Microflora

Bratisl Lek Listy, 1989 Jan, 90(1), 42 - 4
{The occurrence of protozoa in the intestinal microflora of laboratory mice}; Jalili NA et al.; The intestinal content of 216 white SPF laboratory mice was examined for the presence of protozoa . 153 (70.8%) were found to be positive . The following protozoa species were determined: Trichomonas muris in 31.5%, Trichomonas sp . in 29.6%, Chilomastix becentourti in 18.5%, Octomitus intestinalis in 7.8%, Giardia muris in 6.9%, Spironucleus muris in 4.1%, and Entamoeba muris in 14.8% . The given species occurred in the mice either individually or, in the majority of cases, combined infections involving 2-5 species were recorded . Young mice transferred from the breeding station were but rarely colonized, and that only by a small number of protozoa . They contract infection from older animals in the animal room . (Tab . 3, Ref . 11.).

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 1989, 68(5), 405 - 10
The influence of cervical dilatation by laminaria tent and with Hegar dilators on the intrauterine microflora and the rate of postabortal pelvic inflammatory disease; Jonasson A et al.; In a prospective study, 519 women were randomly selected for cervical dilatation by laminaria tents or Hegar dilators before scheduled vacuum aspiration . In other 68 women randomly divided into a laminaria group and a control (Hegar) group, placenta, decidua and blood were separately aspirated from the uterine cavity before the vacuum aspiration and cultured for micro-organisms . The rate of postabortal inflammatory disease (PID) was significantly lower after pretreatment with laminaria tent irrespective of patient's age and parity . However, a higher risk of postabortal PID was found in gestational age of 10-12 weeks than of 5-9 weeks . Previous PID and abortion did not increase the risk of postabortal PID . Vaginal/cervical micro-organisms were, irrespective of method for cervical dilatation, identified in two thirds of the patients.

Ter Arkh, 1989, 61(2), 38 - 9
{Factors of protracted and recurrent course of chronic erosions of the stomach}; Preobrazhenskii VN et al.; A study was made of the disease pathogenesis in 58 patients with recurrent chronic erosions of the gastric mucosa . It has been established that an important role in the relapses of the pathological process is played by pathological microflora, disturbances in humoral immunity and local microcirculation, and long existence of the zone of fibrinoid necrosis.

Pediatriia, 1989, (3), 30 - 3
{Creating the optimal microecology of the intestines in premature newborn infants with the sour-milk mixture "biphilin"}; Abrosimova NA et al.; The paper is concerned with formation of intestinal biocenosis in premature infants and with approaches to the correction of its disorders with the aid of biphilin, a special mixture prepared from sour milk . Ninety newborns showed the derangement of biocenosis of various intensity by the 6th to the 10th day of life . Application of biphilin for 2 to 6 weeks as part of the multimodality treatment of such children made the intestinal microflora return to normal.

J Toxicol Environ Health, 1989, 26(1), 19 - 37
Polychlorinated biphenyl-degrading pseudomonads: survival in mouse intestines and competition with normal flora; George SE et al.; Although naturally occurring and mutant organisms, historically, have been released into the environment for various purposes, health concerns associated with the release of microorganisms have recently resurfaced . Federal agencies have been given the task of reassuring society that any released organisms are not likely to produce adverse health effects . Methods, therefore, for evaluating the potential health effects due to environmental release of mutant and genetically engineered microorganisms are under investigation . A mouse model was developed that examines morbidity, mortality, and more indirect effects such as colonization potential of the intestinal tract, as well as competition with and alteration of the intestinal microbiota populations . The Pseudomonas spp . used in this study were isolated from a commercial product and used for degrading polychlorinated biphenyls . Mice were dosed individually with 10(3), 10(6), and 10(9) colony-forming units of each microorganism . At specific time intervals the intestines were removed and examined for the presence of the dosed microorganism . At the two higher doses, 10(6) and 10(9) colony-forming units, P . maltophilia strain BC6 and two P . aeruginosa strains, BC16 and BC18, were recoverable 48 h after dosing . The naturally occurring P . aeruginosa strain, PAMG, isolated from a mouse intestinal homogenate produced a similar response . Statistical analysis indicated that in some of the dosed animals, an alteration in the distribution of normal intestinal microflora occurred . Pseudomonas maltophilia strain BC6 and P . aeruginosa strains BC16 and BC17 caused a change in the obligately anaerobic predominantly gram-negative rod counts, and P . aeruginosa strain BC17 produced a dose effect on the total anaerobic count at the 10% confidence level . The total aerobic count was unaffected by the presence of the dosed pseudomonads.

Lab Delo, 1989, (1), 10 - 3
{Pathogenesis of lipid metabolism disorders in patients with chronic enteritis}; Sukhov SV et al.; A total of 156 patients with chronic enteritis have been examined for the bile lipid and bile acid composition, the small and large intestine proximal portions microflora, membranous digestion and absorption of the lipids, blood serum lipid composition; morphometry of the small intestine proximal portion mucosa has been carried out . The findings have been processed in correlation and regression analysis, that has revealed a number of relationships between these parameters . This helped specify some aspects in the pathogenesis of lipid metabolism disorders associated with the small intestine abnormalities and select the tests most valuable for the diagnosis and prognosis of the condition . The authors recommend a wider application of such analysis to clinical studies.

Int J Food Microbiol, 1988 Dec, 7(3), 245 - 56
Ecological determinants of mould growth in stored grain; Magan N et al.; Grain entering store carries a microflora of 'field' and 'storage' fungi . Field fungi require readily available water and therefore seldom develop in store . By contrast, storage fungi, especially Aspergillus spp., are able to grow at low water activities (aw, 0.70-0.75) enabling them to initiate grain spoilage . The ability of storage fungi to germinate, grow and sporulate in stored grain is dependent on the availability of water in the substrate, temperature and the intergranular gas composition . These factors may interact to have a profound influence on the initiation of spoilage of stored grain by fungi . An understanding of the ecological determinants of mould growth may help to develop improved and safer methods of grain storage.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1988 Dec, (12), 67 - 70
{Epidemiologic characteristics of suppurative-septic diseases in newborn infants at obstetrical hospitals keeping mother and child together and separated}; Mordvinova NB et al.; The advantages of keeping mothers together with their infants at the postnatal period have been revealed; these advantages are manifested by the quick colonization of newborns by maternal microflora, thus preventing their further colonization by opportunistic hospital microbial strains . As compared with common maternity hospitals, those maternity hospitals where mothers are kept together with their infants have less intensive circulation of hospital microflora, and the morbidity rate in purulent and septic diseases among newborns is twice as low in such hospitals . All these findings may be regarded as the epidemiological substantiation of propositions in favor of further development of maternity hospitals where mothers and their infants are kept together.

Agents Actions, 1988 Dec, 25(3-4), 273 - 6
Histamine distribution in the gastrointestinal wall of germ free and conventional chicken: evidence of the role of the digestive microflora; Perez-Ruiz R et al.; The digestive microflora produces a decrease of the mucosal histamine content in the wall of the chicken colon but has no significant incidence in the upper part of the digestive tract . The anatomical and physiological particularities of the chicken digestive tract permitted to observe that wall histamine concentration depends on different factors . Endogenous factors control the wall histamine content in the proventriculus, independantly of the diet and/or of the presence of a microflora . Diet has a specific incidence upon the gastrointestinal wall of the host in the crop and in the colon . The colon microflora decreases the effect of the diet essentially when the chicken are fed a semi synthetic diet . Interactions between the diet and the microflora could induce physiopathological manifestations.

Hautarzt, 1988 Dec, 39(12), 761 - 6
{Transdermal therapeutic systems (TTS)}; Niedner R; The technique, pharmacokinetics, and advantages and disadvantages of transdermal drug delivery systems (TDS) are discussed . Special emphasis is laid on the dermatological problems arising during use of the TDS, such as irritation, sensitization, and the effects of occlusion, dermatoses, skin microflora and epidermal metabolism.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {A}, 1988 Nov, 270(1-2), 270 - 9
Intestinal microflora of BALB/c-mice and function of local immune cells; Roszkowski K et al.; BALB/c-mice were treated for 7 days with oral nonabsorbable dosages of mezlocillin to achieve digestive tract decontamination . Such a procedure resulted in rapid eradication of most species of aerobic and anaerobic intestinal microflora . Various functions of peritoneal macrophages (e.g . chemiluminescence response, chemotactic motility, bactericidal and cytostatic ability) and lymphocyte proliferation were decreased in decontaminated animals as compared to non-treated controls.

Br J Nutr, 1988 Nov, 60(3), 597 - 604
Influence of starches of low digestibility on the rat caecal microflora; Mallett AK et al.; 1 . Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed on either a purified, fibre-free diet or a diet in which half the maize starch was replaced with uncooked amylomaize or potato starch (equivalent to 100 or 200 g amylase-resistant starch (ARS)/kg diet respectively) . Changes in short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), pH, ammonia and a number of bacterial variables in caecal contents were then assessed . 2 . Both ARS supplements decreased caecal content pH by approximately 1-2 units, with an associated reduction in ammonia concentration . Potato starch significantly decreased the concentration of SCFA in the hindgut, while amylomaize supplementation increased propionic and butyric acids but decreased the occurrence of minor, branched-chain fatty acids . 3 . Caecal bacterial biotransformation activities (beta-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21), beta-glucuronidase (EC 3.2.1.31), reduction of p-nitrobenzoic acid, apparent ammonia formation) were consistently decreased by both ARS sources . 4 . The results demonstrate that amylase-resistant carbohydrate altered toxicologically important functions in the large-intestinal flora of the rat.

J Clin Periodontol, 1988 Nov, 15(10), 601 - 5
Dark-field microscopy of subgingival plaque microflora in Indian and English subjects; Srivastava RP et al.; This present investigation reports on the microbial pattern of subgingival plaque from English and Indian subjects living in the West Midlands of England . Subgingival plaque from healthy and diseased sites was studied using darkfield microscopy . The results indicate that significant differences exist in microbial flora of clinically normal and diseased sites of English as well as Indian subjects . Coccoid cells predominated in healthy sites, with an increase of 21% in the spirochaetes in diseased sites . The ratio of non-motiles to motiles was 1:0.6 in healthy sites, whereas in diseased sites the ratio observed was 1:1.8 in English subjects and 1:3.6 in Indian subjects . Comparison of healthy sites in Indians with healthy sites in English subjects revealed significant differences between numbers of rods (p less than 0.05) . Comparing diseased sites of Indians with diseased sites in English subjects revealed significant difference between both cocci (p less than 0.05) and motile rods (p less than 0.01) . A positive correlation between chronic inflammatory periodontal disease and spirochaete burden, and a negative one between the disease and coccal burden, was found.

Vopr Med Khim, 1988 Nov-Dec, 34(6), 100 - 4
{The state of the protease-inhibitor system in the bronchoalveolar lavage of patients with diffuse lung diseases}; Kaminskaia GO et al.; Proteolytic and antiproteolytic activities were studied in bronchoalveolar lavages of 102 patients with sarcoidosis of respiratory tissues, exogenous allergic and idiopathic fibrotic alveolitis . Deficiency of the antiproteolytic activity was observed in all the impairments studied, whereas elastase-like and fibrinolytic activities were distinctly increased in sarcoidosis and exogenous allergic alveolitis . Impairments of bronchial mucose, pathogenic microflora, increase in content of neutrophils in respiratory tract as well as potential deficiency of the body inhibitory system were responsible for disbalance in the system proteinases-inhibitors of bronchoalveolar lavage . Biochemical examination of bronchoalveolar lavages enabled to find that clinico-roentgenological dynamics of these diseases correlated with the level of proteolytic activity.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1988 Nov, (11), 11 - 6
{A method for assessing the microflora status of the large intestine using a computer}; Sokolova KIa et al.; The qualitative and quantitative composition of the microflora of the large intestine has been studied in 31 healthy adults and in 137 patients with acute viral hepatitides A and B . A set of quantitative tests ensuring the complete characterization of the microbiocenosis under study has been proposed . The results obtained in this investigation have been processed by means of a computer with the use of the principles of numeric taxonomy, thus making it possible to obtain the objective criterion of the state of the microflora of the large intestine, expressed by the similarity index.

Infect Immun, 1988 Oct, 56(10), 2766 - 8
Effect of the gastrointestinal microflora on induction and maintenance of oral tolerance to ovalbumin in C3H/HeJ mice; Moreau MC et al.; The effect of the digestive microflora on oral tolerance to ovalbumin was studied by using axenic (germfree) and conventional C3H/HeJ mice . In contrast to reported results of studies with sheep erythrocytes, oral administration of ovalbumin induced tolerance in axenic mice, but the maintenance of tolerance was found to be of shorter duration than was with conventional mice . These data indicate that the contribution of the microflora to oral tolerance depends on the antigen used.

Arch Fr Pediatr, 1988 Oct, 45(8), 569 - 71
{Digestive hemorrhage and bacterial overgrowth in children}; Gorski AM et al.; Two cases of gastrointestinal bleeding due to bacterial overgrowth syndrome are presented . The microbial contamination was confirmed by quantitative studies of the intestinal microflora and by therapeutic test; the association colistin-metronidazole could stop the digestive hemorrhage.

J Med Microbiol, 1988 Oct, 27(2), 105 - 7
The in-vitro effect of a titanium implant on oral microflora: comparison with other metallic compounds; Joshi RI et al.; Dental implant research has been mostly concerned with the biocompatibility of materials for implantation . In this study the effects of titanium dioxide and other metallic salts on seven bacterial species commonly found in dental plaque, two which are uncommon, and a yeast, were determined by agar incorporation and diffusion techniques, and compared with the effects of a titanium implant abutment . Neither the titanium dioxide nor the implant abutment demonstrated any inhibitory activity, although other compounds such as cobalt used in dental alloys had some effects.

Infect Immun, 1988 Oct, 56(10), 2531 - 7
Attachment of Escherichia coli via mannose- or Gal alpha 1----4Gal beta-containing receptors to human colonic epithelial cells; Wold AE et al.; The role of bacterial adhesion for the maintenance of the large-intestinal microflora has not been established . In this study, colonic cells from the adenocarcinoma cell line HT-29 or from surgical specimens were tested for the ability to bind Escherichia coli . The E . coli strains were manipulated by transformation or by mutagenesis to express either mannose-specific type 1 fimbriae (strains 506 MS and HU742) or Gal alpha 1----4Gal beta-specific P fimbriae (506 MR and HU824) . Binding to HT-29 cells was seen with strains of either receptor specificity and was inhibited by alpha-methyl mannoside or globotetraosylceramide (GalNAc beta 1----3Gal alpha 1----4Gal beta 1----4Glc-ceramide), respectively . The Gal alpha 1----4Gal beta-specific strains interacted with a loosely surface-associated substance, which was sensitive to mechanical treatment and incubation at 37 degrees C, while the mannose-specific strains bound both directly to the cell and to the loosely associated substance . Isolated colonic epithelial cells bound the mannose-specific bacteria in high numbers, while the attachment of the Gal alpha 1----4Gal beta-specific strains depended on the elution method . Cells eluted sequentially with magnetic stirring were unable to bind the Gal alpha 1----4Gal beta-specific bacteria, while elution by a more gentle method resulted in binding of these strains to material loosely associated with the epithelial cells . Thus, the binding pattern of isolated colonic epithelial cells paralleled that of the HT-29 cell line . Conceivably, binding to mannose- and Gal alpha 1----4Gal beta-containing receptors could contribute to the maintenance of E . coli in the human large intestine.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1988 Oct, 54(10), 2405 - 10
Influence of indigenous microbiota on activities of alkaline phosphatase, phosphodiesterase I, and thymidine kinase in mouse enterocytes; Whitt DD et al.; An indigenous microflora introduced into the gastrointestinal tracts of animals in a population of germfree mice affected in different ways three enzymes in small bowel enterocytes . Cells were obtained by techniques designed for sequentially removing enterocytes from the tip of the villus to the crypts of Lieberkuhn . The specific activity of alkaline phosphatase, a component of the enterocyte microvillous membrane, did not differ in cells isolated from germfree mice and from those associated with a microflora, while that of phosphodiesterase I, also a part of the microvillous membrane, was approximately 1.5-fold greater in the suspensions from all levels of the villi in germfree mice than in those from the associated animals . By contrast, the specific activity of thymidine kinase, a cytosol enzyme, in suspensions in which the cells were isolated from the lower portion of the villi and crypts was about one-half as great in cells from germfree mice as in those from the same regions of animals with a microbiota . These results support the hypothesis that activities of certain enzymes involved in metabolism, uptake, and incorporation by enterocytes of components of dietary nuclei acids are influenced by a microflora.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1988 Oct, 54(10), 2398 - 404
Stability of enterocytes and certain enzymatic activities in suspensions of cells from the villous tip to the crypt of Lieberkühn of the mouse small intestine; Whitt DD et al.; A series of studies in this laboratory have focused on how an indigenous microbiota influences the activities of alkaline phosphatase, phosphodiesterase I, and thymidine kinase in the enterocytes of the upper small intestine of mice . To draw conclusions about the role of the microflora in determining levels of enzymatic activity, we found it necessary to develop a procedure by which cell suspensions could be obtained containing enterocytes isolated sequentially from the villous tip to the crypt of Lieberkuhn . The procedure was modified from the one developed for rats by Weiser (J . Biol . Chem . 248:2536-2541, 1973), involved a minimum number of interfering factors (e.g., proteolytic enzymes and mechanical agitation), and worked reproducibly for mice . During development of the procedure, some variables affecting the assays of the enzymes known to be present in enterocytes were also explored . Rods to which were tied everted segments of gut were incubated in a series of tubes containing a solution of EDTA the concentration of which was changed from 1.5 to 5.0 mM, thus giving a greater yield of enterocytes at every step . The cells incubating in the chelating solution were most stable when 0.23 M sucrose was included in the EDTA solutions . Success in assaying enzymatic activities in the cell suspensions depended on (i) how the cells were isolated, (ii) the assay procedure for thymidine kinase, and (iii) whether cellular suspensions or extracts were assayed.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1988 Sep, 54(9), 2155 - 60
Enumeration of anaerobic bacterial microflora of the equine gastrointestinal tract; Mackie RI et al.; Samples from the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, as well as from the cecum and colon, were obtained from 11 mature grass-fed horses . Viable counts of total culturable and proteolytic bacteria were made on habitat-simulating media containing 40% clarified ruminal fluid . The mean pHs in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were 6.32, 7.10, and 7.47, respectively; the mean pH decreased to 6.7 in the hindgut . The acetate concentration increased along the length of the small intestine and was the only volatile fatty acid present in this gut segment . Molar proportions of acetate, propionate, and butyrate in the hindgut were 85:10:3 . Differences in bacterial counts on habitat-simulating media containing equine cecal fluid or clarified ruminal fluid were negligible . Bacterial counts showed a substantial population in the duodenum (ca . 2.9 x 10(6) per g {wet weight} of sample), and this increased to 29.0 x 10(6) in the jejunum and 38.4 x 10(6) in the ileum . Proteolytic bacteria formed a high proportion of the total culturable bacteria, especially in duodenal samples . Counts of proteolytic bacteria per gram (wet weight) of sample were 3.0 x 10(6), 15.6 x 10(6), and 22.0 x 10(6) in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, respectively . There was a close relationship between lumenal and mucosal bacterial counts, although actual values were lower in mucosal samples . The mucosal bacterial population in the duodenum was high relative to the lumenal population . Although the comparison of bacterial populations in the hindgut of the horse and white rhino was limited to a single animal, the results were of interest . Counts were higher in the cecum than in the colon for both the horse and the white rhino.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1988 Sep, 141(9), 89 - 91
{Results of the transplantation of free composite flaps to the foot}; Milanov NO et al.; The article gives an analysis of results of transplantation of 62 free composite flaps for closing defects of foot soft tissues in 48 patients . Positive results were obtained in 77.4% of the cases . The taking of free composite flaps on the foot greatly depends on the state of the recipient vessels and availability of the pathogenic microflora in the wound . To lean upon the foot was permitted as late as 7-9 months after operation, i.e . after the recovery of surface sensitivity.

J Nutr, 1988 Sep, 118(9), 1068 - 74
Effect of diet type on enhanced intestinal protein synthesis by the gut microflora in the chick; Muramatsu T et al.; An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of diet type on enhanced protein synthesis by the gut microflora in the chick intestine . Both germ-free (GF) and conventional (CV) White Leghorn chicks were fed ad libitum from 4 to 14 d of age either a nonpurified diet or a purified diet having 19% crude protein and 12.1 kJ/g metabolizable energy value . At 14 d of age, protein synthesis was measured in duodenum, jejunoileum and ceca after a large dose of L-{4-3H}phenylalanine injected intravenously via a wing vein . The results showed that wet tissue weights for all intestinal sections were significantly greater in CV birds than in GF counterparts with consistently larger differences between the two environments in chicks fed the nonpurified diet than in those fed the purified diet . Protein synthesis in all intestinal sections was significantly enhanced by the presence of gut microflora in terms of both fractional rate (%/d) and absolute rate {mg/(100 g BW.d)} . The effect of diet type on fractional and absolute rates of protein synthesis was most remarkable in ceca where the significant difference between GF and CV states was found only in chicks fed the nonpurified diet but not in those fed the purified diet.

Infect Immun, 1988 Aug, 56(8), 2006 - 10
Susceptibility of germfree or antibiotic-treated adult mice to Cryptosporidium parvum; Harp JA et al.; Adult mice are more resistant than neonatal mice to intestinal colonization with the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum . Development of a mature intestinal flora may play a role in this resistance . We compared susceptibilities to colonization with C . parvum in adult conventional mice, adult germfree mice, and adult conventional mice treated with oral antibiotics to deplete the intestinal flora . Germfree mice of both CD1 and BALB/c strains were colonized at day 7 following inoculation with C . parvum oocysts isolated from the feces of an infected, diarrheic calf . Age-matched conventional mice of the same strains were comparatively resistant to colonization . Conventional mice treated with antibiotics remained resistant to colonization . These results suggest that the microflora in the intestine was not the sole determinant of resistance or susceptibility to colonization . The germfree adult mouse as an experimental model of cryptosporidiosis is discussed.

Infect Immun, 1988 Aug, 56(8), 2069 - 74
Age-associated increase in the expression of T-cell antigen receptor gamma-chain gene in conventional and germfree mice; Yoshikai Y et al.; To determine whether environmental antigens such as intestinal microflora contribute to expansion of the T-cell repertoire, age-related changes in the expression level of T-cell antigen receptor genes encoding gamma, beta, and alpha chains were compared in the lymphoid tissues of conventional versus germfree mice . Irrespective of the conditions of maintenance, an age-associated increase in the expression of the gamma-chain gene was evident in the thymus and spleen . Both conventional and germfree old mice (age, 40 weeks) had a relatively high proportion of Thy1+ L3T4- Lyt2- cells but a reduced level of Thy1+ L3T4- Lyt2+ cells in the thymus compared with their counterparts (age 8 weeks) . The thymic dysfunction but not the stimulation by intestinal microflora may contribute to this age-related increase in gamma-gene transcripts in these tissues . On the other hand, an age-associated increase in the expression of gamma RNA was not evident in the mesenteric lymph nodes of germfree mice, although a remarkable increase in the gamma-chain gene messages was detected in the lymph nodes of the aged conventional mice . These results suggest that the expression of gamma RNA in cells of gut-associated lymphoid tissue is partly influenced by intestinal microflora.

Mikrobiologiia, 1988 Jul-Aug, 57(4), 669 - 74
{Light optical and electron microscopic study of the microflora of the parchment of an ancient Greek manuscript}; Poglazova MN et al.; The microflora of an ancient Greek manuscript parchment was studied using different microscopic techniques . The manuscript was found to be infected with a large number of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and with occasional micromycetes . The localisation of cells in the parchment was established, and the information was obtained pertinent to the functional state and the ultrastructural organisation of bacteria, as well as to the character of their interaction with the structural elements of the parchment.

Food Chem Toxicol, 1988 Jul, 26(7), 595 - 600
An investigation of the endogenous formation of apparent total N-nitroso compounds in conventional microflora and germ-free rats; Massey RC et al.; The endogenous formation of apparent total N-nitroso compounds (ATNC) has been investigated in germ-free (GF) and conventional (CV) microflora rats as a function of the drinking-water nitrate concentration . ATNC levels were below the 40 micrograms (N-NO)/kg detection limit in the blood, liver, kidney, spleen and small intestine of all CV and GF rats . For the CV rats ATNC were detected in concentrations of up to 370 micrograms (N-NO)/kg in the large intestine and up to 50 micrograms (N-NO)/kg in the stomach and there was a significant positive correlation between ATNC formation and the drinking-water nitrate level . Comparison of these results with those from GF rats showed that the ATNC in the stomach and large intestine of the CV animals were formed by microbial action, most probably involving bacterial nitrate-reductase activity.

Hell Stomatol Chron, 1988 Jul-Sep, 32(3), 189 - 95
{New aspects for the caries of deep cavities}; Douvitsas G et al.; This article refers to the contemporary aspects about the carious lesions in the deepest parts of a cavity near the pulp . In these situations the problem that arises is to how deeply this carious dentine should be excavated without the risk of destroying the pulp . On this question there have been expressed two divergent opinions based also on two divergent theories . The one theory supports that during the carious process the microorganisms proceed the decalcification of the dentin, whereas the other theory supports the opposite view . According to the new aspects, in acute carious lesions the decalcification proceeds the bacteria, while in chronic caries the microorganisms, the discoloration and the bacterial invasion are closer to each other . This article also refers to the microflora of deep carious lesions and to the fate of bacteria that remain under the fillings . From this paper we come to the following conclusions: 1) In certain clearly defined conditions some carious dentine should be left at the base of a cavity in order to avoid the pulp exposure . But the periphery of the cavity must be unquestionably caries-free . 2) Few microbes always remain after the excavation of the carious cavities . 3) These microbes under well-fitting restorations do not proliferate and gradually die . 4) The defensive properties of the pulp play also a significant role, because pulp immunoglobulins are able to react upon invasive bacteria . 5) Finally, it must be emphasized that the clinical dentist must not underestimate the microbial role and action.

Br Poult Sci, 1988 Jun, 29(2), 301 - 9
Influence of the gut microflora on fasting heat production in chicks; Muramatsu T et al.; 1 . The influence of the gut microflora on fasting heat production in chicks was investigated . 2 . Single Comb White Leghorn chicks were fed on an adequate diet from 2 to 12 d of age and then fasted for 3 d . Fasting heat production was estimated from changes in body composition and energy content of droppings from days 1 to 3 of fasting . Measurements of body temperature and plasma thyroxine concentration were also made . 3 . Body fat content was consistently higher in germ-free (GF) chicks than in conventional (CV) counterparts during the starvation period, whereas no difference was found in body protein content . The GF birds had a significantly higher body temperature than the CV controls with no change in plasma thyroxine concentration . 4 . It was concluded that estimated fasting heat production of chicks was increased by the absence of the gut microflora.

J Anim Sci, 1988 Jun, 66(6), 1508 - 19
Effects of dietary phosphorus, soil ingestion and dietary intake level on performance, phosphorus utilization and serum and alimentary tract mineral concentrations in lambs; Garcia-Bojalil CM et al.; Two experiments were conducted with lambs fed concentrate-based diets to study the effects of dietary P and soil ingestion on performance, P utilization and mineral composition of serum and alimentary tract contents . In Exp . 1, 20 wether lambs were fed diets for 21 d in a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement of treatments with .2 or .3% total dietary P and O or 9% added Florida Ultisol (highly weathered soil with high P-fixation capacity) containing 4,600 and 6,400 mg/kg total Al and Fe, respectively . True P absorption increased (P less than .05) from 30 to 42% and from 37 to 54% when soil was added to the basal and high P diets, respectively . In Exp . 2, 24 wether lambs were assigned randomly to a 2 X 2 X 2 factorial arrangement of treatments . Lambs were fed during a 70-d period using diets described previously on either a restricted or an ad libitum basis . Soil increased Fe concentration in ruminal fluid (P less than .05) and ash percentage (P less than .001) in ruminal solids and feces . Aluminum concentration in ruminal solids and feces and Fe in ruminal solids were increased (P less than .001) by soil addition, whereas concentrations of Ca, Mg, P, Zn, Cu and Mn in ruminal solids and feces were decreased (P less than .01) by soil addition . There were time X P interactions on serum inorganic P (P less than .01) and Mg (P less than .05) concentrations . Although high in P-fixing capacity, soil fed to lambs in these experiments improved P utilization . Lambs appeared to be able to adapt to changes in intake of dietary minerals in soil, possibly through adaptation of ruminal microflora or a redistribution of body mineral pools.

J Periodontol, 1988 May, 59(5), 301 - 5
Clinical and microbiologic effects of local tetracycline irrigation on periodontitis; Silverstein L et al.; This investigation was conducted on seven individuals referred for treatment of moderate adult periodontitis . Twenty-eight sites with an average probing depth of 5.6 +/- 0.9 mm were evaluated . One tooth per jaw quadrant was randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments: (I) no treatment, i.e., control; (II) saline irrigation; (III) tetracycline irrigation and (IV) scaling and root planing (SC/RP) . A plaque control program was instituted one week prior to the experimental period and reinforced throughout the eight-week study . Irrigation was performed every 48 hours during the first two weeks of the experiment for Groups II and III, and the single treatment of SC/RP was carried out immediately following the baseline examination for Group IV . Clinical and microbiologic changes were monitored every two weeks using plaque and gingival indices, gingival fluid flow, probing depths, bleeding on probing and dark-field microscopic examination of the subgingival microbial flora . The tetracycline and SC/RP treatment modalities resulted in statistically significant clinical and microbiological improvements when compared with the control . Tetracycline irrigation alone and SC/RP alone had a similar effect in changing the subgingival microflora from one associated with disease to one associated with health . Thus, these treatment modalities are effective methods of producing statistically significant alterations in the subgingival microflora . The property of substantivity may contribute to the sustained duration of the effect of locally delivered tetracycline.

Bone Marrow Transplant, 1988 May, 3(3), 193 - 7
Cytokines as mediators of graft-versus-host disease; Cohen J; Cytokines are proteins produced mainly by lymphocytes in response to an antigenic stimulus . Originally identified and named on the basis of their biological activity, they are now called interleukins; together with the interferons, colony-stimulating factors and tumour necrosis factor/cachectin (TNF) they form a complex and overlapping network of communication between immunocompetent cells . Cytokines play a central role in T cell activation, and interleukin 2 and interferon gamma in particular are involved in the expression of graft-versus-host disease after bone marrow transplantation . Recent studies suggest that TNF is also implicated: the gene encoding TNF is situated close to the MHC gene in both mice and humans, and TNF is able to up-regulate constitutively expressed class II antigen and, with interferon gamma, to induce class II expression in previously normal cells . Bacterial lipopolysaccharide (endotoxin) is a powerful stimulus to TNF, and TNF production may be the mechanism underlying the longstanding observations on the role of the bacterial microflora of the gut in graft-versus-host disease.

Am J Obstet Gynecol, 1988 Apr, 158(4), 993 - 5
Vaginal colonization by bacteria and yeast; Galask RP; A number of different factors have been found to influence the microflora of the vagina . Studies showing an increased rate of colonization associated with pregnancy, menses, oral contraceptive use, and estrogen replacement therapy illustrate the influence of hormones, glycogen content, and pH on vaginal colonization . The microorganisms found in the vagina may also be dependent on the existence of specific attachment sites, which may differ in the various areas of the vagina . Vaginal colonization appears to be altered in patients with diabetes mellitus, those receiving steroid therapy, and immunosuppressed individuals . Surgical manipulation of the vagina and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics may also contribute to the growth of organisms in the vaginal tract.

