Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 May, 86(9), 3227 - 31 denV gene of bacteriophage T4 restores DNA excision repair to mei-9 and mus201 mutants of Drosophila melanogaster; Banga SS et al.; The denV gene of bacteriophage T4 was fused to a Drosophila hsp70 (70-kDa heat shock protein) promoter and introduced into the germ line of Drosophila by P-element-mediated transformation . The protein product of that gene (endonuclease V) was detected in extracts of heat-shocked transformants with both enzymological and immunoblotting procedures . That protein restores both excision repair and UV resistance to mei-9 and mus201 mutants of this organism . These results reveal that the denV gene can compensate for excision-repair defects in two very different eukaryotic mutants, in that the mus201 mutants are typical of excision-deficient mutants in other organisms, whereas the mei-9 mutants exhibit a broad pleiotropism that includes a strong meiotic deficiency . This study permits an extension of the molecular analysis of DNA repair to the germ line of higher eukaryotes . It also provides a model system for future investigations of other well-characterized microbial repair genes on DNA damage in the germ line of this metazoan organism. Plast Reconstr Surg, 1989 May, 83(5), 886 - 8 Congenital aplasia cutis: nonsurgical treatment with a synthetic skin substitute; Herman O et al.; A case is presented of a newborn with a large abdominal wall defect of aplasia cutis conservatively treated with a new skin substitute (Omiderm) . Omiderm is a thin, transparent membrane that is relatively inelastic when dry and capable of absorbing water . This provides an optimal environment for wound healing by preventing microbial invasion . It is simple to apply and easily removed, and it adheres without glue or staples . It is transparent, permitting direct vision of the defect . By enhancing the epithelialization process, shorter hospitalization is required . The large area of aplasia cutis healed completely under the Omiderm within 6 weeks. Clin Exp Immunol, 1989 May, 76(2), 159 - 64 Intravenous immune globulin impairs anti-bacterial defences of a cyclophosphamide-treated host; Cross AS et al.; Since intravenous immune globulin (i.v.IG) could impair the clearance of autologous IgG-coated erythrocytes by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), we speculated that a patient with leucopenia who died of candida septicaemia following high dose i.v.IG may have had an impairment of his RES function . We therefore studied the ability of intact i.v.IG to impair the clearance of both soluble immune complexes and a relatively avirulent strain of E . coli from the blood of mice made leucopenic with cyclophosphamide . In the presence of leucopenia, 800 micrograms/g i.v.IG prolonged the time to clear 50% of the administered IgG anti-dinitrophenyl immune complex (T1/2) from 2.7 min to 12 min, impaired the clearance of E . coli and lowered the LD50 of the strain five-fold . This impaired clearance of soluble complexes and increased mortality (8/67 versus 37/69, P less than 0.001) following bacterial challenge was present for up to 120 and 60 min, respectively, following the administration of i.v.IG . In contrast, no significant impairment in RES function was noted when 200 micrograms/g i.v.IG was administered to leucopenic mice, or when cyclophosphamide alone was given to mice before challenge with either soluble complexes or bacteria . In addition, no change in LD50 was found when mice were pretreated with 800 micrograms/g i.v.IG alone . These data suggest that high doses of i.v.IG may impair anti-microbial defences of a leucopenic host and thereby convert a relatively avirulent organism into a pathogen. Br J Pharmacol, 1989 May, 97(1), 181 - 9 Characteristics of oedema formation induced by N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine in rabbit skin; Hellewell PG et al.; 1 . The characteristics of N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP)-induced oedema formation were investigated in vivo in rabbit skin . 2 . FMLP injected intradermally alone induced a small increase in plasma leakage, but marked synergism with prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in producing oedema responses was observed . In the presence of PGE2, FMLP was equiactive with C5a des Arg and 100-1000 times more active than histamine in terms of permeability-increasing activity . The response to FMLP was not dependent on endogenous histamine release . 3 . FMLP-induced responses were of long duration (t1/2 approximately 40-50 min) when compared with bradykinin (t1/2 approximately 4-5 min) . 4 . The activity of a range of N-formyl peptides in increasing vascular permeability in skin correlated well with their activity as neutrophil stimulants in vitro . 5 . Intravenous infusion of zymosan-activated plasma (ZAP) resulted in transient neutropenia and inhibition of oedema formation induced by FMLP and C5a des Arg in the skin . Responses to bradykinin were unaffected by the infusion of ZAP . 6 . Intravenous injection of the non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug, ibuprofen, resulted in an inhibition of FMLP-induced, but not histamine-induced, oedema formation . This effect was independent of cyclo-oxygenase inhibition and the drug did not induced neutropenia . 7 . Intravenous injection of the microtubule blocking agent colchicine inhibited FMLP-induced oedema formation . Responses to bradykinin were unaffected . When colchicine was administered after intradermal FMLP, subsequent plasma leakage was abolished . 8 . The inference that receptors have evolved to bacterial secretions (i.e . FMLP) and products of the interaction of bacterial cell walls with tissue fluid (i.e . C5a des Arg), is consistent with the hypothesis that oedema formation is fundamentally a functional process concerned with regulating microbial lysis and opsonisation in an infected tissue. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1989 May 1, 995(3), 221 - 4 Specificity of milk-clotting enzymes towards bovine kappa-casein; Drohse HB et al.; Limited proteolysis of bovine kappa-casein has been investigated with porcine pepsin A and C, and with the 2 microbial proteinases Mucor miehei proteinase and Endothia parasitica proteinase . The liberated C-terminal glycomacropeptide of kappa-casein was isolated after precipitation in 3% trichloroacetic acid followed by high-performance gel-permeation chromatography on a TSK G3000 SW column . From amino acid analyses and N-terminal sequencing of the liberated peptide it is concluded that porcine pepsin A, C and Mucor miehei proteinase cleave the same bond as chymosin: Phe-105-Met-106 whereas Endothia parasitica proteinase cleaves the bond Ser-104-Phe-105. Nucleic Acids Res, 1989 Apr 25, 17(8), 2889 - 95 Determination of microbial genome sizes by two-dimensional denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis; Poddar SK et al.; In two-dimensional denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, DNA is digested with a restriction endonuclease and the resulting DNA fragments are separated as a function of size by conventional agarose gel electrophoresis . Following this first dimension electrophoresis, the fragment distribution is placed at the top of a denaturing gradient slab gel and electrophoresis is carried out parallel to the gradient direction . This second dimension separation is a complex function of the base sequence of each fragment . Analysis of the DNA fragment distribution as a function of fragment size allows the DNA size to be calculated . This method has been applied to calculate three microbial genome sizes: Mycoplasma capricolum, 724 kb; Acholeplasma laidlawii, 1646 kb; and Hemophilus influenzae, 1833 kb. FEBS Lett, 1989 Apr 24, 247(2), 468 - 70 A novel extracellular subtilisin inhibitor produced by a Streptomyces sp; Kourteva Y et al.; The amino acid composition and inhibitory properties of a protein (SI-1-72) isolated from the culture medium of a Streptomyces sp . have been investigated . SI-1-72 appears to be a monomer protein of molecular mass about 13,100 Da and amino acid composition which differs from that of the inhibitors of the Streptomyces subtilisin inhibitor (SSI) family . Furthermore, it was found to exhibit novel specificity: strong inhibitory effect against microbial alkaline proteinases, moderate effect towards chymotrypsin and elastase, and no inhibition of the other serine proteinases, as well as of the cysteine, aspartate and metallo-proteinases. J Mol Biol, 1989 Apr 20, 206(4), 791 - 2 Crystallization of a new class of microbial ribonuclease from Rhizopus niveus; Kurihara H et al.; Crystals of ribonuclease Rh, a new class of microbial ribonuclease from Rhizopus niveus, were obtained from polyethylene glycol 8000 solution by a vapour diffusion technique in the hanging drop mode . Two crystal forms, type I and type II, were obtained from the same droplet solution . Both forms belong to the space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), but their cell dimensions are markedly different: a = 68.3 A, b = 73.0 A, c = 50.0 A for type I and a = 67.5 A, b = 72.3 A, c = 44.2 A for type II . The type I crystals diffract beyond 2.0 A resolution and are suitable for X-ray structure analysis at high resolution. Biochemistry, 1989 Apr 4, 28(7), 3031 - 6 Myeloperoxidase-mediated inhibition of microbial respiration: damage to Escherichia coli ubiquinol oxidase; Rakita RM et al.; A microbicidal system, mediated by neutrophil myeloperoxidase, inhibits succinate-dependent respiration in Escherichia coli at rates that correlate with loss of microbial viability . Succinate dehydrogenase, the initial enzyme of the succinate oxidase respiratory pathway, catalyzes the reduction of ubiquinone to ubiquinol, which is reoxidized by terminal oxidase complexes . The steady-state ratio of ubiquinol to total quinone (ubiquinol + ubiquinone) reflects the balance between dehydrogenase-dependent ubiquinone reduction and terminal oxidase-dependent ubiquinol oxidation . Myeloperoxidase had no effect on total quinone content of E . coli but altered the steady-state ratio of ubiquinol to total quinone . The ratio doubled for organisms incubated with the myeloperoxidase system for 10 min, suggesting decreased ubiquinol oxidase activity, which was confirmed by observation of a 50% decrease in oxidation of the ubiquinol analogue 2,3-dimethoxy-5-methyl-6-decyl-1,4-benzoquinol . Despite inhibition of ubiquinol oxidase, overall succinate oxidase activity remained unchanged, suggesting that succinate dehydrogenase activity was preserved and that the dehydrogenase was rate limiting . Microbial viability was unaffected by early changes in ubiquinol oxidase activity . Longer (60 min) exposure of E . coli to the myeloperoxidase system resulted in only modest further inhibition of the ubiquinol oxidase, but the ubiquinol to total quinone ratio fell to 0%, reflecting complete loss of succinate dehydrogenase activity . Succinate oxidase activity was abolished, and there was extensive loss of microbial viability . Early myeloperoxidase-mediated injury to ubiquinol oxidase appeared to be compensated for by higher steady-state levels of ubiquinol which sustained electron turnover by mass effect . Later myeloperoxidase-mediated injuries eliminated succinate-dependent ubiquinone reduction, through inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase, with loss of succinate oxidase activity, effects which were associated with, although not clearly causal for, microbicidal activity. Mutat Res, 1989 Apr, 211(2), 231 - 41 Molecular dosimetry studies of forward mutation induced at the yg2 locus in maize by ethyl methanesulfonate; Schy WE et al.; The yg2 assay in Zea mays detects forward mutation in somatic cells within leaf primordia of embryos and it was used in an analysis of the molecular dosimetry of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) . Parallel genetic and molecular dosimetry experiments were conducted in which the frequency of forward mutation and the level of covalently bound ethyl DNA adducts were determined . Prepared kernels were treated for 8 h at 20 degrees C with 1-10 mM EMS . EMS induced a direct concentration-dependent increase in mutation induction proportional to the exposure concentration (slope = 0.93) . The kinetics of mutation induction demonstrated in the intact maize system were consistent with the kinetics observed earlier in in vitro model systems using cultured mammalian cells, and contrasted with the exponential increase in mutation induction characteristic of microbial species . Parallel molecular dosimetry experiments were conducted using {3H}EMS . DNA was extracted and purified from embryonic tissues containing the leaf primordia, the target tissue of the yg2 assay . A linear increase in the molecular dose was observed as a function of EMS concentration . Using concentration as a common parameter between the parallel genetic and dosimetry studies, mutation induction appeared to increase nearly in a direct proportion to the molecular dose . However, studies in other genetic systems indicate that the levels of specific DNA adducts, such as O6-ethylguanine (O6-EtGua) show a better correlation with mutation induction kinetics than molecular dose . Neither molecular dose, nor O6-EtGua levels account for differences in the absolute frequencies of mutation induction observed in different genetic systems . Therefore, reliable assessment of health risks posed to humans by chemical mutagens appears to require consideration of other factors in addition to DNA dose or adduct formation, including differences in repair capabilities and in the size of the genetic targets in humans relative to the model genetic systems under study. J Biochem (Tokyo), 1989 Apr, 105(4), 510 - 2 Production of optically active esters and alcohols from racemic alcohols by lipase-catalyzed stereoselective transesterification in non-aqueous reaction