Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 1992 May, 118(5), 507 - 8 Recurrent tonsillitis . The role of Chlamydia and Mycoplasma; Charnock DR et al.; The core tissue microflora of 40 patients who underwent tonsillectomies were examined with cultures, DNA probe tests, enzyme immunoassays, and direct immunofluorescence antibody tests for Chlamydia and Mycoplasma . We believe this is the largest and most accurate prospective study that has examined the role of Chlamydia and Mycoplasma in the core tonsil tissue of patients with recurrent or chronic tonsillitis . The data strongly indicate that, unlike acute tonsillopharyngitis, Chlamydia and Mycoplasma are not involved in recurrent or chronic tonsillitis. Aviakosm Ekolog Med, 1992 May-Jun, 26(3), 41 - 8 {The cabin microflora of manned space vehicles and the problem of the biological destruction of the construction materials used in them}; Viktorov AN et al.; It is found that during operation of manned space objects there can occur the microbial growth on the structural materials of cabin interior and equipment which results in their biological destruction . The biodestructing processes can involve single parts of cabin interior, trainer linkages, connectors, cables, illuminators . Ninety four microbial species have been identified in spacecraft environment . The bacterial flora was presented by 19 genera pertaining to 11 families and involved 58 species . The mold and yeast-like fungi were presented by 12 genera and consisted of 36 species . The significant quantities of isolated microbial species were classified as potentially pathogenic microorganisms; many of them are known as biodestructers of polymeric materials . The isolated microbial cultures in space missions have become the basis of strain bank intended for further study and practical use in validating the construction materials. Microbiologia, 1992 Apr, 8(1), 32 - 8 {Density and activity of microorganisms of the carbon cycle under the canopy of Myrica gale L.}; Pozuelo Gonzalez JM et al.; Plants, especially actinorhizal, regulate edaphic microflora through various ways, modifying thus nutrients recycling . Myrica gale effect on microorganisms in the carbon cycle is studied in this work by comparing soil samples collected under the canopy in summer and control samples . The results indicate that under M . gale C-organic and N-total concentration and anaerobic cellulolytic, hemicellulolytic and amilolytic density increase, and pH, C/N ratio and aerobic cellulolytic microorganisms density decrease . Microbial activity in soil is also modified. J Dent Res, 1992 Apr, 71 Spec No, 920 - 3 Intra-oral models: comparison of in situ substrates; Ogaard B et al.; Numerous intra-oral caries models have been designed for clinical and mechanistic purposes . Several factors--such as human vs . bovine enamel, sound vs . demineralized tissues, lesion type, dentin vs . enamel, the severity of the cariogenic challenge, and the microflora--may influence the reactivity of the hard tissue and hence lesion development and progression . Some models use unextracted teeth and are true in vivo models, whereas in situ models are based on hard-tissue substrates in the form of slabs or sections . Models producing a moderate cariogenic challenge usually show a fluoride dose response . However, caries is increasingly becoming a problem limited to some high-risk patients and to lesions located to areas where severe challenges exist (e.g., fissures and pits) . There is thus need for models that could mimic such situations . One of the requirements for intra-oral models producing severe cariogenic challenge conditions should probably be that it should be able to demineralize fluorapatite . A challenge for future caries research is to develop agents that have a better clinical effect in fissures and pits than those presently available . Because, in the past, much emphasis has been placed on remineralization of artificial lesions, more research on the demineralization process should be performed in the future, since this may give improved clinical effects . Ideally, an intra-oral caries model should take into account as many of the natural oral conditions as possible and minimize the degree of artificiality. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf, 1992 Apr, 23(2), 161 - 72 Screening methods for assessment of biodegradability of chemicals in seawater--results from a ring test; Nyholm N et al.; An international ring test involving 14 laboratories was organized on behalf of the Commission of the European Economic Communities (EEC) with the purpose of evaluating two proposed screening methods for assessment of biodegradability in seawater: (a) a shake flask die-away test based primarily on analysis of dissolved organic carbon and (b) a closed bottle test based on determination of dissolved oxygen . Both tests are performed with nutrient-enriched natural seawater as the test medium and with no inoculum added other than the natural seawater microflora . The test methods are seawater versions of the modified OECD screening test and the closed bottle test, respectively, adopted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and by the EEC as tests for "ready biodegradability." The following five chemicals were examined: sodium benzoate, aniline, diethylene glycol, pentaerythritol, and 4-nitrophenol . Sodium benzoate and aniline, which are known to be generally readily biodegradable consistently degraded in practically all tests, thus demonstrating the technical feasibility of the methods . Like in previous ring tests with freshwater screening methods variable results were obtained with the other three compounds, which is believed primarily to be due to site-specific differences between the microflora of the different seawater samples used and to some extent also to differences in the applied concentrations of test material . A positive result with the screening methods indicates that the test substance will most likely degrade relatively rapidly in seawater from the site of collection, while a negative test result does not preclude biodegradability under environmental conditions where the concentrations of chemicals are much lower than the concentrations applied for analytical reasons in screening tests . Nevertheless, the screening tests are considered useful and cost-effective tools for an initial assessment of biodegradability in marine environments. Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1992 Mar, 148(3), 287 - 90 {Local oxygen therapy combined with ultraviolet irradiation of the suppurative wounds in lactation mastitis}; Konstantinov VK et al.; A method of local oxygenation of wounds of the mammary glands in combination with UV irradiation with the help of the device proposed by the authors was used in the complex treatment of 72 patients with purulent lactation mastitis . The curative effect resulted from a considerable elevation of oxygen saturation of the mammary gland tissues which reduced tissue hypoxia, better microcirculation which results in the accelerated process of regeneration of the wounds . UV irradiation exerts bactericidal effect on microflora of the wounds. J Periodontol, 1992 Mar, 63(3), 174 - 81 Clinical effectiveness of subgingival irrigation with a pulsated jet irrigator versus syringe; Itic J et al.; Previous studies have shown clinical and microbiological improvement with subgingival irrigation particularly after scaling and root planing . In this study we monitored the effects of saline irrigation on non-treated periodontal pockets . Ten subjects with severe periodontal disease and symmetrical lesions on multirooted teeth were selected . They had not received periodontal treatment or antibiotics for the previous 6 months . Patients were given simplified oral hygiene instructions . Neither scaling nor root planing was provided during the study . Two teeth were randomly selected per quadrant for subgingival irrigation with saline solution . One side was treated with a syringe and the other side with a pulsated jet irrigator with a modified tip, professionally administered . Clinical parameters (pocket depth, plaque index, gingival index, crevicular fluid, bleeding index, attachment level, and subgingival microflora) were evaluated on days 0, 15, 30, 60, and 90 . Both subgingival irrigation products induced changes (reductions) in these indices during the study . Significant differences (P less than 0.001) with the oral irrigator were found for the following parameters: microscopy, pocket depth, crevicular fluid, and plaque index . In this study, professionally administered saline irrigation with a pulsated jet irrigator was more effective than syringe treatment with the same solution . Neither treatment resulted in a detectable gain in probing attachment level . Since gain in attachment level is achievable by other techniques, neither of these subgingival irrigation procedures alone can be considered adequate for periodontal therapy. Curr Opin Dent, 1992 Mar, 2, 39 - 52 Periodontal disease activity; Lamster IB et al.; Periodontal disease activity is defined clinically by progressive loss of probing attachment and radiographically by progressive loss of alveolar bone . The natural history of periodontal disease was originally considered to be nearly continuous and slowly progressive . Clinical research conducted in the last decade suggests that periodontal disease demonstrates periods of exacerbation and remission . Using sensitive automated probes, studies published during the past year have demonstrated that different patterns of disease activity can exist, and that these patterns may be dependent on the disease threshold . Subtraction radiography continues to be refined, but cost and methodology prevent this diagnostic tool from having widespread clinical application . A variety of clinical, microbiologic, and host-response parameters have been studied for their relationship to periodontal disease activity . Many research groups are attempting to develop a diagnostic test that identifies the risk for development of active disease . A relatively simple test based on the presence of a microbial virulence factor, or the host inflammatory or immune response to the subgingival microflora, may be a practical means for clinicians to detect the active phases of periodontal disease. Stomatologiia (Mosk), 1992 Mar-Apr, (2), 29 - 30 {A method for assessing the efficacy of means for interdental space hygiene}; Petrikas AZh et al.; A method for assessment of the efficacy of various means for maintenance of interdental space hygiene is suggested, based on measurement of the activity of acid producing oral microflora expressed through local pH-metry values . Three types of dental threads were under study. Med Parazitol (Mosk), 1992 Mar-Apr, (2), 47 - 50 {The relation between changes in the intestinal microflora of mosquito larvae under the action of phytobacteriomycin and female susceptibility to the causative agent of malaria}; Ganushkina LA; A relationship was found between Pseudomonas suppression by phytobacteriomycin (PBM) in the mosquito larval gut and the mosquito vectorial capacity . The suppression of Pseudomonas bacteria in larvae caused a decrease in the vectorial capacity of emerged imagines . The results of the in vivo tests were verified in vitro with the culture of bacteria isolated from mosquito larva in liquid medium with pH 8.4 which is equal to intestinal pH of Ae . aegypti larva inside the peritrophic membrane . The laboratory Ae . aegypti fed on sugar with PBM addition (titer 100 U/ml) were 18.9% lees sensitive to malaria parasite . Without additional blood meal, mosquito sensitivity to malaria parasite sharply decreases at day 14, without substantially changing their intestinal microflora. Riv Eur Sci Med Farmacol, 1992 Feb, 14(1), 9 - 14 {Clinical-therapeutic considerations in the treatment of aspecific abdominal disturbances in patients with ulcerative colitis in remission: preliminary note on therapy with rifaximin}; Riegler G et al.; In this study the efficacy of a topic intestinal antibiotic, Rifaximine, on quiescent ulcerative colitis has been evaluated . Twelve patients, aged 20-45 years, affected by ulcerative colitis, with an endoscopic evidence of remission and abdominal symptoms referable to microflora alteration have been admitted . All patients have been treated with Rifaximine 800 mg p.o . three times a day for 10 consecutive days . Meteorism, abdominal pain, and the stool number have been evaluated at admission and on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th days of therapy . All symptoms and clinical parameters showed a mean significant early reduction on Rifaximine treatment . Only one patient failed to show a substantial improvement . In no case side effects appeared. Khirurgiia (Mosk), 1992 Feb, (2), 45 - 9 {The use of plasma from donor convalescent patients in the combined treatment of peritonitis}; Mil'kov BO et al.; The article analyses the treatment of 12 patients with diffuse purulent peritonitis in whom the titers of specific antibodies against microflora causing peritonitis were corrected in the period of secondary immunodeficiency . The authors suggest a new method for the treatment of peritonitis which is based on inclusion of convalescents' plasma after peritonitis in the therapeutic complex . This plasma contains specific antibodies against the cultured microflora in high titers and is a polyvalent hyperimmune medium which makes it possible to cause an effect on the level of humoral immunity . This improved the results of treatment: the titres of specific antibodies against the cultured microflora grew, such complications of diffuse peritonitis as the formation of circumscribed abscesses in the abdominal cavity and suppuration of the postoperative wound were encountered less frequently, mortality reduced by 16.6% as compared