . These observations suggest that specificities of attachment may explain the marked predominance of B . pertussis as the cause of whooping cough in humans and of B . bronchiseptica as a respiratory pathogen of many nonhuman mammals.

J Clin Periodontol, 1983 Nov, 10(6), 618 - 35
Behavior of neutrophilic granulocytes in a case of Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome; Schroeder HE et al.; Recently we had the opportunity to examine and follow up over a period of 2 years an unusual case of Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) . A 10 year old boy exhibited all symptoms typical of PLS except periodontitis and premature loss of deciduous teeth . The present report aimed at studying the functional capacity of his neutrophilic granulocytes . It integrates clinical observations, histopathological findings and results of in vitro tests . The bioptic material examined included one gingival biopsy, extracted teeth, suppurative material discharged from periodontal pockets, pus emanating from a mucosal abscess, and peripheral blood leucocytes . The neutrophils were sampled on two separate occasions in two independent laboratories and tested for a variety of functions, i.e . motility, random and directional locomotion (chemotaxis), phagocytosis, membrane potential depolarization, oxygen consumption, NBT reduction, and intracellular killing of bacteria and fungi . Findings and test data indicated that in this case of PLS, neutrophilic granulocytes behaved normally with respect to all these functions including margination in blood vessels, emigration, phagocytosis of a broad range of bacteria, degranulation of lysosomes, and intracellular destruction . The data imply that factors other than neutrophil defects may be responsible for rapidly destructive periodontitis in cases where PLS is not associated with an increased susceptibility to infection.

Tokai J Exp Clin Med, 1983 Nov, 8(4), 349 - 57
Effect of long-term administration of paromomycin sulfate on the level of serum albumin and gamma-globulin in human cirrhosis; Tarao K et al.; The efficacy of administration of oral paromomycin sulfate on serum albumin and gamma-globulin levels was studied in cirrhotic patients . After an observation period of 3 months, paromomycin sulfate at 2.0 g per day or a placebo was administered for 6 months, and changes in serum albumin and in gamma-globulin levels were examined every three months . Out of 16 cirrhotic patients treated with paromomycin, 11 (68.8%) showed significant increases in serum albumin compared with one out of 16 in the placebo group . Concerning gamma-globulin, seven (43.8%) patients in the paromomycin group showed significant decreases compared with one in the placebo group . In addition, among the 11 cirrhotics whose endotoxemia decreased after paromomycin administration, eight (72.7%) showed significant increases in albumin level . It was suggested that paromomycin improves the serum albumin and gamma-globulin levels in cirrhosis through the alleviation of endotoxemia caused by intestinal bacteria.

J Immunol Methods, 1983 Oct 28, 63(3), 367 - 76
A sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IgA protease activity; Reinholdt J et al.; IgA proteases are enzymes of bacterial origin capable of cleaving human IgA1 into Fab alpha and Fc alpha fragments . This article describes a solid phase assay employing microamounts of protease as well as substrate for the quantitation of IgA protease activity . IgA substrate (IgA paraprotein, colostrum S-IgA, or simply diluted saliva) is bound to the surface of a polystyrene microtitration plate coated with anti-light chain antibody in order to assure binding of substrate molecules through Fab alpha . Incubation of such bound substrate with IgA protease, either prepared or as protease-producing whole bacteria, results in release of Fc alpha whereas Fab alpha is still retained after wash . Loss of Fc alpha is detected through a reduced capacity for binding of peroxidase-conjugated anti-alpha-chain antibody, the binding of which is detected using standard ELISA techniques . Simplicity and extreme sensitivity make this assay useful for quantitation of IgA protease activity, for kinetic studies of the enzyme, and for detection of IgA protease activity in single agar plate colonies of bacteria.

Proc R Soc Lond B Biol Sci, 1983 Oct 22, 219(1216), 281 - 313
Epidemiology and genetics in the coevolution of parasites and hosts; May RM et al.; Recent studies suggest that parasites (interpreted broadly to include viruses, bacteria, protozoans and helminths) may influence the numerical magnitude or geographical distribution of their host populations; most of such studies focus on the population biology and epidemiology of the host-parasite association, taking no explicit account of the genetics . Other researchers have explored the possibility that the coevolution of hosts and parasites may be responsible for much of the genetic diversity found in natural populations, and may even be the main reason for sexual reproduction; such genetic studies rarely take accurate account of the density- and frequency-dependent effects associated with the transmission and maintenance of parasitic infections . This paper aims to combine epidemiology and genetics, reviewing the way in which earlier studies fit into a wider scheme and offering some new ideas about host-parasite coevolution . One central conclusion is that 'successful' parasites need not necessarily evolve to be harmless: both theory and some empirical evidence (particularly from the myxoma-rabbit system) indicate that many coevolutionary paths are possible, depending on the relation between virulence and transmissibility of the parasite or pathogen.