system; Nishio T et al.; Microbial lipase-catalyzed transesterification between vinyl acetate and (RS)-2-octanol or (RS)-1-phenylethanol was investigated in a reaction system without addition of aqueous or organic solvents . From a screening test with various lipases, it was found that the enzymes from Pseudomonas species could efficiently catalyze the reaction, and R-enantiomers of the racemic alcohols were preferentially esterified by them . Enantiomeric purities of the optically active alcohols (S) and esters (R) obtained from (RS)-1-phenylethanol by the stereoselective transesterification of these lipases were all more than 95%. J Chemother, 1989 Apr, 1 Suppl 1, 3 - 11 The use of antiseptics for handwashing by medical personnel; Maki DG; Numerous studies have shown that the major reservoir of nosocomial infection in the hospital is the infected or colonised patient and the major mode of spread of organisms between patients is on the hands of medical personnel . A prolonged preoperative scrub with an antiseptic is one of the most time-honoured rituals of surgical asepsis . Hygienic handwashing in the hospital or clinic, to remove transient contaminants acquired from patients or the environment and prevent cross-infection to vulnerable patients, is similarly regarded as one of the most fundamental infection control measures, yet is done infrequently by personnel in most hospitals . Following a typical brief (7.10 second) handwashing with a nonmedicated soap, the number of organisms that can be transmitted from the person's hands may, paradoxically, actually increase . Use of chlorhexidine for handwashing or application of an evaporative alcohol-based lotion has been found to reduce shedding of bacteria-laden skin squames . Routine use of antiseptic-containing handwashing agents is clearly more effective than nonmedicated soaps for microbial removal, can enhance the value of the handwashings that are done and might further confer protection against contaminants acquired between handwashings . In a sequential comparative trial of three handwashing agents in a surgical intensive care unit--a nonmedicated soap, 10% povidone-iodine solution, and 4% aqueous chlorhexidine, each used exclusively for approximately six weeks--the incidence of nosocomial infection was 50% lower during the use of the antiseptic handwashing products than during the use of nonmedicated soap (P less than .001) . Novel approaches are needed to improve the frequency of hygienic handwashing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) J Chemother, 1989 Apr, 1 Suppl 1, 25 - 7 The role of antiseptics and disinfectants in the control of nosocomial infections; Chiodo F et al.; More than 600,000 cases per year of nosocomial infection in Italy reflect, in part, the scant attention given to the vehicles of infection, conditions which favour cross-contamination and not least to the inappropriate use of antiseptics and disinfectants in our hospitals . Disinfection procedures are intended to remove or neutralise sources of potentially pathogenic organisms or to prevent their transmission by blocking the routes of transmission . Data to support many disinfection policies, particularly those of routine disinfection of inanimate surfaces, i.e . floors and walls, appear unable to show significant benefit to the patient . With the exception of particular areas, a correlation between reduction in counts of airborne bacteria and microbial colonisation or clinical infection has failed to be demonstrated . However, certain antiseptic practices e.g . correct hand washing procedures, surgical skin preparation and instrument sterilisation are of invaluable use in the control of nosocomial infection . It is therefore of critical importance in this period of cost cutting and financial restraint within the hospital services that we adopt those infection control measures which are of greatest cost effectiveness . A recent critical evaluation of the use of antiseptics in several Italian hospitals, illustrates the principal characteristics of antiseptics and their fundamental role in the control of hospital infection . This study also highlights common misuses of antiseptics and their cost/benefit ratio. Jikken Dobutsu, 1989 Apr, 38(2), 151 - 4 Differences in growth of transplantable ascites hepatoma among various lines of Donryu rat; Ding XD et al.; A total of 48 Donryu rats from 8 colonies of 5 lines were inoculated intravenously with 10(7) cells of the ascites hepatoma strain AH 66 . All the conventional rats of the lines D-1 and D-2 died between 9 and 15 days after inoculation with a good growth of implanted tumor cells . On the other hand, SPF rats of the lines A-1, B-1, C and E survived for 60 days showing complete rejection of the implanted tumor cells . A 50% of conventionalized ex-SPF rats of the lines A-2 and B-2, which had been once established as SPF colonies, and thereafter had been "re-conventionalized", rejected the tumor cells . The present observations indicate that the microbial conditions of the animal, e.g . whether the animal is SPF or not, might play an important role in the growth of the implanted ascites hepatoma. J Appl Bacteriol, 1989 Apr, 66(4), 301 - 2 Rapid photometric assay of growth of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp . capri; Meur SK et al.; A new spectrophotometric technique for evaluation of early growth in liquid culture of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp . capri has been developed . As turbidity does not appear until after incubation to 18 h the method utilizes the change in absorbance of the medium at 550 nm to monitor growth . The change in absorbance of the medium (which contains phenol red) occurs when the pH changes due to microbial growth . For measurement of growth at later stages when turbidity is proportional to number of colony forming units, two other wavelengths (450 nm and 700 nm) have been suggested. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1989 Apr, (4), 17 - 22 {Various mechanisms of formation of chronic tularemia in highly-sensitive animal species (Microtus rossiae-meridionalis)}; Shlygina KN et al.; Experiments on voles belonging to the tularemia-sensitive species Microtus rossiae-Meridionalis, infected with Francisella tularensis highly virulent strain 503, have been carried out with the aim of studying the pathogenesis of chronic tularemia . The experiments have been made with the use of live and killed microbial cells . The significance of the multiple oral administration of killed bacteria to voles for the development of the atypical form of infection has been shown . The possibility of the early (on day 2) formation of antibodies in the blood of some of the animals has been established . Repeated feeding has been found to lead to almost 100% seroconversion in the animals . This fact can be attributed to the rapid spread of the antigen (1-5 hours) in the organs of individual animals . Besides, the causative agent is present in large amounts in lymphoid formations of the intestinal tract and in the lumen of the intestine, which creates conditions for the early contact of the massive dose of the antigen with immunocompetent cells and for the rapid development of systemic and local immune response . Morphological study indicates the presence of the rapid (24 hours) proliferative reaction of the cells making up the lymphoid apparatus of the intestine, their plasmocytic and macrophagal transformation . Thus, after the infection of voles with a mixture of live and killed bacteria the development of the early phases of the infectious process occurs simultaneously with the systemic and local transformation of the macroorganism, which contributes to the benevolent course of the infectious process in some of the animals. Biomaterials, 1989 Apr, 10(3), 197 - 201 Implantable reservoir for supplemental insulin delivery on demand by external compression; Wang PY; Previously, a small implant of compressed insulin in palmitic acid provided a basal dose to reduce hyperglycaemia for 42 +/- 12 d in rats with induced diabetes . This study describes a silicone implant that can be used for preprandial dose supplements . The device consists of two compartments assembled by attaching a 9 mm diameter foam ring to a 6 mm diameter ring of the same material . The assembly is then enclosed between two membranes, and an annular external wall . Before sealing, a 6 mg piece of compressed insulin (Zn) is inserted into the smaller ring with 2 mg tetracycline to hinder microbial growth . The top membrane is pierced once with an 18 gauge needle, and the device is tested by implanting under the abdominal skin of diabetic rats . Serous fluid soon enters to fill the 141 microliter internal volume through the orifice and dissolves some of the insulin which does not leak out . Sidewise compression weekly over the skin fold of the unanesthetized animal shows that the insulin remained potent until used up after 154 d . When compressed daily, the insulin supply lasted for 24 +/- 4 d and maintained the blood glucose consistently at 3.4 +/- 1.1 mM/l for 6-8 h each day . The dependable device is refillable percutaneously by injection of an insulin suspension. Jpn J Med Sci Biol, 1989 Apr, 42(2), 39 - 49 High activity of acid phosphatase of Pseudomonas pseudomallei as a possible attribute relating to its pathogenicity; Dejsirilert S et al.; Phosphatase activities were compared quantitatively among selected species of pseudomonads . P . pseudomallei showed the highest activity of a bell-shaped pH pattern with a peak at around pH 5.0 . P . cepacia had a similar pattern of milder intensity . In contrast, P . aeruginosa revealed an alkaline phosphatase activity with a pH optimum higher than 8.0, but the level of activity was much lower than those of the above two species . The enzymatic reactions of other species were slight or negligible at their optimum pH in the same test system . These data were discussed in reference to their growth behavior in different pH environments and also in connection with such recent information that the high activity of microbial acid phosphatase may be a favorable attribute to their intracellular parasitism. J Clin Lab Immunol, 1989 Apr, 28(4), 179 - 82 Impaired in vitro lymphocyte response to toxoplasma antigen in HIV1 infected patients; Derouin F et al.; The containment of Toxoplasma gondii infection is largely dependent of T cell mediated immunity . In this study, in vitro lymphocyte responsiveness to T . gondii antigen was examined in 59 HIV1 infected individuals and in 58 HIV non-infected controls . Of the 45 patients with serological evidence of past Toxoplasma infection, a significant proliferative response was found in only 18, whereas responses were present in 48 out of 51 controls with anti-Toxoplasma antibodies . In the 27 non-responder patients, the lack of proliferative response to T . gondii antigen was correlated with the loss of CD4+ cells, and the impairment of proliferative responses to other microbial antigens, whereas responsiveness to phytohaemagglutinin and concanavalin A were not significantly diminished . Results are consistent with impairment of cell mediated immunity to T . gondii in patients at risk for reactivation of chronic Toxoplasma infection . Of note, in the one year clinical following, 2 of the 27 non-responder patients developed toxoplasmic encephalitis compared to 0 of 18 with a Toxoplasma specific proliferative response. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet, 1989 Apr-Jun, 14(2), 101 - 5 Absorption of oral enalapril in germ-free and microbially-associated rats; Pelkonen K et al.; The effect of microbial status and presence of food in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract on absorption of an orally administered antihypertensive drug {14C}-enalapril (1 mg/10 microCi/kg body weight) was studied in non-fasted and fasted germ-free (GF) and microbially-associated (MA) rats . The absorption was evaluated from blood samples taken 0.5, 2 and 4 h after the administration of enalapril . Drug levels in the lungs, liver, and duodenal mucosa were also measured by counting {14C}-radioactivities at 4 h after the drug administration . During the 4 h monitoring period enalapril was poorly absorbed in non-fasted rats as compared to fasted animals . In non-fasted rats, the absorption of enalapril was slightly slower in GF than in MA rats . In fasted rats, no difference was found between GF and MA animals . The results show that food in the GI tract substantially lowers or retards the absorption of enalapril in rats . The GF status of the GI tract, however, did not substantially affect the absorption of the ester-type drug enalapril. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 1989 Apr, 86(7), 2453 - 7 Microbial glycolipids: possible virulence factors that scavenge oxygen radicals; Chan J et al.; Two important pathogens of developing countries, Mycobacterium leprae, the etiologic agent of leprosy, and Leishmania donovani, the protozoal parasite that causes kalaazar, persist in the human host primarily in mononuclear phagocytes . The mechanisms by which they survive in these otherwise highly cytocidal cells are presently unknown . Since the best understood cytocidal mechanism of these cells is the oxygen-dependent system that provides lethal oxidants including the superoxide anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), hydroxyl radical (OH), and singlet oxygen (1O2), we sought specific microbial products of these organisms that might enable them to elude oxidative cytocidal mechanisms . Phenolic glycolipid I of M . leprae and lipophosphoglycan of L . donovani are unique cell-wall-associated glycolipids produced in large amounts by the organisms . In this study, phenolic glycolipid I derivatives and lipophosphoglycan were examined for their ability to scavenge potentially cytocidal oxygen metabolites in vitro . Electron spin resonance and spin-trapping indicate that phenolic glycolipid I derivatives and lipophosphoglycan are highly effective in scavenging hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions . The results suggest that complex glycolipids and carbohydrates of intracellular pathogens that can scavenge oxygen radicals may contribute to their pathogenicity and virulence. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis, 1989 Apr, 8(4), 331 - 51 Host-parasite interaction in fungal infections; Khardori N; The outcome of host-parasite interactions in fungal infections is determined by the balance between pathogenicity of the organism and the adequacy of the host defenses . A wide variety of host defense mechanisms are involved in protection against fungal infections . These include nonspecific mechanisms such as intact skin and mucus membranes, indigenous microbial flora, and the fungicidal activity of neutrophils and monocytes . Such mechanisms constitute the major host defense against opportunistic fungal infections caused by ubiquitous organisms of low virulence . The effective role of immunoglobulins and complement as opsonins varies with the fungal pathogen involved . Specific immune responses of both the humoral and cell-mediated type develop in response to infections by pathogenic fungi . Antibodies, in general, are not of major importance in protection against these infections . Specifically sensitized T lymphocytes produce lymphokines that activate macrophages . Activated macrophages are the major line of defense against systemic fungal pathogens . The type and degree of impairment in immune responses determines the susceptibility and severity of diseases . The type of immune response also determines the tissue reactions in these diseases and sometimes may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease process . The role of natural killer cell activity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and biological response modifiers in various fungal infections has been described recently . The microbial factors of importance in fungal infections are adherence, invasion, presence of an antiphagocytic capsule, and ability to grow under altered physiological states of the host . The differences in the virulence of fungal strains is of minor importance in determining the outcome in general . The seriousness of the alteration of the host state rather than the pathogenic properties of the fungus determine the severity of the disease. Nippon Hotetsu Shika Gakkai Zasshi, 1989 Apr, 33(2), 466 - 74 {Effect of zinc iontophoresis on sealing of dentinal tubules by a new handy electolytic applicator}; Mishima N et al.; The authors devised a new handy apparatus for iontophoresis in order to prevent pulp irritation caused by tooth reduction . This study was intended to observe the ability of the device . 8% zinc chloride solution was iontophoresed in the dentin of extracted human and bovine teeth by the device . Then, the dye and microbial invasion tests were carried out to investigate how effectively it could seal the dentinal tubules . The following conclusions were drawn: 1 . By the zinc iontophoresis, the zinc briefly penetrated into the deep portion of the dentin . 2 . The zinc iontophoresis by using the new device showed enough ability to decrease the coloring and bacterial invasion into the dentin, although all of the dentinal tubules were not sealed . 3 . The tensile strengths of an adhesive luting resin 'Panavia EX' to the bovine dentin decreased significantly by the zinc iontophoresis . This phenomenon could be partly due to the lack of resin tag formation into the dentinal tubules. Biochem Biophys Res Commun, 1989 Mar 15, 159(2), 548 - 53 Calphostin C (UCN-1028C), a novel microbial compound, is a highly potent and specific inhibitor of protein kinase C; Kobayashi E et al.; Calphostin C (UCN-1028C), a newly isolated compound from Cladosporium cladosporioides, is a potent and specific inhibitor of protein kinase C, because it was 1000 times more inhibitory to protein kinase C (IC50, 0.05 microM) than other protein kinases such as cAMP-dependent protein kinase and tyrosine-specific protein kinase (IC50, greater than 50 microM) . Calphostin C did not inhibit calcium activated neutral protease (calpain)-digested protein kinase C, indicating that it interacts with the regulatory domain of protein kinase C . In addition this compound showed inhibitory effects on the binding of {3H}PDBu to protein kinase C . The potent cytotoxic activity and antitumor activity of calphostin C might be due to the inhibition of protein kinase C, and thus it may be potentially useful for the therapeutic application. Lipids, 1989 Mar, 24(3), 210 - 6 The distribution of lipids and sterols in cell types from the marine sponge Pseudaxinyssa sp; Zimmerman MP et al.; The sponge Pseudaxinyssa sp., unique in sterol and fatty acid composition, was cellularly dissected into fractions enriched in each of the major cell types present in the sponge: microbial symbionts (cyanobacteria), small sponge cells (pinacocytes and choanocytes), and large sponge cells (archeocytes and cyanophytes) . Three phototrophic microbial symbionts were also isolated from the cell fractions and grown in culture . An unsymmetrical distribution of fatty acids and sterols was observed for the sponge cells: small cells contained larger quantities of long chain fatty acids (greater than C24) and smaller quantities of sterols than were present in the larger sponge cells . Moreover, the rare sterols 24-isopropylcholesterol predominated in the smaller sponge cells, whereas its 22-dehydro analog predominated in the larger sponge cells . Long chain fatty acids and sterols were not detected in the cultured microbial symbionts . This constitutes the first report of lipid variability according to cell type for this most primitive group of Metazoa. Patol Fiziol Eksp Ter, 1989 Mar-Apr, (2), 39 - 42 {Experimental therapy of thermal burns with biogenic peptide-containing preparations}; Riabinin VE et al.; The authors studied the therapeutic activity of biogenic peptide-containing preparations derived from microbial cell membrane fractions, solcoseryl, and plasma alcohol extract (PAE) in experimental thermal trauma . Treatment of the burnt animals with solcoseryl and PAE reduced mortality to 40-42%, accelerated the healing of the burn wound, restored the behavior status, and increased the intensity of oxygen consumption . This is evidence of the promising character of further studies of the biological activity and therapeutic properties of these preparations. Arch Tierernahr, 1989 Mar, 39(3), 361 - 8 {Ruminal 15N-straw degradation in sacco and the in vivo digestibility of 15N from straw in the sheep and pony}; Zander R et al.; The nylon-bag method was applied for determination of the rumen degradation of dry matter and nitrogen of 15N-labelled wheat straw . For the experiment 4 wethers fitted with a rumen cannula were used . The bags containing 15N straw were introduced into the rumen and withdrawn 3, 6 or 12 h after incubation . In a second experiment the apparent 15N-digestibility of the same straw was determined in wether and pony . The dry matter disappearance varied between 6 and 23% . For 15N-labelled straw the disappearance of 15N was higher than that of total N . 12 h after incubation 71% of 15N and only 25% of total N were disappeared . It was calculated that after incubation rumen microbial-N in the nylon bag increased from 31% (3 h) to 45% (6 h) and 61% (12 h) resp . The apparent 15N digestibility amounted 53 +/- 2% for wethers and 51 +/- 2% for ponies. Vrach Delo, 1989 Mar, (3), 85 - 8 {Coital dysfunction in chronic prostatitis of trichomonal-bacterial etiology}; Khudaiberdiev NA; A study is presented of 78 patients suffering of chronic prostatitis with mixed copulative dysfunction . The clinical course is analyzed of chronic prostatitis of trichomonas (monoinfection) and trichomonas-bacterial etiology (mixed infection) . Evaluated is the effect of microbial associations on the duration, severity and extension of the pathological process . The author established an essential importance of chronic prostatitis in the pathogenesis of mixed sexual dysfunction. Pharmazie, 1989 Mar, 44(3), 204 - 6 {Possible decontamination of pancreatin with gamma rays and chemical agents}; Herzog V et al.; Certain pre-conditions given, the microbial contamination of pancreatin in powder form can be reduced below international standard values . However, each of the methods whether physical or chemical, causes a variable loss of activity depending on the methods applied and the concentration of the decontaminating agent used . Therefore during preparation of this complex enzymatic compound, highly aseptic conditions must be kept in all stages of the process to avoid an increase of germal contamination . For a final toxicological assessment of the decontaminated products, further tests are required. Vet Med (Praha), 1989 Mar, 34(3), 141 - 8 {Production of volatile fatty acids in the rumen of calves during dietary-microbial stimulation and early weaning}; Bomba A et al.; The contents of volatile fatty acids in the rumen fluid were studied in calves at an early (seven weeks of age) and traditional weaning term (nine weeks of age) . Weaning at the age of seven weeks enabled to save 16.2 kg of milk replacer per calf; there was also a lower content of concentrates in the starter feed with a supplement of Amylastim . The health condition of the calves was good in both groups . The average daily weight gains for the period from the second to the ninth week of age were 0.550 kg in the early weaned calves and 0.690 kg in the calves weaned at a normal time . Early weaning had a positive influence on the development of rumen metabolism . Calves weaned at the age of seven weeks, compared with those weaned at the age of nine weeks, had much higher concentrations of VFA (p less than 0.05) in rumen fluid (at the age of seven weeks: 130.49 mmol per litre vs . 111.53 mmol per litre; at the age of eight weeks: 119.74 mmol per litre vs . 96.98 mmol per litre) . Early weaned calves had the statistically significantly (p less than 0.05) higher proportions of propionic acid, butyric acid, i-butyric acid, and valeric acid . Later-weaned calves had the significantly higher (p less than 0.05) contents of acetic acid and i-valeric acid. J Pharm Sci, 1989 Mar, 78(3), 183 - 9 Microbial models of mammalian metabolism: conversion of warfarin to 4'-hydroxywarfarin using Cunninghamella bainieri; Rizzo JD et al.; Warfarin, an anticoagulant and "metabolic probe" for cytochrome P-450 isozyme multiplicity, is metabolized to 4'-hydroxywarfarin, a principle mammalian metabolite, using the fungus Cunninghamella bainieri (UI-3065) . The metabolite was isolated from cell suspension cultures and characterized by analytical (TLC, HPLC, GC-MS) and spectral (HRMS, EI-MS, PMR) comparisons with authentic 4'-hydroxywarfarin . The mechanism of aromatic hydroxylation was examined in C . bainieri using 4'-deuterowarfarin . The absence of a primary isotope effect (KH/KD = 1.13), migration and retention of deuterium in the phenolic product {80% migration and retention (M&R)}, and inhibition of the hydroxylation by carbon monoxide (93% inhibition in a 50:50 CO:O2 atmosphere) are consistent with a cytochrome P-450-mediated hydroxylation involving the classic NIH shift (arene oxide) pathway. J Clin Microbiol, 1989 Mar, 27(3), 495 - 503 Microbial burdens in disposable and nondisposable ventilator circuits used for 24 and 48 h in intensive care units; Malecka-Griggs B et al.; One hospital sought to study the differences in using resterilizable permanent versus disposable ventilator circuits and changing the circuits on a 24-h versus a 48-h basis . Over a period of 13 months 656 condensate samples from 92 permanent and 72 disposable circuits were collected and plated by a loop dilution technique . Two samples were collected from the inspiratory limb (humidifier; tubing or nebulizer), and two were collected from the expiratory limb (tubing and trap) of each circuit . Contamination rates were higher for disposable circuits than for permanent circuits and for 48-h changes than for 24-h changes . Results of chi 2 testing by site indicated there was more contamination on the inspiratory and expiratory limbs each with use of disposable circuits than with the use of permanent circuits . The total results (chi 2 analysis) showed significantly greater microbial growth with the use of disposable circuits (permanent versus disposable, P less than 0.001) and extension of time to 48-h changes (24 h versus 48 h, P less than 0.05) . In the experience of this hospital permanent circuits proved more advantageous from the standpoint of contamination risk and cost. Andrologia, 1989 Mar-Apr, 21(2), 146 - 54 Relationship of sperm acrosin activity to semen and clinical parameters in infertile patients; Gerhard I et al.; Acrosin activity (aa) was routinely measured in 189 infertile men who attended the hospital between March 1984 and January 1985 . The evaluation of the male included semen analysis, microbial screening, postcoital testing (PCT), in vitro sperm penetration test (SPMT), and screening for anti-sperm antibodies in serum . The strongest positive correlations of aa were found for sperm motility, count, morphology, vitality and volume . In presence of a poor PCT result, aa was significantly reduced, even in patients with good motility in native semen . A similar result was obtained with the SPMT: reduced sperm density and poor sperm motility in the capillary after 2 hours were significantly correlated to reduced aa . Smokers exhibited lower aa in presence of normal sperm count and motility . In the infertile group aa was significantly lower than in the group of men whose spouses conceived . On the basis of our results, the routine determination of aa is not necessary, but it provides additional prognostic information in couples with unexplained infertility. J Antibiot (Tokyo), 1989 Mar, 42(3), 407 - 