to the control group . The efficacy of the suggested methods was also proved in experiments on 164 animals. J Clin Microbiol, 1992 Jan, 30(1), 227 - 8 Clinical demonstration of isolation of Nocardia asteroides on buffered charcoal-yeast extract media; Vickers RM et al.; Nocardia asteroides was isolated only from sputum samples, obtained from three patients with pulmonary nocardiosis, that had been cultured onto buffered charcoal-yeast extract (BCYE) and selective BCYE media as part of laboratory workups for Legionella species . A decontamination procedure with low-pH pretreatment (KCl-HCl solution) had been performed on the sputa prior to culture onto the BCYE media because direct cultures on the media were overgrown with commensal microflora . Chalky white colonies, 0.5 to 1.0 mm in diameter, that were subsequently identified as N . asteroides grew well on the BCYE media . Thus, the techniques and the selective media used for Legionella species were useful for isolating Nocardia species from sputum. Acta Otolaryngol Suppl, 1992, 493, 119 - 26 Extended middle ear drug delivery . A new concept; a new device; Goycoolea MV et al.; The authors present the development of a new device that consists of a biodegradable support matrix incorporating a therapeutically releasable amount of ampicillin . This device is in an insertable shape that allows easy placement into the middle ear . Once in the middle ear cavity it expands, contacts the walls, and provides extended sustained release of ampicillin . In vitro studies over three months documented the consistent release of therapeutically effective levels of ampicillin . In vivo efficacy was demonstrated in the cat otitis media induced by eustachian tube obstruction . Cultures of normal cat middle ear cavities prior to obstruction revealed no microflora . Cultures after obstruction of the middle ears of animals treated with this device had no growth of bacteria as early as one week after obstruction (10 out of 12 cats) . The contralateral untreated ears became culture negative at two weeks post obstruction, suggesting that the effect of the device is not limited to the treated ear . Histopathological studies showed the effect of the device as early as one week post obstruction in treated ears and after two weeks in the contralateral ear . Both ears became normal at three months, while obstructed untreated animals (controls) developed chronic irreversible otitis media changes . In addition, histopathological findings documented a lack of inflammatory reaction from the device itself, and its capacity of being biodegradable . Topical extended middle ear drug delivery can become a significant form of treatment for middle ear disease and has the potential of being useful as a source for inner ear drug delivery. Xenobiotica, 1992 Jan, 22(1), 1 - 11 Reductive metabolism of the anticonvulsant agent zonisamide, a 1,2-benzisoxazole derivative; Stiff DD et al.; 1 . The metabolism of zonisamide in vitro was characterized through aerobic and anaerobic incubations with rat liver subcellular fractions and cultured gastrointestinal microflora . 2 . Zonisamide reacted with rat hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 and exhibited a Type I binding spectrum . 3 . Metabolism of zonisamide in vitro by hepatic subcellular fractions and cultured gastrointestinal flora produced a single metabolite, 2-(sulphamoylacetyl)-phenol (2-SMAP), by reductive cleavage of the 1,2-benzisoxazole ring . 4 . The reductive metabolism of zonisamide was primarily mediated by microsomal cytochrome P-450 . The soluble fraction enhanced reduction when combined with the microsomal fraction but itself possessed only weak reductive activity . 5 . Reduction of zonisamide by the most enzymically active liver fractions required NADPH, was stimulated by FMN and SKF-525A, and was inhibited by CO or air, as well as by n-octylamine . 6 . Unlike their involvement in the reduction of numerous nitro, azo, and N-oxide compounds, cultured aerobic and anaerobic intestinal flora were not principally involved in the reduction of zonisamide. Wien Klin Wochenschr, 1992, 104(2), 39 - 41 {Otitis externa in tropical diving and swimming}; Haider T et al.; Studies of the microflora of the external auditory canal should help to clarify the frequent acute diffuse external otitis which may occur in recreational scuba-divers and swimmers during a stay in the tropics . We found that colonisation with facultatively pathogenic microorganisms increased after exposure . Apart from this contamination, indirect factors such as the tropical climate and intensive exposure to water may play an important role in the aetiology of the external otitis . For individual preventive measures, topical application of paraffin-oil before, and an aqueous solution of alcohol and acetic acid after exposure are recommended. Reprod Nutr Dev, 1992, 32(1), 83 - 90 Kinetics of ethanol metabolism in sheep; Jean-Blain C et al.; Kinetic aspects of ethanol metabolism were studied in sheep after intravenous or intraruminal infusion of ethanol . Vmax and Km in fed animals were respectively 295 +/- 10 mg.h-1.l-1 (l = litre of body water) and 32.1 +/- 2.4 mg.l-1 . Elimination half-life was 1.47 +/- 0.26 h . The corresponding values in the fasted animal were not significantly different . During venous infusion an increase in plasma acetate, inversely correlated to plasma ethanol, was observed . No modification in glycemia occurred . Intraruminal infusion of ethanol increased the concentration of all SCFA in the rumen juice, the largest part of this modification being relative to acetate . Repetition of the infusion over a period of 11 consecutive days increased the number of SCFA in the rumen, indicating microflora adaptation to ethanol utilization . Taking into account the range of ethanol concentrations found in silage (10-50 g.kg-1 BW) we can consider that ethanol is readily metabolized simultaneously by the rumen microflora and the enzymatic system of the host . With a corresponding daily intake of ethanol (0.2-1 g.kg-1 BW) both systems are not saturated and plasma ethanol level always remains below 0.25 g.l-1. Br J Nutr, 1992 Jan, 67(1), 91 - 102 Enzyme supplementation, degradation and metabolism of three U-14C-labelled cell-wall substrates in the fowl; Savory CJ; An experimental model is described that was used for assessing in vivo effects in fowls of exogenous enzyme supplementation on the degradation of plant cell walls to metabolizable monosaccharide residues . It was based on tube-feeding U-14C-labelled cell-wall substrates, cellulose, spinach (Spinacia oleracea) or Festuca, with and without enzyme treatments, and monitoring recovery of 14C radioactivity in exhaled carbon dioxide and excreta in the following 8 h . Normal digestion of cell-wall polysaccharides by endogenous microbial activity was also studied by pretreating birds with an antibiotic mixture intended to deplete their intestinal microflora . The results of this pretreatment appeared to confirm the existence of microbial degradation of cellulose in (conditioned) fowls . Judging from differences in 14CO2 production, effects of exogenous enzyme additions were greatly enhanced with all substrates by combining them with a wet pretreatment, thereby increasing the time-period available for them to act in aqueous conditions . However, estimations of digestibilities of cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin with dry and wet treatments, based on recovery of 14C in excreta, indicated that it was only cellulose digestion that was improved by the wet pretreatment . This suggests that degradation of cellulose, which appeared to be slowest, was limited by the dry treatments, whereas that of hemicellulose and pectin was not . Respective digestibilities of these three cell-wall components, from all treatments combined, were in the proportions 1:1.5:4.2. Appl Environ Microbiol, 1992 Jan, 58(1), 243 - 51 Interactions between marine bacteria and dissolved-phase and beached hydrocarbons after the Exxon Valdez oil spill; Button DK et al.; Turnover times for toluene in Resurrection Bay after the Exxon Valdez grounding were determined to be decades, longer than expected considering that dissolved hydrocarbons were anticipated to drift with the current and stimulate development of additional hydrocarbon-utilizing capacity among the microflora in that downcurrent location . These turnover times were based on the recovery of 14CO2 from added {14C}toluene that was oxidized . The concentrations of toluene there, 0.1 to 0.2 microgram/liter, were similar to prespill values . Oxidation rates appeared to be enhanced upstream near islands in the wake of the wind-blown slick, and even more within the slick itself . Specific affinities of the water column bacteria for toluene were computed with the help of biomass data, as measured by high-resolution flow cytometry . They were a very low 0.3 to 3 liters/g of cells.h-1, indicating limited capacity to utilize this hydrocarbon . Since current-driven mixing rates exceeded those of oxidation, dissolved spill components such as toluene should enter the world-ocean pool of hydrocarbons rather than biooxidize in place . Some of the floating oil slick washed ashore and permeated a coarse gravel beach . A bacterial biomass of 2 to 14 mg/kg appeared in apparent response to the new carbon and energy source . This biomass was computed from that of the organisms and associated naphthalene oxidation activity washed from the gravel compared with the original suspension . These sediment organisms were very small at approximately 0.06 microns 3 in volume, low in DNA at approximately 5.5 g per cell, and unlike the aquatic bacteria obtained by enrichment culture but quite similar to the oligobacteria in the water column.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Antibiot Khimioter, 1992 Jan, 37(1), 35 - 9 {Selective decontamination of the intestine and total gnotobiologic isolation in treatment of mice with acute radiation sickness}; Romanchuk LA et al.; Comparative study of ciprofloxacin, pefloxacin and amikacin showed that ciprofloxacin and pefloxacin had a selective action on the intestinal microflora of conventional mice . Amikacin induced inhibition not only of the opportunistic bacteria but also of the representatives of the indigenous microflora . The use of the drugs in combination with total gnotobiological isolation in treatment of experimental radiation sickness provided an increase in survival of the irradiated animals, the more so as ciprofloxacin was used. Gynecol Obstet Invest, 1992, 34(1), 31 - 5 Effects of steroid hormones and immunosuppressant drugs on defences against uterine microbial contamination in the rat; Gard PR et al.; This study used rats as a mammalian model to investigate the effects of steroid hormones and immunosuppressant drugs on uterine microflora . It was shown that prednisolone acetate predisposed to uterine contamination unlike oestradiol, ciclosporin and cyclophosphamide . It therefore appears that the leucocyte component of the immune system does not normally play a role in preventing bacterial colonization of the uterus and that prednisolone is producing its effect via some other mechanism, possibly an effect on cervical mucus. J Med, 1992, 23(3-4), 161 - 73 Experimental and clinical gnotobiotics: influence of the microflora on graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation; Heidt PJ et al.; One of the major complications of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), which is caused by donor type lymphocytes which react against the recipient's tissues . An important factor which influences GvHD is the recipient's gastrointestinal microflora . This was originally observed in gnotobiotic mice . Infusion of 10(7) H-2 incompatible bone marrow cells into lethally irradiated (9.0 Gy X-rays) conventional mice results in a late onset type GvHD which causes the death of the majority of the recipients during the first two months after BMT . This mortality can be completely prevented if the recipients are germfree mice, or when they are conventional animals which have been subjected to complete or selective gastrointestinal decontamination (GID) . In a mouse model, the mechanism responsible for the influence of the microflora on GvHD after allogeneic BMT was investigated . These studies indicate that GvHD can be induced by activated T-lymphocytes from donor origin reacting against bacterial antigens which might be cross-reactive with the recipient's epithelial tissue antigens . Activation of these T-lymphocytes is confined to antigens of certain bacterial species of the recipient which are not present in the indigenous microflora of the donor mice . These bacteria most likely belong to the anaerobic flora of the recipient . The latter hypothesis is strongly supported by the observation in human patients that, in contrast to complete GID, selective decontamination of the gastrointestinal tract did not have any beneficial effect on moderately severe to severe GvHD after transplantation with MHC-matched sibling donor bone marrow grafts. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1992, (5-6), 34 - 7 {A system for the operative management of hospital infections in maternity hospitals}; Kornachev AS; A system for controlling the epidemic process of hospital infections in maternity hospitals and departments of infant pathology has been created . The specific feature of the proposed method is the prospective character of epidemiological surveillance: from the cause to the effect, and not vice versa . This is achieved by using the results of follow-up of the preconditions of the epidemic process activation (preterm delivery, gestosis, dry labor, birth injuries in mothers and infants) and the precursors of the beginning aggravation of the epidemic situation (the level of the contamination of infants with hospital microflora) . Early information in this respect will help foresee the possible activation of the epidemic process of hospital infections and take necessary measures when infant infection rate is just elevated. Klin Khir, 1992, (6), 5 - 6 {Study of large intestinal microflora in newborns with Hirschsprung disease}; Krasovskaia TV et al.; In 35 newborns and children at the age under 4 mos with Hirschsprung's disease, colonic microflora was studied . Disbacteriosis at phase 1 was revealed in 1 (2.9%) child, at phase 2--in 7 (20%), at phase 3--in 27 (77.1%) . In acute form of Hirschsprung's disease, in 68.5% of cases, disbacteriosis at phase 3 with the signs of enterocolitis causing acute ileus was revealed . Intestinal perforation against background of enterocolitis developed in 8 cases. Folia Biol (Praha), 1992, 38(3-4), 202 - 15 Autoimmunity: from physiology to pathology . Natural antibodies, mucosal immunity and development of B cell repertoire; Tlaskalova-Hogenova H et al.; Presence of spontaneously produced immunoglobulins bearing a broad spectrum of "natural" antibody specificities (including autoantibodies) in sera and other body fluids results mainly from inapparent immunization and polyclonal B cell activation by microflora and food antigens occurring mostly on mucosal surfaces . Early postnatal ontogeny in external environment is characterized by rapid growth and functional maturation of secondary lymphatic tissues as a consequence of this "natural" mucosal immunization . Under normal circumstances a state of "oral" tolerance to intestinal antigens is actively established after this period . Studies performed in germ-free, antigen-free and maternal antibody-deprived animals showed that low amounts of natural antibodies (mainly of IgM isotype) are formed without any known cause of stimulation . These "nonstimulated" antibodies, similarly as hybridomas originating from nonimmunized newborns, correspond to the preimmune repertoire of antibodies characterized by poly-specificity, high connectivity and reactivity against self antigens . Together with other innate humoral and cellular factors, they probably represent the first line of anti-infectious resistance . Moreover, due to their connectivity they are supposed to play an important role in B cell repertoire shaping (forming an idiotypic network), through interaction with a broad spectrum of immunological components they act as regulatory molecules, and through their participation in catabolic events they can promote morphogenetic changes during fetal development . Beneficial therapeutic effects of nonspecific gammaglobulin (IVIG) application observed recently in patients with autoimmune diseases suggest that they can influence autoimmune reactivity by a not yet analyzed mechanism . Other functions of natural autoantibodies can be suggested and expected to be found in the near future.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Eur Surg Res, 1992, 24(5), 309 - 12 The role of the gastrointestinal microflora in postsurgical adhesion formation--a study in germfree rats; Bothin C et al.; The elucidation of the pathogenesis of postsurgical adhesion formation is still lacking . In this study experimental adhesion formation was studied in germfree (i.e . void of bacteria) and conventional rats (intestinal flora comprising over 400 species) using a caecal crush model . The germfree rats responded significantly weaker to the same stimuli, forming adhesions in only 20% of the cases as compared to the conventional rats 87.5% (p = 0.0076) . The findings indicate that the bowel flora is of importance but not essential for postsurgical adhesion formation in rats. Ann Rech Vet, 1992, 23(3), 225 - 32 Susceptibility of the rabbit to an enteropathogenic strain of Escherichia coli 0103: effect of animals' age; Licois D et al.; Experimental infections with an enteropathogenic strain of Escherichia coli 0103 were studied in SPF rabbits of different ages . Whatever the age, the weight gains in all animals were reduced more or less significantly . However, mortality differed considerably according to the age . Four to 5-week-old rabbits were most susceptible to the infection, with 80-100% mortality associated with diarrhoea, generally of the hemorrhagic type . Peak mortality was observed between 5-10 days post-inoculation . In general, 21-day-old rabbits died from the second week post-inoculation onwards . After the 6th week of age, mortality was rare . Study of the microflora showed that the colonization of the gut by E coli 0103 occurred whatever the age as 10(6)-10(9) bacteria per g of feces of the inoculated strain were recovered . The role of specific receptors has been discussed. Pharm Acta Helv, 1992, 67(7), 198 - 203 In vitro deterioration of rhein anthraquinone in cecal content of rats; de Witte P et al.; The influence of the intestinal microbial reduction of rhein anthraquinone on the formation of deterioration products was studied . Therefore {14C}rhein and {14C}rhein anthrone were mixed with sterilized or non-sterilized cecal mass of rats and incubated for 20 hours at 37 degrees C . Extractions with a methanol-water (50:50) mixture or 4-nitroso-N,N-dimethylaniline (0.1%) in pyridine revealed several radioactive derivatives after TLC and autoradiography, except in the case where the anthraquinone was mixed with sterilized cecal content . Gel permeation on a styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer column of an methanol/water extract of non-sterilized cecal content incubated with {14C}rhein, showed radioactive deterioration products with a molecular weight higher than rhein anthraquinone . The high molecular weight of some deterioration products was confirmed by an ultrafiltration study where the methanol/water extract was centrifuged on a Centricon-3 microconcentrator (nominal cutoff: 3000 MW) . Aqueous extracts of non-sterilized cecal content incubated with rhein were extracted with chloroform to remove rhein anthraquinone, rhein anthrone and sennidins before being intracecally injected in rats . No laxative activity was found . Furthermore it was shown that the deterioration products which are probably formed through radical reactions, no longer develop a color with a solution of KOH . Therefore it is concluded that the reduction process of dihydroxy-anthraquinones in the gut microflora followed by an extraction, accounts for the loss of anthranoid equivalents in in vivo circumstances, as several times reported in the past. Pediatriia, 1992, (4-6), 8 - 12 {Viral and bacterial associations and their role in the development of bronchopulmonary diseases in children}; Ivanova VV et al.; Clinical and laboratory criteria for estimating the role of viruses and bacteria that determine bronchopulmonary diseases have been derived . The clinical importance of the detectable microflora, part of which permanently invade the nasopharynx (pneumococcus, adenoviruses) is under critical review . Pneumonias that may develop within the first days of acute respiratory viral infection are characterized by monoviral influenzal or RS-infection; later pneumonias are marked by viral infection with the predominance of adenoviruses . Attempt has been made to reveal the role of geno- and phenotypic factors (N-acetylation, lipid peroxidation, synthesis of alpha-interferon) . The data obtained support an assumption about self-regulation of the child's immune system and the adaptation character of responses in mixed infections. Dev Immunol, 1992, 2(2), 141 - 50 The involvement of the intestinal microflora in the expansion of CD4+ T cells with a naive phenotype in the periphery; Dobber R et al.; It is well known that immune reactivity declines with age . Recently, we demonstrated that the age-related decrease in IL-2 production by CD4+ T cells was accompanied by an increased production of IL-4 and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) . This age-related shift in the profile of lymphokine production was related to phenotypic changes within the CD4+ T-cell subset, that is, a decrease in the percentage of CD45RB++ CD4+ T cells and an increase in the percentage of Pgp-1+ CD4+ T cells . To study whether these age-related changes were due to previous antigenic exposure, we performed a phenotypic and functional analysis on splenic CD4+ T cells isolated from individual germ-free (GF), specific pathogen-free (SPF), and clean conventional (CC) mice . Interestingly, the total number of splenic CD4+ T cells in GF mice was twofold lower as compared to age-matched SPF or CC mice, regardless whether mice were analyzed at young (10 weeks) or at advanced age (13-14 months) . Unexpectedly, the phenotypic composition of the CD4+ T-cell subset was comparable in the GF, SPF, and CC mice as determined by the expression of CD45RB and Pgp-1, indicating that CD4+ T cells with a naive phenotype (CD45RB++ Pgp-1-) were not enriched in GF mice . Moreover, at an age of 13-14 months, CD4+ T cells from GF mice frequently produced more IL-4 and IFN-gamma than their CC counterparts . These lymphokine data showed, therefore, that a relatively high proportion of CD4+ T cells with a memory phenotype can also be defined in GF mice on the basis of their function . The contamination of GF mice with a colonization resistant factor (CRF flora) resulted in twofold higher numbers of splenic CD4+ T cells . Surprisingly, not only CD4+ T cells with a memory phenotype (CD45RB-/+ Pgp-1++) had expanded, but also CD4+ T cells with a naive (CD45RB++ Pgp-1-) phenotype . Our results, therefore, strongly suggest that the expansion of naive CD4+ T cells in the periphery is mediated by the intestinal microflora. Eur J Immunol, 1992 Jan, 22(1), 159 - 64 Age-associated increase in number of CD4+CD8+ intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes in rats; Takimoto H et al.; A significant number of CD4+CD8+ T cells were detected in intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) of various strains of rats including Wistar, WKA, BN, LEW and F344 . The site of the CD4+CD8+ population in IEL increased with age in all strains we examined . Most IEL bearing CD8 expressed no CD5 antigen in young rats, while all CD4+CD8+ IEL and some of CD8+ IEL in aged rats were of CD5+CD45RB- phenotype . In germ-free Wistar rats, age-associated increase in the number of CD4+CD8+CD5+ IEL was not evident, indicating that stimulation by the intestinal microflora was important for expansion of the CD4+CD8+CD5+CD45RB- IEL . Aged athymic F344 nude rats contained appreciable numbers of CD4+ IEL and CD8+ IEL but few CD4+CD8+ IEL, suggesting that the CD4+CD8+ IEL may be derived from thymus-dependent populations . Unlike a majority of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes bearing a low intensity of CD3/T cell receptor (TcR) alpha/beta, the CD4+CD8+ T cells in IEL expressed a high intensity of CD3/TcR alpha/beta on their surface . The CD4+CD8+ IEL appear to contribute to the spontaneous proliferation of the IEL in aged rats as assessed by tritiated thymidine incorporation after in vitro culture with medium only . These results suggest that with aging a unique CD4+CD8+ IEL may expand at a local site of the intestine under the influence of intestinal microflora and may contribute to the first line of defense against various pathogens in the epithelium. J Nutr, 1992 Jan, 122(1), 178 - 90 Starch hydrolysis by the ruminal microflora; Kotarski SF et al.; The effects of grain type and processing on ruminal starch digestion are well documented but poorly understood at the biochemical and molecular levels . Waxy grains have starches high in amylopectin and are more readily digested than nonwaxy grains . However, the composition of the endosperm cell matrix and the extent to which the starch granules are embedded within it also affect starch digestion rates . Continued work is needed to determine the influence of specific cell matrix proteins, protein-starch interactions and cell wall carbohydrates on starch availability . The microbial populations that metabolize starch are diverse, differing in their capacities to hydrolyze starch granules and soluble forms of starch . Surveys show that the amylases are under regulatory control in most of these organisms, but few studies have addressed the types of amylolytic enzymes produced, their regulation and the impact of other plant polymers on their synthesis . Research in these areas, coupled with the development and use of isogeneic or near-isogeneic grain cultivars with biochemically defined endosperm characteristics, will enhance our ability to identify mechanisms to manipulate ruminal starch digestion. Arch Med Res, 1992, 23(2), 213 - 5 Growth inhibition of Entamoeba histolytica by rat colon components; Jimenez-Delgadillo B et al.; Susceptibility to invasive amebiasis has been suggested to be due to intrinsic amebic factors and/or to such host factors as intestinal microflora, mucus and colonic redox potential . We investigated the effect of rat colon components on the growth of axenically cultured E . histolytica trophozoites . Extracts of rat colon tissue produced a 57% amebic growth inhibition . The main growth inhibitory components were precipitated by 65% ammonium sulfate and were heat-sensitive . These components were partially separated by ultrafiltration and gel filtration chromatography . Thus, we found colonic components (Mr 50-100 kDa) that produced strong growth inhibition (75%) . These results suggest that rat colonic products may play an active role in resistance to amebic infection. J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1992, 36(4), 390 - 5 Investigation of the causes facilitating formation of microflora in atomic reactor pool water; el-Gawi O et al.; In the course of investigations realized by us earlier it was found that there was no difference between radioresistance of microbes taken from various water sources . As a matter of fact quality of the microflora clearly reflects a unique phenomenon called selection which causes disappearance of all radiosensitive and survival of radioresistant types of microbes . There is indeed an increased number of radioresistant types of microbes with intensified activity of catalase and nuclease in pool water of atomic reactors. Braz Dent J, 1992, 2(2), 115 - 22 Influence of age on the reactivity of the BANA test among Brazilian children; Orrico SR et al.; Three hundred and twenty samples of subgingival plaque were obtained from 80 caucasian girls, ranging from 10 to 13 years of age . The samples were analyzed to verify the influence of age upon colonization of the gingival sulcus by microorganisms potentially pathogenic to the periodontal tissues . The gingival and plaque status were evaluated through the gingival index (GI) and plaque index (PlI) and the microflora was assessed by the enzymatic method benzoyl-arginine-naphthylamide (BANA) . The results of the BANA test were positive for 62.50% of the tested individuals and 40% of the examined sites . The influence of age was statistically significant on BANA reactivity, and the number of positive sites was greater at 11 (57.5%) than at 12 years (28.8%). Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants, 1992 Fall, 7(3), 330 - 7 Plaque-induced inflammation around implants; Bauman GR et al.; This article is a review of plaque-induced inflammation around dental implants . The microflora around successful implants is similar to healthy sulci, while that associated with failing implants is similar to periodontally diseased sites . Implant microflora is similar to the tooth microflora in the partially edentulous mouth . The microflora of implants in partially edentulous mouths differs from that in edentulous mouths . This seems to indicate a bacterial reservoir around the teeth and the possibility of reinfection of the implant sulcus by periodontal pathogens . The maintenance of a tooth microflora consistent with periodontal health in partially edentulous mouths may lead to maintaining an implant microflora consistent with peri-implant health . Thus, periodontal and implant maintenance are linked and neither can be overlooked. J Surg Res, 1991 Dec, 51(6), 512 - 7 Small bowel transplantation promotes bacterial overgrowth and translocation; Browne BJ et al.; Alterations in the symbiotic relationship between immunocompromised hosts and their resident gut microflora may lead to serious complications following small bowel transplantation (SBT) . This study examined the effects of SBT and cyclosporine (CsA) immunosuppression on gut bacterial populations and translocation to the mesenteric lymph nodes . Sixty adult male meat-fed Lewis rats were divided into six groups: normal controls, CsA alone (24 mg/kg im qod), CsA carrier vehicle alone, isografts, isografts given CsA, and allografts given CsA . Rats were killed after 3 weeks and segments of small bowel and colon were harvested for quantitative tissue culture . Mesenteric lymph nodes and blood were cultured to identify translocation . Transplantation alone led to an increase in gram-negative aerobes from 2.6 to 4.6 colony forming units/100 mg tissue (P less than 0.05) in the distal ileum (transplanted segment) . Eighty-four percent of transplanted animals receiving CsA had bacteria recovered from their mesenteric lymph nodes compared to none in controls (P less than 0.001) and 20% in isografts not receiving CsA (P less than 0.02) . Intestinal transplantation alone appears to promote gram-negative overgrowth while the addition of CsA therapy facilitates translocation to the mesenteric lymph nodes and may predispose to gut-associated sepsis following SBT. J Nutr, 1991 Dec, 121(12), 1955 - 9 Bacterially synthesized folate in rat large intestine is incorporated into host tissue folyl polyglutamates; Rong N et al.; Unlike mammalian tissues, certain intestinal microflora are capable of de novo synthesis of folate . To explore the availability of bacterially synthesized folate to the host organism, we used {3H} p-aminobenzoic acid (3H PABA) to label folate newly synthesized by the intestinal microflora . Labeled folates were isolated by affinity chromatography and identified by ion-pair HPLC . In this study {3H}PABA was injected into rat cecum to determine whether the {3H}folate synthesized by bacteria appeared in rat liver and other tissues . Rats were kept in sling suits to prevent coprophagy . Ion-pair chromatography of the purified liver folate demonstrated that bacterially derived {3H}folate was incorporated into all host liver-specific folate polyglutamates, mostly penta- and hexaglutamyl derivatives . Similar results were observed in kidney folates . These data provide direct evidence that some of the folate synthesized by the microflora in the rat large intestine is incorporated into the tissue folate of the host. J Prosthet Dent, 1991 Dec, 66(6), 733 - 6 Restorative margin placement and periodontal health; Reeves WG; Subgingival restorative margins are associated with the development of plaque-related inflammatory periodontal disease, primarily because of a shift in the subgingival microflora from a profile associated with health to one associated with disease . The degree and extent of the marginal inflammation is influenced by four factors: failure to maintain proper emergence profile, inability to adequately finish and/or close subgingival margins, placement of subgingival margins in an area with minimum to no attached gingiva, and violation of the biologic width . Supragingival margin placement is the location of choice for all restorative margins to avoid iatrogenic periodontal disease . However, consideration of these four factors will help reduce the adverse impact of restorative margins that must be carried subgingivally. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1991 Dec, (12), 14 - 7 {The microbial colonization of the skin of newborn infants rooming in with the mother in maternity homes}; Bochkov IA et al.; The formation of skin biocenosis in children under the conditions of a maternity hospital with the joint care of mother and child was studied with the use of commercial bacteriological imprints manufactured in the USSR . The colonization of newborn infants in maternity hospitals with opportunistic, saprophytic and normal microflora was established . In newborn infants aged up to 5 years low skin resistance to colonization and, as a consequence, frequent colonization of the skin with opportunistic and saprophytic microflora was observed. Z Ernahrungswiss, 1991 Dec, 30(4), 307 - 12 {Content of available lysine in gamma-irradiated soybean products}; Horvatic M et al.; The content in available lysine of soya protein products irradiated in a 60Co-gamma cell were investigated . The results indicate that available lysine content and crude protein content at irradiation doses of 1, 3 and 5 kGy were unaffected at the 95% significance level . During 3-month storage the irradiated samples showed no significant (p = 0,05) changes of available lysine content . In samples with high content of lecithin, which were irradiated at 1 kGy as well as non-irradiated the content of available lysine was significantly (p = 0,05) reduced after 8-month storage; the other products as well as the at 3 and 5 kGy irradiated samples showed no significant decrease . Immediately after irradiation the microflora was significantly (p = 0,05) reduced . Under the effect of radiation treatment at 3 and 5 kGy the microflora was reduced to nearly 100% after 3-month storage. J Dent Res, 1991 Dec, 70(12), 1531 - 6 Effects of ascorbic acid depletion and supplementation on periodontal health and subgingival microflora in humans; Leggott PJ et al.; This study describes the relationship between varying ascorbate intake, periodontal status, and subgingival microflora as part of a multidisciplinary investigation of ascorbic acid (AA) metabolism in young men housed for 13 weeks in a nutrition suite that provided controlled periods of ascorbic acid depletion and repletion . Twelve medically healthy non-smoking men, aged 25 to 43 years, ate a rotating four-day diet adequate in all nutrients except ascorbic acid . Following an initial baseline period during which the subjects received 250 mg AA/day, the subjects received 5 mg AA/day for a 32-day depletion period . Eight of the 12 subjects participated in a subsequent 56-day repletion period designed to replace the reduced body AA pool slowly . Plasma and leukocyte ascorbate levels, Plaque Index, Gingival Index, probing depths, and attachment level were monitored at the beginning and end of the depletion and repletion periods . Subgingival plaque samples were obtained and examined for selected organisms by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy . A uniform oral hygiene program was reinforced after each examination . Ascorbate concentrations in plasma and leukocytes responded rapidly to changes in vitamin C intake . There were no significant changes in plaque accumulation, probing pocket depth, or attachment level during the study . In contrast, gingival bleeding increased significantly after the period of AA depletion and returned to baseline values after the period of AA repletion . However, no relationship could be demonstrated between either the presence or proportion of target periodontal micro-organisms and measures of bleeding or ascorbate levels. Urol Nefrol (Mosk), 1991 Nov-Dec, (6), 40 - 3 {The use of prostatilen in treating patients with chronic prostatitis}; Tkachuk VN et al.; Conventional methods of chronic prostatitis treatment aimed at destruction of pathogenic microflora have certain shortcomings . A promising approach is biologic control of prostatic function . A trial was performed of a new drug prostatilen which is a polypeptide isolated from the animal prostate . The study included 307 patients with chronic prostatitis of 4 mon to 36 years duration . Their age ranged from 18 to 74 years . The drug dose of 5-10 mg was administered once a day i.m . for 5-10 days . The immediate effect and long-term one were measured upon the treatment completion and 4-6 months later . A clinical effect manifested following 2-3 injections and grew to maximal values after 5-6 ones . In rare cases the treatment lasted up to 8-10 injections . The drug promoted disappearance or attenuation of the symptoms in 96.7% of the patients . Positive shifts were achieved in pain complaints, diuresis, sexual function, sleep, general condition . The subjective response agreed with objective laboratory and urodynamic evidence . Prostatilen proved effective for chronic prostatitis because it is tolerable, induces no side effects, beneficial in combinations with other modalities in management of this persistent and prone to recurrences disease. Mikrobiol Zh, 1991 Nov-Dec, 53(6), 71 - 7 {The characteristics of the microflora isolated in bovine endometritis}; Safronova LA et al.; 117 pure bacterial cultures of numerous species isolated by the authors at acute postnatal pyo-catarrhal cattle endometritis have been studied for their virulence and resistance to 18 antibiotics with the aim to determine their etiologic role in the development of the given pathology and to make a prediction estimation of possible therapeutic and preventive efficiency of the antibiotics . The experiments on white mice have revealed pathogenic properties and virulence in most studied strains of bacteria of different species . The studied microflora is, mainly, resistant practically to all 18 tested antibiotics . A direct dependence is established between virulence of the microflora, isolated in case of endometritis, and its resistance to antibiotics. Med Parazitol (Mosk), 1991 Nov-Dec, (6), 32 - 6 {The functional characteristics of the ultrastructure of the outer membranes of opisthorchid eggs . 2 . The mechanisms of egg retention on substrates}; Beer SA et al.; The studies of the functional features of the ultrastructure of the outer membranes of Opisthorchis felineus and Clonorchis sinensis eggs have been continued . The variants of egg behavior on different substrates (artificial, natural, organic and inorganic) have been experimentally studied . It has been established that O . felineus and C . sinensis eggs retain on a number of substrates due to covering with microflora (e.g . fungus mycelium clinging to the rubbed surface of the egg outer membranes); sticking in the uneven surface of the substrate; catching in the uneven surface of the substrate; catching on microfibers of plant fragments . The features found are to a great extent caused by a complex comb-like structure of egg membranes and are interpreted in terms of the earlier unknown mechanisms of parasite adaptation (at the egg stage) facilitating its contact with molluscs--their intermediate hosts. Food Addit Contam, 1991 Nov-Dec, 8(6), 723 - 30 Mycofloral changes and aflatoxin contamination in stored chickpea seeds; Ahmad SK et al.; Chickpea seeds entering store carry a microflora of 'field' and 'storage' fungi . Field fungi gradually disappear and storage fungi then predominate . These fungi especially Aspergillus flavus, A . niger, A . nidulans, A . ochraceus and Penicillium spp . grow vigorously and initiate grain spoilage and aflatoxin elaboration . The shift in mycofloral spectrum was more rapid in seeds stored in jute bags than those stored in metal bins . Moisture content and aflatoxin contamination in seeds of jute bags was maximum during Sept.