J Clin Periodontol, 1988 Apr, 15(4), 211 - 6
Effects of oral hygiene measures on clinical and microbiological parameters of periodontal disease; Loos B et al.; The effects of a 12-week period of oral hygiene alone on gingival conditions and subgingival microflora in 15 patients with severe periodontitis were investigated . Clinical measurements and plaque samples from selected sites were taken at week 0 (baseline), week 6, and week 12 . Plaque samples were also taken at week 13, that is, 1 week following debridement . At week 0, the patients were instructed in supragingival plaque control and at week 6, the hygiene regimen was supplemented with the subgingival use of a toothpick device . At week 12, the patients received a full mouth supra- and subgingival debridement under local anesthesia . In those patients who complied with oral hygiene instructions (subgroup A), the gingival condition improved moderately while no improvement was found in less compliant patients (subgroup B) . No significant changes were noted in the subgingival microflora in either subgroups A or B throughout the 12-week period of oral hygiene alone . However, significant reductions for all microbial parameters were found 1 week after debridement . Therefore, while moderate clinical improvements followed oral hygiene alone, no measurable changes in the subgingival microflora were observed concomitantly.

Rev Argent Microbiol, 1988 Apr-Jun, 20(2), 87 - 96
{Dynamics of respiration and the microbial biomass in soil supplemented with straw from corn and soybeans}; Alvarez R et al.; Soil organic matter level has an important influence on land productivity . This level depends upon the efficiency in partitioning carbon from plant debris into CO2 and humified substances by microorganisms . The C/N ratio of the residues is one of the factors that affects this process . To study its influence on the growth and activity of the microflora, a soil from the corn region of Buenos Aires was supplemented with different amounts of straw from corn and soybean, and respiration and microbial biomass evolution were followed during four months . Biological activity of supplemented soils overcame control respiration during the first days of incubation, and intense cellular reproduction took place . Later, respiration decreased but biomass remained higher than in unamended soil until the end of the trial . When more carbonaceus material was added the microbial reproduction was faster, while the growth yield and the apparent residual carbon were lower; the C/N ratio of the biomass remained constant with all the treatments . The different nitrogen enrichment of the straw had no effect on the biological properties determined . However, soil mineral nitrogen content decreased in supplemented soils . The decrease of assimilatable nitrogen was stronger when more substrate was incorporated and when the C/N ratio was wider . These results suggest that soil supplies the necessary nitrogen for microbial growth and the straw quality has no effect on the activity and growth of microorganisms.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1988 Apr, (4), 3 - 8
{Clinico-experimental study of a dried selective medium for isolating fungi in the genus Candida}; Milikhina AV et al.; The trial of a newly developed dried selective medium for the isolation of fungi of the genus Candida, involving the inoculation of 103 museum yeast strains and 542 specimens of pathological material, has been carried out . The data obtained in this trial indicate that the proposed medium has advantages over wort agar and Sabouraud medium with antibiotics in the germination index, in the ability to ensure fungal growth after the inoculation of pathological material, and in selective properties . The medium ensures the intactness of the morpho-cultural, biochemical and serological properties of the fungi . The results of the trial recommend the newly developed preparation for laboratory practice for the isolation of yeast-like fungi from clinical material in the diagnosis of candidiasis, intestinal microflora disturbances, as well as for isolation of the fungi from various environmental objects.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1988 Mar, 140(3), 67 - 70
{Microbiological evaluation of the methods of preventing suppuration of surgical wounds}; Riabtsev VG et al.; Contamination of the operative wounds with aerobic and nonsporulating anaerobic microflora is known to take place in the process of operation . Lower degree of the contamination of the operative wounds by the end of operations results in lower incidence of suppurations . It can be achieved in pure and conventionally pure operations of a less traumatic character by the application of preoperative gentamycin electrophoresis onto the operation field, while in conventionally pure operations of great traumatism and contaminated operations--by active irrigating drainage.

Am J Reprod Immunol Microbiol, 1988 Mar, 16(3), 123 - 32
Preterm birth and infection: pathogenic possibilities; McGregor JA et al.; Preterm delivery remains the preeminent problem in perinatal care worldwide . Recent data suggest that cervical/vaginal microflora, and/or the inflammatory responses they engender, produce factors which can cause or predispose to preterm labor and rupture of membranes . Microorganisms mediating such processes may not be "recognized pathogens" and are often considered normal flora . These microorganisms may act singly, additively, or synergistically with host factors released during an induced inflammatory response . Both qualitative and quantitative aspects of cervical/vaginal microflora are likely important . Multiple cervical/vaginal microorganisms produce IgA proteases, neuraminidases, and mucinases which may facilitate passage of these and other agents past cervical barriers and into the lower uterine segment . Multiple microflora also produce phospholipases A2 and C, each of which can locally augment production of eicosanoids within the uterus which are important in cervical ripening and labor . Similar microflora produce various proteases, including collagenase, which can focally weaken the amniochorion and predispose to premature rupture of membranes and cervical ripening . Intrauterine microorganisms induce inflammatory reaction and may engender local release of similar proteases, phospholipases, oxygen radicals, as well as platelet activating factor (PAF), and lymphokines which can also initiate or further potentiate labor-inducing mechanisms . Roles for uteroplacental or systemic release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and various interferons are beginning to be understood . Recognition of microbe-induced pathogenesis of some cases of preterm birth offers the hope of specific treatment and prophylaxis . In recent studies, administration of erythromycin and tocolytic agents was associated with an improved outcome in selected women . "Just why so many gravidas go into labor prematurely and hence give birth to infants who often are unable to cope with extrauterine conditions is one of the great unsolved problems of obstetrics."

Can J Microbiol, 1988 Mar, 34(3), 235 - 41
Establishment of ciliate protozoa in the rumen of conventional and conventionalized lambs: influence of diet and management conditions; Fonty G et al.; The establishment of ciliate protozoa in the rumen was studied in conventional lambs reared under different conditions of management . The role of the microflora in the kinetics of this establishment was also investigated in conventionalized lambs . In lambs reared under farm conditions ciliate protozoa appeared in the following order: Entodinium (15-20 days), Polyplastron, Eudiplodinium, and Epidinium (20-25 days), and Isotricha (50 days) . Entodinium was the most abundant (10(5)-10(6) ciliates mL-1) . During the 3rd month, ciliates disappeared spontaneously in about 60% of the lambs during a period that varied from 1 to 4 weeks . In lambs fed only cow's milk Entodinium spp . and Polyplastron multivesiculatum became established at low levels . The results obtained with the conventionalized lambs demonstrate that the establishment of the ciliates in the rumen requires that the bacterial flora be well established beforehand.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1988 Feb, 54(2), 337 - 42
Effect of dietary carbohydrates on bacterial cholyltaurine hydrolase in poultry intestinal homogenates; Feighner SD et al.; The bile salt hydrolase activity in intestinal homogenates reflects composite activities of the gastrointestinal microbial consortia . We have proposed that specific transformations of conjugated bile acids by the intestinal microflora result in the production of metabolites which depress the growth of poultry . The influence of dietary carbohydrates on the physical and kinetic properties of cholyltaurine hydrolase activity, one such bile acid-transforming enzyme in gastrointestinal homogenates of young chickens, was characterized by using a sensitive radiochemical assay . Cholyltaurine hydrolase activity in crude extracts of ileal homogenates was increased twofold by 0.25% Triton X-100 and a freeze-thaw cycle . The pH optimum for cholyltaurine hydrolase from ileal homogenates was very broad and reflected the pH range of poultry intestinal contents (i.e., 5.8 to 6.4) . The carbohydrate component of the diet did not affect the apparent temperature optimum (41 degrees C) or stability profile, nor did it affect the apparent Km for taurocholic acid hydrolysis (approximately 0.43 mM) . The enzymes in intestinal homogenates were active on all taurine-conjugated bile acids tested . The carbohydrate component of the diet did, however, affect the specific activity of cholyltaurine hydrolase in ileal homogenates from chickens . The levels of cholyltaurine hydrolase activity (rye greater than sucrose greater than corn) in homogenates from birds fed the different diets were directly related to the amount of growth depression (rye greater than sucrose greater than corn) associated with feeding these dietary carbohydrates . These data suggest that intestinal levels of cholyltaurine hydrolase are correlated with the amount of carbohydrate-induced growth depression in poultry.

J Manipulative Physiol Ther, 1988 Feb, 11(1), 10 - 6
Potential impact of colonic irrigation on the indigenous intestinal microflora; Sisco V et al.; Under normal physiological conditions, the indigenous intestinal microflora is stable . The stability protects the host from colonization of nonindigenous microorganisms, including pathogens . Indigenous microorganisms capable of producing toxins are held in check by competing microflora, but any accidentally absorbed toxins are efficiently detoxified by the liver in the absence of hepatic pathology . Antibiotics are known to disrupt the normal flora leading to increased susceptibility to infection with other members of the normal flora or to toxins produced by them . It is possible that mechanical disruption of the flora by colonic irrigation could have a similar effect . Inadequately disinfected colonic irrigation machines have been the source of documented iatrogenic infection with Entamoeba histolytica . The potential for iatrogenic transmission of AIDS in a similar fashion must be considered.

Am J Surg, 1988 Feb, 155(2), 348 - 55
Bacterial microflora, endogenous endotoxin, and prostaglandins in small bowel obstruction; Roscher R et al.; The objective of this experimental study of small bowel obstruction was to investigate luminal bacterial colonization and assess the most likely mediator substances responsible for the pathophysiologic alterations, those being endogenous endotoxin and prostaglandins . Eighteen pigs with small bowel obstruction and 11 sham-operated control animals given constant infusion therapy were investigated over 7 days . Bacteria determinations were performed at operation and at sacrifice . Endotoxin levels were determined three times and prostaglandin levels, twice daily in portal and central venous blood . In the pigs with small bowel obstruction, greatly increased microflora with a predominance of E . coli bacteria was observed in the obstructed bowel . Endotoxin measurements proved general release into the circulation, with potentially toxic levels in the systemic circulation arising relatively late on the fourth postobstruction day . Beginning on the first postobstruction day, stimulation of the prostaglandin system occurred which was initially limited to the gastrointestinal tract but spread systemically when the obstruction persisted for more than 5 days . Vasoactive eicosanoids were predominantly involved . The control animals showed none of the alterations seen in the animals with small bowel obstruction.

J Nutr, 1988 Feb, 118(2), 271 - 9
Potential opportunities and problems for genetically altered rumen microorganisms; Russell JB et al.; Rumen microbiologists are beginning to use genetic engineering techniques, and researchers should carefully consider both the potentials and limitations of using this technology to manipulate the rumen microbial ecosystem . Despite encouraging rhetoric, it is difficult to identify specific examples where genetic engineering would enhance ruminal performance . Many practical problems (lactic acidosis, deamination, etc.) might be better served by genetic engineering approaches that delete rather than add genes . The difficulty with this approach is that a highly selective means of preventing wild types from recolonizing the rumen would be needed . The addition of specific genes is confounded by 1) the fact that the rumen microorganisms are already adapted to the rumen, 2) the diversity of species inhabiting the rumen and 3) the complexity of interactions among these species . Aspects such as increased rates of cellulose digestion and changes in amino acid composition of the microflora are particularly sensitive to these biological constraints . Genetic engineering has, however, the potential to alleviate new limitations that humans have imposed on the rumen (detoxification, resistance to low pH, the digestion of novel feed materials, etc) . A particular strategy of moving acid-resistant cellulose genes into noncellulytic, but acid-resistant, rumen bacteria is described.

Ter Arkh, 1988, 60(2), 73 - 7
{Changes in the immune status of patients with chronic stasis of the large intestine}; Chirkin VV et al.; The authors analyzed immunological changes in 56 patients with chronic colon stasis at the compensated and decompensated stages . Clinicoimmunological investigation of these patients permitted the detection of considerable changes in the system of homeostasis against a background of chronic inflammation of the colon mucous membrane, dysbacteriosis, colon microflora, and intoxication . Signs of secondary immunodeficiency with simultaneous involvement of compensatory mechanisms of nonspecific and specific body defence were noted in the patients . More profound changes were revealed at the decompensated stage . Immunomodulating measures produce a normalizing effect on immunity indices and on the entire system of homeostasis.

J Toxicol Environ Health, 1988, 23(4), 527 - 37
Metabolism of 1-, 3-, and 6-nitrobenzo{a}pyrene by intestinal microflora; Richardson KE et al.; The compounds 1-, 3-, and 6-nitrobenzo{a}pyrene (nitro-BaP) are environmental pollutants and have been shown to be potent bacterial mutagens . The anaerobic metabolism of these isomeric nitro-BaPs was investigated by the incubation of rat intestinal microflora with each isomer for 48 h . Aliquots were removed at several time intervals, extracted, fractionated by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the radioactivity determined . Metabolites were identified by comparison of their chromatographic, ultraviolet-visible absorption, and mass spectral properties with those of authentic standards . The order of the extent of nitroreduction for these isomers was 3-nitro-BaP greater than 6-nitro-BaP greater than 1-nitro-BaP . After 48 h of exposure, 84% of the added 3-nitro-BaP was present as 3-amino-BaP, 51% of the 6-nitro-BaP was metabolized to 6-amino-BaP, and 1-nitro-BaP was reduced to 1-amino-BaP (13%) and 1-nitro-BaP (4%) . The order of the extent of microbial nitroreduction for these nitro-BaP isomers is different from the predictions based on electronic and steric hindrance effects . These results suggest that intestinal microflora nitroreductases exhibit a markedly high degree of substrate specificity toward nitro-BaPs that affects the extent of nitroreduction.

Mycopathologia, 1988 Jan, 101(1), 53 - 60
Fungal volatiles associated with moldy grain in ventilated and non-ventilated bin-stored wheat; Sinha RN et al.; The fungal odor compounds 3-methyl-1-butanol, 1-octen-3-ol and 3-octanone were monitored in nine experimental bins in Winnipeg, Manitoba containing a hard red spring wheat during the autumn, winter and summer seasons of 1984-85 . Quality changes were associated with seed-borne microflora and moisture content in both ventilated and non-ventilated bins containing wheat of 15.6 and 18.2% initial moisture content . All three odor compounds occurred in considerably greater amounts in bulk wheat in non-ventilated than in ventilated bins, particularly in those with wheat having 18.2% moisture content . The presence of these compounds usually coincided with infection of the seeds by the fungi Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, Aspergillus repens DeBarry, A . versicolor (Vuill.) Tiraboschi, Penicillium crustosum Thom, P . oxalicum Currie and Thom, P . aurantiogriesum Dierckx, and P . citrinum Thom . High production of all three odor compounds in damp wheat stored in non-ventilated bins was associated with heavy fungal infection of the seeds and reduction in seed germinability . High initial moisture content of the harvested grain accelerated the production of all three fungal volatiles in non-ventilated bins.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1988 Jan, 54(1), 197 - 203
Metabolism of 6-nitrochrysene by intestinal microflora; Manning BW et al.; Since bacterial nitroreduction may play a critical role in the activation of nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, we have used batch and semicontinuous culture systems to determine the ability of intestinal microflora to metabolize the carcinogen 6-nitrochrysene (6-NC) . 6-NC was metabolized by the intestinal microflora present in the semicontinuous culture system to 6-aminochrysene (6-AC), N-formyl-6-aminochrysene (6-FAC), and 6-nitrosochrysene (6-NOC) . These metabolites were isolated and identified by high-performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and UV-visible spectrophotometry and compared with authentic compounds . Almost all of the 6-NC was metabolized after 10 days . Nitroreduction of 6-NC to 6-AC was rapid; the 6-AC concentration reached a maximum at 48 h . The ratio of the formation of 6-AC to 6-FAC to 6-NOC at 48 h was 93.4:6.3:0.3 . Interestingly, compared with results in the semicontinuous culture system, the only metabolite detected in the batch studies was 6-AC . The rate of nitroreduction differed among human, rat, and mouse intestinal microflora, with human intestinal microflora metabolizing 6-NC to the greatest extent . Since 6-AC has been shown to be carcinogenic in mice and since nitroso derivatives of other nitropolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are biologically active, our results suggest that the intestinal microflora has the enzymatic capacity to generate genotoxic compounds and may play an important role in the carcinogenicity of 6-NC.

Obstet Gynecol Surv, 1988 Jan, 43(1), 1 - 14
Prevention of preterm birth: new initiatives based on microbial-host interactions; McGregor JA; Preterm delivery remains a preeminent problem in reproductive and pediatric care worldwide . Recent data suggest that cervicovaginal microflora and/or the inflammatory response they engender produce factors which can cause or predispose to preterm labor and rupture of membranes . Microorganisms mediating such processes may not be "recognized pathogens" and are often considered normal flora . These microorganisms may act singly, additively, or synergistically with host factors released during an induced inflammatory response . Quantitative, as well as qualitative aspects of cervicovaginal microflora may be important . Multiple cervicovaginal microorganisms produce IgA protease, neuraminidase, and mucinase which may facilitate passage of these and other agents past cervical barriers and into the lower uterine segment . Multiple microflora also produce phospholipases A2 and C, each of which can locally augment production of eicosanoids within the uterus which are important in cervical ripening and labor . Similar microflora produce various proteases, including collagenase, which can focally weaken the amniochorion and predispose to premature rupture of membranes and cervical ripening . Intrauterine microorganisms induce inflammatory reaction and may engender local release of similar proteases, phospholipases, as well as platelet-activating factor (PAF) and lymphokines which can also initiate or further potentiate labor-inducing mechanisms . Recognition of microbe-induced pathogenesis of some cases of preterm birth offers the hope of specific treatment and prophylaxis . In recent studies, administration of erythromycin and tocolytic agents was associated with an improved outcome in selected women with preterm labor . Further microbiological and clinical studies are ongoing . "Just why so many gravidas go into labor prematurely and hence give birth to infants who often are unable to cope with extrauterine conditions is one of the great unsolved problems of obstetrics."

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1988 Jan, (1), 19 - 28
{Immuno-microbiological characteristics of posttraumatic osteomyelitis}; Savitskaia KI et al.; Anti-infectious resistance factors and microflora in the focus of inflammation have been studied over the course of chronic posttraumatic osteomyelitis in adults . This disease is associated with elevated levels of leukocytes, lymphocytes, IgG, normal or elevated levels of IgA and lysozyme in the peripheral blood . The data obtained in the immunological examination of chronic osteomyelitis patients indicate that such patients fall into two groups: with and without pronounced IgM deficiency . Changes in microbiological and immunological characteristics vary in different groups . A detailed characterization of microflora in the focus of inflammation over the course of the disease in all patients and in individual groups of patients is presented, and the dynamics of anti-infectious resistance factors is shown to reflect changes in microflora in the focus of lesion, which is manifested by changes in immunoglobulin levels corresponding to primary (the initial IgM level being normal) and secondary (a low IgM level) immune response.

Toxicol Pathol, 1988, 16(2), 147 - 53
Interactions of the gut microflora and the host in toxicology; Rowland IR; Food components and ingested chemicals may be metabolized in the gut, not only by digestive and intestinal mucosal enzymes, but also by the resident bacteria, which are found in greatest numbers in the large intestine . The gut microflora is a large (about 10(11) organisms per g colon contents) and diverse (over 400 species) population of organisms and possesses a correspondingly diverse range of metabolic activities, including reductions, hydrolyses and degradations . In many cases, these reactions both complement and antagonize those of the liver, which are mainly oxidative and synthetic . The metabolism, by the gut flora, of chemicals ingested in food or secreted in bile can have numerous toxicological sequelae, including activation to more toxic, mutagenic or carcinogenic derivatives, detoxication and enterohepatic circulation . These toxicological consequences may be modified by changes in the flora due to diet, drugs and interindividual differences . Examples presented of the interaction between the gut flora and its host are the influence of intestinal bacteria on hepatic tumor incidence in mice, the effect of bacterial hydrolysis of rutin on the activity of hepatic enzymes which activate dietary carcinogens, and the role of the gut flora in demethylation and detoxication of methylmercury.

IARC Sci Publ, 1988, (89), 107 - 12
Recoverable, semipermeable, microencapsulated DNA surrogates for monitoring the colorectal cavity; in-situ effects of fibre and meat in human diets on benzo{a}pyrene and possible endogenous cross-linking agents; O'Neill IK et al.; Semipermeable magnetic microcapsules containing polyethyleneimine (PEI) as a DNA surrogate are shown to trap 14C-benzo{a}pyrene and hitherto unknown, endogenous, putative cross-linking agent(s) within the gut of male Fischer rats . Trapping is substantially modulated by complete, cooked human diets fed isocalorically and varied three-fold in either beef, fat or bran fibre nonstarch polysaccharide within the normal human intake levels . Preliminary results indicate that the crosslinking agent(s) are derived from microflora . Using metabolized benzo{a}pyrene as a model DNA damaging agent within the gut, beef and decreased bran fibre were found to increase its availability, paralleling risk alterations found in nutritional epidemiology . These novel microcapsules are capable of intercepting a range of substances relevant to DNA damage.

Carcinogenesis, 1987 Dec, 8(12), 1847 - 52
Metabolism of the carcinogenic air pollutant 2-nitrofluorene in the isolated perfused rat lung and liver; Moller L et al.; The metabolism of 2-nitrofluorene (NF), a model substance for nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, was studied in the isolated perfused rat lung and liver . NF has been identified in urban air and diesel exhaust and occurs in the gas, as well as in the particulate phase . Therefore, it is conceivable that the lung represents one point of entry of this compound into the body . The lung metabolizes NF to hydroxylated NFs, mainly 9-hydroxy-NF, independently of the route of administration (intravascular or intratracheal) . After intratracheal administration, NF is rapidly excreted into the perfusate, indicating that other organs might be exposed to unmetabolized NF . The liver excretes NF metabolites as biliary glucuronides . Untreated bile is not mutagenic . However, after beta-glucuronidase treatment of bile, direct-acting mutagens were detected . The mutagenic metabolites in beta-glucuronidase-treated bile were the same as identified in the perfusate of the isolated lung . Since beta-glucuronidase is an enzyme found in the human intestinal microflora, inhalation of NF could result in the liberation of genotoxic metabolites in the colon.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1987 Dec, 53(12), 2779 - 84
Qualitative assessment of vaginal microflora during use of tampons of various compositions; Onderdonk AB et al.; The effect of vaginal tampons on the microbial flora during menstruation has recently been studied by several investigators . However, little information regarding the qualitative effects attributable to particular tampon fibers is available . The purpose of the present study was to compare the effects of polyacrylate rayon tampons and cotton-viscose rayon blend tampons on the qualitative bacterial counts obtained from tampons and concomitant vaginal swabs and to determine whether either of these tampon types alters the qualitative makeup of the vaginal microflora when compared with the microflora in the same women using all-cotton tampons or external catamenial pads . Tampon and swab samples were obtained as described previously (A . B . Onderdonk, G . R . Zamarchi, M . L . Rodriguez, M . L . Hirsch, A . Munoz, and E . H . Kass, Appl . Environ . Microbiol . 53:2774-2778) . The genus and species of the six dominant bacterial species in each sample were identified, if possible . A statistical evaluation of the qualitative makeup of the microflora revealed that the same numerically dominant phenotypes were present regardless of sample type, sample time, or catamenial product . Predictable changes in total numbers among the dominant species were also noted when the data were evaluated by day of menstrual cycle . The correlation between the total numbers of each dominant species present was evaluated by day of cycle, and the findings are discussed.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1987 Dec, 53(12), 2774 - 8
Quantitative assessment of vaginal microflora during use of tampons of various compositions; Onderdonk AB et al.; Although the effect of vaginal tampons on the microbial flora during menstruation has recently been studied by several investigators, quantitative effects attributable to particular tampon fibers have received less attention . The purposes of the present study were (i) to determine and then to compare the effects of polyacrylate rayon tampons and viscose rayon tampons on the normal vaginal flora, (ii) to compare quantitative bacterial counts obtained from these tampons with those obtained from concomitant vaginal swabs, and (iii) to determine whether either of these tampon types alters the vaginal microflora when compared with the microflora in the same women using all-cotton tampons or external catamenial pads . Tampon and swab samples were obtained at predetermined times from 18 women for an average of seven menstrual cycles . Samples consisting of swabs from women wearing menstrual pads were compared with swab and tampon samples taken at predetermined times during the menstrual cycle from women using cotton, polyacrylate rayon, or viscose rayon tampons . Samples were analyzed for total aerobic, facultative, and anaerobic bacterial counts . Statistical evaluation of the results indicated that, on the whole, total bacterial counts decreased during menstruation and that the numbers of bacteria in tampons tended to be lower than those in swab samples taken at the same time . The tampon type had little effect on the vaginal microflora.

J Clin Microbiol, 1987 Dec, 25(12), 2400 - 1
Modified scrub technique for sampling infant skin microflora; Keswick BH et al.; Two techniques for quantitatively recovering normal-flora microorganisms from the skin of infants were compared . A technique using a swab to dislodge microorganisms from the skin compared favorably to a technique using a rubber policeman . The swab was easier to use and is suitable for use on infant skin.

Arch Biochem Biophys, 1987 Dec, 259(2), 510 - 9
Metabolism of the plant sulfolipid--sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol: degradation in animal tissues; Gupta SD et al.; Metabolism of the plant sulfolipid--sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG)--was studied in animal tissues . In vivo experiments with {35S}SQDG in guinea pigs showed that this lipid is not absorbed intact in the gastrointestinal tract . In these experiments, 3 h after administration of {35S}SQDG, the intestinal mucosa contained 1 to 5% of the radioactivity as SQDG, while the remainder was in a water-soluble form . Analysis of the water-soluble components showed that about 60% of the radioactivity was present as sulfoquinovosylglycerol (SQG) and the remainder was present as free SO4(2-) . In the blood, 99% of the radioactivity was present as SO4(2-), SQG was not observed . In liver, only very little radioactivity was observed and appeared to be mainly in the form of SO4(2-) . Experiments with everted intestinal sacs of guinea pigs confirmed the formation of SQG, SO4(2-), and, in addition, sulfoquinovosylmonoacylglycerol (SQMG) in this tissue . In vitro experiments with saline extracts of acetone powders of pancreas and intestinal mucosa of guinea pig, sheep, and rat showed that {35S}SQDG was deacylated to SQMG (sulfolipase A activity) and SQG (sulfolipase B activity) . It is concluded that animal tissues deacylate SQDG in a stepwise manner to SQG . It is further metabolized to yield free SO4(2-) by cleavage of the C-S bond which appears to be brought about by the intestinal microflora . Sheep pancreatic sulfolipases were characterized . Bile salts, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and Triton X-100 inhibited the pancreatic sulfolipases, while CaCl2 activated them . Substrate competition experiments and investigations on substrate specificity with a partially purified preparation indicated that relatively specific sulfolipase(s) may exist in pancreas . Among the species tested, guinea pig tissues showed the highest sulfolipase A and B activities followed sheep and rat tissues . Pancreatic enzymes were 18 to 60 times more active than intestinal enzymes.

J Pharm Pharmacol, 1987 Dec, 39(12), 1025 - 8
The effects of bromhexine hydrochloride and S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine on guinea-pig uterine microflora; Malhi JS et al.; This study used guinea-pigs as a mammalian model to investigate the effects of bromhexine hydrochloride and S-carboxymethyl-L-cysteine on the integrity of the cervical mucus plug . It was shown that under normal circumstances the uterus is sterile, but following drug administration microorganisms began to appear in the uterus with no significant effect on the vaginal microbial population . It therefore appears that these two mucolytic agents may reduce cervical mucus viscoelasticity . After the animals had been mated, microorganisms were isolated from the uterus even in the absence of drug treatment.

Am J Clin Nutr, 1987 Nov, 46(5), 784 - 9
Polysiloxane: potential noncaloric fat substitute; effects on body composition of obese Zucker rats; Bracco EF et al.; Phenylmethylpolysiloxane (PS), a noncaloric, nonabsorbable liquid oil, was studied for effects on body comparison as fat substitute in the diet . Two groups of female obese Zucker rats were fed either a control low-fat (LF) or an experimental diet containing PS (22% wt/wt) incorporated into LF . Two additional groups were fed either PS or cellulose (CE) in diet providing equivalent caloric dilution . Rats on PS lost weight whereas LF control rats gained . Dissectible fat and adipocyte size of PS were smaller than those of LF . Food intake, body water, and adipocyte number did not differ between PS and LF . Body protein on PS increased only in proportion to weight . When both diets were diluted, PS animals lost more weight than CE controls despite similar food intakes, suggesting absorption of calorigenic substances derived from partial digestion of CE but not PS by intestinal microflora . Obese rats did not compensate for caloric dilution with PS.

J Burn Care Rehabil, 1987 Nov-Dec, 8(6), 475 - 82
Bacterial translocation from the gut: a mechanism of infection; Deitch EA et al.; Bacterial infection is a common and serious problem in burn victims who survive the shock phase of thermal injury . Our experimental work, plus the clinical studies of others, suggests that the gut can serve as a reservoir for systemic infections caused by bacteria that cross (translocate) the gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium . Bacterial translocation from the GI tract does not normally occur in the healthy animal owing to (1) the presence of an indigenous GI microflora preventing bacterial overgrowth, (2) an intact intestinal epithelial barrier, and (3) normal host immune defenses . However, a thermal injury, as well as other stressors, can result in the disruption or impairment of any of these protective mechanisms, potentially leading to lethal systemic infections with bacteria colonizing the gut.

Toxicol Lett, 1987 Oct, 38(3), 307 - 14
Preliminary investigations into the involvement of the intestinal microflora in CNS toxicity induced by 1,3-dinitrobenzene in male F-344 rats; Philbert MA et al.; Administration of a single oral dose of 20 mg/kg of 1,3-dinitrobenzene caused ataxia in germ-free male F-344 rats but not in conventional rats . Repeated oral dosing of 20 mg/kg, 1,3-DNB was required to cause ataxia in conventional rats . Considerable differences were observed between the uptake, tissue distribution and excretion of DNB in germ-free and conventional rats.

Vet Med (Praha), 1987 Sep, 32(9), 563 - 70
{Meat quality in broilers affected with inflammation of the feather follicles}; Jankova B et al.; Broilers with feather follicle inflammation and birds free of this disorder were selected from the broiler chickens kept on plastic (bralen-)coated metallic slats . Both groups of broilers were killed on a sanitary slaughter line and the samples of breast and thigh muscles were analyzed for the basic composition and characteristics of the metabolism of nitrogenous and lipidic components . The content of individual amino acids in the muscles and the proportion of fatty acids in the intramuscular fat of broilers were determined for the evaluation of nutritive value . The samples of the affected spots of skin and samples of organs (liver) were subjected to microbiological examination . The resultant finding represented the common mesophilous microflora . No substantial statistically significant differences in chemical characteristics were found between the two groups . It follows from the results that the inflammation of feather follicles is a local skin disorder with no effect on the quality of the meat.