Science, 1983 Oct 21, 222(4621), 297 - 302
Fourier transform infrared spectrometry; Griffiths PR; The theory and instrumentation for Fourier transform infrared spectrometry are discussed . These instruments measure infrared spectra of the same quality as spectra measured on grating spectrometers in about one thousandth of the time . Their sensitivity advantage for spectra measured in equal times is between a factor of 10 and 100 . Commercial spectrometers are now available from nine vendors in North America . Important areas of chemistry include atmospheric monitoring, surface chemistry, and on-line identification of chromatographically separated materials . Many new biochemical and biomedical applications are also becoming apparent, including investigations of phase transitions in lipids and studies of the biocompatibility of implant polymers.

Fortschr Med, 1983 Oct 20, 101(39), 1766 - 73
{Hepatic coma . Principles of pathogenesis and treatment . 2: Treatment, prognosis}; Muting D et al.; According to the multifactorial pathogenesis of hepatic coma, generally caused by the increased formation of toxic protein metabolites in the gut, the most important therapeutical measure is the cleaning and acidifying of the gut . This is possible very simply and cheaply by high enemas of sodium acetate buffers of pH 4,5 and lactulose . If necessary, neomycin or paromomycin must be administered in high doses of 6--8 gm/daily to reduce the pathogenic intestinal bacteria . The detoxification capacity of liver and brain can be improved by intravenous and later oral administration of ammonia reducing amino acids such as arginine, ornithine, and aspartic acid (10--20 gm/daily) . They diminish also the elevated serum phenols . Very helpful are also branched chain amino acids which improve apparently the detoxification capacity of the muscle . Very important is the normalization of disturbances of the water and electrolyte balance, especially the normalization of hypokalemia . Very difficult is a successful treatment of cerebral edema and the disturbances of blood coagulation . In special cases of endogenous hepatic coma liver perfusions, hemodialysis, charcoal perfusions a.s.o . can eliminate successfully toxic protein metabolites, whilst this treatment is generally insufficient in the more frequent exogenous hepatic coma . In summary the prognosis of hepatic coma is also nowadays very serious and can only be improved by the early recognition and elimination of exacerbating factors.

Experientia, 1983 Oct 15, 39(10), 1141 - 2
Phagocytosis in diabetic subjects: increase in hydrophobicity of granulocyte cytoplasmic membrane; Galdiero F et al.; Granulocytes from diabetic subjects have impaired ability to engulf bacteria; the data obtained suggest that the alterations are correlated with an increase in surface hydrophobicity, as measured by contact angle.

Anal Biochem, 1983 Oct 15, 134(2), 347 - 54
Use of endoproteinase Lys-C from Lysobacter enzymogenes in protein sequence analysis; Jekel PA et al.; Endoproteinase Lys-C from Lysobacter enzymogenes, which is commercially available, proved to be useful in the determination of primary structures of proteins . The enzyme preferentially cleaves at the carboxyl side of lysine residues.

Nature . 1983 Oct 13-19;305(5935):564.
Genetic engineering: frost damage trial halted; Budiansky S; KIE: The University of California at Berkeley has announced the postponement of a planned experiment involving the field testing of bacteria genetically engineered to reduce frost damage to crops . The action came after Jeremy Rifkin, who had earlier filed suit against the National Institutes of Health after its Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee had approved the experiment, threatened to seek a temporary restraining order against the university to halt the experiment .

Obstet Gynecol, 1983 Oct, 62(4), 498 - 501
A case-control study of wound abscess after cesarean delivery; Gibbs RS et al.; A retrospective, case-control study was performed to determine risk factors for, and complications of, wound abscess after cesarean delivery . The records of 64 patients with abscess and 64 controls were examined . The following variables were significantly associated with wound abscess: labor duration, interval from rupture of membranes to delivery, number of vaginal examinations, duration of internal fetal monitoring, operating time, and estimated blood loss . Also strongly associated were presence of endometritis or chorioamnionitis, fever in labor, and an indication of dystocia . The mean hospital stay was six days longer in patients with wound abscess . Fascial dehiscence requiring repair was present in 4.7%.

J Gen Virol, 1983 Oct, 64 (Pt 10), 2317 - 21
Antiviral activities of cloned human leukocyte interferons against herpes simplex virus type 2 infections of mice; Fish EN et al.; Human alpha-interferons (IFN-alpha s) made in bacteria were examined for antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infections of mouse L-cells in vitro, and acute cervicovaginal and lethal systemic HSV-2 infections of BALB/c mice . The recombinant DNA-derived hybrid interferon IFN-alpha AD(Bgl) showed pronounced antiviral activity in vitro, exceeding the activity of either of the parental subtypes IFN-alpha A and IFN-alpha D and that of the other hybrids IFN-alpha AD(Pvu) and IFN-alpha DA(Bgl) . A combination of topical and systemic treatments with IFN-alpha A and IFN-alpha AD(Bgl) failed to protect mice from subsequent challenge with an acute cervicovaginal infection of HSV-2 . Protection from lethal systemic HSV-2 infection in mice was observed when IFN-alpha AD(Bgl) and IFN-alpha AD(Pvu) were administered systemically, whereas IFN-alpha A failed to confer protection . These results suggest that for protection against infection with HSV-2, the routes of introduction of the virus and of the interferon influence the host response to interferon therapy.

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