12 Biosynthesis of monacolins: conversion of monacolin L to monacolin J by a monooxygenase of Monascus ruber; Komagata D et al.; The microbial metabolites monacolins J and L are specific inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis . The producing strain Monascus ruber M 4681 was found to convert exogenously added monacolin L to J . In this hydroxylation reaction 18O2 was incorporated into monacolin L, giving {18O}-monacolin J . The cell-free extracts of M . ruber quantitatively hydroxylated monacolin L to J, and molecular oxygen was required for the hydroxylation . The enzyme was located in the microsomal fraction and specific for NADPH . The enzyme activity was inhibited by metyrapone, carbon monoxide, sulfhydryl reagents and cytochrome c . The results indicate that monacolin L is the precursor of monacolin J, and that a monooxygenase is involved in this reaction. J Steroid Biochem, 1989 Mar, 32(3), 445 - 51 Microbial transformation of steroids--II . Transformations of progesterone, testosterone and androstenedione by Phycomyces blakesleeanus; Smith KE et al.; Phycomyces blakesleeanus transformed progesterone, testosterone and androstenedione into mixtures of products . Five monohydroxylated metabolites were obtained in reasonable yields from the progesterone transformation . Only 7 alpha- and 15 beta-hydroxyprogesterone have been reported previously from this organism . We find that it gives these two metabolites and also 6 beta-, 14 alpha- and 15 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone as major products . Five compounds were also purified from testosterone transformation mixtures . Two of these were monohydroxylated, two were ring A dehydrogenation products, and two were oxidised at C-17 . The products were identified as 6 beta-hydroxytestosterone, 7 alpha-hydroxytestosterone, androsta-1,4-diene-3,17-dione (1-dehydroandrostenedione), 17 beta-hydroxyandrosta-1,4-diene-3-one (1-dehydrotestosterone) and androstenedione . All five metabolites were produced in reasonable yields, although hydroxylation was the minor transformation in this case . Only two significant products were formed from androstenedione . Both were reduced at C-17; one was also monohydroxylated . They were testosterone and 14 alpha-hydroxytestosterone . The testosterone and androstenedione transformation products have not been reported previously for this organism . We also report for the first time the preparation of P . blakesleeanus cell-free extracts which transformed progesterone reasonably efficiently and faithfully in vitro, although the proportions of each product varied from one extract to another. Tokai J Exp Clin Med, 1989 Mar, 14(1), 1 - 4 IgA nephropathy and mucosal immune system; Nagura H; IgA-containing immune complexes may play a major role in IgA nephropathy, and the author emphasizes that impairment of their clearance and of hepatobiliary transport has etiological significance . In addition, an abnormality of the phagocytic system, such as mesangial cells, may lead to mesangial deposition of preformed circulating IgA-containing immune complexes . The IgA bound to the glomerular mesangium is polymeric IgA to microbial or dietary antigens in the mucosa . Mesangial cells and endothelial cells in the glomeruli may play an important immunoregulatory role in IgA nephropathy. Mikrobiologiia, 1989 Mar-Apr, 58(2), 284 - 90 {Morpho-functional analysis of isogenic strains of Escherichia coli-- producers of penicillinacylases}; Zaslavskaia PL et al.; A population of Escherichia coli strains producing penicillinacylase (PA) and differing in the level of their enzyme activity was studied . Their structural-functional analysis showed that selection according to the property of PA production yielded strains with aberrations in the processes of cell division . The population of microbial cells producing PA had a correlation between its morphological composition and enzyme activity, and the two characteristics depended on the conditions under which the strains were cultivated . The highest enzyme activity was exerted by normally dividing cells . A type of colonies optimal for stabilising the level of PA production was determined for the enzyme-producing strain . The structure of cell envelopes, their composition and permeability changed considerably as the ability to synthesize PA increased . The results allow one to specify further rational selection of strains superproducing the enzyme on the basis of changes in the membrane permeability. Gaoxiong Yi Xue Ke Xue Za Zhi, 1989 Mar, 5(3), 146 - 55 {Microbial populations and periodontal condition--evaluation by differential phase contrast microscopy}; Wang JC et al.; The purpose of this study was to determine correlations between various clinical assessments of inflammatory periodontal disease and the proportion of bacterial morphotypes in the subgingival flora of sites representing widely varying states of periodontal disease . Phase-contrast microscopy was used to determine the proportion of varying bacterial morphotypes at 154 sites . For each site the following clinical assessments were recorded: gingival index, probing depth, plaque index and calculus index . Statistically significant (p less than 0.01) positive correlations were found between gingival index and spirochetes or motile rods, and between probing depth and spirochetes . Significant negative correlations were found between gingival index and coccoid cells, and between probing depth and coccoid cells or rods . The significant increase in the proportion of spirochetes or motile bacteria occurred when bleeding upon probing was observed . The ratio of motile to non-motile cells at advanced disease sites was in the vicinity of 1:1 . The data obtain in this study may be useful in monitoring the effects of various treatment modalities on the periodontal flora and may be helpful in determining the presence or absence of active disease. J Cell Biochem, 1989 Mar, 39(3), 229 - 38 Role for interleukin-1 in the pathogenesis of hypersensitivity diseases; Dinarello CA et al.; Interleukin-1 (IL-1), a polypeptide product of various cells, is one of the key mediators of the body's response to microbial invasion, inflammation, immunological reactions, and tissue injury . IL-1 is a prominent member of a group of polypeptide mediators now called "cytokines." Current evidence suggests that IL-1 is not produced in health but that any perturbation such as inflammation or even slight injury triggers the expression of IL-1 genes . The biological effects of IL-1 are manifested in nearly every tissue and organ . These include various proinflammatory effects such as increased production of arachidonate metabolites, synovial cell proteases, activation of basophils, eosinophils and neutrophils, endothelial cell adhesiveness, and stimulation of lymphocyte responses . Control of IL-1 synthesis in certain diseases is often appropriate . Although corticosteroids reduce both the transcription and translation of IL-1, we have recently investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with N-3 (omega-3) fatty acids in human volunteers . The results indicate that increasing the amount of N-fatty acids in the diet decreases the ability of blood mononuclear cells to synthesize IL-1 in vitro . It is suggested that the ameliorative effects of N-3 fatty acid dietary supplements in patients with hypersensitive diseases may be, in part, the result of decreased IL-1 production. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1989 Mar, (3), 8 - 10 {Immunobiologic activity of Bordetella pertussis strains defective in various virulence factors}; Smirnov VD et al.; The immunobiological properties of mutant strains, selectively deprived of certain antigens (hemagglutinin, B . pertussis toxin, dermonecrotic toxin, hemolysin, adenylate cyclase), have been studied with the aim of finding out the relationship between the presence of certain antigens in microbial strains and their protective properties . The results of these studies suggest that the protective potency of pertussis vaccine may be related to the presence of some antigenic substances, including those not pertaining to the known factors of virulence. Clin Exp Immunol, 1989 Mar, 75(3), 336 - 42 Antibody binding of macromolecular DNA and RNA in the plasma of SLE patients; Krapf F et al.; Plasmapheresis fluids from 20 patients with clinically active SLE, from three patients with Waldenstrom's disease, from three patients with rheumatoid arthritis, two patients with myasthenia gravis and other diseases including active systemic disorders were precipitated using polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG) . By applying ethidium bromide staining, plasma nucleic acids (PNA) could be demonstrated in PEG-precipitates of SLE patients exclusively . Purified immunoglobulins of SLE plasma precipitates were shown to form antigen-antibody complexes with PNA as demonstrated by electronmicroscopy . Further characterization of PNA by agarose gel electrophoresis revealed a molecular weight up to 20 kbp . Cesium chloride buoyant density gradients showed non-homogeneous molecules, excluding pure microbial origin . In spite of RNase digestion, the PNA contained RNA with 30-70% riboguanosine as shown by nucleoside analysis . The high amount of guanosine-rich RNA was further supported by similarities between PNA and polyriboguanylic acid in hyperchrome shifting due to thermic denaturation . HPLC analysis showed a molecular weight of ribonucleic acids of more than 60 b thus excluding mere oligonucleotides . In contrast to B-type dsDNA, PNA from SLE patients were immunogenic . Antibodies against PNA could be induced in rabbits by subcutaneous injection . The antisera thus obtained showed crossreactivity with polyriboguanylic acid and dsDNA preparations. Nature, 1989 Feb 16, 337(6208), 615 - 20 Three-dimensional structure of aspartyl protease from human immunodeficiency virus HIV-1; Navia MA et al.; The crystal structure of the protease of the human immunodeficiency virus type (HIV-1), which releases structural proteins and enzymes from viral polyprotein products, has been determined to 3 A resolution . Large regions of the protease dimer, including the active site, have structural homology to the family of microbial aspartyl proteases . The structure suggests a mechanism for the autoproteolytic release of protease and a role in the control of virus maturation. J Immunol, 1989 Feb 15, 142(4), 1134 - 8 Enhanced cell-mediated protection against fatal Escherichia coli septicemia induced by treatment with recombinant IL-2; Goronzy J et al.; Administration of rIL-2 to BALB/c mice induces a rapid, cell-mediated response that is sufficient to protect mice from a lethal i.p . dose of Escherichia coli . Mice were protected from septic death if IL-2 was administered i.p . within 1 h after the bacterial challenge . Optimal protection was provided by treating the lethally challenged mice with rIL-2 at 1 and 5 h or 1, 5, and 10 h after the bacterial challenge and was dose-dependent (greater than or equal to 5.0 x 10(5) U/kg) . Furthermore, treatment of mice with anti-IL-2R antibody abolished the protective effect induced by rIL-2 administration . These data suggest that the rIL-2-induced protection against septic death in mice is mediated by a cell type expressing a functional IL-2R . One potentially important therapeutic application of rIL-2 may be to modulate the course of sepsis once the host has been exposed to potentially lethal microbial pathogens. Biochim Biophys Acta, 1989 Feb 6, 1001(2), 163 - 8 Factors regulating the expression of the neutral glycolipids in the mouse small intestinal mucosa; Umesaki Y et al.; GDP-fucose:asialo GM1 alpha(1-2)fucosyltransferase (FT) is induced in the small intestinal mucosa after microbial contamination of germ-free mice (Umesaki, Y., Sakata, T . and Yajima, T . (1982) Biochem . Biophys . Res . Commun . 105, 439-443) . As a result, asialo GM1 glycolipid, a major component of the epithelial cell membrane, drastically converted into fucosyl asialo GM1 . There were many other examples in which FT was induced . One was the weaning period for conventional mice . Others included injuries of the small intestine by punctures or administration of cytosine arabinoside, and the injection of protein synthesis inhibitors, such as cycloheximide or emetine, or the soluble fraction of the small intestinal homogenate (SISF) . The induction of FT was more rapid after injection of cycloheximide or SISF than after injury, mechanical puncturing or after administration of cytosine arabinoside . The changes in the neutral glycolipids of the small intestine by injection of cycloheximide or SISF were analyzed in detail . FT activity started to increase after approx . 