Biochem J, 1987 Sep 1, 246(2), 475 - 9
Influence of the gut microflora on protein synthesis in tissues and in the whole body of chicks; Muramatsu T et al.; 1 . The influence of the gut microflora on protein synthesis in individual tissues and in the whole body of young chicks was investigated by the large-dose injection of {3H}phenylalanine . 2 . Growth of germ-free chicks was significantly better than that of conventional controls . Wet weights of liver, spleen, duodenum, jejunum + ileum and caeca were heavier in conventional birds than in germ-free counterparts . 3 . Fractional rates of protein synthesis were higher in jejunum + ileum and whole body of conventional birds than in those of germ-free birds . Amounts of protein synthesized were larger in liver, jejunum + ileum and caeca in the presence of the gut microflora . 4 . When tissues were classified into gut + liver and the remainder of the carcass, in the presence of the gut microflora an enhanced protein synthesis in fractional and absolute rate was found in the gut + liver, which is in direct contact or in close association with micro-organisms, whereas virtually no effect of the gut micro-organisms was detected in the remainder of the carcass . 5 . The contribution of protein synthesis of gut + liver to that of the whole body was larger in conventional chicks than in germ-free birds, whereas the reverse was true for the remainder of the carcass.

Pediatr Res, 1987 Jul, 22(1), 72 - 8
Intestinal absorption of macromolecules during viral enteritis: an experimental study on rotavirus-infected conventional and germ-free mice; Heyman M et al.; Epithelial transport and degradation of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), a macromolecular tracer, was studied in conventional and germ-free suckling mice following an experimental infection with rotavirus . Conventional and germ-free mice developed diarrhea from days 2 to 8 postinfection (pi), with growth failure . In mucosal homogenates, infectious virus detected by immunofluorescence on MA 104 cells was present from day 2 through day 8 pi in germ-free mice, but persisted longer (day 13 pi) in conventional mice . Only mild histological lesions were observed during diarrhea, but obvious macrovacuolation of epithelial cells and increased cellular density occurred during the convalescence period (days 9 to 13 pi) . Intact and degraded HRP fluxes from mucosa to serosa were measured in vitro on segments of jejunum mounted in Ussing chambers . Both groups of mice developed increased HRP permeability during the experimental period, but at different times after inoculation: during the diarrheal period (days 2 and 3 pi) conventional mouse epithelium absorbed five times more HRP than noninfected controls and during the convalescence period (days 9 to 13 pi) HRP absorption in germ-free mice rose 10-fold as compared to its level before infection . In both cases, this increase in HRP permeability was entirely due to an increase in intact HRP absorption, probably via a transcellular route, and occurred without any alteration in degraded HRP transport . These results indicate that in mice, rotavirus infection causes a transient rise in gut permeability to undegraded proteins . The intestinal microflora seems to affect the timing, magnitude, and duration of this increased permeability.

Ann Surg, 1987 Jul, 206(1), 5 - 17
The role of the small intestine in ammonia production after gastric blood administration; Sugarbaker SP et al.; It is commonly believed that the digestion of intraluminal blood by colonic bacteria is the primary cause of increased ammonia production after upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage . To evaluate the role of the small intestine in ammonia production, blood, amino acids, or water (5 mL/kg) was administered as a meal or enema to awake dogs with chronic indwelling catheters . After blood meals, intestinal ammonia production increased rapidly to peak at 60 minutes and returned to basal levels . This response was mimicked by the gastric administration of ammoniagenic amino acids . No change in ammonia production occurred with water administration . In contrast, colonic blood administration resulted in a gradual rise in ammonia production, and peaked at 150 minutes . Amino acid enemas resulted in a similar but somewhat more rapid response . No change occurred with water enemas . After gut decontamination, ammonia production did not increase after blood enemas . However, the rapid increase in ammonia production persisted after blood meals . It is concluded that both the small bowel and colon participate in the augmented ammonia production that occurs after upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage . Gut decontamination reduces ammonia production by altering the colonic microflora, but is not specific therapy directed towards amino acid metabolism by the enterocytes of the small bowel and thus, does not alter the ammonia produced by the small intestine.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1987 Jul, 139(7), 66 - 9
{Odontogenic septic endocarditis}; Shelkovskii VN et al.; In the operative treatment of 34 patients with septic endocarditis the identic microflora was isolated from odontogenous and cardiogenic foci of infection in 35% of the patients . Surgical sanitation of foci of odontogenous infection immediately before operation on the heart contributed to prophylactics of postoperative complications and recurrences of the main disease.

Zentralbl Bakteriol Mikrobiol Hyg {A}, 1987 Jul, 265(3-4), 378 - 84
Antibiotic treatment, intestinal aerobic microflora and experimental sarcoma L-1 growth in Balb/c-mice; Roszkowski K et al.; The present paper deals with the influence of a 10 days treatment with mezlocillin, piperacillin, cefotaxime, clindamycin or gentamicin on the endogenous intestinal microflora of Balb/c-mice and on the local growth of sarcoma L-1 tumor . Clindamycin and gentamicin demonstrated no influence, whereas cefotaxime and piperacillin caused the eradication of gram-negative resp . gram-positive bacteria but these antibiotics didn't produce a growth inhibition of local L-1 sarcoma tumor . The oral or parenteral application of mezlocillin (a 3 days treatment was sufficient) eradicated the complete aerobic and anaerobic intestinal microflora . This effect was significantly correlated with an increase of the cecum weight and the inhibition of local tumor growth . Possible mechanisms of these effects are discussed.

Antibiot Med Biotekhnol, 1987 Jul, 32(7), 520 - 3
{Pharmacokinetics of benzylpenicillin and gentamycin administered by different routes to patients with acute and chronic nonspecific lung diseases}; Skala LZ et al.; Pharmacokinetic studies showed that endobronchial administration of benzylpenicillin and gentamicin to patients with acute and chronic pneumonia unlike intramuscular administration provided the antibiotic concentrations in bronchial secretions effective against middle sensitive and moderately resistant strains of microorganisms within 1-5 hours . Such concentrations maintained at the levels sufficient for inhibiting sensitive microflora growth for 24-36 hours with the use of benzylpenicillin and for 6 days with the use of gentamicin . This also lowered the risk of toxic complications.

Isr J Med Sci, 1987 Jun, 23(6), 551 - 5
Requirements and selection of an animal model; Davidson MK et al.; There are two broad classes of models: those based on analogy (similar structures imply similar functions), and those based on homology (structures derived from the same evolutionary precursor have the same or similar functions) . There are four main categories of animal models: 1) induced or experimental models, that attempt to reproduce conditions found in the original species, 2) spontaneous or natural models, that are recognized as being similar to some condition in the original species, 3) negative or nonreactive models, that are the normal counterparts of a disease model, and 4) orphan models, that are animal diseases for which no human or animal counterpart is known . The selection of any model, but particularly animal models, for research should be based on the following considerations: 1) appropriateness as an analog, 2) transferability of information, 3) genetic uniformity of organisms, where applicable, 4) background knowledge of biological properties, 5) cost and availability, 6) generalizability of the results, 7) ease of and adaptability to experimental manipulation, 8) ecological consequences, and 9) ethical implications . The criteria for selection or rejection of particular animal models also include customary practice within a particular discipline, the existence of diseases or conditions that might complicate results, the existing body of knowledge on the problem under consideration, and special features of the animal, such as unique responses or microflora, that may make a particular species useful.

J Infect Dis, 1987 Jun, 155(6), 1210 - 4
Use of erythromycin to prevent pertussis in newborns of mothers with pertussis; Granstrom G et al.; During the period 1975-1985, 35 women with serology- or culture-confirmed pertussis at the time of labor were admitted to the Danderyd Hospital (Danderyd, Sweden) . In 32 cases, the mothers were allowed to nurse their newborns while receiving erythromycin therapy . Erythromycin prophylaxis was given to 28 newborns . None of the newborns developed clinical or laboratory signs of whooping cough . The therapy was well tolerated by the newborns and did not affect the microflora in the gut . Maternal antibodies to pertussis toxin and to the filamentous hemagglutinin were found in cord blood, and levels decreased during the follow-up period . The study demonstrated that mothers with pertussis can safely be allowed to nurse their infants if both receive erythromycin.

Hepatology, 1987 May-Jun, 7(3), 529 - 34
Oleic acid-induced cholelithiasis in the rabbit: conversion of dietary oleic acid to cholestanol as a cause of calcium-bile salt gallstones; Lee SP et al.; Rabbits fed a diet rich in oleic acid develop gallstones consisting of calcium salts of (5 alpha)-glyco-allodeoxycholic acid . To study the metabolic pathway of oleic acid, we followed the changes in plasma, hepatic and biliary lipids in this animal model . In addition, to also determine the role played by intestinal microflora on biliary lipid metabolism, we added kanamycin to the oleic acid diet . Oleic acid-fed rabbits rapidly developed hypercholesterolemia . This was associated with an increase in liver 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase activity, accumulation of cholesterol as well as cholestanol in the liver and progressive saturation of cholesterol in bile . {14C}oleic acid fed orally to rabbits was recovered in liver extracts as both cholesterol and cholestanol . With oleic acid feeding, there was a progressive increase in glyco-allodeoxycholic acid culminating in the formation of gallstones . Kanamycin supplement to the oleic acid diet resulted in the same changes in plasma and hepatic sterol metabolism compared with oleic acid-fed rabbits . There was, however, a striking difference in the biliary bile acid profile . Kanamycin supplementation dramatically reduced the proportion of 5 alpha-dihydroxy bile acids, increased the proportion of 5 beta-trihydroxy bile acids and completely abolished gallstone formation . We postulate that, in the rabbit, oleic acid is used as a carbon source for cholesterol synthesis, and a high oleic acid diet increases hepatic cholesterogenesis . Hepatic cholesterol is then metabolized to form cholestanol, followed by (5 alpha)-glyco-allocholic acid which is secreted into bile and transformed by gut bacteria to form (5 alpha)-allodeoxycholic acid . Kanamycin abolished gallstone formation by inhibiting intestinal bacterial dehydroxylation.

Angew Parasitol, 1987 May, 28(2), 113 - 5
{The microflora of goat Mallophaga}; Nunez-Sevilla C et al.; 48 bacterial isolates were gained from Bovicola spp . of Capra hircus . The distribution of the isolates among males, females and larvae suggests first conclusions on the specificity of the microflora.

J Clin Periodontol, 1987 May, 14(5), 295 - 9
The effect of plaque control after scaling and root planing on the subgingival microflora in human periodontitis; Lavanchy DL et al.; The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a strict supragingival plaque control regimen on bacterial repopulation following scaling and root planing . 7 patients with moderate to severe inflammatory periodontal disease received a full-mouth scaling and subgingival curettage . Using a split-mouth design, 2 sites of opposite quadrants were submitted to professional supragingival plaque control 3 X a week while the contralateral sites served as controls . Clinical and bacterial examination were performed on days 7, 14, 28, 49, 56, 63 and 70 following therapy . All clinical parameters (P1I, GI, probing depth, attachment levels) showed significant improvement after scaling and root planing . Shifts in the subgingival bacterial population observed by dark field were also noticed following curettage: there was a decrease in the proportions of spirochetes and motile rods and an increase in that of coccoid cells . However, bacterial distribution tended to return to base line values towards the end of the observation period . No difference in the pattern of bacterial recolonization of the subgingival area could be detected between the sites under strict supragingival plaque control and the control sites.

J Surg Res, 1987 May, 42(5), 536 - 42
Effect of stress and trauma on bacterial translocation from the gut; Deitch EA et al.; Previously, we established that bacteria contained within the gut can cross the GI mucosal barrier and spread systemically, a process termed bacterial translocation . Three models were used to extend this work: cold exposure (up to 16 hr at 4 degrees C), a nontissue injury stress model; femoral fracture-amputation, a trauma model; and thermal injury (30% third-degree burn), a trauma model with retained necrotic tissue . CD-1 mice either with a normal GI microflora or who were monoassociated with Escherichia coli C-25 were subjected to sham or actual stress or trauma . The animals were sacrificed at various times postinsult and the ceca, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), spleens, and livers were quantitatively cultured . Neither the incidence nor the magnitude of bacterial translocation was increased in the cold-exposed animals compared to control mice . The incidence of bacterial translocation to the systemic organs was higher in the animals with a normal flora receiving femoral fracture amputation (11%) (P less than 0.02) than in animals receiving a thermal injury (1%) or sham-injured control mice (0%) . In contrast, the incidence of translocation to the liver or spleen was higher in burned mice monoassociated with E . coli C-25 (60%) (P less than 0.01) than in E . coli monoassociated mice sustaining femoral fracture amputation (17%) . Stress alone (cold exposure) does not promote bacterial translocation; however, trauma, especially in combination with retained necrotic tissue, promotes bacterial translocation . Thus bacteria colonizing the gut can invade systemic organs after trauma, especially when the normal ecology of the gut flora has been disrupted.

Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1987 Apr, 103(4), 499 - 501
{Epitheliocytes of fundal glands and the relative volume of the parietal microflora of the stomach and small intestine mucosa in experimental chronic duodenal ulcer}; Baibekov IM et al.; The effect of experimental chronic duodenal ulcers and vagotomy on fundal gland epitheliocytes and membrane microflora has been studied in rats using light microscopy and stereometry on semithin sections . It is shown that in ulcers the relative amount of perietal and zymogen cells increases, while the volume of mucocytes decreases . Vagotomy leads to a decrease in the relative amount of parietal and zymogen cells and increases the relative amount of mucocytes . The relative volume of membrane microflora in gastric fundal and pyloroantral regions, duodenum and jejunum diminishes in ulcers and increases in vagotomy, as compared to the control.

J Clin Periodontol, 1987 Apr, 14(4), 221 - 5
Monitoring untreated periodontal disease; Harley A et al.; The purpose of this study was to monitor clinical attachment levels, using a constant force probe, in patients with untreated periodontal disease, and to use darkfield microscopy to monitor changes in subgingival plaque . 10 patients with untreated disease were studied over 12 weeks . The parameters measured at baseline and every 4 weeks were probing depth, attachment level and bleeding . The subgingival microflora of the deepest site in each quadrant was examined by darkfield microscopy, using a Hellber counting chamber, at baseline and 12 weeks . The subgingival plaque from any site which lost more than 2 mm clinical attachment was also sampled and the microflora examined . Analysis of the results shows that 91% of probing depths and attachment levels remained the same or within +/- 1 mm . 3.5% of probing depths and 3.7% of attachment levels became deeper by 2 mm . 6.9% of probing depths and 4.5% of attachment levels became shallower by 2 mm . Only 6 sites out of 1029 showed loss of clinical attachment greater than 2 mm . Darkfield microscopy showed no differences in the proportion of microorganisms at the 6 sites which lost more than 2 mm of clinical attachment, compared with the baseline value . A surprising result was the tendency for probing depths and attachment levels to decrease, especially in deeper pockets . This study showed that none of the parameters monitored, i.e., probing depth, attachment level, bleeding or subgingival microflora, indicated which sites would lose attachment over a 12-week period.

Antibiot Med Biotekhnol, 1987 Mar, 32(3), 191 - 5
{Metabolites of the intestinal microflora in the diagnosis of intestinal dysbacteriosis}; Tamm AO et al.; The procedures most widely used in investigation of intestinal microflora activity are briefly reviewed . The original findings relating to investigation of intestinal microflora and isolation of certain bacterial metabolites from rats with self-filling jejunal loop are presented as an example . Marked correlation between isolation of certain bacterial metabolites and self-filling jejunal loop microflora was observed . The authors consider advisable that biochemical and bacteriological methods for investigation of intestinal microflora be combined . When there are shifts in the number and ratio of the produced metabolites, invasive diagnostic methods including intubation and bacteriological examination of the small intestine are recommended.

J Clin Periodontol, 1987 Mar, 14(3), 161 - 4
The effect of supragingival plaque control on the composition of the subgingival microflora in human periodontitis; Beltrami M et al.; The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supragingival plaque control on the composition of the subgingival microflora . 8 subjects with moderate to severe periodontitis were chosen for the study . Sites with periodontal destruction (GI greater than 2; probing depth greater than 6.5 mm; vertical alveolar bone loss on radiographs) were submitted to professional plaque control 3 X a week for 3 weeks . Contralateral sites received no prophylaxis and served as controls . Patients maintained usual oral hygiene during the observation period: it consisted exclusively of tooth brushing once or twice a day with no use of interdental cleaning aids . Clinical examination and bacterial sampling were performed every week . At the end of the study, PlI scores for the experimental sites showed a marked diminution compared with the control sites . No variations were observed in GI or probing depth in test or control sites during the study . The composition of subgingival plaque in both groups showed no significant variations during that period.

Cell Immunol, 1987 Mar, 105(1), 235 - 45
Early development of Ig-secreting cells in young of germ-free BALB/c mice fed a chemically defined ultrafiltered diet; Bos NA et al.; The influence of antigenic stimulation on the early development of the "spontaneously" occurring ("background") IgM-, IgG-, and IgA-secreting cells has been studied in mice . To evaluate the effect of such exogenous stimulation by an evolving microbial microflora, the young of BALB/c mice that were kept under germ-free conditions and fed a low molecular weight chemically defined synthetic diet (GF-CD) were compared with the young of conventional BALB/c mice fed natural ingredients (CV-NI) . The young were first suckling maternal milk and between Days 15 and 18 changed to the same diet as their parents . Background Ig-secreting cells in the spleen were enumerated in the protein A plaque assay . The specificity repertoire of the IgM-secreting cells was determined with plaque assays specific for sheep red blood cells (SRBC) that were haptenized with different concentrations of nitroiodophenyl (NIP), 4-hydroxy-3.5-dinitrophenyl (NNP), and 2,4,6-trinitrophenyl (TNP) . The results show that during the first few weeks of life the numbers of background IgM-, IgG-, and IgA-secreting cells in the spleen develop faster in CV-NI mice than in GF-CD mice . At 4 weeks of age equal numbers of IgM- and IgG-secreting cells were found in both groups of mice, but the number of IgA-secreting cells remained reduced in GF-CD mice during the whole period of observation . The frequencies of IgM-secreting cells specific for the differently haptenized SRBC were the same in both groups of mice during the observation period of 10 weeks . This suggests that the ontogenetic appearance of IgM-, IgG-, and IgA-secreting cells in the spleen, and the specificity repertoire of the IgM-secreting cells, as far as was tested in our panel, is independent of exogenous antigenic and/or mitogenic stimulation . However, during neonatal development the rate of development of the background Ig synthesis is enhanced by environmental antigenic stimulation.

J Parasitol, 1987 Feb, 73(1), 144 - 8
The specific anti-parasite immune responses of germ-free and conventional rats infected with Trypanosoma lewisi; Giannini MS; To test the hypothesis that the rapid immune response of rats to Trypanosoma lewisi is elicited by prior exposure to cross-reacting environmental antigens, the early immune response to infection with this nonpathogenic protozoan was studied in germ-free and conventional rats . In germ-free rats, initial levels of both IgG and IgM were significantly lower than those of conventional rats . After infection, the germ-free rats made more immunoglobulins of both classes, and made them more quickly, than did conventional rats . Trypanosome-specific antibodies appeared earlier and in higher titers in the germ-free rats . Because they lacked intestinal microflora, it is unlikely that the germ-free rats' responses had been primed; thus, these observations indicated that the conventional rats' responses to some trypanosome antigens had been down-regulated by their prior exposure to environmental antigens . However, protective antibodies that inhibited parasite reproduction (ablastin) may have been primed, because these appeared in sera 2 days earlier in conventional rats . Despite much lower rates of production of trypanosome-specific antibodies, the conventional rats had the same peak parasitemias and times to crisis as germ-free rats . Thus it is apparent that protective immunity to this nonpathogenic parasite is not down-regulated by prior exposure to environmental antigens, as would be predicted.

J Dent Res, 1987 Feb, 66 Spec No, 693 - 8
Artificial salivas: present and future; Levine MJ et al.; Modern technology has allowed us to understand better the functions of saliva and now provides a rationale for developing: (1) diagnostic reagents for monitoring oral and systemic health status and (2) replacement therapies for individuals with salivary dysfunctions . Several areas of dental research are directed at augmenting or enhancing both the quality and quantity of saliva for individuals with dry mouth . An "intrinsic" approach is being explored which utilizes medications such as pilocarpine and bromhexine to stimulate the salivary glands to produce more saliva . An "extrinsic" approach proposes to use topically applied artificial saliva . Studies in our laboratory have been directed toward developing artificial salivas which incorporate many of the protective features of "native" saliva . An ideal artificial saliva should be "long-lasting", provide lubrication, inhibit colonization of microflora responsible for dental caries and gingivitis, and coat the oral soft tissues for protection against environmental insult and desiccation . Studies are currently under way to determine the structural requirements of salivary molecules responsible for these protective functions . Composite salivary molecules consisting of multiple biologically active or "functional domains" could then be designed and synthesized based upon primary sequence and conformational analyses, computer-assisted structural predictions, and in vitro testing . These supersalivary substances could then be used as saliva substitutes for targeting to selected oral surfaces to promote mineralization, hydration, and/or regulate microbial-mediated disease.

J Dent Res, 1987 Feb, 66(2), 498 - 505
The growth of oral bacteria on saliva; De Jong MH et al.; The present experiments were aimed at studying the degradation of salivary glycoproteins by the oral microflora . To this end, S . sanguis I strain Ny476 and S . sanguis II (S . mitior) strain Ny581 were grown continuously in human-whole saliva . Under these conditions, the strains produced a variety of cell-associated hydrolytic activities, including glycosidases, exo- and endopeptidases, and esterases . S . sanguis II generally exhibited higher levels of enzyme activity than did S . sanguis I, in particular of neuraminidase that was produced only by S . sanguis II . In accordance, S . sanguis II had a higher cell yield and consumed a higher proportion of the sugars and sialic acid in the glycoproteins than did S . sanguis I . Interestingly, S . sanguis I, which is devoid of neuraminidase, is known to have a lectin with specificity for sialic acid, whereas S . sanguis II has affinity for galactose residues in the glycoproteins . We propose that specific binding of glycoproteins by oral bacteria constitutes a mechanism to collect nutrients in the vicinity of the cell . The special ability of S . sanguis II to utilize saliva for growth was further exemplified by its selection in batch-wise enrichments of dental plaque on saliva . The microflora in these enrichment cultures always consisted of Peptostreptococcus micros, S . sanguis II, and Fusobacterium nucleatum as the dominant organisms . Further, S . mitis and Gemella haemolysans were generally found to be present . The enrichment cultures produced a wide variety of mainly cell-bound hydrolytic enzymes . This resulted in almost complete breakdown of salivary glycoproteins in the culture.

Microbios, 1987, 52(210), 51 - 63
Bacterial localization in the caecum of the rabbit; Ross JA et al.; The indigenous microflora of the rabbit caecum and its associated microenvironments has been examined using transmission electron microscopy . Rods and coccoid forms predominated in the caecal lumen and in association with the lining epithelial cell surfaces . In certain areas a curved flagellate rod-like form occurred in numbers and these exhibited features reminiscent of spirochaetes . The caecal crypts showed a homogeneous population of a monotypic spiral form similar to that found in caecal crypts of certain other mammals . In several cases, fusiform bacteria were found within the apical region of intact epithelial cells . There was no evidence of host reaction and the organisms appeared to be undergoing resting spore formation.

Eksp Onkol, 1987, 9(5), 37 - 40
{Effect of purified sewage on the composition of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the soil and vegetation}; Khesina AIa et al.; Concentrations of benz(a)pyrene (BP) and 15 other polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in soil with forage plants (lucerne) irrigated by biologically purified mixed domestic and industrial (coke-chemical) sewage from collection pond did not exceed those in control soil (irrigated by relatively clean fresh water) and were lower than in nonirrigated one, which is due, probably, to PAH oxidation by soil-proper microflora activated in humid soil polluted by PAH . BP content in control and experimental samples of lucerne coincide within +/- 25% limits.

Nahrung, 1987, 31(5-6), 609 - 11
Gnotobiological research of the host-microflora interaction; Chakhava OV et al.; The last two decades indicate that one of the main features of modern gnotobiology are comparative experiments on germfree and conventional counterparts to study the significance of normal (or dysbiotic) microflora (or individual species) in various physiological and pathological processes of the host organism . There are some immunological consequences of absence of normal microflora . Interactions between some indigenous and pathogenic bacteria in the intestine of gnotobiotic and conventional rats are discussed.

Nahrung, 1987, 31(5-6), 591 - 8
Gnotobiotes in nutritional studies; Coates ME; Studies with gnotobiotic animals have demonstrated extensive synthesis of vitamins, involvement in the metabolism of nitrogenous compounds and modification of lipids among the activities of the conventional microflora . The extent to which they affect the host depends on factors such as the structure of the gut, the position of the sites of bacterial proliferation and the host's nutritional status . Thus the findings in experimental animals may not always be applicable to man . Results so far indicate that in circumstances of dietary inadequacy bacterial activity may be detrimental or beneficial . However, these effects are small, and it seems reasonable to conclude that the influence of the indigenous microflora on the host's nutrition is of relatively minor importance compared with its role as a barrier against invasion by undesirable organisms.

Nahrung, 1987, 31(5-6), 563 - 6
Problems of space gastroenterology and microenvironment; Smirnov KV et al.; Numerous studies have revealed changes in gastrointestinal secretion, motility, evacuation, and absorption in humans and animals after actual space missions and under hypokinesia of various duration as well . It is found that short-term space missions produce transient changes in the activity of digestive enzymes, instability of bifido- and lactoflora peculiar to stress reaction, and an enhanced evacuation of the stomach . Extended space missions result in more pronounced but transient changes which characterize mainly two states: development of a hypersecretory syndrome of the stomach and decrease in the functional capacity of the pancreas . As a rule, the changes of membranous enzymes are of compensatory-and-adaptive character . Concurrent with this, there occur disbiotic changes of various degree in the intestinal microflora.

Nahrung, 1987, 31(5-6), 469 - 76
{Importance of stable gastrointestinal microflora in growing animals}; Hennig A et al.; A zysbiosis can be caused by food constituents . Food portions with 40% rye for chickens release a destabilisation of the gut flora . This can be prevented by effective stabilizers . Early weaned piglets harbour high numbers of E . coli in their ileum and jejunum content . These become decreased by about three tens powers by affective gut flora stabilizers . Simultaneously the body mass rises considerably without an increase of the food consumption with reference to the living mass . Partially, the ergotropic effect of the gut flora stabilizers is attributed to the smaller expense for the immune defence . Therefore, a new hypothesis for the growth stimulating effect of ergotropics for early weaned piglets is created.

Nahrung, 1987, 31(5-6), 443 - 7
Stress and intestinal microflora; Lizko NN; In this overview the actual international knowledge regarding phenomenons and their proven or speculated mechanisms of adaptative microecological, hormonal and immunological responses to neuroemotional stress conditions including space-flights is represented . In most cases a decreased stability of the intestinal microflora provokes further reactions of the body . The necessity to predict the various possible disorders and to find optimal measures for their prophylaxis and elimination is emphasized.

Vet Med Nauki, 1987, 24(3), 57 - 66
{Effect of antibiotics on the microflora of bull sperm and its fertilizing capacity}; Stoianov T; The effect was tested under laboratory in vitro conditions of eight antibiotics in media for thawing pelleted bull semen . It was found that the addition of antibiotics during the process of reanimation had no unfavourable impact on the motility of spermatozoa . Upon storage in water bath (39 degrees C) in the course of six hours gentamycin, amoxicillin, kanamycin, and polymixin preserved the semen cells and enhanced their survival rate at the same level as that of the control medium with no antibiotic . The combination of penicillin and streptomycin lowered 2.5 times spermatozoal motility . Worst was the survival rate of spermatozoa when the medium was supplemented with oxytetracycline and chloramphenicol . It was also found that best sanitation qualities with regard to the microflora in semen had gentamycin, which, at that did not produce any negative effect on the rate of survival . The conception rate of cows inseminated with semen treated with gentamycin at thawing was shown to be 15.3 per cent higher, and when treated with the combination of penicillin and streptomycin it was 3.0 per cent higher at first insemination than that of the control group of animals inseminated with semen with no antibiotic supplement.

Mikrobiologiia, 1987 Jan-Feb, 56(1), 162 - 3
{Microflora of the Black Sea mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis L.}; Mironov OG; The microbial cenosis in the mantle fluid and stomach of mussels is similar in its biochemical characteristics to the microflora of sea water.

Mikrobiologiia, 1987 Jan-Feb, 56(1), 154 - 5
{Effect of toxic compounds on the respiratory and dehydrogenase activity of sludge in acetaldehyde production}; Alieva RM et al.; The effect of highly toxic compounds such as alpha-methyl styrene, crotonaldehyde and mercuric ions on the respiratory and dehydrogenase activity of sludge microflora was studied in refineries of acetaldehyde processes . The microflora was shown to be capable of adapting to these compounds . However, their high concentrations are toxic and inhibit the respiratory and dehydrogenase activity by 100%.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1987 Jan, (1), 22 - 9
{Microflora of the upper respiratory tract of normal young children and in respiratory tract diseases . Normal microflora and dysbiosis at different levels of the upper respiratory tract in healthy children and pneumonia patients}; Savitskaia KI et al.; Material obtained from the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract (the anterior section of the nasal cavity, the fauces) in young children, both healthy and suffering with different forms of acute pneumonia, has been analyzed with due regard to the structure of the microflora, its specific composition and the size of populations formed by different species constituting the microflora . This analysis has made it possible to determine the species constituting normal microflora, to detect its dysbiotic changes, and to determine their degree (partial or complete dysbacteriosis) . The degree of pathologic changes in the microecological balance of the upper respiratory tract has been shown to reflect the severity of acute pneumonia and to be determined by the characteristics of the natural resistance system in young children.

Ter Arkh, 1987, 59(2), 63 - 6
{Evaluation of the effectiveness of differentiated therapy in patients with chronic erosions of the gastric mucosa}; Preobrazhenskii VN et al.; Potentialities of differentiated therapy of patients with recurrent chronic erosions using medicinal and nonmedicinal methods in 119 patients were studied . During differentiated therapy one should take into account the condition of pathological microflora and circulatory disturbances . At the first stage routine therapy with subsequent incorporation of biogastrone was employed . At the second stage in the absence of a therapeutic effect local administration of a granulocytic concentrate was performed, and in insufficient effectiveness, electrocoagulation of chronic erosions of the gastric mucosa was indicated . The use of differentiated therapy contributed to a favorable prognosis of disease in these patients.

Arkh Patol, 1987, 49(2), 3 - 12
{Morphology and pathogenetic problems of the crush syndrome}; Sekamova SM; Morphofunctional studies of muscles, heart, liver and kidneys after different periods of compression and decompression, as well as literature data indicate that crush syndrome is one of the most severe forms of traumatic shock . A wide range of pathologic effects of catecholamines and other shock-causing agents in response to the emotional stress and pain occurs already at the compression period and results in hemodynamic disturbances in microcirculation of organs and tissues with the development of dystrophic and necrobiotic processes, depression of the monocytic phagocyte system and immune system . The consequences of shock are mostly manifest after decompression: hypercatecholaminemia, hypovolemia, intoxication with myolysis and pathogenic microflora products result in aggravation of monocytic phagocyte failure, as well as immune system, intravascular coagulation, membrane penetration insufficiency, cell necrosis . Monocytic macrophage depletion favours the progression of hepatic necrobiosis, formation of renal failure and detritus organization in the muscles of the extremities . Hypercatecholaminemia and hypoxia (leading to electrolyte-imbalance contractures of myofibrillar apparatus, metabolism disorder and intracellular conductivity disturbance) from the basis for cardiac insufficiency . Inadequate cardiac function, in its turn, maintains hemodynamic and hypoxic disturbances in tissues . Changes in renal blood flow, hemofiltration and tubular system are shown to reflect different aspects of pathogenesis of the acute renal failure in crush syndrome.