-Oct . The internal environment of metal bins is comparatively less influenced by the external conditions and initially restricts fungal growth and aflatoxin elaboration . Prolonged storage however, increases seed moisture content and alfatoxin is increased in chickpea seeds after six months storage in metal bins. Stomatologiia (Mosk), 1991 Nov-Dec, (6), 45 - 8 {The sensitivity to antibiotics and disinfecting substances of opportunistic microorganisms isolated from the oral cavity of patients with orthodontic pathology}; Balakliets NI et al.; Antibiotic and disinfectant sensitivities of opportunistic bacteria, isolated from the oral cavity of normal subjects and orthodontic patients, were under study . The findings evidence that oral microflora of patients with orthodontic conditions is more rich in microorganisms that can induce pyoinflammatory diseases than that in health . Among the isolated opportunistic bacteria strains were found that were resistant to both: antibiotics and disinfectants . Antibiotic sensitivities of the microorganisms isolated from normal subjects and patients were found virtually the same, whereas the strains isolated from the patients have shown a higher sensitivity to disinfectants . The authors emphasize that effective prevention of pyoseptic complications in the maxillofacial area involves not only bacteriologic monitoring and studies of the microorganism sensitivity to antibiotics, but analysis of the bacterial sensitivity to disinfectants as well. Khirurgiia (Mosk), 1991 Nov, (11), 79 - 80 {Surgical treatment of hepatic echinococcosis using carbon dioxide laser}; Ordabekov SO; The results of using the laser scalpel in surgery for echinococcosis of the liver in 68 patients are discussed . It was established that carbon dioxide laser induces coagulation of small blood vessels and intrahepatic bile ducts and thus prevents postoperative complications like bleeding and escape of bile, destroys live protoscoleces, and has a harmful effect on the microflora . This creates favourable conditions for shortening the period of treatment for patients with echinococcosis. J Clin Periodontol, 1991 Nov, 18(10), 729 - 39 The microflora of periodontal sites showing active destructive progression; Moore WE et al.; 20 adult periodontitis (AP) subjects were examined every 2 to 4 months and microbiological samples were collected and cultured when 2 mm or more loss of attachment (active sites) was detected by 2 examiners . Similar sites in which no progressive destruction was observed (control sites) also were sampled in the same subjects . By lambda-analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in floras of active (42 sites from 12 subjects) and control (36 sites from 12 subjects) sites or between the floras of the active and control sites and of 63 samples from 22 AP subjects that were examined previously in a cross-sectional study . By paired t test, no microbial species had a significantly greater association with active than with control sites . The only species that were detected in one or more samples from all subjects with active sites were Wolinella recta, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Peptostreptococcus micros . Porphyromonas gingivalis and 9 other taxa were isolated from one-half or more of the persons with active sites . The composition of microbiological floras of all periodontitis samples was statistically significantly different from that of subjects with healthy gingiva . The composition of microfloras of sites in subjects with naturally-occurring gingivitis was intermediate between that of subjects with healthy gingiva and that of active and control sites in AP subjects. Carcinogenesis, 1991 Nov, 12(11), 2053 - 8 DNA adduct formation in liver following the administration of {3H}2-nitrofluorene to rats in vivo; Wierckx FC et al.; The formation of RNA and DNA adducts by the environmental pollutant 2-nitrofluorene (2-NF) has been investigated in rat liver in vivo . The adduct pattern was studied after trifluoroacetic acid hydrolysis of DNA or RNA, followed by analysis of the adducts by HPLC . This was also done by enzymatic hydrolysis of DNA, followed by 32P-postlabeling . Both after oral and i.v . administration of {3H}2-NF, one major adduct was found . This adduct did not co-migrate with one of the known adducts of 2-(acetyl)-aminofluorene, N-deoxyguanosin-8-yl-2-aminofluorene (dG-C8-AF), which could have been formed after nitroreduction of 2-NF . 32P-Postlabeling revealed that two minor adducts were also formed, one of which was dG-C8-AF . The observation that the major adduct was also formed after i.v . administration of 2-NF to bile duct-catheterized rats makes a role for the intestinal microflora in the formation of this adduct very unlikely . In vitro experiments with inhibitors of the enzyme epoxide hydrolase indicated that epoxidation of 2-NF may play a role in the microsomal bioactivation of this compound. Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1991 Oct, 112(10), 436 - 9 {Morphological characteristics of the small intestine and translocation of intestinal microflora in the post-resuscitation period}; Parkhomenko IuG et al.; Morphologic investigations were studied in rats during 1-3 hours after clinical death of the acute hemorrhage . The combination of morphologic and microbiologic methods obtained allow to describe the destruction of intestine wall and translocation of bacteria in the tissue and organs . In 3 days after clinical death the structure of small intestine regenerates, but the vital bacteria were isolated in the tissues and organs. Khirurgiia (Mosk), 1991 Oct, (10), 30 - 5 {Transcutaneous endobiliary interventions in mechanical jaundice}; Karimov ShI et al.; The authors analyse experience in the treatment of 132 patients with obstructive jaundice which was caused by a neoplastic lesion in 61 and by a benign disease in 71 of them . Bearing in mind the serious condition of this category of patients and the high risk of the operative intervention, two-stage treatment is applied with preliminary decompression of the biliary system and restoration of the main hepatic functions in the first stage . Transcutaneous endo-biliary interventions are carried out when other sparing methods cannot be accomplished or are ineffective . The authors give an integral, finer evaluation of the functional condition of the liver, elimination of the biliary microflora, and in this manner develop the criteria of the indications for the second stage of the intervention (prolonged bile passage in the intestine) . In view of the high risk of the operative intervention, the authors suggest wider use of the methods of transcutaneous endo-biliary interventions according to indications . Nine patients died (6.8% mortality) in increasing hepatorenal insufficiency with growth of the oncological process. FASEB J, 1991 Oct, 5(13), 2856 - 9 Human stools as a source of viable colonic epithelial cells; Iyengar V et al.; Human stools consist of a mixture of undigested food residues, colonic microflora, and cellular components shed from the walls of the gastrointestinal tract . The cellular components are made up mostly of terminally differentiated colonic epithelial cells . Using a combination of Percoll density gradient centrifugation and countercurrent centrifugal elutriation, it is now possible to recover these cells as an enriched fraction from fresh human stools . Cells can be visualized on heat-fixed smears of the enriched fractions stained with modified Wright's stain . The enrichment process is optimized by following the segregation of eukaryotic cells as determined by an ELISA technique using monoclonal antibodies against human double-stranded DNA . This work, demonstrating the feasibility of isolating intact colonic cells from stools, has important applications as a noninvasive approach to the biology of exfoliated cells from the gastrointestinal tract. Am J Med, 1991 Sep 16, 91(3B), 54S - 64S Surgical wound infection; Nichols RL; Wound infections remain a major source of postoperative morbidity, accounting for about a quarter of the total number of nosocomial infections . Today, many of these infections are first recognized in the outpatient clinic or in the patient's home due to the large number of operations done in the outpatient setting . This leads to errors in establishing the true incidence of their occurrence but undoubtedly decreases the overall real cost and length of hospital stay . The pathogens implicated in the development of wound infections remain largely the human microorganisms from the exogenous environment and the endogenous organ microflora . Many perioperative factors have been identified that increase the incidence of the development of postoperative wound infection . Avoidance of these factors as well as the appropriate use of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis has decreased the incidence of wound infection . During the last decade many studies have reported on the individual risk factors that favor the development of postoperative infectious complications in various surgical procedures . It is hoped that this knowledge may allow for prospective alterations in the preventative and therapeutic modalities in the high-risk patient in the studies designed in the 1990s . The use of effective infection surveillance both in the hospital and in the outpatient setting is mandatory in order to collect meaningful data . The use of computer technology will greatly facilitate the proper surveillance, analysis, and control of infections in the surgical patient. Zentralbl Hyg Umweltmed, 1991 Sep, 192(1), 1 - 13 {Survival capacity of genetically altered Escherichia coli strains . 2 . Survival of pure cultures in different water and soil matrices}; Dott W et al.; The survival of two genetically engineered E . coli strains (L+, CAG+) compared to that of 4 control strains (N0, K12, L-, CAG-), was investigated in drinking water, surface water, sewage and soil under different conditions . Both genetically manipulated strains are able to produce Prourokinase, an anticoagulant . It was found, that all strains died off inspite of high inoculated bacterial densities . In drinking water, no bacteria could be recultivated immediately following inoculation . Upon inoculation in surface water, the genetically manipulated strains L+ and CAG+ were more sensitive than the other strains . The same was found for sewage under aerobic conditions, whereby, the control strains N0 and K12 as well as the wild-strains of the genetically manipulated organisms, L- and CAG- survived the whole experimental period and kept their numbers at a level between 100 and 1000 CFU/ml . Under anaerobic conditions, a die-off of all tested strains was similarly registered with time . The influence of the autochthonous microflora of sewage water could be documented in that, under these conditions, all test strains survived the whole experimental period of 31 days with the exception of the genetically manipulated strain CAG+ . In soil experiments, it was found that the humus-rich garden soil was more effective in eliminating the E . coli strains than sand . The antagonistic effect of the autochthonous soil microflora was only clearly seen in experiments with garden soil . However, these results did not meet the expectations for the two CAG strains, for which a longer survival period had been previously established for in nutrient rich soil . In contrast to the E . coli control strains N0 and K12, the two L strains and the CAG+ strain survived the whole test period of 36 days . It can be concluded that under these simulated environmental conditions, all tested strains of E . coli die off more or less in a short period of time following inoculation with the autochthonous microflora of environmental samples. Klin Med (Mosk), 1991 Sep, 69(9), 67 - 9 {Clinico-endoscopic data and the status of local immunity in intestinal lesions in patients with periodic disease}; Arutiunian VM et al.; Clinicoendoscopic and immunological evaluation of periodic disease patients shows that the disease-related inflammation of the colon is pathogenetically coupled with secretory IgA hypoproduction and abnormal intestinal eubiotic microflora . These facts should be allowed for when making differential diagnosis between periodic disease and gastrointestinal inflammations. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1991 Sep, (9), 29 - 32 {The dynamics of the wound microflora in the victims of the earthquake in Armenia}; Men'shikov DD et al.; The data on the composition of wound microflora, as well as changes in the contamination index over the course of treatment of patients with the syndrome of prolonged compression, who were brought to the institute after the earthquake in Armenia, are presented . The authors characterize the structure of the causative agents of wound infection in the patients treated at the traumatological department of the institute over several years . The epidemiological situation in the hospital in the period when the earthquake victims were treated there is analyzed. Antibiot Khimioter, 1991 Sep, 36(9), 41 - 4 {Ways of increasing the efficacy of antibiotic therapy in young children with severe forms of acute pneumonia}; Iulish EI; Examination of 136 children with the severe form of acute pneumonia treated in a resuscitation unit revealed a marked suppression of the immunity and lowered antibiotic sensitivity of the bacterial microflora isolated from the respiratory tracts . The patients were previously treated with antibiotics of 2 to 5 families . Auto-blood irradiated with X-rays without the host was transfused to 72 children (group 1) with immunomodulating purposes . 64 children (group 2) were treated with the same purposes with eleuterococcus, pentoxyl and methyluracil . After transfusion of the auto-blood irradiated with x-rays without the host there was an increase in the antibiotic sensitivity of the bacterial flora along with a marked and rapid improvement of the immunity status . The severe state was alleviated earlier in the patients of group 1 . The inflammatory lesions in the lungs of the group 1 patients were arrested sooner and the patients were discharged from the hospital 11 days earlier than the children treated with the routine immunomodulators. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1991 Sep, (9), 9 - 13 {The adhesive and colonizing properties of Aerococcus viridans}; Gorbunova ML et al.; On the basis of experiments carried out in the course of this study the conclusion can be made that one of the mechanisms of the preventive effect of aerococci, the representatives of the indigenous microflora of the gastrointestinal tract, lies in their capacity for adhesion to and colonization of the mucous membrane, this enhancing the resistance of the enteric tract to infections . These properties of anterococci substantiate good prospects of using M-bacterin (live lyophilized aerococcal culture) for the control of enteric infections and dysbacteriosis. Experientia, 1991 Aug 15, 47(8), 835 - 8 Administration of D-alanine did not cause increase of D-amino acid oxidase activity in mice; Nagata Y et al.; D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) activity was not altered in the liver and kidney by oral administration of D-alanine to adult mice . The enzyme was apparently not induced by the enteric microflora either, since the enzyme activity in the liver and kidney of germ-free mice was not different from that of specific-pathogen-free mice . The times of appearance of DAAO activity and of free D-amino acids in the kidney were elucidated using suckling mice . DAAO activity started to increase 7 days after birth, and reached almost the adult level by 28 days . The content of free neutral D-amino acids also increased with age, in a similar fashion . A possible conclusion is that the enzyme activity normally increases during this period, to eliminate the free D-amino acids which have increased with age in the suckling mice . Consequently, the administration of D-alanine had no further effect in increasing enzyme activity. No To Shinkei, 1991 Aug, 43(8), 781 - 5 {Acute subdural empyema due to peptostreptococcus}; Ueno M et al.; A very rare case of acute subdural empyema due to peptostreptococcus was reported . A 11-year-old-girl was admitted to our hospital with high grade fever, unconsciousness and rt hemiparesis . CT scans showed the mass effect caused by the subdural empyema over the left frontotemporal region . Subdural empyema was evacuated by the craniotomy . Peptostreptococcus was found in the pus obtained during the operation . However, CT scans 10 days after the operation revealed another subdural empyema in the left frontal base and interhemispheric fissure, which was removed again by the craniotomy using coronal incision 14 days after the first operation . Frontal sinusitis was also demonstrated by CT scan . Killian's operation to the frontal sinusitis was performed by otorhinolaryngologists at the same time . Six weeks after the second operation, she was discharged without any neurological deficits . Peptostreptococcus is one of the indigenous microflora of the oral cavity, skin, gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system and may be a causative microorganism in every type of human infection due to its abnormal localization . There is a controversy concerning surgical management subdural empyema . Both the burr hole drainage of pus and the craniotomy are advocated . Associated otorhinologic lesions must not be overlooked . Otorhinologic consultation should immediately be obtained so that the drainage of an infected paranasal or mastoid sinus can be performed at the time of craniotomy . This is critical to prevent the recurrence of the subdural empyema from further extension of the extracranial disease. J Surg Res, 1991 Jul, 51(1), 18 - 23 The role of the gut in the development of sepsis in acute pancreatitis; Runkel NS et al.; The pathogenesis of sepsis in acute pancreatitis is unknown . Since the intestinal tract has recently been identified as a possible source for sepsis in other conditions, we explored whether the gut may serve as a reservoir for bacteria causing systemic and pancreatic infection in acute pancreatitis . Bacterial translocation, alterations of intestinal microflora, and intestinal motility, as reflected by gut propulsion, were studied in a rat pancreatitis model . Acute pancreatitis was induced by biliopancreatic obstruction (AP); sham manipulated animals served as controls (sham) . Bacteriologic cultures were obtained from various segments of the intestinal tract and from blood, liver, spleen, pancreas, and mesenteric lymph nodes 48 and 96 hr after induction of AP or sham . Bacteria were recovered from mesenteric lymph nodes of all 12 animals with AP, but only from 3/14 sham animals (P less than 0.05) . Spread to distant organ sites occurred in 4 of 12 animals with AP compared to none of the sham animals (P less than 0.05) . A disruption of the intestinal microflora was found in the cecum, where the gram-negative bacterial count (log/g) was significantly higher during AP when compared with sham controls: 10.62 +/- 1.04 vs 8.05 +/- 1.45 at 48 hr and 7.92 +/- 0.62 vs 6.79 +/- 0.87 at 96 hr, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS) Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1991 Jul, (7), 32 - 5 {The microfloral wound dynamics of the victims in the railroad disaster in Bashkiria}; Men'shikov DD et al.; The work deals with the microbial composition of burn wounds in the victims of the railroad catastrophe in Bashkiria during their stay in a hospital . The comparison of the microbial spectrum in the wounds of the burn victims of the catastrophe with the results of the monitoring of the causative agents of burn infections in patients treated at the department of thermal lesions over a period of 3 years is presented . The medicinal sensitivity of wound microflora at all stages of the hospital treatment of the patients was studied and compared with the medicinal sensitivity of microorganisms isolated from the wounds of burn patients in 1988. Urol Nefrol (Mosk), 1991 Jul-Aug, (4), 50 - 5 {The complex assessment of gastrointestinal tract function in chronic kidney failure}; Karpov PF; The presented results of studying, morphofunctional disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract in patients with chronic renal failure revealed a myxedema, decreased hydrolytic and transport activity, increased elimination of nitrogen substances into the gastrointestinal lumen, replacement of obligate microflora by pathogenic bacterial associations, as well as a system of morphologic changes in gastrointestinal mucosa, ultrastructural abnormalities of enterocytes and their compounds. Khirurgiia (Mosk), 1991 Jul, (7), 72 - 5 {The use of ultraviolet-irradiated plasma in the treatment of peritonitis}; Vasil'ev IT et al.; Intravenous infusion of the one-group lyophilized donor plasma irradiated with ultraviolet rays was included in the complex treatment of 43 patients with acute purulent peritonitis . The species-specific composition of the microflora was studied in the different groups of patients according to the cause of peritonitis and the degree of microbial contamination of the purulent wounds in patients treated with and without ultraviolet plasma irradiation (UVPI) . For prognosticating the course and outcome of the disease the authors used a complex of indices linked with the manifestation of neutrophil bactericidal activity and the level of exogenous intoxication . A positive effect of UVPI in the management of acute purulent appendicitis was noted, which was confirmed by clinical and microbiological tests. J Periodontal Res, 1991 Jul, 26(4), 314 - 22 Identification of components in Fusobacterium nucleatum chemostat-culture supernatants that are potent inhibitors of human gingival fibroblast proliferation; Bartold PM et al.; The present investigation concerned the effect of chemostat-culture cell-free supernatants of Fusobacterium nucleatum on the growth and synthetic activity of human gingival fibroblasts in vitro . Human gingival fibroblasts were cultured in fetal calf serum supplemented Dulbecco-Vogt medium containing various dilutions of conditioned or unconditioned bacterial culture medium . Cell proliferation was monitored by assessing cell growth over 5 days or incorporation of {3H}-thymidine into DNA . Protein and proteoglycan synthesis were monitored by the incorporation of {3H}-proline and {35S}-sulfate, respectively, into macromolecules . While the conditioned culture medium caused a complete inhibition of cell growth and incorporation of {3H}-thymidine DNA, there was no discernible effect on protein or proteoglycan synthesis . This indicated that the cells remained viable yet unable to divide . Such a view was supported by the observation that the inhibitory effect was reversible upon removal of the conditioned medium . This activity had a molecular size less than 30,000, was heat-stable and nonvolatile . Chemical analysis of the conditioned bacterial culture supernatants indicated that high proportions of butyrate, ammonium, and acetate were present . When these components were added to unconditioned medium and tested, most of the inhibitory activity could be attributed to ammonium and butyrate . Since many bacteria which constitute the subgingival microflora release ammonium and butyrate, a very high concentration of these metabolites may well accumulate . Clearly, the potential for inhibition of fibroblast proliferation has ramifications related to diminished tissue repair following bacterially-induced periodontal destruction. Dtsch Zahnarztl Z, 1991 Jul, 46(7), 491 - 3 {Periodontal diagnosis based on an immunohistochemical-morphometric analysis}; Diekwisch T et al.; What is the correlation between immunoreactive blood cells, clinical parameters and the presence of special subclasses of bacteria in the subgingival microflora? To answer this question, patients suffering from juvenile and rapid progressive periodontitis were examined and compared with a control group without any periodontal disease . Cryostat sections from gingiva biopsies were marked immunohistochemically . Using the Kruskall-Wallis test, highly significant differences could be shown between the groups of disease in terms of immunoreactive cells such as leukocytes and monocytes, as well as in terms of the clinical parameters pocket depth, plaque index, gingival index and sulcus fluid and in terms of the microbiological subclasses coccoid cells, curved and motile rods and spirochetes . The results showed that immunohistochemical and morphometric methods of characterizing immunoreactive white blood cells might be used as an aid in diagnosis and understanding of periodontal diseases. Khirurgiia (Mosk), 1991 Jul, (7), 44 - 7 {Spongy dressings from alginic acid salts in the treatment of suppurative wounds}; Arutiunian BN et al.; Spongy dressing materials made from alginic acid salts, specifically immobilized with terrilitinum (teralginum) were found to reduce the period of wound purification from suppurative and necrotic tissues and to facilitate more rapid, viz . 1.5-fold compared to the control, patient recovery, particularly after preliminary wound treatment with defocussed CO2 laser beam . In the group on teralginum, the cytological study demonstrated more intensive wound purification from microflora, more active growth and differentiation of reparation cells, specifically of fibroblasts, which influences the results of accelerated wound healing. Diabetes Care, 1991 May, 14(5), 375 - 85 Epidemiology and prevention of periodontal disease in individuals with diabetes; Katz PP et al.; OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the epidemiological evidence of the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, possible physiological mechanisms for the association, and effects of interventions on the occurrence and severity of periodontal disease among individuals with diabetes . RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A comprehensive qualitative review of published literature in the area was performed . RESULTS: Much of the research in this area was found to contain methodological problems, such as failing to specify the type of diabetes, small sample sizes, and inadequate control of covariates such as age or duration of diabetes . CONCLUSIONS: Trends indicate that periodontal disease is more prevalent and more severe among individuals with diabetes . This trend may be modified by factors such as oral hygiene, duration of diabetes, age, and degree of metabolic control of diabetes . Generally, poor oral hygiene, a long history of diabetes, greater age, and poor metabolic control are associated with more severe periodontal disease . The association of diabetes and periodontal disease may be due to numerous physiological phenomena found in diabetes, such as impaired resistance, vascular changes, altered oral microflora, and abnormal collagen metabolism . With some modifications, the same prevention and treatment procedures for periodontal disease recommended for the general population are appropriate for those with diabetes . People with diabetes who appear to be particularly susceptible to periodontal disease include those who do not maintain good oral hygiene or good metabolic control of their diabetes, those with diabetes of long duration or with other complications of diabetes, and teenagers and pregnant women. Grud Serdechnososudistaia Khir, 1991 May, (5), 52 - 5 {Causes, surgical treatment and prevention of chondritis and osteomyelitis of the ribs and sternum}; Get'man VG; The causes of chondritis and osteomyelitis of the ribs and sternum in 33 patients were analysed . It was found that in 70% of them purulent inflammation developed in the first 2-12 weeks after injury to and operations on the thoracic and abdominal organs . The average duration of the disease prior to hospitalization was about 16 months . Pathogenic microflora was isolated from the secretions of the affected tissues in 70.96% of patients . Different forms of the clinical course of