5 h and reached the maximum 10-12 h after injection of cycloheximide or SISF, and rapidly declined thereafter . The conversion of asialo GM1 into fucosyl asialo GM1 started after about 10 h and reached the maximal value 24 h after the treatment . Fucosyl asialo GM1 persisted for a few days, although the FT activity fell to near the basal level . On the other hand, the amount of glucosyl ceramide was constant after these treatments . There was little difference in the time-courses of both the FT activity and the glycolipid conversion between these treatments . In the case of co-injection of cycloheximide and SISF, the effect of both materials on FT activity induction was synergistic . The distribution of FT activity and immunohistochemical staining using anti-fucosyl asialo GM1 antibody along the crypt-villus axis showed a stronger expression of fucosyl asialo GM1 in villus portion, the post-mitotic cell zone, than in the crypt portion . Asialo GM1 was converted into fucosyl asialo GM1 after the induction of FT by the various treatments mentioned above . Especially the effects of cycloheximide and/or SISF on FT induction suggest at least the presence of a regulatory protein(s) which controls the glycolipid expression in the small intestine. Eur J Immunol, 1989 Feb, 19(2), 261 - 5 Autoregulation of interleukin 1 production; Manson JC et al.; Interleukin 1 (IL 1) alpha and beta are distinct cytokines with a common receptor on target cells . Both have been implicated in immunity, inflammation and connective tissue metabolism . Their production is stimulated by microbial products and also by other cytokines derived from accessory cells and lymphocytes . Following reports that IL 1 can stimulate its own production, we have tested the effects of recombinant IL 1 on the synthesis and release of IL 1 alpha and beta by human blood mononuclear cells (MNC) . We confirmed that autoinduction occurs but report also the novel finding that this effect is very concentration dependent . At some concentrations within the range found in vivo, recombinant IL 1 not only failed to stimulate further IL 1 production but also inhibited the background level of synthesis in 20-h MNC cultures . The negative feedback appears unrelated to prostaglandin E2 and interferon-gamma levels and could not be reproduced by adding transforming growth factor beta . This previously unrecognized autoregulation may be relevant to clinical diseases associated with pathogenic over-production of IL 1. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1989 Feb, 55(2), 380 - 4 Absence of association between total heterotrophic and total coliform bacteria from a public water supply; Edberg S et al.; Heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) and total coliforms (TC) are two major microbial indicators that are used to monitor the potability of water . Although the presence of heterotrophs has been hypothesized to predict the presence of TC, there have been few documented reports . Intensive sampling of raw, treated effluent and distribution water from a public water supply serving 400,000 people provided an opportunity to study the relationship between these two indicator groups of bacteria . A total of 26,158 samples were analyzed, including 12,970 from 1986 and 13,188 from 1985 . There were 13,429 samples from the distribution system, 5,524 from treatment effluents, and 7,205 from raw water . The associations between HPC and TC were made on both a hits-and-misses and numerical comparison (CFU per milliliter) basis . The periodicity of the two indicators was also analyzed to determine whether the presence of one group could predict the presence of the other . Atypical bacteria were also related to the presence of these two indicator bacteria . Venn diagrams and nonparametric statistics revealed the following correlation coefficients for HPC and TC for 1985 and 1986 combined: raw water r = 0.45, treated effluent r = 0.06, and distribution system r = 0.10 . Atypical bacteria showed a similar relationship with HPC . There was no predictive periodicity for HPC and TC within +/- 10 days of isolation of each other . Therefore, in a 2-year survey of a public water supply, the presence of HPC had a low correlation coefficient with TC, as determined by hits-and-misses and numerical comparisons . The enumeration of one group was found to be independent of the other. J Anim Sci, 1989 Feb, 67(2), 513 - 28 Duodenal nutrient flow and digestibility in Holstein steers fed formaldehyde- and formic acid-treated alfalfa or orchardgrass silage at two intakes; Glenn BP et al.; Formaldehyde- and formic acid-treated alfalfa or orchardgrass silage were fed at 65 and 90 g DM/kg BW.75.d) to growing Holstein steers (209 +/- SE = 35 kg) fitted with permanent ruminal and duodenal cannulas in a 4 x 4 latin square . Alfalfa had higher (P less than .01) concentrations of cell solubles, total N and rumen-soluble N than did orchardgrass . Digestible energy (Mcal/d), total N and soluble N intake (g/d) were higher (P less than .05) for steers fed alfalfa than for those fed orchardgrass . Total duodenal OM, DM, NDF, N and non-NH3-N flows were greater (P less than .001) for steers fed alfalfa than for those fed orchardgrass and were greater (P less than .001) at high vs low intake . Duodenal bacterial N flow (g/d) was greater (P less than .001) for steers fed alfalfa than for those fed orchardgrass, and bacterial N synthesis (g/kg DM truly digested in the rumen) was 58 and 32, respectively (P less than .001) . Ruminal concentrations of NH3-N (P less than .001) and VFA (P less than .05) were greater for steers fed alfalfa than for those fed orchardgrass . Total tract DM, energy and N digestibilities were higher (P less than .05) for steers fed alfalfa vs orchardgrass, whereas total tract NDF digestibility was lower (P less than .01) . Tissue N retention tended to be greater (P less than .1) for steers fed alfalfa than for those fed orchardgrass . Regression analysis indicated that duodenal non-NH3-N flow was related to intake of metabolizable energy and soluble N (R2 = .939) . Improved performance and higher efficiency of use of ME for tissue gain by steers fed alfalfa rather than orchardgrass is related to lower ruminal acetate:propionate, higher microbial efficiency and greater duodenal DM and N flows. Biokhimiia, 1989 Feb, 54(2), 201 - 5 {The components of the microbial preparation of lysoamidase from the Pseudomonodaceae family responsible for its bacteriolytic activity}; Kulaev IS et al.; The contribution of enzymes isolated from the microbial enzymic preparation to its total bacteriolytic activity was studied . The combined action of the lytic proteinase L2 and the lytic fraction L1 used in the same ratio as in the lysoamidase preparation resulted in a complete recovery of the bacteriolytic activity . During a 4-fold increase of the proportion of the lytic enzyme L1 as compared with lytic proteinase L2, the activity of the reconstituted preparation increased by 64% . Neutral phosphomonohydrolase, metal proteinase and the polysaccharide isolated from the lysoamidase preparation had no effect on the bacteriolytic activity of the reconstituted preparation . The polysaccharide isolated from lysoamidase increased the thermal stability of the preparation obtained up to that of lysoamidase. Allerg Immunol (Paris), 1989 Feb, 21(2), 56 - 60 {Infection and asthma}; Migueres J; Infection is frequent in all stages and forms of asthma . It is a source of exacerbations of all degrees of severity . Bacterial infection, especially with commensal organisms from the upper respiratory tract, may cause bronchial hyperreactivity (HRB) by various mechanisms, specific--microbial delayed hypersensitivity, probably rate; IgE-dependent hypersensitivity others non-specific: bronchial inflammation, source of mediators of bronchial constriction; activation of complement, direct histamine liberation; beta blockage...; or mixed mechanisms . Respiratory viral infection probably plays the most important role in the natural history of asthmatic disease, especially in infants and young children by inducing or amplifying HRB and creating a transitory obstructive syndrome of the small airways . This virus-induced HRB may develop into a respiratory syncytial virus viraemia at first or remain latent found by tests of bronchial activity . The pathogenic mechanisms of this HRB are often multi-factorial and interlinked: they are chiefly linked to the various cytopathic effects of the virus on the respiratory epithelium, to the viral inflammation; but also to disturbance of the equilibrium of the autonomous nervous system (beta blockage, excitation of the cholinergic receptors); finally in some areas, to virus-induced amplification of the local and systemic immune responses by IgE that favours clinical consideration of atopy. Int J Gynaecol Obstet, 1989 Feb, 28(2), 149 - 53 Culture of seminal fluid in infertile men and relationship to semen evaluation; Gregoriou O et al.; Bacterial flora of the seminal fluid and its influence on semen quality, was examined in 225 asymptomatic unselected men . Each semen sample was cultured aerobically, anaerobically, for genital mycoplasmas, and for Chlamydia trachomatis . Semen analysis was made according to standard methods recommended by the W.H.O . All 225 semen samples had microbial isolates . All isolates had colony counts of 10(2) colony forming units (cfu/ml) . Thirty-three cases had greater than 10(2) cfu/ml, 85 cases had greater than 10(3) cfu/ml and 78 cases greater than 10(5) cfu/ml . The most common organisms isolated were Ureaplasma urealyticum in 86 samples and C . trachomatis in 26 samples . The most frequent abnormal parameters were viability (117 of 212, 52%), motility (85 of 212, 40%) and number of sperm cells (74 of 225, 32.8%) . No significant correlation was found between abnormal semen parameters and presence of U . urealyticum, and C . trachomatis . We concluded that asymptomatic bacteriospermia (infection) in the semen did not significantly affect the count, motility or morphologic features of the specimen. Anal Biochem, 1989 Feb 1, 176(2), 294 - 302 Radioactive-electrophoretic assay of adenosine 5'-triphosphate sulfurylase activity in crude extracts with sulfate or selenate as a substrate; Hanna ML et al.; An assay method for ATP sulfurylase is presented which employs Na2(35)SO4 as a substrate and measures the production of labeled adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate and 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate by low-voltage, hanging paper strip electrophoresis . The method is applicable to crude bacterial or mammalian extracts and accurately measures picomole amounts of product(s) . Na2(75SeO4 can also be employed as a substrate, if the unstable radioactive product, adenosine 5'-phosphoselenate, is converted to elemental 75Se degrees by inclusion of reduced glutathione in the reaction mixture . The same paper strip electrophoretic technique can then be used to separate 75Se degrees from the radiolabeled substrate . The method also has utility for measuring any direct reduction by crude microbial extracts of radioactive selenate to selenite, independent of ATP sulfurylase. J Med Chem, 1989 Feb, 32(2), 357 - 67 Spermexatin and spermexatol: new synthetic spermidine-based siderophore analogues; Sharma SK et al.; Syntheses of hexanediamine-based dihydroxamate (Hexamate), spermidine-based trihydroxamate (Spermexatins), and spermidine-based mixed siderophore analogues (Spermexatols) are described . Key intermediates include the N-hydroxysuccinimide esters of various hydroxamic acids, e.g., malonohydroxamate, succinohydroxamate, and glutarohydroxamate . These intermediates were synthesized, characterized, and incorporated as the ligating chains on spermidine . Also, mixed iron chelating compounds (Spermexatols) with both catechol and hydroxamic acid side chains were synthesized . The reagent carbobenzoxyimidazole was employed to distinguish between the primary and secondary amino groups of spermidine . The ability of these iron chelators to stimulate microbial growth is also described. Mol Endocrinol, 1989 Feb, 3(2), 409 - 19 Induction of macrophage-like differentiation of HL-60 leukemia cells by tumor necrosis factor-alpha: potential role of fos expression; Squinto SP et al.; Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a macrophage-derived cytokine elicited during cellular responses to various microbial infections . TNF-alpha exerts direct cytotoxicity toward some tumor cells in vitro and produces hemorrhagic tumor necrosis in vivo . In human promyelocytic HL-60 leukemia cells, human recombinant TNF-alpha (rTNF-alpha) exhibits a small early proliferative effect (within 48 h), followed by marked cytostatic activity at 96 h after the addition of rTNF-alpha . Cytostasis is contiguous with an induction of cell differentiation along the monocyte/macrophage lineage . The cell proliferation effects and the induction of the differentiated phenotype are preceded by an approximate 5-fold increase in c-fos mRNA levels within 90 min after rTNF-alpha treatment of log phase HL-60 cells . Nuclear in vitro transcription assays indicate that the effect of rTNF-alpha on c-fos mRNA abundance is controlled at the transcriptional level . We have also used a postembedding immunocolloidal gold electron microscopy technique to localize and semiquantitate pp55c-fos proto-oncoprotein levels in the nucleus of both control and rTNF-alpha-treated HL-60 leukemia cells . In response to rTNF-alpha, we have observed a rapid and transient accumulation of pp55c-fos in discrete nuclear substructures within 2 h after treatment . C-fos staining appears in clusters, which are preferentially localized over semi-condensed chromatin and interchromatin granules . These results suggest that pp55c-fos is involved in the signal transduction system initiated by rTNF-alpha during the induction of HL-60 differentiation. Nature, 1989 Jan 19, 337(6204), 288 - 90 Absence of significant RNA-dependent DNA polymerase activity in lymphocytes from patients with Kawasaki syndrome; Melish ME et al.; Kawasaki syndrome, an acute febrile multisystem illness of young children, is a panvasculitis with prominent rheumatic features . Arthritis and pancarditis are frequent during the acute stage; coronary artery aneurysms occur in 20% of cases and the disease is now the leading cause of acquired heart disease in childhood . A microbial aetiology is suggested by the acute febrile self-limited character of the disease, the regular occurrence of epidemic outbreaks at intervals of 2-3 years, and the virtual restriction to young children, consistent with the early acquisition of immunity . Reports of elevated DNA polymerase activity (assumed to be RNA-dependent reverse transcriptase) in cultured lymphocytes from patients with acute Kawasaki syndrome suggest that a retrovirus might be the causative agent . We have measured supernatant DNA polymerase activity in lymphocyte cultures from 49 Hawaiian patients in acute and convalescent stages of Kawasaki syndrome and have been unable to demonstrate significant reverse transcriptase activity or other evidence of involvement of a retrovirus in the aetiology of the disease. J Immunol Methods, 1989 Jan 17, 116(2), 159 - 65 A method for removing interleukin-1- and tumor necrosis factor-inducing substances from bacterial cultures by ultrafiltration with polysulfone; Schindler R et al.; The ability of human mononuclear cells (MNC) to produce cytokines is a highly sensitive and biologically relevant test system for the presence of microbial products . The safety of parenteral fluids is presently determined by gelation of the limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) to endotoxin . In the present study, crude bacterial culture supernatants from Escherichia coli were subjected to ultrafiltration using polysulfone and the ultrafiltrates were tested for their ability to stimulate human MNC . Total interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) produced by MNC were measured by radioimmunoassay . Endotoxin-like substances in E . coli cultures are rejected by a factor of at least 100,000 . Rejection takes place by molecular size exclusion and by absorption . The sensitivity of the LAL and MNC cytokine production were comparable . These studies demonstrate a wide margin of safety for the production of parenteral fluids using ultrafiltration for endotoxin-containing materials. Cancer Res, 1989 Jan 15, 49(2), 499 - 502 Workshop report from the Division of Cancer Etiology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health . Protease inhibitors as cancer chemopreventive agents; {Problems with dental prosthesis and dental filling materials: results of epicutaneous tests et al.; Lindmaier A, Lindemayr H. II . Universitats-Hautklinik, WienPositive ECT results were found in 29 out of 70 patients (41%) tested for suspected denture sore mouth syndrome . 