Arch Surg, 1987 Jan, 122(1), 48 - 53
Role of the macrophage in the translocation of intestinal bacteria; Wells CL et al.; To clarify the role of the macrophage in the translocation of intestinal bacteria, groups (n = 10) of Swiss Webster mice (Immunocompetent) and C3H/HeJ mice (macrophage defective) were given bacitracin/streptomycin in their drinking water to eliminate the majority of the intestinal microflora . These mice were then "monoassociated" with a streptomycin-resistant strain of Escherichia coli . Forty-eight hours later, E coli was present in all animals at a concentration of 10(11)/g of cecum . In four separate experiments, E coli was recovered from 100% of the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of the immunocompetent Swiss Webster mice and from 10%, 40%, 30%, and 50% of the MLNs of macrophage-defective C3H/HeJ mice . Swiss Webster mice were then similarly monoassociated by antibiotic decontamination followed by administration of antibiotic-resistant, fluorescein-labeled E coli in their drinking water; cohort groups of mice were given fluorescein-labeled latex beads (1 micron in diameter) in their drinking water . Two, four, and 11 days later, the MLNs were removed and single cell suspensions were analyzed in the fluorescence-activated cell sorter . The fluorescein label was detected exclusively in the macrophage (esterase-positive) population . These results support the hypothesis that intestinal macrophages may play a key role in the transport of intestinal particles (including bacteria) into extraintestinal sites.

Vet Med Nauki, 1987, 24(9), 22 - 30
{Pathomorphological changes in the small intestine of pigs with rotavirus diarrhea}; Ignatov G et al.; Studied were the pathohistological changes and the morphologic-structural injuries of intestinal mucosa of pigs (5-7 days old), spontaneously affected with rotavirus diarrhea, raised by traditional methods . Simultaneously with the rotavirus invasion was established Isospora suis . In spite of the early time of the disorder (the test was carried out 24 hours after the appearance of the first clinical symptoms) there were established different in degree and expression morphologic changes; atrophy and fusion of the fibrils, replacement of the cylindrical epithelium with cubic, dystrophy and exfoliation of the enterocytes with exposure of the lamina propria . The burden of the dystrophic processes, which has affected the intestinal mycosis, was registered by scanning electronic microscopy . The dystrophic processes start at the top of the intestinal fibrils, the fusion of the fibrils spreads over a big number of them, forming a conglomerate mass . Simultaneously with the fibrils, affected by dystrophy, were observed fibrils with normal shape and size . During immunofluorescent examinations also is observed focal distribution of enterocytes, containing antigen on some of the fibrils . Now is discussed the importance of the pathogenic microflora, in the intestinal track of pigs, raised by traditional methods, for the early appearance and for the burden of the morphologic-structural changes.

Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1987, 506, 260 - 73
Role of motility, chemotaxis, and adhesion in microbial ecology; Kennedy MJ; This review emphasized the implications of recent data pertaining to the role that motility, chemotaxis, and adhesion play in microbial ecology . Some of these processes appear to promote colonization by allowing certain organisms to selectively "seek out" nutrients or sites of colonization . For example, chemotaxis to NO3- and NO2- may provide pseudomonads with such a strong competitive mechanism that it allows this group of bacteria to outcompete other members of the soil microbiota for these chemicals . Likewise, chemotaxis also allows other bacteria to enter and colonize the mucus gel lining the intestinal epithelium and thereby resist physical removal from the gut . On the other hand, the understanding of such mechanisms offers important new possibilities for the deliberate control of microorganisms for the benefit of man . To that end, much remains to be done before a thorough understanding of the ecology of the microflora of any ecosystem can be accomplished . It is hoped that this review will stimulate further work in this area, as well as to lead to collaboration between engineers and microbiologists, which should lead to fruitful and exciting research in the future.

Zentralbl Chir, 1987, 112(14), 896 - 908
{Current status of perioperative preventive use of antibiotics in colorectal surgery}; Hollender LF et al.; The rate of postoperative wound infections following colorectal surgery can be considerably reduced by rational perioperative short-time antibiotic prophylaxis . The anaerobic and aerobic microflora of the colon as well as the half-life of the medicaments used have to be taken into due consideration for good choice of antibiotics . Persistent orthograde intestinal flushing, using physiological electrolyte solution without any addition of antibiotics, on the eve of surgery as well as perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis "en flash", using slow-drop intravenous infusion of 1 g Ornidazole and 2 g Mezlocilline along with introduction of anaesthesia, made for a good approach to reducing wound infections following colorectal surgery to two per cent . Twice as much antibiotics were administered for 24 to 28 hours in emergency cases in which preoperative intestinal flushing was not possible . This helped to reduce the rate of postoperative infections from 32 to six per cent.

Nahrung, 1987, 31(5-6), 383 - 95
Microorganisms associated with epithelial surfaces and stability of the indigenous gastrointestinal microflora; Savage DC; Indigenous microorganisms of many genera and species associate with mucosal epithelia in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals and humans . These mechanisms may involve a high degree of specificity for host and surface habitat . They may include a capacity of the microorganisms to adhere to the membranes of substratum epithelial cells, to colonize and utilize as a source of nutrients the mucus overlying epithelial cells, and to be motile and attracted into the mucous layer by chemotaxis . The microbes must be able as well to thrive in the nutritional and environmental conditions prevailing on the epithelial surfaces . Microbial communities associated with epithelial surfaces are critical for maintaining a microflora in areas of the tract (i.e., stomach, small intestine) where the lumenal content moves at a rate exceeding the maximum rates at which indigenous microorganisms can multiply . Such communities even may be important in areas (i.e., the cecum and colon) where the content moves at rates below those at which the microbes can multiply . In such areas, microorganisms colonizing mucus on the epithelium and in the crypts of Lieberkuhn may provide a stable inoculum for the lumenal content which may be altered in composition in times of dietary change . Microorganisms associated with gastric and intestinal surfaces undoubtedly serve in a major way to stabilize the composition of the indigenous gastrointestinal microflora . At the molecular level, however, little is known about the mechanisms stabilizing the composition or the biochemical and genetic activities of the microflora . Such mechanisms are important subjects for research in the future.

Arch Toxicol, 1987, 60(1-3), 34 - 6
Role of gut in xenobiotic metabolism; Hanninen O et al.; The gastrointestinal tract forms the first line of defense in the body against the main load of xenobiotics . The gastrointestinal mucosa has several mechanisms through which the xenobiotics are modified . The monooxygenase activities in most species are relatively low in the mucosa as compared to the liver, but conjugation, for example, via glucuronide formation proceeds efficiently . UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activities can exceed those in the liver . Glutathione S-transferase activity is also high . The biotransformation activities are readily inducible in the mucosa and this is, at least partly, responsible for the oral-aboral gradient seen in enzyme activities . In rainbow trout glutathione S-transferase is, however, significantly higher at the aboral third than in two oral segments, although in rats the intestinal glutathione S-transferase shows a clear oral-aboral gradient . The gradient is independent of the presence of microflora at least in the case of carboxylesterase and glutathione S-transferase . A similar gradient can also be found from the gut lumen, in both germ-free and specific pathogen-free rats . The cells in the middle of the villi appear to be most responsive under the influence of inducers . The readily occurring induction in the mucosa provides a suitable model for studies on biological effects to defined compounds and mixtures.

Pol Arch Weter, 1987, 25(2-3), 201 - 12
{Preservation of the blood of slaughter animals by the non-diaphragmatic use of solidified carbon dioxide . III . Effect of blood preservation . Practical blood stability}; Jerzykowski J et al.; The preservation effectivity of slaughter animal blood for consumptive purposes was studied by a method of non-phrenic action with solidified CO2 . The material for studies was full pig blood stabilized with sodium citrate . The course of the changes of the blood properties studied has been described by regression equations . Blood stabilization with solidified CO2 was found to reduce the rate of aerobic microflora growth and of proteolytic changes and to extend the stability period of the coagulation system . The results of sensory studies were related to the boundary values of the studied physicochemical and microbiological quality factors . The admissible periods of blood storage were determined from the results of the studies . It was found that practical preservation of blood stabilized with solidified CO2 was 15 full days at 5 degrees C, 6 days at 10 degrees C and 4 days at 15 degrees C, and it was two, three and four times greater at the three successive temperatures, as compared with the preservation of control blood.

Chemotherapy, 1987, 33(6), 452 - 8
Effect of cefotaxime, ceftriaxone and latamoxef on blood coagulation in patients on parenteral nutrition; Graninger W et al.; Plasmatic coagulation parameters were studied in patients on parenteral cephalosporins with different hepatic pharmacokinetics . Sixty patients received either cefotaxime (4 g/day), ceftriaxone (2 g/day) or latamoxef (4 g/day) pre- and postoperatively for at least 5 days at random . They received parenteral nutrition without vitamin K supply and had no oral intake . A significant drop (p less than 0.05) in vitamin-K-dependent coagulation factors was recorded in patients treated with latamoxef, while patients receiving ceftriaxone and cefotaxime did not exhibit a significant change in their plasmatic coagulation parameters . Interference of some cephalosporins with the vitamin-K-dependent hepatic metabolism of clotting factors seems to be likely, rather than a suppression of intestinal vitamin K production by the intestinal microflora.

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand, 1987, 66(4), 321 - 2
Microflora of cervical and vaginal secretion in women using copper- and norgestrel-releasing IUCDs; Ulstein M et al.; In 90 women with a norgestrel-releasing IUCD inserted and 50 women having a copper releasing IUCD, culturing of cervical and vaginal secretion was performed prior to, and 3 and 12 months after insertion of the IUCD . There were no significant changes in the cervical or vaginal microflora, and no significant differences between the groups . According to these findings, locally released progestogens from an IUCD do not affect the microflora of the vagina or of the cervixPIP: The influence of copper versus norgestrel-releasing IUDs in cervical and vaginal microflora was investigated prior to and 3 and 12 months after IUD insertion . 90 women were provided with a levonorgestrel-releasing device, while another 50 women were fitted with a copper IUD . The use of an IUD did not lead to any obvious changes in the vaginal or cervical microflora, regardless of type of device . In addition, there were no significant differences in the distribution of various microorganisms between the 2 study groups . None of the study subjects developed pelvic inflammatory disease or symptoms of nonspecific vaginitis during the study period . On the basis of these findings, it was concluded that locally released progestogens from an IUD do not affect the microbiology of either the cervix or the vagina . Any increased risk of adnexitis or nonspecific vaginitis in IUD users thus appears to not result from changes in vaginal or cervical microflora .

Infection, 1987 Jan-Feb, 15(1), 8 - 10
Impact of topical metronidazole on the skin and colon microflora in patients with rosacea; Eriksson G et al.; 20 patients with rosacea were treated with a 1% metronidazole cream b.i.d . for one month . Sixteen out of twenty patients improved . The skin and intestinal microflora were studied before, during and after treatment . Topical metronidazole did not cause any significant changes in the microflora . No side effects were observed.

Nahrung, 1987, 31(5-6), 619 - 24
{Significance of gastrointestinal microflora for the metabolism of foreign compounds}; Kujawa M et al.; Microbiological biotransformation as a part of metabolism of foreign compounds in general, has great toxicological consequences . An overview on the most important types of reactions is given . In detail, comparative investigations of the metabolism of gamma-HCH, azobenzene and progoitrin in germfree and conventionalized rats are described and results from the literature are presented.

Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl, 1987, 129, 29 - 32
Enzyme resistant starch fractions and dietary fibre; Asp NG et al.; Starch fractions that are more or less enzyme resistant may behave like dietary fibre, both physiologically and analytically . Ungelatinized granules from potatoes, high amylose maize and green bananas are poorly digested . Starch made resistant to amylase due to new covalent bindings, formed at heat treatment or present in starch derivatives used as food additives, may also be more or less undigestible . "Resistant starch" present in bread and corn flakes is probably retrograded amylose . It is undigestible in the small intestine, but readily degraded by the large bowel microflora . Amylose-lipid complexes seem to be completely absorbed in spite of their resistance to amylase degradation in vitro . Since undigestible starch fractions behave physiologically like non-starch polysaccharides, they should be included in the dietary fibre concept . "Resistant starch" is analysed as glucose based fibre with all current methods except one, which includes an initial DMSO solubilization step.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1986 Dec, (12), 24 - 31
{Microflora of the upper respiratory tract in young children under normal conditions and in respiratory tract diseases . Microbial count of the upper respiratory tract in healthy children and in children with pneumonia}; Savitskaia KI et al.; The results of the inoculation of material taken from the anterior section of the nasal cavity and from the pharyngeal mucosa of 50 healthy young children and 298 acute pneumonia patients were analyzed . 23 microbial species were isolated . In the samples taken from the anterior section of the nasal cavity, monocultures were detected in 86 samples and 54 variants of associations including 2-4 species, in 139 samples . In the samples taken from the pharynx, monocultures were detected in 59 samples and 180 variants of associations including 2-6 species, in 282 samples . Differences in the contamination of the nasal cavity and the pharynx in healthy children and in pneumonia patients were revealed . These differences were manifested in the structure of the microflora (monocultures, associations, their composition), the assortment of microbial species and their concentration . In young children with pneumonia the microflora of the upper respiratory tract was found to reflect the severity of acute pneumonia and the intensity of the pathological process in the lungs (uncomplicated, pyodestructive pneumonia, pyodestructive pneumonia with fatal termination, acute purulent pleurisy).

J Appl Bacteriol, 1986 Nov, 61(5), 401 - 6
Collection of airborne micro-organisms on Nuclepore filters, estimation and analysis--CAMNEA method; Palmgren U et al.; The total number of airborne micro-organisms collected on Nuclepore filters was determined by acridine orange staining and epifluorescence microscopy . The viable fraction of the total numbers varied significantly when actinomycete and fungal spores from different environments were stored on the filter surface for 1 week, although the microflora composition was not altered . A high correlation between viable and total counts was noted in environments where the airborne flora was dominated by fungal spores, while a low correlation was found for airborne bacteria . Peak values of the total counts registered in some work environments varied between 10(7) and 10(11) micro-organisms/m3 . Size analysis showed a dominating fraction of respirable micro-organisms (aerodynamical diameter less than 5 micron) . The investigation shows that it is of the utmost importance to combine viable counts with total count enumeration in the study of exposure to micro-organisms in work-related situations.

Am J Otolaryngol, 1986 Nov-Dec, 7(6), 426 - 30
Eikenella corrodens as a cause of recurrent and persistent infections of the head and neck; Drake AF et al.; Four patients had Eikenella corrodens infections involving the head and neck in different ways . The organism is discussed as a pathogen in mixed infections and as the predominant organism in other processes . As part of the resident microflora of mucous membrane surfaces, it is an important potential pathogen in a number of otolaryngologic clinical settings . Careful microbiological culturing and susceptibility testing reveal the causative organism and guide the antibiotic therapy.

J Clin Periodontol, 1986 Nov, 13(10), 905 - 11
The non-specific theory in microbial etiology of inflammatory periodontal diseases; Theilade E; In the absence of toothbrushing, the gingival crevice is colonized by a complex indigenous microflora causing gingivitis, a non-specific inflammation . Subgingival plaque may develop by downgrowth into the inflamed pocket of those micro-organisms from supragingival plaque which can multiply there . By direct microscopy, increased proportions of motile rods and spirochetes have been found in diseased pockets . Cultures on selective media have demonstrated increased prevalence of various gram-negative rods . Cultures on non-selective media have revealed the complexity and variability of the subgingival microflora, comprising more than 200 species . Destructive periodontitis is the result of subgingival colonization, which is favored by such ecological changes as plaque accumulation, gingivitis, and gingival exudate . These changes increase the numbers of micro-organisms and alter their proportions, but no single species appears in active sites which is not also commonly present in inactive sites . The subgingival micro-organisms have several virulence factors which promote colonization of the pockets, destroy host defense mechanisms, and provoke inflammation . It appears that different combinations of indigenous bacteria, rather than just a single species, can produce the pathogenic potential necessary to cause progression from gingivitis to destructive periodontitis.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1986 Nov, (11), 36 - 9
{Improved method for sanitary bacteriological control in the epidemiological surveillance of suppurative-inflammatory diseases in maternity hospitals}; Usacheva SIu; To increase the information content of sanitary bacteriological control, the methods of planning laboratory investigations and their organization have been developed and the scheme of the bacteriological analysis of washings has been improved . On the basis of the improved method of bacteriological control, greatly varying data indicating the contamination of environmental objects in children's wards with indicator microorganisms (12.0-64.0%) have been obtained . The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the microflora existing in the biotope of infants' skin have been studied on a new methodological level, and close correlation between the degrees of the microbial contamination of the skin and the incidence of purulent inflammatory diseases in newborn infants has been established . For the dynamic surveillance of the bacteriological situation in maternity hospitals a signal test, viz . the determination of the microbial contamination of the inner surface of swaddling clothes, has been proposed . This "swaddling clothes test" has made it possible to establish, for the first time, the microbiological characteristics indicating the degree of epidemic well-being in obstetric institutions.

Carcinogenesis, 1986 Nov, 7(11), 1909 - 15
The effect of diet on 2,6-dinitrotoluene hepatocarcinogenesis; Goldsworthy TL et al.; Pectin-induced changes in microflora have been shown to elevate the covalent binding of 2,6-dinitrotoluene (2,6-DNT)-related materials to total rat hepatic macromolecules . Therefore, the effect of diets varying in pectin content on the induction of foci and hepatic tumors induced by 2,6-DNT was studied in male F344 rats . 2,6-DNT (3.0-3.5 and 0.6-0.7 mg/kg/day) was incorporated into NIH-07 (NIH), an open formula cereal-based diet high in pectin content, AIN-76A (AIN), a purified pectin-free diet, or AIN-76A supplemented with 5% pectin (AP) . Hepatic foci were scored after histochemical staining for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), canalicular adenosine triphosphatase or glucose-6-phosphatase following administration of test diets for 3, 6 and 12 months . The number of foci per cm3 of liver increased in a dose- and time-department manner following incorporation of 2,6-DNT into test diets with NIH greater than AP greater than AIN . In the NIH diet, 2,6-DNT did not alter the phenotypic distribution of foci . Animals fed control or 2,6-DNT-containing AIN and AP diets had few or no GGT foci throughout the study . Hepatocellular carcinomas and neoplastic nodules were observed only in rats fed NIH containing 2,6-DNT . The concentrations of 2,6-DNT-related material covalently bound to hepatic macromolecules after a single oral dose of radiolabeled 2,6-DNT given after 12 months on the diets increased in control rats and in rats receiving low dose 2,6-DNT in the diet with AIN less than AP less than NIH . These studies show that the carcinogenicity of 2,6-DNT differs depending on whether rats are fed an NIH or AIN (+/- pectin) diet . The results suggest that diet-induced alterations in the covalent binding of 2,6-DNT are not the sole factor in determining the carcinogenic response to 2,6-DNT . Furthermore, unidentified contaminants in cereal-based diets may influence foci and tumor production in rat liver during carcinogen treatment.

Br J Plast Surg, 1986 Oct, 39(4), 505 - 9
Is flap cover of exposed metalwork worthwhile? A review of 28 cases; Gault DT et al.; The long term results of flap cover in 28 cases of exposed metalwork are presented . The patients fall into two groups; those with exposure of plates after internal fixation of fractures (14), and those with exposed knee or elbow prosthetic joints (14) . The average duration of metal exposure at the time of referral was 6.4 weeks . In the majority of cases, cover was achieved by local muscle or fasciocutaneous flaps . The average duration of follow-up was 20 months . Metalwork was covered and preserved in 16 cases (57%) . The remainder had persistent discharging sinuses or overt sepsis despite survival of the overlying flap . The results of this series are discussed in relation to the pre-operative microflora and the duration of metal exposure.

J Nutr, 1986 Oct, 116(10), 1949 - 64
Adequacy of chemically defined, water-soluble diet for germfree BALB/c mice through successive generations and litters; Pleasants JR et al.; To determine dietary adequacy, germfree BALB/cAnN mice were fed ad libitum an ultrafiltered solution of chemically defined, water-soluble, low-molecular-weight nutrients . They received a measured daily supplement of membrane-filtered, distillation-purified soy oil containing vitamins A, D, E and K . Mice were kept on ash-free filter paper bedding, which they freely consumed . On this regimen, germfree BALB/c mice reproduced through nine generations, and through eight litters in one generation . Average number born per litter was 4.1, compared with 5.1 in control BALB/c mice, which had a conventional microflora and were fed a natural ingredient diet . From 21 to 32 d of age, the experimental mice gained more slowly than controls . After 32 d, experimental mice gained more rapidly than controls; their weights tended to be lower than controls at 45 d and equal to controls at 56 d . Intake-limiting effects of the diet appeared responsible for reduced growth rates and litter size . Experimental females showed a low incidence of deaths from cecal volvulus . Experimental males experienced a high incidence of deaths from colonic impaction of cecally-formed trichobezoars; this site of formation appeared to be unique to BALB/c males on the experimental regimen . These losses were judged to be unrelated to nutritional deficiency . No overt signs of nutritional deficiency developed in female mice which were fed CD diet up to 18 mo of age.

Xenobiotica, 1986 Oct-Nov, 16(10-11), 1047 - 56
Role of intestinal flora in metabolism of agrochemicals conjugated with glutathione; Bakke JE et al.; Intestinal processes which mediate the metabolic fate of glutathione conjugates of xenobiotics are reviewed . The role of the intestinal microflora in the metabolism of premercapturic acid pathway metabolites is discussed . The possible significance of mercapturic acid pathway metabolite catabolism in the bioaccumulation of methylthio-containing residues in the environment is presented.

J Clin Periodontol, 1986 Oct, 13(9), 825 - 32
Clinical alterations in relation to the morphological composition of the subgingival microflora following scaling and root planing; Muller HP et al.; The aim of the present study was to relate shifts in the composition of subgingival plaque in periodontal pockets to alterations of the clinical periodontal conditions following a single course of subgingival scaling and root planing during a period of professional supragingival plaque control . For this purpose, 36 pairs of contralateral periodontal pockets in 10 subjects with moderately advanced periodontitis were assessed for the degree of gingival inflammation, probing pocket depths, bleeding on probing, attachment levels and the amount of supragingival plaque . In addition, samples of subgingival plaque were analyzed morphologically by dark-field microscopy . All patients received detailed information about proper oral hygiene and every 1-2 weeks, professional removal of supragingivally located deposits . When the oral hygiene standard had been sufficiently improved, 1 course of subgingival scaling on 1 side of each jaw only (test side) was carried out . Clinical and microbiological examinations were repeated after the scaling as well as after 2 and 6 months, while patients were recalled for supragingival prophylaxis every 2nd to 4th week . Our data showed that a single course of subgingival scaling and root planing resulted in reduced probing depths, a gain in clinical attachment and a shift in the composition of the subgingival microflora to a composition found in relatively healthy periodontal conditions . In relatively shallow pockets, however, a possible influence of repeated sampling on the subgingival microflora could not be ruled out . Bleeding on gentle probing was a reliable parameter for predicting a subgingival microflora where motile bacteria hold an increased portion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Periodontol, 1986 Oct, 57(10), 613 - 6
The effect of amoxicillin on destructive periodontitis . A case report; van Oosten MA et al.; In a 22-year-old female patient, advanced localized periodontal destruction was observed . The planned treatment consisted of oral hygiene instructions, professional plaque control, deep scaling and root planning and finally modified Widman flap surgery . One molar had to be extracted but was left untreated initially as a control . During the treatment period of 9 months and during 1 year thereafter, samples were taken of the subgingival plaque for dark-field microscopy . The unplanned use of amoxicillin by the patient for a middle ear infection resulted in a suppression below detection level of spirochetes at the investigated sites . At the nontreated control site, the absence of spirochetes was accompanied by a 3-mm reduction of pocket depth and a 2-mm gain in clinical probing attachment, while some formation of new alveolar bone was observed . At the treated sites, clinical improvement was observed . However, a distinction between the effect of the periodontal therapy and the nonscheduled use of amoxicillin could not be made at the treated sites . It is concluded that a single course of systematically administered amoxicillin changed the composition of the subgingival microflora over a long period of time (17 months) and had a beneficial effect upon the status of the periodontium.

Z Hautkr, 1986 Sep 15, 61(18), 1281 - 96
{Remarks and recommendations on the definition and classification of eczematous diseases}; Hornstein OP; Numerous nomenclatures and classifications of eczemas have puzzled dermatologists for a long time . This confusion is due to the great number of external as well as internal noxious factors and/or agents causing eczemas being themselves a distinct and histologically well defined reaction of the papillary-epidermal compartment . Current classifications do not adequately reflect the complex causative conditions involved in the etiopathogenesis of eczematous disorders . I propose, therefore, to classify eczematous disorders according to the following three principal categories: "mainly endogenous" (or "atopic") eczemas, "mainly exogenous" (or "contact") eczemas, and "dysregulatory microbial" eczemas . The latter group comprises eczemas caused by various kinds of functional derangement of epidermal protective properties (e.g., venous stasis, exsiccation of horny layer, seborrhea/hyperhidrosis, epidermal atrophy), which in turn permit the resident and/or transient microflora of the horny layer to induce inflammatory responses of eczematous pattern . Since morphological, topical, and other clinical attributes may change in the course of the very same eczematous disease, they are inappropriate for basic classification of eczemas and should be only employed as minor criteria to characterize the predominant "type" or subset (i.e., clinical appearance) of the specific eczema . The possible combination of eczemas representing two (or even three) categories in one patient leads to intermediate forms entirely in keeping with the division into three principal groups . The classification proposed is aimed at eliminating the terminological confusion as well as enabling reliable documentation for compatible statistics, and should consequently improve the sematic communication between dermatologists and other physicians.

Science, 1986 Sep 5, 233(4768), 1081 - 4
A new approach to the oral administration of insulin and other peptide drugs; Saffran M et al.; The oral administration of peptide drugs is well known to be precluded by their digestion in the stomach and small intestine . As a new approach to oral delivery, peptide drugs were coated with polymers cross-linked with azoaromatic groups to form an impervious film to protect orally administered drugs from digestion in the stomach and small intestine . When the azopolymer-coated drug reached the large intestine, the indigenous microflora reduced the azo bonds, broke the cross-links, and degraded the polymer film, thereby releasing the drug into the lumen of the colon for local action or for absorption . The ability of the azopolymer coating to protect and deliver orally administered peptide drugs was demonstrated in rats with the peptide hormones vasopressin and insulin.

Z Ernahrungswiss, 1986 Sep, 25(3), 189 - 95
Prefeeding-dependent anaerobic metabolization of xenobiotics by intestinal bacteria--methods for acarbose metabolites in an artificial colon; Pfeffer M et al.; The biotransformation of Acarbose (Bay g 5421) by an artificial in vitro system with viable intestinal microorganisms was investigated . The bacteria were obtained from the colon of man or from the caecum and colon of rats and were incubated anaerobically with 14C-Acarbose in a nutrient solution . The metabolites were separated and purified by chromatographic methods and identified by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H; 13C) spectrometry and by mass spectrometry . Metabolites in man and rat are component 2 (minus the terminal glucose of Acarbose), a basic disaccharide consisting of rings B and C, and component 1 . This latter substance is formed, after hydrolytic cleavage of the internal glucose of Acarbose, by spontaneous rearrangement of rings A and B (Acarviosine) into a tricyclic oxazolidine . The metabolite pattern of Acarbose is changed profoundly after several weeks of pretreatment of man or rat with this compound . The microflora adapted in such a manner yields in addition methylated, hexosylated, and n-butyroylated derivatives of Acarbose and/or component 2.

Am J Physiol, 1986 Sep, 251(3 Pt 1), G326 - 31
Postnatal development of protein absorption in conventional and germ-free mice; Heyman M et al.; In the jejunal epithelium of adult animals, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is transported via two functional pathways: a major route involving lysosomal degradation and a minor route allowing transport of the intact protein . The postnatal development of HRP absorption and the influence of conventional microflora were studied in vitro, using jejunal epithelium of conventional and germ-free suckling mice mounted in Ussing chambers . In conventional mice, tritiated peroxidase ({3H}HRP) transport from mucosa to serosa did not change with age except during days 3 and 4, when it increased fivefold . This increase was entirely due to the rise in intact HRP transport and was not related to a decrease in lysosomal cathepsin B and D activities . In germ-free mice, HRP transport developed similarly but decreased by 75% along both pathways . This reduced absorption was associated with lower cathepsin B and D activities . These results strengthen the existence of two transcellular pathways in nonimmunoglobulin protein absorption by the proximal gut with a limiting step situated before the lysosomal system, presumably at the brush-border membrane . Their development is not parallel and does not correlate with gut closure to immunoglobulin transfer.

Dig Dis Sci, 1986 Sep, 31(9 Suppl), 147S - 162S
The human intestinal microflora; Simon GL et al.; The major host defense mechanisms against bacterial overgrowth in the small bowel are the normal propulsive activity of the bowel itself and gastric acid secretion . Microbial interactions are a major factor in regulating the indigenous bacterial flora . Studies of the bacterial enzymes of the gut suggest that changes in diet may lead to marked changes in the colonic flora . Antibiotics affect the composition of the colonic microflora . The microflora also influence the degradation of mucin, the conversion of urobilin to urobilinogen, of cholesterol to coprostanol, and the production of short chain fatty acids . Current interests are focused on the bacterial flora of tropical sprue, the role of bacteria in colorectal cancer, and the involvement of intestinal microflora in the enterohepatic circulation of sex steroid hormones.

J Clin Periodontol, 1986 Sep, 13(8), 795 - 8
Subgingival microflora in bleeding and nonbleeding pockets; Baab DA et al.; The subgingival flora of bleeding and nonbleeding 4-6 mm pockets was investigated using phase-contrast microscopy . Subgingival plaque was sampled from 11 patients with generalized moderate periodontitis . 4 subgingival samples were obtained from each patient, 2 from sites that bled upon standardized probing force and 2 from sites that did not . The amounts of gingival inflammation, supragingival plaque, attachment level and pocket depth were also assessed at each site . The %s of 4 bacterial morphotypes were assessed using phase-contrast microscopy . No significant differences were found in the %s of cocci, motile rods, or spirochetes between bleeding and nonbleeding sites . Significant correlations were found, however, between the % of spirochetes and probing depth, attachment level, and gingival inflammation . The observations indicate that the use of bleeding on probing may not be justified as an indicator of infection by those "periodontopathic" bacteria identifiable by phase-contrast microscopy . However, limitations in the microscopic method may have prevented us from observing differences between the 2 types of sites on a species level.

Infect Immun, 1986 Sep, 53(3), 671 - 7
Potential role of microorganisms isolated from periodontal lesions in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease; Van Dyke TE et al.; A total of 20 patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) were evaluated with regard to the role of infectious agents and host response . Patients were selected based upon oral manifestations of their disease, 10 with periodontal disease and 10 without . Microbiologic studies of the periodontal flora of IBD-affected patients revealed a unique microflora composed predominantly of small, motile, gram-negative rods, which were most consistent with the genus Wolinella . Further studies of the host response of these patients revealed a serum-mediated defect in neutrophil chemotaxis in all 10 patients with periodontal disease . Neutrophil phagocytosis was normal . In vitro studies of neutrophil function in response to Wolinella extracts and culture supernatants revealed inhibition of neutrophil chemotaxis in a dose-response fashion . The organism was chemokinetic for neutrophils but not chemotactic . The data suggest that unusual microorganisms colonizing the oral cavity of IBD patients potentially play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease as infectious agents or modifiers of the host response or both.