the disease were distinguished according to the manifestation of the principal symptom: infiltrative-inflammatory, algesic, fistulous, empyema-like, mediastinitis-like, and a form poor in symptoms . The results of nonoperative treatment were studied . The use of X-ray therapy in a complex with nonoperative measures in 9 (25.71%) patients proved to be ineffective . Surgery was the main method for the management of chondritis and osteomyelitis of the ribs and sternum . It led to recovery of 31 (89.57%) patients without a second surgical intervention. Tandlaegebladet, 1991 May, 96(7), 283 - 90 Dental studies of a Finnish skeletal material: a paleopathologic approach; Varrela J et al.; This paper reviews a series of paleo-pathologic studies made to investigate associations between dietary factors and development of occlusion, periodontal diseases and caries . The findings indicate that the change from hard to soft food, which has taken place during the last few hundred years, influences occlusion, craniofacial structures and oral health in several ways . Comparative studies show that the frequency of malocclusion has increased substantially . In the same time, a number of alterations have taken place in the morphology of the craniofacial skeleton . The results support the hypothesis that masticatory stress is a regulative factor in craniofacial growth and occlusal development . With soft food and low masticatory activity, jaw growth is not adequate for optimal occlusal development . Approximal wear itself, caused by the attritive diet, seems to be only a minor adjustive factor . Because of the occlusal wear, the crown height decreased with age and the teeth continued to erupt . As a result, root surfaces were exposed . This process has been equated with bone loss but the lack of inflammatory changes on the bone surface indicates that the alveolar bone was not affected by periodontal diseases . This suggests that the alveolar height was maintained at a constant level throughout life and no growth nor resorption took normally place at the crest . Only the exposure of the furcations increased the occurrence of periodontitis . The caries frequency was decreased by mechanical cleaning effect of attritive food but increased by exposure of the root surfaces . Furthermore, the oral microflora may have been modified by factors related to the chemical and physical properties of the diet. Grud Serdechnososudistaia Khir, 1991 Apr, (4), 36 - 40 {Helium-neon laser irradiation in combined treatment of children with suppurative diseases of the lungs and pleura}; Tsuman VG et al.; The article discusses the results of treatment of acute ischemia of the pleura in 60 children with the use of intracavitary laser therapy . The empyema cavity was irradiated through a quartz flexible monocrystal light guide . The authors studied the effect of helium-neon laser beam on the empyema microflora, the condition of immunity, and the specific features of the clinical course of acute empyema of the pleura . Treatment by helium-neon laser radiation promotes rapid closure of bronchopleural fistulas, reduces the period of treatment, causes an immunocorrection effect, and does not exert a bactericidal effect on the flora. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1991 Apr, (4), 39 - 41 {The specific activity of a multicomponent vaccine made from the antigens of opportunistic microorganisms}; Mansurova NL et al.; Multicomponent vaccine prepared from the antigens of 4 representatives of opportunistic microflora possesses high specific activity . The passive hemagglutination (PHA) test with the use of associated diagnosticum showed that antibody titers in the sera of immunized rabbits increased 10- to 10(4)-fold in comparison with the titers observed prior to immunization . The PHA test with the use of the antigens contained in the vaccine revealed the accumulation of antibodies to each of the 4 components of the preparation in the blood sera of immunized rabbits . When stored at 4 degrees C, the vaccine was shown to retain its specific activity for 5 years (the term of observation). Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi, 1991 Apr, 71(4), 195 - 8, 14 {Experimental study on the relationship between burn shock and infection}; Ma L; It is well known that burned patients with difficulty in passing through the shock stage are commonly complicated by early septicemia . But explanations about the mechanism vary and no one can account for all the cases . In the present study, Specific Pathogen-free mice (950), Germfree mice (50) and Wistar rats (720) were used in studying 25%-30% burn injury; limited time of hypotension; endotoxemia and simple intestinal obstruction to determine if the bacteria could translocate across the viable intestinal wall to cause systemic infection . The data showed that microflora from gut can cause systemic infection following early burn injury; and shock, endotoxemia and ileus which always complicate severe burns can function together in promoting bacteria translocation . These results suggest that gut origin infection may play an important role in irreversible burn shock and/or early fulminating septicemia following burn injury. J Periodontol, 1991 Apr, 62(4), 235 - 41 Microflora and bacterial DNA restriction enzyme analysis in young adults with periodontitis; van Steenbergen TJ et al.; As a result of an epidemiological survey on the periodontal status of young adults, a school was found with a relatively high number of subjects showing loss of attachment (18 out of 87) . In 10 of these subjects the microflora of one pocket and of the dorsum of the tongue was investigated with special reference to black-pigmented species and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans . Prevotella intermedia was the most prevalent species, being found in 9 patients . A . actinomycetemcomitans was isolated from 3 subjects and Porphyromonas gingivalis from 2 subjects . To determine whether cross-infection had occurred, the P . intermedia, P . gingivalis, and A . actinomycetemcomitans isolates were examined by restriction endonuclease analysis of the DNA after digesting with one or a combination of the endonucleases Pst I, Bam HI, and Hind III . Evaluation of the restriction endonuclease typing method showed it to be sensitive and useful for the typing of P . intermedia, P . gingivalis, and A . actinomycetemcomitans . Using this restriction endonuclease typing method, all isolates of A . actinomycetemcomitans, P . gingivalis, and P . intermedia obtained from single individuals showed different digest patterns . We conclude that in the present study bacterial cross-infection did not occur among subjects in this school. J Prosthet Dent, 1991 Mar, 65(3), 365 - 72 Gingival enhancement in fixed prosthodontics . Part II: Microbiologic findings; Flemmig TF et al.; This study assessed the changes of the subgingival/marginal microflora during fixed prosthodontic procedures and evaluated the effect of adjunctive rinsing with 0.12% chlorhexidine on the subgingival/marginal microflora during fixed prosthodontic treatment . Thirty patients scheduled for fixed prosthodontics were randomly assigned to either rinsing with 15 ml of tap water b.i.d . (control) or rinsing with 15 ml of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate b.i.d . (experimental) . Subgingival and marginal plaque was analyzed at baseline, before crown preparation (2 weeks), before crown cementation (5 weeks), and 2 weeks after cementation (7 weeks) . The fixed prosthodontic procedures alone altered the subgingival and marginal microbiota toward a more health-associated flora . Adjunctive rinsing twice daily with 0.12% chlorhexidine had a significantly greater effect in reducing putative periodontal pathogens compared with the control regimen . This medication was a useful adjunct to regular oral hygiene during fixed prosthodontic procedures by permitting the establishment and maintenance of a microflora compatible with periodontal health. Gastroenterology, 1991 Mar, 100(3), 768 - 74 Studies on the sterol-binding capacity of human pancreatic elastase 1; Sziegoleit A et al.; In previous studies we isolated human pancreatic elastase 1 from intestinal lavage fluids, where it was found to be part of a complex whose major component was cholesterol . The present study involves the isolation and characterization of this elastase 1-sterol complex recovered from feces of healthy subjects and patients whose intestinal microflora were nearly eradicated by antibiotics . Results indicate that elastase 1 essentially is complexed with neutral sterols, i.e., cholesterol, coprostanol, and coprostanone, in a weight ratio of about 1:1.5, corresponding to about 110 molecules of neutral sterols per one elastase 1 molecule . This complex is elutable with water from the solid moiety of the stools . Elastase 1 thus seems to fulfill the important function of maintaining water solubility of neutral sterols at low bile acid concentrations. Gig Sanit, 1991 Mar, (3), 22 - 4 {Sanitary-microbiological studies of oysters and seawater by the coast of the northern Caucasus}; Puchenkova SG; Sanitary-microbiological studies carried out in 1985-1989 in the area of experimental raising of oysters at the northern Caucasus coast of the Black Sea have detected the correlation between the microflora of oysters and the quantitative and qualitative composition of the microflora of marine water, seasonal dynamics of the number of sanitary-indicative, tentatively pathogenic and saprophytic microorganisms of water and the raised oysters. J Biol Buccale, 1991 Mar, 19(1), 16 - 21 {A comparison between 4 subgingival bacteriologic sampling technics}; Sixou M et al.; A comparative study of four classical techniques employed in the sampling of subgingival microflora (paper points, swabbing, curette and washing followed by aspiration) has been carried out . This study was based upon quantitative criteria (number of bacteria sampled) and qualitative criteria (number of morphologically distinct colonies found per sampling technique) . Sampling was done on three different groups of patients: a control group, a group of patients with gingivitis and a group of patients with periodontitis . The curette sampling technique was found to be efficient both quantitatively and qualitatively . Difficulties in standardizing this method however were encountered with the failure to achieve reproducible results . For this reason the technique of paper point was preferred . This method was found to be more reliable and reproducible in each of the three groups of patients sampled. Voen Med Zh, 1991 Mar, (3), 28 - 30 {Microscopy of the sputum in the etiological diagnosis of acute pneumonia}; Viazitskii PO et al.; The authors propose an algorithm for an early etiological diagnosis of pneumonia . The microscopy of Gram-stained smear of sputum is one of the main components of the algorithm . The character of microflora obtained as the result of the analysis determines the further medical examination and treatment of patient. J Prosthet Dent, 1991 Feb, 65(2), 255 - 8 Scanning electron microscopic examination of ultrasonic and effervescent methods of surface contaminant removal from complete dentures; Raab FJ et al.; Dentures were examined by scanning electron microscopy to evaluate removal of surface contaminants such as plaque, calculus, microflora, and cigarette smoke . Ten complete dentures were obtained during patient appointments and prepared for SEM examination . Samples from 10 control surfaces, 10 surfaces cleaned with effervescent cleansers, and 10 surfaces ultrasonically cleaned were photographed at x5000 . One photograph of each sample was evaluated in random order by five judges for a total of 150 observations . Photographs were compared with one of a clean denture sample . Statistical analysis of the results validated the superiority of the ultrasonic method for cleaning dentures. Cesk Gynekol, 1991 Feb, 56(1), 1 - 10 {Epidemiology and diagnostics in the vaginal area . I . Study of the vaginal flora using microscopy and evaluation of the microbial picture of the vagina}; Unzeitig V et al.; The microscopic characteristic of the vaginal microflora by means of microbial vaginal smears (MVS) according to Jirovec, Peter and Malek corresponds no longer to contemporary ideas on the physiology and pathology of the vaginal environment . The authors revealed on comparison of the results of MVS and the native preparation that in a group of 600 women selected at random the MVS diagnosis allowed to escape 80 cases of trichomoniasis (46.8%), 56 cases of mycotic infections (34.1%) and cases of suspect bacterial vaginosis with the finding of key cells . After elimination of suppurative and non-suppurative bacterial discharge the accurate diagnosis of which involves cultivation, it was revealed that in 156 women (26%) the pathological vaginal discharge was not diagnosed at all or its diagnosis was incomplete . The category of MVS type I, III and V or VI are highly specific but less sensitive . In the category MVS type II the specificity declined substantially, the sensitivity of the test is slightly higher . Predictive values in categories MVS III and MVS V or VI are high, much higher than values obtained in categories MVS I and in particular MVS II . In the diagnosis of vaginal infections transmitted by sexual intercourse native microscopy is irreplaceable . Its assett is rapid and more accurate diagnosis of diobscure findingsseases and the possibility to start immediate and aimed treatment . In case of obscure findings or relapses cultivation is essential. Poult Sci, 1991 Feb, 70(2), 397 - 400 Nitrogen and energy utilization in germ-free and conventional chicks at early stages of growth; Furuse M et al.; Influence of aging on N and ME utilization in germ-free and conventional (CV) chicks was investigated at Stage 1 (2 to 6 days