11 of them reacted to nickel (16%), 4 to benzoyl peroxide, 4 to mercury chloride, but only 3 out of 38 patients reacted to their own prosthetic material . A follow-up study covered a group of 31 patients with dentures . 20 of them had mechanical or material changes made, but only 4 because of ECT results (1 nickel, 1 benzoyl peroxide, 1 own prosthetic material) . After elimination of the suspected allergen, these 4 patients showed improvement, but the symptoms did not completely clear . A similar beneficial effect was seen in 13 of the 20 patients, whose dentures were only mechanically adapted; but 6 out of 11 patients without any dental correction showed improvement, as well . Our results suggest that clinically relevant contact allergies are rare in patients with burning mouth syndrome . Mechanical, microbial, and psychic factors have to be taken into consideration, as well. J Immunol Methods, 1989 Jan 6, 116(1), 137 - 44 A sandwich CD7-ELISA for detection of solubilized CD7 from normal and leukemic T cells; Jung LK et al.; CD7 is a T differentiation antigen which is useful in the identification of precursor T cells as well as an important marker for the identification of leukemic T cells . It has proved to be useful as a target for immunotherapy by immunotoxins in several clinical settings . Most monoclonal antibodies to this antigen bind to the same or similar epitope . We have produced a monoclonal antibody, 69, which identifies a different epitope as that of the prototypic mAb to CD7, 3A1 . Using mAB 69, we have devised a sandwich CD7-ELISA to detect solubilized CD7 antigen, with mAb 69 in the solid phase as the capturing mAb . This assay is sensitive and is able to detect antigen present on 2-5 x 10(4) activated T cells . This assay has been used to study the fate of CD7 on the membrane and in the cytosol of T cells during the process of mitogenesis . We have also utilized this assay to demonstrate the presence of free CD7 antigen in culture supernatant of activated T cells . This method will be useful to analyze antigen recovery from bulk cell cultures or from molecularly engineered microbial organisms . In addition, the sandwich CD7-ELISA may prove useful in monitoring the effects of immunotherapy in patients with leukemia. J Anim Sci, 1989 Jan, 67(1), 262 - 75 Evaluation of soybean meal, corn gluten meal, blood meal and fish meal as sources of nitrogen and amino acids disappearing from the small intestine of steers; Titgemeyer EC et al.; The value of soybean meal (SBM), corn gluten meal (CGM), blood meal (BM) and fish meal (FM) in supplying N and amino acids (AA) escaping ruminal microbial degradation and disappearing from the small intestine (SI) was studied in steers using a regression approach . Replacement of corn starch in diets with protein sources resulted in decreases (P less than .05) in efficiency of microbial protein synthesis . Ruminal ammonia-N (NH3-N) had the greatest increase (P less than .05) when SBM was fed; BM supplementation resulted in only nonsignificant increases in ruminal NH3-N (P greater than .05) . Soybean meal had the lowest proportion of N escaping ruminal degradation (.21) . Corn gluten meal-N (.86) and BM-N (.92) escaped ruminal degradation to the greatest extent, and FM-N was intermediate (.68) . Protein sources followed similar trends in providing absorbable nonbacterial N to the SI . Thirteen (+/- 6.2) percent of SBM-N was absorbed from the SI; 69 (+/- 6.2), 68 (+/- 9.1) and 50 (+/- 10.1)% of CGM-N, BM-N and FM-N, respectively, were absorbed from the SI . Values for ruminal escape and SI availability for individual and total AA are presented . Of the essential AA (EAA), threonine, valine and isoleucine were more resistant to ruminal degradation; methionine, cysteine, histidine and arginine were more extensively degraded than the total AA supply . Of the EAA escaping ruminal degradation, cysteine, histidine and threonine tended to be less digestible, whereas arginine was more digestible in the SI than the total AA supply. Br J Nutr, 1989 Jan, 61(1), 113 - 21 The importance of the form of nitrogen on microbial protein synthesis in the rumen of cattle receiving grass silage and continuous intrarumen infusions of sucrose; Rooke JA et al.; 1 . In a 4 x 4 Latin square design experiment, four cattle were given grass silage in two meals per d to satisfy maintenance energy requirements . In addition, sucrose (170 g/kg silage dry matter (DM} was infused intraruminally at a constant rate with no nitrogen supplementation; with the infusion intraruminally of either casein (23 g/kg silage DM) or urea (8 g/kg silage DM); or with soya-bean meal (64 g/kg silage DM) fed in two equal portions . 2 . Samples of duodenal digesta representative of a 24 h period were obtained using chromium-EDTA and ytterbium acetate for flow estimation and 35S as a marker of microbial N entering the small intestine . Samples of rumen fluid were also taken for estimation of rumen pH and concentrations of ammonia-N and volatile fatty acids . Estimates of apparent organic matter (OM) and N digestibility and of the rates of silage DM and N disappearance from porous synthetic-fibre bags incubated in the rumen were also made . 3 . The N supplements had no significant effects on rumen pH, concentrations of volatile fatty acids, their molar proportions or the disappearance of DM or N from porous synthetic-fibre bags . N supplementation increased rumen ammonia-N concentrations (urea, P less than 0.05; casein, soya-bean meal, not significant) . 4 . N supplementation had no significant effects on the digestion of OM, acid-detergent fibre or soluble carbohydrate . 5 . Infusion of casein increased the quantities of total non-ammonia-N (not significant) and microbial N (P less than 0.05) entering the small intestine daily and the efficiency of rumen microbial N synthesis (not significant).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) CLAO J, 1989 Jan-Mar, 15(1), 49 - 54 Patterns of lens care practices and lens product contamination in contact lens associated microbial keratitis; Bowden FW 3rd et al.; A prospective study of 24 contact lens patients with culture- or histopathology-proven microbial keratitis was performed between July and December 1987 to determine associated lens care practices and patterns of lens care product contamination . A questionnaire was used to document methods of lens care . Bacterial cultures were performed on all available contact lenses, lens cases, and solutions (including saline, disinfectant, daily cleaner and wetting agents), in addition to standard smears and cultures of the corneal ulcer . Failure to follow standard recommendations regarding contact lens care was widespread (21 of 24, 88%) . In the majority of patients (20 of 24, 83%) bacterial contamination of the contact lens, case, and/or solutions was present . Almost two-thirds (15 of 24, 62%) of patients used solutions that were more than 3 months old . Cosmetic extended wear lens patients were most likely (7 of 8, 88%) to use solutions that were more than 3 months old and very likely (6 of 8, 85%) to have contaminated solutions . Efforts to improve lens care and decrease lens product contamination are necessary to prevent contact lens associated corneal ulcers. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand, 1989 Jan, 33(1), 89 - 92 Low-flow anaesthesia does not increase the risk of microbial contamination through the circle absorber system; Bengtson JP et al.; In the circle absorber system, a decrease in fresh gas flow means a higher degree of rebreathing, and, consequently, a higher temperature and humidity within the system . With our present hygienic routines, the circle system tubings are changed and decontaminated once daily . Thus, the same circle system is used for several patients each day . In order to evaluate whether the risk of bacterial contamination increased with the introduction of low-flow anaesthesia, 122 patients anaesthetized with either a low-flow technique (less than 1.5 l fresh gas flow/min) or with medium fresh gas flows (3-6 l/min) were studied . Bacterial samples were taken preoperatively from the oropharynx and postoperatively from five locations in the circle system . The patients were studied postoperatively for signs of respiratory tract infection . There were few positive bacteria cultures from the tubings in the circle system, regardless of fresh gas flow . No pathogens were found in the inspiratory tubings and no cases of postoperative respiratory tract infection could be related to bacterial spread from the anaesthesia machine . There were no indications that the present hygienic management was insufficient for the medium- or the low-flow circle system techniques. Arch Roum Pathol Exp Microbiol, 1989 Jan-Mar, 48(1), 47 - 53 The presence and significance of some anti-enzyme antibodies (anti-plasminogen, anti-trypsin, anti-phospholipase C) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and reactive arthritis (rA); Stefanescu M et al.; It is a well known fact that during the course of RA and rA, due to some cellular and molecular mechanisms, a number of proteolytic enzymes and membranal phospholipases are either activated or their concentration rises significantly . With this aim in view in the present work we have aimed to investigate if, in an inflammatory process associated to RA and rA, the human organism produces or not anti-enzyme antibodies . Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), in the sera of 19 patients of RA and 19 of rA, the presence of the following antibodies has been ascertained: antiplasminogen (antiPAb), antitrypsin (antiTAb) and antiphospholipase C (antiPLCAb) . Out of RA cases, 47.3% presented antiPAb, 36.8% antiTAb and 26.3% antiPLCAb . As it was expected, in the rA cases, these antibodies were found in a higher proportion of cases, i.e.: 85.7%, 71.4% and 57.1% respectively . When following the same cases before and during or after the treatment with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIAs), the antibodies levels were significantly decreased especially in the RA cases . The results obtained indicated a significant rise of seric concentration of antiPAb, antiTAb and antiPLCAb, as well in RA as in rA . While the rise of antiPLCAb in RA and especially in rA could be explained due to microbial infections, the rise of the antiproteolytic enzymes antibody levels as well as the decrease of the antibody titres during or after NSAIAs treatment could be explained, in our opinion, on the basis of some autoimmune processes. Ter Arkh, 1989, 61(6), 50 - 4 {Course and outcome of nephropathies of structural renal dysembryogenesis}; Degtiareva EM et al.; The authors elucidate the role played by structural renal dysembryogenesis in the development, progress and outcome of nephropathies . Based on an analysis of mainly morphobiopsies of the kidneys in 298 patients aged 2.5 to 15 years a high incidence of renal dysembryogenesis is shown as an independent disease entity and as combined with acquired nephropathies . This provides basis for regarding structural deficiency of the kidneys as predisposing factor to the development of immune or microbial inflammation . The long-term (up to 18 years) observation over children with the most frequently occurring variant of renal dysembryogenesis, hypoplastic dysplasia, made it possible to define the main clinico-laboratory characteristics and outcome of the pathology determined by a high rate of the formation of chronic renal failure. Rev Laryngol Otol Rhinol (Bord), 1989, 110(2), 137 - 40 {Indications of immunologic evaluation in recurrent otorhinolaryngologic infections in children}; Perrin P et al.; Happening of 3 to 5 E.N.T . infections per year is often the price to pay by the young child to obtain his immunological maturity . Frequency and seriousness of the recurrencies leading to surgical interventions, results of which being doubtful and temporary (specially in ear infections) enforce differentiated immunological evaluations: graduating in methodology will be in accordance with the seriousness of happening cases . Our method involves different steps . Usual investigations will lead to easy and efficient treatment: research of the deficiency of