J Periodontol, 1986 Aug, 57(8), 486 - 91
Atypical localized juvenile periodontitis . A case report and review of current treatment considerations; Sterrett JD; An atypical case of localized juvenile periodontitis is presented . The case exhibits a unique distribution of osseous defects, an unusually high dental lesion incidence, and an atypical Gram-staining and morphologic subgingival microflora . Past and current treatment regimens are reviewed . Based on our current understanding of the pathogenesis of juvenile periodontitis and the therapeutic effects of antibiotic and surgical treatment, a temporal treatment regimen is proposed which would overlap instead of superimpose effective stages of therapy.

J Periodontol, 1986 Aug, 57(8), 505 - 9
Subgingival microflora and periodontal conditions in healthy teenagers; Asikainen S et al.; The composition of subgingival flora was correlated with clinical periodontal conditions in 100 teenagers aged 12 to 17 years . The Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) was used for the clinical examination . Subgingival bacterial samples were taken from the mesial surface of each first molar, two samples for dark-field microscopy and two samples for Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.) cultivation . Fifty-nine subjects had at least three healthy sextants . Score 1 was the highest CPITN recording in 61 subjects and Score 2 in 30 subjects . None had scores 3 or 4 . In dark-field microscopy, cocci predominated in most samples . Straight rods, fusiforms and motile rods correlated negatively to the number of healthy sextants per subject . Straight rods and fusiforms showed a positive correlation to gingival bleeding tendency at the sampled site . A.a . was isolated in four subjects . Motile microorganisms and A.a . were detected rarely in subjects with good periodontal conditions.

J Pharmacobiodyn, 1986 Jul, 9(7), 570 - 7
Hepato-biliary transport of amaranth by single pass liver perfusion in normal and carbon tetrachloride or alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate treated rats; Takahashi K et al.; Hepato-biliary transport of amaranth (AM) in normal and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) treated rats was studied using single pass liver perfusion . CCl4-intoxicated rats were prepared by two different methods . One was a subcutaneous injection (CCl4s.c.) and the other was an oral administration (CCl4p.o.) . Though AM had been recognized to be non-metabolized in the liver, AM has been reported to be metabolized via azo-reduction by intestinal microflora and/or in the liver to yield naphthionic acid (1-amino-4-naphthalene sulfonic acid) (NSA) after oral administration . In the present investigation, AM was metabolized also in the perfused rat liver to yield NSA, which was not excreted in the bile, but effluxed into the effluent . The hepatic clearance of AM was significantly decreased in all intoxicated livers compared with the untreated livers . The concentration of NSA effluxed in the effluent was decreased in CCl4s.c.-intoxicated livers . However, in other intoxicated livers, there was no significant difference from the untreated livers in the concentration of NSA in the effluent . The amount of AM excreted in the bile was significantly decreased in CCl4s.c.- or CCL4p.o.-intoxicated livers . In ANIT-intoxicated livers, no bile excretion was observed because of the biliary stagniation . From the results of pharmacokinetic analysis using a five-compartment model, the metabolism was not altered by all treatments investigated in the present study . Subcutaneous administration of CCl4, which caused a mild intoxication, affected only the permeability of the plasma membrane of the liver to AM, but oral administration of CCl4, which caused a severe intoxication, decreased the biliary excretion of AM as well as increased the permeability.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Br J Nutr, 1986 Jul, 56(1), 227 - 40
Determination of digestible and available amino acids in meat meal using conventional and caecectomized cockerels or chick growth assays; Parsons CM; 1 . The present study was designed to compare true digestible amino acid values for meat meal with available amino acid values . True digestible values were determined with a 48 h excreta collection assay using conventional (CONV) and caecectomized (CEC) cockerels . Available values for lysine, methionine and cystine were estimated by chick growth assays . 2 . True digestibilities of all sixteen measured amino acids (expressed as a proportion of the total) were lower for CEC than for CONV cockerels, with the average difference being approximately 0.10 . 3 . Chick growth assays based on total weight gain indicated that the availabilities of amino acids expressed as a proportion of the total amino acids in meat meal were: 0.70 for lysine, 0.75 for methionine and 0.48 for cystine . Partitioning weight gains to reflect only growth attributable to supplemental crystalline amino acid or meat meal intake consistently yielded higher availability values than when total weight gains were used . 4 . True digestibility values determined with CEC cockerels were in better agreement with chick available values than were true digestibility values determined with CONV cockerels . 5 . The amounts of amino acids present in the caeca of meat meal-fed CONV cockerels at 48 h after feeding were small when compared with those levels voided in the excreta and those levels consumed in the feed . 6 . Multiple regression analyses of excreta and caecal amino acid profiles at 12 and 48 h after feeding suggested that significant amounts of non-digested dietary amino acids flowed into the caeca and were subsequently metabolized by the caecal microflora.

Arch Tierernahr, 1986 Jul, 36(7), 621 - 8
Dynamics of enzymatic activity development in the adherent rumen microflora; Kmet V et al.; In lambs in the period of a milk nutrition, the enzymatic activities of the rumen wall microflora: cellulase (EC 3.2.1.4), beta-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.73), alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1), urease (EC 3.5.1.3) and neutral protease have been investigated . For comparison's sake, the enzymatic of adherent microflora of the caecal wall ahs been observed, too . It was found that the functionally latent rumen of lambs contained adherent bacteria with cellulase and beta-glucanase activities which reached their maximum on the 30th day of life . The alpha-amylase and protease activities of the epimural rumen microflora reached their maximum already on the 20th day of life . Contrarily, the urease activity reached its maximum only on the 40th day of life . The results show that already from the 10th day after birth, the rumen of young ruminants has a relatively high microbial enzymatic activity.

J Clin Periodontol, 1986 Jul, 13(6), 558 - 62
The condition of the soft tissues at tooth and fixture abutments supporting fixed bridges . A microbiological and histological study; Lekholm U et al.; In 10 partially edentulous patients provided with fixed bridgework supported by the combination of tooth and titanium fixture abutments, the condition of the soft tissues surrounding the abutments was examined . Sampling of supra- and subgingival plaque was performed from both teeth and fixtures . The samples were analyzed regarding the total bacterial counts, the relative distribution of bacterial morphotypes and the cultivable microflora . From each patient, soft tissue biopsies were obtained from 1 tooth and 1 fixture abutment, and the specimens were analyzed for the presence and extension of inflammatory cell infiltrates . The microbiological examination showed that the distribution of bacterial morphotypes in the supra- and subgingival plaque both at teeth and fixtures were similar, irrespective of localization and type of abutment . Nonmotile rods dominated the microflora, whereas spirochetes were either not detected or occurred in very low proportions . From the histological analysis, it was found that a majority of the soft tissue biopsies (75-80%) from both tooth and fixture sites contained only very small inflammatory cell infiltrates.

Arch Toxicol, 1986 Jul, 59(2), 94 - 8
The effect of various dietary fibres on tissue concentration and chemical form of mercury after methylmercury exposure in mice; Rowland IR et al.; The whole-body retention of mercury after exposure of BALB/c mice to methylmercury was measured in animals fed fibre-free, 5% pectin, 5% cellulose or 5, 15 or 30% wheat bran diets . The rate of elimination of mercury was dependent on the diet fed, with dietary bran increasing the rate of elimination . The incorporation of 15 or 30% bran in the diet of the mice decreased the total mercury concentration in the brain, blood and small intestine, although the effects were significant only in those animals on 30% bran diet . The fibres had little effect on mercury levels in other tissues . The proportion of mercury found in the mercuric form was significantly greater in liver, kidneys and gut of mice fed bran . The results suggest that dietary bran may reduce the levels of mercury in the brain after methylmercury exposure and may therefore reduce the neurotoxic effects of the organomercurial . We suggest that wheat bran exerts its effects on mercury retention and brain level via a modification of the metabolic activity of the gut microflora.

Ann Rheum Dis, 1986 Jun, 45(6), 475 - 83
Gastrin, gastric acid secretion, and gastric microflora in patients with rheumatoid arthritis; Henriksson K et al.; The relation between the basal and stimulated gastric acid secretion, plasma gastrin, and the gastric microflora was examined in 45 patients with rheumatoid arthritis . Sixteen patients (36%) had basal achlorhydria, and of these, 10 (22%) had achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria after stimulation with pentagastrin . The peak acid output and acidity showed inverse correlation with the disease duration but were not associated with age or with the degree of physical disability . Hypergastrinaemia was found in nine patients (20%), of whom 6 (13%) had significant titres of parietal cell antibody . The acidity of the peak acid output showed negative correlation with plasma gastrin . It was confirmed that the gastric secretory state is a determinant of plasma gastrin levels and in addition influences the growth of micro-organisms in the gastric lumen . The type of microflora in the non-acid stomach was similar to that found in the saliva . A subgroup of eight females was identified who showed low gastric acid secretion rates, positive bacterial cultures, and atlantoaxial subluxation . Gastrin- and insulin-like immunoreactivities were found in joint fluid . The concentrations reflected their plasma levels, suggesting that the peptides are not released at the inflammatory site, but rather that they reach synovial fluid from circulating blood.

Food Chem Toxicol, 1986 Jun-Jul, 24(6-7), 743 - 7
The use of continuous flow systems for studying the metabolic activity of the hindgut microflora in vitro; Mallett AK et al.; To investigate the involvement of bacterial enzyme activities in the biotransformation of xenobiotic compounds, we have developed a simulation of the rat hindgut microflora in vitro . This mixed bacterial population exhibits many similarities to the native rat flora, and the diversity of bacterial species and the activity of a number of hydrolytic and reductive enzymes (e.g . azoreductase, beta-glucosidase, beta-glucuronidase, nitrate reductase and nitroreductase) are reproduced in the culture at levels similar to those found in the large intestine . The flora have been found to respond to an anutrient (cyclamate) or to host products (bile acids) with changes in enzyme activity, and to metabolize the azo dye Brown HT to metabolites qualitatively similar to those found in the faeces after oral administration to the rat . The experiments demonstrate that the bacterial population of the large intestine of the rat may be successfully cultured in vitro and provides and alternative to animal studies for the investigation of foreign compound metabolism by the flora.

Br J Nutr, 1986 May, 55(3), 603 - 11
Intestinal microflora, morphology and enzyme activity in zinc-deficient and Zn-supplemented rats; Southon S et al.; 1 . Immature, male Wistar rats were given a low-zinc diet (2 mg/kg) for 22-24 d . Control groups received a similar diet supplemented with 58 mg Zn/kg either ad lib., or in amounts matched to the consumption of the Zn-deficient group . Food consumption, rate of growth and food conversion efficiency were markedly lower in the Zn-deficient group of rats compared with controls . Appetite, growth rate and food utilization improved dramatically over a subsequent 4 d period of Zn supplementation . 2 . Morphological examination of samples of jejunum and ileum confirmed that Zn deficiency in the rat is accompanied by a reduction in villous dimensions and increase in villous density . After a short period of Zn supplementation, villous density and the basal width and maximum height of individual villi in the jejunum returned to normal . Similar changes occurred in the ileum but to a lesser extent . 3 . Mucosal alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) activity was significantly lower in the small intestine of Zn-deficient rats compared with Zn-supplemented rats . Disaccharidase activities were lower in the Zn-deficient group, compared with their feed-restricted counterparts, but were similar to values for ad lib.-fed controls . Tissue alkaline phosphatase and disaccharidase activities were consistently higher after a 4 d period of Zn supplementation, compared with non-supplemented animals, but this increase was only significant for alkaline phosphatase . 4 . Although there were striking similarities in the mucosal characteristics of gnotobiotic and Zn-deficient rats, there was no indication that even severe dietary Zn depletion reduced the numbers of viable bacteria present in either the small or large intestine.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Clin Periodontol, 1986 May, 13(5), 400 - 10
Design and analysis of plaque and gingivitis clinical trials; Chilton NW et al.; It is most important that the proper design of a clinical trial be developed prior to the start of the study . Such a design is one that will not tend to find a treatment to be effective when it really is ineffective, and will not tend to miss a good treatment when it really is effective . The questions to be answered by a clinical trial must be decided in advance and will help determine the design . Trials should take into consideration how the agent is to be used: carefully controlled, ordinary use, subject or professionally applied, etc . The double-blind parallel randomized trial is preferred to the double blind cross-over design, except possibly for a professionally applied treatment which does not leach into the saliva or affect the oral microflora . Blocking or stratification tends to increase the efficiency of a clinical trial, and also may produce more information on the agent's effectiveness . Stratification is preferred to blocking, particularly when subjects enter the trial serially over time . Subjects should be stratified by age, sex and baseline level of plaque or gingivitis . Stratification permits a check on whether the effect of treatment is atypically strong or weak for certain types of patients . Where possible, the same examiner should examine the same patients throughout the study . Examiners should be self-calibrated to reduce intra-examiner error . Plaque and gingivitis trials should be at least of 6 months duration and may be preventive or therapeutic in nature . The preferred statistical analysis when 2 treatments are being compared is a comparison of mean changes in plaque or gingivitis scores by the independent sample t-test . An analysis of covariance using the baseline scores as the covariate may improve power somewhat . When pairwise t-tests are performed in comparing several treatments, multiple comparison criteria are indicated . Parametric rather than nonparametric tests are preferred since they usually have more power . The square root of whole mouth means in gingivitis clinical trials is the preferred transformation to obtain greater power and to produce approximately normal distributions.

Lab Anim, 1986 Apr, 20(2), 148 - 54
Long-term effects of partial ileal bypass on the health status of rabbits; Schouten JA et al.; Partial ileal bypass (PIB) surgery is a method for the treatment of familial hypercholesterolaemia in man . Since the rabbit is frequently used as an animal model in experimental studies on PIB, we have investigated the long-term effects of this surgical procedure on the health status of rabbits . Forty-eight weeks after surgery plasma and liver cholesterol levels were decreased by about 40% . The inner diameter of the bypassed ileum was drastically reduced, unlike its length . The bypassed segment did not show clear histological abnormalities . The microflora of the caecum was similar in control and PIB rabbits . PIB did not influence liver histology . The bile of the rabbits with PIB was less lithogenic than that of control animals . Blood haemoglobin levels, haematocrit values and plasma concentrations of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase were not changed after PIB . Plasma levels of albumin, creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12 and folic acid were not significantly affected by PIB . Rabbits with PIB had significantly higher plasma levels of bilirubin and zinc than control rabbits, but plasma vitamin E concentrations were significantly lower . These results may be of importance for further studies on the effects of PIB in rabbits.

Biull Eksp Biol Med, 1986 Apr, 101(4), 496 - 8
{Morphological research on the effect of vagotomy on the parietal microflora of the stomach and duodenum}; Baibekov IM et al.; The effect of vagotomy on parietal microflora was studied in intact rats and rats with chronic experimental gastric ulcer using stereometry, as well as light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy . Vagotomy was found to increase the relative amount of parietal microflora on day 30 following denervation, especially in the duodenum and pylorus . Chronic gastric ulcers are also associated with a rise in the relative amount of parietal microflora.

J Clin Periodontol, 1986 Apr, 13(4), 289 - 93
The prevalence of spirochetes in the subgingival microbiota of Tanzanian and Dutch children; Mikx FH et al.; The subgingival microflora of 71 Tanzanian and 77 Dutch prepurberty children was analyzed by dark-field microscopy . Spirochetes were observed in almost every Tanzanian child and in 66% of the Dutch children . The predominant spirochetes were small and medium sized; large spirochetes were infrequently observed in the rural Tanzanian children and at the bleeding sites of the Dutch children . Further differences in the %s of cocci, rods and fusiforms indicated that the subgingival microflora of Tanzanian children is different from that of Dutch children . Generally, spirochetes occurred at higher %s and frequency at bleeding sites than at non-bleeding sites in both populations . However, the non-bleeding sites in the Tanzanian children had a higher prevalence of spirochetes than the bleeding sites in Dutch children . It is concluded that spirochetes are members of the normal flora of prepuberty children, that in children gingivitis is associated with increased proportions of spirochetes and that the presence of spirochetes in the gingival crevice is not dependent upon gingival inflammation.

J Appl Bacteriol, 1986 Apr, 60(4), 297 - 9
A note on symbiosis of Legionella pneumophila and Tatlockia micdadei with human respiratory flora; Stout JE et al.; Sixteen micro-organisms, representing clinically important respiratory microflora, were tested for their ability to stimulate the growth of Legionella pneumophila and Tatlockia micdadei in nutritionally-deficient agar media . Nutritional symbiosis, indicated by the appearance of satellite colonies of L . pneumophila or T . micdadei, was observed for H . influenzae and N . meningitidis . This interaction between normal flora and pathogens of the respiratory tract may have clinical relevance in the pathogenesis of Legionnaires' disease and Pittsburgh pneumonia.

Infect Immun, 1986 Apr, 52(1), 236 - 9
Ontogeny of macrophage function to release superoxide anion in conventional and germfree mice; Mitsuyama M et al.; To determine whether the presence of bacterial flora contributes to the ontogenic development of macrophage function, the ability of macrophages to release superoxide anion (O2-) in response to stimulation with phorbol myristate acetate was compared in conventional and germfree mice of various ages after birth . One-week-old conventional mice showed a very low level of O2- release by their macrophages, and gradual increases were observed in 2-, 3-, and 4-week-old mice in an age-dependent manner . Macrophages from germfree mice always showed a significantly lower level of O2- release compared with conventional mice of the same age; however, age-dependent functional development was seen also in the germfree group . The poor level of O2- release by macrophages from adult germfree mice could be restored to more than the level by conventional mice when the mice were conventionalized for 3 weeks . These results suggested that the ontogenic development of macrophage function is not controlled by the presence of bacterial flora but that the full-scale expression of function at each age is under the influence of microflora.

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 1986 Mar 15, 82(3), 505 - 11
Evidence that methylsulfonyl metabolites of m-dichlorobenzene are causative substances of induction of hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes by the parent compound in rats; Kato Y et al.; This study was undertaken to clarify the relationship between the formation of 2,4- and 3,5-dichlorophenyl methyl sulfones, metabolites of m-dichlorobenzene (DCB), and their inducing effect on hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzymes in rats . When m-DCB was injected ip into bile duct-cannulated rats, little or no methyl sulfones were detected in blood, liver, kidneys, adipose tissue, or bile . In the antibiotic-pretreated rats dosed with m-DCB, metabolite concentrations in the blood and the three tissues markedly decreased . These findings suggest that the formation of methylsulfonyl metabolites from m-DCB depends largely upon the metabolism of some precursor(s) excreted in the bile by intestinal microflora . The increasing effects of m-DCB administration on the activities of aminopyrine and aniline metabolizing enzymes and the contents of cytochromes P-450 and b5 in hepatic microsomes were scarcely observed in the bile duct-cannulated and antibiotic-pretreated rats, in which the drug-metabolizing enzymes were able to be induced by phenobarbital treatment . On the other hand, in rats administered 2,4- or 3,5-dichlorophenyl methyl sulfone hepatic distribution of each methyl sulfone was similar to that in intact rats, and the degree of increase of the above four parameters was nearly the same as that in the intact rats . These findings provide evidence that the induction of drug-metabolizing enzymes by m-DCB is not due to the action of m-DCB but is due to its methylsulfonyl metabolites.

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys, 1986 Mar, 12(3), 401 - 5
Oral side effects of head and neck irradiation: correlation between clinical manifestations and laboratory data; Kuten A et al.; Salivary flow rate and composition, oral microflora and clinical manifestations of radiation damage were studied in 32 patients treated with external irradiation to head and neck areas . Several parameters were investigated: field arrangement, amount of salivary glands irradiated, clinical manifestations such as dryness of the mouth, taste impairment, dysphagia, salivary secretion and composition, and oral yeast flora . The salivary glands have a greater sensitivity to radiation damage than the gustatory tissues . The decrease in salivary secretion is accompanied by a rise in salivary sodium concentration, and in oral yeast flora . The clinical symptomatology was correlated with the amount of salivary glands irradiated . We found that most of the parotids have to be outside of the treated volume, when the rest of the major salivary glands are irradiated, to prevent severe dryness phenomena.

Vopr Pitan, 1986 Mar-Apr, (2), 16 - 8
{Effect of dietotherapy incorporating koumiss and shubat on vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines and on its content in the blood of chronic enterocolitis patients}; Zhangabylov A et al.; The intestinal absorption of vitamin B12 and its blood content have been proved to lower in patients with chronic enterocolitis . Dietetics including kumiss and shubat promotes normalization of vitamin B12 absorption (p less than 0.05), its blood content growth (p less than 0.05), the intestinal microflora becoming normal.

Regul Toxicol Pharmacol, 1986 Mar, 6(1), 24 - 54
The use of epidemiology, scientific data, and regulatory authority to determine risk factors in cancer of some organs of the digestive system . 4 . Colon cancer; Tollefson L; Colon cancer accounts for over 10% of all cancers diagnosed from 1973 to 1976 in the United States . Many factors have been identified as having a role in its etiology, including the intestinal microflora, colonic mutagens, bile acids, cholesterol, estrogens, and diet . The evidence supporting or refuting the importance of each of these factors and others is discussed . Dietary factors appear to be the most important risk determinants for colon cancer . In particular, a high-fat, low-fiber diet has been most consistently incriminated as a promoting agent of this cancer . The incidence of colon cancer and consumption of total fat and animal protein are highly correlated internationally . However, further epidemiologic studies have given equivocal results . A high-fiber diet has been proposed as being protective against colon cancer although the mechanism of protection remains unclear . A major correlational study has shown that dietary fiber consumption was higher in areas with low incidence of colon cancer than in those areas with high incidence . A few case-control studies have been supportive of the fiber hypothesis but many more have shown no difference among cases and controls in their fiber consumption . More epidemiological studies are needed to clarify the role of diet in the etiology of colon cancer . Before a dietary change is recommended, the competing risks of other cancers and other diseases should be extensively researched.

Xenobiotica, 1986 Feb, 16(2), 99 - 107
The microbial metabolism of condensed (+)-catechins by rat-caecal microflora; Groenewoud G et al.; The metabolism of 2,3-trans-3,4-trans-3,5,7,3',4'-pentahydroxy-4-(2,4,6-trihydrox yphenyl)-flavan and 2,3-trans-3,4-trans-3,5,7,3',4',-pentahydroxy-4-(2,3-trans-3,5,7,3 ', 4'-pentahydroxyflavanyl-{8})-flavan in vitro by rat-caecal microflora was investigated . Metabolites were extracted and enriched by column chromatography and preparative h.p.l.c., while structural determination was carried out using comparative g.l.c.-mass spectrometry and p.m.r . spectrometry . The metabolites identified were derivatives of benzoic acid, phenylacetic acid, phenylpropionic acid and phenyllactic acid in addition to phloroglucinol, delta-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-gamma-valerolactone and 1-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-3-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)-propan-2-ol . An additional metabolic route, which differs from the expected severance of the (+)-catechin-phloroglucinol bond and well-documented total heterocyclic ring degradation of flavanoids, is proposed.

J Clin Periodontol, 1986 Feb, 13(2), 117 - 25
Microbial populations and active tissue destruction in experimental periodontitis; Zappa UE et al.; Although specific subgingival microflora are being associated with active tissue destruction in periodontitis, little information exists on the relationship between subgingival flora and histological evidence of tissue destruction . The present study was undertaken to explore these relationships during experimental marginal periodontitis in squirrel monkeys . In 4 squirrel monkeys, experimental periodontitis was induced around bicuspids and molars using silk ligatures . The buccal part of the subgingival ligature was removed for bacterial sampling 3, 7, and 14 days after ligature placement . Dark-field microscopy was used to quantify motile forms, spirochetes, straight and curved rods, filaments, cocci and fusiforms . Subgingival plaque prior to periodontitis induction was dominated by cocci, but fusiforms and straight rods were also present . Spirochetes, filaments, curved rods and motile forms were absent . 3 days after induction of periodontitis, there were marked increases in spirochetes, motile forms, filaments, curved and straight rods . The proportions of coccoids and fusiforms decreased . The bacterial proportions stayed at approximately the same levels through 7 and 14 days . Histometric quantification of periodontal destruction showed loss of connective tissue attachment and crestal alveolar bone . A positive correlation was found between periodontal tissue destruction and both total number of subgingival bacteria and spirochetes.

Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, 1986 Feb, (2), 42 - 4
{Microbial decontamination of hospital linens using radiation}; Pavlov EP et al.; The irradiation of hospital linen contaminated with radioresistant microorganisms or hospital microflora with gamma radiation in a dose of 10 kGy ensures the reliable microbial decontamination of such linen . Cotton linen has been found capable of withstanding 15 irradiation cycles in a dose of 10 kGy.

Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 1986 Feb, 15(1), 53 - 61
Marginal tissue reactions at osseointegrated titanium fixtures . (II) A cross-sectional retrospective study; Lekholm U et al.; 20 totally edentulous patients, provided with 24 facultatively removable fixed bridges (13 upper and 11 lower jaws) were recalled . The material consisted of 125 osseointegrated titanium fixtures with a mean observation time of 7.6 years (range 6 months to 15 years) . The marginal tissues were examined by conventional periodontal clinical methods and standardised radiography . Microbiological samples and biopsies of the soft marginal barrier tissues were retrieved for dark-field and histological analysis, respectively . The percental ratios of abutment surfaces devoid of plaque and without signs of gingivitis, were 46% and 20%, respectively . In contrast to earlier studies, the presence of plaque and gingivitis was significantly correlated . This relationship was probably due to more plaque being present . The mean probing depth was 3.8 mm . In 40% of the measurements, the probing depths were 3 mm or less, and in 45% between 4 and 5 mm, whereas they only in 15% were 6 mm or more . They were greater in upper than in lower jaws and were found to be significantly correlated with gingivitis . Attached gingiva surrounded about 51% of the buccal and lingual abutment surfaces . The marginal bone height changes were very small during the follow-up period (0.07 mm annually) . Coccoid cells and non-motile rods dominated the microflora to 94% in the 48 samples taken . Out of the 19 biopsies, 58% showed healthy mucosa and a further 37% had the lowest inflammation score . The indications of gingivitis and deep pockets at the clinical examination were not found accompanied by an accelerated marginal bone loss, nor by a microflora or histological changes indicative of periodontitis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Toxicology, 1986 Feb, 38(2), 241 - 8
Effect of mixtures of dietary fibres on the enzyme activity of the rat caecal microflora; Wise A et al.; The enzyme activity of the caecal microflora from weanling rats was determined after feeding 1 of 3 basal diets (purified fibre-free; purified plus cellulose; and stock), with or without additional dietary fibre (pectin, i-carrageenan or carboxymethylcellulose 5% w/w) . The wet weight of caecal contents and total bacterial numbers were similar for the purified fibre-free and purified plus cellulose diets, yet were significantly higher in animals fed the stock diet . Pectin supplementation of the basal diets had no effect of caecal bacterial numbers, but significantly increased total nitrate reductase activity per caecum except when added to stock diet . Carrageenan decreased caecal bacterial numbers and most enzyme activities with both purified diets, and to a lesser extent with the stock diet . Carboxymethylcellulose increased bacterial numbers and enzyme activities, particularly beta-glucosidase and nitrate reductase when added to the purified diet but not when added to either the purified diet plus cellulose or the stock diet . The results demonstrate that the effects of dietary fibre components on the rat caecal microflora are dependent upon the initial fibre content of the diet base.

Poult Sci, 1986 Jan, 65(1), 58 - 62
Estimation of chicken microbial load using the growth curve parameters of chicken microflora; Ibarra JJ et al.; Chicken microbial loads, estimated through absorbance increase of culture medium inoculated with the contaminant microflora of the carcasses, were compared with total plate counts and psychrotrophic counts obtained on the same carcasses using the pour plate method after 0, 48, 96, and 144 hr stored chicken at 4 to 5 C . For estimating microbial loads on the carcasses, the mathematical relation 1n AO = 1nA1 - R - Kt was used, which was developed by combining the growth and R equations (described in Materials and Methods) and using growth data at 28 C . The values obtained by this method, when compared with those of plating, give correlation coefficients of .94, .91, .88, and .64 for total plate counts after 0, 48, 96, and 144 hr of storage and .94, .83, .82, and .86 for psychrotrophics counts after 0, 48, 96, and 144 hr of cold storage . The method proposed in the present work permits the estimation of psychrotrophics and total counts in no more than 11 hr, which is very promising for industrial applications.

J Nutr, 1986 Jan, 116(1), 87 - 97
Efficacy of the rat bioassay for the determination of biologically available vitamin B-6; Gregory JF 3rd et al.; Research was conducted to evaluate the merits of rat bioassays in studies concerning the bioavailability of vitamin B-6 . A protocol was devised, which included pair-feeding and prevention of coprophagy . Plasma pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) was measured by a rapid chromatographic method as an indicator of vitamin B-6 status . Pyridoxamine and pyridoxal exhibited 70% molar activity relative to pyridoxine at suboptimal dietary levels . Selected foods (spinach, cornmeal and potato) were evaluated at three dietary levels with this protocol . Analysis of dose-response curves (dietary vitamin B-6 vs . plasma PLP) by slope-ratio methods yielded imprecise estimates of the relative vitamin B-6 bioavailability . This low precision, in addition to the potential for interference by direct absorption of B-6 vitamers synthesized by intestinal microflora, indicates the need for improved methods for measurement of biologically available vitamin B-6 . It was concluded that rat bioassay methods, even as modified here, may be frequently unsuitable for use in studies of vitamin B-6 bioavailability . Results presented provide further support for the use of plasma PLP as an indicator of vitamin B-6 nutriture.

Probl Khig, 1986, 11, 150 - 6
{Natural immunity of the pupils in a secondary vocational and technical school for rubber and plastics}; Stamova N et al.; In connection with the reconstruction of the educational system and occupational training of the youths, the problem of the effect of the occupational factors on the organism of the juveniles is of exceptional importance . The search of early changes by the application of immunological tests in that aspect is very rational . The state of microflora of the deep layers of the skin, the microbic contamination of nasal mucosa have been studied as well as the content of complement in serum and serum immunoglobulins G, A and M and the phagocytosis in the students from SPTS . The experimental subjects have exposed to a complex of toxic-chemical substances with different intensity during their occupational training and practice . It has been established that the training under the specific conditions for mastering the specialty has led to a slight decrease of the antimicrobic resistance and reduction of the phagocytic function of leukocytes, not affecting the humoral factors of natural immunity.

Med Microbiol Immunol (Berl), 1986, 175(6), 335 - 40
The influence of the intestinal microflora on the relative thymus weight; van der Waaij D; Oral treatment of mice with a combination of non-absorbable broad spectrum antibiotics at a dose level high enough to sterilize the digestive tract within five days of treatment, has been found to have a significant negative effect on the relative weight of the thymus . From the age of 12 weeks onwards, the mean relative weight of the thymus of conventional mice appeared to differ significantly from the mean relative thymus weight in germ-free mice of the same strain . In the course of two to three weeks of continuous oral antibiotic treatment the mean relative weight of the thymus decreased from conventional values to values seen in germ-free mice of the same strain and age . It is concluded that the intestinal microflora apparently exerts an influence on the thymus.

Vet Med Nauki, 1986, 23(4), 39 - 47
{Effect of the herbicide Herbazin-50 (simazine) on the wound process in animals}; Dinev D et al.; Herbazin 50 was used as an experimental model to record species differences in the process of wound healing in horses, cattle, and sheep . It was established that the local and oral application of this herbicide inhibited wound healing, and this effect was more strongly manifested in the phase of hydratation . There were clearly expressed species-associated variations: in horses the elimination of the irritant was achieved through a severe inflammation response of a purulent character, while in cattle the rapid response of the connective tissue was leading, with concurrent premature maturation . Changes set in under the effect of the herbicide, consisting in the alkalinization of the wound exudate, which led to changes in the wound microflora.

Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 1986 Jan, 29(1), 44 - 8
Conversion of 5-fluorocytosine to 5-fluorouracil by human intestinal microflora; Harris BE et al.; The mechanism of toxicity from 5-fluorocytosine chemotherapy is unclear . However, recent evidence suggests that the generation of 5-fluorouracil by a host may play an important role in the development of this toxicity . Using an in vitro semicontinuous culture system to mimic the intestinal microflora, we examined the capacity of this complex microbial community to convert 5-fluorocytosine to 5-fluorouracil . The system was dosed initially and after 2 weeks of chronic exposure to 5-fluorocytosine with radiolabeled 5-fluorocytosine . No detectable production of 5-fluorouracil was observed up to 8 h after the acute dose; however, at 24 h and at all time points thereafter, increasing levels of 5-fluorouracil were detected for 4 days . The chronic dose resulted in an increased rate of 5-fluorouracil production without the 8-h lag time . These findings suggest that the enzyme or enzymes responsible for the deamination of 5-fluorocytosine to 5-fluorouracil by the intestinal microflora can be induced by chronic exposure to 5-fluorocytosine and that this conversion may provide a mechanism through which 5-fluorocytosine toxicity is manifested.

Ter Arkh, 1986, 58(4), 97 - 100
{Microflora of the sputum and indicators of natural resistance in patients with acute pneumonia}; Kondratenko GP et al.; The paper is concerned with the results of quantitative studies on the sputum of 106 patients with acute pneumonia . Etiological structure of acute pneumonia, the dependence of a clinical course of disease on a sputum microflora composition type and some indices of natural resistance and immunity were shown.

Arch Surg, 1986 Jan, 121(1), 97 - 101
Thermal injury promotes bacterial translocation from the gastrointestinal tract in mice with impaired T-cell-mediated immunity; Deitch EA et al.; We have shown previously that after thermal trauma viable bacteria will cross the intact gastrointestinal mucosa (bacterial translocation) to invade the mesenteric lymph nodes and other organs if the normal indigenous microflora is disrupted, allowing bacterial overgrowth . To determine whether T-cell-mediated immunity (T-CMI) was important in preventing translocation after thermal injury in animals with an intact normal flora, conventional (+/+), athymic (nu/nu), and heterozygous (nu/+) mice receiving a 30% third-degree burn were killed at various intervals after burn and their organs cultured . Bacterial translocation did not occur in control or burned specific pathogen-free mice with intact T-CMI but did occur in athymic mice with deficient T-CMI . Both the incidence of positive organs and the numbers of translocated bacteria per gram of organ were increased after thermal injury . Bacterial overgrowth was not responsible for these findings, since the levels of cecal enteric bacteria were not different between the burned and nonburned groups . Since translocation occurred to a greater extent in athymic burned mice than control athymic mice, it appears that a thermal injury promotes translocation by impairing other host defense systems in addition to the T-CMI.

Scand J Infect Dis Suppl, 1986, 49, 131 - 4
Alteration of the body flora by antibiotics--can it be avoided?
Geddes AM.
It is not possible to avoid completely the undesirable consequences of antibiotics on the microflora of the human body, but their occurrence can be reduced significantly and to some degree controlled by a number of measures . These include: Rational antibiotic prescribing by individual clinicians . The construction and implementation of hospital antibiotic policies for the treatment and prophylaxis of infection . Good hospital hygiene . Isolation of patients colonized or infected by organisms resistant to certain antibiotics . National and international control of antibiotic use in humans and in animals.

Nutr Health, 1986, 4(3), 151 - 3
The effect of nitrogen fertilization on forest blueberries; Nilsson N et al.; In a randomized prospective trial with hens it is shown that artificially fertilized forest blueberries are toxic . In a high dose (1.7 1/hens) the birds died within 72 hours (p less than 0.01) . In a lower dose (0.33 1/hens) all survived but a lifelong change in the egg production occurred implying defects of the shells (p less than 0.0000001) . It seems that fertilizers change the microflora in the ground, which releases soluble aluminiumnitrate which is absorbed in the berries . Aluminium poisoning has been found to have clinical significance in dialysis patients and probably also in senile dementia . In smaller doses it can be difficult to establish this relation as the symptoms can have a latency period of more than 10 years.

Acta Derm Venereol Suppl (Stockh), 1986, 128, 1 - 63
Individual and environmental risk factors for hand eczema in hospital workers; Nilsson E; Individual and environmental risk factors in hand eczema have been investigated in a prospective cohort study of 2452 newly employed hospital workers with a follow-up time of 20 months . Current hand eczema was analyzed in 142 wet hospital workers from this cohort with respect to the etiologic importance of irritants, allergens and contact urticants . The density of the microflora and the effect on the microflora of topical treatment with a potent corticosteroid were studied in 20 patients with hand eczema . 'Wet' hospital work was found to increase the odds of developing hand eczema only twice compared to 'dry' office work . Nursing children under four years old and the lack of a dish-washing machine significantly increased the risk of contracting hand eczema . Unfavourable combinations of these domestic factors increased the risk as much as wet work . A history of atopic dermatitis approximately tripled the odds both in wet as well as in dry work . Histories of earlier hand eczema (HHE), metal dermatitis (HMD) and of atopy were analyzed as risk factors for hand eczema in 1857 women in wet work . HHE increased the odds by a factor of 12.9 and created a subdivision of the population into high risk individuals and normal risk individuals . HHE was found in half of the subjects with atopic dermatitis, in one quarter of the subjects with atopic mucosal symptoms and in one fifth of the non-atopics . A HMD increased the odds by a factor of 1.8 . This increase was seen as a high risk level in subjects with HHE and as a normal risk level in subjects with no HHE . A history of atopic disease as a complement to information about HHE and HMD increased the odds by another 1.3 times . The predicted probability of developing hand eczema ranged from 91% in subjects with a combination of HHE, HMD and atopy to 24% in subjects with none of these risk factors . Subjects with AD were found to suffer a more severe form of hand eczema with significantly higher figures for medical consultation, sick-leave, termination due to hand eczema, early debut, permanent symptoms and vesicular lesions . Amongst the patients investigated for current hand eczema high risk individuals were overrepresented . It was claimed in 92.3% of the cases that trivial irritant factors had elicited the current episodes of hand eczema . In 35% of the cases the exposure to the irritant took place largely at home.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

South Med J, 1985 Dec, 78(12), 1414 - 6
Bowel cleansing with polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage solution; Beck DE et al.; We reviewed our experience with an oral gut lavage solution (GoLYTELY), used as a rapid bowel cleansing preparation, and the prospective clinical trials reported in the literature to compare the overall experience with this type of preparation for colonoscopy and colon surgery . Five studies (546 patients) compared GoLYTELY to standard preparations for colonoscopy, while three trials (177 patients) have studied surgical patients . After evaluating patient tolerance, quality of colonic cleansing, and changes in microflora and colonic gas, GoLYTELY was found to be safe, rapid, and effective . It is well tolerated by patients and may become the preferred method of bowel cleansing.

J Pharmacobiodyn, 1985 Dec, 8(12), 989 - 95
Hydrolysis of salicyluric acid in rabbit intestinal microorganisms; Shibasaki J et al.; The fate of salicyluric acid (SU) after oral administration was examined in rabbits . Salicylic acid (SA) and unchanged SU were detected in the blood after oral administration of SU . However, SU only was found after intravenous administration of SU, suggesting that presystemic deconjugation of glycine was involved . After treatment of rabbits with kanamycin sulfate, complete inhibition of the formation of SA after oral administration of SU was demonstrated, indicating that the intestinal microflora was responsible for the biotransformation . Furthermore, in vitro incubation of SU with contents of gut showed that the major source of the hydrolysis was the hind gut . Based on the findings described above, the time course data for blood concentration of SU and SA after oral administration of SU have been subjected to curve-fitting by a nonlinear least squares program . The SU and SA values obtained with the simplified model containing only first-order kinetic process which is proposed by the present authors were found to agree with those obtained from experiments.

Br J Nutr, 1985 Nov, 54(3), 567 - 75
Biochemical aspects of malabsorption in marasmus: effect of dietary rehabilitation; Mehta HC et al.; 1 . Sixty marasmic children were investigated for the absorption of xylose, proteins and fats . Their duodenal juice samples were also analysed for bile salts and microflora . 2 . The marasmic children were then studied in three groups of twenty by allocating them to three different dietary schedules: a high-protein diet (30% of the total energy from protein), a high-fat diet (40% of the total energy from fat) and a high-carbohydrate diet (70% of the total energy from carbohydrate) for 2 weeks and the previous measurements repeated . 3 . Whereas the high-fat diet resulted in improved fat absorption, along with an increase in total and conjugated bile acids, and the high-carbohydrate diet led to improved xylose absorption, the diet rich in protein resulted in an improvement in the absorption of all three dietary ingredients . It appears that a high-protein diet improves the overall absorption process by improving the intestinal environment as a whole, while high-carbohydrate and high-fat diets bring about adaptive changes related to the respective absorptive processes.

Vet Med (Praha), 1985 Nov, 30(11), 699 - 703
{The effect of bacterial proteases on milk proteins}; Lukasova J; The effect of proteolytic microflora on milk protein in fresh cow's milk was studied immediately after milking . The hydrolytic activity was measured by Lowry's method . When the samples were stored for 24 and 48 hours at 4 degrees C, the average value of tyrosine increased from the initial level of 0.37 mg per ml (immediately after milking) to 0.798 mg per ml (after 24 hours) and 0.811 mg per ml (after 48 hours) . In milk kept at room temperature the tyrosine values were 0.865 mg per ml and 1.21 mg per ml, respectively . Higher bacterial protease activities were recorded during the first 24 hours of storage . No relationship was statistically demonstrated between tyrosine content and the number of proteolytic microorganisms in milk.

Rev Infect Dis, 1985 Nov-Dec, 7 Suppl 4, S709 - 15
Intraabdominal infections: an overview; Nichols RL; Intraabdominal infections are serious clinical problems that generally occur secondary to endogenous contamination following the interruption of the continuity of the gastrointestinal tract by trauma, intrinsic diseases, or surgery . Appropriate treatment necessitates early diagnosis, the accomplishment of which most frequently requires a specialized radiologic procedure such as computed tomography, followed by surgical drainage and appropriate parenteral antibiotic therapy . Several agents alone or others in combination appear to be equally efficacious in treating these infections, which usually are due to the aerobic and anaerobic constituents of the gastrointestinal microflora . Adjunctive surgical techniques include peritoneal irrigation, debridement, and repair of the damaged viscera.

J Clin Periodontol, 1985 Nov, 12(10), 797 - 814
Effects of short-term administration of metronidazole on the subgingival microflora; Giedrys-Leeper E et al.; The effect of a 5-day course of systemic metronidazole was investigated in 11 recall maintenance patients over a period of 3 months . Crevicular fluid flow, bleeding on probing, pocket depth, and composition of the subgingival microbiota as observed by dark-field microscopy, were measured . The study design allowed patients to act as their own controls . At baseline 1 (day 0), each patient had a randomly assigned quadrant scaled and root-planed, and received oral hygiene instruction . Microbiological and clinical parameters were measured at baseline 1 (before treatment) and at 3, 6, and 12 weeks in both the root-planed and a designated no-treatment quadrant . At baseline 2 (12 weeks), the contralateral quadrant was scaled and root-planed, and the oral hygiene instruction was reinforced . At this appointment, each patient was given 15 metronidazole tablets (250 mg), 1 to be taken 3 times per day for 5 days . At the end of this period, patients were seen 1-2 h after taking their last tablet, and blood and crevicular fluid samples were taken to determine the concentration of metronidazole by microbiological assay in the serum and crevicular fluid . Microbiological and clinical parameters were measured at baseline 2 (before treatment) and at 13, 15, 18, and 24 weeks in both the root-planed and designated non-root-planed (metronidazole only) quadrants . Results demonstrated that in this group of recall maintenance patients, metronidazole was no more effective than root-planing alone in reducing the relative % of total motile organisms and spirochetes in 5-8 mm pockets . Crevicular fluid flow was, however, significantly reduced for 11 weeks; serum and crevicular fluid levels of metronidazole were similar 1 to 2 h after drug ingestion.

J Periodontol, 1985 Nov, 56(11 Suppl), 93 - 7
Tetracyclines inhibit tissue collagenases . Effects of ingested low-dose and local delivery systems; Golub LM et al.; In a series of experiments, Golub et al . demonstrated that tetracyclines, but not other antibiotics, can inhibit mammalian collagenases and proposed that this property could be useful in treating diseases, such as periodontal disease (but also included certain medical conditions, e.g., corneal ulcers) characterized by excessive collagen degradation (J Periodont Res 1983, 1984 and 1985; Experientia 1984; Cornea 1984) . One effect was the dramatic reduction of tissue collagenase activity within the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontal pockets after administering a standard regimen of a tetracycline (e.g., 200 mg minocycline or 1000 mg tetracycline/day) . The preliminary studies described below determined the effect of (1) low-dose (LD; 40-80 mg/day) orally administered minocycline on GCF collagenase activity and on the subgingival microflora (Exp . I), and (2) tetracycline-loaded monolithic fibers (TF) on collagenase activity in vitro (Exp . II) . In Exp . I, GCF collagenase activity was reduced by 45 to 80% 2 weeks after initiating LD minocycline therapy, an effect that lasted for at least several weeks after stopping drug treatment . No consistent change in the relative proportions of G(+), G(-) and motile subgingival microorganisms was detected as a result of LD treatment suggesting that the reduction in GCF collagenase activity was a direct inhibition of the enzyme by the drug . In Exp . II, 3- and 6-mm lengths of TF in vitro established tetracycline concentrations in 250 microliters of 132 micrograms/ml, from 3-mm lengths, and 265 micrograms/ml, from 6-mm lengths, after an 18-hour incubation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Lab Anim, 1985 Oct, 19(4), 344 - 52
The 'normalization' of germ-free rabbits with host-specific caecal microflora; Boot R et al.; Hysterectomy-derived germ-free rabbits were given colonization-resistant caecal flora (CRF) from mice, or microflora obtained from the caecum of an antibiotic-decontaminated conventional rabbit and compared with rabbits conventionally raised with the doe . Bodyweight and the following intestinal parameters were determined for the 3 groups: colonization resistance to E . coli, relative caecal weight, villus:crypt ratio (ileum), beta-aspartylglycine (faeces), volatile fatty acids (caecum), and bile acids (faeces) . Germ-free rabbits given mouse CRF-flora showed values quite different from control animals for most parameters, indicating unsuitability of mouse CRF flora to 'normalize' rabbits . In germ-free rabbits given modified (antibiotic-treated) rabbit flora, values for most parameters were intermediate between those found for the other 2 groups . This species-specific caecal flora should be improved to provide full 'normalization' of germ-free rabbits.

Clin Pharmacol Ther, 1985 Oct, 38(4), 387 - 93
Sulindac metabolism: the importance of an intact colon; Strong HA et al.; The pharmacokinetics of sulindac have been studied after a single 200 mg oral dose in six normal subjects and five patients with surgical ileostomies . The plasma concentration-time curves for sulindac were similar in both groups up to 12 hours after dosing, indicating similar absorption of the drug . Higher plasma concentrations of sulindac were found in normal subjects after 12 hours, but this late phase accounted for only 12% of the total AUC in the subjects . The sulfone metabolite showed a similar pattern, with no statistically significant difference in the total AUC, but in patients with ileostomy there was a halving of the AUC after 12 hours . Plasma concentrations of the active sulfide metabolite were similar in both groups up to 12 hours, but negligible concentrations were detected in the plasma of patients with ileostomy after 12 hours . Thus the AUC after 12 hours, which represented 55% of the total AUC in normal subjects, was reduced to only 7% in patients with ileostomy . The rate of reduction of sulindac in vitro by ileostomy effluent was only one hundredth that by normal feces . Our results suggest that the gut microflora are an important site of reduction of sulindac in man . Comparison of AUC values suggests that about half the total sulfide is formed by the gut bacteria, probably from sulindac excreted in the bile.

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg, 1985 Oct, 93(5), 601 - 6
Tympanostomy tubes for prevention of purulent otitis media; Soderberg O et al.; A recently developed animal model was used to study the effect of tympanostomy tubes (TTs) on the spontaneous development of purulent otitis media . In 35 rats with soft-palate clefts a TT was inserted into the right tympanic membrane . The left ear was left intact . Serous effusion occurred in the attic space within 2 days after surgery, whether or not the middle ear cavity (MEC) was artificially ventilated . Between days 7 and 21 the intact-ear MEC was gradually filled with effusion material that turned purulent . Effusion material did not develop in the mesotympanum and hypotympanum of the intubated ears . Microbiologic examination of the effusion material showed a microflora similar to that in the nasopharynx . Ventilation through a TT reduced the number of colonized MECs (4 vs . 10) on day 21 . In the individual culture-positive MEC with a TT there were fewer colonies than in the corresponding ear without a TT . These results support the contention that a TT may prevent the development of purulent otitis media.

Pediatr Clin North Am, 1985 Oct, 32(5), 1181 - 201
Peritonitis in the newborn--current concepts; Bell MJ; The author provides well-detailed discussion of peritonitis in the newborn and draws the following conclusions . Prognosis for neonates with gastrointestinal perforation has considerably improved and will continue to improve . Sepsis remains the primary cause of death, with necrotizing enterocolitis the most common cause of perforation . The characteristic gastrointestinal microflora and innate immunologic deficiency of this population, particularly in the critically ill preterm neonate, require further delineation.

J Periodontol, 1985 Oct, 56(10), 602 - 10
Clinical and laboratory studies of a family with a high prevalence of juvenile periodontitis; Page RC et al.; The form of periodontitis with onset at puberty and affecting predominantly the first molars and incisors is called juvenile periodontitis (JP) . The disease has been the object of intense study because from its analysis may come insights into understanding other, more common, forms of periodontitis . We recently had the opportunity to study an unusual family in which both parents developed JP in their teens . We did clinical examinations, measured leukocyte chemotaxis, analyzed the pocket microflora, looked for serum antibodies against a large panel of putative periodontal pathogens and correlated the results . The couple had two affected and two unaffected children . One of the unaffected children was not available for study . Neutrophil chemotaxis was abnormal in both parents and in the two affected children, but not in the unaffected child . Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans accounted for 17.5% of the pocket flora isolated from one affected child and 2.5% of that from the unaffected child, but was not detected in the remaining family members . Antibodies specific for A . actinomycetemcomitans, Hemophilus aphrophilus and Eikenella corrodens were present in the serum of both affected children and for Capnocytophaga sputigena and C . ochracea in the father, but no antibodies directed against any of the species studied were found in the mother and the unaffected child . The distribution of disease in this family was more compatible with an X-linked dominant than with an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance . The correlations among presence or absence of disease, abnormal neutrophil chemotaxis and presence of serum antibodies reacting with A . actinomycetemcomitans were excellent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

J Trop Med Hyg, 1985 Oct, 88(5), 333 - 6
Microflora in the trophic ulcers of the foot in leprosy; Chatterjee BD et al.; Out of 25 cases of trophic ulcers of the foot, 10 (40%) were both aerobic and anaerobic, 14 (56%) only aerobic and one (4%) showed no growth of bacteria . With the exception of two cases (8%) in the aerobic group, all others showed mixed infections . A wide range of bacteria is reported . Topical application of gentamicin and chloramphenicol is recommended, based on the results of in vitro sensitivity.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1985 Sep, 135(9), 54 - 6
{Effect of low-intensity laser radiation on wound microflora}; Voitenok NK et al.; The authors have established that the laser radiation of low intensity fails to exert bactericide influence on the wound microflora . The positive effect of the laser light of low intensity in the complex treatment of purulent wounds and trophic ulcers seems to be due to the total influence on the patient's organism and the local pathological process.

J Clin Periodontol, 1985 Sep, 12(8), 676 - 86
The effect of supragingival plaque control on the subgingival microflora; Kho P et al.; The effect of plaque control on the apical microflora of deep periodontal pockets was studied . 8 subjects exhibiting signs of chronic periodontitis were chosen for the study, each subject having at least one pocket greater than 6 mm . These subjects were placed on a plaque control programme consisting of 3 visits, during which oral hygiene instructions were given . On two visits, the teeth of these subjects were scaled and polished . Bacteriological samples from the apex of a deep pockets from each subject were collected before the commencement of the plaque control programme and again at 8 and 16 weeks after the last scale and polish . No significant difference in the microbial flora was observed before and after plaque control, but marked fluctuation in bacterial composition was noted at the 3 samplings . It was concluded that supragingival plaque reduction was not sufficient to produce significant changes in the subgingival plaque composition of deep periodontal pockets.

Lancet, 1985 Aug 10, 2(8450), 298 - 300
Nosocomial legionellosis in surgical patients with head-and-neck cancer: implications for epidemiological reservoir and mode of transmission; Johnson JT et al.; A prospective pneumonia study was conducted simultaneously on head-and-neck surgery wards at two hospitals over 2 years; one hospital had a water supply contaminated with Legionella pneumophila but no record of having had a case of legionella pneumonia, and the other had just decontaminated its water supply because of known endemic nosocomial legionellosis . Special laboratory tests for legionella were done on all cases of nosocomial pneumonia irrespective of clinical impression . Over the first 18 months, the rate of nosocomial legionellosis was 30% at the first hospital and 0% at the second . Patients who underwent laryngectomy did not acquire the disease . Hyperchlorination at the first hospital was followed by a fall (p less than 0.01) in legionella pneumonias . Thus legionella pneumonias can be overlooked if special laboratory tests are not applied routinely, and surgical patients with head-and-neck cancer may be at high risk of nosocomial legionellosis because of the potential for pulmonary aspiration of contaminated water or orophyaryngeal microflora and/or frequent manipulation of the respiratory tract . This study demonstrates the benefits of examining the environment for legionella despite the absence of documented disease.

Toxicology, 1985 Aug, 36(2-3), 263 - 73
Contribution of intestinal microfloral metabolism to the total macromolecular covalent binding of 1-nitro-pyrene in the lung and liver of the rat; Ayres PH et al.; 1-Nitropyrene (NP) is a direct acting mutagen found in diesel exhaust and coal-combustion fly ash . The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of gut microfloral metabolism to the macromolecular covalent binding (MCB) of NP and/or its metabolites in lungs and liver of the rat . Normal and antibiotic treated rats were administered {14C}NP and MCB was quantitated at various times in lungs and livers . Abolition of gut microfloral metabolism by antibiotic treatment significantly altered total MCB in lungs . MCB in lungs of antibiotic-treated animals 4 h after oral administration of NP was 0.15 nmol NP equivalents/g and was significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased to less than one-half of control values (0.42 nmol NP equivalents/g) . MCB in lungs of antibiotic-treated rats was no different from the controls 1 week after NP administration (0.1 nmol NP equivalents/g) . Comparison of livers from control and antibiotic-treated rats demonstrated the same pattern of MCB as lungs but differences were not significant . These results reveal that metabolism by gut microflora may play a role in the activation and covalent binding of NP to macromolecules . However, the alteration of covalent binding observed after antibiotic treatment was a change in the time course of formation and breakdown of covalently bound forms and not an effect on the quantity of bound material remaining at 1 week indicating that gut microfloral metabolism is not an exclusive pathway for bioactivation of NP in the rat.

Br J Nutr, 1985 Jul, 54(1), 131 - 45
Protein turnover of breast muscle in germ-free and conventional chicks; Muramatsu T et al.; The effect of the gut microflora on protein turnover in pectoral muscle (M . pectoralis profundus) was studied by means of dietary infusion of L-{U-14C}phenylalanine and of massive dose injection of L-{4-3H}phenylalanine in chicks fed on a semi-purified casein-gelatin (SCG) diet until 19 d of age, and in those subsequently given either a nitrogen-free (NF) diet or NF supplemented with methionine and arginine (MA) for a further 9 d . Time-course changes in radioactivity released in expired carbon dioxide during the 8 h infusion period showed that isotopic equilibrium was reached in 4 h with the SCG diet and in 5 h with the MA diet . However, with the protein-deprived chicks given the NF diet, isotopic equilibrium was not achieved since radioactivity in CO2 increased linearly throughout . On feeding the NF diet, fractional protein synthesis rate and the absolute amount of protein synthesized in chick breast muscle were reduced . These reductions were partially alleviated by supplementing the NF diet with methionine and arginine . The fractional degradation rate of breast muscle was increased in chicks given the NF diet, while the absolute amount of protein degraded was decreased . The addition of methionine and arginine counteracted these changes brought about by protein starvation . Generally speaking, the presence of the gut microflora had little, if any, effect on protein turnover rate in chick-breast muscle.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1985 Jun, 49(6), 1521 - 2
Tatlockia micdadei (Pittsburgh pneumonia agent) growth kinetics may explain its infrequent isolation from water and the low prevalence of Pittsburgh pneumonia; Best MG et al.; Sediment and indigenous microflora taken from water distribution systems has been shown to promote the survival of Legionella pneumophila . The effect of sediment and indigenous microflora on Tatlockia micdadei (Pittsburgh pneumonia agent, PPA) was evaluated by growth curve experiments . Symbiosis between PPA and environmental bacteria was demonstrated by satellitism experiments . Unlike L . pneumophila, the concentration of PPA remained stationary in test tube suspensions containing both microflora and sediment . The difference in the ecology between the two organisms may explain the infrequent environmental recovery of PPA and, ultimately, the epidemiologic differences between Legionnaires disease and Pittsburgh pneumonia.

Tokai J Exp Clin Med, 1985 Jun, 10(2-3), 197 - 204
Problems and results of selective decontamination in leukemia patients; Gunther I et al.; Infectious complications play a major part during the cytostatic treatment of patients suffering from acute leukemia, as well as in bone marrow transplantations . For infection prevention, the method of selective decontamination (SD) of the digestive tract was used . This procedure eliminates the potentially pathogenic aerobic bacteria and yeasts while leaving the anaerobic intestinal microflora unaffected . The protocol of the Gnotobiotic Project Group was used in treating 33 patients with SD and the results were compared with those from a comparable control group consisting of cases selected from files who had been treated without SD in the past . A statistical difference was obtained in favor of the SD patients regarding frequency and severity of infection, time between admission and the first signs of infection, days febrile, and in the additional necessity of antibiotics (p less than 0.01) . SD involves in addition to a scheduled intake of tablets, microbiological surveillance, personal hygiene and an intact hemostasis, and optimal results can be obtained given the help of the patients' compliance . SD has won a secured place in treatment tailored upon the pathophysiological concept of infection prevention, even though there are problems remaining, e.g., gram-positive cocci, yeasts and infection of the oropharynx.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1985 Jun, 134(6), 53 - 5
{Pathogenic bacteria in acute appendicitis}; Anargul K et al.; Two hundred vermiform processes removed for acute appendicitis were examined bacteriologically . The authors recommend to choose antibiotics with regard to the sensitivity of microflora.

Med J Aust, 1985 May 27, 142(11), 590 - 4
Current concepts in periodontal diseases; Higgins TJ et al.; Periodontal diseases are common oral diseases that afflict all humans to some degree . The major aetiological agent is dental plaque--the complex microflora which forms on teeth in the absence of effective oral hygiene . The interaction of the microbial flora and the periodontal tissues produces an inflammatory response and tissue breakdown . Recent information has categorized periodontal diseases on the basis of increased knowledge about the particular microorganisms associated with the different clinical conditions . In addition, the important role of host defences, in particular the phagocytic cellular elements, has allowed for a better understanding of the pathological processes . This knowledge is contributing towards the development of rational and effective therapy for all forms of periodontal diseases . Because of the widespread occurrence of periodontal diseases and their potential relationships to systemic conditions, it is important that medical practitioners should be able to recognize, and be conversant with methods of treatment of, these diseases.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1985 May, 134(5), 110 - 4
{Pathogenesis and treatment of late lysis of autodermotransplants in burns}; Vikhriev BS et al.; Forms of late lysis of autodermotransplants were studied in 35 burned patients . The authors distinguish a "simple" lysis (20 patients) resulting from autoimmune processes and lysis in acute inflammation (5 patients) due to pathogenic microflora.

Am J Vet Res, 1985 Apr, 46(4), 942 - 4
Simultaneous cecostomy and ileal cannulation with a modified flexible T cannula in gilts; Hamilton CR et al.; A surgical procedure was developed for the simultaneous cannulation of the ileum and fistulation of the cecum in breeding-age gilts to study the effects of enteric microflora on the nutritional requirements and/or status of the pig . Flexible T-shaped cannulae were made from plastic tubing, placed surgically in the caudal part of the ileum, and exteriorized in the right paralumbar fossa . After the exteriorization of the cecal apex in the right flank area, a cecal fistual was made caudoventral to the ileal cannula . Prececocolonic contents could be collected from the ileal cannulae and/or substances could be infused into the cecum . The flexible cannulae were light weight (35 g), were easily replaced when dislodged with minimal tissue trauma and minimal discomfort to the animal, and had good animal tolerance and patency in long-term experiments . The cecal fistulae allowed the direct introduction of various substances into the cecum . There was little external projection from the abdominal wall, and the fistulae were subject to minimal leakage . The procedure did not adversely affect the subsequent health or performance of the 43 gilts used in the experiment . Postmortem examination of gilts euthanatized 12 to 26 weeks postoperatively revealed normal tissue adhesions around the surgical sites with no detrimental effects on the gastrointestinal tract.

Br J Nutr, 1985 Mar, 53(2), 307 - 10
Increase in the ileal absorption rate of sodium taurocholate in germ-free or conventional rats given an amylomaize-starch diet; Riottot M et al.; Twenty germ-free and twenty conventional male Fischer 344 rats, 3 months old, were fed ad lib . diets based either on normal or on amylomaize starch for 1 month . The absorption rate of sodium taurocholate, 25 mmol/l, was determined in vivo in jejunal or ileal segments . Each determination included five rats . Jejunal absorption rate was not modified either by the amylomaize-based diet or by the digestive microflora . Ileal absorption rate was slightly higher in germ-free than in conventional rats . Ileal absorption rate was largely increased by the amylomaize-based diet . This increase was slightly larger in germ-free rats than in conventional rats . It is suggested that dietary amylomaize starch has an action on the active absorption process of bile acid.

Acta Paediatr Scand, 1985 Mar, 74(2), 207 - 12
The establishment of some microflora associated biochemical characteristics in feces from children during the first years of life; Norin KE et al.; This report presents a new approach to the study of the colonization of the digestive tract after birth . We have examined the development of four microflora associated characteristics, MACs, defined as the recording of any anatomical structure, biochemical or physiological function in the macroorganism, which has been influenced by the microflora . These MACs may create a basis for later investigations into the impact of diarrheal diseases and antibiotic therapy . The following biochemical characteristics were studied in feces from children of 0-61 months of age: conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol and bilirubin to urobilins, inactivation of trypsin and degradation of mucin . These results indicate establishment of microbes capable of converting bilirubin to urobilins within the second year of life . The mucin degrading and cholesterol converting microbes are established in most of the children during the same period . Tryptic activity was found to be absent in meconium, present in feces from all children up to 21 months of age, and absent in 6 out of 15 children in the age group 46-61 months . The study indicates that the establishment of the MACs in the digestive tract is a remarkably long drawn out process.