old) and Stage 2 (10 to 14 days old) . Chicks were fed diets for ad libitum consumption with protein concentrations of 116, 220, or 445 g/kg diet . The N utilization was not affected by the gut microflora at either stages, but it significantly decreased for chicks on the high-protein diet compared with those on the low-protein and adequate-protein diets . The ME values of diets were not influenced by treatments, except for the high-protein diet at Stage 1, in which ME was significantly reduced. Caries Res, 1991, 25(1), 58 - 64 Comparison of the plaque microflora from natural and appliance-borne enamel surfaces; Macpherson LM et al.; Human enamel sections and slabs, mounted on a mandibular removable appliance, were worn by 5 adult subjects for a 1-week period . Plaque was allowed to accumulate on the in situ test sites and on the adjacent natural dentition . At the end of the experimental period, the plaque microflora associated with (1) the enamel sections, (2) the enamel slabs, and (3) the acrylic base of the appliance test site was compared with that obtained from lingual and interproximal areas of the lower molar teeth . In addition, the acid anion and pH profiles of plaque obtained from both the exogenous and natural tooth surfaces were also determined . Although some quantitative differences were found between the proportions of isolates obtained from the different enamel surfaces, qualitatively the microflora was very similar, and no significant differences were found in the plaque lactate/acetate ratios or pH measurements following a sucrose mouthrinse . Thus, human tooth specimens mounted on the intra-oral device produced a plaque ecosystem similar to that present on the adjacent natural dentition, suggesting that the model is suitable for studies on early plaque development and the microbiology of enamel demineralization. Klin Khir, 1991, (1), 16 - 8 {Prevention of infection of surgical wounds under experimental conditions}; Rodoman GV et al.; A method for creation of an experimental model of the operative wound suppuration is presented . The expediency to use the antiseptic preparations for prevention of suppuration of the deliberately infected operative wound has been proved . The best results were noted in using the antiseptics effective towards the given microflora . This confirms the necessity of individual choice of an antiseptic preparation. Nahrung, 1991, 35(2), 149 - 54 Effect of Laser trilobum spice on natural microflora of köfte, a Turkish ground meat product; Kivanc M et al.; The effect of Laser trilobum spice on natural microflora of "kofte", a Turkish ground meat product, prepared using three beef samples and stored at 7 degrees C and 20 degrees C was evaluated . Little or no inhibition was seen in all products and temperatures with 1.0% spice . Growth of natural microflora, namely total viables, coliforms, psychrotrophs and yeasts-moulds, was significantly inhibited by 2.0% of the spice, especially at 7 degrees C . The inhibitory effect of the spice increased with decreased fat content and increased water and protein contents of beef samples . It was concluded that the usual addition of the spice improved the hygienic quality of the product containing low fat and stored at 7 degrees C. Carcinogenesis, 1991 Jan, 12(1), 141 - 3 Gastric nitrate reduction and nitrosation of trimethylurea in swine treated with pentagastrin or cimetidine; Maragos CM et al.; Swine were treated with cimetidine in order to quantify the reduction of nitrate to nitrite and the gastric formation of N-nitrosotrimethylurea (NTMU) under conditions similar to those in the achlorhydric human stomach . Gastric-fistulated swine were instilled with 6.0 mmol of nitrate in 50 ml water, after which gastric nitrate, nitrite and pH were monitored . Trimethylurea, 250 mumol in 50 ml water, was instilled via the fistula 10 min following the peak gastric nitrite concentration . Similar experiments were conducted with pentagastrin-stimulated animals, in order to quantitate the effect of gastric pH and microflora on the presence of nitrate, nitrite and NTMU formation . The stomachs of cimetidine-treated pigs (elevated pH) were colonized by nitrate reductase organisms to levels of 10(4)-10(7)/ml gastric fluid . Gastric nitrite concentration in cimetidine-treated animals reached a maximum of 370-2085 microM, 60 min following the nitrate dose . Trimethylurea was only marginally nitrosated (less than 0.1 mumol/l gastric fluid) in cimetidine- or pentagastrin-stimulated animals . The low yield of NTMU at elevated pH, in the presence of substantial nitrite, suggests that the nitrate-reducing bacteria present in the porcine stomach did not catalyze trimethylurea nitrosation in vivo. South Med J, 1991 Jan, 84(1), 38 - 42 Intraoperative colonic lavage: failure to decrease mucosal microflora; Smith MB et al.; Few data exist concerning the ability of intraoperative colonic lavage to decrease colonic bacterial counts, and nothing is known about its effect on the recently described mucosa-associated bacteria . The goal of our study was to determine the impact of intraoperative colonic lavage on both the intraluminal and mucosal microflora . After intraoperative colonic washout in 10 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, quantitative and qualitative aerobic and anaerobic cultures of the intraluminal and mucosal bacteria were obtained . Tissue was also removed for scanning electron microscopic examination of the colon wall . Whereas 1000-fold to 10,000-fold reductions of aerobic and anaerobic intraluminal flora were achieved with mechanical lavage, reductions of aerobic or anaerobic mucosal bacteria were not significant . Failure to diminish bacterial colonization in this ecologic niche may be partly responsible for the persistently high infection rate after emergency colorectal surgery. Leuk Res, 1991, 15(11), 1013 - 8 Recovery of murine myelopoiesis after cytostatic reduction by Ara-C . Effect of bacitracin-induced changes in the intestinal microflora and influence of timing; Daenen S et al.; The influence of intestinal flora modulation by oral bacitracin on the recovery of myelopoiesis after Ara-C was studied in C3H/Law mice . Bacitracin resulted in a 3-5 log increase of Gram-negative bacteria and a 10-fold increase of the intestinal endotoxin concentration . Initiation of bacitracin before Ara-C stimulated the initial rebound increase of colony-forming units for granulocytes and macrophages (CFU-GM) from 23.2 +/- 1.3 to 28.4 +/- 1.4 x 10(3) per femur . Starting the bacitracin after Ara-C advanced the second phase of the rebound CFU-GM increase with 6 days . An important role in the recovery of myelopoiesis after cytostatic drugs in C3H/Law mice is suggested for the intestinal Gram-negative microflora, probably mediated by bacterial endotoxin. J Hyg Epidemiol Microbiol Immunol, 1991, 35(3), 241 - 9 Microflora of nuclear research reactor pool water; Saadawi A et al.; In the course of research done it was concluded that circulation of pool water through the nuclear reactor core produces a bactericidal effect on microflora due to influence of radiation of various types . Contents of microbes returns to the initial level after 2-4 months after circulation was stopped . Microflora of pool water comprises big amount of coccus, G-positive rods and fungi and a lower content of G-negative rods if compared to water which had been used to fill reactor pool . There is an increased number of radioresistant forms with intensified production of catalase and nuclease . Supposedly, presence of these enzymes gives to the microbes certain advances to survive in high-radiation zones. J Dent Assoc Thai, 1991 Jan-Feb, 41(1), 24 - 31 {Comparison of some subgingival microflora from juvenile periodontitis before and after scaling and root planing}; Kasetsuwan J et al.; Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Capnocytophaga are subgingival bacteria that have correlation with juvenile periodontitis . Studies were carried out in a group of 20 patients with juvenile periodontitis before, after treatment by scaling, root planing, oral hygiene instruction and 20 patients with healthy gingiva as a control group . Gingival index, plaque index, pocket depth were measured . Subgingival bacteria were counted on selective media and compared by phase contrast microscopy . Before treatment all measurements in the patients and the control group were significantly different (P less than 0.05) . In the patients before and after treatment all clinical measurements were significantly different (P less than 0.05) but the amount of A.actinomycetemcomitans and Capnocytophaga were not significantly different (P greater than 0.05) . These results indicate that treatment of juvenile periodontitis by scaling, root planing and oral hygiene instruction improve the clinical measurements but are not effective in reducing proportions of subgingival bacteria. Ter Arkh, 1991, 63(5), 33 - 6 {The efficacy of bifidum-containing preparations in enterogenous reactive arthritis}; Rubtsov OV et al.; Analysis is made of the intestinal microflora in 43 patients suffering from reactive arthritides (ReA) that developed after intestinal infection . The overwhelming majority of the patients manifested a decrease of the level of the bifidoflora . The disorders of the intestinal microflora were related to the disease activity and standing . Bifidumbacterine was found to produce a significant beneficial effect on the course of ReA and to cause no serious side effects . According to the preliminary data, the efficacy of bifidumbacterin exceeded that of the known basic drug salazopyridazine, thus making it possible to apply the bifidum-containing drugs as basic agents in the treatment of ReA. Vestn Akad Med Nauk SSSR, 1991, (3), 20 - 7 {The prevention of suppuration of postoperative wounds}; Buianov VM et al.; A method to prevent operative wound suppuration is offered . An experimental animal model of operative wound suppuration was elaborated to specify rational antibiotic-antiseptic prophylaxis and adequate wound drainage . This yielded a complex of measures to prevent purulent complications on the part of the operative wound . In addition, an original turbidimetric technique to assess the resistance of the biological fluid microflora to antisepsis was elaborated . The complex prophylaxis against suppuration of infected wounds was clinically tested on 124 patients operated on for different acute surgical conditions of abdominal organs . The wound process was controlled by means of an original endoscopic-bacteriologic technique . The postoperative period was complicated by the wound suppuration in two of the 124 patients (1.6 per cent) . The postoperative hospital stay in most cases lasted 5-7 days. Pediatriia, 1991, (5), 27 - 30 {Microbial biocenosis in normal newborn babies and in septic diseases}; Vasil'eva LI; A study was made of the symbion microflora of different biotopes in 185 neonates with sepsis and 200 healthy neonates on natural feeding . Appreciable differences were revealed in the formation of the microbial ecosystems in children with sepsis as compared to the healthy neonates . In the septic process the microbiological profile for different biotopes is poorly differentiated and is characterized by the similarity of opportunistic bacteria isolated . The children who suffered pyoseptic pathology need additional bacterial therapy aimed at the recovery of the normal microflora. Pneumonol Alergol Pol, 1991, 59(11-12), 65 - 72 Adequate function of the immune system and physiological microflora are closely correlated; Pulverer G et al.; It is already known that physiological microflora of the digestive system plays an important role in local immunity . Studies on immunomodulating activity of some autoantibodies have shown that drugs affecting intestinal microflora possess potent immunosuppressive effect on systemic immunity . These observations inspired to recent investigation on the mechanisms of the influence of digestive tract bacteria on the immune system. Sb Ved Pr Lek Fak Karlovy Univerzity Hradci Kralove Suppl, 1991, 34(4), 477 - 503 {The gastrointestinal post-irradiation syndrome}; Mandel L et al.; In the recent years, more attention is paid by radiobiologists to both prevention and therapy of a relatively less studied gastrointestinal postirradiation syndrome (GPS) . Moreover, the increase in interest in GPS is motivated with the requirement as to obtain the decrease in action of ionizing radiation on the intestinal mucosa at making radiotherapy of abdominal or pelvic region . The GPS occurs consequently to the affected abdominal region or all the organism with ionizing radiation . Its approximal doses from 10 to 100 Gy (gamma) are critical for the survival of intestinal mucosa, especially that of jejunum and ileum . Under the threshold of a single and total dose from 6 to 10 Gy, the intestinal mucosa may usually regenerate, and the survival depends mainly on the preservation or restoration of hemopoietic activity of blood forming tissues . The main pathogenetic GPS factor resides in the afflication of stem cells of mucosal crypts . The intestinal epithelium stops to be fluently replaced after the irradiation . The motion arrests of epithelial cells from crypts to the apex of villi . The elderly cells undergoes degradation, and after several days the denudation of mucosa occurs with possible distortion of deeper layers of intestinal wall . The intestinal microflora is involved in the pathogenesis both directly and indirectly . Amongst the former events is ranged the invasion of distorted mucosa in compromised both local and systemic immunity . Indirectly, the intestinal microflora is GPS associated by stimulating mitotic activity in crypts, therefore more cells are in the radiosensitive phase . In germ-free animals there is a significant decrease in mitotic activity o