iron, titration of immunoglobulin and IgG2, screening for inhalant allergy (Phadiatop test), eventually completed by allergological check up . Suppurations due to unusual microbial agents or fungus, must lead to a wider immunological check up, specially in case of multiple localizations, and in familial background . This check up, testing humoral and cellular immunity (lymphocytes and polynuclears) is mandatory heavy due to the number, the cost and recurrence of needed investigations . Its purpose is to show congenital or hereditary immunological deficiencies, which, however, happen scarcely. Histochem J, 1989 Jan, 21(1), 33 - 43 Lectin-binding pattern of neuroepithelial and respiratory epithelial cells in the mouse nasal cavity; Lundh B et al.; Sections from the nasal cavity of 12-day-old Swiss albino mice (NMRI strain) were subjected to lectin histochemistry . A panel of biotinylated lectins (Con A, WGA, s-WGA, PNA, SBA, DBA and UEA I) and a horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectin (GSA II) showed marked differences in binding to the respiratory and the neuroepithelial cells . SBA (affinity for galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine), PNA (galactose) and WGA (sialic acids and N-acetylglucosamine) labelled the receptor neurons in the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelium . DBA (N-acetylgalactosamine) labelled a subgroup of about 5% of the olfactory receptor neurons, but most neurons in the vomeronasal organ . UEA I (fucose) and s-WGA (N-acetylglucosamine) intensely labelled the entire nerve cell population in the vomeronasal organ, but in the olfactory epithelium the labelling with these lectins was stratified . In the respiratory epithelium the ciliated cells were labelled with WGA and s-WGA, while the secretory cells bound most of the lectins . Thus different sugars are exposed on the surface of the different types of epithelia in the nasal cavity, providing a basis for selectivity in microbial attacks on these areas. Arch Tierernahr, 1989 Jan-Feb, 39(1-2), 141 - 9 {The effect of DL-methionine, N-hydroxymethyl-DL-methionine calcium salt (Mepron) and DL-methionine hydroxy analog calcium salt (MHA) on the N-deposits of calves}; Schmidt J et al.; Digestibility and N balance experiments with calves showed that the methionine requirement of the host animal is covered by microbial protein synthesis even in the already ruminant animal . A supplement of the ration with DL methionine is only effective when it is provided in milk replacer . The MHA substitution of the ration has only little influence on N retention, independent of its supply in milk replacer or concentrated feed . MEPRON proved to be the most effective methionine derivative . As supplement both with the fluid feed and with the concentrated feed this compound shows exclusively positive results even in already ruminant calves with regard to live weight gain, N retention and the content of free methionine in the blood serum of the test animals. Ann Chir, 1989, 43(4), 275 - 8 {Comparative economic evaluation of nonwoven and traditional woven textiles in operating rooms}; Vincent-Ballereau F et al.; The nonwoven textiles do not let oneself unconcerned, but are often considered with reserve in the operating theatre, at least for the "noble" textiles, such as the surgical drapes or the surgeon's gowns . Their part is to set barriers to prevent against microbial contamination . Now, it is proved that these nonwoven textiles qualities rise above that of the woven materials . What are the reasons for this reserve? A survey carried out in 1986 at the Angers hospital, compared with other similar studies, have shown a cost decreased by 20 per cent on an average, when the nonwoven textiles are used for a surgical operation, except the gowns . On the other hand, the cost increases by 20 per cent when nonwoven textiles gowns are also used . The features of the traditional textiles versus nonwoven ones in an operating theatre are described and show the interest of the nonwoven textiles. Nahrung, 1989, 33(2), 203 - 12 {The effect of microbial protein from a hydrocarbon base (fermosin) with a defined fatty acid composition on fat metabolism and fat composition in slaughter animals . 2 . The effect of "fermosin" on the composition of back fat in hogs}; Lusky K et al.; Two tests have been undertaken to investigate the influence of feeding microbial biomasses to pigs . No alterations of the fat parameters characterizing the fat stability were observed . All the values obtained are in a normal range . Increases in heptadecenic acid were detected dependent on the content of microbial biomasses in the feed and its fat content . The alterations are mainly in a normal range or slightly beyond it . In nature odd-numbered fatty acids are ubiquitous . Uptake and storage suggest that the organism reacts to an increased offer of C17-fatty acids with an accelerated decomposition of these fatty acids or/and with inhibition of their endogenous synthesis . The results are discussed in comparison with those of literature. J Appl Bacteriol, 1989 Jan, 66(1), 15 - 26 Postprandial variations in the activity of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes in microbial populations from the digesta solids and liquor fractions of rumen contents; Williams AG et al.; The diurnal variations in the specific activities of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes after feeding were monitored in adherent and non-adherent microbial populations separated from bovine rumen liquor and digesta solids . There were marked differences in the activity profiles of the enzymes within the subpopulations . Enzymes involved in the degradation of soluble carbohydrates were more active in the non-adherent populations, and in the liquor phase subpopulation activities increased in the 1-2 h post-feed period . The muralytic enzymes were most active in the adherent population . Specific activities increased by up to 20-fold over the 24 h period, with an initial five-fold increase occurring between 8 h and 12 h after feeding . Enzyme levels in the three non-adherent populations were similar at the end of the postprandial period . In the population recovered from the liquid associated with the digesta particles, however, the activities did not increase until the latter stages of the period, whereas in the non-adherent population from the digesta solids the activities varied little during the diurnal cycle . The numbers of micro-organisms associated with the digesta solids were similar at 2 h and 20 h after feeding; the variations in enzyme levels did not occur as a result of a population increase but were due to increased activities in an established population . The plant cell wall structural polysaccharides were degraded at different rates . There was no appreciable cellulose digestion during the first 8 h of the postprandial period and although hemicellulosic constituents were removed continuously the rate of loss of both polymers was increased in the later stages of the diurnal cycle when enzyme activities were maximal. Biotherapy, 1989, 1(4), 327 - 38 Interleukin-1 alpha: its possible roles in cancer therapy; Yamada M et al.; Our studies on recombinant human IL-1 alpha polypeptide were summarized with respect to molecular cloning, production, quantitative assay systems, antitumor activity, myelorestorative activity and augmentation of host resistance to infections . Recombinant human IL-1 alpha (18 kDa) was produced through the expression of the cloned human IL-1 alpha cDNA in Escherichia coli and purified to an endotoxin-free homogeneous polypeptide . The human IL-1 alpha inhibited dose-dependently the growth of syngeneic murine tumors transplanted in mice and completely regressed the tumors in some cases, and its antitumor activity was significantly enhanced in combination with indomethacin . The human IL-1 alpha accelerated the recovery of the numbers of peripheral leukocytes and neutrophils in a dose-dependent manner at a dose as low as 10 ng/mouse/day in myelosuppressed mouse model produced by administering anticancer chemotherapeutic drugs . The myelorestorative effect of IL-1 alpha was observed not only on leukocytes/neutrophils, but also on platelets in myelosuppressed mice . In addition, the human IL-1 alpha markedly augmented dose-dependently resistance of normal and leukopenic mice to various microbial infections . These results suggested that recombinant human IL-1 alpha might be useful for cancer therapy from the viewpoints of improving adverse effects such as myelosuppression caused by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy and preventing infections . In addition, use of IL-1 alpha may permit more intensive chemo- and radiation therapies using higher doses . Finally, the antitumor activity of the IL-1 alpha itself may play an important role. J Singapore Paediatr Soc, 1989, 31(3-4), 97 - 102 The problems of tonsils and adenoids; Wong HB; The tonsils and adenoids are secondary lymphoid organs which have evolved to protect the human host against microbial invaders entering the body via the cephalic gateway of the body, i.e . the nasopharyngeal aperture . There are special epithelial cells and macrophages which modify the microbial antigens to present to the B and T-lymphocytes of the tonsils and adenoids . The lymphocytes produce immunoglobulins which are transported to the circulation and also topical secretory IgA which is secreted into the salvia and mucous secretions to protect the human host . The changes in these secretions as a result of recurrent tonsillitis and hypertrophy of the adenoids and tonsils are discussed . Because these are part and parcel of the defence system of the body, their surgical removal may deprive the human host of one of its defence systems. Drugs Exp Clin Res, 1989, 15(10), 487 - 90 "Mycelial vaginal test" and Candida susceptibility; Simonetti G et al.; We have investigated the possibility of vaginal liquids affecting the transition from a yeast form (Y) to a mycelial one (M) in C . albicans and the possible relation to microbial flora, pH and glycogen . The C . albicans Y----M conversion, "mycelial vaginal test", in 250 specimens of vaginal liquid shows a 70% positivity rate against a test Candida strain . Results of the vaginal test are not related to bacteria, flora and pH, but to Candida infection and to glycogen concentration . Using a Y----M good-responder Candida strain in the vaginal test it is possible to have a global index of the factors affecting the Candida filamentation in the host . It can be advisable to utilize the vaginal test as a virulence test for Candida strains and as an indicative test of phenotypic drug resistance. Springer Semin Immunopathol, 1989, 11(4), 439 - 56 Autoreactive mechanisms in infective endocarditis; Maisch B; Infective endocarditis is not a simple interaction between a microbial agent and a cardiac valve . For the infection of a non-bacterial thrombotic vegetation, predisposition is required which is at least partially operative by a decreased suppressor T cell activity . During infection, peripheral blood natural killer cell activity is decreased, but normalizes under anti-microbial therapy . Non-major histocompatibility complex-restricted lymphocytotoxicity to isolated heart cells can be present in one third of patients . Circulating immune complexes normalize during therapy . They may be the cause of many clinical symptoms of infective endocarditis . Anti-bacterial and also anti-sarcolemmal antibodies which are cross-reactive to the bacterium are secreted in a polyclonal immune response . Anti-sarcolemmal antibodies which are cytolytic in vitro in the presence of complement may partly explain the myocardial factor of heart failure in patients with only marginal valve incompetence due to the endocarditic vegetation. Int J Prosthodont, 1989 Jan-Feb, 2(1), 80 - 96 Recombinant DNA technology and clinical dentistry; Slavkin HC; The introduction of recombinant DNA technology in the late 1970s led to rapid advancements in our knowledge of genes and genomic structure in the 1980s . Such technology, applied to the human genome, provides new information concerning the nature and possible treatment of inherited disorders throughout the human lifespan . Methods to clone structural genes of interest to clinical dentistry now provide strategies to produce genetically engineered biomaterials for prosthetic dentistry . This methodology is also being used to clone microbial DNAs for periodontal disease diagnosis, therapy, and prognostic applications. Zentralbl Gynakol, 1989, 111(15), 1042 - 8 {Prevention of postoperative complications following vaginal hysterectomy}; Klug PW et al.; In a prospective study on infectious morbidity after vaginal hysterectomy we examined the clinical symptoms of an infection and partly also the microbial conditions of the vaginal wound . With a group of 49 patients without antibiotic prophylaxis we tried to find out if the type of vaginal occlusion might have any influence on the microbial situation and the healing process . The results of this first group were compared to those of a second group consisting of 31 patients, who had received antibiotic prophylaxis before the operation with a cephalosporin . Though it was not possible to make any microbial analyses in the second group, the clinical evaluation showed distinctly that antibiotic prophylaxis is an important contribution to the prevention of infections after vaginal hysterectomy . The careful consideration of septic-surgical precautions, however, and this was proved by the first part of the study, contributes as well to the prevention of infections. Dev Comp Immunol, 1989 Fall, 13(4), 273 - 83 The biological significance of immunity; Ratcliffe NA; The classical definition of immunity as the resistance of the body to disease, views the immune system in simple mechanistic terms . In this brief overview, possible reasons and consequences of the presence of an effective immune system across a range of invertebrate and vertebrate animals are considered . Topics discussed include the forces favouring the development of immunity, such as the acquisition of the colonial habit and terrestrial mode of life by many primitive animals, the constant threats of microbial and macrobial invasion, and the need to eliminate somatic mutations . The consequences of immunity in terms of the development of autoimmunity and hypersensitivity reactions, as well as the interaction of the immune system with the brain, the neuroendocrine organs and environmental factors, are also examined . Finally, the possibilities that the delicate balance maintained between many parasites and the immune systems of their hosts results in the spread of disease, and may also determine the maintenance of sexual reproduction and the choice of mate, are discussed. Rev Mal Respir, 1989, 6(4), 303 - 10 {Suspicion on sulfites}; Giffon E et al.; The sulfites have anti-oxygen and anti-microbial properties, which explain their great use in the food and drug industry . They may be responsible for anaphylactoid type episodes or more often asthmatic crises . 