Kosm Biol Aviakosm Med, 1985 Mar-Apr, 19(2), 66 - 9
{Characteristics of microflora development on the structural materials used in hermetically sealed life support quarters}; Viktorov AN et al.; The composition of microbial and fungal associations of non-metal materials used in the interior design and equipment of enclosures was investigated when they were inhabited by men . It was found that the microorganisms formed on the structure materials were influenced by such factors as men and their specific microflora, accumulated water and dust, as well as the chemical structure of the polymers used.

Proc Soc Exp Biol Med, 1985 Mar, 178(3), 392 - 401
Effects of sodium saccharin on the activity of trypsin, chymotrypsin, and amylase and upon bacteria in small intestinal contents of rats; Naim M et al.; Rats fed a diet containing 2.5% sodium saccharin (NaSacc) displayed a rapid (24-36 hr) increase in tryptic and chymotryptic activity in the lower half of the small intestine and the cecum compared with control animals . Cecal pH of rats fed NaSacc was lower than controls . The effect of NaSacc on enzymatic activity of intestinal contents and on indigenous bacterial microflora was studied further in vitro . Intestinal contents incubated anaerobically with or without NaSacc revealed that the presence of NaSacc led to higher tryptic and chymotryptic activity and higher final pH . Changes in pH do not appear, however, to be important for the increased proteolytic activity induced by NaSacc since autodigestion of trypsin and chymotrypsin in filter-sterilized samples was only slightly affected by pH during in vitro incubation . Amylolytic activity, on the other hand, was stabilized by higher pH values . Saccharin stabilized chymotryptic and led to almost complete loss of amylolytic activity during incubation of filter-sterilized samples maintained at adjusted pH values . The amount of reducing sugars remaining in the NaSacc-containing contents from either cecum (in vivo) or from in vitro incubation of unsterilized small intestinal samples was greater than controls not containing NaSacc . The growth of six bacterial strains isolated from small intestinal contents and incubated in laboratory media was inhibited by NaSacc . Extracellular proteolytic activity from bacterial sources was undetectable after incubation of intestinal bacteria in laboratory media . The present results suggest that the effect of NaSacc upon digestive enzyme composition in the small intestine of rats is not mediated through a direct physiological effect of NaSacc on pancreatic exocrine secretion . It is hypothesized that an inhibition of enzymatic activity by NaSacc in the small intestine and the bacteriostatic effect of NaSacc on bacteria may be responsible for the increased proteolytic activity observed in vivo in the cecum following the feeding of a NaSacc-containing diet to rats.

Sci Total Environ, 1985 Feb, 41(2), 143 - 52
Sponge 'sentinel' of heavy metals; Patel B et al.; The possibility of monitoring siliceous sponges as an ideal bioindicator of 17 trace metals and halogens was investigated . Of the two species of Demosponge from the Indian coastal waters receiving stable and radioactive nuclides (54Mn, 63Ni, 65Zn, 60Co, 75Se, 113Sn, 90Sr, 131I, 137Cs), Spirastrella cuspidifera was found to accumulate Cd, Cr, and Sn in the range of 15-2000 micrograms g-1 dry tissue, some 5-7 orders of magnitude higher than in the ambient waters . Prostylyssa foetida, from the same microecological niche, was found to be totally free of these three metal ions . The bioaccumulation of Ni was also significantly higher in S . cuspidifera (400-2250 micrograms g-1) than in P . foetida (7-15 micrograms g-1) . The former species was also found to be an ideal sentinel for detecting levels of Co, Zn, and Ti; levels of Cu, Mn, Pb Fe and Sr were higher in P . foetida, but those of the halogens I and Br were practically identical in both species . Furthermore, bioaccumulation of metal ions was found to be a function of sponge tissue itself, rather than that of either obligate or facultative symbiont microflora . In view of the high degree of species specificity which sponges exhibit while accumulating many trace metal ions, a 'sponge watch programme' is proposed on a global scale for monitoring the health of coastal ecosystems against a variety of potentially toxic pollutants.

J Oral Pathol, 1985 Feb, 14(2), 156 - 68
Pulp capping of dental pulp mechanically exposed to oral microflora: a 1-2 year observation of wound healing in the monkey; Cox CF et al.; Four adult Rhesus monkeys provided 120 teeth for buccal Class V cavities . Twenty-nine were non-exposed controls and 91 were exposed for 3 intervals . All 120 teeth were capped with a hard set Ca(OH)2 medicament, restored with amalgam, 57 evaluated after 1 year and 63 after 2 years . Of the 91 exposed pulps, 45 showed complete healing, 25 showed pulpal inflammation varying from acute to chronic, 12 showed severe pulpal breakdown and abscess formation and 9 were necrotic . No difference was observed in the healing response between the 3 exposure times . New hard tissue formed at, or subjacent to, the medicament in 77 of 91 exposed pulps with a tunnel defect frequently present, running from the medicament interface to the pulp . This study demonstrates that recurring pulp inflammation observed after 1 & 2 year direct pulp capping, is associated with bacterial contamination.

J Clin Periodontol, 1985 Feb, 12(2), 113 - 23
The composition of the subgingival microflora of young adults suffering from juvenile periodontitis; Muller HP et al.; The composition of subgingival plaque, from healthy and periodontally diseased regions, as well as the clinical periodontal condition of 6 patients, 17 to 24-years-old suffering from juvenile periodontitis were examined . 6 older patients with rapidly progressive periodontitis served as a control . Samples of subgingival plaque were taken from first molars and central incisors and were analysed morphologically by dark-field microscopy . In the control group in healthy regions the ratio between non-motile and motile bacteria was 27:1 and about 1:1 in deep pockets . In the juvenile periodontitis group in diseased regions, motile bacteria made up only 1/4 of the bacteria present . The results clearly show that our relatively old patients with juvenile periodontitis had a completely different microflora in their periodontally diseased regions than patients with common periodontitis . As regards our observations by dark-field microscopy, one can assume, however, that with increasing age, there might be a shift of the flora associated with juvenile periodontitis lesions from a rather simple composition to a more complex composition very similar to the flora seen in rapidly progressive adult periodontitis lesions.

Zentralbl Mikrobiol, 1985, 140(8), 621 - 30
{Microflora of grain in the cleaning and milling process . 7 . Modification of the microbiologic and health quality of grain by product separation}; Spicher G et al.; Food cereals and food cereal products which are consumed directly (without any heart treatment in order to reduce their microflora) should fulfil certain criteria with regard to their microbiological hygienic condition . It can be proved that the microflora of a given cereal batch is differently destributed according to the kernel volumes . Small and light kernels have more microorganisms than heavy kernels . By the separation of certain amount of light kernels (about 15%) from a batch the microbiological condition of the remainder of the batch can be improved . Any separation procedure seizes definite "Besatz" fractions and takes therefore different influence on the microbiological condition of the obtaining cereal fraction, therefore the microbiological condition of the cleaned cereal fraction can be differently affected by the cleaning method . A suitable method for preparation of food cereals is a diagram consisting of: aspirator, light kernels separator, stoner and magnetic separator . In order to get milling products with reduced microbiological germ content the sorting of product can be applied.

Zentralbl Mikrobiol, 1985, 140(8), 607 - 19
Effects of the herbicides simazine and bromophenoxim on the microflora of two soil types in Egypt; el-Abyad MS et al.; The effects of the herbicides simazine and bromophenoxim on the microflora of two soil-types were studied . It was found that the effects produced on the microbial biomass depended on the type and concentration of the herbicide used and the nature of soil treated . It was also found that the application of these herbicides to the studied soils caused significant alterations in the species composition of its microflora . These alterations were detected by the disappearance or appearance of certain species under a specific concentration of the used herbicide . Species density was also affected.

Vet Med Nauki, 1985, 22(8), 52 - 7
{Microflora studies of dried egg products}; Enikova R et al.; Summarized results of five-year microbiologic studies on the production of dried egg products (white of egg, yolk, and melange), are presented . Studied were a total of 1402 batches of dried products, 231 samples of raw material, and 2348 samples of dried semi-products . The effect was followed up of the technologic processes and the hygiene status on the quantitative and the qualitative composition of the residual microflora . It was found that dried egg products met to a large extent the requirements of the microbiologic standards of the hygiene state and the epidemiologic safety and could be used on a mass scale in the food industry.

Reprod Nutr Dev, 1985, 25(4B), 819 - 42
{Carbohydrate digestion in monogastric animals}; Champ M; The main dietary carbohydrates are starch, cell wall polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicelluloses and pectins), some monosaccharides (glucose, fructose, galactose, etc.) and oligosaccharides (sucrose, lactose, alpha-galactosides, etc.) . Recent analytical methods applied to these substances are described and criticized . A-type starches (cereals), cooked starches and some oligosaccharides are mainly digested in the small intestine of monogastric animals by enzymes of the salivary glands, pancreas and intestinal brush border . The total digestibility of these carbohydrates is almost 100%, whereas it is less than 70% for B-type starches (ex . potato) . Cellulose, hemicelluloses, pectins and some oligosaccharides are partly digested by the microflora of the large intestine . Fiber total digestibility varies considerably and depends on the nature of the fiber and the animal species . It is less than 10% in chickens, whereas pigs seem to digest fibers as well as sheep . Hydrothermic treatments usually have no effect on starch digestibility but can be used for B-type starches . Some chemical treatments may improve fiber digestibility in monogastric animals.

Vopr Onkol, 1985, 31(5), 26 - 31
{Microflora of the suppurative inflammatory foci in patients with laryngeal and pharyngeal cancer undergoing combined treatment for local postoperative complications}; Smolianskaia AZ et al.; The paper deals with the problems of treatment for local postoperative complications in patients suffering cancer of the larynx and throat . Early diagnosis of complications as well as therapy employing modern glass fibre equipment are discussed . The first attempt to study the microflora of the newly formed throat in the early postoperative period is described . A wide spectrum of dormant bacteria was identified . Healing was found to depend upon microorganism level and profile of bacterial species in the newly formed throat . Complex application of endoscopic and laser procedures proved to be an effective means of sanative care.

Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol, 1985, 77(3), 308 - 14
Histamine and mast cell distribution in the gastrointestinal wall of the rat: comparison between germ-free and conventional rats; Wal JM et al.; The distributions of histamine and mast cells in the intestinal mucosa have been studied in conventional (CV) and germ-free (GF) rats . Both distributions do not appear to be uniform throughout the gastrointestinal tract . The presence of digestive microflora influences these distributions: more histamine and mucosal mast cells are present in the small intestine of CV than in GF rats . Paradoxically the opposite is observed in the large intestine . Differences in mast cell counts in the crypt area of the small intestine (higher in CV than in GF rats) confirm the role of microflora on crypt cell proliferation due to a mild chronic inflammation . In the large intestine, however, the microflora appears to have a more complex influence and could act indirectly on histamine turnover.

Scand J Gastroenterol, 1985 Jan, 20(1), 92 - 8
Clindamycin-induced alterations in intestinal microflora-associated characteristics in rats; Carlstedt-Duke B et al.; Conventional Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with clindamycin, 40 mg/kg/day and 0.04 mg/kg/day, for 5 days . At a dose of 40 mg/kg/day, microflora-associated characteristics (MACs), such as shape, color, and consistency of feces, proteolytic activity, electrophoretic pattern, and cholesterol and bilirubin metabolism were transformed into values like those found in germfree rats: germfree animal characteristics (GACs) . The effect on the proteolytic activity lasted longest . It did not disappear until one or two enemas with cecal contents from intact conventional rats were administered . At a dose of 0.04 mg/kg/day, effects on the proteolytic activity and cholesterol metabolism were seen . With the exception of one rat, the effect on proteolytic activity did not disappear until one or two enemas were given . The results indicate that clindamycin, even in very small daily doses, has a profound and long-lasting influence on many intestinal MACs in rats.

Appl Environ Microbiol, 1985 Jan, 49(1), 221 - 8
Ecology of Legionella pneumophila within water distribution systems; Stout JE et al.; The reservoir for hospital-acquired Legionnaires disease has been shown to be the potable water distribution system . We investigated the influence of the natural microbial population and sediment (scale and organic particulates) found in water systems as growth-promoting factors for Legionella pneumophila . Our in vitro experiments showed that: (i) water from hot-water storage tank readily supported the survival of L . pneumophila, (ii) the concentration of sediment was directly related to the survival of L . pneumophila, (iii) the presence of environmental bacteria improved the survival of L . pneumophila via nutritional symbiosis, (iv) the combination of sediment and environmental bacteria acted synergistically to improve the survival of L . pneumophila, and (v) the role of sediment in this synergistic effect was determined to be nutritional . Sediment was found to stimulate the growth of environmental microflora, which in turn stimulated the growth of L . pneumophila . These findings confirm the empiric observations of the predilection of L . pneumophila for growth in hot-water tanks and its localization to sediment . L . pneumophila occupies an ecological niche within the potable water system, with interrelationships between microflora, sediment, and temperature.

Br Poult Sci, 1985 Jan, 26(1), 97 - 104
Effect of the gut microflora on chick growth and utilisation of protein and energy at different concentrations of dietary protein; Furuse M et al.; The effect of the gut flora on chick growth and protein and energy utilisation at a marginal dietary energy level (calculated metabolisable energy value 11.7 MJ/kg) was determined with diets containing 227 or 293 g protein/kg . Germ-free (GF) and conventional (CV) chicks were reared for 10 d on the diets, and excreta were collected during the last 4 d . The chicks were killed and carcases and droppings were analysed for N and fat . The GF chicks grew significantly faster than the CV controls on both diets . The growth of CV chicks given the high protein diet was similar to that of GF chicks given the adequate protein diet . Protein and energy utilisation were significantly less for CV than for GF chicks on both diets . It was concluded that the energy requirement of CV chicks was greater than that of their GF counterparts, and that their poorer growth was due to utilisation of some dietary protein as an energy source.

Environ Mutagen, 1985, 7(1), 101 - 20
Testing of 24 food, drug, cosmetic, and fabric dyes in the in vitro and the in vivo/in vitro rat hepatocyte primary culture/DNA repair assays; Kornbrust D et al.; Twenty-four dyes currently or previously used in the food, drug, cosmetic, and textile industries were tested in the in vitro rat hepatocyte primary culture/DNA repair (HPC/DR) assay and, to a limited extent, in the in vivo/in vitro HPC/DR assay . The positive control, Solvent Yellow 3 (o-aminoazotoluene), and five other dyes (4-dimethylaminobenzeneazo-1-naphthalene, 4-dimethylaminobenzeneazo-2-naphthalene, Direct Blue 53, Acid Blue 9, and 4-dimethylaminostilbene) induced DNA repair in rat hepatocytes both in vitro and in vivo, while 13 of the dyes (Food Red 1, Food Red 5, Food Orange 4, Food Red 7, Acid Red 14, Acid Red 27, Pigment Red 53, Acid Yellow 23, Food Black 1, Food Green 3, Acid Red 51, Acid Blue 74, and Natural Red 4) did not produce any detectable DNA repair in either the in vitro or in vivo/in vitro assays . Direct Blue 14 had weak activity in vitro but none was detected in vivo . In contrast, Solvent Yellow 5 was not active in vitro, but produced a weak positive response in vivo . Negative responses were also obtained for Solvent Yellow 14 and Acid Green 5 in the in vitro assay, whereas the responses produced by these dyes in the in vivo/in vitro assay were judged to be equivocal . An equivocal response was also obtained for Direct Red 28 in the in vivo/in vitro assay as well as in the in vitro assay . These findings provide information about the potential genotoxicity of a number of dyes for which previous genotoxicity data has been inconsistent or inadequate . For some dyes (eg, Solvent Yellow 5), discrepancies between the results obtained in the in vitro and in vivo/in vitro assays may implicate a role for intestinal microflora in their metabolic activation.

Acta Paediatr Scand Suppl, 1985, 317, 9 - 15
Bile acid metabolism in children with cystic fibrosis; Weber AM et al.; Recycling of bile acids through the enterohepatic cycle is very efficacious . Bile acids contribute to bile formation and, by forming micelles, participate in lipid solubilization and absorption . The small fraction which escapes in the feces, is synthesized daily by the liver to compensate for losses . In CF, bile acid malabsorption has been documented; these large losses are accompanied by an interruption in the enterohepatic circulation with concomitant reduction in bile acid pool and disturbances in biliary composition . The various intraluminal factors implicated in bile acid malabsorption include: unhydrolysed triglycerides and phospholipids, precipitation of bile acids in acidic duodenal content, adsorption to residues and modification of colonic microflora . A defect in bile acid ileal uptake has also been advocated . These disturbances in bile acid metabolism associated with CF might lead to aggravation of diarrhea and steatorrhea, cholelithiasis and perhaps liver disease.

Ann N Y Acad Sci, 1985, 447, 112 - 21
Biotin in swine nutrition; Kornegay ET; For many years, it was believed that supplemental biotin was not needed in swine diets because of the wide distribution of biotin in feedstuffs used in the formulation of swine diets, and because of the known synthesis of biotin by the animal's intestinal microflora . However, interest in biotin nutrition for swine was rekindled in the mid-1970s when several field reports indicated a biotin deficiency in swine that was responsive to biotin supplementation in many cases . Results from university research are accumulating, especially from long-term sow studies (three to four parities), which suggest that supplemental biotin will improve litter size, conception rate, weaning-to-estrus interval, toe lesions, and haircoat condition . Milk biotin concentration and plasma biotin concentration of sows and piglets were also elevated when supplemental biotin was fed . Using presently available feedstuffs and under modern swine production conditions, a marginal biotin deficiency is possible . Swine producers experiencing poor reproductive performance in their sow herds, associated with excessive loss of hair and severe foot lesions, should evaluate the biotin content of their sow diet and consider supplemental biotin.

Acta Derm Venereol Suppl (Stockh), 1985, 114, 146 - 8
Pityrosporum orbiculare--a pathogenic factor in atopic dermatitis of the face, scalp and neck?
Waersted A, Hjorth N.
Pityrosporum orbiculare (pit.o.), the yeast form of Malassezia furfur, though usually considered to be a non-pathogenic saprophyte, in some individuals trigger various types of dermatitis . It is earlier shown that it is of importance in atopic dermatitis in the head-neck area in adults, and that elimination of the yeast by help of treatment with ketoconazole improve the dermatitis . In this large retrospective study of 741 patients prick-tested with an aqueous extract of pit.o., the occurrence of positive prick-test to pityrosporum was related to the patient's atopic manifestations . It was found that a positive prick-test to pityrosporum was related to active atopic dermatitis, and especially in the head-neck region . In contrast to the common allergens in the standard prick-test-series, however, pit.o . was not found to give positive prick-tests in patients with atopic conjunctivitis, rhinitis and/or asthma without active dermatitis . This finding strengthens the concept that hypersensitivity to the cutaneous microflora is of pathogenic importance in some cases of atopic dermatitis in adults.

Probl Khig, 1985, 10, 44 - 51
{Immunological reactivity in a radiation microclimate}; Vasileva-Todorova L; Bearing in mind the complexity of the radiation factor in industrial conditions the aim of work was to investigate the immunological reactivity in the conditions of glass production . The following methods were used: bactericide properties of skin, quantity of deep microflora of the skin, lysosome activity of the saliva, phagocytic activity of neutrophils in blood, bactericide properties of serum and serum complement . A decrease in the immunological reactivity of the organism was established which was most strongly expressed in relation to the bactericide properties of the skin, lysosome activity of the saliva and the phagocyte activity of the neutrophils in blood.

Vet Med Nauki, 1985, 22(4), 38 - 43
{Bactericidal effect of the preparation trozin}; Slavchev G et al.; Tested was the bactericidal action of the combined cleansing and disinfecting preparation trozin under laboratory and production conditions . It was found that trozin meets the requirements in terms of rapid disinfection, killing the asporogenous test organisms . The presence of at least 2 per cent milk protein lowers the bactericidal action of the detergent . The cleansing and disinfection of milking units supplied with a milk-can, resp., with a central milk pipeline leads to 97.00, resp., 98.00 per cent reduction, on an average, of microflora . The bacterial count of the udder is likewise reduced by about 96.00 per cent.

Arch Toxicol Suppl, 1985, 8, 373 - 6
The metabolism of some xenobiotics in germ-free and conventional rats; Macholz R et al.; The different participation of the gastrointestinal microflora in the biotransformation of gamma-hexachlorcyclohexane (gamma-HCH), azobenzene and the isolated glucosinolate progoitrin was studied . Marked dehydrochlorination of gamma-HCH to gamma-pentachlorcyclohexene (PCCH) also occurs without participation of the microflora . Azobenzene was reduced in germ-free (g) and conventional (c) rats to hydrazobenzene but was split to aniline only in c-rats . Progoitrin was split with and without the influence of the microflora, but the splitting was more complete in rats with intact gastrointestinal flora.

Tijdschr Diergeneeskd, 1984 Dec 15, 109(24), 1017 - 26
{Resistance to colonization of the gastrointestinal tract}; Koopman JP; The microflora naturally present in the intestinal tract of mammals and birds will ensure that pathogenic bacteria will not become colonized or will have difficulty in doing so and cannot grow into large populations in the intestinal tract . This phenomenon is termed 'colonization resistance' . The microflora of the animals is transmitted from parents to offspring and is species-specific . When contacts between parent animals and young animals are broken off, the young are colonized by an adventitiously present microflora which possesses only part of the favourable characteristics . A high pressure of infection by pathogenic bacteria, poor general resistance, the use of antibiotics, fasting, variations in the diet and stress also are factors which usually have an adverse effect on the microflora present in the host . In addition, age is a factor . Young animals relatively often show disturbances of the intestinal flora . The animals are particularly susceptible to intestinal disease immediately after weaning . Methods are suggested, by which disturbances of the intestinal flora due to the above may be prevented.

Med Hypotheses, 1984 Dec, 15(4), 433 - 6
Is there a local production of nitrosamines by the vaginal microflora in anaerobic vaginosis/trichomoniasis?
Pavic N.
Nitrosamines have been identified in vaginal secretions of women with trichomoniasis . Both nitrites and amines the elements for nitrosamine synthesis are produced by the abnormal-predominantly anaerobic-vaginal flora of patients with bacterial vaginosis/trichomoniasis . The final formation of nitrosamines could also depend on microbial enzymatic activity . The confirmation of an endogenous generation of oncogenic nitrosamines in the vaginas of some women could give promising impulses to cancer-research concerning the uterine cervix.

J Oral Pathol, 1984 Dec, 13(6), 573 - 84
Relationship of the human salivary peroxidase system to oral health; Tenovuo J et al.; The human salivary peroxidase system (SPS) contributes in several ways to the maintenance of good oral health . The SPS is one of the non-immunoglobulin defense factors which regulate the quantity and species distribution of oral micro-organisms . The SPS also prevents toxic accumulations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and it inactivates many carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds . The salivary glands secrete a peroxidase enzyme (salivary peroxidase) as well as the thiocyanate ion (SCN-, derived from diet) . The enzyme catalyzes the oxidation of SCN- by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) . The H2O2 is excreted by oral bacteria and by host cells in amounts which vary with the state of cellular metabolism, the diet and other factors . Oxidized forms of SCN- temporarily inhibit the growth, respiration and metabolism of most species of oral bacteria . The major oxidized form generated in the mouth is the hypothiocyanite ion (OSCN-) which must reach a minimum threshold concentration before bacterial inhibition occurs . This threshold concentration varies from species to species . The concentration of OSCN- in the mouth rises and falls with the availability of H2O2 . This natural rise and fall, together with bacterial variation in sensitivity to OSCN- inhibition, suggests a role for the SPS in the regulation of the oral microflora . As a result of the rapid consumption of H2O2 by the SPS, host cells are protected from a toxic build up of this potent oxidizing agent . The major product of the reaction, OSCN-, does not harm human cells . Many carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds may serve as substrates for the SPS and be oxidized to less harmful compounds.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1984 Nov, 58(5), 522 - 32
A scanning electron microscopic study on the microflora of chronic pericoronitis of lower third molars; Hurlen B et al.; In nine cases of chronic pericoronitis of lower third molars, the affected teeth were carefully removed with the follicles in situ and prepared for scanning electron microscopic (SEM) study . The study disclosed great heterogeneity in the distribution and density of microorganisms on hard as well as soft tissues surrounding the pericoronal pouch . Common features were presence of discrete microenvironments with clusters of bacteria, a decrease in the number of organisms toward the bottom of the pericoronal pouch, and the high proportion of spirochetes, which tended to increase in an apical direction . The study showed leukocytic activity in all areas, and phagocytosis apparently took place on the tissue surfaces within the pericoronal space.

Cancer Lett, 1984 Nov, 25(1), 19 - 23
Spontaneous polyposis in the small intestine of germ-free and conventionalized BALB/c mice; Mizutani T et al.; The spontaneous polyposis in the small intestine of germfree (Gf) and conventionalized (Cv) BALB/c mice was studied . Gf mice were bred in our laboratory and maintained Gf in vinyl isolators . The first generation offspring of the Cv mice derived from the Gf mice was used as Cv animals . When they were 12 months old, the animals were killed under CO2 inhalation and autopsied carefully for the number and size of polyps with the aid of a dissecting microscope . The incidence of polyposis was higher in the Gf mice (68% in female and 89% in male) than in the Cv mice (37% in female and 51% in male) . The number of polyps/mouse was also higher in the Gf mice (2.3 in female and 5.7 in male) than in the Cv mice (0.8 in female and 1.3 in male) . All of the polyps were histopathologically adenomatous and developed only in the upper part (mainly duodenum) of the small intestine . The present study demonstrated that development of polyposis in the small intestine of BALB/c mice was suppressed by the presence of intestinal microflora.

S Afr Med J, 1984 Oct 20, 66(16), 598 - 603
Microbiological studies during the perinatal period . An attempt to correlate selected bacterial and viral infections with intra-uterine deaths and preterm labour; Ross SM et al.; An investigation of the genital, amniotic fluid, placental and neonatal microflora in a population with a high prevalence of amniotic fluid infections and perinatal deaths is reported . Women presenting with preterm labour and intra-uterine death were investigated for the presence in vaginal secretions of a selected variety of pathogenic organisms, and the findings in these patients were compared with those in three groups of controls who presented with normal labour at term or late delivery or who required elective caesarean section as a result of cephalopelvic disproportion . Indirect evidence of infection was also sought by assaying cord blood for immunoglobulin levels and by testing for specific antibodies to well-known congenitally acquired pathogens . The results showed a significant relationship between gonococcal infection, serological evidence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection and preterm labour.

J Am Dent Assoc, 1984 Oct, 109(4), 589 - 91
The cariogenic potential of several snack foods; Morrissey RB et al.; The use of the animal model and the Konig-Hofer program-feeding machine is a valuable tool in the research effort to identify the factors contributing to dental caries . As this methodology provides uniform host, microflora, and frequency components, the food is the variable being evaluated . The relative cariogenicity of food is dependent on variations in the composition, texture, solubility, retentiveness, and ability to stimulate saliva flow . The results of these experiments indicated the equal importance of all food-related parameters on dental caries formation . If the composition of foods was solely responsible for dental caries formation, all three of the granola bars should have had similar relative cariogenicity values . This was not true . Granola bar no . 3, which was crispier in texture and less moist, had a third the relative cariogenicity value of granola bars nos . 1 and 2 . As reported by other dental researchers, the production of dental caries is food related, but not simplistic in nature . Dental caries is the outcome of complicated interactions, all of which are equally important in the progress of this disease.

Acta Pathol Microbiol Immunol Scand {B}, 1984 Oct, 92(5), 247 - 52
Intestinal water-soluble mucins in germfree, exgermfree and conventional animals; Gustafsson BE et al.; Water-soluble intestinal mucins were investigated in germfree (GF), exgermfree (EXG) and conventional (CONV) rats and in GF and CONV mice . After agar gel electrophoresis, all GF animals had similar specific band patterns demonstrated by PAS and Toluidine Blue . These patterns, never seen in CONV animals, disappeared in GF animals infected either with intestinal contents from CONV rats or mono-infected with a mucin converting microorganism, labelled Peptostreptococcus N . The intestinal microflora seem to have a profound influence on the water-soluble mucins, and specific microorganisms appear to be involved in the conversion of these substances . Any CONV animal with a GF mucin pattern in the faeces must be considered to have a disturbance of the normal intestinal microflora.

Am J Clin Nutr, 1984 Oct, 40(4), 758 - 62
Hydrogen gas excretion after sucrose gavage in the fasted rat; Griffin GC et al.; The effect of a 3-day fast on the functional ability of the adult rat to hydrolyze and absorb sucrose was determined . The evaluation was based on previous studies which have shown the total amount of hydrogen gas (H2) excreted by the animal to reflect the extent of undigested carbohydrate entering the colon from the small intestine . H2 excretion was measured using a gas chromatographic technique in experimental (72 h fasted) and control (12 h fasted) animals after administration of sucrose by gastric gavage . Total H2 excretion was 3-fold higher in the experimental animals (n = 5) than in the controls (n = 5) (p less than 0.005) indicating a significant increase of sucrose malabsorption in the experimental animals . Administration of a second dose of sucrose 8 to 9 h after the first dose (refeeding) resulted in markedly decreased malabsorption relative to the first administration in both experimental (n = 2) and control (n = 2) animals . These results suggest that a 3-day fast markedly impairs the ability of the intestine to hydrolyze and absorb sucrose and that refeeding rapidly restores the ability to utilize this substrate . H2 excretion was similar between experimental and control animals after the administration of lactulose, a nonabsorbed and nondigested carbohydrate, suggesting that the observed results of the sucrose studies were independent of any possible changes in the intestinal microflora.

Am J Vet Res, 1984 Oct, 45(10), 2193 - 5
Distribution of immunoglobulin-bearing cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissues of the turkey: effect of oral treatment with intestinal microflora; Naqi SA et al.; One-day-old turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were orally inoculated with the intestinal contents of an adult turkey, and the intestinal tissues were studied by immunofluorescence for immunoglobulin (Ig)-bearing cells at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days of age . Microflora inoculation increased numbers of Ig-bearing cells in the gut-associated lymphoid tissues; the most uniform effects were observed at 3 days of age . As the birds grew older, this uniformity in response to the microflora inoculation was not evident in all the tissues . In the bursa of Fabricius and the large intestine of the inoculated birds, IgM-bearing cells were more numerous throughout the study period . Compared with noninoculated control turkeys, IgA-bearing cells in the cecal tonsils, and IgG- and IgA-bearing cells in the small intestine were increased at all age intervals.

Xenobiotica, 1984 Sep, 14(9), 711 - 7
The microbial metabolism of (+)-catechin to two novel diarylpropan-2-ol metabolites in vitro; Groenewoud G et al.; The metabolism of (+)-catechin by rat-caecal microflora in vitro was investigated . Metabolites were isolated by column chromatography, preparative t.l.c . and h.p.l.c., while structural allocation was aided by mass spectrometry and proton magnetic resonance . In contrast with the well-documented total heterocyclic ring cleavage of flavanoids, (+)-catechin was found to undergo partial heterocyclic ring cleavage of two novel diarylpropan-2-ol metabolites . p-Dehydroxylation of (+)-catechin predominates during its degradation to the diarylpropanol metabolites.

Infection, 1984 Sep-Oct, 12(5), 349 - 54
Comparison between two non-absorbable antibiotic regimens for decontamination of the oropharynx; Borthen L et al.; Fourteen healthy individuals were studied regarding the oropharyngeal microflora . Seven subjects were given a non-absorbable multi-drug regimen, consisting of 1% polymyxin B, 3% neomycin and 3% amphotericin B, that was directed against aerobic gram-negative rods and fungi for local decontamination of the oropharynx . Seven others were given another multi-drug regimen consisting of 1% polymyxin B, 1% neomycin, 3% amphotericin B and 0.5% vancomycin, that also included an agent directed against gram-positive bacteria . Both decontamination regimens were found to protect from new colonization with fungi and gram-negative rods in the oropharynx . Suppression of gram-positive cocci was only observed in those subjects receiving the regimen containing vancomycin.