4 to 8% of asthmatics are sensitive to sulfites . The majority of asthmatics who are sensitive to sulfites are steroid dependent asthmatics . The pathophysiology is not clear: either a reaginic mechanism, reflex bronchoconstriction to SO2, a partial deficit in sulfite-oxidases . The diagnosis rests on oral provocation tests . These tests should be carried out according to a rigorous methodology, because there are frequent false positives (57 to 70%) . Tests of alimentary provocation do not always correlate with the results from oral provocation tests to sulfites and pose the double question of sensitivity to the combined forms of sulfites which are present in food, and the reality of the risk of exposure of asthmatics to these foods . The prevention of any such mishaps rests on the eviction of such substances from the food which is often difficult and also of drugs . Vitamin B12, atropine, doxepin and sodium cromoglycate are capable of preventing totally or partially the bronchospasm induced by the absorption of sulfites. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol, 1989, 9(2), 125 - 47 The cellular immunotherapy of cancer: current and potential uses of interleukin-2; Sondel PM et al.; The potential for immune-mediated destruction of neoplasms was suggested nearly one century ago . Despite this, no "magic bullet" has yet been identified . Nevertheless, the physiology of cell-mediated immune reactions has been well characterized in molecular, cellular, and clinical studies of allograft and microbial immunity . Extensive studies performed in laboratory animal models have documented the in vitro and in vivo destruction of various neoplastic tissues by immune cells . This destruction can be directed against autologous, syngeneic, or allogeneic tumors in several systems with varying degrees of "tumor specificity" . Two approaches exist towards utilizing these immune reaction in vivo . The first involves providing the tumor bearer with immunostimulatory agents, either specific or nonspecific, designed to activate and amplify the destructive potential of the individual's endogenous immune cells able to recognize and destroy autologous tumor . The second approach provides immune cells with antitumor capacity to a tumor-bearing individual, these cells having been activated exogenously . A number of successful regimens involving these two approaches, and combinations of them, have been delineated in animal tumor models . These experimental studies lay a strong foundation for initiating clinical trials of these concepts for patients with cancer . This review summarizes the diverse experimental studies in animals leading to clinical trials, presents recent data from ongoing clinical trials directly testing the potential for cellular immunotherapy, and then presents some of the major challenges facing further development and application of this potential therapeutic approach. Schriftenr Ver Wasser Boden Lufthyg, 1989, 80, 39 - 60 {Microbial degradation of aromatic compounds}; Lingens F; Benzene degrading bacteria can be isolated easily . In this contribution, the degradation pathway of benzene has been described . It shows a formation of catechol as an intermediate product which can be split oxidatively between hydroxyl groups (an ortho-splitting) as well as beside the hydroxyl groups (a meta-splitting) . The participation of plasmids in the degradation process has been brought out . The herbicide PyraminR becomes metabolized by Phenylobacterium immobile in a way which is typical for the degradation of other aromatics, too . The characteristics of a Pseudomonas strain which could become enriched in the presence of 4-chlorobenzoic acid has been quoted: it offers four different ways of dehalogenation . The degradation pathways of aniline and its derivatives go towards catechol and its derivatives . The possible degradation of natural occurring aromatics has been shown by the examples of chloramphenicol, ephedrine, papaverin, juglone and lawsone . The formation of halogenated compounds under natural conditions has been discussed. Schriftenr Ver Wasser Boden Lufthyg, 1989, 80, 231 - 45 {Technical in situ methods and their environmental hygiene control during the biological purification of soil and groundwaters polluted by organic halogens}; Hanert HH et al.; The contribution deals with the following topics: --A possible utilization of the biological soil remediation techniques . --Laboratory investigations for remediation projects . --Development of pilot treatments projects . --Technical treatments, monitoring, and the enhancement of microbial activities on a full scale. Nippon Hinyokika Gakkai Zasshi, 1989 Jan, 80(1), 95 - 9 {Acute focal bacterial nephritis (acute lobar nephronia) report of two cases}; Ehara H et al.; Acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN) is one of the acute renal infections, its entity can be distinguished from other renal infections by the findings of sonography and computed tomography . There is no evidence of liquefaction in focal masses of AFBN in contrast to renal abscess . We present two cases with AFBN . The first case was a 52-year-old man with diabetes mellitus and benign prostatic hypertrophy . The second case was a 24-year-old woman with bilateral vesico-ureteral refluxes . Although their initial symptoms mimicked those of acute pyelonephritis, the findings of sonography and computed tomography revealed renal masses . They were treated with anti-microbial agents, and showed rapid improvement on both clinical symptoms and renal masses. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci, 1989, 27(2), 109 - 58 Potentiometric (bioselective electrodes) assay systems: utility and limitations; Monroe D; Numerous potentiometric assays utilizing bioselective electrodes are fast revolutionizing many areas of biotechnology . Adequately discussing the utility and limitations of these electrochemical systems is the purpose of this review . A general overview introduces bioselective potentiometry by presenting basic concepts, historical background, and current developments . Essentially, the review consists of several sections describing electrode architecture, operational concepts, different biosensors, assay systems, applications, and future trends . Advantages and disadvantages of the different bioselective assay systems discussed are included throughout each section . Electrode design discussion covers conventional liquid probes and the newer solid-state transitor biosensors . Limitations and advantages of different chemoreceptors, biocatalysts, and potentiometric transducers are presented . Operational characteristics include: linear behavior, sensitivity, stability, specificity, response, recovery, and the influence of interfering factors . Enzyme, organelle, tissue, and microbial biocatalytic sensors are discussed . Bioligand systems include: affinity, immunoselective enzyme, and liposome sensors . Potentiometric bioselective drug, microbial, and immunoassay systems are also included. Rev Infect Dis, 1989 Jan-Feb, 11 Suppl 1, S55 - 60 Microbiology of toxic shock syndrome: overview; See RH et al.; The discovery of TSST-1 production by TSS-associated strains of S . aureus provided the first major breakthrough in the understanding of the pathogenesis of TSS . Soon, associations between TSST-1 production and other phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of S . aureus became apparent . In the end, appreciation of the microbiology and molecular genetics of TSST-1 and TSS-associated S . aureus has not only enhanced our knowledge of the pathogenesis of TSS, it will undoubtedly bring new concepts and insights into the possible mechanisms and host-parasite interactions in other microbial infections or intoxications as well. Bone Marrow Transplant, 1989 Jan, 4(1), 97 - 100 A modified method for human bone marrow filtration prior to bone marrow transplantation; Neudorf S et al.; A technique is described for filtering harvested bone marrow using disposable materials, namely a 4 x 4 inch piece of sterile gauze that is gently packed into the barrel of a 60-ml plastic disposable syringe, which is connected directly to a blood collection bag . The filtration of marrow directly into the collection bag eliminates additional filtration steps and therefore may potentially reduce the incidence of inadvertent microbial contamination . In this study we describe this filtering technique and compare it to the method described by Thomas and Storb . Numbers of granulopoietic progenitors (CFU-GM) and erythropoietic progenitors (BFU-E), total white cell counts, percentage of cells positive for the CD3 (OKT3) lymphocyte surface membrane marker, and volume changes were studied following filtration by each method . The two techniques were shown to be comparable in terms of these parameters . Furthermore, when compared with historical controls, this method resulted in a reduced incidence of microbial contamination compared to filtration using successive stainless steel screens. J Clin Periodontol, 1989 Jan, 16(1), 1 - 11 Detection of high-risk groups and individuals for periodontal diseases: laboratory markers from analysis of gingival crevicular fluid; Curtis MA et al.; Gingival crevicular fluid is regarded as a promising medium for the detection of markers of periodontal diseases activity . The collection protocols are straight forward and non-invasive and can be performed at specific sites of interest in the periodontium . Because the fluid accumulates at the gingival margin, it will contain potential markers derived not only from the host tissues and serum but also the subgingival microbial plaque, and thus an extremely broad range of candidate molecules may be investigated . However, the ability to successfully describe indicators of current disease activity and predictors of future disease is dependent not only upon the choice of the biochemical marker but also on the accurate description of the health status of the sample sites using currently available clinical and radiographic methods . Areas of study which currently show the most promise involve the analysis of host enzyme activities directed against components of the extracellular matrix, the nature of the glycosaminoglycans released into the sulcus and the concentration in gingival crevicular fluid of certain mediators of the inflammatory process, most notably prostaglandin E2. Transfusion, 1989 Jan, 29(1), 12 - 6 Semiautomated processing of bone marrow grafts for transplantation; English D et al.; This report describes experience with a technique for the isolation of mononuclear cells from large quantities of human bone marrow using a blood cell processor . The procedure includes the separation of the bone marrow aspirates by concentrating and collecting interface buffy coat cells . A mononuclear white cell-enriched fraction is then obtained with ficoll-hypaque in the blood cell processor . Finally, the bone marrow white cells are washed to remove the ficoll-hypaque and the contaminating plasma . The entire procedure is carried out in a closed system . The automated method of isolating mononuclear cells proved superior to the manual method in both the recovery of cells and the time needed to process the marrow . Also, the risk of microbial contamination is substantially reduced . When marrow white cells processed by this method and cryopreserved were transfused subsequently into patients who had previously undergone high-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy, engraftment, as indicated by a rise in the absolute granulocyte count of greater than 1000 per mm3, occurred within 20 days . This semiautomated technique provides a convenient, rapid, and reliable method for processing and preparing large numbers of viable marrow cells. Folia Microbiol (Praha), 1989, 34(5), 459 - 62 Microbial transformation of semisynthetic derivatives of daunomycinone modified in ring A; Prikrylova V et al.; Semisynthetic derivatives of daunomycinone with 7,9-isopropylacetal, 7-O-methyl, 7-O-(4-penten-2-yl), and 7-O-(2-hydroxyethyl) substituents were converted by Streptomyces peucetius var . caesius (an adriamycin-blocked mutant) into 7-deoxy-13-dihydrodaunomycinone, while daunomycinone was transformed into 13-dihydrodaunomycinone (predominantly) and 7-deoxy-13-dihydrodaunomycinone . S . coeruleorubidus mutants 24-74 (accumulating aclavinone derivatives instead of daunomycin and related compounds) and 96-85 (producing no anthracycline substances), and S . aureofaciens B-96 (a tetracycline-blocked mutant) transformed the above substrates into the corresponding 13-dihydro derivatives, with the exception of 7,9-isopropylacetal daunomycinone which remained intact . 7-O-Propyn-1-yl daunomycinone was not transformed by any of the strains used under the conditions. Cancer Inv