Ann Allergy, 1984 Sep, 53(3), 268 - 71
A study of the skin reaction to bacterial vaccine in perennial rhinitis; Bunnag C et al.; Immediate and late skin reactions to a bacterial vaccine test were studied in perennial rhinitis patients . The incidence of late skin response was 17.6% when 0.1 ml of bacterial vaccine was tested . The incidence of positive immediate reaction was similar to the late reaction but there was no significant association between these two types of reaction . There was no correlation between the skin reaction to bacterial extract and the presence of pathogenic and microflora in the nose and throat of the patient . Statistical analysis also showed that there was no significant correlation between the results of the skin test to bacterial vaccine and to common allergenic extracts.

J Pharmacol Exp Ther, 1984 Sep, 230(3), 726 - 32
Role of the gut flora in the reduction of sulfinpyrazone in humans; Strong HA et al.; Peak plasma concentrations of sulfinpyrazone occurred about 2 h after administration of a single oral dose (200 mg tablet) to 11 normal volunteers . In contrast, the peak concentrations of the active sulfide metabolite occurred 15 h after dosing . Concurrent oral administration of metoclopramide with sulfinpyrazone resulted in a 4-fold decrease in the time to peak sulfide concentrations and a 3-fold increase in the amounts formed . A slow release formulation showed a low, variable bioavailability, but the proportion of sulfide was 3-fold higher based on the ratio of the area under the plasma concentration-time curve of the sulfide to that of the parent compound . Intravenous administration of sulfinpyrazone demonstrated that the tablets had a high bioavailability (about 90%), and the time to peak plasma concentration of the sulfide and the amount formed were similar to those seen after oral administration . Patients who had undergone surgical removal of the distal part of the intestine had normal plasma concentrations of sulfinpyrazone, but negligible amounts of the sulfide, after oral administration of sulfinpyrazone . The ileostomy effluent of such patients showed little ability to reduce sulfinpyrazone in vitro, in contrast to the extensive reduction detected with normal feces . These data demonstrate that the hind gut microflora are the principal and possibly the only site of reduction of sulfinpyrazone to its active sulfide metabolite in humans.

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys, 1984 Aug, 10(8), 1371 - 5
Intestinal microflora as potential modifiers of sensitizer activity in vivo; Sheldon PW et al.; Treatment of mice (some bearing Lewis Lung tumors), with penicillin (PEN) at 500 mg/l drinking water for one week prior to treatment with misonidazole (MIS), resulted in: the elimination of their anaerobic cecal flora; a decrease in MIS-induced neurotoxicity; an increase in pharmacological exposure to MIS; a decrease in MIS chemopotentiation; a probable increase in MIS radiosensitization; an increase in MIS induced hypothermia . Assuming no chemical interaction between PEN and MIS, these observations indicate that the intestinal microflora can influence the activity of MIS in vivo . Therefore their influence should be considered in all sensitizer-related studies in vivo . The observed reduction in the neurotoxic but not the radiosensitizing potential of MIS following PEN treatment indicates a therapeutic benefit.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1984 Aug, 133(8), 131 - 5
{Role of cross-infection in the development of postoperative complications}; Sazhin VP et al.; The increased intensity and volume of surgical interventions in large surgical hospitals leads to a greater amount of postoperative complications . Intrahospital strains of infections are responsible for some of such complications . The complex investigations of the microbiological background allowed the range of prophylactic measures against gram-positive microflora to be enlarged.

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol, 1984 Aug, 58(2), 213 - 20
Microbiological findings of infected root canals and adjacent periodontal pockets in teeth with advanced periodontitis; Kipioti A et al.; The purpose of the present study was to examine the flora from the root canals and periodontal pockets of teeth with advanced periodontal disease in order to compare the predominant cultivable microflora from the canals with those found in the adjacent periodontal pockets . Three samples were collected from each of sixteen patients, one from the root canal and two from the adjacent periodontal pocket in two different sites . Criteria for inclusion in the survey were pocket depth of greater than or equal to 7 mm, intact clinical crowns, and lack of periapical lesions . The study has demonstrated that the microorganisms present in the root canals of caries-free teeth with advanced periodontitis generally resembled those found in the adjacent periodontal pockets . The similarity in the recovery of organisms in the current study suggests that the pocket could be the source of the root canal infections . Further investigation is needed to clarify whether such factors as duration of periodontitis and age of the patient play a role in pulpal pathosis and whether the presence of specific bacterial species is also a factor in the etiology and pathogenesis of pulp disease.

Antibiotiki, 1984 Jul, 29(7), 532 - 5
{Antibiotic sensitivity of the microflora isolated from surgical patients with suppurative processes}; Davydova NV et al.; The pathological material from 77 surgical patients with purulent infections was assayed microbiologically and the properties of the pathogens were investigated . Multiple antibiotic resistance of the microflora monocultures and associations was shown . The aminoglycoside antibiotics and first of all gentamicin were the most effective.

Vopr Pitan, 1984 Jul-Aug, (4), 29 - 33
{Comparative evaluation of intestinal microflora in infants on artificial feeding with various milk formulas}; Lugovskaia RK et al.; The intestinal microflora was studied in 58 normal full-term infants kept on different types of feeding . The data obtained indicate that the transfer of infants from natural to artificial feeding was attended by changes in the intestinal biocenosis, with these changes being most demonstrable as a result of the use in the feeding of unadapted milk formulas . The feeding with adapted milk formulas (the acidophilic formula Malyutka, Malyutka with a new fatty composition, Detolact) compares very favourably with the feeding with unadapted formulas as regards its effect on the intestinal biocenosis . However, artificial feeding is inferior to natural feeding that exerts a more favourable action on the development of intestinal microflora, both anaerobic and aerobic . This attests to the necessity of further improvement of the biological properties of bady food.

Br Poult Sci, 1984 Jul, 25(3), 429 - 39
Effect of the gut microflora on the size and weight of organs of chicks fed diets of different protein content; Furuse M et al.; Germ-free (GF) and conventional (CV) chicks were reared for 14 d on diets containing 50 (LD), 200 (AD) and 400 (HD) g protein/kg . Food and water were provided ad libitum . The size and weight of the proventriculus, gizzard, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caeca, colon, liver, pancreas, heart, spleen, adrenal glands and kidneys were measured, and liver composition was examined . The absolute and relative (weight/kg body-weight) weights of the intestine of CV chicks fed AD and HD diets were greater than those of GF chicks . The LD diet did not affect the absolute and relative weights of the duodenum and jejunum . The absolute weight, relative weight and fat content of the liver of GF chicks given LD diet were greater than those of their CV counterparts . The size and weight of some organs are affected by the diet (dietary protein content)-microflora-host interaction.

Vet Clin North Am Large Anim Pract, 1984 Jul, 6(2), 335 - 48
Postmilking teat antisepsis; Pankey JW; An effort was made to present the historical development of postmilking teat sanitizers, to discuss advantages and limitations of postmilking teat sanitization relative to specific mastitis pathogens, regulatory requirements, and the generic types of teat sanitizers . Methodologies used to evaluate the potential of teat sanitizers in reducing incidence of new IMI were discussed . Efficacy data from numerous controlled studies were discussed briefly . Teat-dip manufacturers advertise differences in efficacy values that were obtained under controlled research conditions . We are led to believe that relatively small differences in efficacy should prompt the use of one product over another . These efficacy differences have little comparative value, because the products, in most instances, were studied independently and the commercial extrapolations leave much to be desired for factual purposes . Management practices on individual dairy farms have more effect on reduction of rate of infections than do small differences in product efficacy . Also, some companies advertise about effective, in vitro germicidal activity . Such data do not relate to reduction in rate of udder infections and should not be considered evidence of efficacy in prevention of mastitis . A startling realization should become evident from this review; a paucity of information is available on some vital parameters relative to prevention of IMI . Many important areas of mastitis control related to postmilking teat antisepsis need an increased research commitment . Some of these areas include: effects of temperature on germicidal activity of teat dips; effects of climatic conditions on teat microflora; epidemiology of IMI with environmental pathogens; relationship between teat skin condition and incidence of IMI; and alternative control methods to reduce incidence of IMI . This question is asked often: "What is the best teat dip?" In my opinion, the best teat dip is the one that is dripping from teats when the cow leaves the parlor . In the words, most of the products sold today effectively prevent IMI when used properly.

Vet Clin North Am Large Anim Pract, 1984 Jul, 6(2), 301 - 12
Mycoplasma mastitis; Bushnell RB; Recognition of Mycoplasma-induced mastitis is on the increase . Although Mycoplasma bovis is identified as the causative agent in more than 50 per cent of the mastitis cases, seven other Mycoplasma species have also been isolated . The mycoplasmas are commonly found in the microflora of the respiratory and urogenital tracts of normal cattle, where precipitating factors can initiate their role as pathogens . Most udder infections are spread from cow to cow by physical contact and are precipitated through deficiencies in procedures in milking, equipment maintenance, sanitation, and udder infusion . Generally, the reaction in the udder is severe and persistent, and recovered animals remain shedders and potential carriers . Extensive therapy with antibiotics has not proven effective in altering the course of the disease . Control procedures in epizootics of mycoplasmal mastitis are based either on elimination of the infected animals by culling or through the co-existence on the dairy of known carrier animals segregated and milked separately from the uninfected animals . Adequate sanitation, proper udder infusion, and good milking principles are requisites to preventing mycoplasmal infections.

J Periodontol, 1984 Jul, 55(7), 391 - 7
Variations in subgingival microflora from healthy and intervention sites using probing depth and bacteriologic identification criteria; Greenwell H 3rd et al.; This investigation studied the changes in probing depths and subgingival microbial flora of clinically healthy and diseased sites before and after scaling and root planing . Thirty-six sites in 18 individuals were studied in two groups of patients, Group I (9 patients) had received no periodontal surgery, while group II had received surgery within the previous 4 years . Neither group had had professional prophylaxis or scaling and root planing within the previous 6 months . Group I had an average probing depth of greater than or equal to 5 mm and group II had an average of less than or equal to 4 mm . Scaling and root planing was performed on both groups at the beginning of the experiment and all patients were instructed in oral hygiene . Plaque and gingival indices, gingival fluid measurements, probing depths and dark field microscopic examination of subgingival plaque were evaluated immediately before scaling and root planing (baseline) and then once every 2 weeks for 2 months . For descriptive analysis of the data, all sites in both groups were classified according to probing depth or bacteriologic criteria . Sites with either greater than or equal to 85% nonmotile bacteria or less than or equal to 4 mm probing depth were presumed "healthy" and others were considered "diseased".(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Drugs, 1984 Jul, 28(1), 6 - 37
Isotretinoin . A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in acne and other skin disorders; Ward A et al.; Isotretinoin is a new orally active retinoic acid derivative for the treatment of severe refractory nodulocystic acne . The pharmacological profile of isotretinoin suggests that it acts primarily by reducing sebaceous gland size and sebum production, and as a result alters skin surface lipid composition . Bacterial skin microflora is reduced, probably as a result of altered sebaceous factors . Isotretinoin 1 to 2 mg/kg/day for 3 to 4 months produces 60 to 95% clearance of inflammatory lesions in patients with severe, recalcitrant nodulocystic acne, with evidence of continued healing and prolonged remissions in many patients after treatment withdrawal . Doses as low as 0.1 mg/kg/day have also proven successful in the clearance of lesions; however, with such low doses the duration of remission after discontinuation of therapy is usually shorter . Encouraging results have also been seen in small numbers of patients with rosacea, Gram-negative folliculitis, Darier's disease, ichthyosis and pityriasis rubra pilaris, the response in keratinising disorders resembling that with the related drug etretinate . While long term follow-up studies in these patients have not been reported, prolonged remission after withdrawal of isotretinoin in disorders of keratinisation is unlikely, as with other drugs used in these conditions . Isotretinoin is only partially effective in psoriasis, in contrast to etretinate which is very effective in psoriasis but ineffective in severe acne . Some encouraging results have also been reported with isotretinoin in patients with squamous and basal cell carcinomas, but isotretinoin has proven unsuccessful in non-squamous cell epithelial and non-epithelial cancer . Side effects affecting the mucocutaneous system occur in nearly all patients receiving isotretinoin, but rarely lead to drug withdrawal . Raised serum triglyceride levels are also commonly reported . The possibility of long term spinal or skeletal bone toxicity may restrict the use of isotretinoin in severe disorders of keratinisation requiring prolonged administration . Isotretinoin is strictly contraindicated in women of childbearing potential due to its severe teratogenic properties, unless an effective form of contraception is used . Thus, isotretinoin offers an effective advance on the treatment options available in a difficult therapeutic area - those patients with severe, nodulocystic acne not responding to 'traditional' therapy.

J Nutr, 1984 Jun, 114(6), 1092 - 6
Biotin supplementation of practical diets for channel catfish; Lovell RT et al.; A purified diet and two practical-type diets were each evaluated with supplemental biotin (1 mg/kg), without supplemental biotin, and with a biotin antagonist (freeze-dried egg white) for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) over a 17-week feeding period . Omission of supplemental biotin from the casein-dextrin purified diet, with or without egg white, resulted in anorexia, reduced growth rate, lighter skin, hypersensitivity and reduced liver pyruvate carboxylase activity by this fish . Omission of supplemental biotin from either practical diet, one containing basically soybean meal and corn and another containing basically soybean meal, corn and menhaden fishmeal , caused none of these deficiency signs . The ratio of biotin to indigestible dry matter in feces was lower than that in the diet for all fish, indicating little or no synthesis of biotin by the intestinal microflora in channel catfish . Levels of total biotin, measured microbiologically, in the all-plant and in the plant- fishmeal diets were 0.37 and 0.33 mg/kg, respectively . These results indicate that practical diets for channel catfish made from the commonly used ingredients, soybean meal, corn and menhaden fishmeal , do not need supplemental biotin.

J Gen Microbiol, 1984 Jun, 130 ( Pt 6), 1325 - 30
Ampicillin inactivation in the caecum of axenic, gnotoxenic and conventional lambs: interaction with resistant or sensitive Escherichia coli; Coste M et al.; The fate of orally administered ampicillin was studied in axenic lambs, in gnotoxenic lambs given a complex microflora and a mixture of ampicillin resistant and/or sensitive strains of Escherichia coli, and in conventional lambs . In axenic lambs or animals with a sensitive microflora, antibiotic concentrations of 500-1600 micrograms ml-1 were detected in the intestine, and most of the ampicillin passed through the small intestine and entered the large intestine, within 12-15 h of administration . These antibiotic concentrations were sufficient to decrease the numbers of ampicillin-sensitive E . coli from 10(8)-10(9) bacteria ml-1 to about 10(5)-10(6) bacteria ml-1 by 8 h after ampicillin administration . Second and third doses of antibiotic had no further effect on the bacterial count . Administration of ampicillin to animals hosting ampicillin-resistant E . coli resulted in a significant inactivation of the antibiotic in the intestine . As might be expected there was little reduction in the numbers of these organisms . These results are similar to those observed in conventional lambs hosting resistant E . coli as the dominant colibacillary flora.

J Steroid Biochem, 1984 May, 20(5), 1175 - 9
Distribution of estrone sulfatase activity in the intestine of germfree and conventional rats; Huijghebaert SM et al.; The intestinal content, the mucosa and the rest of the intestinal wall of germfree (GF) and conventional ( CVL ) rats were tested for in vitro hydrolysis of {3H}estrone sulfate . In homogenates from GF rat intestine some estrone sulfate hydrolysis was detected in those from the proximal small intestine (PSI) (4.2 +/- 0.1% hydrolyzed after 4 h), but not in those from the distal small intestine (DSI) and the caecum . Estrone sulfate was also hydrolyzed by the homogenates of the mucosa and the rest of the intestinal wall from each of the segments tested (PSI: 12.8 +/- 0.4% (mucosa) and 21.5 +/- 2.1 (wall); DSI: 8.2 +/- 0.9% (mucosa) and 17.3 +/- 1.7% (wall); caecum: 8.8 +/- 1.6% (mucosa) and 17.3 +/- 0.5% (wall) ) . In the homogenates of CVL rat intestine, the estrone sulfatase activity in the rest of the intestinal wall did not differ considerably from the values for GF rats, when expressed per mg protein of the homogenate . The mucosa of the CVL rats, however, showed higher rates of hydrolysis than the mucosa of the GF rats . The microbial estrone sulfatase activity in the intestinal content of CVL rats, tested by anaerobic incubation, was high in the caecum (91.7 +/- 6.6% after 4 h), but very low in the PSI (2.2 +/- 0.7%) and DSI (1.3 +/- 0.5%) . Serial dilutions of the caecal content also showed higher viable numbers of estrone sulfate hydrolyzing bacteria . These results add further weight to the suggestion that estrone sulfate may be absorbed from the small intestine, but has to be hydrolyzed in the caecum by the gut microflora prior to absorption.

Vestn Khir Im I I Grek, 1984 May, 132(5), 8 - 10
{Immunological and bacteriological parallels in acute abscesses and gangrene of the lungs}; Ostrovskii VK; The microflora and indices of the cell and humoral immunity were studied in 120 patients with abscesses and gangrene of lungs . In etiology of abscesses and gangrenes of lungs the gram-negative flora was found to prevail . The treatment of such patients should include the outflow of pus and removal of purulent foci, stimulation of the cell and humoral immunity and suppression of factors of autoimmune aggression.

Antibiotiki, 1984 May, 29(5), 357 - 60
{Changes in the microflora of the intestine after administration of antibiotics to animals maintained conventionally}; Ivanov AA et al.; A series of experiments were performed on mice and rats subjected to total decontamination by oral administration of 3 antibiotics: gentamicin, ristomycin and nystatin . The results of experiments are summarized . It was shown that under the conventional conditions the decontamination was effective, when the intervals between the experiments were 3-5 months . When the intervals were less or the experiments were performed in the same room without intervals, the efficacy of the decontamination markedly decreased or it was ineffective . The results are discussed from the standpoints of the necessity of observing definite requirements for performance of such procedures in hospitals and laboratories.

Br J Nutr, 1984 May, 51(3), 541 - 8
Influence of caecectomy and source of dietary fibre or starch on excretion of endogenous amino acids by laying hens; Parsons CM; Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of caecectomy and source of dietary fibre and starch on excretion of amino acids by laying hens . In Expt 1, caecectomized hens excreted significantly higher levels of several amino acids than intact hens during a 24 h fasting period . These differences were greatest for threonine, proline and leucine . In Expt 2, caecectomized and intact hens were given either a nitrogen-free diet containing 500 g cellulose/kg or one containing 400 g uncooked potato starch/kg and 100 g citrus pectin/kg . The potato starch-pectin (PSP) diet increased excretion of most amino acids by both caecectomized and intact hens compared with the cellulose diet, with this response being larger for intact hens . When compared across diets, caecectomized hens excreted more threonine and serine than intact hens . Excreta voided by hens given PSP contained higher levels of alanine and valine and lower levels of aspartic acid, glutamic acid and methionine than excreta from the cellulose diet . When compared across diets, excreta from caecectomized hens contained more threonine, serine and isoleucine and less aspartic acid and alanine than excreta from intact hens . Multiple regression analyses of excreta amino acid profiles on profiles of endogenous and microbial protein suggested that the intestinal microflora had greater influence on amino acids excreted by caecectomized hens than on those excreted by intact hens.

Br J Nutr, 1984 May, 51(3), 453 - 65
Influence of dietary phosphorus and sulphaguanidine levels on P utilization in rats; Moore RJ et al.; The effects of dietary phosphorus and sulphaguanidine levels, and sex differences on: (a) phytate digestibility, (b) calcium and P utilization, (c) the activities of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1), alkaline phytase (EC 3.1.3.8) and acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2) in the intestinal mucosa of male and female rats were investigated . There was a linear increase in femur ash, Ca and P contents and the maximum force withstood by the fresh femurs as dietary P level was increased from 1.5 to 3.0 to 4.5 g/kg diet . The apparent digestibilities of Ca, P and phytate-P decreased as the level of P in the diet increased . Rats given the diets with 1.5 or 3.0 g P/kg were hypercalciuric and hypophosphaturic compared with rats receiving 4.5 g P/kg diet . The level of Ca retained was similar for all treatments . The level of P retained increased as the dietary P level increased . This suggests that P deprivation was a result of inadequate amounts of P retained and not due to the absorption of inositol phosphates formed during the enzymic hydrolysis of phytate . The addition of sulphaguanidine increased phytate digestibility without changing the activities of acid and alkaline phosphatase or alkaline phytase of the intestinal mucosa . This suggests that these enzymes did not play a role in the increase in phytate digestibility . However, dietary sulphaguanidine enhanced phytate digestibility, suggesting that alterations in the diet which modify either the composition or metabolism of the gastrointestinal microflora may be beneficial in enhancing the in vivo hydrolysis of phytate . Differences between males and females are reported and discussed.

J Anim Sci, 1984 Apr, 58(4), 971 - 8
Essential fatty acid status and characteristics associated with colostrum-deprived gnotobiotic and conventional lambs . Growth, organ development, cell membrane integrity and factors associated with lower bowel function; Bruckner G et al.; A factorial experiment involving gnotobiotic (GN) and conventional (CV) colostrum-deprived lambs and diets formulated to be adequate or deficient in linoleic acid was conducted to determine the effect(s) of the intestinal microflora on the essential fatty acid (EFA) status of the host and subsequent physiological consequences, i.e., growth, organ development, cell membrane integrity and lower bowel function . Lambs were obtained by sterile surgical procedures and housed in sterile isolators or in conventional metabolism stalls for 60 d . Skimmed cow's milk with 6% hydrogenated coconut oil and vitamins A, D and E added with and without .32% of the total calories as linoleic acid was homogenized, bottled and autoclaved, then fed to appetite three to four times daily . The GN lambs supplemented with linoleic acid gained significantly faster between 13 and 41 d of age and more efficiently between 27 and 41 d than the other treatment groups . The absence of dietary linoleic acid decreased liver and spleen weights and, in general, suppressed development of organs except the brain . Red blood cell hemolysis was not affected by treatment . Although showing signs of chronic mild diarrhea, the GN neonatal ruminant differed in Cl- concentration and dry matter percentage of its lower bowel contents from the "classic rodent model." The results indicate that neonatal colostrum-deprived lambs have an EFA requirement, as evidenced by decreased growth and performance characteristics in the GN linoleic deficient vs GN supplemented group, and suggests that the required level is in excess of .32% of the total caloric intake as linoleic acid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Antibiotiki, 1984 Mar, 29(3), 228 - 32
{Clinico-laboratory evaluation of the effectiveness of the new aminoglycoside antibiotic brulamycin (tobramycin) in treating surgical infections}; Blatun LA et al.; The clinico-laboratory estimation of brulamycin in the treatment of 50 patients with severe wound infections showed its high efficacy with respect to gram-negative microflora and in particular Ps . aeruginosa (94 per cent of the sensitive strains) . Satisfactory into the affection foci and a long-term maintenance of its therapeutic levels in the host allowed one to recommend the antibiotic for the treatment of patients with complicated purulent affections and first of all systemic infections.

Angew Parasitol, 1984 Mar, 25(1), 43 - 9
Connections between poultry biting lice and microflora; Lonc E et al.; Microorganisms were found in about 300 Mallophaga ( Menopon gallinae, Eomenacanthus stramineus , Goniocotes gallinae) and 11 host hens . The majority of isolated bacteria was determined as grampositive cocci . The microflora found on the surface of and inside the Mallophaga as well as in the samples of hen's skin did not exhibit significant qualitative differences . The internal microflora in Mallophaga appeared qualitatively a little poorer than the external . Breeding of bacteria from interior tissues of nymphs of G . gallinae seldom succeeded, although bacteria were found in all microscopical preparations . The results indicate the bacteriostatical effect of an unknown agent in the digestive system of Mallophaga, as well as the presence of microorganisms (probably specific to the insects investigated) which, however, cannot be distinguished by the usual methods.

Br J Nutr, 1984 Mar, 51(2), 255 - 64
Protein and energy utilization in germ-free and conventional chicks given diets containing different levels of dietary protein; Furuse M et al.; The present study was done to clarify the relationship between the amount of dietary protein given to, and the gut microflora of, the host . Day-old chicks were given diets containing three concentrations of dietary protein (50, 200 and 400 g/kg) for 14 d . Body-weight gain, food consumption, body consumption, and protein and energy utilization were measured . There was no difference in body-weight gain and food consumption between germ-free (GF) and conventional (CV) chicks, but food conversion efficiency (g body-weight gained/g food consumed) was significantly higher in GF than in CV chicks . Little difference was found in protein retention (g protein retained/14 d), but protein retention rate (g protein retained/g protein consumed) tended to be higher in GF chicks, particularly those given the diet with the lowest protein . The presence of micro-organisms improved metabolizable energy (ME) values of the diets, but not all of the digested energy in CV chicks was utilized for growth . Therefore there was little difference in energy retention (kJ energy retained/14 d) between environments, although energy retention rate (kJ energy retained/kJ ME consumed) was significantly lower in CV chicks . The amount of body fat in GF chicks was higher than that in CV chicks, especially in those fed on the low-protein diet . It is suggested that although the gut microflora may have beneficial effects on the digestion of dietary energy components, they may have detrimental effects on utilization of ME by their hosts, because chicks harbouring a gut microflora seem to have higher energy requirements for maintenance.

J Dent Res, 1984 Mar, 63(3), 441 - 51
Host responses in periodontal diseases; Genco RJ et al.; Great progress has been made in our understanding of the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, the primary role of bacteria as etiologic agents, and the critical modifying role of host responses . It is useful to consider several stages in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease - (a) colonization, (b) invasion, (c) destruction, and (d) healing - and to place into perspective the various host responses as they may affect each of these four stages (Table 5) . With respect to colonization, although very little direct evidence is available, it is reasonable to suggest that antibodies, either secretory or serum-derived, acting by virtue of their ability to block attachment, could inhibit colonization by immune reduction of adherence mechanisms . With respect to invasion of the tissue, it appears that phagocytes, particularly the neutrophils, are important, acting in concert with opsonic antibody and complement in ingesting and killing the periodontal microflora before or during the early invasive process . A major advance in our understanding of the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases is the realization that the virulence of periodontopathic bacteria relates to their leukaggressive properties, allowing them to evade neutrophil protective mechanisms . Invasion of the periodontal tissues by bacterial products may be inhibited by the complexing of these products with antibody with the formation of antigen-antibody complexes that are phagocytosed and digested, particularly by scavenger phagocytes such as the macrophage . With respect to the destructive phase of periodontal disease, it is clear that the direct effect of lymphocytes mediated either through direct cytotoxic activity, or through biologically-active destructive lymphokines (such as alpha-lymphotoxin and osteoclast activating factor), can lead to tissue destruction . Macrophages, through the production of monokines, collagenase, and reactive oxygen species, can also lead to tissue destruction . The direct effects of bacterial toxins or enzymes which can lead to tissue destruction can be inhibited by complexing with antitoxic or enzyme-neutralizing antibodies . With respect to healing and fibrosis, very little direct information is available; however, it is possible that the lymphocytes and macrophages affect fibrosis by the production of chemotactic factors for fibroblasts which would be expected to bring them to the area of periodontal inflammation and also by production of fibroblast-activating factors, which then cause the fibroblasts to proliferate and produce collagen which replaces lost collagen or results in fibrosis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Arch Surg, 1984 Mar, 119(3), 287 - 9
The effect of a semiocclusive dressing on the microbial population in superficial wounds; Mertz PM et al.; Superficial wounds in a Yorkshire pig were treated with a semiocclusive polyurethane film dressing (PUD) or left open . The number and types of microflora present in the wounds each day was determined by a scrub technique, selective media, and the spiral plating system . In wounds covered with the PUD, the number of organisms increased, and there were more gram-negative pathogens . We concluded that microorganisms in wound beds multiply and survive better beneath a semiocclusive dressing than with air exposure.

J Biol Chem, 1984 Feb 25, 259(4), 2588 - 93
Purification and characterization of C-S lyase from Fusobacterium varium . A C-S cleavage enzyme of cysteine conjugates and some S-containing amino acids; Tomisawa H et al.; An enzyme responsible for the carbon-sulfur bond cleavage of various S-aryl, S-aralkyl, and S-alkyl cysteines has been purified about 270-fold from Fusobacterium varium . Incubation of a cysteine conjugate of p-bromobenzene with the enzyme yielded equimolar amounts of p-bromobenzenethiol, pyruvic acid, and ammonia, indicating that the carbon-sulfur bond cleavage proceeds via an alpha, beta-elimination reaction . The enzyme activity was inhibited either by hydroxylamine or KCN and stabilized by pyridoxal phosphate, which probably acted as cofactor . The broad substrate spectrum of this enzyme suggested an important role of the intestinal microflora in the in vivo formation of methylthio-containing metabolites of various xenobiotics.

Vet Med (Praha), 1984 Feb, 29(2), 95 - 100
{Evaluation of the microbiological contamination of a milk feeding mixture (MKS)--Selasan}; Olbrichova D et al.; The Selasan medicated milk replacer for piglets was evaluated from the point of view of the quality and quantity of the contaminating microflora in relation to the available raw-material base . Thirteen production batches of the Selasan mixture and eighteen production batches of seven partial components of the mixture were found to be sources of a high microbial contamination; however, the criteria given in Sectorial Standard ON 57 0836 were still met.

Reprod Nutr Dev, 1984, 24(3), 307 - 14
Effects of microflora on the dimensions of enterocyte microvilli in the rat; Meslin JC et al.; The length and diameter of enterocyte microvilli at mid-villus position were measured on electron-micrographs . The duodenum, jejunum and ileum of axenic (germfree) and holoxenic (conventional) inbred rats fed the same diet have been studied . The microvilli were significantly shorter in all these intestinal regions when the microflora was present . The decrease in microvillus length (due to the presence of microflora), expressed as a percentage of the length in axenic rat, was 5% in the duodenum, 9% in the jejunum and 18% in the ileum . This was not true of microvillus diameter where only the values found for the ileum of axenic rat were significantly lower, the others not differing among themselves . In conclusion, the presence of a total microflora led to a decrease in the length of enterocyte microvilli . These results have been discussed in relation with studies on renewal and enzyme activity in the intestinal epithelium.

Eur Surg Res, 1984, 16 Suppl 2, 147 - 53
Comparison of bypass and resection of the small intestine in germfree rats; Viddal KO et al.; Germfree rats were subjected to: (1) 90% jejunoileal resection (15 rats) or (2) 90% end-to-side jejunoileal bypass (20 rats) . The mortality rate was 67 and 75%, respectively, which is markedly higher than after the same types of operation in conventional rats . Late mortality occurred only in the bypass group . Possible reasons for the high mortality rate are discussed . 5 rats in each group survived and were followed up for 6-12 weeks . At autopsy, the liver was normal, and except for lower serum concentration of albumin in the operated rats, the other liver function tests were normal . There did not seem to be any difference in body weight between the two groups of surviving rats which may indicate that the intestinal microflora is an important factor in causing the difference in body weight after resection and bypass of the small intestine in conventional rats . The number of surviving rats was small, however, and further studies are therefore necessary to give a definite answer to this question.

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